Digital Commons Network^™

Sex, Body Size, And Winter Weather Explain Migration Strategies In A Partial Migrant Population Of American Kestrels (Falco Sparverius), Sadie Claire Ranck

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Partially migratory systems describe populations that consist of both individuals that migrate away from the breeding grounds for the winter, and others that remain resident near their nesting sites year-round. Partial migration is the most common type of migration across all animal taxa, but the evolution, maintenance, and consequences associated with different movement strategies are still poorly understood. Studying the factors that drive migratory strategies and the associated consequences of those decisions is important to understand how migratory animals may adapt to climate change. Partial migrant populations offer a great opportunity for which to study these questions because individuals with …

The Effects Of Roads On Movement, Flight Dynamics, Occupancy, And Productivity In Barn Owls (Tyto Alba), Brian Thomas Busby

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Barn Owls (Tyto alba) are a species of conservation concern in many portions of their cosmopolitan range. One important factor contributing to population declines and sometimes local extirpations is roads, which can cause direct mortality through Barn Owl-vehicle collisions, fragment habitat, limit dispersal and movement, and imperil long-term population viability. However, the effects of roads on Barn Owl reproduction are less clear. Further, the cumulative effects of roads on Barn Owls can be dependent on how they respond to them. Road and traffic responses of animals have been classified into four categories: 1) speeders, who increase speed to …

Emerging Roles Of Intragenic Enhancers In Gene Expression Of Gadd45a, Ekaterina Sazon

Biological Sciences

Non-coding regulatory elements in the eukaryotic genomic DNA, like enhancers and promoters, control gene expression. Transcription factors recognize and bind to DNA sequences within these regulatory regions and affect said regulatory elements. The extent and specific circumstances regarding transcription factors are long-standing questions in the field. In this thesis, we wanted to investigate how transcription factors work in a particular case of enhancers, known as intragenic enhancers. We designed reporter gene assays that looked at the well-studied model transcription factor p53’s regulation on its target gene GADD45A in basal and stress conditions. We determined that GADD45A is a p53-dependent gene, …

Circadian Modulation Of Astrocyte Morphology And Synaptic Transmission, Saad Ahmad

Biological Sciences

The circadian rhythm affects behavior and physiology in many animal species. Our previous work in mice showed that within the hippocampus, a subordinate circadian oscillator, astrocytes change their proximity to excitatory synapses. Here we obtain 3D reconstructions of biocytin-filled hippocampal astrocytes processed with protein retention expansion microscopy and imaged using two-photon laser scanning microscopy. Our findings identify the subtle changes in astrocyte morphologies that encode information about time-of-day in hippocampal astrocytes. These findings shed light on fundamental mechanisms that allow the function of hippocampal circuits to adapt to different times of the day. This will help us understand how structural …

Identification Of Synonymous Genes And Pathways Implicated In Irritable Bowel Disease And Pancreatic Duct Adenocarcinoma, Lavanya Uppala

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Better understanding and genetic characterization of the gut microbiome will allow for the identification of clinically distinct gastrointestinal diseases. Facilitated by high throughput technologies, intestinal flora analyses have elucidated a broad spectrum of neuropsychiatric, immunological, and allergic disorders linked with this organ system. Microbiome research especially has shed light on underlying factors of intestinal disorders. This interplay of environmental bacteria versus host tissue gene expression may have implications for disease pathogenicity and etiological determination. For instance, pancreatic disorders are common symptoms of irritable bowel disease (IBD), which is thought to affect approximately 7% to 21% of the population [1]. However, …

Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly Reveals Dynamic Sex Chromosomes In Neotropical Leaf-Litter Geckos (Sphaerodactylidae: Sphaerodactylus), Brendan J. Pinto, Shannon E. Keating, Stuart V. Nielsen, Daniel P. Scantlebury, Juan D. Daza, Tony Gamble

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Sex determination is a critical element of successful vertebrate development, suggesting that sex chromosome systems might be evolutionarily stable across lineages. For example, mammals and birds have maintained conserved sex chromosome systems over long evolutionary time periods. Other vertebrates, in contrast, have undergone frequent sex chromosome transitions, which is even more amazing considering we still know comparatively little across large swaths of their respective phylogenies. One reptile group in particular, the gecko lizards (infraorder Gekkota), shows an exceptional lability with regard to sex chromosome transitions and may possess the majority of transitions within squamates (lizards and snakes). However, detailed genomic …

Repeated Boat Noise Exposure Damages Inner Ear Sensory Hair Cells And Decreases Hearing Sensitivity In Atlantic Croaker (Micropogonias Undulatus), Gina A. Badlowski

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Fluctuating Parasite Prevalence Is Not Linked To Patterns Of Mhc Class Ii-Ss Diversity In An Island Endemic Reptile, Gina Zwicky

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Few studies have explored the evolutionary mechanisms that maintain adaptive immunogenetic diversity in nature. We took advantage of museum samples to test for evidence of parasite-mediated fluctuating selection at MHC Class II-ß loci in an endemic island reptile. The Saban anole Anolis sabanus is commonly infected with three species of malaria (Plasmodium). Proportions of each parasite species detected in anole blood samples fluctuated over space and time, suggesting competitive interactions between parasites or differences in vector ecology. Our analyses of parasite prevalence and MHC Class II-ß allelic variation found that malaria infection was not associated with patterns of …

Through The Leaves: Understanding Population Genetic Structure Of Clematis Morefieldii, Keith Andrew Greenway

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

Winners And Losers In Dryland Reforestation: Species Survival, Growth, And Recruitment Along A 33-Year Planting Chronosequence, Clifton Albrecht, Zarek Contreras, Kimberly Wahl-Villarreal, Mitch Sternberg, Bradley O. Christoffersen

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

Reforestation in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas began in the 1960s and to date over 6,475 ha of land has been reforested. However, there has been minimal assessment to understand differential species success, compositional trends, and the aboveground C sequestration potential of these developing forests. We coupled quantitative planting information of >50 native woody tree and shrub species with surveys of 5,223 stems of 4,606 individuals in a chronosequence of restored forests ranging in age from 1 to 33 years to estimate species-specific mortality rates, biomass accumulation and recruitment, as well as compositional trends in the herbaceous …

Effects Of A Leucine Supplementation On Mitochondrial Markers In Pre-Cachectic Female Mice, Breanna Williams

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Cancer cachexia is a wasting syndrome characterized by extreme weight and skeletal muscle loss that results in death in many tumor bearing individuals. Because skeletal muscle requires a high amount of energy to function, skeletal muscle fiber cells need healthy mitochondria to function. When skeletal muscle loss atrophy occurs, the mitochondrial network is degraded. Different treatments for this muscle atrophy are being studied, one of which is a leucine supplementation since leucine has been found to stimulate skeletal muscle growth in other studies. However, current data suggests that a leucine supplementation in cachexic individuals exacerbates this atrophy. PURPOSE: This study …

The Effects Of Deletion Of The Cytoplasmic Domain Of Robo3 On Drosophila, Jessie Agcaoili

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

My research project examines how the deletion of the cytoplasmic domain affects the function of Robo3. If Robo3 is signaling repulsion in response to SLIT this activity should require the cytoplasmic domain. I investigated the functional importance of Robo3 by deleting the cytoplasmic domain of Robo3 using a CRISPR-based technique. This modified gene was then injected into Drosophila embryos where it replaced the normal copy of the gene. Embryos expressing the modified version of robo3 in place of normal robo3 were dissected and examined.

The Form And Function Of Cranial Spines In Fishes, Louis Michael Penrod

Theses and Dissertations

Despite the prevalence of fishes that express cranial spines, quantitative investigations into the function of these spines are rare. Function is often assumed with little or no evidence. Commonly, spine-like structures are considered to be used for defense despite spines potentially being used for other purposes. Here, I took a high-level approach to investigate the morphology and potential functions of cranial spines in over 2000 fishes. Identifying the function of cranial spines in fishes not only informs us as to how these fishes interact with conspecifics, with other species, and with their environment, but also may provide advances in human …

The Role Of Angiocrine Factors In The Progression Of Salivary Disease, Owen Zon

Biological Sciences

In our blood vessels, cells called endothelial cells line the inside of veins and arteries. Due to the discovery that endothelial cells actually organogenesis during embryogenesis, our interest in these cells has increased to a new understanding of their functions in tissue repair and regeneration. These cells are no longer only considered passive modes of transport for bodily fluids and nutrients, but, with new research in the fibrosis of liver cells, are also considered to be key players in the repair of damaged organs and tissue. These cells release signals known as angiocrine factors that act in damaged areas of …

Regaining Effort-Based Food Motivation: The Drug Methylphenidate Reverses The Depressive Effects Of Tetrabenazine In Female Rats, Deanna Pietrorazio

Honors Scholar Theses

Tetrabenazine (TBZ), a vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT-2) inhibitor, depletes dopamine and induces motivational deficits and other depressive symptoms in humans. Methylphenidate (MPH) is a dopamine transport blocker that is used to enhance motivational function. Previous studies have shown that in male rats, TBZ induces a shift in effort-related choice such that a low-effort bias is induced. In male rats this occurs at a dose range of 0.75-1.0 mg/kg TBZ, and this effect is reversible with co-administration of MPH. Recent studies have shown that females need a higher dose of TBZ (2.0 mg/kg) to show the low-effort bias. The …

Alterations Of The Gut Mycobiome In Patients With Ms - A Bioinformatic Approach, Saumya Shah

Honors Scholar Theses

The mycobiome is the fungal component of the gut microbiome and is implicated in several autoimmune diseases. However, its role in multiple sclerosis (MS) has not been studied. We performed descriptive and formal statistical tests using the R language to characterize the gut mycobiome in people with MS (pwMS) and healthy controls. We found that the microbiome composition of multiple sclerosis patients is different from healthy people. The mycobiome had significantly higher alpha diversity and inter-subject variation in pwMS than controls. Additionally, Saccharomyces and Aspergillus were over-represented in pwMS. Different mycobiome profiles, defined as mycotypes, were associated with different bacterial …

Removal Of Arsenic (Iii) And Arsenic (V) From Aqueous Solution Via Common Sunflower Helianthus Annuus By Phytoremediation, Irving A. Vazquez Hurtado

Theses and Dissertations

Phytoremediation provides a cost-effective, non-invasive technique to remove contaminants from the soil and groundwater. Sunflowers are fast growing and have a showed effective at removing various pollutants from soil, including lead and other heavy metals. Health issues related to arsenic are mainly attributed to exposure of arsenite, whereas arsenate is much less toxic. The common sunflower Helianthus annuus was the species used to remove both arsenic (III) and As(V) ions from hydroponics solutions. In the present study sunflower seeds were germinated for a week, placed under the sun for a day and subsequently placed in a nutrient solution to aid …

Effects Of Tributyltin Exposure On 8-Ohdg And Dsdna Expressions, Oxidative And Nitrative Stress In The American Oyster, Crassostrea Virginica, Mohan Kumar Dash

Theses and Dissertations

Environmental pollution increases due to anthropogenic activities. Different types of pollutants and/or chemicals impair growth, reproduction and development in aquatic organisms. Tributyltin (TBT, an organotin compound) is a tremendously toxic substance which widely uses as antifouling paints used in boats, hulls, and ships. The toxic effect of TBT is well documented in teleost species. The American oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is an ideal shellfish species to study on TBT exposure DNA lesion and oxidative/nitrative stress. In this study, the effects of TBT on 8’-hyrodxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG, a molecular marker), dsDNA, dinitrophenyl protein …

Using Macroinvertebrates To Assess The Effects Of Nutrient Input Between The Nolichucky And Pigeon Rivers, Anna Grizzard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Previous work found significant differences in growth rates of native mussels at locations downstream from the regulated Walter’s Dam and the out-of-service, free-flowing Davy Crockett Dam. The purpose of this study is to investigate differences within the macroinvertebrate communities related to factors driving the differences in mussel growth between rivers. Macroinvertebrate samples were collected following the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation protocol for SQKICK collection and analyzed using the Tennessee Macroinvertebrate Index (TMI). There were no significant differences in TMI scores between the downstream sites of the rivers, but there were significant increases in chlorophyll_a, dissolved oxygen, …

Metabolic Signatures Of Kin Recognition In The Model Angiosperm Arabidopsis Thaliana, Thiara Siqueira Bento

Theses and Dissertations

Many organisms have evolved to identify and respond to differences in genetic relatedness between conspecifics, allowing them to select between competitive and facilitative strategies to improve fitness. Due to their sessile nature, plants frequently draw from the same pool of nutrients, and the ability to limit competition between closely related conspecifics would be advantageous. Over the last 3 decades, significant evidence has accumulated in multiple species that such ‘kin recognition’ (KR) is indeed commonplace in plants. I propose that if KR has evolved, at least in part, as a plant-plant interaction to regulate nutrient uptake, then nutrients should modulate the …

Time Course Investigation Of The Dermal Leukocyte Response To Lipoteichoic Acid In Chickens, Ian Gilbert

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is component of the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria that stimulates inflammation during bacterial infection. However, few studies have investigated the in vivo immune response to LTA, and none of the in vivo studies done have been performed in birds. For this project, the pulp (a skin-derivative) of growing feathers (GFs) of chickens were used as a test site to investigate the in vivo effects of intradermally injected LTA. In Study 1, the pulp of 12 GFs of 11-week-old Light-brown Leghorn (LBL) males were injected with 10 μL of differing concentrations of LTA (0.1, 1.0, 10, 100 …

Effect Of Basal Diet And Black Raspberry Supplementation On Gene Biomarkers Of "Leaky Gut" In A Mouse Model Of Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer, Eliza Catherine Stewart

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Colorectal cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer death in the world. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases significantly in individuals who suffer from colitis, which is inflammation of the colon lining, seen in Irritable Bowel Disease. The term “leaky gut” is often used to describe increased intestinal permeability and is closely related to colitis. Leaky gut is associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, which can occur through diet. This dysbiosis leads to prolonged inflammation and affects genes that encode for proteins involved in the tight junctions between cells. Compromised intestinal integrity allows for translocation of …

Nanotechnology-Based Approaches To Mitigate Environmental Pollutants -- Induced Neurological Disorders, Jyoti Ahlawat

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimerâ??s Disease (AD) and Huntingtonâ??s Disease (HD) have no cure despite intensive research efforts geared towards therapeutics development. In the USA, patients with PD and AD alone cost the nation ~ $200 billion annually in patient care and lost productivity. Therefore, there remains an urgent and unmet need to develop novel drugs and drug carriers with the potential to slow down, halt and ideally reverse the course of neurodegenerative disorders. The dissertation focuses on developing approaches towards targeting PD using multifactorial mechanisms including the targeting of protein aggregation and oxidative stress. This is …

Mathematical Modeling Of Potassium Modulated Viral Infection, Zaira Elizabeth Mather

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In recent years, there is a growing interest in the investigation of using potassium to treat virus infections. In the region of infection, there is a biological observation of extracel- lular potassium level being typically very low whereas the intracellular potassium levels are much higher. There are numerous biological studies showing that elevated potassium levels in the extracellular membrane tends to block virus infections. A recent effort in this direction is a collaborative research conducted by mathematicians and biologists from the University of Texas at El Paso, New Mexico State University, and the University of New Mexico, where we develop …

Greater Sage-Grouse Brood Responses To Livestock Grazing In Sagebrush Rangelands, Hailey Peatross Wayment

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The distribution and abundance of the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage-grouse) have declined in the last 60 years. Range contractions and population declines have been attributed to loss and fragmentation of their sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats. Grazing by livestock remains the predominant anthropogenic land-use across sagebrush ecosystems in North America, occurring on 87% of remaining sage-grouse habitat. Most of the peer-reviewed literature reports the potential for negative impacts of sagebrush reduction treatments, to increase livestock forage, on sage-grouse habitat. However, few studies have linked livestock grazing at the landscape level to vital rates (e.g., nest initiation rates, …

Mycobacteriosis Of Striped Bass (Morone Saxatilis) In Virginia Tributaries Of The Chesapeake Bay, Joshua S. Mcgilly

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Mycobacteriosis was first documented in Chesapeake Bay striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in 1997 after fish exhibited emaciation and skin lesions. Since it was first identified, studies of mycobacteriosis in the mainstem of the Chesapeake Bay (2003-2007) and the Rappahannock River (2005-2012) have shown high disease prevalence and disease-associated mortality. Until this study, no current prevalence data existed from the Rappahannock River, and no published prevalence data existed for the James River, leaving a gap in our understanding of this disease in major Chesapeake Bay tributaries. We began gathering mycobacteriosis prevalence data from an existing survey collecting striped bass …

Wildlife Associates Of Nine-Banded Armadillo (Dasypus Novemcinctus) Burrows In Arkansas, Brett A. Degregorio, John T. Veon, Andrhea Darleen Massey

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is a widespread burrowing species with an expanding geographic range across the southeastern and midwestern United States. Armadillos dig numerous, large burrows within their home ranges and these burrows are likely used by a diverse suite of wildlife species as has been reported for other burrowing ecosystem engineers such as Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), Desert Tortoises (Gopherus agassizi), and Black-tailed Prairie Dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). We used motion-triggered game cameras at 35 armadillo burrows in 4 ecoregions of Arkansas and documented 19 species of mammals, 4 species of …

Growth, Sexual Dimorphism And Resource Allocation In The Túngara Frog, Kaitlyn D. Tonnu

Pacific Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference (PURCC)

No abstract provided.

Medial Edge Chondrification Of The Vocal Folds Of E. Pustulosus And Its Function In Sexual Selection, Helena Soon Czochanski

Pacific Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference (PURCC)

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of The Effects Of Resveratrol And Epigallocatechin Gallate On Woodsmoke-Induced Inflammation, Sarenna Naomi Enright

Honors Theses

Until a few years ago, most scientific investigations related to the health effects of air pollution focused on outdoor air pollutants. But in recent years, the concerns over indoor air pollution has increased. People can spend up to 90% of their time in indoor environments, especially their homes, even more so since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The concentrations of some air pollutants are five times higher than what is found outdoors.

Indoor air pollution exposure remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Approximately half of the global population is exposed to abnormally high concentrations of household …