Digital Commons Network^™

Building Community Through Nature, Mikusa, Wright State University Nature Club

Runkle Woods Symposia

Undergraduate student Mikusa introduces and speaks about the Wright State University Nature Lovers Club, of which she is the creator and president.

National Wildlife Federation Habitat Certification: A Collaboration With Fairborn?, Alexis Knick, Amanda Taylor

Runkle Woods Symposia

Mandy Taylor and Alexis Knick from the Fairborn Environmental Advisory Board discuss their mission to draft environmental sustainability and resilience plans and how Wright State can help contribute and partner with their mission.

Keynote Address: Seasonal Changes In The Avian Community Of The Wright State Woods, Jeffrey L. Peters

Runkle Woods Symposia

Dr. Jeffrey Peters is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Wright State University. He earned his B.S. in Biology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. For his M.S. in Applied Ecology and Conservation Biology at Frostburg State University in Maryland, Dr. Peters used DNA analyses to examine mating strategies in a species of duck, the Gadwall. Continuing his genetics research, he studied geographic variation in ducks for his Ph.D. in Biology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Dr. Peters continued this work at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, as a post-doctoral researcher, and at Wright State University. During his career, …

The Insult Of Road Salt, Rebecca N. Tuttle, Benson Sparkman, Landon Shackleford, Audrey E. Mcgowin

Runkle Woods Symposia

Wright State students Abby Tuttle, Benson Sparkman, and Landon Shackleford present their undergraduate research on the high chloride levels in the Wright State Woods, it's soil and water, caused by the use of winter road salt.

Pawpaws: Ohio’S State Fruit, Don Cipollini

Runkle Woods Symposia

Dr. Don Cipollini presents his episode on Pawpaws from his show The Naturalist followed by a Q&A.

Dr. Cipollini takes us on a walk through the Wright State University Woods and his own backyard to talk about Ohio's state fruit, the Pawpaw and the trees that grow it. He discusses how to grow pawpaw, the biology of the tree, and how you can use and eat the fruit it produces.

Economics Of Conservation And The Application To The Runkle Woods, Indigenous American Cultural Student Association, Brad Kerry, Eliza Hendrix, Mateo Bush, Ryan Diza

Runkle Woods Symposia

Student Eliza Hendrix presents a brief history of local Native American culture to give context to Adjunct Professor Brad Kerry's portion of the presentation focusing on conservation through an economic lens.

Welcome, Audrey E. Mcgowin

Runkle Woods Symposia

The introduction to the 6th Annual Runkle Woods Symposium given by Audrey McGowin.

Woods Symposium 2023 Program, Wright State University

Runkle Woods Symposia

The program for the 6th annual Wright State University Runkle Woods Symposium that took place on November 17, 2023

Association Of The Abcb1 Gene Polymorphism And Infertility In Azoospermia Males In Iraqi Kurdish Population, Muhsin Jamil Abdulwahid

Polytechnic Journal

The P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a product of the ABCB1 gene (ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1) or MDR: multiple drug resistance 1 gene is expressed in various parts of the human body, like testis. The ABCB1 gene has several single nucleotide polymorphisms in its exons and introns that have been discovered. This study used DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to discover and characterize nucleotide variations in exons 27 of the ABCB1 gene in seven infertile and three normally fertile individuals. In this study, a set of primers were designed using the NCBI primer designing tool to amplify 394bp …

A Novel Subcluster Of Closely Related Bacillus Phages With Distinct Tail Fiber/Lysin Gene Combinations, Rachel E. Loney, Veronique A. Delesalle, Brianne E. Chaudhry, Megan Czerpak, Alexandra A. Guffey, Leo Goubet-Mccall, Michael Mccarty, Madison S. Strine, Natalie T. Tanke, Albert C. Vill, Gregory P. Krukonis

Biology Faculty Publications

Bacteriophages (phages) are the most numerous entities on Earth, but we have only scratched the surface of describing phage diversity. We isolated seven Bacillus subtilis phages from desert soil in the southwest United States and then sequenced and characterized their genomes. Comparative analyses revealed high nucleotide and amino acid similarity between these seven phages, which constitute a novel subcluster. Interestingly, the tail fiber and lysin genes of these phages seem to come from different origins and carry out slightly different functions. These genes were likely acquired by this subcluster of phages via horizontal gene transfer. In conjunction with host range …

A Snapshot Into The Lives Of Elephants: Camera Traps And Conservation In Etosha National Park, Namibia, Jodie L. Berezin, Amanda J. Odom, Virginia Hayssen, Caitlin E. O'Connell-Rodwell

Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Knowledge of elephant movement and grouping patterns in the wild is critical for their management and conservation. Much of these data come from GPS collar data and aerial surveys, which have provided invaluable information, but data from these methods are often limited to small groups or entire populations. Effective elephant management requires both generalized and localized methodologies. Here, we propose the expanded use of camera traps in research relating to elephant localized movements and grouping patterns as an additional tool for elephant conservation management. In this study, we use a battery-powered camera trap to provide daily high-resolution data of African …

Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus), Neurocranium, Corinne Renshaw, Brianna Buckley, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

Neurocranium from 4.9 cm total length 20.6 cm Ictalurus punctatus (Channel Catfish), collected from Dr. Kerstetter's dissection specimens.

Engaging Students In A Genetics Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience Utilizing Caenorhabditis Elegans In Hybrid Learning To Explore Human Disease Gene Variants, Natalie Forte, Virginia Veasey, Bethany Christie, Amira Carter, Marli Hanks, Alan Holderfield, Taylor Houston, Anil Challa, Ashley Turner

Research, Publications & Creative Work

Genetic analysis in model systems using bioinformatic approaches provides a rich context for a concrete and conceptual understanding of gene structure and function. With the intent to engage students in research and explore disease biology utilizing the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans model, we developed a semester-long course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in a hybrid (online/in-person) learning environment—the gene-editing and evolutionary nematode exploration CURE (GENE-CURE). Using a combination of bioinformatic and molecular genetic tools, students performed structure-function analysis of disease-associated variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in human orthologs. With the aid of a series of workshop-style research sessions, students worked in teams …

Enzyme Kinetics Of Deoxyuridine Triphosphatase From Western Corn Rootworm, Carlos Riera‑Ruiz, Hideaki Moriyama

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Objective The Western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is a highly adaptable insect pest that has evolved resistance to a variety of control strategies, including insecticides. Therefore, it is interesting to examine how housekeeping proteins in WCR have been changed under WCR-controlling strategies. In this study, we focused on one of such proteins in WCR, a ubiquitous enzyme 5’-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase). In the thymidine synthetic pathway, dUTPase hydrolyzes deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) and supplies the substrate, deoxyuridine monophosphate, for the thymidylate synthase (TS). It decreases the cellular content of uracil, reducing uracil misincorporation into DNA. Suppressing the dUTPase activity, …

Enzyme Kinetics Of Deoxyuridine Triphosphatase From Western Corn Rootworm, Carlos Riera‑Ruiz, Hideaki Moriyama

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Objective The Western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is a highly adaptable insect pest that has evolved resistance to a variety of control strategies, including insecticides. Therefore, it is interesting to examine how housekeeping proteins in WCR have been changed under WCR-controlling strategies. In this study, we focused on one of such proteins in WCR, a ubiquitous enzyme 5’-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase). In the thymidine synthetic pathway, dUTPase hydrolyzes deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) and supplies the substrate, deoxyuridine monophosphate, for the thymidylate synthase (TS). It decreases the cellular content of uracil, reducing uracil misincorporation into DNA. Suppressing the dUTPase activity, …

Uncovering The Determinants Of Compositionally Distinct, Coexisting Biomolecular Condensates, Andrew Zijia Lin

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Biomolecular condensates form via the phase transitions of proteins and nucleic acids. What is unclear is how unique condensates achieve compositional specificity. Of particular interest is the ability of distinct condensates to have shared and distinct components. This is readily apparent in the multinucleate filamentous fungi Ashbya gossypii, where condensates share a common cytoplasm. In Ashbya, the RNA-binding protein Whi3 forms condensates with CLN3, BNI1, and SPA2. These RNAs are responsible for initiating the cell cycle, forming actin cables, and directing polarized cell growth respectively. However in vivo observations have shown that certain Whi3-RNA condensates are capable of mixing while …

Phenological Activities Of Desert Bees Track Rainfall More Than Temperature And Predict Temporal Abundance Trends Over 16 Years, Jade Elijah Mclaughlin

Biology ETDs

Phenology, the timing of recurrent biological events, is a key mechanism by which species adapt or acclimatize to variable environmental conditions, including those influenced by climate change. Measurable traits, including the onset and end of activity, peak activity, and duration, characterize the phenology of life events, and could be significant predictors of trends in population abundance or stability in a changing climate. Bees provide critical pollination services, and understanding the covariates of bee phenological traits can refine predictions on the vulnerabilities of bees and their services to climate change. We paired 16 years of monthly bee survey data (2002-2019) with …

Association Of Human Leukocyte Antigen (Hla) Alleles With Atopic Dermatitis In The Uae Population, Suhib Ziad Abu Jwayed

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

In the face of the increasing global prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin condition, this thesis seeks to elucidate the genetic underpinnings of AD within the UAE population. Previous literature has underscored the ethnic-specific involvement of HLA genetic variations, especially within HLA-A and HLA-DRB1 genes, in the pathogenesis of various skin diseases, including AD. Leveraging this knowledge, our research specifically aimed to investigate the association between these HLA variants and AD in the UAE. Utilizing a comparative approach, the frequencies of HLA-A and HLA-DRB1 variants were assessed in AD patients vis-à-vis a control group. Our data, based …

Shell Pnw, Victoria B. Martinez Bruno, Amy C. Hirons Dr.

Hirons Field Techniques

No abstract provided.

Blue Runner (Caranx Crysos) Neurocranium, Delaney Deinlein, Gabriel Droz, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

Neurocranium from approximately 30 cm total length (TL) Blue Runner (Caranx crysos), collected from Dania Pier in 2023 by Charles Klinger.

Mimicking Biofilms: Photosynthetic Assessments Of C. Reinhardtii In 3 Physical Forms, John Michael Roesgen

Biology ETDs

Oxygenic photosynthesis supports the majority of life on Earth through the capture of energy from sunlight and the assimilation of CO₂ into basic building blocks of cells. Microalgae are fast growing and account for about half of global photosynthesis. In addition, they can be cultivated and their metabolism can be redirected to generate additional useful products ranging from biofuels to pharmaceuticals. However, the efficiency of metabolite production is severely impacted by the slow diffusion of CO₂ through water and the high energetic costs of harvesting microalgae from liquid cultures. Microalgae grow in open water, but they also form …

Anti-Cancer Activity Of Rhus Coriaria (Sumac) Against 5-Fluorouracil-Resistant Colorectal Cancer Cells, Zohra Nausheen Nizami

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death, both worldwide and in UAE. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a pyrimidine analogue, is a chemotherapeutic agent that is an integral component of chemotherapy regimens for CRC treatment. However, 5-FU resistance (intrinsic and/or acquired) inhibits their clinical efficacy. In recent years, there has been a growing popularity for plantbased cancer therapeutics, specifically using phytochemical compounds. Rhus coriaria (Sumac) is a Mediterranean plant whose fruits are used as a spice and medicinal herb. Extracts of Rhus coriaria fruits have been reported to exhibit anticancer activity against breast and CRC cancers. In the present …

Population Structure And Genetic Diversity Of The Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax Nigrogularis), Noura Mabkhout Almansoori

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The Socotra cormorants (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis) are regional endemic seabirds restricted to the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea. This species is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. However, no population genetic study has been conducted on P. nigrogularis in their range, and population structure, gene flow and connectivity between colonies is unknown. Likewise, genetic diversity of this species has not yet been characterized. Thus, the aim of this thesis was to fill these gaps by inferring population structure, assessing gene flow and genetic diversity of Socotra cormorant colonies in their known distribution range. For this …

Catfish Neurocranium, Fiona Smith, Juliana Ottens, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Modulation Of Chronic Allergic Contact Dermatitis Through B Cells Reprogramming, Sara Saeed Alhmoudi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common inflammatory disease caused by contact with an allergen and is a T-cell mediated type IV hypersensitivity reaction. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) showed the ability to modulate immune cells in case of inflammation. Pentanoate is one of the abundant SCFA that showed therapeutic ability by inducing IL-10 secretion in lymphocytes. IL-10 producing regulatory B cells have shown to decrease different inflammatory responses; however, overall role of B cells in ACD is not well studied. This project aims to explore the role of B cells during chronic ACD and their modulation with the SCFA …

T-Bet And Eomes Are Required For Mature Nk Cell Homeostasis And Function, Pamela Wong

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes known for their role in recognizing and killing virus-infected or tumor cells without prior sensitization. NK cells express a variety of inhibitory and activating receptors that control their effector functions. Once activated by target cells, cytokines, or activating receptor ligation, NK cells are capable of potent IFN-γ secretion in addition to direct cytotoxicity mediated by perforin and granzymes. Because of their anti-tumor function, NK cells are currently utilized in promising immunotherapy approaches. NK cells develop in the bone marrow and arise from the common lymphoid progenitor, which also gives rise to T, B, …

Uncovering The Genetic Basis Underlying The Pseudomonas Syringae Pv. Tomato Strain Dc3000’S Response To Iaa And Its Role In Regulating Ptodc3000 Biology, Joshua Michael Brian Johnson

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is a molecule ubiquitous to the environment and is known to be produced across all three domains of life. It is most well-known for its role as an important plant hormone (an auxin) and until recently, its roles in other organisms have not been explored. It is well established that bacteria, and pathogens in particular, need to sense and respond to environmental signals. One model organism for studying plant pathogen interactions that is known to both produce and respond to IAA is Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato strain DC3000 (PtoDC3000). Many plant metabolites have been explored as potential …

Trna Methyltransferases Mediate Acinetobacter Baumannii Pathobiology, Jenna Mcguffey

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Bacterial pathogens commonly encounter hostile conditions, including disinfectants, antimicrobials, and the host immune system. To be successful, they must adapt through dynamic and complex regulatory mechanisms, such as post-transcriptional modifications on a variety of molecules, including tRNA. In recent years, this tRNA “epitranscriptome” has been increasingly appreciated as an under-researched mechanism for bacterial stress responses. These modifications can impact the translation efficiency of a cohort of stress response factors whose transcripts are enriched for the corresponding codons. However, the variety and roles of tRNA modification enzymes in human pathogens is still largely unknown. The Gram-negative pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii is currently …

Shining A Light Through A Multiomic Lens On Germline Variants: Patterns And Functional Implications Across Cancer Types, Fernanda Martins Rodrigues

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

The landscape of cancer research has undergone a profound transformation, transcending traditional tissue-centric viewpoints to embrace a more intricate understanding of cellular origins and molecular drivers. It has become evident that genes and variants implicated in specific cancers extend their influence across a spectrum of cancer types. Our prior work, encompassing an >10K cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and more than >1K pediatric cases, illuminated the intricate web of germline predisposition variants and genes spanning 33 cancer types. These findings not only contributed to the refinement of guidelines for rare germline variant detection but also enriched the clinical …

Effect Of Ploidy On Salinity And Temperature Tolerance In Early Life Stages Of The Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea Virginica), Christian Boudreaux, Jessica Pruett, Alexz Carpenter, Kristie Willett, Deborah Gochfeld

Honors Theses

The U.S. Gulf of Mexico contains the largest remaining wild oyster fishery in the world, but populations have declined in recent decades. A growing interest in off-bottom aquaculture that relies on triploid eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) has emerged in the Gulf region, yet these faster growing oysters suffer high mortality as adults during low salinity events (< 5 ppt) in warmer summer months. The combined effects of salinity and temperature stressors on early life stages of triploid oysters are unknown. Early life stages are particularly crucial to understand because triploid oysters do not occur naturally and must be reared in hatchery settings, requiring appropriate water conditions to yield the greatest survival and growth. Thus, we tested the effects of different temperatures (28oC and 32oC) and salinities (5, 10, and 15 ppt) on diploid and triploid oysters at three critical production stages: veliger, pediveliger, and spat. Veliger survival was significantly lower for triploids relative to diploid oysters at all experimental conditions, but triploid veligers had faster growth than diploids at 32oC and 15 ppt. Pediveliger settlement was not affected by ploidy type and only reduced at high temperature (32oC) and the lowest salinity (5 ppt). Diploid spat showed highest survival at 28oC and 15 ppt, while triploids survived best at 32oC and 15 ppt. Triploid spat attained greater shell height compared to diploids in our 6-day exposures, but growth decreased for both ploidies at lower salinities. At the salinity and temperature levels examined, diploid early life stages performed best at 28oC and 15 ppt, whereas triploids were more successful at 32oC and 15 ppt. A broader understanding of the combined effects of environmental stressors will improve the success of hatchery production yields and the resulting economic and environmental benefits of the oyster industry.