Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of Anaerobic Exposure And Propionate On The Kinetics And Pathogenesis Of Listeria Monocytogenes, Mackenzie T. Martin

Honors Theses

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen commonly found in ready-to-eat deli and dairy products. This foodborne pathogen is responsible for the disease listeriosis, which disproportionately impacts immunocompromised individuals. This research aims to evaluate how natural intestinal environments influence the pathogenesis of Listeria. One particular environmental condition that has a well-documented effect on Listeria is varying levels of oxygen. Specifically, anaerobic exposure during the growth of Listeria greatly impacts subsequent intracellular pathogenesis. When grown and adapted under anaerobic conditions, Listeria overall exhibits decreased intracellular survival and decreased cell to cell spread. However, the presence of propionate, a natural byproduct of fermentation …

Cis-Acting Super-Enhancer Lncrnas As Biomarkers To Early-Stage Breast Cancer, Ali Salman Ropri

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Abstract

Strain-Specific Transcriptional Responses Overshadow Salinity Effects In A Marine Diatom Sampled Along The Baltic Sea Salinity Cline, Eveline Pinseel, Teofil Nakov, Koen Van Den Gerge, Kala M. Downey, Kathryn Judy, Olga Kourtchenko, Anke Kremp, Elizabeth C. Ruck, Conny Sjöqvist, Mats Töpel, Anna Godhe, Andrew J. Alverson

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

The salinity gradient separating marine and freshwater environments represents a major ecological divide for microbiota, yet the mechanisms by which marine microbes have adapted to and ultimately diversified in freshwater environments are poorly understood. Here, we take advantage of a natural evolutionary experiment: the colonization of the brackish Baltic Sea by the ancestrally marine diatom Skeletonema marinoi. To understand how diatoms respond to low salinity, we characterized transcriptomic responses of acclimated S. marinoi grown in a common garden. Our experiment included eight strains from source populations spanning the Baltic Sea salinity cline. Gene expression analysis revealed that low salinities …

Winter Torpor Expression Varies In Four Bat Species With Differential Susceptibility To White-Nose Syndrome, Reilly T. Jackson, Emma V. Willcox, Riley F. Bernard

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Studies examining the overwintering behaviors of North American hibernating bats are limited to a handful of species. We deployed temperature-sensitive transmitters on four species of bat that exhibit differences in their susceptibility to white nose syndrome (WNS; Myotis grisescens, M. leibii, M. sodalis, and Perimyotis subflavus) to determine if these differences are correlated with behavior exhibited during hibernation (i.e., torpor expression and arousal frequency). Mean torpor skin temperature (Tsk) and torpor bout duration varied significantly among species (P ≤ 0.024), but arousal Tsk and duration did not (P ≥ 0.057). One of the species with …

Cryptic Hybridization In The Temperate Bamboos: Is Pleioblastus Simonii A Species Of Hybrid Origin?, Morgan Brown

Theses

Japanese river bamboo (Pleioblastus simonii, ‘medake,’‘kawadake’) is an ecologically important species of temperate bamboo native to Japan. This species is widely known and historically important in Japanese rural farm life. Based on morphological data, Japanese river bamboo is classified in Pleioblastus section Medakea (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) along with five other Japanese species, which are collectively considered to represent a phylogenetically distinct lineage. However, recent studies suggest that Japanese river bamboo may have arisen as a result of previously undetected hybridization (i.e., cryptic hybridization), while also calling into question the diversity of section Medakea. The role of hybridization in natural plant populations …

Species Diversity And Barcoding Of Macroinvertebrates From The San Antonio River, Gabrielle Silva

Student Research Symposium 2022 (Archived)

Macroinvertebrates are important biological indicators of health and ecological change within aquatic ecosystems. Macroinvertebrate diversity of the San Antonio (SA) River Watershed (Texas), which traverses rural and urban regions (Bexar County, TX), remains understudied compared to vertebrate counterparts of economic and conservation importance. The SA River hosts a diversity of crustaceans (crayfish), insects (beetles, dragonflies), annelids (leeches), and unidentified larvae at intermediate developmental stages. To improve ecological records of the SA River, an integrative approach is used to establish a reference macroinvertebrate species inventory and a genetic barcoding database (mitochondrial COI and/or 16S rRNA) for the SA River Mission Reach …

An Assessment Of Burbot Life History In Minnesota With A Focus On Movement Dynamics And Spawning Vulnerability, Tyler Robinson

Biology Graduate Theses

Burbot have a circumpolar range spanning from rivers of Alaska to lentic systems in Minnesota. Although Burbot population dynamics have been studied, their movement dynamics have been rarely investigated. Our objectives were to assess seasonal home range changes of Burbot in a closed-lentic system and quantify the scale of spawning aggregations. Sixty-six Burbot were implanted with acoustic transmitters in Bad Medicine Lake, Minnesota, with 32 surviving the length of the study period between 10 April 2019 to 11 June 2020. The peak spawning date for Burbot in Bad Medicine Lake was estimated to be mid-March, when home range estimates were …

Life Line Spring 2022, Otterbein Biology And Earth Science Department

Life Line - The Biology Department Newsletter

In this Issue:

A CURE for the Typical STEM Classroom; Attracting Cardinals; Svitana Provides Training to IHS; The Cardinal Science Scholar Program; Mornings with Manatees; Viewing the Department from a New Perspective; Science Lecture Series Features Dr. Tyrone Hayes; Internship with Beinhower Brothers Drilling Company; New Student Chapter: The Botanical Society of America; STEM Art Show 2021; Got Bones?; The Robert and Ann Harting Endowed Award; Grossology Returns; Class Flocks to National Aviary

A Starling In A Pear Tree: Assessing The Influence Of Bird Dispersal On Callery Pear (Pyrus Calleryana), Olivia Clark

Honors Theses

Invasive species can disrupt ecosystems and negatively affect other species. Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) is an invasive ornamental tree that is spreading quickly throughout the United States. It is possible that birds are responsible for spreading Callery pear by eating the fruit and depositing seeds in new areas. European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and American robins (Turdus migratorius) are mentioned in most studies as responsible for the dispersal of Callery pear. However, there is also evidence that Cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) also feed on the tree. Invasive plants can impact avian health, reproduction, and migration. Additionally, there are many aspects of …

Leaf Phenology Of Callery Pear: Fall, Margaret E. Maloney, Abby Hay, Eric B. Borth, Ryan W. Mcewan

Five Rivers MetroParks Collaboration Data Archive

This dataset is one of three affiliated with the paper "Leaf phenology and freeze tolerance of the invasive tree Pyrus calleryana Roseaceae) and potential native competitors."

The other two datasets are:

• Leaf Phenology of Callery Pear: Spring
• Leaf Phenology of Callery Pear: Frost Damage

Determining The Role Of Gata3 In A Sub-Population Of Vestibular Hair Cells, Sydney Sheltz-Kempf

Dissertations

The inner ear can be divided based on two functions: hearing and balance. The hearing organ is called the cochlea, while the organs responsible for balance are called the vestibular system. One of these vestibular organs, the utricle, is positioned horizontally in the body and relatively parallel to the ground, resulting in sensitive detection of both sideways, and forward and backward acceleration. One major question in the field of otolaryngology focuses on the unique differences between these organs and the evolutionary importance of their similarities. One particular gene of interest called Gata3 is initially expressed highly in the cochlea and …

Forming Connections: The Cell-Autonomous Roles Of Gata3 And Neurod1 In Developing Auditory Neurons, Elizabeth Madison Ketchum

Dissertations

Hearing loss is the most prevalent sensory disorder, yet current treatment options are restricted to hearing aids and cochlear implants. Both treatment options require the presence and proper formation of inner ear auditory afferent neurons, known as spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). In many patients with hearing loss, these neurons are either not present or are improperly organized, making current therapeutic options nonviable. Although it would be ideal to preserve functioning SGNs or to regenerate them, we are still learning how SGNs develop and form their projections to their peripheral and central targets. Therefore, a better understanding of the genes involved …

Ain't No Sunshine When They're Gone: Pollinators In A Solar Prarie, Brigid M. Morgan

Honors Theses

Around the world, pollinator populations are decreasing due to climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, pesticide use, and disease. A solar prairie can provide that habitat space with native plants to attract and promote the growth of native pollinator populations. In this study at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, I sought to find out if native pollinators were using the habitats inside and around the solar panels at Curran Place. By using pan traps weekly throughout the summer months to collect the insects, I found that native pollinators are using the habitats between the rows of …

Spatial Sequestration Of Misfolded Proteins In Neurodegenerative Diseases, Sarah Rolli, Emily M. Sontag

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Properly folded, functional proteins are essential for cell health. Cells sustain protein homeostasis, or proteostasis, via protein quality control (PQC) mechanisms. It is currently hypothesized that a breakdown in proteostasis during ageing leads to the accumulation of protein aggregates in the cell and disease. Sequestration of misfolded proteins into PQC compartments represents one branch of the PQC network. In neurodegenerative diseases, certain proteins form abnormal protein deposits. Which PQC compartments house misfolded proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases is still being investigated. It remains unclear if sequestration of these misfolded proteins is toxic or protective to the cell. Here, we review …

College Of Natural Sciences Newsletter, March & April 2022, College Of Natural Sciences

College of Natural Sciences Newsletters and Reports

Volume 3, Issue 3

Page 1 Dean's Message
Page 2-3 Awards and Recognition
Page 4 2022 URSCAD - CNS Snaps
Page 5 Geography Convention Recap
Page 6 Attention Students!
Page 7-8 Media Coverage of CNS
Page 9 Spring Break Outreach, Adopt the Pantry,
Page 10 Discovery on Tap Event
Page 11 CNS Students Visit State Capital
Page 12 Celebrating 50 Years of Sally
Page 13 Open PRAIRIE Data
Page 14 Grants Awarded and Bio-Micro Day of Scholars
Page 15 -17 2022 Geography Convention Snaps
Page 18 Sally Krueger's 50th Work Anniversary

Cryptic Cryptophytes: The Plasticity In How Cryptophytes Respond To Changes In Resource Availability, Rachel Ann-Marie Schomaker

Theses and Dissertations

Resource variability and availability often drives competition within ecosystems, which can lead to the diversification of organismal niches and physiological capabilities. In aquatic systems, common resources that photosynthetic organisms, such as algae, compete for are light and carbon. Both the spectral characteristics (color) and carbon concentrations of an aquatic system vary with time and space, which means that algae need to be able to respond to changes in resource availability to survive. Using a group of ubiquitous unicellular eukaryotes known as cryptophytes, we investigated both how cryptophytes respond to changes in the available light spectrum at a physiological and genetic …

Prevalence Of Bacillus Licheniformis On Northern Saw-Whet Owls (Aegolius Acadicus), Lauren Benedict

Senior Honors Theses

Birds are hosts to a variety of bacteria and fungi including some that are keratinolytic. These feather degrading bacteria, including Bacillus licheniformis, are capable of degrading β-keratin which is a major component of feathers. While there is little evidence to indicate that feather degrading bacteria are capable of degrading feathers on live birds, there is ample evidence to indicate that many bird species experience altered feather coloration. There is significant variation in the reported prevalence of B. licheniformis on birds with percentages ranging from 6.7% to 99%. This study sought to provide further support for an overall prevalence of …

Associations Between Toxoplasma Gondii Infection And Steroid Hormone Levels In Spotted Hyenas, Zachary M. Laubach, Eben Gering, Erik Yang, Tracy M. Montgomery, Thomas Getty, Kay E. Holekamp

Biology Faculty Articles

Toxoplasma gondii is a common parasite that infects warm-blooded animals and influences host physiology. T. gondii is known to target the host's central nervous system, affecting circulating levels of steroid hormones, fear-related behaviors, and health, although these effects appear to vary among host taxa. Here, we investigated the relationship between T. gondii infection and levels of plasma testosterone and cortisol within a wild population of spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta, n = 109). In our analyses, we accounted for age and sex via stratified regression analyses. We detected a negative association between circulating plasma testosterone and T. gondii …

A Natural Experiment Identifies An Impending Ecological Trap For A Neotropical Amphibian In Response To Extreme Weather Events, Morgan A. Clark, William M. Ota, Sierra J. Smith, Brett K. Muramoto, Summer Ngo, Gabriella E. Chan, Maxwell A. Kenyon, Matthew C. Sturtevant, Max G. Diamond, Gary M. Bucciarelli, Lee B. Kats

All Faculty Open Access Publications

Extreme weather events are predicted to increase as a result of climate change, yet amphibian responses to extreme disturbance events remain understudied, especially in the Neotropics. Recently, an unprecedented windstorm within a protected Costa Rican rainforest opened large light gaps in sites where we have studied behavioral responses of diurnal strawberry poison frogs (Oophaga pumilio) to ultraviolet radiation for nearly two decades. Previous studies demonstrate that O. pumilio selects and defends perches where ultraviolet radiation (UV-B) is relatively low, likely because of the lethal and sublethal effects of UV-B. In this natural experiment, we quantified disturbance to O. pumilio habitat, …

Resisting The Western Scientist Inside And Outside Of The Collegiate Biology Classroom, Dulce G. Ventura , '22

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

In this thesis, I explore how conceptions of western science and scientists invade the Swarthmore Biology department and how it impacts BIPOC students inside and outside the classroom. The findings indicate that BIPOC students are routinely harmed by many ideas conceived from colonialism. However, both students and faculty demonstrate resistance inside and outside the classroom. Inside the classroom, faculty members build strong relationships with students in small communities and negate Western science's claim of objectivity. Outside of the classroom, programs like the Biology Big Sibling-Little Sibling program are recentering BIPOC students and their lived experiences, effectively creating a community where …

Analysis Of Invasion Proteins Mmp2, Mmp9, Adam12, And Adam17 In Glioblastoma U87mg Cells Treated With Anti-Cancer Compound 3,4-Dimethoxybenzaldehyde, Andras Muranyi

Honors Theses

This research tested the effectiveness of novel compound 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, demonstrated to have anti-cancer properties. U87MG Glioblastoma cells were exposed to the compound at its LC50 concentration, then processed to collect proteins from the cells. Proteins were analyzed via Western blotting for specific protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP) and disintegrin and metalloprotease 12 and 17 (ADAM). Previous research indicates these proteins are involved in the invasive properties of glioblastoma cells. Westerns were quantified with ImageJ and compared using a one-way ANOVA. Results indicate the compound has minimal effect upon the expression of MMP2, MMP9, ADAM12, ADAM17 proteins.

The Role Of The Prodomain In The Folding Of Carboxypeptidase A1, Masy Domecillo

Honors Theses

Carboxypeptidase A1 (CPA1) is an enzyme utilized in digestion. CPA1 contains a prodomain region, which must be cleaved for enzymatic function. The prodomain region has been hypothesized to be necessary for structural stability, as previous studies were unable to produce a functional CPA1 protein without the prodomain region. However, the recent discovery of a related enzyme, Carboxypeptidase 0 (CP0), which does not have a prodomain yet functions enzymatically, challenges this assertion. To determine if the prodomain is essential to the folding of CPA1, an HA-tag was added for detection, and the prodomain was deleted via PCR. A Western blot was …

Reassessing The Parameters Of Phonotaxis In Female Acheta Domesticus, Jewel Murray

Honors Theses

To study phonotaxis in crickets a trackball system has been traditionally used, which consists of a spherical, air supported styrofoam ball placed in a soundproof container in which crickets are tethered to. Two computer mice detect its movement. A speaker is at one end of the container, and it is connected to a computer which generates calls with pre-set parameters. Once a cricket is attached to the trackball system, it can freely navigate toward the source of the sound, while the styrofoam ball remains stationary.

This apparatus has been used to measure the walking distance and angular orientation. When evaluating …

Phonotactic Tuning In Female Cricket Acheta Domesticus, Jessica Rim

Honors Theses

Phonotactic behavior of female cricket Acheta domesticus has been shown to vary among individuals. While some females are finely tuned to calls with syllable periods in the natural range of conspecific males, others respond phonotactically to a wider range of syllable periods and therefore lack the ability to discriminate between attractive and unattractive calls. When females are exposed to males but prevented from mating, their ability to discriminate attractive calls is reduced, suggesting that factors other than mating alter phonotactic behavior.

This study evaluated the effect of male exposure on females’ phonotactic tuning and responsiveness in relation to underlying neural …

Phonotactic Tuning In Female Cricket Acheta Domesticus, Jessica Rim

Honors Theses

Phonotactic behavior of female cricket Acheta domesticus has been shown to vary among individuals. While some females are finely tuned to calls with syllable periods in the natural range of conspecific males, others respond phonotactically to a wider range of syllable periods and therefore lack the ability to discriminate between attractive and unattractive calls. When females are exposed to males but prevented from mating, their ability to discriminate attractive calls is reduced, suggesting that factors other than mating alter phonotactic behavior. This study evaluated the effect of male exposure on females’ phonotactic tuning and responsiveness in relation to underlying neural …

Interspecific And Ontogenic Differences In The Molar Occlusal Surfaces Of Manatees (Sirenia: Trichechidae), Lyle Goulbourne

Honors Theses

While much is known regarding limitless horizontal replacement of manatee teeth, the morphology and topography of the teeth have not been formally described, nor have interspecific differences and ontogenic changes in relative tooth size been described in detail. To physically describe the teeth, photographs of the molars from West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) and Amazonian manatees (T. inunguis) were taken and the features of the teeth were identified. To compare tooth size differences, the area of the posterior-most molar in occlusion was measured from both the upper and lower molars of the manatee skulls from West Indian and Amazonian manatees. …

Screening Commercial Entomopathogenic Fungi For The Management Of Diaphorina Citri Populations In The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, Usa, Justin Wendel, Jonathan Cisneros, Stefan Jaronski, Christopher Vitek, Matthew Ciomperlik, Daniel Flores

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

Ten strains of entomopathogenic ascomycete fungi, sourced from commercial formulations of blastopore or conidiospore formulations, were tested in 14 different formulations in a primary acquisition/direct spray bioassay against adult Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae)). The Cordyceps (Isaria) javanica Apopka 97-C (conidia) strain was used as the standard. A statistical ranking system was established in which top performing pathogenic strains were selected for further screening and eventual field trials. Modified Potter-type spray towers were utilized to deliver a range of doses of viable spores to adult D. citri in an aqueous spray consistent with …

Cover Crops May Exacerbate Moisture Limitations On South Texas Dryland Farms, Stephanie Kasper, Faeqa Mohsin, Lindsey Richards, Alexis Racelis

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

Cover crops are a sustainable management tool for mediating weed pressure, reducing soil erosion, and enhancing soil organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) levels. Yet, adoption rates across water-limited farms in Texas remain low, especially among producers without irrigation access, due to concerns that cover crop use of soil moisture will negatively impact subsequent cash crop yields. This three-year cover crop trial in a rain-fed sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) farm in Lyford, Texas, trialed different cover crop mixes and seeding rates and confirmed that cover cropping leads to significant soil moisture deficits and cash crop failure when rainfall is low …

Pituitary Adenylate Cylase-Activating Polypeptide Receptor: Multiple Signaling Pathways Involved In Energy Homeostasis, Brian Maunze

Dissertations (1934 -)

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) exerts pleiotropic effects on ventromedial nuclei (VMN) of the hypothalamus and its control of feeding and energy expenditure through the Type I PAC1 receptor (PAC1R). However, the endogenous role of PAC1R’s in the VMN and the downstream signaling responsible for PACAP’s effects are unknown.To determine the endogenous role of PAC1Rs and signaling that may explain PACAP’s pleiotropic effects, we knocked down VMN PAC1Rs and pharmacologically inhibited PKA, PKC and PAC1R trafficking. Knocking down PAC1Rs increased meal sizes, reduced total number of meals, and induced body weight gain. Inhibition of either PKA or PKC alone …

Sex-Specific Effects Of Hatching Order On Nestling Baseline Corticosterone In A Wild Songbird, Madison A. Rittinger, Rachel M. Bowden, Logan A. Sauers, Ryan T. Paitz, Christine J. Poppe, Charles F. Thompson, Scott K. Sakaluk

Faculty Publications – Biological Sciences

Variation in nestling growth and survival is often influenced by hatching order, with first-hatched offspring having an advantage over later-hatched younger siblings. In house wrens (Troglodytes aedon), this effect of hatching order is especially evident in asynchronously hatched broods and can lead to sex-specific differences in the size and condition of nestlings. Females appear to allocate the sex of their offspring across the laying order to capitalize on these differences. We hypothesized that levels of circulating corticosterone, the primary metabolic hormone in birds, mediates these sex-specific effects in nestlings. We predicted that: i) baseline levels of corticosterone in nestlings should …