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Er Stress Tolerance Is Regulated By Copper-Dependent Perk Kinase Activity., Sarah E. Bond Newton, Xinglong Shi, Noah R. Beratan, Julia Perhacs, Jitendra K. Arya, Margaret K. Bond, Tali Gidalevitz, Cagla Akay-Espinoza, Donita C. Brady, Kelly L. Jordan-Sciutto

Farber Institute for Neuroscience Faculty Papers

Pancreatic/PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) kinase (PERK) is a kinase that, in response to ER stress, mediates dual homeostatic and pro-apoptotic signaling. Thus, intricate regulation is required for physiological function. Attempts to modulate PERK activity have shown that the determinants of adaptive vs. maladaptive signaling remain ambiguous. Here, with purified protein, we provide evidence that PERK binds copper, identifies residues required for interaction, and demonstrates that copper is necessary for kinase activity. Furthermore, cellular PERK activity can be modulated via copper availability, and this regulatory relationship can be manipulated to dictate ER stress tolerance. Critically, these phenomena translate to phenotypes in …

Characteristics And Potential Indigenous Bacteria Isolated From Shallot Farming In Brebes Regency As Diazinon Pesticide Remediation Agents, Wahyu Purbalisa, Dian Hendrayanti, Wahida Annisa Yusuf

Makara Journal of Science

Diazinon is an organophosphate pesticide that is widely used by shallot farmers in Brebes Regency. Due to its toxicity, diazinon residue in agricultural lands as well as plants’ cultivation is harmful to humans and the environment. Using indigenous soil bacteria as a remediation agent is an alternative solution to overcome diazinon contamination. Firstly, this study aimed to characterize isolates from diazinon-contaminated shallot farming. The second objective was to test the diazinon tolerance of the isolates in various diazinon concentrations. Isolation was carried out using nutrient agar (NA) media containing diazinon concentrations of 5, 25, 50, and 100 ppm. The characterization …

Sequence And Phylogenetic Analysis Of Citrus Maxima (Burm.) Merr. From Tomini Bay, Sulawesi Island, Based On The Maturase K Gene, Brenda Febrina Zusriadi, Novri Youla Kandowangko, Febriyanti Febriyanti

Makara Journal of Science

This study was conducted in the coastal area of Tomini Bay, Sulawesi Island, and it focused on Citrus maxima, a plant known for its unique fruit flesh colors, which range from yellow to pink, and its varying leaf stalk wings. The study aimed to analyze the variations in maturase K (matK) sequences, molecular characteristics, and phylogenetic relationships of two C. maxima samples from Tomini Bay compared to other C. maxima and Citrus species using data available in GenBank. The study utilized DNA barcoding with matK molecular markers, followed by phylogenetic tree construction using the maximum likelihood method …

Detection Method For Escherichia Coli Using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Targeting The Yhav Gene, Muktiningsih Nurjayadi, Anisa Fitriyanti, Royna Rahma Musie, Gusti Angieta Putri, Puan Aqila Azizah, Helzi Angelina, Grace Grace, Ananda Indah Putri Sihombing, Agus Setiawan, Jefferson Lynford Declan, Gladys Indira Putri, Dandy Akbar Juliansyah, Siti Fatimah, Ayu Berkahingrum, Irma Ratna Kartika, Fera Kurniadewi, Vira Saamia, Shyi-Tien Chen, Bassam Aboemolak, Hesham Ali El Enshasy

Makara Journal of Science

Escherichia coli is a foodborne pathogenic bacterium that can cause diarrhea, while yhaV is a virulence-associated gene linked to the toxin–antitoxin system in E. coli. This study was aimed at evaluating the confirmation, specificity, and sensitivity of a yhaV gene primer using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The yhaV-targeting PCR successfully amplified a DNA fragment with an amplicon length of 207 bp (base pairs) under an annealing temperature optimized to a range of 54 °C to 62 °C via gradient PCR. The PCR using the primer pair produced a consistent Ct (cycle threshold) of 14.14 ± 0.05 and showed …

Employing Seca Recombinant Protein To Generate Polyclonal Antibodies For The Rapid Identification Of Phytoplasma, Arik Arubil Fatinah, Muhaimin Rifa'i, Estri Laras Arumingtyas, Sri Widyarti

Makara Journal of Science

Phytoplasma, a plant pathogen that threatens plant health, can induce diseases such as yellow wilt, virescence, phyllody, and witches’ broom. Although early detection methods using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies have been developed, synthetic peptides offer advantages such as higher titers, predictable antigenic characteristics and superior sensitivity and specificity. Epitope mapping plays a key role in designing peptide antigens and includes gene synthesis, transformation, expression assessment, large-scale production, and purification. A study using New Zealand male White rabbits was conducted to generate antibodies against phytoplasma. The SecA (395–470) sequence, obtained from the preprotein translocase meets the criteria of being non-homologous, nonallergic, …

Gama Melon Parfum, A Potential Melon Genotype Tolerant Of Salinity Stress, Giri Nugroho, Tatik Chikmawati, Dian Sartika, Adib Fakhruddin Yusuf, Karso Suryo Putro, Vida Rahma Latifah, Budi Setiadi Daryono, Anjar Tri Wibowo, Awik Puji Dyah Nurhayati, Karlia Meitha, Miftahudin Miftahudin

Makara Journal of Science

Melona, Tacapa Gold, and Gama Melon Parfum are novel Melon genotypes that have been introduced for cultivation in the saline-prone coastal region of Bocor Beach, Kebumen, Central Jawa. Elevated salt concentrations in the area pose challenges, impacting yield. The potential of these new genotypes for saline land remains unexplored. This study aimed to assess the morphophysiological and molecular responses of these genotypes to salinity stress. Seeds were germinated in cocopeat and ABmix 3000 solution and treated with 220 mM NaCl until harvest. The analysis included morphology, chlorophyll content, proline accumulation, malondialdehyde levels, and gene expression were analyzed. After 1 week …

Effect Of Red And Blue Light On Lipid, Protein, Carbohydrate, And Pigment Contents Of Navicula Sp., Sofyan Maulana, Aulia Setyo Nurul Hida, Ismia Wulandari, Siti Mudrikah, Dedy Kurnianto, Khusnul Qonita Maghfiroh, Ria Amelia, Tia Erfianti, Renata Adaranyssa Egistha Putri, Irika Devi Anggraini, Septhian Marno, Eko Agus Agus Suyono

Makara Journal of Science

Light quality critically modulates the physiology of diatoms, influencing photosynthetic efficiency and metabolite synthesis. This study examines how monochromatic red (620–750 nm) or blue (450–495 nm) light affects the biochemical profiles and pigment production in Navicula sp. versus white light (control). Cultures were grown in sterile f/2 medium, and biomass was tracked via OD₆₈₀. Biochemical analyses included lipids (Bligh and Dyer method), carbohydrates (phenol-sulfuric acid assay), proteins (Bradford assay), and pigments (spectrophotometric quantification). The growth dynamics were modeled using logistic and Gompertz equations. No significant differences in OD-based growth rates, carbohydrates, proteins, or lipids content were observed with …

Tv Versus Video Games: Their Distinctive Effects On Adolescent Behavior And Academic Achievement, Faiaz Rahman, Kathy L. Schuh

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

The current paper uses data collected from a publicly available, nationally representative data set to examine the effects of TV viewing and video gaming on adolescent behavioral problems and cognitive achievement. Results revealed that extended hours of TV viewing were associated with greater anxiety/depression and antisocial problems. On the other hand, extended hours of video gaming were associated with higher reading comprehension scores. Differing effects of TV viewing and gameplay by an individual’s sex was also found during the analysis. It is also important to note that the opposite effects that the two media has on outcomes, indicate that, although …

Enhancing Science Learning Outcomes With Sitaya Miniature Media: A Quantitative Study Of Elementary Education, Gilang Kripsiyadi Praramdana, Hamdan Hamdan, Agus Gunawan, Fauziah Dwi Hijriani

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This study investigates the impact of SITAYA Miniature media on the learning outcomes of grade VI students in science subjects at SDN 2 Darma. Conventional teaching methods, often less engaging for students, were identified as a significant factor contributing to low academic performance. The study employed a quantitative research approach, with a randomized sample of 43 students divided into an experimental group (24 students) and a control group (19 students). Pretest and posttest data were collected using a structured test instrument, and statistical analyses, including normality, homogeneity, t-tests, and N-Gain tests, were conducted to assess the effectiveness of SITAYA Miniature …

Chacahoula 2025, Volume 92, Alayna Pellegrin

Chacahoula

The 2025 issue of Chacahoula includes December 2024 and May 2025 graduating classes, as well as stunning photography student life on the banks of Bayou Desiard. With features covering students, faculty, and staff, this year's time capsule preserves an academic year in the life of the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Organic Glycinate Trace Minerals Improve Hatchability, Bone And Eggshell Breaking Strength, And Mineral Uptake During Late Laying Cycle In Layer Breeders, Mujtaba Akram Jahangir, Muhammad Muneeb, Muhammad Farooq Iqbal, Syeda Maryam Hussain, Syed Sohail Habib, Sohail Ahmad, Kasim Sakran Abass, Nasir Mukhtar, Rashed A. Alhotan, Ali R. Al Sulaiman, Ala E. Abudabos

Food and Animal Sciences Faculty Research

This study evaluated the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals with organic glycinate forms at two inclusion levels in layer breeders during the late laying cycle over 6 weeks (66 to 72 weeks of age). For this, a total of 180 layer breeders (162 hens and 18 males; Lohmann LSL Ultralite) were randomly divided into three treatment groups having six replicates of nine hens each and one male for each replicate following a completely randomized design (CRD). The dietary treatments included: (1) Basal diet + inorganic trace minerals at breed recommended levels (ITM100), (2) Basal diet + organic trace minerals …

Dental Microwear And Diets Of Late Miocene Primates From Rudabánya, Hungary, Peter S. Ungar, Anna K. Wilcox, David R. Begun

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Objectives: This study focuses on a dental microwear texture analysis of European pliopithecids and dryopithecins from the Miocene primate site of Rudabánya, Hungary. The goal is to determine whether these taxa, found in part together in the same deposits, differed in their food preferences, or at least consumed, on a daily basis, in a manner that might have facilitated sympatry. Materials and Methods: Here we report on a molar surface texture analysis of all available fossil primates from Rudabánya that preserve antemortem microwear. This includes both Anapithecus hernyaki (n = 14) and Rudapithecus hungaricus (n = 5, including one from …

Green Synthesis Of Copper And Silver Nanostructured Particles From Eremurus Plant Extract And Comparison Of Their Optical Properties And Antibacterial Activities, Doaa Ayad Kamil, Ali F. Al-Rawaf, Mohammed Yarub Hani, H.H. Obeed, Tabarek Falah Deindee, Mohammed Ridha Shaeed

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In the present investigation, silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) nanostructured particles were synthesized from Eremurus plant by means of an environmentally benign methodology in which plant extracts served as both reducing and stabilizing agents. The resultant nanostructured particles were subjected to characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). XRD analysis confirmed development of Ag nanostructured particles with face-centered cubic (fcc) structure and also Cu nanostructured particles with cubic form. Moreover, the average crystallite dimensions obtained for Ag and Cu were 18.3 nm and 65.7 nm, …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Epoxy Resin Co-Doped With 2,5-Diphenyloxazole And Cerium Fluoride Nanoparticles For Radiation Detection, Akapong Phunpueok, Jaruwan Seangrit, Sarawut Jaiyen, Krittiya Sreebunpeng, Wuttichai Chaiphaksa, Kewalee Nilgumhang, Voranuch Thongpool

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

This paper presents the fabrication and characterization of a plastic scintillator prepared from epoxy resin doped with 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO) and cerium fluoride nanoparticles (CeF₃ NPs) for radiation detection. The CeF₃ NPs were prepared by a chemical process and examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); it was found that the prepared particles were true CeF₃ NPs with an average particle size of approximately 17 nm. The CeF₃ NPs were co-doped with PPO into epoxy resin and formed into a plastic scintillator of 3 cm in diameter and 2 cm in length. Analysis of …

Fish Oil And Vernonia Amygdalina Leaves-Supplemented Biscuits Increased Insulin Secretion And Suppressed Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines In Type 2 Diabetic Wistar Rats, Omolola Soji-Omoniwa, Uthman Olanrewaju Abdulazeez, Christfavour Oluwaseyi Oloba, Samuel Olajuwon Kolawole, Johnson Opeyemi Olayinka, Emmanuel Olorunleke Oludipe, Anuoluwapo Faith Ajediti, Habib Tajudeen Yusuf

Al-Bahir

This research determined the effect of fish oil and Vernonia amygdalina-enriched biscuits (FVSB) on insulin sensitivity and inflammatory cytokines in type 2 diabetic rats. Forty-nine male rats were grouped into seven, i.e. A-G. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) was induced in groups B-G by administering 230 mg/kg body weight [BW] NAD (ip) and 65 mg/kg BW streptozotocin (ip). Group A represented the control (Non-diabetic + unsupplemented biscuit), B (untreated diabetic), C (diabetic + 120 mg/kg BW metformin), D-F (diabetic + FVSB at 1g, 2g and 3g leaf inclusion respectively), and G (diabetic + conventional biscuit). The experiment lasted 35 days, …

Hybrid Path Planner For Centralized Multi-Robotic Long-Vehicle Based On Adaptive Dimensionality And Grey Wolf Algorithm, Noor Kadhim Ayoob, Ali Hadi Hasan

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The present robot planning methods pay no attention to the impact of the robot's size and the space it occupies in the environment on path planning. This paper presents a centralized hybrid method to plan optimal paths for multiple robotic long vehicles (RLVs) competing with each other to reach one common goal, taking into account the space that must be available to the RLV at each step to avoid narrow spaces that are too small to pass through. The environment analysis for each RLV is improved by assigning constant weight to the obstacles and calculating two new parameters: safety (SF) …

Functional Role Of Cysteine Residues In Vtlr Of Agrobacterium Tumefaciens, Suravi Islam

Theses and Dissertations

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a soil-dwelling plant pathogen known for transferring DNA to host plants through a type IV secretion system. Central to its virulence and cellular regulation is the LysR-type transcriptional regulator, VtlR, which controls processes including biofilm formation, motility, tumorigensis, and small RNA expression. Although VtlR’s regulatory role is established, the specific functions of its conserved cysteine residues have only recently begun to be explored. This study investigates VtlR’s four cysteines (C144, C236, C244, and C273) through site-directed mutagenesis and a combination of phenotypic assays and transcriptional profiling. Phenotypic assays confirmed that C144 and C273 are important for proper …

09.22.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

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Investigating Potential Alzheimer's Disease Therapies Through An Agent-Based Model Of Impaired Microglia Metabolismmodeling Impaired Microglia Metabolism, Cheyenne Ty, Abigail Penland, John Gerving, Martin Mendoza-Ceja, Megan Pratt, Kamila Larripa

Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia globally and is marked by amyloid-β plaque accumulation, decreased brain pH, disrupted metabolism, and increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, are essential for maintaining brain homeostasis and are critically involved in the progression of AD. While microglia can initiate protective immune responses to injury and disease, dysregulated microglial metabolism may contribute to the exacerbation of Alzheimer's pathology. To investigate potential therapeutic strategies, we developed an agent-based model simulating the effects of exercise and metabolic enhancement on dysfunctional microglia. Our findings suggest that …

An Estimation Study Of The Co2 Emissions In Saudi Arabia Using Machine Learning, Mohammed A. Albalawi, M.M. El-Halwany, Mahmoud H. Mahmoud, Mohamed Gar Alalm

Mansoura Engineering Journal

As part of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) pledged to implement policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The 2030 Vision, which KSA unveiled with the goal of building a more sustainable and diverse economy, led to a number of projects, such as the national renewable energy program, the Saudi green initiative, and the circular carbon economy. Additionally, KSA just revealed a bold plan to achieve net-zero status by 2060. The Kingdom pledged to cut its carbon emissions by 278 million tons of CO2eq (equivalent) yearly by 2030 in its revised nationally determined contribution …

Comparative Analysis Of The Complete Chloroplast Genome Of The Rare Endemic Palm Pinanga Arinasae Witono From Bali, Indonesia, Ni Putu Sri Asih, Risha Amilia Pratiwi, Istiana Prihatini, Paramita Cahyaningrum Kuswandi, Evy Yulianti, Arief Priyadi

Turkish Journal of Botany

Pinanga arinasae is an endangered species endemic to Bali, Indonesia. Our study aims to characterize its chloroplast genome, compare it with other chloroplast genomes, including its phylogenetic position within the Arecoideae subfamily, and identify potential molecular markers. P. arinasae chloroplast genomes characterization involves Illumina-based sequencing, de novo genome assembly, gene annotation, amino acid frequency, codon usage pattern analysis, and Simple Sequence Marker (SSR) identification. Comparative analysis include phylogenetic tree reconstruction, comparison of amino acid frequency, codon usage pattern, SSR number, inverted repeat junction arrangement, genome length, GC content, and gene number. Nucleotide diversity is calculated to identify substitution markers. The …

Ground-Based Modeling Of Deep-Space Risks To The Spleen And Intestine In Mice, Edith Nathalie Pineda Sotomayor

Theses and Dissertations

Deep-space missions, such as those planned for the cis-lunar space and Mars, pose unique challenges to astronaut health due to prolonged microgravity (MG) exposure and low-dose chronic irradiation (CIR). Understanding the impact of these stressors on secondary lymphoid tissues, such as the spleen and intestine, is crucial for ensuring crewmembers' well-being, given the impracticality of conducting this research with human samples. Using a ground-based facility, we exposed C57BL/6 female and male mice to CIR (1.74 Gy at a dose rate of 0.0029 Gy/h) and/or simulated MG (SMG) via hind limb unloading (HLU) for one month. Spleen and intestinal tissues were …

Pollen Loads Of Insects Caught In Cultivated Fields Of Oilseed Pennycress, Frank Forcella, Ellinor Sheik, Michael Zavada, Mark Bernards

The Great Lakes Entomologist

Although many insects are known to be associated with the floral canopies of oilseed pennycress (Thlaspi arvense), those that carry the crop’s pollen are unknown. During early spring of 2024 insects associated with pennycress flowers in Illinois and Minnesota were captured in sweep nets, frozen, sorted by species, and sonicated to remove pollen. Pollen grains were counted, and pollen loads per individual insect were calculated. Members of the orders Diptera, Hemiptera, and Hymenoptera accounted for 66%, 16%, and 14% of the 850 insects examined, but these same orders were responsible, respectively, for 18%, 3%, and 78% of the …

A Case Study Of Long-Term Disease Burden In A Rural Community Near An Open Burn Facility, Arundhati Bakshi, Liana Baconguis, Md Abdullah Al-Mamun, Qingzhao Yu, Jennifer Richmond-Bryant, Stephania A. Cormier

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Open burning and open detonation (OB/OD) of explosive and hazardous wastes creates various toxic waste products, including particulate matter, that is released into the atmosphere and capable of generating significant health impacts upon exposure. The last commercially run OB/OD thermal treatment facility in operation in the United States is located near the rural community of Colfax in central Louisiana. To evaluate the community’s concerns about the potential health impacts from air pollution due to the facility’s regular open burning of explosive and hazardous wastes, we examined the disease burden in Colfax compared to the surrounding parish and state. In a …

Cv: Mallory Havens (Biology), Mallory Havens

Biology Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Warming Induces Unexpectedly High Soil Respiration In A Wet Tropical Forest, Tana E. Wood, Colin Tucker, Aura M. Alonso-Rodríguez, M. Isabel Loza, Iana F. Grullón-Penkova, Molly A. Cavaleri, Christine S. O'Connell, Sasha C. Reed

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Tropical forests are a dominant regulator of the global carbon cycle, exchanging more carbon dioxide with the atmosphere than any other terrestrial biome. Climate models predict unprecedented climatic warming in tropical regions in the coming decades; however, in situ field warming studies are severely lacking in tropical forests. Here we present results from an in situ warming experiment in Puerto Rico, where soil respiration responses to ⁺4 ^oC warming were assessed half-hourly for a year. Soil respiration rates were 42-204% higher in warmed relative to ambient plots, representing some of the highest soil respiration rates reported for any …

Reeds Run Amok: A Practical Guide To Managing Phragmites-Invaded Wetlands, Christine Rohal, Keith Hambrecht, Chad Cranney, Karin M. Kettenring

All Current Publications

Phragmites australis (common reed or simply “phragmites”) is a tall-statured, highly productive wetland grass. It spreads rapidly, often displacing native plants and degrading critical habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl by reducing the availability of nesting, loafing, and foraging areas. Phragmites also consumes large amounts of water, adding pressure to already scarce water resources. Additionally, the accumulation of standing dead biomass can be a fire hazard. Phragmites makes large areas of wetlands inaccessible to both wildlife and humans. This guide provides guidance on managing phragmites.

Influence Of Variable Climate On Mechanical Properties Of Composite Materials: An Experimental Study, Alexandra Tazhibaeva, Safaa M.R.H. Hussein, Mikhail Kuznetsov, Farid Shakirzyanov, Nikita Kharin, Igor Muravyev, Timur Agliullin, Gulshat Saleeva, Victor Mitryakin, Oleg Morozov, Oskar Sachenkov

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

This study investigates the degradation of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composites, fabricated via non-autoclave molding, under tropical climatic conditions across three regions over three years. Forty specimens (10 control, 30 exposed) with 2x2 twill weave and 0°/90° fiber orientation were subjected to tensile and compressive testing, microscopy, and X-ray computed tomography. Control specimens established baseline properties, while exposed specimens underwent three-year weathering. Statistical and principal component analyses revealed significant mechanical degradation, with tensile strength decreasing by up to 16.1% (p

Impact Of Plasma-Activated Water On Breast Cancer Cell Viability, Maryam G. Jasim, Hammad R. Humud

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Plasma-activated water (PAW) was generated using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma system operating with a 1:1 mixture of nitrogen and argon gases to evaluate its cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Water samples were divided into five groups: 0 minutes (control), 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes of plasma exposure. The resulting PAW was applied to cultured cells, and cell viability was assessed 24- and 48-hour post-treatment. Viability was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results showed an apparent time-dependent increase in cytotoxicity. At 24 hours, cell mortality rates were 1.9%, 40.7%, 48.1%, 53.6%, …

09.15.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

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