Digital Commons Network^™

Trophic Upgrading And Mobilization Of Wax Esters In Microzooplankton, Keyana Roohani, Brad A. Haubrich, Kai-Lou Yue, Nigel D'Souza, Amanda Mantalbano, Tatiana Rynearson, Susanne Menden-Deuer, Christopher Reid

Science and Technology Department Faculty Journal Articles

Heterotrophic protists play pivotal roles in aquatic ecosystems by transferring matter and energy, including lipids, from primary producers to higher trophic predators. Using Oxyrrhis marina as a model organism, changes to the non-saponifiable protist lipids were investigated under satiation and starvation conditions. During active feeding on the alga Cryptomonas sp., the O. marina hexane soluble non-saponifiable fraction lipid profile reflected its food source with the observed presence of long chain mono-unsaturated fatty alcohols up to C25:1. Evidence of trophic upgrading in O. marina was observed with long chain mono-unsaturated fatty alcohol accumulation of up to C35:1. To the best of …

Gardner-Webb Science Professors Help Alumnus Pursue Goal Of Becoming A Dentist, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

When he was 10, Joshua McKoy wanted to be like his brother and become a dentist. Looking back, the 2018 alumnus of Gardner-Webb University realizes his reasons were superficial. “It wasn’t until 11th or 12th grade that dentistry became a passion for me,” McKoy reflected. “My best friend got braces.”

Six Um Students Accepted Into Rural Physician Scholarship Program, Staff Report

University of Mississippi News

Scholars agree to serve in small Mississippi communities following graduation

Traffic Noise And Sexual Selection: Studies Of Anthropogenic Impact On Bird Songs And Undergraduate Student Reasoning Of Evolutionary Mechanisms, Sarah Spier

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Humans have transformed much of the natural landscape and are continuing to do so at an accelerated rate, compromising natural areas that serve as important habitat for many species. Roads impact much of the environment as they fragment habitat and introduce traffic noise into the acoustic environment, deferentially affecting wildlife in roadside habitat. I explored how traffic noise affects the detection of birds based on whether their vocalizations were masked by traffic noise. Masked species detection was not affected by an increase in traffic noise amplitude, while there was a negative effect of traffic noise amplitude on unmasked species detection, …

Traffic Noise And Sexual Selection: Studies Of Anthropogenic Impact On Bird Songs And Undergraduate Student Reasoning Of Evolutionary Mechanisms, Sarah Spier

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Humans have transformed much of the natural landscape and are continuing to do so at an accelerated rate, compromising natural areas that serve as important habitat for many species. Roads impact much of the environment as they fragment habitat and introduce traffic noise into the acoustic environment, deferentially affecting wildlife in roadside habitat. I explored how traffic noise affects the detection of birds based on whether their vocalizations were masked by traffic noise. Masked species detection was not affected by an increase in traffic noise amplitude, while there was a negative effect of traffic noise amplitude on unmasked species detection, …

Bringing Forecasting Into The Future: Using Google To Predict Visitation In U.S. National Parks, Matt Clark, Emily J. Wilkins, Dani T. Dagan, Robert Powell, Ryan L. Sharp, Vicken Hillis

Human-Environment Systems Research Center Faculty Publications and Presentations

In recent years, visitation to U.S. National Parks has been increasing, with the majority of this increase occurring in a subset of parks. As a result, managers in these parks must respond quickly to increasing visitor-related challenges. Improved visitation forecasting would allow managers to more proactively plan for such increases. In this study, we leverage internet search data that is freely available through Google Trends to create a forecasting model. We compare this Google Trends model to a traditional autoregressive forecasting model. Overall, our Google Trends model accurately predicted 97% of the total visitation variation to all parks one year …

The Evolutionary Diversity And Biological Function Of Phenazine Metabolite Biosynthesis In Burkholderia Spp, Samuel Hendry

Master's Theses

Burkholderia encompass a group of ubiquitous Gram-negative bacteria that include numerous saprophytes, as well as several species that cause infections in animals, immunocompromised patients, and plants. Some species of Burkholderia produce colored redox-active secondary metabolites called phenazines (Phz). In the model opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, phenazines strongly contribute to the competitiveness, formation of biofilms, and virulence in multiple models of infection. Similar depth of knowledge on the diversity, biosynthesis, and biological functions of phenazines in Burkholderiais missing. This project aimed to bridge this gap in knowledge by focusing on phenazine pathways of B. lata and closely related …

Summer 2019: Students Solve 33-Million-Year Mini Mystery, St. Norbert College

St. Norbert College Magazine 2019-2023

Two science majors working on fossils of extinct mice have discovered a new way to tell two species apart.

Developmental Neurobiology Neu 201, Joanna Burkhardt

Library Impact Statements

No abstract provided.

The Benefitsof Utilizing Virtualeducational Technologies In The Development Of Students’ Skills Inmicrobiology, U. B. Bakhodirova

Central Asian Problems of Modern Science and Education

The article discusses the benefits and prospects of virtual teaching technologies in the development of necessary learners’ skills in microbiology

Long-Billed Curlew Nest Site Selection And Success In The Intermountain West, Stephanie E. Coates, Benjamin W. Wright, Jay D. Carlisle

Intermountain Bird Observatory Publications and Presentations

Grassland birds have experienced steeper population declines between 1966 and 2015 than any other bird group on the North American continent, and migratory grassland birds may face threats in all stages of their annual cycle. The grassland‐associated long‐billed curlew (Numenius americanus) is experiencing population declines in regional and local portions of their North American breeding range. The nesting period is an important portion of the annual cycle when curlews may face demographic rate limitations from a suite of threats including predators and anthropogenic disturbance. We compared nest sites to random sites within breeding territories to examine nest site …

Electrostatically Localized Proton Bioenergetics: Better Understanding Membrane Potential, James Weifu Lee

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

In Mitchell's chemiosmotic theory, membrane potential Δψ was given as the electric potential difference across the membrane. However, its physical origin for membrane potential Δψ was not well explained. Using the Lee proton electrostatic localization model with a newly formulated equation for protonic motive force (pmf) that takes electrostatically localized protons into account, membrane potential has now been better understood as the voltage difference contributed by the localized surface charge density ([H-⁺_L] + ⁿΣ _i=1 [M⁽ⁱ⁺⁾_L]) at the liquid-membrane interface as in an electrostatically localized protons/cations-membrane-anions capacitor. That is, the origin of membrane …

Use Of Web-Kvest Technology In Biology Lessons, H.K. Karshiboev

Bulletin of Gulistan State University

The article is devoted to the development of technological maps of modules in biology and their application to the educational process based on the integrated planning model, as well as the widespread use of web quest technology for independent work of students.

A “Rule-Of-Five” Framework For Models And Modeling To Unify Mathematicians And Biologists And Improve Student Learning, C. Diaz Eaton, H. C. Highlander, K. D. Dahlquist, G. Ledder, M.D. Lamar, R.C. Schugart

Department of Mathematics: Faculty Publications

Despite widespread calls for the incorporation of mathematical modeling into the undergraduate biology curriculum, there is lack of a common understanding around the definition of modeling, which inhibits progress. In this paper, we extend the “Rule-of-Four,” initially used in calculus reform efforts, to a “Rule-of-Five” framework for models and modeling that is inclusive of varying disciplinary definitions of each. This unifying framework allows us to both build on strengths that each discipline and its students bring, but also identify gaps in modeling activities practiced by each discipline. We also discuss benefits to student learning and interdisciplinary collaboration.

5th Grade Adaptation, Michael Carroll

Understanding by Design: Complete Collection

A 10 day lesson plan for teaching students in the 5th grade about Biology; specifically on adaptation, inherited traits, and learned behaviors.

Open Textbook Project [Poster], Sue Ann Gardner

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries: Presentations

Details of a porject undertaken to collaboratively write and produce an open access parasitology textbook for undergraduate and graduate students. The book will be published by Zea Books at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2020 and be available in English and Spanish both online and print-on-demand through lulu.com.

Co-Executive Editors: Scott L. Gardner and Sue Ann Gardner, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Publisher: Paul Royster/Zea Books, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Spanish Translator: Yoanna Esquivel Greenwood, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Project Coordinator: Sue Ann Gardner.

Project website: Concepts in Animal Parasitology.

A Rapid Viability And Drug‑Susceptibility Assay Utilizing Mycobacteriophage As An Indicator Of Drug Susceptibilities Of Anti‑Tb Drugs Against Mycobacterium Smegmatis Mc2 155, Gillian Catherine Crowley, Jim O'Mahony, Aidan Coffey, Riona G. Sayers, Paul D. Cotter

Department of Biological Sciences Publications

Background: A rapid in-house TM4 mycobacteriophage-based assay, to identify multidrug resistance against various anti-tuberculosis drugs, using the fast-growing Mycobacterium smegmatis mc² 155 in a microtiter plate format was evaluated, based on phage viability assays. Methods: A variety of parameters were optimized before the study including the minimum incubation time for the drugs, phage and M. smegmatis mc² 155 to be in contact. An increase in phage numbers over 2 h was indicative that M. smegmatis mc² 155 is resistant to the drugs under investigation, however when phage numbers remained static, M. smegmatis mc² 155 found to …

Do Stands Of Native Trees Harbor Different Invasive Species Than Stands Of Planted Pine?, Carly Mccameron, John Mccarthy, Dr. Kevin Geedey

Celebration of Learning

The most outstanding invasive species that can be found at Augustana’s Green Wing Environmental Laboratory are honeysuckle, buckthorn, multiflora rose, garlic mustard, autumn olive, and oriental bittersweet. These plants are not only disrupting the ecosystem at Green Wing, but they are doing it all over the country. The result of their disruption is that they have taken over entire habitats and left natural species with no way to compete for survival. To study this we used the line-point method as well as other forms of data collection to compare a non-native pine tree habitat to an area dominated by native …

Genetic Sequencing For Measuring Biodiversity In Recent And Ancient Marine Sediments, Lauren Judge

Celebration of Learning

Taxonomic biodiversity, measured by counting the number of species present in a given area, is the most common method of capturing ecosystem biodiversity in recent and ancient environments. While this method is widely accepted, it is limited by poor preservation and identification of many individuals, making it impossible to include every species within an ecosystem and resulting in the loss of some diversity information. To address this issue, we measured the genetic biodiversity (in which species are determined based on sequencing of their DNA) of shallow marine ecosystems by extracting and sequencing the 18S ribosomal gene from bulk carbonate sediment …

Inclusive Uses Of Avatars And Narratives In Vr Biology Simulations, Amy L. Pate

Emerging Learning Design Conference

Arizona State University’s mission is that we are measured not by whom we exclude, but rather by whom we include and how they succeed. This mission normally focuses on classroom faculty using inclusive language and equitable teaching practices.

In 2017, we embarked on creating a fully online biology degree, which included developing three virtual lab courses. ASU faculty and staff partnered with developers at Google and Labster to create real-life narratives walking students through a variety of laboratory experiments.

During testing, the ASU team realized that students were completely immersed in the stories, and emotionally influenced by the avatars and …

Sensory Perception, Adrian Rodriguez-Contreras

Open Educational Resources

Different types of sensory systems with their functional modalities will be presented. The biological bases for how these functions are generated and modified will then be described. As vision is the principal means of perception, we will focus in this course most on visual processing. Scientific data will be integrated into the lectures, such that students develop critical skills in analyzing data and proposing hypotheses.

Promoting Excellence In Lab Instruction, Kirsten Faulkner

University of Mississippi News

No abstract provided.

How Changes In Plant Community Structure Affect Ant Communities, Chadwick V. Tillberg, Alena Salazar, Austin Hilton

Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement

We investigated how change in plant community composition brought about by annual grass-specific herbicide application affects terrestrial arthropod communities, with special emphasis on the mutualists of the endangered Fender’s blue butterfly, Plebejus icarioides fenderi (Family: Lycaenidae). Larvae of this species form facultative mutualisms with ants, who chase away potential predators of the larvae. We used pitfall trapping to compare ant communities between control and herbicide-treated plots through time. The extent to which major changes in plant community composition affect the mutualistic ant community differed among years. Our findings may have relevance for management decisions if the focus of the conservation …

Species Network Inference Under The Multispecies Coalescent Model, Hector Daniel Baños Cervantes

Mathematics and Statistics

Species network inference is a challenging problem in phylogenetics. In this work, we present two results on this. The first shows that many topological features of a level-1 network are identifable under the network multispecies coalescent model (NMSC). Specifcally, we show that one can identify from gene tree frequencies the unrooted semidirected species network, after suppressing all cycles of size less than 4. The second presents the theory behind a new, statistically consistent, practical method for the inference of level-1 networks under the NMSC. The input for this algorithm is a collection of unrooted topological gene trees, and the output …

Dna Methods To Understand Genetic Variation Of The Mola Mola Populations In And Near Cape Cod, Jessica Barros

Honors Program Theses and Projects

The ocean sunfish Mola mola is a frequent summer visitor to the waters off of Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod. In late fall, water temperatures drop and some animals strand on area beaches. Stranded animals provide an easily available source of DNA to study the population genetics of this species with the specific goal to learn about genetic variation within and between individuals in this population. This study will continue to identify and characterize microsatellite repeat regions that will be used to study genetic variation. Four new microsatellite regions have been identified and amplified using polymerase chain reaction conditions that …

The Effects Of Meloidogyne Incognita On Jaz1, Jaz12, And Jaz13 Gene Expression In Arabidopsis, Emily Green

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Meloidogyne incognita, a root-knot nematode (RKN), poses a threat to the well-being of the global agricultural industry. These endoparasites rely on plant roots and drain nutrients from crops intended for human or livestock consumption. Root knot nematodes cost the agricultural industry billions of dollars in lost crops each year and threaten efforts to meet the growing demand for food. Though plants are susceptible to dangers, such as these parasites, many have evolved defense and/or repair mechanisms to compensate for this vulnerability. The goal of this research is to study one gene family involved in such defenses. Specifically, I studied the …

Finding Connections: Making An Existing Biology Course Interdisciplinary And Using The Experience For The Traditional Course And Oers, Tatiana Voza

Publications and Research

Adapting an existing introductory biology course to make it interdisciplinary and successful is an interesting experience and process. With imperatives such as lecture and lab components, a dense curriculum, preexisting learning outcomes and students with different levels of interest, adding material to provide relevant context show how both scientific and social knowledge relate to broader aspects of the human experience, can be challenging. However, once achieved such a course provides epistemological value, real-world context and a rewarding and enriching experience for both students and faculty. In this presentation, the steps involved in designing and implementing an interdisciplinary biology course (Biology …

Ptsd Precipitating From Sexual Abuse And Combat War Exposure And Co-Morbid Disorders Of Chronic Pain, Substance Abuse And Immune Systems, Jessica Anzalone

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma and stress related disorder that some people develop after exposure to a traumatic life altering event. The person must witness the traumatic event, have the traumatic event occur to a loved one, or experience a traumatic event first hand. According to the publication of the American Psychiatric Association, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the diagnostic criteria for the identity of PTSD must include behavioral symptoms that accompany PTSD in four diagnostic clusters; re-experiencing, avoidance, negative cognitions and mood, and arousal (American Psychological Association, 2018). Two …

Gardner-Webb University Recognizes Achievements Of Undergraduate Students, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Gardner-Webb University recently honored undergraduate students for academic excellence and outstanding service and leadership. Winners of these awards exemplify the University’s core values of faith, service and leadership in their classrooms and communities. In recognition of the award presentation, each student may choose one book for purchase by Gardner-Webb’s Dover Memorial Library.

Gardner-Webb Undergraduate Researcher Not Hindered By Sunburn Or Bee Stings, Office Of University Communications

Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

Bee stings, beetles, sunburn and rainy weather—Gardner-Webb University senior McKenzi Sexton, of Hickory, N.C., encountered them all in her research of insect pollinators. Her experience, though, was an introduction to her prospective career. A biology major, Sexton wants to work in the field of conservation genetics, where genetic methods are used to prevent extinction of endangered species.