Digital Commons Network^™

Insight Into A Sexually Dimorphic Ostracod Crustacean By Mass Spectrometry And Microtomography, Cindy D. Davis

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The importance of the central nervous system cannot be understated. An array ofmolecules associated with the brain regulate basic behaviors as well as sex specific behaviors. Describing the molecular background is not the only way that I can learn more of the central nervous system. Describing the anatomy of the central nervous system can be crucial in understanding what regions of the brain is particularly key to the animal. Euphilomedes carcharodonta is a small marine crustacean native to the subtidal zone of the California coast. This ostracod makes for a compelling candidate to explore these research interests as this organism …

Plasticity In Response To Temperature Magnitude And Variation---From Life History To Thermal Tolerance And Coloration, Austin Rex Hoffman

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Warming associated with climate change has many direct and downstream effects on animals. For example, warmer developmental temperatures can improve heat tolerance and reduce insect melanization, which is related to coloration, thermoregulation, immunity, desiccation resistance, and potentially life-history traits, such as investment into reproduction and dispersal. Increased temperature variation is also a feature of climate change, and it may have a larger impact on animals than warming. However, I lack insight into the combined effects of temperature magnitude and variability on important traits of life history, thermal tolerance, and coloration. Thus, I integrated temperature variation into thermal performance using a …

Transgenerational Effects Of Stress On The Plasma Proteome Of A Marine Mammal, Emily Voelkner

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The physiological stress response enables animals to respond to changes in their environment, and is mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in mammals. Increased activation of the HPA axis by repeated stress during critical life stages like reproduction could affect fitness. Information about a stressor can be communicated to offspring via hormone signals prenatally, or postnatally via milk, and affect offspring development and stress reactivity. Experimentally activating the HPA axis by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration results in the synthesis of the major glucocorticoid hormone cortisol, which has well-studied far-reaching effects on growth, metabolism, and immunity. Beyond cortisol levels alone, biomarkers …

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Disease Biology, Stefan Koehrer, Jan A Burger

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling is crucial for normal B-cell development and adaptive immunity. In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the malignant B cells display many features of normal mature B lymphocytes, including the expression of functional B-cell receptors (BCRs). Cross talk between CLL cells and the microenvironment in secondary lymphatic organs results in BCR signaling and BCR-driven proliferation of the CLL cells. This critical pathomechanism can be targeted by blocking BCR-related kinases (BTK, PI3K, spleen tyrosine kinase) using small-molecule inhibitors. Among these targets, Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors have the highest therapeutic efficacy; they effectively block leukemia cell proliferation and …

Exploring The Relationships Between Psychological Variables And Loot Box Engagement, Part 1: Pre-Registered Hypotheses, James Close, Stuart Gordon Spicer, Laura Louise Nicklin, Maria Uther, Ben Whalley, Chris Fullwood, Jonathan Parke, J Lloyd, H Lloyd

Peninsula Medical School

Loot boxes are purchasable randomized rewards in video games that share structural and psychological similarities with gambling. Systematic review evidence has established reproducible associations between loot box purchasing and both problem gambling and problem video gaming, perhaps driven by a range of overlapping psychological processes (e.g. impulsivity, gambling-related cognitions, etc.) It has also been argued that loot box engagement may have negative influences on player financial and psychological wellbeing. We conducted a pre-registered survey of 1495 loot box purchasing gamers (LB cohort) and 1223 gamers who purchase other, non-randomized game content (nLB cohort). Our survey confirms 15 of our 23 …

Ungrading: Reflections Through A Feminist Pedagogical Lens, Erin M. Eggleston, Shelby Kimmel

Feminist Pedagogy

Ungrading is a pedagogical approach in which no grades are given on any assignments. Instead, students are provided with many opportunities to submit work and gain feedback. The goal is to shift student focus from achieving a grade to growth as a learner and a person. As instructors, our ungrading approach utilized personalized learning plans, checkpoint reflections, and student-professor learning conferences to put agency in the hands of our students. We employed this method in upper-level biology and computer science courses and provide critical reflections here regarding our experiences and the connections between this approach and feminist STEM pedagogy tenets. …

Deep Learning Image Analysis To Isolate And Characterize Different Stages Of S-Phase In Human Cells, Kevin A. Boyd, Rudranil Mitra, John Santerre, Christopher L. Sansam

SMU Data Science Review

Abstract. This research used deep learning for image analysis by isolating and characterizing distinct DNA replication patterns in human cells. By leveraging high-resolution microscopy images of multiple cells stained with 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU), a replication marker, this analysis utilized Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to perform image segmentation and to provide robust and reliable classification results. First multiple cells in a field of focus were identified using a pretrained CNN called Cellpose. After identifying the location of each cell in the image a python script was created to crop out each cell into individual .tif files. After careful annotation, a CNN was …

Implementing Minnesota American Indian Tribe State Standard In Suburban Minnesota Ecology Curriculum, Sadie R. Spaeth

Leadership Education Capstones

The purpose of the study was to create curriculum supporting the new Minnesota Native American State Standard 4.2.2.

The Effects Of Diet, Size, And Phylogeny On Primate Dental Proportions, Rudolph J. Wilkins

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

It is generally appreciated that there is a relationship between the relative size of the incisors, mandible length, and diet in primates. More specifically, the differences in relative incisor size among primate species are believed to be evolutionary adaptations to their use during food processing and acquisition. While this satisfactorily explains relatively large incisors, it fails to address the relatively small incisor size seen in many taxa. One hypothesis is that there is a trade-off between molar size and incisor size in species with relatively short mandibles. The following study uses two-way ANOVA to evaluate the possibility that spatial constraint …

Comparing Bone Histology, Topography, And Other Physical Attributes To The Presence Of Viable Dna After Interval Cremation, Eldad Cano Jr

Student Theses

This research aims to compare the resulting characteristics caused by thermal exposure to bone samples – such as physical composition, microscopic histology, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis – to the qualitative and quantitative DNA analysis within the samples. By using kilns to cremate sus scrofa domesticus bone samples at five different temperatures, cortical and cancellous bones of the tibia, humerus, femur, and fibula will be analyzed and compared to determine any correlation with these factors and the presence of viable DNA. This contribution to research within the realm of forensic anthropology can grant a better understanding of how bone …

Localization, Tissue Biology, And T Cell State — Implications For Cancer Immunotherapy, Jason M Schenkel, Kristen E Pauken

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Tissue localization is a critical determinant of T cell immunity. CD8+ T cells are contact-dependent killers, which requires them to physically be within the tissue of interest to kill peptide-MHC class I-bearing target cells. Following their migration and extravasation into tissues, T cells receive many extrinsic cues from the local microenvironment, and these signals shape T cell differentiation, fate and function. Because major organ systems are variable in their functions and compositions, they apply disparate pressures on T cells to adapt to the local microenvironment. Additional complexity arises in the context of malignant lesions (either primary or metastatic), and this …

Exploring Non-Orientable Topology: Deriving The Poincaré Conjecture And Possibility Of Experimental Vindication With Liquid Crystal, Victor Christianto, Florentin Smarandache

Branch Mathematics and Statistics Faculty and Staff Publications

This review investigates the potential of non-orientable topology as a fundamental framework for understanding the Poincaré conjecture and its implications across various scientific disciplines. Integrating insights from Dokuchaev (2020), Rapoport, Christianto, Chandra, Smarandache (under review), and other pioneering works, this article explores the theoretical foundations linking non-orientable spaces to resolving the Poincaré conjecture and its broader implications in theoretical physics, geology, cosmology, and biology.

Effects Of Doxorubicin On Extracellular Matrix Regulation In Primary Cardiac Fibroblasts From Mice, Cameron Skaggs, Steve Nick, Conner Patricelli, Laura Bond, Kali Woods, Luke Woodbury, Julia Thom Oxford, Xinzhu Pu

Biomedical Research Institute Publications and Presentations

Objective Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic used to treat many adult and pediatric cancers. However, its use is limited due to a dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, which can lead to lethal cardiomyopathy. In contrast to the extensive research efforts on toxic effects of DOX in cardiomyocytes, its effects and mechanisms on cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis and remodeling are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the potential effects of DOX on cardiac ECM to further our mechanistic understanding of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

Results DOX-induced significant down-regulation of several ECM related genes in primary cardiac fibroblasts, including Adamts1, Adamts5, Col4a1, Col4a2, …

Development And Application Of Sem/Eds In Biological, Biomedical & Nanotechnological Research, Aniruddha Acharya

Faculty Publications - Biological Sciences

This comprehensive review discusses the development of scanning electron microscopy and the application of this technology in different fields such as biology, nanobiotechnology and biomedical science. Besides being a tool for high resolution imaging of surface or topography, the technology is coupled with analytical techniques such as energy dispersive spectroscopy for elemental mapping. Since the commercialization of the technology, it has developed manifold and currently very high-resolution nano scale imaging is possible by this technology. The development of FIB-SEM has allowed three-dimensional imaging of materials while the development of cryostage allows imaging of hydrated biological samples. Though variable pressure or …

The Role Of Dietary Fats In Driving Atherosclerosis, Zenan Wang

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dissertations

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one killer of people worldwide, of which coronary heart disease, which is mainly due to atherosclerosis, is the main contributor to death. Nonetheless, the etiology of atherosclerosis remains poorly understood. It is universally accepted that dietary fat influences atherosclerosis, however, the role of specific fats is not well-understood. Despite the widely-held perception that saturated fats drive atherosclerotic CVDs while monounsaturated fats are protective, there have been numerous studies from human and mice that do not fit with this prevailing narrative. Thus, despite the importance of dietary fats in CVDs, the exact effects remain controversial …

Social And Biological Perspectives To Investigate And Address Illegal Shooting Of Raptors, Eve Thomason, Kenneth Wallen, Todd Katzner

Raptor Research Center Publications and Presentations

Humans have shot raptors for centuries. However, in many countries these actions have been illegal since the mid-twentieth century. Despite this history, there is not a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of this activity, its frequency, and why it occurs. We used literature review and principles drawn from ecology, sociology, and criminology to understand this problem. First, we review literature on raptor shooting globally to explore documented motivations for shooting and we describe the history of raptor shooting in the United States of America (USA). Then, to illustrate the contemporary frequency and geographic breadth of the shooting of raptors, we …

Pollinators Of Gonzaga University, Sophie O'Shei, Gary Chang

Biology Student Scholarship

This data is from a public science project conducted by Sophie O'Shei (Gonzaga '24) investigating pollinator diversity in and around Gonzaga's campus. Photos of plants and pollinators were submitted using iNaturalist, an online platform and app that allows users to upload photos of animals, plants, insects, etc. and identifies their species using AI. It also tracks where photos were taken. Users were then able to go through uploaded images and suggest what species they identify in the photo, which can confirm or correct the AI's identification.

The project started during Earth Week 2023, giving students, staff, and other members …

Biology (Nucleo)Tidings- Fall 2023, Biology Department Staff

Biology (Nucleo)tidings

News from the Biology Department at Northeastern Illinois University

Lifelines Fall 2023, Southern Adventist University

Lifelines - Biology Department Newsletter

The Fall 2023 issue of Lifelines contains articles on student research, service, and information on this summer's BIOS program.

Using Multiple Modes Of Learning In A High School Genetic Engineering Lesson, Hannah Stuart

Inclusive Strategies for Teaching Secondary Mathematics and Science

The goal of this article is to discuss a genetic engineering lesson presented to high school biology students to obtain mastery of the Biology Standard of Learning (BIO.5e) associated with genetic engineering products and practices. The lesson described in this article follows the 5E lesson plan model. Therefore, the article will describe the 5Es used in the creation and implementation of this lesson: engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate. This article focuses on the use of resources and activities that appeal to students with varying learning styles and looks at the effectiveness of individualized teacher-student attention during individual practice time. …

Microscope Investigations: An Inquiry-Based Cell Lab, Joshua Whittaker, R. Whitlow

Inclusive Strategies for Teaching Secondary Mathematics and Science

This lesson is a collaborative effort between a student teacher and a cooperating senior teacher to design and implement an engaging and exploratory microscope lab for 7th-grade students. The goal of this lesson is to cultivate excitement, interest, and exploration in students who are new to using microscopes, aligning with the Virginia 7th Grade Life Science Standards of Learning on cells and cell theory. This lab incorporates two microscope stations—one focusing on fundamental skills and the other on inquiry-based exploration. By employing the 5E model of instruction, this paper details how students progress through engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation …

Structural Biology Of Mcr-1-Mediated Resistance To Polymyxin Antibiotics, Isabel Cristina Materon, Timothy Palzkill

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Polymyxins, a last resort antibiotic, target the outer membrane of pathogens and are used to address the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The plasmid-encoded enzyme MCR-1 confers polymyxin resistance to bacteria by modifying the outer membrane. Transferable resistance to polymyxins is a major concern; therefore, MCR-1 is an important drug target. In this review, we discuss recent structural and mechanistic aspects of MCR-1 function, its variants and homologs, and how they are relevant to polymyxin resistance. Specifically, we discuss work on polymyxin-mediated disruption of the outer and inner membranes, computational studies on the catalytic mechanism of MCR-1, mutagenesis and …

Renal Cell Carcinoma Of Variant Histology: Biology And Therapies, Pavlos Msaouel, Giannicola Genovese, Nizar M Tannir

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The term variant histology renal cell carcinomas (vhRCCs), also known as non-clear cell RCCs, refers to a diverse group of malignancies with distinct biologic and therapeutic considerations. The management of vhRCC subtypes is often based on extrapolating results from the more common clear cell RCC studies or basket trials that are not specific to each histology. The unique management of each vhRCC subtype necessitates accurate pathologic diagnosis and dedicated research efforts. Herein, we discuss tailored recommendations for each vhRCC histology informed by ongoing research and clinical experience.

Leafy Sea Dragon, Phycodurus Sp., Kennedi X. Light

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Artist Statement

Leafy sea dragons, Phycodurus sp. are part of the Syngnathidae family. Syngnathidae is a genus made up of seahorses, pipefishes, and sea dragons. All three of the species are known to have beautiful patterning. However, leafy sea dragons got their name from their leafy appendages like their fins and limbs. The reason I chose to draw a leafy sea dragon is due to my own interest in astrobiology. Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe and astrobiologists look for signs of life within the universe. I would like to be an astrobiologist one day and focus …

The Florida Scrub-Jay, Emily Hill

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Artist Statement

The Florida Scrub-Jay is a digital scientific illustration of Aphelocoma coerulescens, the only native bird species endemic to Florida. This piece celebrates the natural beauty of the Florida scrub-jay and its key features that allow it to thrive in scrub habitats. These habitats are threatened by anthropogenic activity and climate change, leading to the fragmentation, degradation, or eventual loss of these areas. Through this artwork, I hope to emphasize the importance of conservation and inspire viewers to appreciate and protect this bird species.

Every stroke and color choice were carefully considered to accurately depict the bird’s physical attributes. …

Ms 106 Guide To Ferid Murad, Md, Phd Papers (1959-1996), Ferid Murad (1936-2023)

Manuscript Finding Aids

The Ferid Murad, MD papers consists of fifiteen handwritten notebooks documenting Dr. Ferid Murad's research. The notebooks include research data presented in tables and charts, as well as Dr. Murad's notes. The notebooks span the years 1959-1970. In addition, the collection includes a small number of printed materials from organizations of which Dr. Murad was a part. Notably, there are manuals from his internship and residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, dating around 1965. See more at MS 106.

Beyond The Symptom: The Biology Of Fatigue, David M Raizen, Janet Mullington, Christelle Anaclet, Gerard Clarke, Hugo Critchley, Robert Dantzer, Ronald Davis, Kelly L Drew, Josh Fessel, Patrick M Fuller, Erin M Gibson, Mary Harrington, W Ian Lipkin, Elizabeth B Klerman, Nancy Klimas, Anthony L Komaroff, Walter Koroshetz, Lauren Krupp, Anna Kuppuswamy, Julie Lasselin, Laura D Lewis, Pierre J Magistretti, Heidi Y Matos, Christine Miaskowski, Andrew H Miller, Avindra Nath, Maiken Nedergaard, Mark R Opp, Marylyn D Ritchie, Dragana Rogulja, Asya Rolls, John D Salamone, Clifford Saper, Vicky Whittemore, Glenn Wylie, Jarred Younger, Phyllis C Zee, H Craig Heller

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

A workshop titled "Beyond the Symptom: The Biology of Fatigue" was held virtually September 27-28, 2021. It was jointly organized by the Sleep Research Society and the Neurobiology of Fatigue Working Group of the NIH Blueprint Neuroscience Research Program. For access to the presentations and video recordings, see: https://neuroscienceblueprint.nih.gov/about/event/beyond-symptom-biology-fatigue. The goals of this workshop were to bring together clinicians and scientists who use a variety of research approaches to understand fatigue in multiple conditions and to identify key gaps in our understanding of the biology of fatigue. This workshop summary distills key issues discussed in this workshop and provides a …

Fall/Winter 2023: A Family’S Search For A Missing Medicinal Root Sends Biology Student Into The Lab, St. Norbert College

St. Norbert College Magazine 2019-2023

Isabelle Arnold ’25, a biology student at St. Norbert College, is researching her family’s ancestral topical medicine, made from a root called “blackroot,” which was lost after several moves.

Connecting Underrepresented Scientists To The Biology Core Curriculum, Volume 1, Aaron Schirmer, Lisa C. Wallis, Sumaiya Ahmed, Carla M. Amaya, Sara Crow, Dallia Husameddin, Nahid (Nina) Irani, Sadia Khanam, Dahlia Lou, Ivan Morales, Eduardo Vaca, Brittany Zaruszak

Open Educational Resources

Northeastern Illinois University and its Department of Biology have been working to center diversity and amplify the voices of underrepresented scholars. To help with this, we (the editors) developed an assignment where undergraduate and graduate students identified underrepresented scientists and researched their personal story and their contributions to science. This assignment culminated in a final paper based on the students’ research. In the Spring of 2023, this assignment was instituted in our Senior Seminar and Biological Literature courses for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students, respectively. From the completed assignments ten were chosen for inclusion in this publication. These ten scientists …

Biol 202-001, 003, 005, 101: Foundations Of Biology: Cell & Molecular Biology Laboratory, Mary Konsolaki

Biology Syllabi

No abstract provided.