Life Sciences Commons^™

Isolation And Molecular Identification Of Pathogens Causing Sea Turtle Egg Fusariosis In Key Nesting Beaches In Costa Rica, Keilor E. Cordero-Umaña, Ruth Hernando-Martínez, María Martínez-Ríos, Jaime Restrepo, Roldán A. Valverde, Laura Martín-Torrijos, Pilar Santidrián Tomillo, Javier Diéguez-Uribeondo

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

The global rise of fungal pathogens presents an emerging threat to biodiversity, with significant risks to species such as endangered sea turtles. The fungal disease known as sea turtle egg fusariosis (STEF) is associated with high embryo mortality rates and represents a substantial conservation challenge. This disease is caused by two fungal species, namely Fusarium falciforme (Ff) and Fusarium keratoplasticum (Fk), and their identification is essential for guiding future efforts to address potential fungal infections, particularly on important nesting beaches such as those in Costa Rica. In this study, we conducted fungal isolations from sea turtle eggshells …

Butyrate Attenuates High-Fat Diet Induced Glomerulopathy Through Gpr43-Sirt3 Pathway, Ying Shi, Lin Xing, Ruoyi Zheng, Xin Luo, Fangzhi Yue, Xingwei Xiang, Anqi Qiu, Junyan Xie, Ryan D. Russell, Dongmei Zhang

Health & Human Performance Faculty Publications

The incidence of obesity related glomerulopathy (ORG) is rising worldwide with very limited treatment methods. Paralleled with the gut-kidney axis theory, beneficial effects of butyrate, one of short-chain fatty acids produced by gut microbiota, on metabolism and certain kidney diseases have gained growing attention. However, the effects of butyrate on ORG and its underlying mechanism are largely unexplored. In this study, a mice model of ORG was established with high-fat diet (HFD) feeding for 16 weeks, and sodium butyrate treatment was initiated at the 8th week. Podocytes injury, oxidative stress, and mitochondria function were evaluated in mice kidney and validated …

Pattern Integration And Differentiation: Dual Process Model Of Episodic Memory, Hallvard Røe Evensmoen, Lars M. Rimol, Henning Stople Rise, Tor Ivar Hansen, Hamed Nili, Anderson M. Winkler, Asta K. Håberg

Human Genetics Publications

The role of precise timing in episodic memory remains obscure. We showed 139 participants episodes consisting of objects, and tested subsequent memory for the precise timing and order of the objects and episodes. Temporal compression of the episode enhanced memory for relative but not absolute timing of the objects’ presentation and their order. Conversely, temporal expansion between neighboring episodes was associated with successful memory for episode order. fMRI in 36 participants revealed that temporal compression of the episode was associated with more similar activation patterns within episodes in several brain regions including the posterior hippocampus. However, the activation pattern in …

Highway Crossing Rates Of Wild Felids Before, During, And After Wildlife Crossing Structure Installation, Sarah E. Lehnen, Mitch Sternberg, Hilary M. Swarts, John H. Young Jr., Victoria Hanley, Richard J. Kline

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

In an environment increasingly dominated by roads, wildlife crossing structures (WCS) have been installed to decrease wildlife mortality and improve habitat linkages. In South Texas, vehicle collisions have been a major mortality source for the endangered ocelot ( Leopardus pardalis ). To mitigate threats to this species, eight WCS, along with associated fencing, were strategically placed along Farm‐to‐Market Road 106 (FM106), which passes through ocelot habitat. We assessed the rate of on‐roadway crossings and WCS use by GPS‐collared animals before, during, and after WCS installation using camera traps to verify WCS use. Because of the rarity of ocelots in this …

Gene-Environment Interactions In Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Insights From Mexican American Populations, Eron G. Manusov, Vincent P. Diego, Marcio Almeida, Jacob Galan, Auwal A. Bala, Marco Arriaga, Natasha Garcia-Rodriguez, Renee Hernandez, Satish Kumar, John Blangero, Sarah Williams-Blangero

School of Medicine Publications

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent and complex condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. This chapter explores the genotype-by-environment interactions that contribute to the development and progression of NAFLD in the Mexican American population. Using advanced genetic epidemiology and bioinformatics approaches, we investigated how specific genetic variants interact with environmental factors such as depression, acculturation stress, and social determinants of health, to influence NAFLD risk and severity. Our findings reveal significant genotype-by-environment interactions for key NAFLD-related traits, including HbA1c, AST/ALT ratio, and steatosis-controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). We also discuss the application of cutting-edge proteomic and transcriptomic …

Intraspecific Variability Of Rice Root Knot Nematodes Across Diverse Agroecosystems For Sustainable Management, Sandip Mondal, Arnab Purohit, Anjan Hazra, Sampa Das, Manohar Chakrabarti, Matiyar Rahaman Khan, Horacio Lopez-Nicora, Dipankar Chakraborti, Abhishek Mukherjee

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

In the rice agroecosystems of Southeast Asia, rice root knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) significantly impairs yield, representing a major species within the ‘graminis-group’ known for its morphological similarities with other root knot nematodes (RKNs). This study delves into the variations in reproductive potential, morphology, morphometrics, and genetic diversity among thirty RKN populations in rice across three distinct agroecological zones in Jharkhand, India. Despite notable differences in reproductive potential among the populations, morphological and morphometric correlations to reproductive potential were inconclusive. However, male and juvenile morphometrics were crucial for identifying intraspecific variability. Genetic analysis utilizing five molecular markers (ITS, …

How Many Tiny Snails? Circumscription Of Three Species Of Pyrgulopsis (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Hydrobiidae)In Nevada Mountain Springs, Trenton Meadows

Theses and Dissertations

The springsnail genus Pyrgulopsis is one of the most diverse groups of freshwater gastropods in North America (Hershler, 2014), with many species displaying high levels of endemism (Hurt, 2003). This study attempts to circumscribe three putative species of springsnails: Pyrgulopsis serrata, Pyrgulopsis marcida, and a newly identified clade, referred to as Lineage C, from the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada, USA and nearby springs. Using an integrative taxonomic approach, we combined morphological, anatomical, and molecular data to examine species boundaries and evolutionary relationships.

Many lines of evidence were considered to determine species boundaries. Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial …

The Effects Of Livestock On Mosquito Diversity And Abundance In Hidalgo County, Taylor Nicole Moya

Theses and Dissertations

Mosquitoes are detrimental to animals and threaten humans. More information is needed on how farm animal presence may impact mosquito abundance and diversity at farms. My goal in this study is to determine if there is any correlation between animal abundance or diversity on a farm and the abundance and diversity of mosquitoes collected. Hidalgo County, Texas, has a subtropical desert climate, ideal for mosquitoes. I hypothesized that the mosquito abundance and diversity indices would increase as the livestock abundance or diversity increases. Adult mosquitoes were collected using two CO2-baited light traps per farm from Spring 2022 to Fall 2022. …

Understanding The Influence Of Traffic And Noise On The Wildlife Community Surrounding Fm106 And Sh100 In South Texas, Anna Rose Mehner

Theses and Dissertations

In South Texas, highways create landscape fragmentation, habitat degradation, and result in wildlife vehicle collisions. Vehicle collisions are the highest known cause of mortality of the endangered ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), which led Texas Department of Transportation to install nine wildlife crossing structures (WCS) on Farm-to-Market 106 and five on State Highway 100. These highways are along Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, which is the location of the southernmost breeding population of ocelots in the United States. Many other wildlife species including bobcat (Lynx rufus) and coyote (Canis latrans), are present along these highways and …

Structure Modifications And Alternative Monitoring Designs Of Wildlife Road Mitigation Structures, Madison T. Nadler

Theses and Dissertations

Wildlife mitigation structures are designed to keep animals off roadways while providing them safe passage to the other side and not impeding traffic flow. Camera traps are commonly used to assess the success of these mitigation structures, but there are downfalls to both the methods and structures. Alternative mitigation structure designs are needed to better prevent wildlife from accessing roadways in areas where they should be deterred. Additionally, traditional camera trapping methods do not accurately capture the full wildlife communities that may be utilizing these structures and other survey methods are needed, specifically aimed at small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. …

Effects Of Metoprolol And Propranolol Beta-Blockers Mixture On Morphological And Physiological Responses In The American Oyster, Andrew Salinas

Theses and Dissertations

Beta-blockers are extensively used to treat human cardiovascular conditions yet pose significant risks to non-target aquatic organisms. This study aimed to investigate the effects of short-term exposure (one week) to a beta-blocker’s mixture (low-dose: 50 ng/L propranolol and 250 ng/L metoprolol, and high-dose: 250 ng/L propranolol and 650 ng/L metoprolol) in the American oysters. Histopathological assessments revealed structural damage to gills, connective tissues, and digestive glands in both low- and high-dose treatment groups. Additionally, glucose concentration and pH of the extrapallial fluid significantly declined in the high-dose treatment group. Hemocyte density within connective tissues increased proportionally with dosage. The beta-blocker …

Guiding Wildlife: Evaluating Wildlife Exit Designs And Sensor Lights For Safer Highways In South Texas, Rupesh Maharjan

Theses and Dissertations

Roadside exclusionary fencing is more prevalent on highways to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions. Although it can mitigate wildlife road mortality by limiting their access to the road, it can also create a barrier for wildlife stranded within the right-of-way. In State Highway 100 of Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation installed ten wildlife exits to allow wildlife to escape the fenced roadway, and a pair of sensor lights on 13 wildlife guards (WGs) to scare off target species (bobcats and coyotes) from crossing the guards and accessing the roadway. In this study, the effectiveness of three wildlife exit (WE) designs were …

Effect Of An Anti-Hiv Polymer Based Nanoformulation On Immune Mediating Cells Within The Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue And Its Behavioural Impacts, Blessed Ofori

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the therapeutic potential of nanoformulated antiretroviral therapy (NF cART) and its implications for HIV-associated chronic inflammation and neurobehavioral outcomes. In the first study, NF cART demonstrated enhanced efficacy in modulating inflammasome activation and reducing viral reservoirs in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and the small intestine of HIV-infected humanized mice. Key markers of inflammation (NLRP3, Caspase-1, and IL-1β) and viral replication (LTR and p24 levels) were significantly suppressed with NF cART compared to conventional therapy, though residual LTR expression persisted in the small intestine. In the second study, nanoformulated Emtricitabine uniquely enhanced locomotor activity and reduced anxiety-like behaviors …

Implementing Organic Fertilization Practices To Improve Aloe Vera Growth And Soil Health In The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Isaiah Edward Jaramillo

Theses and Dissertations

Aloe vera (L.) (Aloe) Burm. f., is valued for its applications across the cosmetic, medicinal, and food industries due to its leaf gel. In the aloe industry, the extraction of gel from leaves generates significant quantities of organic waste, which presents an opportunity to repurpose this material as an amendment in aloe cultivation. While Aloe is renowned for its resilience, understanding the feasibility of using these organic shavings as a soil fertility amendment in aloe production is critical. This research aims to identify sustainable fertilization methods for Aloe that can maintain and/or improve crop yield while enhancing soil health. This …

A Nursery Study Of The Interplay Between Soil Texture, Rooting Space, And Nurse Plants On Seedling Growth And Root Development In Woody Species Of Tamaulipan Thornscrub, Lance I. Santos

Theses and Dissertations

Reforestation attempts in semi-arid regions are plagued with seedling mortality. Blanket greenhouse practices may not be optimal, in addition, commensalism interactions between nurse plants are considered. To better understand the effects of soil texture and nurse plant interactions on growth and drought tolerance, two experiments were developed. For soil texture, Border palo verde seedlings were grown in different-sized plant bands with three soil types. To observe the effects of nurse plants, an experiment using guayacan, was developed using Texas Ebony, as a leguminous nurse plant. Plants were also exposed to a drought experiment. The results suggest that some soil textures …

Examining Hispanic Beginning Farmers And Ranchers In The Rio Grande Valley Through A Community Capitals Framework, Perla Kimberly Schrock

Theses and Dissertations

While existing literature addresses the experiences of beginning farmers and ranchers (BFR), there is a notable gap in research focused on Hispanic beginning farmers and ranchers (HBFR). This study aimed at exploring the unique experiences of HBFR in a predominantly Hispanic region, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), employed the Community Capitals Framework (Flora et al., 2016). I conducted 16 semi-structured interviews with HBFR and local nonprofit organizations and federal employees, complemented by participant observations. Through thematic and content analysis of the interview transcripts, findings revealed valuable insights into the livelihoods of HBFR. Despite HBFR facing significant challenges, this study demonstrated …

Assessing Cover Crop Adoption Factors In The Rio Grande Valley Through A Social-Ecological Perspective, Mackenzie Feldman

Theses and Dissertations

Reducing agriculture’s negative environmental impacts is crucial for mitigating climate change (White, 2021). Cover crops– non-cash crops grown to benefit subsequent cash crops– can slow erosion, improve soil health, enhance water availability, control pests, and increase biodiversity. Despite these benefits, adoption rates remain low, prompting the USDA and other organizations to fund research on increasing their use. Most studies focus on the Midwest and Northeast, and emphasize individual factors over the relationship between structural factors and individual factors that impact farmers’ decisions to adopt cover crops. This USDA-funded study begins to fill this gap by exploring social-ecological factors and how …

Variation In Sorghum Aphid (Melanaphis Sorghi) 1 Populations Translates Into Life History Traits On Sorghum-Sudangrass (Sorghum´ Drummondii), Neetu Khanal, Christopher J. Vitek, Rupesh R. Kariyat

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Sorghum aphid (Melanaphis sorghi; SA) (Theobald) is a new invasive pest of sorghum first reported in the USA in 2013. Since then, the use of synthetic pesticides and resistant cultivars have increased, which has caused levels of differences in the populations of SAs and led to the potential emergence of new biotype(s) of SA. However, most research has concentrated on comparing SA fed on sorghum, sugarcane, and other hosts, which may have obscured any population differences that may exist within sorghum. To understand this, we collected three populations of SA that fed on sorghum from three different locations around …

Assessing The Influence Of Native And Invasive Grasses On The Behavior Of Aedes Aegypti In South Texas, Emily Medelez

Theses and Dissertations

Invasive grasses in South Texas can have widespread negative effects, displacing native species, reducing biodiversity, and posing risks to public health. These grasses may flourish in moist, shaded environments, which not only support their growth but also creates habitats favorable for mosquito activity. This can increase the population and alter the behavior of mosquitoes, potentially raising the risk of disease transmission. In this thesis, I look at the behavior of mosquito species Aedes aegypti, primary vector of the yellow fever virus. I analyzed the influence of oviposition, flight and resting behaviors. I tested the relative attraction of Aedes mosquitoes …

Dehydrin Client Proteins Identified Using Phage Display Affinity Selected Libraries Processed With Paired-End Phage Sequencing, Sandra Helena Unêda-Trevisoli, Lynnette M.A. Dirk, Francisco Elder Carlos Bezerra Pereira, Manohar Chakrabarti, Guijie Hao, James M. Campbell, Sai Deepshikha Bassetti Nayakwadi, Ashley Morrison, Sanjay Joshi, Sharyn E. Perry

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

The late embryogenesis abundant proteins (LEAPs) are a class of noncatalytic, intrinsically disordered proteins with a malleable structure. Some LEAPs exhibit a protein and/or membrane binding capacity and LEAP binding to various targets has been positively correlated with abiotic stress tolerance. Regarding the LEAPs’ presumptive role in protein protection, identifying client proteins (CtPs) to which LEAPs bind is one practicable means of revealing the mechanism by which they exert their function. To this end, we used phage display affinity selection to screen libraries derived from Arabidopsis thaliana seed mRNA with recombinant orthologous LEAPs from Arabidopsis and soybean (Glycine max …

Biosense: An Automated Sensing Node For Organismal And Environmental Biology, Andrea Contina, Eric Abelson, Brendan Allison, Brian Stokes, Kenedy F. Sanchez, Henry M. Hernandez, Anna M. Kepple, Quynhmai Tran, Isabella Kazen

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Automated remote sensing has revolutionized the fields of wildlife ecology and environmental science. Yet, a cost-effective and flexible approach for large scale monitoring has not been fully developed, resulting in a limited collection of high-resolution data. Here, we describe BioSense, a low-cost and fully programmable automated sensing platform for applications in bioacoustics and environmental studies. Our design offers customization and flexibility to address a broad array of research goals and field conditions. Each BioSense is programmed through an integrated Raspberry Pi computer board and designed to collect and analyze avian vocalizations while simultaneously collecting temperature, humidity, and soil moisture data. …

Tc-Ptp-Mediated Regulation Of P38 Mapk Pathway Promotes Uvb-Induced Apoptosis In Skin, Lindsey Susie Shim

Theses and Dissertations

T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC-PTP) is a non-receptor PTP that has been shown to have various roles in signaling pathways. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the TC-PTP deficiency in the epidermis can exacerbate hyperplastic response by inducing epidermal cell proliferation in response to tumor promoter TPA or UVB exposure. This implies that TC-PTP plays a tumor-suppressive role in the epidermis and provides protection against UVB radiation, which is well known to contribute to skin cancer development. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is one of serine/threonine kinases that are activated through environmental stress including UVB. It has been demonstrated …

Red Harvester Ants Pogonomyrmex Barbatus (Smith, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Do Not Distinguish Between Sorghum Head Mold Symptomatic And Asymptomatic Seeds, Lilly Victoria Elliott-Vidaurri, Hannah J. Penn, Robin A. Choudhury

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Red harvester ants, Pogonomyrmex barbatus (Smith, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), common in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, are known to gather seeds from areas around their nests and store the seeds inside their nests for later consumption. As these ants often nest in and near agricultural fields, some of these seeds may be from crops and may also be infected with fungal plant pathogens. These pathogens can degrade seed coats and may cause the seeds to rot within the ant nests, decreasing storage time and potentially spreading the pathogen to other stored seeds. We studied how head mold, a …

Place-Based Conservation In Coastal And Marine Ecosystems: The Importance Of Engagement With Underrepresented Communities, Viniece Jennings, Kelly M. San Antonio, Mya J. Brown, Lalah Choice, Queriah Simpson, Imani Ford, Hyun Jung Cho, Pedro Solis, Ashley Lacey, De’Marcus Robinson

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Through the years, research has described the importance of community-based approaches in the management of coastal and marine ecosystems. Coastal and marine issues are multifaceted and require place-specific approaches developed in partnership with vulnerable communities who are impacted by environmental stressors. Place-based conservation, a management approach that focuses on unique, place-specific characteristics, and other similar methods. It considers the need to integrate human dimensions and location-centered approaches, which are often lacking in typical natural resource management. Meaningful engagement with underrepresented communities can holistically account for socioeconomic factors and cultural knowledge that inform best management practices. As the health of marine …

Results From A Multi-Laboratory Ocean Metaproteomic Intercomparison: Effects Of Lc-Ms Acquisition And Data Analysis Procedures, Mak A. Saito, Jaclyn K. Saunders, Matthew R. Mcilvin, Erin M. Bertrand, John A. Breier, Margaret Mars Brisbin

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Metaproteomics is an increasingly popular methodology that provides information regarding the metabolic functions of specific microbial taxa and has potential for contributing to ocean ecology and biogeochemical studies. A blinded multi-laboratory intercomparison was conducted to assess comparability and reproducibility of taxonomic and functional results and their sensitivity to methodological variables. Euphotic zone samples from the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) in the North Atlantic Ocean collected by in situ pumps and the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) Clio were distributed with a paired metagenome, and one-dimensional (1D) liquid chromatographic data-dependent acquisition mass spectrometry analysis was stipulated. Analysis of mass spectra from …

A Decade Of Monitoring Reveals A Dynamic Fish Assemblage On A Substantial Artificial Reef In The Texas Gulf Of Mexico, David Hicks, Ethan T. Getz, Richard Kline, Carlos E. Cintra-Buenrostro

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Fish communities on artificial reefs have rarely been monitored over long periods to evaluate success of reef deployment. Here, we used roving diver surveys to assess changes in fish assemblages on a large, reefed vessel during 2008–2017. Multivariate analyses revealed a dynamic community that stabilized after 5 years. Species richness increased and species dominance decreased during 2008–2017. The fish community shifted toward reef-associated species such as hogfish and pufferfish. Species composition shifted, but trophic structure was relatively stable, which suggested that functional groups may not reflect larger community shifts. Our results indicate that fish communities on artificial reefs are temporally …

Enterococcus Faecium: Evolution, Adaptation, Pathogenesis And Emerging Therapeutics, Yahan Wei, Dennise Palacios Araya, Kelli L. Palmer

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

The opportunistic pathogen Enterococcus faecium colonizes humans and a wide range of animals, endures numerous stresses, resists antibiotic treatment and stubbornly persists in clinical environments. The widespread application of antibiotics in hospitals and agriculture has contributed to the emergence of vancomycin-resistant E. faecium, which causes many hospital-acquired infections. In this Review, we explore recent discoveries about the evolutionary history, the environmental adaptation and the colonization and dissemination mechanisms of E. faecium and vancomycin-resistant E. faecium. These studies provide critical insights necessary for developing novel preventive and therapeutic approaches against vancomycin-resistant E. faecium and also reveal the intricate interrelationships …

Evaluating Indoor Air Quality In Residential Environments: A Study Of Pm2.5 And Co2 Dynamics Using Low-Cost Sensors, Kabir Bahadur Shah, Dylan Kim, Sai Deepak Pinakana, Mkhitar A. Hobosyan, Armando Montes, Amit U. Raysoni

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Indoor air quality (IAQ) poses a significant public health concern, and exposures to high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon dioxide (CO2) could have detrimental health impacts. This study focused on assessing the indoor air pollutants in a residential house located in the town of Mission, Hidalgo County, South Texas, USA. The PM2.5 and CO2 were monitored indoors: the kitchen and the bedroom. This investigation also aimed to elucidate the effects of household activities such as cooking and human occupancy on these pollutants. Low-cost sensors (LCSs) from TSI AirAssure™ were used in this study. They were deployed within …

Factors Influencing The Faunal Recolonization Of Restored Thornscrub Forest Habitats, Audrey J. Hicks, Jerald T. Garrett, Christopher A. Gabler

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Tamaulipan thornscrub forests (thornforests) have high ecological and economic values, yet over 90% of these forests have been lost, and they remain threatened, making them a conservation hotspot. For decades, federal, state, NGO, and corporate entities have been acquiring land and actively or passively restoring these forests, but results have been mixed and seldom monitored. This study characterized and quantified faunal communities of restored thornforest habitats in south Texas and examined the relationships between restored faunal communities and key site characteristics and environmental factors. We surveyed and analyzed mammal, bird, Lepidoptera, and herptile communities within 12 restored sites in the …

A Multivariate Approach To Assessing Landscape Structure Effects On Wildlife Crossing Structure Use, Thomas J. Yamashita, Humberto L. Perotto-Baldivieso, David B. Wester, Kevin W. Ryer, Richard J. Kline, Michael E. Tewes, John H. Young Jr., Jason V. Lombardi

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

Complexity in landscape structure is often assessed using individual metrics related to ecological processes. However, this rarely incorporates important relationships among metrics and may miss landscape structure effects. Multivariate statistics provide techniques for assessing overall landscape structure effects. We assessed how multivariate statistics could be used to connect landscape structure with an ecological process [bobcat (Lynx rufus) wildlife crossing structure (WCS) use]. We tested how landscape structure at WCS sites compared to the surrounding landscape and how structure affected detections at WCS sites. Our study was conducted in Cameron County, Texas, USA where WCSs are in various …