Life Sciences Commons^™

A Phylogeographic Study Of The Kentucky Endemic Cave Beetle Neaphaenops Tellkampfii Erichson (1844), Mahamad Miya

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Cave beetles are an excellent group to study evolutionary history and speciation by isolation within cave habitats. However, they are underrepresented in such studies, particularly in North America, one of the hotspots of cave biodiversity where beetles account for a significant proportion. The present research addresses this issue by focusing on the Kentucky endemic cave beetle, Neaphaenops tellkampfii, a species hypothesized to comprise four subspecies. Based on allozyme data, previous studies have noted high genetic variation within and high similarity among local populations of this beetle, suggesting complex evolutionary dynamics. In this regard, this study aims to elucidate the evolutionary …

Investigating The Interactions Between Elm1 And Hsl7 In The Morphogenesis Checkpoint Of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Rachel Foster

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Cell shape is essential to understanding the normal regulatory processes that occur within the cell and can indicate there are abnormalities present when there is dysfunction in the cell's development, which can have broader implications regarding human disease. The morphogenesis pathway couples cell division to the timely formation of a daughter bud in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and consists of Elm1, Hsl1, Hsl7, and Swe1 proteins which interact with septins at the bud neck to provide stability for the bud and to facilitate cell division. Elm1 is needed for the recruitment of Hsl1 and subsequently Hsl7. Hsl7 will then tether Swe1 to …

The Effect Of Two Common Herbicides On The Growth And Development Of Two Anuran Species (Boreorana Sylvatica And Dryophytes Chrysoscelis), Jerica Eaton

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Amphibian populations have been declining globally since the 1950s. Many species that have experienced declines are viewed as 'environmental indicators' that reveal habitat degradation. Declines can be attributed to several factors, including chemicals used in agriculture, such as Roundup and Atrazine. Agrochemicals contaminate water bodies through runoff or leaching and cause alterations to aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluated the effects of herbicide usage on two wild anuran populations using wood frogs (Boreorana sylvatica) and Cope’s gray tree frogs (Dryophytes chrysoscelis) as a model. We determined the effect of the herbicides at two concentrations, a high concentration …

Understanding The Individual Behavioral Variation Of Asian Elephants (Elephas Maximus) As An Indicator Of Human Elephant Conflict, Julia Brzezicki

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) is an increasingly common event that arises from resource competition due to overlaps in human and elephant environments. Using a conservation behavior approach, the behaviors of elephants can be studied to enhance conservation efforts to mitigate HEC by better predicting which elephants engage in HEC. To understand the factors that affect individual behavioral types of adult Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), my project examined the behavioral patterns displayed by an elephant population in Sri Lanka. I collected demographic and behavioral data of a subset of 15 adult elephants to determine individual differences in five behavioral categories: Affiliation, aggression, …

A Systematic Study Of The Highly Endemic Spider Beetle Fauna (Coleoptera: Ptinidae: Ptininae) Found In The Coastal Deserts Of Perú, Marlena Askren

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Spider beetles are small, often flightless insects that occur in hyperarid environments around the world. They exhibit interesting morphology and behavior that allows them to conserve water they obtain from plant material, dung, and other detritus. One hyperarid region in which they are found is the Pacific coast of Perú and northern Chile. The Sechura Desert, Peruvian Coastal Desert, and Atacama Desert make up the arid coast where spider beetles occur from north to south. Through multiple years of field work and museum collections, populations of spider beetles were found along the coast in isolated pockets of vegetation, separated by …

Understanding Injury Risk In Female College Dancers: The Interplay Of Mobility And Strength, Audrey Clark

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

INTRODUCTION: Female college dancers present a unique set of demands that contribute to a risk of injury different from other sports. Two of the primary physical demands of dance, mobility and strength, are also known risk factors for non contact injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mobility, strength, and non contact injuries in female college dancers and add to the current gap in literature. METHODS: Participants (n=10) completed an injury history, hand-grip assessment, Functional Movement Screen (FMS), and monthly follow up injury surveys during the duration of the study. Means, standard deviations, correlations, and …

Biocultural Mobility: The Impact Of Osteoarthritis On Rural Kentuckians, Alexandria Anderson

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic degenerative joint disease that results in joint pain and loss of joint function, and it is rising in prevalence alongside an aging population. OA has a complex etiology, with various biological, mechanical, and sociocultural factors affecting its acquisition and progression. Like most diseases, OA has a differential prevalence among populations; it is disproportionally more common in underserved communities, including rural areas. This thesis presents (1) a study comparing selected OA treatment type and patient travel time, (2) a study comparing OA comorbidity amount and rurality, and (3) a discussion of exploratory interdisciplinary methods in …

Characterization Of Legionella Pneumophila Effector Protein Ceg10, Emmanuella Ofoka

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, utilizes a Type IV secretion system (T4SS) to transport effector proteins into host cells. This bacterium is said to have over 300 effector proteins. Among these, the Ceg10 effector protein had remained uncharacterized, despite evidence suggesting the importance of bacterial effector proteins in the host-pathogen interaction. This study aimed to perform a structural and functional characterization of Ceg10 through transcriptomic, bioinformatics, and molecular analyses. Transcriptomic profiling of HEK 293T cells expressing Ceg10 revealed significant differential gene expression, with approximately 20 upregulated genes, including leucine-rich repeat, as well as other downregulated genes. …

Kettlebell Swings As A Conditioning Activity On Standing Power Throw: Exploring Post-Activation Performance Enhancement In Rotc Cadets, Knik Durman

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) is a neuromuscular phenomenon where high-intensity conditioning activities (CA) temporarily improve explosive performance. While resistance and ballistic exercises are well-studied for PAPE, the effectiveness of kettlebell swings (KBS) in enhancing Standing Power Throw (SPT) performance remains unclear. Given the SPT’s role in the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), identifying effective PAPE strategies could improve ACFT scores. Using a randomized crossover design, this study examined whether KBS before the SPT enhanced throw distance in 19 ROTC cadets (male: n = 17, female: n = 2). Participants completed two conditions: (1) KBS (two sets of five reps with …

The Effects Of Cold Immersion On Motor Consolidation, Manly Barksdale

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Several physiological mechanisms elicited by exercise have been shown to enhance the encoding of newly learned motor skills. Cold water immersion (CWI) of at least 14°C (57.2°F), a common recovery tactic following exercise, can elicit the upregulation of similar mechanisms (lactate, norepinephrine, and epinephrine). However, little research has explored a relationship between CWI and motor learning. Therefore, the primary purpose of this investigation was to determine the impact of moderate-duration head-out CWI (HCWI) on motor learning measured via Esports tracking task (ETT) and to compare the results to an exercise (EXS) and control (CON) group. Twenty-nine, right-handed, apparently healthy adults …

Diversity And Phylogeny Of Spider Beetles (Ptinidae: Ptininae) In Coastal Chile And Peru, Jacob Bowen

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Spider beetles of South America have historically received little systematic study, though now they are the subject of recent diversity surveys and documentation. This investigation contributes to the ongoing exploration of spider beetle diversity in South America by adding records for the recently described Cordielytrum and the yet to be described Furcillifer, as well as constructing phylogenies with new genetic material. MaxEnt was used to create an ecological niche model revealing habitat suitability in Chile and Peru for Cordielytrum, a genus of flightless spider beetles currently known only from Peru. Even with few occurrence records, a model with …

"Dental Health For Mental Wealth": A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Underexplored Impact Of Oral Health And Behaviors On Neurobiology And Psychological Well-Being, Brooke C. Beck

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This thesis explores the link between oral health and psychological state, specifically, the effect of oral health on psychological state and how appropriate oral health impacts this relationship. A review of the literature was conducted and studies interpreted within the scope of oral health’s impact on psychological health and detailing some of the pathways proposed for such a link. The literature search was limited to the English language from well-known databases mainly from 2015 to 2025. A few outliers are present to include foundational information.

The effects of oral disease and oral self-care behaviors were dissected through a biochemical perspective, …

Determining Localization Of Surf-4 In Drosophila Melanogaster In The Secretory Pathway, Jada Scott

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

The purpose of this research is to determine the role of the Surfeit-4 gene, or Surf-4 locus protein, during Drosophila melanogaster development. Surf-4 was identified in the Srivastava lab in a biochemical screen for proteins that associate with the basement membrane (BM): a structure needed and required for normal development and its degradation is a hallmark of tumor metastasis. Surf-4 has been predicted to function within intracellular compartments and is known to be expressed in many parts of the developing fly. We are currently determining why Surf-4 is important in development and what role, if any, it could play during …

Exploring The Role Of Bingocize® Workshops In Enhancing Health And Well-Being In Older Adults, Kaitlyn Gray

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

As the population of older adults grows, the need for better health and well-being also grows, making it necessary to implement effective strategies for healthy aging to improve the length and quality of life of older adults (CDC, 2024). This study evaluates the effectiveness of a Bingocize^® Workshop in improving the physical health of older adults. Bingocize^®, a unique program combining bingo with exercise, is designed to increase physical activity. Eleven (11) participants aged 68.55 ± 6.235 attended a ten-week workshop, two times per week focusing on physical exercises tailored to their abilities. The primary objective was …

Fluid Intake And Hydration Responses To Mass Participation Gravel Cycling, Carly Schuerger, Brandon Raik, Francis Salmon, Kian Foote, Angelo Madlambayan, Maya Vega, Grace Handler, Matthew M. Schubert

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(2): 1648-1662, 2024. Gravel cycling is a relatively new cycling discipline, with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) hosting their first World Championships in 2022. Gravel races combine features of road racing, cyclocross, and mountain biking, including terrain of varying technical difficulty, long distances, substantial elevation gain, obstacles, and limited opportunities to stop for in-race nutrition. This study assessed hydration responses to gravel races of three different distances. Data were collected on saliva osmolarity (SOsm), body mass (BM), fluid intake, and nutrition knowledge at a gravel cycling race in April 2023. A total of 121 participants …

Assessment Of The Accuracy Of A Deep Learning Algorithm- And Video-Based Motion Capture System In Estimating Snatch Kinematics, Federico Thiele, Florian K. Paternoster, Chris Hummel, Fabian Stöcker, Denis Holzer

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(1): 1629-1647, 2024. In weightlifting, quantitative kinematic analysis is essential for evaluating snatch performance. While marker-based (MB) approaches are commonly used, they are impractical for training or competitions. Markerless video-based (VB) systems utilizing deep learning-based pose estimation algorithms could address this issue. This study assessed the comparability and applicability of VB systems in obtaining snatch kinematics by comparing the outcomes to an MB reference system. 21 weightlifters (15 Male, 6 Female) performed 2–3 snatches at 65%, 75%, and 80% of their one-repetition maximum. Snatch kinematics were analyzed using an MB (Vicon Nexus) and VB (Contemplas …

Fat Deposition, Β- Carotene, And Vitamin A Metabolism In Bulls, Steers, And Heifers, Tesla Trammell

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Research highlights the impact of Vitamin A on cattle growth and meat quality. Supplementing Vitamin A early in life has been linked to enhanced IMF content and growth rates in calves, especially when administered at birth or during early developmental stages. This is attributed to the role of the ZFP423 gene in adipocyte formation, with studies noting its involvement in the development of IMF during the finishing phase.

This study aims to add to the present research by evaluate the effect of calves’ sexual class on blood β-carotene and Vitamin A before weaning. The second study evaluated the β- carotene …

Evaluation Of Biochar As A Remediation Tool For Aminopyralid Contaminated Compost, Steven James Parris

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Aminopyralid is a synthetic auxin herbicide which is applied to grass pastures to control broadleaf weed populations. Aminopyralid can contaminate compost through inputs derived from treated pastures such as manure and grass clippings. This possibility poses the threat of inadvertent herbicide exposure to sensitive vegetable plants through using compost contaminated with aminopyralid. Biochar can absorb pollutants and has a synergistic effect with compost when applied to the compost mixture. This study examined the relationship between biochar and aminopyralid through compost consisting of dairy manure and sawdust 1:1 mixture, aminopyralid (10μg/kg), and biochar at four treatment levels of total mass of …

Alfred Russel Wallace Notes 33. The Story In Evolution., Charles H. Smith

Faculty/Staff Personal Papers

Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913) is best known for his independent formulation of the principle of natural selection. In this work I first review my understanding of Wallace’s intellectual development on this subject, including the notion that he had no model for the evolution of higher consciousness as of his first treatment of natural selection in 1858. This leads to some conclusions about his approach to the subject, and links to parallel ideas inherent in the philosophy of Baruch de Spinoza (1632-1677).

Randomized Pilot Study Examining An Online Diet Intervention To Increase Intake Of Fruits And Vegetables Among Healthy Adults, Diana Kolb, Sarah Deemer, Eva Claire Synkowski, Stephanie Silveira

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(2): 1618-1628, 2024. Intake of fruits and vegetables (F&V) is related to health outcomes. The purpose of the study was to test an online diet program promoting F&V intake among healthy adults. Twenty-three participants were randomly assigned to complete an 8-week intervention condition (#800gChallenge®) or wait-list control condition. In weeks 1-4, intervention participants were asked to interact with an application reporting (a) whether they met their daily 800g F&V goal, (b) if their 800g of F&V was from a variety of sources, and (c) reading of daily educational material. Weeks 1-4 included weekly Zoom check-in …

Differences In Physiological Responses Between Two Repeated Sprint Protocols In Female Soccer Players, Emma Hörnlund, Spyridon Hadjispyrou, Apostolos Theos

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(6): 1605-1617, 2024. Soccer is a team sport characterized by repeated high-intensity sprints followed by brief periods of recovery. Repeated sprints with (RCOD) and without (RSA) change-of-direction has therefore been recognized as an important fitness component. The purpose of the present study was to examine the differences in physiological responses between RSA and RCOD, and the relationship with Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIR1), as an estimate of aerobic capacity, in female soccer players. Thirteen female soccer players (age: 20.8 ± 2.6 years) participated. All players performed an RSA and RCOD test, as well as a …

Distinct Visual Processing Patterns In Female Elite Athletes: A Comparative Study Of Gymnastics, Soccer, And Esports Using Visual P300 Event-Related Potentials, Papatsorn Ramyarangsi, Simon J. Bennett, Vorasith Siripornpanich, Ampika Nanbancha, Akachai Pokaisasawan, Prapan Noppongsakit, Amornpan Ajjimaporn

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(5): 1595-1604, 2024. Visual processing is crucial for sports performance, influencing athletes' ability to interpret and respond to visual stimuli. This study investigated distinct visual processing patterns among Thai elite athletes in gymnastics, soccer, and esports, utilizing visual P300 event-related potentials (P300 ERPs). Forty-two female athletes (14 gymnasts, 14 soccer players, and 14 esports athletes) participated. Visual P300 ERP responses were stimulated using the visual oddball paradigm. One-way ANOVA was employed to assess significant differences among the groups in P300 ERPs data, including amplitude and latency of waveforms, response time, and accuracy rate. Significant differences …

Can Lower-Body Strength And Power Alleviate Load Carriage Performance Decrements (Tactical Deficit) In Simulated Law Enforcement Job Tasks?, Ashley M. Bloodgood, Joseph Dulla, Megan Thompson, Matthew R. Moreno, Robin (Rob) Marc Orr, J. Jay Dawes, Robert G. Lockie

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 1577-1594, 2024. Law enforcement agencies typically have recruits complete fitness assessments without personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE negatively impacts performance. Greater strength and power could alleviate performance decrements due to the extra load, termed the tactical deficit (TD). The purpose of this study was to examine whether lower-body strength or power related to the TD in civilians performing police tasks. Twenty participants (12 men, 8 women) completed baseline tests, including: standing broad jump (SBJ); relative SBJ; absolute and relative isometric leg/back dynamometer (LBD) and one-repetition maximum hexagonal bar deadlift (HBD). In two other sessions, …

Heart Rate And Blood Pressure Responses Vary Between Blood Flow Restriction Cuff Type, Daniela Rincon Garcia, Abbey C. Hafler, Rebecca F. Rodriguez, Erica M. Marshall

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(2): 1568-1576, 2024. The purpose of the study was to compare heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) following high load resistance exercise (HLRE) and blood flow restriction exercise (BFRE) with a knee wrap (kBFRE) and pneumatic cuff (pBFRE). Eleven men (N = 9) and women (N = 2) participated. HR, SBP, and DBP were collected at Rest, immediately post exercise (IP), 10-, 30-, and 45-minutes post exercise. Repeated measures ANOVAs assessed the effects of condition across time on all variables. Significant effects were examined with pairwise comparisons and a …

Relative Age Effect For Different Playing Positions In Adolescent Female Volleyball Players, Christos Ntozis, Karolina Barzouka, Apostolos Z. Skouras, Evgenia Cherouveim, Flora Papitsi, Nikolaos Apostolidis, Charilaos Tsolakis

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 1553-1567, 2024. Understanding the Relative Age Effect (RAE) in female volleyball can provide a deeper insight into potential developmental advantages and selection biases between playing positions and volleyball-related performance characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of the RAE in adolescent female volleyball players according to the playing position and the possible differences in anthropometric and performance characteristics between the relative age groups. The study involved 193 young female volleyball players from 12 different regions and 108 sports clubs from all over Greece, with an average age of 14.53 ± 0.31 years, height …

The Effects Of Mental Fatigue Induced By The Stroop Test On Muscular Endurance Performance And Neuromuscular Activation In Division Iii Female Athletes, Francesca Cuchna, Jeffrey Herrick, Price Blair, Sean Collins

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 1540-1552, 2024. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect that mental fatigue, as induced by a Stroop test, has on resistance training performance outcomes such as muscular endurance, power output, and neuromuscular activation. Seven female college-aged NCAA Division III student-athletes with at least one year of resistance training experience and were within the 50th percentile for maximal aerobic capacity provided informed consent for participation. During two separate visits, using a within-subject crossover experimental design, subjects completed either the experimental or control condition. Subjects then completed a to-failure leg press test at …

Effects Of Different Warm-Up Protocols On The Cardiopulmonary Responses To Exercise Testing In Youth, Avery D. Faigenbaum, Jie Kang, Jenna Ingui, Aidan Fish, Jessica Dimatteo, Izzy Leazier, Jill Bush, Nicholas Ratamess

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(4): 1530-1539, 2024. The aim of this study was to compare the warm-up effects of a treadmill walking warm-up (TW) with a dynamic warm-up (DW) on the responses to cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in youth. A sample of 16 active youth (age 13.6 ± 1.8 yr) were tested for peak oxygen uptake (VO₂ peak) using the Fitkids treadmill test protocol on 2 nonconsecutive days following different 6-min warm-up procedures. The TW consisted of walking on a treadmill at 2.2 mph and 0% grade whereas the DW consisted of 12 bodyweight exercises with a 2 …

A Comparison Of Achilles Tendon Morphological Characteristics Based Upon Visa-A Score In Active Adults Over Age 50, Joshua Sponbeck, Brie Gisseman, Christian Lefevre, Emily Shuler, Ron Hager, A. Wayne Johnson

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(3): 1517-1529, 2024. Morphologic Achilles tendon properties obtained via diagnostic ultrasound imaging are valuable in understanding Achilles tendon health and injury. Currently, limited information exists regarding Achilles tendon morphological properties amongst active aging adults based upon Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA-A) scores. Achilles tendon morphologic properties defined by VISA-A score groupings allow clinicians and researchers to compare data values amongst current patients. Purpose: Comparison of physically active aging adults Achilles tendon morphological properties with various VISA-A scores or a previous Achilles tendon rupture. A convenience sample of 121 participants (71 females, 50 males) at …

Leisure-Time Physical Activity And Motivation In Police Cadets: A Self-Determination Study, Sébastien Poirier, François Trudeau, Julie Houle

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 17(5): 1504-1516, 2024. Several studies have highlighted the importance of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) for the health and performance of law enforcement officers. Nevertheless, a considerable proportion of officers still fail to engage in any LTPA. There is a clear need to identify correlates of physical activity among this specific occupational group to help the design of workplace physical activity interventions. Rooted in the self-determination theory, this study seeks to assess the LTPA level of police cadets and examine its relationship with the different regulatory forms of motivation. In this cross-sectional study, 188 police cadets …

Alfred Russel Wallace Notes 32. Wallace On The Tigers Of Singapore, Charles H. Smith

Faculty/Staff Personal Papers

Historian John van Wyhe has written a good deal on Alfred Russel Wallace’s travels in the Malay Archipelago in the 1850s and 1860s, in so doing coming to a number of generally derogative surmises on Wallace’s thoughts and collecting efforts that disagree with the conclusions made by other scholars. In this work one example of such treatment is given, concerning Wallace’s estimation of the number of persons in Singapore attacked by tigers over the middle years of that century.