Life Sciences Commons^™

Using Murine Models To Understand Tumor-Lymphoid Interactions: Spotlight On Cll And Aitl, Tyler Herek, Christine E. Cutucache

Biology Faculty Publications

The role of the tumor microenvironment in leukemias and lymphomas is well-established, yet the intricacies of how the malignant cells regulate and influence their non-malignant counterparts remain elusive. For example, chronic lymphocytic leukemia is an expansion of malignant CD5+CD19+ B cells, yet the non-malignant T cells play just as large of a role in disease presentation and etiology. Herein, we review the dynamic tumor cell to lymphoid repertoire interactions found in two Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma subtypes: chronic lymphocytic leukemia and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. We aim to highlight the pivot work done in the murine models which recapitulate these diseases and explore …

Complete Genome Sequences Of Pseudomonas Fluorescens Bacteriophages Isolated From Freshwater Samples In Omaha, Nebraska, Guoqing Lu, Jamie L. Luhr, Andrew Stoecklein, Paige Warner, William Tapprich

Biology Faculty Publications

The complete genome sequences of four Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteriophages, UNO-SLW1 to UNO-SLW4, isolated from freshwater samples, are 39,092 to 39,215 bp long. The genomes are highly similar (identity, >0.995) but dissimilar from that of Pseudomonas phage Pf-10 (the closest relative, 0.685 to 0.686 identity), with 48 to 49 protein-coding genes and 66 regulatory sites predicted.

High-Fat Feeding Does Not Disrupt Daily Rhythms In Female Mice Because Of Protection By Ovarian Hormones, Brian T. Palmisano, John M. Stafford, Julie S. Pendergast

Biology Faculty Publications

Obesity in women is increased by the loss of circulating estrogen after menopause. Shift work, which disrupts circadian rhythms, also increases the risk for obesity. It is not known whether ovarian hormones interact with the circadian system to protect females from obesity. During high-fat feeding, male C57BL/6J mice develop profound obesity and disruption of daily rhythms. Since C57BL/6J female mice did not develop diet-induced obesity (during 8 weeks of high-fat feeding), we first determined if daily rhythms in female mice were resistant to disruption from high-fat diet. We fed female PERIOD2:LUCIFERASE mice 45% high-fat diet for 1 week and measured …

Conservation Status Of The American Horseshoe Crab, (Limulus Polyphemus): A Regional Assessment, David R. Smith, H. Jane Brockmann, Mark Beekey, Timothy L. King, Michael J. Millard, Jaime Zaldívar-Rae

Biology Faculty Publications

Horseshoe crabs have persisted for more than 200 million years, and fossil forms date to 450 million years ago. The American horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus), one of four extant horseshoe crab species, is found along the Atlantic coastline of North America ranging from Alabama to Maine, USA with another distinct population on the coasts of Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo in the Yucatán Peninsula, México. Although the American horseshoe crab tolerates broad environmental conditions, exploitation and habitat loss threaten the species. We assessed the conservation status of the American horseshoe crab by comprehensively reviewing available scientific information on its range, …

More New Records Of Spider Wasps From Colombia (Hymenoptera, Pompilidae), Caleb T. Walker, Fernando Fernández, Valentina Castro-Huertas, Juanita Rodriguez, James P. Pitts

Biology Faculty Publications

Aporinellus Banks, Austrochares Banks and Dicranoplius Haupt are new generic records for Colombia, as well as the species Dipogon ariel Banks, Evagetes peruana Banks, and Euplaniceps notabilis (Smith). Five new combinations are formally endorsed: Aimatocare argentinica (Banks), comb. n.;Aimatocare longula (Banks), comb. n.; Aimatocare imitator (Evans), comb. n.; Aimatocare impensa (Evans), comb. n.; Aimato-care vitrea (Fox), comb. n. Although these names have been used in Pompilidae, no formal nomenclatural act had been proposed. The presence of Chirodamus paramicola Roig-Alsina, previously reported with uncertainty, is confirmed. Finally, a new combination for Euplaniceps notabilis (Smith), comb. n. …

Molecular And Morphological Data Reveal Three New Cryptic Species Of Chiasmocleis (Mehely 1904) (Anura, Microhylidae) Endemic To The Atlantic Forest, Brazil, Mauricio C. Forlani, João F. R. Tonini, Carlos A. G. Cruz, Hussam Zaher, Rafael O. De Sá

Biology Faculty Publications

Three new cryptic species of Chiasmocleis from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil are described. Two of these species occur in the northeastern states of Sergipe and Bahia, whereas the third species is found in the southeastern state of São Paulo. The new species can be distinguished from other congeneric species by the molecular data, as evidenced in the phylogeny, and by a combination of morphological characters including: size, foot webbing, dermal spines, and coloration patterns. Chiasmocleis species differ in osteological traits, therefore we also provide an osteological description of each new species and comparisons with data reported for other species …

How Do Undergraduate Stem Mentors Reflect Upon Their Mentoring Experiences In An Outreach Program Engaging K-8 Youth?, Kari L. Nelson, Jamie Sabel, Cory Forbes, Neal Grandgenett, William E. Tapprich, Christine E. Cutucache

Biology Faculty Publications

Background: Many university students are becoming involved in mentoring programs, yet few studies describe the impact of mentoring on the mentor. Additionally, many studies report that students graduating from college are not prepared to enter the workforce in terms of key career skills and/or content knowledge. Herein, we examine the impact of our program, NE STEM 4U (Nebraska Science, Technology, Engineering and Math for You), in which undergraduate (UG) mentors engage K-8 youth in after-school STEM experiments. The UGs reflected upon their experiences using post-mentoring evaluations, 12- and 24-week interviews, and exit surveys. Many of the questions asked of …

Effect Of Seed Position On Parental Plant On Proportion Of Seeds Produced With Nondeep And Intermediate Physiological Dormancy, Juan J. Lu, Dun Y. Tan, Carol C. Baskin, Jerry M. Baskin

Biology Faculty Publications

The position in which seeds develop on the parental plant can have an effect on dormancy-break and germination. We tested the hypothesis that the proportion of seeds with intermediate physiological dormancy (PD) produced in the proximal position on a raceme of Isatis violascens plants is higher than that produced in the distal position, and further that this difference is related to temperature during seed development. Plants were watered at 3-day intervals, and silicles and seeds from the proximal (early) and distal (late) positions of racemes on the same plants were collected separately and tested for germination. After 0 and 6 …

A Novel Educational Module To Teach Neural Circuits For College And High School Students: Ngss-Neurons, Genetics, And Selective Stimulations, Zana R. Majeed, Felicitas Koch, Joshua Morgan, Heidi Anderson, Jennifer Wilson, Robin L. Cooper

Biology Faculty Publications

This report introduces various approaches to target defined neural pathways for stimulation and to address the effect of particular neural circuits on behavior in a model animal, the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). The objective of this novel educational module described can be used to explain and address principle concepts in neurobiology for high school and college level students. A goal of neurobiology is to show how neural circuit activity controls corresponding behavior in animals. The fruit fly model system provides powerful genetic tools, such as the UAS-Gal4 system, to manipulate expression of non-native proteins in various populations of …

Replacement Of Fishmeal With Processed Meal From Knife Fish Chitala Ornata In Diets Of Juvenile Nile Tilapia Oreochromis Niloticus, Janice A. Ragaza, Sherilyn T. Abarra, Stephanie F. Velasquez, Kristina Daniela D.C. Guzman, Jaime Lorenzo F. Felipe, Melchor Tayamen

Biology Faculty Publications

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of processed meal from knife fish Chitala ornata (KFM) as fishmeal replacement in diets of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus juveniles. Five iso-nitrogenous (36.4% in dry matter) and isolipidic diets (8.6% in dry matter) with 0 (D1), 25 (D2), 50 (D3), 75 (D4) and 100% (D5) KFM inclusions were prepared. With a stocking density of 15 fish (0.59 ± 0.01 g) per tank, tilapia juveniles were distributed randomly in fifteen 30-L tanks. Results indicate a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the percent average weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed …

Effects Of Litter On Seedling Emergence And Seed Persistence Of Three Common Species On The Loess Plateau In Northwestern China, Rui Zhang, Xiaowen Hu, Jerry M. Baskin, Carol C. Baskin, Yanrong Wang

Biology Faculty Publications

Litter accumulation resulting from land use change (enclosure) is one of the key variables influencing seedling recruitment and consequently the regeneration of plant populations and seed persistence in the soil seed bank. A better understanding of the effects of litter on seed germination and seedling emergence is crucial for developing a new set of indicators for grassland ecosystem health and for grassland management policy. We investigated the effects of seed position in litter and amount of litter covering the seed on seedling emergence and seed persistence of three common species on the Loess Plateau in northwestern China. Seed position beneath …

Identification Of Mutant Genes And Introgressed Tiger Salamander Dna In The Laboratory Axolotl, Ambystoma Mexicanum, M. Ryan Woodcock, Jennifer Vaughn-Wolfe, Alexandra Elias, David Kevin Kump, Katharina Denise Kendall, Nataliya Y. Timoshevskaya, Vladimir A. Timoshevskiy, Dustin W. Perry, Jeramiah James Smith, Jessica E. Spiewak, David M. Parichy, Stephen Randal Voss

Biology Faculty Publications

The molecular genetic toolkit of the Mexican axolotl, a classic model organism, has matured to the point where it is now possible to identify genes for mutant phenotypes. We used a positional cloning–candidate gene approach to identify molecular bases for two historic axolotl pigment phenotypes: white and albino. White (d/d) mutants have defects in pigment cell morphogenesis and differentiation, whereas albino (a/a) mutants lack melanin. We identified in white mutants a transcriptional defect in endothelin 3 (edn3), encoding a peptide factor that promotes pigment cell migration and differentiation in other …

Seed Dormancy-Breaking In A Cold Desert Shrub In Relation To Sand Temperature And Moisture, Huiliang Liu, Buhailiqiemu Abudureheman, Lingwei Zhang, Jerry M. Baskin, Carol C. Baskin, Daoyuan Zhang

Biology Faculty Publications

Seasonal periodicity of seed germination and its relationship to seasonal changes in temperature and soil moisture have been well studied in seeds of species with physiological dormancy. However, relatively little information is available on the role of these environmental factors in controlling germination of seeds with physical dormancy (PY). Our primary aim was to determine if seeds of the cold desert sand dune semi-shrub Eremosparton songoricum exhibits seasonal periodicity of seed germination and the relationship between seed dormancy break and soil temperature and moisture. In the laboratory, seeds incubated on dry, wet, wet-dry and dry-wet sand were exposed to a …

Evolutionary Adaptations Of Biofilms Infecting Cystic Fibrosis Lungs Promote Mechanical Toughness By Adjusting Polysaccharide Production, Kristin Kovach, Megan Davis-Fields, Yasuhiko Irie, Kanishk Jain, Shashvat Doorwar, Katherine Vuong, Numa Dhamani, Kishore Mohanty, Ahmed Touhami, Vernita D. Gordon

Biology Faculty Publications

Biofilms are communities of microbes embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances, largely polysaccharides. Multiple types of extracellular polymeric substances can be produced by a single bacterial strain. The distinct polymer components of biofilms are known to provide chemical protection, but little is known about how distinct extracellular polysaccharides may also protect biofilms against mechanical stresses such as shear or phagocytic engulfment. Decades-long infections of Pseudomonas. aeruginosa biofilms in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients are natural models for studies of biofilm fitness under pressure from antibiotics and the immune system. In cystic fibrosis infections, production of the extracellular …

Oviposition Traits Generate Extrinsic Postzygotic Isolation Between Two Pine Sawfly Species, Emily E. Bendall, Kim L. Vertacnik, Catherine R. Linnen

Biology Faculty Publications

Background: Although empirical data indicate that ecological speciation is prevalent in nature, the relative importance of different forms of reproductive isolation and the traits generating reproductive isolation remain unclear. To address these questions, we examined a pair of ecologically divergent pine-sawfly species: while Neodiprion pinetum specializes on a thin-needled pine (Pinus strobus), N. lecontei utilizes thicker-needled pines. We hypothesized that extrinsic postzygotic isolation is generated by oviposition traits. To test this hypothesis, we assayed ovipositor morphology, oviposition behavior, and host-dependent oviposition success in both species and in F1 and backcross females.

Results: Compared to N. lecontei, N. …

Effect Of Seed Morph And Light Level On Growth And Reproduction Of The Amphicarpic Plant Amphicarpaea Edgeworthii (Fabaceae), Keliang Zhang, Jerry M. Baskin, Carol C. Baskin, Xuejun Yang, Zhenying Huang

Biology Faculty Publications

Amphicarpic plants produce aerial and subterranean fruits on an individual plant, and these heteromorphic diaspores give rise to plants that differ in growth and ecology. Amphicarpaea edgeworthii is a summer annual amphicarpic species that grows over a range of light levels. We aimed to compare the response to shading intensity of plants of A. edgeworthii grown throughout their life cycle from aerial seeds (ASP) and from subterranean seeds (SSP). We hypothesized that vegetative and reproductive growth of plants from ASP and SSP respond differently to light. Plants were grown from ASP and SSP under 0, 46, 71 and 90% shading …

Hosts, Nesting Behavior, And Ecology Of Some North American Spider Wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae), Ii, Frank E. Kurczewski, Glavis B. Edwards, James P. Pitts

Biology Faculty Publications

This monograph is a continuation of a multiyear study of the genera and species of North American spider wasps (Pompilidae) and their spider host families, genera and species, nesting behavior, ecology, and natural communities. The study enlarges and enhances host preference, nesting behavior, and ecological information for 77 North American pompilid taxa. The first North American Pompilidae records for the families Tengellidae and Segestriidae, both from central coastal California, are reported herein. New host spider genera and species are listed for many of the pompilid species, including the first North American host record for Dipogon (Dipogon) g. graenicheri …

Comparative Postembryonic Skeletal Ontogeny In Two Sister Lineages Of Old World Tree Frogs (Rhacophoridae: Taruga, Polypedates), Gayani Senevirathne, Ryan R. Kerney, Madhava Meegaskumbura

Biology Faculty Publications

Rhacophoridae, a family of morphologically cryptic frogs, with many genetically distinct evolutionary lineages, is understudied with respect to skeletal morphology, life history traits and skeletal ontogeny. Here we analyze two species each from two sister lineages, Taruga and Polypedates, and compare their postembryonic skeletal ontogeny, larval chondrocrania and adult osteology in the context of a well-resolved phylogeny. We further compare these ontogenetic traits with the direct-developing Pseudophilautus silus. For each species, we differentially stained a nearly complete developmental series of tadpoles from early postembryonic stages through metamorphosis to determine the intraspecific and interspecific differences of cranial and postcranial …

Fostering Curiosity, Inquiry, And Scientific Thinking In Elementary School Students: Impact Of The Ne Stem 4u Intervention, Heather Leas, Kari L. Nelson, Neal Grandgenett, William E. Tapprich, Christine E. Cutucache

Biology Faculty Publications

In this qualitative study, we assessed the impact of the NE STEM 4U intervention on elementary school youth in terms of excitement, curiosity, and STEM concepts. The NE STEM 4U intervention incorporates a problem-based learning theoretical framework in an after-school time, weekly or twice-weekly intervention. We assessed student performance over two academic years of participation in the intervention using the Dimensions of Success observational tool. Ultimately, we link this mentor-led program with increases in curiosity, inquiry, and STEM concept gains. Taken together, these findings support after-school interventions in STEM areas as key encouraging excitement in youth and motivation to pursue …

Effect Of Human Cytomegalovirus (Hcmv) Us27 On Cxcr4 Receptor Internalization Measured By Fluorogen-Activating Protein (Fap) Biosensors, J. M. Boeck, Juliet Spencer

Biology Faculty Publications

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread pathogen and a member of the Herpesviridae family. HCMV has a large genome that encodes many genes that are non-essential for virus replication but instead play roles in manipulation of the host immune environment. One of these is the US27 gene, which encodes a protein with homology to the chemokine receptor family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The US27 protein has no known chemokine ligands but can modulate the signaling activity of host receptor CXCR4. We investigated the mechanism for enhanced CXCR4 signaling in the presence of US27 using a novel biosensor system comprised …

Patch-Occupancy Survey Of Elephant (Loxodonta Africana) Surrounding Livingstone, Zambia, David Youldon, Jackie Abell, Joanne Briffitt, Bruce A. Schulte

Biology Faculty Publications

Wild elephants represent the biggest human–wildlife conflict issue in Livingstone, Zambia. However, little is known about their movements. This survey investigated elephants’ habitat use outside a core protected and fenced zone that forms part of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. Using ‘patch-occupancy’ methodology, indications of elephant presence (feeding behaviour, dung and tracks) were surveyed. The survey aimed to assist proposed future monitoring exercises by defining the geographical extent that should be considered to improve accuracy in species abundance estimates. Results were supplemented using collected indications of elephant presence from prior monitoring exercises, and during this survey. Elephant presence was confirmed up …

A Spanner In The Works: Human–Elephant Conflict Complicates The Food–Water–Energy Nexus In Drylands Of Africa, Bruce Schulte, Mwangi Githiru, Urbanus Mutwiwa, Simon Kasaine

Biology Faculty Publications

The two major conservation issues for drylands of Africa are habitat loss or degradation and habitat fragmentation, largely fromagriculture, charcoal production, and infrastructural development. A key question for management is how these landscapes can retain their critical ecological functions and services, while simultaneously supporting resilient livelihoods. It is a clear nexus question involving food (agriculture), water, and energy (fuelwood), which is complicated by human–wildlife conflicts. While these could appear disparate issues, they are closely connected in dryland forest landscapes of Africa where elephants occur close to areas of human habitation. For instance, crop failure, whether due to weather or wildlife …

Probing For Binding Regions Of The Ftsz Protein Surface Through Site-Directed Insertions: Discovery Of Fully Functional Ftsz-Fluorescent Proteins, Desmond A. Moore, Zakiya N. Whatley, Chandra P. Joshi, Masaki Osawa, Harold P. Erickson

Biology Faculty Publications

FtsZ, a bacterial tubulin homologue, is a cytoskeletal protein that assembles into protofilaments that are one subunit thick. These protofilaments assemble further to form a “Z ring” at the center of prokaryotic cells. The Z ring generates a constriction force on the inner membrane and also serves as a scaffold to recruit cell wall remodeling proteins for complete cell division in vivo. One model of the Z ring proposes that protofilaments associate via lateral bonds to form ribbons; however, lateral bonds are still only hypothetical. To explore potential lateral bonding sites, we probed the surface of Escherichia coli FtsZ …

Sharp-Tailed Grouse Nest Survival And Nest Predator Habitat Use In North Dakota’S Bakken Oil Field, Paul C. Burr, Aaron C. Robinson, Randy T. Larsen, Robert A. Newman, Susan N. Ellis-Felege

Biology Faculty Publications

Recent advancements in extraction technologies have resulted in rapid increases of gas and oil development across the United States and specifically in western North Dakota. This expansion of energy development has unknown influences on local wildlife populations and the ecological interactions within and among species. Our objectives for this study were to evaluate nest success and nest predator dynamics of sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) in two study sites that represented areas of high and low energy development intensities in North Dakota. During the summers of 2012 and 2013, we monitored 163 grouse nests using radio telemetry. Of these, …

Quorum Quenching Activity Of Lysates From Bioluminescent Bacteria Isolated From Selected Philippine Marine And Freshwater Organisms, Janice A. Ragaza, Roja G. Angeles-Gumban, Mudjekeewis D. Santos, Minerva Fatimae H. Ventolero, Ronie J. Calugay

Biology Faculty Publications

Pathogens use cell density dependent gene expression known as Quorum Sensing (QS) to launch virulent factors. Targeting the QS circuit without killing the pathogens is a very promising alternative to using antibiotics which generate antibiotic resistance. The identity and diversity of bioluminescent bacteria associated with Philippine aquatic organisms, and their potential as sources of anti-QS or quorum quenching (QQ) molecules remain unknown. In this study, out of 43 organisms, 30 were observed to harbor bioluminescent bacteria with 26 from marine and four from freshwater sources. Purified bioluminescent bacterial cultures were screened for QQ activity using motility assay and the membrane …

Analysis Of The Oil Biosynthesis Transcripts Of The Moringa Oleifera Lam. Mature Seed Embryos Using Rna Sequencing, Vivian A. Panes, A Kitazumi, M Butler, R.D Baoas, B.G De Los Reyes

Biology Faculty Publications

Moringa oleifera seeds are capable of producing 40% edible oils that are gaining significance due to its nutritional advantages. Several studies have examined M. oleifera seed oil, nevertheless, these studies focused on the extraction of oil and methods of biodiesel production. There is a paucity of information on transcriptome level studies to determine the unigenes involved in oil biosynthesis metabolic pathways. The main objective of this study is to explore the transcriptome of the mature embryo of M. oleifera Lam. particularly the key genes related to oil biosynthesis. The transcriptome reflects the set of genes that are actively expressed at …

Transposon-Mediated Stable Suppression Of Gene Expression In The Developing Chick Retina, Masaru Nakamoto, Chizu Nakamoto

Biology Faculty Publications

The embryonic chick has long been a favorite model system for in vivo studies of vertebrate development. However, a major technical limitation of the chick embryo has been the lack of efficient loss-of-function approaches for analyses of gene functions. Here, we describe a methodology in which a transgene encoding artificial microRNA sequences is introduced into embryonic chick retinal cells by in ovo electroporation and integrated into the genome using the Tol2 transposon system. We show that this methodology can induce potent and stable suppression of gene expression. This technique therefore provides a rapid and robust loss-of-function approach for studies of …

On The Complexity Of Simples, Pharmacognosy, And Actaea Racemosa, W. John Hayden

Biology Faculty Publications

Pharmacognosy, a discipline at the intersection of botany and medicine, deals with knowledge about medicines derived from plants (Youngken 1950). A central goal of pharmacognosy is the accurate and consistent taxonomic identification of medicinal plants and medicinal plant products. Unlike drugstore pill bottles, medicinal plants in nature do not come with labels. One aspect of pharmacognosy, then, is the identification of whole plants found in nature. Much as in field botany and plant systematics, this aspect of pharmacognosy involves learning to recognize species by overall appearance (gestalt), or by dichotomous keys, or both.

The Hidden History Of Humming Frogs, Rafael O. De Sá

Biology Faculty Publications

In the depths of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, researchers are battling to identify species before they are lost for good. Dr Rafael O de Sá, Professor of Biology at the University of Richmond, Virginia, USA, specialises in a group known as the ‘narrow-mouthed frogs’ and has already found four species new to science.

Sepals And Petals And Stamens—Oh, My! Or, A Brief Discourse On Putative Homologies Of Perianth Elements Of Common Black Cohosh, W. John Hayden

Biology Faculty Publications

I encountered some contradictory information while preparing to write the 2017 Wildflower of the Year brochure: some sources describe flowers of Actaea racemosa, Common Black Cohosh, as having petals, while others say petals are absent. How can that be? How could there be such uncertainty about this common plant, one known to science since before the time of Linnaeus? After a little research, I decided to describe Black Cohosh flowers as having a series of organs interpretable either as staminodes (nonfunctional stamens) or as petals located between its sepals and stamens (Figure 1). Frankly, I waffled on the petal issue, …