Life Sciences Commons^™

Impacts Of Temperature Acclimation On Swimming Performance And Metabolic Dynamics Of The Amargosa River Pupfish, Cyprinodon Nevadensis Amargosae, Teresa E. Guerre

Master's Theses

Climate change is leading to warmer atmospheric temperatures in many regions of the world, which in turn is raising the temperatures of aquatic habitats and simultaneously shifting the frequency and severity of extreme precipitation events. In fishes, metabolic demands are higher under warmer conditions, while dissolved oxygen levels typically decline in warmer water. This mismatch may limit the ability of fishes to cope with high water flow events like floods that can occur following extreme rainfall. A few species of pupfishes (genus Cyprinodon) in the Death Valley region of California and Nevada, USA, occupy stream or river habitats with …

The Distribution Of Spinal Cord Injury Severity Across Age And Injury Location In Frontal Impact Automobile Collisions, Alyssa Teixeira

Master's Theses

Automobile collisions are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) worldwide, accounting for about 42% of SCIs in the United States alone (McDonald & Sadowsky, 2002; Roberts et al., 2017). The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies road traffic injuries as the leading cause of death for individuals aged 5-29 years, emphasizing the urgent need for effective prevention strategies (World Health Organization, 2023). The primary aim of this study was to identify differences in spinal column injury severity and location (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar) across multiple age groups to identify any discrepancies or similarities. A total of 302 traffic accidents …

Impact Of Temperature And Microbial Infection On The Honey Bee Hemocytes, Michael E. Oeth

Master's Theses

Introduction

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) rely on hemocytes for immunity, wound healing, and hemolymph homeostasis. While 32°C reflects optimal hive conditions, suboptimal temperatures (22°C) and stressors like pathogens (Varroa destructor, bacteria) or pesticides impair hemocyte function. Using clodronate liposomes (CLD) to deplete hemocytes, we assessed how immune suppression interacts with these stressors.

Methods

Newly emerged (5-day-old) and older (15-day-old) bees were assigned to: CLD, control liposomes (LP), PBS, injection wound, or no treatment. Cohorts were exposed to 32°C (optimal) or 22°C (stressful for non-immunosuppressed bees). Fifteen-day-old bees were challenged with Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus. Survival, hemolymph volume, and hemocyte …

Population Estimates, Demography, And Habitat Assessment Of The Pearl River Map Turtle (Graptemys Pearlensis) In The Pearl River Drainage Of Mississippi, Noah Devros

Master's Theses

The Pearl River map turtle (Graptemys pearlensis) is a highly riverine Emydid endemic to the Pearl River drainage of central and southern Mississippi and southern Louisiana. First described in 2010, G. pearlensis was listed as federally Threatened in 2024. . Due to its relative novelty as a species, no rigorous site-specific population estimates of G. pearlensis in Mississippi have been conducted. The primary goal of this study was to implement a replicable method of assessing the population of G. pearlensis throughout the Pearl River drainage system of Mississippi. A secondary goal was to describe habitat associated with G. …

Movement Ecology And Trophic Dynamics In The Northern Gulf Of Mexico: Implications For Fisheries Management, Calvin Chee

Master's Theses

The northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM) is a diverse and productive region for living marine resources. The region supports lucrative commercial and recreational fisheries ranging from low-trophic-level species, such as penaeid shrimps and forage fishes, to high-trophic-level predators (e.g. Yellowfin Tuna). This thesis contributes to the region’s ecological knowledge, with the primary aim of enhancing management efforts and providing direct management advice to two important fisheries. In Chapter 1, we develop a traditional per-recruit model for Southern Flounder, as well as a spatiotemporally integrated per-recruit model that incorporates the spatial distribution of fishing effort and the stock’s movement ecology. Fish …

Improved Management Strategies For Botrytis Fruit Rot, Macrophomina Root Rot, And Verticillium Wilt In California Strawberry Production, Joseph A. Ramirez

Master's Theses

Strawberry production in California is limited by plant diseases such as Macrophomina root rot (MRR) caused by Macrophomina phaseolina, Verticillium wilt (VW) caused by Verticillium dahliae, and Botrytis fruit rot (BFR) caused by Botrytis cinerea. Current disease management strategies are compromised due to fumigant regulations or ineffective disease management practices. This thesis investigated methods to potentially improve the management of these three diseases. Two host plant resistance evaluations for MRR and VW were conducted for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 growing seasons. Sixty-three strawberry genotypes were screened in both years. All plants were exposed to the pathogen via artificial …

Using Camera Stations To Investigate Occupancy Probability And Habitat Associations Of Island Spotted Skunks (Spilogale Gracilis Amphiala) On Santa Rosa And Santa Cruz Islands, Desirae Thomaier

Master's Theses

The California Channel Islands are unique in that two islands (Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz) support two endemic mesocarnivores, the island fox (Urocyon littoralis) and the island spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis amphiala). Following the near-extinction of island foxes in the early 2000s, island spotted skunk populations increased significantly. Now that foxes have recovered, skunk captures have precipitously declined - possibly due to interspecific competition with foxes who have a similar diet but a larger body size and wider temporal niche. It has been proposed that skunks selectively use canyon bottoms and drainages with high vegetation cover and that these areas …

Using Stable Isotope Analysis To Investigate The Trophic Ecology Of Aquatic Insects, Shelby Ann Medlock

Master's Theses

Despite their abundance on the landscape, ponds and associated macroinvertebrate assemblages have largely been underrepresented in scientific studies, which usually focus on lakes or streams. Similar to other waterbodies, ponds can harbor high levels of invertebrate biodiversity, which is important as aquatic insects are experiencing declines due to habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and invasive species introductions. To evaluate how these threats impact pond insects and the ecosystem services they may provide, a thorough understanding of their ecology is essential. However, significant knowledge gaps remain, especially regarding trophic levels and species-specific diets. To address these knowledge gaps, I used carbon …

Associations Among Shopping Methods, Diet Adherence, And Nutrition Knowledge Of Employed Primary Grocery Shoppers In Households With Children, Baylee Schneider

Master's Theses

Obesity is a prominent risk factor for chronic disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Obesity and chronic disease rates continue to rise, requiring a need for prevention and intervention efforts. The future role of dietetics is to provide treatment and prevention through holistic approaches, by understanding individuals’ habits that contribute to the onset of disease, specifically their food choices, grocery shopping methods, and influences that waver these selections. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between grocery shopping methods (online or in-store), Mediterranean diet adherence, nutrition knowledge, and food purchase patterns …

Protein Digestibility Impacted By Bacillus Coagulans, Pasteurization And Protein Source In Ready-To-Drink Protein Beverages, Samantha L. Bass, Samantha L. Bass

Master's Theses

The goal of this study was to assess how to maximize the digestibility of protein in protein beverages utilizing various protein sources, differing temperature/storage combinations, and the addition of probiotics (Bacillus coagulans). The protein sources used included 3 milk proteins and 2 plant protein sources (micellar casein, milk protein concentrate, reduced-calcium milk protein concentrate, pea protein isolate, and soy protein isolate). Soy protein isolate was chosen because it is readily available and commonly used as a plant protein alternative. Pea protein isolate was chosen because it is a non-allergen, and similarly, it is readily available. Milk protein concentrates …

An Exploratory Case Study Of A Community Food Pantry In Northwest Louisiana, Abigail Clair Henington

Master's Theses

Many individuals are struggling with food insecurity in Louisiana; according to the Louisiana Food Bank Association's website, Feeding Louisiana’s 2023 impact report, an estimated 683,100 people in Louisiana experience food insecurity. In northwest Louisiana, 30% of the population lives below the poverty line, with an average income of $34,485 per household. Common Ground is a nonprofit community outreach program in Northwest Louisiana, specifically Shreveport. The program has been in operation for over 20 years and strives to provide a place free of judgment and a place of common ground for those in the Cedar Grove community. Each week, they have …

A Preliminary Report Of The Carotenoid Assessment In Adults 50 Years Of Age And Older In Louisiana, Mary-Catherine Feazell

Master's Theses

Fruits and vegetables are at the core of a healthy, balanced diet. They assist in preventing the development of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer (Fadnes, et al., 2022). Aging is a natural biological process followed by disease, cognitive impairment, and a natural decline of the body’s ability to perform at its best. The older adult population is currently the fastest-growing population globally (El-Shebiney et al., 2022). Vitamin A is crucial for several parts of the body to function correctly. Despite the positive effects of Vitamin A on the body, the recommended dietary intake is not …

Optimizing Biofungicide Use In Managing Winegrape Powdery Mildew On The Central Coast Of California, Edgar G. Godoy Monterroso

Master's Theses

Grapevine powdery mildew caused by the fungal pathogen Erysiphe necator is a persistent threat to wine grape production in California. While synthetic fungicides remain the primary management strategy, increasing concerns over pesticide resistance, environmental impact, and regulatory restrictions have driven interest in biofungicides as a sustainable alternative. However, their efficacy is inconsistent, requiring research into optimized application strategies, integration with synthetic fungicides, and their effects on disease suppression, grape yield, and fruit quality.

This two-year study (2023–2024) was conducted at two vineyard sites, Trestle Vineyard in the San Luis Obispo Coast AVA and a commercial vineyard in the Arroyo Grande …

Behavioral Ecology And Physiology Of Spotted Turtles (Clemmys Guttata) In A Fragmented And Polluted Landscape, Jessica Rojas Lindberg

Master's Theses

Turtles are one of the most threatened groups of animals across the globe. This is especially true for freshwater turtles that rely on multiple habitats to fulfill their life history requirements. Wetlands are a crucial habitat type for many freshwater turtle species, and this ecosystem has been susceptible to conversion, fragmentation, and pollution. In turn, these hazards to wetland habitats threaten already declining freshwater turtle populations. The spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) is a species of freshwater turtle that is particularly at-risk due to life history traits as well as habitat fragmentation and pollution. This study aims to investigate the effects …

Plasmodium Berghei Subpellicular Microtubule Protein-1 (Pbspm-1) Is A Microtubule Stabilizing Protein That Affects Schizont Development, Manuel Joseph Widuch

Master's Theses

In eukaryotes, microtubules (MTs) are regulated by microtubule-associated proteins (MAP), only a few of which have been characterized in the malaria parasite to date. Here we present the functional characterization of STOP axonemal protein 1 (SAXO1) of the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei. The protein exhibits high sequence and organizational conservation to the subpellicular microtubule protein 1 (SPM1) of the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii and SAXO1 of Trypanosoma brucei. SAXO1 proteins are conserved in most eukaryotes where they form a protein family. We refer to this protein as PbSPM1. It is a 38 kD protein that is organized into an N-terminal …

Genetic Influences On Individual Variability In Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla) Social Behavior, Hadley Mueller-Hill

Master's Theses

While primates are considered highly social animals, the evolutionary origins and mechanisms underlying their social behaviors remain unclear. Not only do they exhibit an extensive range of behaviors, but individuals within the same species can also vary widely in their social interactions. Genetics play a significant role in shaping these individual variations in behavior; multiple genetic variants have been associated with differences in social behavior in mammals. Examples of these include MAOA and OXTR genes, which influence the expression of behaviors associated with antisocial and prosocial temperaments. Genetic polymorphisms affect primate interactions, impacting an individual’s ability to maintain its status …

Characterization Of P38alpha And Nitric Oxide Synthase 3 Binding, Gillyan M. Jewett

Master's Theses

P38alpha is a member of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. This family is important for mediating signal transduction pathways through phosphorylation of downstream substrates. Previous work has described the ability of p38alpha to bind and phosphorylate nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) at two sites, the autoinhibitory loop (AI) at S600 and the N-terminal MAPK binding site (NtMAP) at S114. P38alpha has two substrate binding domains, the common docking groove (CD-groove) and a hydrophobic pocket (DEF) that are important in binding and phosphorylating various substrates specific to each pocket. Utilizing biolayer interferometry, this work describes the importance of both …

Endocrine Responses To Two Distinct Foraging Contexts In The Bonobo (Pan Paniscus), Lauren Mitchell

Master's Theses

In gregarious animals, a social structure characterized by female dominance is relatively rare. However, bonobos (Pan paniscus), one of the two species most closely related to humans, are characterized by partial female dominance, with females forming close social bonds. In contrast, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), a close relative of the bonobo, are characterized by strong male-male bonding and social dominance with female chimpanzees lacking close social bonds. There is a lack of consensus concerning the reasons for these behavioral differences in Pan, specifically, the physiological processes responsible for female dominance in bonobos. The role of hormones …

Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis Subflavus) Population Genetic Structure In The Southeastern United States, Laura Henderson

Master's Theses

Tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) have experienced substantial population losses from white-nose syndrome (WNS), a disease caused by the pathogenic fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) which infects hibernating bats. Determining population genetic structure helps assess genetic diversity and the impacts of wildlife threats to populations. Pre-WNS data shows weak-to-negligible structure and panmictic P. subflavus populations at core portions of their range. However, current genetic data from their southeastern U.S. range is lacking. I sought to determine whether recent genetic data help resolve genetic structure among southeastern populations and assess genetic differences at two stages of impact: post-WNS and …

Design, Synthesis, And Nmr-Guided Characterization Of A Targeted Covalent Inhibitor-Like Molecule Against Ivyp1 From P. Aeruginosa, Samuel Taylor Moore

Master's Theses

Multi-drug resistance poses a serious threat to future generations and historical antibiotic pipelines; consequently, the medical and economic burdens associated with treating multidrug-resistant bacteria are substantiated. In this context, P. aeruginosa (PA) emerges as one of the most significant healthcare challenges, being a leading cause of resistance-associated mortality worldwide. Despite modern efforts to combat these poor outcomes, drug-resistant cases continue to rise, and the need for novel antibiotic treatment is apparent. To this end, we investigated relevant resistance mechanisms and past antibiotic targets within PA, and in doing so, we identified relationships between peptidoglycan biology and a periplasmic protein, Inhibitor …

Victory Gardens: Helping On The Home Front, A Curriculum Outreach Project, Kelly Hoomes

Master's Theses

The Victory Garden: Helping on the Homefront traveling trunk outreach project links past, present, and future by introducing students to the historical significance of World War II victory gardens and emphasizing the continued relevance today. Partnering with Kennesaw State University’s Museum of History and Holocaust Education (MHHE), the traveling trunk focuses on a fifth-grade audience, aligning with Georgia Standards of Excellence for Social Studies, Health, and Science. The traveling trunk designed as a “museum-in-a-box" includes primary sources, artifacts, and a practical gardening activity that fosters critical thinking and analysis. By encouraging an understanding of the past and the connections to …

Quantifying The Mechanisms Behind Carbon Sequestration And Soil Health Following Compost Application In A Rangeland Chronosequence, Grace Damaschino

Master's Theses

Compost application to rangelands has the potential to sequester carbon (C) and add essential plant nutrients to the soil. The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Healthy Soils Project (HSP) provides financial support to farmers and landowners to implement innovative practices that promote soil health. The CDFA is currently recommending compost application rates of 6-10 tons per acre; however, previous research suggests that degraded soils may require a larger dose of compost to overcome limitations, therefore this recommendation might not meet soil health or soil carbon sequestration objectives. This study examines the compost rate effects on soil health, while …

Induced Systemic Resistance Against Nematodes By Plant Growth-Promoting Microbes In Potatoes, Cole Grannan

Master's Theses

Biofertilizers consist of plant growth-promoting microorganisms that establish symbiotic relationships with plant roots and stems. These beneficial microbes play a crucial role in enhancing plant defenses against various threats including insects, nematodes, and microbial pathogens. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of two fungal biofertilizers (an endophytic strain of Beauveria bassiana (BA) and a mixture of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi), specifically their ability to induce systemic resistance against plant- parasitic nematodes (PPNs) in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum cv. Masquerade) under controlled greenhouse conditions. The study utilized soil collected from Colorado State University’s San Luis Valley (SLV) Research …

Investigating Nekton Response To Changing Salinities In The Mississippi Sound: An Experimental And Statistical Approach, Adam Murray

Master's Theses

The Mississippi Sound provides nursery habitats for many coastal species and is recognized for its commercial fisheries. Previous freshening events linked to the Bonnet Carré Spillway, a Mississippi River flood diversion structure, proved catastrophic for oyster populations in the Mississippi Sound, but effects on mobile fish and shellfish species are not well-defined. The planned Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion (MBSD), an initiative to combat wetland loss, is also forecasted to lower salinities in the region, increasing the need to better understand responses of commercially and ecologically important species to freshening events. The objective of this study was to characterize effects of salinity …

Geomorphic Assessment And Flow Modeling Of Pearl Darter (Percina Aurora) Habitat In The Pascagoula River Watershed, Malia Davidson

Master's Theses

Freshwater ecosystems are complex ecosystems driven by hydrologic, geomorphic, and biological processes. Considering both abiotic and biotic factors is important to understanding resident species habitat. Geomorphology is a known, but often neglected factor in habitat assessment for freshwater fishes. A crucial feature commonly seen in alluvial stream systems are sandbars, which are dynamic and variable sediment structures that are known to have many associated species. One such species is the Pearl Darter, Percina aurora, a federally threatened species that only resides in the Pascagoula River watershed. Despite its status, habitat preference remains unclear. To fill this knowledge gap, I …

Lack Of Inflammatory Response In Mouse Embryonic Cells To Listeria Infection, Damilola Oyebode

Master's Theses

Approximately 1 in 5 pregnancies in the United States results in miscarriage, with a significant percentage of these losses attributed to failed implantation due to immunological challenges encountered by the early embryo. Recent research has shown that key cell types within mouse blastocysts, including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), exhibit remarkable resilience against the cytotoxic effects associated with viral infections and embryotoxic cytokines, such as TNFα and IFNγ, both of which are known to hinder blastocyst development. However, the immune properties of the preimplantation stage embryo, specifically the blastocyst, remain poorly understood. Using mouse cell model, …

Juvenile And Subadult Gulf Sturgeon (Acipenser Desotoi) Use Of The Pascagoula River Estuary, Sarah Stovall

Master's Theses

Gulf Sturgeon (GS) are an anadromous species currently listed as “Threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. They reside in habitats across the northern Gulf of Mexico including coastal rivers, estuaries, and marine waters, making annual migrations between freshwater and marine habitats for spawning/summer resting and feeding, respectively. Since past studies prioritize adult movement, understanding how and when juvenile and subadult GS use the Pascagoula River estuary (PRE), a complex, bifurcated river delta federally designated as critical habitat is necessary to improve conservation efforts. My thesis assessed juvenile and subadult GS use of the PRE across four years (2020-2024) by analyzing …

3d Printed Microfluidic Fabrication Methodology, Characterization, Mechanical Design, And Applications In Electrostatic Artificial Muscles And Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells, Terak B. Hornik

Master's Theses

The fabrication of microfluidic devices often requires specialized methods. The development of these methods requires careful characterization and understanding of the processes involved. Using primarily PolyJet 3D printing technology, microfluidics offers a wide scope of applications such as microfluidic benthic microbial fuel cells (MBMFCs) and electrostatic artificial muscles. MBMFCs benefit from the confinement of the microbes resulting in close proximity between the electrode and the organisms. Using a modular design called the Sponge, assembly and upscaling is possible. Electrostatic artificial muscles benefit from a microfluidic approach due to the non-linearity of electrostatic attraction creating disproportionate benefits when miniaturized. When designed …

Drivers Of Microparticles Abundance In Freshwater Fish And Macroinvertibrates, Elizabeth Kazmierczak

Master's Theses

Anthropogenic microparticles (MP) (i.e., particles < 5 mm) are defined as materials of manufactured origin found in the environment. They are widespread and a rapidly emerging global contaminant. MP include microplastics (< 5 mm), as well as other microfibers or particles, which can be synthetic, semi-synthetic and non-synthetic. Rivers are a critical source of plastics to oceans, and MP within rivers are retained in part though biological processes, including ingestion. MP ingestion by freshwater biota varies by proximity to point sources (e.g., wastewater treatment plants; WWTP), overall environmental concentrations, and trophic level and functional feeding groups, but few studies have examined these factors together. In our first study we examined fish collected in the North Shore Channel of the Chicago River to determine MP abundance within organisms. We then compared trophic position (i.e., δ15N) and proximity to a WWTP. With all species combined, MP concentration were not significantly different across study sites, but stable isotopes increased downstream. Considered individually, MP abundance relative to WWTP proximity varied by species, which we attributed to habitat preference and mobility. In a second project, we collected macroinvertebrates from three different watersheds in North America and compared the abundance of MP in macroinvertebrates to concentration within the environment (i.e., water column, surface, and benthic). Functional feeding groups were a significant predictor in the amount of microparticles found in macroinvertebrates. Additionally, the concentration of water column microparticles showed a positive relationship with all macroinvertebrate’s microparticle abundance. Results will aid in understanding the ecological impacts of MPs on aquatic food webs and the pathways in which they can enter.

The Effect Of Environmental Pollutants On The Spotted Turtle Gut Microbiota, Roza Gawin

Master's Theses

Heavy metals are a common pollutant from many industrial processes. In addition to the various diseases that these pollutants cause, they can also affect the composition and structure of the gut microbiome of many organisms which is in many cases associated with overall organism health. The effect of these pollutants on the gut microbiota of the spotted turtle is unknown. Here we characterize the gut microbiome of the spotted turtle and explore the effect of various environmental pollutants on its composition. We found significant differences in the composition of the gut microbiome based on turtle sampling location (geographic), turtle sampling …