Life Sciences Commons^™

Exosomes Serve As Novel Modes Of Tick-Borne Flavivirus Transmission From Arthropod To Human Cells And Facilitates Dissemination Of Viral Rna And Proteins To The Vertebrate Neuronal Cells, Wenshuo Zhou, Michael Woodson, Biswas Neupane, Fengwei Bai, Michael B. Sherman, Kyung H. Choi, Girish Neelakanta, Hameeda Sultana

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Molecular determinants and mechanisms of arthropod-borne flavivirus transmission to the vertebrate host are poorly understood. In this study, we show for the first time that a cell line from medically important arthropods, such as ticks, secretes extracellular vesicles (EVs) including exosomes that mediate transmission of flavivirus RNA and proteins to the human cells. Our study shows that tick-borne Langat virus (LGTV), a model pathogen closely related to tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), profusely uses arthropod exosomes for transmission of viral RNA and proteins to the human- skin keratinocytes and blood endothelial cells. Cryo-electron microscopy showed the presence of purified arthropod/neuronal exosomes …

Experimental Evaluation Of Several Key Factors Affecting Root Biomass Estimation By 1500 Mhz Ground-Penetrating Radar, John C. Bain, Frank P. Day, John R. Butnor

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Accurate quantification of coarse roots without disturbance represents a gap in our understanding of belowground ecology. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has shown significant promise for coarse root detection and measurement, however root orientation relative to scanning transect direction, the difficulty identifying dead root mass, and the effects of root shadowing are all key factors affecting biomass estimation that require additional research. Specifically, many aspects of GPR applicability for coarse root measurement have not been tested with a full range of antenna frequencies. We tested the effects of multiple scanning directions, root crossover, and root versus soil moisture content in a …

Metagomics: A Web-Based Tool For Peptide-Centric Functional And Taxonomic Analysis Of Metaproteomics Data, Michael Riffle, Damon H. May, Emma Timmins-Schiffman, Molly P. Mikan, Daniel Jaschob, William S. Noble, Brook L. Nunn

OES Faculty Publications

Metaproteomics is the characterization of all proteins being expressed by a community of organisms in a complex biological sample at a single point in time. Applications of metaproteomics range from the comparative analysis of environmental samples (such as ocean water and soil) to microbiome data from multicellular organisms (such as the human gut). Metaproteomics research is often focused on the quantitative functional makeup of the metaproteome and which organisms are making those proteins. That is: What are the functions of the currently expressed proteins? How much of the metaproteome is associated with those functions? And, which microorganisms are expressing the …

Phytoplankton Plastid Proteomics: Cracking Open Diatoms To Understand Plastid Biochemistry Under Iron Limitation, Skyler J. Nunn, Phoebe Dreux Chappell, Kristofer Gomes, Anasthasia Bonderenko, Bethany D. Jenkins, Brook L. Nunn

OES Faculty Publications

Diatoms, such as Thalassiosira pseudonana, are important oceanic primary producers, as they sequester carbon dioxide (CO₂) out of the atmosphere, die, and precipitate to the ocean floor. In many areas of the world’s oceans, phytoplankton, such as diatoms, are limited in growth by the availability of iron (Fe). Fe is an essential nutrient for phytoplankton, as it is central in the electron transport chain component of photosynthesis. Through this study, we examined if Fe-limitation makes a significant difference in the proteins expressed within the chloroplast, the power source for diatoms. Here, we utilized a new plastid isolation technique specific …

Protective Effect Of Anti-Phosphatidylserine Antibody In A Guinea Pig Model Of Advanced Hemorrhagic Arenavirus Infection, John M. Thomas, Philip E. Thorpe

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

Objective: Host derived markers on virally infected cells or virions may provide targets for the generation of antiviral agents. Recently, we identified phosphatidylserine (PS) as a host marker of virions and virally-infected cells.

Methods and Materials: Under normal physiological conditions, PS is maintained on the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane facing the cytosol. Following viral infection, activation or pre-apoptotic changes cause PS to become externalized. We have previously shown that bavituximab, a chimeric human-mouse antibody that binds PS complexed with β2-glycoprotein I (β2GP1), protected rodents against lethal Pichinde virus and cytomegalovirus infections.

Results: Here, we determined the antiviral activity …

The Biological Flora Of Coastal Dunes And Wetlands: Avicennia Germinans (L.) L., Robert I. Lonard, Frank W. Judd, Kenneth R. Summy, Hudson R. Deyoe, Richard Stalter

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

Avicennia germinans (L.) L. is a pantropical, subtropical, and occasionally warm-temperate mangrove species that occurs on shorelines that have a broad horizontal tidal range. Also known as black mangrove, stands typically develop under anoxic, water-logged conditions in substrates of silt or clay. Black mangrove can tolerate salinity values ranging from 0 to 90 parts per thousand. Salt is excreted from salt glands on both leaf epidermal surfaces, and aerosol salt spray and salt crystals are frequently observed on the upper leaf epidermis. Avicennia germinans is viviparous. The embryos have no dormancy requirements, and there is no seed bank. This mangrove …

Fish Oil With Higher Dha Content And Voluntary Exercise Decreases Postmenopausal Bone Loss, Jameela Banu, Gabriel Fernandes

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

There is increasing evidence suggesting that fish oil (FO) decreases bone resorption by reducing osteoclastogenesis and regular exercise (EX) increases bone mass. EX is associated with increasing bone formation. Therefore, the combined effects of FO intake and EX may have additive effects by both increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption. To demonstrate this, we studied the effects of FO and EX on the bone of mice after an ovariectomyinduced bone loss.

Twelve months old C57BL/6 female mice were either sham operated or ovariectomized, divided into different dietary and EX group and maintained for 3 months before sacrifice.

The distal …

Efectos Del Cambio Climático En La Interacción Planta-Hormiga: Una Mini Revisión Sobre La Tolerancia Térmica, Florencio Luna Castellanos, Mariana Cuautle, Teresa Patricia Feria-Arroyo, Citlalli Castillo Guevara

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

Sin duda alguna el clima está cambiando debido al aumento de la concentración de gases de efecto invernadero en la atmósfera provocado por la acción humana. Dichos cambios van a tener un efecto importante en algunas actividades humanas tales como la agricultura y también pueden afectar enormemente la distribución geográfica de los organismos vivos y por tanto sus interacciones. Las hormigas y las plantas tienen una larga historia evolutiva de interacción. La actividad de las hormigas y su relación con las plantas en los últimos años ha tenido un número creciente de estudios que están poniendo de relieve su papel …

The Breeding Bird Community Of A Remnant Urban Woodland In Mcallen, Texas, John S. Brush, Alexis Racelis, Timothy Brush

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

We conducted a breeding bird survey of a remnant thorn-forest at McAllen Nature Center in 2015 and 2016 to assess the breeding bird community and compare it to that of a larger, exurban refuge. We recorded 37 territorial species in McAllen Nature Center, including 15 species not reported at the exurban tract. Thirteen of these predominantly used the more open, human -maintained habitats in the northern and western sides of the park. The presence of many common thorn-forest birds, including a subset of the regions “South Texas specialty” species, is encouraging. Small remnant woodlands such as McAllen Nature Center may …

The Effects Of A Worksite Wellness Program On Prescription Claims, Carrie Deann Davidson

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the worksite wellness weight loss program called Weight Loss Matters (WLM) for employees at the University of Kentucky. The three main objectives were to measure the effect of Weight Loss Matters for employees from June 2006 to December 2011 in the following areas (1) prescription claims for hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, (2) weight loss, and (3) food diary compliance. Participants included 591 employees who participated in WLM for at least one session from 2006 to 2011 for whom there were data. This study employed a Quasi-experiment, longitudinal design. Data …

Differences In The Muscle Activity For Baseball Hitters Of Varying Skill, Ethan M. Stewart

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

INTRODUCTION: Muscle activity and timing of the swing phases may contribute to the differences we see in athletes at different skill levels. The purpose of this study is to analyze the differences between mean muscle activity, peak muscle active and time to peak muscle activity for select muscles in the lower extremity as well as the differences between start times for swing phases and bat velocity prior to impact for a skilled and recreational group. METHODS: Twelve healthy subjects were split into two groups based on competitive level and analyzed hitting off of a tee. RESULTS: No significant differences were …

Self-Reported Adherence To Physical Activity For Cancer Survivors: An Update From The 2015 Nhis Database, Andrew Jackson Shearer

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in America. It’s been suggested that regular physical activity (PA) can improve health outcomes in cancer survivors. An estimate from BRFSS data (2009) suggested that 47% of all cancer survivors met recommended guidelines and that this estimate was not different from the population at large (48%). Several factors were examined from these BRFSS data to determine whether subgroups of survivors existed who might benefit from interventions aimed at improving their PA status. The purpose of this investigation was to obtain more recent estimates of adherence to established PA guidelines for cancer survivors. …

Antifungal Genome Mining And Genetics In Filamentous Actinomycete Bacteria Isolated From Local Soils, Jacob Alex, Kevin Lou, Bilal Makhdoom

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Actinomycetes are gram positive, filamentous bacteria that produce useful antibiotics, antitumor agents, and agricultural products. A series of enrichments were undertaken to isolate actinomycetes from local soils, varying enrichment media, antibacterials, and soil treatments (including heat and CaCO3). Isolates were characterized by 16S rDNA sequencing, phenotypic and morphological observations, and antibiotic production. The genetic tractability of select isolates was analyzed using a panel of integrating vectors derived from ɸC31, ɸBT1, and OzzyJ phage using intergeneric conjugation. Further, a semi-degenerate multiplex PCR assay to detect ɸBT1 genomic integrants was designed and tested for the first time. Finally, PCR screens were used …

Structural Integrity And Physical Properties Of Ponderosa Pine Over Time After Death Between Vectors Of Mortality, Edward J. O'Donnell

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

In an era of accelerated climate change, with persistent and increasing disturbance on our landscapes it is important to increase our knowledge of how these natural disturbances effect our lands. This study investigated the changes that take place in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) stems after death when killed by mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) and by fire. Trees killed by mountain pine beetle as well as trees killed by fire were sampled and separated into two age classes, those dead 0-4 years and those dead 4+ years. Data was gathered on the modulus of rupture, modulus …

¬Multilocus Phylogeny Of The Lichen Family Megasporaceae, Tim B. Wheeler

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

The lichen symbiosis is one of the oldest studied mutualisms; in fact, Frank and De Bary coined the term "symbiosis" while studying lichens (Frank, 1877; De Bary 1879). The widespread, stable association between the mycobiont and photobiont in lichens offers an ideal system for the study of co-evolution. The recent application of molecular data to lichens has begun to unveil the complexities involved in these associations (Upreti et al. 2015, Spribille et al. 2016). Lichenized fungi make up a huge fraction of fungal diversity (Nash 2008), yet very little is known of their genetic diversity. Fungal taxonomy is notoriously difficult …

Response Of Amphibian And Invertebrate Communities To Wetland Mitigation In The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Leah K. Swartz

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Wetlands play a critical role in supporting freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem services, but human activities have resulted in large-scale loss and degradation of these habitats across the globe. To offset the decline of wetland area, mitigation wetlands are now frequently constructed, but their ability to replace the functions of natural habitats, including providing habitat for native fauna, remains uncertain. A recent highway reconstruction project in northwestern Wyoming caused impacts to and the destruction of multiple natural wetlands. To mitigate this loss, new wetlands were constructed along the highway corridor. To evaluate the performance of these created wetlands relative to reference …

Environmental Vibration Reduction Utilizing An Array Of Mass Scatterers, A. T. Peplow, L. V. Andersen, P. Bucinskas

All Works

© 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Ground vibration generated by rail and road traffic is a major source of environmental noise and vibration pollution in the low-frequency range. A promising and cost effective mitigation method can be the use of heavy masses placed as an array on the ground surface near the road or track (e.g. concrete or stone blocks, specially designed brick walls, etc.). This work concerns the effectiveness of such "blocking" masses. A semi-analytical lumped-parameter method is utilized, assuming that the blocks are point masses situated on an elastic half-space. The work is enhanced by examples …

Positive Bias In Bird Strikes To Engines On Left Side Of Aircraft, Richard A. Dolbeer, William J. Barnes

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Previous studies have indicated more birds collide with communication towers equipped with red warning lights than with towers equipped with lights of shorter wavelengths. We used the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s National Wildlife Strike Database to determine if a similar relationship exists for turbine-powered jet aircraft with 2 underwing- or fuselage-mounted engines and bird strikes. We compared bird strikes reported to engine #1 (left side = red lighting) or to engine #2 (right side = green lighting) using chi-square tests (α = 0.05). For both underwing- and fuselage-mounted engines, more (P ≤ 0.04) strikes were reported for engine #1 compared …

Best Management Practices In Counting Urban Black Bears, Jonathan L. Fusaro, Mary M. Conner, Michael R. Conover, Timothy J. Taylor, Marc W. Kenyon Jr.

Human–Wildlife Interactions

DNA-based capture-mark-recapture (CMR) techniques are commonly used to obtain population parameters of black bears (Ursus americanus) in rural and wildland landscapes; however, these techniques have not been implemented in urban clusters (i.e., 2,500 to 50,000 residents). Black bears can readily habituate to urban clusters, and wildlife managers need to monitor and manage these urban bear populations. We modified DNAbased CMR for black bear using hair-snares to take into account the small home ranges of urban bears, urban bear behavior, and human safety within Mammoth Lakes, California, USA. We conducted this study for 3 fi eld seasons in 2010, 2011, and …

Effects Of Human State Park Visitation Rates On Escape Behavior Of White-Tailed Deer, Nicholas M. Sutton, Edward J. Heske

Human–Wildlife Interactions

State parks are typically established to preserve natural or native habitats for wildlife while simultaneously providing recreational experiences for humans. However, because of their proximity to urban centers, the level of human visitation associated with state parks may be highly variable. Little information has been published regarding the effect of human visitation levels on wildlife escape behavior in state parks. We evaluated flight initiation distances (FIDs) and buff er distances (i.e., the difference between alert and flight distances) for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; deer) from September 2013 to August 2014 at 3 state parks in east-central Illinois with different human …

Public Geospatial Datasets As An Approach To Maximizing Efficiency In The Collection Of Site Covariates In Wildlife–Vehicle Collision Studies, James A. Vance, Walter H. Smith, Gabrielle L. Smith

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVCs) are a major research focus because of increasing human health and safety concerns and the potential for biological impacts on wildlife. A key component of both understanding the causes of WVCs and designing mitigation measures is the collection and analysis of environmental and roadway data at WVC sites. However, collecting these site data can be logistically challenging and potentially dangerous to researchers. We studied the feasibility and accuracy of using public geospatial datasets, particularly Google Earth and Street View, as an alternative approach to assessing WVC onsite covariates. We randomly selected 50 sites from a larger WVC …

Opinion Bridging The Disconnect Between Agencies And Forest Landowners To Manage Deer Impact, David S. Decalesta

Human–Wildlife Interactions

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are managed at 2 levels: by federal, state, or local resource agencies on large, heterogeneous landscapes usually >200 ha; and by individual property owners on smaller (generallyha) and more discrete forestlands. This dichotomy results in a management disconnect: regulations controlling deer hunting (seasons and bag limits) are developed by agencies for landscapes the size of deer management units (DMU) and often are not sufficiently area-specific to meet management needs of individual forest landowners. Resource agencies manage hunters and regulate deer abundance by controlling harvest within DMUs, and they use license and permit fees paid by hunters …

Loss Of Outer Membrane Porins In Clonally Related Clinical Isolates Of Klebsiella Pneumoniae Modifies The Bacteria; Resulting In Altered Resistance To Phagocytosis By Macrophages, Debra Nickole Brunson

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for lobar pneumoniae, liver abscess, and septicemia. Clinical isolates are found to be extended spectrum beta lactamase positive with differential expression of the two classical porins, OmpK35 and OmpK36. Porin loss is associated with increased minimum inhibitory concentrations of beta lactam, cephalosporin, and carbapenem antibiotics that target the peptidoglycan. However, little is known about how porin loss affects other aspects of the cell envelope. The focus of this study was to characterize clinical isolates exhibiting differential porin expression and determine if the cumulative changes altered the resistance to phagocytosis by macrophages. The results …

A Multibiomarker Analysis Of Pollutant Effects On Atlantic Stingray Populations In Florida’S St. Johns River, John Whalen

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to examine the potential health effects of organochlorine (OC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure on Atlantic stingray populations in Florida’s St. Johns River (SJR). Special emphasis was placed on identifying OC- and/or PAH-related effects in stingrays from areas of the lower (LSJR) and middle (MSJR) basins shown to possess elevated levels of these compounds, as well as characterizing baseline levels of pollutant exposure in the SJR shipping channel, which may be subjected to dredging in the near future, potentially resuspending and redistributing contaminated sediments and increasing pollutant-associated effects. To accomplish this, we measured …

Transcriptional Regulation Of Skeletal Muscle Atrophy-Induced Gene Expression By Muscle Ring Finger-1 And Myogenic Regulatory Factors, Karina Marie Kakareka

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Skeletal muscle wasting occurs as a corollary of numerous physiological conditions, including denervation, immobilization, and aging. The E3 ubiquitin ligases MuRF1 and MAFbx are induced under nearly all atrophy conditions and are believed to play a key role in protein degradation. Data in this thesis provides interesting new evidence that MuRF1 may also act as a transcriptional modulator of atrophy-induced genes or atrogenes. The transcriptional regulation of MuRF1 and MAFbx were characterized using a reporter gene system and exhibited repressed activity in C₂C₁₂ cells overexpressing MuRF1. Furthermore, ectopic expression of the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), MyoD and …

Mercury Accumulation And Effects In The Brain Of Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks (Rhiszoprionodon Terranovae), Samantha L. Ehnert

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Sharks often bioaccumulate mercury (Hg) concentrations in their muscle to levels that threaten the health of human consumers. However, few published studies have examined if the high Hg levels seen in shark muscle also occur in the shark brain, or if Hg accumulation affects shark neurophysiology. Therefore, this study examined if shark brains accumulate significant levels of Hg, if Hg accumulation occurs in certain subcomponents of the brain, and if Hg accumulation is associated with oxidative stress effects on the shark central nervous system, with special focus on the Atlantic sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae). Sharks were collected along …

Prosociality And Risk: How Risky Decision-Making In Young Adults Relates To Altruistic Tendencies, Empathic Concern, And Prosocial Peer Affiliation, Sarah J. Beard

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Adolescence involves an increase in risky decisions, such as reckless driving and illicit substance use, but prosocial characteristics and peer affiliation have yet to be investigated as protective factors. The present study assessed altruistic tendencies, prosocial peer affiliation (PPA), and empathic concern as predictors and moderators of risk-taking, including both self-reported health risks and riskiness in a behavioral task. Young adults from ages 20 to 25 (M = 22.55, SD = 1.38) completed a battery of behavioral tasks (including the Balloon Analogue Risk Task and the Dictator Game) and questionnaires on Amazon MTurk, measuring risk-taking (drunk driving, texting while …

Behavioral And Physiological Assessment Of Zoo-Housed Heterosexual Gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla) Troops With Multiple Silverbacks, Kaylin S. Tennant

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Based on recognized life history traits and ecology, zoos strive to house their gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in mixed-sex groups with one mature male or silverback, multiple females, and their offspring. However, successful captive breeding programs and a nearly 50:50 birth sex ratio has created the need to house surplus males in solitary conditions or all-male groups. It is commonly believed that male western gorillas will not tolerate one another in the presence of females; however, multi-male, mixed-sex groups have been observed in the wild. For this reason, some zoos have begun experimenting with this scenario. At the …

Effects Of Group Selection With Yellow Birch (Betula Alleghaniensis) Retention On The Understory And Sapling Layer In Northern Hardwood Forests, Megan A. Petras O'Neil

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Gap partitioning theory predicts that changes in microenvironment conditions found within a forest opening promote diversity in forest ecosystems. Under this theory we would expect to see variations in tree and understory diversity throughout and surrounding a forest opening. In order to test this theory, we examined manmade openings with legacy-tree retention in a northern hardwood forest located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This work is part of an ongoing study that was started in 2003 with the creation of 49 openings centered on a reserve dominant or co-dominant yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.). The primary objective of …

Impacts To Biodiversity And Ecosystem Services From Bioenergy Development: A Pan American Experience, Colin Phifer

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

As part of a broader project that evaluated the social and ecological sustainability of bioenergy, I studied the effects of bioenergy associated land-use change and management on native bees and birds in two bioenergy-producing countries, the United States and Argentina. In Argentina, I worked in Entre Ríos province where eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) plantations are being planted. These fast-growing trees are replacing pasture and annual crops, the current dominant land use. I surveyed for native bees and birds in pastures/annual crops and large-scale eucalyptus plantations, as well as mixed-use farms and native espinal savannas. Both birds and bees declined in …