Life Sciences Commons^™

Characterization Of Immune Evasion Properties Of The Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Mc163 Protein, William De Martini

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Poxviruses utilize numerous strategies to prevent activation of the host pro-inflammatory transcription factor, NF-κB. For example, the Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV) expresses several immune evasion molecules that either work directly at the level of NF-κB or IKK, the upstream kinase complex required for canonical NF-κB activation. Presumably these strategies allow MCV to evade host innate immune responses and cause persistent infections. In this dissertation I report the identification of a novel MCV inhibitor of NF-κB activation. Ectopic expression of the MC163 protein in HEK 293T cells resulted in a significant decrease in TNFα- induced NF-κB activation as measured by the …

A "Choose-Your-Own" Classroom-Based Activity That Promotes Scientific Inquiry About Rna Interference, Jeremy L. Hsu

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

RNA interference (RNAi), the process that results in the degradation of a target gene’s mRNA, is a fundamental part of eukaryotic gene regulation and is also an important molecular technique that allows for experimental manipulation of gene expression without altering DNA sequences. Despite the importance of RNAi, there have been relatively few lecture-based activities designed to teach about the consequences of this process and counter common misconceptions. I present here an inquiry-based activity that is centered around a “choose your own experiment” design where students generate hypotheses and critically evaluate their ideas by choosing several simulated experiments. The activity presents …

A Model For The Prediction Of Antimicrobial Resistance In Escherichia Coli Based On A Comparative Evaluation Of Fatty Acid Profiles, Randal S. Stahl, Bledar Bisha, Sebabrata Mahapatra, Jeffrey C. Chandler

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Antimicrobial resistance is a threat to agricultural production and public health. In this proof-of-concept study, we investigated predicting antimicrobial sensitive/resistant (S/R) phenotypes and host sources of Escherichia coli (n = 128) based on differential fatty acid abundance. Myristic (14:0), pentadecanoic acid (15:0), palmitic (16:0), elaidic (18:19) and steric acid (18:0) were significantly different (α = 0.05) using a two-way ANOVA for predicting nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, aztreonam, cefatoxime, and ceftazidime S/R phenotypes. Additionally, analyses of palmitoleic (16:1), palmitic acid (16:0), methyl palmitate (i-17:0), and cis-9,10-methyleneoctadecanoic acid (19:0Δ) showed these markers were significantly different (α = 0.05) between isolates obtained from cattle …

Genetic Taster Status As A Mediator Of Neural Activity And Swallowing Mechanics In Healthy Adults, Angela M. Dietsch, Ross M. Westemeyer, William G. Pearson Jr., Douglas H. Schultz

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

As part of a larger study examining relationships between taste properties and swallowing, we assessed the influence of genetic taster status (GTS) on measures of brain activity and swallowing physiology during taste stimulation in healthy men and women. Twenty-one participants underwent videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during trials of high-intensity taste stimuli. The precisely formulated mixtures included sour, sweet-sour, lemon, and orange taste profiles and unflavored controls. Swallowing physiology was characterized via computational analysis of swallowing mechanics plus other kinematic and temporal measures, all extracted from VFSS recordings. Whole-brain analysis of fMRI data assessed blood …

Microfiber Concentrations In Sand From Nesting Sea Turtle Beaches In Costa Rica, South Carolina, And Florida., Kaylin Leroy, George Boneillo

Honors Theses

Microplastics are an increasing threat to marine environments and the organisms that inhabit them. Since plastic pollution in the ocean is prominent throughout the globe, microplastic is washing ashore, affecting important sea turtle nesting sites. This study quantified microfibers in the sand of various sea turtle nesting sites around the world. Sand samples were collected in Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), Destin (Florida) and the Pacuare Reserve (Costa Rica). The microfibers were retrieved using a super saline solution and then filtered under a hood. Filters were then counted using microscopy. Microfibers were found at every sampling site, with the lowest surface …

Seed‐To‐Seedling Transitions Exhibit Distance‐Dependent Mortality But No Strong Spacing Effects In A Neotropical Forest, Philippe Marchand, Liza S. Comita, S. Joseph Wright, Richard Condit, Stephen P. Hubbell, Noelle G. Beckman

Biology Faculty Publications

Patterns of seed dispersal and seed mortality influence the spatial structure of plant communities and the local coexistence of competing species. Most seeds are dispersed in proximity to the parent tree, where mortality is also expected to be the highest, because of competition with siblings or the attraction of natural enemies. Whereas distance‐dependent mortality in the seed‐to‐seedling transition was often observed in tropical forests, few studies have attempted to estimate the shape of the survival‐distance curves, which determines whether the peak of seedling establishment occurs away from the parent tree (Janzen–Connell pattern) or if the peak attenuates but remains at …

Isolation Of Metrosideros (`Ohi`A) Taxa On O`Ahu Increases With Elevation And Extreme Environments, Elizabeth A. Stacy, Tomoko Sakishima, Heaven Tharp, Neil Snow

Life Sciences Faculty Research

Species radiations should be facilitated by short generation times and limited dispersal among discontinuous populations. Hawaii’s hyper-diverse, landscape-dominant tree, Metrosideros, is unique among the islands’ radiations for its massive populations that occur continuously over space and time within islands, its exceptional capacity for gene flow by both pollen and seed, and its extended life span (ca. >650 years). Metrosideros shows the greatest phenotypic and microsatellite DNA diversity on O`ahu, where taxa occur in tight sympatry or parapatry in mesic and montane wet forest on 2 volcanoes. We document the nonrandom distributions of 12 taxa (including unnamed morphotypes) along elevation gradients, …

Predation Effects On Mid-Marsh Ribbed Mussel Mortality, Cluster Size, And Facilitation Of Cordgrass Growth, Colten Winter, Keith Walters

Honors Theses

Reciprocal facilitation between Geukensia demissa, ribbed mussels, and Sporobolus alterniflorus, cordgrass, has a positive effect on salt marsh ecosystems. Mussel clusters enhance cordgrass growth and drought resistance and cordgrass provides attachment and shade for mussel aggregations. Along with benefits for both mussels and cordgrass, the mutualism facilitates increased biodiversity and shoreline stabilization and enhances marsh ecosystem functions. Aspects of mussel patch configuration including cluster size, perimeter and connectivity modulate the reciprocal facilitation effects of cordgrass and mussels on marsh ecosystems. In a northern South Carolina marsh system, mussel patch configuration positively influenced cordgrass biomass. Predation affected mussel patch …

Potential Arm Preference Within Starfish Species Including Asterias Vulgaris And Luidia Clathrata: A Study And Summary, Rebecca Jones, Young Robert

Honors Theses

Foraging arm preference was tested in two species of starfish: Asterias vulgaris and Luidia clathrata. No evidence was found for a species-wide preference or for a preference by individual sea stars, but trials were impacted by illness and resulting low sample size.

The Relationship Between Exercise And Quality Of Life In Adults In The U.S. Who Suffer From Cystic Fibrosis, April Renae Pitts

Theses and Dissertations

Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening lung condition that affects many yet the knowledge of its existence is very little. There is a relationship between the health and well-being of Cystic Fibrosis patients and physical activity. This research is designed to expand the knowledge on the effects exercise and lung function may have on the quality of life on adults that suffer from Cystic Fibrosis. The researcher also seeks to examine what control and behavioral beliefs might contribute to the intentions of an adult with Cystic Fibrosis exercising regularly while using the behavioral and control belief constructs of the Theory of …

Alanyl-Trna Synthetase Quality Control Prevents Global Dysregulation Of The Escherichia Coli Proteome, Paul Kelly, Nicholas Backes, Kyle Mohler, Christopher Buser, Arundhati Kavoor, Jesse Rinehart, Gregory Phillips, Michael Ibba

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Mechanisms have evolved to prevent errors in replication, transcription, and translation of genetic material, with translational errors occurring most frequently. Errors in protein synthesis can occur at two steps, during tRNA aminoacylation and ribosome decoding. Recent advances in protein mass spectrometry have indicated that previous reports of translational errors have potentially underestimated the frequency of these events, but also that the majority of translational errors occur during ribosomal decoding, suggesting that aminoacylation errors are evolutionarily less tolerated. Despite that interpretation, there is evidence that some aminoacylation errors may be regulated, and thus provide a benefit to the cell, while others …

Embryogenic Cell Suspensions For High-Capacity Genetic Transformation And Regeneration Of Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum L.), Christine A. Ondzighi-Assoume, Jonathan D. Willis, Wilson Kihugu Ouma, Sara M. Allen, Zachary King, Wayne A. Parrott, Wusheng Liu, Jason N. Burris, Scott C. Lenaghan, C. Neal Stewart

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Background

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a North American prairie grassland species, is a potential lignocellulosic biofuel feedstock owing to its wide adaptability and biomass production. Production and genetic manipulation of switchgrass should be useful to improve its biomass composition and production for bioenergy applications. The goal of this project was to develop a high-throughput stable switchgrass transformation method using Agrobacterium tumefaciens with subsequent plant regeneration.

Results

Regenerable embryogenic cell suspension cultures were established from friable type II callus-derived inflorescences using two genotypes selected from the synthetic switchgrass variety ‘Performer’ tissue culture lines 32 and 605. The cell suspension cultures …

Assessing The Blood Meal Hosts Of Culex Quinquefasciatus And Aedes Taeniorhynchus In Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos, Samoa Asigau, Sawsan Salah, Patricia Parker

Biology Department Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

A Self-Marker-Like Protein Governs Hemocyte Allorecognition In Halocynthia Roretzi, Masaki Ema, Taizo Okada, Miki Takahashi, Masato Uchiyama, Hideo Kubo, Hideaki Moriyama, Hitoshi Miyakawa, Midori Matsumoto

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: Self-incompatibility, fusion/non-fusion reactions, and contact reactions (CRs) have all been identified as allorecognition phenomena in ascidians. CR is a reaction characteristic of the hemocytes of Halocynthia roretzi, whereby they release phenol oxidase (PO) upon contact with non-self hemocytes. Thus, these cells may represent a primitive form of the vertebrate immune system. In the present study, we focused on the CR of H. roretzi hemocytes and sought to identify self-marker proteins that distinguish between self and non-self cells.

Results: We initially generated a CR-inducing monoclonal antibody against the complete hemocyte membraneprotein complement (mAb11B16B10). This antibody was identified based on the …

Effects Of Temperature On Enzyme Activity Of Aquatic Litter-Associated Fungi, Nicholas Bautz

Honors Theses

The decomposition of leaf litter in aquatic ecosystems is carried out mostly by microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Fungi, known as aquatic hyphomycetes, dominate microbial communities in the decomposition of leaf litter. These fungi produce extracellular enzymes that aid in the sequestration of carbon and nutrients and lead to the breakdown of complex plant polymers. We evaluated the effects of temperature on extracellular enzyme activity within the framework of the Metabolic Theory of Ecology (MTE). The activity of β-1,4-glucosidase and β-1,4-xylosidase was estimated fluorometrically using artificial substrate analogs. Phenol oxidase activity was estimated spectrophotometrically from oxidation of L-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine). We …

Treehoppers (Hemiptera: Aetalionidae And Membracidae) From Madre De Dios Region, Peru, Chung-Ping Lin, Munetoshi Maruyama, Jo-Fan Wang, Paige E. Miller, Caroline S. Chaboo

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

A list of treehoppers (Aetalionidae and Membracidae) is presented from Madre de Dios region at the southeastern Amazon basin in Peru. The treehopper specimens were collected as by-catch in a survey of the beetles in the Villa Carmen Biological Station and Los Amigos Biological Station. The list comprises 44 species, 31 genera, 16 tribes and 9 subfamilies. Ten genera are new records to Peru. The images of representative specimens of each identified species and genera are provided to facilitate the identification of the local treehopper fauna.

Resumen: Se presenta una lista de los membrácidos (Aetalionidae y Membracidae) de la región …

Commentary: Acute Effects Of Exercise Mode On Arterial Stiffness And Wave Reflection In Healthy Young Adults: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, J. Derek Kingsley, Yu Lun Tai

Health & Human Performance Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Landscape On The Threshold Of Change: Patterns Of Soil Microbial Ecology Along Dynamic Geomorphic And Hydrologic Features In A Polar Desert, Kelli L. Feeser, David James Van Horn, Heather N. Buelow, Daniel R. Colman, Theresa A. Mchugh, Jordan G. Okie, Egbert Schwartz, Cristina D. Takacs-Vesbach, Becky A. Ball, Andrew G. Fountain, Michael N. Gooseff, Joseph S. Levy, Maciej K. Obryk

Biology ETDs

The McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV) of Antarctica are on the threshold of widespread landscape scale change due to increasing temperature and solar radiation and altered hydrology: buried ice is melting, the soil active layer is thickening, thermokarst features are developing along streams, water tracks are expanding, and lake levels are rising. These changes will impact the microbial communities found in each of the affected habitats. The purpose of this work is to first, understand the spatial distribution of soil bacteria in the MDV, specifically investigating the scale-dependent effects of environmental heterogeneity, and second, to perform surveys and coupled experiments to …

‘Am I Turning Into A Man?’ Experiences Of Pakistani Women With Pcos, Rida E Zehra Zaidi

MSJ Capstone Projects

According to the National Institutes of Health, 20 – 25% of all regularly ovulating women have PCOS. This disorder has a range of visible symptoms including excessive weight gain, hirsutism, acne, and hair loss among others. These symptoms make it difficult for women with the syndrome to fit the femininity ideals of the society, as it demands female bodies to be slim, smart, hair less, and to have porcelain skin and regular menstrual cycles. Women with PCOS and other health problems in Pakistan spend all their lives fighting unnecessary battles. This struggle has severe impacts on their physical and mental …

Early Child Development Amid The Pandemic, Zain Saeed Siddiqui

MSJ Capstone Projects

I would like to bring to notice the importance of early child development because the early years are crucial for the development especially the skills that are going to help children succeed in life. Basically, I would like to focus on the natural development of the human being from birth to maturity, enabling children to become the transforming elements of society, leading to a harmonious and peaceful world.

Emotional well-being and social competence provide a strong foundation for emerging cognitive abilities, and together they are the bricks and mortar that comprise the foundation of human development.

Generally, development happens in …

Pengaruh Invigorasi Benih Hanjeli (Coix Lacryma-Jobi L.) Terdeteriorasi Terhadap Mutu Fisiologis Serta Dampaknya Terhadap Hasil, Sumadi, Tati Nurmala

Jurnal Kultivasi

Invigorasi benih merupakan upaya perbaikan mutu benih terdeteriorasi dengan berbagai zat pengatur tumbuh, pestisida yang diperkaya dengan hormon tumbuh, dan agen hayati. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk menentukan substansi yang tepat bagi invigorasi benih hanjeli terdeteriorasi serta dampaknya terhadap hasil biji Benih bermutu tinggi merupakan salah faktor yang mempengaruhi pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman.Percobaan pot dilaksanakan mulai bulan November 2015 sampai dengan Juni 2016 di Kebun Percobaan Fakultas Pertanian, Universitas Padjadjaran, kampus Jatinangor, Sumedang. Percobaan dirancang dengan Rancangan Petak Terbagi diulang tiga kali. Petak utama adalah dua tingkat vigor benih, yaitu benih bervigor sedang (daya berkecambah ± 80%) dan benih terdeteriorasi (bervigor …

Pertumbuhan, Hasil, Dan Kandungan Kromium Kangkung Darat Akibat Kombinasi Macam Dan Dosis Bahan Organik Pada Media Tanam Tercemar, Intan Nurcahya, Noertjahyani, Hudaya Mulyana

Jurnal Kultivasi

Kangkung darat merupakan salah satu tanaman yang dapat menyerap logam berat. Hal ini berkaitan dengan pertumbuhan, hasil, dan keamanan kangkung sebagai bahan konsumsi. Pencemaran lahan pertanian dapat disebabkan dari kegiatan industri, salah satunya yaitu limbah penyamakan kulit yang mengandung logam berat kromium yang mengairi lahan pertanian. Pemberian bahan organik merupakan salah satu cara untuk meningkatkan hasil tanaman kangkung darat dan menyerap logam berat. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kombinasi macam dan dosis bahan organik pada media tercemar kromium penyamakan kulit terhadap pertumbuhan, hasil dan kandungan kromium pada tanaman kangkung darat. Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK) dengan sembilan perlakuan …

Diet And Lifestyle Tips For Better Health Outcomes, Annie Ferreri

All Student-Created Educational Resources

The handout provides an evidence-based overview of a healthy diet and lifestyle for an adolescent. It is intended to provide enough detail to be motivational without resulting in overwhelm. Tips for a successful outcome are provided on the handout.

Healthy Weight Management For Teens, University Of New England Applied Nutrition Program

All Student-Created Educational Resources

This handout has been created to educate teenagers on healthy eating tips and physical activity to maintain a healthy weight across a lifespan.

Healthy Weight Management For Teens, University Of New England Applied Nutrition Program

All Student-Created Educational Resources

This handout has been created to educate teenagers on healthy eating tips and physical activity to maintain a healthy weight across a lifespan.

It’S Your Choice. Create Your Healthy Weight! (A Handout), Micheline D. Cormier

All Student-Created Educational Resources

This handout gives information and tips to achieve a healthy energy balance. It encourages calorie neutral hydration, exercise, fruit, vegetable and whole grain intake as well as cooking at home while creating a positive and healthy environment for continued support.

Mindfully Empowered Health (A Handout), University Of New England Applied Nutrition Program

All Student-Created Educational Resources

This educational handout focuses on delivering the concept of Mindfulness to adolescent young women when choosing healthier food choices alongside appropriate portion sizes recommended by the 2,000 kcal/diet MyPlate Plan. Acknowledging that teen girls have a greater desire for autonomy in their food and exercise choices, the first side educates them on ways to monitor their healthy to not so healthy food choices utilizing the Traffic Light Diet concept. Colorful pictures alongside each section illustrate which choices correlate to “always appropriate”, “pause”, and “stop and think” foods. Portion size control is depicted through everyday objects so that the user can …

Steps For A Healthier Lifestyle (A Handout), University Of New England Applied Nutrition Program

All Student-Created Educational Resources

This handout provides seven tips for leading a healthier lifestyle, including both nutritional and physical exercise tips as found through scientific research.

Pertumbuhan, Hasil Dan Karakter Fisiologis Padi Yang Diberi Pupuk Hayati Pada Pertanaman Kelapa Sawit Belum Menghasilkan I, Annisa Nuraisah, Cucu Suherman, Mira Ariyanti, Anne Nuraini, Mochamad Arief Soleh

Jurnal Kultivasi

ruang terbuka diantara tanaman kelapa sawit belum menghasilkan dapat dimanfaatkan untuk budidaya tanaman pangan, khususnya padi sebagai tanaman sela dalam rangka mendukung program ketahanan nasional. Penelitian dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk memperoleh dosis pupuk hayati yang berpengaruh paling baik terhadap pertumbuhan, hasil, dan karakter fisiologis tanaman padi yang ditanam pada pertanaman kelapa sawit TBM 1 serta melihat dampak penanaman padi sebagai tanaman sela terhadap pertumbuhan kelapa sawit. Percobaan dilakukan di Kebun Percobaan Ciparanje, Fakultas Pertanian, Universitas Padjadjaran, pada bulan Desember 2017 sampai bulan April 2018. Percobaan disusun menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK) yang terdiri dari enam perlakuan dosis pupuk hayati, yaitu …

Mojave Desert Ecosystem Recovery: Potency Of Biotic And Abiotic Restoration Methods In Low Elevation Plant Communities, Mary Amanda Balogh

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The historic and current state of land in the Mojave Desert, including land managed by the National Park Service with fundamental goals of natural resource conservation and preservation, been severely degraded by a variety of anthropogenic disturbances. Due to increasingly sporadic and unpredictable precipitation patterns, land managers struggle to implement restoration projects with high success rates and are resource-limited for post-treatment monitoring. In this study, I examined success rates of biotic (outplanting, seeding) and abiotic (soil manipulation, vertical mulch) restoration treatments on various disturbance types in the creosote-bursage (Larrea tridentata-Ambrosia dumosa), blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima), and Joshua tree woodland (Yucca brevifolia) …