Life Sciences Commons^™

Aprendizaje Activo Y Pedagogía Culturalmente Relevante En Stem: Tres Lecciones Aprendidas Dentro Y Fuera Del Aula, Teresa Patricia Feria-Arroyo

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Uno de los mayores desafíos en la ciencia, la tecnología, la ingeniería y la educación matemática (STEM, por sus siglas en inglés) es mejorar el rendimiento y la retención de estudiantes de diversos orígenes. Existen grandes diferencias entre los logros académicos de los estudiantes de minorías subrepresentadas (EMS) con aquellos que no pertenecen a estas minorías. Las diferencias inician desde el kínder y continúan hasta los estudios de posgrado. El aprendizaje activo y la pedagogía culturalmente sensible/relevante han mostrado resultados exitosos minimizando estas diferencias educacionales. Desafortunadamente, el aprendizaje activo y la pedagogía culturalmente relevante no son métodos comunes de enseñanza …

Spatio-Temporal Modelling Of Tick Life-Stage Count Data With Spatially Varying Coefficients, Thabo Lephoto, Henry Mwambi, Oliver Bodhlyera, Holly Gaff

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

There is a vast amount of geo-referenced data in many fields of study including ecological studies. Geo-referencing is usually by point referencing; that is, latitudes and longitudes or by areal referencing, which includes districts, counties, states, provinces and other administrative units. The availability of large geo-referenced datasets for modelling has necessitated the development and application of spatial statistical methods. However, spatial varying coefficients models exploring the abundance of tick counts remain limited. In this study we used data that was collected and prepared by researchers in the Department of Biological Sciences from the Old Dominion University, Virginia, USA. We modelled …

Effects Of The Air Quality In Equine Stable Environments On The Respiratory Health And Allergy Response Of Human Personnel: A Review, Maeve Hannah Perrin

Honors Theses and Capstones

Many studies have evaluated the impact of poor stable air quality on equine respiratory health and respiratory illness in horses. Many factors contribute to poor air quality conditions in the equine stable environment, including ventilation rates, humidity levels, presence of noxious gases, rate of fungal spore production, and level of airborne organic and inorganic dust particles. While the implications of poor air quality for equine health are well-documented, far less is known about how air quality impacts human stable personnel. This literature review seeks to evaluate the implications of poor equine stable air quality on the respiratory health and allergic …

Expanding On The Involvement Of Primary Cilia In Neurological Function Through Observing Eeg/Emg Changes In Different Genotypic Mice, Gabriella M. Palermo

Honors Theses and Capstones

Primary cilia have been known to regulate neurological functions, as primary cilia exist on astrocytes and neurons in the mature brain. More is being discovered about primary cilia and their role in the vertebrate nervous system; however, little is known about their functions and molecular pathways in the mature brain. There also lacks methods of diagnosis for primary cilia-related defects and diseases. The purpose of this project was to provide more information on the involvement of cilia in the neurological functions and offer a potential means for diagnosis of cilia-related disorders by comparing the EEG and EMG signals of wildtype …

A Rapid Assessment Function To Estimate Common Raven Population Densities: Implications For Targeted Management, Brianne E. Brussee, Peter S. Coates, Shawn T. O'Neil, Seth J. Dettenmaier, Pat J. Jackson, Kristy B. Howe, David Delehanty

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Common raven (Corvus corax; raven) populations have increased over the past 5 decades within the western United States. Raven population increases have been largely attributed to growing resource subsidies from expansion of human enterprise. Concomitantly, managers are becoming increasingly concerned about elevated adverse effects on multiple sensitive prey species, damage to livestock and agriculture, and human safety. Managers could benefit from a rapid but reliable method to estimate raven densities across spatiotemporal scales to monitor raven populations more efficiently and inform targeted and adaptive management frameworks. However, obtaining estimates of raven density is data- and resource-intensive, which renders …

Focus Stacking Images Of Morphological Character States For Differentiating The Adults Of Ixodes Affinis And Ixodes Scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) In Areas Of Sympatry, Robyn M. Nadolny, Marcée Toliver, Holly D. Gaff, John G. Snodgrass, Richard G. Robbins

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Adult females and males of Ixodes affinis and Ixodes scapularis are illustrated by focus stacking image photography, and morphological character states are described that reliably differentiate the two species. In conjunction with other environmental cues, such as the questing phenology of adults, these characteristics will enable the rapid identification of adults of either sex along the southern Coastal Plain of the United States, where these species are sympatric.

Lifetime Reproductive Benefits Of Cooperative Polygamy Vary For Males And Females In The Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes Formicivorus), Sahas Barve, Christina Riehl, Eric L. Walters, Joseph Haydock, Hannah L. Dugdale, Walter D. Koenig

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Cooperative breeding strategies lead to short-term direct fitness losses when individuals forfeit or share reproduction. The direct fitness benefits of cooperative strategies are often delayed and difficult to quantify, requiring data on lifetime reproduction. Here, we use a longitudinal dataset to examine the lifetime reproductive success of cooperative polygamy in acorn woodpeckers (Melanerpes formicivorus), which nest as lone pairs or share reproduction with same-sex cobreeders. We found that males and females produced fewer young per successful nesting attempt when sharing reproduction. However, males nesting in duos and trios had longer reproductive lifespans, more lifetime nesting attempts and higher …

Polar Bear Behavior: Morphologic And Physiologic Adaptations, John P. Whiteman

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Polar bears possess morphologic and physiologic characteristics that reflect their terrestrial lineage as members of the bear family (Ursidae) as well as adaptations to the Arctic marine environment. Among marine mammals, they are the least adapted for aquatic life. They exhibit substantial seasonality in body mass, body condition, and many physiological functions, reflecting the annual cycle of both their Arctic sea ice habitat and the availability of their main prey, ringed seals. This hypercarnivorous diet has likely influenced the polar bear’s craniodental morphology and nutritional physiology. Similar to other marine mammal predators, polar bears exhibit a relatively high resting metabolic …

Differential Effects Of Whole Red Raspberry Polyphenols And Their Gut Metabolite Urolithin A On Neuroinflammation In Bv-2 Microglia, Ashley Mulcahy Toney, Mahaa Albusharif, Duncan Works, Luke Polenz, Stacie Schlange, Virginia Chaidez, Amanda E. Ramer-Tait, Soonkyu Chung

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Whole red raspberry polyphenols (RRW), including ellagic acid, and their gut-derived metabolite, urolithin A (UroA), attenuate inflammation and confer health benefits. Although results from recent studies indicate that polyphenols and UroA also provide neuroprotective effects, these compounds differ in their bioavailability and may, therefore, have unique effects on limiting neuroinflammation. Accordingly, we aimed to compare the neuroprotective effects of RRW and UroA on BV-2 microglia under both 3 h and 12 and 24 h inflammatory conditions. In inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ATP stimulation after 3 h, RRW and UroA suppressed pro- inflammatory cytokine gene expression and regulated the …

Covid-19 Contagion Among Communities With Limited English Proficiency: Lesson From Volunteerism, Falah N. Rashoka M.S

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

The COVID-19 affects all communities in the United States, but its impact differs from one community to another. Undoubtedly, the vulnerable populations are more impacted than others, especially refugees and immigrants. This study seeks to understand the impact of COVID-19 on marginalized communities and the need to communicate health-related information equally. A lesson learned from observation during an ongoing pandemic, including what I learned through my volunteer work between mid-March and August 2020. The study finds that neighbors with limited English Proficiency (LEP) and limited education could quickly transfer the COVID-19 virus to another neighbor with high income and well-educated. …

Serving Refugees In A Pandemic: Insights From Yazidis In The Midwest, Falah N. Rashoka M.S, Megan S. Kelley, Marc A. Garcia

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

There is a critical need for research to examine factors that hinder or facilitate access to healthcare in the context of COVID-19. The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated barriers to healthcare for marginalized communities globally, leaving many without access to needed health services. Resettled refugees, in particular, must grapple with added challenges to locating and obtaining culturally appropriate healthcare services.

Recent focus groups shed light on the experiences of Yazidi refugees in the U.S. Midwest during COVID-19. Yazidis are a historically persecuted religious and ethnic minority group from northern Iraq (Kizilhan, 2017). Many Yazidis migrated to the U.S. on Special Immigrant …

The Effects Of Phosphocreatine Disodium Salts Plus Blueberry Extract Supplementation On Muscular Strength, Power, And Endurance, John Paul V. Anders, Tyler J. Neltner, Robert W. Smith, Joshua L. Keller, Terry J. Housh, F Joseph Daugherty, Michael S. Tempesta, Alekha K. Dash, Daniel J. Munt, Richard J. Schmidt, Glen O. Johnson

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of creatine supplementation for improvements in exercise performance. Few studies, however, have examined the effects of phosphocreatine supplementation on exercise performance. Furthermore, while polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, little is known regarding the influence of polyphenol supplementation on muscular strength, power, and endurance. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of 28 days of supplementation with phosphocreatine disodium salts plus blueberry extract (PCDSB), creatine monohydrate (CM), and placebo on measures of muscular strength, power, and endurance.

Methods: Thirty-three men were randomly assigned to consume either PCDSB, CM, …

Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Optic Fissure Fusion During Zebrafish Eye Development, Megan Weaver

Theses and Dissertations--Biology

Vertebrate retinal development requires timely and precise fusion of the optic fissure. Failure of this event leads to congenital vision impairment in the form of coloboma. Recent studies have suggested hyaloid vasculature to be involved in OF fusion. In order to examine this link, we analyzed optic fissure fusion and hyaloid vasculogenesis in the zebrafish pax2a noi mutant line. We first determined that pax2a^-/- embryos fail to accumulate F-actin in the optic fissure prior to basement membrane (BM) degradation. Furthermore, using 3D and live imaging we observed reduced OF hyaloid vascularization in pax2a^-/- embryos. When examining the connection …

Cellular Bioenergetics Regulates Cell Proliferation During Mammalian Regeneration, Sandeep Saxena

Theses and Dissertations--Biology

Mammalian system consists of stress-sensing molecules that regulates their cellular response against damage, injury and oncogenic stress. During vertebrate regeneration, cells responding to injury re-enter the cell cycle and proliferate to form new tissue. Cell cycle re-entry or arrest is at least partly regulated by cellular senescence which negatively impacts the proliferative pool of cells during regeneration. What remains unclear is whether cells in regenerating systems possess an increased propensity to proliferate and are refractory to signals that induce senescence. My thesis work has focused on how fibroblasts from the ear pinna differentially regulate healing in highly regenerative mammals (e.g., …

Physicochemical And Functional Property Modification Of Myofibrillar Protein By Phenolic Compounds Under Oxidative Stress, Anqi Guo

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Polyphenol-rich spices and extracts of phenolic compounds are widely utilized in meat processing to modify product flavors. Chemically, polyphenols are reactive with myofibrillar protein (MP), the most functional fraction of all muscle proteins responsible for texture development in comminuted meat products. Such protein–polyphenol interaction is prevalent under oxidative conditions that are common in meat processing. As a large group of phytochemicals with diverse structures, phenolic compounds are known to interact with MP with varying efficacies. Yet, the structure-function relationship of polyphenols in eliciting modification of MP is poorly understood. The overall objective of this dissertation research was to elucidate the …

Factors Influencing Mare Milk And Foal Gastrointestinal Health, Morgan Brewer Pyles

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Foals are born lacking a functional microbial community in their gastrointestinal tract (GIT). However, these microbes quickly colonize after birth. Factors influencing the process of microbial colonization and health of the foal’s gastrointestinal tract, such as milk yield and composition, are not well understood. Milk contains non-lactose carbohydrates termed “oligosaccharides”, which serve as prebiotics in human neonates and may serve a similar function in foals. Three animal studies were conducted to evaluate factors influencing mare milk and digestive health in the foal. In experiment 1, bacteria were enumerated and identified in foal feces and the utilization of different carbohydrates by …

The Effect Of Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue Seed Consumption On Gut And Satiety Hormones Related To Intake Regulation In Holstein Steers, Mindy Elizabeth King

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Cattle consuming endophyte-infected tall fescue (E+) typically experience a syndrome termed fescue toxicosis which is thought to be caused by ergot alkaloids produced by the endophyte. The most abundant alkaloid, and considered the most likely cause of the syndrome, is ergovaline (ERV). During fescue toxicosis, a decrease in ADG is observed which is likely due to the decrease in DMI commonly observed in animals consuming E+ compared to animals consuming non-endophyte-infected tall fescue (E-). However, the cause of the decrease in intake is not well elucidated. Many physiological responses control feed intake including, but not limited to, physical, neural, metabolic, …

Impact Of Mineral Supplementation On Intake Behavior And Blood Flow In Growing Beef Cattle Exposed To Fescue-Derived Alkaloids, Hannah Marie Herzing

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Consumption of endophyte-infected tall fescue by cattle has repeatedly been shown to negatively impact dry matter intake (DMI), growth rate, and circulating prolactin concentrations. The objective of the current study was to determine if a mineral supplementation would mitigate the negative effects of fescue-derived alkaloid consumption on feed intake, circulating prolactin, and the vascular system. Twelve Angus crossbred steers were used in a triplicated Latin square design consisting of three 28 d experimental periods. Treatments consisted of three top-dressed mineral supplements (142 g/head/d): a non-medicated control (CON), commercially available Fescue EMT® Mineral Defense (EMT), and a test prototype (EMT 2). …

Influence Of Dietary Manipulation On The Relationship Between Temperament Measures And Growth In Beef Cattle: Endophyte Exposure, Phytogenic Supplementation, And Controlled Feeding, Paul Shanks

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

The influence of dietary factors (including endophyte exposure, phytogenic supplementation, and controlled feeding) on relationships between exit velocity (EV), growth performance in grazing and finishing cattle, and carcass characteristics were explored. Two grazing studies were conducted evaluating EV effects on cattle grazing both toxic and nontoxic endophyte-infected tall fescue. Cattle were followed through two subsequent finishing studies and an additional beef cattle finishing beef cattle study was also conducted. Results from these studies agree with many literature reports indicating that EV measures relate to growth performance and associated carcass traits in beef cattle being fed high energy diets in confinement, …

Impact Of Feeding Foods Containing Industrial Hemp-Derived Cannabidiol On Canine Health And Well-Being, Elizabeth M. Morris

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Anecdotal evidence of beneficial behavioral and health effects of cannabidiol (CBD) use in companion animals has amplified the need to elucidate safety and potential impacts of CBD use. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the impact of industrial hemp-derived CBD administration on canine health and well-being. We hypothesized that CBD would produce beneficial effects on canine behavior without negatively impacting animal health. Dog treats were formulated to include CBD and shown to be palatable across a range of CBD inclusion levels. Dogs were supplemented with CBD treats and subjected to a noise-induced fear response test to assess potential …

The Systematics Of Physaria Sensu Stricto From Wyoming And Surrounding Areas, Jason Ratcliff

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Two genera of Brassicaceae – Lesquerella and Physaria – were recently united on the basis of monophyly. Classically, these genera have been distinguished based on morphology with 'traditional” Physaria species having doubly inflated (didymous) fruits. Molecular data consisting of ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA sequences indicate Physaria has evolved from the larger Lesquerella genus, thus making Lesquerella a paraphyletic grouping as previously described. A revised treatment of the combined Physaria recognized 106 species within the genus, of which 26 taxa occur in Wyoming. Of the Wyoming taxa, those traditionally described as belonging to Physaria (i.e.Physaria sensu stricto) have …

24andmore: Using Genome-Wide Snps To Investigate The Genetic Diversity Of Iowa Walleye (Sander Vitreous) Broodstock, Rachel Ann Mcdonnell

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The stocking of Sander vitreus in Iowa waterbodies is one of the primary tools used by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to ensure healthy populations for enjoyable fishing experiences. A substantial amount of time and money goes into this effort, so stocking efficiency is vital. Knowledge of genetic diversity contained in the broodstock increases this efficiency by having a better understanding of which strain will survive and contribute to the fishery in certain environments. The objective of this study is to investigate the genetic diversity of Iowa S. vitreus broodstock to identify genetic ancestry and quantify the genetic …

Connexin Hemichannel Activation By S-Nitrosoglutathione Synergizes Strongly With Photodynamic Therapy Potentiating Anti-Tumor Bystander Killing, Chiara Nardin, Chiara Peres, Sabrina Putti, Tiziana Orsini, Claudia Colussi, Flavia Mazzarda, Marcello Raspa, Ferdinando Scavizzi, Anna Maria Salvatore, Francesco Chiani, Abraham Tettey-Matey, Yuanyuan Kuang, Guang Yang, Mauricio A. Retamal, Fabio Mammano

Bioelectrics Publications

In this study, we used B16-F10 cells grown in the dorsal skinfold chamber (DSC) preparation that allowed us to gain optical access to the processes triggered by photodynamic therapy (PDT). Partial irradiation of a photosensitized melanoma triggered cell death in non-irradiated tumor cells. Multiphoton intravital microscopy with genetically encoded fluorescence indicators revealed that bystander cell death was mediated by paracrine signaling due to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release from connexin (Cx) hemichannels (HCs). Intercellular calcium (Ca²⁺) waves propagated from irradiated to bystander cells promoting intracellular Ca²⁺ transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to mitochondria and rapid activation of …

The Role Of Reactive Oxygen Species In The Immunity Induced By Nano-Pulse Stimulation, Siqi Guo, Niculina I. Burcus, Megan Scott, Yu Jing, Iurii Semenov

Bioelectrics Publications

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are byproducts of tumor cells treated with Nano-Pulse Stimulation (NPS). Recently, ROS have been suggested as a contributing factor in immunogenic cell death and T cell-mediated immunity. This research further investigated the role of NPS induced ROS in antitumor immunity. ROS production in 4T1-luc breast cancer cells was characterized using three detection reagents, namely, Amplex Red, MitoSox Red, and Dihydroethidium. The efficiency of ROS quenching was evaluated in the presence or absence of ROS scavengers and/or antioxidants. The immunogenicity of NPS treated tumor cells was assessed by ex vivo dendritic cell activation, in vivo vaccination assay …

Seaweeds Polysaccharides In Active Food Packaging: A Review Of Recent Progress, Carina Dietz, Shubham Sharma, Amit Jaiswal, Swarna Jaiswal

Articles

Background

Due to its short lifetime, food packaging leads to a rapid accumulation of plastic in our surroundings and thereby also has a huge impact on environmental pollution. To reduce these effects and create a more sustainable approach towards food packaging, biodegradable and biobased polymers have been developed and are emerging on the market.

Scope and approach

This review provides the current state of research regarding active packaging and the incorporation of seaweed into food packaging. Further, it summarises the resulting consequences of the seaweed incorporation on mechanical, physical, thermal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and chemical properties, as well as the release …

Fine Root Biomass And Production Regarding Root Diameter In Pinus Densiflora And Quercus Serrata Forests: Soil Depth Effects And The Relationship With Net Primary Production, Seung Hyun Han, Seongjun Kim, Hanna Chang, Hyunjun Kim, Jiae An, Yowhan Son

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

This study aimed to examine the effects of soil depth on fine root biomass (FRB) and production (FRP), and determine the relationship between FRP and net primary production (NPP) across two root diameter classes (

Differences Of Flavonoid Structural Genes Preferentially Expressed In Brown And Green Natural Colored Cotton, Öner Canavar, Mark D. Rausher

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

We compared the expression levels of some structural genes involved in the flavonoid pathway between two brown cotton lines (brown 16 and light brown 14) and two green cotton lines (greenish 12 and light green 5). Gene expression levels of six structural genes F3'h (flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase), F3'5'h (flavonoid 3'5'-hydroxylase), Dfr (dihydroflavonol 4-reductase), Lar (leucoanthocyanidin reductase), Ans (anthocyanidin synthase), and Anr (anthocyanidin reductase) were all substantially highly expressed in both brown cotton lines than in green cotton lines. Our study also revealed differences in expression levels between the two brown cotton lines. F3'h and F3'5'h had higher expression in the brown …

Evaluation Of Asparagus Adscendens Accessions For Root Yield And Shatavarin Iv Content In India, Parmeshwar Lal Saran, Susheel Singh, Vanrajsinh Solanki, Ravish Choudhary, Ponnuchamy Manivel

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The study was carried out to evaluate fifty-six accessions/species suitable for industrial purpose. Understanding the bioactive compound diversity among both the shatavari species, Asparagus racemosus (AR) and A. adscendens (AA) are an important species for crop development. Sufficient variation for bioactive compounds (shatavarin IV) were registered in both the species. AR and AA confined average 22.84 μg g-1 and 117.74 μg g-1 shatavarin IV, respectively. The A. adscendens produced about five-folds higher shatavarin IV content as compared to A. racemosus. Wide variation for shatavarin IV content were also observed within the AA accessions. Successful restoration of such species depends upon …

Nutritional And Biologically Active Compounds In Russian (Vir) Brassicaceae Vegetablecrops Collection, Alla Evgenievna Solovyeva, Tatyana Vasilevna Shelenga, Alexey Vasilievich Konarev, Anastasia Borisovna Kurina, Dmitry Lvovich Kornyukhin, Dmitry Andreevich Fateev, Anna Mayevna Artemyeva

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The article presents the results of studying the biochemical composition of the large worldwide vegetable crops collection of the Brassicaceae family, stored at the N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR), St. Petersburg, Russia, consisting of 7303 accessions of different status (approximately 50% unique accessions) from 98 countries. Studied vegetable brassicas collection includes representatives of all botanical varieties, agroecological groups and cultivar types of the species cole crops Brassica oleracea L. and related wild Mediterranean species, leafy and root vegetable crops B. rapa L., leafy and root vegetable accessions of Indian mustard B. juncea Czern. subsp. …

Apple Leaf Disease Detection And Classification Based On Transfer Learning, Cevher Özden

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The world population and the number of people affected by hunger constantly increases. Precision farming offers new solutions to a modern and more fertile production in agriculture. Early and in-place disease detection is one of the fields that recent studies have focused on. The present paper introduces a new approach to transfer learning in that training, validating and testing of the model have been made on images from different sources to see its effectiveness. Several optimization methods including the adaptation of a recent custom PowerSign optimization algorithm are compared in the study. Accordingly, the model with Adagrad optimizer produced more …