Life Sciences Commons^™

A New Species Of Acmaeodera Eschscholtz, 1829 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) From The State Of Michoacán, Mexico, Jason A. Hansen, Richard L. Westcott

Insecta Mundi

Acmaeodera parasuperba Hansen and Westcott, new species (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), from Michoacán, is described, imaged, and its relationship discussed.

Homocopris Burmeister, 1846 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): Lectotype Designation For Copris Torulosus Eschscholtz, 1822, And Correction On The Geographic Distribution Of The Two Chilean Species, José Mondaca, Fernando Z. Vaz-De-Mello

Insecta Mundi

Homocopris Burmeister, 1846 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is a small genus of South American dung beetles composed of four species distributed in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Recently, a neotype was designated for Copris torulosus Eschscholtz, 1822 (currently H. torulosus) based on the assumption that the original type series had been lost. However, this designation is invalid for failing to comply with articles 75.2, 75.3, 75.3.1, and 75.3.4. of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Furthermore, even if it had been nomenclaturally valid, the neotype now loses its type status because we found a syntype in the material of the Johann …

New Species, New Combinations, Synonymies, And Nomenclatural Discussion For Hispaniolan Longhorned Beetles (Coleoptera: Disteniidae, Cerambycidae), Steven W. Lingafelter, Norman E. Woodley

Insecta Mundi

Fifteen new species of longhorned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae, Disteniidae) from Hispaniola (the Dominican Republic and Haiti) are diagnosed, described, and illustrated: Novantinoe pilithorax Lingafelter, new species (Disteniini); Eburiola ciferrii Lingafelter, new species (Eburiini), Eburiola konstantinovi Lingafelter, new species (Eburiini), Elaphidion jaragua Lingafelter, new species (Elaphidiini), Linsleyonides guerreroi Lingafelter, new species (Elaphidiini), Compsibidion iviei Lingafelter, new species (Tropidini: Subtribe Neoibidionina), Hormathus albisetosus Lingafelter, new species (Tropidini: Subtribe Compsina), Trichrous eryphoides Lingafelter, new species (Dichophyiini), Plectrocerum woodruffi Lingafelter, new species (Dichophyiini), Oreodera nearnsi Lingafelter, new species (Acrocinini/Acanthoderini), Acrepidopterum fuscum Lingafelter, new species (Apomecynini), Acrepidopterum giesberti Lingafelter, new species (Apomecynini), Estola touroulti Lingafelter, …

The Effects Of People, Time Of Day, And Season On Affiliative And Stereotypic Behaviors In Captive Rhinoptera Bonasus And Other Rays Across Two Human-Interactive Enclosures, Wren C. A. Newman

Theses and Dissertations

Cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) are among the most common species found in aquaria, yet the impact of touch enclosures on their welfare remains largely unknown. While research on animal-visitor interactions has produced mixed results for other species, the lack of studies focusing on fish welfare poses a risk of overlooking potential welfare concerns. Therefore, we aimed to establish a baseline for cownose rays regarding stereotypic behaviors, sociality, and activity in captivity, and to examine the influence of human interaction on these behaviors. We collected over 700 hours of footage from two enclosures at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ …

Sex Differences In The Diets Of Forest-Dwelling Baboons (Papio Anubis), Kara Hartunian

Theses and Dissertations

The ability to eat and switch between many food sources is an adaptative feeding strategy utilized for meeting nutritional needs across different environments, seasons, and physiological conditions. Baboons (genus Papio) excel at both dietary flexibility and foraging selectively, and consequently have one of the most widespread geographic distributions in the Order. To further expand to our understanding of baboon feeding ecology, I analyzed foraging activity and the nutritional characteristics of the diets of the relatively understudied rainforest baboons (Papio anubis) living in Kibale National Park, Uganda. I also investigated if there are differences in food type choice …

Assessment Of Tripeptides Self-Assembly & Er Stress On Cell Viability And Exosome Secretion In Mda-Mb231, Azmat Parveen

Theses and Dissertations

This study delves into the effects of tripeptides KYpF and WYpK(NBD) on MDA-MB-231 cells, uncovering KYpF's ability to reduce cell proliferation and exosome secretion in peptide treated cells. Conversely, WYpK(NBD) demonstrated significant toxicity at 10 μM. These insights pave the way for optimizing peptide-based cellular treatments for exosome secretion purposes.

Maternal And Other Social Influences On Signature Whistle Structure Of A Captive Group Of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus), Riley Synan

Theses and Dissertations

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are social animals that use acoustics as a major method of communicating across a marine environment. They also live in fission-fusion groups and thus interact with many conspecifics over a lifetime. Individual dolphins have a signature whistle that functions as an identity call and serves to maintain group cohesion in murky waters or during reconciliation. Dolphins exhibit vocal learning and the signature whistle of a calf may be modeled after the whistle of their mother or another individual in the pod as they develop. Mother-calf pairs or other related animals sometimes have similar whistle types. Some …

Assessing Comprehension And Competence In Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus) On The Concept: Do Something Different, Charlotte M. Mulligan

Theses and Dissertations

Many studies have been conducted using a training paradigm based on the research of Pryor et al. (1969) wherein the participants are trained on the abstract concept: do something different. This paradigm challenges working memory and requires the participants to respond with a behavior, either previously trained or novel, which has not yet been offered within the session. The work of Braslau-Schneck (1994) expanded this concept and demonstrated the ability of dolphins to successfully complete this task in synchronized pairs, though the method of accomplishing this task remained unclear. The present research was conducted as part of a broader …

Mapping Urban Tree Canopy Using Publicly Available Satellite Data, Rosemary Mcguinness

Theses and Dissertations

This project addresses the need for accessible, cost-effective tools for quantifying spatial and temporal changes in tree canopy cover in urban areas. Urban tree canopy provides a wide range of ecosystem services, including lowering air temperatures, reducing pollution, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Cities around the world have placed the expansion of their urban forests at the center of their sustainability goals. Consistent and timely data on urban tree canopy is essential for urban greening initiatives to succeed. Existing methods of accessing information about urban tree canopy are highly technical, costly, and labor-intensive, while the freely available source of tree canopy …

Prelimbic Neuronal Ensembles In Natural Reward Seeking, Roger Ian Grant

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

External cues can become powerful motivators of behavior when paired with rewarding stimuli, such as natural rewards or drugs of abuse, as is the case in individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). The dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) has been implicated as a neural substrate which encodes cue-reward associations and has been shown to exert top-down control over both natural and drug reward seeking. We and others have shown that activity within the dmPFC is heterogeneous during reward seeking, with some neurons displaying excitatory responses to reward-predictive cues, and others showing inhibitory responses to the same cues. Furthermore, this response heterogeneity …

G12/13 Signaling In Asthma, Elizabeth L. Mcduffie, Reynold A Panettieri, Charles P. Scott

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Papers

Shortening of airway smooth muscle and bronchoconstriction are pathognomonic for asthma. Airway shortening occurs through calcium-dependent activation of myosin light chain kinase, and RhoA-dependent calcium sensitization, which inhibits myosin light chain phosphatase. The mechanism through which pro-contractile stimuli activate calcium sensitization is poorly understood. Our review of the literature suggests that pro-contractile G protein coupled receptors likely signal through G12/13 to activate RhoA and mediate calcium sensitization. This hypothesis is consistent with the effects of pro-contractile agonists on RhoA and Rho kinase activation, actin polymerization and myosin light chain phosphorylation. Recognizing the likely role of G12/13 signaling in the pathophysiology …

The Role Of Southern Red-Backed Voles, Myodes Gapperi, And Peromyscus Mice In The Enzootic Maintenance Of Lyme Disease Spirochetes In North Dakota, Usa, Michael W. Dougherty, Nathan M. Russart, Robert A. Gaultney, Emily Marie Gisi, Haley M. Cooper, Lindsey R. Kallis, Catherine A. Brissette, Jefferson A. Vaughan

Biology Faculty Publications

Lyme disease has expanded into the Great Plains of the USA. To investigate local enzootic transmission, small mammals were trapped in two forested tracts in northeastern North Dakota during 2012 and 2013. Peromyscus mice and southern red-backed voles, Myodes gapperi, comprised over 90% of all mammals captured. One site was dominated by Peromyscus (79% of 100 mammals captured). At the other site, M. gapperi (59% of 107 mammals captured) was more abundant than Peromyscus (36%). Immature stages of two tick species parasitized small mammals: Dermacentor variabilis and Ixodes scapularis. Larval I. scapularis ectoparasitism was significantly higher on Peromyscus (81% …

Additions To The Knowledge Of The Vietnamese Tiger Beetle Species (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae), Jürgen Wiesner, Christian Kerkering, Miroslav Klícha

Insecta Mundi

Therates tuberosus Fleutiaux, 1893 and Calochroa octogramma octogramma (Chaudoir, 1852) (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) are newly recorded for Vietnam. Ten additional species are reported to have new provincial records in Vietnam.

Range Extension For Pulchriphyllium Anangu Cumming Et Al., 2023 (Phasmatodea: Phylliidae) And First Record From Maharashtra, Gaurang Tawde, Amol Patwardhan, Royce Cumming

Insecta Mundi

Pulchriphyllium anangu Cumming et al., 2023 is here reported for the first time from Maharashtra state, India. Also, this is the first record of a leaf insect (Phasmatodea: Phylliidae) for Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, District Raigad, Maharashtra. This sighting represents the northernmost distribution in the Western Ghats for Pulchriphyllium anangu.

Brca1-Mediated Dual Regulation Of Ferroptosis Exposes A Vulnerability To Gpx4 And Parp Co-Inhibition In Brca1-Deficient Cancers, Guang Lei, Chao Mao, Amber D Horbath, Yuelong Yan, Shirong Cai, Yan Jiang, Xiaoguang Liu, Jun Cheng, Zhihao Xu, Hyemin Lee, Qidong Li, Zhengze Lu, Li Zhuang, Mei-Kuang Chen, Anagha Alapati, Timothy A Yap, Mien-Chie Hung, Mingjian James You, Helen Piwnica-Worms, Boyi Gan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Resistance to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) limits the therapeutic efficacy of PARP inhibition in treating breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1)-deficient cancers. Here we reveal that BRCA1 has a dual role in regulating ferroptosis. BRCA1 promotes the transcription of voltage-dependent anion channel 3 (VDAC3) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4); consequently, BRCA1 deficiency promotes cellular resistance to erastin-induced ferroptosis but sensitizes cancer cells to ferroptosis induced by GPX4 inhibitors (GPX4i). In addition, nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)-mediated ferritinophagy and defective GPX4 induction unleash potent ferroptosis in BRCA1-deficient cancer cells upon PARPi and GPX4i …

Translational Modeling-Based Evidence For Enhanced Efficacy Of Standard-Of-Care Drugs In Combination With Anti-Microrna-155 In Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer, Prashant Dogra, Vrushaly Shinglot, Javier Ruiz-Ramírez, Joseph Cave, Joseph D Butner, Dan G Duda, Caroline Chung, Eugene J Koay, Vittorio Cristini, Bulent Ozpolat, George A Calin, Zhihui Wang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Elevated microRNA-155 (miR-155) expression in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) promotes cisplatin resistance and negatively impacts treatment outcomes. However, miR-155 can also boost anti-tumor immunity by suppressing PD-L1 expression. Therapeutic targeting of miR-155 through its antagonist, anti-miR-155, has proven challenging due to its dual molecular effects.

METHODS: We developed a multiscale mechanistic model, calibrated with in vivo data and then extrapolated to humans, to investigate the therapeutic effects of nanoparticle-delivered anti-miR-155 in NSCLC, alone or in combination with standard-of-care drugs.

RESULTS: Model simulations and analyses of the clinical scenario revealed that monotherapy with anti-miR-155 at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg …

Rosiglitazone And Trametinib Exhibit Potent Anti-Tumor Activity In A Mouse Model Of Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer, Sakina A Plumber, Tiffany Tate, Hikmat Al-Ahmadie, Xiao Chen, Woonyoung Choi, Chao Lu, Ekatherina Batourina, Jiaqi Li, Kristjan Gretarsson, Besmira Alija, Andrei Molotkov, Gregory Wiessner, Byron Hing Lung Lee, James Mckiernan, David J Mcconkey, Colin Dinney, Bogdan Czerniak, Cathy Lee Mendelsohn

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Muscle invasive bladder cancers (BCs) can be divided into 2 major subgroups-basal/squamous (BASQ) tumors and luminal tumors. Since Pparg has low or undetectable expression in BASQ tumors, we tested the effects of rosiglitazone, Pparg agonist, in a mouse model of BASQ BC. We find that rosiglitazone reduces proliferation while treatment with rosiglitazone plus trametinib, a MEK inhibitor, induces apoptosis and reduces tumor volume by 91% after 1 month. Rosiglitazone and trametinib also induce a shift from BASQ to luminal differentiation in tumors, which our analysis suggests is mediated by retinoid signaling, a pathway known to drive the luminal differentiation program. …

Kinesin Facilitates Phenotypic Targeting Of Therapeutic Resistance In Advanced Prostate Cancer, Maddison Archer, Diane Begemann, Edgar Gonzalez-Kozlova, Prerna R Nepali, Estefania Labanca, Navneet Dogra, Natasha Kyprianou

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Understanding the mechanisms underlying resistance is critical to improving therapeutic outcomes in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Previous work showed that dynamic interconversions between epithelial-mesenchymal transition to mesenchymal-epithelial transition defines the phenotypic landscape of prostate tumors, as a potential driver of the emergence of therapeutic resistance. In this study, we use in vitro and in vivo preclinical MDA PCa patient-derived xenograft models of resistant human prostate cancer to determine molecular mechanisms of cross-resistance between antiandrogen therapy and taxane chemotherapy, underlying the therapeutically resistant phenotype. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that resistant and sensitive prostate cancer C4-2B cells have a unique differential …

Meta-Analytical Evidence For Frequency-Dependent Selection Across The Tree Of Life, Miguel Gomez-Llano, Ronald D. Bassar, Erik I. Svensson, Simon P. Tye, Adam M. Siepielski

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Explaining the maintenance of genetic variation in fitness-related traits within populations is a fundamental challenge in ecology and evolutionary biology. Frequency-dependent selection (FDS) is one mechanism that can maintain such variation, especially when selection favours rare variants (negative FDS). However, our general knowledge about the occurrence of FDS, its strength and direction remain fragmented, limiting general inferences about this important evolutionary process. We systematically reviewed the published literature on FDS and assembled a database of 747 effect sizes from 101 studies to analyse the occurrence, strength, and direction of FDS, and the factors that could explain heterogeneity in FDS. Using …

Activated Carbon Derived From Rice Husk Biomass Using Pyrolysis-Assisted Tartaric Acid Activation For Removal Of Reactive Orange 16 Dye: Adsorption Modeling Using Response Surface Methodology, Ahmed Saud Abdulhameed, Ruihong Wu, Abdallah Reghioua, Harun M. Mbuvi, Zaher Mundher Yaseen, Zaharaddeen N. Garba

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

In the current work, rice husk (RH) biomass was pyrolyzed using tartaric acid as an activating agent to produce activated carbon (AC). For 60 min, the procedure was run at 700 °C and 5 L/min of nitrogen (N₂) flow rate. The study used response surface methodology (RSM) and a 3-level Box-Behnken design (BBD) to optimize the extraction efficiency of rice husk activated carbon (RHAC) in eliminating reactive orange 16 (RO16) dye from an aqueous solution. Different process parameters, such as pH (2–12), RHAC dose (0.04 – 0.14 g), and time (60-240 min), were chosen as part of the …

Oil Palm Fronds Activated Carbon Via Microwave-Assisted H3po4 Activation: Box-Behnken Optimization For Crystal Violet Dye Removal, Nur Atirah Shamsudin, Qistina Omar, Ismaniza Ismail, Noor Artika Hassan, Syarifah Abd Rahim, Nur Fazreen Dzulkafli, Ruihong Wu, Soon Kong Yong

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

The extensive use of crystal violet (CV) dyes may cause water pollution. A highly porous and functionalized activated carbon can be used for adsorption of CV dyes. Activated carbon was prepared from oil palm fronds through microwave-assisted pyrolysis and activation with phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) for removal of CV dye from wastewater. The physico-chemical characteristics of oil palm fronds activated carbon (OPFAC) was employed by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis, Scanning Electron Methodology-Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and point of zero charges (pH_pzc). The adsorption parameters such …

Impact Of Some Parameters On The Survival And Proliferation Of Foodborne Pathogens: Escherichia Coli, Bacillus Subtilis, Staphylococcus Aureus, And Streptococcus Pyogenes, Hassan Agha, Ahmed Bashir Sanaalla, Muhanad Abdullah Salim Abdulsamad, Maroua Abderrahmane Salhi, Ghada Abdu-Razzaq Mohammad, Abdulmutalib Alabeed Alkamil Allaq

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Food poisoning caused by foodborne microorganisms is a significant public health concern. This study aims to investigate the impact of several nutritional and environmental parameters on the growth of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococc pyogenes in both model systems and food. The specific impact of temperature, pH, and UV light stress on pathogens.Applying physical stress on microorganisms is a standard method to induce cell inactivation and promote food stability.This study found that the optimal temperature for the growth of these pathogens is between 30°C and 50°C. No growth was observed beyond 50°C, indicating temperature sensitivity; low temperatures …

The Product Of Science, Rolf A.E Mueller

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The relationships between agricultural science, invention, production and consumption are conventionally considered in a hierarchical model with consumption at the basis and science at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. -Two important shortcomings of that model as a basis for organising and manag\ng agricultural research are identified. First, the model does not specify how the direction and intensity of research Is guided in the absence of markets for the outputs from research. Second, the model does not identify the flows of specific information from the consumption and agricultural production sphere to the research sphere where such information is crucial for the …

From Technology Transfer To Resource Management, Janice Jiggins

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Six models of technological innovation are examined. The implications for the roles and functions of research and extension, and of agricultural education systems, are analysed. The models are assessed against issues of gender, natural resource management and poverty, with consideration of who pays, and who benefits. The conclusion is drawn that the Transfer of Technology model is not a generalisable model to all circumstances, clients and policy goals. Client-driven systems and participatory approaches which build partnerships among researchers, extensionists, producers and other users of grassland landscapes, can be more effective and efficient.

Combining Agricultural Agent Training In Forages With Graduate Credit, Garry Lacefield, Jimmy Henning, M Rasnake, C Forsythe, L Davis

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An intensive agent training programme in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production nnd utilisation was initialed in 1990. The training was organised by slate extension forage specialists to meet the needs of agricultural agents. Previous programmes have offered similar training but did nol resull in graduate credit. This unique approach offered intensive training to agents presented by a multidisciplinary learn of scientists. All requirements for graduate credit were met and the course completion resulted in 3 hours of graduate credit. The course has been rated "superior" by students. When properly organised and implemented, intensive agent training can be offered that …

A Grazing Land Conservation Plan, R G. Hendricks

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In a sample planning scenario, a ranching operation in the USA demonstrates a typical conservation problem on grazing lands. Using SCS conservation planning techniques, problems and objectives are identified, resources are inventoried, data are analysed, solutions formulated and conservation practices implemented to solve the resource problem. With use of the economic analysis routine in Grazing Land Applications (OLA) version 1.1 decision suppott software, return on investment was largest when the client installed a combination of rest-rotation grazing, prescribed burning, and initiated a hunting lease programme.

Range Conservation Planning: The Usda- Soil Conservation Service Method, Rhett H. Johnson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The USDA-Soil Conservation Service has responsibility for providing one-on-one conservation planning assistance with the private rangeland managers of over 160 million ha in the USA. This assistance is provided on voluntary basis at the request of the private land user through a local conservation district. Through SO years of experience, a successful planning process has evolved, known as the Ten Elements Of Conservation Planning. These elements are: (1) provide information, (2) request assistance, (3) develop resource inventories, (4) recognise problems and opportunities, (5) determine objectives, (6) develop and evaluate alternatives, (7) make decisions, (8) document decisions, (9) implement decisions, and …

Use Of Objective Planning Techniques In The Development Of Large Livestock Farm In New Zealand, K I. Lowe

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Limestone Downs is a sheep and beef cattle property of 3200 ha near Port Waikato, and provides funds for the C Alma Baker Trust for "the furtherance of the science of agriculture". A development programme slatted in 1981 transformed the farm from an extensive "station" into an intensive farming operation, lifting animal performance and financial returns. This followed the adoption of well-proven and relatively inexpensive modifications to management. Similar programmes should have realistic goals, and established decision rules with priorities. These should be supported by an appropriate monitoring programme and the use of objective data in decision making.

Interdisciplinary Research: A Vehicle For Meeting The Information Needs Of Grassland Producers, Robert O. Burton Jr, K P. Coffey, J L. Moyer, L W. Lomas, P T. Berends

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Representing the major academic disciplines involved in grassland research • agronomy, animal science and agricultural economics the authors discuss the benefits and pitfalls of interdisciplinary research. Factors discouraging interdisciplinary research include: (1) discipline chauvinism, (2) the time and effort required for communications .and co-ordination, (3) inadequate credit for multiple authorship and (4) importance of disciplinary research. However, link among disciplines are necessary because clientele commercially producing forage need information integrating agronomy, animal science, economics and other disciplines. Benefits of interdisciplinary research are ( I) stimulating highly specialised scientists to plan, perform and interpret their research in the context of whole-farm …

Applied Scientific Concepts For Dairy Cows And Crops, J R. Rodgers

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Prom a rural town to a dairy farm, from the halls of ivy to the smooth beauty of contour strips on the land: this paper is a practical application of science and technology transferred, through the life of the author, from the textbook to the bottom line of a financial report at year end. How this transfer of technologies (i.e. alfalfa, manure pits, computers, etc.) was used to develop the workable plan for my dairy farm operation will be addressed in detail in this presentation.