Life Sciences Commons^™

Reproductive Ecology And Bee Associates Of Packard’S Milkvetch (Astragalus Packardiae), A Rare Plant Endemic To Southwestern Idaho, Justin R. Fulkerson, C. Lynn Kinter

Western North American Naturalist

Conservation of rare plants is dependent on identifying mechanisms that limit their population or persistence. Successful pollination of flowers is one life history trait that is often limiting in plants occurring in fragmented landscapes. We studied pollinator associates and seed production in Astragalus packardiae (= A. cusickii var. packardiae, Packard’s milkvetch), a narrow endemic that is imperiled as a result of nonnative annual grasses, increased wildfire, recreational off-highway vehicle use, and livestock use. We used pollinator exclusion bags to examine the breeding system of Packard’s milkvetch. We collected and videotaped floral visitors to determine the makeup of the associates …

Temporal Transcriptomic Profiling Elucidates Sorghum Defense Mechanisms Against Sugarcane Aphids, Heena Puri, Sajjan Grover, Lise Pingault, Scott E. Sattler, Joe Louis

Department of Entomology: Faculty Publications

Background The sugarcane aphid (SCA; Melanaphis sacchari) has emerged as a key pest on sorghum in the United States that feeds from the phloem tissue, drains nutrients, and inflicts physical damage to plants. Previously, it has been shown that SCA reproduction was low and high on sorghum SC265 and SC1345 plants, respectively, compared to RTx430, an elite sorghum male parental line (reference line). In this study, we focused on identifying the defense-related genes that confer resistance to SCA at early and late time points in sorghum plants with varied levels of SCA resistance.

Results We used RNA-sequencing approach to …

Quantification Of Influential Surface Fuel Parameters In Fire-Prone Ecosystems Of The Netherlands, Lauren Lara

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Changing climate conditions in northwest Europe present an increasing wildfire risk in the Netherlands. Focus on fuels monitoring in this region is not as extensive as it is in the United States. Accurate estimation of biomass fuel loading is integral to prevention of wildfires which pose a significant risk to both human lives and property. This research project attempted to create predictive models for three major fuel categories (litter/duff, shrub, and downed woody material). Reduction of the number of parameters to measure would streamline the process of fuel load estimation by reducing the number of measurements that need to be …

Molecular Detection And Characterization Of Rickettsia Sp. In Hard Ticks Collected In Nacogdoches, Texas, Haley Nicole Standifird

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The number of cases of tick-borne diseases is increasing in the United States. Many efforts to control ticks have been made and are continuously being developed. These methods include surveillance of ticks and detection of the tick-borne pathogens.This study examined hard ticks in Nacogdoches, Texas, to test for the presence of Rickettsia sp. 47 ticks were collected from vegetation by flagging and their species, sex, and developmental stage were determined using available keys. Individual ticks were processed for nucleic acid extraction and molecular detection of Rickettsia sp. using PCR-based methods. The citrate cynthease gene, 17kDa gene, and outer membrane protein …

Ex Vivo Drug Sensitivity Imaging-Based Platform For Primary Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells, Lauren Rowland, Brandon Smart, Anthony Brown, Gino M Dettorre, Yoshihiro Gocho, Jeremy Hunt, Wenjian Yang, Satoshi Yoshimura, Noemi Reyes, Guoqing Du, August John, Dylan Maxwell, Wendy Stock, Steven Kornblau, Mary V Relling, Hiroto Inaba, Ching-Hon Pui, Jean-Pierre Bourquin, Seth E Karol, Charles G Mullighan, William E Evans, Jun J Yang, Kristine R Crews

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Resistance of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells to chemotherapy, whether present at diagnosis or acquired during treatment, is a major cause of treatment failure. Primary ALL cells are accessible for drug sensitivity testing at the time of new diagnosis or at relapse, but there are major limitations with current methods for determining drug sensitivity ex vivo. Here, we describe a functional precision medicine method using a fluorescence imaging platform to test drug sensitivity profiles of primary ALL cells. Leukemia cells are co-cultured with mesenchymal stromal cells and tested with a panel of 40 anti-leukemia drugs to determine individual patterns of …

Why Feed Seaweed? Tacit And Codified Knowledge Networks In The Dairy Industry, Michelle K. Tynan

Theses - ALL

While demand for dairy products increases globally, dairy cattle and other ruminants emit over a quarter of total methane emissions through enteric fermentation (Carrazco et al., 2020). A potent greenhouse, methane has eighty times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period (Black et. al., 2021). Consumer demand for more environmentally friendly dairy products paired with state climate goals has the dairy industry seeking ways to reduce methane emissions. One proposed solution is to feed algae (e.g., seaweed, kelp) to cows, as some live animal trials have shown it can reduce methane emissions by 80% (Stefenoni et …

The Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) Of Egypt, Gregory A. Evans, S. Abd-Rabou

Insecta Mundi

The Egyptian fauna of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) is reviewed and an illustrated key to the 30 genera and 54 species is provided. Phenacoccus madeirensis Green is reported for the first time in Egypt. A new genus, Ezzatacoccus Evans and Abd-Rabou, is described and illustrated with Amonostherium arabicum Ezzat, 1960 designated as its type species. Octococcus salicicola Priesner and Hosny, 1935 is reinstated as a valid taxon and transferred to Misericoccus Ferris, new combination. Ripersia cressae Hall is transferred to Maconellicoccus Ezzat, new combination and Planococcus lindingeri (Bodenheimer) is transferred back to Formicococcus Takahashi, revised status.

Development Of Telodendrimer Nanocarriers For Daptomycin Delivery, Hao Yue

Theses - ALL

The immune system plays a crucial role in fighting pathogens, but infections can occur if the immune system is unable to overcome them, leading to severe damage and death. Antibiotics and drug delivery techniques have helped save countless lives and improve the quality of life for patients. Daptomycin (Dap) is a powerful antibiotic used to treat gram-positive bacterial infections. However, its hydrophobic nature limits its effectiveness, and it requires the presence of calcium ions (Ca2+) for activation. In this study, a series of telodendrimer (TD) nanoparticle delivery systems were synthesized to improve daptomycin delivery. The TD nanoparticle systems showed effective …

“Money For Food”: A Deeper Look At Food Insecurity And Class Privilege In Higher Education, April Lopez

Theses - ALL

Assumptions around the class privilege of college students are misconstrued. Food insecurity rates among college students (between 20-50%) far outweigh the rate of food insecurity nationally (12%) (Dubick et al., 2016). With the rising cost of tuition, insufficient financial aid, and the growth of first-generation and lower income students entering higher education, an increasing number of college students are struggling to balance paying for tuition and basic needs such as food. This paper looks at how factors such as race, undergraduate year, first-generation status, and employment status impact a student’s likelihood of being food insecure. While most studies focus on …

Development Of Telodendrimer Nanocarriers For Daptomycin Delivery, Hao Yue

Theses - ALL

The immune system plays a crucial role in fighting pathogens, but infections can occur if the immune system is unable to overcome them, leading to severe damage and death. Antibiotics and drug delivery techniques have helped save countless lives and improve the quality of life for patients. Daptomycin (Dap) is a powerful antibiotic used to treat gram-positive bacterial infections. However, its hydrophobic nature limits its effectiveness, and it requires the presence of calcium ions (Ca2+) for activation. In this study, a series of telodendrimer (TD) nanoparticle delivery systems were synthesized to improve daptomycin delivery. The TD nanoparticle systems showed effective …

Catalog Of The World Species Of Trichodesma Leconte, 1861 (Coleoptera: Ptinidae) And Associated Genera, Kyle E. Schnepp

Insecta Mundi

A catalog of the species of Trichodesma LeConte (Coleoptera: Ptinidae) for the world is provided, including synonyms and misspellings. Six additional genera, Anobiopsis Fall, Belemia Español, Nanodesma Zahradník, Nicobium LeConte, Trichobiopsis White, and Trichodesmina Español, are also cataloged for com­pleteness. The species name, author, year, and page number of description are given for each species, as well as references for combinations by different authors. The type depository is given when known, and followed by a “?” when unknown but suspected, and a general distribution is given by region of the world followed by country. Authorship of the genus Trichodesma in …

Biology Of The Sineguelas Leaf Beetle, Podontia Quatuordecimpunctata (L.) (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini), On Spondias Purpurea L. (Anacardiaceae) In The Philippines, Orlando A. Calcetas, Charles L. Staines, Caroline Simmrita Chaboo, Rachel Ann A. Anabo, Monalisa O. Recuenco

Insecta Mundi

Spondias purpurea L. (Anacardiaceae), native to the Neotropical region, is cultivated in the Phil­ippines for the edible fruits and the tree is economically significant. The adventive leaf beetle, Podontia quatuordecimpunctata (L.) (Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini), has become a major defoliating pest of the tree in the country. The Philippines government has initiated study of the pest, now locally called the sineguelas leaf beetle (SLB). This paper reports the results of a one-year field study on the biology of SLB on S. purpurea (red sineguelas), in Batangas City, Philippines. The SLB eggs hatch in 5–7 days. The larval period is 14–16 …

The Sperm-Specific K+ Channel Slo3, A Regulator Of Human Fertility And New Target For Contraception, Maximilian Daniel Lyon

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Sperm from mammalian species are incapable of fertilization at the point of ejaculation. Several maturation steps must take place in the female genital tract that give the sperm the capacity to fertilize, which are collectively called capacitation. The mechanisms behind and interactions between these steps appear to rapidly evolve between species. One of these steps is a hyperpolarization of the membrane to a more negative potential. Human sperm hyperpolarize during capacitation, however the processes that regulate and are regulated by this hyperpolarization remain unclear. This is due in part to discrepancies between what is known about hyperpolarization in other species, …

Mechanisms Of Immunopathology And Protection In Genital Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Infection, Ying Shiang Lim

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Genital Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) infections is a highly prevalent and incurable sexually transmitted disease. Upon infection at the primary genital mucosa, HSV-2 localizes to the sensory ganglia to establish chronic latency. Symptomatic and asymptomatic recurrences can then occur episodically to promote viral transmissions. Painful genital and peri-genital lesions can be formed, increasing the risk for secondary HIV-1 acquisition by three times. Despite being a serious public health risk with severe physiological and psycho-sociological impacts, there are currently no cures or FDA-approved vaccines for this chronic infection. Thus, it is imperative to understand how the immune system interacts with HSV-2 …

Investigating How Sterol Transport Affects Survival Of The Pathogenic Fungus Cryptococcus Neoformans In Host-Like Conditions, Hau Lam Choy

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that has an enormous impact on global health and is the most common cause of meningitis in adults living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. With a mortality rate of 10-75%, cryptococcal meningitis results in over 100,000 deaths per year, comprising 18% of all AIDS-related deaths worldwide. These numbers emphasize the need to understand the basic biology and pathogenesis of this fungus. During infection, spores or desiccated yeast cells are inhaled, resulting in primary pulmonary infection. In immunocompetent hosts, these infections are asymptomatic and are either quickly cleared or remain latent. In immunocompromised patients, …

Ca2+ Dynamics And Genome Protection, Lingzhen Kong

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

DNA replication is a fundamental process and defects in replication can cause genetic mutations and instability and various human diseases including cancer. The progression of replication forks can be challenged by both intrinsic and environmental factors, such as DNA lesions, secondary structure, insufficient nucleotides, collision with the transcription apparatus, radiation, or cancer drugs. These challenges necessitate robust mechanisms to protect the fork structure in the event of replication stress. Tumor suppressors like BRCA1, BRCA2, and FANC can protect fork structure by controlling nucleases that can attack stalled replication forks, which otherwise can cause fork collapse and DNA damage. In addition …

Prescribed Fire Use Among Black Landowners In The Red Hills Region, Usa, Cynthia Twyford Fowler, La’ Portia J. Perkins, Adam Coates, J. Kevin Hiers, Seth W. Bigelow

Faculty Scholarship

The Red Hills Region of southern Alabama, northern Florida, and southwestern Georgia is one of the most prominent areas in the United States for conducting prescribed fire research and is the birthplace of fire ecology. The culture of prescribed burning in the Red Hills has been influenced by multiple ethnic groups, including the Seminole and Creek nations, Black landowners, and White researchers. Given the distinctive reliance of the region on prescribed fire, it is noteworthy that the combined issues of Black land loss, underrepresentation, and incentives for using prescribed fire on private lands in the southeastern United States have generated …

The At-Hook Is An Evolutionarily Conserved Auto-Regulatory Domain Of Swi/Snf Required For Cell Lineage Priming, Dhurjhoti Saha, Solomon Hailu, Arjan Hada, Junwoo Lee, Jie Luo, Jeff A Ranish, Yuan-Chi Lin, Kyle Feola, Jim Persinger, Abhinav Jain, Bin Liu, Yue Lu, Payel Sen, Blaine Bartholomew

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The SWI/SNF ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler is a master regulator of the epigenome, controlling pluripotency and differentiation. Towards the C-terminus of the catalytic subunit of SWI/SNF is a motif called the AT-hook that is evolutionary conserved. The AT-hook is present in many chromatin modifiers and generally thought to help anchor them to DNA. We observe however that the AT-hook regulates the intrinsic DNA-stimulated ATPase activity aside from promoting SWI/SNF recruitment to DNA or nucleosomes by increasing the reaction velocity a factor of 13 with no accompanying change in substrate affinity (K

Proteomic Profiling Across Breast Cancer Cell Lines And Models, Marian Kalocsay, Matthew J Berberich, Robert A Everley, Maulik K Nariya, Mirra Chung, Benjamin Gaudio, Chiara Victor, Gary A Bradshaw, Robyn J Eisert, Marc Hafner, Peter K Sorger, Caitlin E Mills, Kartik Subramanian

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

We performed quantitative proteomics on 60 human-derived breast cancer cell line models to a depth of ~13,000 proteins. The resulting high-throughput datasets were assessed for quality and reproducibility. We used the datasets to identify and characterize the subtypes of breast cancer and showed that they conform to known transcriptional subtypes, revealing that molecular subtypes are preserved even in under-sampled protein feature sets. All datasets are freely available as public resources on the LINCS portal. We anticipate that these datasets, either in isolation or in combination with complimentary measurements such as genomics, transcriptomics and phosphoproteomics, can be mined for the purpose …

Spatial Transcriptomics Of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms Of The Pancreas Identifies Nkx6-2 As A Driver Of Gastric Differentiation And Indolent Biological Potential, Marta Sans, Yuki Makino, Jimin Min, Kimal I Rajapakshe, Michele Yip-Schneider, C Max Schmidt, Mark W Hurd, Jared K Burks, Javier A Gomez, Fredrik I Thege, Johannes F Fahrmann, Robert A Wolff, Michael P Kim, Paola A Guerrero, Anirban Maitra

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas are bona fide precursor lesions of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The most common subtype of IPMNs harbor a gastric foveolar-type epithelium, and these low-grade mucinous neoplasms are harbingers of IPMNs with high-grade dysplasia and cancer. The molecular underpinning of gastric differentiation in IPMNs is unknown, although identifying drivers of this indolent phenotype might enable opportunities for intercepting progression to high-grade IPMN and cancer. We conducted spatial transcriptomics on a cohort of IPMNs, followed by orthogonal and cross species validation studies, which established the transcription factor NKX6-2 as a key determinant of gastric …

Multiomics Analyses Reveal Dars1-As1/Ybx1-Controlled Posttranscriptional Circuits Promoting Glioblastoma Tumorigenesis/Radioresistance, Caishang Zheng, Yanjun Wei, Qiang Zhang, Ming Sun, Yunfei Wang, Jiakai Hou, Peng Zhang, Xiangdong Lv, Dan Su, Yujie Jiang, Joy Gumin, Nidhi Sahni, Baoli Hu, Wenyi Wang, Xi Chen, Daniel J Mcgrail, Chaolin Zhang, Suyun Huang, Han Xu, Junjie Chen, Frederick F Lang, Jian Hu, Yiwen Chen

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The glioblastoma (GBM) stem cell-like cells (GSCs) are critical for tumorigenesis/therapeutic resistance of GBM. Mounting evidence supports tumor-promoting function of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), but their role in GSCs remains poorly understood. By combining CRISPRi screen with orthogonal multiomics approaches, we identified a lncRNA DARS1-AS1-controlled posttranscriptional circuitry that promoted the malignant properties of GBM cells/GSCs. Depleting DARS1-AS1 inhibited the proliferation of GBM cells/GSCs and self-renewal of GSCs, prolonging survival in orthotopic GBM models. DARS1-AS1 depletion also impaired the homologous recombination (HR)-mediated double-strand break (DSB) repair and enhanced the radiosensitivity of GBM cells/GSCs. Mechanistically, DARS1-AS1 interacted with YBX1 to promote …

The Effect Of Outdoor And Indoor Group Exercise Classes On Psychological Stress In College Students: A Pilot Study With Randomization, Raeann C. Bramwell, Aspen E. Streetman, Gina Besenyi

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(5): 1012-1024, 2023. Emerging evidence suggests that outdoor group exercise may reduce stress more than indoor group exercise because the outdoor environment provides unique mental health benefits. Stress leads to illnesses and diseases, but exercise mitigates harmful impacts. This study explored differences in perceived stress and outdoor physical activity participation among college students in an indoor or outdoor group exercise class. Data were collected pre-, mid- (after four sessions), and post-intervention (after eight sessions). Seventeen participants indicated an interest in the study, but 13 signed up. Participants completed a four-week group exercise intervention that met …

Acute Effects Of Different Set Configurations On Neuromuscular, Metabolic, And Perceptual Responses In Young Women, Francisco Dalton-Alves, Lígia Martins, Witalo Kassiano, Mário Simim, Alexandre I. A. Medeiros, Cláudio De O. Assumpção

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(4): 974-986, 2023. We compared neuromuscular, metabolic, and perceptual responses between different resistance training configurations in young women. In a counterbalanced randomized order, 13 young women performed the following protocols in separate sessions (sets x repetitions): traditional (TRAD): 5x10, 90-s of rest interval between sets; more frequent and shorter total rest (FSR): 10x5, 30-s of rest interval between sets. The sessions were composed of leg press exercise with the same intensity. Force (maximum voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) and metabolic (lactate concentration) responses were measured pre- and post-resistance training sessions. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) …

Does Beta-Alanine Supplementation Potentiate Muscle Performance Following 6 Weeks Of Blood Flow Restriction Or Traditional Resistance Training?, Kassiana De Araujo Pessoa, Jason Michael Cholewa, Rayssa Sousa-Silva, Xia Zhi, Alessandro M. Zagatto, Antonio Herbert Lancha-Jr, Jakob D. Lauver, Fabricio Eduardo Rossi, Nelo Zanchi

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(2): 999-1011, 2023. We aimed to compare the effects of beta-alanine on Traditional Resistance Training (TRAD) or Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR). Methods: 19 subjects were randomly allocated to a Placebo (n = 10) or beta-alanine (n = 9) group. Subjects from both groups were trained unilaterally (unilateral arm curl) for six weeks, and each arm was trained using a different paradigm (BFR or TRAD). One repetition maximum (1RM) test measurements were performed before and after the strength training program. Work output was accessed as the total weight lifted (repetitions × weight lifted …

A New, Simple And Practical Approach To Increase The Effects Of Aerobic Exercise On Serum Levels Of Neurotrophic Factors In Adult Males, Mahdi Bahramnejad, Vahid Valipour Dehnou, Rasoul Eslami

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(2): 932-941, 2023. Environmental enrichment (EE) is defined as a combination of complex inanimate and social stimulation. Physical activity and EE may augment the beneficial effects of each other. This study aimed to assess the effects of running in an enriched environment on neurotrophic factors in adult males. Twelve volunteer adult males (age 26.75 ± 5.34 yrs, body mass 70.72 ± 8.61 kg, height 172.50 ± 5.68 cm, VO_2max 56.8 ± 2.93) completed two sessions, each consisted of one hour of running at an intensity of 12-13 on the Borg Scale. One session was …

Performance Kinetics During Repeated Sprints Is Influenced By Knowledge Of Task Endpoint And Associated Peripheral Fatigue, François Billaut, Marie R. Demers, Andrew Hibbert

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(1): 987-998, 2023. The regulation of exercise intensity allows an athlete to perform an exercise in the fastest possible time while avoiding debilitating neuromuscular fatigue development. This phenomenon is less studied during intermittent activities. To investigate anticipatory and real-time regulation of motor output and neuromuscular fatigue during repeated-sprint exercise, twelve males randomly performed one (S1), two (S2), four (S4) and six (S6) sets of five 5-s cycling sprints. Mechanical work and electromyographic activity were assessed during sprints. Potentiated quadriceps twitch force (ΔQ_tw,pot) and central activation ratio (Q_CAR) were quantified from response …

The Effects Of Postural Education Or Corrective Exercise On The Craniovertebral Angle In Young Adults With Forward Head Posture: A Randomized Controlled Trial, David A. Titcomb, Bridget F. Melton, Theresa Miyashita, Helen W. Bland

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(1): 954-973, 2023. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of three different intervention strategies, postural education (PE) and two corrective exercise programs (CEPs), on the craniovertebral angle (CVA) in young adults with forward head posture (FHP). A prospective four-arm parallel randomized controlled trial with repeated measures was performed. Seventy-nine healthy young adults (55 women, 24 men; mean age: 20.08 ± 2.19 years) with FHP were randomized into four groups: PE group, self-myofascial release + stretching group (SMRS), self-myofascial release + stretching + strengthening group (SMRSS), and a control group (CG). Participant …

Increasing Trunk Mass Evokes Lower Extremity Biomechanical Plasticity During Stair Descent, Alexis Nelson, Hailey Fong, Alex Carnall, Melissa J. Puppa, Derek Beeler, Cris Stickley, William M. Mihalko, Douglas W. Powell

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(1): 942-953, 2023. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of simulated changes in body mass on lower extremity joint work and relative joint contributions during stair descent. Ten healthy recreationally active college-age participants performed five stair descent trials in each of five loading conditions: no added load and with an additional 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of their body weight. Three-dimensional ankle, knee and hip joint powers were calculated using a six degree-of-freedom model in Visual3D (C-Motion Inc., Germantown, MD, USA). Sagittal plane joint work was calculated as the joint power …

Mosca Linterna Moteada, Lori R. Spears, Ann Mull, Celina Wille, Marion Murray

All Current Publications

La mosca linterna moteada es una nueva saltahojas invasiva en Norteamérica. Es originaria del norte de China y se ha extendido a otras partes de Asia, incluidos Vietnam, Japón y Corea del Sur, donde está causando daños significativos a la vid.

Escarabajo Japonés, Lori Spears, Diane Alston, Marion Murray, Joey Caputo, Kristopher Watson, Celina Wille

All Current Publications

El escarabajo Japonés es una plaga invasora que puede ser muy destructiva para plantas ornamentales, árboles, arbustos, césped, y algunas frutas y hortalizas. El EJ probablemente se introdujo desde Japón al este de los EE. UU. en 1916 durante envíos de plantas ornamentales. Ahora está establecido en la mayoría de los estados del este y algunos del medio oeste.