Biology Commons^™

The Impact Of Sentiment And Misinformation Cycling Through The Social Media Platform, Twitter, During The Initial Phase Of The Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout, Emily Grace Burwell

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

This study assesses the underlying topics, sentiment, and types of information regarding COVID-19 vaccines on Twitter during the initiation of the vaccine rollout. Tweets about the COVID-19 vaccine were collected and the relevant tweets were then filtered out using a relevancy classifier. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) was used to uncover topics of discussion within the relevant tweets. The NRC lexicon was used to assess positive and negative sentiment within tweets. The type of information (information, misinformation, opinion, or question) in tweets was evaluated. The relevancy classifier resulted in a dataset of 210,657 relevant tweets. Eight topics provided the best representation …

Modeling Als-Associated Matrin-3 Toxicity In Yeast, Widad El-Zein

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

ALS is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord leading to progressive paralysis and ultimately death. Perturbations in RNA metabolism and RNA binding proteins have emerged as underlying defects in ALS pathogenesis. Matrin-3 is a multifunctional RNA binding protein that has been linked to familial and sporadic ALS. Matrin-3 is normally found in the nucleus, but mutations in the gene cause mislocalization of the protein from the nucleus into the cytoplasm of neuronal cells where it forms protein aggregates. In this study, we show that over-expressing human MATR3 in …

Measuring Science Teachers' Emotional Experiences With Evolution Using Real World Scenarios, William Lee Romine, Rutuja Mahajan, Amber Todd

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Low acceptance of evolution remains an obstacle to quality biology instruction. We develop and utilize a novel assessment which measures emotional experience in light of real-world evolution education scenarios. We presented 296 science teachers 4 pro-evolution and 8 anti-evolution scenarios and asked them to rate their levels of joy, anger, sadness, fear, disgust, shame, and guilt elicited by that scenario on an ordinal 5-point scale. We used exploratory factor analysis to extract the most important dimensions in the teachers’ responses, Rasch analysis to explore the validity of the extracted subscales, and stepwise regression to find the most important factors driving …

Sensor-Based Prediction Of Mental Effort During Learning From Physiological Data: A Longitudinal Case Study, Ankita Agarwal, Josephine Graft, Noah Schroeder, William Romine

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Trackers for activity and physical fitness have become ubiquitous. Although recent work has demonstrated significant relationships between mental effort and physiological data such as skin temperature, heart rate, and electrodermal activity, we have yet to demonstrate their efficacy for the forecasting of mental effort such that a useful mental effort tracker can be developed. Given prior difficulty in extracting relationships between mental effort and physiological responses that are repeatable across individuals, we make the case that fusing self-report measures with physiological data within an internet or smartphone application may provide an effective method for training a useful mental effort tracking …

Cryptic Constituents: The Paradox Of High Flux–Low Concentration Components Of Aquatic Ecosystems, Malin Olofsson, Mary E. Power, David A. Stahl, Yvonne Vadeboncoeur, Michael T. Brett

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The interface between terrestrial ecosystems and inland waters is an important link in the global carbon cycle. However, the extent to which allochthonous organic matter entering freshwater systems plays a major role in microbial and higher-trophic-level processes is under debate. Human perturbations can alter fluxes of terrestrial carbon to aquatic environments in complex ways. The biomass and production of aquatic microbes are traditionally thought to be resource limited via stoichiometric constraints such as nutrient ratios or the carbon standing stock at a given timepoint. Low concentrations of a particular constituent, however, can be strong evidence of its importance in food …

Depth-Discrete Metagenomics Reveals The Roles Of Microbes In Biogeochemical Cycling In The Tropical Freshwater Lake Tanganyika, Patricia Q. Tran, Samantha C. Bachand, Peter B. Mcintyre, Benjamin M. Kraemer, Yvonne Vadeboncoeur, Ismael A. Kimirei, Rashid Tamatamah, Katherine D. Mcmahon, Karthik Anantharaman

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Lake Tanganyika (LT) is the largest tropical freshwater lake, and the largest body of anoxic freshwater on Earth's surface. LT's mixed oxygenated surface waters float atop a permanently anoxic layer and host rich animal biodiversity. However, little is known about microorganisms inhabiting LT's 1470 meter deep water column and their contributions to nutrient cycling, which affect ecosystem-level function and productivity. Here, we applied genome-resolved metagenomics and environmental analyses to link specific taxa to key biogeochemical processes across a vertical depth gradient in LT. We reconstructed 523 unique metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from 34 bacterial and archaeal phyla, including many rarely observed …

Depth-Discrete Metagenomics Reveals The Roles Of Microbes In Biogeochemical Cycling In The Tropical Freshwater Lake Tanganyika, Patricia Q. Tran, Samantha C. Bachand, Peter B. Mcintyre, Benjamin M. Kraemer, Yvonne Vadeboncoeur, Ismael A. Kimirei, Rashid Tamatamah, Katherine D. Mcmahon, Karthik Anantharaman

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Lake Tanganyika (LT) is the largest tropical freshwater lake, and the largest body of anoxic freshwater on Earth's surface. LT's mixed oxygenated surface waters float atop a permanently anoxic layer and host rich animal biodiversity. However, little is known about microorganisms inhabiting LT's 1470 meter deep water column and their contributions to nutrient cycling, which affect ecosystem-level function and productivity. Here, we applied genome-resolved metagenomics and environmental analyses to link specific taxa to key biogeochemical processes across a vertical depth gradient in LT. We reconstructed 523 unique metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from 34 bacterial and archaeal phyla, including many rarely observed …

Public Discussion Of Anthrax On Twitter: Using Machine Learning To Identify Relevant Topics And Events, Michele Miller, William Lee Romine, Terry L. Oroszi

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Social media allows researchers to study opinions and reactions to events in real time. One area needing more study is anthrax-related events. A computational framework that utilizes machine learning techniques was created to collect tweets discussing anthrax, further categorize them as relevant by the month of data collection, and detect discussions on anthrax-related events. Objective: The objective of this study was to detect discussions on anthrax-related events and to determine the relevance of thetweets and topics of discussion over 12 months of data collection. Methods: This is an infoveillance study, using tweets in English containing the keyword “Anthrax” and …

A Novel Thin-Film Technique To Improve Accuracy Of Fluorescence-Based Estimates For Periphytic Biofilms, Leon Katona, Yvonne Vadeboncoeur, Christopher T. Nietch, Katie Hossler

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Recent studies suggest that photophysiological parameters for intact substrates with depth (e.g., periphytic biofilms, microphytobenthos) are overestimated by pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry. This overestimation results from depth-integration effects, following the activation of deeper photosynthesizing layers by an attenuated light signal. To mitigate this error, we propose a novel slide-based thin-film technique in which fluorescence is measured on a vertically representative subsample of the biofilm, spread evenly on a microscope slide. We compared bias and precision for photosynthetic parameters estimated through conventional PAM fluorometry on intact biofilms and through our novel slide-based technique, both theoretically and empirically. Numerical simulations confirmed the …

Improved De Novo Alignment Of A Girardia Dorotocephala Ma-C2 (2n = 24) Transcriptome, Labib Rouhana, J F. Ryan, Eugene M. P. Almazan

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Improved De novo alignment of a Girardia dorotocephala MA-C2 (2n = 24) transcriptome.

Incorporation Of Feeding Functional Group Information Informs Explanatory Patterns Of Long-Term Population Changes In Fish Assemblages, Jason C. Doll, Stephen J. Jacquemin

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to evaluate long term trends of fish taxa in southern Lake Michigan while incorporating their functional roles to improve our understanding of ecosystem level changes that have occurred in the system over time. The approach used here highlighted the ease of incorporating ecological mechanisms into population models so researchers can take full advantage of available long-term ecosystem information. Long term studies of fish assemblages can be used to inform changes in community structure resulting from perturbations to aquatic systems and understanding these changes in fish assemblages can be better contextualized by grouping species according …

Vertebrate Subfossil Localities In Taylorsville Metropark, Montgomery County, Ohio, Usa, Ryan Shell, Kristin Zimmerman, David Peterman, Charles Ciampaglio, Lauren Fuelling, Stephen J. Jacquemin

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Karst features in the Silurian dolomites of Taylorsville MetroPark (Dayton Metropolitan Area, Ohio, United States) were explored from 2017 to 2018 to identify sites of paleontological interest. Initial landscape surveys recovered 124 skeletal elements (from 12 sites) that were attributed to 17 vertebrate species--including evidence of such extirpated animals as bobcats (Lynx rufus) and rattlesnakes (Crotalus sp.). Of the 12 sites, 9 sites contained remains from the historical era and 3 sites contained much older remains (n = 17) that were radiocarbon dated to approximately 1,400 years before present (YBP). Human remains at one site, butchered bones at another, and …

Evaluating Winter Malting Barley Grain Yield With Fractional Green Canopy Cover, Gregory J. Mcglinch, Stephen J. Jacquemin, Laura E. Lindsey

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Because of growth in the craft brewing industry, farmers in the eastern United States are planting winter malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to meet demands for locally sourced grain. However, given that barley is a relatively new crop in this region, basic agronomic information relating to stand assessment is needed. This is particularly relevant in this region, as climatic variability from extreme temperature fluctuations during the winter and spring can reduce a barley stand, creating the need for farmers to estimate grain yield potential. The objective of the research was to evaluate the relationship between spring stem counts, fractional …

Importance Of Fossil And Archaeological Occurrence Data For Understanding The Evolution And Distribution Of The Freshwater Drum (A. Grunniens)., Stephen J. Jacquemin, Lauren J. Fuelling, G. Stringer, A. Smith, Charles N. Ciampaglio

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Importance And Challenges Of Monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms In Grand Lake St Marys, Stephen J. Jacquemin, M. Morden, C. Ewing, J. C. Doll

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Analyses Of Coyote (Canis Latrans) Consumption Of Anthropogenic Material And Dietary Composition In Urban And Non-Urban Habitats, Audrey A. Hayes

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Coyotes are a generalist species that have adapted to nearly every terrestrial habitat in the United States. The species’ success is heavily attributed to their omnivorous diets and tolerance for environments that are regularly disturbed. Because the larger predator species that typically act as apex predators are sensitive to highly fragmented landscapes, the coyote is the functioning apex predator in many ecosystems where large predators, such as wolves, have been extirpated. The coyotes’ ecological role in urban ecosystems has received much attention in the last few decades as the species’ presence in cities and suburbs has increased, along with human-coyote …

Interleukin-2 Receptor Alpha Nuclear Localization Impacts Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Function And Phenotype, Kristie Nhi Dinh

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Atherosclerosis is responsible for 50% of all deaths in western society and is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases (Pahwa et al. 2020). Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) play a vital role in the development of atherosclerotic plaques; this is due to their ability to proliferate and migrate in response to inflammation and damage to arteries’ inner linings. To further understand what causes these cells to proliferate and migrate, our lab has previously found that VSMC express all three subunits of the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R). Out of these three subunits, IL-2Rα appeared to change the most depending on the phenotype …

Characterizing The Effects Of 14-3-3 Isoforms On Alpha-Synuclein Toxicity In A Yeast Model, Angela Marie Braunschweiger

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The presynaptic protein alpha-synuclein encoded by SNCA is the primary component of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites which are the histopathological hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease. While the etiology of Parkinson’s remains unclear, SNCA mutations and copy number variations are one of several genes linked to Parkinson’s. The family of highly conserved chaperone proteins 14-3-3 have been shown to co-aggregate and share regions of 40% homology with alpha-synuclein. Mitochondrial dysfunction also plays a role in Parkinson’s disease with abnormalities in mitochondrial respiration due to interference of complex I in the electron transport chain being found in Parkinson’s patients. Alpha-synuclein increases fragmentation …

Functional Characterization Of Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus Matrix Protein In Host Cellular Responses, Jeffery Ringiesn

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is a deadly fish pathogen that poses a global threat to aquatic ecosystems and the aquaculture industry. For decades, research has focused on developing vaccine therapeutics utilizing a variety of techniques and strategies. While these studies have met with some success in identifying potential vaccine targets that provided protective immunity, a commercially viable IHNV vaccine is currently unavailable. Here we explore the relationship between the structure and function of the IHNV matrix (M) protein through the introduction of mutations that reduce anti-host effects, with the goal of developing a novel recombinant IHNV with reduced pathogenicity …

Endangered Bat Conservation In Wsu Woods, Olivia Norris, Josh Miller, Mitchell Link, Molly Nelson, Susan Fike

Runkle Woods Symposia

Our project focused on two endangered bat species in the Wright State Woods, the Indiana Bat and the Little Brown Bat. Our presentation covers topics such as general info, social behaviors, current threats, bat boxes, and conservation methods and goals.

Wright State Prairie Expansion, Kailani Sparrow, Reynold Kojo Papa Afful Ephraim

Runkle Woods Symposia

Our plan is to convert the northern edge of Wright State Woods along Kaufman Ave. into a prairie to provide a habitat for pollinator species that are declining due to habitat loss and other factors and to provide a scenic and educational area

Your Mom Isn’T Here To Pick Up After You… In Your Dorm Or On The Rest Of Campus, Madison Glass, Jonathan Hume, Mckenzie Stefanoff, Brandon Butler

Runkle Woods Symposia

Research and the litter that plagues the Wright State University Woods and what we can do about it as a campus community.

Wsu Woods Trail: Recreational Usage, Ada Compliance, Education, And Conservation, Amber Massie, Emily Ramey, Brooklyne Baldwin, Sarah (Sam) Potter, James (Tyler) Retherford

Runkle Woods Symposia

Our group will be discussing the Wright State University Woods. We will reveal tips on how to make the trails in the Wright State University Woods more accessible and ADA compliant as well as how to educate the community about wildlife and plant species in the woods.

The Honeysuckle Issue, Amanda Wibel, Madyson Vanhoose, Ava Jones, Katie Karr, Ashton Shephard

Runkle Woods Symposia

Our group will be discussing the Wright State University Woods. We will reveal tips on how to make the trails in the Wright State University Woods more accessible and ADA compliant as well as how to educate the community about wildlife and plant species in the woods.

Changes In Flowering Times In The Wsu Woods, James Runkle

Runkle Woods Symposia

Many studies have shown flowering patterns and other climate-based phenomena to be in flux. I wish to determine whether changes in first flowering dates can be shown in the Wright State University woods.

Groundwater Quality In Two Semi-Arid Areas Of Algeria: Impact Of Water Pollution On Biodiversity, Redjaimia Lylia, Hadjab Ramzi, Khammar Hichem, Merzoug Djemoi, Saheb Menouar

Journal of Bioresource Management

The biodiversity and quality of subterranean waters were comparatively studied in the Tarf plain near Oum-El-Bouaghi and in the Ksar S’bahi in Oum-El-Bouaghi, in North-eastern Algeria. For this purpose, physicochemical and faunistic analyses were carried out on the water of ten stations located in the area of Tarf, and thirteen in the area of S’bahi. In the wells of Tarf, the average stygobiologic diversity was relatively high in the wells located upstream the dumping site from the city where the groundwater presented low contents of nitrates and orthophosphates. In contrast, the wells located in the spreading zone of Tarf wastewaters …

Survey Of Human-Leopard (Panthera Pardus) Conflict In Ayubia National Park, Pakistan, Muhammad Nabeel Awan, Atif Yaqub, Muhammad Kamran

Journal of Bioresource Management

Wildlife populations are at a risk of extinction mainly because of human-wildlife conflict (HWC). The present study was designed to evaluate the ongoing HWC with special reference to Common Leopard (Panthera pardus) in Ayubia National park through field study as well as a literature-based approach. Questionnaire interview surveys were designed for wildlife officials working in the park and the locals who bear the cost for leopard conflict through livestock depredation and crop damage. The study showed that human-leopard conflict in the study area has been increasing. More than 60% of people considered livestock depredation as the major reason …

Comment: Probably A Good News: Covid-19 Is Not Spreading Fast In Tropical Region Like In Temperate Region, Madeeha Manzoor

Journal of Bioresource Management

My understanding of Covid-19 is that, there are some climatic factors involved in seed spread of this virus. As it started from the area of China which falls under temperate zone, its second victim was Iran’s city Qom which also falls under temperate zone and third is Italy which is completely in temperate zone.

Data from two countries from Temperate zone and three countries from Tropical zone was compared. The days counted from the 100 cases each country reached as day one and further days studied on equal basis.

Nutrient Removal Potential Of Constructed Wetlands In Grand Lake St. Marys Watershed, Stephen J. Jacquemin, Jocelyn Birt, Benjamin Strang, Conner Ewing, Bradley Axe, T. Dirksen

Lake Campus Research Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Constructed wetlands are becoming an increasingly important management tool to reduce nutrient rich agricultural runoff in the Great Lakes region. The objective of this study was to assess the removal efficiency of two constructed wetlands operating on tributaries of Grand Lake St. Marys (Prairie Creek and Coldwater Creek) located in northwest Ohio. Water samples were collected weekly during 2019 year from inflow and outflow points where they were analyzed for nutrient (nitrate-N, total phosphorus, dissolved reactive phosphorus) concentrations following standard EPA colorimetric methods. Overall, while both wetlands experienced high mean nutrient inputs (concentrations in mg/L) across both fall and summer …

Potential Of Pasture Grasses To Reduce Soil Runoff In Simulated Spring Seeding Applications, Aubrey Jaqueth, Stephen J. Jacquemin

Lake Campus Research Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Declines in surface water quality has emerged as one of the foremost environmental, social, and political issues in the Midwestern United States over the past several decades. One of the leading causes of water quality issues in this region has been linked to non-point source surface runoff of soil, nutrients, and chemicals from primarily agricultural landscapes. Surface runoff negatively affects water by facilitating eutrophic conditions and additionally, negatively impacts landscapes by reducing the organic and top soil layers leading to production declines. Thus, best management practices that focus on reducing runoff rates in agricultural acreage are a high priority. The …