Biology Commons^™

Table Of Contents, Michele Harmon

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Salinity, Ph, Temperature, And Dissolved Oxygen On Sensitivity Of Pcr Identification Of T4 Bacteriophage, Joesph F. Cannon, Nicholas A. Thurn, Paul E. Richardson

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Bacteriophages are used as indicators of pathogenic bacteria in drinking, and wastewaters. They also show potential in limiting aquatic bacterial populations through their lytic properties. The effect of different water characteristics (salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature) on the sensitivity of the PCR identification of virus particles were analyzed to determine at what levels bacteriophage can be detected in environmental samples. Results from this preliminary study indicate that a PCR bacteriophage detection technique has potential as a relatively efficient and economical indicator of coliform contamination in multiple aquatic environments. While further evaluation is needed, the protocol appears to function in …

Exploring The Mechanisms Of Allelopathic Interaction In The Invasive Annual Plant, Phyllanthus Urinaria, Alyssa L. Smith, Andrew R. Dyer

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

The belowground mechanisms facilitating invasion and proliferation of non-native plant species into natural communities are of critical importance for understanding plant invasions. Research on allelopathy suggests that some exotic plant species produce compounds via root exudates that may suppress or inhibit the growth of neighboring plants, but the specific mechanisms and consequences of these plant-chemical interactions remain elusive. In an effort to understand the abiotic and biotic factors governing allelopathic activity, a two-part greenhouse experiment was designed to examine plant-soil interactions of the invasive euphorb, Phyllanthus urinaria, and the residual soil effects of these interactions on subsequent growth of …

Dose Dependent Effects Of Caffeine On Cognitive Performance And Neuronal Activation, Stephan Albrecht, Helen Morris, Michelle Vieyra

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Many students assume that the more caffeine you drink, the better your cognitive performance. Over-consumption of caffeine has many negative effects, so if there are no dose related cognitive benefits to large amounts of caffeine, then college students should limit their intake. This study looked at whether ingesting a medium dose (200 mg) versus a lower dose (100 mg) of caffeine improved short term memory as measured by Flanker and n-back tests, compared to a control group. In addition, we looked at whether larger doses of caffeine produced a difference in neuronal activation during these tests as measured by functional …

Fourier Analysis Of Phase Resetting Curves Of Neural Oscillators, Robert A. Raidt, Sorinel A. Oprisan

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

We investigated the impact of changes in biologically relevant control parameters, such as the shape of an external perturbation or the conductance values of an individual model neuron, on the shape of the phase resetting curve (PRC) of that neuron. For that purpose, PRCs were generated for groups of Morris-Lecar (ML) model neurons with different conductance values but similar firing periods (within 0.005ms) using external rectangular, triangular, or trapezoidal perturbations of varying areas. These PRCs were numerically described and analyzed as a series of coefficient values using a Fourier Discrete Sine Transform (DST). We found that changes in the shape …

A Review Of “An Ethical Market In Human Organs,” By Charles A. Erin And John Harris, And A Proposed Solution To The Current Organ Shortage, Rachel Rattenni Fcrh '14

The Fordham Undergraduate Research Journal

In 2005, an Israeli man named Nick Rosen answered an ad in his local Tel Aviv newspaper searching for someone interested in selling a kidney. Through funding from the broker who placed the ad, Rosen was flown to New York and set up with a dialysis patient from Brooklyn. After Rosen and the dialysis patient passed a simple procedure for the screening of illegal organ sales by saying the two were old friends, the successful transplant surgery was performed at the esteemed Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. The Brooklyn resident walked away never again needing to go on …

Diversity Of Cultivable Bacteria Involved In The Formation Of Macroscopic Microbial Colonies (Cave Silver) On The Walls Of A Cave In Slovenia, Blagajana Herzog Velikonja, Rok Tkavc, Lejla Pašić

International Journal of Speleology

Karstic caves often support white, yellow, grey or pink microbial colonies that are termed ‘cave silver’ by speleologists. Using various sample pre-treatments and culture media, a wide variety of bacteria associated with these colonies were recovered from a cave in Slovenia, Pajsarjeva jama. Decreasing the inoculum size resulted in significant increases in viable counts, while pre-treatments had the opposite effect with the exception of microwave irradiation. While all growth media yielded viable counts, the maximal counts were observed on a low-nutrient TWA medium.

Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence of OTU representatives, the majority of the 80 isolates examined …

The Two-Phase Arterial Blood Flow With Or Without A Catheter And In The Presence Of A Single Or Multi Stenosis, Ani E. Garcia, Daniel N. Riahi

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

We consider the problem of blood flow in an artery with or without a catheter and in the presence of single or multi stenosis whose shape is based on the available experimental data for the stenosis in a human’s artery. The presence of stenosis in the artery, which locally narrows portion of the artery, can be a result of fatty materials such as cholesterol in the blood. The use of catheter is important as a standard tool for diagnosis and treatment in patience whose blood flow passage in the artery is affected adversely by the presence of the stenosis within …

Numerical Solution Of Fuzzy Arbitrary Order Predator-Prey Equations, Smita Tapaswini, S. Chakraverty

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

This paper seeks to investigate the numerical solution of fuzzy arbitrary order predator-prey equations using the Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM). Fuzziness in the initial conditions is taken to mean convex normalised fuzzy sets viz. triangular fuzzy number. Comparisons are made between crisp solution given by others and fuzzy solution in special cases. The results obtained are depicted in plots and tables to demonstrate the efficacy and powerfulness of the methodology.

Spread Of Malicious Objects In Computer Network: A Fuzzy Approach, Bimal K. Mishra, Apeksha Prajapati

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

We propose an e-epidemic fuzzy SEIQRS (Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Quarantine- Recovered-Susceptible) model for the transmission of malicious codes in a computer network. We have simulated the result for various parameters and analyzed the stability of the model. The efficiency of antivirus software and crashing of the nodes due to attack of malicious code is analyzed. Furthermore, initial simulation results illustrate the behavior of different classes for minimizing the infection in a computer network. It also reflects the positive impact of anti-virus software on malicious code propagation in a computer network. The basic reproduction number R0 f and its formulation is also discussed.

Grayscale-Image Encryption Using Random Hill Cipher Over Sln(F) Associated With Discrete Wavelet Transformation, D. C. Mishra, R. K. R. K. Sharma

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

Image data are highly sensitive and prone to incidental decoding by intruders. The security of image data in an insecure network is therefore a major issue. In this paper, we have presented a novel approach for grayscale-image encryption and decryption using Random Hill cipher over SLn(F) associated with discrete wavelet transformation. Earlier techniques for encryption and decryption of image data discussed missing the keys, but in this approach, both the keys and the arrangement of RHC are emphasized. Additionally, keys multiplication side (pre or post) over a grayscale-image data matrix also inevitable to know, to correctly decrypt the encrypted image …

Differences In Temperature Responses Of Achene Types In Centaurea Melitensis, Kandee L. Bain

LUX: A Journal of Transdisciplinary Writing and Research from Claremont Graduate University

Southern California has a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and hot dry summers. This type of environment is associated with irregular temperature patterns and rainfall, which can be unpredictable. Unpredictable environments, can threaten the germination and survival of plants like Centaurea melitensis. To ensure germination and survival under unpredictable environmental conditions, some plants may develop characteristic structures like cleistogamous flower heads, and in some cases they will develop heteromorphic achenes. Morphological differences between peripheral and center achenes may indicate variable responses to temperature. Additionally, unpredictable environmental conditions may lead to differences in the number of peripheral to center achenes …

"Are We Not Men?" The Effect Of Cloning On Traditional Theories Of Humanity And Personhood, Michelle Kennedy

Journal of Franco-Irish Studies

No abstract provided.

2013 Annual Meeting Program

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Aspergillosis Of Pseudopterogorgia Americana: Increased Host Range Of Aspergillus Sydowii From The Wider Caribbean, Garriet W. Smith

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Reports of gorgonian diseases have been increasing in the past few years,but, with the exception of Gorgonia spp., the etiological agents responsible are generally unknown. In the summer of 1999, populations of Pseudopterogorgia americana were observed with lesions and galls, somewhat similar to Aspergillus sydowii infections on Gorgonia ventalina, in Bermuda. Surveys of three sites were made, repeated the following two years, and compared with sites in the Bahamas. Microscopic observations of affected tissue and subsequent pure culture studies indicated the pathogen was also A. sydowii. Over half of the colonies at the Bahamas site were affected, but …

South Carolina Mayflies (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) Of Conservation Concern, Luke M. Jacobus

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Abstract: Nine mayfly species (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) that may be of conservation concern in South Carolina are discussed. Three such species associated with sand-bottomed streams are Acanthametropus pecatonica (Burks, 1953), Dolania americana Edmunds & Traver, 1959 and Homeoneuria dolani Edmunds, Berner & Traver, 1958. Three species of potential concern are associated with Hornleaf Riverweed (Podostemum ceratophyllum Michaux, 1803), and they include Barbaetis benfieldi Kennedy, 1985, Heterocloeon berneri (Muller-Liebenau, 1974) and Tsalia berneri (Allen & Edmunds, 1958). Mayflies of slow or stagnant waters that may be of conservation concern in South Carolina include Arthroplea bipunctata (McDunnough, 1924), Macaffertium lenati (McCafferty, 1990) …

Ernest Everett Just, Phd: Pioneer In Ecological Developmental (Eco-Devo) Biology, Katelyn M. Williams, Bryan A. Wilson, Wendi G. O'Connor, Monte S. Willis

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Ernest Everett Just, a pioneering American biologist, discovered the fundamental role of the environment in the development of embryos. His work led to the creation of the area of biology known as ecological developmental (Eco-Devo) biology. However, both his work and the context of his scientific contributions are not widely known. His work covered a diversity of fields of biology, including marine biology, cytology, and parthogenesis (asexual reproduction where growth and development of embryos occur without fertilization). His findings provided important concepts in developmental biology that are used to this day. Specifically, he demonstrated the importance of the cellular cytoplasm …

Science Fiction And The Myth Of Trajectory Evolution, Jocelyn D. Pickreign

The Macalester Review

Stephen Jay Gould first proposed the idea of “iconographies of progress.” Today, one of the most prominent forms of progress iconography is the science fiction story. Science fiction as a genre frequently portrays evolution as a linear trajectory of increasing complexity, and in doing so, furthers a worldview that is not unlike the pre-Darwin understanding of human beings as both the center and the pinnacle of the natural world.

Global Dynamics Of A Water-Borne Disease Model With Multiple Transmission Pathways, Prasanta K. Mondal, T. K. Kar

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

We propose and analyze a water born disease model introducing water-to-person and person-toperson transmission and saturated incidence. The disease-free equilibrium and the existence criterion of endemic equilibrium are investigated. Trans critical bifurcation at the disease-free equilibrium is obtained when the basic reproductive number is one. The local stability of both the equilibria is shown and a Lyapunov functional approach is also applied to explore the global stability of the system around the equilibria. We display the effects of pathogen contaminated water and infection through contact on the system dynamics in the absence of person-to-person contact as well as in the …

Section Abstracts: Biology With Microbiology And Molecular Biology

Virginia Journal of Science

Abstracts of the Biology with Microbiology and Molecular Biology Section for the 91st Annual Virginia Journal of Science Meeting, May 2013

Section Abstracts: Natural History And Biodiversity

Virginia Journal of Science

Abstracts of the Natural History and Biodiversity Section for the 91st Annual Virginia Journal of Science Meeting, May 2013

The Economic Impact Of Commensal Rodents On Small Businesses In Manhattan’S Chinatown: Trends And Possible Causes, Anthony Almeida, Robert Corrigan, Ronald Sarno

Suburban Sustainability

Given the history of well-documented rodent infestations in New York City we were interested in assessing the economic impact of rats and mice on small businesses in The Lower East Side of Manhattan. Via mailed surveys and on-site interviews , we quantified damage to structures, loss of saleable goods and merchandise, the cost of pest-control professionals, and/or self-applied poison/traps. Overall, 16% of business (n = 76) responded to our queries. To those businesses reporting some level of rodent damage, average losses included $513 in merchandise, $726 in pest-control fees, $371 in repair costs to structure, and $125 in do-it-yourself deployment …

Keeping Abreast With Liberal Arts And Science Through Steam, Tanya Rivas, Gregory Knotts

The STEAM Journal

The integrated unit on breast cancer described here includes biological science and visual art standards and was targeted at high school juniors and seniors. The goal was to make a potentially controversial and taboo subject relatable through an art-science approach

Metabolic Rescue Of “Glucose Addicted” Cancer Cells In Vitro, Paolo Vignali

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

Transformations in the glycolytic metabolism of neoplasms modulate their robust cellular division. This characteristic leads to an “addiction” to glucose for continued proliferation and viability. This study investigated whether glucose metabolites could rescue cellular viability in glucose-starvation conditions, a model of the inter-tumoral nutrient-deficient environment. Findings illustrated potential cellular viability rescue with pyruvate addition in glucose-deprived conditions, yet the same potential was not observed with lactic acid, a metabolite that exists at characteristically high concentrations within the intertumoral microenvironment. These results could implicate a predominance of certain metabolic pathways in nutrient-starved cells. Molecular transport capacities across plasma membranes are tied …

Full Issue: Volume 6, Number 2

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

No abstract provided.

Full Issue: Volume 7, Number 1

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

No abstract provided.

Concrete Shroud, Jake Reller, Mariah Tate Klemens

Occam's Razor

Concrete shroud is an exhibition originating from a dialogue between the two artists, culminating in a series of lectures written by Mariah Tate Klemens and Jake Reller.

Community, Culture And Identity In An Age Of Globalization, Katie Wiggins

Occam's Razor

As we move further into the age of globalization, we are seeing changes not only at a global level but at individual and communal levels; changes that we cannot wholly identify but that we recognize in ourselves. We are adapting to a global world, one that is affecting our identity and culture and, as we attempt to hold on to this identity and still converse with a larger world, we ultimately are forced to reshape our identities. Some may wonder what this will mean for the future and to what extent it affects us as individuals and communities. To answer …

Occam's Razor Vol. 3 - Full (2013)

Occam's Razor

No abstract provided.

Fungi Isolated From Niedźwiedzia Cave In Kletno (Lower Silesia, Poland), Rafał Ogórek, Agnieszka Lejman, Krzysztof Matkowski

International Journal of Speleology

Niedźwiedzia Cave is the most beautiful cave in Poland, discovered in a block of Cambrian marbles. It is the most important part of the reserve established in 1977. The cave is located within the Kłodzko Valley, in Śnieżnik Mt. Massif, in Kleśnica Stream Valley and was discovered in 1966 while working in a quarry. The study aimed at first mycological evaluation of the air and the rocks in Niedźwiedzia Cave. Nine species of filamentous fungi and a yeast species were isolated from the air sampled in the cave, whereas from the rocks - nine species of filamentous fungi and two …