Biology Commons^™

Intraspecific Variation In Carapace Morphology Among Fiddler Crabs (Genus Uca) From The Atlantic Coast Of Brazil, Kelsey R. Hampton, Melanie J. Hopkins, John C. Mcnamara, Carl L. Thurman

Faculty Work

Isolation due to geographical barriers should promote genetic and morphological divergence among populations. Marine currents flowing in opposing directions along landmasses can constitute barriers that isolate populations dependent upon aquatic dispersal. The distribution of fiddler crabs (genus Uca) is regulated primarily by the oceanic transport of their planktonic larvae and by available adult habitat. Along the Brazilian coast of eastern South America, the flow of 2 major oceanic currents separates northern from southern Uca populations, which may promote intraspecific divergence in ‘trans-Brazilian’ species. Populations of 10 Uca species were sampled at 64 locations north and south of the Ponta …

Targeted Cytotoxic Therapy Kills Persisting Hiv Infected Cells During Art, Paul W. Denton, Julie M. Long, Stephen W. Wietgrefe, Craig Sykes, Rae Ann Spagnuolo, Olivia D. Snyder, Katherine Perkey, Nancie M. Archin, Shailesh K. Choudhary, Kuo Yang, Michael G. Hudgens, Ira Pastan, Ashley T. Haase, Angela D. Kashuba, Edward A. Berger, David M. Margolis, J. Victor Garcia

Biology Faculty Publications

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can reduce HIV levels in plasma to undetectable levels, but rather little is known about the effects of ART outside of the peripheral blood regarding persistent virus production in tissue reservoirs. Understanding the dynamics of ART-induced reductions in viral RNA (vRNA) levels throughout the body is important for the development of strategies to eradicate infectious HIV from patients. Essential to a successful eradication therapy is a component capable of killing persisting HIV infected cells during ART. Therefore, we determined the in vivo efficacy of a targeted cytotoxic therapy to kill infected cells that persist despite long-term ART. …

Warming, Soil Moisture, And Loss Of Snow Increase Bromus Tectorum’S Population Growth Rate, Aldo Compagnoni, Peter B. Adler

Green Canyon Environmental Research Area, Logan Utah

Climate change threatens to exacerbate the impacts of invasive species. In temperate ecosystems, direct effects of warming may be compounded by dramatic reductions in winter snow cover. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is arguably the most destructive biological invader in basins of the North American Intermountain West, and warming could increase its performance through direct effects on demographic rates or through indirect effects mediated by loss of snow. We conducted a two-year experimental manipulation of temperature and snow pack to test whether 1) warming increases cheatgrass population growth rate and 2) reduced snow cover contributes to cheatgrass’ positive response to …

Diffuse Brain Injury Induces Acute Post-Traumatic Sleep, Rachel K. Rowe, Martin Striz, Adam D. Bachstetter, Linda J. Van Eldik, Kevin D. Donohue, Bruce F. O'Hara, Jonathan Lifshitz

Biology Faculty Publications

Objective

Clinical observations report excessive sleepiness immediately following traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, there is a lack of experimental evidence to support or refute the benefit of sleep following a brain injury. The aim of this study is to investigate acute post-traumatic sleep.

Methods

Sham, mild or moderate diffuse TBI was induced by midline fluid percussion injury (mFPI) in male C57BL/6J mice at 9:00 or 21:00 to evaluate injury-induced sleep behavior at sleep and wake onset, respectively. Sleep profiles were measured post-injury using a non-invasive, piezoelectric cage system. In separate cohorts of mice, inflammatory cytokines in the neocortex were quantified …

A Unique Covalent Bond In Basement Membrane Is A Primordial Innovation For Tissue Evolution, Aaron L. Fidler, Roberto M. Vanacore, Sergei V. Chetyrkin, Vadim K. Pedchenko, Gautam Bhave, Viravuth P. Yin, Cody L. Stothers, Kristie Lindsey Rose, W. Hayes Mcdonald, Travis A. Clark, Dorin-Bogdan Borza, Robert E. Steele, Michael T. Ivy, The Aspirnauts, Julie K. Hudson, Billy G. Hudson

Biology Faculty Research

We recently discovered that the collagen IV scaffolds of bovine, mouse, and Drosophila melanogaster tissues are stabilized by sulfilimine chemical bonds (S = N) (20⇓–22). The bond is a covalent cross-link between methionine-93 (Met93) and lysine-211 or hydroxylysine-211 (Lys211/Hyl211) residues that stabilizes the noncollagenous (NC1) interface of adjoining triple helical protomers (Fig. 1A). Peroxidasin, an animal heme peroxidase embedded in basement membrane, forms these sulfilimine cross-links by producing hypohalous acids as intermediates for Met93 oxidization (21, 22). Here, we explored whether the sulfilimine cross-link of collagen IV is a fundamental requirement in the genesis and evolution of tissues in Eumetazoa. …

Redox Pioneer: Professor Joe M. Mccord, David M. Schnell, Daret K. St Clair

Graduate Center for Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Dr. Joe McCord (Ph.D. 1970) is recognized here as a Redox Pioneer because he has published at least three articles on antioxidant/redox biology as first/last author that have been cited over 1000 times and has published at least 37 articles each cited over 100 times. Dr. McCord is known for the monumental discovery of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) while a graduate student under fellow redox pioneer Irwin Fridovich and demonstrating its necessity to aerobic life. Beyond this, McCord's career is distinguished for bridging the gap from basic science to clinical relevance by showing the application of SOD and superoxide …

A Field Guide To Genomics Research, Andrea H. Bild, Jeffrey T. Chang, W. Evan Johnson, Stephen R. Piccolo

Faculty Publications

High-throughput technologies are enabling scientists to profile genomes, transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes at an unprecedented scale [1]. All this “-omics” research (let's call it genomics for simplicity) is exciting—and game changing—but it's also fraught with dangers for the tenderfoot. Here, we've put together a brief “field guide” for those wishing to visit the genomics frontier, in which we use caricatures to illustrate various pitfalls that can beset those who inhabit this new territory. By documenting the behaviors of these common types, we hope to guide researchers in their quest to apply sound practices when designing genomics experiments and analyzing …

N-Substituted 5-Amino-6-Methylpyrazine-2,3-Dicarbonitriles: Microwave-Assisted Synthesis And Biological Properties, Aidan Coffey, Jiahui Guo, Et. Al.

Department of Biological Sciences Publications

In this work a series of 15 N-benzylamine substituted 5-amino-6-methyl-pyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitriles was prepared by the aminodehalogenation reactions using microwave assisted synthesis with experimentally set and proven conditions. This approach for the aminodehalogenation reaction was chosen due to its higher yields and shorter reaction times. The products of this reaction were characterized by IR, NMR and other analytical data. The compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial, antifungal and herbicidal activity. Compounds 3 (R = 3,4-Cl), 9 (R = 2-Cl) and 11 (R = 4-CF3) showed good antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MIC = 6.25 µg/mL). It was found that the lipophilicity is …

Traversing Swanton Road, 14th Ed., James A. West

Academic, Government & Associated Organizational Research Resources

Situated at the northwest end of Santa Cruz County and occupying circa 30 square miles of sharply contrasted terrain, the Scott Creek Watershed concentrates within its geomorphological boundaries, at least 10-12% of California's flora, both native and introduced. Paradoxically, the use/abuse that the watershed has sustained over the past 140+ years, has not necessarily diminished the biodiversity and perhaps parallels the naturally disruptive but biologically energizing processes (fire, flooding, landslides and erosion), which have also been historically documented for the area for +60 years. This is an early edition of an extensive document by James A. West. Please visit the …

Comparison Of Human Adult Stem Cells From Adipose Tissue And Bone Marrow In The Treatment Of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis, Julie A. Semon, Catherine Maness, Xiujuan Zhang, Steven A. Sharkey, Marc M. Beuttler, Forum S. Shah, Amitabh C. Pandey, Jeffrey M. Gimble, Shijia Zhang, For Full List Of Authors, See Publisher's Website.

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Introduction. While administration of ex vitro culture-expanded stem cells has been used to study immunosuppressive mechanisms in multiple models of autoimmune diseases, less is known about the uncultured, nonexpanded stromal vascular fraction (SVF)-based therapy. The SVF is composed of a heterogeneous population of cells and has been used clinically to treat acute and chronic diseases, alleviating symptoms in a range of tissues and organs.

Methods. In this study, the ability of human SVF cells was compared with culture-expanded adipose stem cells (ASCs) and bone-derived marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) as a treatment of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (35-55)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalitis in …

Transplantation Of Autologous Adipose Stem Cells Lacks Therapeutic Efficacy In The Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model, Xiujuan Zhang, Annie C. Bowles, Julie A. Semon, Brittni A. Scruggs, Shijia Zhang, Amy L. Strong, Jeffrey M. Gimble, Bruce A. Bunnell

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Multiple sclerosis (MS), characterized by chronic inflammation, demyelination, and axonal damage, is a complicated neurological disease of the human central nervous system. Recent interest in adipose stromal/stem cell (ASCs) for the treatment of CNS diseases has promoted further investigation in order to identify the most suitable ASCs. To investigate whether MS affects the biologic properties of ASCs and whether autologous ASCs from MS-affected sources could serve as an effective source for stem cell therapy, cells were isolated from subcutaneous inguinal fat pads of mice with established experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a murine model of MS. ASCs from EAE mice and …

Wastewater Filtration Using Dunaliella Primolecta, Scenedesmus Dimorphus And Chlorella Vulgaris, Tamar Melkonian, Angeles Mora, Alejandro Calderon-Urrea

STAR Program Research Presentations

California is facing a water crisis due to the lack of rain in the recent years. If California continues without rain, California will eventually run out of fresh water. Residents are asked to reduce their intake by a 20% decrease and the cost to consume water is increasing rapidly. At this point, California cannot afford to waste any water. Because of the high demands of water, Agricultural businesses have increased their prices and pay a lot more for extensive water cleaning equipment. In order to recycle water, it is questioned if algae can replace water-cleaning equipment. In order to work …

Using Indicators Of Biotic Integrity For Assessment Of Stream Condition, Stephanie A. Ogren

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Multiple indices of biotic integrity and biological condition gradient models have been developed and validated to assess ecological integrity in the Laurentian Great Lakes Region. With multiple groups such as Tribal, Federal, and State agencies as well as scientists and local watershed management or river-focused volunteer groups collecting data for bioassessment it is important that we determine the comparability of data and the effectiveness of indices applied to these data for assessment of natural systems. We evaluated the applicability of macroinvertebrate and fish community indices for assessing site integrity. Site quality (i.e., habitat condition) could be classified differently depending on …

Variation In Setal Micromechanics And Performance Of Two Gecko Species, Travis J. Hagey, Jonathan B. Puthoff, Madisen Holbrook, Luke J. Harmon, Kellar Autumn

Biology

Biomechanical models of the gecko adhesive system typically focus on setal mechanics from a single gecko species, Gekko gecko. In this study, we compared the predictions from three mathematical models to experimental observations considering an additional gecko species Phelsuma grandis, to quantify interspecific variation in setal micromechanics. We also considered the accuracy of our three focal models: the frictional adhesion model, work of detachment model, and the effective modulus model. Lastly, we report a novel approach to quantity the angle of toe detachment using the Weibull distribution. Our results suggested the coupling of frictional and adhesive forces in isolated setal …

Shell Shape Convergence Masks Biological Diversity In Gliding Scallops: Description Of Ylistrum N. Gen. (Pectinidae) From The Indo-Pacific Ocean, Alvin Alejandrino, Glené Mynhardt, Louise Puslednik, Joezen Corrales, Jeanne M. Serb

Biology

The scallop genus Amusium Röding, 1798 is one of few genera of Pectinidae that includes taxa capable of long-distance swimming or gliding. Membership of the genus has been defined primarily by shell shape, and it currently includes only three species: the type species A. pleuronectes (Linnaeus, 1758), A. balloti (Bernardi, 1861) and A. japonicum (Gmelin, 1791). In this study, we use molecular data and aspects of shell morphology to resolve the systematics of the genus. Phylogenetic reconstruction of Pectinidae using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence from four genes supports a polyphyletic Amusium. Differences in internal ribbing pattern provide morphological …

Barrier Island Morphology And Sediment Characteristics Affect The Recovery Of Dune Building Grasses Following Storm-Induced Overwash, Steven T. Brantley, Spencer Bissett, Donald R. Young, Catherine W. V. Wolner, Laura J. Moore

Biology Publications

Barrier islands are complex and dynamic systems that provide critical ecosystem services to coastal populations. Stability of these systems is threatened by rising sea level and the potential for coastal storms to increase in frequency and intensity. Recovery of dune-building grasses following storms is an important process that promotes topographic heterogeneity and long-term stability of barrier islands, yet factors that drive dune recovery are poorly understood. We examined vegetation recovery in overwash zones on two geomorphically distinct (undisturbed vs. frequently overwashed) barrier islands on the Virginia coast, USA. We hypothesized that vegetation recovery in overwash zones would be driven primarily …

06. Computer Science, University Of Central Oklahoma

Oklahoma Research Day Abstracts

No abstract provided.

04. Botany, University Of Central Oklahoma

Oklahoma Research Day Abstracts

No abstract provided.

09. Environmental Science, University Of Central Oklahoma

Oklahoma Research Day Abstracts

No abstract provided.

12. Kinesiology, University Of Central Oklahoma

Oklahoma Research Day Abstracts

No abstract provided.

08. Engineering, University Of Central Oklahoma

Oklahoma Research Day Abstracts

No abstract provided.

10. Forensic Science, University Of Central Oklahoma

Oklahoma Research Day Abstracts

No abstract provided.

05. Chemistry, University Of Central Oklahoma

Oklahoma Research Day Abstracts

No abstract provided.

14. Optometry, University Of Central Oklahoma

Oklahoma Research Day Abstracts

No abstract provided.

15. Pharmacy, University Of Central Oklahoma

Oklahoma Research Day Abstracts

No abstract provided.

17. Psychology, University Of Central Oklahoma

Oklahoma Research Day Abstracts

No abstract provided.

19. Zoology, University Of Central Oklahoma

Oklahoma Research Day Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Combinatorial Activation Of Stat3 By Egf And Thrombin In Endothelial Cells, Matthew S. Waitkus

ETD Archive

Endothelial cells line the luminal surface of blood vessels and form a regulatory interface between the bloodstream and underlying tissues. The endothelium responds to diverse, and potentially conflicting, environmental signals to regulate vessel growth, leukocyte adhesion, thrombogenicity, and vascular tone. Signaling pathways may interact, or "crosstalk," in combinatorial signaling environments to enable cells to process disparate extracellular information at downstream signaling nodes and formulate appropriate biological responses based on combinations of extracellular stimuli. We have reported that simultaneous stimulation of endothelial cells with EGF and thrombin synergistically induces expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) associated with growth and angiogenesis. We …

Conformational Regulation Of Membrane Localization And Activation Of Talin, Pallavi Dwivedi

ETD Archive

Talin is a cytosolic protein which is known to be one of the key players involved in integrin mediated cell adhesion dependent processes, including blood coagulation, and tissue remodeling. It connects the extracellular matrix with the actin cytoskeleton. Talin comprises of a head domain (talin-H) and a rod domain (talin-R). Talin-H is further subdivided in F0, F1, F2 and F3 domains. Talin-R contains 13 contiguous helical bundle domains (R1-R13) followed by an actin binding dimerization domain (DD). The F3 domain contains a key integrin binding site that regulates integrin activation. In our previous studies, we have shown that cytosolic talin …

Mitochondrial Dna Variation In The Eastern Pondmussel, Ligumia Nasuta (Bivalvia: Unionoida), In The Great Lakes Region, Mariah Wild Scott, Matthew T. Begley, Robert A. Krebs, David T. Zanatta

Biological, Geological, and Environmental Faculty Publications

Most freshwater mussel species in the Great Lakes colonized the region from the Mississippi River basin and few appear to have colonized from Atlantic coast rivers. The Eastern Pondmussel, Ligumia nasuta, is widespread along the Atlantic coast but occurs elsewhere only in the Great Lakes, suggesting that it is one of the few Great Lakes species of Atlantic origin. Great Lakes populations are now imperiled following invasion of the lakes by dreissenid mussels. We examined patterns of diversity in the mitochondrial CO1 and ND1 genes in L. nasuta populations in the Great Lakes and in Atlantic coast rivers. Genetic diversity …