Biology Commons^™

Healing Of Bone Defects In A Rodent Calvarial Defect Model Using Strong Porous Bioactive Glass (13-93) Scaffolds, Yinan Lin

Masters Theses

"The main objective of this project was to evaluate the capacity of strong porous silicate (13-93) bioactive glass scaffolds prepared by a robocasting technique to regenerate bone and stimulate angiogenesis in a rat calvarial defect model. The scaffolds were created with the same grid-like microstructure but in a variety of formulations: (i) as-fabricated, (ii) pretreated in an aqueous phosphate solution to convert the glass surface to hydroxyapatite, (iii) loaded with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) (1 µg per scaffold), and (iv) doped with copper (0.4-2.0 wt. % CuO). When compared to the as-fabricated scaffolds, the pretreated scaffolds enhanced bone regeneration at …

Extreme Tolerance And Developmental Buffering Of Uv-C Induced Dna Damage In Embryos Of The Annual Killifish Austrofundulus Limnaeus, Josiah Tad Wagner, Jason E. Podrabsky

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Free-living aquatic embryos are often at risk of exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV-R). Successful completion of embryonic development depends on efficient removal of DNA lesions, and thus many aquatic embryos have mechanisms to reverse DNA lesions induced by UV-R. However, little is known of how embryos that are able to enter embryonic dormancy may respond to UV-R exposure and subsequent DNA damage. Embryos of the annual killifish Austrofundulus limnaeus are unique among vertebrates because their normal embryonic development includes (1) a complete dispersion of embryonic blastomeres prior to formation of the definitive embryonic axis, and (2) entry into a state …

Multi-Locus Phylogeny Of The Afrotropical Freshwater Crab Fauna , Savel Regan Daniels Phd, E E. Phiri, Sebastian Klaus Phd, C Albrecht, Neil Cumberlidge

Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

New Collections Of Freshwater Crabs From Northern Madagascar, With The Description Of A New Species Of Foza Reed & Cumberlidge, 2006 (Brachyura, Potamonautidae), And Comments On Their Conservation Status, Neil Cumberlidge, Sebastian Klaus, Kirstin S. Meyer, Jennifer C. Kroppin

Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Photopollution On Nesting Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta Caretta) Along The Grand Strand, South Carolina, Ryan Bonner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Photopollution present along heavily developed coastlines is known to have a significant negative impact on nesting sea turtle populations by damaging nesting habitat quality, but few studies have explored this relationship on broad spatial scales. The purpose of this study was to characterize the onshore light field along a developed stretch of South Carolina coastline and to quantify how photopollution intensity affects regional loggerhead sea turtle (Carretta carretta) nesting density using historical nesting data. Light measurements were collected using a portable low-light photometer at 74 sites spaced at approximately one km intervals across the study area. At each site, the …

The Fish Kill Mechanism Of The Harmful Raphidophyte Chattonella Subsalsa, Amy E. Grogan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Harmful algae blooms (HABs) and toxins associated with HAB species are a significant threat to the health of marine species and coastal environments. In the South Carolina coastal zone, HABs have proliferated with intensified anthropogenic eutrophication in coastal waters. The raphidophyte species Chattonella subsalsa is a prominent cause of algal blooms resulting in fish kills in South Carolina. Though C. subsalsa is a known ichthyotoxic alga, the fish kill mechanism of this species remains unidentified. C. subsalsa is likely to elicit fish mortality via one of two mechanisms: (1) gill damage induced by cell contact irritation or (2) the production …

Chemical And Behavioral Ecology Of The Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon Tenebrosus), David Reavill

All Master's Theses

Intraspecific interactions are an important factor in shaping the population structure of terrestrial salamanders. Both physical interactions and scent-marking are vital components to the establishment of territories and influence dispersion of individuals. However, little is known about the terrestrial interactions of many salamander species, particularly that of the Coastal Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus). In this study, I observed the first evidence for the use chemical cues by terrestrial D. tenerosus in regards to shelter selection. I also observed the first accounts of agonistic and display behavior of terrestrial D. tenebrosus. These results suggest that terrestrial D. tenebrosus …

Androgen Mediation Of Elaborate Male Traits: The Effects Of Dihydrotestosterone Administration On Vocal Quality In Male Green Treefrogs, Hyla Cinerea, Thor M. Goodfellow

Honors Theses

Elevated androgen levels are well known to mediate the expression of male courtship behaviors and elaborate traits, but whether androgens act via threshold or graded effects is less clear. Models linking elaborate male traits to the endocrine system often assume that androgens have a graded effect on the magnitude or extent of elaborate male traits and that female preference for more elaborate male traits thus drives concordant directional selection on circulating androgen levels. To test this hypothesis, I examined the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) administration on the quality of advertisement calls produced by male Hyla cinerea. Advertisement calls are an …

Modeling Atp-Binding Cassette G2 (Abcg2) Substrate Specificity, Raghav D. Acharya, Aurijit Sarkar, Glen E. Kellogg

UROP Posters

How well can we predict efflux by ATP-binding cassette G2?

It is estimated that there will be about 1.6 million new cases of cancer and half a million cancer deaths in the US during 2015.ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux transporters such as ABCG2 are overexpressed in chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells. Anticancer drugs are prone to efflux by these transporters. Being able to identify drugs that are effluxed is of great interest in drug discovery.The current arsenal of methods used to detect efflux are not easily adaptable to high throughput formats and are limited in scope, making experimental analysis an expensive prospect. Hence, …

Smoking Patterns Among Vcu Students, Jasmine Saini

UROP Posters

For some individuals, college can be a high risk time for the development of problems associated with alcohol use and other substances. The purpose of this study is to examine these initiation and use patterns as they relate to nicotine use among college students 18 years of age and older enrolled in Spit for Science: The VCU Student Survey. The Spit for Science research project evaluates how genetic and environmental factors contribute to substance use and emotional health among college students at VCU. This study uses data from the Spit for Science 2011 cohort (n=2007) to investigate smoking patterns among …

Sandy Symbionts: How Tree Identity Shapes Ectomycorrhizal Fungus In Sand Pine, John Culbertson

Honors Theses

The purpose of my thesis was to investigate the structure and composition of the ectomycorrhizal (EMC) fungal communities of sand pine (Pinus clausa var. immuginata). Root tips were sampled from four trees located within Eglin Air Force Base. Colonization was shown to differ significantly based on tree identity. Abundance, species diversity, and the ratio of ECM fungi to pathogenic fungi did not differ significantly based on tree identity. A total of 35 ECM operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were shown to colonize the four trees. Helotiales4, Lactarius2, and Cenococcum geophilum were found to be the most abundant OTUs, while Lactarius1 was …

Not Got Milk? The Effect On The Gut Microbiome Of Removing Dairy From The Diet, Patrick Tyler Stovall

Honors Theses

The human gut contains a highly diverse set of bacteria that perform a wide range of duties that include much more than just nutrient acquisition. However, the composition of this community is subject to change, with diet, age and lifestyle playing roles in the development and maintenance of the gut microbiota. This study compared the bacterial composition of the human gut when consuming a normal diet versus a dairy-free diet. Samples were taken from a single subject during three periods: 1) control (normal) diet, 2) dairy-free diet, and 3) a return to normal diet. Gut bacterial communities were identified and …

A Translational Study Of The Correlation Between Low Birth Weight, Hypertension, And Kidney Function Using A Rat Model, Marcus Daniels

Honors Theses

We studied the correlation between low birth weight, hypertension, and kidney function using a rat model. There is a strong correlation between these three phenomena especially in the Southeastern United States and in non-White populations. We hypothesized that the anti-hypertensive drugs Reserpine and Hydralazine would prevent hypertension and improve renal function in low birth weight rats. We used a rat model created by Dr. Barbara Alexander in this study. Pregnant rats were subjected to Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure surgery. Silver clips were placed on the abdominal aorta and uterine arteries approximately two weeks after fertilization in order to restrict blood …

Phylogeography Of The Australian Common Froglet, Crinia Signifera, Rosetta C. Williams

Honors Theses

Australia is an ancient continent with equally antiquated fauna. Crinia signifera, the Australian common froglet, is one of Australia's oldest species and has a geographic range covering much of the southeastern coast of Australia and much of Tasmania. Such broad dispersal makes C. signifera susceptible to genetic variation due to changes in the landscape. While many have studied the morphology of C. signifera, few have studied its phylogeographic history. In this study I compared mitochondrial DNA clades to nuclear DNA clades to analyze the role geography plays on genetic variation. I hypothesized that (i) sympatric nuclear clades and subclades would …

Effects Of Soil Environment On Abundance, Diversity And Community Structure Of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi In Pinus Radiata, Sarah C. Steele

Honors Theses

Balanced and sustained nutrient cycles are critical to the success of the world's forest ecosystems. Research has shown ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) play a vital role in regulating these systems, as they store and mobilize cycled nutrients for the trees they colonize. Not all species of ECM allocate essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous and carbon) to their host with the same efficiency. Studies have shown the soil environment is important for determining fungal distribution. To better understand the ECM fungal community of Pinus radiata, I explored the effects of soil characteristics (percent silt, percent clay, percent sand and soil water content) on …

Altered Gene Expression In The Schistosome-Transmitting Snail Biomphalaria Glabrata Following Exposure To Niclosamide, The Active Ingredient In The Widely Used Molluscicide Bayluscide, Si-Ming Zhang, S K. Buddenborg, C M. Adema, John T. Sullivan, E S. Loker

Biology Faculty Publications

In view of the call by the World Health Organization (WHO) for elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2025, use of molluscicides in snail control to supplement chemotherapy–based control efforts is likely to increase in the coming years. The mechanisms of action of niclosamide, the active ingredient in the most widely used molluscicides, remain largely unknown. A better understanding of its toxicology at the molecular level will both improve our knowledge of snail biology and may offer valuable insights into the development of better chemical control methods for snails. We used a recently developed Biomphalaria glabrata oligonucleotide …

The Next Generation Of Action Ecology: Novel Approaches Towards Global Ecological Research, R. L. White, A. E. Sutton, R. Salguero-Gómez, T. C. Bray, H. Campbell, E. Cieraad, N. Geekiyanage, L. Gherardi, A. C. Hughes, P. Søgaard Jørgensen, T. Poisot, Lucía Desoto, Naupaka B. Zimmerman

Biology Faculty Publications

Advances in the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge over the last decade have dramatically reshaped the way that ecological research is conducted. The advent of large, technology-based resources such as iNaturalist, Genbank, or the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) allow ecologists to work at spatio-temporal scales previously unimaginable. This has generated a new approach in ecological research: one that relies on large datasets and rapid synthesis for theory testing and development, and findings that provide specific recommendations to policymakers and managers. This new approach has been termed action ecology, and here we aim to expand on earlier definitions to …

Ecology Postdocs In Academia: Primary Concerns And Possible Solutions, A. K. Shaw, D. E. Stanton, S. R. Supp, A. Budden, S. Eby, P. L. Reynolds, R. Salguero-Gómez, D. R. Scholes, Naupaka B. Zimmerman

Biology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Connecting People And Ideas From Around The World: Global Innovation Platforms For Next-Generation Ecology And Beyond, P. Søgaard Jørgensen, F. Barraquand, V. Bonhomme, T. J. Curran, E. Cieraad, T. G. Ezard, L. Gherardi, R. A. Hayes, T. Poisot, R. Salguero-Gómez, Lucía Desoto, B. Swartz, J. M. Talbot, B. Wee, Naupaka B. Zimmerman

Biology Faculty Publications

We present a case for using Global Community Innovation Platforms (GCIPs), an approach to improve innovation and knowledge exchange in international scientific communities through a common and open online infrastructure. We highlight the value of GCIPs by focusing on recent efforts targeting the ecological sciences, where GCIPs are of high relevance given the urgent need for interdisciplinary, geographical, and cross-sector collaboration to cope with growing challenges to the environment as well as the scientific community itself. Amidst the emergence of new international institutions, organizations, and meetings, GCIPs provide a stable international infrastructure for rapid and long-term coordination that can be …

The Tao Of Open Science For Ecology, S. E. Hampton, S. S. Anderson, S. C. Bagby, C. Gries, X. Han, E. M. Hart, M. B. Jones, W. C. Lenhardt, A. Macdonald, W. K. Michener, J. Mudge, A. Pourmokhtarian, M. P. Schildhauer, K. H. Woo, Naupaka B. Zimmerman

Biology Faculty Publications

The field of ecology is poised to take advantage of emerging technologies that facilitate the gathering, analyzing, and sharing of data, methods, and results. The concept of transparency at all stages of the research process, coupled with free and open access to data, code, and papers, constitutes “open science.” Despite the many benefits of an open approach to science, a number of barriers to entry exist that may prevent researchers from embracing openness in their own work. Here we describe several key shifts in mindset that underpin the transition to more open science. These shifts in mindset include thinking about …

Human Cytomegalovirus Interleukin-10 Promotes Proliferation And Migration Of Mcf-7 Breast Cancer Cells, Robin K. Bishop, Cendy A. Valle Oseguera, Juliet Spencer

Biology Faculty Publications

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women worldwide. While a small fraction of breast cancers have a hereditary component, environmental and behavioral factors also impact the development of cancer. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a member of the Herpesviridae family that is widespread in the general population and has been linked to several forms of cancer. While HCMV DNA has been found in some breast cancer tissue specimens, we wanted to investigate whether a secreted viral cytokine might have an effect on cancerous or even pre-cancerous cells. HCMV encodes an ortholog of the human cellular cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). The …

Exercise At Depth Alters Bradycardia And Incidence Of Cardiac Anomalies In Deep-Diving Marine Mammals, T. M. Williams, L. A. Fuiman, T. Kendall, P. Berry, B. Richter, S. R. Noren, Nicole Thometz, M. J. Shattock, E. Farrell, A. M. Stamper, R. W. Davis

Biology Faculty Publications

Unlike their terrestrial ancestors, marine mammals routinely confront extreme physiological and physical challenges while breath-holding and pursuing prey at depth. To determine how cetaceans and pinnipeds accomplish deep-sea chases, we deployed animal-borne instruments that recorded high-resolution electrocardiograms, behaviour and flipper accelerations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) diving from the surface to 4200 m. Here we report that both exercise and depth alter the bradycardia associated with the dive response, with the greatest impacts at depths inducing lung collapse. Unexpectedly, cardiac arrhythmias occurred in 473% of deep, aerobic dives, which we attribute to the interplay between …

Influence Of Stress On Substance Use: Age-Associated Variability In Molecular And Behavioral Outcomes, Christina Elizabeth D'Arcy

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Stress introduces a number of neurological and neurohormonal changes in response to a number of stimuli, and can influence our relationship to rewarding experiences. As such, it holds the potential of promoting vulnerability to addiction to substances such as methamphetamine. While methamphetamine use and abuse has been steadily declining, the fact remains that it and closely related drugs are used in the treatment of conditions such as narcolepsy, weight loss, and attention deficit disorder. In an effort to develop better patient assessment metrics to aid the physician in deciding a course of treatment, we ask the following questions: Do chronic …

Development Of A Yeast-Based Assay For The Functional Characterization Of Fkbp52/ Î?-Catenin Interactions With The Androgen Receptor, Theresa Anne Rodriguez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Prostate cancer development is uniquely dependent on the androgen receptorâ??s (ARâ??s) transcriptional regulation in response to hormone binding. Current therapies directly target AR acting as an antagonist at androgen binding sites. However, once androgen-dependence is lost, meaning the patient has progressed into a late-stage hormone resistant phenotype, all current treatments are essentially ineffective. Utilizing the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae we are capable of creating a model system that allows for the exogenous expression of AR while still retaining the chaperone components needed for this steroid receptor complex. The 52kDa FK506 binding protein (FKBP52) has been shown to be an important …

Introduction Effort, Climate Matching And Species Traits As Predictors Of Global Establishment Success In Non-Native Reptiles, Peter J. Mahoney, Karen H. Beard, Andrew M. Durso, Aimee G. Tallian, Arin Lexine Long, Ryan J. Kindermann, Nicole E. Nolan, Daniel Kinka, Harrison E. Mohn

Biology Faculty Publications

Non-native reptiles are often detrimental to native communities and ecosystems and can be extremely difficult to manage once established. Thus, there is considerable interest in predicting the likelihood of establishment of nonnative reptiles. We assessed three hypotheses describing possible factors contributing to the successful establishment of introduced reptiles in an effort to better identify potential invaders.

Learning To Love Leftovers: Using By-Catch To Expand Our Knowledge In Entomology, John M. Stark, Ricardo A. Ramirez

Biology Faculty Publications

Each year, federal and state agencies, including universities, conduct field surveys for invasive species in an attempt to detect new introductions early in the invasion process. National surveys for invasive insects are administered and coordinated by the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-Plant Protection and Quarantine (USDA-APHIS-PPQ) and the Forest Service through Farm Bill § 10007 ( www.aphis.usda.gov ), the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) (caps.ceris.purdue.edu), and Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) ( www.fs.fed.us/invasivespecies ) programs. Thousands of traps are placed annually and monitored usually every one to two weeks throughout the U.S., mostly during …

Amyloid Precursor Protein (App) Regulates G0/G1 Transition And Cell Growth, Anna Sobol

Dissertations

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) originates in the epithelia of the lung and persists as the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Many studies have shown that hypoxia is prevalent in NSCLC tissue and negatively influences treatment outcome.

In previous studies, we investigated the efficacy of gamma-secretase inhibitor (GSI) treatment in an orthotopic mouse NSCLC model. Analysis of hypoxic areas of tumors from GSI treated animals showed reappearance of 4E-BP1 phosphorylation at threonine 37/46 residues (T37/46). 4E-BP1 phosphorylation is primarily mediated by mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC-1), a major cell integrator of growth factors stimulation, …

Survey Of Viral Populations Within Lake Michigan Nearshore Waters At Four Chicago Area Beaches, Emily Sible, Alexandria Cooper, Kema Malki, Katherine Bruder, Siobhan C. Watkins, Yuriy Fofanov, Catherine Putonti

Bioinformatics Faculty Publications

In comparison to the oceans, freshwater environments represent a more diverse community of microorganisms, exhibiting comparatively high levels of variability both temporally and spatially Maranger and Bird, Microb. Ecol. 31 (1996) 141–151. This level of variability is likely to extend to the world of viruses as well, in particular bacteria-infecting viruses (bacteriophages). Phages are known to influence bacterial diversity, and therefore key processes, in environmental niches across the globe Clokie et al., Bacteriophage 1 (2011) 31–45; Jacquet et al., Adv. Ocean Limn. 1 (2010) 97–141; Wilhelm and Suttle, Bioscience 49 (1999) 781–788; Bratback et al., Microb. Ecol. 28 (1994) 209–221. …

Survey Of Microbial Populations Within Lake Michigan Nearshore Waters At Two Chicago Public Beaches, Kema Malki, Katherine Bruder, Catherine Putonti

Bioinformatics Faculty Publications

Lake Michigan is a critical resource for the residents of Chicago, providing drinking water to its 9+ million area residents. Along Chicago׳s 26 miles of public beaches the populous urban environment and this freshwater environment meet. While city-led monitoring initiatives investigate pathogenic bacteria in these nearshore waters, very little is known about other microbial species present. We collected surface water samples from two Chicago public beaches – Montrose Beach and 57th Street Beach – every ten days from June 5 through August 4, 2013 as well as once in early Fall (October 4, 2013). Sixteen bacterial communities in total were …

The Brain Geography Mini-Course: A Neuroscience Outreach Effort, Mark Albert

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

The way we experience the world - how we go between sensing, thinking, and acting - is in some ways no more of a mystery than understanding how a computer works. Brains are quite complicated and we may never understand the details, but what we know in general can be very interesting. In this mini-course, we will learn how we think. When we see, hear, smell, touch, taste, remember, rehearse, fear something, understand or produce language, move our bodies...specific parts of the brain are used. Students will get a rough introduction to each part and how they interact. This will …