Biology Commons^™

Efficient Load Balancing Algorithm In Long Term Evolution (Lte) Heterogeneous Network Based On Dynamic Cell Range Expansion Bias, Emmanuel Bakuza, Hashimu U. Iddi, Abdi T. Abdalla

Tanzania Journal of Science

The traditional scheme for load balancing in a homogeneous Long Term Evolution (LTE) Network where User Equipment (UEs) associate to a node with the strongest received signal strength is not practical for LTE Heterogeneous Network (LTE HetNet) due to power disparity between the nodes. Therefore, dynamic Cell Range Expansion (CRE) based load-balancing schemes were employed by several scholars to address the challenges in the LTE HetNet. However, the fairness index in achieving the desired average user throughput and UE offloading effect is relatively low. In this work, an efficient load-balancing algorithm for LTE HetNet based on dynamic Cell Range Expansion …

Zooarchaeology And Taphonomic Aspects Of Later Stone Age Faunal Assemblage From Loiyangalani Site In Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, Frank Masele

Tanzania Journal of Science

The paper presents detailed zooarchaeological and taphonomic results on the Later Stone Age (LSA) faunal assemblage. The contributions of various taphonomic agents in the formation of the assemblage are accentuated. The assemblage is well-preserved and the majority of specimens are not highly weathered. Fluvial disturbance did not play a significant role and can be ruled out as a significant taphonomic agent in the formation. Results indicate that LSA humans exploited high-quality nutritional resources mainly of the large-sized animals and aquatic resources as extra sources of meat and fat. The assemblage preserves stone tools butchery marks (cut marks and percussion marks) …

Prunus Africanus Herbal Extracts Reverse And Ameliorate The Histological And Histomorphometric Changes In Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Rat Models, Felix P. William, Denis A. Russa

Tanzania Journal of Science

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common benign proliferative disease among men during aging. The herbal extract of P. africanus has been used for the treatment of BPH since time immemorial. However microstructural changes of this extract to the prostate of animal or human models are still elusive. Therefore, histological and histomorphometric changes in rats with testosterone-induced BPH due to P. africanus herbal extracts were investigated. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats (200 ± 50 g) were divided into four groups each with 7 rats. Group 1 (Negative control) was given 2 ml/day of olive oil subcutaneously and 2 ml/day of …

A Brief Review Of Vertebrate Sex Evolution With A Pledge For Integrative Research: Towards ‘Sexomics’, Matthias Stock, Lukáš Kratochvíl, Heiner Kuhl, Michail Rovatsos, Ben J. Evans, Alexander Suh, Nicole Valenzuela, Frederic Veyrunes, Qi Zhou, Tony Gamble, Blanche Capel, Manfred Schartl, Yann Guiguen

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Triggers and biological processes controlling male or female gonadal differentiation vary in vertebrates, with sex determination (SD) governed by environmental factors or simple to complex genetic mechanisms that evolved repeatedly and independently in various groups. Here, we review sex evolution across major clades of vertebrates with information on SD, sexual development and reproductive modes. We offer an up-to-date review of divergence times, species diversity, genomic resources, genome size, occurrence and nature of polyploids, SD systems, sex chromosomes, SD genes, dosage compensation and sex-biased gene expression. Advances in sequencing technologies now enable us to study the evolution of SD at broader …

Health Reference Intervals And Values For Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus), Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Aduncus), Pacific White-Sided Dolphins (Lagenorhynchus Obliquidens), And Beluga Whales (Delphinapterus Leucas), Lisa K. Lauderdale, Michael T. Walsh, Kevin A. Mitchell, Douglas A. Granger, Jill D. Mellen, Lance J. Miller

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study reports comprehensive clinical pathology data for hematology, serum, and plasma biochemistry reference intervals for 174 apparently healthy common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and reference values for 27 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), 13 beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), and 6 Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) in zoos and aquariums accredited by the Alliance for Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Blood samples were collected as part of a larger study titled “Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums” (colloquially called the Cetacean Welfare Study). Two blood samples were collected following …

Reference Intervals And Values For Fecal Cortisol, Aldosterone, And The Ratio Of Cortisol To Dehydroepiandrosterone Metabolites In Four Species Of Cetaceans, Lance J. Miller, Lisa K. Lauderdale, Michael T. Walsh, Jocelyn L. Bryant, Kevin A. Mitchell, Douglas A. Granger, Jill D. Mellen

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

The goal of the current study was to create reference intervals and values for several common and one potential novel physiological indicators of animal welfare for four species of cetaceans. The subjects included 189 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), 27 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), eight Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), and 13 beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) at Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facilities. During two sampling time periods between July and November of 2018 and between January and April of 2019, fecal samples were collected weekly for five weeks from all …

Behavioral Diversity As A Potential Positive Indicator Of Animal Welfare In Bottlenose Dolphins, Lance J. Miller, Lisa K. Lauderdale, Jocelyn L. Bryant, Jill D. Mellen, Michael T. Walsh, Douglas A. Granger

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Accredited zoological facilities are committed to fully understanding the behavioral, mental, and physical needs of each species to continuously improve the welfare of the animals under their professional care and detect when welfare has diminished. In order to accomplish this goal, internally consistent and externally valid indicators of animal welfare are necessary to advance our understanding of the current welfare status of individual animals. Historically, efforts have focused on monitoring visible or observable signs of poor health or problem behavior, but lack of signs or problems does not necessarily demonstrate that an individual animal is thriving. The current study examined …

Towards Understanding The Welfare Of Cetaceans In Accredited Zoos And Aquariums, Lisa K. Lauderdale, Jill D. Mellen, Michael T. Walsh, Douglas A. Granger, Lance J. Miller

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Cetaceans are long-lived, social species that are valued as ambassadors inspiring the public to engage in conservation action. Under professional care, they are critical partners with the scientific community to understanding the biology, behavior, physiology, health, and welfare requirements of this taxonomic group. The Cetacean Welfare Study was a highly collaborative research effort among zoos and aquariums accredited by the Alliance for Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or the Association of Zoos & Aquariums that provided important empirical and comparative information on the care and management of cetaceans. The goal was to identify factors that were related to the welfare …

Habitat Characteristics And Animal Management Factors Associated With Habitat Use By Bottlenose Dolphins In Zoological Environments, Lisa K. Lauderdale, K. Alex Shorter, Ding Zhang, Joaquin Gabaldon, Jill D. Mellen, Michael T. Walsh, Douglas A. Granger, Lance J. Miller

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

The way an animal uses its habitat can serve as an indicator of habitat appropriateness for the species and individuals. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops aduncus) in accredited zoos and aquariums experience a range of habitat types and management programs that provide opportunities for dolphins to engage in species-appropriate behaviors and potentially influence their individual and group welfare. Data in the present study were collected as part of a larger study titled “Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums” (colloquially called the Cetacean Welfare Study). Non-invasive bio-logging devices (Movement Tags) recorded the diving behavior and vertical …

Bottlenose Dolphin Habitat And Management Factors Related To Activity And Distance Traveled In Zoos And Aquariums, Lisa K. Lauderdale, K. Alex Shorter, Ding Zhang, Joaquin Gabaldon, Jill D. Mellen, Michael T. Walsh, Douglas A. Granger, Lance J. Miller

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

High-resolution non-invasive cetacean tagging systems can be used to investigate the influence of habitat characteristics and management factors on behavior by quantifying activity levels and distance traveled by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops aduncus) in accredited zoos and aquariums. Movement Tags (MTags), a bio-logging device, were used to record a suite of kinematic and environmental information outside of formal training sessions as part of a larger study titled “Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums” (colloquially called the Cetacean Welfare Study). The purpose of the present study was to explore if and how habitat characteristics, environmental …

Environmental Enrichment, Training, And Habitat Characteristics Of Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus) And Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Aduncus), Lisa K. Lauderdale, Michael T. Walsh, Jill D. Mellen, Douglas A. Granger, Lance J. Miller

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

In recent decades, animal welfare science has evolved to utilize a multidisciplinary approach to assess the welfare of animals in accredited zoos and aquariums. Science-based animal welfare assessments have become an essential component of management programs and widespread application is expected by animal care professionals. Management practices for bottlenose dolphins in accredited facilities incorporate several programs that potentially impact animal welfare including environmental enrichment and animal training. Additionally, habitat characteristics, such as the dimensions of the habitat, have been proposed to affect welfare. While accredited facilities are required to meet high standards of care, habitat characteristics and management practices are …

Assessment Of Animal Management And Habitat Characteristics Associated With Social Behavior In Bottlenose Dolphins Across Zoological Facilities, Lance J. Miller, Lisa K. Lauderdale, Jill D. Mellen, Michael T. Walsh, Douglas A. Granger

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Bottlenose dolphins are a behaviorally complex, social species that display a variety of social behaviors. Because of this, it is important for zoological facilities to strive to ensure animals display species-appropriate levels of social behavior. The current study is part of the multi-institutional study entitled “Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums” commonly referred to as the Cetacean Welfare Study. All participating facilities were accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Behavioral data were collected on 47 bottlenose dolphins representing two subspecies, Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops aduncus, …

Energy Expenditure Across Immune Challenge Severities In A Lizard: Consequences For Innate Immunity, Locomotor Performance And Oxidative Status, Susannah S. French, Spencer Hudson

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Reptiles, like other vertebrates, rely on immunity to defend themselves from infection. The energetic cost of an immune response is liable to scale with infection severity, prompting constraints on other selfmaintenance traits if immune prioritization exceeds energy budget. In this study, adult male side-blotched lizards (Uta stansburiana) were injected with saline (control) or high (20 μg g−1 body mass) or low (10 μg g−1 body mass) concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate bacterial infections of discrete severities. The costs and consequences of the immune response were assessed through comparisons of change in resting metabolic rate (RMR), energy metabolites (glucose, glycerol, …

Relationships Between Animal Management And Habitat Characteristics With Two Potential Indicators Of Welfare For Bottlenose Dolphins Under Professional Care, Lance J. Miller, Lisa K. Lauderdale, Jill D. Mellen, Michael T. Walsh, Douglas A. Granger

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Accredited zoos and aquariums continually strive to ensure high levels of animal welfare for the animals under their professional care. Best management practices include conducting research to better understand factors that lead to optimal welfare and then turning findings into practice. The current study is part of the larger Cetacean Welfare Study or more formally, “Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums.” Facilities participating in the study were accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Animal management factors and habitat characteristics were examined in relation to two …

Effects Of Patch Size, Fragmentation, And Invasive Species On Plant And Lepidoptera Communities In Southern Texas, James A. Stilley, Christopher A. Gabler

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

Simple Summary

Human land use has removed habitats, separated habitats into small and disconnected fragments, and introduced foreign species, which all harm wildlife. South Texas is highly diverse and home to many endangered species, but human disturbance threatens its wildlife. In south Texas, we poorly understand how different aspects of human land use influence wildlife diversity and abundance. We studied this by surveying plants and butterflies in 24 habitat fragments in south Texas that differed in size, shape, type, and land use history. Human disturbance was extensive, and foreign and weedy species were dominant in most habitats. Habitat types had …

A 10-Year Post-Analysis Of The Maya Health Toolkit For Medical Providers, Lorenna Garcia-Bochas

Master of Science in Integrative Biology Theses

Researchers have often overlooked America's Indigenous community when conducting health disparities research. In Central and South America, The World Bank 2015 report identifies 774 indigenous groups living today (Davis-Castro, n.d.). One of the oldest known is the Maya people. The Maya have been through various cultural struggles, from the Spanish conquistadors of the past to current anti-indigenous discrimination, violence, and rhetoric. The historical conflict and prejudice have contributed to why many Maya migrate north to the United States for a better opportunity and a more peaceful life for their families. In doing so, they face many health risks to their …

Deciphering The Role Of Ion Channels In Early Defense Signaling Against Herbivorous Insects, Akanksha Gandhi, Rupesh R. Kariyat, Amaravadhi Harikishore, Marzieh Ayati, Anirban Bhunia, Nirakar Sahoo

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences (Formerly Dept. of Biology)

Plants and insect herbivores are in a relentless battle to outwit each other. Plants have evolved various strategies to detect herbivores and mount an effective defense system against them. These defenses include physical and structural barriers such as spines, trichomes, cuticle, or chemical compounds, including secondary metabolites such as phenolics and terpenes. Plants perceive herbivory by both mechanical and chemical means. Mechanical sensing can occur through the perception of insect biting, piercing, or chewing, while chemical signaling occurs through the perception of various herbivore-derived compounds such as oral secretions (OS) or regurgitant, insect excreta (frass), or oviposition fluids. Interestingly, ion …

Water Quality Assessment Of The Neches River And Anyalysis Of Pathogenic Bacterial Contaminants, Samantha J. Rowe

Biology Theses

Several waterways have been flagged in East Texas as being bacterially impaired (containing fecal indicator bacteria), including portions of the upper Neches River. Water quality is important to support healthy aquatic ecosystems as well as the well-being of inhabitants near or downstream of a water body. Many factors can contribute to the water quality of rivers, such as agriculture, recreational use, and urban and industrial growth. This study examined the water quality of specific branches in the Upper Neches River including the Neches River above Lake Palestine and Black Fork Creek. All sample sites were visited during the months of …

Table Of Contents

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Qualitative Versus Quantitative Nutritional Education On The Eating Habits Of Female High School Athletes, Brantley Aycock

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

A Simple And Reliable Reporter Assay To Test Sirna-Mediated Silencing Of Hiv-1 Gene Functions, Kylie R. Tager, William H. Jackson

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infects and kills CD4+ T-lymphocytes causing a progressive loss of host immune competence, which ultimately leads to AIDS. RNA interference, as mediated by short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) designed to target viral mRNAs and expressed endogenously, offer a potential gene therapy approach to inhibit HIV replication. However, a simple and reliable method to screen the silencing activity of particular anti-HIV siRNAs is useful prior to conducting more extensive experimentation to determine the downstream effects on viral replication. Here, a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting HIV-1 Rev (Revsh8526) was designed and cloned into an expression plasmid under …

The Mycoremediation Of Escherichia Coli By Pleurotus Ostreatus, Stropharia Rugosoannulata, And Trametes Versicolor In Contaminated Water, Madison Han

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Effect Of Metal Chelating Properties Of Hylocereus Undatus, Artocarpus Heterophyllus, And Rubus Idaeus On The Lifespan Of Caenorhabditis Elegans: Potential Ace Inhibitors, Evelyn Plakal

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

2021 Scas Annual Meeting Program And Bulletin

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteriophage Population At A South Carolina University: The Disappearance Of S. Aureus Bacteriophage Population Amidst The Covid-19 Pandemic, Korinne M. Swanson, Owen R. Smith, Madaline N. Plank, Paul E. Richardson

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Bacteriophages are naturally occurring, nonpathogenic viruses, which infect bacterial cells. Recently, bacteriophage research has increased with hopes of using them against antibiotic resistant bacterial infections in the future. This study aimed to determine a possible correlation between perceived stress and the Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophage population at Coastal Carolina University (CCU), Conway, South Carolina, using isolation and characterization techniques to further understand humans as a potential bacteriophage source. From October 2020 to March 2021, nasal and postauricular swab samples were collected from 12 participants on a monthly basis along with a perceived stress survey. Samples were subjected to filtration, amplification, plaque …

Sars-Cov-2: A Study Of The Dispersion Characteristics Of Aerosol Particles Using Ultrafast Carbon Nanotube Sensors In A Simulated Indoor Environment (A Novel Technique), Shriya Kapoor

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Ayurvedic Plant Extracts-- Mucuna Pruriens And Brassica Oleracea--On The Delay Of Motor Symptoms In Pink1 Drosophila Melanogaster: A Model Of Parkinson's Disease, Sanjana Parise

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Understanding The Mechanistic Roles Of Integrin Alpha 6 In Tumor Development Using A Humanized Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Model System, Ashley B. Williams

Honors College Theses

Present day cancer incidence and mortality rates indicate the need for effective cancer diagnostic tools and targeted cancer therapeutic strategies. Recent studies have focused on the biological pathways of cells and tumor microenvironments to identify putative biomarkers and potential drug targets as diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Human integrins, adhesion receptors, have become the focal points in these studies, specifically Integrin Alpha 6 (ITGA6) which has been implicated in major tumor progression roles: metastasis and angiogenesis. These characteristics make ITGA6 an excellent candidate for potential drug or diagnostic target, however, the mechanism by which ITGA6 facilitates tumor progression remains unclear. Cell …

Comparative Microbiome Analysis Of The Funfus Gardening Ant Species Trachymyrmex Arizonensis, Chase D. Rowan

Biology Theses

Fungus-growing ants (Attini: Formicidae) and their fungal cultivars participate in ant-fungus mutualism that share a 50-million-year-old coevolutionary history. Fungal cultures are grown in gardens alongside ants and a diverse collection of microbes that interact with both species in mutualistic, commensal, and antagonistic relationships. These microbes aid in digestion and detoxification of food, provide essential nutrients, help in nest hygiene, and play a dominant role in defense against pathogens and disease. Microbial communities of many model species have been shown to change in a laboratory setting as compared to their natural environment. High-throughput 16s sequencing of the V4 variable region was …

Racial And Socioeconomic Disparities Influencing Obesity Amongst Middle-Aged Women, Morgan Woods

Master of Science in Integrative Biology Theses

Many studies have examined the effects of racial and socioeconomic differences on health-related disparities involving obesity but, few have examined the mental and physical well-being intersection. Obesity is a disease that affects many Americans and has become an epidemic affecting the American population. Obesity, especially morbid obesity, is a risk factor for many other obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and more. Using the 2018 Healthcare Avoidance Study, differences were found between two racial groups, Caucasian and African-American women. Race was found as a significant factor for both level of physical activity and ideal body image perception