Biology Commons^™

Modeling X-Linked Dystonia Parkinsonism (Xdp) In Patient-Derived Medium Spiny Neurons, Shivani Aryal

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder that results in the loss of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). XDP is an X-linked disorder caused by disease-specific mutations around the TAF1 gene. This thesis highlights the utility of directly reprogrammed MSNs from fibroblasts of affected XDP as a platform that captures cellular and epigenetic phenotypes associated with XDP neurodegeneration. In addition, this thesis demonstrates the neuroprotective effect of SAK3 currently tested in other neurodegenerative diseases. XDP fibroblasts from three independent patients as well as age- and sex-matched control fibroblasts were used to generate MSNs using miRNA-9/9*-124 and the transcription factors …

Hazards And Perceptions Of Cigarette And E-Cigarette Waste, Jossalyn Rogalski

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Occupational And Environmental Factors Influencing Morale Of United States Federal Wildland Firefighters, Rachel M. Granberg, Ting Shen, Seth W. Pearson, Robin M. Verble

Psychological Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Background. Wildland firefighters have physically and psychologically demanding jobs that can result in social, economic and health-related stress. Previous studies have examined the physiological and physical effects of a career in wildland fire, but fewer studies have addressed psychological effects, and to date, none have directly analyzed the hiring and work experiences of wildland firefighters. Aims. We surveyed work experiences, health and well-being, and morale of wildland firefighters, explored factors that can improve recruitment and retention, and summarized broad patterns. Methods. We conducted a voluntary anonymous survey of 708 federal wildland firefighters via an online platform over 2 months in …

Human Motion Detection Evaluated Through An Evoked Cortical Potential Frequency Spectrum, Howard E. Painter

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Electrical potentials were recorded from scalp of normal male subjects while they were viewing continuously moving sinusoidal gratings. Responses from the occipital cortex were amplified, digitized, stored and then transformed from the time domain to the frequency domain using a microcomputer based Fast Fourier Transform algorithm. High frequency components (Beta Activity) of the resulting power spectrum were analyzed for evidence on neural generators (electrical sources) in the striate cortex driven presumably by transient-cells (Y-cells or Magnocellular) responding to the continuously moving grating. Several stimulus parameters were examined: angular velocity, spatial frequency, direction (orientation), color, and intensity. A16 Hz component of …

Common Snook (Centropomus Undecimalis) Neurocranium, Ryan Robison, Lesley Wallace, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

Neurocranium length of 16.5 cm Common Snook (Centropomus undecimalis), collected from Dr. Kerstetter's Lab on 10/23 by Ryan Robison and Lesley Wallace.

Yellow Grouper (Epinephelus Awoara), Tyler Jurain, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Pick Your Poison: How Aspartame Causes Anxiety, Abby J. Kersey, Baylee R. Kram, Blessing O. Okosun, Diane C. Darland

Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Showcase

BLUF: Limit your aspartame consumption!

Studies have shown that consecutive aspartame consumption at as little as 7% of the FDA recommended daily intake can cause anxiety symptoms in ~8 days. Not only that, but after 12 weeks of consumption, it was proven that the anxiety symptoms are passed to the offspring two generations later. That means if you have roughly one to two 32 oz Diet Cokes per day, your children and grandchildren will show symptoms of anxiety even if they never consume aspartame themselves. It is important to note that aspartame is in many foods and products labeled as …

Violence Against Healthcare Workers, Nichole Osgood

Honors Theses

Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at work (US Department of Labor, 2023). There are a handful of different types of workplace violence that include but are not limited to physical violence, verbal abuse and threats, sexual harassment, and psychological trauma (US Department of Labor, 2023). Workplace violence, a multifaceted phenomenon, is not a new concern, but its pervasiveness and intensity in healthcare settings have reached alarming proportions in recent years. In a meta-analysis, it was noted that workplace violence against healthcare workers of any kind was …

Comparative Genomic Analysis Of Clinical Enterococcus Faecalis Distinguishes Strains Isolated From The Bladder, Baylie R. Hochstedler-Kramer, Adriana Ene, Catherine Putonti, Alan J. Wolfe

Biology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Background: Enterococcus faecalis is the most commonly isolated enterococcal species in clinical infection. This bacterium is notorious for its ability to share genetic content within and outside of its species. With this increased proficiency for horizontal gene transfer, tremendous genomic diversity within this species has been identified. Many researchers have hypothesized E. faecalis exhibits niche adaptation to establish infections or colonize various parts of the human body. Here, we hypothesize that E. faecalis strains isolated from the human bladder will carry unique genomic content compared to clinical strains isolated from other sources. Results: This analysis includes comparison of 111 E. …

Development Of Computational And Experimental Approaches For Rna Virus Serology, Brittany Kaye Smith

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Neutralization assays like the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT) are the most specific ways to measure neutralizing antibodies, which provide a good estimate of protection for RNA viruses. However, these assays are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and low-throughput. Alternative methods that are faster and convenient are necessary to quantify antibody responses in large-scale studies. In this dissertation, I develop a mix of computational and experimental methods to quantify antibody responses to dengue viruses (DENV) and SARS-CoV-2. DENV is the most significant mosquito-borne viral infection in humans. Four serotypes of DENV exist. Traditionally, infection with one serotype …

Jack Crevalle Neurocranium, Rodolfo A. Heredia, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

The Unexpected Significance Of Myosin A In Organization Of M-Line Protein Unc-89/Obscurin Within Striated Muscle Cells Of Caenorhabditis Elegans, Kar Men Lee

Honors Theses

This research investigates the unexpected significance of Myosin A in the organization of M-line protein UNC-89/obscurin within striated muscle cells of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The study employs immunofluorescence techniques to examine the spatial and temporal dynamics of UNC-89/obscurin and Myosin A during embryonic development. The sarcomere, a fundamental unit in muscle cells, is governed by the 'sliding filament model,' where the M-line serves as a crucial anchor for Myosin A. This research seeks to understand the relationship between muscle function in humans and C. elegans, utilizing the latter's simple anatomy and genetic tractability. The …

Brown Bullhead Catfish (Ameiurus Nebulosus) Neurocranium, Reginald Leon Kempson Iii, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

Neurocranium from [6.3] cm total length (30 cm) [Brown Bullhead Catfish (Ameiurus nebulosus)], collected from [Dr.Kerstetters lab] on [6/December/2023] by [Reginald Kempson III]

We Are The Reason We Stand Still In The Face Of Climate Change., Sydney Hemp

Honors Theses

Many different factors can impact the way any information is received but it is especially important to see how scientific information is received because it is often backed up by a great deal of evidence, especially in the case of global climate change. Many of these factors have nothing to do with science and everything to do with social influences, political parties, and other demographic measures. Discussion of these relationships is important when discussing communication in a broad sense, but it can be even more important when bringing up things like global climate change, which has become a political topic …

Gag Grouper (Mycteroperca Microlepis) Neurocranium, Sierra Potts, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

10 cm neurocranium from Gag Grouper, Mycteroperca microlepis, collected from Snapper Mike's on 05/11/2023 by Sierra Potts

Microplastics, Macro-Problems: Abundance Of Man-Made Materials In The Waters And Sediments Of Florida State Parks, Luciana M. Banquero, Kate Mclendon, Andres Alatorre, Mackenzie Daniels, Savanna Freeman, Cassidy Starke, Katherine Harris, Sidney J. Busch

The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal

Man-made materials (MMM) are pollutants introduced to the environment by human activity. Microplastics (MP) are a type of MMM that threaten living organisms through bioaccumulation. The term MMM also encompasses pollutants produced from natural materials, such as rayon and microfibrillated cellulose, which are used in food packaging. This study aims to determine the extent of MMM pollution within estuaries in two of Florida’s state parks, as well as the effectiveness of using restored vegetation on shorelines to reduce MMM pollution. Tomoka State Park and Gamble Rogers State Park were selected at the request of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. …

Determining The Extent Of Pioneer Mangrove Acidification On Intertidal Oyster Reefs, Cindy Whitten, Andres Alatorre, Nicole Campbell, Savanna Freeman, Sydney Henderson, Kate Mclendon, Connor Wright, June Davison, Madison Ganci, Katherine Harris

The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal

The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) stretches 251 kilometers along Florida’s east coast and is one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America. Mosquito Lagoon, the northernmost portion of the IRL, is home to mangroves and intertidal oyster reefs that provide numerous ecosystem services. These two habitats are overlapping as climate change drives mangroves poleward. Scientists have documented mangrove expansion and the transition of oyster reef habitat to mangrove islands. Past studies have shown large, adult mangrove stands drive soil acidification. The goal of this study was to understand if stand-alone, or pioneer, Rhizophora mangle (red mangroves) and Avicennia germinans …

Hypothesis And Theory: Do Trees "Release The Tension" In Rainwater? Surface Tension Reduction In Throughfall And Stemflow From Urban Trees, Benjamin J. Noren, Nicholas R. Lewis, Kelly Cristina Tonello, Anna Ilek, John T. Van Stan Ii

Biological, Geological, and Environmental Faculty Publications

Knowledge of the processes and impacts associated with the canopy's partitioning of rainfall into stemflow (water that drains to the base of tree stems) and throughfall (water that drips through gaps and from canopy surfaces) has expanded in recent years. However, the effect of canopy interactions on the fundamental physical properties of rainwater as it travels through the canopy to the soil, particularly surface tension, remains understudied. To discuss specific hypotheses within this context and their relevance to ecohydrological theory, the surface tension of rainwater samples was examined directly. Over a period of 9 months, open rainwater, throughfall and stemflow …

Organ-Specific Characteristics Govern The Relationship Between Histone Code Dynamics And Transcriptional Reprogramming During Nitrogen Response In Tomato, Russell Julian, Ryan M. Patrick, Ying Li

Purdue University Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund

Environmental stimuli trigger rapid transcriptional reprogramming of gene networks. These responses occur in the context of the local chromatin landscape, but the contribution of organ-specific dynamic chromatin modifications in responses to external signals remains largely unexplored. We treated tomato seedlings with a supply of nitrate and measured the genome-wide changes of four histone marks, the permissive marks H3K27ac, H3K4me3, and H3K36me3 and repressive mark H3K27me3, in shoots and roots separately, as well as H3K9me2 in shoots. Dynamic and organ-specific histone acetylation and methylation were observed at functionally relevant gene loci. Integration of transcriptomic and epigenomic datasets generated from the same …

Psammocora Stellata Distribution At Devil's Crown, Floreana Island, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, María José Guarderas Sevilla

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

In the Galápagos Archipelago, the free-living nodular coral Psammocora stellata is a common species that does not form reef structures. However, it is a key component of the ecosystem by increasing habitat complexity and, consequently, species diversity. This species experienced a drastic decline in Devil’s Crown channel, Floreana Island, where it disappeared after the 1982-83 El Niño-Southern Oscillation, presumably by displacement of unattached colonies by strong surface waves and currents. This assemblage has now recovered to pre-impact levels. A combination of underwater photoquadrats from 2007 and 2009 and recent (2023) orthomosaics were used to determine changes in coral densities and …

Structural Basis Of Gating In Msl Channels, Jingying Zhang

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

All living organisms experience exogenous and endogenous mechanical stress that are fundamental to their growth, survival, and development. A prominent strategy to manage these stresses and ensure efficient physiological responses is through mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels by transforming mechanical forces into electrochemical signaling. However, given their structural diversity and the inherent challenges of applying membrane tension during structural study, how MS channels sense mechanical force and transit into different functional states remain unclear. MSL channels in plants, members of the mechanosensitive ion channel of small conductance (MscS) superfamily, provide a compelling avenue for studying the structural basis for gating of …

Modeling A Parkinson’S Disease Like State In Zebrafish Larvae Utilizing 6-Hydroxydopamine, Adrian Romero

Biology Theses

Parkinson's’ disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons that currently has no cure. It is primarily characterized in patients by motor symptoms that include but are not limited to: tremor at rest, rigidity, akinesia, and postural instability affecting the quality of life for over 8.5 million people worldwide. The neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) has been used to induce a Parkinson’s disease-like state in several animal models; however, assessment of 6-OHDA use in zebrafish demonstrated a lack of consensus on method and utility. We determined an optimized protocol utilizing 6-OHDA to produce a PD-like …

Odorant Binding Causes Cytoskeletal Rearrangement, Leading To Detectable Changes In Endothelial And Epithelial Barrier Function And Micromotion, Annabella Nilon

Honors Theses

Non-olfactory cells have excellent biosensor potential because they express functional olfactory receptors (ORs) and are non-neuronal cells that are easy to culture. ORs are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), and there is a well-established link between different classes of G-proteins and cytoskeletal structure changes affecting cellular morphology that has been unexplored for odorant sensing. Thus, the present study was conducted to determine if odorant binding in non-olfactory cells causes cytoskeletal changes that will lead to cell changes detectable by electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS). To this end, we used the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which express OR10J5, and the …

+Protective Roles For Interferon-Gamma In Astrocytes During Chronic Autoimmunity, Brandon C. Smith

ETD Archive

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Infiltrating inflammatory immune cells perpetuate demyelination and axonal damage in the CNS and significantly contribute to pathology and clinical deficits. Interferon (IFN)γ is classically described as deleterious in acute CNS autoimmunity, we and others have shown astrocytic IFNγ signaling also has a neuroprotective role. We found IFNγ signaling on astrocytes upregulates subunits of the immunoproteasome (iP) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), both of which serve protective roles during autoimmunity. Astrocyte-specific knockouts of Ifngr1 resulted in increased clinical severity in the MS murine model, experimental …

Parentage Influence On Gene Expression Under Acidification Revealed Through Single-Embryo Sequencing, C. W. Fung, K. Y. Chau, D. C. S. Tong, C. Knox, S. S. T. Tam, S. Y. Tan, D. S. C. Loi, Z. Leung, Y. Xu, Y. Lan, P.-Y. Qian, Kit Yu Karen Chan, A. R. Wu

Biology Faculty Works

The dissolution of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) in seawater has altered its carbonate chemistry in the process of ocean acidification (OA). OA affects the viability of marine species. In particular, calcifying organisms and their early planktonic larval stages are considered vulnerable. These organisms often utilize energy reserves for metabolism rather than growth and calcification as supported by bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) experiments. Yet, transcriptomic profiling of a bulk sample reflects the average gene expression of the population, neglecting the variations between individuals, which forms the basis for natural selection. Here, we used single-embryo RNA-seq on larval sea urchin Heliocidaris crassispina, which …

First Genomic Resource For An Endangered Neotropical Mega-Herbivore: The Complete Mitochondrial Genome Of The Forest-Dweller (Baird's) Tapir (Tapirus Bairdii), Caroline C. Ennis

Honors College Theses

Baird's tapir, or the Central American Tapir Tapirus bairdii (family Tapiridae), is one of the largest mammals native to the forests and wetlands of southern North America and Central America and is categorized as `endangered' on the 2014 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This study reports, for the first time, the complete mitochondrial genome of T. bairdii and examines the phylogenetic position of T. bairdii amongst closely related species in the same family and order to which it belongs using mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCG's). The circular, double-stranded, A-T rich mitochondrial genome of T. bairdii is 16,697 bp in length …

The Influence Of Rusty Crayfish And Zebra Mussel Invasion On Yellow Perch Population Dynamics In North-Central Minnesota Lakes, Kendra Fink

Biology Graduate Theses

Over the last 50 years, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources standard fisheries survey catch rates of Yellow Perch have declined. Yellow Perch Perca flavescens are an important, widespread game fish, are essential prey species for Walleye Sander vitreus and other piscivorous fish and rely greatly on benthic resources through many life stages. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) like rusty crayfish Faxonius rusticus and zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha have the potential to change water quality, vegetation and prey assemblages in aquatic systems and could cause shifts in energy flow, subsequently altering growth, condition, and maturity of native fish species. In this study, …

Impacts Of Environmental Stressors On Native South Dakota Amphibian Physiology And Survival, Danielle Jean Galvin

Dissertations and Theses

Amphibian populations around the world are declining, with some of the most likely drivers behind these declines including emerging infectious diseases and environmental contaminants. To address major gaps in the current literature, I sought to evaluate the effect of two major environmental stressors on various aspects of amphibian physiology: emerging infectious diseases and environmental contaminants. Emerging infectious diseases of amphibians include fungal, viral, and parasitic pathogens which have expanded in host range, either geographically or in competent host species. Environmental contaminants include chemicals which may be naturally occurring in the environment, or which may be introduced to the environment, often …

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Meropenem Tolerance In Acinetobacter Baumannii, Nowrosh Islam

Biology Dissertations - Archive

The emergence and proliferation of Gram-negative bacterial infections has become a serious public health concern due to their rapid rise of resistant to all the clinically available antibiotics. The increasing incidence of bacterial infections has prioritized the invention of new therapeutics to prevent the antibiotic treatment failure. Typically, Gram-negative bacteria use several defensive strategies such as modification of the cell envelope to escape the lethal effects of bactericidal antibiotics. Carbapenem beta-lactam considered last resort antibiotic to treat Gram-negative bacteria infections, while they are considered first line prescription against nosocomial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii (denoted as Ab). Beside resistance, the susceptible populations …

Parrotfish Skull, Grace Mikus, David Kerstetter

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.