Biology Commons^™

Cul3 Postnatal Homozygous Deletion In Forebrain Results In Behavioral Differences, Prathibha Sekar, Qiang‐Qiang Xia, Alex C. Stokes, Feiyu Quan, Jeffrey Singer, Craig M. Powell

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Large-scale human genetic studies implicate multiple genes that regulate protein ubiquitination in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). De novo loss-of-function mutations in the gene CULLIN3 (CUL3) are implicated in autism and intellectual disability (ID). CUL3 is an essential component of an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex required for ubiquitination of substrates, often a signal for proteasomal degradation. Homozygous deletion of Cul3 is embryonically lethal. Recent studies show heterozygous deletion of Cul3 results in phenotypes with some face validity for autism in constitutive and conditional Cul3 heterozygotes. To understand the function of Cul3 in late postnatal development and function in the brain, we …

Unveiling Caulocovert: Conserved Phage And Gene Transfer Agent In Caulobacter, Talia Neco

Theses and Dissertations

Bacteriophage play an important role in bacterial evolution, population control, and horizontal gene transfer within microbial ecosystems. This study focuses on the discovery and characterization of Caulocovert, an active bacteriophage identified in multiple Caulobacter strains. Using genome annotation tools such as Artemis and Mauve, we identified multiple key phage genes, including the major capsid protein, head-tail connector, portal protein, and major tail protein. These phage genes are present in CB13 and several other strains, such as C. vibriodies CB15 and CB2, C. segnis CBR1, Caulobacter sp. FWC26, and the distantly related Caulobacter sp. D5 strain. The location of these genes …

Hcmv Infection Of Terminally Differentiated Neurons Disrupts Microtubule Organization, Resulting In Neurite Retraction, Jacob W. Adelman, Andrew T. Sukowaty, Kaitlyn J. Partridge, Jessica E. Gawrys, Allison Akins, Scott S. Terhune, Allison D. Ebert

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a prolific human herpesvirus that infects most individuals by adulthood. While typically asymptomatic in adults, congenital infection can induce serious neurological symptoms, including hearing loss, visual deficits, cognitive impairment, and microcephaly in 10%–15% of cases. HCMV has been shown to infect most neural cells, with our group recently demonstrating this capacity in stem cell-derived forebrain neurons. Infection of neurons induces deleterious effects on calcium dynamics and electrophysiological function paired with gross restructuring of neuronal morphology. Here, we utilize an induced pluripotent stem cell-derived model of the human forebrain to demonstrate how HCMV infection induces syncytia, drives …

Memories Of Trees Past: Coexistence Implications Of Legacy Conspecific Density Dependence, Lukas J. Magee, Daniel J.B. Smith, David Bauman, Po-Ju Ke, Helene C. Muller-Laudau, Kristina J. Anderson-Teixeira, Jessica Shue, David A. Orwig, Sean M. Mcmahon, Stephanie Bohlman, Raelene M. Crandall, Ben Weinstein, Sergio Marconi, Jeremy W. Lichstein, James F. Gillooly, Robert Bagchi, Joseph A. Lamanna, Daniel J. Johnson

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

The Janzen-Connell Hypothesis posits that plant species diversity is maintained by a reduction in seedling survival near living conspecific trees relative to heterospecifics–known as negative conspecific density dependence (CDD). CDD facilitates coexistence if stronger than heterospecific density dependence (HDD). However, whether and how long CDD persists after trees die is unknown. In a three-year study across three forests, we monitored seedling survival near living and dead trees, both conspecific and heterospecific, across a seven-year chrono-sequence since tree death. CDD persisted for at least 5 years after tree death (‘legacy CDD’), and most species showed stronger CDD relative to HDD through …

Hooks For Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4dee) Teaching With Differing Audiences Of Nonmajors, Sara E. Scanga, Vikki L. Rodgers, Loren B. Byrne, Justin R. St. Juliana, Jon M. Honea, Erica S. Tietjen, George Middendorf

Arts & Sciences Faculty Publications

Nonmajors (i.e., undergraduate students not majoring in the natural sciences) constitute a majority of United States college graduates and are a large potential audience for courses with ecology content. However, nonmajors may be unmotivated to learn about ecology because they perceive it to be uninteresting and irrelevant to their everyday lives or career goals. Although the Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) framework can be adapted for nonmajors courses as a starting point to improve student engagement, we suggest that nonmajors ecology instructors also use ecology hooks as effective gateways to 4DEE that will motivate and deepen student learning. Selecting and developing …

Investigating The Effect Of Gene Ncu07872 Deletion On Spore Killing By Neurospora Sk-3, Allison Rimmey

Senior Theses – Biological Sciences

The selfish genetic element Spore killer-3 (Sk-3) is found in some Neurospora fungi. Sk-3 is considered selfish because it has evolved the capacity to bias its transmission to the next generation through spore killing. The mechanism of spore killing requires at least two genes, a gene that produces a resistance protein (an antidote) and a gene that produces a killer protein (a poison). The Sk-3 genetic element is millions of base pairs long and contains hundreds of genes. Although the antidote gene has been identified, the identity of the poison gene has remained elusive. Previous research has identified a DNA …

Incorporating Balance Training Into Ankle Sprain Injury Prevention Programs: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, David Tomchuk, Jacob Meyer, Kyle Schneider, Ben Fox

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries in sports and non-sporting activities. For patients, ankle sprains can result in multiple short and long-term hardships, such as financial burdens of evaluation and treatment, absenteeism from sport and physical activity, and diminished ankle and lower extremity function. However, athletic trainers and other stakeholders are also impacted by administrative and time burdens in caring for ankle sprains and how ankle sprains affect team dynamics and performance. The 2022 guiding systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of incorporating preventive balance training exercises on the incidence of ankle sprains in soccer athletes. The search performed …

Psychological And Psychosocial Effects Of Contemplative Practices In The Athletic Population: A Systematic Review, Victoria Baker, Emily Duckett, Alison Gardiner-Shires, Lindsey Keenan

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Mental health concerns in athletes are becoming a primary focus for institutions, companies, coaches, and more. An athlete carries an abundant load of stressors due to their lifestyle. The stressors can negatively impact an athlete by producing anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other mental health concerns. Previous studies have found a connection between the use of contemplative practices on psychological and psychosocial effects in athletes, creating an opportunity to evaluate the research of contemplative practices in the athletic population. 5, 7, 8, 13-16 A systematic review was conducted using nine electronic databases. Seven studies were included in this review, each assessing …

Concurrent Acl And Medial/Lateral Meniscal Repair In A Collegiate Soccer Player: Disablement Model Case Study, Rebecca L. Perry, Angelica Alicea, Jeanette Welch, Carl White, Emily E. Hildebrand, Peter Lisman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This case examines a 19-year-old female Division I collegiate soccer player who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with medial and lateral meniscal repairs. Though meniscal tears often occur in conjunction with ACL injury, incidence of concurrent medial and lateral tears with presence of a displaced bucket-handle lesion is rare. This patient attempted to tackle an oncoming opponent in which contact caused forceful trunk rotation away from her planted right foot. Sideline evaluation revealed medial and posterior knee pain with active knee range of motion deficits. Further evaluation revealed apprehension and muscle guarding during Lachman’s, anterior drawer, and valgus stress …

Conservative Management Of Athletic Pubalgia In A Collegiate Beach Volleyball Athlete: A Case Study, Sydney F. Hendrick, Amy L. Fraley, Madison V. Kefferstan, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

A 24-year-old female collegiate beach volleyball athlete experienced sharp pain in the pubis symphysis region after turning and running to reach a ball hit over her right shoulder. The patient was unable to move her lower extremities without extreme pain and required help off the court. She was referred to the student health center, where no initial imaging was performed. Differential diagnoses included osteitis pubis, abdominal strain, and athletic pubalgia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a small partial sports hernia with the shearing of the aponeurotic plate. The team physician recommended conservative management. The patient requested a consultation with a …

Improving The Discussion Of Suicide Prevention: A Quality Improvement Project, Chelsea Reynolds, Alyssa Zeitouni, Kathryn Stephenson

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death among adolescents in the United States and the third leading cause of death in this age group worldwide.1,2 Suicide prevention is understandably a growing focus in pediatrics. Currently, at the Children’s Hospital Outpatient Clinic, that is staffed by pediatric resident physicians, suicidal ideation is screened for using a PHQ-9 screen. However, at the time this study was initiated and completed, the TEEN screen was utilized. After the screening is performed, regardless of type, it is up to the provider to address these findings in a safe and effective manner. The goal …

Introducing Patient-Centered Outcomes To Preceptors In Caate-Approved Athletic Training Programs, K. Judge

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The 2020 standards set by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) now require the incorporation of the International Classification of Function and Patient-Centered Outcomes into professional practice. These standards can be introduced initially through simulation, but to develop a competent and culturally aware professional, outcome measures should be completed during clinical experiences under the guidance of approved preceptors. As this is a relatively new standard, many preceptors did not receive this as part of their education and may be uncomfortable integrating outcomes into their practice. This lack of integration can negatively affect the learning opportunities of athletic …

Neuromuscular Deficits Following An Isolated Pcl Tear In A Collegiate Lacrosse Player: A Case Study, Mckenna G. Witlin, Erin R. Mcmullan, Courtney M. Meyer, Amy L. Fraley

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This disablement model case study outlines a 21-year-old female collegiate lacrosse player attending a United States service academy who presented with a unique neuromuscular deficit following a conservative grade II PCL tear rehabilitation. Nearing the end of her rehabilitation protocol, she noticed difficulty with toe-off while running; however, she did not report to the athletic trainer due to the institution’s holiday break proximity. An unexpected transfer of care occurred when the patient returned after the holidays, and she was cleared for full participation upon return. Several days after the patient was cleared, she reported her ankle feeling “stuck.” Upon evaluation, …

Antibiotic Resistance Trends In Coliform Bacteria Of Kittitas County Waters, Kaitlyn Holbrook, Bella Blasingim, Cruz Veronica Guillen Mejia, Holly Pinkart

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Holly Pinkart, PhD

Since the mid-1900s, antibiotics have been developed to help fight against bacterial pathogens. However, bacteria can evolve rapidly and have evolved resistance to many types of antibiotics. Using coliform bacteria collected from waters around Kittitas County, BIOL 323 students at Central Washington University have identified a variety of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Kittitas County streams and canals. Antibiotic resistance was measured from 2014-2019 and compared to data collected in 2024. This study focuses on three antibiotics, ampicillin, kanamycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. In the past (2014-2019) we saw no change in the trend of antibiotic resistance in collected …

Effect Of Coniferous Trees And Water Availability On Soil Acidification, Jessica A. Cheever

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Mary Poulson, PhD

Water availability and coniferous tree species can cause acidification and a change in soil fertility. Previous research in European forests found that rainfall, soil acidity, and conifer prevalence influenced soil quality and biodiversity. However, not much is known about these effects in the Pacific Northwest’s forests. Three forests were chosen based on a gradient of annual precipitation. The Hoh Rain Forest, the Tiger Mountain State Forest, and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest were used for wet, mesic, and dry conditions, respectively. Each location had a three-by-six grid spaced 50 meters between each plot. The location was …

Synthesis Of Nitrogen-Enriched 3d Graphene Foam For Electrochemical Sensing Of Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂), Bhargavi Dronavalli, Madhava Rao Vallabhaneni, Jatla Murali Prakash, Deepti Kolli, Dandamudi Srilaxmi

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In this work, A simple hydrothermal process was utilized to create 3D-foam-type Nitrogen-doped graphene (NDG). The synthesized material was characterized using a range of physicochemical characterization techniques. These techniques confirm that nitrogen is successfully incorporated into the carbon network, resulting in NDG. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) investigation demonstrated that NDG-modified glassy carbon electrode (NDG/GCE) displayed finite charge transfer properties against typical redox systems. NDG/GCE is identified as a simple, facile, and efficient electrocatalyst material for the estimation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). From CV analysis, it is revealed that NDG/GCE can produce a signal for electrochemical quantification of …

Draft Genome Sequences Of Staphylococcus Species Isolated From Urine Samples From Asymptomatic Females, Sandra Jablonska, Lila Nelson, Grace Finger, Alex Kula, Catherine Putonti

Biology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

The female urinary tract is host to several different Staphylococcus species, both uropathogens and commensals. To further investigate these species, we sequenced the genomes of four isolates from voided urine samples collected from asymptomatic (“healthy”) females: Staphylococcus aureus U215, Staphylococcus haemolyticus U117, and Staphylococcus hominis strains U224 and U226.

The Inherent Values Of Observation And Description: A Case Study In The Spiny Solanums Of Australia, Christopher T. Martine

Faculty Journal Articles

The basic exploratory effort of doing descriptive biology is an avenue by which we can deepen our knowledge about taxa and the natural phenomena that drive their diversification. As Conniff (2011) wrote in The species seekers, “we still live in the great age of discovery”, and much like that historically recognized period of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries there remains today a distinct need for the sort of work that might have been attributable to the naturalists of that time. The careful observation of how organisms go about their lives, including how they interact with one another …

Streptococcus Anginosus Of The Urogenital Tract: Evidence Of The Same Strain Across Anatomical Sites Of The Same Females, Helen Appleberry, Jennifer Garcia-Israel, Leah Boger, Swarnali Banerjee, Alan J. Wolfe, Catherine Putonti

Biology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Background: Streptococcus anginosus has been found to colonize multiple anatomical sites of the human body, including the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, skin, vagina, blood, and urinary tract. It is frequently isolated from catheterized urine samples obtained from adult females most often with lower urinary tract symptoms, but also on occasion from those without symptoms. Our prior genome analysis of 166 S. anginosus genomes identified two distinct groups, one – which we here call group Urinae – exhibits a tropism for the urinary tract. Results: Here we sequenced 100 isolates collected from different urogenital sites, including isolates from urine (both catheterized …

Draft Genome Sequences Of Staphylococcus Hominis Strains O226 And O218 And Micrococcus Luteus O220 Isolated From The Buccal Swabs Of Healthy Individuals, Sandra Jablonska, Lila Nelson, Grace Finger, Alex Kula, Catherine Putonti

Biology: Faculty Publications and Other Works

To investigate the genomic features of rare oral commensals in healthy individuals, we present the draft genome sequences of Staphylococcus hominis strains O226 and O218 and Micrococcus luteus strain O220. All three of these isolates were purified from buccal swab samples collected from healthy female participants.

Synthesis And Characterization Of Fe-Zn Bimetallic Nanoparticles Via Two-Step Laser Ablation And Their Antibacterial Activity, Hudhaifa M. Mohammed, Sahar Naji Rashid

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In this study, Nd: YAG laser at a wavelength of (1064 nm), energies of (300 and 400 mJ), and a pulse repetition rate of (3 Hz) was used to synthesize metallic nanoparticles from iron and zinc individually using a one-step pulsed laser ablation approach, followed by the two-step synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles. The physical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were then investigated using UV-visible (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The results of characterization of the obtained NPs confirmed the formation of core-shell nanocomposites, as evidenced by the increased absorbance intensity of …

Employing Seca Recombinant Protein To Generate Polyclonal Antibodies For The Rapid Identification Of Phytoplasma, Arik Arubil Fatinah, Muhaimin Rifa'i, Estri Laras Arumingtyas, Sri Widyarti

Makara Journal of Science

Phytoplasma, a plant pathogen that threatens plant health, can induce diseases such as yellow wilt, virescence, phyllody, and witches’ broom. Although early detection methods using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies have been developed, synthetic peptides offer advantages such as higher titers, predictable antigenic characteristics and superior sensitivity and specificity. Epitope mapping plays a key role in designing peptide antigens and includes gene synthesis, transformation, expression assessment, large-scale production, and purification. A study using New Zealand male White rabbits was conducted to generate antibodies against phytoplasma. The SecA (395–470) sequence, obtained from the preprotein translocase meets the criteria of being non-homologous, nonallergic, …

Enhancing Science Learning Outcomes With Sitaya Miniature Media: A Quantitative Study Of Elementary Education, Gilang Kripsiyadi Praramdana, Hamdan Hamdan, Agus Gunawan, Fauziah Dwi Hijriani

Jurnal Pendidikan Sains

This study investigates the impact of SITAYA Miniature media on the learning outcomes of grade VI students in science subjects at SDN 2 Darma. Conventional teaching methods, often less engaging for students, were identified as a significant factor contributing to low academic performance. The study employed a quantitative research approach, with a randomized sample of 43 students divided into an experimental group (24 students) and a control group (19 students). Pretest and posttest data were collected using a structured test instrument, and statistical analyses, including normality, homogeneity, t-tests, and N-Gain tests, were conducted to assess the effectiveness of SITAYA Miniature …

Green Synthesis Of Copper And Silver Nanostructured Particles From Eremurus Plant Extract And Comparison Of Their Optical Properties And Antibacterial Activities, Doaa Ayad Kamil, Ali F. Al-Rawaf, Mohammed Yarub Hani, H.H. Obeed, Tabarek Falah Deindee, Mohammed Ridha Shaeed

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In the present investigation, silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) nanostructured particles were synthesized from Eremurus plant by means of an environmentally benign methodology in which plant extracts served as both reducing and stabilizing agents. The resultant nanostructured particles were subjected to characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). XRD analysis confirmed development of Ag nanostructured particles with face-centered cubic (fcc) structure and also Cu nanostructured particles with cubic form. Moreover, the average crystallite dimensions obtained for Ag and Cu were 18.3 nm and 65.7 nm, …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Epoxy Resin Co-Doped With 2,5-Diphenyloxazole And Cerium Fluoride Nanoparticles For Radiation Detection, Akapong Phunpueok, Jaruwan Seangrit, Sarawut Jaiyen, Krittiya Sreebunpeng, Wuttichai Chaiphaksa, Kewalee Nilgumhang, Voranuch Thongpool

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

This paper presents the fabrication and characterization of a plastic scintillator prepared from epoxy resin doped with 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO) and cerium fluoride nanoparticles (CeF₃ NPs) for radiation detection. The CeF₃ NPs were prepared by a chemical process and examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); it was found that the prepared particles were true CeF₃ NPs with an average particle size of approximately 17 nm. The CeF₃ NPs were co-doped with PPO into epoxy resin and formed into a plastic scintillator of 3 cm in diameter and 2 cm in length. Analysis of …

Multiscale Modelling Of Eg5: Structural Insights Into Microtubule Interactions, Atp Hydrolysis, And Allosteric Inhibition Mechanisms, Soundarya Priya Alexandar Ms

Theses and Dissertations

The mitotic kinesin EG5 is essential for spindle bipolarity and accurate chromosome segregation during cell division, making it a validated anti-cancer target. Unlike conventional microtubule-targeting agents, EG5 inhibitors offer mitosis-specific action, reducing neurotoxicity. Although inhibitors targeting EG5’s allosteric site-I have been extensively studied, mechanistic insights into inhibition at site-II, and their combined effects, remain underexplored. This thesis systematically investigates the structural and dynamic mechanisms underlying EG5 function and its inhibition using an integrative computational approach.

Conformational analysis, coarse-grained dynamics, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, and protein network analysis were performed on EG5 motor domain structures and EG5-microtubule complexes. Results show that …

Hybrid Path Planner For Centralized Multi-Robotic Long-Vehicle Based On Adaptive Dimensionality And Grey Wolf Algorithm, Noor Kadhim Ayoob, Ali Hadi Hasan

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

The present robot planning methods pay no attention to the impact of the robot's size and the space it occupies in the environment on path planning. This paper presents a centralized hybrid method to plan optimal paths for multiple robotic long vehicles (RLVs) competing with each other to reach one common goal, taking into account the space that must be available to the RLV at each step to avoid narrow spaces that are too small to pass through. The environment analysis for each RLV is improved by assigning constant weight to the obstacles and calculating two new parameters: safety (SF) …

Population Genomic Assessment Of The Endangered Cumberland Darter (Etheostoma Susanae), Hilary Canada

Student Theses and Dissertations

The Cumberland Darter (Etheostoma susanae) is an endangered species of freshwater fish endemic to the tributaries of the Cumberland River above the Cumberland Falls in Kentucky and Tennessee. Once recognized as a subspecies of Johnny Dater (E. nigrum), E. susanae was elevated to species level based on morphological and mtDNA variation. Habitat degradation and modification is a primary concern for the species with its preference for slow-flow streams. Fragmented populations increase the risk of disrupting historic gene flow between tributaries which could potentially result in genetically distinct populations. In 2011, E. susanae was listed under the Endangered Species Act by …

Barriers To Achieving Graduated Responsibility: Preparing Pathology Residents For Independent Practice, Bronwyn H. Bryant, Balaram Puligandla, Hailey L. Gosnell, Kristen Johnson, Stephanie Barak, Mary P. Berg, Satyapal Chahar, John M. Childs, Julie Katz Karp, Amanda Lofgreen, Cindy B. Mccloskey, Barbara E. C. Knollmann-Ritschel, Kristie L. White, W. Stephen Black-Schaffer

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Allowing pathology residents to practice with high levels of autonomy helps prepare them for independent practice. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) recently added to the core requirements that residents must have opportunities to perform assigned clinical responsibilities under oversight supervision-defined as review and feedback after care is delivered. To understand the current state of resident autonomy, pathology residency programs were surveyed (32 responses) about the highest level of supervision achieved by senior residents for common pathology tasks, as well as the most significant barrier to achieving oversight supervision for each task. Each task was assigned a "supervision …

Essential Role Of Protein Kinase R In The Pathogenesis Of Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease, Amit Prabhakar, Rahul Kumar, Meetu Wadhwa, Abhilash Barpanda, Joseph Lyons, Asavari Gowda, Simren Gupta, Ananyaa Arvind, Prajakta Ghatpande, Arun P. Wiita, Brian B. Graham, Giorgio Lagna, Akiko Hata

Biology

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare and severe subtype of pulmonary arterial hypertension, characterized by progressive remodeling of small pulmonary arteries and veins with no therapies. Using a mitomycin C–induced (MMC-induced) rat model, we previously demonstrated that protein kinase R–mediated (PKR-mediated) integrated stress response (ISR) drives endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling. To determine whether PKR is the primary mediator of ISR and the pathogenesis, we treated control (Ctrl) and PKR-knockout (KO) mice with the same dose of MMC. Consistent with rat data, Ctrl mice displayed ISR activation, vascular remodeling, and pulmonary hypertension after MMC treatment, while KO mice showed …