Transcription Factor Expression Landscape In Drosophila Embryonic Cell Lines,
2024
Clark University
Transcription Factor Expression Landscape In Drosophila Embryonic Cell Lines, Robert A. Drewell, Daniel Klonaros, Jacqueline Dresch
Biology
Background: Transcription factor (TF) proteins are a key component of the gene regulatory networks that control cellular fates and function. TFs bind DNA regulatory elements in a sequence-specific manner and modulate target gene expression through combinatorial interactions with each other, cofactors, and chromatin-modifying proteins. Large-scale studies over the last two decades have helped shed light on the complex network of TFs that regulate development in Drosophila melanogaster. Results: Here, we present a detailed characterization of expression of all known and predicted Drosophila TFs in two well-established embryonic cell lines, Kc167 and S2 cells. Using deep coverage RNA sequencing approaches we …
Effects Of Roadways On Seasonal Movement Strategies And Mate Location Success In An Imperiled Pit Viper (Crotalus Horridus),
2024
Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, GA 31061
Effects Of Roadways On Seasonal Movement Strategies And Mate Location Success In An Imperiled Pit Viper (Crotalus Horridus), Elizabeth J. Noble
Graduate Research Showcase
A detailed understanding of animal movement behavior is fundamental to effective conservation and management. Within populations, a diversity of movement strategies can be displayed in search of critical resources, and these strategies are influenced by multiple interacting factors related to individuals and the environment. Mating partners are one critical resource that often serves as a prominent selective force shaping movement during mating seasons. For many large-bodied snakes, such as pit vipers (Viperidae: Crotalinae), male mate- searching movements are the primary determinant of mate location success. During this time, males incur significant risks associated with elevated movement. In an increasingly human- …
Oil Identification Of Harp Seal And Other Select Marine Mammals,
2024
US Forest Service International Programs Wood Identification and Screening Center, Ashland
Oil Identification Of Harp Seal And Other Select Marine Mammals, Meghan Pinedo, Deborah A. Duffield, Dalin N. D’Alessandro, Erin R. Price, Edgard O. Espinoza
Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations
Because of the rich omega-3 fatty acids content, harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) oil is a popular supplement that is packaged as pills in Canada and sold for medicinal purposes, although this practice is banned in the United States. Due to US regulations, it is important to be able to distinguish between fish oil and seal oil, but the taxonomic determination of oils provenance has been a difficult problem to solve. In this study, Direct Analysis in Real Time time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART TOFMS) was used to analyze the chemotypes of blubber samples collected from seven species of …
Utilizing Biomimicry To Design Sustainable Architecture,
2024
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Utilizing Biomimicry To Design Sustainable Architecture, Virginia Hammond
Architecture Undergraduate Honors Theses
Nature has an integral relationship with architecture and serves as a sustainable role model and inspiration for designers. The process of biomimicry in architecture has the potential to produce more sustainable design solutions and foster a connection between humans and nature. Existing biomimetic design projects have varying strengths and weaknesses as examples of the process. Utilizing guidelines and references from key leaders in biomimetic design consultancy (Biomimicry 3.8), selected case studies are assessed for their ability to demonstrate the benefits of this design strategy. Using these evaluations, the case studies are diagrammed and critiqued to determine how new projects could …
Spatial Ecology Of Mule Deer Migrations From Grand Teton National Park And The Teton Range,
2024
Utah State University
Spatial Ecology Of Mule Deer Migrations From Grand Teton National Park And The Teton Range, Justin K. Schwabedissen
All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem hosts several of the longest, fully intact ungulate migrations remaining in the continental United States. However, expanding development and an increasing human footprint continue to truncate migratory routes. While the endpoints are often a seasonal range on protected lands, these migration corridors frequently cross other jurisdictional boundaries, including large tracts of private or multiple-use lands, with varying levels of protection. Thus, it is critical resource managers understand the dynamics of migratory movements to define population-level corridors and prioritize appropriate conservation strategies. Mule deer in Wyoming have been documented traveling long distances between summer and winter ranges; …
Mate Guarding Against Strong Men Displaying Affiliative And Aggressive Humor,
2024
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Mate Guarding Against Strong Men Displaying Affiliative And Aggressive Humor, Jacob Pauley
Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses
Mate retention behaviors serve to discourage partner defection from a current pairbond. Such behaviors are oftentimes more prevalent toward intrasexual rivals exhibiting physical and behavioral cues implicating that rival as an optimal mate. Among these features in men are their upper body strength, a feature diagnostic of heritable fitness, and men's ability to produce humor, a cue to their social competence. This study considered the intersection of these desirable features in shaping men's mate retention behavior toward an intrasexual rival. After learning of a hypothetical interloper exhibiting high or low upper body strength while similarly using humor in an affiliative …
Towards Understanding The Function Of An Ets-Like Gene In Nematostella Vectensis: Generation Of A Knockout Mutant Line And A Transgenic Reporter Line,
2024
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Towards Understanding The Function Of An Ets-Like Gene In Nematostella Vectensis: Generation Of A Knockout Mutant Line And A Transgenic Reporter Line, Emily Bullock
Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses
Due to their unique phylogenic position as sister to Bilateria, Cnidaria are often credited with the utility of allowing for reconstruction of ancestral biology based on characteristics shared with bilaterians and other animals. This factor makes investigation into the nervous systems of cnidarians critical in understanding early neural evolution. Wamides, a class of neuropeptides, have been shown to play a regulatory role in life cycle transitions across many different species. The cnidarian specific Wamide neuropeptide, GLWamide, has previously been identified to play an accelerator role in the metamorphic timing of a specific species of sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis. However, …
Bat Survey Of Winona,
2024
Winona State University
Bat Survey Of Winona, Hailey B. Christensen, Morgan L. Winter
Research & Creative Achievement Day
Two bat detectors were placed at Garvin Heights and West Lake Winona to test bat activity in Winona, Minnesota. It was hypothesized that there would be a higher activity of bats at West Lake Winona than there would be at Garvin Heights. It was also hypothesized that high moonlight illumination would impact bat activity in a negative way. After data analyses were performed, it was found that bats were more active at West Lake Winona than at Garvin Heights. Based on the data analyses for moon light illumination and bat activity, there is no pattern common to all species, but …
Alleviating Environmental Stresses In Native Arkansas Plants By Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation,
2024
Arkansas Tech University
Alleviating Environmental Stresses In Native Arkansas Plants By Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation, Rebecca C. Morse
ATU Research Symposium
The rapid human-driven changes in the environment during the Anthropocene have placed extreme stress on many native plants and animals. Beneficial interactions with microorganisms may be crucial for ameliorating these stressors and facilitating the ecosystem services host organisms provide. The role of an important mutualistic association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the competitive ability and successful adaptation of Arkansas native species by enhancing nutrient uptake has not been previously considered. Analysis of field root and soil samples from the native species in their native range as well as a controlled green-house experiment will be conducted to determine the level …
Post Rehabilitation Analysis Of Stream Habitat And Brown Trout In Cedar Valley Creek,
2024
Winona State University
Post Rehabilitation Analysis Of Stream Habitat And Brown Trout In Cedar Valley Creek, Ashlynn D. Leonard, Emma C. Ehlers
Research & Creative Achievement Day
A section of Cedar Valley Creek went through a rehabilitation process that was intended to improve the trout habitat as well as to reinforce banks, deepen the stream, and narrow the channel. We took brown trout (Salmo trutta) counts and did habitat analyses at five locations (each 50 m long), in the restored stream section of Cedar Valley Creek during fall 2023 to compare to pre-rehabilitation data collected in 2022. A backpack electrofisher and nets were used to collect brown trout via a single-pass removal sampling process. All trout were measured for total length (mm) before being released back into …
Molecular Methods Used To Identify A New Species Of Dictyocaulus (Family Dictyocaulidae) In White-Tailed Deer,
2024
Winona State University
Molecular Methods Used To Identify A New Species Of Dictyocaulus (Family Dictyocaulidae) In White-Tailed Deer, Garit T. Wollan, Elisa M. Quevedo
Research & Creative Achievement Day
Lungworms (Dictyocaulus) are a type of parasitic nematode found in the lungs of vertebrates and can cause life threatening diseases to their host(s). Dictyocaulus is a type of lungworm found in cattle (Bos taurus), deer (Cervidae), goat (Capra aegagrus hircus), sheep (Ovis aries), and horses (Equus caballus). The purpose of this study was to use DNA analysis to distinguish between different species of Dictyocaulus among cattle, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and red deer (Cervus elaphus). Adult lungworms were collected from the lungs of cattle from research farms in Missouri, Wisconsin, and Mississippi, from the lungs of red deer from a …
Changes In Animal Vocalizations In Response To A Total Solar Eclipse,
2024
Arkansas Tech University
Changes In Animal Vocalizations In Response To A Total Solar Eclipse, Colton W. Morris
ATU Research Symposium
My proposed research project will study the changes in animal vocalizations in response to the total solar eclipse that will take place in Russellville, Arkansas, on April 8, 2024. I will use audio recordings before, during, and after the eclipse to quantify changes in animal vocalizations. Most recordings will be in the range of normal hearing, and will primarily detect birds, frogs, and insects. Additionally, I will deploy one ultrasonic recorder capable of detecting bats. From these recordings I will be able to quantify overall and species-specific call rates. Audio recordings will be paired with continuous measurements of light intensity …
Genetic Association In Entylia Carinata Using Random Forest Classification,
2024
Winona State University
Genetic Association In Entylia Carinata Using Random Forest Classification, Caden J. Harper
Research & Creative Achievement Day
The goal of this research was to identify locations in the genome of the Entylia carinata, known as the treehopper, that are associated with anomalous behavior exhibited by the species. Treehoppers are phytophagous insects and are shown to feed, reproduce, and rear their young on specific aster species. Observation has shown that the insects will disregard potential mates in close proximity in favor of those that originate from the same plant species as themselves. This behavior suggests genetic separation in the species based on plant nativity and warrants genetic analysis. Machine learning offers an effective genetic association technique due to …
Detection Of Lyme's Disease Caused By Borrelia Burgdorferi In Ixodes Scapularis Using A Pcr Multiplex And Real-Time Pcr,
2024
Winona State University
Detection Of Lyme's Disease Caused By Borrelia Burgdorferi In Ixodes Scapularis Using A Pcr Multiplex And Real-Time Pcr, Emily T. Dittman, Bethany G. Basile
Research & Creative Achievement Day
Ixodes scapularis (deer ticks) are a vector for the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi that is known to cause Lyme's Disease in animals and humans (Homo sapiens). In the past few years, there has been an increase in the prevalence of Lyme's Disease cases throughout the midwestern United States indicating that many ticks have been infected with B. burgdorferi. Using I. scapularis DNA samples collected from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the spring of 2006 from Buffalo County, WI and Winona County, MN, both traditional and real-time PCR methods were used to test for the presence of the B. burgdorferi organism in …
Characterization Of Bacteria And Fungi In Hotel Bathroom Products,
2024
Winona State University
Characterization Of Bacteria And Fungi In Hotel Bathroom Products, Madie Clarke, Regan L. Feit, Rebecca A. Nachreiner
Research & Creative Achievement Day
Refilling hotel products and storing open products in bathrooms are excellent conditions for bacterial growth. Bacteria accumulate in frequently touched surfaces and thrive in warm, moist, nutrient-rich environments. Bathrooms are also the perfect breeding ground for microbes to flourish. Not all bacteria are bad for our health, but it would be beneficial to know what microorganisms can be found in cosmetic or cream products that are used on a daily basis. This is especially important when bacteria or fungi are known pathogens. This study evaluated and classified bacteria and fungi in shampoos and body lotions using Trypticase Soy Agar (TSA) …
Microbiological Study Of Used Cosmetic Products,
2024
Winona State University
Microbiological Study Of Used Cosmetic Products, Macy S. Priest, Rachel L. Przybilla
Research & Creative Achievement Day
The bacterial and fungal load in commercial creams and cosmetic products -was examined. This research aimed to identify pathogenic microbes, their toxin production, and their potential impact on product integrity. Our tests showed bacterial growth in the beauty products Cetaphil Facial Cleanser, CereVe moisturizing lotion, and Maybelline facial powder. Several microbes were characterized: a gram-positive bacteria identified as Bacillus cereus as well as an unknown gram-negative bacteria. In addition, the fungus Fusarium was observed. These microbes might be commonly observed in beauty products, but theoretically many different species of bacteria could grow in this type of environment.
Morphology Of Trematodes In Gadwall Ducks (Mareca Strepera) Found In The Mississippi Valley: Parasitology Class Project,
2024
Winona State University
Morphology Of Trematodes In Gadwall Ducks (Mareca Strepera) Found In The Mississippi Valley: Parasitology Class Project, Annika N. Lensch, Ethan B. Gjervik, Mckenna A. Baker, Elizabeth K. Haumont, Mivang Xiong
Research & Creative Achievement Day
Gadwall ducks (Mareca strepera) are commonly found in lakes, ponds, and marshes west of the Mississippi River in summer months. A Gadwall duck is considered a dabbler duck which feeds on aquatic plants floating on the water's surface occasionally feeding on insects, crustaceans (crayfish, crabs), and small fish. Trematodes are a commonly found parasite in the gastrointestinal tract of many species of ducks. The ducks used in this study were legally collected and donated by hunters from Buffalo City, Wisconsin along the Mississippi River. This study will focus on identifying trematodes found within Gadwall ducks such as Echinostoma, Zygocotyle, and …
Carbon Sequestration And Its Role In Mitigating Climate Change,
2024
Arkansas Tech University
Carbon Sequestration And Its Role In Mitigating Climate Change, Mallory Woodward
ATU Research Symposium
Carbon sequestration is when carbon dioxide is stored in ecosystems like grasslands forests, soils and oceans. Wetlands are one of the many important ecosystems that sequester carbon and act as a carbon sink. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that in 2019 33,621.5 million metric tons of carbon were released into the atmosphere globally, due to human emissions. Anthropogenic carbon emissions have rapidly increased over the past 150 years. Since 1982, The global rate of warming is more than three times as fast, currently rising 0.36 degrees Fahrenheit each decade, and the rate will continue to increase. How do wetlands …
Annotation Of Hypothetical Genes In Lactococcus Lactis Ssp. Il403,
2024
University of Lynchburg
Annotation Of Hypothetical Genes In Lactococcus Lactis Ssp. Il403, Jennifer A. Tangires
Student Scholar Showcase
The human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) harnesses various microbial organisms involved in almost all processes of physiological homeostasis, among these are lactic acid bacteria (LAB). These bacteria, almost all of which belong to the order Lactobacillales, are able to produce lactic acid, and play an important role in food preservation because they produce bacteriocins. Bacteriocins are antimicrobial proteins that are used to fight off related bacteria in their environment that are competing for the same resources. This study focuses on a specific LAB strain, Lactococcus lactis ssp. IL1403 where 21.9% of its predicted genes have not yet been assigned a function. …
Exploring Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Alzheimer's Disease And Related Dementias: Prevalence, Healthcare Utilization, And Costs,
2024
Liberty University
Exploring Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Alzheimer's Disease And Related Dementias: Prevalence, Healthcare Utilization, And Costs, Michael E. Myers Ii
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Objective: This study aims to investigate the disparities in prevalence rates, healthcare utilization patterns, and healthcare costs associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) among various racial and ethnic groups over time. Methods: Utilizing data from the medical expenditure panel survey over a five-year period, this study employs factorial logistic regression to analyze ADRD prevalence rates and multivariate analysis of variance to examine healthcare utilization and costs. The analysis focuses on weighted populations to account for the representation of racial and ethnic groups, ensuring the generalizability of the findings. Results: The study identifies statistically significant disparities in ADRD prevalence, …
