- Acetylcholine-Containing Neuroepithelial Cells in Fish Gills Support the Cholinergic Hypothesis of O2 Chemoreception
- This paper discusses research on acetylcholine-containing neuroepithelial cells in fish gills. Abstract: The neurochemical link between O2 chemoreceptors and afferent nerves that carry information about O2 levels to cardio-ventilatory centers in the brain has yet to be determined. This study examines the roles of two candidate neurotransmitters thought to be involved in O2 chemoreception, using channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Fish gills are the evolutionary progenitors of arterial arches (aortic and carotid) of mammals where O2 chemoreceptors are located. Neuroepithelial cells (NECs) containing serotonin (5-HT) and acetylcholine (Ach) were confirmed in the first gill arch using immunohistochemistry and laser confocal microscopy. 5-HT-containing NECs were aggregated around the efferent branchial artery, near tips of filaments and lamellae, ACh-containing NECs at the distal tips of filaments. Preliminary co-localization experiments indicate separate 5-HT and Ach-containing cells. This is the first demonstration of ACh-containing NECs and results of this study support pharmacological studies suggesting that ACh is the primary neurochemical involved in O2 chemoreception in vertebrates. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86190/
- Acetylcholine-Containing Neuroepithelial Cells in Fish Gills Support the Cholinergic Hypothesis of O2 Chemoreception
- This presentation discusses research on acetylcholine-containing neuroepithelial cells in fish gills. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc93292/
- Adopt-A-Molecule: A guided Inquiry for Increasing Student Interest in Organic Chemistry
- This presentation discusses research on the Adopt-A-Molecule project. Adopt-A-Molecule was a 9-week long, two-part term project, undertaken by students enrolled in the first of the two-semester sequence in organic chemistry (Fall 2009). This newly developed project was an attempt to increase students' interest in organic chemistry by giving them semester-long opportunities to actively explore a range of organic compounds and their varied applications in the real world. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc93249/
- Adopt-A-Molecule: A guided Inquiry for Increasing Student Interest in Organic Chemistry
- This paper discusses the "Adopt-A-Molecule" project. Abstract: Adopt-A-Molecule was a 9-week long, two-part term project, undertaken by students enrolled in the first of the 2-semester sequence in organic chemistry (Fall 2009). This newly developed project was an attempt to increase students' interest in organic chemistry by giving them semester-long opportunities to actively explore a range of organic compounds and their varied applications in the real world. Several substances commonly found in food, medicines, personal care products, sports equipment, etc, were selected for this project. At the beginning of the semester, each student was assigned one of these substances, which they "adopted" for the term. During the first 5 weeks, prompted by a series of questions to guide their inquiry, students gathered, and reported weekly, information regarding various properties of their adopted molecule. Many of the questions paralleled the topics under discussion in class. The following week, each student created a "Molecule Profile" that included all the previously gathered information, along with the other interesting facts that they had uncovered. A sample profile was shown briefly in class, but no template was provided, and students were encouraged to use their creativity to build visually appealing profiles. The student-generated profiles were then published to the class. Everyone was expected to browse the profiles created by their classmates and then answer a series of "compare-and-contrast"-type questions, assigned over the next three weeks. Anecdotal evidence suggests that students enjoyed this activity and that the project helped increase students' awareness and interest in the chemical world around them. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc84347/
- The AGC Kinase MtIRE: A Link to Phospholipid Signaling During Nodulation?
- This article discusses the AGC Kinase gene MtIRE. Abstract: The development of nitrogen fixing root nodules is complex and involves an interplay of signaling processes. During maturation of plant host cells and their endocytosed rhizobia in symbiosomes, host cells and symbiosomes expand. This expansion is accompanied by a large quantity of membrane biogenesis. The authors recently characterized an AGC kinase gene, MtIRE, that could play a role in this expansion. MtIRE's expression coincides with host cell and symbiosome expansion in the proximal side of the invasion zone in developing Medicago truncatula nodules. MtIRE's closest homolog is the Arabidopsis AGC kinase family IRE gene, which regulates root hair elongation. AGC kinases are regulated by phospholipid signaling in animals and fungi as well as in the several instances where they have been studied in plants. Here we suggest that a phospholipid signaling pathway may also activate MtIRE activity and propose possible upstream activators of MtIRE protein's presumed AGC kinase activity. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc40414/
- Alzheimer's Disease: How to Treat it: A Work in Progress
- This poster discusses research on Alzheimer's disease and how to treat it. The author conducts a meta-analysis on data about available treatments to see which one is the most effective in alleviating or reversing the symptoms. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86143/
- Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Emerging From the Agricultural Industry
- This poster discusses research on antibiotic resistant bacteria emerging from the agricultural industry. The objectives of this study are: 1. Determine which antibiotics used in individual species feed have a direct correlation with increased levels of specific antibiotic resistant bacteria; 2. Investigate the possible link between antibiotic resistant bacteria and contamination of ground water due to waste runoff; 3. Investigate possible connections between animal husbandry workers and increased antibiotic resistant bacterial infection rates; 4. Investigate how resistance emerges; and 5. Investigate the cost to combat antibiotic resistant bacteria. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86707/
- Archaeal Abundance In The Sargasso Sea
- This paper discusses research on archaeal abundance in the Sargasso Sea. Abstract: Archaea are a specific and separate domain of microbes with significant effects on the microbial community and nutrient cycles of the ocean. Archaea are commonly represented by two phyla, Crenarchaeota and Euryarchaeota. These microbes are found throughout the mesopelagic (200m-1000m) and bathypelagic (>1000m) areas in the Sargasso Sea. The archaea were collected on Bermuda Atlantic Time Series Validation cruises 45 and 46 to Puerto Rico. Archaea were enumerated using catalyzed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization (CARD-FISH). The results from BV 45 and BV 46 were lower than expected. Euryarchaeota averaged 3.6%±2.4% in the mesopelagic and averaged 5.9%±2.2% in the bathypelagic of the total DAPI count. Crenarchaeota averaged 3.7%±2.4% in the mesopelagic and averaged 5.1%±2.7% in the bathypelagic of the total DAPI count. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86187/
- BOV - a web-based BLAST output visualization tool
- This article discusses BOV, a web-based BLAST output visualization tool. Abstract: Background: The BLAST program is one of the most widely used sequence similarity search tools for genomic research, even by those biologists lacking extensive bioinformatics training. As the availability of sequence data increases, more researchers are downloading the BLAST program for local installation and performing larger and more complex tasks, including batch queries. In order to manage and interpret the results of batch queries, a host of software packages have been developed to assist with data management and post-processing. Among these programs, there is almost a complete lack of visualization tools to provide graphic representation of complex BLAST pair-wise alignments. The authors have developed a web-based program, BLAST Output Visualization Tool (BOV), that allows users to interactively visualize the matching regions of query and database hit sequences, thereby allowing the user to quickly and easily dissect complex matching patterns. Results: Users can upload the standard BLAST output in pair-wise alignment format as input to the web server (including batch queries generated installing and running the stand-alone BLAST program on a local server). The program extracts the alignment coordinates of matching regions between the query and the corresponding database hit sequence. The coordinates are used to plot each matching region as colored lines or trapezoids. Using the straightforward control panels throughout the web site, each plotted matching region can be easily explored in detail by, for example, highlighting the region of interest or examining the raw pair-wise sequence alignment. Tutorials are provided at the website to guide users step-by-step through the functional features of BOV. Conclusion: BOV provides a user-friendly web interface to visualize the standard BLAST output for investigating wide-ranging genomic problems, including single query and batch query datasets. In particular, this software is valuable to users interested in identifying regions of co-linearity, duplication, translocation, and inversion among sequences. A web server hosting BOV is accessible via http://bioportal.cgb.indiana.edu/cgi-bin/BOV/index.cgi and the software is freely available for local installations. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc77114/
- Bringing real world applications for wireless sensor networks into the classroom: Telemetric monitoring of water quality in an artificial stream
- This report discusses aquatic sensors and telemetric monitoring of water quality in an artificial stream. Abstract: This research report covers the use of a wireless sensor network (WSN) using the ZigBee protocol to remotely monitor an artificial aquatic ecosystem. Field tests were conducted at the University of North Texas Water Research Facility to compare the accuracy of a high-end standard YSI multi probe system to a cost efficient lab developed sensor cluster, which would be used in the classroom to bring more real-world experiences in engineering to students. Measurements were recorded every 10 seconds for pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature for a period of 24 hours. Comparison results show a 10 percent degree of variability in dissolved oxygen possibly due to the sensitivity of the DO sensors themselves. On the other hand, temperature and pH measured less than a 5 percent error. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc155617/
- Bringing real world applications for wireless sensor networks into the classroom: Telemetric monitoring of water quality in an artificial stream
- This poster discusses bringing real world applications for wireless sensor networks into the classroom. This research covers the use of a wireless sensor network (WSN) using the ZigBee protocol to remotely monitor an artificial aquatic ecosystem. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc155616/
- Cardiac and metabolic physiology of early larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) reflects parental swimming stamina
- This article discusses cardiac and metabolic physiology of early larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) reflecting parental swimming stamina. Abstract: Swimming stamina in adult fish is heritable, it is unknown if inherited traits that support enhanced swimming stamina in offspring appear only in juveniles and/or adults, or if these traits actually appear earlier in the morphologically quite different larvae. To answer this question, mature adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were subjected to a swimming performance test that allowed separation into low swimming stamina or high swimming stamina groups. Adults were then bred within their own performance groups. Larval offspring from each of the two groups, designated high (L(HSD)) and low stamina-derived larvae (L(LSD)), were then reared at 27°C in aerated water (21% O(2)). Routine (f(H),r) and active (f(H),a) heart rate, and routine [Formula: see text] and active [Formula: see text] mass-specific oxygen consumption were recorded from 5 days post fertilization (dpf) through 21 dpf, and gross cost of transport and factorial aerobic metabolic scope were derived from [Formula: see text] measurements. Heart rate generally ranged between 150 and 225 bpm in both L(HSD) and L(LSD) populations. However, significant (P<0.05) differences existed between the L(LSD) and L(HSD) populations at 5 and 14 dpf in f(H),r and at days 10 and 15 dpf in f(H),a. [Formula: see text] was 0.04-0.32 μmol mg(-1)h(01), while [Formula: see text] was 0.2-1.2 μmol mg(-1)h(-1). Significant (P<0.05) differences between the L(LSD) and L(HSD) populations in [Formula: see text] occurred at 7, 10, and 21 dpf and in [Formula: see text] at 7 dpf. Gross cost of transport was ~6-10 μmol O(2)-μg(-1)m(-1) at 5 dpf, peaking at 14-19 μmol O(2) μg(-1)m(-1) at 7-10 dpf, before falling again to 5-6 μmol O(2) μg(-1)m(-1) at 21 dpf, with gross cost of transport significantly higher in the L(LSD) population at 7 dpf. Collectively, these data indicate that inherited physiological differences known to contribute to enhanced stamina in adult parents also appear in their larval offspring well before attainment of juvenile or adult features. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc115198/
- Characteristic Male Urine Microbiomes Associate with Asymptomatic Sexually Transmitted Infection
- This article discusses characteristic male urine microbiomes. Abstract: Background: The microbiome of the male urogenital tract is poorly described but it has been suggested that bacterial colonization of the male urethra might impact risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI). Previous cultivation-dependent studies showed that a variety of non-pathogenic bacteria colonize the urethra but did not thoroughly characterize these microbiomes or establish links between the compositions of urethral microbiomes and STI. Methodology/Findings: Here, the authors used 165 rRNA PCR and sequencing to identify bacteria in urine specimens collected from men who lacked symptoms of urethral inflammation but who differed in status for STI. All of the urine samples contained multiple bacteria genera and many contained taxa that colonize the human vagina. Uncultivated bacteria associated with female genital tract pathology were abundant in specimens from men who had STI. Conclusions: Urine microbiomes from men with STI were dominated by fastidious, anaerobic and uncultivated bacteria. The same taxa were rare in STI negative individuals. The authors' findings suggest that the composition of male urine microbiomes is related to STI. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc78333/
- The Characteristics of Morphology and Apoptosis in the Closure of the Ductus Arteriosi in Emu
- This presentation discusses a research study that focuses on characterizing the changes in tissue morphology occurring in the emu ductus arteriosus during hatching. The author also explores what role apoptosis plays during the process of the ductus closure. The author found that the ductus arteriosus of the emu undergoes extensive changes during closure. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86853/
- Characterization of sub-nuclear changes in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos exposed to brief, intermediate and long-term anoxia to analyze anoxia-induced cell cycle arrest
- This article discusses the characterization of sub-nuclear changes in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos exposed to brief, intermediate and long-term anoxia to analyze anoxia-induced cell cycle arrest. Abstract: Background: The soil nematode C. elegans survives oxygen-deprived conditions (anoxia; <.001 kPa O₂) by entering into a state of suspended animation in which cell cycle progression reversibly arrests. The majority of blastomeres of embryos exposed to anoxia arrest at interphase, prophase and metaphase. The spindle checkpoint proteins SAN-1 and MDF-2 are required for embryos to survive 24 hours of anoxia. To further investigate the mechanism of cell-cycle arrest, the authors examined and compared sub-nuclear changes such as chromatin localization pattern, post-translational modification of histone H3, spindle microtubules, and localization of the spindle checkpoint protein SAN-1 with respect to various anoxia exposure time points. To ensure analysis of embryos exposed to anoxia and not post-anoxic recovery the authors fixed all embryos in an anoxia glove box chamber. Results: Embryos exposed to brief periods to anoxia (30 minutes) contain prophase blastomeres with chromosomes in close proximity to the nuclear membrane, condensation of interphase chromatin and metaphase blastomeres with reduced spindle microtubules density. Embryos exposed to longer periods of anoxia (1-3 days) display several characteristics including interphase chromatin that is further condensed and in close proximity to the nuclear membrane, reduction in spindle structure perimeter and reduced localization of SAN-1 at the kinetochore. Additionally, the authors show that the spindle checkpoint protein SAN-1 is required for brief periods of anoxia-induced cell cycle arrest, thus demonstrating that this gene product is vital for early anoxia responses. In this report the authors suggest that the events that occur as an immediate response to brief periods of anoxia directs cell cycle arrest. Conclusion: From their results the authors conclude that the sub-nuclear characteristics of embryos exposed to anoxia depends upon exposure time as assayed using brief (30 minutes), intermediate (6 or 12 hours) or long-term (24 or 72 hours) exposures. Analyzing these changes will lead to an understanding of the mechanisms required for initiation for maintenance of cell cycle arrest in respect to anoxia exposure time as well as order the events that occur to bring about anoxia-induced cell cycle arrest. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc122142/
- Comparative Assessment of Peer Review: Project Outcomes Report
- This report discusses the Comparative Assessment of Peer Review (CAPR) project outcomes. Public funding agencies are required to demonstrate accountability to their government funders (e.g., Congress) as well as to the public. Some agencies - including the US National Science Foundation (NSF) - have used broader societal impacts criteria as part of the review process of grant proposals in order to connect scientific research to societal needs. But these agencies have often encountered questions from scientists and engineers for how to integrate such demands for broader societal impacts into their research proposals. In an effort to help clarify the idea of broader impacts, in 2010 NSF and Congress proposed a list of national needs that NSF-funded research would be required to meet. But was this the best solution? This report discusses the authors' research. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc139466/
- Comparative Plant Genomics Resources at Plant GDB
- This article discusses comparative plant genomics resources at PlantGDB. Abstract: PlantGDB is a database of plant molecular sequences. Expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences are assembled into contigs that represent tentative unique genes. EST contigs are functionally annotated with information derived from known protein sequences that are highly similar to the putative translation products. Tentative Gene Ontology terms are assigned to match those of the similar sequences identified. Genome survey sequences are assembled similarly. The resulting genome survey sequence contigs are matched to ESTs and conserved protein homologs to identify putative full-length open reading frame-containing genes, which are subsequently provisionally classified according to established gene family designations. For Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and rice (Oryza sativa), the exon-intron boundaries for gene structures are annotated by spliced alignment of ESTs and full-length cDNAs to their respective complete genome sequences. Unique genome browsers have been developed to present all available EST and cDNA evidence for current transcript models. In addition, a number of bioinformatic tools have been integrated at PlantGDB that enable researchers to carry out sequence analyses on-site using both their own data and data residing within the database. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc78294/
- A Comparison of Infant Mortality Rates in the United States and Canada: The Impact of Universal Healthcare
- This poster discusses research on a comparison of infant mortality rates in the United States and Canada and discusses the impact of universal healthcare. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86693/
- Computational criteria for establishing reflex from plasticity to hardwiring
- This article accompanies a poster presentation on computational criteria for establishing reflex from plasticity to hardwiring. The role of synaptic plasticity in associative learning has been explored extensively computationally. Yet, the computational mechanism for hardwiring of the neural circuit has only been addressed recently using a systems approach of whole-animal behavior based on an evolutionary process for survival. In this paper, the authors will explore the computational criteria needed to establish the hardwiring of reflex. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc122150/
- Contributing factors in judgement of fairness by monetary value
- This article accompanies a poster presentation on contributing factors in judgement of fairness by monetary value. Given that the authors have developed for emotional response (Emotional-Gain Model) and a model for fairness (Fairness-Equity Model) that quantified emotional bias and fairness bias, the authors will use these models to reveal the hidden factors contributing to the emotional bias and fairness bias. Using the Ultimatum Game (UG) with human subjects to split a sum of money, the authors compare the responses between sharing $10 vs. $10 million. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc122155/
- Control of Root Architecture and Nodulation by the LATD/NIP Transporter
- This article discusses root architecture and nodulation. Abstract: The Medicago truncatula LATD/NIP gene is essential for the development of lateral and primary root and nitrogen-fixing nodule meristems as well as for rhizobial invasion of nodules. LATD/NIP encodes a member of the NRT1(PTR1) nitrate and di-and tri-peptide transporter family, suggesting that its function is to transport one of these or another compound(s). Because latd/nip mutants can have their lateral and primary root defects rescued by ABA, ABA is a potential substrate for transport. LATD/NIP expression in the root meristem was demonstrated to be regulated by auxin, cytokinin and abscisic acid, but not by nitrate. LATD/NIP's potential function and its role in coordinating root architecture and nodule formation are discussed. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc40391/
- A cytochrome P450 monooxygenase commonly used for negative selection in transgenic plants causes growth anomalies by disrupting brassinosteroid signaling
- This article discusses a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase. Abstract: Background: Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases form a large superfamily of enzymes that catalyze diverse reactions. The P450su1 gene from the soil bacteria Streptomyces griseolus encodes CYP105A1 which acts on various substrates including sulfonylurea herbicides, vitamin D, coumarins, and based on the work presented here, brassinosteroids. P450su1 is used as a negative-selection marker in plants because CYP105A1 converts the relatively benign sulfonyl urea pro-herbicide R7402 into a highly phytotoxic product. Consistent with its use for negative selection, transgenic Arabidopsis plants were generated with P450su1 situated between recognition sequences for FLP recombinase from yeast to select for recombinase-mediated excision. However, unexpected and prominent developmental aberrations resembling those described for mutants defective in brassinosteroid signaling were observed in many of the lines. Results: The phenotypes of the most affected lines included severe stunting, leaf curling, darkened leaves characteristic of anthocyanin accumulation, delayed transition to flowering, low pollen and seed yields, and delayed senescence. Phenotype severity correlated with P450su1 transcript abundance, but not with transcript abundance of other experimental genes, strongly implicating CYP105A1 as responsible for the defects. Germination and seedling growth of transgenic and control lines in the presence and absence of 24-epibrassinolide indicated that CYP105A1 disrupts brassinosteroid signaling, most likely by inactivating brassinosteroids. Conclusions: Despite prior use of this gene as a genetic tool, deleterious growth in the absence of R7402 has not been elaborated. The authors show that this gene can cause aberrant growth by disrupting brassinosteroid signaling and affecting homeostasis. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc81383/
- Depression and Obesity: Does Depression Cause Obesity, or Obesity Cause Depression, or Both?
- This poster discusses research on depression and obesity. The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between depression and obesity and to answer the question: does depression cause obesity, or does obesity cause depression, or both? The research survey will question the indirect factors caused by depression like the taking of anti-depressant medications, body temperature levels, and direct factor questions, like eating habits during depression. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86690/
- Derivation of the evolution of empathic other-regarding social emotions as compared to non-social self-regarding emotions
- This article accompanies a poster presentation on the derivation of the evolution of empathic other-regarding social emotions as compared to non-social self-regarding emotions. The present study derives the evolution of social emotions by inclusion of other-regarding concerns from the non-social emotions of self-regarding concerns. Emotional processing is a self-discovered error-correction feedback process in which computations are involved to assess the accuracy of the internal brain-generated predictions with respect to the reality, in order to increase its probability of an organism's own survival. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc122156/
- Design of highly specific cytotoxins by using trans-splicing ribozymes
- This article discusses the design of highly specific cytotoxins by using trans-splicing ribozymes. Abstract: We have designed ribozymes based on a self-splicing group I intron that can trans-splice exon sequences into a chosen RNA target to create a functional chimeric mRNA and provide a highly specific trigger for gene expression. We have targeted ribozymes against the coat protein mRNA of a widespread plant pathogen, cucumber mosaic virus. The ribozymes were designed to trans-splice the coding sequence of the diphtheria toxin A chain in frame with the viral initiation codon of the target sequence. Diphtheria toxin A chain catalyzes the ADP ribosylation of elongation factor 2 and can cause the cessation of protein translation. In a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model system, ribozyme expression was shown to specifically inhibit the growth of cells expressing the virus mRNA. A point mutation at the target splice site alleviated this ribozyme-mediated toxicity. Increasing the extent of base pairing between the ribozyme and target dramatically increased specific expression of the cytotoxin and reduced illegitimate toxicity in vivo. Trans-splicing ribozymes may provide a new class of agents for engineering virus resistance and therapeutic cytotoxins. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc83320/
- Do residents work too long hours to provide adequate health care? A Work in Progress
- This poster discusses research on the philosophies and practices of the current medical school establishment. This is an area that has been questioned for sometime and the author, as a future medical school student, cannot help but wonder what is better for the patient. The author will be focusing on the hours worked by residents. Based on the author's exposure thus far, the author believes that the current practices should be upheld. To test the author's hypothesis, the author will shadow a group of residents. During their shifts, the author will test their mental stamina through a series of tests. The author will then compare these results to benchmark tests previously given. The author's goal is to see if the residents can still perform in the same range at the end of their shifts as they can when rested. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86119/
- The Ecoresponsive Genome of Daphnia pulex
- This article discusses the ecoresponsive genome of Daphnia pulex. Abstract: We describe the draft genome of the microcrustacean Daphnia pulex, which is only 200 megabases and contains at least 30,907 genes. The high gene count is a consequence of an elevated rate of gene duplication resulting in tandem gene clusters. More than a third of Daphnia's genes have no detectable homologs in any other available proteome, and the most amplified gene families are specific to the Daphnia lineage. The coexpansion of gene families interacting within metabolic pathways suggests that the maintenance of duplicated genes is not random, and the analysis of gene expression under different environmental conditions reveals that numerous paralogs acquire divergent expression patterns soon after duplication. Daphnia-specific genes, including many additional loci within sequenced regions that are otherwise devoid of annotations, are the most responsive genes to ecological challenges. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc78299/
- Effect of Hair Dye on Consumers; Allergies and Cancer Risks
- This poster discusses research on the effect of hair dye on consumers. The author critically reviews relevant studies and summarizes them in order to draw conclusions. The author considers the prevailing view drawn from various studies that there is no association between using hair dye and in increased risk of cancer. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86719/
- The Effect of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Mutations on Tropomyosin Structure
- This paper discusses research on the effect of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) mutations on tropomyosin structure. Since most other current research in this field focuses on fewer mutations, the author's results stand to modify the common hypothesis of HCM mutations only destabilizes tropomyosin structure. This modification would be instrumental in devising a drug that would cure HCM structurally. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc84323/
- Effect of Modern Medical Technology on Cost of Health Insurance Coverage
- This poster discusses research on the effect of modern medical technology on the cost of health insurance coverage. The author's research looks at what kinds of medical technologies are most likely to have a negative effect on the availability of health coverage for people in need in the DFW metroplex and whether these devices are viable options in terms of effectiveness and attainability. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86748/
- Effective carbon partitioning driven by exotic phloem-specific regulatory elements fused to the Arabidopsis thaliana AtSUC2 sucrose-proton symporter gene
- This article discusses effective carbon partitioning. Abstract: Background: AtSUC2 (At1g22710) from Arabidopsis thaliana encodes a phloem-localized sucrose/proton symporter required for efficient photoassimilate transport from source tissues to sink tissues. AtSUC2 plays a key role in coordinating the demands of sink tissues with the output capacity of source leaves, and in maintaining phloem hydrostatic pressure during changes in plant-water balance. Expression and activity are regulated, both positively and negatively, by developmental (sink or source transition) and environmental cues, including light, diurnal changes, photoassimilate levels, turgor pressure, drought and osmotic stress, and hormones. Results: To assess the importance of this regulation to whole-plant growth and carbon partitioning, AtSUC2 cDNA was expressed from two exotic, phloem-specific promoters in a mutant background debilitated for AtSUC2 function. The first was a promoter element from Commelina Yellow Mottle Virus (CoYMV), and the second was the rolc promoter from Agrobacterium rhizogenes. CoYMVp::AtSUC2 cDNA restored growth and carbon partitioning to near wild-type levels, whereas plants harboring rolCp::AtSUC2 cDNA showed only partial complementation. Conclusion: Expressing AtSUC2 cDNA from exotic, phloem-specific promoters argues that strong, phloem-localized expression is sufficient for efficient transport. Expressing AtSUC2 from promoters that foster efficient phloem transport but are subject to regulatory cascades different from the endogenous sucrose/proton symporter genes has implications for biotechnology. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc78288/
- Effects of Chemicals on People and the Environment
- This pamphlet discusses the effects of chemicals on people and the environment. Chemicals provide many benefits to mankind. They also create a wide variety of problems. In this pamphlet, the author will examine some of the benefits of chemicals to mankind. The author also will examine some of the problems chemicals have caused, are causing and may cause in the future. Obviously, we seek to have the benefits outweigh the problems. Whether you feel that the benefits outweigh the problems depends to a large extent on your understanding of the issues, your economic condition, your philosophy of life, and many other factors. Basically, the author hopes to share with you his perspective on the use of chemicals and identify some of the opportunities and challenges facing us as interdependent citizens and residents of communities throughout Texas and indeed the world. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc83295/
- The Effects Of Cocaine On The Development Of Maggots And The Effect On Time Of Death
- This poster discusses research on the effects of cocaine on the development of maggots and the effect on time of death. The authors' research focuses on the effect that cocaine has on maggot growth and how that affects determination of the time of death of an organism and what effect cocaine has on maggot growth and how that affects the use of maggots to determine time of death. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86724/
- Effects of Different Exercise Types on Sleep in Patients with Chronic Primary Insomnia
- This poster discusses research on the effects of different exercise types on sleep in patients with chronic primary insomnia. The objective of this study is to directly compare 3 sessions of different exercise types to a control group, within a university population, to determine the comparative benefits of these interventions on improvement in the sleep of patients with insomnia. The primary hypothesis is that all three different exercise types will result in greater sleep efficiency improvement from pre-treatment to post-treatment in the experimental groups over the control group. The secondary hypotheses are that similar effects will be seen in other variables of interest; other sleep variables (sleep quality, sleep onset latency, wake time after sleep onset, for example). digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86733/
- The effects of progesterone and synthetic derivatives on Fathead Minnow (Pimphales promelas) embryos
- This presentation discusses research on the effects of progesterone and synthetic derivatives on Fathead Minnow (Pimphales promelas) embryos. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products are being routinely detected in surface waters throughout the United States. Little information is available on their fate and potential effects in aquatic systems. This project attempts to quantify the effect of progesterone and its synthetic derivatives on aquatic organisms. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86767/
- Electrical stimulation of nerve cell networks growing on microelectrode arrays: stimulation efficiency and entrainment
- This presentation discusses research on electrical stimulation of nerve cell networks growing on microelectrode arrays. The objective of this study is to characterize stimulation efficiency/entrainment as a function of the following variables: frequency (pulses/trains), pulse durations, and number of pulses/trains. There has been no study done yet that pins down the most effective characteristics of a stimulation pulse train. This research may pave the way for improved communication with networks and studies of information storage. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86938/
- Enabling Large Scale Scientific Computations for Expressed Sequence Tag Sequencing over Grid and Cloud Computing Clusters
- This paper discusses expressed sequence tag sequencing over grid and cloud computing clusters. Abstract: Computer-intensive biological applications are heavily reliant on the availability of computing resources. Grid based HPC clusters and emerging Cloud computing clusters provide a large scale computing environment for scientific users. However, large scale biological application often involves various types of computational tasks which can benefit from different types of computing clusters. Therefore, a high level job scheduling environment which integrates the Grid style HPC clusters and the Cloud computing clusters and manages jobs accordingly based on the characteristics of the jobs is required. In this paper, the authors propose a Web service framework for high-level job scheduling - Swarm. Swarm is developed for scientific applications that must submit massive number of high-throughput jobs or workflows to highly distributed computing clusters. Swarm allows the users to submit jobs to both Grid HPC and Cloud computing clusters. The Swarm service itself is designed to be extensible, lightweight, and easily installable on a desktop or a small server. As a Web service, derivative services based on Swarm can be straightforwardly integrated with Web portals and science gateways. This paper provides the motivation for this research, the architecture of the Swarm framework, and a performance evaluation of the system prototype. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc78330/
- Epilepsy: Not A Disease But A Disorder
- This poster discusses research on epilepsy. The purpose of this project is to know more about epilepsy and its different aspects relating to the causes, psychological effect on adults, and treatment. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86837/
- ESTPiper - a web-based analysis pipeline for expressed sequence tags
- This article discusses ESTPiper, a web-based analysis pipeline for expressed sequence tags. Abstract: Background: EST sequencing projects are increasing in scale and scope as the genome sequencing technologies migrate from core sequencing centers to individual research laboratories. Effectively, generating EST data is no longer a bottleneck for investigators. However, processing large amounts of EST data remains a non-trivial challenge for many. Web-based EST analysis tools are proving to be the most convenient option for biologists when performing their analysis, so these tools must continuously improve on their utility to keep in step with the growing needs of research communities. The authors have developed a web-based EST analysis pipeline called ESTPiper, which streamlines typical large-scale EST analysis components. Results: The intuitive web interface guides users through each step of base calling, data cleaning, assembly, genome alignment, annotation, analysis of gene ontology (GO), and microarray oligonucleotide probe design. Each step is modularized. Therefore, a user can execute them separately or together in batch mode. In addition, the user has control over the parameters used by the underlying programs. Extensive documentation of ESTPiper's functionality is embedded throughout the web site to facilitate understanding of the required input and interpretation of the computational results. The user can also download intermediate results and port files to separate programs for further analysis. In addition, the authors' server provides a time-stamped description of the run history for reproducability. The pipeline can also be installed locally, allowing researchers to modify ESTPiper to suit their own needs. Conclusion: ESTPiper streamlines the typical process of EST analysis. The pipeline was initially designed in part to support the Daphnia pulex cDNA sequencing project. A web server hosting ESTPiper is provided at http://estpiper.cgb.indiana.edu/ to now support projects of all size. The software is also freely available from the authors for local institutions. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc77113/
- Expression of genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism in cotton stems and roots
- This article discusses the expression of genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism in cotton stems and roots. Abstract: Background: Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) is an important crop worldwide that provides fiber for the textile industry. Cotton is a perennial plant that stores starch in stems and roots to provide carbohydrates for growth in subsequent seasons. Domesticated cotton makes these reserves available to developing seeds which impacts seed yield. The goals of these analyses were to identify genes and physiology pathways that establish cotton stems and roots as physiological sinks and investigate the role these pathways play in cotton development during seed set. Results: Analysis of field-grown cotton plants indicated that starch levels peaked about the time of first anthesis and then declined similar to reports in greenhouse-grown cotton plants. Starch accumulated along the length of the stem and the shape and size of the starch grains from stems were easily distinguished from transient starch. Microarray analyses compared gene expression in tissues containing low levels of starch with tissues rapidly accumulating starch. Statistical analysis of differentially expressed genes indicated increased expression among genes associated with starch synthesis, starch degradation, hexose metabolism, raffinose synthesis and trehalose synthesis. The anticipated changes in these sugars were largely confirmed by measuring soluble sugars in selected tissues. Conclusion: In domesticated cotton starch stored prior to flowering was available to support seed production. Starch accumulation observed in young field-grown plants was not observed in greenhouse grown plants. A suite of genes associated with starch biosynthesis was identified. The pathway for starch utilization after flowering was associated with an increase in expression of a glucan water dikinase gene as has been implicated in utilization of transient starch. Changes in raffinose levels and levels of expression of genes controlling trehalose and raffinose biosynthesis were also observed in vegetative cotton tissues as plants age. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc78286/
- The Feasibility of Solar Powered Water Treatment: A Work In Progress
- This poster discusses research on the feasibility of solar powered water treatment. The author proposes to demonstrate through meta-analysis of existing literature and technology the feasibility of using solar energy to power municipal water treatment to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted during the water treatment life cycle. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86104/
- Fish of the Abyss: Adaptation to Protein Structure in Response to High Hydrostatic Pressure
- This poster discusses research on the fish of the abyss. Many species of fish thrive in hydrostatic pressures high enough to kill human beings. Experiments conducted by Takami Morita reveal that certain types of muscle protein, which exists in most vertebrates, have a distinctively altered structure in abyssal fish of the genus 'Coryphaenoides.' The altered structure of these proteins aids significantly in the functioning of these proteins under high pressure. It is hypothesized that abyssal fish in general have adapted to the advanced hydrostatic pressures of the abyssal zone through similar protein alteration. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86756/
- Forensic Toxicology: Where to Look: A Work in Progress
- This poster discusses research on forensic toxicology. The author is interested in researching where the most accurate concentrations of some of these substances at the time of death can be found. Right now the author is reviewing relevant literature with the aim of refining the author's topic. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc86139/
- Functional and Phylogenetic Analyses of a Conserved Regulatory Program in the Phloem of Minor Veins
- This article discusses functional and phylogenetic analyses of a conserved regulatory program in the phloem of minor veins. Abstract: The minor-vein phloem of mature leaves is developmentally and physiologically distinct from the phloem in the rest of the vascular system. Phloem loading of transport sugars occurs in the minor veins, and consistent with this, galactinol synthase is expressed in the minor veins of melon (Cucumis melo) as part of the symplastic-loading mechanism that operates in this species. A galactinol synthase promoter from melon drives gene expression in the minor-vein companion cells of both transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and Arabidopsis. Neither of these plants use galactinol in the phloem-loading process, implying that the promoter responds to a minor-vein-specific regulatory cascade that is highly conserved across a broad range of eudicotyledons. Detailed analysis of this promoter by truncation and mutagenesis identified three closely coupled sequences that unambiguously modulate tissue specificity. These sequences cooperate in a combinatorial fashion: two promote expression throughout the vascular system of the plant, whereas the third functions to repress expression in the larger bundles. In a complementary approach, phylogenetic footprinting was used to obtain single-nucleotide resolution of conserved sites in orthologous promoters from diverse members of the Cucurbitaceae. This comparative analysis confirmed the importance of the closely coupled sites but also revealed other highly conserved sequences that may modulate promoter strength or contribute to expression patterns outside of the phloem. The conservation of this regulatory design among species that phloem load by different mechanisms supports a model for organismal development in which tissues and cell types are controlled by relatively ancient and conserved paradigms but expression of genes influencing final form and function are relatively plastic. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc81378/
- Functional Assessment of the Medicago truncatula NIP/LATD Protein Demonstrates That It Is a High-Affinity Nitrate Transporter
- This article discusses a functional assessment of the Medicago truncatula NIP/LATD. Abstract: The Medicago truncatula NIP/LATD (for Numerous Infections and Polyphenolics/Lateral root-organ Defective) gene encodes a protein found in a clade of nitrate transporters within the large NRT1(PTR) family that also encodes transporters of dipeptides and tripeptides, dicarboxylates, auxin, and abscisic acid. Of the NRT1(PTR) members known to transport nitrate, most are low-affinity transporters. Here, the authors show that M. truncatula nip/latd mutants are more defective in their lateral root responses to nitrate provided at low (250 μм) concentrations than at higher (5mм) concentrations; however, nitrate uptake experiments showed no discernible differences in uptake in the mutants. Heterologous expression experiments showed that MtNIP/LATD encodes a nitrate transporter: expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes conferred upon the oocytes the ability to take up nitrate from the medium, but oocytes expressing the less severe Mtnip-3 allele were proficient in nitrate transport. M. truncatula nip/latd mutants have pleiotropic defects in nodulation and root architecture defects but not for nodulation defects. This suggests that the spectrum of activities inherent in AtNRT1.1 is different from that possessed by MtNIP/LATD, but it could also reflect stability differences of each protein in M. truncatula. Collectively, the data show that MtNIP/LATD is a high-affinity nitrate transporter and suggest that it could have another function. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc130185/
- Functional Characterization of the Arabidopsis AtSUC2 Sucrose/H+ Symporter by Tissue-Specific Complementation Reveals an Essential Role in Phloem Loading But Not in Long-Distance Transport
- This article discusses functional characterization of the Arabidopsis AtSUC2 Sucrose/H+ Symporter. Abstract: AtSUC2 (At1g22710) encodes a phloem-localized sucrose (Suc)/H+ symporter necessary for efficient Suc transport from source tissues to sink tissues in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). AtSUC2, however, is also expressed strongly in the transport phloem, where its role is more ambiguous, and it has been implicated in mediating both efflux and retrieval to and from flanking tissues via the apoplast. To characterize the role of AtSUC2 in controlling carbon partitioning along the phloem path, AtSUC2 cDNA was expressed from tissue-specific promoters in an Atsuc2 mutant background. Suc transport in this mutant is highly compromised, as indicated by stunted growth and the accumulation of large quantities of sugar and starch in vegetative tissues. Expression of AtSUC2 cDNA from the 2-kb AtSUC2 promoter was sufficient to restore growth and carbon partitioning to nearly wild-type levels. The GALACTINOL SYNTHASE promoter of Cucumis melo (CmGAS1p) confers expression only in the minor veins of mature leaves, not in the transport phloem of larger leaf veins and stems. Mutant plants expressing AtSUC2 cDNA from CmGAS1p had intermediate growth and accumulated sugar and starch, but otherwise they had normal morphology. These characteristics support a role for AtSUC2 in retrieval but not efflux along the transport phloem and show that the only vital function of AtSUC2 in photoassimilate distribution is phloem loading. In addition, AtSUC2 mutant plants, although debilitated, do grow, and AtSUC2-independent modes of phloem transport are discussed, including an entirely symplastic pathway from mesophyll cells to sink tissues. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc78290/
- Geminivirus-Mediated Delivery of Florigen Promotes Determinate Growth in Aerial Organs and Uncouples Flowering from Photoperiod in Cotton
- This article discusses geminivirus-mediated delivery of florigen. Abstract: Background: Plant architecture and the timing and distribution of reproductive structures are fundamental agronomic traits shaped by patterns of determinate and indeterminate growth. Florigen, encoded by FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) in Arabidopsis and SINGLE FLOWER TRUSS (SFT) in tomato, acts as a general growth hormone, advancing determinate growth. Domestication of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) converted it from a lanky photoperiodic perennial to a highly inbred, compact day-neutral plant that is managed as an annual row-crop. This dramatic change in plant architecture provides a unique opportunity to analyze the transition from perennial to annual growth. Methodology/Principle Findings: To explore these architectural changes, the authors addressed the role of day-length upon flowering in an ancestral, perennial accession and in a domesticated variety of cotton. Using a disarmed Cotton leaf crumple virus (CLCrV) as a transient expression system, the authors delivered FT to both cotton accessions. Ectopic expression of FT in ancestral cotton mimicked the effects of day-length, promoting photoperiod-independent flowering, precocious determinate architecture, and lanceolate leaf shape. Domesticated cotton infected with FT demonstrated more synchronized fruiting and enhanced "annualization". Transient expression of FT also facilitated simple crosses between wild photoperiodic and domesticated day-neutral accessions, effectively demonstrating a mechanism to increase genetic diversity among cultivated lines of cotton. Virus was not detected in the F₁ progeny, indicating that crosses made by this approach do not harbor recombinant DNA molecules. Conclusions: These findings extend our understanding of FT as a general growth hormone that regulates shoot architecture by advancing organ-specific and age-related determinate growth. Judicious manipulation of FT could benefit cotton architecture to improve crop management. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc102285/
- Gender difference of emotional bias in sharing love
- This article accompanies a poster presentation on the gender difference of emotional bias in sharing love. Having developed a computational model for emotional response (Emotional-Gain Model) and a model for fairness (Fairness-Equity Model) that quantified emotional bias and fairness bias, the authors will address the gender difference between the perception of love. The authors employed the experimental paradigm called "ultimatum game" to elicit emotional responses to the sharing of love and money. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc122154/
- Genetic analysis of the spindle checkpoint genes san-I, mdf-2, bub-3 and the CENP-F homologues hcp-1 and hcp-2 in Caenorhabditis elegans
- This article discusses genetic analysis of the spindle checkpoint genes san-1, mdf-2, bub-3 and the CENP-F homologues hcp-1 and hcp-2 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Abstract: Background: The spindle checkpoint delays the onset of anaphase until all sister chromatids are aligned properly at the metaphase plate. To investigate the role san-1, the MAD3 homologue, has in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, the authors used RNA interference (RNAi) to identify genes synthetic lethal with the viable san-1 (ok1580) deletion mutant. Results: The san-1 (ok1580) animal has low penetrating phenotypes including an increased incidence of males, larvae arrest, slow growth, protruding vulva, and defects in vulva morphogenesis. The authors found that the viability of san-1 (ok1580) embryos is significantly reduced when HCP-1 (CENP-F homologue) are reduced by RNAi. Interestingly, the viability of san-1 (ok1580) embryos is not significantly reduced when the paralog of HCP-1, HCP-2, is reduced. The phenotype of san-1 (ok1580); hcp-1 (RNAi) embryos includes embryonic and larval lethality, abnormal organ development, and an increase in abnormal chromosome segregation (abberrant mitotic nuclei, anaphase bridging). Several of the san-1 (ok1580); hcp-1(RNAi) animals displayed abnormal kinetochore (detected by MPM-2) and microtubule structure. The survival of mdf-2 (RNAi); hcp-1 (RNAi) embryos but not bub-3 (RNAi); hcp-1 (RNAi) embryos was also compromised. Finally, the authors found that san-1 (ok1580) and bub-3 (RNAi), but not hcp-1 (RNAi) embryos, were sensitive to anoxia, suggesting that like SAN-1, BUB-3 has a functional role as a spindle checkpoint protein. Conclusion: Together, these data suggest that in the C. elegans embryo, HCP-1 interacts with a subset of the spindle checkpoint pathway. Furthermore, the fact that san-1 (ok1580); hcp-1 (RNAi) animals had a severe viability defect whereas in the san-1 (ok1580); hcp-2 (RNAi) and san-1 (ok1580); hcp-2 (ok1757) animals the viability defect was not as severe suggesting that hcp-1 and hcp-2 are not completely redundant. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc122165/
- Genetic Manipulation of a "Vacuolar" H+ -PPase: From Salt Tolerance to Yield Enhancement under Phosphorus-Deficient Soils
- This article discusses genetic manipulation of a "Vacuolar" H+ -PPase. Abstract: Plant scientists face the difficult challenge of increasing food production without further degradation of the environment. In order to protect drinking water resources and prevent the proliferation of harmful algal blooms and "dead zones" in coastal marine ecosystems, it is imperative to reduce anthropogenic nutrient inputs (Conley et al., 2009). These challenges are further compounded by the goal of utilizing agriculture to provide replacement fuels such as biodiesel and alcohol for our oil-based economy. Phosphate (Pi) is an essential macronutrient required for plant growth and development (Chen et al., 2008). Plant nutrient acquisition and partitioning depend on the H+ gradients generated by the plasma membrane H+ -ATPases (Palmgren, 2001; Fuglsang et al., 2011). In this update, the authors discuss the potential role that the type I H+ -proton- pyrophosphatase (PPase) could play in optimizing Pi use efficiency in plants. digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc102280/