RSS 1.0Theses and Dissertations-Biology
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Gender Differences in Student Attitudes Towards Science in Secondary School Classrooms with Resident Scientists
(2016-12-02)The purpose of this two-year study was to examine secondary school students' attitudes about science in four different categories before and after being with PhD graduate students, resident scientists, in their classrooms ... -
Characterization of a Major Facilitator Superfamily transporter protein in Arabidopsis
(2015-11-24)The Major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter proteins regulate solute homeostasis across membranes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In silico analysis suggests that the Arabidopsis genome consists of more than ... -
Range expansion of an exotic Asian snail (Melanoides tuberculata) into central Texas rivers, and the parasitological consequences thereof
(2016-11-28)The invasive gastropod Melanoides tuberculata (Thiaridae) has been established in Texas since the 1960’s (Murray, 1964). For decades, sensitivity of these snails to cold winter temperatures restricted reproducing populations ... -
Characterization of IBR5 Interacting Protien, ARA2 In Arabidopsis Auxin Response
(2015-11-23)Auxin controls plant growth and development through both genomic and non- genomic processes. Genomic processes are regulated through the degradation of a group of transcriptional repressors called Aux/IAAs. Recent studies ... -
Ecotype assessment for guiding arid land restoration in the desert southwest of the U.S.
(2017-11-28)The need for ecological restoration of disturbed ecosystems around the world is increasing as environmental disturbances occur more frequently, with greater intensity, and spanning larger areas. Introducing genetically ... -
Effects of urbanization on the relative abundance of hummingbirds (Archilochus alexandri and Archilochus colubris) as measured by resource removal rates
(2017-11-28)Urbanization has led to a loss of natural habitat, an increase in impervious surfaces, and subsequently, an increase in the provisioning of food sources for local wildlife. One common scenario of supplementary feeding ... -
Distribution Of The Texas Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys Elator) In Texas; With Comments On Microhabitat, Habitat, And Habitat Modeling
(2017-11-28)The Texas Kangaroo Rat (TKR, Dipodomys elator) is a species of concern in Texas with sightings in only seven counties in the past 30 years. The decline of TKR has been attributed to habitat loss, although its exact habitat ... -
Surveying mixed-species waterbird colonies with unmanned aerial systems (UAS): visibility bias, disturbance, and protocol recommendations
(2017-11-28)Surveys of colonial-nesting waterbirds are necessary for assessing population trends, gaining insight into wetland ecosystem health, and even determining the impact of natural disasters and other environmental concerns. ... -
Examination of a DNA Aptamer (TLS11a) as a Cancer-Specific Targeting Agent within Cultured BNL 1ME A. 7R.1 Liver Cancer Cells
(2014-11-17)Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, kills over 650,000 people worldwide every year, primarily in regions where viral hepatitis infections are common. Unfortunately, most HCC cases remain ... -
The prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of human Chagas disease, detected in rodent host populations in Texas.
(2015-09-03)Trypanosoma cruzi is the parasite that causes Chagas disease, which affects over eight million people in at least 21 countries in Central and South America. While Chagas disease has been recognized as a significant health ... -
The prevalence of Leptospira in small mammals on five Puerto Rican cattle farms
(2016-07-12)Leptospirosis is thought to be the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world. For this study 124 mice (Mus musculus), 99 rats (Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus), and 89 small Asian mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus) ... -
Influence of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Family History of Alcohol Dependence on Alcohol Use in Healthy Social Drinkers
(2016-04-20)Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is important for neuronal survival, differentiation and consolidation of synaptic strength. Studies have found increased alcohol use and genetic risk for alcohol dependence in ... -
Personality and predation in a changing world
(2016-07-28)The interaction between predators and prey is one of the driving forces that shape not only animal behavior, but also the evolution and ecology of organisms. However, predator-prey interactions are now taking place in an ... -
Population Genetics of the Big Bend Slider (Trachemys gaigeae gaigeae) and the Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) in the Contact Zone in the Lower Rio Grande Drainage of Texas
(2015-07-15)The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is well-known for its popularity in the pet trade. It is also known for its near cosmopolitan distribution, which is partly due to the release of these pet turtles. When ... -
A spatiotemporal habitat fragmentation analysis for the endangered Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis)
(2015-07-13)No abstract prepared. -
Using a Habitat Suitability Model and Molecular Analyses to Aid in the Conservation Management of the Texas tortoise, Gopherus berlandieri
(2015-07-17)The Texas tortoise, Gopherus berlandieri (Agassiz 1857), is a threatened species in the state of Texas and strict conservation action is required to ensure that continuing population decline does not occur. The historical ... -
Characterization of AFB5 in Arabidopsis Auxin Signaling
(2015-07-22)Auxin is a pivotal hormone that regulates nearly every aspect of plant growth and development, both genomic as well as non-genomic responses. Genomic responses are regulated through the degradation of a group of transcriptional ... -
Efficacy and efficiency of head-starting and captive propogation of an endangered amphibian: Implications for continued population and habitat management following catastrophic wildfire
(2015-07-23)The Lost Pines ecoregion of Texas is a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and post oak (Quercus stellata) dominated woodland forest with remaining fragments in Austin, Bastrop, Colorado and Fayette Counties. Bastrop County continues ... -
Functional characterization of SAUR genes in plant growth and development
(2015-07-17)SAUR (small auxin up RNA) family of genes is one of the three early auxin responsive genes, expression of which is induced within minutes of auxin application. SAUR genes have been identified from several different model ... -
Effect of compost tea on plant growth performance and the fate of microbial communities in soil
(2015-07-14)Compost tea is a popular amendment used to improve soil quality and to control soil-borne diseases in plants. With proper brewing, compost tea contains many of the beneficial microbes and nutrients of compost, but is more ...
