LEE, M.J.; Idaho State University: Visual Projections into the Brainstem of Rana pipiens The goal of this project is to identify the anatomical projections of visual neurons into the frog brainstem. Using 3000MW fluorescent dextrans and Sulforhodamine 101 (SR 101), a voltage activated dye, it was found that labeling the optic nerve yielded staining of […]

FINKLER, M.S.; Indiana University Kokomo: Variation in soil water content influences the size of laboratory-reared Chelydra serpentina hatchlings from eggs incubated in natural nest soil. Most studies that have investigated the influence of hydric conditions during incubation on reptile hatchling phenotype have employed either vermiculite or sand as incubation media, and the applicability of data […]

MARTINEZ, G.; DRUCKER, E.G.; SUMMERS, A.P.; University of New Hampshire; University of California – Irvine; University of California – Irvine: Under pressure to swim fast High speed swimming requires a stiff body to maximize thrust delivered along the main axis of the fish. Swiftly swimming bony fishes have few vertebrae (i.e. 22 in marlins), and […]

JASINOSKI, S.J.; Univ. of Calgary: Transformation of the theropod scapulocoracoid using thin-plate splines Non-avian theropods were bipedal saurischian dinosaurs, closely related to modern birds. Bipedalism decoupled the theropod shoulder girdle from its weight-bearing role, allowing the forelimbs to engage in functions other than locomotion. Within the theropod lineage, several morphological changes occurred in the shoulder […]

NIETO, V.*; MCCLARY, JR., M.; Fairleigh Dickinson University; Fairleigh Dickinson University: Toxicity test of Roundup on the fiddler crab Uca pugnax (Smith) and the ribbed mussel Geukensia demissa (Dillwyn) The aquatic herbicide Rodeo is used to kill weeds and marsh grasses such as the invasive common reed Phragmites australis and the cord grass Spartina alterniflora. […]

CLIFTON, K.B.*; MECHOLSKY, J.J., JR.; YAN, J.-H.; REEP, R.L.; University of Florida, Gainesville; University of Florida, Gainesville; University of Florida, Gainesville; University of Florida, Gainesville: Toughness Determination of Manatee Rib Bone Watercraft-related mortality of the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris), caused by propeller wounds or impact, accounts for 24% of all deaths from 1976-2001, and […]

MAHON, A.R.; CARPENTER, K.E.; Old Dominion University; Old Dominion University: The use of the recombintion activating gene (RAG-1) to elucidate interfamilial relationships within the Perciformes The use of molecular tools to determine generic and species level relationships among organisms has become routine. However, the commonly utilized genes, such as cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase subunit […]

SOCHA, J.J.; The University of Chicago: The timing and shape of dorsoventral flattening in Chrysopelea paradisi, a gliding snake Flying snakes are the only vertebrates that simultaneously flatten dorsoventrally and undulate laterally. Understanding the timing and final cross-sectional shape of flattening is key to forming hypotheses of morphological specialization and aerodynamic force generation during gliding […]

BARRY, T.O.; MARTIN, T.R.; FEI, H.; HATLE, J.D.; BORST, D.W.; Illinois State University, Normal: The regulation of vitellogenin production in the lubber grasshopper, Romalea microptera. Previous studies have shown that juvenile hormone (JH) stimulates vitellogenin (Vg) production in many insects. To investigate the regulation of Vg production in the lubber grasshopper, we allatectomized (CA-; removal […]

BAINES, A.T.; MCVEY, M; THOMPSON, J.T.*; WILKINS, H; University of North Carolina; University of North Carolina; University of North Carolina; University of North Carolina: The mystery of the toxic flea dip: an interactive approach to teaching aerobic cellular respiration We designed a case study to teach aerobic cellular respiration to major and non-major introductory biology […]