State of North Carolina
Undergraduate Research & Creativity
Symposium
Science Abstracts
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Amis,
Jackie |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Research |
Moses Okello/Center for
Wildlife Management, School for Field Studies, |
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Title of Presentation: |
The State and Contraction
of Wildlife Corridors in Kimana Group Ranch near |
The purpose of this study
was to assess the amount of land available to wildlife in the Kimana Group
Ranch, part of the corridor between
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Anderson,
Marybeth |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Biology, UNC-Chapel Hill |
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Research |
Elaine Yeh/Biology, |
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Title of Presentation: |
The Dependence of
Kinetochore Complexes on Centromere Binding |
Correct mitotic segregation
of chromosomes relies upon the attachment of the microtubule to the chromosome
at the kinetochore complex. Unlike in other organisms, the attachment of
microtubules to the yeast chromosomes requires only one microtubule per
kinetochore; furthermore, each kinetochore is composed of at least nine protein
complexes. Of these major complexes CBF3, containing the essential protein
Ndc10, is located adjacent to the nucleosome and is important in formation of
the kinetochore. This procedure tested whether known kinetochore proteins Ctf19
and Nuf2 localized to the kinetochore in an Ndc10 dependent manner. By comparing
the intensity of GFP tagged Ctf19 in strains with and without Ndc10 it was
determined that Ctf19, a member of the COMA complex, failed to assemble at the
kinetochore in the absence of Ndc10. Nuf2, a member of the Ndc80 complex, was
visualized as distinct foci along the spindle equator in the absence of Ndc10,
however various abnormalities in the localization of Nuf2 were observed. We are
currently looking at additional kinetochore complexes to determine their
stability in the absence of kinetochore attachment.
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Student
Author(s): |
Anderson,
Trevor |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Physics, NCSU |
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Research |
Keith Weninger/Physics,
NCSU |
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Title of Presentation: |
Exploring Different Pathways of SNARE Protein
Complex Formation |
For many normal biological events in cells, two
membranes must merge into one.
SNARE’s are essential proteins that catalyze membrane fusion by
assembling into a multi-protein
complex in many of these biological cellular
settings. For the past summer I have
been using single molecule fluorescence to characterize complexes formed from a
variety of different SNARE proteins (VAMP2, syntaxin, SNAP-25 and
SNAP-29). One of the complexes is well
studied (VAMP:syntaxin:SNAP-25) and the other (VAMP:syntaxin:SNAP-29) is
not. I have used standard biochemistry
tools (bacterial protein expression and protein purification) to generate the
various proteins that I used to form the SNARE protein complexes. Using electrophoresis and fluorescence
resonant energy transfer, I have begun to compare the characteristics of the
two complexes.
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Arnett,
Kristen A. |
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Dept & College or
University:
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UNC-Pembroke |
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Research |
Paul Flowers/Chemistry and
Physics, UNC-Pembroke |
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Title of Presentation: |
Fluorescence
Spectroelectrochemical Sensing for In-situ Determination of Heavy Metal Ions |
This poster describes
progress to-date on the development of a fiber optic spectroelectrochemical (FOSEC)
fluorescence sensor for the in-situ determination of heavy metal ions. The
sensor was fabricated by simple modification of a commercially available flow
cell, and its electrochemical performance was determined to be satisfactory per
voltammetric measurements using the aqueous ferri/ferrocyanide couple.
Assessment of the sensor's spectral traits indicates a detection limit on the
order of 10 nM for the copper-chelating ligand, calcein, suggesting the planned
FOSEC analysis scheme may be capable of determining copper at ultratrace
levels. The aqueous copper(II)/copper couple was chosen to investigate the
analytical merit of an analysis involving (a) preconcentration of the analyte
via cathodic electrodeposition, followed by (b) anodic stripping in an aqueous
medium containing calcein and (c) subsequent measurement of calcein
fluorescence quenching induced by its complexation with the analyte.
Preliminary results are encouraging, though precision and sensitivity issues
have been encountered and are presently being examined. This work was supported
by funds from the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for
Undergraduates program (CHE- 0353724).
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Barnes,
Charles A. |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Chemistry and
Biochemistry, UNC-Greensboro |
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Research |
Norman H. L.
Chiu/Chemistry and Biochemistry, UNC-Greensboro |
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Title of Presentation: |
Structural
Characterization of Modified 2’-Deoxyguanosine Nucleoside |
Many toxic agents and their
electrophilic metabolites readily react with DNA, and form different types of adduct
with DNA. Clinically, DNA adducts have been linked to lung and bladder cancer.
In this study, we have developed a high throughput matrix-assisted laser
desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectroscopic (MS) method for the structural
characterization of two different 2’-deoxyguanosine nucleoside adducts,
namely N-(2’-deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenyl-imidazo
[4,5-b] pyridine (dG-C8-PhiP) and
N-(2’-deoxyguanosin-8yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (dG-C8-ABP). In order to
determine the molecular structure of the selected adducts including the
position of adduction, each adduct molecule was dissociated into smaller
chemical groups by using the collision induced dissociation (CID) technique,
which has been incorporated as part of our MALDI mass spectrometer. To avoid
any premature dissociation of the adducts during MALDI MS measurements,
different MALDI matrices, sample preparation methods, and laser intensity were
evaluated. Premature dissociation of the adducts was significantly reduced when
3-hydroxypicolinic acid matrix and layered dried droplets method were used. The
CID experiments of the adducts produced reproducible fragmentation patterns
that allow the identification of guanosine, PhIP or ABP, and the site of
adduction at the C-8 position of guanosine. Depending on the choice of
nucleases uses for breaking down a DNA fragment, the digested mononucleotides
consist of terminal with either a hydroxyl or a phosphate group. Owing to this
reason, the difference between dGMP and dG was investigated. The phosphate
terminal has lowered the efficiency of desorption and/or ionization. Since,
both dG-C8-PhIP and dG-C8-ABP are more soluble in DMF, the effects of DMF on
MALDI MS measurements have also been examined.
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Belton,
Jon-Matthew |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Molecular and Structural
Biochemistry, NCSU |
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Research |
Linda Hanley-Bowdoin/Molecular
and Structural Biochemistry, NCSU Trino
Ascencio-Ibanez/Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NCSU |
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Title of Presentation: |
Immunolocalization of AL1,
geminivirus Replication Factor, in Arabidopsis Plants Infected with Cabbage Leaf
Curl Virus |
Cabbage Leaf Curl Virus
(CaLCuV) is a member of the Geminiviridae family of plant viruses.
Geminiviruses cause agricultural epidemics world wide, devastating a variety of
crops including cassava, tomato, cotton and maize. Geminiviruses are
characterized by their small, circular, single-stranded DNA genomes with either
one or two chromosomes and by their double icosohedral viral particles. We used
immunolocalization assays to study the viral replication protein, AL1, in wild
type and mutant lines of Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0. Plants were inoculated
with Agrobacterium tumefaciens carrying T-DNA constructs with the A and B
genomes of CaLCuV. Microscopic analysis of vibratome-generated sections of
infected plant tissues revealed the relative concentrations of virus in
specific tissues. This information adds to our understanding of the infection
process in the Arabidopsis model system.
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Blackwell,
Valentene P. |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Biology, UNC-Greensboro |
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Research |
Dennis LaJeunesse/Biology,
UNC-Greensboro |
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Title of Presentation: |
The Drosophila Messy
Mitochondria: It’s Not All about Mitochondria, or Is It? |
In an F3 genetic screen of
700 late larval/pupal lethal chromosomes, we have identified a new mitochondrial
morphology gene called messy mitochondria. messy mitochondria is an essential
gene with a early pupal lethal period and an extended larval period. Loss of
messy mitochondria results in an altered mitochondrial morphology phenotype in
the Drosophila visceral muscles and other tissues. Interestingly, larvae mutant
for messy mitochondria also express small and abnormal imaginal disc phenotype.
The imaginal discs of messy mitochondria mutant larvae have lost their
apical/basal polarity. The messy mitochondria phenotypes suggest a connection
between intracellular organization of mitochondria and fundamental aspects of
cellular organization.
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Boggess,
Laura |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Biology, |
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Research |
Tom Goforth/Crow Dog
Nursery |
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Title of Presentation: |
The Correlation of pH Indicator
Plant Species with the Geology of a Rich Mountain Cove in the Jocassee Gorges
of Northern Pickens County, South Carolina: Preliminary Results |
A stream cove located in the
Inner Piedmont of South Carolina contains high and low pH indicator plant
species in close association. Our project involves the analysis of all
ecological factors contributing to the unusual mixture of plant species. Thus
far, our research has included mapping the geology of the cove and conducting
intensive surveys of plant species in selected plots. The terrain contains
bedrock made up of the regionally dominant felsic Henderson Gneiss interlayered
locally with a mafic hornblende/biotite gneiss. The preliminary results from
the first three months of the study indicate that geological patterns directly
influence the distribution of pH indicator species. Further study will include
additional floristic surveys, analyses of soil chemistry, hydrology, slope, and
aspect at the site, and graphic and statistical correlations of all ecological
factors. Our results will provide a baseline for future studies of mixed
indicator coves as well as providing components for developing predictive
models that can be employed in both geological mapping and floristic surveys.
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Bond, Lisa M. |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Biology, UNC-Chapel Hill |
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Research |
Kerry Bloom/Biology,
UNC-Chapel Hill |
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Title of Presentation: |
Cohesin Is a Stable
Component of Pericentric Chromatin |
The biorientation of joined
sister chromatids at metaphase permits the accurate transfer of genetic
material to daughter cells during cell division. The cohesin complex, composed
of Mcd1p/Scc1p, Scc3p, Smc1p, and Smc3p, facilitates accurate transfer by
holding sister chromatids together until its cleavage at anaphase onset. This
complex forms a cylindrical array around the mitotic spindle in the budding
yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A
paradox is raised by the fact that 3-5 times more cohesin is bound at
pericentric chromatin than along chromosome arms, but sister centromeres are
separated by 600-800 nm prior to cohesin cleavage (Pearson et al, 2001). A recently proposed model accounts for cohesin
enrichment at pericentric chromatin and sister centromere separation by
suggesting that individual chromatids fold back upon themselves at each
centromere to form “c-loops,” and that cohesin is distributed not
only along the pericentric regions of juxtaposed sister chromatid arms (interstrand cohesin), but also along the
overlapping regions of individual, folded chromatids (interstrand cohesin) (Bloom et
al., 2006.). With this model in mind, this study focused on determining the
stability of pericentric cohesin. Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching
(FRAP) was used to monitor cohesin stability in cells expressing Smc3p-GFP.
FRAP of histone H2B-GFP served as a positive control. Analysis revealed that
cohesin fluorescence recovered above the background in only 2 of 12 cells,
while histone H2B was dynamic in 5 out of 5 cells analyzed. These results suggest
that cohesin is stably bound to pericentric chromatin. The stability of this
structure may be important for establishing sister chromatid biorientation
and/or contributing to stability of the mitotic spindle. Further use of FRAP
analysis to ascertain the nature of specific forms of cohesin will contribute
to the overall determination of the nature of pericentric cohesin.
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Braden, Amy K. Eshraghi, Sarah |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Biology, |
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Research |
Karthik Aghoram/Biology
& Health Science, |
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Title of Presentation: |
Elucidation of the
Mechanism of Activation of a Protein Kinase |
Soybean Protein Kinase-1
(SPK1) is a 339 amino acid enzyme important to the functionality of drought response
in some plants. When stimulated by osmotic stress (i.e. drought conditions),
the protein is activated. The activation of SPK1 results in the phosphorylation
of the lipid transfer protein Ssh1p which is thought to induce drought
tolerance. The goal of this project is to determine the mechanism of activation
of spk1 without the use of stress. The mechanism of activation is unknown but
since it has been shown that other drought responsive protein kinases are
activated by truncations we have formulated our experiments respectively. We
hypothesize that by truncating amino acids off of the C terminus end of the
protein sequence in four places, we will be able to produce a protein that is
constitutively active. The truncated version of the protein will be used
transform yeast cells. SPK1 activity will be assayed by immunoblotting
experiments that are designed to track Ssh1p phosphorylation. If SPK1 is
constitutively active, Ssh1p will be phosphorylated even in the absence of
stress. I hypothesize that that a moderate truncation will result in
constitutively activate SPK1, but the truncating too much may result in the
complete inactivation of the protein.
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Bradshaw, Chelsea B. |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Animal Science, NCSU |
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Research |
Michael J. Yoder/Animal
Science, NCSU |
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Title of Presentation: |
Shackleford Wild Horse
Nutrient Study |
The wild horses living on
Shackleford Island, in Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina, are
exposed to harsh climates; diets that vary in quality, quantity and nutritional
value from season to season; and limited management schemes coordinated by the
National Park Service. This study
examines diet content and nutrient value associated with nutritional
maintenance, growth and reproductive efficiency. Four collection periods, one for each of the
four major seasons, were conducted to identify the types of forages consumed,
and the nutrient value of these forages.
During each collection period, the ponies were observed until the
forages they consumed were identified, a one-quart sample of the forage was
then taken for analysis. Nutrient
analysis included crude protein, acid detergent fiber, calcium, phosphorous,
sulfur, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, and
digestible energy. The nutrient analysis
results were then compared to daily nutrient requirements for mature weight ponies
and horses, established by the National Research Council. Initial analysis indicate that the diets
consumed by the ponies of Shackleford Island are low in crude protein and
several micronutrients including copper and zinc, yet are adequate in digestible
energy. In addition, calcium –
phosphorus ratios vary between forage types and from one ecosystem to the
next. Knowledge gained from this study
will increase our understanding of wild horse nutrition, will be useful in
determining population limitations of the island, and will enhance management
of the ponies that are removed from the island.
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Britt,
Robin L. |
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Dept & College or University:
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Appalachian |
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Research |
Dale E. Wheeler/Chemistry,
Appalachian |
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Title of Presentation: |
Synthesis and Characterization
of Novel Heterobimetallic Ferrocene Imine Complexes |
Heterobimetallic complexes
containing π-bound metals connected through a conjugated aromatic bridge
have the potential to exhibit nonlinear optical properties. Our research investigated
the synthesis and characterization of several complexes containing ferrocene
CpFe(C5H4) connected by CH=N to Cp*Ru(C6H4X)+
where X = Cl, OH, NO2, N(CH3)2 etc. Initially,
several ferrocene benzylidene complexes were isolated from the reactions of ferrocenecarboxaldehyde
with various aromatic aniline derivatives. Reactions of these products with Cp*Ru+
yielded novel heterobimetallic materials characterized by 1H and 13C
NMR spectrometry and by visible spectrophotometry.
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Burroughs,
James L. |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Molecular and Structural Biochemistry,
Plant Pathology, Center for Integrated Fungal Research, NCSU |
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Research |
Gary A. Payne/Plant
Pathology, NCSU D. Ryan
Georgianna/Functional Genomics, NCSU |
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Title of Presentation: |
The afl-4 Mutation in Nontoxigenic A. flavus Strain 241 Is Caused by an Unknown Regulatory Element
for aflR Transcription |
Aflatoxins are extremely
carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus flavus. Our understanding of
aflatoxin biosynthesis has been aided by the use of strains with mutations in
the biosynthetic pathway for this carcinogen. The objective of the research
reported here was to characterize the afl-4
mutation in strain 241, and determine if this mutation could be the result of a
mutant copy of the global regulator of secondary metabolism, laeA. LaeA was chosen as a target gene because it regulates aflR, and our previous studies had shown
that strain 241 fails to accumulate transcripts of aflR. We sequenced laeA
from strain 241 and compared its sequence to a copy of laeA from an aflatoxin-producing strain of A. flavus. There were no detectable mutations in the copy of laeA in strain 241. We also isolated RNA
transcripts from strain 241 grownunder conditions conducive for aflatoxin
biosynthesis. Transcripts of laeA
were produced in strain 241 under these conditions. We conclude from our
studies that the afl-4 mutation in
strain 241 is not a direct mutation of laeA.
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Cameron,
Catherine M. |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Chemistry, UNC-Asheville |
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Research |
Jason
Schmeltzer/Chemistry, UNC-Asheville |
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Title of Presentation: |
Determination of the Growth
Mechanism of Catalytically Grown Carbon Nanotubes |
Carbon nanotubes are
cylindrical carbon networks composed of single sheets of graphite rolled and
capped at the ends. They exhibit extraordinary tensile strength, novel
electrical properties, and efficient thermal conduction. When grown with a
metal catalyst, a mixture of metallic and semiconducting nanotubes is obtained.
Understanding the growth mechanism of carbon nanotubes has great importance; by
attaining this knowledge, nanotubes can be tailored for specific applications
where their physical and chemical properties play a significant role. Our
investigations into nanotube growth are attempting to address the question of
the role of nanoparticulates of gamma-iron mixed with carbon clusters on the
surface of the 200-nm iron carbide (originally alpha-iron), which is the focal
region of the growth of nanotubes. Currently, further studies are taking place
in order to provide additional spatial information about the iron as well as to
verify and reinforce our results. We are preparing a synthesis of ferrocene,
the catalytic precursor, with the spectroscopically active 57Fe. Carbon
nanotubes grown from this sample will improve results overall by producing
reliable and unambiguous spectra. In addition, a thorough examination by TEM is
in progress which would help to confirm the size distribution and location of
alpha- and gamma-iron nanoparticles. We believe that gamma-iron
nanoparticulates are stabilized by carbon nanoclusters, while the gamma-iron particles
are clinging to the nanotube walls.
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Carroll,
Turhan |
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Dept & College or
University:
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NCSU |
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Research |
Noah Finkelstein/Physics, |
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Title of Presentation: |
A Study of the
Effectiveness of using PER-Based Course Transformations in a Summer Session
Setting |
Physics Education Research (PER)
is a sub-discipline of physics that focuses on developing research-based models
and practices of teaching, learning, and student understanding. As a result of physics education research,
many course transformations have been developed in an effort to improve
students’ overall understanding of physics. The success of these transformations has
raised many questions about how and where these transformations can be
replicated. The
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Casserman,
Lauren A. Gapin,
Jennifer Kirk,
Stephanie D. Barella,
Lisa |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Exercise and Sport
Science, |
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Research |
Paul G. Davis/Exercise and
Sport Science, School of Health and Human Performance, UNC-Greensboro Jennifer L.
Etnier/Exercise and Sport Science, School of Health and Human Performance,
UNC-Greensboro |
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Title of Presentation: |
Psychological Status and
Misreporting of the Body Weight in Overweight and Obese Young Women |
Overweight and obese women
often under-report body weight. The purpose of this study was to compare the
extent of mis-reporting of weight and height to measures of psychological
variables. Young overweight and obese women requesting information about an
exercise-training study gave their weight and height during a telephone
interview. They followed this by having their weight and height measured in a
laboratory. During this visit, the participants also completed questionnaires
assessing various components of physical self-perception, as well as
self-esteem and depression. Participants under-reported weight and
over-reported height. The only significant relationships between reporting
discrepancies and psychological variables were between strength self-perception
and mis-reporting of weight (r=0.364, p=0.04) and between sport self-perception
and mis-reporting of height (r=0.492, p=0.004). In addition, a significant
relationship was not found between depression and mis-reporting of body mass
index (calculated from self-reported weight and height), but the relationship
approached significance among White participants (r=-0.526, p=0.10). These
preliminary results suggest that physical self-perception, self-esteem, and depression
do not seem to have a strong influence on the mis-reporting of body weight or
height in overweight and obese young women. However, the relationships between
psychological variables and mis-reporting of body weight and height may depend
partially upon ethnicity.
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Corum,
Daniel G. |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Biological Sciences, |
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Research |
R. Michael Roe/Entomology,
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Title of Presentation: |
Identification of Novel
Neuropeptides from the Tick Synganglion |
Ticks are obligate ectoparasites
that vector a wide range of diseases that impact human and animal health
(Sonenshine, 1993). There is a paucity of information on the role of the tick
synganglion compared to insects. Identification of neuropeptides from the tick
brain may lead to novel targets for tick control as well as increase our
knowledge of the role of the CNS in tick endocrinology and molting. The first
neurohormone identified from the CNS of an ixodid tick was identified via
MALDI-TOF/TOF MS (Neupert et al. 2005). The de novo sequenced peptide was
identified as a periviscerokinin, a peptide involved in water balance. Prior to
this study, only two putative salivary secreted neuropeptide-like proteins from
Ixodes pacificus had been identified. Lomas et al. (1997) found that the tick
synganlion is capable of stimulating ecdysteriodogenesis in integumental
tissue. Ecdysteroids initiate the cascade of events leading to vitellogenesis
and egg production in ticks (Thompson et al. 2005). These studies elucidate the
important role of the tick CNS in several key physiological events. In the
current study 100 synganglia were dissected from fully engorged mated female
Dermacentor variabils ticks in order to construct a subtractive cDNA library.
We chose used a suppression subtraction PCR method (whole body cDNA without
synganglian subtracted from synganglian cDNA) to preferentially enrich for
sequences unique to the D. variablis brain. Our overall goal is to sequence
15,000 ESTs, construct EST microarrays, and examine global gene expression in
order to identify candidate genes important in tick blood feeding and
reproduction.
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Daniels,
Ryan L. |
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Dept & College or University:
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BM Performance,
UNC-Greensboro |
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Research |
Patricia Gray/BioMusic,
UNC-Greensboro |
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Title of Presentation: |
Music Perception in
Primates |
The Bonobo, Pan paniscus, is the great ape species
to which humans are most closely related and are an endangered species
indigenous in the environs of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bonobos share
most of our DNA (99.797% of ours) and many of our social propensities, which
make them a prime source for my research. This research project examines
parallels between spoken language and music. Working with a group of a
language-competent bonobos at the Great Ape Trust in
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Das, Riva |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Research |
Goldschmidt,
Pascal/Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Seo, David/Institute of
Genome Sciences and Policy, |
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Title of Presentation: |
Effects of Osteopontin Knockdown
on Atherosclerosis |
Because microarray analyses
of human and mouse aortas have shown that osteopontin has significantly higher
expression in atherosclerotic versus normal vascular tissues, we hypothesize that
osteopontin may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore,
we would like to examine the effect of altering osteopontin levels in cells
known to be involved in atherogenesis, vascular smooth muscle cells and
macrophages. We would like to study the effects of osteopontin on the phenotype
of these cells, as well as the molecular effects on other genes. This project
represents the first step of our investigation, which is to develop a system
for gene knockdown in cells using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). siRNAs are
double-stranded RNAs that can silence genes with a high degree of specificity
by harnessing the intracellular RISC pathway. In this project, three siRNAs for
osteopontin were designed and then cloned into a lentiviral vector, which will
be used for future in vivo studies. We tested the siRNAs for efficiency of
osteopontin gene expression knockdown in the HEK293T cell line. Western blot
analysis showed that one of our siRNA constructs reduced osteopontin expression
by 80-90%. Our next step will be to transfect vascular smooth muscle cells and
macrophages with our siRNA construct and study the effects of reduced
osteopontin expression.
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Davis,
Ryan |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Research |
A. Karoui/Natural Science and Mathematics, B. Vlahovic/Physics, NCSU |
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Title of Presentation: |
Characterization of
Electrically Active Defects in Solar Grade Polycrystalline Silicon |
The examination of
impurities in semiconductors is one of the most pertinent studies in optimizing
electronic device performance. In this
study, we test solar grade polycrystalline Schottky diodes, using two highly
sensitive techniques called Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS) and
Capacitance Voltage (CV). These
techniques enable the identification of doping levels, impurity content, and
other device and material related parameters.
This allowed us to compute the defect capture cross section and the
activation energy of deep level traps in our samples. Such properties are essential to understanding
the impact that defects have on the performance of the photovoltaic cells that
are used in sub-micrometer and nanoscale electronic devices.
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Derballa,
Nicole |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Psychology, UNC-Asheville |
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Research |
Mark Harvey/Psychology,
UNC-Asheville |
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Title of Presentation: |
Drama as a Form of Informal
Science Education and Its Effectiveness in Promoting Science Literacy,
Comprehension, and Memory |
The present research study
explored the use of drama to support children’s learning and interest in primary
science. Working closely with the Health Adventure of Asheville as they launch
their new science performance program, the present research sought to determine
the effectiveness of a dramatic performance, revolving around the topic of the
laws of motion, on student interest in science, science literacy, and memory
for scientific facts presented in the play. The present research addressed the
limitations of classroom science education and makes a contribution to the
literature on informal science education. More specifically, the present study
focused on drama as a method of informal science education via an evaluation of
the drama performance as a means of informal science education and its
effectiveness in achieving its goals. Preliminary data analyses show that drama
is indeed an effective means for enhancing science learning.
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Desmarais,
Jamie A. |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Zoology, NCSU |
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Research |
Jane Lubischer/Zoology,
NCSU |
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Title of Presentation: |
Changes in Expression of
4E2 after Denervation of Neonatal Rat Soleus Muscle |
The expression of 4E2 in Schwann
cells and in neurons after denervation of the soleus muscle was examined in
neonatal rats at ages where reinnervation rarely occurs. It has been shown that
plasticity at the neuromuscular junction in neonatal rats is limited in
comparison to adults, and that this response is linked to Schwann cell death by
apoptosis that occurs after denervation of muscle (Trachtenburg and Thompson,
1996; Lubischer and Thompson, 1999). Terminal Schwann cell reactivity is key
for reinnervation of denervated muscle in adult rats, and involves a change in
gene expression, including the upregulation of several proteins including the
one of interest to this study, 4E2 (Son and Thompson, 1999). After denervation
and before Schwann cell death (1 day after nerve cut) the soleus muscles were
removed. Immunohistochemical procedures (antibody labeling) were used to
identify the presence of the protein 4E2. Preliminary results showed that after
denervation 4E2 was downregulated postsynaptically (in muscle fibers) and also
decreased in the nerve. Preliminary observations also indicated that an
upregulation of 4E2 in terminal Schwann cells did not occur after the one day
survival time. These results suggest age-related changes in the expression of
4E2 in response to denervation, which may be linked to limited plasticity in
neonates. Further questions remain about other factors preventing
reinnervation, as well as the identification of a developmental time course for
changes in 4E2 expression after denervation. Future studies will confirm these
results and examine 4E2 expression along the nerve and in terminal Schwann
cells at longer survival times after denervation, but before Schwann cell
apoptosis occurs.
|
Duggins,
Luke M. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, UNC-Greensboro |
|
Research |
Elizabeth P.
Lacey/Biology, UNC-Greensboro |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Geographic Variation in
Anthocyanin Deposition in Flowers of Plantago lanceolata |
Flower color in the weedy
perennial, Plantago lanceolata, is phenotypically plastic. Darker flowers are produced
at cooler ambient temperatures, and existing evidence suggests that this is
adaptive. Flowers darken at cooler temperature because of increasing
anthocyanin production. Anthocyanins appear in multiple tissues of a flower:
sepals, petal lobes, and subtending bract. However, anthocyanin deposition is
genetically variable. Our goal was to examine the geographic variation in
pattern of tissue-specific deposition. We grew samples of plants from 19
populations that spanned a range of latitudes and altitudes in
|
Durojaiye,
Modupeoluwa |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Sekara Basavaraju,
Biology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Streptozoticin Induced
Type 1 Diabetes Mediated Reducation in Intrinsic Heart Rate of Murine Model
(Mice) |
Previous research showed a
fall in heart rate of Type 1 induced diabetic mice. The purpose of the research
was to see if the fall in heart rate was due to a decrease in intrinsic heart
rate. The hypothesis of this study is that the fall in heart rate of Type 1
diabetic mice is not mediated by the autonomic nervous system, and thus will be
mediated by a fall in intrinsic heart rate. Mice were surgically implanted with
DSI EKG telemeters that were used to measure the heart rate, activity rate, and
body temperature. Six out of twelve mice were randomly picked for
Streptozoticin (STZ) injection, and the other six served as controls. Blood
samples were drawn for the glucose assay test. Metoprolol and Atropine
injections were used to test intrinsic heart rate. Diabetes was induced in the
mice by injecting them with STZ that was dissolved in dilute sodium citrate
solution. A glucose assay test was conducted on their blood plasma samples. The
injected mice had a higher blood glucose concentration than the controls. We
saw a relatively low heart rate in our diabetic mice as we had expected to see.
We had hoped to see a lower intrinsic heart rate in our diabetic mice. We
compared their intrinsic heart rate before and after they were injected. We did
not notice much difference. Therefore, the fall in heart rate of Type 1
diabetic mice may not be due to decrease in intrinsic heart rate.
|
Edathil,
Roshen T. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biochemistry, NCSU |
|
Research |
William L. Miller/Biochemistry, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Identification of Transcription Factors that
Partner with Smad3/4 to Induce Transcription of oFSHβ |
Follicle Stimulating Hormone
(FSH) is required for egg and sperm production in mammals. FSH is an α/β heterodimer with
FSHβ controlling overall expression. Because of its importance, FSHβ
is controlled by more than 6 hormones, one of which is activin-A, a
transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) family member. Activin typically activates Smad3, a nuclear
transcription factor, that then binds Smad4 and other transcription factors to
form DNA-enhancesome promoter complexes to induce gene transcription. One Smad binding site in the FSHβ
promoter seems especially important for FSH expression (-166GTTTAGAC-159). My goal this summer has been to isolate the nuclear
transcription complex containing Smad3/4 and all other proteins involved in
inducing FSHβ transcription. I
increased Smad3 concentrations in FSH-producing cells (LβT2) by transient
transfection of a Smad3 expression plasmid, isolated the nuclear proteins and
incubated the nuclear extract with biotinylated DNA known to bind Smad3/4 most
efficiently (GTCTAGAC-biotin). The
DNA-Smad3/4-enhancesome complex was isolated using Streptavidin-coated magnetic
microbeads that were captured on a magnetic column. Western blotting with antibodies was used to
show efficient extraction of Smad3/4 (chemiluminescence). Other proteins in the complex will be
identified using HPLC-Mass Spectral analysis.
Optimization of this technique using Smad3/4 was necessary to ensure
efficient extraction of enhancesome proteins.
Characterization of the Smad-associated transcription factors on the
FSHβ promoter will identify proteins that can partner with Smad3/4 and may
be important in hundreds of other activin induced promoters.
|
Emery,
Nathan |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
|
|
Research |
Art McKee/Forest Ecology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Patterns of Plant Species Diversity
in Floodplain Habitats |
Riparian ecosystems are
generally characterized by high levels of biodiversity and environmental
heterogeneity. This study examines plant species diversity on the Nyack
floodplain of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, a free-flowing gravel-bed
river in northwestern
|
Fagan-Tucker, Chloe L. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biomedical Engineering,
Pratt |
|
Research |
Martha Delahunty/Division
of Hematology, Department of Medicine, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Identifying SS Red Blood Cell Proteins Responsible
for Adherence to P-Selectin |
|
|
|
P-selectin is a cell
adhesion molecule -granules of activated platelets and granules ofa(
|
Fairey,
Donta' J. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Center for Earth
Observation Forestry and Environmental Resources, NCSU |
|
Research |
Justin M. Shedd/Forestry
and Environmental Resources, NCSU Stacy A. C.
Nelson/Forestry and Environmental Resources, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Implementation of GIS
Techniques for Effective Wetland Delineations |
The
|
Ferreyra,
Jessica A. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
James A. Alspaugh/Infectious
Diseases, Connie Nichols/Infectious
Diseases, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Surviving the Heat Wave:
The Role of Ras1 in Mediating High Temperature Growth in Cryptococcus neoformans |
Cryptococcus neoformans is an important human fungal pathogen. The highly
conserved Ras1 GTPase is required for the survival of C. neoformans at the human body temperature of 37°C. In addition to
temperature sensitivity, the ras1 mutant
strain has defects in mating and cell morphology. To further explore the role
of Ras1, we performed the following experiments. First, we used the yeast
two-hybrid assay to define upstream regulators of Ras1, and we have tentatively
identified one Ras1-interacting protein. In a second group of experiments, we
characterized the function of three different ras1 mutant alleles by assessing their abilities to complement a ras1 knockout strain. The first mutant
was a dominant negative version of ras1,
and it did not complement any of the ras1
knockout strain phenotypes. In contrast, the second ras1 mutant allele, encoding a dominant active version of Ras1,
complemented all of ras1 knockout strain phenotypes. The third ras1 mutant allele encodes a Ras1 protein
defective in palmitoylation and localization. This mutant allele restored
growth at 37°C but did not complement the mating defect of the ras1 knockout strain.
|
Flores,
Diana |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Scott Pearson/Biology, Mars Hill College and Jo Ann
Croom/Biology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Validating and Comparing
the Effects of Essential Oils on Bacterial Growth |
Understanding the beneficial
and detrimental effects of using herbal products would be conducive to the
future of healthcare and agriculture. Research
is needed to determine the possible applications and dangers of these
products. This experiment was designed
to assess and compare the potential of four essential oils (Origanum vulgare, Zingiber officinale, Eucalyptus
globulus, and Melaleuca alternifolia)
to inhibit growth of several species of bacteria (Bacillus aureus, Corynebacterium
xerosis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas
fluorescens, and Staphylococcus
aureus. The research questions
addressed were: 1) do essential oils inhibit bacterial growth; 2) do essential
oils vary in their effectiveness in inhibiting bacterial growth; 3) is there
variation in susceptibility to essential treatment between species of bacteria;
4) does gram status affect susceptibility to essential oil treatment? The disc-diffusion method was used to assess
bacterial growth inhibition. The
conclusions reached were: 1) essential oils do inhibit bacterial growth
(p<.005); 2) essential oils vary in their ability to inhibit bacterial
growth, with O. vulgare being the
most effective (p<.005); 3) bacterial species vary in their susceptibility
to essential oil treatment with E. coli
being the most susceptible (p<.005); 4) there is no correlation between
susceptibility and gram status (p=.88).
These results may be applied in food preparation to prevent bacteria
related illness, in the development of natural and mild disinfectants, and in
the protection of crops against problematic bacteria.
|
Fulp, |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Molecular and Structural
Biochemistry, NCSU |
|
Research |
Jeffrey A. Yoder/Molecular
Biomedical Sciences, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Novel Immune-Type
Receptors in the Rainbow Trout |
The purpose of this project
is to identify and characterize the Novel Immune-Type Receptor (NITR) genes in rainbow
trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss). NITR
genes encode cell surface proteins that are hypothesized to play a role in
innate immunity. NITRs are encoded by a complex multi-gene family in multiple
fish species and are proposed to play a role in the detection of virally
infected and transformed (cancer) cells. Although 36 NITR genes have been
identified in zebrafish, only 4 NITR genes have been characterized in rainbow
trout suggesting additional NITR genes remain to be identified in this
agriculturally important species. We have utilized genomics and PCR strategies
to identify partial sequences of additional NITR genes and transcripts in
trout. The definition of these genes in trout will contribute to a better
understanding of innate immunity in this species and may advance aquatic
medicine by developing biomarkers for infection or cancer.
|
Goldstein,
Anna P. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Chemistry, UNC-Asheville |
|
Research |
Sally A.
Wasileski/Chemistry, UNC-Asheville |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Dehydrogenation and
Partial Oxidation of Ethanol over Rh(111): Elucidating the Reaction Mechanism
from DFT |
Proton-exchange membrane
(PEM) fuel cells utilizing hydrogen gas as a fuel offer a viable source for
energy production. However, the source of hydrogen must be considered in
developing sustainable energy resources. Dehydrogenation of bioethanol could
provide renewable hydrogen gas. Experimental studies have shown the success of
Rh as a catalyst for the dehydrogenation of ethanol (CH3CH2OH + H2O --> 4H2
+ CO), but the elementary steps of the reaction mechanism have not been
determined. Ab initio methods such as density functional theory (DFT) have been
widely utilized for probing energies and reaction pathways for a variety of
heterogeneous catalytic systems. Here, periodic DFT calculations are used to
investigate the elementary steps of ethanol dehydrogenation and partial
oxidation over single-crystal Rh(111) surfaces as a model of the experimental
Rh catalyst. The full dehydrogenation mechanism of ethanol over a Rh(111)
catalyst surface will be presented, utilizing the Bell-Evans-Polanyi
approximation that the kinetic pathway can be determined from the thermodynamic
reaction energies. Briefly, from adsorbed ethanol (CH3CH2OH), the initial loss
of a hydrogen atom is endothermic, forming one of three molecules (CH2CH2OH,
CH3CHOH, and CH3CH2O) with similar thermodynamics. Both CH3CHOH and CH3CH2O can
proceed to lose a second hydrogen atom in an exothermic reaction step to form
CH3CHO. Therefore, the first two dehydrogenation steps are the loss of the OH
hydrogen and the alpha-hydrogen, in no particular order. CH3CHO then undergoes
a highly exothermic dehydrogenation (-0.53 eV) to lose another alpha-hydrogen
and form CH3CO, limiting the degrees of freedom to consider in determining the
elementary steps involved in C-C cleavage.
|
Gregory,
Jasmine M. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Chemistry, UNC-Charlotte |
|
Research |
Thomas A. Schmedake/Chemistry
(Coas), UNC-Charlotte |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Development of An Improved
Oxygen Sensor: Incorporating a Tris-bipyridyl Ruthenium(II) Dye into a
Sub-Wavelength Optical Cavity |
The purpose of conducting this
experiment was to enhance photo-chemical and photo-physical processes through
optical cavity design. I hypothesized that optical cavity design would inhibit
the flourescence rate for sub-wavelength spheres doped in ruthenium dye. This
would make flourescence via oxygen more competitive. The result would be a more
sensitive oxygen sensor than currently available. For a proof of concept
demonstration, the making of an improved oxygen sensor was attempted. Various
processes such as doping, refractive index measurements, and spectroscopy were
used in this experiment to support the hypothesis. Doping was used to attach
the ruthenium dye to the silicas spheres. The refractive index measured the
speed of light in a vacuum divided by the speed of light in a particular
material. Spectroscopy was used to study the way the sample absorbed
light(UV-Vis Spectrophotometer), emitted light(flourescence spectrometer) as
we! ll as the rate at which it emitted light(flourescence lifetime
spectrometer). The flourescence decay curve of the first generation of spheres
was nonlinear which suggested a non-uniform system. The flourescence decay
curve of the second generation of spheres was linear suggesting a more uniform
system. In conclusion, the lifetime data supported the hypothesis: doping
spheres in ruthenium dye can control the lifetime of sub-wavelength spheres.
|
Grimsley,
Megan L. |
|
|
Dept & College or University:
|
Chemistry and Physics,
UNC-Pembroke |
|
Research |
Timothy Ritter/Chemistry
and Physics, UNC-Pembroke |
|
Title of Presentation: |
The Effects of Varying
Gravitational Fields on Enzymatic Reaction Rates |
The results of our research
that will be presented summarize the overall performance and completion of
UNC-Pembroke’s participation in NASA’s Reduced Gravity Student
Flight Opportunities Program. Two experiments were performed throughout a parabolic
flight pattern, which created both micro- and hyper-gravity environments. The
first experiment centered on exploring and quantifying properties of enzymatic
reaction rates during the 0-g and 2-g gravitational fields. Before flight, the
optimum ratio of enzyme to substrate concentration was established by creating
solubility curves. After the enzyme reaction was performed on board the
aircraft, the samples were quantified using spectral analysis. The average
absorbance for the 0-g samples was 0.37 while the average of the 2-g
measurements was 0.34. From these results we have concluded that there was no
significant difference of enzyme reactivity in varying gravitational fields.
Ground truth data was produced post-flight in the 1-g environment, resulting in
an average absorbance value of 0.14. We contribute this significant difference
from the 0-g and 2-g data to the inconsistent temperature of the enzyme
solution and are exploring this anomaly in further detail. The second
experiment visually demonstrated the effect of gravity using a ball- dropping
apparatus and was designed primarily for outreach presentations for young
audiences.
|
Grove,
Anna M. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
|
|
Research |
David Donze/Biological
Sciences, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Mutational Analysis of the
Bromodomain Homology Region of the YTA7 Gene, which Encodes a Chromatin
Binding Protein Involved in Heterochromatin Barrier Function |
The S. cerevisiae YTA7 gene
encodes a protein that functions to restrict the spread of heterochromatic gene
silencing. It contains a region of bromodomain homology that is necessary for
chromatin binding and barrier function, but differs from most bromodomains in
certain key conserved amino acid residues. This study was designed to target
point mutations to the bromodomain to assess which amino acids are required for
Yta7p function and chromatin binding.
|
Hair,
Jessica Flood, Cecil, Angela Lockhart, Nowsheen, Somaira Wukovich, Rebecca Aziz, Khaled Francisco, Dave Peddi, Prakash |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Alex Georgakilas/Biology, George Sigounas/Department
of Internal Medicine, Brody |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Accumulation of Oxidative
Clustered DNA Lesions (OCDL) in Human Breast Cancer Cells (MCF-7) |
Double stranded breaks
(DSBs) and Oxidative clustered DNA lesions (OCDLs i.e. two or more closely
spaced oxidative DNA lesions) are perhaps the most lethal and mutagenic forms
of DNA damage. OCDL can be induced endogenously or by a number of external agents,
including ionizing radiation and radiomimetic drugs. OCDLs when processed may
result in DSBs, mutations, or cell death. There is no knowledge of the
involvement of clustered DNA lesions in the susceptibility and progression to
cancer. Taking into account the accepted significance of DNA damage and repair
in the etiology of cancer, we propose these studies as the first step to assess
the role of OCDL in the development of malignancies and more specifically,
breast cancer. The human breast cell lines MCF-7 (malignant with reduced BRCA1
expression) and MCF-10A (non-malignant with normal BRCA1 expression), have been
used as our study model. The methods of modified neutral Pulsed Field Gel
Electrophoresis (PFGE), Alkaline Comet Assay and Number Average Length Analysis
(NALA) with the use of highly sensitive enzymatic probes have been used for the
measurements of clustered DNA damage. Immunofluorescence, Western Blotting and
antioxidant assays have been used for the detection of several repair proteins
including γ-H2AX as well as of the cellular antioxidant capacity.
Preliminary data suggests an accumulation of DSBs, single strand breaks (SSBs)
and clusters in MCF-7 cells compared to MCF-10A cells. Current studies are
focusing on the elucidation role BRCA1 and other repair proteins in the
processing OCDLs and DSBs in breast cancer cells and tissues.
|
Hammond,
Rebecca L. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Plant Biology, NCSU |
|
Research |
Heike
Winter-Sederoff/Plant Biology, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Is Transcriptional
Regulation of Gravitropism Conserved Between Dicots and Monocots? |
Gravity is a constant force
that directs the course of plant growth. Plants sense the direction of the
gravity vector and respond to changes in orientation by redirecting their
growth. This response to gravity requires specific changes in gene expression to
accomplish differential cell elongation. Previous studies on Arabidopsis root
tips (Kimbrough et al. 2004) and the maize pulvinus (Heilmann et al. 2001,
Myburg, unpublished) reveal that specfic genes are regulated within minutes of
gravitropic stimulation. We are comparing gene expression patterns in response
to gravity between maize pulvini and Arabidposis root tips to identify possible
conserved mechanisms. Conserved and tissue specific gravity induced changes in
trnascript abundances will further be analyzed for their temporal expression in
maize root apices. In these experiments we will monitor changes in transcript
abundances in the maize root over a time course during the first hour after
reorientation using real-time PCR. The expression profile information
genereated will then be compared between Arabidopsis root tips and the maize
pulvinus to assess the level of conservation in transcriptional regulation
between dicots and monocots.
|
Haywood,
Jackie B. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
UNC-Greensboro |
|
Research |
Susan L.
Phillips/Communication Sciences and Disorders, UNC-Greensboro |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Investigation of Clinical
and Environmental Factors of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss |
This study examines the
clinical and environmental factors that contribute to noise- induced hearing
loss, in order to better identify a phenotype useful for future genotypic
studies. Hearing tests performed on students in a
|
Heighington,
Cassandra |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Genetics, NCSU |
|
Research |
Greg Gibson/Genetics, NCSU Priscilla Hunt/Genetics,
NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Imaging Variation in
Pattern Formation during Drosophila Development |
We have initiated a project to
digitally image variation in normal expression of genes during early
embryogenesis of the fruitfly, Drosophila
melanogaster . The long term objective is to understand how embryonic
patterning is buffered against the effects of environmental and genetic variation,
preventing the appearance of birth defects. As a first step, we have begun to
quantify variation in the boundaries of expression of so-called "gap"
genes in a panel of 5 highly inbred lines from
|
Howard,
Michael B. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Mathematics and Science, |
|
Research |
Michael P.
Shaner/Mathematics and Science, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Identification of Two
Zebrafish Prolactin Genes and Characterization of 5’ Regulatory Regions |
Prolactin is a pituitary and
extrapituitary hormone, belonging to the growth hormone family, which has
numerous functions in vertebrate physiology. This study identifies two
zebrafish prolactin (zfPRL) genes with differing 5’ regulatory regions.
Genomic Southern blot analysis of zebrafish DNA reveals two zfPRL genes and a
~350bp region 270bp upstream of the transcription start site that is only
present for one gene. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified 2576bp and
2204bp upstream regions. Analysis and comparison of the two cloned and
sequenced 5’ regions show several differences. Within the ~350bp upstream
region three putative pit-1 binding elements are present. For further analysis
of the two zfPRLs, green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter vectors driven by
each promoter have been microinjected to create transgenic zebrafish. The
findings of the study show two zfPRL genes and the potential for pit-1
independent transcription. The role of pit-1 independent expression of
extrapituitary prolactin in higher vertebrates is well known, but its role is
unclear in fish. This study provides evidence for a zfPRL gene that is
expressed independent of pit-1. With no known fish model presently identified
to express prolactin independent of pit-1, the findings of this study set the
ground work for such a model, and a better understanding of prolactins
versatility.
|
Hunter,
Melissa R. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Plant Biology, NCSU |
|
Research |
Wendy F. Boss/Plant
Biology, NCSU Imara Y Perera/Plant
Biology, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Molecular Characterization
of Arabidopsis Plants with Altered Phosphoinositol Signaling in Response to Cold
Stress |
The phosphoinositide pathway
(PI) is a critical signaling pathway in plants and animals. In order to alter PI metabolism in plants, we
have generated Arabidopsis plants constitutively expressing the human type-1
inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (InsP 5-ptase), which specifically
hydrolyzes the second messenger, 1,4,5-inositol trisphosphate (IP3). Though the transgenic plants grow normally,
they have altered response to many environmental stimuli, such as drought,
gravity, and pathogen attack. In order
to understand the role of the plant PI pathway to cold stress, we compared gene
expression patterns using RT-PCR with wild-type and transgenic Arabidopsis
seedling in response to cold treatment.
Our results showed that expression of CBF2, a cold induced transcription
factor, and COR15a, a cold responsive gene, increased in response to cold
stress. CBF2 transcript increased at 2
hours following the imposed stress, and COR15a at approximately 8 hours. There appeared to be a slight delay in the
induction of cold response of the transgenic plants. Interestingly, we noted
the presence of multiple amplification products with COR15a, and that the
intensity of the additional bands was higher at the early time points. Sequencing the PCR products confirmed that
the smaller band corresponded to the expected product, and the larger band was
an unspliced transcript. Although the
PCR primers span an intron, several methods were taken to ensure that the
unspliced product was not a result of genomic contamination. During RNA isolation, all samples were
subjected to DNase treatment.
Amplification of other genes, such as actin, and PLC7, with primers
spanning an intron did not reveal multiple products. Finally, amplification using a primer in the
promoter region of COR15a did not result in any product. In addition, we found other cold responsive
genes, such as COR47, COR15b, and Elip1, also exhibited similar expression
patterns. Our results strongly suggest
that alternative splicing occurs in genes in response to cold stress.
|
Huntley,
Anna M. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, UNC-Asheville |
|
Research |
Michael Stuart/Biology,
UNC-Asheville |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Does Altitude Affect
Prevalence And Intensity Of Infection Of Trematode Parasites In Goniobasis Proxima? |
The snail, Goniobasis proxima, commonly found in
the small freshwater streams in the southeastern
|
Hutcherson,
K.M. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Entomology, NCSU |
|
Research |
Sarah D. Ayroles/Genetics, NCSU Christina M. Grozinger/Entomology; Genetics, NCSU David R. Tarpy/Entomology, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
The Effects of Mating on A. mellifera Queen Behavior |
Molecular mechanisms
associated with post-mating behavior and physiological changes in females have
not been explored in great detail. Honey
bees represent an excellent model system with which to address these questions,
because they exhibit a range of “mating states”, from virgins,
laying virgins, instrumentally-inseminated to naturally mated. The two end states (virgins and
naturally-mated) differ dramatically in their behavior, pheromone profiles, and
physiology, while the “intermediate” states are intermediate in
terms of the time to initiate egg-laying (Kaftanoglu and Peng. 1982, J Apic Res
21:3-6). Once reaching reproductive
maturity, queens take a limited number of mating flights within their first
week of life, and then return to the hive and never fly again. We were interested in what cues the queen
uses to determine that she has mated sufficiently. These cues may include the
stimulation of oviduct stretch receptors or the presence of certain seminal
proteins in their spermathecae. In order
to discern the cause of this behavioral shift in mated queens, we monitored
attempts to fly before and after mating using queens in each of the four possible
mating states. The only queens
attempting post-mating flights were the naturally-mated and virgin queens. The semen-inseminated and saline-inseminated
queens did not attempt to fly following insemination. Our results suggest that suggest that insemination
volume, not mating flights or mating number, is important in triggering some
post-mating changes in behavior. Further
research is being done to determine the genetic mechanisms underlying this
behavioral and physiological switch.
|
Jackson,
Christopher M. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Susan E. Fahrbach/Biology,
|
|
Title of Presentation: |
Can Honey Bees
Discriminate Multiple Patterns? |
The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a promising model for
memory and cognition as many of the processes described in the honey bee brain
are also found in mammalian systems. Honey bees and other Hymenoptera are
unique among insects in that their mushroom bodies (locus associated with
memory and cognition) receive extensive input from the optic lobes, suggesting
that vision is closely linked to learning and memory. Previous studies have
revealed that bees are remarkably capable of using visual cues to solve
navigation tasks. This study implemented a Y-maze paradigm to examine how bees
perform when asked to successively discriminate multiple pattern sets in the
absence of external context cues. Overall performance was lower when multiple
pattern sets were presented successively than when a single pattern set was presented
in isolation. When grating pattern sets were alternated, performance exhibited
a roughly direct correlation, suggesting a degree of overlap in the tuning
curves of the orientation-sensitive channels that process these patterns. In
contrast, when bees that had previously learned a grating pattern set and a set
of concentric patterns were presented with these pattern sets in an alternating
manner, performance exhibited a roughly inverse correlation; suggesting that
the pathways that process these patterns inhibit one another. Behavioral
experiments such as these provide insight into brain anatomy and physiology and
may be especially useful for studying experience-dependent brain plasticity in
the context of memory and learning.
|
Jackson,
Jeffrey T. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Susan E. Fahrbach/Biology,
|
|
Title of Presentation: |
The Effect of
20-hydroxyecdysone and Juvenile Hormone on the Growth of Kenyon Cells of the
Honey Bee |
The mushroom bodies of the
honey bee, Apis mellifera, are a
collection of neurons (Kenyon cells) that are central to processes of learning
and memory. The lipophilic hormones, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile
hormone (JH), are key components in the regulation of insect development and
maturation. Performing activities that require higher learning skills and
memory, such as foraging and navigation via a sun compass, increase the size of
the mushroom bodies (Withers et al., 1993). In Drosophila, cultured pupal Kenyon cells respond to 20E through
increased total neurite length and branch number (Kraft et al., 1998). Based on
this knowledge, we predicted that, in response to 20E, the Kenyon cells of A. mellifera would exhibit an increase
in the frequency of growth as well as the frequency of branching. We also
predicted that exposure to JH would mimic the response of 20E exposure in
Kenyon cells. Low density dissociated Kenyon cell cultures were established and
analyzed using fluorescence microscopy for frequency of growth, pattern of
growth, frequency of branching, number of branches and main branch length to
test the prediction. This information serves as a model for understanding the
effect of hormones on growth in the mature nervous system.
|
Johnson,
Mary B. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Karthik Aghoram/Biology
& Health Sciences, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Digital Imaging Analysis
of the Role of a Phospholipid Transfer Protein on Lateral Root Morphology |
Phospholipid transfer
proteins (PITP) have been associated with several aspects of plant growth and development.
In the model plant Arabidopsis, a protein PITP designed AtSec14p is implicated
to play a role in the plant’s response to hyperosmotic stress,
specifically in lateral root development. In my project we will be comparing
the wild-type’s and the AtSec14p mutants’ root systems under
hyperosmotic stress using a variety of digital imagining techniques. Two week
old Arabidopsis plants grown on nutrient agar media will be used for all
experiments. We will measure lateral root number and lengths using magnetic
resonance imaging, scanning electron microscopy and digital volume rendering
techniques. Our objective is to further clarify the role of AtSec14p in plant
development with specific interest on lateral root morphology during osmotic
stress.
|
Kalogerinis,
Peter T. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Alex Georgakilas/Biology, John E.
Poulos/Fayetteville Gastroenterology Associates |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Granular Cell Tumor of the
Gastrointestinal Tract |
Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are
submucosal neoplasms that are thought to be derived from Schwann cells.
Disagreement does exist concerning GCT potential for malignancy and origin.
Some propose that granular change signify a degenerative phenomenon that may
take place in non-neoplastic or neoplastic cells. GCTs occur throughout the
body most commonly in the tongue and skin, but also in the breast, respiratory
tract, biliary tree, nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. GI GCTs while
very uncommon have distinguishing pathological features. In this case study of
a 50-year-old black female with a granular cell tumor of the GI tract
discussion will be focused on findings and treatment of tumor. Correlations
with mutations of PTEN, expression of S100 protein and nestin will also be discussed.
|
Kalogerinis,
Peter T. Tsao,
Doug Tabrizi,
Isla |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Alex Georgakilas/Biology, Michael
Dingfelder/Physics, Rob D. Stewart/School of
Health Sciences, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Induction and Processing of
Oxidative Clustered DNA Lesions in 56Fe-Irradiated Human Monocytes |
Space and cosmic radiation
is characterized by energetic heavy ions of high linear energy transfer (LET). Although
both low and high LET radiations can create oxidative clustered DNA lesions
(OCDL) and double strand breaks (DSBs), the local complexity of OCDL tends to
increase with increasing LET. We have irradiated human monocytes 28SC with
doses from 0-10 Gy of 56Fe ions (1.046 GeV/nucleon, LET=148 keV/µm), and
determined the induction and processing of prompt DSBs and OCDL using the
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) assay and Number Average Length
Analysis (NALA). The 56Fe ions produced decreased yields of DSBs (10.9 DSB Gy-1
Gbp-1) and clusters (1 DSB: ~0.8 Fpg-clusters: ~0.7 Endo III-clusters :~0.5
Endo IV-clusters) compared to previous data for 137Cs γ-rays. The
difference in relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of the measured and
predicted DSB yields may be due to the formation of spatially correlated DSB
(regionally multiply damaged sites) which result in small DNA fragments that
are difficult to detect with the PFGE assay. The processing data suggest
enhanced difficulty in the processing of DSBs compared with γ-rays but not
for clusters for the 28SC. At the same time, apoptosis is increased compared to
g-rays. The enhanced levels of apoptosis observed after exposure to 56Fe ions
may be due to the elimination of cells carrying high levels of persistent DNA
clusters which are removed only by cell death and/or ‘splitting’
during DNA replication.
|
Kirbach,
Ezra Root Vorren,
Kris |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Physics, UNC-Asheville |
|
Research |
Charles A. Bennett/Physics, UNC-Asheville Brian Kenneth Dennison/Physics, UNC-Asheville |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Measurements of Preamplifier
Gain and Noise Power |
Four microwave amplifiers
were tested for use on the interferometer being developed with two 26-meter
radio telescopes at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in
|
Lambert,
Tonya L. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Psychology, UNC-Wilmington |
|
Research |
Christine E. Hughes/Psychology, UNC-Wilmington Raymond C. Pitts/Psychology, UNC-Wilmington |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Effects of d-amphetamine
on Self-control Choices under Signaled and Unsignaled Delays |
Choosing a larger more
delayed reinforcer over a smaller, more immediate reinforcer is said to show
“self-control,” whereas choosing the smaller, more immediate
reinforcer is said to show “impulsivity.” This has been modeled in laboratory animals,
and researchers have used these models to test the effects of drugs such as
d-amphetamine on self-control. However,
there have been some discrepancies shown in the overall effects of such
stimulants. This brings forth the
possibility of an associated stimulus causing changes in self-control. In the present study, we examined the effects
of d-amphetamine on self-control in 8 rats.
The larger reinforcer was defined as four dipper presentations of sugar
water at delays of 2, 10, 20, 30, and 40 s; delays increased within sessions
across 5 blocks of 10 choice trials. The
smaller reinforcer consisted of one dipper presentation of sugar water
delivered after a 2-s delay. For 4
subjects, the delays to both the smaller and larger reinforcers were signaled
by a unique stimulus; for the other 4 subjects, there was no unique stimulus
associated with the delay. The rats
received an injection of saline or one of several doses of d-amphetamine (0.3,
1.0, 1.78, and 3.0 mg/kg) every fifth day.
The effects of d-amphetamine were modulated by the signaling conditions.
For the most part, the rats in the unsignaled condition chose the smaller, more
delayed reinforcer more often following d-amphetamine administration than under
control conditions. In some, but not
all, of the rats in the signaled condition, intermediate doses of d-amphetamine
increased choices of the larger, more delayed reinforcer.
|
LaRoque,
Benjamin H. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Environmental and Molecular
Toxicology, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, NCSU |
|
Research |
Patricia D.
McClellan-Green/Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Marine
Sciences and Technology, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Examination of the Effects
on Body Condition Index and ATP Production following exposure to Fullerenes
and Hypoxia in Fundulus heteroclitus |
Buckminster fullerenes are
engineered nano-sized particles which are becoming significantly more economic to
produce and increasingly useful in industry. As a result of their increased
production and usage, it has become necessary to understand the possible toxic
effects of fullerene exposure. This study examined the potential metabolic
effects of short term exposure to both fullerenes and hypoxia on Fundulus heteroclitus . Mitochondrial
ATP levels were measured following both in
vitro and in vivo exposures to
fullerenes and hypoxia. The body condition index was calculated comparing the
liver with body size in exposed organisms. Liver mitochondrial ATP levels were
determined using the recombinant firefly Luciferin/Luciferase reaction. ATP
measurements in both the in vitro and
in vivo exposed mitochondria revealed
no statistical difference between control fish and any of the exposure groups.
The body condition comparisons demonstrated that fish exposed to fullerenes in
hypoxic conditions have a larger liver to body mass ratio than fish exposed to
fullerenes alone. This distinction was, however, only statistically significant
when using a lower limit of 90% confidence. As a result, this study does not
support any impact by fullerenes or hypoxia on mitochondria at the dose levels
used.
|
Laurore,
Jessika Smith, Lacie |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
UNC-Wilmington |
|
Research |
Sridhar
Varadarajan/Chemistry and Biochemistry, UNC-Wilmington Jeffery L. Wright/Marine Science,
UNC |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Synthesis of Novel Quorum Sensing Molecules |
Quorum sensing is the
phenomenon of communication between bacterial cells. Bacteria communicate with
each other through signaling molecules.
When a “quorum” is reached the signaling molecules induce
virulence factors which allow the bacteria to work in concert to harm the host.
This project describes the synthesis of novel quorum sensing molecules that can
interfere with bacterial communication.
These new molecules are acyl homoserine lactones, similar in structure
to that of N-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoyl homoserine lactone, which had been
identified earlier to be a good signaling molecule. These molecules have been made to determine
the structural features of N-3-(4-hydroxylphenyl)propanoyl homoserine lactone
that are important for its signaling properties. There are several molecules being made in
this project and the details of their synthesis are described. In all these molecules an acyl component
containing methoxy-phenyl connected to the homoserine lactone. The molecules differ with respect to the
length of the carbon chain and functional group attached to benzene ring
connected to the homoserine lactone, and with respect to the placement and composition
of the substituent on the methoxy-phenyl ring.
|
Locklear,
Joshua D. Harris,
Jamie R. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Chemistry and Physics,
UNC-Pembroke |
|
Research |
Meredith L.
Storms/Chemistry and Physics, UNC-Pembroke |
|
Title of Presentation: |
The Determination of Metformin in Human Serum Using
Solid-Phase Extraction and HPLC |
A high-performance liquid
chromatography method has been developed for the determination of metformin in
human serum. The separation and
quantitation are achieved on a 150-cm Luna C18 column using a mobile phase of 50:50%
v/v 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer containing 10 mM SDS (pH 5.1) and
acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min with detection of all analytes at 226
nm. Recoveries found from a solid-phase
extraction (SPE) of metformin from human serum were above 70% for metformin
using Strata cartridges, while other cartridges yielded much lower
recoveries.
|
Lodhi,
Aadil M. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Hypertension and Vascular |
|
Research |
Hossam A.
Shaltout/Hypertension and Vascular David B. Averill/Hypertension
and Vascular Debra I. Diz/Hypertension
and Vascular |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Effect of Antenatal
Glucocorticoids on Angiotensin Receptors in Fetal Sheep Kidney |
The intrauterine environment
is extremely important in determining the health of the individual later in
life. Drug intervention, genetic, and environmental factors can have
programming effect on the developing fetus. Recently the role of prenatal
programming as a determinant of adult diseases has become increasingly clear.
Betamethasone, a drug administered to the mother to accelerate fetal pulmonary
maturation in preterm delivery, has been shown to induce hypertension in
adulthood. The effects of Ang II are mediated via receptor subtypes AT1 and
AT2. The two receptor subtypes can be pharmacologically distinguished. The Ang
II receptors are expressed early during nephrogenesis. Another component is the
RAS is Ang-(1-7). We examined the effects of antenatal glucocorticoids given at
late gestation (135 days) on the spatial and temporal distributions of AT1,
AT2, and Ang-(1-7) receptors and the protein level in fetal sheep kidneys.
Betamethasone treatment increased A1-7 receptor density in the female tubules
and medulla and lowered A1-7 in the male VR and medulla. There were significant
effects of betamethasone treatment on different receptor subtypes in fetal
sheep kidney. Antenatal betamethasone exposure altered the receptor subtypes in
the developing Kidney. The AT2 receptor subtype was the major receptor and
dominated the overall receptor population of the developing kidney. At this
late gestation period, Ang-(1-7) receptors were also present at low levels. The
AT2 receptor subtype dominated the overall receptor population of the
developing kidney. At this late gestation period, Ang-(1-7) receptors were also
present at low levels, which were modulated by betamethasone treatment.
|
Lomax,
Aaron |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Plant Biology, NCSU |
|
Research |
Wendy Boss/Plant Biology,
NCSU Imara Perera/Plant
Biology, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Biochemical
Characterization of Transgenic Tobacco Cells Expressing the Type I Inositol
Polyphosphate 5-phosphatase |
In plants, the
phosphoinositide pathway (PI) has been associated with the transduction of
signals after a stimulus, specifically inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (InsP3)
which acts as a second messenger within the cell. In order to alter InsP3
signaling in plants, the lab has generated a transgenic tobacco cell line
expressing the human Type I inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (InsP 5-ptase)
(Perera et al. 2002). This enzyme is localized to the plasma membrane and
hydrolyzes InsP3. To determine how altering InsP3 metabolism at the plasma
membrane or the cytosol differentially affects PI metabolism, we propose to
compare the plasma membrane-associated InsP 5-ptase with an inactive and a
cytosolic form of the enzyme. Transgenic tobacco cell lines containing the 3
different forms InsP 5-ptase gene were generated using co-cultivation with
Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Transgenic callus was grown on selective media and
tested for gene expression byreverse transcription – polymerase chain
reaction (RT-PCR). Suspension cultures established from these lines are maintained
through weekly subculture. We first tested the subcellular localization of the
InsP 5-ptase proteins. Cells were harvested, and the proteins separated into
soluble, microsomal and plasma membrane-enriched fractions. The fractions were
analyzed by gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting using antibodies that
specifically recognize the InsP 5-ptase. We have also measured InsP3 levels in
the cells lines. These cell lines will be a useful system to compare the
effects of the plasma membrane vs cytosolic InsP 5-ptase on the levels of PI
pathway metabolites.
|
McLaughlin,
Letisha A. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Physics, UNC-Wilmington |
|
Research |
David McKenzie/Solar
Physics, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
FindSADs and Supra-Arcade Downflows |
In 1999,
|
McLaurin,
Danielle Lotstein,
Alina |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Microbiology, NCSU |
|
Research |
James W.
Brown/Microbiology, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
RNase P in Pyrobaculum? |
When the genome sequence of
the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrobaculum
aerophilum was released in 2002, genes encoding neither the
catalytically-active RNA subunit of the enzyme, nor any of the four
highly-conserved protein subunits of the enzyme could be identified. Although
essential for 5’ processing in the biosynthetic pathway of transfer RNAs,
the apparent lack of all of the subunits of this enzyme was rationalized by the
observation that consensus promoters could be identified immediately upstream
of most tRNA genes; it was thought that tRNAs must be transcribed without
5’ leaders, and thus without the need for RNase P processing. However, in
collaboration with Todd Lowe's group at UC Santa Cruz, we have recently
identified a conserved putative RNase P RNA gene in an "intergenic
spacer" in all 4 currently available Pyrobaculum
species genome sequences. This RNA contains all of the most highly conserved
sequence and structural elements known to be directly involved in substrate
binding and catalysis, but lacks the otherwise highly conserved second domain
involved in modulating substrate specificity and perhaps also containing the
binding sites for the protein subunits. We are currently testing the functional
competence of this RNA, and cell extracts, using a series of potential
substrates including tRNA precursors with very short leaders.
|
McLean,
Kaitlin J. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Jennifer Cruse-Sanders/Biology,
Teresa Porter/Biology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
A Comparison of
Reproductive Structure Densities in Populations of Stenocereus stellatus (Cactaceae) in the |
The economically valuable
columnar cactus, Stenocereus stellatus,
is cultivated in central
|
Meadows,
Jarrod P. Braddy,
W. K. Gragg, B.
L. Coley, J.
S. S. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, UNC-Charlotte |
|
Research |
Francis "Monty"
Hughes Jr../Biology, UNC-Charlotte |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Aquaporins 8 and 9 in
RUCA-1 Cells Translocate to the Plasma Membrane during Apoptosis: Potential
Involvement of the v-SNARES VAMP1b, 2, and 2b |
Apoptosis (programmed cell
death) is important in a number of physiological and pathophysiological
conditions. One early event in this process, the apoptotic volume decrease (AVD),
involves a loss of intracellular water through protein water channels called
aquaporins (AQPs). Notably, the rate of apoptosis is controlled by the amount
of AQPs on the plasma membrane (PM). At least two AQP isoforms, AQP8 and 9,
were found predominantly in cytoplasmic vesicles in adherent RUCA-1 (rat
uterine cancer adenocarcinoma) cells. Because AQPs in vesicles cannot assist
with the loss of water during the AVD, we hypothesized that during apoptosis
they translocate to the PM. Indeed, in response to apoptotic stimuli such as
growth factor withdrawal and UV exposure, both AQP8 and 9 translocated to the
PM. For additional biochemical evidence of translocation, we performed a
Western Blot for AQP9 in vesicular and membrane fractions of adherent and non-adherent
cells. The results indicate that AQP9 is more concentrated in vesicular
fractions of adherent cells and more concentrated in the PM fractions of
non-adherent cells. A key event in translocation is docking and fusion of
vesicles to the PM, which is mediated by SNARES (soluble N-ethylmaleamide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors). In
the kidney collecting duct, vasopressin-induced translocation of AQP2 is
dependent on the v-SNARE, VAMP2. Using PCR we have identified the presence of
VAMP2, 2b, and 1b in RUCA-1 cells. Further studies will assess the importance
of these v-SNARES in the translocation of AQP-9.
|
Meserve, Margaret
M. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Melanie Lee-Brown/Biology,
|
|
Title of Presentation: |
Social Context of the
Behavior and Vocalizations of the California Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) |
The behaviors and
vocalizations of gray whale mother-calf pairs and non-mother-calf groups were
investigated in Bahia Magdalena, Mexico in order to determine whether or not
gray whale mother-calf pair behaviors affect the behavior and vocalizations of
non-mother-calf groups. Background research on previous studies of
|
Miller,
Sean E. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
UNC-Wilmington |
|
Research |
Sridhar
Varadarajan/Chemistry and Biochemistry, UNC-Wilmington |
|
Title of Presentation: |
HPLC Measurement of DNA
Damage Caused by Site-Specific DNA Methylating Agents |
Several compounds are being
synthesized in our laboratory that can potentially make exclusively 3-methyl
adenine adducts in specific cells. These 3-methyl adenine adducts are known to
be highly cytotoxic and non-mutagenic. The goals of this project are to measure
and quantitate the DNA adducts formed by these new molecules. The adducts of
interest are 3-methly adenine, 3-methyl guanine, and 7-methyl guanine. These
compounds are reacted with genomic DNA and adduct distribution will be measured
by HPLC techniques using UV and EC detection. This poster describes the
development of methodology for measuring these adducts.
|
Murphy-Ryan,
Maureen O. Mistry,
Maanasi |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
|
|
Research |
Jeffrey
Baron/Developmental Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development Elizabeth
Parker/Developmental Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Changes in Cell-cycle
Kinetics During Postnatal Growth |
Mammals experience growth velocity
deceleration with age. This growth deceleration occurs in multiple organs. Two
cellular mechanisms may govern this process: a decrease in the fraction of
actively proliferating cells (growth fraction), an increase in cell-cycle
duration, or both. Mouse kidney and liver growth rates were investigated
through staggered BrdU and tritiated thymidine treatment at various timepoints
during postnatal growth. The results indicate that different mechanisms may be
governing these two organs. Future research will also focus on the heart and
lung.
|
Nelson,
Jessica |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Molecular and Structural Biochemistry,
NCSU |
|
Research |
Dennis Brown/Molecular and
Structural Biochemistry, NCSU Raquel Hernandez/Molecular
and Structural Biochemistry, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Characterization of Furin
Protease Sensitive Sindbis Virus Mutants |
Sindbis virus is an
arbovirus member of the Togaviridae family. The inner and outer capsid shells
of the virus particles are composed of three structural proteins
(Capsid/E1/E2). The E1 glycoprotein ectodomain is composed of two disulfide-bridge
constrained domains necessary for virus infectivity, and the E2 glycoprotein is
responsible for receptor binding. Ectodomain mutants with furin protease
sensitive sites were produced previously in both membrane glycoproteins. These
mutations should cause the release of the specific protein domain after correct
folding in the ER, generating truncated proteins that impede virus assembly and
result in the formation of irregular virus structures. The phenotypes
associated with the introduction of these motifs produced in virus from
mosquito cells were analyzed. When compared to wild type, mutants consistently
showed a lower virus titer with high heat resistance profiles that suggest the
virus structure was similar to wild type, indicating infectious virus
structures have limited tolerance for the truncated proteins.
|
Nemetz,
Heather K. Jones,
Jon M. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Physics and Astronomy, Appalachian |
|
Research |
Tonya S. Coffey/Physics
and Astronomy, Appalachian |
|
Title of Presentation: |
QCM Studies of Alcohols as
Vapor Phase Lubricants for MEMS |
The future of nanotechnology
depends in part upon the development of successful lubrication for
micromachines (MEMS). Atomic Force
Microscopy (AFM) research at
|
Ojo,
Adesanmi A. Benders,
Dicy M. Small, Ja
Sae L. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, UNC-Greensboro |
|
Research |
Dennis LaJeunesse/Biology,
UNC-Greensboro |
|
Title of Presentation: |
The Larval Midgut Function
of five Drosophila Mutants |
We have developed two
phenotypic assays to characterize the functionality of the Drosophila midgut. Much
like the organization of vertebrate intestines, the Drosophila midgut contains
two distinct groups of muscles: an inner group of circular muscles and an outer
group of longitudinal muscles that traverse the length of the midgut. Unlike
the vertebrate intestines, however, the visceral musculature of the Drosophila
midgut contains a striated muscle type most similar in structure to cardiac
striated muscle. A combination of nervous system regulation as well as possible
regulation from within the gut itself controls the movement of food along the
Drosophila alimentary canal. The idea behind our experiments was to determine
whether genes that altered midgut morphology (spastin), mitochondrial
morphology (dmiro, messy mitochondria, fragmented mitochondria), or the
function in the intracellular communication between nerve and muscle cells (Cha
and Ddc) effect visceral muscle function. In these experiments we characterize
two aspects of midgut function: ingestion and excretion in larval midguts
mutant for these five genes. We will discuss the implications of our results in
the context of structural and biochemical consequences of our mutant phenotypes
and the potential roles that these genes play in larval midgut function.
|
Onori,
John E.. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Polymer and Color
Chemistry, NCSU |
|
Research |
Richard Kotek/Polymer and Color
Chemistry, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Characterization of
Cellulose KSCN/ED |
Cellulose is a natural polymer which is found in
trees and plants and is commonly used for making milk and juice cartons. The problem
with cellulose is that it does not melt and dissolve in the common solvents.
Cuen (copper-Ethylenediamine complex) solution is the only solvent used for
viscosity measurements of cellulose. The objective of this experiment is to
take a similar solvent like potassium Thiocyanate Ethylenediamine system,
dissolve different types of cellulose and take viscosity measurements to find
there intrinsic viscosities. Each cellulose sample was ground up, dried in a
vacuum oven over night and measured on an analytical balance. 50 ml glass
reactor equipped with a mechanical stirrer was used for dissolution.
Ethylenediamine and potassium Thiocyanate were added in first to create the
solvent, and then the cellulose sample was added in, it took about 24-48 hours
for the complete cellulose dissolution. An Ubbelohde viscometer, the constant
temperature bath (held at 25oC) and a stop watch was used to determine the flow
times of each solution. Intrinsic viscosity was calculated using a series of
equations that included relative, specific, reduced, and inherent viscosities.
Intrinsic viscosity was found by plotting reduced and inherent viscosity vs.
cellulose concentration and extrapolating reduced and inherent viscosity back
to the zero concentration. These two viscosities should meet at the same point.
We were successful in finding the intrinsic viscosity of AV CELL and Tycell.
Both Inherent and reduced viscosity agreed with each other. Future work will be
to use their intrinsic viscosity to help determine the molecular weight and
Degree of polymerization of AV Cell and Tycell.
|
Overstreet,
Monica P. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Marine, Earth, and
Atmospheric Sciences, NCSU |
|
Research |
Gary M. Lackmann/Marine,
Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Improving Prediction of
Clear Air Turbulence for Aviation |
Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) occasionally
occurs at the jet stream level, consists of random turbulent eddies in
cloudless regions over a large horizontal domain but small vertical region, and
frequently occurs during the cool season at high latitudes. CAT induces
economic loss and physical hazards for commercial and military aviation.
Because of these threats, there is a great need for accurate CAT forecasts.
This study assessed the concept of generating a CAT forecast from the direct
analysis of the Turbulent Kinetic Energy from the Mellor-Yamada-Janjić
Planetary Boundary Layer scheme (TKE_MYJ) using the Weather Research and
Forecasting (WRF) Model. A brief climatology of cool season turbulence was
conducted in addition to WRF experiments which examined the sensitivity of the
simulation to lead time before a turbulence event, number of model vertical
levels, and horizontal grid spacing. A representative case study from 11-12
November 2002 was selected for in-depth analysis. Consistent with other cases
examined, this event featured a cyclonically curved jet stream with core
velocities ≥140 knots, regions of small static stability, and areas of
vertical shear of 90-150 knots within the 300-500 hPa level. Comparison of the
model TKE_MYJ field to pilot reports of turbulence lends further support to
this method; WRF simulation closely verified with pilot reports and matched
physical expectations. Based on these findings, the WRF model output of TKE_MYJ
has proven to be a capable forecasting tool for CAT.
|
Park,
Ji-Seon |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biochemistry, NCSU |
|
Research |
Robert B. Rose/Biochemistry, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
The Use of DCoH/HNF-1 Fusion Protein as a Tool to
Analyze the Activities of a Bifunctional Protein DCoH |
DCoH (dimerization cofactor
of HNF-1) is a bifunctional protein which functions as a metabolic enzyme in
the cytoplasm and a transcriptional coactivator in the nucleus. In the nucleus,
DCoH interacts with the transcription factor HNF-1-alpha (hepatocyte nuclear
factor-1-alpha) and stabilizes HNF-1-alpha dimers. Significantly, mutations in
HNF-1-alpha are the most common cause of Maturity-onset diabetes of the young
(MODY). We have generated a DCoH/HNF-1 fusion protein to determine: 1) whether
the two functions of DCoH are independent and 2) how DCoH increases the
transcriptional activity of HNF-1. The DCoH and HNF-1 coding sequences were
linked by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using a primer overlap strategy and
ligated into a mammalian expression vector. The DCoH/HNF-1 fusion protein will
be tested for enzymatic activity to determine whether formation of the
interaction with HNF-1 might regulate the enzymatic activity of DCoH. One study
has concluded that DCoH does not lose its enzymatic activity when it is bound
to HNF-1. However, this study did not determine whether the DCoH/HNF-1 complex
was stable throughout the study. Structural studies of the DCoH/HNF-1-alpha
complex indicate an active site residue of DCoH is involved in interaction with
HNF-1, suggesting the DCoH/HNF-1 complex should be enzymatically inactive. The
fusion protein will prevent dissociation of the complex during the enzyme
assay. The fusion protein will also allow us to determine how DCoH increases
the transcriptional activity of HNF-1. Our current hypothesis is that DCoH
increases the half-life of HNF-1.
|
Penders,
Carla Benner,
Will Anderson,
Joey |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Physics and Astronomy,
Appalachian |
|
Research |
Chris Thaxton/Physics
& Astronomy, Appalachian Carol
Babyak/Chemistry, Appalachian Bill Anderson/Geology,
Appalachian |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Case Study: Boone Creek
Monitoring Project - |
We present the initial
results of a comprehensive baseline study of Boone Creek – an urbanized,
high gradient stream located in the
|
Phillips, Roslyn J. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
|
|
Research |
Melanie J. Lee-Brown/Biology,
|
|
Title of Presentation: |
Neonatal Unit Outbreak
Caused by Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Harboring lnuA Gene in |
Macrolides, lincosamides, and
streptogramins are three groups of antibiotics that have similar modes of
action; they bind to the 23S rRNA and interfere with translation. Macrolides
are composed of two or more amino or neutral sugars linked to a 14-26 member
lactone ring. Lincosamides, as well as lincomycin and other derivatives of
clindomycin, are alky derivatives of proline. Streptogramins are composed of
two compounds that work synergically. The MLS (Macrolide, Lincosamide, and
Streptogramin) phenotype is cross-resistance to all of these three groups of
antibiotics. Bacterial isolates that contain the MLS phenotype synthesize an
enzyme that dimethylates the 23S rRNA. In Staphylococcus aureus, the genes
ermA, ermB, and ermC confer MLS resistance. This methylation of the 23S rRNA leads
to a conformational change in the ribosome that reduces the affinity, and
therefore antimicrobial activity, of all three antibiotic classes. In contrast
to the MLS cross resistance, resistance to lincosamide alone is due to drug
modification. The enzyme lincosamide nucleotidyltransfersase, that inactivates
the lincosamide drug, is encoded for by the gene lnu (previously referred to as
lin). Nucleotidyltransferase modifies the drug by adding methyl groups to the
hydroxyl groups at positions 3 and 4 of lincosamide. Six lnu genes have been
identified and characterized: lnuA, lnuB, lnu(B-like), lnuA N2, and lnuF. The
gene lnuA has been described in both Staphylococcus haemolyticus and
Staphylococcus aureus. The lnuA gene is on on a 2.5Kbp plasmid known as pIP855.
This poster describes clinical isolates of Staphylococcus collected from
patients and hospital workers in Hospital Evita, located in
|
Poston, Jaclyn N. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Molecular and Structural
Biochemistry, NCSU |
|
Research |
Luisa
Lopez-Ochoa/Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NCSU Linda Hanley-Bowdoin/Molecular
and Structural Biochemistry, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Localization of Beet Curly
Top Virus in Arabidopsis |
Geminiviruses are
single-stranded DNA viruses and are a serious threat to crops worldwide. The
viral Replication protein (Rep) contains conserved motifs essential to initiate
rolling-circle replication and activate host gene expression. Therefore, it
constitutes a good target for disease resistance. As part of a larger project
oriented to obtain resistance to Geminiviruses, the model plant Arabidopsis
thaliana was inoculated with two viruses - Beet curly top virus (BCTV) and
Cabbage leaf curl virus (CaLCuV), which belong to different genera. Symptom
development and viral replication was followed in a spatial/time course.
Quantification of the viral replication during infection was quantified by DNA
gel and squash blot analyses. Rep protein was detected using
immunohistochemistry with 3 different antibodies. Symptom development for each
virus was different in Arabidopsis. BCTV symptoms (leaf-curling and darkening
of the younger leaves) appeared at about 21 days post inoculation (dpi). In
contrast, CaLCuV symptoms (leaf-curling and chlorosis) were evident at 13 dpi.
The BCTV DNA was most abundant in leaves 6 to 8 at 21dpi, while CaLCuV DNA was
highest in leaves 1 to 6 at 13 dpi. The CaLCuV Rep protein was detected in
infected nuclei of leaves at 13 dpi. However, the BCTV Rep protein could not be
detected using anti-CaLCuV and anti-TGMV (Tomato golden mosaic virus) Rep
proteins, although there were many identical regions in all three Rep proteins.
|
Powell, Amanda M. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Natural Sciences and
Mathematics, |
|
Research |
Brenda J. Grubb/Zoology,
NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Analysis of the Effect of Estrogen
on Claudin Tight Junction Proteins |
Estrogen plays a vital role
in cell differentiation during mammary tissue development.To understand the
basic mechanism of estrogen during development, Xenopus frog embryos were exposed
to estrogen and an estrogen inhibitor at a critical stage of sensitivity. The
embryos were then fixed, embedded and sectioned for analysis of the effect of
estrogen on morphogenesis. An E.L.I.S.A was done to test for claudin 4, 5 and 7
protein level changes. Claudin levels were also monitored in mouse mammary
tissue using histology. Both tumor and normal mammary tissue was observed for
the presence or lack of the proteins. Claudins are a family of tight junction
proteins necessary for cell to cell interaction and adhesion. It has been shown
that low levels of certain claudins result in metastasis and tumorogenesis.
Loss of claudin results in reduced cell adhesion, allowing cells to break away
and metastasize. We are trying to monitor the effects of estrogen on claudin
levels. It is hypothesized that there is a direct correlation between
estrogenic affects on morphogenesis and altered claudin levels.
|
Pradhan, Arjana |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
|
|
Research |
Michael
Sikes/Microbiology, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Identifying a Unique
Transcriptional Promoter Upstream of TCR Dβ2 |
T cells are members of the
family of white blood cells that protect our bodies against pathogens. They
recognize pathogens through the T cell receptor (TCR), which is composed of two
chains of proteins, alpha and beta. Each of the proteins is composed of
constant and variable regions. The variable region of TCR is encoded by DNA,
which allows identification of millions of pathogens. Between each variable (V)
and constant region are diversity (D) and joining (J) gene segments. Each
variable region pairs with a gene segment of diversity and joining through
V(D)J recombination, which encodes for the TCR and gives it specificity.
Evidence has shown that V(D)J recombination is controlled by transcriptional
promoters associated with each V and D gene segment. The purpose of this
project was to locate the position of an additional promoter upstream of the
second Dβ (Dβ2).
|
Presnell, Jason |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, UNC-Greensboro |
|
Research |
Dennis LaJeunesse/Biology,
UNC-Carolina |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Characterization of the
SCANS Region of the Drosophila Larval Midgut |
The Drosophila midgut is
divided into five regions: the proventriculus/ anterior midgut, an acidic
region, and three basic regions (Galloni, 2003). The anterior midgut region is
innervated by neurons emanating from the proventricular ganglion that extend to
the beginning of the copper cell/acidic region (Budnik et al., 1989; personal
observation Dennis LaJeunesse). The Drosophila midgut is populated by groups of
neurosecretory enteroendocrine cells (Marqués et al., 2003; Nichols, 2003,
Ohlstein and Spradling, 2006). One cluster of enteroendrocrine cells resides at
the juncture of the anterior midgut and the cupric/acid region of the midgut.
We have defined this region the SCANS region (Superior Cupric Autonomic Nervous
system) of the anterior midgut. Although distinct from the CNS or PNS, the
enteroendocrine cells of the SCANS region express a number of genes found
otherwise in nervous system tissue. The morphology of the cells and the
organization of these cells within the SCANS region suggest that they may be
part of a midgut regulatory system that receives signals emanating from within
the lumen of the gut itself.
|
Qian,
Yushen |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biochemistry, |
|
Research |
Tao-shih
Hsieh/Biochemistry, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Probing the Function of
Reverse Gyrase in the Unusual Hyperthermophile Nanoarchaeum equitans |
Reverse gyrase, an
ATP-dependent type IA topoisomerase found in hyperthermophilies, can positively
supercoil DNA using energy derived from ATP hydrolysis, and thus reanneal
denatured DNA. Reverse gyrase usually exists as a single polypeptide chain with
twin functional domains: helicase at the N-terminus and topoisomerase I at the
C-terminus. Nanoarchaeum equitans, which possesses the smallest known cellular
genome at 490,885 bps, is a hyperthermophilic archaebacteria that lives in a
parasitic relationship with its host Ignicoccus. Intriguingly, the reverse
gyrase of N. equitans is split into a topoisomerase I (NEQ318) domain and a
helicase (NEQ434) domain, each encoded by sequences in different locations of
the genome. We determined that a strong homology exists between the amino acid
sequences of the helicase and topoisomerase modules of N. equitans reverse
gyrase and their corresponding functional domains located on the N-terminus and
C-terminus, respectively, of reverse gyrase in Archaeologlobus fulgidus. Using
full length N. equitans DNA as the template for the Polymerase Chain Reaction
(PCR), we isolated and amplified gene fragments coding for the topoisomerase I
and helicase subunits of reverse gyrase. The fragments were inserted into a
pET-23b DNA expression vector containing an N-terminal T7 and C-terminal His6
tag. E. coli cultures of DH5α were transformed with this recombinant DNA
and screened. Finally, cell cultures of E. coli BL21(DE3)pLysS were transformed
and induced to overexpress the topoisomerase I and helicase protein subunits.
Future studies will explore the individual catalytic activity of each subunit,
as well as reconstitution mechanisms to form the functional reverse gyrase.
|
Quintero-Varca,
Tatiana |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Molecular Biology, |
|
Research |
Amy Grunden/Microbiology,
NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Expression and Biochemical
Characterization of Pyrococcus horikoshii Prolidase Homolog 1 and Homolog 2
for Potential use in Organophosphorous Nerve Agent Detoxification |
The enzyme prolidase is a
proline dipeptidase, which cleaves dipeptides having proline as the C-terminal
residue. Prolidase has also been reported to hydrolyze the model
organophosphorus (OP) nerve agent diisopropylfuorophosphate (DFP). The
prolidase from the hyperthermophilic archeaon, *Pyrococcus furiosus, *has been
biochemically and structurally characterized. The potential use of *Pyrococcus*
*furiosus *prolidase for detoxification of OP nerve agents is particularly
attractive due to its extreme thermostability; however, its cobalt-dependence
for activity and low activity at temperatures below 50 ¡ÆC currently limit its
utility in OP nerve agent detoxification. Recently it was determined that the
hyperthermophilic archeaon *Pyrococcus horikoshii* has a prolidase gene
equivalent to the previously characterized *P. furiosus* prolidase as well as
two other prolidase homolog genes. For future evaluation of the use of P.
*horikoshii*prolidase homolog 1 (55% similar to *P. furiosus *prolidase) and
homolog 2 (42% similar to *P. furiosus *prolidase) genes for detoxification of
OP nerve agents, these genes were cloned into the T7 RNA polymerase-based
expression vector pET 21b. Overexpression of the *P. horikoshii *prolidase
homolog 1 and homolog 2 proteins in *Escherichia* *coli* strain BL21(¥ëDE3) was
evaluated in small scale expression experiments using both LB and autoinduction
media. Thermostability and activity studies were conducted using the
recombinant *P. horikoshii *prolidase homologs 1 and 2. It was determined that
both proteins were thermostable and that prolidase homolog 1 had significant
activity when cobalt is present in the reaction mixture and when the dipeptide
leucine-proline is used as the substrate.
|
Randall, Rachel M. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
|
|
Research |
Nancy Powell/Textile
Technology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Exploring the Importance
of the Fabric Hand of a T-Shirt |
Multiple studies have been
implemented to determine influences on consumer purchasing decisions concerning
textile and apparel goods. Based on previous research, the product attributes
which most influence a consumer to purchase a T-shirt are fit, comfort, style,
color, and workmanship. Supporting evidence shows that sensory feelings and
comfort are predominant in the choice of textile goods and garments by female
consumers. Although comfort may be interpreted differently to different people,
other researchers examine comfort in terms of softness and
“quality” of touch. These characteristics are relevant because they
are seemingly the new technical constraints in the product development process
as a response to consumer demands. The feel of the fabric (handle) is a
sub-component of the attribute of comfort, so it is known that this attribute
is of some importance but not to what degree.
This project attempts to determine the relative importance of the
attribute of fabric hand in a T-shirt. Several methods of exploration were
utilized to accomplish the objective including secondary literature review and
primary research methodology consisting of personal interviews with industry
professionals and a consumer survey. The purpose of the research was to
develop an accurate marketing research method to be implemented and analyzed.
Although the research method based on conjoint analysis was developed, it was
found to be too demanding (in terms of resources and time) to actually
implement. However, other qualitative research revealed that the significance
of fabric handle is relevant to the overall appeal of a T-shirt, but the degree
of relevance varies among consumers.
|
Rankin, Susanna K. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Zoology, NCSU |
|
Research |
John Godwin/Zoology, NCSU James Gilliam/Zoology,
NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Domestication and Genetic
Contributions to Anxiety-related Behaviors in Danio rerio (Zebrafish) |
In recent years the
zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become an important biomedical research model for
the National Institutes of Health. Because of this, we are using this species
to assess genetic and environmental contributions to the display of
anxiety-related behaviors and differences between wild and domestic stocks.
Research in this model organism could lead to a better understanding of mood
disorders in humans and advances in aquaculture where stress-responsiveness
impacts growth and disease resistance. We have tested lab reared zebrafish
derived from two stocks (a wild stock from
|
Reeb,
Carter W. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Forestry, Environmental
Technology, NCSU |
|
Research |
Elizabeth G.
Nichols/Forestry/Environmental Technology, NCSU S.T. Gregory/Environmental
Toxicology, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Use of FTIR to Determine
Changes to Sediment Composition when Vegetation Is Present |
Petrogenic polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent environmental contaminants in soils
and sediment. Petrogenic PAHs derive from petroleum products and have a variety
of harmful human health effects. Prior research has shown that vegetated
sediments reduce PAH concentrations in sediments and may alter PAH release to
water (desorption) relative to non-vegetated sediments. Reductions in PAH
concentrations and PAH desorption are most evident in vegetated sediments where
plant carbon inputs are significant. The presence of plant derived organic
material is thought to enhance microbial growth and activity. Microbial
turnover of both plant carbon and PAH carbon should result in changes to the
sediment carbon matrix, specifically the presence or absence of functional
groups. Vegetated and non-vegetated sediment samples were collected from
petroleum waste sites that have naturally re-vegetated. Sediments were
fractionated to chemically and physically separate different sediment carbon
pools, and sediment fractions were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared
(FTIR) spectroscopy. FTIR spectroscopy measures the infrared absorbance of the
sediment sample at a variety of different wavelengths. The resulting spectra
give detailed information about what functional groups are present in the
sediment. This research was designed to answer two questions. Does vegetation
alter the types of functional groups in sediment? If so, do those functional
groups explain observed differences in PAH release (desorption) between
vegetated and non-vegetated sediment fractions? I hypothesize that sediment
fractions with greater PAH desorption will contain more polar functional groups
than sediment fractions with slower PAH desorption.
|
Richardson,
Bryan T. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Jason L. Brown/Biology, Kyle Summers/Biology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
The Transition from Male
Parental Care to Biparental Care in Dendrobates
Imitator |
The wide diversity of
parental care types exhibited in Anurans is an important facet of the evolution
of mating systems. Poison frogs of the genus Dendrobates are excellent tools for studying mating systems, as
they are widespread, locally common, and exhibit some of the cost complicated
and diverse reproductive strategies. One of these relationships is the
evolutionary transition from male parental care to biparental care. In
particular we were interested in the investigation into which key environmental
and behavioral factors were correlated between these two parental care types.
For our study we went to the
|
Ricks,
Jennifer L. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biochemistry, NCSU |
|
Research |
Xianming
Huang/Pharmacology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Anti-Proliferative Effect
of Interferon-Beta May Be Dependent on Expression of Interferon-Receptor 2 on
Cell Surface |
Interferons are a class of cytokines
that are known to have antiviral and anti-tumor properties. It is known
that different types of tumor cells respond differently to interferon
treatment, however, the reason for this discrepancy in responses is not
clear. One possible explanation points to the differences in the
expression levels of interferon receptor between cell lines. This
hypothesis has been investigated using human cancer cells and patients with
hepatitis, but with mixed results. In this project, interferon alpha/beta
receptor-2 (IFNAR2) expression levels were measured via cell enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting, and compared with the results
of anti-proliferation assays performed on six mouse cancer cell lines using
both recombinant and fusion protein forms of interferon-beta. Cell lines
used in this study were breast cancer (4T1), colorectal carcinoma (colo26),
lymphoma (A20), neuroblastoma (c1300), fibrosarcoma (MethA), and melanoma
(B16). Results obtained were too inconclusive to establish a clear
presence or absence of correlation between receptor expression and response to
treatment, so more investigation must be done.
|
Rogers,
Carlyle |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
John Stiller/Biology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Evolutionary Conservation
of the RNAP II C-Terminal Domain Global Structure |
The C-terminal domain (CTD)
of the largest subunit in DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) is known to
be essential for mRNA syntheses in animals and yeast. In yeast a minimum of
eight heptapeptide repeats with the consensus sequence of Y-S-P-T-S-P-S must be
present to confer viability. Previous research has shown that the essential
unit of function within this repetitive domain is contained in pairs of
heptapeptide repeats, or diheptads. When diheptads are separated by one or two
alanine residues there is little deleterious effect. In addition, within each
diheptad repeat, certain amino acids serve no apparent function, except to keep
the global amino acid register of seven present. My research is aimed at
addressing several questions related to the global conservation of the
CTD’s repetitive structure. Yeast CTD mutants are examined to determine
whether the diheptad units function independently, by increasing the separation
of diheptads, and also if yeast can tolerate condensing diheptads to contain
only essential residues. Flow cytometry, has shown that alteration in the
global CTD structure can lead to aneuploidy, which helps to explain decreased
growth rates we have observed as cell generations progress. The overall goal of
this investigation is to better understand the constraints that natural
selection has placed on the CTD to keep a tandemly repeated structure.
|
Ross,
Brittany J. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Matthew R. Keogh/Crop
Science, NCSU Ralph E. Dewey/Crop
Science, NCSU Karthik Aghoram/Biology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Drought-responses in
Plants – the Role of a Lipid-transfer Protein |
RATIONALE Fresh water is the
most limiting resource for plant growth and development, and drought is the leading
cause of crop losses the world over. Breeding crop plants that are more
tolerant to drought is thus an economic imperative. The effort to breed such
crop varieties relies on our understanding of the biochemical, genetic and
molecular basis of how plants respond to drought. THE CELLULAR ROLE OF AtSsh1p
PROTEIN Plant responses to drought are extremely complex. When a plant is
subjected to drought stress, genes encoding a remarkable array of proteins are
turned on or off. One such protein, AtSsh1p transports phospholipids required
by cellular membranes. AtSsh1p can also regulate lipid metabolism, and may have
a critical role in controlling membrane dynamics and signaling during periods
of water-deficit. Here, we explore the physiological role of AtSsh1p,
especially in drought-responses. For this study, we used “T-DNA insertion
mutants” of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. In these mutants, a
large piece of DNA (T-DNA) has been used to disrupt the AtSsh1 gene. Therefore,
no AtSsh1 transcript or protein is made. By analyzing these mutants, we can
identify specific aspects of plant responses to drought that are controlled by
AtSsh1p. Our results indicated that AtSsh1p plays a role in seed germination as
well as lateral root growth under osmotic stress.
|
Sharma,
Balram J. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
UNC-Greensboro |
|
Research |
Elizabeth P. Lacey/Biology,
UNC-Greensboro |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Testing the Adaptive Significance of Phenotypic
Plasticity in Floral Reflectance in Plantago
lanceolata |
Flower reflectance in the
weedy perennial Plantago lanceolata is
phenotypically plastic. Flowers produced at cool ambient temperatures are less
reflective and darker than flowers produced at warm ambient temperatures.
Floral reflectance influences internal floral temperature in P. lanceolata
(Lacey and Herr 2005). Lacey and Herr hypothesized that the plasticity in
floral reflectance is adaptive because it allows individual plants to partially
thermoregulate their own reproduction. In spring when it is cool, the
production of poorly reflective flowers helps to warm flowers. In summer, when
it is hot, the production of highly reflective flowers helps to cool flowers.
In both situations, this should increase individual fitness. Our experiment
tests this hypothesis by comparing the seed production (our fitness measure) of
high and low plasticity genotypes. We compared production for unmanipulated
flowers and for flowers whose colors were artificially modified with paints.
The high and low plasticity genotypes were induced to develop flowers at two
different temperatures in growth chambers. Plants were then placed in outdoor
field plots at two times, April and July, during the normal flowering season so
that flowers could reach anthesis and set seed in natural conditions. The
higher overall seed production of high-plasticity genotypes and the fitness
responses to artificial manipulations in April provide support for the
hypothesis that reflectance plasticity is adaptive.
|
Sherrill,
Laura W. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
|
|
Research |
Melanie Lee-Brown/Biology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Habitat Utilization in Captive Pinnipeds: A Behavioral
Study |
The
physical similarities within the taxonomic order Pinnipediae are a product of
convergent evolution. This study seeks to identify the similarities and
differences in the behavioral adaptations of the two families of Pinnipeds, the
Phocidae (true seals) and the Otariidae (sea lions). Captive individuals of
both families were observed in their shared habitat at the North Carolina Zoo.
An ethogram was developed for both species, and behaviors were classified as
active or non-active. A map of the habitat was created, and all locations
within the habitat were categorized as water or land. The Otariids spent 36% or
their time in active states and 64% in non-active states. The Phocids spent
similar amounts of time in both active (40%) and nonactive (60%) states. The
Phocids remained in water regions of their habitat for 99% of the study period,
while the Otariids divided their time more evenly between water (60%) and land
(40%). The marked differences in habitat preferences between the Otariids and
Phocids in this study indicate a marked difference in behavioral adaptation to
the same environment.
.
|
Shuffler,
Jessica L. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Genetics, NCSU |
|
Research |
Trudy F. C.
Mackay/Genetics, NCSU Alexis Edwards/Genetics,
NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Analysis of Aggressive
Behavior in Drosophila |
One of the many tools at the
disposal of Drosophila geneticists is a class of transposable element mutant
lines called P-elements. These insertional mutants may affect the expression
level of proximal genes. Aggression is a complex behavior that can fluctuate
depending on the expression of certain genes. We screened eighty-four mutant
lines for aggression levels using a behavioral assay that quantifies male
aggressive behavior after a brief starvation period and subsequent exposure to
a food droplet. Using analysis of variance, we identified sixteen lines that
were statistically significantly different from the control, with five lines
exhibiting lower levels of aggression than the control and eleven lines having
higher levels of aggression. The candidate genes identified in this mutant
screen warrant further investigation to elucidate their role in the
modification of aggressive behavior in Drosophila.
|
Sibbett,
James C. Locklear,
Rebekah |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Chemistry and Physics,
UNC-Pembroke |
|
Research |
Siva Mandjiny/Biological
Engineering, Universite de Technologie de |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Sorption Study of Cu2+ and
Zn2+ using Alginate as Gel Matrix |
In
this study it is intended to decontaminate Cu2+ from drinking water. Simple
chromatographic experiments were conducted with alginate gel to see if this
could chelate Cu2+. Alginate is a natural polymer found in seaweed. The results
are comparable with Sepharose-IDA, a commercial gel. The encouraging positive
results lead this project to see if some of the possible chelating free ligands
could be encapsulated within the alginate gel to augment the adsorption of
Cu2+. The affinity constant (KD) was determined experimentally using adsorption
isotherm.
|
Sirkisoon,
Sherona R. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, UNC-Greensboro |
|
Research |
Dennis LaJeunesse/Biology, UNC-Greensboro |
|
Title of Presentation: |
A Fungus Among Us: Characterization of the Early
Mycorrhizal Interaction between the Orchid Embryos Dactylorhiza maculata and
the Fungus, Rhizoctonia stahlii |
Orchid embryos lack any endosperm
and rely on a specific symbiotic interaction with a soil fungus to promote and
facilitate germination. In this relationship, the fungus provides the orchid
embryo the basal nutrition that it has extracted from the surrounding soil. I have begun to characterize the cellular and
intracellular changes that occur during the germination of the terrestrial
orchid Dactylorhiza maculata in the presence of its symbiotic fungus
Rhizoctonia stahlii. In my poster, I will
discuss the methods that I use to study these interactions and present data
showing the changes in cellular proliferation and mitochondrial organization in
the cells of the orchid embryo during germination.
|
Slate,
Candice N. Dismukes,
Joy C. Rudd,
Samantha K. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Psychology, |
|
Research |
Susan L.
McCammon/Psychology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
An Academic Service
Learning Course: Promoting Assistance to Families with a Child Experiencing
Emotional Problems |
A
service learning course was developed as a model for promoting college student learning,
as well as meeting a need of youth with emotional/behavior disorders and their
families. The course has now been offered for two semesters. Following
training, students were put in pairs to provide respite care (short-term
planned care for youth with emotional or behavioral problems) in the
family’s home and community. The students assisted the youth with their
homework, went on outings in the community, and provided enriching activities
for development and growth. The students went through First Aid and CPR
training provided by the American Red Cross, behavior modification and
redirecting techniques, medication administration, crisis intervention,
emergency protocols, liability and confidentiality, and activity planning.
Evaluation measures of this course included five attitudinal measure scales.
Eight students completed the attitudinal measures prior to and following course
participation. No significant changes were found in self-esteem or civic
attitudes. Attitudes toward community-based treatment for mental health
problems showed higher endorsement of community-based treatment. Attitudes
toward parents changed in the direction of being less blaming of parents for
their children’s mental health problems, and showed higher endorsement of
validating parents’ concerns. Parents reported high satisfaction with the
services they received. Student and parent participants concluded that the
service learning course is a viable model for offering field experience for
students interested in serving children with special needs and their families.
|
Smith,
Adam B. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Physics and Astronomy, Appalachian
|
|
Research |
Daniel B. Caton/Astronomy,
Appalachian |
|
Title of Presentation: |
The Light Curve and
Parameters of Eclipsing |
As
part of Appalachian State University’s program of photometry of eclipsing
binary star systems, two stars resolved as a single point which, while orbiting
each other, eclipse one another causing the total light of that point we see to
dim, we determined the period of the binary star system FL Orionis. Since the
discovery and the determination of the system’s period, we have continued
using Appalachian State’s Dark Sky Observatory’s 32”
telescope to obtain images of the system at all phases of its orbit, observing
through three different color filters to provide information that is used to
determine stellar temperatures. Using astronomical image processing software
(MIRA), we reduced the data to get a full light curve of the system- a plot of
the brightness versus orbital position. These light curves were then analyzed
using a computer modeling program (BinaryMaker3), which produces a synthetic
light curve to compare to the observed data. The model’s input parameters
(stellar temperature, stellar radii, spacing, etc.), are then adjusted until
the synthetic light curve matches the observed data, yielding a solution of the
physical parameters of the star system. Analysis of binary star systems
provides the only way to determine fundamental stellar data like the masses and
the radii of stars. The light curve and parameters of FL Orionis have never
before been published and soon will be submitted by our group for publication
in the international astronomical journal, the Information Bulletin on Variable
Stars.
|
Smith, Weston J. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Toxicology, Center for
Marine Science, NCSU |
|
Research |
Patricia McClellan-Green/
Toxicology, Center for Marine Science, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
The Effect of Fecal Coliforms and PAH Contaminants on the Immune
Response of Crassotrea virginica |
All
over the world, fishing communities are reliant on the income created by shellfish
harvesting. As demand for shellfish such as oysters increase, the shellfish
beds are becoming endangered. Thus, it is advisable to determine whether
pollution, such as fecal coliforms and petroleum byproducts, affect the immune
system of the eastern oyster Crassastrea virginica. Five collection sites were
selected to achieve a gradient of contaminants based on land use. A most
probable number (MPN) of bacteria was determined for the oysters to assess the
levels of fecal coliforms. Next, the phenoloxidase activity was determined
using hemolymph collected from the abductor muscle of the oysters. Finally, the
PAH concentrations were determined using oyster tissues collected from each of
the sites. The results obtained from the MPN assay showed a relatively weak
correlation between fecal coliform levels and phenoloxidase activity. As the
fecal coliforms! increased, the phenoloxidase increased but only in select
samples. The relationship between the PAH data and phenoloxidase activity was
much more conclusive. Low concentrations of total PAH contaminants led to a
greater variability in phenoloxidase activity levels. At higher levels of total
PAH contaminants a greater constriction of phenoloxidase activity was seen.
Upon further examination, it was apparent that increasing concentrations of low
molecular weight PAHs (e.g. naphthalene and pyrene) were positively correlated
to higher levels of
|
Soung, Jennifer Y. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
|
|
Research |
David Seo/ Camille Frazier/ |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Genomics and Metabolomics in Congestive Heart Failure |
Congestive
Heart Failure is recognized as a world-wide epidemic. It currently affects 4.9
million people in the
|
Marek,
Paul E. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Jason E. Bond/Biology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Compensatory Scaling of
Mouthparts in Response to Character Displacement in Sibling Millipede Species |
We
show that between two sympatric clades of millipedes, the functional
"scraping” and “wedging” mouthpart areas co-vary
proportionally with body size-- an expectation of general isometric growth.
However, the functional grinding area (the molar plate surface) does not
co-vary proportionally with body size. We propose a decoupling of proportional
co-variation between molar plate area with respect to body size. This
relationship suggests a trade-off between a minimal grinding area required for
efficient nutrient assimilation and selection-mediated body size character
displacement in sympatry.
|
Stainback,
Betsy Shaver,
Matthew Ritchie,
Michael Long,
Jacquelyn |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Mary A. Farwell/Biology, Rebecca U. Cooper/Biology,
|
|
Title of Presentation: |
Lactate Dehydrogenase
Activity in Leiostomus xanthurus
(spot) in Response to Hypoxia |
Estuarine
organisms along the southeastern
|
Stallsworth, Matthew |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, NCSU |
|
Research |
Félix Time A. Ellis/Zoology,
NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Response of Benthic Invertebrates to Changes in
Environmental Conditions (Temperature and Oxygen) within Estuarine Habitats |
During
the summer of 2005, southern flounder were studied in estuarine habitats in the
Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. Water samples were taken to see if the prey stayed
in the estuary when the environmental conditions (temperature and dissolved
oxygen) became harsher. The main objective of my project was to identify the
abundance and diversity of the prey in the estuaries. Another objective of the
study was to try to eliminate another reason of why the flounder may leave the
estuary. If it is discovered that the prey leaves when the environment becomes
harsher, why should the flounder stay? Four or five water samples at each site
were collected last summer with a benthic sled and were kept in glass mason
jars with 70 percent ethanol. Before examination with a microscope, the alcohol
was sieved out and the samples rinsed with water. The samples were viewed under
a scope and the prey was identified and counted for each site. In the case of
one site, three sub-samples were taken due to the large volume of prey. The
totals from each jar were averaged together at the different sites. The
environmental data and the prey data were compared statistically and the prey
and environment showed no correlation. No pattern was provided by the different
sites, so the prey was not affected by the change in environment.
|
Stewart,
Harris W. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Environmental Studies,
UNC-Asheville |
|
Research |
|
|
Title of Presentation: |
Wind Energy Modeling for
the |
As
a nation, the
|
Sword,
Courtney J. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Plant Biology, NCSU |
|
Research |
Heike Winter-Sederoff/Plant
Biology, NCSU Mariya Khodakovskaya/Plant
Biology, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Physiological and
Morphological Characterization of Transgenic Tomato Lines Expressing Inositol
Polyphosphate 5-phosphatase |
Plants
are adapted to the physical conditions they encounter on earth in their
specific environment. Most of the environmental factors such as temperature,
water availability, light, atmospheric pressure, and radiation will be
dramatically different in space and on other planets. The only possible
approach to increase the tolerance of crop plants to multiple and extreme
environmental condition is genetic engineering. It has been shown that
inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) is involved in several signal transduction
pathways. Plant responses to salt, drought, cold, and osmotic stresses as well
as tropic responses to light and gravity are mediated by inositolphosphate
metabolism (Meijer and Munnik, 2003, Perera et al. 2006 and unpublished data).
We generated transgenic tomato plants expressing the human inositol
polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (InsP3 5-ptase), an enzyme that hydrolyzes InsP3.
These plants have an enhanced tolerance to drought stress (Khodakovskaya et.
al. 2006, unpublished data). To understand the mechanisms involved in stress
tolerance of these transgenic tomato plants we characterized morphological and
physiological parameters of independent homozygeous transgenic lines in
comparison with wild type and vector control lines. The average leaf thickness was
significantly increased in the transgenic lines and the diameter of the main
stems increased. Even though their tolerance to drought stress dramatically
increased, no significant physiological differences were observed between wild
type and transgenic tomato lines in stomatal conductance, electron transport
rate, and maximum quantum yield. We are presenting data of detailed
morphological characterization and discussing possible mechanisms of the basis
of those observed morphological changes in the genetically modified lines.
|
Tatum, |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Plant Biology, NCSU |
|
Research |
LiLi Zhou/Plant Biology,
NCSU DeYu Xie/Plant Biology,
NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Development of New Tobacco
Crops for Antioxidant Proanthocyanidins |
We are presenting the potential
of developing a new model of tobacco crop for antioxidant proanthocyanidins
through a metabolic engineering approach. Proanthocyanidins are a group of
natural flavonoids with potent antioxidative activities, which give these
natural products important nutritive and medicinal values to protect against
cancers, cardiovascular and bacterial infection diseases. Our laboratory?s
previous work showed the success of the metabolic engineering of
proanthocyanidins in model tobacco plant, Nicotiana tobaccum, by
over-expression of PAP1 and ANR transgenes. We are developing new tobacco crops
for novel values by introducing the genes into commercial tobacco plants. Using
Agrobacterium-mediated approach, we transform a haploid tobacco plant,
|
Toor, Simranjeet K. Sikes, Kimber Howard, Michael B. |
|
|
Dept & College or University:
|
Math and Science, |
|
Research |
Michael P. Shaner/Math and
Science, Charles W. Bell/Math and
Science, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Characterization of 5'
Regulatory Regions of Two Membrane Progestin Receptors, mPRα and
mPRβ |
A new class of steroid
receptors, membrane progestin receptors (mPR), was recently cloned. Multiple
forms of mPR have been identified (mPRα, mPRβ, and mPRγ) in
various tissues and are linked to many nongenomic steroid actions that are
tissue specific. Furthermore, these receptors are putative intermediaries of
meiotic maturation of fish oocytes, suggested by gene knockdown technologies.
Recent studies have suggested that both mPRα and mPRβ transcripts and
proteins are upregulated following induction of hormones. However,
transcriptional regulation of the mPRs is not well understood. In this study we
have successfully cloned the 5’ regulatory regions for zebrafish
mPRα and mPRβ and mapped its prospective transcription regulatory
elements. Differences in cis-binding elements were compared between both mPRs.
These findings suggest that the mPRs have the following cis-binding elements:
AhR/Arnt, responsive element for aryl hydrocarbon receptor and its nuclear
translocation factor; CRE, cAMP responsive element; Egr, binding site for early
growth response genes; SF-1, steroidogenic factor-1 binding site; ERE, estrogen
responsive element; GRE/PRE/ARE, glucocorticoid/progestin/androgen responsive
element. The presence of these transcription regulatory elements implies that
hormonal regulation is plausible. To further address the transcriptional
regulation, green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter vectors driven by each promoter
have been microinjected to create transgenic zebrafish.
|
Uraizee,
Imran |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Division of Pediatric
Infectious Disease, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, |
|
Research |
William J.
Steinbach/Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Molecular
Genetics and Microbiology Robert A. Cramer,
Jr./Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation of Aspergillus fumigatus |
Aspergillus fumigatus, a ubiquitous opportunistic fungal pathogen, has emerged
as a major cause of death among immunocompromised individuals. The
recently-mapped 29.4-megabase genome sequence of A. fumigatus will serve as a foundation for analysis and
identification of pathogenesis mechanisms. Current methods of analysis include
molecular transformation of A. fumigatus involving polyethylene glycol (PEG) or
electroporation-mediated transformation of protoplasts. However, these
techniques are very time-consuming and often inefficient. This study
investigated an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated
transformation system (ATMT) for A.
fumigatus as an easier, more
efficient technique for genetic analysis. ATMT of Af293.1 and Af 293.6, uracil/uridine and arginine
auxotrophs respectively, was performed with A.
tumefaciens strains carrying vectors with PyrG, a uracil synthetase gene, or ArgB, an arginine synthetase gene. Transformations were performed
by mixing equal volumes of A. tumefaciens
cells containing the appropriate vector with a suspension of 10^6, 10^7, or
10^8 corresponding A. fumigatus conidia/mL on co-cultivation medium
superimposed with nylon filters at 24ºC for 48 hours. Filters were transferred
to selection plates with cefotaxime to kill A.
tumefaciens, and transformants appeared after two days. PCR and Southern
blot analysis confirmed random insertion of PyrG
into A. fumigatus . We conclude that
ATMT of A. fumigatus is a promising alternative to lengthy
protoplast techniques. Future studies will seek to improve the efficiency of
this system and establish the most effective transformation protocol. ATMT has
great potential to enable targeted gene knockouts in A. fumigatus and ultimately
identify virulence factors.
|
Valdes-Wochinger,
Irene Lee,
Doris |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Anthropology and
Sociology, University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras Psychology, |
|
Research |
Betsy Lozoff/Center of
Human Growth and Development, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Long-Lasting Effects of
Iron Supplementation in Children's Behavior and Development at 10 Years |
Up to 20% to 25% of infants
worldwide suffer from iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), and many more have
iron-deficiency without anemia. Although IDA is the most common single nutrient
disorder in the world, many countries have not made routine iron
supplementation for infants a priority. The purpose of this project is to
evaluate children's behavior and development at age 10 and to determine if
there are long-lasting effects of iron supplementation in infancy on
social-emotional behavior. A Jenga game of 3-5 minutes duration was designed to
assess shared positive affect between 579 Chilean children and their mothers.
T-test and ANOVAs were used to analyze how overall performance and positive
affect varied, if at all, by supplemented and unsupplemented groups. The
10-year-olds who received iron supplements in infancy had significantly longer
durations of shared positive affect with their mothers at age 10 than
unsupplemented children (p<.05) Unsupplemented children had significantly
longer durations of no shared positive affect (p<.001). They also looked at
the tester more often (p<.001) and took longer to take their first turn at
the game (p<.05) than supplemented children. Unsupplemented children and
their mothers also showed more instances of directing one another's behavior
(p<.05 and p<.001) than supplemented children and their mothers. Our
findings suggest that there are long term benefits of iron supplementation in
infancy on the social/emotional domain. The double randomized experimental
design allows us to conclude that the social/emotional differences we found are
the result of supplementation and not environmental factors that stem from
socio-economic stress. Progress is being made towards reducing cases of IDA via
food additives such as sprinkles, spreads, and other food-based solutions.
However, the data indicates that it is worthwhile to adopt a preventative
approach to dealing with IDA in children. Having ever had IDA has long-term negative
repercussions for development. It may not be sufficient to wait until it occurs
to address the issue, especially for less advantaged families that may not have
the resources to circumvent the developmental issues that result from
inadequate blood iron at any point in childhood development.
|
Vo,
Christopher K. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Yumin Li/Chemistry, Charles
Griswold/Entomology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Retrofitting Film-Based Scanning
Electron Microscopes with Consumer Digital SLR Cameras |
Modern digital imaging,
high-resolution scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) have displaced the older
film-based SEMs of the past. However, these older instruments still have a place
in the research lab as a number of techniques have since retrofitted these
film-based SEMs with digital imaging capabilities. Some of these techniques
have required expensive additional specialized hardware and software to
accomplish the digitization feat. Here we present a solution to retrofitting
older, film-based SEMs with digital imaging capabilities and a cheaper
alternative to other highly specialized techniques. Our simplistic technique
consists of mounting a Canon Rebel XT consumer digital SLR (DSLR) to the
Polaroid film bracket located on many of the older film-based SEMs. The same
photographic principles responsible for creating Polaroid images of SEM
specimens are applied to the CCD chip of the DSLR (the CCD chip in digital
cameras is analogous to the film in SLRs). Given the proper exposure time,
aperture and ISO settings on a DSLR the SEM’s scanning line of light can
effectively be used to “paint” an image onto the CCD chip –
as opposed to Polaroid film. Once the “painting” has occurred, then
the photograph is recorded digitally at high resolutions, and the image can be
processed digitally. This DSLR technique can be universally applied to
film-based SEMs that utilize the Polaroid film mounting bracket. The
limitations to this technique are purely physical. Camera lens, mounting
bracket, and manual settings are required for proper function; however, these
requirements are easily and cheaply met in consumer electronics. Images
produced from this technique are of high quality – arguably better than
Polaroid quality – and are acceptable for publication – not to
mention they are of a digital medium and of little cost to produce (as opposed
to antiquated and expensive Polaroid SEM film). Sample images can be found at http://personal.ecu.edu/ckv0212
|
Watts,
Cynthia L. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Natural Science –
Biology, |
|
Research |
Marsha Fanning/Natural
Science – Biology, Karen McDougal/Natural
Science – Biology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Differences in Growth of Chaetomium globosum on Three Different
Species of Wood |
Soft-rot fungi, including Chaetomium globosum, decompose cellulose
and lignin within wood. In this experiment, C.
globosum was grown on one inch
squares of three different species of wood: Quercus
alba , Liriodendron tulipifera , and Pinus taeda . The fungal coverage was
measured at zero, six, twelve, twenty-four, forty-eight, and seventy-two hours
after inoculation. The percentage of the coverage and the thickness of the
fungus was recorded. The mean area covered on all three types of wood was above
ninety percent at the seventy-two hour time period. However, there was a
significant difference at the forty-eight hour observation, with Q.
alba showing less fungal coverage
when compared to the other two species. The experiment was repeated, and
observed after thirty-six and forty-eight hours. Again, Q. alba had significantly
less coverage than L. tulipifera ,
and was significantly lower from the P. taeda
in one of the two replicates. The growth of C. globosum seemed to have a greater lag time when growing on Q. alba . It would be valuable to
determine if there are specific components in wood that are involved in
resistance to fungal growth.
|
White,
Johnithan |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
UNC-Pembroke |
|
Research |
Mark R. McClure/Chemistry
and Physics, UNC-Pembroke |
|
Title of Presentation: |
H-1 and C-13 NMR
Spectroscopy of Cobalt(III) Complexes Containing the Tripodal Tetradentate
Ligand Tris(2-Aminoethyl)amine |
We present proton and carbon
NMR data for a series of cobalt(III) complexes containing the tripodal
tetradentate ligand tris(2-aminoethyl)amine with ammonia, ethylenediamine, and
propylenediamine. It was possible in most cases to assign the carbon spectra of
these complexes. The proton spectra were found to be quite complex, and the
propylenediamine complex was substantially different from the others due to the
presence of the three-carbon linkage.
|
Wilkins,
Joshua W. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Microbiology and
Biomanufacturing Training and |
|
Research |
José M.
Bruno-Bárcena/Microbiology and Biomanufacturing Training and |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Analytical Method
Validation of a Refractive Index Detector |
In order to track
fermentation processes, the ability to identify and quantify individual
chemical compounds as they are being consumed and produced is extremely valuable. One method of performing this is by utilizing
High Pressure Liquid Chromatography, or HPLC.
The HPLC accomplishes fast separation by specialized columns that
separate the individual chemicals by size and/or charge. Once this separation has occurred, a
measuring device called a refractive index detector (RID) within the HPLC
measures the signal generated by the separated chemicals. Since each HPLC system is unique to its
applied environment, each chemical to be analyzed must be individually determined
by the HPLC. This is achieved by
obtaining pure samples of each pertinent chemical at different concentrations
and performing the analysis on each of these concentrations. From each pure chemical sample analyzed, a
characteristic curve is obtained that corresponds to that chemical
specifically. From this curve, the area
under the peak is proportional to the concentration of each compound along with
a characteristic retention time. From
the HPLC derived data sets of varying concentrations, an averaged peak
retention time is procured and a linear regression line can be produced to
relate chemical concentrations to the observed peak areas. Once this is achieved for each chemical of
interest, the method is considered validated since we have predetermined the
degree of acceptable variability and its associated detection limit. Any further unknown mixtures containing these
validated chemicals can then be determined and analyzed for their
concentrations.
|
Wissink,
Erin M. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Genetics, NCSU |
|
Research |
Mary Anna
Carbone/Genetics, NCSU Trudy FC Mackay/Genetics,
NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Association Analysis of
Polymorphisms in the Immune induced
molecule 10 (IM10) and Ethanol Resistance in a Natural Population of Drosophila melanogaster |
Microarray data allows us to
measure the expression-level of thousands of genes in a single experiment. The
gene-expression profile can be used to identify candidate genes for a
particular trait. In Drosophila
melanogaster, the IM10 gene was
significantly up-regulated upon exposure to ethanol. To investigate the role of
IM10 in ethanol resistance, the gene
was sequenced in 48 fly lines, and polymorphisms in the gene were identified.
Tests of associations were performed on the polymorphisms and various
quantitative traits including ethanol resistance, lifespan, locomotion,
olfaction and starvation resistance. It was discovered that four polymorphisms
in the IM10 gene were significantly
associated with ethanol resistance in this population of Drosophila melanogaster.
|
Woodbine,
Karlene D. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Genetics, |
|
Research |
Melanie Lee-Brown/Biology,
|
|
Title of Presentation: |
Polyclonal Antibody
Analysis for Niacin Receptor |
Niacin is one of the most
powerful available drugs for reducing cholesterol levels leading to the progression
of cardiovascular diseases. Pharmacological doses of niacin induce beneficial
changes in serum lipids, particularly HDL-C (the so-called good cholesterol).
In addition to raising HDL-C, niacin also lowers the level of VLDL and LDL (the
so-called bad cholesterol) by inhibiting the break down and mobilization of
free fatty acid from adipose tissues. As a result, the circulation of plasma
cholesterol and free fatty acid in the bloodstream reduces, which in turn
decreases the mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Early research showed
that niacin accumulates and works directly on the adipose tissues to inhibit
fatty acid mobilization. This was later explained by the recent discovery of
the niacin receptor, a G-coupled receptor found in adipocytes and
myeloid-lineage immune cells with a high affinity for niacin. It is widely
believed that changes in HDL-C with niacin therapy are mediated by the niacin
receptor. No specific antibodies for this receptor have yet been described.
Since quality antibodies are limited, there is an inability to perform basic
biological experiments such as testing in which tissues the niacin receptor is
expressed. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies have been raised to several peptides
derived from the primary amino acid sequence of the niacin receptor. To address
the above issue, western imaging containing human and mouse receptors have been
probed to observe whether serum from the rabbit display specificity for the
recombinant receptor. So far, four different serum lots have been found from
four different animals with reactivity to this protein. These antibodies are
now being tested in other assay (immunohistochemistry with whole cells) and
will be tested in human tissues if they prove positive in this round of assay
as well.
|
Wright,
Robert C. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Molecular Pharmacology,
NCSU |
|
Research |
Larry Blanton/Plant
Biology, NCSU |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Methods for Detection of
Histamine-mediated Eosinophil Degranulation in Human Leukocyte Populations |
Allergic and asthmatic inflammation
is closely linked with eosinophil infiltration into the effected tissue. As a
granulocyte the eosinophils’ dominant inflammatory function is viewed as
the release of its granule contents. Through the release of eosinophil-specific
granule proteins, cytokines, chemokines, lipid mediators, enzymes, and reactive
oxygen intermediates this leukocyte provides an essential local immune response
to parasitic infection, tumor growth, and allergic disease. By detecting the
release of eosinophil-specific inflammatory mediators, including eosinophil
peroxidase (EPO) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), as well as more general
mediators such as cytokines, the inflammatory response of the eosinophil can be
further characterized. Methods for isolating human leukocyte populations and
detecting EPO, ECP, and cytokines have been developed and validated. This
research optimizes the use of these assays for developing a c! haracterization
of histamine-mediated eosinophilic degranulation in allergy.
|
Yang, Mee |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Nursing, |
|
Research |
Linda W. Reece/Nursing, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Adherence to Hmong
Cultural Beliefs |
This study described
adherence to traditional Hmong ethno-medical knowledge and practices pertaining
to health and wellness. A convenience sample completed a Forced Liket Scale of
twelve random Hmong ethno-medical beliefs. Participants who were eligible were
Hmong war refugees from
|
Yimbu,
Kenneth N. Conner,
Ramsey F. Jones,
Gwen B. |
|
|
Dept & College or
University:
|
Biology, |
|
Research |
Rachel Roper, Microbiology
and Immunology, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
The Poxvirus A35R Gene Suppresses Immune Response |
The poxvirus family is a
group of double-stranded DNA viruses that infect both vertebrates and invertebrates
and replicate in the cytoplasm. While
smallpox has been successfully eradicated from nature, most of the
world’s population is susceptible to it as a biowarfare agent. In addition, numerous poxviruses infect
humans worldwide indicating the importance of poxvirus research. Because vaccinia virus infects humans,
attenuated strains have been used for vaccination, and it is the most widely
studied poxvirus. In all mammalian-tropic
poxviruses, the A35R gene is conserved, suggesting it plays a crucial role in
either virulence or replication. A
mutant virus was made with the A35R gene removed. Tropism studies performed with 20 different
cell lines from 6 different mammals suggested that the gene is not required for
replication. To find out whether the gene
plays a role in virulence, mice were intranasally challenged with both the
wildtype (normal) and mutated virus.
A35R was shown to be important in virulence (measured as weight loss and
death). Further studies showed that A35R blocks antigen presentation to T
lymphocytes. However, it was not known
what step of antigen presentation was blocked.
Thus, the virus effects on primary antigen presenting cells (APC,
peritoneal exudate cells, PEC) and a model macrophage cell line (Raw 264) were
tested. Our data showed that VV
decreased metabolism and nitric oxide (NO) production in PEC and Raw cells but
showed no A35R dependent difference.
These data suggest that A35R is not directly affecting the antigen
presenting cells in these ways. New
data suggest that A35R is acting by decreasing MHC class II on APC.
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Younts,
Thomas J. Gragg,
Bianca L. Jablonski,
Elizabeth M. McConnell,
Nisha A. |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Biology, UNC-Charlotte |
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Research |
Francis "Monty"
Hughes Jr../Biology, UNC-Charlotte |
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Title of Presentation: |
Aquaporin 9 Translocates to
the Plasma Membrane Early during Anoikis and Is Stimulated by Death
Associated Protein Kinase |
Following detachment from
the substratum, cells die by anoikis, a form of apoptosis or programmed cell
death. Understanding anoikis will give insight into the mechanisms of cancer
metastasis. Early during anoikis/apoptosis, a cell will lose water through
protein channels called aquaporins (AQPs) in a process known as the apoptotic
volume decrease (AVD). Interestingly, analysis of primary cells and several
cell lines localized AQP8 and 9 to vesicles in the cytoplasm, where they are
unable to contribute to water loss during the AVD. Since the level of AQPs on
the plasma membrane regulates the rate of apoptosis, we hypothesize that AQPs
translocate to the cell surface following initiation of anoikis to allow cells
to die quickly. Using an AQP9-GFP fusion construct we detected a strong
translocation within five minutes of initiating anoikis by trypsin treatment in
RUCA-1 cells. Further evidence of translocation was provided by co-localizing
the membrane marker TNF-R1 and AQP9. To explore the pathways responsible for
AQP9 translocation, we have examined Death Associated Protein Kinase (DAPK)
which is known to be activated during anoikis. AQP9-GFP was co-transfected with
constitutively active (CA) or dominant negative (DN) DAPK into RUCA-1 cells and
the location of AQP9-GFP assessed by confocal microscopy. The results
demonstrate CA-DAPK stimulates the movement of AQP9 to the plasma membrane even
when cell adhesion is not disrupted. Conversely, DN-DAPK prevented AQP9
translocation when anoikis was induced. Collectively, these data suggest
activation of DAPK during anoikis stimulates AQP9 translocation to the plasma
membrane, enhancing the rate of apoptosis.
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Zachary, Christopher |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Plant Biology, NCSU |
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Research |
Lili Zhou/Plant Biology,
NCSU Deyu Xie/Plant Biology,
NCSU |
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Title of Presentation: |
Antioxidant
Proanthocyanidin Profiling from the Ornamental Plant Desmodium canadense |
Proanthocyanidins are potent
antioxidants with multiple medicinal and nutritive benefits to human health,
for example anti-cancer and anti-arthrosclerosis. The goal of our research is
to identify the presence of proanthocyanidins from Desmodium canadense, which
is an ornamental plants gown in garden and landscapes. To our knowledge, this
is the first time that proanthocyanidins have been identified in this
ornamental plant. We grew the plants in greenhouse to a sufficient size and
harvested the leaf tissues for our studies. Protocols for extraction,
purification, HPLC profiling, and histological assay were developed for the
identification of proanthocyanidin in D. canadense plants. We ground fresh leaf
tissues in liquid nitrogen, and then extracted proanthocyanidins using the
organic solvents acetone, chloroform, and methanol. We analyzed
proanthocyanidins on thin layer chromatography and visualized the separation
with a DMACA reagent, whic! h showed different molecular size proanthocyanidins
produced in the leaf tissues. HPLC-MS spectrum profiling identified the
presence of catechin (monomer) and procyanidin B2 (a dimer). The identification
of other unknown oligomeric proanthocyanidins is under way. The application of
proanthocyanidins from D. canadense will be discussed in the poster presentation.
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Zettl, Kathryn L. |
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Dept & College or
University:
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Research |
Chris Taylor/Zoology,
Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, NCSU |
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Title of Presentation: |
Population Trends in Lagadon rhombiodes in North Carolina
Estuaries |
Pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides, are not recognized by
many as playing a significant role in marine fisheries harvest. Their increased
numbers and local abundance suggests that their role in marine ecosystems may
be an important one. This summer I participated in an ongoing study that
sampled larval fish that were immigrating into the estuaries of
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