Volume XXI ISSN: 1555-3760 PROCEEDINGS of the 50TH ANNUAL MEETING COMMONWEALTH of PENNSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY BIOLOGISTS April 12

Volume XXI ISSN: 1555-3760

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 50TH ANNUAL MEETING

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY BIOLOGISTS

April 12-13, 2019 Hosted By: Department of Biology and Health Services Edinboro University Edinboro, Pennsylvania

Proceedings of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists 50TH Annual Meeting, April 12-13, 2019

Hosted by the Department of Biology and Health Services Edinboro University Edinboro, PA

Table of Contents

Schedule of Events………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2

Wi-Fi Login Information……………………………………………………………………………………………… 4

Keynote Speaker Biography…………………………………………………………………………………………..5

Outstanding Student Award Recipients………………………………………………………………………… 6

Student CPUB Research Grant Recipients…………………………………………………………… …….…14

Schedule of Platform Presentations……………………………………………………………………………..15

Schedule of Poster Presentations…………………………………………………………………………………21

Abstracts………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... 31

Historical Highlights of APSCUF/CPUB…………………………………………………………………………72

CPUB Officers…………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..…74

CPUB Presidents………………………………………………………………………………………………………....75

Schedule of CPUB Annual Meetings……………………………………………………………………….……..77

Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………………………………………………..78

Maps……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... 80

Sponsors..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………81

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists 50TH Annual Meeting, April 12-13, 2019

Schedule of Events:

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

6:00 – 7:30 PM Registration, Cooper Hall Lobby

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

7:30 – 9:00 AM Registration, Cooper Hall Lobby 7:30 – 9:00 AM Poster Set-up, Cooper Hall, First Floor

8:00 – 8:45 AM CPUB Directors' Meeting, Cooper Hall, Room 173

9:00 – 9:15 AM Welcome and Introduction, Van Houten South Dining Hall

9:15 – 10:30 AM Keynote Address: “Pseudoscience Debate in Medicine and its Ethical Implications” Delivered by Dr. Kia Aramesh, Director of the James F. Drane Bioethics Institute, Edinboro University Van Houten South Dining Hall

10:45 – 11:45 AM Platform Presentations (Session 1, 2, 3), Cooper Hall, First Floor

Platform Session I - Graduate – Room 170

Platform Session II - Undergraduate - Cell/Molecular – Room 171

Platform Session III - Undergraduate - Ecology/ Organismal – Room 172

12:00 – 1:00 PM Lunch, Cooper Hall Lobby

1:15 – 2:15 PM Poster Presentations, Group “A”: Odd Numbered Abstracts Cooper Hall

2:15 – 3:15 PM Poster Presentations, Group “B”: Even Numbered Abstracts Cooper Hall

3:15 – 4:15 PM Platform Presentations (Sessions 4, 5, 6, 7), Cooper Hall, First Floor

Session IV – Undergraduate - Cell/ Molecular & Ecology/ Organismal– Room 170

Session V - Undergraduate - Cell/ Molecular – Room 171

Session VI - Undergraduate - Ecology/Organismal - Room 172

4:30 – 5:15 PM SCOTS Talks (Workshops), Cooper Hall, First Floor

1) “Art as a Forensic Tool” – Cooper Hall, Room 171

Michelle Vitali, MFA, Professor, Art Department, Fellow at the Institute of Forensic Sciences Edinboro University

2) “Science of Brewing” – Cooper Hall, Room 172

Adam Hoke, Voodoo Brewing Company Edinboro University (B.S. Biology 2012, M.S. Biology 2015)

3) “Curiosity-Driven Research: Looking at Autism Spectrum Disorders Through a New Lens” – Cooper Hall, Room 173

Vytas A. Bankaitis, PhD, University Distinguished Professor E.L. Wehner-Welch Foundation Chair in Chemistry Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine Texas A&M Health Science Center

5:30 PM Poster tear down, Cooper Hall

5:15 – 6:15 PM CPUB Business Meeting, Cooper Hall, Room 172

6:00 – 8:00 PM Banquet and Awards, Van Houten South Dining Hall

GUEST WI-FI FOR CPUB MEETING Step 1: To connect, choose "EU-GUEST" from the available wireless networks. Step 2: Once you connect to EU-GUEST, you will be redirected to the following page. If you are not automatically directed you may need to launch a browser and go to www.edinboro.edu. Click on the Create Account link to create a guest wireless account. Step 3: Enter your name, your organization name (if you do not represent an organization then enter your name again) and your email address. Then enter the security code and check the “I accept the terms of use” box. Click on the Register button to create and display your Guest wireless account information. Step 4: Review your account username and guest password (jot it down) and click on the “Log In” button for network access. Your account credentials will also be emailed to the email address you entered. Your account for that specific device will be valid for 48 hours. If you use a different device or need to access our wireless network after 48 hours has expired, then you will have to follow steps 1 thru 4 to setup new guest access credentials. Go to the following link to find out more: http://www.edinboro.edu/directory/offices-services/information-technology- services/networks-telecommunications/WirelessGuestAccessInstructions5-24-2017.pdf

Keynote Address Kiarash Aramesh M.D., Ph.D. Director of the James F. Drane Bioethics Institute

Dr. Aramesh is an assistant professor at the Department of Biology and Health Sciences. He also serves as the director of the James F. Drane Bioethics Institute. He is a physician and his specialty is in community medicine. He also holds a PhD in Healthcare Ethics. Before joining the Edinboro University, he had worked as a Visiting Scholar at the Center for Healthcare Ethics at Duquesne University in 2017-18 and at the department of bioethics at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2013-14. He also worked as a faculty member at the Medical Ethics and History of Medicine Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences from 2005 to 2018. He has published several books and articles on various aspects of biomedical ethics in English and Persian and delivered numerous presentations as invited lecturer in different domestic and international conferences. His current research interests include Global Bioethics, Clinical Research Ethics, and Biopolitics. “Science-Pseudoscience Debate in Medicine and its Ethical Implications”

Is it ethically justified to practice or promote homeopathy, energy therapy, acupuncture, or quantum healing? Are they alternative approached to medicine or just quackery and unreliable collections of pseudoscientific claims? How we, as patients or professionals, can evaluate each treatment approach in terms of its scientific validity? This presentation addresses the demarcation problem and discusses how to differentiate science from pseudoscience in medical practice and clinical research. Also, it will explore the ethical implications of the science vs. pseudoscience debate and the reasons behind the ethical wrongness of promoting or practicing pseudoscience in medicine. It argues that social value and scientific validity are two important ethical requirements in the realm of clinical research and concludes that the clinical practitioners are ethically obliged to use and prescribe only the treatment methods and medicines whose efficacy and safety are proved by the evidence-based methodology.

2019 OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

In 1977, CPUB initiated an Outstanding Student Awards Program to honor a life science student at each Pennsylvania SSHE University who best exemplifies scientific scholarship and academic achievement. These awards are presented each year at the CPUB Annual Meeting. The criteria for student selection are established by the department members at each university. Student award winners are provided funding by CPUB and the individual departments so that they can attend the Annual Meeting.

This honor of distinction is given to one student at each SSHE University, but it represents the academic virtues possessed by numerous students who attend these Pennsylvania Universities. Many of the previous CPUB Award winners are presently attending various graduate and medical programs. Others have graduated and are presently involved in scientific research, teaching, or medical professions.

Andrew Cross, Bloomsburg University Andrew Cross is a senior biology, pre-medical sciences major and chemistry minor. Andrew has achieved a 4.00 GPA and plans to attend Penn State College of Medicine. He has served as a patient companion on the medical/surgery floor at Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital and has health care shadowing experience in cardiology and orthopedic surgery. Andrew’s outstanding achievements have been recognized by a host of honors and awards including dean’s list each semester and selection for membership in the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society. He is a recipient of the Phi Kappa Phi Outstanding Freshman Award and the Bloomsburg University Academic Excellence Scholarship. Active in undergraduate research, Andrew has received grants from CPUB, Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society, and Bloomsburg University to support his investigations on oxidative stress in honey bees exposed to neonicotinoid pesticides. Andrew is active in the campus and local community. He is a member of the Pre-medical Sciences Club, the historian of Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society, and the treasurer of the Rideau Rod and Gun Club. He volunteers his time as a peer tutor in Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Genetics. Andrew has excelled and is recognized by department faculty for his scholarship, leadership and service.

Eric Moeller, California University

Eric Moeller is a Biology major, Chemistry minor, with a 3.763 GPA. He is a member of the Honors program and is involved in several departmental clubs, including the Biology Club, Tri- beta, and the Biology Journal Club. In these clubs he has taken on leadership positions, both as treasurer of Tri-Beta, and as president of the Biology Journal Club, which he also founded. Eric has been conducting research since fall 2017, examining the cellular and molecular events that occur in zebrafish fin regeneration under conditions of temperature stress. He has presented this work at campus-wide conferences, at the PASSHE-STEM Conference, and at the NCUR National Conference in 2018 and 2019, and he is currently preparing a manuscript for publication. Eric plans to pursue a research career upon graduation, and intends to accumulate additional research experience as a research assistant before deciding on a PhD program.

Brittany Mealy, Clarion University Brittany is a senior who will graduate in May 2019 with a B.S. in Biology and a B.S. in Psychology. She has maintained an overall 3.95 GPA during her four years at Clarion University while also holding jobs and being involved in several research projects with Drs. Dias and Thomas. She has also been working on a preliminary manuscript for her research on zinc’s effects on MG- 63 osteoblast-like cells as a potential compound to treat diabetes-induced osteoporosis. For her pilot study on this project she was awarded 1st place in her poster presentation group at CPUB in the spring of 2018. Brittany has offered her services to the Biology Department by peer-mentoring freshmen students, mentoring and training research students, being a calculus tutor, and helping with recruitment on several University visitation days. She is currently a member of Tri-Beta, Psi Chi, and she is the President and Founder of Animal Care Club. Brittany has also conducted research for Clarion University’s Psychology Department and was awarded student of the month for October 2018. Despite being busy with school, research, and a part time job, she still makes time for her community by volunteering at Clarion PAWS and Clarion PASSAGES. Although she enjoys research, she developed a strong passion for medicine during her current job as an Emergency Department medical scribe and will soon be applying to MD/PhD programs.

Abigail Onufer, East Stroudsburg University

Abigail Onufer is a Biotechnology major, with a minor in Chemistry. She has been on the Dean's list all four years of her college career and will graduate summa cum laude in May with a 3.839 GPA. Abby was awarded a prestigious four-year Board of Governors Science and Technology Scholarship to support her education at ESU. She completed an internship at Rockland Immunochemicals in the summer of 2018, and she is currently an intern at the ESU Northwest Wildlife DNA Lab where she is conducting a survey of the pathogen Coxiella burnetii in the blood of black bears. Abby was also part of a team of students who investigated aspects of tick-bite-induced red meat allergies with Dr. Abdalla Aldras, resulting in a presentation at the ESU 2018 Undergraduate and Creative Activities Symposium. In addition to her excellence in academics, Abby has participated in numerous service activities. She is the president of the Biotechnology/Medical Technology club. She recently organized an event to familiarize students with internship opportunities, and she also lead activities for aspiring young scientists at the ESU Women in STEM event. She was a judge for the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Sciences science fair for two years. Abby has tutored chemistry, physics, and biology courses, and serves as a lab assistant in the microbiology and applied microbiology labs. After graduation, Abby plans to obtain a position as a research technician in a biotechnology company.

Kim Pintabona, Edinboro University Kim Pintabona graduated in December 2018 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology, with Pre-Veterinary concentration, and a minor in Psychology, achieving a 3.93 GPA during her time at Edinboro University. She completed four different summer internships; the first (2016) was at the Buffalo Zoo, the second (2017) was at the Springfield Animal Hospital, and the last two (2018) were at the Ellicott Small Animal Hospital and the West Side Pet Clinic (both in Buffalo, NY). She also served as president of the local Tri-Beta chapter from May to December 2018. Kim was very active in undergraduate research, participating in research projects in both the Biology and Psychology departments. She conducted an independent study in the fall of 2017, looking for angiogenic inhibitors in plant protein extracts from Monarda spp. (Bee balm). She presented a poster on her independent research at the 49th annual CPUB meeting in 2018. Because of her research and academic success, she received the fall 2018 Outstanding Department Graduate in Biology award. Kim is attending the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in the fall.

Rebekah Mikeasky, Indiana University

Rebekah Mikeasky is a senior at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. This spring, she will graduate with a BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology and a minor in chemistry. Rebekah has been a lab assistant in Dr. Robert Major’s lab since her sophomore year. Currently, she is researching the expression of the circadian-linked Timeout gene in the planarian species Schmidtea mediterranea. Previously, she characterized autophagy within the planarian using the autophagy marker protein LC3. In the past, she also prepared for the laboratory sections of Principles of Genetics. During the summer of 2018, she worked as a lab assistant through the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Program at the University of Pittsburgh and investigated the molecular contributors of zebrafish heart regeneration under Dr. Michael Tsang. Rebekah has presented in a variety of conferences that include: the Women in Mathematics, Science, and Technology Program, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists, the Undergraduate Scholars Forum, and the Research Experience for Summer Scholars Program. Rebekah has received multiple awards including IUP’s Walter “Bud” Gasdek Memorial Scholarship, Markovich-Shutske Scholarship, and Patricia Hilliard-Robertson Scholarship. She is actively involved in the IUP community through the IUP chapter of the ESA SEEDS: Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity, and Sustainability Club and the Biology Club. Through SEEDS, she coordinated the 2017 Indiana Community Seed Swap alongside Esbeiry Cordova and was elected Vice President. After receiving her BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Rebekah plans to attend a PhD program in cellular and molecular biology. By earning a PhD, she hopes to contribute to the research currently being produced and provide her own perspective to new and emerging developments within the field. She believes that having a greater understanding of the cellular and molecular processes that govern life will allow us to reevaluate our current knowledge of diseases and better improve the life quality of people everywhere.

Nicoll Lezano, Kutztown University

Nicoll graduated in December 2018 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology: Pre- Medical with a QPA of 3.66. Nicoll conducted research on a previously undescribed cynipid wasp gall on white oak and plans to continue the research this year. She has been on the Dean’s list and was chosen as a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Star Student. Nicoll served as a Supplemental Instructor for Microbiology and a laboratory assistant for Comparative Anatomy. She was a Biology Department Mentor and volunteered for the Special Olympics and Science Olympiad, among others. She is also a Master Personal Trainer and Snowboard Instructor. Nicoll plans to attend medical school and become a surgeon.

Samantha Clark, Lock Haven University

Samantha Clark is a Senior Biology major at Lock Haven University who will be graduating in May 2019. Her current GPA is 3.457 and she received the Biology Honors Award at the Annual LHU Science Convocation in November 2018. Samantha is a member of the Global Honors Program, she is a Laboratory Assistant for Principles of Biology since 2016, she was the LHU Greenhouse Manager during 2017-2018, she has been a Biology Tutor since 2015 during which she won the Coordinator’s Commendation Award in October 2017, and she is Biology First Year Student Mentor since fall 2017. Samantha completed a REU Internship during the summer 2018 at the Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University. She completed and Independent Study project during 2017-2018 on endomycorrhizal associations and presented her research at CPUB in 2018 where she won 1st place in the Ecology Environmental Oral Presentation category. She also won 3rd place in the Unique Research Presentation in Global Honors Program Research Competition in 2018. She completed another Independent Study in 2016-2017 where she tagged trees on the LHU Nature Trail for future comparisons of the effect of climate change in the area. She is completing another Independent Study this spring 2019 semester Using GIS to analyze Pennsylvania bird population response to climate change. After graduation, Samantha will be working as a Laboratory Scientist at Keystone State Testing in Harrisburg.

Adrianna M. Vaskas, Mansfield University

Adrianna Vaskas is a senior who will graduate from Mansfield University in May 2019 with a B.S. in Biology, concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology. She has an overall cumulative GPA of 4.0 and was named to the President’s List each semester. During her four years at Mansfield University, she has received a multitude of merit-based scholarships, including Student of Distinction, Board of Governors Priority, Kenneth and Caroline Taylor, Roy W. Piper Charitable Trust, and Gladys B. Young Memorial scholarships. She has also been recognized as an Outstanding Sophomore, Junior, Non-Graduating Senior, and Graduating Senior by Mansfield University’s Biology Department. Since 2017, Adrianna has worked with Dr. Kristen Long to study the antitumor effects of the plant derived chemical, curcumin, on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma both in vivo and in vitro. This project required mastery of tissue culture, molecular biology, histological, and mouse-handling techniques. She received a competitive statewide research scholarship from the NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium to expand her research project. This project grew to include a collaboration with researchers from both SignPath Pharma Inc. and the University of Pennsylvania. Adrianna presented early data from this project at the competitive University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s regional 21st Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in October 2018, where she took second place in the biochemical and molecular biology category. She has continued her research since then and is planning to publish her results once the project is completed. Outside of academics and research, Adrianna has also been an active member in her campus community. She has tutored for TRiO at

Mansfield University as a natural and physical science tutor since 2017, as well as at the Learning Center for the upper level courses of genetics, physics, and immunology since 2018. She also volunteers to share her knowledge of biology with the community at local events including I.D.E.A.S. Day, Hometown Science Festival, Relay for Life, and Mansfield University’s Spend-A-Day event, where she hosts informative sessions with potential students about her research experience at Mansfield. In the future, Adrianna will be attending medical school to achieve her career aspirations of becoming a physician scientist.

Jacob Herschberger, Millersville University

Jacob Herschberger is a senior in the Department of Biology at Millersville University. This spring he will graduate with a BS in Biology with a focus in Environmental Biology. He has an overall QGPA of 3.43. Since the spring of 2018 Jacob has designed and implemented experiments to quantify plant-herbivore interactions, specifically the effects of plant compensatory regrowth, where plants regrow biomass eaten by the herbivores, on the feeding choices of herbivores to elucidate the potential interactions between mammalian herbivores and invertebrate herbivores. This work has involved a combination of field work, greenhouse experiment, and laboratory experiment using an olfactometer that he designed and built. Jacob is presenting his findings at this year’s Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologist meeting and is writing up his research for publication. Besides performing research and taking classes, Jacob is active in the science community. Since 2017 he has been a member of the Millersville Entomology Club where he has managed the club’s bee hives. Besides these hives, he also has three hives of his own. He has tutored mathematics at the Harrisburg Area Community College since 2016. He is also an Interpretative Ranger and Land Steward for Lancaster County Conservancy, where he assists in providing information to people about the parks, monitors and maintains the trails and preserves, and will be participating in outreach. Jacob’s future plans are to continue working for the Lancaster County Conservancy and will be applying to start graduate school in fall 2020 to continue his work with plant-insect interactions, whether plant-pollinator systems or plant-herbivore systems.

Olivia Turner, Shippensburg University

Olivia is a senior Biology major with a concentration in Ecology and Environmental Biology and a minor in Geographic Information Systems. She has earned a 3.97 GPA during her time at Shippensburg and is an active member of the Wood Honors College. In recognition of her outstanding achievements she was awarded the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals Maurice Goddard Scholarship as well as Shippensburg University’s Board of Governors’ Scholarship. Olivia has been conducting research on population genetics and pollination biology of the Pennsylvania endangered plant, Iris verna, with Dr. Heather Sahli, Dr. Bill Patrie, and Dr. Emily Kramer since her sophomore year. She was awarded an Undergraduate Research grant, a Summer Undergraduate Research Experience grant, and an Honors Capstone grant throughout her research experience and has had the opportunity to present at the Shippensburg Minds at Work Conference, the Pennsylvania Botany Symposium, and the Mid- Atlantic Chapter of the Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting. In addition to excelling both academically and in her research, Olivia also holds leadership positions within the Wood Honors College as the co-chair of their Environmental Committee, serves on the College of Arts and Sciences’ Student Advisory Board, and is member of Shippensburg University’s Environmental Steering Committee. Olivia has also played a valuable role in recruiting perspective Biology students to come to Shippensburg through her participation in several admitted student days where she shared her passion and enthusiasm for biology. Following graduation, Olivia will intern with the National Forest Service in Idaho before pursuing a PhD in Ecology and Environmental Sciences.

Annette Choi, Slippery Rock University

Annette is a biology major who is graduating this Spring. Annette has excelled here at SRU with a GPA of >3.8. Annette has been active in research since joining the biology department. She has been conducting research on HSF activation with Dr. Buckley and Dr. Hrizo for the past 4 years. Her research focused on developing a confocal microscopy technique at SRU to evaluate HSF activation in response to chemical stress. Annette has been an excellent ambassador for the research in the department. She has presented her research at many meetings over the years including two Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Biologist meetings (2017 and 2018), two Sigma Xi Research Conferences at Penn State Beherend (2017 and 2018) and two PASSHE Research Meetings (2016 and 2017). At the 2016 CPUB meeting she won a second place award for her poster entitled “Utilizing Live Cell Imaging in Drosophila to Identify Stressors that Induce Protein Misfolding”. Additionally, at the 2018 Sigma Xi Meeting she won 1st place for her poster entitled “Utilizing Live Cell Imaging in Drosophila melanogaster Salivary Glands to Determine if Resveratrol Treatment Activates Heat Shock Factor DNA Binding”. One of Annette’s research projects was published in the journal, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education in 2018 in a paper entitled “Visualizing Cellular Stress: A hypothesis driven confocal laboratory exercise to identify

compounds that activate Heat Shock Factor binding at the Hsp70 loci”. Annette will be presenting her research at the Experimental Biology Meeting sponsored by the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Orlando, FL this April. Following graduation, Annette will be entering a PhD program in biology at Cornell University.

CPUB Student Research Grant Recipients for 2018-2019

Andrew Cross, Bloomsburg University: “Assessing Oxidative Stress in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) after Exposure to Neonictinoid Insecticides”, CPUB Faculty Mentors: Drs. Cynthia Surmacz and John Hranitz.

Christian Schill, Clarion University: “Genetic Rescue of the CQ11Gene as Evidence of its Involvement in the Mitochondrial Stress Cell Response”, CPUB Faculty Mentor: Dr. Craig Scott.

Kyle Flannery, Bloomsburg University: “Characterizing Developmental Patterns of Language in Autism Spectrum”, CPUB Faculty Mentor: Dr. Abby Hare-Harris.

Eric Januszkiewicz, East Stroudsburg University: “Direction of Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola in Pennsylvania Timber Rattlesnakes and an Assessment of Presence, Prevalence, and Severity”, CPUB Faculty Mentor: Dr. Thomas LaDuke.

Platform Session I

Graduate

Saturday, April 13, 2019 10:45-11:45 AM Cooper Hall, Room 170

10:45-11:00 B.L. Coder, M.L. Lehman*, R.L. Stewart, J. Jiang, A.L. Richards, C.M. Farris, and A. Luce-Fedrow (2019) Detection of Rickettsia in fleas collected from Pennsylvania wildlife Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

11:00-11:15 D. Dudek Jr. and J.H. Townsend* (2019) Unraveling the taxonomy of Pacific coast leopard frogs (Ranidae: Rana: Pantherana) Indiana University of Pennsylvania

11:15-11:30 A. Vitz (2019) The effects of 5-HT2C receptor inverse agonist, agonist, and antagonist on methamphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization and reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior in mice Indiana University of Pennsylvania

11:30-11:45 B.N. Griffith and T. Light* (2019) Effects of acidity on water quality and brook trout parasites in mountain streams in south-central Pennsylvania Shippensburg University

Platform Session II

Undergraduate: Cellular and Molecular Biology

Saturday, April 13, 2019 10:45-12:00 PM Cooper Hall, Room 171

10:45-11:00 C.Shemon, J. King, H. Kepple, K. Murphy, B. Vought, S. Bharathan,* C. Luciano*, and C. Diep* (2019) Annotation of a new bacterial virus genome discovered by IUP students Indiana University of Pennsylvania

11:00-11:15 A.M. Vaskas and K.B. Long* (2019) Effects of curcumin on pancreatic cancer Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

11:15-11:30 J. Bross, H. Moyer, C. Dukmen, A. Mileto, O.Welch, J.P. Calabrese* and B.E. Overton* (2019) Elucidation of an unknown pathophysiology associated with Myotis lucifugus (little brown bat) Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

11:30-11:45 T.A. Swartz and C.Q. Diep* (2019) Peptides that bind to the lhx1a protein Indiana University of Pennsylvania

11:45 – 12:00 S. Clark, B. Emmett, M. Harrison, and B. Overton* (2018) Bacterial communities in the hyphosphere of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Lock Haven University

Platform Session III

Undergraduate: Ecology and Organismal Biology

Saturday, April 13, 2019 10:45 AM-12:00 PM Cooper Hall, Room 172

10:45-11:00 N. Ortiz, K.L. Owens, A.E. Rea, J. Adams, C.W. Smyth* and B.E. Overton* Elucidating morphological characters to discern phylogenetic species in the genus Pseudogymnoascus Lock Haven University

11:00-11:15 N.L. Stewart, S.L. Cinkutis, J. Rosenberger, A.L. Fedrow, R.L. Stewart* and M.L. Lehman (2019) Potential effects of burning on the prevalence of Borrelia Burgdorferi in Ixodes scapularis collected from southcentral Pennsylvania. Shippensburg University

11:15-11:30 K.C. Wilford, H.A. Bechtold, and S.M. Seiler* (2019) Analysis of five Allegheny National Forest stream communities before and after a wood addition. Lock Haven University

11:30-11:45 H. Rainey, T.W. Pierson, and J. Deitloff* (2019) Distinguishing morphological differences in the head shape of Eurycea cf. wilderae (Blue Ridge Two-Lined Salamander) Lock Haven University

11:45 – 12:00 A.E. Rea, C.W. Smyth*, and B.E. Overton* (2019) Evaluation of Pseudogynoascus destructans conidia for virulence factors Lock Haven University

Platform Session IV (Combined)

Undergraduate: Ecology and Organismal Biology and Biological Secondary Education

Saturday, April 13, 2019 3:00 - 4:15 PM Cooper Hall, Room 170

3:00-3:15 M. G. Gittens and A. Haines* (2019) Student test performance in a nature based academic setting versus a traditional academic setting. Millersville University

3:15-3:30 M.M. Mountain and David M. Krayesky* (2019) Additions to the lichens in Crawford County, Pennsylvania Slippery Rock University

3:30-3:45 O. Turner, M. Conway, and H. Sahli* (2019) Pollination biology and natural selection in the Pennsylvania endangered dwarf iris, Iris verna Shippensburg University

3:45-4:00 A.E. Rea, N. Ortiz, K.L. Owens, C.W. Smyth*, and B.E. Overton* (2019) Two new species of Pseudogymnoascus from Pennsylvania Lock Haven University

4:00-4:15 K. Riehle, E. Shuffelbottom, J. Adam, J. Calabrese*, B. Overton* (2019) Non-target microbial effects of PEG 8000 as a control of White-nose Syndrome (WNS) in bats. Lock Haven University

Platform Session V

Undergraduate: Cellular and Molecular Biology

Saturday, April 13, 2019 3:00 - 4:15 PM Cooper Hall, Room 171

3:00-3:15 B.R. Mealy and N.J. Dias* (2019) Investigating the inhibitory effect of zinc on MG-63 osteoblast-like cells as a potential compound to treat diabetes induced osteoporosis. Clarion University

3:15-3:30 L.M. Gregory, and N.J Dafoe* (2019) The dosage and temporal effects of the pesticide Imidacloprid on the expression of the pathogenesis-related 1 gene in lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Slippery Rock University

3:30-3:45 A.P. Onufer, N.L. Chinnici, and S.L. Pelletier* (2019) Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in New Jersey black bears East Stroudsburg University

3:45-4:00 E. Reed and N. Dafoe* (2019) Functional characterization of CCS52 in soybeans Slippery Rock University

4:00-4:15 C.J. Dickison and W.L. Ryan* (2019) Analyzing the effect of varying salinities on the oxygen metabolism of Palaemonetes spp. Kutztown University

Platform Session VI

Undergraduate: Ecology and Organismal Biology and Cellular and Molecular Biology

Saturday, April 13, 2019 3:00 - 4:15 PM Cooper Hall, Room 172

3:00-3:15 Z.M. Stephens and J.L. Bandura* (2019) Effects of Usp5 RNAi Expression on Cell Division in Drosophila melanogaster Lock Haven University

3:15-3:30 C.C. Farmer and A. Haines* (2019) Citizen science surveys for rare bat species in Pennsylvania Millersville University

3:30-3:45 A.N. Ross, D. Dudek, J. O’Neil, and J.H. Townsend* (2019) Revising taxonomic relationships of highland frogs (Anura: Ranidae: Rana maculata) from Nuclear Central America Indiana University of Pennsylvania

3:45-4:00 J.T. Jones, T.D. Smith, S.J. Rehorek* (2019) Extra digit identification in embryonic Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) Slippery Rock University

4:00-4:15 N. Lezano and C.C. Mapes* (2019) A study of previously undescribed white oak galls caused by cynipid wasps Kutztown University

Poster Session I Graduate Saturday, April 13, 2019 Cooper Hall 1:15 – 2:15 PM: Odd Numbered Posters 2:15 – 3:15 PM: Even Numbered Posters

Poster # Author / Title / University . 001 M. Eytcheson and H. Travis* (2019) Ephemeral life: a comparison of invertebrate communities found in several types of pools Indiana University of Pennsylvania 002 K.P. Flannery, M.W. Mitchel, A.E. Hare-Harris* (2019) Characterization of developmental milestones of language in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Bloomsburg University

003 S. Niraula and C.Q. Diep* (2017) Determining the effect of R1 peptide on lhx1a dimerization Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705

Poster Session II Undergraduate: Cell and Molecular Biology Saturday, April 13, 2019 Cooper Hall 1:15 – 2:15 PM: Odd Numbered Posters 2:15 – 3:15 PM: Even Numbered Posters

Poster # Author / Title / University . 100 H.L. Adams, G.M. Bachtel, W.M. Forbes*, J.G. Strain, and S.R. Strain (2019) An analysis of the potential of Eryngial as a treatment for Neosporosis Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA 16057

101 K.A. Bailey and R.H. Heineman* (2019) Effect of bacteriophage attachment on plaque size and productivity Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown, PA 19530

102 K.W. Billand, J.M. Hull, and R.J. Major* (2019) RNAi-targeted knockdown of Tipin causes tissue regeneration abnormalities Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705

103 T. Blizzard and S.L. Meiss* (2019) Examining the effects of bat microbiomes and their susceptibility to White-nose syndrome (WNS) California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

104 R.J. Bouch, K.L. Brzoza-Lewis, D.M. Smith and E.M. Lewis* (2019) Characterization and expression of nonstructural protein 3 in mammalian cells Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214

105 J. Chilson, M. Congdon, W. Hungerford, E. Farkas, and K.B. Long* (2019) Differential gene expression in the Tardigrade Tun State: osmotic stress versus dehydration Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA 16933

106 A. Choi, S. Hrizo*, and M. Buckley* (2019) Utilizing live-cell imaging in Drosophila cells to identify stressors that induce protein misfolding Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA 16057

107 A. Conley and M.J. Foradori* (2019) Protein composition along the length of cylindrical glands in two species of Argiope. Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA 16444

108 D.A. DeGaramo and K.B. Long* (2019) Impact of Icariin on gene expression and viability of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells in vitro Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933

109 D. Douglas, L. Nicholson*, and P. Caffrey* (2019) Investigating alternative approaches for improved cardiomyocyte differentiation California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

110 C.L. Dukmen, J. Bandura* (2019) The effects of nonylphenol on the fecundity of fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA 17745

111 C.D. Fetzer, E.A. Cheesman, K.E. Shoemaker and D.M. Smith* (2019) Formation of biofilms by uropathogens in various media Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214

112 C.E. Foster, J.M. Burkhouse, A.L. Harriger and N.J. Dias*. (2019). Caffeine effects on SH-SY5Y neuronal cell at chronic and acute levels, cytotoxic vs. neuroprotective. Department of Biology and Environmental Geosciences, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214

113 S.M. Geytenbeek, M.M. Manglaviti, M.J. Miller, D.R. Greener, and C.M. Scott* (2019) Linking ERAD and the UPR: Developing a genetic screen via the expression of Antitrypsin. Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214

114 S.A. Grandinette and C.Q. Diep* (2019) Expression of R1 peptide under heat shock promoter in Zebrafish Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705

115 M. Hammar and M.J. Foradori* (2019) Preliminary investigation into the antiangiogenic properties of banded garden spider (Argiope trifasciata) Venom Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA 16444

116 I.C. Harper and L. Nicholson* (2019) The effects of calcium and citric acid on zebrafish tooth development California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

117 A. Hess, D.F. Boehm*, and L. Nicholson* (2019) Comparison of gut-associated non-toxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (NTBF) and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) between participants with inflammatory bowel diseases and healthy individuals by assessing fecal samples using PCR analysis California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

118 A. Hess, L. Smith, S. Meiss* (2019) Assessing antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-nematode properties of sulforaphane from Brassica oleracea var. sabellica. California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

119 M. Hoffman, J. Thompson, T. Thompson, C. Dodds, and D.M. Smith* (2019) Identification of biofilm-forming oral Streptococci and quantification of biofilm growth in different nutrient environments Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214

120 C.J. Holland and R. Heineman* (2019) Growth of Nalidixic Acid resistant E. coli in the presence of Nalidixic Acid and Bacteriophage T7 Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown, PA 19530

121 B. Johnston, A. Conley, and M.J. Foradori* (2019) Novel angiogenic inhibitors from the venom glands of the Wolf Spider, Hogna spp. Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA 16444

122 E M. Lackner, Martin S. Buckley and Stacy L. Hrizo* (2019) Evaluation of activation of HSF ond UPR protein folding pathways by chemical stressors using a yeast reporter system Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA 16057

123 K.N. Lefever and J. Kagle* (2019) Antimicrobial activity of cinnamon essential oil and tylosin on Pseudomonas aeruginosa separately and in combination. Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933

124 D. Madison, J. Fair and D.V. Widzowski* (2019) Effects of a 5-HT1A agonist or antagonist on 5-hydroxytryptophan-induced head twitch in mice. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, 15705.

125 B.R. Mealy, A.K. Blankenbuehler, and N.J. Dias* (2019) Studying the neuroprotective versus cytotoxic effects of NSAIDS on SH-SY5Y neuronal cells Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214

126 R.E. Meckley and C.E. Howell* (2019) Genomic analysis of the metabolic gene Rheb, Ras homolog enriched in brain Lock Haven University, Lock Haven Pa 17745

127 R. Mikeasky, M. Glasser, and R. Major* (2019) Expression of the circadian-linked timeout gene in the planarian flatworm Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15701

128 S.N. Miller, H. Phillips, and D.M. Smith* (2019) Isolation of Blue Tongue Virus particles suspected of being NS3 mutants Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214

129 S. Musa, L. Pilewski, M. Foradori*, (2019) Preliminary analysis of active compounds from the venom of the Honey Bee, Apis mellifera, as a possible inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA 16444

130 G.L. Neigh and K.B. Long* (2019) Evaluating Silver nitrate induced tumor cell death in vitro Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA, 16933

131 A. Pasculle, D. Douglas, and L. Nicholson* (2019) Genetic influences of dopamine receptor polymorphisms on opioid addiction California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA

132 H.N. Rainey and C.E. Howell *(2019) Annotation and comparative analysis of the Thor gene in multiple Drosophila species Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA 17745

133 B.E. Reicholf, D.F. Boehm* (2019) Antimicrobial properties of silver-nanoparticle infused polyurethane foam in water disinfection California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

134 R. Riegel, S. Beeching* and M. Buckley* (2019) Analysis of the role of melatonin in tissue regeneration in Drosophila melanogaster Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA 16057

135 C.N. Schill, C.R. Lanigan, N.M. Brush, A.R. Wilson, and C.M. Scott* (2019) Mitochondrial stress response: developing a genetic screen utilizing 2,4- Dinitrophenol Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214

136 A. Shirk, M.S. Buckley* and S.L. Hrizo* (2019) Evaluation of heat shock factor activation by the chemotherapeutic agent, Bortezomib, in a Drosophila melanogaster model system Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA, 16057

137 K. Skolnick, L.J. Schlosser, C. Barnes, K. Koziara, A. Lellock, I. Fisher, and S.L. Hrizo* Examination of HSF activation in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model for TPI deficiency Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 *Deparment of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA 15261

139 J. M. Talasky, Z. M. Wildeson, J. L. Jordan, P.A. Brown, and C. M. Scott Understanding the relationship and the affinity of the Hac1p transcription factor to a novel UPRE. Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, Pennsylvania, 16602

140 S. Thapa and M.J. Foradori* (2019) The expression of the gene TuSp-1 along the length of the cylindrical glands in the banded garden spider, Argiope trifasciata Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA 16444

141 K. Thompson, K. B. Long*, and E. R. Farkas (2019) Analyzing the pervasiveness of microplastic beads in mouse livers, spleens and kidneys Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933

142 D. Thompson, D. Lampros, K. Warner, W. Mackay*, D. Fulford*, and C. Steele* (2019) Cytotoxicity of Anthracyclines, DNA Topoisomerase 2 Inhibitors, in Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro Pa, 16444

143 T.B. Walters and K.B. Long* (2019) Protective effects of cranberry juice on alcohol-related liver damage Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933

144 T. Williams, and L. Nicholson* (2019) Investigating alternative approaches for improved cardiomyocyte differentiation California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

145 C. Youse and J. Kagle* (2019) Characterization of an antibiotic-producing soil isolate with three distinct colony morphologies Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933

Poster Session III Undergraduate: Ecology and Organismal Biology Saturday, April 13, 2019 Cooper Hall 1:15 – 2:15 PM: Odd Numbered Posters 2:15 – 3:15 PM: Even Numbered Posters

Poster # Author / Title / University . 200 Barth, P.A. and S.M. Seiler* (2019) Determining the purposes and effectiveness of artificial reefs in recent studies Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA 17745

201 B. Brobst, C. Brashear, and H. Travis* (2019) Effects of water quality on macroinvertebrates in various pool types Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705

202 E. Cordova-Ortiz, J. O’Neill, and J. Townsend* (2019) Patterns of diversification of Ptychohyla hypomykter based on Pleistocene climate fluctuations and predictions on effects of future climatic changes Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705

203 Andrew S. Cross, Erin N. Smith, John M. Hranitz, and Cynthia Surmacz* (2019) Assessing oxidative stress in honey bees exposed to sublethal doses of the neonicotinoid pesticide Imidacloprid. Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA 17815

204 A. Crowell and H. Travis* (2019) Fair Weather Friends: A comparison of invertebrates in vernal and forest pools Indiana University of Pennylvania, Indiana, Pa, 15705

205 M.E. Fischetti, B.R. Mealy, W.T. White, and J.R. Thomas* (2019) Investigating trade-offs between reproductive behavior and wound healing in a slow pace-of-life organism, Desmognathus Ochrophaeus (Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander) Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214

206 D. Good and N. Thumser* (2018) The effect of glyphosate herbicide on the behavior of pollinators Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA 16412

207 J.E. Herschberger, R.L. Wagner, and C.R. Stieha* (2019) Plant fitness responses and insect-feeding choice in response to induced herbivory Millersville University, Millersville PA 17551

208 C. Hoffman, H. Hampikian*, and K. Regester (2019) Pennsylvania distribution and prevalence of chytrid fungus And Ranavirus in the Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) Clarion University, Clarion, PA 16214

209 R. Hoffman and C. Hanna* (2019) The effects of glyphosate on mortality and reproductive success of Melittobia digitata California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

210 C. J. Livengood, P. E. Livengood, C. I. Bocetti*, and M. Sovak (2019) Discovering and modeling raptor migration on the westernmost ridge in the Allegheny Mountains California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419

211 M. Macchia, A. Harrison, R. McNeish, J. Jackson, and J. Wallace* (2019) Land use effects on the abundance and diversity of microplastics in riverine systems Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Millersville, PA 17551

212 J. Malkowski, G. Smoot and A. Haines* (2019) Identification of the most perilous areas for wildlife in the continental United States Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551

213 A.P. Martin1, D.M. Geiser2, B.E. Overton1, J.P. Calabrese1, and C.W. Smyth1*(2019) Elucidation of biofilm formation capability in the filamentous fungus, Fusarium keratoplasticum 1Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA 17745 2The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802

214 R. Dressler, H.M. McElrath, M.T Opyrchal, and S. Boyden (2015) Allelopathic effects of hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) on pin oak germination and growth Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214

215 V.E. Pasquale, P.G. Falso, G.I. Shidemantle, Z.I. Campbell, M.J. Falso* (2019) An examination of nuptial pads in Xenopus laevis exposed to the pesticide imidacloprid Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA 16057

216 S.A. Rider and S.M. Seiler* 2019 Influence of an unused reservoir on water temperature and fish communities in the Harveys Run watershed, Castanea, PA. Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA 17745

217 B. L. Shepherd and S.B. Boyden (2019) Invasive fern roots accelerate leaf litter decomposition rates in forests Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214

218 C. Truesdell, K. Robinson, J.E. Hoover* (2019) The effects of test sequence in a battery of behavioral tests with C57BL/6J mice Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551

219 K. Wolfe, K. Davis, K. B. Long*, and E. R. Farkas (2019) Tardigrade viability upon exposure to micro- and nanoplastics Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933

220 A. Wittemann and H. Bechtold* (2019) Detection and analysis of E.coli on the west branch of the Susquehanna River Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA 17745

221 A.A Stepinsky, C.R. Fedei, and H. Travis* (2019) The impact of vegetation on macroinvertebrate diversity Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana PA 15705

ABSTRACTS Alphabetical by last name of first author

H.L. Adams, G.M. Bachtel, W.M. Forbes*, J.G. Strain, and S.R. Strain (2019) An Analysis of the Potential of Eryngial as a Treatment for Neosporosis Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 Neosporosis, a serious disease caused by the intracellular parasite Neospora caninum, has been afflicting an extensive variety of animals, both wild and farm animals alike. This infectious and incurable disease has proliferated, causing stillbirths, fetal miscarriages, and irreversible weakening of newborn calves. In the US alone, the damage to beef and dairy industries equates to over 2 billion USD lost per annum. There are no known drugs or vaccines that are effective against neosporosis. Eryngial, a compound found in the plant Eryngium foetidum, is cultivated worldwide and is commonly used as a seasoning in the Caribbean. Previous studies have shown eryngial to have antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. This, together with its food-safe nature, make eryngial a potential safe treatment for neosporosis in domestic cattle. We continue an ongoing study to investigate the effect of eryngial on both the survival and reproduction of the parasite, N. caninum, in cell culture. In this presentation, we report the efficacy of varying eryngial concentrations against the infectious stage of N. caninum in cell culture. However, our findings to date, indicate that eryngial shows little protective property against N. caninum in our Vero cell culture model. Further refinement of the cell culture model are planned as we continue our investigations.

K.A. Bailey and R.H. Heineman* (2019) Effect of Bacteriophage Attachment on Plaque Size and Productivity Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown, PA 19530 How does the stickiness of a virus affect its growth and reproduction? The attachment rate of a bacteriophage, or “bacteria-eating” virus, describes a virus’s ability to adhere to a cell’s surface receptors for the insertion of its genetic material. A bacterial cell that undergoes a lytic infection with a bacteriophage replicates and releases many new virions that then infect surrounding cell hosts for survival, and this “dead zone” of cells forms a visible plaque on a bacterial lawn. Attachment affects the success rate of phage infection, which may ultimately change how many phages are produced in a plaque and how quickly the plaque grows. Phages with high attachment will be more likely to initiate infections after colliding with a host. However, low attachment may be advantageous when provided with a high concentration of hosts. If there are more cells for the viruses with low adsorption to infect, the plaque’s surface area may have the ability to grow at a faster rate. Plaque growth in a spatially structured environment with variations of Escherichia coli K-12 cell densities was tested using two types of T7 bacteriophage that differ in attachment rate, T7+ and T7lo. Phage isolates from plaques that formed on a bacterial plate were collected to determine the phage productivity. Efficiency of plating, which measures the proportion of phages that form plaques, was also observed as the cell conditions changed. The effect of altering cell concentration was found to be dependent on attachment; T7lo efficiency of plating increased as the cell concentration was raised, while T7+ efficiency of plating was largely unchanged. T7lo formed smaller plaques than T7+ for all cell densities. T7+ formed much larger plaques at low cell concentrations. At higher cell concentrations, both phages grew smaller plaques, but this decrease was much larger for T7+. T7lo productivity increased with higher cell density, while it had little effect for T7+.

Barth, P.A. and S.M. Seiler* (2019) Determining the Purposes and Effectiveness of Artificial Reefs in Recent Studies Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA 17745 Artificial reefs can serve many purposes, however, when the concept of artificial reefs become apparent in the 1800’s the main purpose for use was to increase fishing catch. The objective of this paper is to determine the main purposes and effectiveness of artificial reefs in recent studies. We reviewed 21 published studies to learn about materials, design, and effectiveness of artificial reefs to benefit fish populations. Material and design are important in the use of artificial reefs; Concrete, wood, and shells are a few readily available materials that can be used for artificial reefs, and these materials can remain unaltered or can be designed to fit the specific needs of a project or study. Determining the species of fish that a project intends to attract to the reefs is important to the design of the structures as well. Eight out of eleven studies stated that their main purpose for using artificial reefs was to increase overall fish habitat and productivity. The vast majority of recent studies used concrete as the material to design manufactured reefs to maximize important habitat characteristics for fish. Eleven out of twelve studies found that snapper species were attracted to artificial reefs. Based on the findings, designed concrete artificial reefs are the most effective in accomplishing the main purpose of creating viable habitat for fish species. We also conclude that research it still necessary to better analyze the material, design, and intended species to attract, in order to ensure that the investment in building and installing artificial reefs is cost effective.

K.W. Billand, J.M. Hull, and R.J. Major* (2019) RNAi-targeted Knockdown of Tipin Causes Tissue Regeneration Abnormalities Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705 Planarians are flatworms exhibiting an amazing ability to regenerate injured tissue. Upon injury, stem cells respond by migrating, proliferating, and giving rise to missing cell types. Previous studies in our lab uncovered a role for the timeout gene in stem cell proliferation and regeneration. Although little is known about timeout’s cellular function, its paralog gene, called timeless, encodes an important component of the replication fork protection complex (RFPC). We have isolated the planarian timeless-interacting protein gene (tipin), a member of this complex, and studied its role in tissue regeneration. RNAi designed to remove tipin function resulted in amputated fragments that fail to regenerate correctly. Fragments regenerated significantly slower than controls, suggesting that disrupting members of the RFPC causes a slowing of stem cell growth. In addition to this, I observed a range of phenotypes including regenerates with zero, one, and two photoreceptors. My results unveil tipin’s role in tissue regeneration.

T.Blizzard and S.L. Meiss* (2019) Examining the effects of bat microbiomes and their susceptibility to White-nose syndrome (WNS) California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419 A microbiome is a community of microorganisms that inhabit an ecosystem or organism. The microorganisms form an ecosystem that is dynamic, plentiful, and diverse. Their activity and interconnection of this microbiome with their host in many instances has a beneficial effect on the susceptibility of the host to pathogenic infections. White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans and has been implicated in millions of deaths of bats in North America. WNS causes high death rates and fast population declines in the species affected by it, and scientists predict some regional extinction of bat species, including the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and federally listed Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and northern long-eared bat (Myotis spetentronalis). Bats can become infected from physical contact with infected bats and can pick up the fungus from the surfaces of

the cave or mine where they’re hibernating. Humans can spread the fungus from one hibernaculum to another by accidentally carrying the fungus on shoes, clothing, or gear. This research aims to determine the bat microbiome in bat species across Southwestern PA. It will examine a baseline bat box (hibernaculum) for its microbiome and successive microbiome that develops as bats inhabit the box. It will compare the microbiome of that bat box with the microbiome of established bat populations in SW Pa using molecular techniques.

R.J. Bouch, K.L. Brzoza-Lewis, D.M. Smith and E.M. Lewis* (2019) Characterization and Expression of Nonstructural Protein 3 in Mammalian Cells Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214 Previous studies have identified nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) to play a primary role in the apoptotic-inducing ability of many viruses, including Blue Tongue Virus and Hepatitis C Virus (Wirblich et al, 2006). NS3 has previously been shown to have RNA helicase and serine-type protease activity, contributing to cell lysis and suppression of anti-viral mechanisms (Raney et al, 2010). To further investigate the function and role of NS3 in a cellular system, a series of biochemical and molecular techniques will be implemented. To achieve a non-viral, mammalian expression system of NS3, a validated DNA construct containing the NS3 gene was produced and has been successfully transfected into African green monkey kidney epithelial cells (Vero) via lipofection. The expression system has been verified through expression of the fluorescent marker green fluorescent protein (GFP) and will be, alternatively, verified through SDS PAGE/immunoblot analysis. Following a successful transfection, cells expressing NS3 will be evaluated for cell death. Using this mammalian expression system, future studies will hopefully allow for further characterization of NS3 function and its role in cellular pathways.

B. Brobst, C. Brashear and H.Travis* (2019) Effects of water quality on macroinvertebrates in various pool types Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705 The transient nature of vernal pools provides a unique opportunity for the success of organisms that would be unable to thrive in permanent bodies of water. Macroinvertebrates were collected and identified from leaf packs that were placed in six pools (three vernal pools, two forest pools, and one slow- moving abandoned mine drainage site) for the purpose of comparing communities found in these different pool types. From this initial data, we hypothesized that greater abundance and biodiversity of organisms in specific pools was due to water chemistry and quality. Data supports this hypothesis because collections from the slow moving mine drainage yielded very few organisms compared to those found in forest and vernal pools. Forest pools had the highest overall abundance, with vernal pools having a greater species diversity. Results from Year 1 lead us to predict that the greater abundance in forest pools is due to more favorable water conditions than those of vernal pools. Additional leaf packs have been placed in previously used pools and new sites. These results will be analyzed to assess the relationship between water chemistry and macroinvertebrate diversity.

J. Bross, H. Moyer, C. Dukmen, A. Mileto, O.Welch, J.P. Calabrese* and B.E. Overton* (2019) Elucidation of an unknown pathophysiology associated with Myotis lucifugus (little brown bat) Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA 17745. Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causal agent of White-Nose syndrome (WNS) is sweeping North America and has killed nearly 6.5 million bats. However, other pathogens of bats remain understudied with their impacts not fully understood. Twenty-five caged little brown bats at Dunbar and Durham mines being used in a WNS study were noted to have an unknown pathophysiology not associated with WNS. These bats were emaciated and showed depigmentation of the skin and the disease usually resulted in death. The objectives of this study were to gain an understanding of this unknown pathophysiology and elucidate potential causal agents. Sick bats were sent to a bat rehabber for treatment and dead bats were sent to Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) for pathology. Reports indicated hyperkeratosis with dermatitis and epidermal necrosis. A yeast was observed associated with skin infections and Gram-negative bacteria were found associated with some of the organ tissues. Only a small number of bats recovered at the bat rehabber when treated with antifungal compounds and steroids. Antibiotics were not noted as being effective. Next, fungi and bacteria were isolated from the skin and organs of a recently deceased bat. Fungi were isolated at 9C, while bacteria were isolated at 9C and 32C from the organ tissues. A yeast was isolated from necrotic wing tissue and two bacterial morphotypes were also isolated from the wings. Three bacterial morphotypes were isolated from organ tissues, with one being most common. DNA sequencing of the isolates was completed; the yeast was found to be a Trichosporon sp. and the dominant bacterial morphotype was Serratia liquefaciens. Both of these are consistent with observations from the pathology reports and are emerging pathogens in animals and man. Although Koch’s postulates were not fulfilled with this study, the organisms reported herein seem associated with the pathophysiology as they are not routinely isolated from healthy bats.

J. Chilson, M. Congdon, W. Hungerford, E. Farkas, and K.B. Long* (2019) Differential Gene Expression in The Tardigrade Tun State: Osmotic Stress Versus Dehydration Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA 16933 Tardigrades are small organisms that can transform into a cryptobiotic state referred to as a “tun”. In this state, the tardigrades effectively suspend their metabolism and have a high resistance to environmental stressors such as UVC, gamma rays, high pressures, and the vacuum of space, along with other harsh environmental conditions that would be fatal to other forms of life. Though little is known about the molecular details of the transition into the tun state, a class of intrinsically disordered protein has recently been identified that is thought to protect the animals from external stress and mechanical damage. This research focused on comparing the effects of slow dehydration to those from osmotic stressors (sucrose and sodium chloride) in the tardigrade species Hypsibius dujardini. In this project the expression of the genes APQ10, CAHS2, and SAHS8 was investigated using qRT-PCR, and the overall expression was investigated using RNA sequencing (RNA Seq).

A. Choi, S. Hrizo*, and M. Buckley* (2019) Utilizing live-cell imaging in Drosophila cells to identify stressors that induce protein misfolding Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 Proteins drive many of the biological processes in cells. To do this, they fold into complex 3D structures that are integral for their functionality. Notably, various environmental and chemical stressors can disrupt protein folding and thus disable the functions of proteins, threatening the livelihood of cells. To mitigate this stress, organisms initiate the highly-conserved heat shock stress response. In eukaryotes, the master heat shock activator heat shock factor (HSF) is rapidly recruited to the Hsp70 heat shock

protein genes and triggers the recruitment of additional co-activator proteins that facilitate gene expression. This leads to the production of heat shock proteins that function as molecular chaperones to promote refolding of proteins, prevent aggregation and increase protein degradation pathways. Notably, activation of the heat shock response pathway, can be visualized by measuring GFP-tagged HSF binding to the heat shock protein genes in living Drosophila salivary gland nuclei. Our lab is currently using this technique to identify novel compounds that induce the heat shock response pathway. Our pioneering experiments have shown that diamide and hydrogen peroxide, two chemicals known to cause protein misfolding and activation of the heat shock response pathway, trigger the recruitment of GFP-HSF to the Hsp70 loci in living salivary gland cells to a similar level as HS stress. In addition, to our surprise, high levels of Dithiothreitol (DTT, 100 mM), a chemical known to cause protein misfolding and activation of the unfolded protein response pathway (UPR), results in the recruitment of GFP-HSF to the Hsp70 gene loci. Here we describe experiments to further explore a possible dose dependent activation of HSF by DTT. S. Clark, B. Emmett, M. Harrison, and B. Overton* (2018) Bacterial Communities in the Hyphosphere of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA 17745 Cornell University, Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY, 14850 Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form a symbiotic relationship with plants, providing nutrients from soil, such as phosphorus, while receiving carbon in return. Bacterial communities that associate with AMF hyphae are theorized to solubilize nutrients or directly facilitate or inhibit hyphal growth and exploration of soil. The objective of this experiment was to generate a culture library of AMF associated bacterial isolates to explore the composition and function of bacterial communities associated with AMF hyphae. Brachypodium distachyon colonized by Glomus versiforme were grown in two compartment microcosms that included a plant compartment in a washed and autoclaved sand/gravel media and a hyphal ingrowth core with a sand/soil (3:1 w/w) matrix. Hyphae were collected from both compartments over four harvests between 14 and 44 days from colonization. Objectives of collection included to retrieve clean hyphae directly in contact with the soil matrix and determine if the hyphal communities change over time. Serial dilutions were prepared from harvested hyphae and were streaked on non-selective 10% tryptic soy agar and R2A media. Colonies were purified, the 16S rRNA gene amplified and sequenced to determine taxonomic identity. Overall, 210 bacterial isolates were collected that can be used for future research into their ecology and interaction with AMF. This resource can allow for better understanding of AMF interaction with soil bacteria and eventually lead to possible agricultural applications to improve nutrient management of soils. A. Conley and M.J. Foradori* (2019) Protein composition along the length of cylindrical glands in two species of Argiope. Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA 16444 Spider silks have long been touted for their incredible strength and elastic properties. Some varieties of silks are pound-for-pound stronger than steel, while others are used to quickly and efficiently wrap prey for capture. Among these silk types is cylindrical (tubiliform) silk, utilized by certain species to create a protective “sac-like” covering around their eggs. While still very durable, less is known about this unique silk and even less about the three pairs of glands that produce it. Most orb-weaving spiders have three pairs of cylindrical glands, 2 pairs terminating on the posterior lateral spinnerets, and a third terminating on the posterior medial spinnerets. Along the length of each cylindrical gland is a unique color change from brown to yellow then red, possibly corresponding to steps taken in the egg case construction. We propose that the color change along the length of the cylindrical gland also corresponds to differences in protein content and gene expression. To make this determination two species, Argiope aurantia and

Argiope trifasciata, were collected in the summer of 2018; cylindrical glands from both the medial and posterior spinnerets were removed via microdissection. The glands were separated into five to six sections and analyzed for protein makeup using SDS-PAGE stained with Silverquest Silver Stain.

B.L. Coder, M.L. Lehman*+, R.L. Stewart+, J. Jiang^, A.L. Richards^, C.M. Farris^, A. Luce-Fedrow+^ (2019) Detection of Rickettsia in fleas collected from Pennsylvania wildlife +Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, Shippensburg, PA 17257 ^United States Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Flea-borne spotted fever is caused by Rickettsia felis and is transmitted to humans by the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). Due to the ubiquitous geographic distribution of the cat flea, R. felis is considered an emergent threat to humans worldwide. Additionally, Rickettsia asembonensis and R. felis like organisms (RFLOs) have also been detected in fleas and their pathogenicity is unclear. Recent studies have shown a link between opossums and feral cats, and their possible zoonotic spread of vector-borne infectious agents. Pennsylvania harbors a large population of feral cats, opossums, and wild canids. Fleas were collected from feral cats at Trap/Neuter/Release (TNR) events and from opossums that were trapped/combed (southcentral Pennsylvania); and from hunter-killed wild canids (statewide). 407 fleas were collected; C. felis was found on 24/100 cats (36/135 (26.7% positive) for Rickettsia 17-kDa antigen gene (Rick17b qPCR assay)). C. felis was found on 8/49 opossums (42/96 (43.8%) positive for Rick17b). Other fleas found on the opossums (11/49) were Nosopsyllus fasciatus with 3/56 (5.4%) positive and one Cediopsylla simplex negative by Rick17b. The wild canids carried a variety of fleas: C. felis, Ctenocephalides canis, C. simplex, Leptopsylla segnis, and Orchopeas howardii. Fleas positive for Rick17b were L. segnis 2/14 (14.3%) and C. felis 1/1 from coyotes, C. simplex 6/13 (46.2%), C. canis 1/1, and L. segnis 1/10 (10%) from red foxes, and L. segnis 10/39 (25.6%) from gray foxes. The Rick17b positive fleas are currently being analyzed using Rickettsia species-specific qPCR assays and MLST analysis. In addition, blood samples from cats, opossums and wild canids are being analyzed using qPCR and ELISA. Due to the suburban dwelling of feral cats and PA wildlife, residents and their domestic pets could potentially be exposed to flea-borne rickettsial disease.

E. Cordova-Ortiz, J. O’Neill, and J. Townsend* (2019) Patterns of diversification of Ptychohyla hypomykter based on Pleistocene climate fluctuations and predictions on effects of future climatic changes Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705 The Chortis Block is an area of Mesoamerica that spans from Honduras through the northern portion of El Salvador, Eastern Guatemala, and Northern Nicaragua. This region represents the broadest part of the biological dispersal route between North and South America and is the site many endemic species. One group of Chortis Block amphibians are the treefrogs of the genus Ptychohyla, which is distinguished from other tree frogs by having ventrolateral glands in breeding males. The genus Ptychohyla is composed of twelve different species, that includes one widespread unstructured species (P. hypomykter) found living in fragmented habitat across its range; an anomaly in the Chortis Block. Within P. hypomykter’s phylogeny there are three geographically distinct haplogroups (Eastern Honduran/Nicaraguan, Central Honduran, and Western Honduran group) and based on its wide range it can help us disseminate recent diversification patterns. Macroecological models will be constructed following methodological approaches implemented in these software systems to model these three groups (MAXENT, WALLACE shiny application for R, SDMToolbox for ArcGIS). I usede a combination of genetic

data and macroecological modeling to study Plio-Pleistocene era diversification based on climatic fluctuations, and to project potential future distributions of this population based on a series of climate change scenarios. This allowed me to predict the effects of climate change on tropical highland amphibians, using P. hypomykter as a model species to test the resilience of sensitive populations against climate change.

Andrew S. Cross, Erin N. Smith, John M. Hranitz, and Cynthia Surmacz* (2019) Assessing oxidative stress in honey bees exposed to sublethal doses of the neonicotinoid pesticide imidacloprid. Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are important pollinators of crops worldwide. Recently, honey bee populations have been declining due to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Pesticide exposure, which increases oxidative stress, may be a possible cause of CCD. Sublethal doses of neonicotinoids have been shown to impair foraging ability, communication, and motor function in bees. This experiment examined whether the activity of oxidative enzymes glutathione S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), markers of oxidative stress, increased in bees after pesticide exposure. Honey bees for the two assays were collected in August 2017 (SOD) and September 2018 (GST) and fed doses of imidacloprid diluted from the LD50 (18.0 ng/bee). Bees had higher SOD activity at doses of 1/5th and 1/10th LD50 of imidacloprid than lower doses (≤1/100th LD50) (ANOVA: F(7,91)=3.290, P=0.004). GST activity did not differ between treatment groups. The different sampling dates may have introduced a confounding effect because the bees were treated with formic acid to mitigate mites in the hive before imidacloprid treatment. Nevertheless, SOD is a suitable biomarker to assess the effect of pesticides on oxidative stress in honey bees, whereas we should conduct further studies using the GST marker.

Allison Crowell, Dr. Holly Travis* (2019) Fair Weather Friends: A Comparison of Invertebrates in Vernal and Forest Pools Indiana University of Pennylvania, Indiana, Pa, 15705 Natural vernal pools are an area of limited study. Vernal pools offer unique temporary freshwater habitats lacking access to running water. They form after periods of snow melt or rain fall in areas with water retaining substrate. Meanwhile, forest pools are permanent freshwater pools lacking access to running water. These communities could potentially be indicators of ecosystem health, but there is a lack of knowledge on biodiversity patterns between the differing pools. We hypothesize that biodiversity in vernal pools is higher than that of the forest pools. We counted and identified invertebrates found in leaf packs placed in five pools. The leaf packs were collected at different seasonal points to determine seasonal changes in the pool community structure. Two of the pools are forest pools and the other three are natural vernal pools. All five pools are located in forest settings. During collections, we performed a basic water chemistry test to see how the pool environment changed over the season. We found the vernal pools to have a higher species richness compared to forest pools, but not by much. In contrast, the forest pools had the higher overall abundance with a total of 2,037 organisms while the vernal pools had a total of 1,168 organisms. Fluctuations of populations and species richness were observed between collections. Overall, our findings suggest that aquatic life is thriving in both vernal and forest pools, and that seasonal productivity is potentially higher in forest pools. In the future, more leaf packs, water chemistry, and diatoms will be analyzed to assess biodiversity patterns and pool chemical patterns within and across sites.

D.A. DeGaramo and K.B. Long* (2019) Impact of Icariin on Gene Expression and Viability of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells in vitro Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933 Pancreatic cancer has no cure and is one of the most aggressive and difficult to treat types of cancer, with a high mortality rate compared to other forms of cancer. Under 20% of those afflicted by pancreatic cancer are candidates for surgical excision of the primary tumor, and even if tumors can be removed and chemotherapy is applied, the median survival time of these patients is only 26 months. Thus there is a need for new therapies to combat the disease. Herba Epimedii (also called Epimedium or horny goat weed) has been used in China as a traditional medicine for rheumatism and osteoporosis because of its immunoprotective effects. A derivative of the Herba Epimedii, called icariin, has been shown to have anticancer activity in recent studies, but almost no research has been done on its interactions with pancreatic cancer. Icariin’s impact on different forms of cancer has only been lightly researched, but it has been shown to have pro-apoptotic action. Evidence has suggested that this mechanism of this action occurs via the p53 pathway. To evaluate icariin-induced toxicity in pancreatic cancer, studies were performed using murine pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumor cell lines, which bear a mutation in Kras and p53 genes. Gene expression effects were evaluated using qRT-PCR with SYBR green technology for specific apoptosis-related genes. Dose and time dependent toxicity was evaluated by measuring cell viability. Understanding icariin’s effects on pancreatic cancer may provide the foundation for a novel cancer therapy.

C.J. Dickison and W.L. Ryan* (2019) Analyzing the effect of varying salinities on the oxygen metabolism of Palaemonetes spp. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown, PA 19530 Due to climate change, fresh water from melting glaciers may potentially decrease the salinity in estuaries and other coastal communities. The resident marine organisms are either osmoconformers, whose internal balance changes with their environment, or osmoregulators that maintain a more stable internal balance. Palaemonetes spp., also known as shore shrimp, are osmoregulators and are a keystone species in estuaries through their role in transferring energy from producers to higher in the food chain. We hypothesized that at salinities outside the range of 31ppt, the oxygen uptake of Palaemonetes would increase, reflecting a higher energy demand. However, after Palaemonetes spp. were exposed to salinities from 10 to 45ppt for 150mins, they showed no significant change in the final dissolved oxygen content (one-way ANOVA F(5,94)=1.58, p=0.174). It appears as if Palaemonetes spp. may not be adversely affected by short term salinity changes in their environment, although further experimentation is needed. One- way ANOVA’s for each individual salinity treatment showed that the shore shrimp exposed to the 24, 31, and 38ppt treatments had significant changes in the final dissolved oxygen, but not in the other treatments. Despite the lack of significant change in dissolved oxygen in the 10, 17, and 45ppt trials, these shrimp exhibited higher oxygen consumption rates, suggesting higher metabolic rates. More energy dedicated to maintaining the organisms’ internal balance could lead to a deficit of energy used for growth and development, resulting in lower survivorship and/or delayed development into the adult morph.

D. Douglas, L. Nicholson*, and P. Caffrey* (2019) Investigating alternative approaches for improved cardiomyocyte differentiation California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419 Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the most common cardiac disease for Americans forty years and older. CHF causes the irreversible loss of cardiomyocytes, muscle cells that help the heart to beat. If a patient is diagnosed with CHF they have less than five years to live. Stem cell therapies provide a possible means of developing mature cardiomyocytes, which could be inserted into patients' bodies to replenish and repair their heart. To induce pluripotent stem cells to become mature cardiomyocytes, the stem cells

have to undergo a series of step-wise transformations, with different protein pathways being employed at each step. The last steps in the differentiation process are the transition from primitive cardiomyocytes to chamber-specific cardiomyocytes to mature cardiomyocytes. Currently, researchers are only able to produce large amounts of the primitive cardiomyocyte. This poses a problem because the primitive cardiomyocytes are too small, possess low contractility and low velocity. All these factors stand in the way of achieving efficient and mature cardiomyocytes to use for stem cell therapy. This project has tested a variety of cardiomyocyte differentiation protocols, and additionally examined whether targeting the Notch pathway – a key signaling pathway in cardiomyocyte maturation – can help promote the differentiation of chamber specific cardiomyocytes. Cultured cells were exposed to various dosages of Jagged-1 (a ligand of the Notch pathway), in the hopes that increased Notch receptor activation might produce a small but significant increase on cardiomyocyte maturation. This research could help stem therapy that treats CHF.

D. Dudek Jr. and J.H. Townsend* (2019) Unraveling the Taxonomy of Pacific Coast Leopard Frogs (Ranidae: Rana: Pantherana) Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, 15705 Leopard frogs (Ranidae; subgenus Pantherana) are among the most ubiquitous and recognizable amphibians in North and Central America. Shockingly, this group has been a source of taxonomic confusion and controversy for decades. Once thought to represent a single widespread species ranging from Canada to Panama, since the 1970’s Pantherana have been revised to include no fewer than 28 named species. The historic lack of accurate classification is still apparent in Pantherana populations from Central America and extends to even the most widespread putative species. An outstanding example involves populations from the Pacific Coast, for which the name Rana forreri has been incorrectly applied to leopard frogs in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. To resolve the genetic relationships and taxonomic status of these populations, we analyzed 50 samples of lowland and insular leopard frogs, including14 samples from Pacific Coast populations in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, using three mtDNA loci (12S,16S, and cytB) and four nuDNA loci (BDNF, POMC, RHOD, and RAG1). Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic results strongly support the relationship between all coastal populations from Guatemala south through Costa Rica represent a single unnamed species. Surprisingly, four samples thought to represent R. miadis, a species considered endemic to the Little Corn Island off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, appear to be conspecific with Pacific Coast populations, despite the presence of another species, R. taylori, in the Atlantic lowlands of Nicaragua, suggesting a potentially valid taxon that could be applied to Pacific Coast populations. Time divergence estimation, patterns of diversification, and historical biogeography are discussed.

C.L. Dukmen and J. Bandura* (2019) The Effects of Nonylphenol on the Fecundity of Fruit Fly, Drosophila melanogaster Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA 17745 Nonylphenol is categorized as an endocrine disrupting chemical. Studies have shown that endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as nonylphenol have the potential to alter or disrupt the synthesis, secretion, transport, binding, action or elimination of endogenous hormones in the body. These disruptions consequently affect homeostasis, development, reproduction and behavior of organisms (Segner et al. 2003). In this study, the effects of 4-nonylphenol on the fecundity of Drosophila melanogaster were examined. To do this, females raised on normal food, food containing 4-NP dissolved in acetone, or food containing only acetone were analyzed. We measured the number of eggs laid every 24 hours by individual females for twelve consecutive days. Our data suggest that there is no difference in fecundity of

females raised on normal food, acetone, or 4-NP. In the future, we hope to explore the potential effect 4-NP has on the viability of larvae.

M. Eytcheson and H. Travis* (2019) Ephemeral Life: A Comparison of Invertebrate Communities Found in Several Types of Pools Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705 Due to their ephemeral nature, vernal pools may harbor unique animals that do not otherwise thrive in permanent bodies of water. We test the hypothesis that vernal pools have higher biodiversity than more permanent forest pools, and that both have more biodiversity than abandoned mine pools. We counted and identified invertebrates found in leaf packs placed in six pools: three vernal pools, two forest pools, and a slow-moving flow of abandoned mine drainage. All pools were in forest settings and without fish. We found that ephemeral pools had the highest species richness with 16 families, compared to 15 in forest and 4 families in the AMD pool. Forest pools had the highest overall abundance with 2,037 total organisms found, compared to 1,168 in the vernal pools and 6 in the AMD pool. NMDS plots showed moderate taxonomic turnover over two months in most pools, but two pools experienced almost no change. Our findings demonstrate the dynamic nature of vernal pools, and suggest that forest pools may be more productive seasonally. Additional leaf packs will be analyzed to assess biodiversity patterns within and across sites over the next few years.

C.C. Farmer and A. Haines* (2019) Citizen Science Surveys for Rare Bat Species in Pennsylvania Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551 Populations of little brown (Myotis lucifugus), Northern long-eared (Myotis septentrionalis), Tri- colored (Perimyotis subflavus) and Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) have declined dramatically in PA due to disease. Protection of these remnant bat colonies is of high conservation priority throughout North America. Preliminary active acoustic surveys were conducted fall 2017 – fall 2018 for bat species within protected areas. Active surveys were conducted using the Echo Meter Touch 2 PRO with auto- identification of species through its Kaleidoscope software, as well as the Pettersson M500 microphone with calls being auto-identified through SonoBatLIVE. Surveys were conducted on Lancaster County Conservancy preserves identified as near current or anticipated construction that could potentially disturb roosting bats. Our surveys revealed potential Myotis presence, as well as other bat species of conservation concern in PA. Citizen science volunteers helped conduct preliminary active surveys and develop an active survey protocol. We hope to develop a citizen science acoustic survey protocol to be incorporated into the North American Bat Plan. Citizen science active survey protocols will be tested and refined further in spring and summer 2019. Survey results will be shared with local and state organizations to allow for more efficient netting efforts based on likelihood of species presence in PA protected areas.

C.D. Fetzer, E.A. Cheesman, K.E. Shoemaker and D.M. Smith* (2019) Formation of Biofilms by Uropathogens in Various Media Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214 Although Escherichia coli are normal micro-organisms of the human intestine, these flora are the major cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in females between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Biofilms have been shown to form on the lining of the bladder from E. coli strains acquired from hospital patients with UTIs. These biofilms are formed of numerous bacterial cells and a matrix that locks these cells

together. Low nutrient availability on the lining of the bladder and the reliance the bacteria have on each other to survive in such a harsh environment are the reason such uropathogens form biofilms. This causes the biofilm bacteria to become dormant and to be especially resilient, even in the presence of antibiotics, and thus able to cause recurrent infection after the antibiotics are discontinued. We are in the process of setting up a mock bladder system to study biofilm formation in UTIs. We first identified which uropathogens that could form biofilms on bicarbonate-etched coverslips in the presence of various natural and synthetic media. The formation of biofilms was measured by staining with crystal violet and viewed by light microscopy. Micrographs were analyzed using the quantification of negative space. In the future, we plan to assess how we can eliminate factors needed for the formation of biofilms and assess biofilm formation on bladder epithelial cells in vitro. By eliminating factors required for biofilm formation, the treatment of patients with urinary tract infections will ultimately be improved.

M.E. Fischetti, B.R. Mealy, W.T. White, and J.R. Thomas* (2019) Investigating trade-offs between reproductive behavior and wound healing in a slow pace-of-life organism, Desmognathus ochrophaeus (Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander) Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214

In vertebrates, the trade-off between investment in current reproductive success and future survival is a central tenet of life-history theory. All aspects of life carry a cost, from maintaining health to reproduction, and it is assumed that some measures of fitness are in direct competition for limited resources. Of the many possible trade-offs that exist, we are interested in the relationship between reproduction and immunity, as these are key requirements for the survival of a species. Trade-offs between reproductive investment and immunity have primarily been explored in fast pace-of-life organisms like rodents and birds; however, much less is known about similar trade-offs in slow pace-of- life organisms. In particular, Plethodontid salamanders like Desmognathus ochrophaeus have remarkably low energy requirements compared to endotherms and even some other ectotherms. Together with their relatively long lifespans and extended mating season, they offer a unique perspective into the context and timing of potential trade-offs between reproduction and immunity. To better understand this relationship, we conducted two experiments using D. ochrophaeus to examine the bidirectional interactions between mating and wound healing, a biologically relevant and integrative aspect of immunity. If energetic trade- offs are utilized to favor reproduction over immunity, we predict that wounded and unwounded salamanders will mate at similar rates; whereas, wounded salamanders that also mate will heal more slowly than wounded salamanders that do not mate. Alternatively, if their low-energy lifestyles promote the simultaneous maintenance of reproduction and immunity, then we predict that both courtship and wound healing will occur successfully.

K.P. Flannery, M.W. Mitchel, and A.E. Hare-Harris* Characterization of Developmental Milestones of Language in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 Individuals with developmental delay display a lag in attainment of developmental milestones, while developmental difference is characterized by an asynchronous pattern of development within a domain. While developmental delay is clinically assessed using standardized psychometric assessments, current scoring metrics do not capture this asynchronous pattern. In a previous study, we developed a measure of intrasubtest scatter, called the Response Dispersion Index (RDI), to capture asynchronous patterns within standardized language assessments that are indicative of developmental difference.

Recent research has shown that some individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit a pattern of language development similar to developmental difference. In fact, we found that RDI was positively correlated to quantitative traits of ASD, and individuals with ASD and language impairment (LI) were found to have higher RDI scores than those who have LI without ASD. Additionally, we found that with each standard deviation increase in RDI, an individual was 3.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD (Hare-Harris et al., 2019). Our current study aims to replicate our preliminary findings in an independent clinical cohort of individuals with ASD and/or LI. Upon successful replication, this study may have profound diagnostic and prognostic implications for personalized interventions in ASD.

C.E. Foster, J.M. Burkhouse, A.L. Harriger, and Dias N.J*. (2019). Caffeine effects on SH-SY5Y neuronal cell at chronic and acute levels, cytotoxic vs. neuroprotective. Department of Biology and Environmental Geosciences, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214 Caffeine has been shown to have a neuro-protective mechanism on SH-SY5Y cells at a wide array of concentrations against beta amyloid plaque toxicity. In addition, caffeine has also been shown to activate the P13K/ AKT pathway in protection against apoptosis in Parkinson’s disease models. But in contrast, other research papers imply caffeine to have neurotoxic effects on the SH-SY5Y cells. The goal of our research is to elucidate between the effects of chronic and acute caffeine concentrations on SH-Sy5y cells and to provide an insight into caffeine as a neuroprotective agent against Alzheimer’s disease. Our data, through MTT enzymatic cell viability assay and through PCR for gene expressions of NF-kB and APP which serve as markers for the PI3/AKT pathway, suggests caffeine to have acute neuroprotective effects while chronic effects of caffeine display a cytotoxic impact.

S.M. Geytenbeek, M.M. Manglaviti, M.J. Miller, D.R. Greener, and C.M. Scott* (2019) Linking ERAD and the UPR: Developing a genetic screen via the expression of Antitrypsin. Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214 Genetic disorders, such as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (ATD), can lead to the accumulation of aberrant and aggregation-prone proteins within the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER). The defect associated with ATD can cause cirrhosis of the liver and/or emphysema of the lung. While the disease states of ATD have been extensively studied, the mechanism of misfolded protein removal within the ER of hepatocytes is not fully understood. In the cell, there are two known biochemical pathways that exist to manage these misfolded proteins: Endoplasmic Reticulum Associated Degradation (ERAD) and the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). ERAD primarily functions to identify newly synthesized misfolded proteins and retro- translocates them out of the ER to be degraded by the 26S proteasome. Under overwhelming stress conditions, the UPR pathway is induced and acts as an intracellular transmembrane signaling cascade to initiate specific gene expression. Prior studies revealed that the Add66p protein is essential in the assembly of the 26S proteasome; therefore, deletion of the ADD66 gene will disrupt proteasome production, function, and the ERAD pathway. Furthermore, the UPR targets the ADD66 gene during times of ER stress. The stress-inducing agent of focus is the expression of A1PiZ, a mutant form of the human gene A1Pi (Antitrypsin). This stress agent is expressed in two wild-type yeast strains as well as a strain lacking ADD66 (add66Δ). The goal of this project is to determine whether or not combining A1PiZ with an add66Δ will result in a defective growth phenotype. If a reproducible growth defect can be identified and used as a positive baseline control, then this experimental method may be used to screen and identify new proteins involved in ERAD, UPR, or both. Therefore creating a clearer picture of the cell’s stress response pathways.

M. G. Gittens and A. Haines* (2019) Student test performance in a nature based academic setting versus a traditional academic setting. Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551 The purpose of my research was to determine if testing environment influenced student test performance. I had 58 biology students from Millersville University take two separate tests in two different academic settings. The first setting was a nature based academic setting with an outdoor view of nature, the other was a more constrained traditional academic setting with no windows. Student tests consisted of brainteaser questions that contained anagrams, rebus puzzles, mathematics and logic questions. Each student was given 10 minutes to complete tests in both environments. Before taking their brain teaser test, students were given 1-2 minutes to acclimate to their environment and then rate their stress levels. After taking the test, students then rated their stress levels again. It was found that academic setting did not impact testing performance, but stress levels taken before tests were found to be lower in the nature based academic setting. We recommend the college campuses incorporate more nature based learning spaces to help alleviate anxiety for students.

D. Good and N. Thumser* (2018) The effect of glyphosate herbicide on the behavior of pollinators Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA 16412 Industrial agriculture has been continuously developing with the use of agrochemicals since the 20th century. The pressure agrochemicals place on the environment, human and other species health, is yet to be understood. This experiment was performed to observe pollinator behavior, to determine pollinators preferences for or against a glyphosate contaminated food source. It was found that more yellow jackets collected Glyphosate Treated sugar-water than Non-Treated samples. While, more honey bees collected from Non-Treated sugar-water than the Glyphosate Treated samples. However, no significant difference in the number of collections from each treatment sample was found overall for these pollinators. At the tested glyphosate concentration, the pollinator behavior was found to have an equal distribution, or to be without preference for either sample.

S.A. Grandinette and C.Q. Diep* (2019) Expression of R1 Peptide Under Heat Shock Promoter in Zebrafish Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705 The kidney plays an essential role in maintaining health, with malfunctions resulting in lethal consequences. Kidney diseases are a major health concern with 10% of the adult population suffering in the United States. Currently, the only two treatments, dialysis and transplantation, both having severe limitations. New treatments involving stem cells that could regenerate the functional units of the kidney may alleviate these limitations. Zebrafish can regenerate injured kidney tissue through stem cells that express the lhx1a gene which stimulates kidney stem cell production. Studying this process may provide insights for future stem cell therapies to treat kidney diseases. Recent findings suggest that a peptide called R1 binds to the lhx1a protein. To test the effect of R1 on the kidney, we will clone the R1 peptide DNA sequence that is fused to GFP into a plasmid containing a heat shock promoter. The plasmid will be injected into zebrafish and the same process will be applied to the compliment peptide sequence (R1C) as a negative control. This will allow the fish to express R1 or R1C in a time dependent manner and enable us to study the effect of R1 on kidney development and regeneration.

L.M. Gregory, and N.J Dafoe* (2019) The Dosage and Temporal Effects of the Pesticide Imidacloprid on the Expression of the Pathogenesis-Related 1 Gene in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 This study was undertaken to determine whether a defense response occurs in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) following dosage and temporal experiments with Imidacloprid. Imidacloprid is a type of commercial pesticide that is universally used among commercial crops. Imidacloprid’s mechanism is based on a neurotoxic property that acts directly on the central nervous system of target insects binding irreversibly to nerve receptors causing paralysis. Imidacloprid is designed to be readily absorbed and metabolized in plants upon application. Previous studies have shown that there is some evidence that Imidacloprid treatment invokes a defense response in plant. Defense responses are triggered by external stimulants in which the organism senses a threat and acts to defend itself. In plants, when a defense response is triggered defense response genes become expressed. Salicylic acid (SA) is one central signaling molecule in plant defense that elicits the expression of the pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR1) defense gene. PR1 encodes a protein that provides protection against pathogens. PR1 was examined as a marker to determine if Imidacloprid treatment elicited a defense response in lettuce. In preliminary studies, low-level Imidacloprid dosages (300ppb and 3ppm) did not induce a defense gene response in lettuce. In this study, a temporal experiment will analyze the variation in PR1 response using amplified dosages of Imidacloprid.

B.N. Griffith and T.Light* (2019) Effects of Acidity on Water Quality and Brook Trout Parasites in Mountain Streams in South-Central Pennsylvania Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, 17257 Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are common inhabitants of many freshwater streams in North America and can be infected by many parasitic organisms. Brook Trout bridge trophic gaps between aquatic invertebrates and bird or mammalian predators; consequently, there are a wide variety of parasites that infect trout. Parasites in fish can be used as biomonitors of many factors in stream health. For example, parasites can accumulate high levels of metals because they are in direct contact with the metals and don’t have the internal organs to eliminate them. The goal of this study is to identify the prevalence and intensity of parasites in Brook Trout and to determine if iron concentrations differ between parasites and host tissue. Three limestone-treated acidic streams were compared to naturally neutral streams at corresponding elevations. The acidic streams were sampled directly upstream, within a 0.5 km mixing zone and 2 km downstream of limestone application sites. Fish were sampled during the summer of 2018 using a backpack electrofisher. We found a nematode (Cystidicoloides ephemeridarum) and a trematode parasite (Crepidostomum farionis) in the intestines of Brook Trout. C.ephemeridarum had similar prevalence (averaging 80-100%) across site types, but had slightly higher intensity at unlimed (reference and upstream) sites than at limed sites. C.farionis had similar prevalence and abundance across all site types. Iron concentrations were significantly higher in the parasites than in fish muscle or intestinal tissues. The two parasites infecting Brook Trout in South-Central Pennsylvania are common generalist parasites found in Brook Trout. Both parasites were accumulating iron and could potentially be used as biomonitors for metals.

M. Hammar and M.J. Foradori* (2019) Preliminary Investigation into the Antiangiogenic Properties of Banded Garden Spider (Argiope trifasciata) Venom Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA 16444 The formation of new blood vessels is a physiological process called angiogenesis. Cancerous tumors can mimic this process by secreting growth factors that stimulate angiogenesis, thereby providing a source of nutrients to for the tumor to grow and thrive. The discovery of novel growth factor inhibiting compounds has the potential to promote the development of new anti-angiogenics to stifle tumor growth. Venom from arthropods has been successful in angiogenesis inhibition in the past, therefore our research aims to parallel previous research using a different method and arthropod. Venom glands of the common Banded Garden Spider, Argiope trifasciata, were extracted, homogenized, and passed through a Mini UNOsphere Q-sepharose fractionation column. The fractions were analyzed for protein using a NanoDrop spectrophotometer and fractions which showed spikes in protein level were selected and concentrated. Growth factor and the protein fractions were then added to 96-well plates containing bovine aortic endothelial cells to observe whether the cells experienced any growth inhibition.

I.C. Harper, and L. Nicholson* (2019) The effects of calcium and citric acid on zebrafish tooth development California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419 Calcium plays an important role in tooth development and in the maintenance of healthy adult teeth. A lack of calcium during development can lead to enamel hypoplasia, and many of the beverages we consume contain citric acid, which contributes to enamel erosion. Zebrafish provide a convenient model in which to investigate the effects of differing levels of calcium and citric acid on developing teeth. The embryos are transparent, they are inexpensive, reproduce very quickly, and 70 percent of protein-coding human genes are related to genes found in the zebrafish. Zebrafish have no oral teeth, instead their teeth are attached to the fifth branchial arch only. Their dentition consist of three rows of teeth that can all be replaced throughout their life. To investigate how calcium levels affected tooth development, zebrafish embryos were raised in either standard (0.33mM), high (3.3mM), or low (0.033mM) calcium environments. The average number of teeth was lower in low calcium environments, while tooth length increased in both low and high calcium environments. This trend was seen in all trials, although the difference was not statistically significant. We are currently investigating the effects of exposure to citric acid on tooth development.

J.E. Herschberger, R.L. Wagner, and C.R. Stieha* (2019) Plant fitness responses and insect-feeding choice in response to induced herbivory Millersville University, Millersville PA 17551 Plants are constantly attacked by a large variety of herbivores, from small insects to large mammalian herbivores. When plants are exposed to herbivory, they can respond by producing herbivore- deterring chemicals or compensatory regrowth, where the plants replace biomass lost to herbivory. Compensatory regrowth, however, may increase food availability for the herbivores and may reduce the herbivore-deterring chemical production, therefore increasing the likelihood of the plant being a choice of food for herbivores. To quantify this interaction between plants and herbivores, we imposed different cutting frequency (induced herbivory) regimes on two varieties of Orchard grass, Dactylis glomerata. We measured the plant compensatory regrowth as stem count, leaf height, and biomass produced and measured larval preference in Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) using an olfactometer. Preliminary analysis suggests that total plant biomass differed across cutting regimes for the two plant varieties, but stem count and leaf height were similar between the two varieties. Despite this difference in food

availability based on cutting regime, larvae had no preference for plants with greater compensatory regrowth. Although our generalist larvae does not take advantage of the greater food source, the greater production of edible plant biomass should affect the herbivory population dynamics, leading to problems in both natural and agricultural plant systems.

A. Hess, D.F. Boehm*, and L. Nicholson* (2019) Comparison of Gut-Associated Non-Toxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (NTBF) and Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) Between Participants with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Healthy Individuals by Assessing Fecal Samples Using PCR Analysis California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419 The aim of this study was determining if enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) was linked to active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)/digestive disorders, using PCR analysis. In this experiment, the identification of ETBF following stool specimen collection from 11 participants with bowel disorders, specifically IBDs, along with 12 participants with no known bowel disorder was analyzed. The organism was detected in 3 of 11 participants with gastrointestinal disorders. Of the 5 participants with active disease, 3 were positive for the toxin, while, none of those with inactive disease nor those acting as the control contained positive specimens for the ETBF gene sequence. The presence of the enterotoxin gene was higher in participants with an active bowel disorder compared to those with inactive disease and those acting as the control. The presence of non-toxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (NTBF) was also analyzed using PCR, and five of the healthy control samples were positive for the gene. In conclusion, ETBF may be associated with active bowel disorders. Sample data was tested and found significant using Fisher’s Exact Test of Independence.

A. Hess, L. Smith, S. Meiss* (2019) Assessing antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-nematode properties of sulforaphane from Brassica oleracea var. sabellica California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419 The goal of this study was determining if sulforaphane extractions from Brassica oleracea var. sabellica (kale) contained antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-nematode properties. In this experiment, six extractions were completed under different conditions with and without the addition of ethanol and a heat component. A gram-negative, Escherichia coli, and a gram-positive, Staphylococcus aureus, were inoculated onto nutrient agar plates and grown in the presence of the kale extract. Inhibitory effects were shown to be more prevalent against Escherichia coli. Antifungal properties were unsuccessful as the kale extractions contained a plant-induced attraction response. Anti-nematode properties were assessed and showed significant percent mortality rates for each extraction sample.

C.Hoffman, H. Hampikian*, and K. Regester (2019) Pennsylvania distribution and prevalence of chytrid fungus and Ranavirus in the Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) Clarion University, Clarion, PA 16214 Pathogens have been identified within Pennsylvania which have been heavily implicated in amphibian population declines worldwide. Described collectively as chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis/Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bd/BSal) have been especially destructive to frog populations in North and South America. Ranaviruses (RV) are a group of diverse, deadly viruses, which

have also played a role in numerous infections and population losses. The Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) is a broadly distributed habitat generalist suspected to pose a threat to other taxa as a disease vector. The movement of these vectors over land facilitates the spread of pathogens to other bodies of water. Through a statewide cooperative with citizen scientists, samples from the Eastern Newt were collected. Each newt sampled was associated with its specific ecological region. Over a span of two years, 270 samples were collected to screen for Bd/Bsal via ventral surface swabs, and RV via tail clipping. Samples underwent DNA extraction followed by quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) analysis to screen for the respective pathogens. Our results determined, that Year 2016 samples had a 49% Bd and 19% RV infection prevalence, while Year 2017 samples had a 35% Bd and 13% RV infection prevalence. The screened samples yielded several strong positives for RV infection, but RV was less frequently found than Bd. None of the sampled newts showed a positive result for Bsal. The relatively broad distribution of infection prevalence for both pathogens statewide shows the reach of these infections. This may be cause for concern and merits greater monitoring efforts to assess possible pathogen-associated amphibian population fluctuations over time.

M. Hoffman, J. Thompson, T. Thompson, C. Dodds, and D.M. Smith* (2019) Identification of Biofilm-Forming Oral Streptococci and Quantification of Biofilm Growth in Different Nutrient Environments Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214 Tooth decay can lead to cavities (dental caries) with chronic discomfort, impaired digestion, trouble focusing, and absences from work or school. Over 90% of U.S. adults are affected by dental caries, and only 48% of adults retain a full set of permanent teeth. Dental caries, periodontitis, and other dental diseases are caused by unmanaged bacterial biofilm growth in the mouth. Biofilms are complex communities of adherent bacteria and a sticky matrix that surrounds them. These multi-layered communities of multiple species of bacteria form on almost any surface in many environments. The bacteria primarily responsible for the formation of dental plaque biofilms are strains of oral streptococci. The aim of this study is to observe the complex mechanisms of biofilm formation with single and mixed strains of streptococci obtained from human mouths. Last year, we isolated one good biofilm former. This year, we were able to isolate three more strains of oral streptococci, cultured each as well as mixtures of the strains over a period of four days and compared biofilm growth on the bottom of plastic wells by staining with crystal violet. We then quantified the stained biofilm micrographs using ImageJ. After observing the growth, we determined the two that worked best together and sent them out for genomic sequencing in order to speciate them and will now test their ability to form plaque on teeth as well as observe their growth in different nutrient environments.

R. Hoffman and C. Hanna* (2019) The Effects of Glyphosate on Mortality and Reproductive Success of Melittobia digitata California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419 Melittobia digitata is a species of ectoparasitoid wasp whose larvae feed on the hemolymph of fly pupae and in turn, kill the host. Since M. digitata are native to North America, they are exposed to the various agricultural chemicals. Glyphosate is a chemical found in Roundup and other commonly used herbicides. Although herbicides are not manufactured to affect animals within the ecosystem, placing chemicals not natively found in the environment can have unforeseen consequences. To study the effects of glyphosate on M. digitata, three different experiments were performed. In the first experiment,

mortality was examined when M. digitata was exposed to freshly applied Roundup. In the second experiment, mortality was examined when parasitoids were exposed to dry Roundup residues. In the third experiment, insects that survived earlier trials were placed with a Sarcophaga pupae to determine if reproduction was still possible after exposure to the differing concentrations of the herbicide. Our results show that freshly applied Roundup significantly increases the mortality of M. digitata at not only recommended dosages, but also diluted concentrations. However, dried Roundup only increases mortality at recommended dosages, but not at more diluted concentrations. Additionally, our results indicate high Roundup concentrations also appear to decrease reproductive success. We show here that Roundup has significant unintended consequences on a non-target organism. This research is particularly important given the sudden decrease in honey bee populations and other important pollinators. Further research is needed to fully understand the unintended roles glyphosate and other pesticides have on the environment.

C.J. Holland and R. Heineman* (2019) Growth of Nalidixic Acid Resistant E. coli in the Presence of Nalidixic Acid and Bacteriophage T7 Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown, PA 19530 The evolution of antibiotic resistance is a deadly and increasingly dangerous issue. While resistant cells may have an advantage in the presence of antibiotic, there may be a cost due to lower reproductive rates or interactions with other selective pressures. The key to finding a solution for antibiotic resistant bacteria may be finding a solution to replace or work in conjunction with antibiotics. One possibility is bacteriophages, or "prokaryotic viruses" such as T7. We hypothesized that there would be a variation in the cost of antibiotic resistance mutations and that this variation would correlate to a difference in phage growth. This was tested by first creating a variety of resistant strains and then finding their minimum inhibitory concentrations, growth rates, and reaction to bacteriophages in 96 well microplates. It was determined that the resistant strains did not have a significant difference in their growth rates when compared to the wild-type, suggesting low cost to resistance. However, upon addition of bacteriophage T7, it was found that the more resistant strain was more susceptible to T7. This reflects a cost of resistance for the antibiotic strain with a higher resistance. Future studies could focus on other environmental factors and how they affect antibiotic resistant bacteria growth.

B. Johnston, A. Conley, and M.J. Foradori* (2019) Novel Angiogenic Inhibitors from the Venom Glands Wolf Spider, Hogna spp. Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA 16444 Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels, known to be involved in normal physiological functions such as wound healing. Some cancer cells have the ability to send out chemical signals that result in the creation of new blood vessels by causing the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. This ability to provoke angiogenesis allows all cancer cells within the tumors to gain access to the blood supply and increase growth rates. Angiogenic inhibitors are compounds that interfere with the ability of tumors to squire nutrient levels through the blood supply. Because of this feature of angiogenic inhibiting compounds, they could play an important role in cancer treatments. Our research is testing for the presence of angiogenic inhibiting compounds in the venom glands of the wolf spider, Hogna. The spiders were collected locally. fed and maintained in cages, and then venom glands were removed by microdissection. Bioactive proteins were isolated from homogenized venom glands using a Mini UNOsphere Q sepharose column. These fractionated proteins were tested for their ability to inhibit proliferation of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAOECs); proliferation of endothelial cells is a key component of the process of angiogenesis.

J.T. Jones, T.D. Smith, S.J. Rehorek* (2019) Extra digit identification in embryonic Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 The ancestral land vertebrate had 5 fingers (digits), numbered I through V on their hands. In both birds and dinosaurs, there are only 3 digits present. The identity of these digits is a source of great dispute. Dinosaur paleontologists state that the digits are I, II, and III, while bird embryologists claim that the digits are II, III, and IV. The bird embryological data is based on chicken fetal development, (21 day incubation) and ostrich (45 day incubation). The Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis), has a much longer fetal developmental period of 65 days and is known to possess several transient ancestral features (e.g.: extra toes). Because of the long incubation time as well as the presence of the transient features, it is possible that the Laysan Albatross might have extra manus digits that develop embryonically that would affect how the digits are numbered. The purpose of this study is to histologically examine the manus digit formation in the Laysan albatross, Phoebastria immutailis. Laysan albatross fetuses of stages 28 to 37, which are the stages in which manus digit development occurs, were serially histologically sectioned. The histological examination enables the identification of the condensation of cells, that are the precursors to bones. The serial sections were digitally photographed, and the images were imported into AMIRA for 3D reconstruction, thereby allowing for accurate digit numbering. Histological examination revealed the development of the metacarpal bone I (as a cartilaginous template) over a few stages of embryonic growth (32-36) before it was later degenerated. Only cellular condensations of putative metacarpal bones (for both the digits I and V) were observed in the ostrich. The presence of digit I embryonically suggests that the proper numbering of the bird digits is II, III, and IV. These findings could help lead to a revision of the evolutionary relationships between birds and certain dinosaur lineages.

E.M. Lackner, M.S. Buckley and S.L. Hrizo* (2019) Evaluation of activation of HSF and UPR protein folding pathways by chemical stressors using a yeast reporter system Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 Heat shock factor (HSF) is a transcription factor that is activated in response to an accumulation of misfolded proteins in the cytoplasm. In contrast, the unfolded protein response (UPR) is a transcriptional response pathway that responds to the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. Both pathways, when activated by misfolded proteins, result in a transcriptional response that helps the cell to survive by making factors to help the cell sequester and destroy the misfolded proteins. Using aseptic techniques, Saccharomyces cerevisiae with UPR or HSF Beta-galactosidase reporter plasmids were grown and tested with various doses of 4 different chemical stressors (Dithiothreitol, Diamide, Hydrogen Peroxide, Beta-Mercaptoethanol) that may induce protein misfolding. Beta-galactosidase assays were completed to determine the transcriptional response of the HSF and UPR pathways to the chemical stressors. Ultimately, these assays will identify: 1) if the chemical treatments that trigger the HSF (cytoplasmic response) or the UPR (ER response) pathway or both pathways 2) if there is a dose dependent response of the compounds (do they function differently at high and low doses).

K.N. Lefever and J. Kagle* (2019) Antimicrobial activity of cinnamon essential oil and tylosin on Pseudomonas aeruginosa separately and in combination. Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933 Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health concern. The effective range of antibiotics is decreasing, so alternative medicines such as essential oils are on the rise, as well as combination therapies to increase the effectiveness of some treatments. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacterium

that has natural resistance to some antibiotics due to the permeability of its outer-membrane. However, cinnamon essential oil has notable antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa. It is suggested that cinnamon essential oil dissipates the potassium cation gradient in the cell membrane, leading to a damaged and more permeable cell membrane that causes the cell to lyse (Bouhdid et al 2010). Thus it is possible to degrade the outer-membrane without lysis. It is hypothesized that cinnamon essential oil will be able to degrade the outer-membrane and make it more permeable without lysis to larger molecules, such as the macrolide antibiotic tylosin. Using disk diffusion assays and plate counts, the antibacterial activity of cinnamon essential oil and tylosin were tested on P. aeruginosa separately and in combination to assess if there is a synergistic relationship. The results suggest there is not a synergistic relationship between cinnamon essential oil and tylosin in this study, however there are trends pointing towards synergy. Experimental redesign and further research is discussed.

N. Lezano and C.C. Mapes* (2019) A study of previously undescribed white oak galls caused by cynipid wasps Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown PA, 19530 There are many cynipid wasp galls in the Eastern United States that have either never been studied or have not been well studied; much research on cynipid wasp galls is yet to be done. The purpose of our research was to study previously undescribed galls found on leaf midribs, petioles, and stems of white oak, Quercus alba. We hypothesized that the undescribed white oak galls are cynipid wasp galls of the sexual generation, and that the three types of galls we observed are caused by the same species. The objectives of this study were to determine when the galls first form as well as when the gall formers emerge, with the ultimate goal to describe a new species or link a previously described cynipid wasp species to its gall. Galls began to form in mid-May 2018, and by the end of May, numerous galls were seen on midribs of leaves, petioles, and stems; none of the galls had exit holes. Seventy two galls were collected and placed in mesh covered Mason jars or Petri dishes for the purpose of rearing the inhabitants. Several galls began exhibiting exit holes by mid-June. Cynipid wasps and many members of the superfamily Chalcidoidea were reared from the galls. A large number of the cynipid wasps that were reared were actually inquilines and not gall-formers. However two female gall-forming cynipid wasps were reared. Additional collaborative research should help us determine if the gall forming cynipids are a new species or if they are a previously described species that had not yet been associated with a particular gall.

C. J. Livengood, P. E. Livengood, C. I. Bocetti*, and M. Sovak (2019) Discovering and Modeling Raptor Migration on the Westernmost Ridge in the Allegheny Mountains California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419 Raptor migration is a seasonal phenomenon that occurs across the entirety of North America. In the Eastern United States, the Appalachian Mountains are an important flyway for at least 16 species of migrating raptors. Raptors congregate on ridgetops, utilizing the orographic lift generated by the mountains to conserve energy during their migration, engaging in soaring/gliding flight rather than powered flight. Citizen scientists gather at observation points known as hawkwatches, where migrating raptors, such as hawks, eagles, and falcons, are identified and counted. Hawkwatch data is used to calculate the Raptor Population Index, which scientists use to monitor long-term trends in raptor populations. This study occurred on Chestnut Ridge, an approximately 90-mile long ridge in southwestern Pennsylvania that makes up the western edge of the Allegheny Mountains. There were no published records of raptor migration on Chestnut Ridge. We hypothesized that raptors migrate on Chestnut Ridge, given its topographic profile, length, and position in the Appalachian Flyway. We conducted migrating raptor counts on 33 days last fall (following the Hawk Migration Association of North America’s standards) and 11 counts (in progress) this spring, tallying a total 1,102 raptors. During each

day of observation, the following environmental variables were recorded: average wind speed, wind direction, % cloud cover, temperature, and day of the count season. (Note: our research remains preliminary until long-term observations verify our conclusions). In addition to discovering raptor migration on Chestnut Ridge, our objective was to model the relationship between our response variable, raptors per day, and our recorded explanatory environmental variables. Forward selection was used to build the model and Akaike’s Information Criterion was used as the selection criteria. The model identified temperature and wind direction as significant predictors of raptor migration. The Shannon- Weiner Index of biodiversity for Chestnut Ridge was 1.84, which was 0.15, 0.43 and 0.62 greater than other ridges in the flyway, Kittatinny Ridge, Jack’s Mountain, and the Allegheny Front respectively.

M. Macchia, A. Harrison, R. McNeish, J. Jackson, and J. Wallace* (2019) Land Use Effects on the Abundance and Diversity of Microplastics in Riverine systems Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Millersville, PA 17551 The environmental contamination of microplastics (MPs) in marine and freshwater ecosystems is of increasing concern due to their capacity to adsorb persistent organic pollutants, persist long-term in the environment, and cause gut irritation in aquatic organisms. Microplastics are plastic particles <5mm in diameter, originate from industrial production and degradation of large plastic debris. The purpose of this research is to share preliminary findings on the effect of land-use on the presence and diversity of MP within aquatic invertebrate gut tissues from headwater streams in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania USA from 1998 and 2010. Macroinvertebrates were collected from streams within forested, agricultural and urban land-use. These samples were digested via wet peroxide method for the presence of MPs. We did not find a statistical difference in MP abundance among land-use types. Microplastic fibers were the most abundant type of MP. While Dipteran, Coleopteran and Trichopteran taxa contained the highest concentration of MPs, we did not find a significant difference in MP concentration among feeding groups or between years. MP presence was observed in different life stages of macroinvertebrates. Our findings indicate that MP presence in freshwater macroinvertebrates may indicate significant ecological implications in riverine systems.

D. Madison, J. Fair and D.V. Widzowski* (2019) Effects of a 5-HT1A agonist or antagonist on 5-hydroxytryptophan-induced head twitch in mice. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, 15705. While many proteins contribute to the regulation of release of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5- HT), activation of presynaptic 5-HT1A autoreceptors is a key negative feedback regulator of 5-HT neurotransmission. Drugs that activate (agonists) or block (antagonists) the 5-HT1A receptors can reduce or enhance 5-HT neurotransmission and are used to treat anxiety and mood disorders. Administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a metabolic precursor of 5-HT, boosts 5-HT synaptic concentrations and induces head twitch responses (HTRs) in mice, a biomarker of 5-HT neurotransmission in vivo. While it is known that 5-HT1A agonists can reduce 5-HTP-induced-HTRs, the effects of 5-HT1A antagonist on 5-HTP- induced-HTRs has been little studied and optimal conditions for using 5-HTP-induced-HTRs to screen new compounds have not been established. The purpose of this study was to test the effects of a selective 5- HT1A agonist (8-OHDPAT) and a selective 5-HT1A antagonist (WAY 100635) on 5-HTP-induced-HTRs and to determine optimum conditions for testing new 5-HT1A compounds. HTRs were indicated by a quick rotation or shake of the head only. Administration of 120 mg/kg of 5-HTP induced a moderate number of HTRs while 300 mg/kg induced a high number of HTRs. Administration of WAY-100653 (0.25mg/kg)

combined with 120 mg/kg of 5-HTP showed a significant increase in the 5-HTP-induced HTR during peak head twitching compared to administration of 120 mg/kg 5-HTP alone. In contrast, administration of the agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.03mg/kg) with 300 mg/kg of 5-HTP showed a significant reduction (>90%) in 5- HTP-induced HTR’s compared to 300 mg/kg of 5-HTP alone. Additional studies using the 120 mg/kg dose of 5-HTP showed that WAY-100635 doubled 5-HTP-induced-HTRs while 0.03 mg/kg of 8-OHDPAT abolished head 5-HTP-induced-HTRs. These results support the hypothesis that the 5-HT1A agonist and antagonist activity have opposite effects on observed HTR’s and that a dose of 120 mg/kg of 5-HTP can be used for screening novel compounds. Future studies will focus on testing other novel serotonergic (5-HT) compounds synthesized by collaborators to observe any relationships with HTR.

J. Malkowski, G. Smoot and A. Haines* (2019) Identification of the most perilous areas for wildlife in the continental United States Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551 The United States (US) Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 prevents species extinction; however, the number of recovered species lags far behind the number of species still listed. To improve recovery of Threatened and Endangered (T&E) animal species under the ESA, our goal was to identify areas in the continental US that harbor the greatest number of threats to declining wildlife. Based on our review of ESA listing decisions from 1975-2017, we identified six overarching threat categories: habitat modification, overutilization, pollution, species-species interaction, demographic stochasticity, and environmental stochasticity. We then screened listing decision documents to determine threat occurrence (i.e., presence/absence of a given threat in a listing decision) for each threat category for all animal species listed between 1975 and 2017. We then combined this database with a database of all the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s current spatial range estimates for listed animal species available on the Environmental Conservation Online System (www.ecos.fws.gov). Using ArcGIS and the Spatial Analyst Tool, these databases were combined by converting spatial range shapefiles of T&E animals into raster files. We then used the raster calculator to combine raster files into threat hotspot maps (i.e., maps showing the greatest overlap of species impacted by each threat category). By creating threat hotspot maps, we were able to identify areas in the continental US where each threat affected wildlife the greatest. We were also able to identify areas in the US that contained the greatest number of threats to T&E wildlife. The spatial framework developed from our analysis provides a tool for identifying strategies that can directly mitigate the threats driving species’ declines, and provides essential information for future national conservation efforts.

A.P. Martin1, D.M. Geiser2, B.E. Overton1, J.P. Calabrese1, and C.W. Smyth1*(2019) Elucidation of biofilm formation capability in the filamentous fungus, Fusarium keratoplasticum 1Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA 17745 2The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that are typically attached to a surface and secrete an extracellular polysaccharide layer. For most microbial communities, biofilm formation is the rule rather than the exception. Biofilm formation by microorganisms, such as yeast and bacteria, has been well studied, especially as it relates to their clinical and industrial applications. Lesser known for their biofilm- forming capabilities are the filamentous fungi. Fusarium keratoplasticum (Fk) is an ascomycete fungus associated with opportunistic clinical infections in humans (i.e. mycotic keratitis), as well as the built environment (i.e. sink drains and shower heads). In fact, Fk in these environments are connected, as sink drain associated Fk were major culprits behind a 2005-2006 worldwide outbreak of contact-lens associated mycotic keratitis. It has been hypothesized that the ability to form robust biofilms allows Fk to

survive in sink drains and grow on contact lenses. Despite this, little work has been done to confirm the ability of Fk to form biofilms. Our study aims to 1) establish that Fk can form biofilms in vitro; 2) elucidate the general microscopic architecture of Fk biofilm formation; and 3) compare Fk biofilm growth with that of a known filamentous fungal biofilm-former, Aspergillus fumigatus.

DRESSLER, R., MCELRATH, H.M., OPYRCHAL, M.T., BOYDEN, S. * (2015) Allelopathic Effects of Hay-Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) on Pin Oak Germination and Growth Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214 Oaks have tremendous ecological and wildlife value in Northern Hardwood forests, yet regeneration of oaks has declined drastically in Pennsylvania in recent decades due to our logging history and deer overbrowsing. The expansion of hay-scented fern in our forest understories exacerbates this problem as it outcompetes tree seedlings. Previous studies suggest that fern leaf or root material may chemically inhibit neighboring plant growth, but the extent of allelopathy between hay-scented fern and oak species remains unknown. Allelopathic effects of fern on pin oak germination and growth were tested by treating acorns with de-ionized water, fern frond, or fern root extract. Seedling germination and biomass were compared. Fern extracts did not have a significant effect on germination timing or success, but root extracts reduced seedling biomass by 38%. These small differences in seedling size during stand establishment can affect future forest composition and structure. Root allelopathy, as demonstrated by this experiment, may significantly impact forest succession. Further research will determine the relative importance of indirect competition for soil or light resources versus direct allelopathic interactions.

B. R. Mealy, A. K. Blankenbuehler, and N. J. Dias* (2019) Studying the neuroprotective versus cytotoxic effects of NSAIDS on SH-SY5Y neuronal cells Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214 Neurodegeneration is a complex process, which leads to progressive brain damage due to loss of neurons. The cause of neuronal loss in various degenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, etc. is not entirely understood, despite exhaustive research. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are regularly used by more than 60 million Americans and are effective in relieving pain, reducing fever and inhibiting inflammation. Previous research has shown Ibuprofen to dissolve amyloid plaque proteins in SH-SY5Y human neuroblast cells suggesting its potential therapeutic ability in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. While the implications that certain NSAIDs, in theory, seem to have neuroprotective abilities, we hypothesize that chronic use of them may have an opposing effect. Through our research we investigated the acute and chronic impact of different anti-inflammatory NSAIDs on SH-SY5Y cells. Cells underwent an overnight short-term treatment and a twelve-day long-term treatment on undifferentiated and differentiated SH-SY5Y cells in the presences and absence of Tylenol (steroid control), Ibuprofen, Aleve, and Aspirin. Neuroprotective effects were seen in acute use of NSAIDS, but neurodegenerative effects were seen in chronic use of NSAIDS. Our data indicates that the use of NSAIDS for prolonged periods of time could induce neurodegeneration despite their short- term neuroprotective effects.

B.R. Mealy, and N.J. Dias* (2019) Investigating the inhibitory effect of zinc on MG-63 osteoblast-like cells as a potential compound to treat diabetes induced osteoporosis. Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214 Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease that can impair osteogenesis through a decrease in osteoblast activity leading to an increased fracture risk. While it is known that diabetes mellitus affects bone, the underlying connection between diabetes and osteoporosis remains unidentified. Deficiencies of zinc are seen in the course of ageing and in diabetic patients. Additionally, zinc supplements have been shown to exert positive effects in type-2 diabetes. Our study is aimed to examine the mechanism underlying diabetes-induced osteoporosis, and determine the protective effects of zinc, and its association with osteoporosis and diabetes. Our data demonstrates zinc to have an inhibitory effect on advanced glycation end product (AGE)-induced MG-63 cell apoptosis through trypan-blue counting and MTT enzymatic cell viability assays. MG-63 cells progress through the various stages of bone cell differentiation under the influence of estrogen and osteogenic supplement, passing through a well-defined sequence of proliferation, matrix maturation, and extracellular mineralization. Cells were grown for 12 days in growth medium to enhance differentiation of pre-osteoblasts to osteocytes. Anti-apoptotic effects of zinc were also seen in differentiated MG-63 cells. Molecular expression of runx-2 gene (using osteocalcin as an endogenous control) confirmed the protective effects of zinc on MG-63 cells in presence of low and high sugar. Our data indicates zinc has a protective effect against diabetes-induced osteoporosis and suggests zinc to be a novel micronutrient for its prevention and treatment.

R.E. Meckley and C.E. Howell* (2019) Genomic Analysis of the Metabolic Gene Rheb, Ras Homolog enriched in brain Lock Haven University, Lock Haven Pa 17745 The genes that have been discovered to metabolize insulin within the insulin signaling pathway have been found to be highly conserved across many organisms. When observing the phylogeny of organisms that contain these metabolic insulin pathway genes in their genome, it is still unknown how highly conserved or similar the same gene is from one species to the next. The GTP-binding protein that is ubiquitously expressed in humans and other mammals and has a significant involvement in the mTOR pathway is known as the Ras Homolog enriched in brain, or Rheb. This gene is vital to the regulation of growth and cell cycle progression from its role in the insulin/TOR/S6K signaling pathway. As a member of the GTPase superfamily, it uses its GTPase activity to shuttle between GTP-bound and GDP-bound form. The genomic analysis of the Rheb gene was performed in several different species of Fruit Flies, by comparing the gene boundaries in the newly sequence Drosophila species to the known boundaries of D. melanogaster. The percent amino acid identities and similarities between species were used to determine how highly conserved the Rheb gene is between organisms.

R. Mikeasky, M. Glasser, and R. Major* (2019) Expression of the Circadian-Linked Timeout Gene in the Planarian Flatworm Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15701 Planarians are freshwater flatworms that exhibit the ability to endure a variety of stressors, such as amputation and extended periods of starvation. Since this organism’s discovery, studies have been done to characterize the molecular and cellular responses that underlie its extensive regenerative capacity. Although the timeless gene is well studied as a key component of the circadian clock in many organisms, its paralog timeless2/timeout is less understood. Previous work done in our lab has shown that preventing timeout function precludes new tissue regeneration and stem cell proliferation. To better understand how signals control stem cell growth, we have used in situ hybridization analysis to determine the expression

of the timeout gene in uninjured and injured planarians. Our results show that expression is localized to the intestinal wall and to the pharynx, and they suggest that a timeout-driven signal emanating from the intestine controls neighboring stem cell proliferation and regeneration.

S.N. Miller, H. Phillips, and D.M. Smith* (2019) Isolation of Blue Tongue Virus Particles Suspected of Being NS3 Mutants Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214 Viral infections are one of the most difficult illnesses to treat, due to the highly variable nature of viral genomes. Viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis B cause devastating and often deadly illness worldwide, and though they can be prevented in some cases, they cannot be cured through any current treatments. These viruses cause cells to enter apoptosis, and spread the amplified virus to surrounding cells. Blue tongue virus causes similar cell death, but does not affect humans. Most of the proteins contained in the capsule of this virus have known functions. However, the protein NS3 does not. A similar protein in a related virus, bovine viral diarrhea virus, has been linked to apoptosis. Studying mutant forms of the virus with delayed cytopathology and comparing them to the unmutated form of the virus would allow us to assess whether NS3 is essential to inducing apoptosis in BTV. Two strains with delayed cytopathology have been identified. Multiplicity of infection assays have allowed us to identify where within the collected supernatant the greatest concentration of virus resides, so that we can identify which fraction will be most practical for sequencing.

M.M. Mountain and D.M. Krayesky* (2019) Additions to the lichens in Crawford County, Pennsylvania Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 The objective of this study was to increase knowledge of the diversity of lichens in Crawford County. The purpose was to further update the preliminary checklist of lichens created for Crawford County within the past 10 years. In this study, more than 50 samples were collected from the region of Lake Pymatuning in western Pennsylvania in the summer of 2018. Samples were identified using both dichotomous keys and the CNALH online database. More than 15 species were identified as new reports for Crawford County. Historic county records, such as Graphis scripta (L.) Ach and Cladonia coniocraea (Flörke) Sprengel were reported in this study. These aforementioned historic records have been unreported in the county for more than 70 years. Our preliminary survey of the lichens of Crawford County suggests that the current lichen diversity in the county is in all likelihood underestimated.

S. Musa, L. Pilewski, M. Foradori*, (2019) Preliminary Analysis of Active Compounds from the venom of the Honey Bee, Apis mellifera, as a Possible Inhibitor of Tumor Angiogenesis Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA 16444 Bee venom has been found to have inhibitory impacts on the development of ovarian and lung cancer. Properties such as the ability to increase cortisol secretion, suppression of tumor proliferation, and involvement with the cytotoxic pathway of apoptosis make the components of bee venom a promising candidate for inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. Angiogenesis, defined as the formation of new blood vessels, is a normal physiological process that occurs within organisms. However, increased angiogenesis is an identifying characteristics of cancerous tumor growth, because tumors are limited in size and growth without a blood supply. This study sought to identify angiogenic inhibitors in bee venom. Angiogenic inhibitors are a class of molecules that can disrupt the ability of tumors to grow and spread via metastasis.

After extraction of venom sacs from 12 honeybees, and further homogenation in conjunction with compound extraction, the bee venom was fractioned using a Bio-Rad EG-1 Econo Gradient Pump with a Bio Scale Mini Unosphere Q sepharose column. All fractions generated were quantified for protein at OD280 using a Thermo Scientific NanoDrop Lite Spectrophotometer. Proteins from prominent peaks were then introduced to dividing bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAOECs) to assess their ability to inhibit proliferation, and indirect measure of angiogenesis.

Suraj Niraula and C.Q. Diep* (2017) Determining the effect of R1 peptide on lhx1a dimerization Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705 Kidney disease is generally a secondary disease to other diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes. The main problem with the kidney disease is that is remains asymptomatic until it is very advanced. The overall prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is approximately 14.8% which implies that 30 million Americans have CKD. Dialysis and kidney transplant are the only options for end stage kidney disease and both of these treatment options are not ideal. Thus, there is an urgent need for an alternative stem cell/ regenerative therapy for treating kidney disease. Stem cell therapy or the regenerative therapy uses stem cells to repair the degenerated parts of the body like damaged kidney. Zebrafish share significant similarities in kidney development and composition of nephrons which makes them a very promising model to study the kidney development and disease. Furthermore, zebrafish are able to repair the injured nephrons and even regenerate new nephrons throughout their life which makes them a powerful tool in obtaining invaluable information about the repair processes after the kidney injury. In mammalian kidney development, the lhx1 gene was found to play a major role in early mesoderm formation and later in specific cells with a differentiated phenotype in the kidney. The same gene in zebrafish (called lhx1a), is found to be expressed in kidney stem cells and are capable of regenerating new nephrons following kidney damage. Thus, it is important to understand the function of lhx1a so as to understand the regenerative ability of the adult zebrafish kidney. This could allow us to manipulate the function of lhx1a and possibly steer kidney stem cells into the regenerative process.

G.L. Neigh and K.B. Long* (2019) Evaluating Silver Nitrate Induced Tumor Cell Death in vitro Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA, 16933 Pancreatic cancer is an ongoing area of research, as the disease is defined by its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. Recently, silver nitrate has been suggested as a therapeutic candidate, based on its efficacy as an antimicrobial agent. In response to silver nitrate, bacteria were shown to generate reactive oxygen species that damaged cellular components, and it was questioned if a similar behavior would occur in cancer cells. Silver affects cells by inducing the production and release of reactive oxygen species, causing destruction within the cell and inducing apoptosis. Here, we tested whether silver nitrate can induce a pathway of apoptosis in a pancreatic cancer cell line that has p53 and Kras mutations. To evaluate the dose response of silver nitrate induced cellular toxicity, cell viability assays were performed. To determine if an apoptotic pathway was induced in cells exposed to silver nitrate, qRT-PCR was used to evaluate gene expression changes. Specifically, we evaluated pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic gene expression levels post exposure to the silver nitrate. Evaluating the impacts of silver nitrate on pancreatic cancer in vitro will hone in on the mechanism and application potential of this therapy.

A.P. Onufer, N.L. Chinnici, S.L. Pelletier (2019) Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in New Jersey Black Bears East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular, gram-negative bacterium found throughout most of the world. This bacterium is known to be the causative agent of Q fever and has previously been weaponized for use as a Class B biowarfare agent. C. burnetii is transmitted to both animals and humans via aerosols. This bacterium mainly infects domestic animals such as goats, but is also known to infect wild animals such as bears. Environmental levels of C. burnetii are maintained when infected animals excrete urine, feces, and vaginal fluids. Ticks are also known carriers of C. burnetii and transfer the bacterium to their animal hosts. The purpose of this study was to survey 100 American Black bear blood samples from New Jersey for the presence of Coxiella burnetii using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction targeting the IS1111 gene.

N. Ortiz, K.L. Owens, A.E. Rea, J. Adams, C.W. Smyth* and B.E. Overton* Elucidating morphological characters to discern phylogenetic species in the genus Pseudogymnoascus Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA 17745 White-nose Syndrome caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) has killed approximately 6.5 million bats in the Northeast. Although there is much research focusing on Pd, native Pseudogymnoascus species are poorly described. Routine isolations from mines and caves in Pennsylvania suggest a rich biodiversity of native Pseudogymnoascus species many of which cannot be identified or have not been described. This study attempts to bridge the gap between historical taxonomy and modern phylogentic approaches using multiple gene phylogenies to identify PA isolates in a modern context and elucidate morphological characters for discerning species. Thirty-two isolates were obtained from Pennsylvania caves and mines. The ITS rDNA region, RPB2 and Tef-1alpha region were sequenced. Pennsylvania isolates were found to conform to five previously delimited phylogentic clades and comprised nine distinct phylogenetic species. It was determined that Clade D isolates were homothallic while all other clades from PA were heterothallic. Morphological analysis was performed on all isolates grown on acidified modified potato dextrose agar using light and scanning electron microscopy. Colony back color conformed favorable to clades as well as conidial ornamentation. However, there was a great deal of overlap of conidial size especially within clades containing multiple phylogenetic and between the majority of clades. Clades I and J consisted of one phylogenetic species each and had the smallest conidia relative of the native species. Pseudogymnoascus destructans had the largest conidia and showed no overlap with native species. Based on this research, many of the undescribed species can only be discerned based on a multigene phylogenetic analysis.

A. Pasculle, D. Douglas, and L. Nicholson* (2019) Genetic influences of dopamine receptor polymorphisms on opioid addiction California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA The U.S. has experienced devastating consequences resulting from the widespread misuse of both prescription opioids and illicit opioids (i.e. heroin). Opiate addiction, a chronic relapsing brain disease, affected over 2.1 million people in 2016, and resulted in the death of over 42,000 individuals, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Although addiction is a multifactorial disease, the D2 dopamine receptor and its polymorphisms are major candidates for gene studies on addiction. Dopamine signaling is involved in a variety of neurological functions, including the reward-motivated behaviors that have been implicated in addiction. D2 receptor mutations found in the addiction population are believed to result in phenotypic differences that make the individual more susceptible to addiction. We have developed a protocol to amplify regions of the D2 receptor gene by PCR, and examine these regions for the

presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We are currently collecting saliva samples from opiate addicts receiving treatment, opiate addicts not receiving treatment, and a control group of non- addicts, extracting DNA, and amplifying the selected D2 gene regions. These will be sequenced, and SNP frequencies will be compared for individuals in each population (non-addicts, addicts, and recovering addicts) to identify any potential associations between addiction status and a particular SNP. We hope these results will improve our understanding of the role played by genetics in opioid use.

V.E. Pasquale, P.G. Falso, G.I. Shidemantle, Z.I. Campbell, M.J. Falso* (2019) An examination of nuptial pads in Xenopus laevis exposed to the pesticide imidacloprid Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 Amphibian populations are dramatically declining around the world. Exposure to contaminants and disease are two of the most immediate threats to amphibian survival. Amphibians are particularly vulnerable to contamination of aquatic resources because of their reliance on water for reproduction and development. A common contaminant of ground and surface waters is the neonicotinoid pesticide, imidacloprid. The contamination of amphibian environments with imidacloprid has been linked to sublethal disruptions of the endocrine and immune systems. Imidacloprid has also been shown to impact the male reproductive system in other species such as salamanders and mice. Little is known about the effects of long-term and early life stage imidacloprid exposure in amphibians. In this study, African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) were exposed to four environmentally relevant doses of imidacloprid throughout development until sexual maturity. Photographs were then taken of the nuptial pad from the forelimb area. The nuptial pad is of significance because it contains male breeding glands sensitive to androgens. It is a secondary sex characteristic that may serve as a biomarker for endocrine disruption. The images are currently being examined to determine the effects of imidacloprid exposure on nuptial pad intensity and size. Preliminary results indicate a dramatic reduction in nuptial pad visibility occurring in the highest treatment group of imidacloprid, however there was no significant difference in relative size or mean intensity of nuptial pads between imidacloprid treatment groups. Additional analysis is being done examining other characteristics of the nuptial pads. The data obtained will allow us to gain some understanding into the impact of pesticides on amphibian reproduction.

H.N. Rainey and C.E. Howell *(2019) Annotation and Comparative Analysis of the Thor Gene in Multiple Drosophila Species Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA 17745 The Genomics Education Partnership (GEP) is a collaborative project among several universities that has allowed students at Lock Haven University to study and understand the true implications of bioinformatics and genomics, such as comparative and evolutionary genomic research. One of the GEP’s ongoing projects comparatively investigates the insulin signaling pathway genes from several closely related Drosophila species. The Thor gene, which produces a translation initiation factor controlled by tor, is located on chromosome 2L and is a crucial component of the insulin signaling pathway. This protein contributes largely to translation regulation, particularly responding to environmental stress and cell growth regulation. Because of its important role in the insulin signaling pathway, we comparatively investigated the Thor gene in multiple closely related Drosophila species to determine if it is evolutionarily conserved. In order to test this, we annotated the intron-exon boundaries of this gene by applying several genomic techniques, including: splice site recognition, transcription start site recognition, reading frame and phase recognition, stop codon recognition, RNA seq data, and Top Hat data. Additionally, we confirmed that our annotations were correct by using the GEP gene model checker. When comparing the data from several closely related Drosophila species, the base pair sequences were nearly identical among

the species. Based on this data, it is evident that the Thor gene has been relatively conserved over evolutionary time.

H. Rainey, 1 T.W. Pierson,2 and J. Deitloff*1 (2019) Distinguishing morphological differences in the head shape of Eurycea cf. wilderae (Blue Ridge Two-Lined Salamander) 1Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA 17745 2University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 Morphology can be correlated with behaviors that impact a male’s ability to obtain reproductive success when facing competition for mates. In addition, sexual selection can influence differences in morphological traits between males and females leading to sexual dimorphism. Eurycea salamanders display morphological differences in head shape among males as well as between the sexes. Males of Eurycea cf. wilderae exhibit two different suites of correlated morphological traits corresponding with alternative reproductive tactics often described as “searching” and “guarding”. Searching males possess cirri that extend down from the nasolabial grooves, mental glands, and they lack enlarged jaw musculature. Guarding males have enlarged jaw musculature, and they lack cirri and mental glands. We investigated the left-lateral and ventral head morphology of E. cf. wilderae using geometric morphometrics. We tested the hypothesis that three forms—searching males, guarding males, and females—would be different in overall head shape. We also tested the hypothesis that head morphology of each form would differ among eight populations. We found that, in the left-lateral view, searching males differed from guarding males and females, but guarding males did not differ from females. In addition, head shape was significantly different among all forms in the ventral view. We found no significant differences among the different populations. Our results provide quantitative evidence of the morphological differences among discrete alternative reproductive tactics in Eurycea. Future studies should focus on whether morphological and behavioral variation correspond with variation in reproductive fitness.

A.E. Rea, C.W. Smyth*, and B.E. Overton* (2019) Evaluation of Pseudogynoascus destructans conidia for virulence factors Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA 17745 Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the causal agent of White-nose Syndrome (WNS) in bats, has caused the death of 5.7 to 6.5 million bats in North America. Pd on average produces conidia at least double the length of native species of Pseudogymnoascus (Ps). Some pathogenic fungi of humans are known to produce conidia that vary in size, the larger of which are multinucleate and produce germlings that display more β-glucan, a molecule that can be a trigger for the induction of the inflammatory response in hosts. Mass mortality bats displayed a hyper-inflammatory response during the outbreak of the disease in North America. The present study evaluates nucleation of Pd compared to native Ps and evaluates β- glucan cell surface presentation in germinated conidia of Pd and Ps isolates. Isolates of native Ps species representing five clades and two isolates of Pd from Pennsylvania were stained with DAPI. All species regardless of conidial size were not multinucleate. Conidia were sonicated from mass mortality bats that succumbed to WNS infection 10 years ago (stored in freezer) and also stained with DAPI. Pd conidia from infected bats were also mononucleated. β-glucan ELISA tests are ongoing for all strains. Initial results indicate that enhanced virulence of Pd is not associated with multinucleation as in other species of pathogenic fungi, though Pd conidia are on average twice as long than all native strains. This suggests the increased spore size of Pd relative to native strains is associated with transmission rather than virulence. β-glucan research is ongoing and it will be interesting to note if there are any differences in expression

between Pd and native species that could explain the hyper-inflammatory response observed during the mass mortality phase.

A.E. Rea, N. Ortiz, K.L. Owens, C.W. Smyth*, and B.E. Overton* (2019) Two new species of Pseudogymnoascus from Pennsylvania Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA 17745 Pseudogymnoacus destrucans (Pd), the causal agent of White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) in bats, remains the focus of continued study. However, native Pseudogymnoascus species remain poorly described, especially from Pennsylvania caves and mines. Two new homothallic psychrotolerant species of Pseudogymnoascus that produce the geomyces-like anamorph and gymnothecial ascomata are described from PA. These species were first observed in routine microbiome sampling of commercial caves and abandoned mines in Pennsylvania and it was noted that they produced the gymnothecial stage on oatmeal salt agar. The objective of this study was to compare these isolates to other Pseudogymnoascus species to determine the extent of homothallism in native Pennsylvania strains using oatmeal salt agar, compare their morphology to previously described species, and use a multigene phylogeny based on ITS, RPB2, and TEF gene regions to ascertain whether these isolates represented novel phylogenetic species. Native species representing 5 clades of Pseudogymnoascus isolated from PA were evaluated. It was determined based on sequencing that the two new species described here represented two distinct phylogenetic species in Clade D. They were the only PA isolates to form gymnothecial ascomata on oatmeal salt agar from single spore isolations. Both Pseudogymnoascus linderii and Pseudogymnoascus turnerii have roughed and peridial hyphae with smooth conidia. Colony back color starts canary yellow and matures to a red- orange. Ascospore length is the only morphological character that discerned these two phylogenetic species based on the t-test.

E. Reed and N. Dafoe* (2019) Functional Characterization of CCS52 in Soybeans Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA, 16057 During the typical cell cycle, the cells grow, DNA replicates, and the cell divides. In certain cases, DNA replication occurs, but the cell does not divide. This has been observed in many organisms and it is known as endoreduplication. The regulation and the importance of this process is not fully understood. In plants, cell cycle switch 52 (CCS52) proteins have been associated with endoreduplication. In plants, there are typically one to two CCS52A genes and one CCS52B genes. To date, CCS52A proteins are known to regulate endoreduplication by controlling cyclin degradation. The involvement of CCS52B protein is currently unknown. In soybeans (Glycine max), there are a total of six CCS52 genes, four CCS52A genes and two CCS52B genes. To understand the role of all six CCS52 proteins in soybean growth and development, each CCS52 gene was expressed in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a model organism for studying cell division. When all six genes were expressed, a phenotypic change occurred resulting in an increase in cell size, a phenotype associated with endoreduplication. We are in the process utilizing a transient plant assay to verify the subcellular protein localization of the CCS52 proteins to better understand how these proteins function.

B.E. Reicholf, D.F. Boehm* (2019) Antimicrobial properties of silver-nanoparticle infused polyurethane foam in water disinfection California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419 Silver-nanoparticles have antimicrobial properties that can be utilized in many practical ways. If incorporated into microbiological growth media, the silver-nanoparticles will prevent the growth of

bacteria. This study was undertaken to determine if silver-nanoparticle infused polyurethane foam could be used to reduce the bacterial count of water filtered through the foam. Silver-nanoparticles were prepared, pieces of polyurethane foam were soaked in the silver-nanoparticle solution, and the foam was dried and placed into a plastic column. Water samples containing 106 colony forming units of Escherichia coli were filtered through polyurethane foam without silver-nanoparticles and columns containing silver- nanoparticle infused foam. The number of bacterial counts that passed through the two different conditions of columns were compared. This comparison was done by plating the solutions on Trypticase Soy agar media at varying volumes and then incubating the plates for 48 hours to allow the bacteria (if any) to grow. After incubation, colony counts were performed (if needed) to determine whether the foam was successful or not in reducing the bacterial count during filtration. My hypothesis is that the silver- nanoparticle infused foam will reduce the bacterial count of the water.

S.A. Rider and S.M. Seiler* 2019 Influence of an unused reservoir on water temperature and fish communities in the Harveys Run watershed, Castanea, PA. Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA 17745 The awareness of the impact that obsolete dams have on stream ecosystems is becoming widely recognized. Many dams inhibit fish migratory patterns, retain nutrients and sediment within the reservoir, and alter water temperature regimes below the dam. Fish and invertebrate populations are highly dependent on their aquatic habitats to supply necessary nutrients, space, and water quality in order to carry out biological processes. For this project, we evaluated the impact that a small, defunct dam is having on the stream communities by altering temperature regime. We deployed temperature loggers at multiple locations above and below the dam and analyzed the thermal data across multiple months including the warmest point of the year (July/August 2018). We compared the seasonal patterns in water temperature to the fish and invertebrate communities that we sampled in fall 2018. Throughout the warmer months of summer, the temperature below the dam was nearly 10°F warmer than the temperature found in free flowing sections above the reservoir. We found lower fish density, including lower trout density, below the dam along with differences in the invertebrate communities. Our study provides evidence to support recent efforts to remove the dam, which would allow downstream locations to return to normal thermal regime and reconnect the stream communities.

R. Riegel, S. Beeching* and M. Buckley* (2019) Analysis of the Role of Melatonin in Tissue Regeneration in Drosophila melanogaster Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxy-tryptamine) is a highly conserved indoleamine present in eukaryotes and bacteria. In eukaryotes, melatonin is involved in various biological processes, including circadian rhythm regulation, sleep and aging. Interestingly, recent studies have shown both a negative and positive role for melatonin in cellular regeneration in metazoans. To gain a clearer understanding of the role of melatonin in regeneration in animals, we propose to examine the influence of melatonin on wound healing in Drosophila melanogaster. A hallmark of epithelial healing is that cytoskeletal proteins, including Meosin, accumulate in epithelial wound-edge cells and function as a sort of purse-string to draw the epithelial wound hole closed. Notably, in Drosophila, this wound healing process can be visualized in living cells by confocal microscopy. In particular, in Drosophila that express Meosin tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP), wounding of the larval epidermis causes the fluorescently tagged protein to localize to the sides of the cells facing the wound. This ring of fluorescent proteins shrinks until the wound

is healed. This progressive decrease in wound area is a measure of the kinetics of wound healing. Our lab is utilizing this assay to examine the rate of wound healing in punctured larvae reared on food with or without melatonin. Preliminary results show that 250 µM melatonin treatment increases the rate of wound healing at 84 hours after wounding. Intriguingly, the melatonin treatment also increased the size of the wound 2 hours after wounding. Additional biological replicates are required to verify these observations. Moreover, 250 µM melatonin resulted in increased mortality of larvae, therefore lower concentrations of melatonin will also be tested. Together, these experiments will determine the role of melatonin in cellular regeneration in Drosophila.

K. Riehle, E. Shuffelbottom, J. Adam, J. Calabrese*, B. Overton* (2019) Non-target microbial effects of PEG 8000 as a control of White-nose Syndrome (WNS) in bats. Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA 17745 Sediment sampling was performed in a cave and abandoned railroad tunnel in the North Eastern United States to determine microbial diversity for establishing non-target effects from the chemical control Polyethlene Glycol 8000 (PEG) used as an environmental treatment for Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the causal agent of WNS. This report is a summary of an on-going, four year project that will focus on non-target effects in PEG treated and non-treated soils at a treatment and control site as well as efficacy of the treatment ameliorating infection of bats. Over 300 bacteria and fungi have been isolated into pure culture and sequenced to determine identity to date. Colony counts were gathered from the original TSA plates and were assigned to morphotypes when isolating microbes into pure culture. From data, it was determined that PEG in autoclaved sediment inhibits gram positive bacteria and promotes the proliferation of Pseudomonas spp. and Flavobacterium. Pseudomonas species have been suggested as potential biological control agents of Pd, so from a context-dependent framework, this non-target effect may be positive. PEG environmental treatment also caused a shift to Clade I and Clade J Pseudogymnoascus species. This result confirms PEG also inhibits other fungi besides Pd as non-target effect. Research is still ongoing evaluating non-target effects of other fungal species isolated in this study. Initial efficacy data suggest a significant reduction in disease between the treatment site and control site, however rigorous statistical analysis of real-time PCR results and UV-diagnostic images are still ongoing as samples were just taken in March of 2018.

A.N. Ross, D. Dudek, J. O’Neil, and J.H. Townsend* (2019) Revising taxonomic relationships of highland frogs (Anura: Ranidae: Rana maculata) from Nuclear Central America Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana PA, 15705 Understanding the phylogenetic relationships of Ranid frogs in Central America is important to assessing threats impacting individual populations. The group with the most potential for investigation is the Rana maculata complex, currently thought to be a single species living along montane creeks from Mexico to Nicaragua. We analyzed the phylogenetic relationships and phylogeography of Mesoamerican true frogs (Anura: Ranidae: Rana maculata) using three mitochondrial (12S, 16S, CO1) and one nuclear (Lig4) loci. A subsample (n = 32) of the 75 samples were used for multi-locus concatenated trees. We used Maximum Likelihood (RAxML) and Bayesian Inference (MrBAYES) to determine relationships between the taxonomical groups. Population models showed two distinct lineages consisting of a widespread group in Honduras, Nicuragua, and Guatemala and a localized group found in Honduras and Nicuragua. The combination of phylogenetic and phylogeographical analysis lend support to two lineages under the name of Rana maculata.

C.N. Schill, C.R. Lanigan, N.M. Brush, A.R. Wilson, and C.M. Scott* (2019) Mitochondrial Stress Response: Developing a genetic screen utilizing 2,4-Dinitrophenol Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214 Cellular stress responses are an understudied, yet a vital part of cell physiology. Metabolic biochemical pathways have many implications in human diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and Leigh Syndrome. These pathways are subjected to alterations when they are under cellular stress conditions. One such pathway is the Krebs Cycle, which occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism, it is our goal to utilize a yeast mutant knockout library, which is an isogenic collection of mutant strains, to assay genes for their involvement in such stress responses. This library can help identify which genes are involved the cell’s response to its exposure to 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP); a known causative agent of cellular metabolic stress. The screen was performed by inoculating a specified optical density (600 nm) of yeast into complete nutrient media, to ensure consistency of growth. Sterile filter discs were placed on the media, exposing the yeast strains to predetermined concentrations of DNP. These spot assays were incubated for three days with images taken every twenty four hours to monitor growth. By using three parental wild-type strains as baseline controls (BY4742, RSY607, and W303), a screening of various yeast knockout strains were assayed for their associated mitochondrial function. Sixty-one mutant strains have been studied to date and differences in yeast growth have been recorded and statistically analyzed. Furthermore, future experiments should elucidate which genes are involved in mitochondrial stress response pathways as well as better define how these biochemical pathways operate.

C. Shemon, J. King, H. Kepple, K. Murphy, B. Vought, S. Bharathan,* C. Luciano*, C. Diep* (2019) Annotation of a new bacterial virus genome discovered by IUP students Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, 15705 Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and use them as hosts for reproduction of new viruses. Since these viruses ultimately kill bacteria cells, understanding their biology may lead to treating pathogenic bacteria in which there is no current effective treatment or bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. In the fall of 2017, a new phage was discovered from a soil sample (40 miles northwest of IUP) by students in the BIOL 202 course (K. Murphy, H. Kepple, and B. Vought). The students named it Beaglebox because the soil was near a dog house in the woods. The students also showed that the virus has a lytic life cycle and infected M. smegmatis, a bacterium that is closely related to M. tuberculosis (which causes the tuberculosis disease). The genome of the virus was sequenced and revealed that it contained 68,418 nucleotides. In the BIOL 203 course this semester, we will annotate the genome to identify all the genes and determine the genes’ functions using bioinformatics tools. So far, we have determined that the Beaglebox genome contains 103 genes and that one gene is completely unique (there are no similar genes that exist in all other known viruses). Therefore, a better understanding of the Beaglebox genome may contribute to future therapies for treating bacterial infections.

B.L. Shepherd and S.B. Boyden (2019) Invasive Fern Roots Accelerate Leaf Litter Decomposition Rates in Forests Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA 16214 Invasive fern species have been increasing in abundance throughout Pennsylvania over the last century, partially due to their intolerance to browsing from whitetail deer. Fern outcompetes tree seedlings in forest ecosystems, limiting regeneration needed for proper forest succession. Decomposition is the primary way organic material and nutrients needed for regeneration are returned to forest ecosystems, but fern effects on important processes like decomposition are unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the nature and magnitude of invasive fern impacts on the decomposition of leaf litter in forest ecosystems. Leaf litter bags were placed in four treatments designed to separate the above

ground and below ground effects of fern, and urea fertilizer was added to half the sites to determine if nutrient availability modifies the fern effect. Overall, fern increased rates of decomposition of the leaf litter layer. Decomposition was similar in the presence and absence of fern fronds, suggesting the fern roots are affecting decomposition. The addition of fertilizer had no effect on decomposition, indicating nutrient availability is not an important driver of fern impacts on soil decomposition. Allelopathic characteristics have been identified in fern species and could explain change in rates of decomposition when fern is present. Increased rates of decomposition in forest ecosystems can alter the flux of carbon from soil to the atmosphere. Further research should investigate if management of invasive fern species could restore natural decomposition rates and carbon flux in forest soils.

A. Shirk, M.S. Buckley* and S.L. Hrizo* (2019) Evaluation of Heat Shock Factor Activation by the Chemotherapeutic Agent, Bortezomib, in a Drosophila melanogaster model system Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA, 16057 Bortezomib is both an anti-cancer drug and therapeutic proteasome inhibitor. It blocks the activity of the proteasome, the major protein degradation complex in the cell. This blockage can lead to the death of cancer cells. It has been reported in mammalian systems that bortezomib activates heat shock factor (HSF). HSF is a transcription factor that mediates the major stress response pathway known as heat shock response (HSR). The HSR is activated in cells exposed to conditions that induce protein misfolding such as: high heat, oxidants, reductants and other chemical stresses. HSF activates expression of the Hsp70 chaperone and other protein folding and degradation factors to help the cell deal with protein folding stress. Drosophila melanogaster has frequently been used as a research model in drug screen studies. In this study, we are examining whether or not bortezomib activates HSF in fruit flies at the following concentrations: 1uM, 10uM, 100uM and 1mM. Bortezomib has been shown in a previous study to activate HSF in human melanoma cells following long term treatment in cell culture. Determining if Bortezomib functions in a similar manner in both human and Drosophila systems may yield insight into whether Drosophila is a viable model organism for studying this class of chemotherapeutic agents.

K. Skolnick, L.J. Schlosser, C. Barnes, K. Koziara, A. Lellock, I. Fisher and S.L. Hrizo* Examination of HSF activation in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Model for TPI Deficiency Department of Biology, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 *Deparment of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 Triose Phosphate Isomerase (TPI) is a glycolytic enzyme that catalyzes the inter-conversion of DHAP to G3P. Mutations in TPI have been identified that are associated with a neurodegenerative disease in humans known as TPI deficiency. To study the cause of TPI deficiency pathogenesis, we constructed Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains expressing six different TPI alleles that are associated with the development of TPI deficiency in humans and Drosophila melanogaster. Interestingly, not all of the TPI alleles exhibit similar characteristics in terms of stability, temperature sensitivity and activity. Yeast with the M80T allele exhibits significant changes in growth and metabolic activity at all temperatures. Yeast with the E104D allele exhibit an acute temperature sensitive phenotype for growth and metabolic activity at 37C. All of the alleles except C41Y demonstrate protein instability at 37C. This study further examines the role of protein folding in TPI deficiency disease pathogenesis. Yeast expressing the mutant TPI alleles were examined for activation of HSF, a cytoplasmic protein folding stress response transcription factor. Understanding the activation of cell stress pathways in TPI deficient yeast may lead to understanding of disease pathogenesis in TPI deficiency patients and provide potential pharmacological targets.

Z.M. Stephens and J.L. Bandura* (2019) Effects of Usp5 RNAi Expression on Cell Division in Drosophila melanogaster Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA, 17745 Ubiquitination serves as a crucial cell-signaling regulatory mechanism, mediating both targeted proteasomal degradation and protein-protein interactions via covalent modification of proteins with mono- or polyubiquitin moieties. Deubiquitinases, a class of soluble proteases, function in reversal and modulation of preceding ubiquitination events. Previous studies conducted with Drosophila melanogaster revealed that fruit flies mutant for a deubiquitinase, Usp5, exhibited inappropriate cell division patterns. We sought to confirm these findings through ectopic expression of an RNAi for Usp5 using a UAS-Gal4 construct derived from yeast. Single generation crosses were carried out between several Gal4 drivers and UAS target lines acquired from the Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center. Imaginal discs were dissected from progeny at the wandering third instar larval (W3L) developmental stage, stained using DAPI and PH3 antibody protocols, and observed through fluorescence microscopy. Images gathered following fluorescent staining of imaginal discs from progeny of a cross between MS1096 Bx-Gal4 and UAS-Usp5 RNAi lines revealed that cells in a zone of non-proliferation identifiable in the wing disc margin had undergone additional round(s) of cell division. To further support these observations of induced cell cycle progression, fluorescence imaging using Edu and Cyclin B staining will be completed in future experiments. The MS1096 Bx-Gal4 driver line effectively demonstrated a Usp5 knock-out phenotype and thus may prove useful in later screening for other D. melanogaster deubiquitinases holding potential cell cycle regulatory function.

A.A Stepinsky, C.R. Fedei, and H. Travis* (2019) The impact of vegetation on macroinvertebrate diversity Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana PA 15705 Vegetation differs throughout Western Pennsylvania, which affects the macroinvertebrates residing in various aquatic habitats. This study focuses on the specific types of vegetation and how they impact the macroinvertebrate community in vernal (temporary) and forest (permanent) pools. We compared various naturally-occurring combinations of deciduous and coniferous leaf litter weighed into leaf packs and placed in local vernal pools, forest pools and AMD pools. Twelve leaf packs, three sets of four each, containing vegetation specific to that pool were placed at each site. Data collected from these pools during Year 1 was analyzed in order to make predictions about the impact of vegetation differences on community diversity in both new and previously used sites for Year 2. We expect to find that organisms throughout the sites differ due to the amount and types of vegetation naturally found in the pools.

N.L. Stewart, S.L. Cinkutis, J. Rosenberger, A.L. Fedrow, R.L. Stewart* and M.L. Lehman (2019) Potential effects of burning on the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Ixodes scapularis collected from southcentral Pennsylvania. Shippensburg University Shippensburg, PA 17257

Pennsylvania leads the nation in reported Lyme disease cases. Controlling this pathogen in public forests is important for land managers. One management technique used by personnel is prescribed burning. The effects of burning on Ixodes scapularis and Borrelia sp. in Lyme endemic areas are inconsistent within the literature. Several papers report increased prevalence on both the tick and the pathogen while others demonstrate a decrease. This study began to examine the effects of burning on

pathogen prevalence within I. scapularis in 2017. Thus far, 72 ticks (adult, nymph, and larva) were evaluated for the presence of Borrelia sp. using standard PCR with primers specific to the flaB gene. Ticks were collected from burned and non-burned areas between February and August and subsamples of these collections were evaluated. Twenty-seven percent of the 37 adults assayed from the non-burned side demonstrated evidence of the bacterium, while 19.4% of the adults from the burned side were positive. Positive samples will be sequenced to determine the specificBorrelia sp. found. This data suggests that burning may reduce the prevalence of Borrelia sp. in I. scapularis collected in southcentral Pennsylvania.

T.A. Swartz, and C.Q. Diep* (2019) Peptides that Bind to the lhx1a Protein Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705 Kidney disease is a major health problem worldwide and current treatments are not ideal. Unlike humans, zebrafish can regenerate their kidneys after injury. This process involves specialized stem cells that express lhx1a. This gene codes for a transcription activator that turns on responsive genes needed for formation of nephrons. The mechanism of lhx1a is not well understood. Therefore, insights into its function could lead to activating kidney stem cells and possibly enhance kidney regeneration. In order to better understand the mechanisms of the lhx1a protein, we used the yeast two-hybrid system to screen for peptides that bind to lhx1a.

J.M. Talasky, Z.M. Wildeson, J.L. Jordan, P.A. Brown, and C.M. Scott* Understanding the Relationship and the Affinity of the Hac1p Transcription Factor to a Novel UPRE. Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, Pennsylvania, 16602 The aggregation of aberrant proteins within the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) of eukaryotic cells is the physiological cause of many diseases, such as Cystic Fibrosis. These diseases overwhelm the cell with an accumulation of protein aggregates, inducing programmed cell death. To combat this cellular stress, the cell has various mechanisms to clear aberrant proteins such as Endoplasmic Reticulum Associated Degradation (ERAD). ERAD is a constitutive protein quality control pathway. If ERAD becomes overwhelmed, the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) is initiated to expand the ER as well as increase the synthesis of cellular components necessary to increase the function of ERAD. The UPR is a cellular signaling pathway that results in the translation of the transcription factor Hac1p, which subsequently binds to a UPR-Element (UPRE) in the promoter region of some UPR target genes. In a previous study, a novel UPRE was identified and the putative UPRE was shown to be necessary for gene expression during cellular stress. This focus of this project looks to expand on those initial findings and examine the putative UPRE in its ability to be recognized by Hac1p. Previously, via a β-galactosidase assay, Hac1p’s affinity to the classical UPRE was defined. To characterize the novel UPRE, a β-gal assay will be used to quantify Hac1p’s affinity to the novel UPRE in the presence and absence of chemical cellular stress inducing agents in yeast. The goal of the project is to determine the affinity of Hac1p to the novel UPRE and provide further support that the putative UPRE is a true UPRE.

S. Thapa and M.J. Foradori The Expression of the gene TuSp-1 along the length of the cylindrical glands in the banded garden spider, Argiope trifasciata Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA 16444

The coloration along the cylindrical glands of Argiope trifasciata is unique to the silk gland type. Cylindrical glands are striking in appearance, as they possess brown, yellow, and red coloration. We hypothesized that gene expression is different across the length of each gland. A study was performed to determine if genes were expressed at different levels in throughout the regions. The purpose was to discover whether the difference in coloration correlated to a difference in gene expression level throughout the glands. To understand the level of gene expression in the cylindrical glands, tubuliform spidroin 1 (TuSP1), a gene that codes for cylindrical gland silk, was used as the target gene. Cylindrical glands from Argiope trifasciata were extracted and cut into five portions according to the coloration of the regions. From every isolated region, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was extracted and quantified. mRNA was reverse transcribed into complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA), and then expression was quantified using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with SYBR Green as the reporter. The results of this experiment help in our understanding on how cylindrical glands, as well as other silk gland types function.

K. Thompson, K.B. Long*, and E.R. Farkas (2019) Analyzing the pervasiveness of microplastic beads in mouse livers, spleens and kidneys Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933 Microplastics are defined as plastic particles with a size less than 5 mm. Microplastics have been recognized as a global environmental threat and a potential health hazard to humans. Humans are being exposed to microplastics directly from the environment and through food sources; these particles have been found in water, sediment, animals, and even human excrement. Fish caught in the wild have been found with microplastics in their livers, intestines, and gills. The potential health effects caused by the ingestion of these particles by humans are unknown. To determine whether microplastics persist in mammals after oral ingestion, a mouse study was undertaken. The study included one control group and two groups of mice that were fed spherical polystryrene beads containing a fluorescent dye: one group was fed ~1.0 micron diameter beads and the other group was fed ~0.1 micron diameter beads. Two different sizes of beads were tested in this study to determine whether one size was more susceptible to persistence in the animals. The livers, spleens, and kidneys of the mice were processed into histological slices, and the slices were observed under a fluorescent microscope. The fluorescent microscope used contains three filter sets to allow for fluorescence excitation at 420 nm, 514 nm, and 568 nm wavelengths of light. The microplastic beads have very narrow absorption and emission bands, so any fluorescence observed under the 420 nm excitation wavelength that was not present under the 514 nm and 568 nm illumination was assigned to microplastic beads. It was hypothesized that the beads would accumulate in the three organs targeted in this study. Additional analyses of serological markers of stress and inflammation in these organs was performed. The identification of the microplastic beads within the organs provides insight into the pervasiveness of these materials and displays the need for a remedy to the environmental pollution crisis.

D. Thompson, D. Lampros, K. Warner, W. Mackay*, D. Fulford*, and C. Steele* (2019) Cytotoxicity of Anthracyclines, DNA Topoisomerase 2 Inhibitors, in Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro Pa, 16444 For more than forty years, anthracyclines (adriamycin [doxorubicin] and epirubicin) have represented one of the most commonly used classes of drugs against metastatic breast cancer. Anthracyclines interact with DNA in a variety of complex manners. The major anthracycline anti-tumor function is thought to be accomplished by an inhibition of DNA Topoisomerase 2 activity. Studies in our lab have shown that anthracyclines are mutagenic and cytotoxic in bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium and

Escherichia coli), and can induce intrachromosomal recombination events in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The objective of this study is to accurately access the role of DNA type 2 Topoisomerases in the presence of anthracycline compounds. Wild type as well as gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE mutant cells were exposed to adriamycin or epirubicin. Cell viabilities were determined for all strains. These results will be discussed regarding the role of bacterial topoisomereases in the presence of these anticancer drugs.

C. Truesdell, K. Robinson, J.E. Hoover* (2019) The effects of test sequence in a battery of behavioral tests with C57BL/6J mice Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551 The objective of this study was to determine whether the performance of mice (C57BL/6J) in a battery of three behavioral tests was affected by the sequence of the tests. The test battery included the open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM), and tail suspension test (TST). Young adult, female mice (aged 2 to 3 months) were randomly assigned to one of six groups (5-6 mice/group). The sequence of the tests varied for each group. The behavioral parameters measured in each test included those reported in the scientific literature, such as the time spent in the periphery of the OFT box, the time spent on the open arms of the EPM, and immobility time in the TST. Statistical analyses (ANOVA and Tukey’s t-tests) were performed to detect any group effects. Our prediction was that administration of the TST early may induce anxiety-like behavior in later tests. However, the results revealed no significant differences among the groups for the behavioral parameters examined. Therefore, we conclude that the sequence of the tests in the test battery was not an important factor that affected the animals’ behavior. These results will guide the design of future experiments on age-related changes in behavior.

O. Turner, M. Conway, and H. Sahli* (2019) Pollination biology and natural selection in the Pennsylvania endangered dwarf iris, Iris verna Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA 17257 Understanding the pollination ecology of rare and threatened plants is a vital to guiding best management practices. Iris verna var. smalliana is an endangered angiosperm in Pennsylvania with minimal existing research concerning its pollination ecology. During May 2018, we conducted pollinator observations to determine what animals might be potential pollinators, recording which visited flowers and contacted anthers or stigmas during a visit. To quantify effectiveness of different pollinators at transporting I. verna pollen, insect visitors were collected in the field and pollen was washed from their bodies and stained. The number of I. verna pollen grains carried on each insect was counted as were the number of pollen grains from other plant species. We also measured pollinator-mediated selection on flower height, plant height, and flower width by measuring floral traits and the number of seeds produced per flower on 32 flowering stems. The average visitation rate of animals contacting reproductive structures of I. verna was only 0.51 visits/flower/hr. Large solitary bees (Osmia spp.) were the most common visitor making contact with reproductive structures and they also carried the greatest number of I. verna pollen grains. Small solitary bees were the only other flower visitor found to carry I. verna pollen. Only 45% of flowers made fruits during the study and we found no significant natural selection on any of the floral traits studied. Our study indicates Osmia spp. are likely the primary pollinator of I. verna, at least in Pennsylvania, and efforts to manage remaining populations of I. verna should include maintaining these bee populations. Future research into the reasons behind the low fruit set in Pennsylvania populations of I. verna is also needed.

A.M. Vaskas and K.B. Long* (2019) Effects of Curcumin on Pancreatic Cancer Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933 Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Without an efficient method of diagnosis or treatment plan, the prognosis for PDAC is grim. Curcumin, a plant-derived chemical, has been shown to produce various antitumor effects. Previous studies assessed the effects of curcumin on human PDAC, glioblastoma, lung, breast, cervical, and colon tumors utilizing immunocompromised, xenograft mouse models. However, studies have shown that some antitumor compounds that appear to be effective in immunocompromised mouse models are not as effective in humans. To address the potential complication of a fully functional immune system on curcumin effectiveness, we assessed the effects of curcumin on murine PDAC cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. Murine PDAC lines were derived from genetically engineered KPC mice, which spontaneously produce metastatic PDAC that closely resembles human PDAC. The dose- and time-dependent toxicity of curcumin was first assessed on various cell lines using trypan blue exclusion assays. In vivo, murine tumor cells were implanted subcutaneously into syngeneic, immunocompetent mice. Once tumors were established, curcumin (or vehicle alone) was administered via intraperitoneal (i.p.) or intratumoral (i.t.) injection. Treatment efficacy was assessed by measuring tumor growth and the overall survival of mice. Further assessment was conducted by analyzing relative expression of various genes via qRT-PCR. The in vitro study was then repeated with curcumin encapsulated in liposomes to address issues associated with solubility. The effect of liposomal curcumin was assessed using both trypan blue exclusion and PrestoBlue assays. The in vivo study was also repeated with liposomal curcumin and the use of T cell depletion to directly assess the effects of the immune system on treatment efficacy. Tumor cells were implanted after T cell depletion. Once tumors were established, liposomal curcumin or mock treatment was administered via i.p. injection. Treatment efficacy was assessed via tumor growth and overall survival of mice. Further assessment will include analysis by gene arrays, qRT-PCR, and histology.

A. Vitz (2018) The Effects of 5-HT2C Receptor Inverse Agonist, Agonist, and Antagonist on Methamphetamine-Induced Behavioral Sensitization and Reinstatement of Drug-Seeking Behavior in Mice Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705

The low success rate of the current treatment program and recent success of 5-HT2C modulators in methamphetamine (METH) dependence represented a need for further research on pharmacotherapeutic agents for METH addiction. The research focused on the involvement of the 5-HT2C receptor in METH- induced drug sensitization (DS) and conditioned place preference (CPP) drug-seeking behavior. The video collect from the experiments was analyzed by the EthoVision XT computer program to produce locomotor activation (LMA) data. Investigation of LMA data determined that 2 to 4 month old C57BL/6J mice were ideal for the study. The DS experiment found 3.0 mg/kg of lorcaserin produced a significant, F(3,32) = 31.8, p = .005, reduction in METH-induced sensitization and identified the drug as a possible therapeutic agent. The CPP experimental results suggested further development of the testing protocol was required before a conclusion could be made on the effect of the 5-HT2C receptor in drug-seeking behavior.

T.B. Walters and K.B. Long* (2019) Protective effects of cranberry juice on alcohol-related liver damage Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933 Global alcohol consumption is a growing concern due to the adverse effects over consumption of alcohol can have on the body. Primarily, the over consumption of alcohol has been linked to the deposition

of lipids within liver tissue, tissue scarring, and later development of cirrhosis. When alcohol (ethanol) is consumed in large volumes, the liver is no longer able to convert ethanol to a neutral form (acetyl radical) for further metabolism in the Krebs Cycle. The consequence of the liver being overwhelmed is a buildup of reactive oxygen species that can cause damage to hepatocytes. In this study, we examined the effects of combining cranberry juice with ethanol during consumption using C57Bl/6 mice to determine whether the antioxidants in the juice had a protective effect on alcohol-related liver damage. Previously, cranberry juice has been shown to have antioxidative effects on damaged liver mitochondria in a non-alcohol-related model. In order to investigate whether cranberry juice has a protective effect when combined with alcohol, we compared three groups of six mice treated as follows: Group – 1 H2O (negative control), Group 2 – ethanol (positive control), and Group 3 – ethanol/cranberry juice (experimental group). The mice were dosed for 15 days with an increase in ethanol concentration every seven days, and a final “binge” dosage on the 15th day. The dose of ethanol administered was relative to body weight. The weight of each mouse was closely monitored throughout this study. Following euthanasia the liver was removed, weighed, and a portion frozen in OCT for histological examination and a portion was frozen in TRIzol for RNA extraction gene expression analysis of histone deacetylase (HDAC) genes. HDAC gene expression has been shown to be altered during times alcohol induced liver steatosis (damage). Histological analysis for lipid deposition, cellular infiltration, and vessel constriction were also performed. From these examinations, we were able to evaluate the protective effect cranberry juice has on alcohol related liver damage.

K.C. Wilford, H.A. Bechtold, and S.M. Seiler* 2019 Analysis of five Allegheny National Forest stream communities before and after a wood addition. Lock Haven University Platform Presentation The complex interactions between abiotic factors and fish communities in stream ecosystems are increasingly recognized in restoration projects. In watersheds that were subjected to intensive logging activities, one common restoration tactic has been to increase woody debris in the stream channel to provide benefits to fish biotic communities by providing habitat, dampening high flow events, increasing flooding into the floodplain, and increasing retention of water within the watershed. For this project, we present data from 5 watersheds in the Allegheny National Forest that are part of an experimental wood addition; Each stream contains two reaches, an unaltered control site and a wood addition site. Wood additions were completed in early 2013 cutting down trees along the riparian zone across the stream channel at 20 meters increments. Fish communities and abiotic factors were sampled in 2012, 2013, and 2018. Our analysis indicates that the wood additions appeared to benefit some fish communities in some but not all streams. We recommend continued monitoring of these sites, including an analysis of how abiotic factors were affected by the wood additions, to determine an ecosystem scale effect of wood addition as a restoration technique.

T. Williams, and L. Nicholson * (2019) Investigating alternative approaches for improved cardiomyocyte differentiation California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA 15419 Ebola is an acute viral infection that affects the blood, circulatory system, gastrointestinal system, muscles, ski, frequently resulting in the death of the infected individual. The Ebola virus was first detected in 1976 in the Demographic Republic of the Congo, and there have been a number of subsequent deadly outbreaks in African countries. Several human genes have been identified that are linked to Ebola infections. This project took a bioinformatics approach to look for mutations in these genes that may be correlated with areas of the world where Ebola outbreaks occur. A large amount of DNA sequence data is

publicly available, and these records often include additional information, such the geographic region where each sequence was submitted from. This data was used to identify the prevalence of different genetic variants in genes implicated in Ebola infections in African populations compared to other geographic regions. Only those variants that caused non-synonymous changes to amino acids were examined. Frequencies were analyzed to determine if any variants were present at higher levels that those predicted for a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Such correlations help to determine if any selection for particular genetic variants is occurring, which could identify potential mutations that might increase resistance to Ebola infection.

A. Wittemann and H. Bechtold* (2019) Detection and Analysis of E.coli on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA 17745 Microbes have been identified as a major contaminant in surface waters in North America (USEPA 2006). Over 13% of impaired waters in the United States are impaired due to contamination by waterborne pathogens including Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and others. In the summer of 2018, the Lock Haven City swim beach on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River (WBSR) was closed due to high levels of fecal coliforms and E.coli concentrations. The objective of this research was to evaluate local water resources, and provide insightful data to the City of Lock Haven, County Commissioners and LHU of discharge points that may have contamination issues. Physical, chemical, and biological factors were investigated along with their interactions to estimate bacterial loads and their origination points in the WBSR. This research builds upon preliminary data collected by students in the fall of 2018 that sampled synoptic E. coli concentrations in the WBSR. Water quality was monitored across several locations of the WBSR and tributary streams near Lock Haven to identify ‘hot spots’ that may help the city identify the cause of the elevated E. coli concentrations. Results showed that E. coli concentrations are dependent on temperature. Conductivity values did not show a significant correlation. This research can allow for better understanding of the water quality in the WBSR and open up public recreation areas for future summers.

K. Wolfe, K. Davis, K. B. Long*, and E. R. Farkas (2019) Tardigrade viability upon exposure to micro- and nanoplastics Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933 Tardigrades, also called “Water Bears” or “Moss Piglets”, are known for their ability to survive in extreme environmental conditions. All tardigrades are aquatic, meaning that in order to survive, to feed, and to reproduce, they require water. They can be found in both salt and fresh water, and on all seven continents. They can survive extreme conditions by undergoing morphological changes, such as swelling up their bodies to float, and by undergoing a metabolic suspension called cryptobiosis, a state in which metabolic activity is slowed. The proliferation of small plastic particulates in the environment is well- documented, but the possible health effects of these pollutants on plants and animals is an emerging science. Due to their ubiquitous presence in most aqueous environments on Earth, tardigrades may serve as bellwethers for the ecological consequences of the proliferation of plastic debris. The eutardigrade Hypsibius dujardini was selected for this study. Fluorescent polystyrene spheres in the microplastic size range (1.0 micron diameter) and in the nanoplastic size range (0.083 micron diameters) were introduced to colonies of adult tardigrades to observe whether the tardigrades would ingest the particles, and whether or not there were any effects on the viability, morphology, and proliferation of the colonies. These objectives were assessed using fluorescence microscopy to determine the locations of beads in or on the animals, and to observe their states (live, dead, or cryptobiotic). Data were compared to a control population, which was cultured without introduction of plastic beads.

C. Youse and J. Kagle* (2019) Characterization of an antibiotic-producing soil isolate with three distinct colony morphologies Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield, PA 16933 With the misuse of antibiotics today, and the increasing number of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria, the development of new antibiotics is critical to public health. A soil sample was taken a few inches down into the ground to try and get the most diverse number of bacteria. The sample was serially diluted and plated on Cold Soil Extract Agar. Potential antibiotic-producing isolates were tested for antibiotic production by using pour plates of S. epidermidis, with isolate CY3 being the one that showed clearing zones. CY3 showed 3 different colony morphologies, so all 3 were tested, to see if there were any differences in the range of antibiotic effectiveness. Pour plates of E .coli, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, and S. epidermidis were done to test the effectiveness of the antibiotic. All three colony morphologies were effective against all four of the test bacteria, with varying clearing zone sizes, apart from morphology A which was not effective against S. epidermidis. A gram stain, KOH test, glucose and lactose test, and 16S rDNA sequencing of all 3 colony morphologies confirmed CY3 to be the same strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa. These results suggest antibiotic production is not constitutive and can be linked to other phenotypic variations.

Historical Highlights of APSCUB/CPUB

 The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Biologists (APSCUB) was formed in 1969.

 The First Annual Meeting was held in April 1970 at Shippensburg.

 The Fifth Annual Meeting was held in connection with the Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science at Bloomsburg.

 The tradition of awarding Outstanding Student Awards was initiated at the Eighth Annual Meeting at Indiana in 1977.

 The nuclear reactor accident at Three Mile Island occurred on the morning of day one of the Tenth Annual Meeting at Millersville.

 The Fourteenth Annual Meeting was held at Mansfield in 1983, marking the point at which each member institution had hosted an annual meeting.

 APSCUB changed its name to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists (CPUB) in 1984.

 Regional meetings were held during the 1980‘s.

 APSCUB/CPUB has been an active voice for Biology Faculty concerns since its inception. During the 1972-1973 academic year, the APSCUB Executive Committee prepared a position paper entitled “Position to be Taken in Negotiations on Behalf of the State College and University Biologists (Scientists)” that was instrumental in faculty obtaining 1 credit for 1 contact hour of laboratory teaching (1:1) in the collective bargaining agreement.

 CPUB position papers were again prepared in the 1980‘s, 2003 and as recently as 2016 when contract negotiations resulted in concerns over the loss of 1:1 for laboratories. CPUB has consistently played an important role in expressing and representing the concerns of our State System Science Faculty.

 APSCUB/CPUB prepared position papers expressing support for the teaching of evolution and opposition to the teaching of creationism in the 1980‘s and again in 2001.

 A CPUB position paper opposing below ground storage of long half-life, low-level nuclear wastes was approved by the membership in 1987.

 APSCUB/CPUB has supported faculty professional development since the 1970‘s. Faculty Professional Development Institutes were held starting in the late 1970‘s on topics such as Electron Microscopy, Natural History-Ecology, Marine Science, Organismal Physiology, Photography, Gel Electrophoresis, Heart Stress Analysis, Microcomputers, High Performance Liquid Chromatography, as well as Annual Wildflower Studies. Symposia were held in the 1980‘s on topics such as Genetic Engineering and The Battle Against AIDS. More recently, workshops have been held on topics such as Paleontology of Pennsylvania, Molecular Techniques, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Mini- workshops have also been offered during numerous CPUB Annual Meetings.

 CPUB Student Grants were first awarded in 2001 as “Student Travel Grants for Scholarly Presentations”. The CPUB Student Grants became research grants in 2002. Awards were initially set at a maximum of $200, but the maximum award has been increased to $600.

 The abstracts of CPUB Annual Meetings were originally compiled into large volumes that spanned a number of years. Starting with the Annual Meeting at Millersville University in 2005, the program of the meeting was given an ISSN number. Programs of subsequent meetings have been published annually as proceedings under the same ISSN number.

Additional Information on the early history of CPUB can be obtained by reading the history sections of Volumes 1-3 of the APSCUB/CPUB Proceedings (1969-1987).

Carol C. Mapes, CPUB President 2003-2007 (updated April 2019)

CPUB OFFICERS

President (2017-2019) Dr. Nathan Thomas

Department of Biology Shippensburg University Shippensburg, PA 17257

717-477-1748 [email protected]

Vice President (2018-2020) Dr. Matthew Foradori

Department of Biology and Health Sciences Edinboro University Edinboro, PA 16444

814-732-1519 [email protected]

Secretary (2017-2019) Dr. Chad Hanna Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences California University California, PA 15419

724-938-5989 [email protected]

Treasurer (2018-2020) Dr. Steve Seiler

Department of Biological Sciences Lock Haven University Lock Haven, PA 17745

570-484-2152 [email protected]

CPUB Presidents

Term President Institution 1969---1970 Kenneth Michel Slippery Rock University of PA 1970---1971 Kenneth Michel Slippery Rock University of PA 1971---1972 Gould Schrock Indiana University of PA 1972---1973 Carmela Cinquina West Chester University of PA 1973---1974 Joseph Vaughn Bloomsburg University of PA 1974---1975 Gordon Kirkland Shippensburg University of PA 1975---1976 Blair Carbaugh Lock Haven University of PA 1976---1977 Barry Hunter California University of PA 1977---1978 William Morrison Slippery Rock University of PA 1978---1979 Robert Reed Shippensburg University of PA 1979---1980 Henry Vallowe Indiana University of PA 1980---1981 Alex Henderson Millersville University of PA 1981---1982 Ronald Rhein Kutztown University of PA 1982---1983 Clifford Kelsey East Stroudsbug University of PA 1983---1984 Foster Billheimer California University of PA 1984---1985 Florence Lewis Cheyney University of PA 1985---1986 David Dobbins Millersville University of PA 1986---1987 Jay Davidson Shippensburg University of PA 1987---1988 Andrew Browe Indiana University of PA 1988---1989 Eugene Jones Cheyney University of PA 1989---1990 Dave Flesch Mansfield University of PA 1990---1991 Roger McPherson Clarion University of PA 1991---1992 Frank Hoffman Slippery Rock University of PA 1992---1993 Ernie Bernice Edinboro University of PA 1993---1994 Jerry Chmielewski Slippery Rock University of PA 1994---1995 Bill Barnes Clarion University of PA 1995---1996 Robert Maris Mansfield University of PA 1996---1997 Robert Maris Mansfield University of PA 1997---1998 Robert Maris Mansfield University of PA 1998---1999 Robert Maris Mansfield University of PA 1999---2000 Carolyn Steglich Slippery Rock University of PA 2000---2001 Carolyn Steglich Slippery Rock University of PA 2001---2002 Carolyn Steglich Slippery Rock University of PA 2002---2003 Carolyn Steglich Slippery Rock University of PA 2003---2004 Carol Mapes Kutztown University of PA 2004---2005 Carol Mapes Kutztown University of PA 2005---2006 Carol Mapes Kutztown University of PA 2006---2007 Carol Mapes Kutztown University of PA 2007---2008 Richard Stewart Shippensburg University of PA 2008---2009 Richard Stewart Shippensburg University of PA 2009---2010 Richard Stewart Shippensburg University of PA

CPUB Presidents

Term President Institution 2010---2011 Richard Stewart Shippensburg University of PA 2011---2012 Ryan Wagner Millersville University of PA 2012---2013 Ryan Wagner Millersville University of PA 2013---2014 Ryan Wagner Millersville University of PA 2014---2015 Ryan Wagner Millersville University of PA 2015---2016 Nathan Thomas Shippensburg University of PA 2016---2017 Nathan Thomas Shippensburg University of PA 2017---2018 Nathan Thomas Shippensburg University of PA 2018---2019 Nathan Thomas Shippensburg University of PA

CPUB Annual Meetings

2021 – Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania 2020 – Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 2019 – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania 2018 – Mansfield University of Pennsylvania 2017 – Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 2016 – Millersville University of Pennsylvania 2015 – Indiana University of Pennsylvania 2014 – Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania 2013 – Clarion University of Pennsylvania 2012 – Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania 2011 – California University of Pennsylvania 2010 – East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania 2009 – Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania 2008 – Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 2007 – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania 2006 – Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 2005 – Millersville University of Pennsylvania 2004 – Indiana University of Pennsylvania 2003 – Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 2002 – Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania 2001 – Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

Acknowledgements

Edinboro University Administration: Dr. Michael Hannan, Interim President Dr. James Fisher, Interim Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Denise Ohler, Dean, College of Science and Health Professions

Planning Committee: Renee Foradori, Gannon University Dr. Nina Thumser, Chair, Department of Biology and Health Services, Edinboro University Lisa Keating, Biology and Health Services Department Secretary, Edinboro University Keri Weber, Graduate Assistant, College of Science and Health Professions Natalie Heiser, Student Worker, Geosciences Department, Edinboro University

Event Coordinators: Kari Althof, Associate Director of Conference Services and Pogue Student Center, Edinboro University Adam Bell, Catering Director, Edinboro University

Electronic Registration: Shari Gould, Bursar, Edinboro University Paula Hunter-Uglow, Fiscal Technician, Edinboro University

Registration Table Help: Emma Morgan, Student, Department of Biology and Health Services, Edinboro University Kim Pintabona, Student, Department of Biology and Health Services, Edinboro University

T-shirt Design: Morgan Calahan, Student, Biology and Health Sciences, Edinboro University

Welcoming Remarks: Dr. Roy Shinn, Associate Dean, College of Science and Health Professions, Edinboro University

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kiarash Aramesh, Assistant Professor, Biology and Health Sciences, Edinboro University

Platform and Poster Presentation Judging: All CPUB Faculty Judges

Judging Coordinators: Dr. Craig Scott, Department of Biology and Geosciences, Clarion University Dr. Stacy Hrizo, Biology Department, Slippery Rock University

Master Judging Coordinator Dr. Robert Maris, Department of Biology, Mansfield University

Platform Session Moderators Dr. Kiran Misra, Dr. John Ashley, Dr. Craig Steele, Dr. Ulf Sorhannus Department of Biology and Health Services, Edinboro University

Workshop Presenters: Michelle Vitali, MFA, Professor, Art Department, Fellow at the Institute of Forensic Sciences, Edinboro University Dr. Vytas A. Bankaitis, University Distinguished Professor, E.L. Wehner-Welch Foundation Chair in Chemistry, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center Adam Hoke, Director of Champagne Consumption, Voodoo Brewing Company, Edinboro University (B.S. Biology 2012, M.S. Biology 2014) Dr. David Hurd, Geosciences Department, Edinboro University

Campus Map

Keynote address and meals will be held in Van Houten South Dining Hall All student presentations will be held in Cooper Hall Suggest Parking is marked in red

Cooper Hall  All student presentations

Van Houten Dining Hall  Keynote address  all meals