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92nd Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science http://www.pennsci.org April 1 – 3, 2016 Abstract Book ABSTRACTS Listed alphabetically by first author’s last name. Adamski, Jonathan*, and Thomas LaDuke East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301. Surveying Disjunct Populations of Two Reptile Species in Northeast Pennsylvania. — Two species of reptile, Carphophis amoenus and Sceloporus undulatus, exist in the Northeastern portion of Pennsylvania as disjunct populations greater than 90 miles from their nearest conspecifics. These species are generally found in the Southern reaches of the state and more commonly in the Southern portion of the country. It has been hypothesized that these species expanded northward during a global warming period in the early Holocene (hypsithermal period) and when they again retreated to the south during a subsequent cooling, these remnant populations were left in areas where suitable habitat remained. We have observed these populations for one field season and will continue to do so for several years. The S.undulatus population appears to be healthy and with each trip to the site, on viable days, several adults and young were seen. The next step in the study will be to expand our search to the surrounding areas to see if any satellite groups can be discovered. C.amoenus has proven to be more difficult to locate. We found none in the locations where they have been observed and reported in previous years. The only individual that has been found was located in the shale barrens habitat that S.undulatus inhabits, several miles away from the mixed forest flood plain habitat they are normally found in. We will continue to survey the shale barrens for additional individuals. In the next field season, we will add the use of coverboards to our surveys in their former range. We have several hypotheses to explain the apparent disappearance of this species in the flood plains that will be further investigated in the next field season. (125) Alkurdi, Eman*, Kateryna Popluzhna*, and Eric P. Ingersoll Penn State University-Abington, Abington, PA 19001. Immunolocalization and Detection of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Breast Epithelial Cells. — Every year, nearly a quarter million new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the United States. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that degrade extracellular matrix proteins enabling cancer cells to invade neighboring tissues, enter the circulatory system, and form metastases. We have chosen to examine the expression of MMPs in four breast epithelial cell lines with characteristics ranging from transformed to invasive and tumorogenic to learn more about the role these enzymes play in the progression and development of breast cancer. Using immnoblots and immunohistolocalization, we have examined the expression of several MMPs in these cell lines. In addition, we have performed cell invasion assays in the presence and absence of MMP inhibitors. We will present data on the expression and function of MMPs in these varied breast epithelial cell lines. (15) Bae, Alex*, Blossom Jiang*, and Megan Rothenberger Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042. An Interdisciplinary Approach to Bioinvasion in an Urban Estuary. — The Hudson-Raritan estuary (HRE) of New York and New Jersey, one of the most urbanized estuaries in the world, is particularly vulnerable to introductions of non-native species due to the large amount of international boat traffic. Non-native crustaceans Hemigrapsus sanguineus and Eriocheir sinensis, which have destroyed biodiversity and economic infrastructures in other estuaries, have made appearances in the HRE within the past decade. However, little is known about the size or distribution of these two non-native populations in this system. Additionally, there is no information on the public awareness or social perceptions of these populations in the HRE, making it difficult to predict and manage the environmental and social impacts of the invasion. Thus, the objectives of this study integrate aspects of both the natural and social sciences, and they were to 1) monitor the regional abundance and distribution of these non-natives in the Raritan system, 2) create and administer a survey to local commercial crab fishermen to assess their awareness of these non-native crabs, and 3) to spread awareness about bioinvaders in the HRE through informational brochures and a website. According to monitoring data, the relative abundance of invasive to native crabs is low, yet the native crab biodiversity has declined from 2011 to 2014. On the other hand, analysis of survey results indicated that > 50% of respondents had captured one or both of 1 these invasives and that half of those were egg-bearing females. Furthermore, approximately 80% of respondents were aware of these non-native crabs, perceived them as a threat to their livelihood, and had noted declines in the commercially important blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). The discrepancy observed between field results and survey results in this study indicates the value of collaborations between scientists and citizens in gathering data for large-scale ecological studies. (131) Balascio, Joseph*, and Brian Gray York College of Pennsylvania, York, PA 17405. Antibacterial Properties of Felis catus Saliva. — The domestic shorthair feline, Felis catus, engages in extensive self- grooming behavior that may play a significant role in maintaining the health of their skin and in fighting infection. We hypothesized that, in a manner to lachrymal and salivary secretions in humans and other animals feline saliva contains anti-microbial components, and in this way grooming contributes to their overall well-being via the uniform spread of these molecules. Using a modified Kirby-Bauer style protocol we tested our hypothesis in comparison to the effects of available commercially-produced antibiotics, and looked at the zone of inhibition produced by Felis catus saliva against several species of opportunistic pathogens: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Serratia marcescens. These species were chosen because of a feline’s high likelihood of coming into contact with them on a regular basis. Also placed on the bacterial plates were kanamycin, penicillin, and tetracycline. Results indicated that cat saliva produced zones of inhibition larger than that of penicillin but similar to that of kanamycin and tetracycline, suggesting that there are potent antibacterial properties in the saliva of felines. (76) Balasundram, Miriam*, and Anya Goldina Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Comparison of Individual Recognition Between Native and Invasive Crayfish, Orconectes obscurus and Orconectes rusticus. — For most animals, the ability to distinguish neighbors from strangers is essential for conserving energy and minimizing aggression intensity. In this study I compared individual recognition in the crayfish Orconectes obscurus and the invasive species, Orconectes rusticus. I predicted that in species that exhibit individual recognition, aggression towards previously fought opponents would be less than towards unknown opponents of the same status. In Pennsylvania, O. obscurus and O. rusticusoccupy the same habitats and compete for similar resources. However, since O. rusticus is larger and more aggressive, it might be equally aggressive towards all opponents regardless of previous experience, while O. obscurus would exhibit greater levels of individual recognition. All animals were socially isolated for 1 week. Following the isolation period two individuals were placed in a tank for a familiarization trial during which the winner of the interaction was considered dominant and loser a subordinate. Following the familiarization trial, each individual was paired with 3 opponents: 1) known opponent from the familiarization trial, 2) an unknown opponent of the same status as known opponent, and 3) a naïve individual. Aggression intensity was analyzed to determine if individuals act less aggressively towards previously fought opponents. Preliminary analysis show that while O. rusticus exhibit overall higher levels of aggression, compared to familiarization trials, dominants of both species do not change aggression levels towards known subordinates and naïve opponents, while decreasing aggression towards unknown subordinates. However, the behavior of subordinate individuals is species-specific. Compared to the familiarization trial, O. rusticus decrease aggression towards all subsequent opponents, while O. obscurus increase it. This differential behavior of subordinate individuals suggests that invasive and native species might utilize different aggression strategies. Thus, while dominant individuals modify their behavior based on previous interactions with their opponents, subordinate individuals modify overall aggression levels, regardless of opponent identity. (92) Baylor, Jessica*, and Michael Butler Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042. Exploring Potential Protective Properties of Biliverdin During Immune Challenges in Northern Bobwhite. — Birds experience challenges in their environments. These challenges, including bacteria and disease, activate the immune system as a defense. One primary defense is inflammation. Inflammation results in the release of molecules, including oxidants and cytokines, from lymphocytes that destroy offenders. Problematically, 2 these molecules can also damage the host. Fortunately, the body has a natural protecting mechanism through the release of antioxidants. Antioxidants