Student Poster Abstracts Ug-Asnr-007 Gr-Asnr-013

STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-ASNR-007 GR-ASNR-013

A Non-destructive Method of Artificial Inoculating Mature Onion Bulbs for Selection Against Fusarium Varying Tolerance of Mature Loblolly Pine (Pinus Basal Rot taeda L.) Families to Root Infecting Fungi

Subhankar Mandal (New Mexico State University), Pratima Devkota (Auburn University), Lori Eckhardt Christopher Cramer (New Mexico State University) (Auburn University) Advisor: Christopher Cramer (New Mexico State Advisor: Lori Eckhardt (Auburn University) University) Pine decline is an emerging problem in the southern United States. Root feeding bark beetles and their Fusarium basal rot (FBR) of onion (Allium cepa L.), fungal associates Leptographium terebrantis (native) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae (FOC), and Grosmannia huntii (non-native) are the biotic fac- results in severe crop damage in all onion producing tors involved in decline. This study was conducted regions of the world. Using resistant cultivars is the to understand the susceptibility of mature loblolly best alternative to controlling this disease. FBR-resis- pine (Pinus taeda L.) families to these fungi and cor- tant cultivars have yet to be developed and effective relate results with the same pre-screened seedling screening methods are needed. The primary objective families. Two mature families which were susceptible of the present project was to compare the FBR devel- and two families which were tolerant in the previous opment efficiencies of a non-destructive method of in- seedling screening study were included. In the study, oculum delivery with the current destructive method. two primary lateral roots were excavated from each Additionally, we wanted to compare different inocu- tree. Each of the roots was artificially inoculated with lum concentrations for their effect on FBR incidence either L. terebrantis or G. huntii along with a control. and severity using each spore delivery method. In Eight weeks following inoculation, host responses spring 2016, mature bulbs of ‘Mayan Sweets’ were in- was recorded as the lesion and vascular occlusion. oculated with PDA containing suspended FOC spores Both of the fungi caused lesions and occlusions of virulent isolate ‘CSC-515’. Three spore concentra- upward and downward radiating from the point of 5 -1 tions of 3.0, 0.30 and 0.03 x 10 sporesŸml were used initial inoculation. Families screened showed different to inoculate bulbs with transversely-cut and intact levels of susceptibility to the fungal species tested, as basal plates. Bulbs with an undisturbed basal plate indicated by their average lesion length. The pattern exhibited less disease incidence and severity than of susceptibility and tolerance in the large mature bulbs with cut basal plates. An increase in spore con- tree families and seedling families was similar. In centration also increased FBR incidence and severity summary, the same level of family difference exists in for cut bulbs, but had no effect on uncut bulbs. Spore mature as well as in premature stages of loblolly pine 5 concentrations of 0.3 x10 or less may not produce families. enough disease regardless of the processing of the basal plate. Results will be presented from a second trial in which the same procedures were used on five Key Terms: Pine decline autumn-sown, Grano type hybrid breeding lines from the NMSU program and a susceptible check. Loblolly pine Inoculation

Key Terms: Allium cepa L. Fusarium basal rot Inoculum delivery

143 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

GR-ASNR-014 GR-ASNR-015

Effect of Growth Rate on Amylostereum spp. Fun- Bermudagrass Stem Maggot: Devastating New Pest gus by Terpenes in Southern Hay Production

Andrea Wahl (Auburn University), Lori Eckhardt Zachary Moore (University Of Georgia) (Auburn University), Ryan Nadel (Auburn Univer- Advisors: William Hudson (University of Georgia), isty), Bernard Slippers (FABI, Univeristy of Pretoria) William Anderson (USDA) Advisor: Lori Eckhardt (Auburn University) Bermudagrass stem maggot (BSM) or Atherigona Sirex noctilio is a species of woodwasp native to Eu- reversura is a new invasive species that has invaded rope that has been identified as invasive in Australia, the Southeastern United States and is crippling the South Africa, and the Northeastern United States, hay production. This species of Atherigona is native to but has not yet been identified in the southeast. This Japan, Indonesia, India, and Hawaii. Bermudagrass pest has caused significant economic and ecological stem maggot was first noticed in Georgia in 2010. damage, and in some cases mortality of previously The damage from this insect occurs at the last node of healthy trees. Females cause damage to Pinus spp. by the stem where the leaf emerges. The larva or mag- drilling into the xylem to oviposit eggs, venom, and a got burrows into the shoot and feeds, and the leaves mutualistic fungus, causing trees to begin to die with- above the feeding area die. This feeding usually oc- in days of inoculation. Certain chemicals emitted by curs on the top node. The discoloration of the upper stressed pines have been observed to serve as chemi- leaves causes the field to look like there has been a cal attractants to the wasps. As a means of exploring light frost. If left uncontrolled, up to 80 percent of the pine resistance to Sirex associated fungi, the effect of tillers in the field can be affected, resulting in signifi- these mentioned host plant secondary metabolites cant yield reduction. As of right now, there are very on the growth of these fungi were tested. Eighteen few options for controlling this pest other than the isolates of Amylostereum spp. collected worldwide foliar application of pesticides, mainly pyrethroids. were grown in saturated atmospheres or in direct Greenhouse studies indicated that fine stem cultivars contact with pure monoterpenes for 7 days. Fungal are more susceptible to BSM. A field study compared growth in the saturated atmosphere was measured on spray controlled plots to unsprayed plots in Tifton in day 7 while the tactile experiment was measured at 3, 2015 and 2016. For clippings in mid to late summer, 5, and 7 days. These experiments showed that certain BSM reduced yield of Alicia and Russell over 60%. metabolites such as 4AA, α-Phellandrene, (+) Cam- Tifton 85 and Coastcross II also had some yield reduc- phene, and (-) Limonene were shown to significantly tion but not as severe. reduce growth of isolates compared to control treat- ments. Conversely, α-Pinene and β-Pinene treatments tended to increase growth rates of the fungal isolates. Key Terms: Entomology A difference in growth rates between isolates from the northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere was Agricultural also observed. The treatments (+) α- Pinene and β- Invasive species Myrcene resulted in the highest percentage of fungal growth for all isolates tested when comparing fungal growth as a percent area relative to the controls.

Key Terms: Forestry Mycology Entomology

144 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

HS-BSS-026 UG-BSS-032

Effect of Measurement Burden on Patient Participa- An Experimental Approach to Evaluating Bone tion: A Case Study Tools from the Early Hominin Site of Swartkrans, South Africa Su-Yun Han (Walt Whitman High School), Peter Kaufmann (NHLBI/NIH), Dong-Yun Kim (NHLBI/ William Anderson (Georgia State University) NIH), Marston Youngblood (UNC Chapel Hill) Advisor: Frank Williams (Georgia State University) Advisor: Peter Kaufmann (NHLBI/NIH) Swartkrans, a lower Paleolithic South African cave In a large clinical study, patients often have to fill out has yielded the remains of Australopithecus robustus numerous medical forms and surveys at each visit. In and rudimentary bone tools. Previous functional this presentation, we investigate how such measure- assessments of these bone tools include extraction of ment burden affects patient participation and re- underground storage organs (USOs) of plants and the sponses to self-reported outcomes. Using real clinical exploitation of termite mounds. To address artifact trial data, we demonstrate that measurement burden function, three sets of experimental bone tools were has a significant negative impact on participation, utilized to extract (1) USOs, (2) termites and (3) both and there is an interaction between disease severity resources each for a total of 120 minutes, and casts and measurement burden. Using statistical models, of the tools were observed. Stereomicroscopy and we identify factors that also contribute to patient par- maneuverable light sources were employed to clas- ticipation. Our study indicates that the measurement sify scratches as either superficial or destructive, and burden may influence the dropout rate so it should digital measurements recorded their angles relative be considered at the design stage, especially when the to the midline of the tool, calculated using a refer- clinical trial involves gravely ill patients. ence grid to bisect and align the microscope lens and tools. Observation of striations were taken at the midline and approximately five millimeters towards Key Terms: Measurement burden the right and left margins. A Kruskal-Wallis Analysis Patient participation of Variance yielded non-significant differences (p = 0.378) between striation angles at the midline and Clinical trial the two margins. However, a Kruskal-Wallis test shows that significantly higher angles (p = 0.001) characterize bone tool casts used to exploit USOs and both resources, with lower angles for termite tools. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test revealed no difference in angle for destructive or superficial striations. How- ever, destructive scratches at higher angles were ab- sent from bone tools used for termites. These results indicate greater angulation oblique to the main axis of the tool was needed to exploit USOs. Therefore, bone tools from Swartkrans may have been utilized to ex- ploit USOs or both resources, but not termites alone.

Key Terms: Anthropology Experimental archaeology Paleoanthropology

145 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-BSS-033 HS-CBB-051

The Development of Standard Operating Procedure Potential Role of BTK-52 in Aggressive Breast Can- for Patient and Public Involvement to Improve Safe cer Injection Process Ryan Burczak (Clayton A. Bouton High School), Faiza Ramin Pouriran (Shahid Beheshti University of Medi- Khan (University at Albany), Douglas Conklin (Uni- cal Sciences), Farnaz Mostofian (Patient Safety Officer, Ministry of Health), Mahnaz Montazeri (Specialist of versity at Albany) Infectious Disease, Tehran University of Medical Sci- Advisor: Douglas Conklin (University at Albany) ence), Mohamad Reza Rahmanian Haghighi (Shahid Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer Beheshti University, Department of Sociology) in women worldwide, and new ways to fight the Advisors: Maryam Mohseni (Community and Social disease are needed. Tyrosine kinases are enzymes that Medicine specialist, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences), Hossein Jafari (Taleghani Uni- normally transduce signals that promote cell prolif- versity Hospital of Shaheed Beheshti University of eration and survival. Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) Medical Sciences) and an altered form of Abelson Tyrosine Kinase (BCR- ABL1) enzymes have been identified in aggressive Approximately 16 billion injections are given each breast cancer. In another cancer, pre-B cell leukemia, year in developing countries; sometimes injections BCR-ABL1 has been shown to promote leukemia by that are intended to promote health act in the oppo- site way. This issue occurs when injections are given inducing the expression of BTK-52, a splice variant of in an unsafe way. Therefore, the World Health Orga- BTK. The proteins BCR-ABL1, BTK-52 and BTK form nization (WHO) is launching a new policy on safe in- a cell-signaling complex which promotes resistance jection to assist countries tackle the pervasive issue of to apoptosis. This research investigates if BTK-52 unsafe injections. The nobility of this scientific study expression is present in breast cancer, suggesting that was finding strategies to improve safe injection. To a similar BCR-ABL1, BTK-52 and BTK cell-signaling efficiently target patient’s safety, Chen’s theory-driven complex may be formed. This is important because evaluation as a framework was employed. We carried anti-BCR-ABL1 drugs exist and anti-BTK drugs are out a systemic search by using different electronic being developed to treat leukemia. Perhaps they databases including: Medline, Embase, Cochrane, could treat breast cancer too. The objective of this Google Scholar, Elsevier, and Web of Science. The en- work is to determine if BTK-52 plays a similar role tire publication until 2015 in Iran and internationally were reviewed. The search was in the areas of patient in breast cancer as in pre-B cell leukemia. This poster and public involvement in Safe Injection. Primary presents work to identify the presence or absence of structural and process determinants of SOP were BTK-52 expression in breast cancer cell lines. Results developed by using material obtained from literature from computer assisted analysis to determine the review and experts analysis; furthermore, a question- amino acid sequence BTK and BTK-52 expressed pro- naire was designed. The structural components and teins and to design polymerase chain reaction (PCR) related process were placed in the framework of our primers for BTK and BTK-52 complimentary DNA Chen’s theory-driven evaluation model. Indeed, a (cDNA) are shown. Results of experiments to analyze standard operating procedure was defined for safe pre-B cell leukemia cells (as a positive control) and injection in three steps: the first step was program in- breast cancer cells for the presence of BTK and BTK- frastructure, the second step was process dimension, 52 through PCR of cDNA are also shown. and the third step was different indicators for evalu- ation of the structure and safe injection programs. It is clear that this guidance could be used for patient and public involvement in Safe Injection and making Key Terms: Cancer deliberate efforts to engage those who are at high risk of unsafe injection. Cell biology Molecular biology Key Terms: World Health Organization Patients and public involvement Safe injection

146 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

HS-CBB-052 HS-CBB-053

Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Phenotype Switch- Targeting AlzheimerÆs Disease Neuro-Metabolic ing in Malignant and Non-malignant Colon Cells Dysfunction with a Small Molecule Nuclear Recep- tor Agonist (T3D-959) Reverses Disease Pathologies Elise Mochizuki (Jericho High School), Devasis Chat- terjee (Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown Uni- Elise Mochizuki (Jericho High School), Suzanne de versity), Peter Quesenberry (Warren Alpert Medical la Monte (Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown School of Brown University) University) Extracellular vesicles (EV) play a role in tumorigen- Glucose is the sole energy source for the brain. Brain esis, and are composed of microvesicles (MV) and insulin resistance contributes to cognitive impair- exosomes secreted by a variety of cell types. Higher ment and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Because of the levels of EVs in advanced stages of cancer not only abundant expression of insulin receptors, the cerebel- transport proteins and nucleic acids, but may also lum is a major target of brain insulin resistance and facilitate the horizontal transfer of information in of neurodegeneration in AD. Peroxisome proliferator- tumorigenesis by the activation of signaling pathways activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear hormone and the transfer of cellular phenotype. This study ex- receptors which function as transcription factors amined if EVs derived from malignant human patient and regulate gene expression. PPAR-β/δ is more tissue or cancer line would affect the phenotype of highly expressed in the brain, while PPAR-γ is more recipient cells. Human colon tissue samples, human highly expressed in the rest of the body. Agonists of adenocarcinoma HCT116, and normal colon fibroblast both treat the intracerebral (i.c.) streptozotocin (STZ) 1459 cells were cultured. Soft agar colony formation animal model of brain diabetes which mimics many assay, mass spectrometry, NK-KB luciferase reporter aspects of sporadic AD. A former diabetes drug can- assay, and small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) didate now being repositioned as an AD-modifying against the 14-3-3 zeta/delta protein were performed therapy, T3D-959 is a dual nuclear receptor agonist on co-cultures of cells and isolated EVs. Malignancy with PPAR-δ as the primary target and PPAR-γ as the was measured by increased anchorage independent secondary target. Our null hypothesis was that T3D- growth, increased transcription of NK-KB, and expres- 959 would not effect motor function or reverse cer- sion of 14-3-3 zeta/delta. EV derived from normal ebellar neurodegeneration in the STZ animal model patient tissue as well as from non-malignant cell lines of sporadic AD. Long Evan rats were dosed orally reversed the malignant phenotype of HCT116 cells. with saline or T3D-959 from 1 day or 7 days after the An inhibitor of NK-KB showed decreased transcrip- i.c. STZ treatment, for a total of 21 or 28 days. Rotarod tion of NK-KB, and the knock down of 14-3-3 zeta/ tests assessed motor function and long term effects of delta showed decreased anchorage independent STZ. Histological and image analysis studies assessed growth of HCT116 cells as well as 1459 cells co-cul- cerebellar atrophy. Both rotarod data and cerebellar tured with HCT116 derived EVs. Because a malignant histopathology showed a greater reversal of neuro- phenotype was induced as well as reversed, these degeneration with T3D-959 treatment starting 7 days results suggest EV-mediated phenotype switching in after i.c. STZ. Because therapeutic effects occurred both malignant and non-malignant colon cells. 14-3-3 even after a delay in treatment, these results suggest zeta/delta may be a potential target in the treatment that individuals diagnosed late with mild or moder- of colorectal cancer, where the upregulation of this ate AD would benefit from T3D-959. protein in malignant cells might be prevented.

Key Terms: Neurosurgery Key Terms: Hematology/oncology Alzheimer Colorectal cancer PPAR agonist Extracellular vesicles

147 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

HS-CBB-054 HS-CBB-055

Contagious Cancer: Horizontal Transmission of Stabilization of Morphine Tolerance with Long- Clonal Cancer Cells Causes Leukemia in Soft-Shell Term Dosing: Association with Selective Upregula- Clams tion of Mu-opioid Receptor Splice Variant mRNAs

Elise Mochizuki (Jericho High School), Stephen Goff Elise Mochizuki (Jericho High School), Gavril Paster- (Columbia University Medical Center) nak (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center/Weill Medical School of Cornell University) Disseminated, or hemic, neoplasia is a leukemia-like cancer causing significant loss in the marine bivalve There has been a disconnect between preclinical population, and the origin of the cancer cells was observations of dose-dependent morphine tolerance unknown. The retrotransposon Steamer is amplified which increases over time, and clinical observations in neoplastic cells of soft-shell clams (Mya arenaria). that patients could be maintained on fixed opioid Hemocytes present in the hemolymph of Mya arenaria doses for extended periods of time without dose collected from four different locations in New York, escalation, implying no further development of toler- Maine, and Canada were examined by phase-contrast ance. Many prior studies didn’t examine the mRNA microscopy, and DNA extracted from the hemocytes or protein levels of multiple clones of the mu-opioid was examined. Inverse PCR identified integration receptor (MOR) for an extended duration of treat- sites of the new Steamer elements in the neoplastic ment. The objective of this study was to see if toler- cells, and integration site-specific PCR scored for the ance would increase in the short term and then reach presence of particular integrations. Both mitochon- a steady state, reconciling the preclinical and clinical drial and nuclear DNAs were examined by sequence literature. The median effective dose (ED50) values analysis to provide genotyping of the tumor and host. were measured over 6 weeks in mice subcutaneously Twelve new 12 Steamer integration sites were identi- injected with different doses of morphine. mRNA fied that were not present in healthy animals, where 7 levels of MOR splice variants were determined by of the sites were found in neoplastic cells from all geo- qPCR assays in three independent determinations on graphic locations. Four sites were found in New York pooled (n=3-4) prefrontal cortex, striatum, thalamus, and Maine neoplasms, but not in Canada neoplasms. hypothalamus, hippocampus, periaqueductal gray, A particular single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), brainstem, cerebellum, spinal cord samples, and C785T, was found in the neoplastic hemocyte DNA of whole brain samples. After continued administration all leukemic animals, and G649A was found in all of of various fixed morphine doses well beyond the one the leukemic animals from Canada although in none week dosing typically used in preclinical studies, from New York and Maine. The genotypes based on selective upregulation causing increases in variant microsatellite DNA lengths in the neoplastic hemo- mRNA levels of up to 300-fold were seen in the stria- cytes were distinct from those in the host tissue, and tum, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. Consistent additionally were the same in all leukemic animals. with such short term animal studies, a linear increase The results suggest that a clonal transmissable cell in tolerance as measured by ED50 was seen over the derived from a single original clam was likely to be first 3 weeks of dosing. Long term morphine admin- responsible for the cancer spreading between these istration up to 6 weeks demonstrated a stabilization marine animals. of the degree of tolerance, where the ED50 values remained constant or leveled off. This is consistent and reconciles with clinical experience. Key Terms: Contagious cancer Steamer Key Terms: Analgesia Mya arenaria MOR-1

Splice variant

148 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

HS-CBB-056 UG-CBB-094

Interferon γ -induced Intratumoral Expression of The Journey to Cataracts: A Study of UVB-Induced CXCL9 Alters the Local Distribution of T Cells DNA Damage in Cultured Human Lens Epithelial Following Immunotherapy with Listeria monocyto- Cells genes

Maria Donovan (Oakland University) Elise Mochizuki (Jericho High School), Yvonne Pater- Advisors: Frank Giblin (Oakland University), Vidhi son (Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania) Mishra (Oakland University)

Listeria monocytogenes-based vaccines induce the se- Age related cataracts are the second leading cause of cretion of cytokines and the production of interferon blindness in the United States. Cortical cataract (an γ (IFNγ) as well as induce the expansion of antigen- opacification in the lens periphery) is a major type specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The null hypothesis of this disease; however, little is known about its was that vaccination with immunotherapeutic L. mechanism of formation. One cause is known to be monocytogenes (Lm-LLO-E7) would not induce the solar UVB radiation, possibly through UVB-induced IFNγ-dependent production of chemokines which damage to DNA present in the lens epithelium. regulate migration and optimal infiltration of tumors Here, we investigated DNA damage and repair in by CD8+ T cells. Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 9 cultured human lens epithelial cells (LECs) exposed (CXCL9) expressing or controlling knock down type 16 human papillomavirus (HPV-16)-immortalized to two different intensities of UVB light, 0.9mW/ murine tumor (TC-1) cells were implanted in the cm² and 0.09mW/cm². Following UVB exposure, flanks of female C57BL/6 mice, and tumor plugs cells were incubated for various times, and analyzed allowed to form. The mice were sacrificed after one for DNA strand breaks (TMR Roche Red), reactive or two immunizations of live Lm-LLO-E7, and qPCR oxygen species (CellROX), cell viability (MTT), and chemokine arrays, individual primer assays, enzyme- fluorescence immunocytochemistry, with the lat- linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and/or flow ter assay employing antibodies for the DNA repair cytometry were performed. Lm-LLO-E7 upregulated enzyme poly(ADP)-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP-1) the cytokine-dependent production of TH1-associated and poly(ADP)- ribose (PAR) polymers. The results chemokines by malignant cells, esp. CXCL9. CXCL9 indicated a biphasic mechanism for the higher dose was the only chemokine whose mRNA and protein of UVB in which a first phase of DNA strand breaks production by malignant cells were changed by vac- cination after treatment with either anti-IFNγ antibod- were repaired immediately after exposure, and ies or control IgG. IFNγ upregulated TC-1 derived then followed by a second phase of strand breaks chemokines, esp. CXCL9, by 100-fold, plus another at 90 min, which were repaired again. For the lower 10-fold with the addition of tumor necrosis factor α dose of UVB there was only an initial occurrence (TNFα). Upon vaccination, many E7-specific CD8+ of DNA strand breaks and repair. Furthermore, it T cells expressed chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor was observed that 90 min after the high UVB dose, 3 (CXCR3) were found infiltrating the TC-1 tumor, PAR polymers migrated from the cell nucleus to the with an increase in L. monocytogenes antigen-specific cytoplasm, possibly to induce cell death. The results CD4+ T cells, whereas the knock down of CXCL9 indicate that PARP-1, along with PAR polymers, as- decreased CD8+ T cells and increased CD4+ T cells. sist in the repair of UVB-induced damage to DNA in These results suggest that TC-1 derived, IFNγ-driven the human lens epithelium, and may also induce cell CXCL9 is crucial for optimal infiltration of CD8+ T cells into tumors of L. monocytogenes-vaccinated death. mice.

Key Terms: Cataracts Key Terms: Immunotherapy UVB light Cancer vaccine Human lens epithelial cells Listeria monocytogenes

149 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-CBB-095 UG-CBB-096

The Effect of Light on Dopamine Synthesis in the The Effects of NanI Sialidase Production on Host Retina Cell Attachment and Toxin Expression in Clostridi- um perfringens Type C Maya Sammane (Eye Research Institute at Oakland University) Daniel Evans (Carnegie Mellon University) Advisors: Dao-Qi Zhang (Eye Research Institute at Advisors: Bruce McClane (University of Pittsburgh), Oakland University), Sheng-Nan Qiao (Eye Research Jihong Li (University of Pittsburgh) Institute at Oakland University and Institute of Brain Clostridium perfringens is an anaerobic pathogenic Science at Fudan University) bacterium that causes lethal enteric diseases in both

humans and livestock. The development of therapies Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter respon- to treat infections by this pathogen has been difficult sible for a variety of functions in the central nervous because of its ability to produce a large arsenal of system. This chemical messenger is involved in light soluble toxins. Previous research has demonstrated adaptation of the visual system. Light adaptation is that NanI sialidase, a neuraminidase secreted by the essential to visual acuity in a world where the eyes bacterium, contributes to host cell attachment and must instantly adapt to changing light conditions. enhances the cytotoxic activity of several clostridial However, the effect of different light conditions on toxins. However, the relationship between NanI dopamine synthesis levels in the retina remains function and expression of toxins specific to human unclear. The retina contains three classes of photo- pathogenic strains of this species has not been de- sensitive cells: rods function mostly under dim light scribed. The purpose of this project was to character- conditions, while cones and melanopsin ganglion ize the effects of NanI sialidase on host cell adherence cells function under bright light conditions. The and expression of beta toxin in C. perfringens Type C, objective of this study is to determine how each pho- a human-infecting toxinotype, as part of a pilot study toreceptor class contributes to dopamine synthesis investigating the potential use of sialidase inhibitors levels. To achieve this objective, a western blot protein as effective treatments for clostridial infections. To quantification assay was used to determine relative accomplish this, we constructed isogenic nanI null dopamine synthesis levels in retinas from mice. Single mutant and mutant complement cultures of Type C photoreceptor function-only mice were used to rep- strain CN3685 and then assayed each strain for beta resent each photoreceptor’s response to various light toxin expression and adherence to Caco-2­ intestinal conditions. We found that rod-function-only mice cell culture. The nanI null mutant strain showed sig- had the highest TH expression under dim light when nificantly less host cell adherence than the wild-type­ compared to bright light and dark conditions. Cone- and mutant complement strains. However, no signifi- function-only mice had higher TH expression under cant difference in beta toxin expression was observed bright light versus dark conditions. Melanopsin-func- between the three isogenic strains. We conclude that tion-only mice also exhibited higher TH expression NanI is a major contributer to adherence of C. per- under bright light versus dark conditions. The results fringens to the human intestinal epithelium, thereby suggest that dim light conditions lead to increased increasing localized concentrations of secreted toxins dopamine synthesis levels via rods and bright light at the surfaces of host cells. Our findings demonstrate conditions potentially increase dopamine synthesis the clinical significance of NanI sialidase and support levels via cones and melanopsin ganglion cells. testing whether sialidase inhibition reduces host cell cytotoxicity caused by this pathogen.

Key Terms: Light adaptation Dopaminergic neurons Key Terms: Microbiology Protein quantification Cell biology Genetics

150 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-CBB-097 UG-CBB-098

Investigating the Mechanism Underlying the Distinctive Effects of Resveratrol on Hepatocytes Inhibitory Role of Dietary Flavonoids in Human and Effector T Lymphocytes as a Likely Mechanism Cancers of its Action in Immune-Mediated Liver Inflamma- tion Vaithish Velazhahan (Kansas State University) Advisor: Kathrin Schrick (Kansas State University) Amy Harrington (University of South Carolina) Flavonoids are plant-derived secondary metabolites Advisor: Venkatesh Hegde (University of South that have been shown to have anticancer proper- Carolina) ties. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Resveratrol (RES) is a natural polyphenolic com- flavonoid action is currently unknown. A key area of pound derived from red grapes, known for its anti- research in our laboratory is investigating the regula- aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Hepatocytes tion of gene expression in development using Arabi- comprise the parenchyma of the liver, and carry out dopsis as a model system. Several regulatory proteins normal liver function. Activated T cells are the ef- have recently been shown to be stabilized by natural fector cells, which secrete cytokines resulting in liver compounds of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. inflammation during immune-mediated liver diseas- es such as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). AIH affects This finding, combined with a recent study that up to 200,000 people in the US every year. Based on shows that the dietary flavonoid fisetin induces apop- previous studies, treatment of RES can decrease liver tosis in human cancers by inhibiting the transcription inflammation in a rodent model of AIH, and cause factor Heat Shock Factor 1 (HSF1), led to the hypoth- apoptosis of activated T cells. This study explores the esis that fisetin stabilizes HSF1 by direct interaction. effects of RES on activated T cells and hepatocytes Since trimerization of the HSF1 transcription factor side-by-side. Normal BNL CL.2 murine hepatocytes, under heat shock is critical for its activation and DNA and primary lymph node-derived T lymphocytes binding, stabilizing the monomeric form of HSF1 from mice were activated polyclonally with Concana- fisetin could interfere with heat-induced activation. valin A in replicates. Cells were treated with multiple Human HSF1 along with transcription factors from doses of RES (0, 10, 40 micro Molar) for ~16 hours in Arabidopsis and charophycean green algae Spirogyra culture medium and analyzed by light microscopy. Trypan blue dye exclusion method was applied to have been chosen as candidates to investigate poten- count viable cells. Activated T lymphocytes showed tial interactions with flavonoids and evolutionary proliferation with medium where no RES treatment conservation of these interactions. Thermal shift as- was present, while those treated with increasing says and additional biophysical assays, such as sur- doses of Resveratrol exhibited significant sensitivity face plasmon resonance, are being conducted to assay to RES. With increasing doses of RES, T cell prolif- flavonoid binding. Since fisetin has chemotherapeutic eration was markedly decreased. Comparatively, potential, promising novel drugs that more efficiently the treated hepatocytes showed normal and similar stabilize HSF1 could be developed as innovative appearance with all doses of RES, and maintained therapies to combat cancer progression. a relatively consistent cell count with no significant decrease in viable cells with RES. These findings suggest that RES acts distinctively on activated T cells versus hepatocytes. It is likely that while RES induces Key Terms: Genetics apoptosis in effector T lymphocytes, the compound at similar doses is safe for hepatocytes. These experi- Molecular biology ments address the effect of RES on immune-mediated Medicine liver inflammation and begin to provide a prelimi- nary understanding of distinctive mechanisms in hepatocytes versus effector leukocytes.

Key Terms: Immunology Dietery supplement Liver inflammation

151 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-CBB-099 UG-CBB-100

Identification of the Genetic Regulators of Plasmin- Extreme Local Recombination Frequency in Com- ogen Activator Inhibitor-1 pound Heterozygous Actr2 Mutant Mice

Alexander Johnston (Oakland University), Amy Lena Mishack (Oakland University), Amy Siebert Siebert (Oakland University), Stephanie Verbeek (Oakland University) (Oakland University), Marisa Brake (Oakland Univer- Advisor: Randal Westrick (Oakland Univeristy) sity) Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major health Advisor: Randal Westrick (Oakland University) problem worldwide. Recently, we identified a novel, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mor- dominant VTE suppressor mutation in the Actr2 gene bidity and mortality throughout the world. The using a lethal VTE mouse model. This missense mu- formation of intravascular blood clots (thrombi) com- tation (Actr2+/G) occurs within a highly conserved posed primarily of platelets and fibrin, coupled with region of the gene. However, Actr2+/G is unlikely a decrease in clot breakdown (fibrinolysis) is a final a loss of function mutation as a gene-targeted­ Actr2 event in cardiovascular disease progression. Plasmin- knockout allele (Actr2+/-) was unable to suppress ogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1, gene name: Serpine1) lethal VTE. To identify the phenotypic consequences is an essential fibrinolysis inhibitor produced primar- associated with the Actr2G mutation, we performed ily by platelets. PAI-1 is consistently elevated in plas- Actr2+/G x Actr2+/G crosses to produce Actr2G/G ma from cardiovascular disease patients, but mecha- mice and also Actr2+/G x Actr2+/- to produce nisms driving this increase are unknown. In order to Actr2G/- mice. We found significant departures from elucidate genetic regulators of Serpine1 expression, we expected Mendelian frequencies for the Actr2G/G surveyed 12 mouse strains for platelet PAI-1 antigen. progeny (p=0.005). Actr2G/G mice that did survive We found that while the C57BL/6J inbred strain had were infertile, developed progressive curvature of <0.2 ± 0.2 pg/μg total protein, the LEWES/EiJ strain the spine, and died of wasting by approximately six had a striking increase in platelet PAI-1 antigen with months of age. Surprisingly, frequencies of Actr2G/- 1.8 ± 0.8 pg/μg total protein (q = 0.004). LEWES/EiJ mice were normally distributed and were pheno- x C57BL/6J crossbreeding experiments produced F1 typically indistinguishable from Actr2+/G mice. To mice with average platelet PAI-1 levels of 0.8 ± 0.1 investigate this observed phenotypic disparity, fur- pg/μg total protein (q = 0.01), suggesting a semi- ther intercrossing and backcrossing of Actr2G/- mice dominant Serpine1 regulatory effect. We used crosses was performed. Out of 109 progeny, we observed an of the LEWES/EiJ and C57BL/6J strains to generate astonishing 32 recombination events (29.3%) within 24 F2 progeny and through QTL analysis identified a 14.2 kb interval of the Actr2 gene. As the reported a major locus for the regulation of platelet PAI-1 recombination activity at this defined locus should levels that spans a 14.4 megabase interval (128.2-142.6 be only 0.02%, our findings suggest generation of a megabases) on chromosome 5 (LOD score= 4.81). novel, promiscuous recombination site as a result Additional studies are underway on 144 F2 progeny of the Actr2 knockout gene-targeting event. These to narrow this region. These proposed investigations results provide a cautionary tale of the unintended of PAI-1 regulation will provide insights into platelet consequences of gene knockout technology and how specific gene expression as well as identification of genomes edited with this system may be inadver- novel therapeutic targets for modulating thrombosis tently affected. and fibrinolysis.

Key Terms: Genetics Key Terms: Genetics Recombination Gene expression Gene-targeting technology Cardiovascular disease

152 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-CBB-101 UG-CBB-102

Acidithiobacillus ferroxidans Differentially Regu- Understanding RNA-Binding Roles in the Microtu- lates Three Pilus Regions in Response to Growth bule Organizing Center Phase Lauren DeMeyer (Oakland University), Michael Tyler Nardone (Oakland University), Adrienne Wil- Stubenvoll (Oakland University) liams (Oakland University), James Iordanou (Oak- Advisor: Mi Hye Song (Oakland University) land University) Advisor: Sara Blumer-Schuette (Oakland University) The centrosome serves as the main microtubule organizing center in animal cells, exhibiting changes Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is an acidophilic chemo- in both size and number during the cell cycle. During lithoautotrophic bacterium that oxidizes ferrous iron. mitosis, the centrosomes help to form the poles of the While acidic environments are typically inhospitable mitotic spindle, and are crucial for proper chromo- for most microbes, these environments slow the spon- some segregation and maintenance of genomic integ- taneous oxidation of soluble ferrous to ferric iron. A. rity. Centrosomes must duplicate exactly once per cell ferrooxidans has gained interest due to its potential for cycle. Their duplication is a tightly regulated process, industrial-scale bioleaching of metals from complex and extensive work in the nematode C. elegans has ores, especially in copper mining. Since A. ferrooxidans identified five factors that are essential for centrosome relies on dissolution of metal sulfides for their bioen- duplication, including the kinase ZYG-1. Further ergetic requirements, adhesion to and colonization of work into the regulation of this process identified two the substrate is important. Previously identified at- RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), SZY-20 and ATX-2, tachment mechanisms include extracellular polymers which physically associate to negatively regulate as well as both type IV and tight adherence pilus sys- ZYG-1. The role of RNA and RNA binding proteins tems. This study focuses on a third pilus system that in centrosome duplication is a largely uncharacter- our laboratory identified, a sigma-type chaperone ized topic. RNAs serve as intermediate messengers usher pilus (CUP). Our hypothesis is that CUP are di- rectly involved in irreversible attachment to surfaces. for the processing of genetic information, but can also To address our hypothesis we used a combination of function as regulators of gene expression or serve physiological and functional genomics approaches. structural roles as well. The aim of this project is to Using crystal violet staining, we determined that A. identify RNAs involved in centrosome duplication ferrooxidans was preferentially attaching to hydropho- by identifying the RNAs that physically interact with bic verus hydrophilic surfaces, implicating nonpolar, SZY-20 and ATX-2. By using a modified RNA Im- hydrophobic molecules in attachment. Direct count- munoprecipitation technique called in-vivo Photoac- ing by epifluorescence microscopy determined that tivatable Ribonucleoside-Enhanced Crosslinking and each culture reached similar cell densities, suggesting Immunoprecipitation (iPAR-CLIP), we have isolated that biofilm formation was influenced by the surface RNAs bound to SZY-20 and ATX-2. Following RNA- not cell density. A majority of A. ferrooxidans cells also seq analysis, we will continue characterizing the role maintain adherent capabilities throughout growth. of these RNAs in the centrosome duplication process. Ultimately, we used qRT-PCR to compare the expres- sion of the three pilus systems during exponential versus stationary phases. Expression data shows Key Terms: Cell cycle significant up-regulation of CUP genes during the Centrosome transition to stationary phase. Overall, we provide evidence for growth-phase dependent initiation of RNA-binding biofilm formation and expression of the CUP system.

Key Terms: Microbiology Genetics Biochemistry

153 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-CBB-103 UG-CBB-104

Isolation and Purification of Mycobacteriophage Investigating the Regulation of Drosophila HIFα in Thespis Neuronal Mitochondrial Retrograde Signaling

David Bushhouse (Hampden-Sydney College) Amara Thind (University of California, Irvine), Ra- Advisor: Michael Wolyniak (Hampden-Sydney Col- chel Hunt (King’s College, London) lege) Advisor: Joseph Bateman (King’s College, London) In continuance with the HHMI Science Education Al- Inherited metabolic disorders are often mitochondri- liance Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evo- al, and tissues with high metabolic demands, like the lutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program at Hamp- nervous system, are frequently affected as seen with den-Sydney College, a lytic bacteriophage, named Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Mitochondrial Thespis, was isolated from enriched soil samples retrograde signaling is a key mechanism of cellular using host organism Mycobacterium smegmatis. High homeostasis and defined as the cellular response to titer lysates were produced and used to isolate DNA, changes in the functional state of mitochondria. This which was sequenced and uploaded to the Actinobac- allows for changes in nuclear gene transcription and teriophage Database at www.phagesdb.org. Genome cellular signaling pathways. Hypoxia inducible factor annotation is underway, and continuing efforts are alpha subunit (HIFα) transcription factor was discov- aimed at examining transcriptional and translational ered to regulate neuronal mitochondrial retrograde characteristics of Thespis in the host using RNA-seq signaling in Drosophila. HIFα controls retrograde re- and LC-MS protein identification. sponse genes to reprogram neurons by stopping pro- tein translation and altering cellular metabolic states. In Drosophila larvae, estrogen related receptor (ERR) Key Terms: Mycobacteriophage was found to be required for the full complement of HIF responses under hypoxic conditions. It is hypoth- Virology esized that ERR is required for some/all of HIFα- de- pendent neuronal mitochondrial retrograde signals. SEA-PHAGES The aims are 1) to investigate the functional impact of ERR in neuronal retrograde signaling under condi- tions of mitochondrial dysfunction 2) to investigate if levels of ERR change in neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction. Climbing and wing inflation assays were done to assess functional impact of ERR-knockdown and immunofluorescence staining was conducted to detect changes in ERR levels under mitochondrial dysfunction conditions. ERR-knockdown driven in motor neurons significantly improves both wing inflation and climbing ability under mitochondrial dysfunction conditions and ERR levels appear to be higher in larval glutamatergic neurons with damaged mitochondria. This supports the claim that ERR may be involved in mitochondrial retrograde signaling and can possibly regulate neuronal activity, manipu- lated to enhance neuronal function.

Key Terms: Neuroscience Neurodegeneration Molecular biology

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GRAD.WPI.EDU STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-CBB-105 UG-CBB-106

Testing the Function of La-Related Proteins 6 in Characterizing a Novel Class of Long Noncoding Danio rerio by Genome Editing RNAs Expressed in Cancer

Jessica Nevarez- Mejia (University of California, Jonathan Mendez (UCI), Karen Yap (King’s College Irvine), Victoria C. Williams (King’s College London), London), Eugene Makeyev (King’s College London) Maria R. Conte (King’s College London), Simon M. Advisors: Karen Yap (King’s College London), Eu- Hughes (King’s College London) gene Makeyev (King’s College London) Advisors: Simon M. Hughes (King’s College London), Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an abundant Victoria C. Williams (King’s College London) class of molecules often found to be over-expressed Larp6 is an RNA binding protein in the La-related in cancer. One such lncRNA is encoded in the vicinity protein (LARP) family. In vitro, Larp6 has been shown of the 45S rDNA sequence and referred to as pyrim- to interact with Type 1 collagen mRNAs, thereby idine-rich noncoding transcript adjacent to an rDNA controlling collagen synthesis and stability, and sug- array (PNCTR). Unpublished work in Makeyev lab gesting that Larp6 activity is vital as mis-regulation shows that PNCTR is localized to the nucleus where of collagen biosynthesis can lead to collagen-related it interacts with the important RNA-binding protein diseases, such as fibrosis. Previous studies using PTBP1 through several (CU)n repeats encoded in Larp6 antisense mopholinos in zebrafishDanio rerio PNCTR. The highly repetitious nature of rDNA ar- also implicate Larp6 in differentiation of slow twitch rays, makes it virtually impossible to deduce the exact muscle fibers, which anchor to a collagen-rich ex- PNCTR sequence from the reference genome or next- tracellular matrix. Zebrafish have two Larp6 genes: generation RNA sequencing data. Therefore, PNCTR larp6a and larp6b. We hypothesized that creating a will be analyzed using Sanger sequencing, focusing especially on the (CU) regions. true genetic null for each in the zebrafish via genome n editing would cause phenotyopic defects in muscle Reverse-transcription (RT)-PCR primers were de- fibers. CRISPR/Cas9 and TALEN systems were used signed using primer3 software and hg38 human to mutate larp6a and larp6b, respectively. Hetero- genome assembly. Hela cells were cultured in DMEM zyogote and mutant fish were identified by using medium containing 10% FBS. Nucleo-cytoplasmic High Resolution Melt PCR, and sequence analysis. In fractionation was carried out and the total RNA from situ mRNA hybridization revealed that larp6a mRNA the nuclear fraction was reverse-transcribed into was significantly reduced inlarp6a mutants at 50% cDNA using random N10 primers and PCR-amplified epiboly stage, presumably through nonsense-mediat- using PNCTR-specific primers. Specific PCR prod- ed decay, strongly indicating that the mutation is an ucts were ligated with pGEM-T Easy plasmid vector effective null. After 5-day post fertilization and im- transformed into Sure2 E.coli using electroporation. munofluorescent staining analysis for muscle myosin, Recombinant DNA was isolated using a Qiagen plas- larp6a mutant fish appeared healthy and did not show mid miniprep kit and sent for Sanger sequencing. significant signs of muscle fiber defects. We conclude Three PNCTR segments (each ~800 bp) comprising that Larp6a is not essential for normal myogenesis (CU)n and several smaller segments were success- and that the previous morpholino result did not arise fully sequenced. Primer walking will be done using purely from knockdown of Larp6a. I identified a total existing clones to resolve the rest of PNCTR sequence. of ten apparently healthy larp6a mutant sub-adult This provides the groundwork to design antisense fish. Further analysis is needed to determine the phe- oligonucleotides in order to examine functional con- notype of fish mutant for both Larp6 genes. sequences of altered PNCTR expression on viability and proliferation of cancer cells.

Key Terms: Developmental biology Molecular Key Terms: Cancer RNA Genetics Cancer genomics

156 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-CBB-107 UG-CBB-108

Role of the Transcription Factor Odd-Skipped in Investigation the Complexity of Protein-Protein Neural Specification Interactions of Splicing Factors during Pre-mRNA Processing in Plants Kyle Kisor (University of California, Irvine) Advisor: Camilla Larsen (King’s College, London) Annaliese Riegel (Oakland University), Christian Brigolin (Oakland University), Donya Shodja (Oak- The transcription factor Odd-skipped plays a critical land University), Feng Bai (University of Florida) role in the specification of the epidermis, gut, leg and Advisors: Shailesh Lal (Oakland University), Mark eye in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Although Settles (University of Florida) Odd-skipped is well characterized in patterning sev- eral tissues, the role in the Drosophila central nervous Eukaryotic genes contain non-coding regions called system remains relatively unexplored. The aim of this introns. The precise recognition and removal of study is to examine neuronal morphology when Odd- introns from precursor-mRNA is a fundamental skipped is miss-expressed ectopically in engrailed process that is required for the expression of eukary- neurons or knocked down using RNAi. This study otic genes. Despite the importance, the mechanism of is extensively built on the Gal4/UAS driver system this process is poorly understood in plants. It oc- which allows for expression and knockdown in spe- curs in a complex and dynamic structure called the cific neurons. Genetic crosses were performed at both spliceosome, which is a conglomeration of multiple 25°C and 29°C to allow for different expression levels splicing factors, all of which participate in a step- of the transgenes. RNAi lines were subsequently wise manner during pre-mRNA processing. Here we backcrossed to provide two copies of RNAi to further report an RNA Binding Motif 48 (RBM48) protein the effects of the knockdown. Both larvae and adult’s as a novel splicing factor required for normal maize central nervous system were dissected, fixed, im- seed development and viability. RBM48 is related to muno stained, and imaged. Analysis was performed a highly conserved family of Arginine/Serine-rich using ImageJ software. We found that when Odd is (SR) splicing factors that play a key role during splice expressed in engrailed tissue both axonal tracts and site selection in spliceosomes. Using heterologous positioning of cell bodies in the tissue changed in transient expression assays in tobacco of fluorescent both the larvae and adults as compared to respec- protein fusion, we demonstrate that RBM48 protein tive controls. When Odd is knocked down there are co-localizes with core splicing factors U2 snRNP completely random ectopic projections of varying Auxillary Factor (U2AF) and RGH3 proteins. We also phenotypes in both larvae and adults. Our results tagged and overexpressed maize RBM48, U2AF, and suggest that Odd plays a role in regulation of axonal RGH3 splicing factors in E. coli and raised polyclonal projection patterning in the central nervous system of antibodies against the fusion protein to investigate Drosophila. The relevance of Odd and it’s homologs in vitro protein-protein interactions of RBM48. Our continues to expand as a regulator of development in data using in vitro co-immunoprecipitation and pull several tissues critical to a diverse set of eukaryotic down assays further confirm thein vivo interaction of organisms including humans. RBM48 with core splicing factors. This data points to a key role of RBM48 during pre-mRNA splicing and seed development in maize. Key Terms: Neuroscience Developmental biology Key Terms: Molecular biology Molecular biology Plant biology

Splicing protein

157 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-CBB-109 UG-CBB-110

Investigating the Role of Different 5’ Partners in Diamide Inhibitors of N-acetylglucosaminidases as BRAF Gene Fusions in Melanoma Tools to Study the Bacterial Cell Wall

Jacqueline Turner (University of Colorado at Denver, Keyana Roohani (Bryant University) Anschutz Medical Campus), Kasey Couts (University Advisor: Christopher Reid (Bryant University) of Colorado at Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus), Stacey Bagby (University of Colorado at Denver, An- Gram-positive bacterial cell walls are composed of a schutz Medical Campus), Judson Bemis (University thick peptidoglycan (PG) layer and teichoic acid. The of Colorado at Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus) Advisors: William Robinson (University of Colorado PG layer is composed of a polysaccharide backbone at Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus), Marileila comprised of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and Varella-Garcia (University of Colorado at Denver, N-acetyl muramic acid (MurNAc). Adjacent polysac- Anschutz Medical Campus) charide strands are cross-linked via pentapeptide Melanoma development and progression is often side chains attached to MurNAc providing a dy- driven by activation of the MAP kinase pathway namic 3-dimensional structure that confers shape and though aberrant activation of the BRAF kinase. BRAF strength to resist turgor pressure. Autolysins, en- is activated by mutations, amplifications, alternative zymes produced by bacteria, are able to break down BRAF splicing, or recently discovered gene fusions. the PG of cell walls. These enzymes are involved in fusions involving different 5’ gene partners have been described in cutaneous melanomas and Spitz nevi, processes such as cell growth, division, and motility. however, oncogenic potential and treatment response Our lab is interested in N-acetylglucosaminidases between BRAF fusions with different 5’ gene partners (GlcNAcases). has not been assessed. We used fluorescencein situ hybridization to analyze a cohort of 59 melanoma Previous work with Ugi-derived diamides identified patient tumors and identified two differentBRAF inhibitors specific to GlcNAcases inBacillus subtilis. gene fusions, AGK-BRAF and ARMC10-BRAF. The These inhibitors are being investigated for use as tools ARMC10 5’ gene partner has not been described in to study Gram-positive cell wall physiology in the ARMC10-BRAF melanoma and treatment response of model organism B. subtilis. B. subtilis is a non-patho- has not been reported in any cancer type. We gener- ated patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models for the genic Gram-positive bacteria widely studied in rela- two BRAF fusions and treated them with MAP kinase tion to PG synthesis and metabolism. The compound pathway inhibitors specific to MEK1/2 and ERK1/2. fgkc was the top inhibitor of B. subtilis 11774. Treat- Both PDX models responded to the inhibitors, how- ment with fgkc resulted in incomplete cell division ever, the ARMC10-BRAF fusion was more sensitive and elongated cell phenotype. and showed stronger tumor regression. To further understand differences between BRAF fusions we At least one target of fgkc has been identified inB. used computational modeling to predict the protein subtilis, GlcNAcase LytG. Potential secondary targets structures of wild type BRAF, mutated BRAFV600E, in B. subtilis strains were screened using deletion mu- and six BRAF gene fusions with 5’ partners including, AGK, ARMC10, KIAA1549, TRIM24, PPFIBP2, and tants of major autolysins. Results indicate increased ZKSCAN1. We found large variations in the MEK1/2 sensitivity in deletion mutants when LytG is inhib- kinase binding domain between different 5’ partners, ited by fgkc, suggesting LytG is the sole autolysin and we are currently overexpressing these BRAF fu- targeted. Microscopy revealed changes in cell motil- sions in a generic background to perform additional ity and morphology in mutants. We have employed experiments and determine the tumorigenic potential and treatment response between these different 5’ phenotypic arrays to explore the effect of GlcNAcase partners. Patients harboring gene fusions should only inhibition or deletion in osmolyte, pH, and chemical be treated if the fusion demonstrates actionable driver sensitivity panels. potential. Understanding differential responses in BRAF gene fusions will improve clinical treatment of patients with BRAF gene fusions. Key Terms: Chemical genomics Autolysin Key Terms: Melanoma Peptidoglycan Gene fusion 5’ gene partner

158 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-CBB-111 UG-CBB-112

Essential Oils And Methylglyoxal: A Possible Treat- The Hemoglobin Beta Gene ment for Inhibiting the Growth of the Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Escherichia Tyra McKnight (SUNY Plattsburgh) coli (ESBL-EC) The Hemoglobin beta gene (HBB) provides instruc-

tions for making a protein called beta-globin. Beta- Joseph Kellett (Monmouth University) globin, a subunit of a protein called hemoglobin, is lo- Advisor: James Mack (Monmouth University) cated inside red blood cells. Hemoglobin is involved The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have produced in the transport of other gases to tissues throughout antibiotic resistant bacteria. Infections from these bac- the body, including oxygen. Although Paramecium, teria are therefore difficult to treat. Recent problems in healthcare settings include infections of patients a unicellular protozoan, is avascular it still has the with certain antibiotic resistant bacteria which do not hemoglobin beta gene. Previous research at SUNY respond to traditional antibiotic treatment. Natural Plattsburgh has shown this gene to be expressed in products, including essential oils, derived from plants Paramecium. This study investigated the environ- show promise as strong bactericides, which may be mental factors that alter the level of expression of useful for effectively combating the infections from HBB in Paramecium, these included temperature, pH these antibiotic resistant bacteria. Escherichia coli is part of the normal flora of the intestines, however, and presence/absence of oxygen. The hypothesis for some strains can cause an intestinal infection causing this project is if there is a lack of oxygen in the living abdominal pain, fever, as well as bloody diarrhea. environment of the Paramecium then there will be an Other strains of Escherichia coli can also cause uri- increase in the activation of the HBB in order to meet nary tract infections. In this research, the essential oils there oxygen level requirement. Preliminary data cassia, cinnamon bark, oregano, as well as methylgly- suggested that the lack of oxygen had the greatest oxal (main ingredient in Manuka honey) were used in conjunction with three carrier oils (olive oil, jojoba oil, effect on the expression of the Hemoglobin beta gene. and coconut oil) to determine their efficacy in inhibit- Paramecium was cultured and its DNA was isolated ing the growth of ESBL-EC. Cassia, cinnamon bark, and amplified. Additionally, RNA was isolated to per- oregano, and methylglyoxal were chosen because form reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction they were used in previous studies at Monmouth (RT-PCR) experiment. University and showed to be effective in inhibiting the growth of MRSA and MSSA. The essential oils were diluted to lower concentrations to determine their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) because Key Terms: Genetics most essential oils are irritating to the skin in high concentrations. The results were then compared to Hemoglobin traditional antibiotics, including colistin, tetracycline, Paramecium ciprofloxacin, fosfomycin, azithromycin, and nitrofu- rantoin, to determine their effectiveness. It was deter- mined that the MIC of the essential oils to effectively inhibit E.coli is 33% and the MIC of methylglyoxal is 12%. The dilutions were made using the carrier oils listed above, which are known to be safe on the skin. The effectiveness of essential oils and methylglyoxal emollients in carrier oils in inhibiting the bacterial growth was better than the currently used antibiotics for treating ESBL-EC. Multidrug-resistant bacteria have become a significant global health threat and the possible treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections with proven bactericidal essential oils may help alleviate this problem.

Key Terms: Antibiotic resistance Essential oils Escherichia coli

159 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-CBB-113 UG-CBB-114

L2-Syntaxin 18 Binding Motif Necessity in HPV16 Effects of GSM™ (Global Systems for Mobile Com- Infection munication) radiation on expression of Heat Shock Protein 20 in Pieris rapaeö Emma DeGrace (Fordham University), Xavier Simon (Fordham University) Samuele Weekes (SUNY Plattsburgh) Advisor: Patricio Meneses (Fordham University) Advisor: Dr. Nancy L. Elwess (SUNY Plattsburgh) HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infec- Would you stop using your cell phone if you knew it tion, and while most mucosal HPV strains are benign, had the potential to harm certain cells of your body? several stains can lead to genital warts and cancers Society’s current predicament is that most individu- such as cervical, vaginal, and oropharyngeal. HPV als in this age value communication over potential 16 and 18 alone account for 50 and 18 percent of all unknown long term health effects. It is known that cervical cancer cases respectively. The HPV virus cellular devices operating on the Global Systems for consists of DNA held within a protein shell, or capsid. Mobile communication or GSM™ band frequencies The protein capsid of HPV is composed of two major have a phenotypical effect on Paramecium. When a proteins: L1 and L2. The L2 protein has been shown text message or phone call is sent or made, or even to be necessary for infection. In this project, we mu- when a cell phone is at rest, radiation is being emitted tated an L2-syntaxin 18 binding motif to see if the re- and taken in by the cellular device in the spectrum of gion is necessary for HPV16 infection. We found that microwaves. The most common band frequency used by changing just one of four amino acids, of the five in North America is Global System for Mobile amino acid motif, the pseudovirus was not infectious. Communication, which operates at 1,900 MHz on Not only does this result highlight the importance of the east coast. Cell Phones have only been in use this L2-syntaxin 18 interaction in viral trafficking, but for about 43 years and have been utilizing GSM™ the motif could serve as a potential vaccine target. frequencies for less, therefore long term effects are still unknown. With the help of a cell signal repeater in an experimental setup Pieris rapae (cabbage white Key Terms: HPV butterflies) were either exposed (experimental) or un- Cell biology exposed (control) to the microwaves given off by the cell signal repeater. Levels of expression for the pro- Molecular biology tein HSP20 (heat shock protein 20) were monitored in both control and experimental groups throughout their lifespans. An increase in expression levels for HSP20 in experimenta l Pieris rapae compared to the control would suggest a greater heat stress environ- ment due to exposure of cell phone radiation

Key Terms: GSM™ Pieris rapae HSP20

160 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-CBB-115 UG-CBB-116

Distinct Spatial Organization for Two Misfolded Analysis Hypervariable Region Within Ancient Proteins during Aggresome Biogenesis in HEK293 Mayan Mitochondrial DNA cells James Stewart (SUNY Plattsburgh) Jordan Nelson (Western Carolina University) Advisor: Nancy Elwess (SUNY Plattsburgh) Advisor: Robert Youker (Western Carolina Univer- Thanks to great advancements in bioinformatics, sity) scientists are now able to sequence human genomes Mammalian cells possess multiple mechanisms to with miraculous speed. By sequencing and cata- deal with misfolded proteins. The cell will first at- loging the genome of populations across the globe, tempt to refold/repair the protein but if that fails then researchers have been able to better understand it is targeted for degradation by a cytosolic protease. ancient human migration patterns. In theory, the However, the amount of damaged protein can over- closer populations are to each other, the more genetic whelm the cytosolic protease leading to the forma- similarities they should share. The primary purpose tion of perinuclear aggregates caused aggresomes. of this study is to show that the ancient Tipu Maya Aggresomes are composed of protein aggregates and DNA contain unique sequences within the 14-base are a protective mechanism to minimize disruption to pair region of their mitochondrial DNA compared to cellular processes. Are the mechanisms for aggresome other populations. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is formation the same for different misfolded proteins? unique compared to nuclear DNA in that rather than The misfolded proteins GFP-250 and mCherry-cBSA fractions being inherited from both parents, it is solely were co-expressed in cells to determine if the proteins inherited from the mother. This makes it an excep- have the same mechanism of misfolding and ag- tionally useful tool in also tracing human migration gresome formation. GFP-250 and mCherry-cBSA were routes. aDNA was isolated from teeth, and the DNA coexpressed in HEK293 cells and their location with was amplified and sequenced. The sequenced results respect to each other measured during aggresome supported that within the Maya 14 base pair hyper- biogenesis. Interestingly, GFP-250 had a greater pro- variable region were unique sequences compared to pensity to form multiple aggregation bodies com- other populations. pared to mCherry-cBSA at early time points. Also, in the early time points the aggregated proteins were separate as judged by approximately 50% colocaliza- Key Terms: Genetics tion. Later time points showed higher colocalization Mitochondrial DNA of 85-88% for the two proteins. In contrast, Cells transfected with mCherry-cBSA and GFP-cBSA had Tipu Maya an average value 78% at all times points. Cells with mCherry-cBSA and GFP showed an initial higher colocalization at early time points that decreased as the mCherry-cBSA began to form aggresomes. Taken together, this data suggests that p115-fragment (250) and cBSA proteins have different mechanisms involved in aggresome formation. Future work will allow for more aggresomes to be analyzed to increase the accuracy of the colocalization values and deter- mine the mechanism for the differences observed.

Key Terms: Aggresome biogenesis Misfolded proteins

Aggresome colocalization

161 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-CBB-117 UG-CBB-118

The Catechol-O-Methyl Transferase Gene Analysis: Determining the Role of the Rb-E2F1 Pathway in Warrior Versus Worrier Epigenetic Remodeling in Osteosarcoma

Rebecca Muschio (SUNY Plattsburgh) Josselyn Pena (University of California, Irvine), Steph- Advisor: Nancy Elwess (SUNY Plattsburgh) anie Wu (University of California, Irvine), Claudia Benavente (University of California, Irvine) The Catechol-O-Methyl transferase (COMT) gene has Advisors: Claudia Benavente (University of Califor- two different versions, or alleles. These alleles are Va- nia, Irvine), Stephanie Wu (University of California, line (Val158) and Methionine (Met158). Research has Irvine) suggested that the Val158 allele is more often found in those with “warrior” personalities. The hypothesis for Rb protein is responsible for cell cycle regulation and this study is that the experimental groups will have a cell fate specification and differentiation through higher frequency of the Val/Val allele, making them inhibition of the E2F protein family. E2F deregulation warriors. Thus far in this study, a control and ex- promotes uncontrolled gene transcription. Patients perimental group has given DNA samples via saline with mutations in the RB1 gene, which encodes for solution. These samples were then isolated, amplified Rb protein, are predisposed to develop osteosar- and sequenced. Each sample could have one of three coma with poorer prognosis. Osteosarcoma is highly genotypes: Val/Val, Met/Met or Val/Met. The Val/ metastatic so it is important to identify the molecular Val genotype (warriors) has low dopamine in the pre- basis of its progression and develop more effective frontal cortex and the Met/Met genotype (worriers) therapeutics for faster treatment. Our studies identi- have high dopamine in the prefrontal cortex. Lastly, fied higher levels of HELLS and UHRF1 protein, both the Val/Met genotype leans more towards the wor- epigenetic modifiers, in osteosarcoma tumors. HELLS rier side because they have high dopamine levels, but and UHRF1 overexpression increase cell survival not as high as the Met/Met allele. Out of the control and migration rates. The main goal of this study was group, the Val/Met genotype was the most common to determine the relationship between the Rb-E2F (19 samples) and the Met/ Met (2 samples) and Val/ pathway and these epigenetic modifiers. A lentiviral Val (4 samples) was the least common. knockdown of E2F1 was used to observe changes in four osteosarcoma cell lines. Western Blot analysis of Currently, expeditionary studies majors are being the levels of HELLS and UHRF1 protein in each cell used as an experimental group to see if the warrior line was used to determine the effect on these epigen- genotype is more common in those in that major. etic modifiers. Preliminary results have identified a Initial studies support the stated hypothesis. suitable shRNA E2F1 plasmid to package into lentivi- rus. Analyzing whether levels of HELLS and UHRF1 are affected by knocking down E2F1 will enable us Key Terms: Genetics to determine whether the Rb-E2F pathway is respon- DNA sible for their upregulation; if their levels are reduced when E2F is knocked down, this indicates that E2F Gene deregulation is necessary for their overexpression. If the Rb-E2F pathway is responsible for the patient’s poorer prognosis through the upregulation of epi- genetic modifiers, these modifiers would be good potential therapeutic targets to continue studying.

Key Terms: Cancer Epigenetics Tumorigenesis

162 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-CBB-119 GR-CBB-138

Determining Genetic Diversity of H. subterra- Regulating Neonatal Platelet Activation: Role of neus using DNA Barcoding of COI and 16S rRNA GPCRs Cross-Talk and Dense Granule Secretion Genes Anh Ngo (Oregon Health & Science University), Dragomir Vasilev (SUNY Plattsburgh) Marisa Thierheimer (Oregon Health & Science Uni- Advisor: Nancy Elwess (SUNY Plattsburgh) versity), Joanna Sylman (Oregon Health & Science Cave crickets like Hadenoecus subterraneus are key- University), Tiffany Chu (Oregon Health & Science stone species within cave systems. Mostly concen- University) trated around the entrances of caves, they can serve Advisor: Owen McCarty (Oregon Health & Science as indicators of potential issues within cave ecosys- University) tems. Our point of focus is determining whether the Protease-activated receptors (PAR1/4) signal G-pro- proximity of H. subterraneus populations affects the tein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to promote platelet amount of genetic diversity between them. Cricket granule secretion and platelet activation in adults. samples (eggs/limbs/full bodies) were obtained from Adenosine diphosphate (ADP), secreted from dense different entrances of the Mammoth caves in Central granules following initial platelet activation, trig- Kentucky. Once obtained the genetic samples were gers a positive feedback loop that enhances platelet extracted via minicolumn purification the COI and activation and aggregation via GPCRs P2Y1/P2Y12. It has been established that once PARs are activated 16s ribosomal regions were used for DNA barcoding. by thrombin, ADP functions as a positive mediator Our findings of differentiation among populations to enhance platelet activation and amplify thrombus did not strongly correlate with physical distance formation in adult whole blood. However, previous between populations being compared. Results falsi- studies from our group have demonstrated that plate- fied our original hypothesis of positive correlation lets from neonatal peripheral blood have an attenu- between interpopulation distance and variation. ated activation in response to PAR1 agonist (TRAP-6) This lead us to believe that there may be an under- compared to adults. The diminished response may lying mechanism with either the crickets’ ability to be a consequence of decreased number of platelet move between populations or a relatively low rate of dense granules and lower levels of endogenous mutation. Further analysis will attempt to determine ADP, and/or a lack of synergy between ADP recep- whether interpopulation variation is related to dif- tors and PARs. In this study, small volume, whole blood static adhesion assays coupled with structured ferent factors in addition to studying different cave illumination microscopy were performed with adult systems where H. subterraneus and closely-related samples, quantifying for CD63. These assays allow species reside. for the localization of platelet dense granules, which we are currently using to compare adult and neona- tal platelet physiology. Fluorescence-activated cell Key Terms: Genetics sorting (FACS) was employed to measure platelet activation in response to PAR1 and PAR4 activation Cave crickets in the presence and absence of exogenous ADP. FACS 16s rRNA and COI results suggested that ADP and PAR agonists syn- ergize to activate both adult and neonatal platelets, as evidenced by a 2-fold increase in P-selectin and PAC-1 signals in response to PAR agonists in conjunc- tion with exogenous ADP. Our research demonstrates the utility of whole blood assays to quantify platelet granules and the synergy between PARs and ADP receptors in regulating adults and neonatal platelet activation.

Key Terms: Cardiovascular Blood Biomedical engineering

163 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

GR-CBB-139 GR-CBB-140

Identification of the Calmodulin-binding Domains Role of ZIP8 in the Regulation of Cell Morphology, of Fas Death Receptor Adhesion and Migration

Bliss Chang (Harvard Medical School), Alexandra Xiangrong Geng (Oakland University), Zijuan Liu Samal (University of Alabama at Birmingham), Jiri (Oakland University) Vlach (University of Alabama at Birmingham), Timo- thy Fernandez (University of Alabama at Birming- Advisor: Zijuan Liu (Oakland University) ham) ZIP8 belongs to ZIP8 superfamily, which has been Advisor: Jamil Saad (University of Alabama at Bir- mingham) known to play important roles in normal physiol- ogy and cancer progression. ZIP8 is a newly identi- The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated by cell fied membrane transporter to facilitate uptake of surface death receptors such as Fas. Engagement of Fas by Fas Ligand triggers a conformational change important divalent metal substrates including zinc, that allows Fas to interact with adaptor protein Fas- selenium. Although the biochemical function of ZIP8 associated death domain (FADD) via the cytoplasmic is known, the physiological and pathological roles of Death Domain, which recruits downstream signal- ZIP8 have not been elucidated. Here we explored the ing proteins to form the death-inducing signaling role of ZIP8 in the regulation of epithelial to mesen- complex (DISC). Previous studies have shown that chymal transition (EMT) and cell adhesion, which calmodulin (CaM) is recruited into the DISC in chol- angiocarcinoma cells, suggesting a novel role of CaM are important for cancer metastasis. Through gain in Fas-mediated signaling. CaM antagonists induce and loss of function studies, we discovered that ZIP8 apoptosis through a Fas-related mechanism in chol- regulates genes regulating cell morphology, adhe- angiocarcinoma and other cancer cell lines possibly sion and migration. Overexpressing ZIP8 in mouse by inhibiting Fas-CaM interactions. The structural fibroblast cells leads to a significant change of cell determinants of Fas-CaM interaction and the under- cytoskeletons; increases cells adhesion, migration lying molecular mechanisms of inhibition, however, and proliferation, and induces the EMT. Loss of ZIP8 are unknown. We employ NMR, biochemical, and biophysical techniques to elucidate these mecha- function through shRNA knockdown and CRISPR nisms. We have shown that CaM binds to the death knockout in cancer cells and leukemia cells result a domain of Fas (FasDD) with a novel 2:1 CaM:FasDD visible morphological and modified the cell proper- stoichiometry. The interactions between FasDD ties including adhesion, and migration. Gene expres- and CaM are endothermic and entropically driven, sion profiling showed that ZIP8 is involved in the suggesting that hydrophobic contacts are critical for TGFb-induced EMT, characterized by the cytoskeletal binding. Proteolytic digestion and NMR experiments facilitated the identification of the two minimal bind- reorganization, weakened cell adhesion and increased ing domains of Fas involved in CaM binding. Charac- extracellular matrix proteins expression. Molecular terization of both peptides revealed the CaM-FasDD mechanisms involved in the regulation as well as binding interface, including binding affinity, mode the role of ZIP8 in the prostate cancer progression of binding, and thermodynamic properties. Our data are under investigation. Overall, ZIP8 plays essential suggest that because both Fas-CaM binding regions roles in regulating cancer cell EMT and control cell are involved in extensive intermolecular contacts with the death domain of FADD, binding of CaM to these adhesion and migration. Therefore, targeting ZIP8 regions may hinder its ability to bind to FADD, thus may become a novel therapeutic approach in cancer greatly inhibiting the initiation of apoptotic signaling treatment. pathway. By providing new insight into the molecu- lar basis for a novel role of CaM in regulating Fas- mediated apoptosis, we believe these discoveries will Key Terms: ZIP8 transporter facilitate the discovery of effective yet minimally toxic therapies for debilitating diseases such as cholangio- Prostate cancer carcinoma. EMT

Key Terms: Structural biology Nuclear magnetic resonance Cancer

164 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

GR-CBB-141 HS-CHM-226

The Role of Cell Cycle in Neural Crest Cell Migra- Endogenous Adenosine A3 Receptor Activation tion Selectively Alleviates Persistent Pain States

Cynthia Rodriguez (University of California, Irvine) Elise Mochizuki (Jericho High School), Kenneth Ja- Advisors: Claudia Linker (King’s College London), cobson (National Institutes of Health/National Insti- Zain Alhashem (King’s College London) tute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) Cell migration is a fundamental process in multi- Current standards of care for chronic pain are ineffec- cellular organisms that plays a crucial role in embryo- tive, and a new therapeutic target is the endogenous genesis, tissue formation, wound healing, etc. It is adenosine system for analgesia using the activation of important to decipher the mechanisms controlling cell G protein-coupled adenosine A3 receptor. The ability migration as any aberrations in this process would of A3 agonists to reverse or prevent chronic neuro- cause serious developmental defects. We use the pathic pain is a significant development in the pain neural crest (NC) in zebrafish to study cell migration, field, since the cardiovascular side effects of 1A AR as it is a multipotent population that migrates exten- and A2AR agonists prevent their clinical applications sively giving rise to different cell types. Furthermore, in pain management. Our null hypothesis was that its migration shares features with cancer metastasis. rodent models of experimental neuropathic pain Based on preliminary data in single-cell tracking, would not demonstrate any analgesia from adenosine we observed a strong correlation between cell divi- levels increased to activate the A3AR signalling path- sion and the initiation of trunk NC (TNC) migration. way. Rodent behavior in persistent neuropathic pain Therefore, we hypothesized that cell cycle progres- models was assessed in 301 male Sprague Dawley -/- sion plays a role in NC migration initiation. Hence, rats and 63 wild-type C57BL/6 or A3AR or female we have analyzed TNC migration upon inhibition of BALB/cfC3H mice. Increased engodenous adenosine different phases of the cell cycle. Two different drugs levels with analgesic effects were seen with selective were tested to arrest the cell cycle: Teniposide and inhibition of adenosine kinase as well as administra-

Aphidicolin. Teniposide showed no effect on arrest- tion of a novel, highly selective A3AR agonist. Using ing the cell cycle in zebrafish embryos. On the other the rodent model of chronic constriction injury (CCI), hand, Aphidicolin successfully arrested S phase caus- neuropathic pain was reversed by the adenosine ing migratory phenotypes and halting TNC migra- kinase inhibitor ABT-702, and by the A3AR agonist tion. Next, we will seek to define the time at which MRS5698. MRS5698 did not change normal noci- TNC migration are dependent on cell cycle progres- ception measurements on the tail flick latency and sion by performing Aphidicolin treatment at different hot-plate test. MRS5698 reversed spontaneous pain embryonic stages. Understanding of the mechanistic behaviors after spinal nerve ligation. Mechano-allo- effect of cell cycle on cell migration might help shed dynia was reversed by MRS5698 intrathecal injections some light on therapeutic targets in cancer metastasis and rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) injections to and other developmental disorders. the spinal and supraspinal sites, respectively. These

results suggest that A3AR activation is an endogenous

anti-nociceptive pathway. Prototypical A3AR agonists Key Terms: Cell biology currently in clinical trials are promising. Highly selec- tive A AR agonists may allow aggressive dosing with Zebrafish 3 reduced spill over effect on A1AR and A2AR. Aphidicolin

Key Terms: Bioorganic chemistry Chronic pain

A3AR

165 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-CHM-238 UG-CHM-239

Preparation and Characterization of Silver Nanopar- DNA-Binding Studies of the Natural β-carboline ticle-loaded Textiles Eudistomin U

Samuel Underwood (National Institute of Standards Patrick Tate (Providence College) and Technology and Reed College) Advisors: Seann Mulcahy (Providence College), Advisor: Justin Gorham (National Institute of Stan- Bongsup Cho (University of Rhode Island) dards and Technology) β-carbolines are high-interest molecules due to their Silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-loaded textiles were diverse biological activity. These molecules are natu- prepared and used as test materials in an effort to rally occurring tricyclic, aromatic indole alkaloids. A develop measurement methodologies and high- subclass of β-carbolines, known as the eudistomins, throughput data analysis protocols for detection and is reported to have a high binding affinity to DNA. characterization of textiles loaded with nanosilver. After studying the toxicology of a specific eudistomin Aqueous silver nitrate was reduced by sodium citrate compound, eudistomin U, we examined its DNA- in the presence of cotton or nylon fabrics to give Binding properties. The structure of eudistomin U is AgNP-loaded textiles with varying silver concentra- unique since it contains an indole ring at the 1-posi- tion according to the amount of silver nitrate initially tion of the pyridine ring. While simple β-carbolines added to solution. The textiles were then character- are reported to intercalate DNA, an examination of ized using X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the mode of binding of eudistomin U has been lack- scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and inductively ing. We report preliminary spectroscopic (UV–Vis, coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). An thermal denaturation, CD) and calorimetric (DSC) automated method for generating a particle size data on the binding of eudistomin U to DNA, which distribution from SEM images was developed, with suggest that eudistomin U binds weakly according results indicating a mean particle diameter of 40 nm, to a mechanism that is more complicated than other with a standard deviation of 15 nm. SEM and XPS members of its class. data indicate AgNP are heterogeneously loaded onto the textile surface, with some aggregation present. Data also indicate that AgNP have a high affinity for Key Terms: Medicinal chemistry surface loading, with especially high surface concen- DNA binding trations observed on nylon. Bioorganic chemistry

Key Terms: Nanomaterials Textiles Chemistry

166 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

GR-CHM-250 GR-CHM-251

Phytochemical and Antifungal Evaluation of Ver- Aspect Ratio Controlled Copper Nanowires Synthe- nonia glabra Leaves in the Management of Fungal sis Pathogens Affecting Staple Cereal Production in Kenya Srikar Rao Darmakkolla (Portland State University), Mitra Ghobadi (Portland State University), Amanda Catherine Kitonde (University of Nairobi), Dossaji Fi- Figueiredo Pereira (Portland State University) dahusein (University of Nairobi), Catherine Lukhoba Advisor: Shankar Rananavare (Portland State Univer- (University of Nairobi), Maina Wagacha (University sity) of Nairobi) Nanomaterials possess significantly improved physi- Advisors: Carla Klittich (Dow AgroSciences), Don cal and chemical properties when compared to bulk Hahn (Dow AgroSciences) counter parts. Morphology and dimensions of nano- At least 70-90% of global food production is lost to materials play an important role in determining its plant diseases. In Kenya, yields from staple cereals unique properties such as optical, electronic and cata- such as corn, wheat and rice have reduced drastically lytic, etc. Over the past two decades, numerous efforts due to disease infections and mycotoxins contami- have been devoted for developing nanomaterials nation caused by fungal plant pathogens. Chemical synthesis methods and controlling its morphologies. sprays used as an immediate method for manage- ment of plant diseases, pose adverse health effects Especially controlling the aspect ratios of one dimen- in humans and animals, environmental hazards and sional (1D) nanomaterials, which is very challenging. high cost to farmers in Kenya. Leaves of a pesticidal High aspect ratio copper nanowires (Cu NWs) have plant; Vernonia glabra, were tested for alternative been widely explored for making transparent flexible biopesticide properties. 10g of the leaf extract were thin films, flat panel solar cells, sensor and catalytic isolated using bioassay-guided fractionation and applications. Our current work adopts a solution structure elucidation was determined using Nuclear based approach developed by Ye Shengrong et,al. and Magnetic Resonance at 600MHz. A novel sitosteroid optimized the reaction conditions for synthesis of compound, Glabrol-A, 3-O-Glucopyranoside, was monodispersed and aspect ratio controlled Cu NWs identified. 33 µg to 0.28 µg/100 µl of the compound in a solution based approach. Also, we report syn- were evaluated using 96-well plate antifungal-assay thesis of high surface area copper nanowires (nano- against Septoria tritici, Pyricularia oryzae, Ustilago maydis, Fusarium graminearum, F. verticillioides and F. sheet decorated Cu NWs) and nanospheres. Scanning oxysporum. 5 ppm of Azoxystrobin (standard) and 2µl Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive x-ray of Dimethyl sulfoxide (control) were tested for anti- spectroscopy (EDS), XRD and UV visible spectros- fungal comparison. In the greenhouse, the compound copy are employed for the characterization. was sprayed at 200 and 50 ppm against Septoria tritici in wheat. In vitro antifungal-assay results revealed 38% growth inhibition against Septoria tritici at 33 Key Terms: Materials chemistry µg/100 µl. In the greenhouse 0% disease control was evaluated. Vernonia glabra compounds have fungi- Nanomaterials cide characteristics which can be used by farmers as Nanowires cheap alternative biopesticides. However, further research on chemical modifications of the compound is required for new modes of action for significant antifungal activity. In addition, toxicology studies of Glabrol-A, 3-O-Glucopyranoside are needed for verification and documentation of its safety.

Key Terms: Plant fungal diseases Food security and safety Alternative biopesticides

167 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

GR-CHM-252 HS-EEB-276

Isolation and Structural Elucidation of the Second- Nest Box Orientation Impacts Songbird Nest Suc- ary Metabolites from Calea urticifolia cess in Savannah, Georgia

Vedanjali Gogineni (University of Mississippi) Harold Parsons (Islands High School), Krzysztofer Advisors: Christopher McCurdy (University of Mis- Philips (Islands High School), William Parsons (Is- sissippi), Stephen Cutler (University of South Caro- lands High School), Lucas Argo (Islands High School) lina) Advisor: Megan Heberle (Islands High School) Calea urticifolia (Juanislama) is native to El Salvador Many environmental factors, such as temperature and and belongs to the family, Asteraceae. Calea is widely wind direction, influence nest success in songbirds. known for its folkloric use as a tropical bacteriocide, These factors influence the direction in which birds and for the treatment of gastric ulcers, diarrhea, orient their nests, but vary between regions based on diabetes, and liver problems. Since my main focus is seasonal weather patterns. Songbirds exhibit pref- on the discovery of small molecules to treat various erences for specific directional orientations of nest neurological disorders through isolation of secondary boxes placed by humans. The campus of Islands High metabolites from medicinal plants that have folkloric School in Savannah, GA borders a fragmented forest, use, we studied Calea urticifolia. Our preliminary data grassy athletic fields with 3 water retention ponds, showed that the chloroform extract of C. urticifolia and has a forestedge along the back perimeter. Nest exhibited potent inhibition of monoamine oxidases boxes were placed around the campus spaced 24 me- (MAO’s) A and B. Bioassay-guided fractionation has ters apart. We observed a significant difference in the been implemented for the isolation of the secondary number of eggs laid per nest between cardinal and metabolites from C. urticifolia. The structures of the intermediate directions (oneway ANOVA, p=0.0071). isolated compounds were determined on the basis of Conservation efforts to help passerine populations HR-MS and 1D- and 2D-NMR studies; configurations can better be established with the knowledge this were partly established by ECD calculations. Molecu- study provides. lar modeling and molecular dynamic studies were used to predict the binding modes on the active sites of the MAO isoenzymes. One of the isolated com- Key Terms: Songbirds pounds showed possible potential in the treatment of Conservation depression, Alzheimer’s and/or Parkinson’s disease. Acacetin, a known compound that has not been Behavior reported from this plant source, has been isolated and exhibited a 2.5 fold greater preference towards MAO- B vs MAO-A. Acacetin was found to inhibit MAO isoenzymes with IC50 values of 121 nM against MAO- A and 49 nM against MAO-B. Molecular modeling studies were also performed on acacetin to interpret its interaction with the MAO enzyme active sites, illustrating the high importance of ligand interaction with negative and positive free energy regions of these active sites. Additionally, three sesquiterpene lactones namely 2,3-epoxyjuanislama, calealactone B and calein C along with three novel bisabolenes named caleanolanes A-C were also isolated.

Key Terms: Medicinal chemistry Neuroscience Phytochemistry

168 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

HS-EEB-277 HS-EEB-278

Nest-box Visibility Impacts Songbird Reproductive Songbird Nest Microclimate and Size Correlate Success with Nestling Development

Brittany Bailey (Islands High School), Katherine Penelope Eltringham (Islands High School) Gilson (Islands High School), Matthew Shippy (Is- Advisor: Megan Heberle (Islands High School) lands High School), Lauren McGeeney (Islands High Nest temperature is a crucial factor to the survival of School) fledglings. Temperature fluctuation can negatively Advisor: Megan Heberle (Islands High School) impact the growth and development of songbird The visibility of a nest is a crucial factor in the number nestlings. Inner nest cup diameter is also an essential of eggs per nest and the survivability of songbirds. component to the number of nestlings successfully The visibility of a nestbox can influence whether fledged. These factors impact the success of songbird birds select that location for their reproductive event. nests and vary depending on the weather and place- Greater visibility can lead to increased predation ment of nest boxes. We recorded temperatures inside and exposure to inclement weather. In this study, we the nest cup of a Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinen- observed Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) and Caro- sis) for 32 days using a thermocouple and data logger lina Chickadees (Poec ile carolinensis) in Savannah, (Lascar ELUSBTC). Time from hatching to fledg- Georgia. The percent visibility was determined by ing was divided into two groups based on feather standing five meters away from each nestbox in the growth: 06 days and 7 daysfledging. Significant dif- four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west). ferences were detected when comparing daytime and The mean of those percentages, the number of eggs nighttime nest temperatures between developmental per nest, and the number fledged per nest were used stages (twosample tTests; p=0.000007 and p=0.00069, for statistical analyses. Significant differences were respectively). In Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis), nest observed between the visibility of nestboxes that were cup diameter and the number of nestlings fledged unsuccessful compared to nesboxes that were suc- were strongly positively correlated (Pearson’s cor- cessful (twosample tTest, p=0.04233). It is important relation; r=0.6298, p=0.02817). A better understanding to understand beneficial nestbox placement in order of nest microclimate and nestling development can to maximize reproductive success in local songbirds be established with the knowledge this study pro- that may be impacted by habitat loss. vides. Future studies can use these results for further experimentation and additional knowledge on avian developmental stages. Key Terms: Songbird Reproduction Key Terms: Songbird Habitat Development

Nest microclimate

169 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

HS-EEB-279 HS-EEB-280

Seasonal Time-Budget Comparisons of Adult Song- Orientation of Songbird Nest Boxes Toward Various birds in Savannah, GA Habitats Types in Savannah, GA

Rebekah Watts (Islands High School), Jocelyn Calvo William Porter (Islands High School), Benjamin Wood (Islands High School), Caroline Adkins (Islands High (Islands High School), William Stamper (Islands High School), Jodis Hegg (Islands High School) School) Advisor: Megan Heberle (Islands High School) Advisor: Megan Heberle (Islands High School) Avian species must carryout a number of behaviors Reproductive success in local songbirds is affected by successfully throughout the day to ensure survival. A the orientation of nest boxes toward grass, water, and time budget is a way to find out what percentage of forests. The habitats near or around the nest boxes the day a species will put towards a specific behavior create an environment that allows the birds to be suc- or activity. These behaviors include alert behaviors, cessful. The study site contained a large grassy area, resting behaviors, parental behaviors, and foraging three water retention ponds, and a natural mature behaviors. For this study, we recorded seasonal time forest around the perimeter. Nest boxes oriented budgets to compare the differences in behaviors for toward these habitat types vary in reproductive suc- each season throughout the year for three resident cess, as measured by the number of eggs and fledg- songbird species: Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis), lings per nest box. There was a significant difference Brownheaded Nuthatches (Sitta pusilla), and Carolina in the number of eggs between the three nest box Chickadees (Poe cile carolinensis) . The time budgets orientations toward habitat types (one-way ANOVA; for the behaviors of these species vary between sea- p<0.001). Post hoc comparisons using the Tukey HSD sons. We used scan sampling for one minute accumu- test indicated that nest boxes oriented toward the lated behavioral observations of our study species. forest had significantly more eggs than boxes oriented Behaviors observed were grouped into three main toward grass and water. The combined importance categories: foraging, resting, and vigilance. Linear of orientation with regard to habitat type suggests models were used to compare the percentages of each that nest boxes facing mature trees will have greater behavior observed during breeding and nonbreed- success. ing seasons. Time budgets differ between seasons as resource needs for survival fluctuate. Key Terms: Songbirds Reproduction Key Terms: Songbirds Habitat Behavior

Seasonal

170 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

HS-EEB-281 UG-EEB-297

Anthropogenic Noise Impacts Songbird Reproduc- Use of Citizen Science Data to Determine Trends tive Success in Savannah, GA in Density and Sighting Frequency of Parrotfish in Belize Carlee Skarin (Islands High School), Zoe Adams (Is- lands High School), Horace Broadnax (Islands High Robert Lewis (Georgia State University), Christy Vis- School) aggi (Georgia State University), Amy Reber (Georgia Advisor: Megan Heberle (Islands High School) State University) Advisors: Christy Visaggi (Georgia State University), Anthropogenic noise can interrupt essential songbird Amy Reber (Georgia State University) communication as well as possibly cause damage to embryos and nestlings. Many human activities A key functional group of organisms within all coral interfere with bird communication frequencies, as reef ecosystems are the herbivorous grazers (HGs), birds communicate between a frequency range of which feed on macroalgae. The Scaridae (parrot- 1.5-4.0 kHz. Noise pollution can limit a bird’s ability fishes) are thought to be the most effective HGs to communicate with other members of its species. within the Caribbean. Unlike other herbivorous fish, Anthropogenic noise negatively impacts the bird’s Scaridae show no preference for particular types of ability to make calls for mating and reproduction, algae, consume the entire algal stratum, and expose foraging, and alerting others about predation. We re- bare reef surfaces, promoting settlement of a wide corded anthropogenic noise at various breeding sites variety of benthic organisms. Research has indicated using the Decibel 10th application on an iPhone 6. that Scaridae are overfished and declining in popula- We compared the number of eggs and anthropogenic tion, while concurrently, percent cover of macro algae noise levels in each breeding site. The number of eggs has increased across the Caribbean. In response, in per nest was significantly greater in the grassy habitat 2009, Belize enacted legislation to ban the harvest than the forest edge and water habitats (one-way­ of Scaridae. To evaluate whether this legislation ANOVA; p<0.0002). Anthropogenic noise was signifi- has been effective, we utilized citizen science data cantly lower in the grassy habitat (one-way­ ANOVA; (provided by REEF.org), to compare the density and p=0.0015). Post hoc comparisons using the Tukey sighting frequency of four species of parrotfish in four HSD test indicated that the grassy habitat was sig- zones throughout the waters of Belize. Two common nificantly different than the forest habitat with regard concerns with citizen science data are reliability and to both number of eggs and noise levels. However, validity. To increase our confidence in the data, we the water habitat did not significantly differ from the compared data recorded by novice and expert observ- grass or forest edge. This study can lead to important ers for the given zone and found similar patterns in decisions about songbird and habitat conservation most instances. This gave us cautious optimism to and protection from negative human influences. use the full data set to assess changes in parrotfish density and sighting frequency in different regions of Belize before and after the enactment of the fishing Key Terms: Anthropogenic noise ban. Songbirds Reproduction Key Terms: Coral reef ecology Citizen science Parrotfish

171 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-EEB-298 UG-EEB-300

Scleral Ossicles in Reptilia: Structures Correlated Genetic Exploration of Invertebrate Diversity in to Taxonomic Diversity Great Salt Lake

Kevin Wanniarachchi Kankanamalage (State Univer- Oscar Bedolla (Weber State University) sity of New York at Oswego) Advisor: Jonathan Clark (Weber State University) Advisor: Poongodi Geetha-Loganathan (State Univer- sity of New York at Oswego) Great Salt Lake (GSL), in northern Utah, is the largest salt-water lake in the Western Hemisphere, with a Scleral Ossicles (SO) are plates of dermal bones that total surface area of 4400 square kilometers. Great Salt provide stability and protection to the optic system Lake is the center of one of the world’s most impor- in many vertebrates, whose morphology, anatomy, tant migratory bird habitats, supporting an estimated development and patterning differ in distinct groups population of over 7 million individuals. The ecol- of vertebrates. Although several studies have exam- ogy of GSL is influenced by three invertebrates: brine ined various aspects of SO in vertebrates, to date, flies, the brine shrimp,Artemia franciscana, and the comprehensive analysis of scleral ossicle ring for the bug, Trichocorixa. There are no published studies on class reptilia has not been provided. Here, we present the distribution or identification of other invertebrates a surface and internal morphology of SO in the fol- in the GSL ecosystem. DNA barcoding has become lowing family belonging to class reptilia: Agamidae, the international recognized standard for species Chamaeleonidae, Varanidae, Iguanidae, Scincidae, identification and uses universal DNA sequence Emydidae, Gekkonidae, Anatidae and, Phasianidae comparisons to differentiate species on the basis of were imaged using Scanning Electron Microscope genetics. The DNA barcode database includes infor- (SEM). The objective of this study is to examine and mation from thousands of samples from ecosystems compare the number, overlay patterns, shape and around the world. This study examines the cytochrome arrangement of each individual ossicle in the sclerotic c oxidase gene to establish DNA barcodes for samples ring. Further we also summarize the phylogenetic of invertebrates associated with the GSL ecosystem. relationship of these reptilian families analyzed with Data on interspecific and intraspecific sequence reference to SO anatomy. The significance of this variation are considered and sequences are used to study is to understand the homology of SO among examine local species phylogenies. The results of this reptiles and we propose, based on our analysis on SO study can be compared to those from other saline that the members of the class reptilia exhibit evolu- environments to provide insights into the distribution tionary conservatism of the scleral ring structure. of invertebrates in these important and underappreci- ated ecosystems.

Key Terms: Developmental biology Reptiles Key Terms: DNA barcoding Scleral ossicles Ecology Phylogeny

172 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-EEB-301 UG-EEB-302

Tendencies of Gastropod Drillhole Predation on The Effect of Antagonistic Coevolution on Cyano- Infaunal Bivalves Across Different Latitudes in phage Fitness and Host Range Argentina Jonathan Abebe (University of California, Irvine), Jesse Saldana Arias (Georgia State University-Perime- Richard Puxty (University of California, Irvine) ter College), Christy C. Visaggi (Georgia State Uni- Advisor: Jennifer Martiny (University of California, versity), Patricia Kelley (University of North Carolina Irvine) Wilmingon), Danielle Perez (Georgia State University) Marine cyanobacteria are primary producers that Advisor: Christy C. Visaggi (Georgia State University) use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into organic The fossil record of naticid gastropod predation can compounds. Cyanophages infect and lyse cyanobac- be used to study the history of predator-prey relation- teria and are thus important players in ecosystem ships. However, availability of modern assemblages cycling. However, rapid coevolution influences the allows for an examination of latitudinal variation in interactions between cyanophage and their host drilling predation. Work by Visaggi & Kelley (2015) bacteria and therefore the dynamics of these popula- in South America found that drilling frequencies (DF) tions. We hypothesized that coevolution will lead to a increased equatorward across Brazil (6°S-34°S). It tradeoff between host range and fitness in the phage was unknown whether DF continues to decline to the such that as a coevolved phage’s host range broadens, south moving poleward. This project helped clarify its fitness on the ancestral host would decrease. To that question by extending the research into Argen- address this hypothesis, we performed a coevolution tina. Drilling predation on infaunal bivalves was re- experiment in the lab. A cyanophage and its suscep- corded across the coastline from 36°S-52°S. Over 5,000 tible host were cultured together, being transferred infaunal bivalves were studied from samples collect- to new media every week for 19 weeks. As a control, ed on beaches in 2010. Specimens were checked for we also transferred a phage culture onto the original whole vs. fragmented shells and nearly 3,500 “whole” ancestral host every week. To determine the dif- (>85% of the valve intact) shells were analyzed for ference in fitness between the two treatments, we evidence of drillholes by naticid gastropods. Data col- measured plaque size (a composite measure of how lected on whole valves were used to calculate DF (= fast the phages adsorp to its host, the time it takes to #drillholes/half of all valves). DFs fluctuated depend- lyse the cell, and burst size). Host range (the breadth ing on the localities examined. There was an overall of infection on a range of host bacteria) was assessed ~12% DF for the Argentinean Province to the north by counting how many different hosts each phage and ~6% DF for the Magellanic Province to the south. was able to lyse. Phage isolates from the coevolution Taxa drilled across Argentina included Amiantis, treatment produced significantly smaller plaques Clausinella, Glycymeris, Mactra, and Protothaca. Broadly than the control treatment (2.2 mm versus 3.4 mm). speaking, DFs were higher in lower latitudes and Thus, coevolution led to a fitness cost in the phage. lower in higher latitudes for this stretch of coastline. However, this cost was not correlated with host range Future work will include analyzing potential factors as expected. Phage isolates from the coevolution treat- that may influence this pattern such as variations in ment infected a narrower range of hosts as compared the substrate from where samples were collected (as to isolates from the control (28% versus 40%). related to the suitability of these habitats for naticid gastropods). Key Terms: Bacteriophages Microbial diversity Key Terms: Predator-prey Virus-Host interaction Marine biology

Latitudinal trends

173 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-EEB-303 UG-EEB-304

Foraging Efficiency and Learning in Capuchin Mon- Role of Microbial Communities in the Filtration and keys (Cebus capucinus) Digestion of Microflush Toilet Effluent

Daniel Herrera (Augustana College) Claire Kleinschmidt (Providence College) Advisors: Grace Davis (University of California, Da- Advisors: Laura Williams (Providence College), Ste- vis), Stephanie Fuhr (Augustana College) phen Mecca (Providence College) Primates have relatively large brain to body ratios Throughout the developing world, a lack of sanita- and spend a substantial period of their life in the ju- tion negatively affects the water supply and health of venile development stage. Large brains suggest long rural communities. The Microflush toilet is a sustain- juvenile stage, hypothesizing that primates require able sanitation solution that separates liquid and solid long juvenile periods to learn complicated forag- effluent. Liquid effluent is filtered to remove microbes ing techniques. Critics of this hypotheses argue that and solid effluent is digested by earthworms. We foraging efficiency increases primarily as a function analyzed the composition and structure of the micro- of increased muscle mass, not learning. We set out bial communities within the liquid and solid toilet to determine if the juvenile period is in fact used to effluent to better understand the bacterial contribu- learn complicated foraging techniques by examining tion to waste processing and the pathogens present. food preferencing behavior in white faced capuchin Solid samples were taken at 0, 4, 10, 15, and 30 days monkeys (Cebus capuchinus). Individuals of varying into the digestion process. Three liquid samples were ages were observed as they selected fruits from atta- collected: raw outflow, following Solar Disinfection lea palm trees (attalea butyracea). Learning was tested (SOLDIS), and following Slow Sand Filter (SSF) pro- by counting the number of times each individual cessing. To determine bacteria present in our samples, touched, bit, or dropped individual fruits before eat- we extracted genomic DNA and sequenced 16S rRNA ing them. We found that individuals tested fruits less amplicons using the Illumina MiSeq System. We used as they aged, indicating that individuals learned how mothur to identify and classify operational taxonomic to distinguish a desirable fruit from a non-desirable units (OTUs), or sequences that are 97-100% identical. fruit over time. These results support the previously In our negative controls, we detected <1123 sequenc- stated hypothesis and justify the long juvenile period es. We detected >115,835 sequences in each solid in primates, offering insight to the evolutionary driv- sample and the most common OTUs were Chitinoph- ers of primate ecology. agaceae, Algoriphagus, Bacteroides, and Ohtaekwangia. In the liquid samples, we detected >106,154 sequences and the most common OTUs were Rhodobacteraceae, Key Terms: Learning Bacteroidetes, Flavobacterium, and Hyphomonas. We are currently conducting alpha and beta diversity tests to Foraging efficiency further analyze the microbial communities over time Primate and as a result of various filtering methods.

Key Terms: Microbiology Microbiome Bioengineering

174 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-EEB-305 UG-EEB-306

Defining Germination Tolerance Ranges for Three Analysis of COI Gene Used for DNA Barcoding of Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) Cave Crickets

Victoria Lason (Augustana College), Jessamine Finch Francine Francis (SUNY Plattsburgh) (Northwestern University) Advisor: Nancy Elwess (SUNY Plattsburgh) Advisor: Jessamine Finch (Northwestern University) The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (C0I) is one of Our changing climate is growing as a major variable 37 genes found in the mitochondria. This has been in plant science as it may have a marked impact upon shown to be an ideal gene used for DNA barcoding: early life stages of plants including germination and the gene codes for an essential protein present in most seedling establishment. Both of which have recently eukaryotes that is highly conserved across species. been identified as a large potential bottleneck to Each cell contains 1-1000 copies of the mitochondrial plant recruitment under climate change, as seedlings DNA and the rate of gene sequence change is slow will be more sensitive than mature individuals. As enough to show evolutionary history, while fast an important source of nectar for pollinators, and enough to allow for the differentiation of species. the obligate host plant for monarch butterflies, three This gene was used to DNA barcode 12 cave cricket species of milkweed were chosen to forecast species eggs found in the Great Onyx cave in the Mammoth responses to heightened temperatures. Seeds from Cave National Park. The species has been identified 9 populations of each species were collected along as Hadenoecus subterraneus, but they have never been a latitudinal gradient. Lab-based germination trials identified using DNA analysis. It is hypothesized that occurred in two light and temperature controlled analyzing crickets from geographically-distant caves incubators for a period of 32 days at 25/15°F, and for would yield greater genetic diversity than crickets 36 days at 15/5°. After the incubation trials, viability from closer caves. If the margin of difference is greater tests were conducted upon non-germinated samples than four percent between samples of Hadenoecus to check for dead or dormant seeds. Our results iden- cumberlandicus collected over the Mammoth Cave tified significant differences in milkweed germination National Park, then there may be sufficient evidence among species, populations and regions, in response to identify a new species. Using DNeasy Blood and to simulated winter length and spring temperature Tissue kit as well as QIAquick Gel Extraction kit, the changes throughout the Midwest U.S. These findings DNA was isolated for the COI gene. The sequences have the potential to inform best practices in seed were evaluated using Bioinformatics Protocol. sourcing for restoration. Implementing optimal milk- weed ecotypes decreases management time and cost, two major limiting factors in restoration. Key Terms: DNA barcoding Cave crickets Key Terms: Seed ecology Bioinformatics Reproductive biology Botany

175 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-EEB-307 UG-EEB-309

Socioeconomic Determinants of Health Detection of Freshwater Turtle Species Using Envi- ronmental DNA Nicholas Malizia (College of Mount Saint Vincent), Marielle Villanobos (College of Mount Saint Vincent), Christopher Smith (SUNY Plattsburgh) Gabirella Mendoza (College of Mount Saint Vincent) Advisor: Nancy Elwess (SUNY Plattsburgh) Advisors: Ioanna Visviki (College of Mount Saint Environmental DNA (eDNA) has recently become a Vincent), Amir Niknejad (College of Mount Saint new method to monitor the biodiversity of species Vincent) within aquatic and terrestrial environments. eDNA Life course epidemiology attempts to identify the can be defined as genetic material left behind from biological and social factors, which operate during a species, which can be sampled directly from the gestation, childhood, adolescence and adulthood environment without the physical presence of the that increase chronic disease susceptibility and affect biological species. Some scientists have used eDNA longevity. In this study, we examined the effects of from aquatic environments as a method to reduce the four socioeconomic factors on the survivorship of a cost of detection and for detection of rare species in 19th century U.S. population of Irish descent. We se- an environment. The purpose of this study was to test lected two conditions from infancy (country of birth), freshwater eDNA to inorder determine if turtle eDNA and childhood (education), and two from adulthood can be successfully detected from various samples of (profession and service index). We collected data on ponds and streams in the region of the Lake Cham- 1,480 women that were born during the 19th century plain Basin. The freshwater eDNA was tested using and were lifelong members of the Sisters of Charity conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Exact of New York, a socially active, Catholic congrega- species was determined through DNA sequencing tion. We constructed Kaplan-Meir survival curves methods as a mean to detect biological species within using SPSS for the following factors: country of birth, the ponds and streams. After the detection of the educational level, profession, and service index (years turtle presence, the speciation of the turtles was also of religious life divided by the number of missions). determined within the Lake Champlain Basin. With Contrary to expectations, there was no statistically this, further studies can be conducted to potentially significant difference in survivorship between women observe the distribution of turtle species in the Lake born in the U.S. compared to the first generation Irish Champlain Basin. immigrants. Educational level and service index, like- wise, did not affect survivorship. Profession was the only factor examined that had a statistically signifi- Key Terms: Ecology and evolutionary biology cant effect, with teachers experiencing higher longev- eDNA ity than nurses. We attribute our results to the benefits of communal living, which could have protected this Biodiversity population from the adverse effects of socioeconomic factors associated with decreased survivorship in previous studies.

Key Terms: Health Longevity Surviorship

176 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-EEB-310 UG-EEB-311

Survey of Two Pathogens in Introduced Frogs on An Initial Survey of Terrestrial Tardigrades around Hawaii Unity College, Maine

Joseph Tyler (Hampden-Sydney College), Dakota Re- Jeanette Gray (Unity College) inartz (Hampden-Sydney College), Rachel Goodman Advisor: Emma S. Perry (Unity College) (Hampden-Sydney College), Amber Wright (Univer- Maine is the easternmost state in the United States sity of Hawaii at Manoa) with an extensive tidal coastline, vast forests, and Advisor: Rachel Goodman (Hampden-Sydney Col- numerous small islands. Although the first tardigrade lege) in North America was found in Maine, only one Biodiversity is declining worldwide and emerging other paper has documented terrestrial tardigrades in pathogens are one of the factors causing the decline. Maine. Two such pathogens affecting amphibians (and other The town of Unity is a small town in Waldo County, ectotherms) include Ranavirus and Batrachochytrium Maine. It encompasses 41.36mi2 of the 853mi2 that dendrobatidis (Bd), which are known to cause disease makes up Waldo County. Much of the county is and die-offs in amphibians. We surveyed five am- covered in a hemlock-pine forest. Samples of under- phibian species (Bufo marinus, Dendrobates auratus, story leaf litter were taken from forests around Unity Eleutherodactylus planirostris, Rana catesbeiana, and Rana College, Maine. rugosa) in various life stages (tadpoles, metamorphs, and adults) from Oahu, Hawaii for the presence of In total 72 samples of leaf litter were collected. From these two pathogens. Frogs were collected from vari- these samples 626 tardigrades of at least twelve ous areas on the island (Figure 1; Table 1). The intes- species have been found, several are new records tines, liver, and kidneys were harvested for Ranavirus for Maine. These tardigrades were examined using testing and skins swabs were taken for Bd testing and brightfield, phase contrast, Nomarski differential in- qPCR was conducted to test for the presence of the terference contrast and autofluorescence microscopy two pathogens, respectively. 328 frogs were sampled to aid in their identification. from the species previously mentioned and the Rana- virus qPCR was conducted with a stock FV3 rana- virus culture and negative control and the Bd qPCR Key Terms: Tardigrade was conducting using a set of standards extracted Biodiversity from a zoospore stock. No Ranavirus was detected in the samples; however, three samples tested positive Leaf litter for Bd. The three positive samples were all located surrounding the James Campbell National Wildlife Reserve, indicating a small, isolated presence of the pathogen on the Hawaii; however, the threat of the two pathogens to have more prevalence on the island – seeing that few studies have occurred regarding the prevalence of Ranavirus or Bd on the island – still remains.

Key Terms: Ranavirus Batrochochytrium dendrobatidis Hawaii

177 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

GR-EEB-318 GR-EEB-319

Functional Response and Self-Superparasitism in Categorization and Effectiveness of Protected Areas: the Parasitoid Wasp Cotesia rubecula Comparative study of small mammal communities in Nahuel-Huapi National Park, Argentina Dhaval Vyas (Colorado State University), Ryan Paul (Colorado State University), Paul Ode (Colorado State Maria Daniela Rivarola (University of Tennessee), University) Daniel Simberloff (University of Tennessee) Advisor: Paul Ode (Colorado State University) Advisor: Daniel Simberloff (University of Tennessee) The number of hosts in a patch influences the rate The increment of Protected Areas (PA) at global scale of attack and host-use strategy of parasitoid insects. during the second half of the 20th century reflects This study determined the functional response of the the growing concern of preserving lands, facing parasitoid wasp, Cotesia rubecula, to different densi- the biodiversity and habitat loss. However, in most ties of its host, the imported cabbageworm butterfly cases, there is no clear evidence of the PA effective- (Pieris rapae). Individual female wasps were exposed ness. Nahuel Huapi National Park is the first and to one, two, four and eight hosts in a large cage. Each biggest Argentinean PA (750,000 ha); it hosts few female experienced either an increasing pattern of big and medium size mammals’ species, however, host densities (1, 2, 4 and 8 hosts) or a decreasing the number and diversity of small mammals equals pattern of host densities (8, 4, 2 and 1). A type III those found in temperate forest elsewhere. Our goal functional response was observed for both increasing was to evaluate the conservation status of the small and decreasing host density patterns. The maximum mammals communities in the Nahuel Huapi protec- proportion of hosts parasitized (88%) occurred at tion system, accounting for direct and indirect human the host density of two hosts. Self-superparasitism intervention. In order to achieve this goal, five plots (multiple attacks per host) was highest (56% of hosts) of 60x60 m were established in each level of protec- at the density of two hosts and self-superparasitism tion (Strict Natural Reserve, National Park, National occurred even at the density of eight hosts (42% of Reserve, outside PA), setting 50 traps per plot, over hosts). A second experiment showed that the mean four consecutive nights monthly. Capture effort was (±SE) clutch size for a single attack was 0.96 (±0.004) 20,600 traps/day. Each individual was identified, eggs, confirming that multiple eggs in a single host marked and released, resulting in 727 individuals were from self-superparasitism. The mean number (Abrothrix hirta, A. olivacea, Oligoryzomys longicauda- of eggs for double (1.40 ±0.05 ) and triple (1.60 ±0.10) tus, Geoxus valdivianus, Chelemys macronix, Irenomys attacks per host showed that females failed to lay tarsalis, Loxodontomys micropus y Dromiciops gliroides). an egg during each attack. The type III functional Species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity-index, response suggests that at lower host densities, C. ru- and abundance were compared by ANOVA, finding becula has a density dependent response. Self-super- only statistical difference for Loxodontomys micropus parasitism appears to be common, but females seem abundance. However, three species were scarcely to limit the number of eggs invested during multiple found; furthermore the unequal distribution of re- attacks on the same host. cords requires a deeper track in order to elucidate the role that the presence or absence of the PA would be fulfilling in the conservation of these communities. Key Terms: Animal behavior Ecology Key Terms: Conservation Entomology Small mammals

Protected areas effectiveness

178 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

GR-EEB-320 GR-EEB-321

Cryptic Female Mate Choice and Sperm Competi- The Effects of Obstacle Placement on Bipedalism in tion as Mediated by Sigma Virus in Drosophila Lizards melanogaster Chase Kinsey (Georgia Southern University), Lance Meghan Bentz (University of Florida), Marta Wayne McBrayer (Georgia Southern University) (University of Florida) Advisor: Lance McBrayer (Georgia Southern Univer- Advisor: Marta Wayne (University of Florida) sity) Host-parasite interactions are driven by a competi- Bipedal locomotion has evolved independently in tion for resources, during which the pathogen can numerous lizard taxa. Initial acceleration, trunk angle, manipulate host behavior to increase its own fitness. and the posterior shift of the center of mass contribute The effect of viral manipulation on host populations significantly to bipedal running. Recent work indi- can be seen in the model system of Drosophila melano- cates that bipedal posture is advantageous during gaster and Drosophila sigma virus (DMelSV). Despite obstacle negotiation. However, the effects of obstacle reproductive costs to the female host, the virus is able placement on the use of bipedal locomotion has yet to to persist in wild Drosophila populations via bipa- be explored in detail. Whether a lizard runs bipedally rental vertical transmission, creating an opportunity solely from increased acceleration (passive bipedal- for the virus to be a third player in sexual conflict. In ism) or as an applied strategy for navigating obstacles this study we experimentally evaluated the effect of (active bipedalism) is poorly understood. This study DMelSV on cryptic female choice (here, internal selec- quantified the frequency of bipedalism when run- tion by the female of which sperm to store, eject, and/ ning with vs. without an obstacle at 0.8 meters from or use in fertilization). We also studied whether or not initiating a sprint. Whether bipedal posture is used DMelSV infected sperm are better competitors than at the start of a sprint vs. in the stride preceding the their uninfected counterparts. We competed unin- obstacle was also quantified. Two species with con- fected male flies with red fluorescent sperm against trasting body forms were selected (Sceloporus woodi, DMelSV-infected males with green fluorescent sperm Aspidoscelis sexlineata) to assess potential variation to explore the possibility of differential sperm storage in behavioral patterns. Lizards were coerced to run based on infection status. On examining the dissected along a 1.4-meter track and filmed with high speed females’ sperm storage organs, there is evidence of video. Sceloporus woodi ran bipedally at the start of the second male precedence. In contrast, when looking at trial in 77.78% of the trials, regardless of obstacle pres- the offspring actually produced, there was an over- ence. In the strides approaching an obstacle S. woodi whelming majority of uninfected offspring produced ran bipedally in 72.73% of trials. Aspidoscelis sexlineata regardless of mating order, consistent with cryptic ran bipedally at the start of a trial in 50% of trials female choice. In an answer to the question of which regardless of obstacle presence. In strides just prior member of the reproductive arms race (male, female, to the obstacle, A. sexlineata ran bipedally in all trials. or virus) has the most marked effect on the outcome The frequency of bipedalism varies between these of reproduction, we have found that to be the female two species despite living in similar habitats. Passive host. While viral manipulation may be occurring bipedalism is less prevalent in A. sexlineata than S. at the sperm level, in the end cryptic female choice woodi. Thus, bipedalism may be an active strategy for overrides this advantage when the offspring are negotiating obstacles in A. sexlineata. produced. If we can learn the mechanism by which female choice aids/hinders vertically transmitted viruses we can potentially manipulate that choice to Key Terms: Bipedal locomotion decrease disease reservoirs. Biomechanics Ecology Key Terms: Drosophila melanogaster Virus evolution Cryptic female choice

179 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

HS-ENG-361 HS-ENG-362

Assessment of Capacity Degradation and RUL of A Survey of Energy-Efficient Techniques for 5G Flexible Batteries in Wearable Electronics Networks and Challenges Ahead

Rahul Lall (Auburn High School) Elise Mochizuki (Jericho High School), Vincent Poor (Princeton University/School of Engineering and Ap- Wearable electronics are finding new applications in plied Science) everyday life. Future adoption of wearable electronics into applications such as medical diagnostics, identity Without prominent consideration of energy efficiency, protection, and asset situational awareness requires the advance beyond 3G and 4G wireless networks to the development of form factors which are seamlessly 5G will be challenged by an energy crunch due to in- integrated into wearable garments and on the surface creased usage of new services and applications. Asso- of skin. Flexible wearable electronics are subjected ciations already announced goals for a 1,000-times en- to a greater deal of mechanical and environmental ergy efficiency improvement and a >40% reduction in stresses while attempting to maintain functionality. CO2 emissions. Four techniques to increase the energy Wearable applications need thin and flexible form fac- efficiency of wireless networks were surveyed. First, tors for the energy storage to drive sensing, displays, resource allocation seeks to utilize new mathematical control, and processing. Energy storage of these tools to maximize the energy efficiency in exchange wearable applications most likely requires the ability for a moderate reduction to energy throughput, to sustain use and recharge cycles. In this paper, the where the emphasis would shift from the maximum state of art flexible battery technologies commercially to the reliable amount of information transmitted. available have been studied for their survivability Second, network planning and deployment seek to under exposure to environmental loads typical of deploy infrastructure nodes to maximize the covered wearable electronics applications (bending). The area per consumed energy, not the covered area alone. charging and discharging cycles were performed on Third, energy harvesting and transfer seek to increase the flexible battery with a custom designed test sta- the use of renewable and clean energy sources from tion. The test station included a linear actuator setup the environment despite their random availability, (programmable electronic load), microprocessor, and and to recycle the energy from the radio signals over a data logger. All hardware was controlled using the air. Fourth, hardware solutions seek to design LabVIEW. Additionally, a method for prognosticating hardware with decreased energy consumption, and the capacity degradation and remaining useful life to adopt architectural changes. Approaches include has been developed using Extended Kalman Filtering different designs of power amplifiers to reduce the (EKF). It is expected that the developed system will peak-to-average-power ratio, as well as cloud-based expedite the use of flexible electronics and broaden implementation of the radio access network (cloud their applications. RAN or C-RAN) to decrease the functions performed in the base station (BS). These survey results suggest all four techniques contain robust and promising Key Terms: Biomedical engineering approaches supported by the academic literature, but that regulatory, policy, and economic issues pres- Mechanical engineering ent challenges to successful implementation of any Electronics reliability of these techniques to eventually result in sufficient energy efficiency.

Key Terms: Energy efficiency 5G Wireless power transfer

180 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-ENG-372 UG-ENG-373

Optimizing MMP7 Degradable Hydrogels for Carti- A Novel Computational Model of a Total Knee Re- lage Tissue Engineering placement Implant with Synthetic Ligaments

Marlen Tagle Rodriguez (University of California, Taylor Gambon (Clemson University), Michael Stokes Irvine) (Clemson University), Luke Pietrykowski (Clemson Advisors: Stephanie Bryant (University of Colorado University), Brendan Greene (Clemson University) at Boulder), Elizabeth Aisenbrey (University of Colo- Advisor: John DesJardins (Clemson University) rado at Boulder) The use of synthetic ligaments has been suggested Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic condition as a means to offer enhanced total knee replacement of the joints in which cartilage breaks down due to in- (TKR) stability while also maintaining active ranges jury, overuse or bone misalignment. It debilitates pa- of motion. However, the placement of the origin and tients because of the pain, inflammation, and swelling insertion points for such synthetic anterior cruciate around the affected area. Advanced therapies involve and posterior cruciate ligaments could have a sig- cartilage tissue engineering in which cartilage tissue nificant impact on the stability and range of motion is derived from the patient and is used to replace of the implant. A computational model of both an the damaged cartilage. However, this approach is anterior drawer test and induced knee flexion was oftentimes unsuccessful due to aging and patient-to- created using AnyBody Modeling System to explore patient variability. Photopolymerizable poly(ethylene the incorporation of synthetic cruciate ligaments glycol) hydrogels are used to address this challenge into a TKR. The model also served to optimize the because they can recapitulate the complex microen- position and length of the synthetic ligaments with vironment of cartilage tissue and can also be tuned respect to TKR stability. In general, as ACL and PCL to degrade at the rate needed by the patient’s cells. lengths increased, the A/P laxity of the TKR system These hydrogels provide a solid foundation for hu- increased linearly. Range of motion was found to be man mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to grow and deposit their own extracellular matrix as they differ- more dependent on ligament attachment location, entiate into chondrocytes. However, it is imperative and laxity was more dependent on ligament length. that the hydrogel is tuned to degrade at a rate that As ACL insertion location on the femur moved poste- matches matrix deposition of the cells to allow space riorly, ACL ligament strain decreased during flexion, for the cells to integrate into cartilage tissue. This enabling a higher range of flexion. In this work, TKR research proposes an enzymatically degradable hy- stability was clearly affected by changes in synthetic drogel consisting of a degradable peptide crosslinker ligament length and location. The TKR design and specific to matrix metalloproteinase (MMP7) which is geometry implicitly contributed to the strains seen associated with chondrogenic differentiation and car- in the ligaments, and as such, the results of this work tilage remodeling. This allows for the gradual degra- are specific to the TKR design used in this study. By dation of the hydrogel as the hMSCs differentiate into examining the possibility of incorporating ligaments chondrocytes and should allow the cells the support into a TKR system, we have shown that the stability and time needed for matrix deposition and tissue in- of a TKR system can be increased while maintaining tegration. Results demonstrate that MMP7 hydrogels the intended flexion range of motion. degrade too quickly. Therefore an additional peptide crosslinker that degrades late in chondrogenesis will be added in future studies to fine-tune the degrada- Key Terms: Bioengineering tion process. Computational modeling Knee Key Terms: Tissue engineering

Biomaterials Osteoarthritis

181 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-ENG-374 GR-ENG-383

Predicting Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Influence of Electrode Design Parameters on the Performance With Human Circulatory System Performance of a Lithium Ion Battery Model Meng Xu (Oakland University), Xia Wang (Oakland Hieu Nguyen (Trinity College) University) Advisor: Joseph Palladino (Trinity College) Advisor: Xia Wang (Oakland University) LVADs are widely used to provide supplemental The design parameters of electrodes materials such pumping in heart failure patients. The LVAD’s im- as electrode thickness and porosity usually play an peller rotational speed is one of the leading causes important role in the electrochemical behavior of a of complications and hospital readmission in heart lithium ion battery. For instance, increasing the thick- failure patients. Fast speeds might cause blood cell ness of the active electrode would offer higher energy destruction, while slow speeds might not meet the for a battery cell with fixed geometrical dimensions. body’s cardiac demand, which varies greatly through- However, the thicker electrode tends to lengthen out the day. This study modeled the pressure-flow the path for lithium ions to diffuse in the electrolyte, relation for different impeller speeds for each of four which results in poor rate capability and therefore different continuous flow LVADS: the Jarvik 2000, low power performances. The objective of this the HVAD, the Heartmate II, and the Heart Assist 5. research is to study the influence of battery design The pressure-flow-impeller performance data were parameters on the battery performance by developing available from the literature. These data were used to a one-dimensional electrochemical isothermal model create a flow and impeller speed dependent pressure at the cell level. In this model, the composite elec- generator. This LVAD model was then coupled in par- trode properties, such as tortuosity and the effective allel with the left ventricle in a closed-loop model of diffusion coefficient were characterized for cells with the human circulatory system (Palladino et al., 2000). various electrode thicknesses and porosities. The dis- The model was formulated as a set of nonlinear, time- charge capacity and rate capability were validated by dependent differential equations, which were solved experimental data from corresponding battery testing numerically using MATLAB. The model permits com- samples. The electrode thickness study was con- putation of volumes, pressures, and flows at multiple ducted with the same porosity and the same particle sites along the circulatory system. In particular, left size. It has been found that the cell discharge capacity ventricular output, in the form of cardiac output faded more when the thickness of positive electrode and ejection fraction, was studied at various LVAD increases from 45um to 70um at the same discharge impeller speeds. Pressures and volumes were plot- rate (2C), which is consistent with the experimental ted to facilitate quantitative comparison, particularly results. This research reveals the effects of design as pressure-volume work loops. Preliminary results parameters of a Li-ion battery electrode on the battery suggest the impeller speeds necessary for each of the capacity and rate capability, which are very useful for four LVADs to restore cardiac function in the disease battery modeling and design. state to healthy function. This LVAD-human circula- tory system model could assist VAD clinical teams in noninvasively determining the necessary impeller Key Terms: Lithium ion battery speeds for heart failure patients. Design parameters Modeling Key Terms: Biomedical engineering

Cardiovascular Mathematical model

182 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-ENV-412 UG-ENV-413

The Effects of Carbamazepine and Caffeine on Ju- Examining American Propagation of Downy and venile Fathead Minnow Swimming Behavior Powdery Mildew Resistance in Humulus lupulus

Caitlyn Patullo (Ithaca College) John Nichols (Hampden-Sydney College), Gannon Advisor: Dr. Susan Allen-Gil (Ithaca College) Griffin (Hampden-Sydney College) Advisor: Michael Wolyniak (Hampden-Sydney Col- Pharmaceuticals and personal care products have lege) become increasingly popular subjects of toxicologi- cal studies due to concerns regarding their potential Although a largely commercial crop, there is not effects on aquatic ecosystems. Pharmaceuticals pose much research on the resistance factors of hops. There a major threat due to the fact that wastewater treat- is large commercial need for such research. In 1999 ment methods have been ineffective in filtering many and 2000, powdery mildew is estimated to have cost of them out. Studies have shown that certain phar- hop growers over $30 million, or 15% of the total crop maceuticals can impact behaviors such as reproduc- revenue. Additionally, there is great need for hops tion, predator avoidance, and food acquisition at research in the American Southeast, as most research concentrations found in effluent wastewater. This has been conducted in the Pacific Northwest. The study focuses on the behavioral effects of caffeine objectives of this study were: 1) To find the best way and carbamazepine on juvenile fathead minnows to propagate hops plants in Virginia 2) To evaluate (Pimephales promelas). Caffeine is a well-known central hops for resistance to downy and powdery mildew nervous system stimulant. Fathead minnows were 3) To identify resistance genes within hops strains 4) exposed to four sublethal concentrations of caffeine: To establish a method to grow downy and powdery 0.04 µg/L, 9.5 µg/L, 35 µg/L, and 50 mg/L. The first mildew and a controlled environment 5) To establish three concentrations were selected by environmental a hops repository for future research at Hampden- relevance in Ithaca and on the East Coast, and the Sydney College. final concentration was selected as a positive control. Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant and analgesic that treats seizures, nerve pain, and even bipolar Key Terms: Botany disorder. For this set of experiments, fathead min- Genetics nows were exposed to four environmentally relevant concentrations: 0.34 µg/L, 2.00 µg/L, 11.5 µg/L, and Biology 1.00 mg/L. We used two experimental designs in this research: one to quantify changes in shelter preference and a second to quantify swimming behavior changes directly through calculating total distance traveled and average velocity. The results of our study to date have indicated no significant change in behavior for either caffeine or carbamazepine at environmentally relevant concentrations; however we have observed notable trends as the dose of carbamazepine increas- es.

Key Terms: Toxicology Hydrology Pharmacology

183 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

HS-GSC-431 GR-MCS-453

Geochemical Extraction of Ceratopsian Remains Fast Statistical Approximations of Computationally and Opals from Ironstone Intensive Finite Element Models

Emily Cross (Hammarskjold High School) Meiqi Song (Oakland University) Advisors: Clarence Surette (Lakehead University), Advisors: Aycil Cesmelioglu (Oakland University), Donald Henderson (Royal Tyrrell Museum) Dorin Drignei (Oakland University) New prehistoric species, ancient hominid bones, This presentation addresses a topic at the interface of potential martian astro-microbiology, and a wealth applied mathematics, computing and statistics. It uses of soft tissues representing important evolutionary statistical methods to develop fast approximations of information are among significant specimens trapped numerical solutions from computationally intensive within ironstone. Existing mechanical extraction solvers of differential equations. Accurate expres- remains time-consuming and causes substantial sion of the approximation error is an advantage over damage. Little research exists on non-destructive other methods. The new research, demonstrated on a specimen extraction from ironstone. Experimentation case study, helps mathematicians to understand the generated chemical treatments for ironstone samples dependence of the solution on unknown parameters. containing fossils and opals which removed the The presentation details the two-dimensional Darcy’s stone matrix in a time and resource efficient manner equation with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary without damaging specimen inclusions. More than conditions, modeling the flow of a fluid through a -po 168 samples were exposed to hydrogen peroxide, rous medium such as sand or soil and depending on hydrochloric acid, carbonic acid, sodium hydroxide, unknown permeability parameters. Its finite element and sodium bicarbonate. Changes to samples were numerical solution is based on the weak formulation assessed using Moh’s Hardness, weight, scanning and is obtained by solving a large linear system of electron microscopy and partial energy-dispersive x- equations, thus being computationally intensive. The ray spectroscopy. Significant discoveries which main- finite element solver generated the numerical solution tain targeted specimen quality include four inclusion- output data at a sample of permeability parameters. specific processes for removing ironstone from fossils The resulting output data was used to develop the or gemstones. Hydrogen peroxide quickly reduces fast statistical approximation and its error, on a grid ironstone, but damages soft tissue and minimally of new permeability parameters. The number of sam- affects fossilized bone. Hydrochloric acid is the most pled parameters was increased sequentially from 10 effective treatment for opal removal, but destroys fos- to 30 to 50, and we observed that the approximation sils and soft tissue. Carbonic acid is the best balance surface becomes smoother and more well-defined. In of ironstone removal and preservation of fossilized addition, when more points are available, the approx- bone or soft tissue. Sodium hydroxide is moderately imation becomes more accurate since the error surface effective for fossilized bone and opal removal, but becomes flatter and closer to zero. The results reveal a damages soft tissue. The results are highly relevant nonlinear dependence of the numerical solution on its to many researchers worldwide. These ironstone re- permeability parameters, which will be characterized moval methods provide new, highly effective tools for analytically and graphically. accessing fossil specimens, potentially closing signifi- cant gaps in evolutionary knowledge. Furthermore, application of these processes has potential to drasti- Key Terms: Statistic cally improve mining yields and efficiency in the soft Applied mathematics gemstone mining industry. Computing

Key Terms: Paleontology Geochemistry Geology

184 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

HS-PHA-466 UG-PHA-478

Test of Rock Salt Model for Suppressed Gross Ero- Bifrost: Astronomy Data Processing Pipelines Made sion of High-Temperature Lithium Under Fusion Easy Reactor Conditions Miles Cranmer (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Elise Mochizuki (Jericho High School), Robert Kaita Astrophysics) (Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory) Advisor: Lincoln Greenhill (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics) Plasma facing components (PFCs) protect the under- lying walls in a tokamak from high temperatures and Bifrost is an astronomy software framework designed high particle fluxes (>1023 m2 s-1) as well as improve for rapid development of high-performance data plasma performance. Although high-Z materials like processing pipelines, such as for imaging and analysis tungsten are candidate PFCs, low-Z lithium coatings of telescope data. Bifrost is built on a portable C back- are increasingly under consideration as sacrificial end using an efficient ring buffer implementation to layers, making important the characterization of the handle data flow, with seamless GPU and CPU inter- erosion rate of lithium coatings. Most experiments connection, necessary for the computational intensity and simulations to date of the temperature limit for of modern data reduction. The astronomy community a liquid lithium wall only predicted values <400°C, has many efficient analysis programs -- Bifrost serves which is too low to be practical for fusion reactor to connect these algorithms together on a parallel, applications. Recent experiments in the Magnum-PSI asynchronous execution model to quicken develop- linear plasma device at reactor-relevant ion fluxes ment of processing pipelines. Bifrost is currently (1023-1024 m2 s-1) and lithium surface temperatures being used to power two large radio interferometers, (~800°C), however, indicated that the erosion rate was which require real-time data throughput exceeding 20 much lower than expected.[1] The reason appears to be Gb/s per CPU. the formation of a mixed material consisting of both lithium and lithium hydride at the higher flux rates achieved in the Magnum-PSI experiments. This expla- Key Terms: Astronomical instrumentation nation is based on first-principles molecular dynam- Radio astronomy ics (MD) calculations using only three variables: Ion flux, lithium temperature, and lithium thickness.[2] At High performance computing high flux rates, MD simulations predict the formation of lithium hydride when hydrogen bombards lithium. With increasing hydrogen flux, the lithium hydride forms a rock salt structure that changes the thermody- namic behavior of the lithium coating. An experiment can be performed with simple rock salt, where the evaporation rates of solutions with different concen- trations can be compared as a function of tempera- ture. [1] T. Abrams et al., Nucl. Fusion 56 (2016) 016022. [2] M. Chen et al., Nucl. Fusion 56 (2016) 016020.

Key Terms: Fusion reactor Lithium sputtering Ion implantation

185 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-PHA-479 UG-PHA-480

Operation of a Photomultiplier for Improved Tem- Enhancing Device Sensitivity of Graphene Field perature Diagnostics in Non-Neutral Plasmas Effect Transistor DNA Biosensors via Single Layer Boron Nitride Carlos Sierra (University of California, Berkeley) Advisor: Carlos Sierra (University of California, Christopher Miller (University of North Carolina at Berkeley) Chapel Hill) Advisors: Ramya Vishnubhotla (University of Penn- A silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) is a device capable sylvania), Alan T. Charlie Johnson (University of of detecting light at the resolution of a single photo- Pennsylvania) electron. Its compact form, low voltage, low noise, When it comes to nanoscale devices, graphene con- and insensitivity to magnetic fields make it a useful tinues to demonstrate its great potential as an ideal tool for many physics experiments requiring fast and material for various nanostructures. This is in part efficient detection of photons. One such experiment due to graphene’s physical and electrical properties, is that of the ALPHA collaboration located at CERN. which include high electrical conductivity, sensitiv- The aim of the ALPHA experiment is to create and ity, and flexibility. As such, graphene proves to be trap antihydrogen atoms by mixing positrons and useful for developing highly-sensitive sensors and antiprotons, and comparing the trapped antihydro- electronics of various kinds. Here we present our gen to hydrogen through laser spectroscopy and progress on developing highly-sensitive graphene other methods. To successfully confine antihydro- field-effect transistor (GFET) sensors capable of de- gen, the temperature of the constituent non-neutral tecting single-stranded DNA sequences and provid- plasmas (electron, positron and antiproton) must ing electrical readouts from these sequences. Here first be very low. In an effort towards ensuring more we chose to examine the effects of adding monolayer accurate readings and thus a higher trapping rate, BN to our GFET devices to improve our GFET device the SiPM’s anode output, which corresponds to the sensitivity and performance. Our devices made with total charge accumulated by the detector over a few a protective monolayer of BN deposited on top of microseconds, has been used to successfully obtain the graphene layer showed higher sensitivity and a a temperature for plasmas confined in the ALPHA lower Dirac voltage than our standard GFET devices. apparatus. Use of this method removes the necessity Furthermore, our fabrication method is scalable and for high voltage signals and associated hardware, and reproducible. These highly-sensitive and accurate improves the signal-to-noise ratio over the previous bio-sensors show great potential for medical sens- method used by ALPHA. Additionally, a separate ing applications such as disease detection and DNA technique that uses the SiPM’s fast output to count sequencing. the arrival rates of single photoelectrons is currently being developed, which could improve these tem- perature measurements further. Key Terms: Graphene Field-effect transistor Key Terms: Plasma physics DNA biosensor Electrical engineering

Antimatter

186 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

GR-PHA-490 HS-PSI-516

Creating a Statistically Characterized Reference Race, Allergen, Methodology, Asthma Diagnosis, Data Set to Test 2D Image Registration Algorithms and Inflammatory Cells Significantly Alter Reactiv- for Testing Automated Portal Alignment for Patient ity Between Radioallegosorbent and Skin-Prick Set-Up Testing

Afua Dankwa (Oakland University), Edward Cas- Rahul Krishnaswamy (Forsyth Country Day School) tillo (Beaumont Health), Gary McDonald (Oakland Advisor: Annette Hastie (Wake Forest School of University), Thomas Guerrero (Beaumont University) Medicine) Advisor: Thomas Guerrero (Beaumont Health) Allergic sensitivity is a chronic problem for mil- Create and characterize a reference data set for testing lions around the world. Radioallergosorbent testing image registration algorithms that transform mega- (RAST) and skin prick testing (SPT) are two widely voltage portal image (MVPI) to digitally reconstruct- used methods for testing sensitivity to specific al- ed radiograph (DRR), which will be used in future, lergens. However, both methods test areas marginally studies to test automated portal alignment for patient related to airways allergic disease. RAST tests specific set-up. Six orthogonal image set anterior/posterior IgE-levels in serum and SPT tests reactivity of the (AP) and lateral (LAT) of head and neck, abdomen external epithelium, leading to possible discrepancies and pelvis were selected. Computer assisted manual between the two tests. This study aimed to examine point selection tool (CAMPST), devoted software cre- the differences in response for individuals tested by ated in-house, was used to manually select landmark both methods, and whether characteristics such as point pairs by an expert. 58 anatomic landmark points asthma diagnosis, gender, race, or inflammatory cell were manually paired between the six images for presence, might influence the differences observed. AP and 52 for the LAT. Approximation of inter- and We examined data for 51 individuals (asthma cases, -intra observer variation was determined by repeat n=39; healthy controls, n=12) who first underwent measurement on both images by three other readers SPT and subsequently RAST against 12 allergens by as a 2D Euclidean distance. The hypothesis that the standard statistical tests. Comparison of RAST to SPT mean difference between intra and inter observer did not reveal differences for specific allergens; how- registration error equal some critical value between ever, overall greater mismatches between tests oc- 1mm and 7mm using the test statistic for paired data curred between asthma cases and controls (p=0.001) was tested. The registration error was generally high and Caucasians and African Americans (p=0.025). for the MVPI than the DRR due to the inherent poor No significant differences were seen with regards to quality of images acquired using megavoltage ener- gender. Significant differences were seen with regards gies. Also the inter observer error was higher than to race between Caucasians and African Americans in the intra-observer error which is to be expected, as it D. farinae (p=0.03), D. pteronyssinus (p=0.019), and is more likely for an individual to repeat their own grasses (p=0.021) for RAST, and in D. pteronyssinus point rather than someone else. The lower limit of the (p=0.014) for SPT. Additionally, significant increases 95% confidence level was higher than 1mm and the were seen in sputum eosinophil levels for subjects upper limit higher 7mm. Our results agree with what testing positive versus negative for specific allergens: has been reported in literature that the accuracies of for RAST to cat dander (p=0.022); for SPT to cock- 2D and 3D registration method fall between 1mm to roach (p=0.041) and weed mix (p=0.049). In conclu- 7mm. sion, it appears that race, allergen, test methodology, diagnosis of asthma, and presence of inflammatory cells can alter the reactivity observed. Key Terms: Image registration Patient set-up Key Terms: Allergy Set-up uncertainty Immunology

Allergy testing

187 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

HS-PSI-517 UG-PSI-529

BSU1 Family Mediates Immune Signal to MAP Determining the Role that a Crystallin-Derived Kinase Cascade Peptide May Play in Nuclear Cataract Caused by Crystallin Aggregation Nicole Xu (San Mateo High School) Advisors: Chan Ho Park (Carnegie Institution for Sci- Anthony Premceski (Oakland University) ence, Stanford University), Zhiyong Wang (Carnegie Advisors: Frank Giblin (Oakland University), Vidhi Institution for Science, Stanford University) Mishra (Oakland University) Plants rely on receptor-mediated immune signaling Cataract is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. pathways to respond to pathogen attacks. Flg22, a The most common type is nuclear cataract (opacifi- conserved peptide from bacteria flagellin, is recog- cation in the lens center) that is associated with an nized by the receptor kinase FLS2 and elicits this im- age-related increase in oxidative stress. Our labora- mune signaling, leading to MAP kinase (MPK) activa- tory has developed a model for nuclear cataract in tion in a model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. However, which guinea pigs are treated with hyperbaric O2. how flg22-induced signal is transduced from FLS2 to The treatment causes aggregation of lens proteins, as MPK is unknown. BSU1 family proteins (BSUf) were well as degradation of the lens protein alpha crys- suspected to regulate this pathway as they were phos- tallin into products which include alphaA (66-80) phorylated when plants were treated with flg22, and crystallin-derived peptide. It is believed that such play a role in the growth-promoting brassinosteroid peptides may induce crystallin aggregation; however, signaling pathway, which has a similar signaling the mechanism needs to be elucidated. This research method as that of immunity. To investigate the func- was conducted to determine whether alphaA (66-80) tion of BSUf in plant immune signaling, we generated peptide will bind to guinea pig alphaA crystallin in an estradiol-inducible artificial microRNA-mediated vitro, creating hydrophobic patches that may acceler- bsuf-i quadruple mutant. We then identified transgen- ate aggregate formation. A fluorescence polarization ic lines containing single T-DNA insertions based on (FP) assay was developed to test peptide binding 1:3 ratio of antibiotic sensitive: resistant in the T2 gen- with increasing amounts of protein. To conduct the in eration and selected homozygous transgenic plants vitro FP experiment, recombinant guinea pig alphaA showing 100% antibiotic resistance in T3. These plants crystallin was expressed in E.coli cells and purified were then treated with flg22 or mock solution, and using liquid chromatography. A fluorescein-tagged MPK activation was analyzed using immunoblots. alphaA-(66-80) crystallin peptide was obtained from The results showed a decrease of MPK 3/6 activation Genscript. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) served as a in these bsuf-i mutants compared to uninduced con- control. An unexpected decrease in polarization was trol plants, demonstrating that BSUf is required for observed for alphaA (66-80) peptide with alphaA flg22-induced MPK activation. To further understand crystallin, while an expected increase occurred with how BSUf mediates immune signaling, we created BSA. Such a decrease in FP can be caused by protein transgenic plants that express BSUf proteins contain- aggregation. An alternative fluorescence intensity ing mutations at flg22-induced phosphorylation sites. assay showed a significant increase in fluorescence Confocal imaging showed that these mutations did intensity for alphaA (66-80) with alphaA crystallin, not affect the subcellular localization of the protein. but not with BSA. The results suggest that alphaA Future experiments are needed to test if these phos- (66-80) peptide can bind to alphaA crystallin, possibly phorylation sites are required for MPK activation and burying within hydrophobic spaces of the crystallin plant immunity. to induce protein aggregation.

Key Terms: Plant immune signaling Key Terms: Biology MAP kinase Ophthalmology BSU1 family proteins Biochemistry

188 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-PSI-530 UG-PSI-531

The Role of CXCL17 in a Mouse Model of Diet- The Roles of CR3 and CD14 in the Non-Opsonic Induced Obesity Phagocytosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Carolina Herrera (University of California, Irvine), Alberto Lopez (University of California Irvine), Sally Marcela Hernandez (University of California, Irvine), Demirdjian (Dartmouth College), Brent Berwin (Dart- Albert Zlotnik (University of California, Irvine) mouth College) Advisor: Marlene de la Cruz (University of Califor- Advisor: Brent Berwin (Dartmouth College) nia, Irvine) Complement receptor 3 (CR3) and CD14 are receptors CXCL17 is a mucosal chemokine that attracts dendrit- that are important for phagocytic clearance of Gram- ic cells and monocytes to specific tissues. CXCL17 is negative bacteria. Previous studies that employed mainly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and has phagocytes obtained from patients with Leukocyte been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Its re- adhesion deficiency, a genetic deficiency for CR3, -in cently described receptor, CXCR8, is a GPCR protein dicated that either CR3 or CD14 is involved indepen- involved in metabolic function. Therefore, we decided dently in the phagocytosis of various Pseudomonas ae- to study the role of CXCL17 and CXCR8 in obesity, in ruginosa bacterial strains. However, direct interactions which the effect of anti-inflammatory macrophages is between P. aeruginosa and these receptors have never essential to maintain tissue homeostasis.To conduct been demonstrated, therefore we propose to test the this study, we used a mouse model of diet-induced sufficiency and necessity of these receptors to binding obesity to compare Cxcl17-/- mice and wild type and mediating phagocytic uptake of P. aeruginosa. We (WT) C57BL/6 mice. The mice were fed either a 10% hypothesize that if CR3 and CD14 directly interact or 60% fat diet for four months. They were weighed with P. aeruginosa, then ectopic expression of these weekly and a glucose tolerance test was performed receptors will confer bacterial binding. We tested the after two months. Plasma samples were used to per- sufficiency of these two receptors by performing bac- form an adipokine assay to detect levels of obesity- terial association assays with cultured epithelial cells related cytokines and hormones. After four months, which do not express either of these receptors and gastrointestinal tract tissue was isolated and isolated for which we have clones that have been transfected RNA was used to measure expression levels of to express each of these receptors. To test the neces- CXCL17 and obesity-associated hormones by qPCR. sity of these receptors we performed phagocytosis Our data show that Cxcl17-/- mice fed a high fat assays to measure the uptake of different strains of P. diet gained more weight than WT mice. In addition, aeruginosa with murine CR3 and CD14 knockout bone CXCL17 is highly expressed in the upper gastrointes- marrow derived dendritic cells. Bacterial association tinal tract in WT mice under homeostatic conditions. assays with various strains of P. aeruginosa suggests Obese Cxcl17-/- mice also exhibited impaired glucose that there is no significant difference of bacterial as- tolerance. Adipokine assay results revealed differenc- sociation with the three CHO cell lines. However, a es in obesity-associated molecules between WT and significant difference in phagocytic uptake of specific Cxcl17-/- mice. These results indicate that CXCL17 strains of P. aeruginosa by WT versus CD14-/- BDMCs influences the development of obesity and systemic supports a role for CD14. These studies will provide metabolic dysfunction. Therefore, we conclude that novel insights on the molecular basis for cellular rec- the CXCL17/CXCR8 axis represents a novel pathway ognition and clearance of P. aeruginosa by phagocytes. that regulates metabolic responses.

Key Terms: Immunology Key Terms: Immunology Host pathogen Chemokines Phagocytosis Obesity

189 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

UG-PSI-532 GR-PSI-540

Are Vaccine Myths and Misconceptions Driving ZIP8 in the Regulation of Methionine Metabolic Outbreaks of Infectious Diseases? Pathway in Liver

Georgiana Kourepenos (Quinnipiac University), Jes- Liu Liu (Oakland University) sica Kuchta (Qunnipiac University), Kristen Bender Advisor: Zijuan Liu (Oakland University) (Quinnipiac University) Membrane transporter SLC39A8 (encoding ZIP8) Advisor: Lisa Cuchara (Quinnipiac Universiy) regulates the influx of micronutrients such as sele- Vaccines have enabled debilitating and fatal dis- nium and divalent cations zinc, iron and manganese. eases, such as smallpox and polio, to be abated in As an essential mammalian protein, ZIP8 is found to the United States. This success has been halted due be associated with inflammation and multiple meta- to inaccurate media representation and unreliable bolic disorders including high cholesterol and obesity internet sources, resulting in negative effects upon in humans. However, the pathological effects of ZIP8 public health. Our hypothesis is while scientists and on downstream metabolic pathway is unknown. Us- healthcare providers know more facts about this ing recently developed RNA-sequencing technique, issue, they too are often believers (or ambiguous we analyzed and compared transcriptome profiling believers) in misinformation. Using a comprehensive in hypomorphic Slc39a8neo/neo fetal livers along with survey supported by numerous sources, vaccination WT controls. We discovered that downregulation of knowledge was evaluated in 4,275 individuals with ZIP8 significantly affected two enzymes involved in varying backgrounds using a Likert scale for data methionine metabolism: MAT1A and BHMT1. These analysis. enzymes are important to maintain homeostasis of essential metabolic intermediates, including methio- The next step will be to determine if science/health nine, S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) and homocyste- students need to be more versed in debunking vac- ine. Defects in protein expression are associated with cine myths misconceptions in order to transmit accu- liver disorders including inflammation and fibrosis. rate vaccine knowledge to patients and to the public. ZIP8 regulation of MAT1A and BHMT1 is consistent with our observations of 50% haploinsufficiency Slc39a8+/neo mice showing visible liver pathologies including liver inflammation and fibrosis, along with Key Terms: Public health decreased expression of Bhmt1 and Mat1a and lowed Infectious disease selenium level. Since BHMT1 is zinc-dependent enzyme, we hypothesize ZIP8 deficiency decreases Vaccines hepatocytes’ access to zinc and selenium, compromis- ing Mat1a and Bhmt1 expression and thus promoting chronic liver disease. In a summary, we identified novel function of ZIP8, a newly identified multiple- functional transporter to play important roles in regulating liver function through controlling down- stream enzymes MAT1and BHMT1. This discovery hold promise to propose ZIP8 as a new molecule to be evaluated in popular liver diseases including fatty liver disease and fibrosis.

Key Terms: ZIP8 Methionine metabolic Liver pathology

190 STUDENT POSTER ABSTRACTS

GR-PSI-541 GR-PSI-542

Preliminary Examinations of Changes in Intestinal Characterization of Peripheral Blood B Cells in Al- Microbiota Induced by High Fat Feeding in Male lergic Asthma and the Effect of Rhinovirus Infec- Adolescent Rats tion

Meli’sa Crawford (Arizona State University), Corrie Tiffany Batarseh (University of California, Irvine), Whisner (Arizona State University), Karen Sweazea (Arizona State University) Nadine Upton (King’s College London), Yu-Chang Advisors: Karen Sweazea (Arizona State University), Bryan Wu (King’s College London) , Hannah Gould Corrie Whisner (Arizona State University) (King’s College London) The gut microbiome has a significant physiological Advisors: Nadine Upton (King’s College London), impact in both health and disease. In a healthy indi- Hannah Gould (King’s College London) vidual, microbes influence metabolism, offer protec- tion against pathogens, and train the immune system. Asthma, a chronic, respiratory condition, affects 1 in The dominant bacterial phyla in the human digestive 12 people in the US, with 60% having allergic-asthma. system are gram-positive Firmicutes and Actinobac- This is characterized by elevated levels of IgE anti- teria as well as gram-negative Bacteroidetes. Recent bodies, the antibody isotype that causes allergies. metagenomic studies show that obesity is associated Rhinovirus (RV) infection causes 60% of asthma with reduced Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes while an increase in Actinobacteria is observed. Additionally, exacerbations, however the mechanism of how RV the gut microbiome is implicated in the regulation of does so is not established and research is necessary. host metabolic processes, which include producing We hypothesized that RV infection induces IgE-B the short chain fatty acids (SCFA), butyrate, acetate responses in patients with allergic asthma. In partner- and propionate. However, previous research has ship with a clinical study, peripheral blood samples shown that prolonged consumption of a Westernized diet can drastically alter gut microbiota and increase were taken from allergic-asthmatic and non-asthmatic the risk of obesity and other metabolic diseases in individuals before and after RV infection. Total pe- adults. Although it is known that energy dense foods ripheral blood B cells and peripheral blood memory can alter microbial diversity, less is known about the B cells were sorted out through fluorescence activated physiological effects of diet-induced changes in the cell sorting. Both groups of sorted cells were lysed gut microbiome on cardiovascular disease risk in ado- lescents. Six-week old periadolescent male Sprague and cDNA generated. To study changes in gene ex- Dawley rats were divided into two groups (n=6 each) pression, the total B cell cDNA was used for qPCR. To and fed either a standard rodent chow (18.9% protein, investigate if B cells increase IgE antibody response, 57.33% carbohydrates, 5% fat) or a high-fat diet (HFD) memory B cell cDNA was used for switch circle (20% protein, 20% carbohydrates [6.8% sucrose], 60% transcript analysis. Increases in IL-4R gene expression fat) for 6 weeks. Following the diets, fecal pellets were collected and sequenced at the Microbiome Analysis appears to occur in both the allergic-asthmatics and Lab at Arizona State University. Although not signifi- the healthy populations. CD23 gene expression ap- cant, the preliminary fecal taxonomy analyses sug- pears to increase in the allergic-asthmatic group at an gest changes in the relative abundance of Firmicutes earlier timepoint than compared to the healthy group. (Chow: 86.3±4.6%; HFD: 80.8±5.0%), Bacteroidetes Both of these genes deal with B cell differentiation (Chow: 5.6±2.4%; HFD: 15.0±4.9%), and Actinobacteria (Chow: 0.42±0.17%; HFD: 1.62±0.72%) following the and IgE responses. After infection with RV, CD27- and HFD protocol. These preliminary data were limited IgD- memory B cells have a significant increase in by the availability of fecal samples only at the post- switching from IgM antibody isotype only in allergic- intervention period but serve as a basis for future ex- asthmatics. Further investigation is warranted to fully amination of the effects of a novel fiber treatment on understand the specific mechanism and consequence SCFA production, inflammation and cardiovascular disease markers in adolescent rats throughout a more of this induction in further understanding the patho- prolonged HFD protocol (10 weeks). Understanding genesis of rhinovirus-induced asthma exacerbations. how the gut microbiome is altered with poor nutri- tion may elucidate potential treatment strategies for adolescent overweight and obesity as well as preven- Key Terms: Immunology tion of cardiovascular disease. Asthma

Key Terms: Gut microbiome Allergy High fat diet Physiology

191 INSTITUTIONS REPRESENTED BY STUDENT PRESENTERS

Arizona State University State University of New York at Plattsburgh Auburn High School Trinity College Auburn University Unity College Augustana College University of California, Berkeley Bryant University University of California, Irvine Carnegie Mellon University University of Colorado at Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus Clayton A. Bouton High School University of Florida Clemson University University of Georgia College of Mount Saint Vincent University of Mississippi Colorado State University University of Nairobi Fordham University University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Forsyth Country Day School University of South Carolina Georgia Southern University University of Tennessee Georgia State University Walt Whitman High School Hammarskjold High School Weber State University Hampden-Sydney College Western Carolina University Harvard Medical School Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Islands High School Independence High School Ithaca College Jericho High School Kansas State University Monmouth University New Mexico State University Oakland University Oregon Health & Science University Portland State University Providence College Quinnipiac University Reed College Saint Joseph’s University San Mateo High School Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences State University of New York at Oswego

192 INDEX OF STUDENT PRESENTERS

193 INDEX OF STUDENT PRESENTERS

194 INDEX OF STUDENT PRESENTERS

195