2013 Abstracts

Kandrie MyIroie, University of Utah Human Genetics In C. elegans, sperm activation is the process through which sperm become motile. Genes that regulate sperm motility are being identified through a genetic screen. In this screen, swm-1 mutants that have sperm that activate too early are mutagenized, and genes regulating sperm motility can be found when the sperm of mutant worms no longer activated too early. Two genes have already been identified, try-5 and snf-10, and these can help identify new mutations. By selecting specific strains with sperm activation defects, the mutations causing the defect can be characterized. To sort through the many mutants, complementation tests to identify them as a new gene, or a new allele of try-5, snf-10 are being done. Selectively crossing an unknown mutant strain to a strain with a known mutation in try-5 or snf-10 will help identify the unknown mutation. If the progeny of the cross have activated sperm then the two strains complement each other. In this case the alleles must be in different genes and the unknown mutation from that cross has not been identified. If the progeny instead has non-activated sperm then the mutations failed to complement and the unknown mutation is allelic to the mutation it was crossed with. One new allele of try-5 and of snf-10 has been found. It is suspected that the other strains contain alleles of new genes not previously identified. Further complementation tests will be done to test this theory.

Heidi Montgomery, University of Utah Biology Parasites are arguably the most diverse group of organisms on the planet. One key factor in determining patterns of parasite biodiversity is the number of host species a parasite can infect, or its host specificity. However, surprisingly very little is known about the evolution of host specificity. Here I use domesticated pigeons (Columba livia) and their ectoparasitic feather lice (Columbicola columbae) to demonstrate how parasite body size influences host use. The current study has two main goals: 1) to use different sized hosts to experimentally evolve louse body size, and 2) to determine how parasite body size effects host specificity. Four breeds of domesticated pigeons were infested with parasitic feather lice. After roughly six generations, mean louse body size changed with respect to host body size, with the largest pigeons having the largest lice. Interestingly, the smallest pigeons had larger lice as well. However, this increase in louse size appears to be the result of a change in microhabitat use, with lice shifting from predominantly the wings and tail to the head. This study is one of the first to experimentally demonstrate how changes in parasite morphology and behavior influence the evolution of host specificity.

Diego Cordero, University of Utah Biology Many zygotes and spores of brown algae are photosensitive and establish a developmental axis in accordance with directional light cues. Ectocarpus siliculosus is being advanced as a genetic and genomic model organism for investigating brown alga development, and this report investigates photopolarization of the growth axis of mitospores. When exposed to unidirectional light, mitospores photopolarized and established a growth axis such that germination was preferentially localized to the shaded hemisphere of the spore body. The roles of the microtubule cytoskeleton and endomembrane cycling in the photopolarization process were investigated using pharmacological agents. Disruption of microtubule dynamics progressively reduced the percentage of mitospores that photopolarized, while inhibition of vesicle secretion blocked photopolarization nearly completely. Chronic treatment with these pharmacological agents severely affected algal morphogenesis. Microtubules in mitospores and algal filaments were imaged by confocal microscopy. Mitospores contained a radial microtubule array emanating from a centrosome associated with the nuclear envelope. At germination, the radial array gradually transitioned into a longitudinal array with microtubules extending into the emerging apex. At mitosis, spindles were aligned with the growth axis of cylindrical cells in the filament, and the division plane bisected the spindle axis. These studies demonstrate that dynamic membrane cycling and microtubule assembly play fundamental roles in photopolarization, and provide a foundation for future genetic and genomic investigations of this important developmental process.

Jason Chen, University of Utah Biology Both human language and birdsong are learned sensorimotor processes that require exposure to adult communication signals in order to be reproduced. The social aspect of the development of these vocal signals is distinctive because interaction is not required for the development of vocal signals in other organisms. Human infants isolated from interaction will not learn to speak normally. The need for interaction is also characteristic of the ontogeny of vocal signals in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), but only zebra finch males develop vocal signals, in the form of song. Juveniles raised in isolation will develop highly atypical song characterized by prolonged, monotonic syllables and irregular rhythms. When juveniles are tutored by these isolated birds in one-on-one conditions their song drifts towards normally raised birds. It is unclear how tutoring, as a social interaction, influences this observation. We hypothesized that different social experience influences birdsong. We predicted the song of juveniles raised in isolation with an experienced female to be closer to normal song than that of those raised in isolated sibling groups, or those raised in isolation. Current data suggest that the syntax and temporal features of song from juveniles raised in isolation with experienced females is indeed closer to normal song than that of isolated juveniles.

David Gage, Utah State University Biological Engineering A new N-oxide was produced from 3-(N-Boc-aminomethyl)-5-bromopyridine by bioconversion with Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans ATCC 9245, and its structure was established based on spectral data. The microbial N-oxidation is efficient and highly selective. The substrate was transformed into the product in 7 days.

Matthew Whited, Brigham Young University Biochemistry Several lines of evidence suggest that protein lysine acetylation pathways are deregulated in cancer (1). Moreover, deacetylase inhibitors are emerging as important anti-tumor therapeutics, suggesting that the forced reprogramming of protein-lysine acetylation is toxic to tumor cells. In this study we show that Sirt1, an NAD+-dependent Sirtuin deacetylase that promotes cancer cell survival, is aberrantly mislocalized to the cytoplasm of breast tumor cells. Moreover, the depletion of cytosolic Sirt1 by siRNA sensitizes breast tumor cells to paclitaxel-induced death. Previously, we developed a biotin-switch proteomics approach to identify cytosolic Sirt1 substrates (2). This approach yielded a variety of substrates with roles in metabolism, survival, and oxidative stress signaling. Our current work focuses on three of the proteins identified as Sirt1 substrates: SOD1, DJ-1, and 14-3-3z. SOD1 and DJ-1 both suppress oxidative stress-induced death, and high levels of 14-3-3z expression suppress chemotherapy-induced apoptosis and correlate with negative patient outcomes in breast cancer. Our preliminary results suggest that acetylation of DJ-1 and SOD1 suppress their anti-oxidant functions, while acetylation of 14-3-3z disrupts its binding to pro-survival proteins. Taken together, our data support a model in which cytosolic Sirt1 activates multiple pathways that work together to promote tumor cell survival.

Marcus Vranes, Brigham Young University Molecular Biology Recent studies have attempted to discover the correlation that exists between DNA methylation and nucleosome positioning, but none have explored the direct effect of DNA methylation on nucleosome formation and positioning. This proposed research will directly test the effects DNA methylation has on nucleosome positioning and whether the histone octamer has preferred sequences to which it binds, which will in turn add our understanding of gene expression and regulation. A better understanding of these concepts will help to aid efforts in gene therapy to better the quality of life of many who suffer from various genetic conditions.

Jesse Cobell, Brigham Young University Biology Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the sixth major cause of death in the U.S. However, at present, no diagnostically useful serum markers for AD have been identified. Hence, we used a novel serum proteomic approach to interrogate the low molecular weight proteome for serum biomarkers. This allowed for survey of around 5000 low MW species. To reduce ion suppression, an acetonitrile precipitation step was used to remove high abundance serum proteins. Protein-depleted sera from 58 cases and 55 controls were analyzed by cLC-ESI-QTOFMS/MS using reverse phase chromatography. Data were reviewed using Applied Biosystem’s Analyst-QS software to compile spectra. Differentially expressed peptides (cases vs. controls) were analyzed statistically using the Student’s t-test. This led to discovery of 36 candidate biomarkers. Additionally, we compared AD subjects with more severe disease (Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) =3) with non-demented individuals (CDR=0) and found 23 biomarkers. Furthermore, on comparison of mild and moderate stage AD individuals (CDR = 0.5, 1, 2) with those with severe disease (CDR = 3), we found 24 biomarkers. Some of these biomarkers appeared more prominent in one gender. We then fragmented several of these biomarkers on an LTQ-Orbitrap XL hybrid mass spectrometer and cLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/ MS system using collision-induced dissociation to determine amino acid sequence analysis. We have identified 5 biomarkers and are in the process of identifying the remaining biomarker species. This serum proteomics approach found statistically different peptide abundances in subjects with AD. Additional biostatistical evaluations are underway to determine sensitivity and specificity of individual biomarkers and their combinations. Future studies will assess biomarkers according to disease stage and validate current biomarkers in blinded comparisons of other AD sera. This serum proteomics approach appears promising in locating and identifying clinically useful serum biomarkers of AD.

Samuel Leventhal, University of Utah Physics The uncertainty existing within the scientific community as to why quantum mechanics (QM) behaves as it does comes from the fact there exists no mathematically sound approach for deriving the postulates of QM. It is the purpose of our research to present a derivation for the postulates of QM through the theory of Scale Relativity (SR), followed by a search for physical signatures of SR in the mechanics of celestial bodies. The construction of SR is based on an extension of the relativity principle to scale transformations coupled with a loss of differentiability. Our first paper presents the derivation of QM through scale relativity. During the SR derivation we also show fundamental qualities of QM, such as the presence of complex numbers in state functions. Lastly, the seemingly unrelated behaviors between relativity and quantum phenomena are shown a single mathematical formulation, only to change form due to scale. The new resolution variable within the adapted Schrodinger equation allows it to become applicable to macroscopic scales allowing us to look at large scale mechanics for signs of SR. Gravitation being scale invariant leads it to be a perfect candidate for experimental purposes. Our second paper investigates whether or not celestial bodies, formed by chaotic gravitational structuring, obey the properties of a Schrodinger equation dependent on the Keplerian potential. If so SR implies solar systems would form along probability distributions predicted by the square magnitude of the Schrodinger-Keplerian wave equation. In theory a planets probability distribution would depend on discrete variables, denoted orbital rank, n=n. In search for SR it is sufficient to see if planets tend to have orbital ranks near integer values. We start by calculating the orbital ranks within various solar systems, followed by testing whether the accumulation of planets’ rank near integer values is a probable event. To test this we take the squared difference between the calculated rank and the nearest integer. As a result we are able to test how likely orbital structuring will be discrete. Our results show a strong certainty that orbital rank is likely to accumulate near integer values.

Natascha Knowlton, University of Utah Chemistry The chemical derivatization of oxide surfaces (silica, alumina, glass) is critical to the development of separation media, sensing surfaces, or biocompatible interfaces. Presently, there are few analytical methods that allow the detection and characterization of functionalized monolayers on these surfaces. Raman scattering spectroscopy can provide useful structural information in the form of vibrational spectra of molecules of interest, and it is compatible with oxide substrates. Raman scattering, however, is a very weak effect so that its application to detecting monolayers is challenging. In this work, two approaches to detecting and characterizing molecular layers on oxide surfaces with Raman spectroscopy are compared. First, gold colloidal nanoparticles are deposited onto the surface of interest, which enhance the Raman scattering near the gold surface by surface-plasmon resonance. This technique is suitable for ex situ analysis of monolayers on planar surfaces. Secondly, monomolecular layers can also be detected by Raman scattering on porous oxide supports such as alumina or silica without any optical enhancement due to the very high surface area of these materials. Detection in porous particles is compatible with in situ monitoring of surface derivatization reactions. These two methods are compared for monitoring of reactions of silane-coupling agents and their subsequent functional group transformations on glass and silica surfaces.

Alyssa Brown, Southern Utah University Physical Science It has been long debated whether early astronomers could truly see any detail during their first observation and rough sketches of the satellites of Jupiter. Many have argued against the accuracy and validity of such drawings, claiming the lack of technological advance led to rough hewn and mediocre drawings with little evidence of these individuals having truly seen these satellites. Through our research, we hope to prove validity in those early sketches based on current knowledge. By converting the dates and times each early sketch was created into Julian Calendar days, then using the date obtained to calculate the position of each individual satellite of Jupiter, as well as the face that was approximately facing Earth at the time the sketch was made, we can compare current images to those previously obtained sketches. By analyzing the sketches for determining features as well as the relative location of those features in relation to their approximate location on the satellite face the astronomer was most likely observing, we can either validate or disclaim these early sketches. This experiment will provide beneficial insight into the accuracy of primitive sketches made centuries before more detailed information was discovered about the celestial bodies that continue to fascinate us. The information gained from this experiment may even lend a greater knowledge and understanding of how to study these celestial bodies, since if the information presented by these early sketches were accurate, we could potentially reevaluate the manner in which we currently conduct our present observation.

Daniel Gray, Utah Valley University Physics Mini black holes (BH) of various mass could be left over in space from the early expansion Big Bang phase (so called primordial BHs). As a result of interaction of those BHs with interstellar hydrogen they could form a bound system with an electron or a proton (or both). What would such system look like? Would it be stable, metastable, or would BH quickly consume the orbiting particle? How much is life time of such “gravitational atom”? If such system is stable then what is the size of it; how much is the bonding energy of its ground state (=ionization potential energy) and how much are the energies of its exited states? Are those atoms “gravitational atoms” observable? What other properties do they have? Based on known physics we try to analyze the behavior of such exotic systems and answer the above questions for black holes of various masses.

Michael Strange, Utah State University Geology For the past century, the standard technique used to interpret soft-tissue preservation in the fossil record has been the camera lucida drawing. A new technique called False Color Treatment (FCT), which uses digital photography and photo manipulation, shows an increased ability to not only interpret soft-tissue features but also identify trace amounts. Hyolithids from the Cambrian of northern Utah were used to test the capabilities of FCT. Results were then compared to camera lucida drawings of the same specimens. Comparisons show the camera lucida drawings missed areas of soft-tissue that FCT found. Depending on the specimen, and the type of preservation, this disparity in interpretations can increase or decrease. Hyolithid specimens from the Spence Shale show an odd form of Burgess Shale Type (BST) preservation which makes them particularly well suited for FCT manipulation. Overall, False Color Treatment provides an informative and aesthetic method for interpreting soft-tissue fossils with BST-like preservation.

Sasha Trae, Dixie State University Communication This research critiques prevailing economic, political, and social discourses that create or uphold disadvantage, inequity, and oppression against women. Using multiple Critical Discourse Analysis tools, such as, lexical suppression and absence and representational strategies, this researcher will examine activist, political, and socio-cultural discourse, including Take Back The Night, to expose underlying ideology. This paper analyzes ideological functions of these and other constructions identified in the discourse. This researcher will illustrate how the analyzed discourse shapes our reality that the ownership of women’s equality and safety are in the hands of men. Additionally, this researcher will unveil the ideological suppression and absence of the perpetrator; consequently, twenty-first century public discourse places the responsibility in the hands of women to prevent and address violence against women, the victims. Further, this researcher will demonstrate how the revealed ideologies indicate that violence against women is random or unstoppable; thus, setting up women to continue being integrated into a system that is hostile to them. Moreover, the breadth of this ideology indicates that every society within the nations of our world declare that women are a subset of humanity, and that it is men who get to resist relinquishing this equality while women expend their efforts to obtain it. This paper concludes that violence against women is part of an economic and political system that has been codified and written into the laws of nations; therefore, creating and perpetuating the very structures responsible for the violent climate that we fear and live in.

Ryan Woodbury, Brigham Young University Psychology Ample evidence suggests that religiousness can serve as a protective factor against risk behaviors (Regnerus, 2007), and can be an important context for positive youth development (Lerner, Roeser, Phelps, & Benson, 2008). Many correlates of religiousness have been identified, but our understanding of underlying mechanism is still nascent (Regnerus, 2007). Building on the notion of religion as a source of social control, one potential mediator may be religious norms (Cochran, Chamlin, Beeghley, & Fenwick, 2004), or perceptions of the behaviors proscribed and prescribed by religions. Unfortunately, research on religious norms is scarce. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to identify adolescent and parent perceptions of religious norms, examine individual differences in these perceived religious norms, and assess links between perceived norms and adolescent behaviors. Adolescents (N = 419; age range 15-18) and one of their parents (N = 313) completed online surveys. Qualitative questions asked participants to name three behaviors their religion most encouraged adolescents to do and three behaviors their religion most discouraged adolescents to not do. Quantitative measures consisted of ratings of 18 perceived religious norms and frequency of 18 adolescent behaviors. We investigated the following research questions (RQ):RQ 1: What religious norms do adolescents and their parents perceive? Three coders, using grounded theory, placed qualitative responses into themes. Seven themes emerged from adolescents’ and eight themes emerged for parents (see Table 1).RQs 2 and 3: To what extent and in what ways do these religious norms differ by adolescent and parent gender? And, how do these religious norms differ by adolescent and parent religious affiliation? Two MANOVAs (one comparing gender, the other comparing religious affiliation) were run to indicate respective differences. Both qualitative and quantitative religious norms differed between certain religions (not between adolescent gender; see Table 1).RQ 4: To what extent and in what ways do adolescent and parent perceived religious norms correlate? Bivariate correlations between adolescent and parent perceptions of religious norms for negative behaviors ranged from .07 – .51 (M = .26, SD = .09), and for positive behaviors they ranged from -.01 – .53 (M = .31, SD = .10).

Carolina Silva, Jasmin Alves, Katrina England, Courtney Hammond, and Ethel Tackle-Yarbol; Westminster College Psychology Bullying among adolescents is a common problem that deserves attention. Youth City, a multi-site after school youth program in the Salt Lake City area catering to youths ages 8-13, expressed an interest in learning more about bullying experiences in their attendees with the aim of developing a program for intervention and prevention. We partnered with Youth City to develop the current project, the goals of which were twofold: (1) to measure the prevalence and types of bullying experienced by 53 youths attending one Youth City site (our participants) and, (2) to work with the youth and the site coordinator to develop a bullying intervention and prevention program. Participants completed a modified version of the Olweus Bully Victim Questionnaire, in which 31 behaviors of bullying were assessed. Behaviors included examples of physical bullying, relational bullying, cyber bullying, and bullying due to one’s ethnicity or sexuality. Participants were asked to report whether each behavior had ever been done to them (victim role), done by them to another (bully role), or witnessed by them in the role of bystander. Results showed that the participants had experienced many of the behaviors as either victims, bullies, or bystanders. The second step was to conduct focus groups in which participants were asked more about their bullying experiences and what they felt could be done to more effectively intervene and prevent bullying. Transcripts from the focus groups were analyzed for emergent themes. These themes, combined with input from staff and information gleaned from research into other programs, were used to draft a bullying intervention and prevention plan to be implemented at one Youth City site in the coming school year.

Nicholas Gailey, Westminster College Psychology For over seven decades organizational scientists have extensively studied the happy-productive worker thesis, which assumes that a happy worker is a productive worker. Previous research in the field has focused on the relationship of a worker’s own happiness with their productivity. However, uncertainty remains today as to the link between managerial psychological well-being and their employees’ productivity. The purpose of the current study is to find a correlation between managerial psychological well-being and employee productivity. Thirty managers from two manufacturing facilities participated in the study and responded to two different measures of psychological well-being. Productivity data from one hundred employees underneath the managers were also collected daily over a period of three weeks. Results, strengths, and limitations of the study will be discussed along with its implication for future research and practice in the field of industrial/organizational psychology.

Scott Ploharz and Britaini Delbo, Weber State University Psychology Youth or Peer Courts are diversionary programs designed to lower recidivism and re-offense rates among youth offenders. These programs focus on lowering risk factors and enhancing protective factors among the youth they serve. This study will look specifically at the Youth Court based in Layton Utah. Using a projected sample of 280 youth offenders over a 4 year period, the efficacy of this program will be evaluated. Efficacy will be measured by the rate of re-offense compared to youth in the traditional juvenile justice systems who have committed similar offenses. Analysis will also be performed using participant surveys, to determine which risk and protective factors are associated with re-offending. We anticipate completing this project by January 1st 2013.

Antoinette Kingsford, Weber State University Psychology The type of professor a student selects for a college course can impact the quality of learning and success in the course. Information about the traits and qualities of professors is limited to word of mouth and Internet sites that allow for biased ratings of professors. The validity and quality of information obtained via online professor rating websites, like RateMyProfessor.com (RMP), is often called into question in academia. A study to assess the validity of RMP was conducted with 127 Weber State University students from introductory psychology classes. The participants completed an online survey using the RMP rating scale for professors, and they also completed the College of Social Sciences professor evaluation survey. They were also asked questions regarding RMP usage, professor traits, and sources they used to find information about professors. The findings of the study indicated that students were using RMP more frequently than word of mouth from friends to obtain useful information about professors. The most meaningful traits in professor selection were Clarity and Overall Quality, not necessarily Easiness and Attractiveness. Also, there were no significant differences between gender and professor trait importance, and the validity of RMP was highly correlated to the Student Evaluation of Weber State Psych 1010 Professors.

Trevor Hicks-Collins, Weber State University Psychology Austistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an increasingly prevalent disorder, with approximately 1 of every 88 children in the United States diagnosed with the disorder. Several factors can exacerbate autistic symptoms in ASD children, including environment, diet, and sleep. Sleep problems in children with ASD’s occur more frequently than in non-ASD children, and their effects could be even more detrimental. The sleep literature in non-ASD children is clear about how sleep deficits adversely affect behavior and cognition, but there is little research to indicate the effects of sleep deficits on ASD children. This study was designed to assess the effect of sleep quality and quantity on ASD symptoms. The participants were children, ages 5-8, who were rated on the autistic spectrum. The children’s sleep was assessed using Actigraph monitors, which provided an objective measure of sleep quality and quantity. The children wore the monitors each night for one week. Also, parents and teachers kept daily records of the children’s sleep quantity and autistic behaviors, reporting both good and bad behaviors. A MANOVA was used to assess the effect of REM sleep, duration of sleep, and number of interruptions on autistic symptoms reported by parents and teachers. Results indicate that the amount and quality of REM sleep (both short-term and long-term) affects the frequency of autistic symptomology in children. In addition, results demonstrate that parents’ perceptions of sleep duration in their children is greatly distorted. Parents believe that their children are getting much more sleep than they actually are. Helping parents and teachers understand how important sleep is in affecting autistic symptomology can help modify behaviors. Studies like this are instrumental to providing us with information to better understand one of the fastest growing disorders affecting children today.

Ariel Hargrave, Weber State University Psychology A review of the literature surrounding mental health literacy has suggested that there are many misconceptions about those with a mental illness. These misconceptions effect help-seeking, treatment, mental health policies, early intervention and social support. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a peer-to-peer taught class called Building Recovery of Individual Dreams and Goals through Education and Support (BRIDGES). This class addresses these misconceptions and aims to educate those suffering with mental illness on how to self-advocate. Research suggests that a peer-to-peer approach has been found useful in a consumer’s recovery process. Support and education are crucial in society’s understanding of mental illness and aids in their ability to strive towards a stigma free environment. The objective of this study is to measure the effectiveness of this class by conducting a pre and post assessment at the beginning of the class before material is presented and at the end of the class. A population of approximately 100 participants over the age of 18 diagnosed with a mental illness will be used. The assessment includes eleven total questions that identify key factors to recovery and mental health literacy. A five point likert scale will be used to measure participant’s responses. Data will be collected starting in January of 2013 and will be completed in March of 2013. Data will then be analyzed using a T-test in SPSS.

Noreen Barnes, Weber State University Political Science Many women in Guatemala suffer poverty and repression their entire lives. This situation is not unique to countries in Central America, but what is unique is the level of violence that is perpetrated in Guatemala compared with neighboring countries, the lack of engagement by law enforcement, and the complicity of the media. The Guatemalan civil war helped to create an atmosphere riddled with violence and alcohol. There is only a two percent conviction rate for murder. The majority of media outlets report on Femicide as if it were the woman’s fault she was killed; they portray her as a prostitute when there is no evidence to support the conclusion. In 2000 there were 213 femicides in Guatemala, by 2009 that number had jumped to 708 (Guatemalan Human Rights Commission 2010). My research has come from peer reviewed articles in both English and Spanish, Guatemalan government figures, personal experiences and international sources such as the World Health Organization. How do these details combine to create the perfect storm of increasing Femicide in Guatemala, and what can be done to help stop this tide of violence? There are women who have taken steps to improve their lives despite the many challenges they face. Micro-credit, small loans given to women to help them start or expand a business, have helped women who have a desire to flee abusive situations by giving them self-esteem as well as the financial means to accomplish their desires. There is a movement amongst women to convince their husbands to join Evangelical Christian churches that do not permit drinking in an effort to control rampant alcoholism. It will take time to alter the prevailing attitudes of machismo, prejudice, and lack of tolerance that threatens to drown the wonderful of Guatemala, but it can be done.

Zachary Cook, Utah Valley University Behavioral Science A Trend analysis of counseling visits to Utah Valley Universities (UVU) student health center was carried out between the months of January to October of 2012. During this time intake forms from students were examined in alphabetical order by HIPPA trained researchers and assessed for the frequency of the client’s visits along with their chief complaint as determined by the therapists. High frequencies of complaints such as depression, anxiety, and educational issues were reported from students attending the university in past studies beginning in 1999 at UVU’s health center. Researchers at Kansas State University used an instrument known as the Case Descriptor List to measure a therapist’s assessment of a client’s problems based on nineteen categories including items such as depression, anxiety, and educational/vocational issues (Benton, Robertson, Tseng, Newton, & Benton, 2003, p. 69). The basis of the present study was formulated by collapsing the nineteen categories into fourteen constructs for simplicity in order to determine the trend found between the years of 2006 to 2011. During this time 1,974 individuals obtained counseling services from UVU’s student health center. The research found that 56% of clients sought therapy for depression, 38.1% for anxiety, and 39.9% for educational assistance based on the stated categories. An increase in issues such as depression and anxiety has demonstrated the need for an increase in the number of trained therapists as it relates to the complexity of issues and co-morbidity. It has also shown the need for improved intake procedures, focusing on accurate diagnosis which the counseling center has recently adopted.

Kelby Peterson, Utah State University Physics The State of Utah Space Environment & Contamination Study (SUSpECS) experiment flown on the Materials International Space Station Experiment 6 (MISSE-6) was an experiment designed to examine the consequences of the space environment on various materials used in space-component design. SUSpECS was comprised of approximately 180 samples that were suspended from the side of the International Space Station (ISS) for 18 months and returned to allow for pre- and post-flight comparisons. The sample with the most evident changes was a thin film of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MylarTM coated with Vapor Deposited Aluminum (VDA). The post-flight analysis showed evidence of atomic oxygen erosion of the VDA layer, UV-induced discoloration of the polymer, and a crater created by a micrometeoroid impact. This presentation focuses on the UV-induced discoloration and laboratory tests to simulate these effects. The UV tests expose similar polymers to varying intensities of vacuum UV radiation from deuterium lamps over a condensed time span and quantify the discoloration of the polymers through comparison of the UV/Vis/NIR reflection spectra. The results from the UV simulation are used to determine the approximate time period of the UV exposure for the SUSpECS sample and in turn the erosion rate of the VDA layer.

Fehmi Yasin, Westminster College Physics It has long been a goal to achieve higher spatial resolution in optical imaging and spectroscopy. Recently, a concept emerged that merges optical microscopy with scanning probe microscopy, increasing the spatial resolution of optical imaging beyond the diffraction limit. The scanning probe tip’s optical antenna properties and the local near-field coupling between its apex and the sample allows for few nanometer optical spatial resolution (Atkin, Berweger, Jones, and Raschke 2012). We investigate a nano-imaging technique, known as scattering scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) and image several different materials using said technique. We report our data and provide potential paths for future work.

Stevie Norcross, Westminster College Chemistry Gold nanostructures exhibit tunable optical properties that depend on a nanomaterial’s composition, shape, and size. These optical properties arise from a phenomenon known as the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), which contributes to surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra. SERS enhances detection by up to 9 orders of magnitude vs. normal Raman scattering thereby routinely improving detection limits of target molecules to nM μM concentrations. In this study, gold nanorods, which exhibit tunable LSPR properties from the visible to near-IR regions, were synthesized using a solution phase seed-mediated growth method. LSPR tunability was achieved by varying gold nanorod growth temperature, silver ion concentration, or reducing agent (ascorbic acid) concentration. Systematically varying these parameters yielded gold nanorods with LSPR wavelength maximums ranging from 692 to 763 nm. By increasing the concentration of ascorbic acid from 0.54 mM to 0.63 mM, gold nanorods with an average LSPR wavelength maximum of 755 ± 8 nm were synthesized. Following the synthesis, the gold nanorods were used for the direct and enhanced detection of the anti-cancer drug, 6-mercaptopurine and one of its metabolites, 6-thiouric acid. It was observed that as molecular concentrations were increased signal intensities systematically increased; therefore, the identification and quantification of each molecule individually as well as in a mixture of the molecules in buffer was achieved.

Jim Goodman, Westminster College Chemistry Mercury is a toxic element that adversely impacts the health of wildlife and ecosystems worldwide. While all forms of mercury are toxic, methylmercury is the only form of mercury that is biomagnified, and thus organisms with the highest mercury concentrations and most at risk to mercury toxicity are typically the top predators in an ecosystem. To evaluate if arachnids, a top predator in the insect realm, are bioaccumulating mercury a spatial and temporal study of mercury bioaccumulation in arachnids and terrestrial invertebrates was conducted at the Great Salt Lake. Total mercury (HgT) and methylmercury (MMHg) concentrations were measured in arachnids collected once each month from two different sites on Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake, and at a control site at Utah Lake, a fresh water lake to the south where mercury concentrations in the water column are substantially lower. Average concentrations of HgT and MMHg in arachnids from Antelope Island were 2600 ± 497 ppb and 1690 ± 169 ppb, respectively. These were significantly higher than the HgT and MMHg concentrations in arachnids at Utah Lake, where they are only 72 ± 54 ppb and 42 ± 30 ppb, respectively. Substantial spatial variation in HgT and MMHg concentrations in arachnids at the two sites on Antelope Island was also documented, and may be due to differences in the abundance of brine fly prey at the different locations.

Justin Nybo, Weber State University Chemistry Finding a source of energy to supply the demands of energy consumption globally is one of the biggest problems facing society today. With fuel for transportation, heating, and manufacturing representing 70% of energy demands, an efficient fuel source must be used to supply the world’s energy needs (Gouveia and Oliveira, 2009). Algae represent an abundant source of biomass that could be used as a source to make biodiesel. Over the past several years, microalgae have become a logical potential candidate for producing biofuel in large masses. This is mainly due to the fact that they are more efficient at photosynthetic processes than traditional crops grown on the land (Vasudevan, 2008). Another feature of algae that make it suitable as a source for biodiesel is the fact that it can survive in harsh environments, such as salty water or compromised water where crops would not be able to grow (Mata et al., 2010). For my project, I researched and tested the effect of varying light frequency and intensity on the lipid production of Chlorella vulgaris algae. I along with Dr. Herzog and Abram Bernard, set up an array involving 40 flasks that were split into 8 rows and 5 columns. Each row had a unique frequency of light that came from a combination of red, green or blue LEDs. Each column varied the light intensity by changing the distance of the flask from the light source. The goal of our research was to show that algae of the species Chlorella vulgaris could be grown in this system and that algae growth rates were dependent on light frequency and intensity. This was accomplished by converting the lipids produced by the algae into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and then analyzing the FAMEs using a gas chromatograph (GC). In order for this analysis to be effective in terms of accuracy and precision, a quantitative method was developed and verified to quantify the lipid production of the algae under different light conditions. The light intensity and the number of photons of light emitted in each column were monitored by Chandler Greenwell, a fellow Chemistry student. The correlation between light intensity and the quantity of algae was noted during this project.

Chelsie Greer, Weber State University Chemistry Luminol with its chemiluminescense properties can be used at crime scenes to develop and document bloodstains. By itself, luminol cannot be used because it destroys the blood stain pattern details. Using a fixing agent before applying luminol will chemically fix the detail of the bloodstain, preserving the pattern for analysis. 5-Sulfosalicylic acid (5-SSA) is used as a fixing agent and can be applied to bloodstains before the luminol to adhere the blood to the surface, but it interferes with the luminosity. We investigated the degradation effects of luminol and 5-SSA to develop a better method to use both chemicals together. Blood patterns were placed onto glass, systematically treated with a series of Bluestar (a commercial, luminol-based, blood detection reagent), 5-SSA and/or buffered rinse solutions then, photographed immediately. The luminol intensity was measured by processing digital photographs of the luminescent blood stain through Image J to examine the individual pixels of the photographs. The effect of the treatment on the pattern fastness was measured by making fingerprint impression in blood, and having fingerprint analyst score the treated prints on their second level detail quality. Results will be presented to show if an intermediate rinse between the application of the blood fixing reagent and the application of luminol can mitigate some of the negative effects of this procedure.

Abram Bernard, Weber State University Chemistry Alternative energy sources are becoming more important in today’s society. Algae provide a potential source of fuel that can is currently under study by many in the scientific community. The fats that algae can produce can be used as biofuel. Algae is a good candidate as a biofuel source because it can be grown in many conditions that crops, such as corn, cannot. Certain algae have very high percentages of fat that can be used for biofuel and it can be grown in large quantities. To add to the knowledge of algae and its potential as a fuel source, we have researched the effects of varying light conditions on the algae’s fat production. Working with faculty in the chemistry and microbiology departments at Weber State University, we set up an experiment to discover the effects of different wavelengths of light on fat production in algae. 40 samples of Chlorella Vulgaris were grown in different light environments. Our apparatus separated the algae into 8 different colored lights at 5 different. The intensity of light was quantified to allow us to map the changes. We extracted the fat from these samples using a transesterification method previously used on meat and analyzed them using a gas chromatography method we developed. Currently we are analyzing the correlations between the quantified light data, the mass of algae grown, and the amount of fats present in these samples. We hope to be able to draw conclusions from this data about the effects of varying light wavelengths and intensities on the fat production of algae. From these conclusions, we would be able to contribute to the research of algae as a source of biofuel. We have also approached this project as a way of developing interdisciplinary research here at Weber State University. Our work has not only provided us with data on this project but has also been involved in developing methods for future research by other undergraduates.

Joseph Roring, Utah Valley University Physics Removal of all cancerous tissue in breast conservation surgery (BCS) is critical to prevent local recurrence. Unfortunately, 30-50% of patients require additional surgery due to failure to resect all the necessary tissue. A real-time method for detecting infected tissue is therefore desirable. Previous studies have shown that the complexity of high-frequency (50 MHz) ultrasonic spectra can be correlated to a range of breast pathologies in BCS. However, the mechanism behind this correlation is still not very well understood. The purpose of this research is to explore the connection between tissue micro-heterogeneity and ultrasonic spectral complexity using breast tissue phantoms, i.e. materials that mimic breast tissue properties and microstructure. A physical basis can then be determined that links ultrasonic measurements to breast tissue pathology. Phantoms were made from a Knox® gelatin base and soluble fiber (Metamucil®). Heterogeneities simulating lobular and ductal components of mammary glands were created through the addition of polyethylene microspheres and nylon fibers. Pitch-catch and pulse-echo waveforms were acquired from the samples using high-frequency ultrasound. The data were analyzed by measuring the number of peaks (the peak density) in the first-order spectrum (Fourier transform of the time-domain waveform) and the slope of the second-order spectrum (two consecutive Fourier transforms of the time-domain waveform). The phantom specimens displayed first-order peak densities that were significantly greater and second-order spectral slopes that were significantly lower than homogeneous control samples. Phantoms with large fibers (250 micrometer diameter) showed the highest peak densities with values greater than 3x those of the controls. The peak density trend of the phantom samples with increased microscopic heterogeneity was consistent with data of breast tissue specimens. These results provide a physical mechanism for the use of these parameters in the imaging of breast tissues with atypical and malignant pathologies.

Jeremy Redd, Utah Valley University Physics Future space propulsion systems will likely use annihilation of matter and antimatter in propulsion system. Annihilation of matter and antimatter is not only the energy source of ultimate density 9×10^16 J/kg but also allows to utilize ultimate exhaust speed the speed of light c thus potentially allows to accelerate a payload to ultrarelativistic velocities. Such velocities make interstellar and even intergalactic travel possible in the lifetime of one generation only (20-30 years). In our presentation we discuss advantages and disadvantages of interstellar travel with relativistic and ultra-relativistic velocities. Using relativistic Tsiolkovsky rocket equation we also discuss the feasibility of achieving relativistic velocities with annihilation powered photon engine and technical challenges to build such engine.

David Pease, Utah Valley University Physics Transition regions to higher resonant modes of a bottle-shaped thermoacoustic prime mover (neck: 5.39 cm long, 1.91 cm ID; variable cavity with a sliding piston: up to 38 cm long, 4.76 ID) were studied. As the piston is extended, lengthening the cavity, starting from the neck, a transition of the dominant frequency from the fundamental to the first overtone occurs. However, when the length is then shortened, transition back to the first mode does occur at the same piston position, revealing hysteresis. Within the window of hysteresis for the cavity length, either state of the fundamental or first overtone is possible. Transition regions to higher modes continue as the length of the cavity is increased. The position and width of the hysteresis was studied for the first two transition regions as a function of input power and stack volume filling factor. Input powers studied were between 12.0 and 16.5 W and volume filling factors for the stack were about 3.0, 3.7 and 4.9%. The transition regions occurred with cavity lengths between 12.6 and 14.0 cm for the first transition and between 25.0 and 27.8 cm for the second transition. Preliminary results indicate that the transition region occurs shallower in the cavity and the hysteresis widens as the input power is increased. The hysteresis is wider for the second transition region. Decreasing the stack mass causes an increase of the hysteresis width, but has no strong effect on the hysteresis depth.

Joshua Jeffs, Utah Valley University Chemistry The electron transport chain (ETC) is a system within a cell that couples electron transfer between a donor and a receptor. The ETC is made up of several components, specifically: complexes one through four, a coenzyme Q, and a cytochrome complex. Cytochrome C oxidase (CcO), also known as complex IV, uses electrons and H_ ions to reduce molecular oxygen to water. CcO is made up of several subunits or proteins that are responsible for the function of CcO. The creation of CcO involves multiple steps that include many different gene products or proteins. (3) Of these proteins several are from a specific type of family called cysteine-X _-cysteine motifs (twin CX_C). The cysteine residues in the cysteine pairs are each spaced by nine residues. The best characterized protein of this group is Cox17, a copper-binding protein that plays a role in copper transfer to CcO. There are 14 potential proteins that are twin-Cx_C motifs (1). There were four knock out strains that showed resistance when plated on YPD with varying concentrations of hydrogen peroxide: 0.010%, 0.014%, 0.018%, and 0.022%. Strains lacking CMC4, MIC14, MIC17, and PET191 all showed resistance to hydrogen peroxide compared to the parental strain. Strains lacking MDM35 and COX23 showed sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide. These result may indicate a tie to impaired or incomplete cytochrome c oxidase assembly.

Jacob Wright, Utah Valley University Physics Dissonant overtones of closed bottle-shaped thermoacoustic prime movers are discussed. The resonator consists of two concentric cylinders with differing cross-sectional areas, closed at the outer ends. The condition for resonance results in a transcendental equation, which is solved numerically. The neck and cavity behave as coupled resonators, where the neck is a quarter-wave resonator and the cavity is a half-wave resonator. A variable cylindrical cavity with a sliding piston was constructed to study the nature of the device as the cavity length is varied. The stack is located in the neck region and the length and inner diameter of the neck are 5.39 and 1.91 cm, respectively. The inner diameter of the cavity is 4.76 cm and has a maximum length of 38 cm. The dominant mode of operation depends on the length of the cavity, favoring successively higher modes as the cavity length increases. The volume filling factor of the stack material was varied from 2 to 5% to determine whether the amount of stack material affects the transitions. These filling factors were selected to yield hydraulic radii comparable to the thermal penetration depth for the highest and lowest possible fundamental frequencies of the system. The transition to higher modes occurs roughly where the higher mode overlaps with the fundamental frequency of the neck region, and is independent of the stack filling factor. With the given dimensions, three transitions to higher modes were observed, with frequencies consistent with the model.

Kayla Bevard, Brigham Young University Microbiology and Molecular Biology Metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, are endemic in American society. Mutations in PAS kinase, a recently discovered sensory protein kinase, have been shown to cause Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) in humans (Semplici et al., 2011). In addition, PAS kinase deficient mice, when placed on a high fat diet, display phenotypes related to diabetes including resistance to weight gain, insulin insensitivity and triglyceride accumulation (Hao et al., 2007). PAS kinase consists of a sensory PAS domain that binds to and inhibits the kinase domain (Amezcua et al., 2002). Our model for PAS kinase activation involves the generation of a small molecule ligand that binds to the PAS domain and relieves this inhibition. We are currently engaged in several yeast genetic screens which will identify regions in the full length PAS kinase protein that are essential for either PAS kinase activation or for binding of its substrates. The first screen is based on the ability of PAS kinase, when overexpressed, to rescue a temperature-sensitive mutation in Tor2, the tor2(ts). We have isolated both point mutations and truncations in PAS kinase which alleviate the tor2(ts). These mutations solidify our model for PAS domain inhibition and will identify novel regions involved in PAS kinase regulation. Our second screen uses the yeast 2-hybrid to select for both point mutations and truncations that increase the affinity of PAS kinase for its substrate, Pbp1. These mutations will help identify key regions of PAS kinase utilized in substrate recognition. Finally, we will compare the regions affected by our mutations with the regions of PAS kinase that we have found to be well-conserved throughout evolution. Analysis of these specific genetic regions will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation and function of PAS kinase, a key player in the development of metabolic disease.

Michael Barney, Southern Utah University Biology Parkinson’s disease is caused by a decrease in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which results in a loss of motor control. Although the exact causes of Parkinson’s disease are unclear, studies have shown that exposure to environmental contaminants causes death of cells in the substantia nigra (McCormack et al., 2002). The purpose of our study is to investigate the potential role of fire retardant as a risk factor for Parkinson’s disease. We subcutaneously injected 8 experimental mice with retardant solution (1 ml/60 g body weight) and 7 control mice with saline solution (1 ml/60 g body weight). Each mouse was given 8 injections over four weeks, after which the mice were sacrificed and brains were harvested. Frozen sections (40 mm thick) were mounted on slides and are being processed using anti-tyrosine hydroxylase, which will be visualized using a peroxidase reaction. The number of cells in the substantia nigra will be counted and compared between control and experimental groups. Our hypothesis is that exposure to fire retardant is a risk factor for Parkinson’s disease. If this hypothesis is supported, this would be the first study to show a link between fire retardants and Parkinson’s disease. This would have important implications for current forest fire fighting techniques.

Adrian Scottorn, Salt Lake Community College Natural Sciences Chocolate has long been the favorite snack of many, and recent studies have shown multiple positive health benefits of eating dark chocolate in particular, encouraging production and consumption of very high cacao content bars. We have quantified some of the changes that occur to the amount of known flavor compounds contained in a locally made artisan chocolate. The bars we chose were 70% minimum single origin cacao made with as few other ingredients as possible. By first measuring the amount of known flavor compounds, then stressing the bars in various ways, we looked in to what really happens when a quality chocolate bar is mistreated.

Kristian Johnson, Dixie State University Biology Antimicrobial methods, such antibiotics and Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, have been a means of suppressing prokaryote proliferation for nearly a century. Over the last several years, scientists have found that numerous strains of prokaryotes have developed resistance to antibiotics. Concurrently, the process of bacterial irradiation using UV-C is common practice in a variety of sterilization applications. As revealed in the seminal work by Chang et al. inactivation curves for Microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) were established in 1985. Their values indicate survival rates based on Intensity, which is defined as the time of UV irradiance per unit area. Similar to the evolutionary evidence of antibiotic resistance, we are interested in the selective pressure UV-C has on Staph. By recapitulating Chang’s experiment nearly 30 years later, our preliminary results indicate an increased resistance to UV-C in Staph. In this experiment, we determine a current UV-C dose-dependent kill rate function for Staph.

Chancen Hall and Nichkolas Hadley, Dixie State University Biological Sciences Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (chytrid fungus) is prevalent worldwide, and the resulting chytridiomycosis has contributed to at least 168 amphibian species extinctions. In 2010, B. dendrobatidis was discovered in the greater Zion National Park area of southwestern Utah. Because few populations have shown resistance to chytridiomycosis, we decided to explore the effects of this disease on populations of Hyla arenicolor (canyon tree frog). We tracked the spread of B. dendrobatidis by testing skin samples taken annually from several different canyons and monitored population sizes. During the three years of our study, infected populations did not show subsequent population declines. This suggests that H. arenicolor population size in this region is unaffected by B. dendrobatidis. In the future, testing hypothesized explanations for surviving infection could help us identify populations not at risk and thus allocate conservation resources more efficiently.

Ryan Williamson, Brigham Young University Physiology and Developmental Biology The hippocampus is thought to mediate learning and memory by altering the strength of synapses within its circuitry. In many cases, this synaptic plasticity can be induced by intracellular signaling molecules. Lipid-based intracellular signaling molecules called endocannabinoids have been shown to modulate or mediate synaptic plasticity among hippocampal pyramidal cells and stratum radiatum interneurons; however, the role of endocannabinoids in mediating synaptic plasticity among interneurons in the stratum oriens is still unclear. Our goal was to determine whether stratum oriens interneurons have the machinery necessary for endocannabinoid production and, if so, whether this machinery is expressed in a sub-type specific manner. To do this, we used patch clamp electrodes to extract single cells from rat hippocampal slices and analyzed the expression of endocannabinoid biosynthetic enzyme mRNA using quantitative real-time PCR. In this analysis, we examined cellular expression of two interneuron markers, GAD65 and GAD67, as well as several calcium-binding proteins and neuropeptides to determine interneuron subtype. We also analyzed cellular expression of several endocannabinoid biosynthetic enzymes, including N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D, diacylglycerol lipase alpha, and 12-lipoxygenase, as well as type I metabotropic glutamate receptors. Preliminary data suggests that stratum oriens interneurons express mRNA necessary for endocannabinoid biosynthetic enzymes. Additionally, we identified interneurons that coexpress mRNA for somatostatin and diacylglycerol lipase, suggesting that O-LM cells or another somatostatin-positive interneuron subtype may possess the enzymes necessary to produce the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Further work will allow us to examine how endocannabinoid biosynthetic enzyme expression correlates with other interneuron subtypes in the stratum oriens.

Travis Wood, Southern Utah University Biology Speckled dace, Rhinichthys osculus, is a small minnow that occupies river systems in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. These minnows prefer clean, faster-moving water with plenty of cover such as rocks or undercuts. The invasive crayfish Orconectes virilis inhabits areas where the Virgin spinedace is found and has a similar diet being an opportunistic feeder. I tested the hypothesis that the natural behavior of Virgin spinedace will be altered due to the presence of crayfish. I predicted that the spinedace would avoid the crayfish and stay out in the open exposing them to a higher risk of predation, since crayfish are a more aggressive organism and will try and eat virtually anything they come into contact with. The experimental trials were conducted (N=24) in Quail Creek, Utah. Large plastic bins with the front and back replaced with screen were used to allow water flow through our experimental chambers. Each bin was placed in the creek and had rocks, and an undercut bank to resemble the native habitat. Controls consisted of placing isolated Virgin spinedace in one of the bins to observe its behavior. In both controls and experimental trials, either 2 spinedace, or 5+ spinedace were added. In experimental trials, I introduced 2 crayfish into the experimental chambers with the Virgin spinedace and allowed them to acclimate for 10 minutes. After the 10 minute acclimation period, behavioral observations were made. Results indicated that when 2 spinedace were present along with the crayfish, they would stay out in the open and the crayfish would occupy the cover or undercut. When 5+ spinedace were present with crayfish, the spinedace displayed a mobbing or “strength in numbers” behavior where they would occupy the undercut and either clog it up with their presence so the crayfish would leave, or mob the crayfish to make them leave. This behavior was opposite of what I predicted would happen. Since this mobbing or “strength in numbers” behavior was not observed with the samples of just 2 spinedace, this may be a behavioral adaptation resulting from the presence crayfish. Further research can be done on the behavioral effects of various fish species in the presence of introduced or invasive species to determine if this behavior is seen in other fishes.

Heather Shumway, Southern Utah University Biology Glossiphoniids are jawless leeches that feed using a proboscis, which they use to impale prey so that they can feed on their prey’s blood and tissues. This study focuses on two different species, Glossiphonia complanata and Helobdella stagnalis. Helobdella stagnalis feed on a variety of prey, including bloodworms and freshwater snails, often feeding together in large groups. When a prey item is placed in the container, H. stagnalis immediately begin smelling the water and moving toward the prey. After the first H. stagnalis makes contact and secures prey, other individuals within the group will move to that area, often passing prey along the way, to attach to the same prey item. Once a number of individuals have started feeding, the prey is often broken into smaller pieces and individuals can then begin feeding on various sized pieces. This is in contrast to members of the species Glossiphonia complanata, who appear to be selective with their prey, and have been observed going up to 4 weeks without feeding, even in the presence of their non-preferred prey (bloodworms). When preferred prey (freshwater snails) were placed in the container, unfed G. complanata did not immediately begin smelling the water or initiate hunting. Unlike H. stagnalis which feed in groups, G. complanata appear to prefer feeding alone, and have even exhibited competitive behaviors.

Jordan Goodman, Utah State University Biological Engineering Nanotechnology is revolutionizing imaging techniques, antibiotic therapy and cancer treatments. Nanoparticles (NPs) are also utilized in many commercial products such as sunscreens, paints, ceramics and semiconductors. Consequently, it is inevitable that NPs find their way into the environment. The effects that NPs have on agriculture and soil ecosystems are the focus of this project. Metal-oxide NPs such as ZnO are toxic to many bacterial pathogens but the beneficial root-colonizing isolate, Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 (PcO6), has high tolerance. This bacterium represents an important group of micro-organisms that colonize plant roots improving their resilience to both abiotic and biotic stress. At sublethal dose, the ZnO NPs remodel the secondary metabolism of PcO6 in ways that could have an impact on agricultural ecosystems. Formation of antibiotic phenazines produced by PcO6 is strongly inhibited by ZnO NPs. Phenazines are important for PcO6 growth in biofilms, induction of tolerance mechanisms in the colonized plant, and antagonism of other rhizosphere pathogens. A role of NPs as a point source for soluble metal release is involved in these processes but does not explain the total effect of the NPs. The sublethal effects of the ZnO NPs on bacteria are similar to changes reported by sublethal doses of traditional antibiotics on human pathogens. These changes have a strong impact on fitness of bacterial pathogens, the most significant of which is induction of antibiotic resistance. Although many metal-containing NPs are being used in antimicrobial formulations, these alternative antibiotics too may be inducers of antibiotic resistance.

Makda Gebre, Utah State University Biology The first pandemic of the 21st century was the influenza A (H1N1pdm09) virus that originated in Mexico and killed 12,000 people within the United States. It now circulates as a seasonal influenza virus causing mild symptoms in most but still killing some susceptible individuals. Influenza A (H1N1pdm09) virus leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in high risk patients and has a mortality rate of 40-50% in those patients. ARDS patients usually die before any intervention since there is no clinical evidence that can be used to detect it. To detect ARDS early in disease progression, we need to search and develop biomarkers that can be tested in the patient’s blood or fluids. The three biomarkers tested as potential early disease indicators in this project included: C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA) and Transferrin. To test these biomarkers, mice were infected with the influenza A H1N1pdm09 virus and serum was collected from the mice at different time points. Serum collected was tested for amounts of CRP, SAA and Transferrin using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and spectrophotometer. Control mice were mock infected and also tested for the biomarkers for comparison.

Mimi Marstaller, University of Utah Economics During the Progressive Era that stretched roughly from 18771928, the United States faced the rising costs of industrialism. As corporate capitalism expanded and a national market replaced local economies, the role of the federal government changed to include mitigating collective costs by providing public goods. The Progressive Era represents the U.S.’ first national discussion on the role of the state in an industrialized nation. The nation, newly linked by economic ties, faced a collective action problem. I use this historical backdrop to examine economic theories on how societies manage the costs of capitalism. I look at scholarship on collective action, spontaneous order, self-regulation and enforcement within economic systems, and explore how the Progressive Era exemplify or refute the theories on social and economic behavior. I trace the emergence of a national market from pre-industrial, local economies, and examine how in the national context citizenship, the newly powerful nation state and standardized treatment of collective costs played an essential role in establishing the market as the central motivating factor of 20th century American culture. The institutions supporting citizenship and facilitating market participation bolstered capitalism but also required significant oversight by the regulatory bureaucracy established during the Progressive Era. While mainstream economic theory minimizes the role of class interests and power dynamics by assuming freedom of contract and costless enforcement of property rights, recent work in economics invokes sociology and history to understand the barriers to collective action. Today’s most illuminating theories revive the thought processes of the early, classical political economists, and I use the Progressive Era to explore the extent to which their theories on collective cost management describe the case of U.S. industrialization.

Scott Hoopes, Dixie State University Business Hybrid Social Enterprise Businesses are companies that sell products and donate a portion of their proceeds to a social cause. I submit that these types of businesses will become the patterns of marketing and business organization of the future because they are able to fund their social undertakings from the revenue of the products they sell, and be sustained by sales rather than depending on donations to fund their endeavors. The reason this model is successful is because many people throughout the world want to make a difference but rarely take action to put that change into effect. Hybrid Social Enterprise Businesses are able to make a difference in the world through their donations yet they have their revenue from product sales to run the day-to-day business. These items such as TOMs shoes, People Water, and comparable companies are becoming status symbols for socially conscious people worldwide. Not only are these items “fashionable” or “stylish” they are giving consumers the feeling that they have made a difference in somebody else’s life by making a purchase. By comparing and analyzing data from a variety sources and primary research I will be able to support my hypothesis that Hybrid Social Enterprise Businesses are a growing trend of business organization and marketing and will continue to grow into the future.

Hallmat Ipaye, Westminster College Marketing Marketers and advertisers allocate a compelling amount of resources to deciphering their target market, however, currently many women express that advertisements targeted towards and portraying women do not represent real women. An increasing disconnect exists between what an average woman actually looks like, thinks, acts and does and how a woman is marketed to in advertisements, specifically in women’s fashion and beauty magazines. Advertisers and marketers make important decisions regarding advertising and marketing without first consulting consumers about finished advertisements. Studies have shown that women do not relate, and often have lowered self esteem after looking at modern fashion and beauty magazines. This research and presentation focuses on categorizing what is important to women over the age of 18 to gain insight on how advertisers and marketers can better represent women in the advertisements of popular fashion and beauty magazines. July 2012 issues of fashion and beauty magazines Vogue, Glamour and Cosmopolitan will be discussed in terms of presence of factors that are important for women to relate to the advertisements in these magazines. The conclusion of these findings will further demonstrate the sales implications of representing real women in advertising from a survey of over 200 women.

Colin Cox, Weber State University Economics Acceptance into the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) can be interpreted as a sign that a country has achieved a level of high economic development. The pathways leading to becoming an OECD country are as diverse as the countries within this organization. The most recent country to join this elite organization is the small eastern European country, Estonia. Besides being the most recent country to be inducted into the OECD Estonia has another unique characteristic, it is the only OECD country to have belonged to the Soviet Union. Estonia’s relatively new independence gives researchers an extraordinary opportunity. We are able to track this country’s economic progress after its policies and institutions were essentially wiped clean upon gaining independence in 1991. In this study I will investigate what macroeconomic devices Estonia has used to progress further than other former Soviet States. In order to do this I will compare key economic indicators and policies for three former Soviet countries with similar economies; Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. I will draw connections between economic policies implemented and correlating empirical indicators. After analyzing the above mentioned parameters I will provide a summary of the successes and shortcomings experienced by Estonia’s economy and make relevant suggestions.

Kelsey White, Utah State University Economics and Finance California is endowed with some of the United States’ most beautiful natural landscapes. It also lies atop significant energy resources. While preserving natural amenities and developing energy are sometimes considered mutually exclusive endeavors, the reality is that most counties throughout California have developed both of these rich resources. While the ratios between amenities and energy differ, almost all counties with available opportunities have developed both to some extent. This paper compares and contrasts the balance between energy and amenities in three California counties. Monterey County is economically focused on agriculture and amenities, but has a strong potential for developing its shale resources, and some extraction has already begun. Ventura County also boasts plentiful natural amenities, but engages in significant oil production, particularly offshore production. Kern County is economically dependent upon oil extraction, but still maintains an active amenity sector. The fact that all of these counties have opted for a mixed economic portfolio balancing energy and recreation demonstrates that the two activities are not mutually exclusive, but rather that counties already opt for some mixture of the two. The three counties are compared on several key economic indicators such as per capita income and unemployment by using compiled US Census Bureau data. Counties with a mixed economic portfolio enjoy higher economic outcomes than those counties that focus more exclusively on either natural amenities or energy extraction.