2013 Abstracts

Sarah Miller, Southern Utah University Biology As humans, we have the ability to change our diets if we are deficient in any specific nutrient. Many animals have the ability to change their diet if they are deficient in nutrients. However, for many carnivores, it is generally thought that a prey item will have the same nutritional composition as the predator body composition. Carnivores are limited nutritionally in their diet. This means that they only get nutrients from the prey that they are able to locate to consume. This study is investigating prey choice of invertebrate predators (wolf spiders) when their prey item has been altered to be deficient in one specific nutrient (lipid or protein). I predict that the spiders will be able to choose the correct prey item for the nutrient in which they are deficient. The total weight of flies eaten in each treatment will be measured to determine if wolf spiders select prey items based on the nutrient content of the prey. Results will be analyzed using a nested ANOVA.

Joshua Horns, University of Utah Biology There are numerous arresting differences between the hands of humans and those of chimps, principally among them the shortening of metacarpals 2-5, the relative increase in length of the thumb, and the development of separate musculature controlling flexion of the thumb. In addition to improving manual dexterity, these changes allow humans, in contrast to chimps and other apes, to make a buttressed fist with the phalanges pressed against the central palm and the thumb adducted onto the dorsal surface of the phalanges. We believe this hand posture greatly reduces the strain experienced by a fully formed fist when striking with force, thereby rendering the human hand as a more effective weapon. We tested this idea by manipulating the tendons in a cadaver arm to induce the hand to form into buttressed and non-buttressed conformations, and then tested each conformation by having the hand strike a hanging instrumented mass to measure the force of each strike. Additionally, the 2nd metacarpal of the hand was fitted with a strain gauge so that strain in the bone could be compared to the force of the strikes. The results of these tests showed that there was a significant drop in strain in the buttressed fist (in comparison to the non-buttressed) for a given force.

Dillon Monroe, Southern Utah University Biology When an area is developed no part of that habitat is left unaffected. Urbanization creates many problems for animals by creating physical barriers, fragmenting habitat, introducing completely new habitat, and introducing species. Exotic species are often better competitors for resources and often competitively exclude native species, resulting in population declines and ecosystem disruption. Despite the negative effects of urbanization some species are able to adapt and survive in urban ecosystems. One such species is the wandering garter snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans). This species is described as a generalist in habitat selection and is often seen in urban communities basking on sidewalks and pavement, living in gardens, and feeding on rodents, insects, and other species. One unique characteristic of this genus is that prey preference has been observed as being a genetic trait and possesses variation, and as such can be modified via natural selection. For my research project I looked at whether prey preference of T. elegans vagrans differs between snakes from three different locations with varying levels of human development. From these three locations in Utah, Tropic reservoir, Monroe (Sevier River), and Utah Lake, we obtained a total of 14 snakes and found that in this group of snakes there is no correlation of prey preference in snakes to level of development of the habitat.

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.

Makenzie Hawkins, University of Utah Nutrition Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. Gamma-tocopherol (GTC) has been studied in its relation to hypertension and CVD. GTC has protective effects on the endothelium of arteries; the endothelium is in part responsible for regulating arterial relaxation and reducing blood pressure (BP). Diabetic mice (DB) were chosen for this study because of the associated co-morbidities of hypertension and excess body weight. Eight-week-old mice were divided into 3 separate groups: wild-type fed control (CON) diets (n=12), DB fed CON diets (n=12), and DB fed GTC supplemented diets (0.1%, n=12). BP was measured every week for 8 wk. Body weights were measured every wk and morphometric values were measured at the end of the 8-wk period. There was no statistically significant (P<0.05) difference in systolic and diastolic BP between DB-GTC and DB-CON. There was also no statistically significant (P<0.05) difference in heart rate between DB-GTC and DB-CON. After 8 wk, DB-GTC mice had lower (P<0.05) body weight versus the DB-CON group. In conclusion, a GTC supplemented diet did not result in a change in BP. However, GTC may have blunted weight gain and adipose tissue mass in DB-GTC compared to DB-CON. We speculate this may be due to a reduction of food consumption during the experimental period.

Chris Thurman, Salt Lake Community College Natural Sciences This project is an ongoing multifaceted investigation of the Jordan River. The study’s intent is to monitor and asses the overall condition of the river from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake. Samples of river and pond water, typical vegetation such as cattails, and some soils have been collected with reference to sites along the river that may serve as sites for the introduction of waste and other contaminants. These samples have so far been examined with respect to temperature and dissolved oxygen at the sampling point. Two river samples, one pond sample, and plant sample have been analyzed by ICP-MS for 20 different metals. The levels of Lead, Cadmium, and Copper have been determined by anodic stripping voltammetry at the ppb level in a variety of other water samples from the river. The results of these measurements are disused and presented Geospatially.

Lacie Cates, Salt Lake Community College Natural Sciences According to the Salt Lake Valley Health Department 1 the optimal level of fluoride is 0 .7 to 1.2 ppm in drinking water. Also acidity of many foods and drinks leads to tooth decay. In 2003 the State of Utah started adding fluoride to tap water. Then in 2008 Utah counties voted on addition of fluoride resulting in a variation of water treatment from county to county. At present the state has about 50% of the population receiving fluoride treated water with the aim of providing the 1 ppm fluoride level. It has also been reported that some counties are considering cutting back to about 0.7 ppm 2 . This study examined the pH and fluoride content of water samples from the major population counties in Utah. Fluoride levels ranged from 0.08 – 0.92 ppm. The pH values for these samples ranged from 6.26 -8.08. A further study of the fluoride levels and pH in bottled water and other drinks and foods such as fruit and cheese was conducted because many people in Utah do not drink tap water, particularly in regions of high water hardness or areas where taste and / or odor can be off putting. The pH values ranged from 2 to 8. The most acidic being colas and citrus based drinks and foods. The fluoride values varied from 0.03 to 0.47 ppm.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Melanie Cooke, University of Utah Geography Range Creek is a small deeply incised canyon located in south central Utah. It is a remote canyon that has experienced minimal impact to its rich archaeological heritage by European-American settlers during the last two hundred years. The canyon contains hundreds of important archaeological sites and thousands of artifacts from the Fremont culture that inhabited the area from around 800 A.D. to 1350 A.D. Though work has been done on the archeological sites in the canyon, a better understanding of the paleoclimate and environment are needed to help understand why the Fremont culture disappeared so abruptly around 1160 A.D.Dendrochronology has been shown to provide excellent data for reconstruction of climatic conditions. Conifer tree species, including Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga mensiezii), are well-suited for studying past climate through the analysis of their tree rings. In this study, I use increment cores from Douglas fir to build a local history of tree-ring growth rates through time and will compare these results to regionally available climate records. By comparing changes in ring widths with weather station data, including monthly and seasonal temperature and precipitation records, I hypothesize that Douglas fir will provide a sensitive indicator of past changes in winter precipitation. Twelve tree cores collected from climatically sensitive locations during the 2012 summer are being analyzed from Range Creek Canyon. Preliminary analyses of the tree ring series suggests this study will provide a climatic history spanning the past ~300 years. Although this analysis cannot provide direct observation on climate conditions during the period of the Freemont occupation and abandonment of Range Creek, it will provide insights into the natural climate variability occurring within the Range Creek Canyon. All tree cores are being analyzed with ARSTAN and COFECHA software, commonly used by dendrochronologists, and results will be made available at the time of presentation.

Kendra Williamson, Brigham Young University Linguistics and English Language Questions regarding language policy have persisted in Intensive English Programs nationwide. BYU’s English Language Center has revoked an English-only policy in favor of an English-mainly policy. In this environment, a two-month study has been initiated in which four experimental-group classes are provided tools for self-regulated learning to encourage English use during the lunch break. Students record goals and perceived actuals daily, reflect and respond to their individual progress, and receive weekly printed progress charts. As students use tools designed for self-regulated learning, it is expected that their daily efforts to speak English and their speaking proficiency test scores will improve.

Summer Mosgofian-Barry, Dixie State University English-Secondary Education Even avid readers of J. R. R. Tolkien’s work may not recognize how extensively his scholarly pursuits and deep knowledge of ancient languages and legends inform his fantasy writing. As a scholar who not only gave new insight into the art of Beowulf, but also as one who proved the existence of a remnant of Old and Middle English untouched by the Norman conquest, he used his mastery of Germanic languages “Old and Middle English, Old Norse, Old Finnish, Welsh” and even his familiarity of Proto-Indo-European vocabulary, to create linguistic and narrative elements in fictional works like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The connections between his scholarly pursuits and the characters and languages he invented, such as those between Anglo-Saxon syntax and mythology and Tolkien’s idealized Anglo-Saxons, the Rohirrim, as well as those connections between Snorri’s Edda and the Elvish language Quenya, clearly demonstrate his acumen as a philologist. In fact, some of Tolkien’s Middle Earth legends were clearly inspired by his extensive knowledge of, and are even modeled after, ancient writings and legends, including Beowulf, The Wanderer, “The Maid of the Moor” and Grendel, while he also utilized kennings like those seen in, again, Beowulf, “Caedmon’s Hymn”, and Snorri’s Edda. This paper looks at multiple, though certainly not all, of Tolkien’s use of early language forms and legends and in doing so, delivers the following conclusion: Tolkien’s extensive scholarly work and love of many languages, as well as his passion for the mythology of those languages, clearly plays an integral part in his fiction.

Kev Nemelka, Brigham Young University Art History and Curatorial Studies Hungarian art has yet to break across the Atlantic with much influence on the art world, but perhaps the oeuvre of Béla Kondor (1931-1972), considered by many Hungarian art historians to be the starting point of Hungarian contemporary art, may have a shot at drawing the nation’s art out of obscurity and into the light of American contemporary “faux-naïve,” an art tradition with a growing momentum that could provide fertile terrain for Kondor’s comparable aesthetic. The faux-naïve tradition springs from “naïve art,” an art tradition whose name itself has been somewhat controversial in the past decade but has nevertheless influenced artists all over the globe. Particularly in Utah Valley, a number of artists and art professors—e.g. Andrew Ballstaedt, Fidalis Buehler, and Brian Krishisnik—are developing their own faux-naïve versions of contemporary folk art similar to that of Kondor with no knowledge of his existence, and although some contend that the sincerity of faux-naïve is factitious and premeditated, the secular and religious works of Kondor and these American artists show the positive side of contrivance, that faux-naïve can provoke feelings of nostalgia and insight into real emotions, focusing our attention on adolescent memories or spiritual innocence alluded to in the works rather than on the lack of complexity, precision, or realism often sought after by aficionados of conventional, believable art. I personally interviewed numerous Kondor experts and curators of Hungarian museums, recovered archived articles on the artist held in Hungarian collections, and conducted comparative analyses of Kondor and the aforementioned Utah artists, whom I also interviewed regarding the subject of faux-naïveté.

Shannon McLean, Southern Utah University English The classical Indian writers Amaru, Bhartrhari, and Kalidasa each used the srngara rasa, or erotic mood, in their works. The srngara rasa was considered to be one of the most important aesthetics in Indian literature, and the audience was encouraged to delight in the experience they received from the erotic depictions in the poetry or play. This is very different from the Western treatment of sexuality. Typically, the erotic was discouraged, and in some cases forbidden, to be discussed overtly in poetry, books, and plays, because it was believed to cause more harm than good. I investigated the portrayal of human sexuality in the works of these three authors in order to discover whether their use of the erotic mood encouraged their audience to pursue the benefits of physical love, or whether there existed a different interpretation for its use. Although the Indian writers mentioned above were more open and accepting of human sexuality in their writings than the Western tradition, they also depicted the negative consequences that can result from the indulgence of physical love.

Garrett Faylor, Dixie State University English Bob Dylan has been called just about every name in the book: voice of a generation, beatnik, icon, songwriter, protest singer, legend, even Judas. But there is one name that people cannot seem to agree upon-poet. In “I Shall Be Free No. 10,” Dylan jokingly says, I’m a poet, and I know it / Hope I don’t blow it.” Rather than take his word for it, one might suggest looking backward to discern the verity of Dylan’s claim. Wordsworth, Shelley, and T.S. Eliot all contributed greatly to the art and our understanding of poetry. Each supplied definitions for what constitutes poetry and better yet, what exactly a poet should be and do. In his Preface to Lyrical Ballads, Wordsworth explains that “[the poet] is a man speaking to men.” This, and other definitions given by some of poetry’s most notorious innovators, decisively vindicates the claims of Dylan as poet. In this paper, I will argue that not only does Bob Dylan fit into almost all literary definitions of “poet,” he is the quintessential American poet: a transcendent, folk-rooted traverser and mouthpiece “for the searching ones, on their speechless, seeking trail.”

Jesse Cook, Dixie State University English Charles Chesnutt’s use of frame narrative in “Dave’s Neckliss” allows readers to gain a wider exposure to realistic African American storytelling. While African American literature was often intentionally watered down in the years following the Civil War to avoid hostility from Euro-Americans, Chesnutt published works depicting some of the true inequalities of African American life. His use of frame narrative-a local color narrative technique that employs a Euro-American narrator to frame a story told by an African American character-allowed Chesnutt to publish his work unbound by such restrictions. As William L. Andrews states, Chesnutt’s “understanding of literary tradition and his ability to use tradition as a means of approaching his readers with untraditional themes” allowed him to delve further into the “intensely human inner life of slavery.” While it could be argued that Chesnutt’s technique undermines the authority of the African American storyteller, requiring a Euro-American narrator as a catalyst for the African American character to tell his story, this technique allows Chesnutt to present a subversive narrative that imposes challenging questions to a reluctant audience. I argue that while Chesnutt’s use of frame narrative may appear to perpetuate existing racial stereotypes held by many, the frame narrative style actually allowed him to pose thought-provoking questions during a time of racial animosity.

Belinda Ramirez, Brigham Young University Anthropology The Hmong are a stateless hill tribe ethnic group originating in southern China. Due to persecution and discrimination from the Chinese, many Hmong migrated to the surrounding regions of the Southeast Asian massif in the eighteenth century. The mountainous homes of the Hmong now lay within the borders of countries such as Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Religiously, Hmong are traditionally a shamanistic people, believing in spirits and worshipping their ancestors through diverse practices, such as animal sacrifice and spirit calling. In addition to traditional Hmong belief (dab qhuas), many messianic religious groups have recently surfaced within the Hmong diaspora, often accompanied by a prophetic leader, criticisms of traditional Hmong practices, and a hopeful vision of the future in which there exists a Hmong country. My research on this subject is based on an ethnographic field study in Nan Province, Thailand among the Is Npis Mis Nus, a Hmong messianic religious group. Using traditional anthropological field methods, I acquired data on the practices and beliefs of the Is Npis Mis Nus, as well as investigated their conceptions of nationalism, ethnicity, and identity. In this paper, I posit that the rituals and beliefs of the Is Npis Mis Nus reveal the group’s desire for Hmong political, cultural, and economic legitimacy and national sovereignty. These beliefs and rituals also serve as boundaries that provide a clear distinction between messianic and non-messianic Hmong. Additionally, I explain how the characteristics of the Is Npis Mis Nus religion help the Hmong deal with the social and ethnic disruptions that globalization has presented.

David Ridge, Brigham Young University Religion This paper examines 2 Samuel 11 in light of a broadened understanding of the betrothal type-scene first identified by Robert Alter. The definition of type-scene in this context is broadened by comparative study with another feature of traditional narrative, the “theme” identified by Albert Lord as a significant characteristic of oral narratives. Examining the theme and type- scene together allows for a better definition of type-scene which leads to the identification of previously overlooked type-scenes. It is argued that 2 Samuel 11 contains all the elements and key- words necessary to be a type-scene of the betrothal journey narrative type; creating a literary relationship between this passage and the betrothal narratives of the patriarchs including those of Isaac in Gen 24, Jacob in Gen 29 and Moses in Exodus 2. Utilizing this approach allows for a clearer understanding of the textual depiction of David and his actions in the Hebrew Bible, a new understanding of the intertextual relationship between 2 Samuel 11 and narratives in Genesis and Exodus, and a broader and more valuable understanding of narrative structures within the Hebrew Bible.

Katie Patterson Hulett, Dixie State University English, Literary Studies emphasis In the last pages of her memoir, The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts, Maxine Hong Kingston tells the story of the Chinese poetess Ts’ ai Yen, a woman captured by

Susie McGann, Brigham Young University Humanities As the American economy changes, jobs are becoming increasingly more focused on teamwork, collaboration, and analytical and social skills in addition to technical skills. My initial hypothesis is that such knowledge and skills can be located in the category of a capacity for leadership–leadership of a sort that is of value even among entry-level professionals. These skills can be acquired through study in the Humanities. With my research, I hope to prompt change in the existing culture among students majoring in these fields so that they will begin conversations about careers earlier and more frequently among fellow students and faculty. In order to reach these goals, I collaborated with other humanities students to compile a group of individual essays that explain to undergraduates in Humanities majors how their study is preparing them to be leaders. I reviewed and edited these papers, and researched and wrote a supplicant formal essay to address current or prospective students in Humanities disciplines. The collection of papers are accessible to Humanities students through the College of Humanities as a resource written by students in their fields that explains the value of a Humanities education for life after college. I also organized and hosted an event for undergraduate Humanities students to begin a college-wide conversation about their Humanities degrees in terms of leadership.

Melissa Lewis, Dixie State University English Both George Eliot and Thomas Hardy have been called determinists partly as a result of their novels The Return of the Native and The Mill on the Floss. The role of fate or destiny largely guides the plot of these works, regardless of the decisions and merit of the characters. A comparison of the style of determinism between the two authors reveals that George Eliot emphasizes a moral force while Thomas Hardy focuses on a force associated with nature. Eliot’s determinism suggests that the world is determined but that humans still remained morally responsible for their actions, as Maggie is responsible for not feeding Tom’s rabbits or for her lack of decision as she drifts down the river with Stephen Guest in The Mill on the Floss. Hardy tends to be more of a naturalist. The naturalist is a product of post-Darwinian theory that humanity is controlled entirely by nature. For example, the fate of Eustacia Vye in The Return of the Native seems to be controlled by the hand of Egdon Heath. Both novels depict extraordinary characters in a world bent to squash them. These novels reveal that the individual exists as a solitary entity, and the relationship that used to exist between God and individual is now between the individual and society. Both Eliot and Hardy create novels where the world seems determined and cruel and characters that don’t adhere or fit in this mold are eliminated or reduced.

Hanna Higginson, University of Utah Anthropology The study, “Sentimentality Preserves Our Past” focuses on two branches of nostalgia: sentimentality and historical utility and their relationship to cultural relics. Our approach assumes we can recognize similarities and differences between cultural communities by describing the extent to which individuals are sentimental or utilitarian with regard to their possessions. We are currently collecting data from the northern Utah community and Utah Tongan community. We set up a preliminary exercise asking participants to free list the items they have a difficult time throwing away for sentimental reasons. So far we have collected 40 questionnaires and 13 interviews that focus on the five most referenced items. Our target is to conduct about 45 questionnaires and 45 interviews for each community. For the Utahan population we have enough data to identify an S:U RANK – the ratio between a participant’s measure of sentimentality to the measure of utility. For the 25 questions where a respondent’s answer could be classified as appealing to sentimentality (s) or historic utility (h), we summed the totals then divided it by the sum of the answers appealing to utility (u). All totals above 1 indicate that the respondent prefers protecting items for nostalgic purposes; all answers below 1 indicate the respondent prefers items of utility. The S:U RANK gives a general view into a particular population. From this we can discuss the effect of variables such as age, marital status, children, age of children, and years in Utah on an individual’s preference. Currently, the pattern from the S:U RANK suggests that marital status and children are having the greatest effect on the ratio, but this will become clearer as the interviews progress. The research began as an effort to understand the presence of nostalgia as applied to five common relics among a particular diaspora, in light of the incoming data, this question is developing into an attempt to understand nostalgia in a cultural and universal sense as well.

Madison Mercer, Brigham Young University Anthropology Between 1964 and 1969, Spotten Cave near Goshen, Utah was excavated by Brigham Young University (BYU) archaeologists. In 1971, James M. Mock published the only official report dedicated to this site as his Master’s Thesis. This cave contained valuable artifacts that can allude to the diet and medicinal plants of the Fremont Indians and other Utah prehistoric groups. Such plant knowledge is scarce throughout the Eastern Great Basin, even among those cultural groups where much is known. Through a comparison study called ethnohistory between those living now, such as modern Gosiute, Ute, and Shoshone, with what plants have been found in human coprolites (fecal remains) from Spotten Cave, it is possible to recon- struct what plants prehistoric people may have used for food or medicine. This will provide greater insight into who lived before in the Eastern Great Basin and is helpful knowledge for those wishing to study how the Utah environment was utilized in the past.

April Jackson, Dixie State University English With the publication of Kate Chopin’s complete works in 1969, proponents fighting for a new paradigm regarding women’s choices in regard to sexuality, marriage, and motherhood found much to consider in her work. Often, critics will analyze Chopin’s works with a limited feminist lens, focusing on themes of marriage, sexuality and sexual independence, and the creation of self-identity through marriage and sexual awakenings. However, Chopin’s works do not focus on women and the world they face to the exclusion of men; in writing about women and their lives, she also draws attention to the effects the attitudes of men have on women. Focusing on Chopin’s male characters, who often serve as satellite figures, this paper will analyze the way men in her texts can create an atmosphere in which women can, without fear of societal rejection, shape their own lives. In her larger body of works, two men exemplify this ideal man: Gouvernail, who appears in “Athenais” and “A Respectable Woman”; and Offdean, who appears in “A No-Account Creole.” These two men represent a model of masculinity that is most conducive for women to fully assert and create their sexual and social independence and self-identity. With the study and analysis of these satellite male characters, rather than limiting the analysis to just the women’s experiences, deeper and newer readings of Chopin’s work will surface and allow for additional themes to come forward in the broader area of Chopin studies.

Hanna Winzenried, Brigham Young University History Red hair is one of the most rare hair colors. In fact, only two percent of the world’s population has naturally red hair. My research attempts to show how Western perception of red hair has undergone transformations over time. I seek to show how red hair has been associated with a variety of perceptions from the Middle Ages onward. This is not a comprehensive study, but one that takes a variety of primary sources to show how changing societal perceptions of red hair imbued females (and males) with a variety of traits contributing to a kind of physiognomy of hair whereby a person’s character could be read through hair color.

Jennifer Mitchell, Brigham Young University History The science fiction television show, Star Trek, deals heavily with political issues ranging from the complexities of war to changing gender roles in American culture. My paper will discuss how the show accomplishes this successfully, particularly through the representation of historical events. The Holocaust is one example of a reoccurring theme throughout the show, an issue that is addressed appropriately when many representations of the Holocaust are so heavily criticized. This paper will examine the themes and structures of different episodes through out Star Trek: The Original Series. One episode to clearly address the anti-Semitic attitudes of the Nazi Regime, “Patterns of Force,” aired on February 16, 1968, a relatively short time after the Regime had fallen. Many of the adult viewers at this time had experienced the Holocaust in their lifetimes, directly or indirectly. An episode entitled “Space Seed” deals with eugenics and the idea of creating a super race. The episode attempts to demonstrate how those in the 23rd century may react to such practices. In “Consciousness of the King” Captain Kirk reveals that he had personally witnessed and been victim to genocide. Not only does genocide clearly connect to the Holocaust, William Shatner (the actor who portrays the Captain) is in fact Jewish. His costar Leonard Nimoy (Spock) also comes from Jewish heritage. Having two Jewish actors in leading roles adds yet another level of complexity when portraying such sensitive material. The paper will take this into account as well as other complications of representing the Holocaust in popular culture.

Charles Wilson, Brigham Young University Anthropology The purpose of this project has been to recreate a poorly understood Fremont (A.D. 300-A.D. 1300) ware known as corrugated pottery. Little is known about corrugation other than it seems to have made its appearance late in the Fremont world around A.D. 1100. Exactly how Fremont potters made corrugated pottery is a sparsely visited subject in publications. Attempting to recreate corrugated pottery, an exercise in experimental archaeology, has already suggested that corrugation was not only decorative, but played a role in the construction of corrugated vessels. Obscure practices of bygone Fremont potters will come to light as experiments progress.

Danielle Leavitt, Brigham Young University English/Russian While the former Soviet Union touted economy and a single social class, the socioeconomic differences that have emerged within Ukrainian families in the twenty years since the fall of the Soviet Union are widely unexplored. Our research comes in the form of creative nonfiction essays, which examine and contrast the everyday experience of Ukrainian families–specifically Ukrainian women–within three disparate socioeconomic classes. Based on a summer-long field study in Kiev, Ukraine living with three families in contrasting socioeconomic circumstances, our essays observe and explain facets of Ukrainian culture that are commonly misunderstood, yet deeply spiritual and culturally significant to Ukrainians. Our project explores the day to day workings of three Ukrainian families in suburban low class, urban middle class, and upper-oligarchical class, searching for stories describing quotidian life within their varying circumstances. There will be particular emphasis on the experiences of women. The project is presented in creative non- fiction essays stemming from observations, historical research, and the experience of the Ukrainians with whom I interacted. Ukraine (specifically its capital, Kiev) has a rich cultural and political history and a flowering modern culture heavily influenced by deep-rooted traditions, superstitions, and beliefs. Little creative nonfiction writing contributes to the exploration of both sophisticated and unsophisticated Ukraine. Our goal is to do just that; to delve into the human, commonplace intricacies of varied Ukrainian life through observation and writing.

Jeffrey Green, University of Utah Linguistics Although learning a second language can be difficult, especially for adults, many people believe that once an individual has acquired a second language, it will be easier to learn a third. Individuals may utilize strategies learned from studying a second language (L2) to their study of a third, but this does not necessarily mean that learning a third language (L3) will be easier. As individuals study an L3, their knowledge of both their native language (L1) and their L2 will compete with their developing knowledge of the L3. Previous research has shown that during early stages of L3 acquisition, both L1 and L2 phonology (that is, the underlying sound system of a language) influence the phonology of their L3. This is evident, for example, in learners’ production of some word-initial consonants, such as d, p, and k. Languages differ in the timing between the articulation of the consonant and the beginning of vibration of the vocal folds (voicing) associated with a following vowel sound. This timing is known as Voice Onset Time (VOT). Studies suggest a stronger influence from L2 than from L1 in L3 VOT production. However, learners in these studies had some (if limited) knowledge of the L3, and the influence of this knowledge is unclear. In addition, previous studies have addressed L3 production, but not L3 perception. Research has yet to investigate (i) the influence of L1 and L2 phonology in the very initial stages of L3 acquisition (when the language is totally unfamiliar), and (ii) the influence of L1 and L2 phonology on the perception of VOT boundaries. This study investigates (i) and (ii) by presenting English and Spanish bilinguals with stimuli representing a range of VOT in their L1 and L2, as well as from a third, unfamiliar language in a series of tasks designed to elicit evidence of VOT boundaries in each language. The results of these tasks will be examined to determine whether learners rely more on their L1 or their L2 for processing a third, unfamiliar language. Preliminary results and analyses will be available by February 2013. This research will give important insights into the process of acquisition of a third language.

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.

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.

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.

Johonna Sheldon, Southern Utah University Agriculture Science Scotch Thistle (Onopordum acanthium), Musk Thistle (Carduuas nutans) and Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) are invasive species that produce large quantities of seeds that remain viable for long periods of time. Collections were made of the species from various locations. Five distinct stages of growth were determined. Samples were collected and labeled with the maturity stage of each seed pod recorded. Tetrazolium, cut, and pop tests will be used to help indicate seed viability. I hypothesize that different stages of maturity will have varying degrees of viability as determined by tests. Furthermore I predict later stages will have the most overall viability and the pop test will positively correlate with the tetrazolium and cut tests. The results are in progress.

Edie Kieu-Mi Nguyen and Cassandra Nguyen, University of Utah Nursing Home hospice care is a growing area within the health care system. However, because of the difficulty in gaining access to these patients and caregivers in the home, research findings have been slow to keep pace with this growth. While hospice has been at the forefront of family-centered care, explicitly stating that the unit of care is the family, there has been little empirical research to show who is actually involved in this care in the home on a regular basis. Hypothesis: Our goal of this project was to describe who is present at the nurse home visit with the patient. Research Method: This research, part of a larger intervention study, involved reviewing audio recordings of home hospice visits to set up a coding system for future communication coding. During this review, we also identified and documented those present during the visit. Results: In our sample of 115 home hospice visits, 12 nurses caring for 13 patients spent an average of XXX minutes each (SD=XXX) in the home. We have found that caregivers are present 80% of the time. Our data shows that a spouse is present in 28% of visits. In 58.3% of visits, a daughter is present, while sons are present in only 3.1% of visits. Implications: It is important to know who is present at the visit and how long they spent with the patient to increase our understanding of what goes on in home hospice care. This research has implications for improving patient care. For example, in order to promote a more family orientated home care; more family members should participate in nurse visits. This descriptive research can be used in practice for hospices to know who to expect during patient home visits, as well as to incorporate the family members better into the patient care plan.

Xin Wan, University of Utah College of Health, and Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes We hypothesized that PP2A activation is required for lipid-induced, ceramide-mediated arterial dysfunction. Mice haploinsufficient for dihydroceramide desaturase (des1+/-) and their wild-type littermates (des1+/+) were infused (iv) for 6 h with lard-oil (LO) or vehicle (veh). Subgroups of LO and veh mice were treated (1.5 mg/kg IP) for 3 days prior to infusion with the PP2A inhibitor LB1 (Lixte Biotechnology, NY). LO increased ceramide accrual in arteries from des1+/+ but not des1+/mice. Palmitate (3 h x 500 uM) increased (p<0.05) PP2A activity, and impaired (p<0.05) insulin-stimulated p-eNOS(S) 1177 to eNOS in endothelial cells, and these responses were negated by LB1 (4 uM; n=5-8). Endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation of femoral arteries (~ 150 um i.d.) was assessed using acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), respectively (n=3 mice / group, 3 vessels / mouse). ACh-mediated (2×10-8, 3×10-8, and 6×10-8 M) relaxation (%) was less (p<0.05) in LO des1+/+ (30±2, 41±3, and 61±4, respectively) vs. veh des1+/+ mice (48±4, 67±6, and 73±6, respectively). Endothelial dysfunction observed in LO des1+/+ mice was less severe when ceramide accrual (i.e. LO des1+/mice) or PP2A activation (i.e., LB1 +LO des1+/+ mice) were prevented. SNP-evoked vasorelaxation was intact among groups. LO-induced ceramide accumulation induces endothelial dysfunction that is dependent upon PP2A activation. ADA1-12-BS-208, 2R15HL091493

Darien Shapiro, University of Utah Pharmacology and Toxicology Exposure to wood smoke particulate matter (WSPM) has been linked to exacerbation of asthma, development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and premature death. Combustion-derived PM (cdPM) such as cigarette smoke (CS), diesel exhaust (DEP), and WSPM, activate transient receptor potential ankyrin-1 (TRPA1) which promotes neurogenic inflammation/edema and airway irritation/cough. The mechanism of TRPA1 activation by DEP and CS involves the electrophilic/oxidant binding (3CK) and menthol-binding (ST) sites, and a novel mechanosensitive site. We hypothesized that WSPM would activate TRPA1 through one or more of these sites similar to other cdPM. Pine and mesquite PM were generated in the laboratory. Both types of WSPM particles activated TRPA1 in human TRPA1 over-expressing HEK-293 and primary mouse trigeminal (TG) neurons. WSPM also activated TRPA1 in A549 cells, a human alveolar adenocarcinoma cell line, which has recently been shown to express TRPA1. HC030031, a TRPA1 specific antagonist, attenuated the calcium flux due to WSPM treatment in both human A459 cells and mouse primary TG neurons. Differential activation of TRPA1, as a function of particle size, demonstrated that PM2.5 m were most potent. Several known chemical components of WSPM, including 3,5-ditert-butylphenol and agathic acid were TRPA1 agonists. Both WSPM and agathic acid activated TRPA1 primarily via binding the 3CK site, based on inhibition of calcium flux by glutathione and mutation of the 3CK site. Conversely, 3,5-ditert-butylphenol activated TRPA1 through the ST site. This study established the mechanism by which WSPM and associated chemical components activated TRPA1 which may help tailor effective therapeutic treatments for WSPM pneumotoxicity. Support: NIEHS ES017431 and the University of Utah Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.

Israel Worthington, Utah Valley University Science and Health The Nation and world’s dependency on fuels has steadily grown over the last several decades. The world’s consumption of oil dramatically increases in the United States and peaks at approximately 20 million barrels of oil each day. Predictions of decreasing fuel reserves and increasing costs have made the development of a renewable fuel source increasingly appropriate. Much research has been done using the fermentative process to produce biofuels as an alternative fuel source, but the research attempting to utilize photosynthetic bacteria as a producer of alternative fuels is relatively undeveloped. In this research, it was attempted to transform cyanobacteria with the gene necessary to produce the enzyme methyl-butenol synthase, which catalyzes the production of the biofuel methyl-butenol. The gene for methyl-butenol was successfully transformed into cyanobacteria on a plasmid, and production of the enzyme methyl-butenol synthase was successfully detected via western blotting. The production of an alternative fuel source using photosynthetic bacteria could create a cheap, renewable, and more environmentally friendly source of fuel.

Mikaelyn Miles, University of Utah Pediatrics Altering myocardial growth interferes with hemodynamic parameters such as blood flow or pressure, and subsequently alters vascular development. We hypothesized that experimentally increasing hemodynamic stress by conotruncal banding during early heart development would result in a remodeling of the arterial wall. The outflow tract of a stage-21 (3_-d) chick embryo was constricted with an overhand knot of a 10-0 nylon suture, and the embryo was returned to the incubator. Normal embryo was not operated. We harvested the embryo at stage-34 (8-d), and fixed the heart in diastole with 0.025 μg/Kg diltiazem in 4% paraformaldehyde. Transverse sections of the carotid artery were stained with H&E staining, and the dorsal aorta was treated with rhodamin-phalloidin-smooth muscle antibody staining. En face sections of the aorta were examined under confocal microscopy. Morphometric analysis was quantitated using customized MatLab software for filament-actin alignment and density. Data are presented as mean±SEM, and analyzed by Student’s t test and ANOVA with statistical significance defined as a p value of less than 5%. Both right and left carotid arteries in the conotruncal banded heart had a thinner vessel wall when compared to the arteries of the normal embryos. Some vessels in the conotruncal banded hearts displayed dilation and variation in size between the right and left coronary arteries. The overall filament length in the dorsal aorta between the normal and banded hearts (39.8±4.3 vs. 29.6±2.7 μm, respectively) was statistically different (p<0.05). The filaments were also widely spaced in the conotruncal banded hearts. Altered growth in the developing heart caused by altering the hemodynamics results in secondary abnormalities in development due to abnormal vascular architecture. These factors may be important in the understanding of myocardial development with defects such

Austin Stevens, University of Utah Pediatrics Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant genetic disorder. It affects 1/3500 individuals worldwide (Friedman, 2002). It is classically characterized as a neurocutaneous disorder, but osseous and spinal abnormalities are clearly associated with NF1. These complications are not well understood and rarely emphasized, even though as high as 38% have been reported to have osseous manifestations (Crawford and Schorry, 1999). In particular, the medical management of scoliosis in NF1 is problematic with no consensus on preferred treatment strategies. More information on the natural history and health-related quality of life are needed before effective therapies can be designed as assessment of treatment efficacy is complex and outcome measures difficult to define. Dr. Stevenson and Dr. Viskochil are part of an NF Consortium focused on developing clinical trials in NF1. However, specific outcome measures are needed for these clinical trials. In particular changes in quality of life are an essential part of clinical trials. Our objective is to determine if specific quality of life instruments can be utilized in the NF1 population for the skeletal manifestations. A battery of these instruments were used given that it was not known which instrument would be most appropriate for the various manifestations of NF1. A total of 129 patients were enrolled in this study, and the relevant questionnaires were administered and recorded. Categorical data of health status will be summarized as frequency distributions and differences among groups will be assessed using chi-square tests of proportions. Frequency distributions for interval-scale variables of health status (e.g., HUI single-attribute utility scores) and HRQL (e.g., HUI multi-attribute utility and PedsQL4.0 summary scores) will be summarized as mean, standard deviation, 95% confidence bounds, median, minimum and maximum. T-tests and analysis of variance techniques (including repeated-measures models) will be used to test differences in means between groups.

Deborah Nelson, University of Utah Pediatrics Families of pediatric cancer patients are presented with significant emotional, social, and financial challenges. Most children with cancer are treated in pediatric oncology centers located in urban areas and many must travel great distances for therapy. This study aims to evaluate the burden of care associated with pediatric cancer care and to determine the impact of the location of patients’ residence on those burdens. We administered a n=310 (48-item, English) and n=46 (72-item, Spanish) survey to the primary caregiver of patients, ages 0-18 years, diagnosed with a cancer between three to six months prior to the survey. Survey domains included measures of rurality, time from first symptoms to diagnosis, financial burden (travel costs and time, missed work, relocation) and missed school. Survey analysis suggests rural families and those traveling >2 hours to a pediatric oncology center took longer to obtain diagnosis, missed more work days, paid more in travel expenses and relocated more often than families living closer. Of the respondents, 18% were considered “rural” with 38% reporting greater than one-hour travel time and 25% reporting greater than two-hour travel time. Mean onset of initial symptoms to diagnosis was 11.4 weeks for rural and 7.6 weeks for urban patients. Mean out of pocket costs per clinic visit for rural were over three times that of urban patients. Twenty-nine percent (n=102) moved since diagnosis; of that 33% reported moving was directly due to cancer. Fifty-six percent of school-aged patients discontinued school; of those 28% were unable to “keep up” and 10% repeated a grade. Caring for a child with cancer places a significant number of burdens on the patient’s family. This burden appears greater for patients living in rural and distant areas and could effect patient care and access to treatment.

Jennifer Nhan, University of Utah College of Health, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes The overall goal of our laboratory is to elucidate mechanisms whereby endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) enzyme function and NO bioavailability are impaired in individuals with diet-induced obesity (DIO), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and insulin resistance. This is a clinically relevant issue because all of these conditions are associated with poor vascular function that might be precipitated by disrupted eNOS enzyme function and NO bioavailability. To study this issue we use model systems including cell culture, isolated arteries, and rodents. It is important to have an accurate, reproducible, and sensitive method to detect NO in each of these systems. The purpose of my work was to optimize the technique of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) to assess NO in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). NO contains an unpaired electron. This structural feature facilitates the measurement of NO via EPR. NO is detected with a spin trap of FeSO4 and diethyldithiocarbamate trihydrate (DETC). In the presence of NO, the spin trap forms a NO-Fe(DETC) complex which is detected by EPR. BAECs were grown to 70-80% confluency in six-well plates, and treated with: (i) vehicle (buffer only), (ii) 600 uM of insulin (an NO agonist), (iii) 10 uM of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate salt [LNMMA, an NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor], and (iv) three doses (1, 10, 100 uM) of diethylammonium (DEA) NONOate (an NO donor) to serve as a positive control. All treatments contained L-arginine [the substrate for endothelial NOS (eNOS)] and FeSO4 (the spin trap). After a 60-min incubation with treatments (i) (iv), cells were dislodged from each plate, collected, frozen in liquid nitrogen, and NO was detected using EPR. Relative to vehicle treatment, 1uM, 10uM, and 100uM DEA NONOate increased NO production by 50±8%, 150±2%, and 700±26% (p<0.05) respectively. Insulin increased (p<0.05) NO production by 73±4% vs. vehicle, and this response was prevented in cells treated with insulin + LNMMA. These results indicate EPR is a suitable method to detect cellular NO production. My next project is to optimize this technique for use in isolated arteries from experimental animal models.

Kara Vickers, University of Utah Nursing Symptoms related to cancer and its treatments are a significant source of distress for children and adolescents with cancer. Although children and adolescents may receive interventions aimed at alleviating symptoms, the hospital care environment itself may be one that adds to the overall symptom burden. The purpose of this study is to investigate relationships between symptoms experienced by hospitalized children and adolescents with cancer and the care environment on an inpatient pediatric oncology unit. This prospective, descriptive study uses use a repeated measure, within-group design to identify relationships between symptoms and the nursing care environment that can be used to guide future interventions. Participants are 50 children and adolescents (7 to 18 years of age) with cancer. Data collection is occurring over a 3-day and 3-night period. Children and adolescents’ symptoms are measured each shift using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale for patients aged 7-12 years. Participants also answer two open-ended questions about what has bothered them about the hospital environment and what they perceive could improve the hospital environment. Sound and light levels are measured continuously using a sound pressure level meter and data logger placed approximately 48 inches from the child’s bedside. Nursing care activities are measured through counts of care activities occurring during room entries by nursing staff. Room entries are identified using an Axis pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) dome camera. A member of the research team reviews the child’s nursing flow sheet, medication administration record, acuity level, laboratory values, and medical orders each day. Data is presently being collected and will be analyzed using hierarchical mixed effects statistical models. Long-term goals of this project include improving symptom management in the inpatient setting, minimizing modifiable factors in the care environment that cause greater symptom burden, and lastly use the findings to inform hypotheses for a larger intervention studies. Hopefully these studies will target structuring the hospital care environment to minimize the symptom burden experienced by hospitalized children and adolescents with cancer and, ultimately, promote their quality of life.

Jacqueline Rodriguez, University of Utah Health Promotion and Education This is the second phase of an anticipated multistage research study. The first phase was completed Spring of 2012 and data showed that drivers of personal vehicles were having a difficult time hearing Emergency Medical Service (EMS) vehicles when driving with their radio on or while operating a hands-free cell phone which may be a leading factor in many of the estimated 9,000 EMS accidents a year. Information will be collected from accident reports and personal interviews will be conducted with EMS personnel who have been involved in a vehicular accident while driving an EMS vehicle. Similarities found in the interviews and accident reports that may explain why vehicular accidents involving EMS occur will be recorded. The accident reports which will be analyzed will have occurred in the past five years and will have transpired within the State of Utah. One-on-one interviews will be conducted about the accident in the State of Utah and with EMS personnel that have been in a vehicular accident in the past 5 years while driving an EMS vehicle. It is hypothesized that many of the vehicular accidents involving EMS drivers occur due to drivers in personal vehicles not noticing EMS vehicles in enough time to clear the way. It is believe the results gathered from the interview and accident reports will show that drivers do not see/hear EMS vehicles very well when distracted. In the cases where the EMS driver was found at fault for the accident, it may be due to having to resort to unsafe driving practices because they are responding to an emergency and the drivers in personal vehicles are not moving out of the way in a timely manner or simply not at all. It is anticipated that the results of this study should be available late December.

Arlene Johnston, Brigham Young University Nursing Description:

Nicole Kelbert, University of Utah Nursing Introduction:

Elizabeth Johnson, University of Utah College of Health, and Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes Constant-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are implanted in heart failure patients to assist the heart in pumping blood through the body either temporarily as a “bridge” mechanism until a heart transplant or permanently as a destination therapy. The blood flows constantly with an LVAD contrary to the natural pulsatile flow of the human heart. We wanted to determine if this constant flow attenuated the function of the arteries. A transmural biopsy was taken from seven male patients (52±6 years old) when the LVAD was implanted (pre) and again 142±2 days later upon LVAD explant (post). Arteries were obtained from the pre and post tissue biopsies. Vessel function was assessed using isometric tension techniques. After Lmax tension was determined for each vessel, the contraction-response curve of each vessel was tested using potassium chloride (KCl, 10-100 mM). Next the vessels were pre-contracted to ~65% maximal tension and treated with bradykinin (BK, 10-6 to 10-10 M) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 10-4 to 10-9 M) to determine, respectively, endothelium-dependent and -independent vasorelaxation. Maximal KCl-evoked contraction (0.99±0.22 and 0.69±0.14 mg tension development / μm vessel length), maximal BK-evoked vasorelaxation (64±13% and 80±7%), and maximal SNP-evoked vasorelaxation (92±3% and 92±4%), was similar in arteries obtained from pre (n=13 arteries, 206±40 μm i.d.) and post (n=14 arteries, 288±24 μm i.d.) transmural biopsy samples, respectively. These preliminary data indicate that coronary vascular function is not attenuated by LVAD implantation.