2013 Abstracts

David Marriott, Brigham Young University Physiology and Developmental Biology Acute stress has been shown to decrease Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of the mouse hippocampus. Additionally, stressed animals show signs of anxiety and suffer decreases in spatial memory tasks such as object recognition and maze navigation. Conversely, exercise has been shown to increase spatial memory task performance in mice, attenuate anxiety-like behaviors and enhance neurogenesis and LTP in the dentate gyrus. While the effects of stress and exercise have been examined independently, there is currently a lack of experimental evidence that connects how stress and exercise, when experienced by the same animal, might modulate LTP in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. In our ongoing study, mice have been separated into a control group, a stress group (restraint and tail-shock), and an exercise + stress group where mice have voluntary access to a running wheel (for 30 days) before undergoing the stress protocol. We hypothesize that exercised animals will experience a protective effect against the reductions in CA1 LTP. In the stress only group, preliminary data shows a modest stress effect on LTP, yet we are learning that factors such as controllability of the stressor or the ability to develop coping mechanisms might potentially attenuate

Tara Hammond, Brigham Young University Microbiology and Molecular Biology Genetic diseases, including Alzheimer’s, cystic fibrosis, and many cancers, can be detrimental to individuals and their families. Gene therapy can possibly cure these diseases by inserting a correct copy of the gene into the chromosome, upregulating good genes, or downregulating the harmful gene. When DNA is packaged into a cell, it wraps around histones-an octamer made up of two tetramers, each containing four different subunits to create nucleosomes. Where the nucleosome sits on the DNA sequence determines whether or not a gene can be transcribed. In heterochromatin, nucleosomes are denser and DNA is tightly packed, thus causing genes to not be transcribed. Euchromatin contains looser packed nucleosomes and therefore has higher transcription levels. This project seeks to determine if modified nucleosomes have DNA sequence preferences. We are working with histone H3 to tri-methylate lysine 4, which has been shown to correlate with euchromatin. The modified histone will be used to create octamers. C. elegans DNA will be added to modified histones and to unmodified histones and allowed to create nucleosomes. The wrapped DNA will be sequenced, allowing us to compare the modified and unmodified nucleosome DNA preference. The difference in preference will enhance our ability to know how to move nucleosomes, thus aiding in gene therapy.

Spencer Foutz, Brigham Young University Biology CSF AB42 levels are a biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease. The APOE e4 allele associates with CSF AB42. Little is known about SNPs in the region independent of apoe e2/e3/e4 isoforms. By adjusting for the effect of these isoforms, statistical analysis uncovered new SNPS associated with CSF AB42. Information was used from 1338 individuals from four datasets, specifically: The WU-ADRC, ADNI, University of Washington, and UPENN. Samples included individuals with and without AD. The 169 SNPs used were extracted from the APOE region and surrounding 50 kb using 1000 Genome Software. Linear regression analysis was performed, adjusting for specific covariates. Adjustments were made for the APOE e2 and e4 alleles before repeating the analysis. Significant SNPs were tested in e3 homozygous individuals. Each series was separately analyzed and combined in a meta-analysis for confirmation. P-values, sample sizes, and effect sizes were used in the meta-analysis. Results from these analyses allowed us to conclude rs769449 is associated with lower levels of CSF AB42 and acts independent of the APOE e4 allele.

Jason Bartholomew, Brigham Young University Plant and Wildlife Sciences After disturbances in plant communities (i.e. wildfire), there is a natural succession of plants in which plants colonize the empty area and are gradually replaced by more competitive species. In subalpine forests, the principle colonizers after wildfire are quaking aspen (Populous tremuloides) which are later replaced by subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa). It has been shown that aspen facilitate, or enable, the establishment of subalpine fir at their base. This study examines the aspen-subalpine fir interaction in order to better understand the dynamics of the shift from aspen to fir dominance. It is hypothesized that the fir in a facilitated pair eventually exerts a competitive influence on the aspen resulting in a decrease in aspen fitness. The growth rates of the two species were examined in different stand types (aspen, mixed and subalpine fir), as independent trees or in facilitated pairs, and in three separate size classes. Samples were collected by taking a core sample or cross-section from trees within the categories listed above. The age and annual growth rings were measured with a measuring stage. The annual growth rings were used to calculate basal area increase (BAI) which was used to determine growth rates. The results suggest the growth rate of aspen in facilitated pairs decreases as firs mature thereby decreasing fitness within the aspen population due to competitive influences from facilitated firs. This may explain the mechanism for the successional shift that can significantly impact indigenous animal populations and local fire cycles.

Kevin Boehme, Brigham Young University Biology Late Onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD) is caused by a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors. While multiple loci have been found associated with an increased risk of LOAD much of the heritability of the disease has yet to be accounted for. The prevailing thought now is that of rare variants playing an important role in LOAD. In this study we will use linkage analysis to identify novel regions of the genome that may harbor rare disease causing variants. Data for these analysis comes from 748 people (503 with LOAD) from the Cache County study on Memory and Aging. This unique population based sample provides great power for linkage as relatedness differs from siblings to distant relatives and complete pedigree information is available for all of the individuals. We will use LD-pruned SNP data from the Illumina Omniexpress BeadChip and pedigree data from the Cache County samples to perform linkage analysis. Quality control and LD-pruning will be con- ducted in PLINK while the Linkage analyses will be conducted using the MERLIN software. Our findings will be reported in the final poster presentation.

Bryce Anderson, Brigham Young University Microbiology and Molecular Biology Antigen presenting cells digest and display peptides from foreign and infected cells on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) that are recognized by T-cells through their T cell receptor (TCR). The affinity of TCR:peptide-MHC interactions has been shown to be low however, and in order to effectively use a soluble TCR for therapeutics we need to engineer TCRs with increased affinity. To do this, we have designed a single chain TCR (ValphaVbeta) called LLO118 that is specific for a naturally occurring Listeria monocytogenes epitope. Using yeast display, stable mutants that expressed the LLO118 scTCR at higher levels than the wild type on the surface of yeast were isolated and sequenced. In order to improve affinity of LLO118 we are mutating amino acid residues in the complementarity determining regions, sites important for the TCR to bind with the peptide-MHC. We are generating unique libraries of yeast cells with TCRs that have potential affinity mutations and using fluorescently labeled peptide-MHC tetramers to select cells that have TCRs with higher affinity. By repeating this process with the cells that have higher affinity we are working to get a TCR that binds with much higher affinity than the wild type TCR. These high affinity TCRs are promising for further research in connecting them to a cytokine, greatly reducing systemic damage and other complications caused by administration of this cytokine throughout the body. Thus, our goal is to design a high affinity TCR fused to a cytokine that can be tested for therapeutic use in targeting specific cells in the immune response and improving T cell memory.

Spencer Bell, Brigham Young University Physiology and Developmental Biology The hippocampus functions as the memory formation center of the brain. As memories are formed, brain cells in this area undergo changes by which connections between them are either strengthened or weakened, processes known as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), respectively. Receptors located on these cells modulate these processes as they are activated by chemical signals known as neurotransmitters. We sought to examine the effects of a receptor known as G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) on LTP and LTD in the rodent hippocampus by applying agonists of the receptor, or chemicals that artificially activate it, to brain slices preserved in artificial cerebrospinal fluid. O-1602 is a purported synthetic agonist of GPR55. When we applied O-1602 to rat hippocampal slices during electrical induction of LTP, the magnitude of LTP was decreased when compared to controls. When LTD was induced in the rat hippocampus in the presence of O-1602, no significant difference was observed when compared to controls. Further experimentation involved the application of lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), a naturally occurring GPR55 agonist, to genetically-engineered knock-out mice which lacked expression of GPR55. LPI is generally considered a more reliable agonist of GPR55, but caused enhanced LTP in wild-type mice which expressed GPR55 when compared with knock-out mice. This inconsistency and other inconsistencies in our data while using O-1602, while perhaps due to other physiological differences between rats and mice, may suggest the possibility that O-1602 activates a receptor other than GPR55. Our further research will seek to investigate this possibility.

Brad Ackerson, Brigham Young University Neuroscience The highjacking by alcohol and drugs of abuse of the mesocortico-limbic system in the brain is responsible for addiction, specifically the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and its projecting dopaminergic neurons to the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Over the course of addiction, a hedonic response is developed from lower than normal levels of dopamine (DA) in which the individual pursues drug-seeking behavior. The current accepted treatment methods for addiction are replacement drug therapies, group therapy, or individual counseling – the prior being associated with additional side-effects and an inability to overcome the hedonic response of the addiction. The aim of this study was to evaluate alternative and natural therapeutics that produce long-term potentiation (LTP) of the neuronal systems involved in order to overcome addiction with minimal to no side-effects. Using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV), the effects of baicalein, a flavonoid isolated from the root of Sculletaria Baicalensis, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on DA release in the NAc core were evaluated in vitro and in vivo in Wistar rats. Local stimulation evoked in vitro demonstrated that baicalein administration (10, 50, 100 uM) 30 minutes prior to 80 mM ethanol attenuated the DA inhibition of ethanol. DA signals were evoked in vivo in the core of the NAc by electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) at the level of the lateral hypothalamus (60 Hz, 60 pulses) in isoflurane anesthetized rats. Both the intraperitoneal (IP) administration of baicalein (1.0 mg/kg) and the administration of LLLT (25 Hz, 630 nm) 30 minutes prior to ethanol (2.0 g/kg) administration IP attenuated the DA inhibition of ethanol. These findings suggest that baicalein and LLLT may prove as effective clinical therapies for addiction.

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.

Rachel Nettles, Brigham Young University Plant and Wildlife Sciences Background/Questions/Methods

Caitlin Munger, Brigham Young University Biology Alzheimer’s is a fatal, non-treatable neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia. While no one gene has been found to determine the development of Alzheimer’s, past studies have established a strong hereditary influence on Alzheimer’s. So far, only 5 genes have been found which replicably contribute to the genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s. However, the gene for Chlolesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) has been identified as a possible new contributor to the genetic risk factor. In order to test this association we obtained data on over 4000 subjects studied in the Cache County Study on Memory, Health and Aging over a 15-year period. This data included DNA samples, cognitive decline rates and incidence of dementia–particularly Alzheimer’s Disease. DNA samples were SNP genotyped using quantitative PCR. The SNP genotypes and corresponding phenotypes for each subject were then analyzed for association usingmixed linear models and for survival, or the amount of time until the disease appeared, using Cox proportional hazard models. We found a correlation between the V405I SNP and a decreased rate of cognitive decline. We found that for each additional G the rate of decline decreased by 0.6 points per year on the MMSE test. The identification of CETP as a player in the genetic risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia will provide much needed information on the genetic factors involved in dementia and allow for possible future therapeutic targets.

Joseph Moulton, Brigham Young University Physiology and Developmental Biology With the advent of recent mutations in the influenza A viral genome, drugs that previously blocked the proton flux responsible for disassembly of the viral envelope and exposure of viral RNA to the transcriptional machinery of the host cell have become ineffective. Our study of the M2 hydrogen ion channel responsible for this flux has led to a vastly-increased under- standing of the mechanisms behind the conductance activity and potential blockage of these transmembrane tetramers. By embedding M2 proton channel subunits of the S31N mutant strain into liposomal bilayers and suspending these bilayers in the buffers and ionic gradients characteristic of the intracellular environment, we have been able to simulate and observe nor- mal functioning of the influenza A virus. Using these liposomal bilayers, we have developed a series of experimental protocols to test a variety of amantadine- and rimantadine-related drugs for successful blockage of M2 S31N proton conductance. Our research presentation will be centered around the mechanisms of this channel and the favorable results that we have obtained from many of these drugs.

Jarom Schow, Utah Valley University Biology DNA and protein sequence data from GenBank and other publicly available databases can be used to perform phlyogenetic analysis. However, the process of assembling data sets for taxa of interest using GenBank is a time consuming and labor-intensive manual process. To improve this process, we have developed a new set of software tools that identifies, organizes, and presents existing sequence data in a way to facilitate data set creation for organisms of interest. The software provides an interactive, taxonomy-driven user interface for viewing and selecting available gene sequence data and exporting it to common genetic analysis file formats. To identify available genetic data, the user selects one or more taxa (species, genus, family, etc.) of interest. The software then identifies all available sequence data for every member of the given taxa. The sequences are sorted by gene and taxon to determine availability and data coverage. Results are then displayed using a hierarchical taxonomy and list of sequence data organized by gene and availability. This enables the user to quickly identify which genes and taxa currently have the best coverage and select the desired data for export. A local database implemented with BioSQL and populated with sequence data from GenBank and taxa from the NCBI taxonomy database was used to access and organize the data. The software is written in C++ using the Qt framework for speed, robustness and cross-platform interoperability.

Sam Hawkins, Utah State University Biological Engineering Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women and men. It is often treatable if caught early. However, tumors may metastasize which can result in a poor prognosis. A better understanding of the tumorigenesis and evolution of metastatic tumors in CRC patients could lead to earlier diagnosis, pre-emptive screening, and a better outcome. Copy number analysis of primary tumor tissue has revealed genes associated with colon cancers, but a comparison between primary and metastatic tumors has never been done. Normal tissue, primary tumor tissue, and metastatic tumor tissue was collected from twentyfive individuals. Copy number alterations were determined by microarray data generated from Molecular Inversion Probe (MIP) technology (Affymetrix, Inc.) for copy number analysis using Nexus software (BioDiscovery, Inc.). Metastatic tumor samples show a greater rate of copy number alterations (CNAs) from the primary tumors and even more alterations from normal tissue samples. Certain regions of the metastatic genome show high rates of CNAs whereas the primary tumor genome does not. These areas are key regions for potential understanding into the molecular origins of metastatic tumors. Understanding specific regions and genes with CNAs in metastatic tumor samples may lead to further research in cancer genetics and possible target areas for pharmaceutical testing.

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.

Robert Putnam, Utah Valley University Biology Pannota, the fused back mayflies, is divided into two main lineages: Ephemerelloidea and Caenoidea. Most of the pannote families are relatively small, in terms of number of genera, with the exception of the larger family Ephemerellidae with 32 genera. Our objective was to 1) test the monophyly of the superfamilies; 2) investigate the relationships within the families of the Pannota as a whole. We combined DNA sequence data with newly generated data (total of ~6 genes) for around 50 taxa. We used standard PCR and DNA sequencing protocols to generate the data. The molecular data were aligned in Muscle and subsequently phylogenetic trees were reconstructed under Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood, and Bayesian frameworks. The results strongly supported the monophyly of the superfamilies, while the relationships of the families within Ephemerelloidea were not resolved.

Emily Matis, Utah Valley University Exercise Science Introduction:

Monica Cervantes, Utah Valley University The central research question of this project was to determine if high-frequency ultrasound is sensitive to tissue pathology at the microscopic level. Previous studies on surgical specimens have shown that high-frequency ultrasound may be sensitive to a range of breast pathologies including fibroadenomas, atypical ductal hyperplasia, fibrocystic changes, and carcinomas. The ultrasonic parameters that were sensitive to pathology were the number of peaks (the peak density) of the first-order spectra of the waveforms (one forward Fourier transform), and the slope of the second-order spectra of the waveforms (two consecutive forward Fourier transforms). The ability to determine pathology rapidly and with minimal specimen preparation would make high-frequency ultrasound particularly well-suited for real-time use during cancer surgery to ensure all of the malignant tissue has been removed. The purpose of this research was to determine the sensitivity of the peak density and spectral slope to tissue microstructures other than those found in breast cancer. The results of this study would not only support the results from the breast cancer studies, but also extend those results to the detection of cancer and other diseases in a range of organs and tissues. The research methodology included the following steps. (1) Freshly excised bovine organs were obtained from a meat packaging facility, including the heart, liver, and kidney. (2) Specimens approximately 3x3x1 cm in size were dissected from the organs and tested immediately with ultrasound. (3) Both pitch-catch and pulse-echo waveforms were acquired from the samples. (4) The data were analyzed by determining the peak densities and spectral slopes. The results showed that the more heterogeneous tissues of the heart, the vascular structures (aorta, vena cava, etc.), displayed significantly higher peak densities than the muscle tissues. Similarly, the ureter, which has greater heterogeneities in its structure (larger and more varied), displayed significantly higher peak densities than the cortex and medulla tissues. No significant trends were observed for the liver tissue, or for the spectral slopes except for kidney medulla tissue. Heterogeneity and peak density in high-frequency ultrasonic spectra that may be useful for performing real-time pathology during cancer surgery.

Jeffrey Pence, Utah Valley University Exercise Science Introduction:

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.

Robert Bradford, Utah Valley University Biology Most organisms exhibit latitudinal gradients in diversity (i.e., taxonomic richness decreases as latitude increases). Few studies have sought latitudinal gradients in lichens, especially in the midlatitudes. Our primary questions were: 1) do lichens along the west coast of the United States show latitudinal gradients? 2) If so, what is the rate of change and does the level of taxonomic richness affect this rate? We hypothesized that lichens would show a reverse latitudinal gradient in the region, as has been documented for lichens elsewhere in the northern hemisphere, but at a considerably smaller scale. This study fills in the gap in our understanding of lichen latitudinal gradients over large areas of North America. It also functions as a baseline for future climate change and conservation efforts. Our study area is bound at the south by the California-Mexico border (32.331° N) and at the north by the Washington-Canada border (47.178° N), and extends inland from the coastline to the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains (116.083° W, at its eastern -most point). We divided the region into 218 roughly equal-area (cite) grid cells using GIS, each bordered with latitudinal and longitudinal lines. We derived a list of all vouchered lichen specimens in each grid cell using Consortium of North American Lichen Herbaria, an online database. The data were synonymized, and species, generic, and familial richness were calculated for each grid cell. We found no correlation (R2 = 0.2306) between latitude and species richness, using the raw vouchered data. What we did find was a strong correlation (R2=0.9069) between sample density and species richness. These results are biased by sample density and do not reflect what is naturally occurring. We hypothesize that we can get an unbiased estimate of richness with MaxEnt models. Using the georeferenced lichen distributions and related climate data, we constructed species distribution models of all species with five or more occurrences (990 species). In GIS, we projected all 990 distribution models and our 218 grid cells together to calculate species richness for each cell at various thresholds (i.e. likelihood of occurrence at 10%, 20%, 30%, etc.).

Trevor Hansen, Utah State University Biology The use of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) in various applications presents the possibility for environmental contamination by these NPs. CuO and ZnO NPs have dose-dependent phytotoxicity. However, NPs are modified by different environmental factors such as salts: chlorides of Na, K, and Ca are used on roads for de-icing, dust control, irrigation, water treatments, and fertilizer production. At low concentrations these salts promote plant growth, but elevated concentrations become phytotoxic. This study examines the impact of Na, K and Ca chlorides on the phytotoxicity of CuO and ZnO NPs for wheat grown in sand. Atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering showed dose-dependent aggregation of the NPs in the wheat rhizosphere. The salts also caused NP-aggregation, but the degree of dissolution of the NPs was salt specific. Release of Cu from CuO NPs in the planted sand was reduced by all salt treatments whereas Zn release from ZnO NPs was reduced by Na and K but not Ca. Overall, a phytotoxic synergistic effect was seen at lower salt concentrations, but at higher salt levels, toxicity was mediated mainly by the salts. Therefore, effects upon plant growth of NPs and salts will vary according to concentrations.

Aaron Fairbanks, Utah Valley University Biology NANOGP8 is a human (Homo sapiens) retrogene, expressed predominantly in cancer cells where its protein product is tumorigenic. It arose through retrotransposition from its parent gene, NANOG, which is expressed predominantly in embryonic stem cells. Based on identification of fixed and polymorphic variants in a genetically diverse set of human NANOG and NANOGP8 sequences, we estimated the evolutionary origin of NANOGP8 at approximately 0.9 to 2.5 million years ago, more recent than previously estimated. We also discovered that NANOGP8 arose from a derived variant allele of NANOG containing a 22-nucleotide pair deletion in the 3? UTR, which has remained polymorphic in modern humans. Evidence from our experiments indicates that NANOGP8 is fixed in modern humans even though its parent allele is polymorphic. The presence of NANOGP8-specific sequences in Neanderthal reads provided definitive evidence that NANOGP8 is also present in the Neanderthal genome. Some variants between the reference sequences of NANOG and NANOGP8 utilized in cancer research to distinguish RT-PCR products are polymorphic within NANOG or NANOGP8 and thus are not universally reliable as distinguishing features. NANOGP8 was inserted in reverse orientation into the LTR region of an SVA retroelement that arose in a human-chimpanzee-gorilla common ancestor after divergence of the orangutan ancestral lineage. Transcription factor binding sites within and beyond this LTR may promote expression of NANOGP8 in cancer cells, although current evidence is inferential. The fact that NANOGP8 is a human-specific retro-oncogene may partially explain the higher genetic predisposition for cancer in humans compared with other primates.

Matthew Ethington, Utah Valley University Biology Although the insect fauna of the Colorado Plateau region are somewhat well known, our specific understanding of the diversity in Capitol Reef National Park is sparse. Here we present an overview of the insect diversity of the park based on a number of undergraduate student-led excursions to collect specimens. The collections will contribute to an increased understanding of the parks insect diversity and will result in an appropriately curated natural history museum collection. Furthermore, an insect field guide for the park will be created in order to serve as an educational tool for visitors to the park. Field collecting efforts, consisting of traditional insect collecting methods (aerial nets, aquatic nets, light traps, etc.) will be used. The collected material will be curated, photographed, and stored in a natural history museum (Brigham Young University ML Bean Museum). This presentation will be a summary of material gathered in the last three years.

Chin Yiap Tan, Utah State University Nutrition and Food Sciences The long term objective of this research is to explore oil-based materials that can be used to replace trans-fats in the food industry. Vegetable oils such as olive (OO), corn (CO), soybean (SBO), sunflower (SFO), safflower (SAFO) and canola (CAO) were mixed with sunflower wax (SFW), paraffin wax (PW), and beeswax (BW) at different concentration levels (0.1%-100%). Crystal Morphology, oil stability, thermal behavior and viscoelastic properties were studied in this research. Results in our laboratory showed that the crystallization occurred sooner when the concentration of waxes increased. For example, crystallization in 0.1% of SFW in SFO occurred after 24 hours of incubation at 25°C, but when concentration increased to 0.25% the crystallization was observed at the first 15 minutes of measurement. In addition, a change in the thermal behavior of wax/oil soft materials was observed when the concentration of waxes increased. For example, the enthalpy change (H) in SFW/ SFO materials increased from 0.87 J/g at 1% of SFW to 21J/g at 10% of SFW. This increase in enthalpy indicated that the amount of crystal increased when the concentration increased. Overall, the crystallization behavior in wax/oil materials was affected by wax concentration and chemical compositions of oils and waxes.

Katie Fisher, Utah State University Watershed Science Arctic lakes are very sensitive to the effects of climate change. It is important to understand the current food web dynamic and energy flow within these lakes to better understand how they will change in the future due to the effects of a rapidly changing climate. In order to understand the current conditions in arctic lakes, this project consists of an analysis of stable isotopes of carbon (13C) and nitrogen (15N) from invertebrates among fish and fishless lakes in arctic Alaska to compare their trophic level positions and primary energetic sources. In order to carry out this analysis, I collected pelagic invertebrates were collected from 6 different lakes, 3 of which have resident fish populations and 3 of which are fishless. Samples collected in 2011 were analyzed for stable isotope composition by a mass spectrometer at University of California Davis. Results from samples collected in 2012 are pending at Washington State University. I will analyze and correlate the stable isotope results with isotopic data collected from other related projects. With this analysis, I will create food webs to 1) assign trophic positions to each species in each lake and compare those positions across lakes, 2) assess the potential effect fish predation has on pelagic invertebrate community structure. I hypothesize that fish predation will determine zooplankton community structure (e.g., dominant taxa) and alter trophic linkages (e.g., secondary trophic level predation rates).

Miguel Cuevas and Joseph Wilkerson, Utah Valley University Biology Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancies in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among American women. It is estimated that over 22,000 women in 2012 will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the United States and approximately 15,500 women will succumb to the disease. This is due to the fact that only 20 percent of cases are diagnosed before the cancer has spread to the peritoneal cavity. Currently, there are no reliable, standard screening tests; the only diagnostic test currently available is the CA125 tumor antigen blood test. This test is inadequate and not available as a general screening tool; additional diagnostics are required to effectively diagnose this disease. It has been previously shown that the tight junction protein Claudin-16, found only in normal kidney, is aberrantly expressed in epithelial ovarian tumors. Therefore, this protein is a good candidate for ovarian cancer diagnostics and targeted therapy. By identifying the promoter region that controls cldn-16 gene expression in ovarian tumors, we can create a luciferase reporter assay to identify cells that express Claudin-16 in culture. To do this, PCR-amplify of various upstream regulatory elements previously identified in kidney cell lines were subcloned into the pGL3 luciferase reporter vector. A higher amount of luminescence is present if the promoter sequence successfully up-regulates the luciferase gene in the vector. This is measured using a Dual Luciferase Assay to determine which promoter region is responsible for the over-expression of Claudin 16. Promoter activity was verified in kidney cell lines that normally express Claudin-16. Next, the assays will be repeated in ovarian cancer cell lines known to express Claudin-16 compared to cell lines that do not express the protein. The promoter assay will then be tested on a collection of ovarian cancer cell lines to determine if luciferase activity correlates with Claudin-16 expression. Once validated, we can test our construct as a cell based assay for identifying therapeutics that can lower Claudin-16 expression in ovarian cancer cells.

Tanner Mortimer, Utah Valley University Biology Nearly half of Americans reject evolution as an explanation of the origin of the diversity of life on Earth and rejection of evolutionary science has been shown to be correlated with a belief in a Christian God-creator (Gallup 2007; NSB 2010). The goal of this study is to explore the student perceptions and knowledge of Evolution at UVU in the non-majors and Biology majors introductory courses. Our study is designed to examine three hypotheses: Hypothesis 1 (Modern secularist): high levels of religiosity and fatalism should correlate with low levels of interest in science and scientific understandings of the world; Hypothesis 2 (Postmodern, postsecularist): no correlation between high levels of religiosity and fatalism, and interest in science and scientific understandings of the world; Hypothesis 3 (Social Psychology): that identifiable structural, contextual features will correlate with identifiable behaviors, irrespective of preexisting beliefs or previous behaviors. Due to the high % of LDS students that attend UVU, we are also interested in looking at the acceptance of Evolution among LDS before learning about the theory of Evolution (Pre-test) and after taking the introductory courses (Post-test). Preliminary results suggest that those students who had a strong sense of God-mediated control also had, in general, a negative attitude towards evolution.

Chase Barker, Utah Valley University Biology The Baetidae are an important group of Mayflies because of their position on the mayfly tree of life in that they are a key to understanding key evolutionary trends, such as the origin of wings and flight. Phylogenetic relationships of mayflies are still not very well known, however molecular and morphological data have begun to shed light on the relationships of these insects (Ogden et al. 2009). Recent molecular and morphological analyses have examined relationships of some of the lineages of Baetidae distributed in different regions of the world (Gattolliat et al., 2008; Kluge, 1997; Monaghan et al., 2005; Nieto, 2010;). Most of these studies suggest two subfamilies, Baetinae and Cloeoninae. This study represents one of the largest (in terms of data) and most diverse (in terms of taxa) phylogenetic analysis performed on the family Baetidae to date. The dataset consists of more than 50 taxa sequenced for six genes (Nuclear 18S rDNA; Nuclear 28S rDNA; Histone 3, Mitochondrial COI, Mitochondrial 16S rDNA; and Mitochondrial 12S rDNA). DNA sequences were aligned in Muscle (Edgar 2004) and tree reconstruction and nodal support was performed under Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood, and Baysian frameworks. The results indicate that the subfamilies were not strongly supported as monophyletic, contradicting conclusions from morphological data. Missing data in the data set might be contributing to low support across the tree.

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.

Brianna Rhoads, Utah State University Biology Nematodes are microscopic roundworms and are known to be some of the most difficult agricultural pests to control. Most of the 700 different plant parasitic nematodes species infect the root system of their host plant, causing galling, stunting and allow secondary pathogens to infect the host. For diagnostic purposes, in order to identify species of root-knot nematodes, the use of species specific primers can speed up the identification; many farmers need fast and reliable identification to determine which crops can still be planted in root-knot nematode infested fields. The purpose of my project was to test species-specific primers developed in Europe and Asia for Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne arenaria on North American populations of both species using PCR. The results showed that primers developed in Asia and Europe for M. incognita amplified North American populations but primers developed in Europe for M. arenaria did not amplify North American M. arenaria populations. Based on results, M. incognita specific primers are useful for diagnostic purposes in the United States.

Ryan Putman, Utah State University Biological Engineering Spider silk is a biomaterial with extraordinary physical properties. It has a unique combination of tensile strength, elasticity, and even biocompatibility that has sparked interest in a wide range of disciplines. Potential implementations of spider silk include: medical advances (skin grafts, biomedical sutures, and artificial tendons/ligaments), automotive safety (seat belts, airbags), and military applications (parachutes, body armor). Although spider silk has a great variety of possible uses, collecting this product is not as easy as merely farming spiders and harvesting the silk. Spiders are naturally territorial and cannibalistic, thus alternative means of production are necessary to generate enough spider silk for realistic use. A non-pathogenic laboratory strain of Escherichia coli commonly used for research purposes will be modified to produce synthetic spider silk. Through the use of synthetic biology and molecular cloning techniques, recombinant DNA is inserted with the genetic code for dragline silk of the Argiope aurantia spider; once constructed, this DNA is transformed into E. coli. The goal is to take advantage of E. coli’s ability to be used as a “factory” for creating silk in a controllable and cost efficient system. Supplementation of additional tRNAs will be employed as a strategy to extend cell life and boost the overall spider silk protein yield. Preliminary results have been obtained that show the production of synthetic spider silk by the engineered E. coli. More research is being conducted to increase yields so that we can one day take advantage of this amazing biomaterial.

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

Nicole Kelbert, University of Utah Nursing Introduction:

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.

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.

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

Samantha Webber, Brigham Young University Nursing Background: In November of 2012, a small group from BYU’s College of Nursing returned to Guayaquil, Ecuador to measure anemia indicators post interventions in school age children. In May of 2012 a larger group, including students, from BYU’s College of Nursing had visited Guayaquil for the fourth consecutive year to assess malnutrition and anemia rates in school age children. This multi-phase research project which began in May of 2009 found that nearly 41% of the children in this area suffered from anemia (below 11g/dl as per WHO guidelines). The adverse effects of anemia for these children can include: weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and poor concentration. Anemia may result from deficiencies of iron, B12, folic acid, and may also be the result of intestinal parasites. A nutrition survey conducted among these same school children showed that daily intake of iron, B12, and folic acid were below recommended levels. Intervention: In May of 2009 Hogar de Cristo (HDC), a non-profit organization, began distributing 6 to 8 ounce bottles of soy milk as a school snack for each school-aged child at a few of the schools in the area. A local pharmaceutical company who supplied vitamin and iron supplements during the first year of the soy milk distribution, reassessed anemia rates in those children in November of 2009. The BYU College of Nursing continued to assess school- aged children for measures of anemia and growth and development in 2010 and 2011 as directed by Hogar de Cristo. After 2011 it was difficult to correlate anemia and soy milk because of changes in the sample from year to year. In May of 2012 the BYU College of Nursing shifted their focus to four interventions with the aim of determining which one would best lower anemia rates. The study focused on students at four schools in the perimetral area, each school received one of the interventions as an adjunct to soy milk: vitamin supplements, antiparasites, vitamins and antiparasites, and a control group (soy milk only). Growth and development measures along with rates of anemia were reassessed in November 2012. Results: In May of 2012 the BYU College of Nursing tested 1041 school-ages children for growth and development and anemia. growth and development rate results spanning the four years of testing, and a comparison of anemia rates between intervention groups and control groups.

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.

Cami Schiel, Brigham Young University Nursing 65 French hospital nurses in Avignon, France were surveyed about their opinions about healthcare. Survey results identified and described French nurses’ perceptions of their health care system as well as other systems. Access to care was a positive aspect of their healthcare system that was identified by a majority of the respondents. Abuse or lack of oversight, and budget deficit were major themes identified as negative aspects of the French healthcare system. The French nurses’ opinions about different countries’ health care systems were compared to World Health Organization [WHO] (2000) rankings. French nurses overwhelmingly ranked France’s healthcare system as number one, which matched the WHO (2000) ranking. 73% of respondents prioritized preventative care over acute treatment. Work and other professional peers were identified as the main sources of influence on French nurses’ perceptions of health- care both French and internationally. Nurses’ opinions heavily influenced other nurses in the workplace. An implication from this study is that nurses can have a powerful impact on others’ viewpoints about healthcare. They are also a valuable resource for identifying strengths and weaknesses of a healthcare system, given their lived experience working in the healthcare system.

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.

Jordyn Whiting, Brigham Young University Nursing Purpose: To demonstrate use of a guide to help nursing students increase cultural competency gained during study abroad programs.Background/significance: In a world of increasing globalization, nurses are more likely to care for patients of a cultural background different from their own. To care for increasingly diverse patients, nurses need greater cultural competence to provide the safest and highest quality of care possible. Study abroad programs have been shown to be an excellent way to provide cultural education for students. The number of students choosing to participate in these programs has more than doubled in the last ten years. However, no research is available from a student perspective on how to plan for an optimum learning experience during study abroad. A research-based guide, from a student perspective, will help students take better advantage of experiences abroad to increase cultural competency. Methods: A literature review using online databases (including CINAHL and MEDLINE) was conducted using search terms such as nursing student, student, cultural competency, cultural sensitivity, cultural awareness, study abroad, international experience, and exchange program. Articles from the online search were used to compile a student guide. The guide includes competence-enhancing activities, formulated using brief anecdotal summaries and trending study abroad outcomes found in the articles. The guide’s framework came from Josepha Campinha-Bacote’s 2002 article, “The Process of Cultural Competence in the Delivery of Healthcare Services: A Model of Care,” and its subsequently updated versions (2007 and 2011). With the original version of the guide, there were 16 activities in four categories: cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, cultural skill, and cultural desire. The guide also included 16 blank squares where students could create their own activities. The guide contains a small reflective writing portion where students can think about their experiences as a whole and how they can implement what they learned into practice. A total of 12 students, including the author, used the guide in two different study abroad programs, first while participating in a Global Health and Human Diversity program with the College of Nursing in Tonga in May 2012.

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.

Heather Peatross, Southern Utah University Agriculture and Nutrition Sciences Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is defined as any ingestible herb, supplement, or other substance used to increase one’s health or well-being both physically and mentally. National studies have examined the usage of CAM. In 2007, the latest year surveyed by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), approximately 38% of adults in the U.S. were using some form of CAM with the greatest usage among women and persons with higher education and income levels. Non-vitamin/mineral natural products are the most commonly used CAM therapies. Americans spent $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on CAM over the previous 12 months. Little information regarding CAM use and knowledge in a rural college-age population is available. The purpose of this study is to examine the knowledge Southern Utah University (SUU) students have of CAM, usage by this population, and the reasons for using these products. Do SUU students typically use CAM therapies in their daily lives? Do SUU students use CAM primarily when ill? Are SUU students using CAM as a replacement for traditional (western) medicine? What types of CAM are being used (particularly herbal or dietary supplements)? It is hypothesized that the majority (>50%) of CAM users do not discuss their alternative therapies with a health care physician. Additionally it is hypothesized that students that have been diagnosed, or have a family member that has been diagnosed, with cancer are more knowledgeable/more likely to have used CAM therapies. Four hundred and eighty students were surveyed in a convenience sample of fourteen general education classes at SUU. The survey asked about usage of CAM therapies (including for health or sport performance), overall experience with CAM products used, sources of health advice, and any discussion with their medical physician regarding CAM use. Study results and conclusions are pending.

Heather Reynolds, Westminster College Biology The presence of mercury in a food chain can have harmful effects, including altering behavior, on organisms. Mercury is typically found in aquatic ecosystems, however recently is also recognized as a potential problem in terrestrial ecosystems. High levels of mercury have been found in the Great Salt Lake in a form able to bioaccumulate up the food chain. If the aquatic ecosystem is linked to the terrestrial ecosystem, then some of the highest predators included in this food chain may be songbirds that eat spiders. We quantified mercury in the blood of the Loggerhead Shrike, Lanius ludoviciaus, on Antelope Island. Upon being caught, the birds were measured, color banded, and a blood and feather sample taken from each of the 15 shrikes to be tested for mercury. Mercury concentrations ranged from 0.96 to 4.00 ppm, with a mean 1.14+/0.31 ppm. Sub-lethal effects in songbirds from another study were seen with concentrations ranging from 2.0-3.5 ppm. Two shrikes we tested exceeded that range. There was high variability in concentrations of mercury, which might be related to distance from shore. These preliminary data demonstrate that some mercury from the aquatic ecosystem is bioaccumulating in the terrestrial ecosystem on Antelope Island, and there may be harmful levels in the birds which could lead to change in behavior, and eventually decline in population. Future studies will investigate the costs of mercury contamination.

Anindita Ravindran, University of Utah Exercise and Sport Science Obesity predisposes individuals with Type II Diabetes to cardiovascular complications such as impaired blood vessel function. Due to the elevation of free fatty acids (FFAs) in obese individuals, ceramide, a lipid metabolite, accumulates and might contribute to the inability of a blood vessel to constrict or relax appropriately. Vessel dysfunction is partly caused by the inability of the endothelium, the innermost protective lining of blood vessels, to synthesize and release nitric oxide (NO). Our data indicate that ceramide impairs endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), the enzyme that synthesizes NO. In order to study mechanisms by which ceramide might impair eNOS, it is important to measure cellular ceramide production in response to pharmacological and genetic manipulations. Previously we used P-32 radioactive assays to measure ceramide accumulation. However, the use of radioactivity is expensive, potentially hazardous, and waste disposal is an environmental concern. Therefore, I sought to import a less harmful, more cost effective, yet accurate technique of measuring ceramide production by immunofluorescence (IF). IF allows ceramide to be tagged with a primary antibody which can be detected by a secondary antibody conjugated with a fluorescent dye. I have observed that 250, 500, and 750 uM palmitate (pal) incubation for 3 h increases (p<0.05) endothelial cell ceramide accrual in a dose-dependent manner. Further, a FFA-independent method to alter ceramide accrual i.e., 3 h incubation of cells with N-oleoylethanolamine, also elevates (p<0.05) ceramide production. Importantly, I have shown that 500 uM palmitate-induced ceramide accrual can be prevented (p<0.05) by two structurally dissimilar inhibitors (10 uM myriocin, 1mM L-cycloserine) of the rate-limiting enzyme responsible for ceramide biosynthesis i.e., serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT). None of these inhibitors impairs cell viability. These data indicate that IF is an accurate and reproducible method whereby ceramide accrual can be quantified in endothelial cell systems.