2013 Abstracts

Ryan Krage, Utah Valley University English and Literature Within Freshman Composition Studies, little research has been produced on writing conferences between students and teachers since Laurel Johnson Black’s Between Talk and Teaching: Reconsidering the Writing Conference in 1998. Most published research has not included any systematic information about the nature of the writing conference, a consultation between the student and teacher designed to discuss the student’s paper in order to make changes. Student feedback and involvement in this study is of crucial importance because there is no existing data whether teacher-student conferences are working from a student perspective. The major research question is “What is the relationship between types of teacher-student conference interaction and subsequent revision of students’ papers?” The purpose of the research is to discover what the writing conference between teacher and student accomplishes in terms of better writing outcomes, what the expectations of the student are, and what and how the power dynamics between student and teacher affect the quality and quantity of revision from both student and instructor perspectives. We will examine the connection of students’ perceptions about the writing conference to their final scores and other data. During the spring 2012 semester, we drafted three surveys designed to capture students’ perspectives and expectations regarding the conferences (a pre-conference, post conference, and post final grade). The methodology includes transcribing voice recordings of conferences, collecting student surveys before and after conferences, and collecting students’ rough and final drafts for two papers during the semester. This raw data will be coded into usable data, which will then be analyzed to identify behaviors that facilitate or impede the conference and determine its overall effectiveness. We hypothesize that a dialogic conference will occur when the power dynamic between student and teacher is more equitable, resulting in more student-ownership over the revision process. The extent of student ownership within the revision process will be determined by both the quantity and quality of revision. These findings will, in turn, enable teachers to take a closer look at the nature of their own writing conferences in order to develop better consultations with their students.

Echo Smith, University of Utah English and Classics In his novel Querelle Jean Genet depicts homosexual relationships among men, primarily in the navy, as narrated by the character of Lieutenant Seblon. The main object of Seblon’s affections and infatuations is Querelle, after whom the work is titled, the reigning protagonist. As the novel quite overtly depicts the occurrence of sexual acts between men, it is easily read as homosexual literature. However, what I argue is that homosexuals, within the novel, are identified more by verbal expressions than acts of the body. Throughout the text, Genet frequently draws attention to the mouth and the ways in which it expresses, imbibes, or expels. Using Georges Bataille’s theories of the mouth, which also focus on a type of oral release, I opine that one can see the relationship between this orifice and the way in which we, as humans, take in or eject things from our bodies. This notion coupled with Genet’s employment of the mouth as a means of homoerotic expression provides for a queering of the mouth to occur. Therefore, I conclude that the mouth, in the text of Querelle, becomes the orifice through which homosexuality is released from the body, primarily through verbal expression, and becomes the more accurate indicator of the homosexual within the text.

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.

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.

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.

Joshua Klein, Brigham Young University History In the last half of the 20th Century, the history of the enigmatic British intelligence community has been increasingly exposed as multiple archives have allowed access to original documents. This project involves a study of the Joint Intelligence Community, an agency created a few years before the outbreak of World War 2. The committee had the task of combining reports from the various agencies within the British Intelligence community into one cohesive report for the Chiefs of Staff and the Prime Minister. As part of a research project at Cambridge University, I acquired the primary sources (the JIC reports throughout the war) in a trip to the Kew Archive of the British National Archives in London. Because the reports represent the various agencies’ combined reports, they consequently offer a remarkable insight into the thinking of British policy makers on a week by week basis; thus, they reveal British policy makers’ information, opinions, and perceptions within the context of the war. These extraordinary sources profoundly limit historical anachronism. My discoveries reveal a plethora of inconsistencies between our contemporary understanding of British perceptions during the war and actual British perceptions during the war. Following is a brief list of these preliminary discoveries, which I hope to present at UCUR. I will discuss how these insights helps shape our contemporary understanding of British perceptions during the war. Surprising hesitancy to believe that Germany would attack Russia Over-estimation of Britain’s role in the war and a under-estimation of Russia’s role Relatively late recognition of Germany’s doomed fate on the Eastern Front Failure to recognize German potential to continue fighting as the war nears the end Severe British anxiety regarding German attempts for a peace agreement Explicit failure to identify the Nazis’ ideological motivations throughout the entire war Anti-Soviet tendencies throughout the war

Matt Cox, Brigham Young University History The role of the Magistrate or civil leader was a topic of debate in the time of John Locke and a focus of many of his political writings. Focusing on four of his main political pieces, his Essay on Toleration, a Letter Concerning Toleration, Two Treatises on Government, and Paraphrase and Notes on the Epistles of St. Paul, I examine how he developed his ideas on the role of the magistrate and the changes that take place. I show how Locke transitions from his youthful acceptance of the absolute rule of kings to his final views where he shows how even Paul leaves room open in his epistles for disobedience to rulers. Essential in this transition is Locke’s limitation on the powers of the magistrate. In his early writings Locke allows for the use of force in protecting the overall good of the society. Locke redefines this vague role of the magistrate by limiting the power of the magistrate to acting only in the protection of the rights, liberties and property of their citizens.

Abbie Black, Brigham Young University History Wet-nursing, a common practice in early modern England, was looked upon as a respectable source of income for women until the latter half of the eighteenth century. Scholars and doctors criticized the practice in both moral and medical terms, which influences how scholars analyze the occupation today. Constant attacks on the occupation continued until the practice was associated with lower class, sinful women; the practice all but disappeared by the early twentieth century because of the negative rhetoric and the advances in safe synthetic feeding practices. Historical scholarship reflects the negative rhetoric that was prevalent for the past two centuries; they forget to mention that wet-nurses continued to be essential to Early Modern English culture and Victorian families. Both the employer family and wet-nurse relied on this labor; families with an at risk child needed the labor of the wet-nurse, and the wet-nurse needed the income for her own support. Recent trends in scholarship focus on the practice from the top down as an institution rather than an occupation for individuals. I intend to fill this gap in scholarship by focusing on the wet-nurse as an individual functioning independently from the increasingly negative rhetoric during the mid-nineteenth century.

Matthew A. Kearney, Brigham Young University Germanic and Slavic Amid the chaos and anticipative excitement of fin-de-siecle Europe, German society quickly became a historical hotspot of unique political and social transformations. It was felt to be a period of degeneration, but at the same time a period of hope for a new beginning. In the midst of a culture that was still perpetuating lively, discriminating social appetites, it is intriguing to note that a broad examination of texts written by German women at this time, which experiment with the very question of social walls and new decisions, shows that these women most often employed conclusions laden with themes of madness, chaos, loneliness and suicide. For this research I have chosen three significant texts which can be viewed from historical and anthropological standpoints on the subject of traditional walls and choices. These are Jenseits der Mauer by Elisabeth Heinroth, Meine Freundin by Hermione von Preuschen-Telmann, and Helene Monbart-Kessler’s Kameraden. The approach to these works, and for the purpose of my research, evaluates the female literary characters in these texts in light of Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophical view on the fragile balance between the Apollonian and Dionysian drives inherent in art and in life itself. Nietzsche asserted that in life there rages a constant battle between these two major forces, each striving to control the existence of men and women alike. Against the background of this aesthetic discourse, the three texts I have chosen acquire a new dimension: they become an avenue for examining the causes of balance, or lack thereof, in the lives of these female characters. I believe this evaluation is significant because it foregrounds some of the choices and limitations which many women faced as traditional society was changing its attitudes towards them during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Taylor Nelson, Weber State University Botany Arnica is a common form of complementary medicine used to treat bruises and sore muscles. Most arnica preparations are made as an oil or gel by soaking the flowers of Arnica montana (a member of the Asteraceae) in an oil, such as olive oil, to extract helenalin, the presumed active component. Helenalin, a sesquiterpene lactone, has been shown to inhibit transcription factor NF-?B, a factor which controls the expression of dozens of genes involved in inflammation responses (Rungeler et al. 1999). Due to arnica’s popularity, A. montana is becoming scarce in Europe (its native range) and is sometimes substituted commercially with A. chamissonis (Cassells et al. 1999). Therefore, this study focused on finding other sources of helenalin among the Asteraceae. A. chamissonis, A. cordifolia, A. latifolia, A. longifolia, A. mollis and Helianthella uniflora were collected from Alta, UT, and Helenium autumnale from Salt Lake City, UT, at elevations of approximately 10,500 feet and 4,200 feet, respectively. Sesquiterpenes were extracted from the flowers by dipping them in methylene chloride and separated by thin-layer chromatography. Helenalin and possible helenalin derivatives were identified by their reaction with vanillin and comparison to a pure helenalin standard. Flowers from all seven of the species contained helenalin, with Helenium autumnale containing the highest concentration and A. latifolia the lowest. Therefore, all of the species tested in this study have the potential to be used commercially to prepare arnica salves and thus allow the A. montana population to re-establish itself. An additional finding was that A. chamissonis grew the best under greenhouse conditions, which may explain its substitution in some commercial salves.

David Tregaskis, Utah Valley University Biology Little is known about the details regarding gene expression which accounts for the light harvesting pigments in bacteria; specifically in the cyanobacteria Fremyella diplosiphon. The purpose of our experiment is to identify the upstream sequence that controls the expression of the scytonemin light harvesting pigment in Fremyella diplosiphon. This experiment will help us better understand the regulation and expression of genes that control light absorption. To test our hypothesis, that there is a regulating upstream promoter sequence for light sensitivity in Fremyella diplosiphon, we will culture the bacteria and extract its DNA. PCR will be performed to isolate the upstream sequence of the gene from Fremyella. Each plasmid was designed by adding restriction sites that will allow the proper cloning of the PCR fragment. This sequence will be introduced into the pSUN 199 and pSUN202 plasmids. These plasmids contain the GFP gene that will be activated by the promoter. The plasmids will be transformed onto Fremyella and analysis of gene expression will be done under different light conditions. This experiment will be able to identify the upstream regulatory sequence of the Scytonemin gene in Fremyella.

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.

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.

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.

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.).

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.

Thomas Anderson, Utah State University Biology Pradimicin, a small molecule produced by the soil bacterium Actinomadura hibisica, is a promising candidate as a combined antifungal/antiviral therapeutic. It is active against a broad-spectrum of opportunistic, pathogenic fungi, interferes with the replication of influenza virus, and inhibits the reproduction of HIV-1. Toxicity and solubility problems have hindered past efforts to develop pradimicin as a therapeutic. Our research focuses on elucidating the bio-synthetic pathway of pradimicin in order to design and chemoenzymatically create pradimicin structural analogs with improved solubility and activity, and less toxicity. Several enzymes in pradimicin biosynthesis have been identified. We intend to characterize one of the key enzymes, PdmS, a putative glycosyltransferase, and to manipulate its gene to create novel, more efficacious pradimicin analogs. This project is funded for three years by the NIH NIAID (3 years). Methods: A gene knockout experiment was used to determine the role of PdmS in pradimicin production. Bio-synthetic precursors of pradimicin were subjected to bio-transformations in E. coli with recombinant genes for PdmS and another glycosyltransferase, OleD, to generate analogs with new sugar attachments. Analogs of pradimicin will be screened for bio-activity using standard microbroth dilution assay techniques. Confirmed results: The enzyme PdmS was identified and characterized as a glycosyltransferase. Expected results: newly created analogs of pradimicin exhibited minimal inhibitory concentrations of 10μg/mL against Candida albicans. Conclusion: Knockout of pdmS yielded the pradimicin aglycon, which confirmed the function of this glycosyltransferase and provides a start molecule for further structural modification to yield new analogs for bioactivity studies.

Vance Almquist, Utah State University Plants, Soils, and Climate Fire induced soil water repellency has been characterized across a variety of soils and landscapes as being a cause of watershed degradation and surface water pollution. The repellency is due to the condensation of volatile polyaromatic hydrocarbons onto soil particles. Although repellency is known to reverse, in some locations the reversal takes months; whereas, in other locations it may take years. Little is known about the reversal mechanisms and how they lead to such a large range of reversal times. Access to untreated fired-affected sites, can be unpredictable and samples vary greatly from site to site. Therefore, a model compound that mimics fire-induced soil hydrophobicity is needed to be able to systematically investigate soil hydrophobilicty reversal mechanisms. Fluorene is a relatively non-toxic, hydrophobic polyaromatic hydrocarbon. The behavior of fluorene coated sand grains was investigated under laboratory conditions using quartz sand. Moreover, its fluorescent properties could be used to non-destructively monitor its degradation over time. In this context fluorene was studied as a possible model compound for the study of mechanisms involved in the reversal of fire-induced soil hydrophobilicy. The compound was subjected to conditions known to degrade or reverse water repellency including temperature, UV-light, and moisture content. Changes in hydrophobicity were monitored using the ethanol drop test and fluorescent imaging. Digital image processing techniques with the public domain software, ImageJ, produced by the National Institute of Health, were used to analyze the images and generate spatial maps of treatment effects on fluorene degradation and hyrdophobicity reversal. Our results indicate that the hydrophobic fluorene-coated sand layers were degraded by treatments such UV light known to reverse hydrophobicity in fire-affected soils, thus suggesting that fluorene may serve as a suitable model compound for producing hydrophobic layers on course grained material.

Ashley Stengel, University of Utah Biology Agricultural herbivores, such as cattle, often encounter plants containing toxins. One class of toxins, tannins, bind to proteins and inhibit digestive enzymes from acting to liberate nutrients. In this way, tannins prevent optimal absorption of nutrients. To overcome this challenge, some herbivores host bacteria with the ability to degrade tannins. Currently, there is a push to find novel microbes capable of aiding animals in detoxifying these compounds. Therefore, we aimed to isolate tannin-degrading bacteria from the desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida), a wild, herbivorous rodent that feeds largely on a tannin-rich shrub, creosote bush (Larrea tridentata). Woodrat feces were cultured on tannin-treated media, and bacteria capable of degrading tannins were further characterized with DNA sequencing. Results revealed that from 9 isolates, three species of tannin-degrading bacteria were present: Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli. Further characterization was performed through measurement of tannase activity. The activity of each isolate varied significantly between bacterial species as well as within a species. Ultimately, I hypothesize that these tannin-degrading bacteria facilitate the ingestion of tannin-rich plants by woodrats. Additionally, this research exemplifies how wild herbivores, such as the desert woodrat, provide an essential source of tannin-degrading microbes that could be introduced into domestic herbivores in order to improve agricultural practices.

Paul Greenhalgh, Weber State University History Much has been written about the tactics and strategies of World War II, as well as the effects of the war on the world. Far less, however, has been written about the cultural aspect of the war experience, and in particular about the day-to-day culture of the servicemen during the war. Archival research at the Library of Congress and The Institute on WWII and the Human Experience at Florida State University yielded the bulk of the primary sources while a review of the literature on WWII and the culture of U.S. servicemen during the war provided context. Additionally, a cross-disciplinary review of psychological literature on pets and their importance to well-being, as well as why it is important for people to create a sense of home, has nuanced the research. This study looks at the personal effects that servicemen had during the war and how their possessions contributed to the creation of a sense of home while they were deployed. Servicemen carried a vast variety of possessions with them that were not Government Issue. These possessions included diaries, pictures of, and letters from, loved ones, Bibles, pets, musical instruments, and talismans. Moreover, in letters and in diaries, these servicemen have described why they personally have carried these objects with them. This study adds to the body of knowledge on the cultural aspect of WWII servicemen, and therefore adds to the overall understanding of WWII and the culture of war in general.

Nina Cook, Utah Valley University History As events of the 1978 April Revolution in Afghanistan played out during the Cold War, U.S. policy makers became concerned about the Soviet sphere of influence and began to fund the Mujahedeen-rebel groups that formed in Pakistan. The Mujahedeen, inspired by jihad, remained divided across ethnic lines, began a religiously inspired struggle against Communist usurpers and oppressors. The United States saw the Mujahedeen as a useful Cold War tool in order to contain Soviet expansion and therefore throughout the 1980’s the United States continued to head the effort to supply the rebels with money and weapons. This aid was crucial in the Soviet decision to withdraw from Afghanistan and contributed to the eventual breakup of the Soviet Union. Yet, many of the Arab Mujahedeen saw this outside the Cold War context, as a victory for concepts of militant Jihad. Thus, the Soviet-Afghan war became a catalyst for the ideas of Radical Jihad, which would lead to a global holy war against the U.S and the West by the al Qaeda network, created during the Soviet-Afghan war, beginning in the 1990s. The significance of the Soviet-Afghan War, then, lies in some unintended consequences for the U.S.: Cold War containment of the Soviets in Afghanistan fueled Jihad, which in turn targeted American interests in an entirely new war.

Allison Fife, Utah State University History In 2004, Utah State University acquired a collection of approximately 1,200 rare volumes about the history of science and technology as a result of a bequest by Peter W. van der Pas. A Dutch immigrant and survivor of World War II, van der Pas proved to be an avid book collector and intellectual. Examining the nature and origins of this collection of rare books has permitted consideration of how this specific collection reflected the particular ambitions and needs of its creator. As a result, my pre-cataloging analysis of the books has developed into attempts to demystify van der Pas. Driven in part by an immigrant background, I believe that van der Pas used this collection both to demonstrate his worth as a scientist and engineer, and to legitimize himself in American academia. Through this sort of analysis, we begin to understand both the ways and reasons that significant book collections come into existence.

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.

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.

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.

Jeff Collins, Westminster College Biology The Great Salt Lake (GSL) has some of the highest mercury concentrations ever measured in surface waters. The accumulation of high levels of mercury, particularly its more toxic and readily biomagnified form, methylmercury, has been recorded in many species that inhabit or feed directly in the GSL, including waterfowl. However, no studies at the GSL, and very few studies elsewhere, have investigated the transfer of mercury from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial ecosystems. We hypothesized that brine flies are able to accumulate mercury during their larval stages in the lake, then transfer this mercury to adjacent terrestrial ecosystems when they become flying adults. Concentrations of total mercury (HgT) and methylmercury (MeHg) were measured in samples of surface water and brine flies (larvae, pupae, and adults) collected once each month between February and July at Antelope Island, in the GSL. Samples were collected from two distinct sites: one along Gilbert Bay on the west side of the Island, and the other along Farmington Bay on the east. On average, HgT concentrations are greater in water samples from Farmington Bay (19.3 ± 9.0 ng/L unfiltered; 13.5 ± 10.1 ng/L filtered) compared to Gilbert Bay (8.5 ± 7.5 ng/L unfiltered; 9.2 ± 9.6 ng/L filtered). MeHg and HgT levels in brine flies displayed the opposite trend, with higher levels at Gilbert Bay (567 ± 123 ppb HgT; 425 ± 12 ppb MeHg) than at Farmington Bay (270 ± 60 ppb HgT; 208 ± 35 ppb MeHg). Potential explanations for the trends observed will be discussed.

Morgan Anderson, Westminster College Environmental Studies Emigration Creek, part of the Salt Lake City watershed, runs through Westminster campus at two points: by Garfield school and through main campus. We assessed several measures of water quality, to understand the impacts of anthropogenic activities and urbanization on this stream ecosystem. Additionally, we identified areas for restoration with the ultimate goal of reintroducing the endangered native Bonneville Cutthroat trout. Beginning in June 2012, we monitored the creek monthly, and will continue for a full year’s time. We assessed the structure and stability of the stream along with dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and turbidity. The macroinvertebrate community composition was analyzed also as a biological indicator of stream health. Along both reaches lack of vegetative cover, lack of large rocks to support the lower banks, and scouring and deposition along the steam bottom were common. We found that for all water quality measures monthly average levels were in acceptable limits for trout populations except for dissolved oxygen. Dissolved oxygen dropped below optimal levels in July and August, most likely due to an increase in water temperature. We found that both reaches have moderate species diversity of macroinvertebrates, though the community is dominated by species that thrive in water highly polluted with organic waste. Preliminary results suggest that the current condition of Emigration Creek is not optimal for cutthroat trout, largely due to seasonally low dissolved oxygen levels and lack of preferred food. Continued monitoring, along with a comparative study of nearby creeks, will further our understanding of the impacts of urbanization and the restoration efforts needed to support native fish populations in the Salt Lake Valley.

Kristie Williamson, Weber State University Athletic Training Context: Cranial Nerve V (CN V; Trigeminal nerve) is responsible for facial sensation. CN V has three separate branches which include ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular. The ophthalmic nerve (V1) carries sensory information from the forehead; the maxillary nerve (V2) carries information from the cheek; and the mandibular nerve (V3) carries information from the chin. It is important to test all three areas of cranial nerve V to accurately assess full nerve function. Previous research has indicated that pressure threshold is not affected by age, however, normative values for two-point discrimination for CN V have not yet been established and may prove useful in concussion evaluation. Objective: Initial investigation aimed at determining gender-specific normative values for CN V two-point discrimination. Design: Prospective repeated-measures design. Setting: This study was performed in the athletic training facilities on the campus of a large Division I institution. Patients or Other Participants: Convenience sample of 106 healthy students enrolled at our institution (43 females, average age: 23.2; 63 males, average age: 22.1). Participants had no history of concussion within the last year, no facial scaring or plastic surgery and not a current smoker. Interventions: Measurement was taken using a two-point discriminator (Disk-Criminator) on the mid-forehead, mid-cheek, and mid-chin. Participants closed their eyes while each measurement was taken. Light pressure was applied (force equal to approximately 10-15 grams to produce blanching of the skin). Measurements were taken three times on each of three facial locations, sequentially. The smallest number in millimeters (mm) to correctly discriminate one/two points was recorded. The two pressure points were applied at exactly the same time. Main Outcome Measure: Discrimination score for each test location (mid-forehead, mid-cheek, mid-chin). Nested average was calculated within subjects for each test location; average was calculated between subjects for each test location. One-way between-subjects ANOVAs were conducted to evaluate potential differences in gender for each test location. Results: Between-subjects average for mid-forehead was 7.8mm (+/2.9), for mid-cheek was 10.4mm (+/2.6), and for mid-chin was 5.9mm (+/1.9). There was a significant effect for gender for cheek normative value (p<0.01); average discrimination score for males was 11mm, average for female was 9.7mm.

Jackie Parker, Weber State University Botany Forensic researchers as well as law enforcement officials rely heavily on herbarium type specimens for field investigation. An electronic catalog could greatly assist forensic professionals by providing easy access to area specific specimens. The goal of this project was to compile a database and dichotomous key of native plants found in Weber County, Utah. Pollen and woody material resist degradation, making them perfect candidates for forensic analysis. Using the USDA plant database, all native flowering plants were identified (729 in total). Plant pressings, microscope slides, digital micrographs and line drawings were made of two-hundred native species to date. Pollen and woody tissue were gathered from representative plants and prepared for permanent herbarium collection. Woody tissue and pollen preparation had previously been optimized for best imaging results. Rudimentary dichotomous keys for both woody tissue and pollen were made using micrographs and line drawings to illustrate distinguishing features between plant species. As new species are prepared, they are included in the dichotomous key. The primary purpose of this collection is for it to be used by forensic investigators with limited botanical training. In the spring of 2013, field tests will be conducted to determine how effective the dichotomous key is when identifying unknown specimens. After the layout is finalized, the key will be presented to local law officials as an additional tool in the forensic repertoire.

Stephanie Hansen, Weber State University Zoology Re-feeding syndrome is the result of the rapid re-introduction of nutrients following a period of severe malnourishment or starvation. During starvation, critical nutrient absorption and anabolic pathways are shifted to conserve energy and maintain cellular function in intestinal enterocytes. Rapid reintroduction of nutrients can often overwhelm the remnant absorptive ability of the intestinal tract, leading to complications such as, failure to thrive and intestinal failure. We hypothesized that a polymeric diet would improve refeeding response compared to an elemental diet. We utilized the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C.elegans) as a minimalist model of refeeding. We induced a developmental state of starvation known as, dauer, and then transferred animals into either a polymeric diet or elemental diet. We measured body length daily for 5 days until the worms reached adulthood. Data were statistically analyzed using a general linear model of analysis of variance and expressed as mean+/-SEM. Our results indicate that polymeric diet (695.6+/-25.2 ?m) demonstrated at least 10% (p<0.05) improved growth compared to elemental diet (646.8+/-21.7), with polymeric worms reaching adulthood by day 2 (960.2+/-26.9), whereas elemental animals required 3 days to reach adulthood (894.2+/-26.9 day 2, 972.6+/-27 day 3). Additionally, we assayed intestinal proteolysis by feeding the worms green fluorescent protein (GFP) and measuring fluorescence along the length of the intestinal tract. Our findings demonstrate a decreased rate (p<0.05) of intestinal proteolysis among worms fed exclusively a polymeric diet, despite no significant change in the rate of fluorescent protein intake. Our data confirm our hypothesis that a polymeric diet improves growth and development over an elemental diet. In addition, by requiring some hydrolytic digestion, growth is improved. These results might help to improve clinical management of refeeding syndrome as well as rehabilitate patients suffering intestinal failure.

Mark Tingey, Utah Valley University Biology The phylogenetic relationship of Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Odonata (dragonflies) and Neoptera (remaining winged insects) has been a problematic isse in insect evolution and systematics. Resolving their relationships is a critical step toward understanding insect diversification and the evolution of flight. Three hypotheses are evaluated so as to determine the phylogenetic placement of these three orders of insects: 1) Ephemeroptera sister to Odonata + Neoptera; 2) Monophyletic Paleoptera (Ephemeroptera + Odonata); and 3) Odonata sister to Ephemeroptera + Neoptera. Data from more than 260 taxa were collected from Genbank and assembled into a supermatrix representing 6 different molecular markers. Each of the genes were aligned and phylogenetic analyses were carried out utilizing a number of different methods including Bayesian, maximum likelihood, and parsimony frameworks in order to elucidate the relationships of these insect groups. The large number of taxa proved to be a daunting task, but provided new insights into the support for the different hypotheses. The implications for the evolution of flight were examined in light of the generated phylogenies.

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.

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.

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.

Scott Nagao, Weber State University Microbiology Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis belongs to the fungal phylum Chytridiomycota (chytrids), and in 1999, was both identified as a new species and associated with causing chytridiomycosis in amphibians. Since its identification, this fungus has been implicated in rapid population declines in multiple amphibian species in North and Central America, Europe, and Australia. In adult amphibians, the fungus colonizes only the keratinized skin cells on the ventral and dorsal surfaces as well as on the webbing between the toes. Infection is associated with hyperkeratosis resulting in disruption of the skin’s osmoregulatory function, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and death. There is data that indicates some bacteria that live on the epidermis of amphibians produce chemicals that inhibit the growth of B. dendrobatidis. However, this data is associated only with salamanders. There is no similar inhibitor data published for frog and toad species, and no data published on the identification of normal skin biota of frogs and toads. We have isolated over 175 bacterial isolates from 67 toads and frogs, extracted DNA, and used PCR to amplify the 16S ribosomal DNA gene. Amplicons have been sequenced to determine speciation based on genetics. This is the first report of normal bacterial skin biota in frogs. Further, a skin swab was also taken from these frogs and used to analyze which are infected with B. dendrobatidis via quantitative PCR screening. While the prevalence of fungal infection appears to be low, we have been able to correlate fungal-positive hosts with number and/or species of normal bacterial skin biota.

Jason Bass, Weber State University Microbiology There is growing concern regarding the contribution of infilled turf fields on increased athlete infections. Abrasions that occur on these fields create a portal of entry for pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. This study compares microbial populations on two infilled turf fields (year old vs. 6 year old turf). Infill material from both fields was sampled at three sites for 5 months during the football season (sidelines, middle of the field, and end of the field). Tryptic Soy Agar was used to determine total microbial load, MSA for S. aureus, and EMB Agar for coliforms such as Escherichia coli. Much higher microbial populations were found on the older turf field, a 1E+04 increase over similar locations on the new turf; suggesting microbial populations can accumulate in synthetic turf infill over time. On the older field the sideline has the highest counts with an average of 1.60E+08 CFUs/g of rubber infill. On the new synthetic turf, the area with the highest number of microorganisms was the end of the field rather than the sideline. This is probably due to where practices are held on the new turf field rather than actual game play. A high number of salt-tolerant, mannitol-fermenting bacteria (indicators of S. aureus) were also found (3.25E+02 CFUs/g on the new turf vs. 2.73E+03 CFUs/g on the old turf). Escherichia coli was isolated from the new turf, in an area of high usage. These results indicate that infill material can serve as a source for pathogens among athletes and that organisms accumulate over time posing a greater risk if proper cleaning is not routinely performed.

Jeffrey Pence, Utah Valley University Exercise Science Introduction:

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.

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.

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.

Kevin Cope, Utah State University Plants, Soils, and Climate Photosynthesis is driven primarily by radiation between 400 and 700 nm; however, not all wavelengths are equally efficient. Red light (600 to 700 nm) is 25 to 35% more efficient than blue light (400 to 500 nm) and 5 to 30% more efficient than green light (500 to 600 nm). Although blue light is less efficient than red light, it has been shown to be necessary for normal plant development in all tested crop species. The mixture of pigments in plant leaves allows them to absorb all colors of light. Both red and blue light are absorbed primarily in the upper leaf. Green light penetrates deep into the lower leaf and transmits to leaf layers below the upper leaf canopy. Accordingly, once the upper canopy is saturated with red and blue light, supplemental green light is beneficial in increasing whole plant photosynthesis. Although the effect of spectral quality on single leaves is well characterized, the effect on whole plant growth and development is poorly understood. The narrow spectral output of LEDs makes them particularly effective for photobiological studies. From our initial studies with radish, soybean, and wheat, we determined that blue light levels can be used to better predict plant development than red:far-red light ratios. We also found that plants require at least 80 μmol of blue photons m-2 s-1 in order to develop normally. Further studies are currently being conducted to determine the optimal ratio of red and green light for maximizing whole plant photosynthesis in lettuce and radish.

Thomas Wallace, University of Utah Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry The tumor suppressor p53 is mutated in more than 50% of all cancers, while the majority of remaining cancers contain mislocalized p53(1). p53 is part of a network of cellular pathways that regulate growth, cell cycle arrest, and clearly delineated apoptotic pathways(2). Restoring the function of p53 can be seen as an ultimate cancer treatment. Restoring p53 would activate an already existing cell pathway that prevents cells from becoming cancerous and cause cancer cells to go through apoptosis. Playing a role in tumor suppression has made p53 an attractive target for gene therapy. However, despite the potential of p53 as a powerful treatment, it is limited by the dominant-negative effect of dysfunctional mutant p53. This effect imposes one of the greatest limits on the effectiveness of a p53 based treatment. This project is focused on bypassing the dominant-negative effect of dysfunctional p53 over exogenous functional p53. The attempted solution was substitution of the p53 binding domain with a different but structurally analogous coiled-coil, based on a modified Breakpoint cluster region (Bcr) protein. By doing this, the dominant-negative effect of mutant p53 may be bypassed. The purpose of this project has been to synthesis and test rationally modified forms of p53 with modified Bcr coil that are introduced into cells via a plasmid to restore cellular p53 activity. In vivo cell tests have already shown the effectiveness of these constructs at causing higher rates of cell death in cancer cells and constructs are currently being refined to carry forward to xenograft model animal trails. The ultimate goal is to develop a treatment for human cancer patients where modified p53 will selectively cause apoptosis in cancer cells.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Sarah Miller, Southern Utah University Agriculture and Nutrition Science The high intake of fat in the average American diet is a growing concern to the nutritional community. High levels of total fat intake increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) which is the number one killer in America. The successful development of low fat recipes that can be accessed and produced by the general population is valuable to the fight against obesity and CVD. If acceptable products can be made with lower fat content then it is possible to lower the fat intake in a person’s diet. This study is designed to test the acceptability of low-fat desserts using every day food products available for home use as fat substitutes. Four popular “name-brand” recipes were altered by removing 55-73% of the fat and replacing it with a common food item, either pureed white or pinto beans, applesauce or yogurt. Southern Utah University students were recruited via flyers, in class announcements, and word of mouth. Participants (n=56) were asked to taste and evaluate the four products. Afterwards they completed a short survey about their knowledge of low-fat food substitutes and acceptability of the products. Results and conclusions forthcoming.

Kimberly Williamson, Utah Valley University History “There is nothing particularly interesting about one’s life story,” Eleanor Roosevelt wrote, “unless people can say as they read it, Why, this is like what I have been through. Perhaps, after all, there is a way to work it out.” Humans throughout time have recognized the need for storytelling and have been preserving oral histories. Narratives supplement our historical memory and offer an in-depth account of personal experience and reflections, which allows another to feel a commonality that often dissolves the barriers of race, class, gender, and even time. During the 19th century, the fight for enfranchisement united Utah’s early settlers with national suffragists. Feminists such as newspaper editor, Emmiline B. Wells and “presidentes” of the women’s organization within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), Eliza R. Snow, were in the forefront of this movement. Wells, Snow, along with other women were actively involved in their family responsibilities. However, they also held public and political positions within their communities that were not typical for women of that period. The women’s movement of the seventies recognized that literature wasn’t acknowledging women’s prominent role in society. Not only was there a lack of sources by and about women, but the historiography in general was male dominated. Hence, the LDS church initiated a crusade to collect women’s journals, letters, and other writings of Utah’s pioneers. These sources increased scholarship of Utah’s suffragists, which caused national recognition of the role they played during First Wave Feminism. Nevertheless, there is a trivial amount written about the women in Utah during Second Wave Feminism from the 1970’s to late 1980’s. My research focuses on stories of women in Utah during Second Wave Feminism. I interviewed four women within higher education where they expressed personal experiences that are similar in spirit to Utah’s early settlers. Inadvertently each woman had some connection with the LDS church. My thesis will argue that by extrapolation there were many women, particularly at Utah Valley University who transcended patriarchy to achieve positions of leadership and notoriety. Their personal narratives challenge the feminist theory of patriarchal suppression, which seems paradoxical considering the fact that Utah’s dominant religion, the LDS church, functions as a male governed society.