2013 Abstracts

Jennifer Jorgenson, Weber State University Microbiology Enterococcus, a bacterial genus that normally inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of animals, can be pathogenic to humans, causing urinary tract infections, sepsis and other serious diseases. It is also one of the major causes of hospital acquired infections. One important complication of those infected with Enterococcus is the fact that they often have a high level of antibiotic resistance, making effective treatment of patients more difficult. While it is a normal inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract, it can survive outside its host in the environment, even in adverse conditions, such as the Great Salt Lake. In this experiment, isolates of Enterococcus were collected from the Great Salt Lake and from fresh water sources. These isolates were tested for different phenotypic characteristics and for their antibiotic resistant patterns against five antibiotics. The results of the Kirby Bauer disk-diffusion assay demonstrated that 47% of enterococcal isolates from the Great Salt Lake were resistant to one or more of the five antibiotics. In contrast only 15% of Enterococcus isolated from the fresh water source were resistant to one or more of the five antibiotics. This has implications for those who have recreational and occupational contact with the Great Salt Lake.

Lauren Johnson, Weber State University Microbiology Bacteriophages in aquatic environments play a significant role in bacteria population control, as well as recycling nutrients. The bacterial genus Halomonas is commonly found in the Great Salt Lake (GSL), but very little is known concerning its population dynamics. This euryhalophilic genus is highly versatile concerning its ability to grow in a wide range of substrates and environmental conditions including salt concentration. To better understand GSL microbial ecology, seven strains of Halomonas were isolated from the GSL and identified using 16S rRNA. Samples of South Arm GSL water were filtered twice through a 0.2 m filter, and tested against these Halomonas strains using soft agar overlays to detect Halomonas phage. Three strains exhibited plaque formation indicating the presence of phage. Halomonas phage isolates produced very small plaques, sometimes barely visible. Individual phages were isolated by vortexing agar plugs taken from single plaques in sterile saline then filtering through a 0.2 m filter. From host range streak plates, a single phage isolate (LJ17) appears to infect 4 closely related Halomonas strains. Electron micrographs of LJ17 phage indicate it has a small icosahedral head and perhaps a very short tail. There also appears to be a satellite phage that may be associated with LJ17. There are no reports of Halomonas phage isolated from the Great Salt Lake (GSL), although there are phages found for marine Halomonas strains. Successful isolation and characterization of novel GSL Halomonas phage, besides being critical for development of host/phage models, will also allow studies of GSL microbial ecology.

Graham Doherty, Westminster College Biology The Great Salt Lake is home to Artemia Franciscana, a species otherwise known as brine shrimp. These halophiles are able to live in extreme environments that have higher than average salt concentrations. Brine shrimp live their entire life cycles in the Great Salt Lake and can be found in both the north and south arm of the lake. Currently, the genetic information regarding the brine shrimp populations at different locations in the lake is underdeveloped. The Artemia populations live in different microenvironments throughout the lake with different physical characteristics and barriers between one another. The physical environment also affects the salt concentration in each microenvironment. Other studies have shown that the increased salinity of an environment accelerates the rate of change in the mitochondrial genome. We feel that different salinity levels in each microenvironment will create different amounts of genetic variation. Our goal is to determine if the distribution of genetic variation is different at different sites in the Great Salt Lake Artemia population.

Dakota Hawkins, Westminster College Arts and Sciences Abstract. Previous studies have documented effects of urbanization on the behavior, reproduction and survival of wildlife. Specifically, noise pollution in urban areas has been known to mask communication among several avian species. In a previous study in Mexico City, House Finches increased the frequency (pitch) of their songs to help mitigate the effects of low frequency urban noise. To document the average minimum frequency of House Finch song in Utah, we recorded House Finches singing from May 2012 to August 2012. Three sample sites with 1 km radii were established in Salt Lake City, Utah while a fourth site was sampled in Logan, Utah. Ambient sound was recorded at locations where songs were recorded to measure urban noise. Average minimum song frequencies and ambient noise were calculated for three sites. Frequency measurements were not significantly different among the three urban populations. Future studies will compare the minimum frequency of these urban populations to nonurban populations and investigate syllable structure and use.

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.

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.

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.

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

Hyrum Shumway, Brigham Young University Microbiology and Molecular Biology Epigenetics is the study of factors of gene regulation that do not stem from the primary DNA sequence. One such example of epigenetic gene regulation is where DNA wraps around histone proteins to form nucleosomes. The positioning of nucleosomes is the first order of control for genic transcription. Wrapped DNA is less accessible for transcription compared to DNA that is nucleosome free. Model organisms for human epigenetics such as the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are invaluable because of their ease in manipulation and because the components of nucleosomes (histone proteins and DNA) are highly conserved across phylogeny. The purpose of my particular research is to develop and validate a new protocol for tissue-specific isolation of nucleosomes through immunoprecipitation in young adult C. elegans. This protocol leverages green fluorescent protein fused to histones to research nucleosome positioning in the germ-line cells of C. elegans nematodes. When successful in our animal model, this procedure is the first step in allowing analysis of chromatin architecture of any tissue at any developmental or disease state including human cells. The widespread prevalence and implications of human disease is staggering in magnitude. Research is ongoing to decrease morbidity, increase prevention, and fight infection. With epigenetic tools, this vital research is benefitted and supplemented.

Harsh Kansagra, Southern Utah University Biology Anthoxanthum hirtum is a native grass with many traditional and modern uses, including human medicinal benefits. Populations are found locally in Utah, but at higher elevations, usually above 2500 m. Indigenous people used native sweetgrass in a variety of ways, including medicinally, as ceremonial incense, and in basketry. The active compound that elicits the sweet fragrance of the grass is produced by coumarin, a secondary metabolite used today both medicinally and commercially. Plants most often produce secondary metabolites, or essential oils, as a defense against pathogens, but these antimicrobial properties have not been investigated in A. hirtum. Our research used the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test to determine if closely related commercial diploid and polyploid sweetgrass strains (Anthoxanthum odoratum), as well as plants from native A. hirtum populations, produce zones of inhibition when tested against associated soil bacteria and fungi. Results of our research showed all species tested produced inhibition zones, but zone size varied in response to the secondary metabolites produced by each plant type. Despite this variation, these data suggest components of the essential oils may have antimicrobial properties. Results of this study increase our understanding of the antimicrobial properties of secondary metabolites produced by A. hirtum as well as the essential oils produced by commercial diploid and polyploid strains. Future studies will focus on identifying the chemical composition of each extract as well as the specific bacterial and fungal species associated with each plant.

Ji Su Park, Brigham Young University Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science Selenium (Se) and soy have each been shown to reduce risk for prostate cancer when consumed at high levels. The purpose of this project was to define the molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer chemoprevention by Se and soy, and to describe how timing of dietary treatment modifies those effects. [C57BL/6 X FVB] F1 TRAMP (TRansgenic Adenocarcinoma of Mouse Prostate) male mice were fed stock diets high or low in soy, with or without a supplement of Se (4.0 mg Se/kg BW as Se-meth- ylselenocysteine) by gavage 5 d/wk in a 2 X 2 factorial design. Mice were exposed to different diets starting from conception, 6 weeks, or 12 weeks of age and were sacrificed at 18 weeks. Three-way ANOVA showed that supplemental Se increased serum and liver Se, with significant interactions with both time and soy intake. Selenium dosing decreased BW independent of soy intake and time of dietary intervention. Both Se and soy decreased epididymal fat pad weights, with Se’s effects being more pronounced in mice exposed to diets from conception than from 6 wk. Urogenital tract weights, a measure of prostate proliferation and tumor volume, were significantly reduced by Se supplementation (P<0.001) and soy (p=0.044), independent of time of dietary intervention. Histological examination of mouse prostates is in progress to determine dietary effects on disease progression. These data suggest that, in this model, chemopreventive efficacy of Se and soy does not differ between prenatal and early post-natal introduction.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Michael Peterson, Brigham Young University Biology A person’s predisposition to Alzheimer’s Disease is known to be influenced by both genetic factors as well as environmental factors. One know environmental factor is that known to affect risk for disease is early parental death. The purpose of this research is to better understand the complex factors that influence the disease by analyzing the relationship between the environmental factor of early parental death with genetic variants known to influence the disease. We used extant data from the CCSMHA, an ongoing aging study including 89.7% (5092 of 5677) of all of the eligible residents of Cache County, Utah. This data includes information about environmental and psychosocial stressor of the subjects as well as information about physical examinations, metal screenings, and individuals’ genotypes at many loci that are known to be related to Alzheimers Disease. We used multivariate logistic regression to determine the effect of early parental death by SNP interactions on risk for AD. For the analysis we cleaned the data by removing SNPs less than a minor allele frequency of 0.01, a Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium value of 110-6, and a maximum missing snp call of 0.2. Individuals were also removed if genotyping rate was less than 0.2. After filtering we had 262 cases, 239 controls and 0 missing Final Results will be presented at the Conference.

Rachel Perry, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Previous studies have indicated that Visinin-like protein (VILIP) may be a powerful tool in predicting disease progression and guiding prognosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) was collected from hundreds of individuals with varying levels of AD. The CSF was then analyzed for levels of VILIP protein using Luminex technology. SNPs were genotyped using the Illumina OmniExpress chip. SNPs found to have a Hardy-Weinberg frequency less than 1×10-4 were not included, assuming that this variance was due to a genotyping error. SNPs and samples missing more than five percent of the data were also not included. Following the cleanup of the data, an association test using linear regression was performed. Covariates used in the analysis included age, gender, and covariates that accounted for population stratification (PC1 and PC2). Over one hundred SNPs were found with a p-value less than 1×10-5. The genomic inflation factor for the generated data was 1. One marker showed significance at the genome-wide level. We have identified a genetic marker that shows significant association with CSF VILIP levels. This finding may provide insight into genetic control of VILIP levels, which may be a useful in understanding the pathological processes involved in AD.

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

Matthew Schneider, Brigham Young University Physiology and Developmental Biology Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, affects millions of people per year. Research has shown that Alzheimer’s affects the hippocampus brain region, which is involved in learning and memory. Understanding learning and memory functions is imperative to comprehending both healthy brain functions and Alzheimer’s disease. Many researchers seek to understand both the causes and treatments of the disease, but tangible information remains elusive. Studies thus far have shown that to encode memories, the brain must change neural synapses to either strengthen or weaken those pathways, a process known as synaptic plasticity. Using electrophysiology techniques on mouse hippocampal slices, this project will provide further insight on memory formation and regulation by imitating synaptic plasticity mechanisms. I will look at a specific cellular pathway involving the protein receptor GPR55, which has recently been shown to induce synaptic plasticity. By understanding how the GPR55 pathway functions, this research will contribute to the understanding and treatments of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

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

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

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

Rachel Schneider, Brigham Young University Neuroscience The ability to create distinct memories for very similar stimuli and events is called pattern separation. Pattern separation is thought to be dependent on neurogenesis (the birth of new neurons) in the dentate gyrus, a subregion of the hippocampus. Neurogenesis is reduced in depression, as is overall memory performance. It has been proposed that depression negatively impacts pattern separation abilities, however a link between depression and performance in pattern separation memory tasks has yet to be identified. Accordingly, we designed a study to investigate the relationship between pattern separation performance and level of depression. Eighty-two participants completed a pattern separation memory test and a set of questionnaires to gauge their level of depression. During the task, participants were presented with 600 images one at a time on a computer screen in a continuous recognition paradigm. Participants were asked to determine whether each image was new, old, or similar. Images seen for the first time during the task qualified as “new”, images that were repeated following a variable delay qualified as “old”, and images that were similar to previously presented stimuli, but not exactly the same, qualified as “similar”. A pattern separation score was calculated based on the proportion of correctly identified similar stimuli. We found a negative correlation between depression scores and pattern separation scores (r(82) = – 0.301, p < 0.01). This relationship held constant even when we controlled for other factors known to affect neurogenesis, such as exercise and anxiety levels. These results provide support for the theory that depression is negatively related to pattern separation performance, possibly due to a decrease in neurogenesis in the hippocampus.

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

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

Aaron Sharp, Brigham Young University Biology The Cache County study on memory, health, and aging has played a significant role in several studies. However, there is some potential skepticism in the scientific community about its sample. The population in Cache County is derived from a diverse group of founders, but it is perceived by some to be an isolated population. If so, conclusions discovered there might not apply to other populations. Our objective is to compare the Cache County data to a panel of genetic data—provided by the International HapMap Project and the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging initiative—that is known to be representative of typical European-American populations. Doing so will indicate whether the genetic diversity in the Cache County sample is characteristic of an isolate or not. Analysis will be done using the open source “Plink” analysis toolset, including the –cluster and –mds-plot computational algorithms. Using –cluster groups individuals according to identity by state distances. The –mds-plot algorithm creates a scatter-plot of the individuals in 2-dimensional space, identifying any systematic difference between the Cache County data and the general population. We expect that the Cache County data will be representative of general European-American populations, because of its diverse group of founders.

Licia Kim, Utah Valley University Academic Affairs Utah is a state that was largely settled by immigrants, and among those immigrants were hundreds of Chinese people. For over 70 years, Salt Lake City was home to one of the most prominent Chinatowns in the Intermountain West. Today, Utah is home to over 10,000 Chinese people, but there is no Chinatown in Utah. If the average Utahan is asked “Whatever happened to Salt Lake’s Chinatown?” the answer will invariably be a variation of “Salt Lake had/has a Chinatown?” Yes, Salt Lake City had a Chinatown and this research project answers the question of what happened to it. By exploring existing scholarly works, oral interviews and newspaper articles from the years that Plum Alley, Salt Lake City’s Chinatown, existed, I examined the creation, heyday, decline and eventual demise of Utah’s largest Chinatown. According to my research, the Plum Alley Chinatown disappeared because of a combination of cultural/religious differences, economic pressures, racial issues, and political/legal restrictions. As the significance of China, both to Utah and the United States as a whole, increases, an opportunity is created to increase public awareness of the Chinese experience in Utah’s history. Once this history is known, Plum Alley’s location, in a familiar, near-by location, will provide students in Chinese immersion classes (and their parents) with an opportunity to form a more immediate connection with these distant people. The goal of this research is therefore twofold: 1) to create a research article suitable for publication in a scholarly journal, and 2) to create a PowerPoint presentation and/or traveling historical exhibit on Plum Alley suitable for display at schools, public libraries and other community centers (such as the new South Salt Lake Chinatown shopping center). Simple entrance and exit surveys will allow me to track the effectiveness of the presentation/exhibit to increase visitor awareness of this little known chapter in Utah history.

Buchanan Kerswell, Utah Valley University Academic Affairs Increase in population and wealth in Utah will likely result in increased fossil fuel consumption. Consequently it will lead to more environmental problems, especially air quality and health issues. It is essential to further the research and assessment of renewable energy sources. The objective of this research is to compile, analyze, map and assess energy data from the Utah Geological Survey, Utah Office of Energy Development and Utah Department of Environmental Protection. Our project will give public a clear picture of air quality and energy use coupling with population and economic growth. ArcGIS maps and statistical analysis will be made using the available database. Furthermore, detailed assessments on the development potentials of different renewable energy sources (e.g. solar, wind, geothermal) in Utah will be conducted using ArcGIS. Our preliminary data analysis on fossil fuels indicates that consumption and expenditures have grown over time with population growth. A notable fact is that when expenditures have risen rapidly, consumption tends to decline. The most recent evident periods are during the early 1980s and in the early 2000s, when oil prices were rapidly increasing. Furthermore, the data show that air quality is closely correlated with the quantity of fossil fuel consumed, especially given Utah’s special topography (the valley effect). The data on renewable energy sources have revealed that all renewable energy sources together provide less than 1% of energy need in Utah. Although the growth and development have varied during the last half century, there is a steady growth in geothermal, solar and wind energy over the last decade. Results from ArcGIS mapping will provide useful insights on zoning and assessing potential renewable energy sources in Utah. Renewable energy is the key to our economic growth and clean air in Utah. It is essential that the transition from a primarily carbon-based energy portfolio be to one that includes a greater mix of renewable sources. Further results, analyses and maps will be presented during the meeting.

Andy Thompson, Utah Valley University Academic Affairs The effectiveness of relationship education, especially among predominately young college students, has been a topic of great interest. Given the diversity of family outcomes, more young individuals seek out help for their relationships. Past studies involving relationship education programs have showed that such programs are beneficial (e.g., Halford, et al., 2003). Improvement in couple communication skills was one effect of couples participating in these programs, and even increased relationship satisfaction in some instances (Halford, et al., 2003).

Janeese Stiles, Utah Valley University Academic Affairs Previous studies have shown that high-frequency (HF) ultrasound is sensitive to cell properties such as stiffness and adhesion factors which are a function of protein expression. The goal of this project is to see if HF ultrasound is sensitive enough to detect and differentiate between the five molecular subtypes of breast cancer which are based on protein expression. Since genetic changes precede histological changes in the development of breast cancer, the ability to detect genetic changes (i.e., molecular subtypes) in breast tissue in real time and at the microscopic level will allow surgeons to remove all of the malignant and premalignant tissue during lumpectomies. HF ultrasound personalizes the treatment plan and will be used as a diagnostic technique for precise, image-guided breast cancer surgery. Four breast cancer cell lines with different molecular subtypes and a non-malignant breast cell line will be grown as monolayer cultures. At monolayer confluence, cell and nuclei morphologies of the cell cultures will be determined by phase-contrast microscopy. After microscopy, the monolayers will be ultrasonically tested using a HF ultrasonic test system with a single-element (50 MHz, 6.35-mm) ultrasonic immersion transducer. The resulting ultrasonic waveforms will be analyzed using computational models that simulate the ultrasonic scattering from cells and nuclei as a function of morphology, internal properties, and external properties. The protein expressions associated with the different subtypes will be researched to determine what effects each subtype will have on cell and tissue properties. This method will add a new dimension to pathology and permit more efficient surgical treatment of breast cancer.

Laurel Thompson, Utah Valley University Academic Affairs Soldiers and non-combatants are at risk of exposure to dangerous aerosols (airborne particles or droplets) in the form of biological agents such as bacteria, toxins, or viruses. The current method for assessing health risk in the field is a moist swath which turns dark upon contact with a biological aerosol. Optical methods are more sensitive to the physical properties of aerosols, and many systems have been developed for optically measuring particle properties. However, they are generally limited to bio-aerosol detection at a single point in space where the system directly samples an aerosol from within the aerosol cloud. The desired solution is a system that can employ remote sensing to measure aerosol properties from a distance. Standoff detection methods allow a much larger area to be measured at once, providing a more general or big-picture view of the aerosols in a given area. There are several ways that standoff optical scattering data can be analyzed for determining aerosol properties. Light scattered by aerosols of known size and composition can be modeled exceptionally well with Mie scattering theory, but the reverse problem determining aerosol properties from the light signals using inverse Mie theory is difficult to solve because a unique set of aerosol properties must be found to correspond to the optical spectra. This is challenging since different combinations of aerosol properties can result in similar spectra. The size distribution, however, has a large effect on the optical signal and may therefore be used to differentiate aerosols. Specifically, biological aerosols have a more narrow size distribution than mineral-based dusts due to genetic limitations. Their refractive indices will also contribute to distinct optical spectra. The hypothesis for this project was that these factors would be sufficient to classify aerosols for risk assessment. Three analysis methods were used to test this hypothesis: Mie inversion with matrix solutions, empirical curve fitting with polynomial functions, and principal component analysis (PCA). Particles suspended in methanol were used as the model aerosol system. A range of particle sizes and compositions were illuminated by a balanced deuterium/halogen light source and spectral measurements from 200-1100 nm were taken. Optical data over a 200-1300 nm range were also collected from a variety of bio-aerosols using an open path remote sensing system at a 30-meter standoff distance.

Chelsea Newsome, Utah Valley University Academic Affairs In the emerging profession of health education there has been a lack of attention on the needs of health education specialists. Recently at Utah Valley University, Dr. Mary V. Brown, and undergraduate students in the Public and Community Health Education department, conducted research focusing on if the needs of health education specialists were being met. Qualitative data collection methods were used to help in needs assessment, planning, goal setting, and quality improvement for both professional organizations and academic institutions. Student Researchers held five focus groups throughout the state of Utah to gather insights from health educators on what they believe are emerging trends, most useful coursework in the academic setting, and professional development needs. The questions used in the focus groups were developed from the assistance of two state professional organizations. The students involved were trained to be moderators and note takers by using guidelines from Krueger and Casey (2000). The data was analyzed using the long table approach outlined by Krueger and Casey (2000). The results showed that the health educators perceived the top emerging trends were social marketing, followed by social media, and a greater focus on primary prevention. As researchers we found the most helpful information for academic institutions would be what the health educators felt were lacking in their educational experiences. The health educators wished that grant writing, computer programs/technical skills/ designing brochures, real life experience/opportunities to apply their knowledge in community settings/practical application classes had been offered in their program of study. With regard to professional development, we found the majority of health educators were supported from upper management to receive continuing education depending on funds. The classes they wanted more of at these continuing education conferences are knowledge in politics, technology, and developing partnerships in the community. This information will be a benefit to both the professional organizations and academic institutions in the state of Utah to improve training of professionals and students alike.

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

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

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

Megan Hansen, Utah State University Economics This research represents one chapter out of a larger book written with the help of fellow student researchers at Liberty Source under the direction of Dr. Randy Simmons. The book itself questions the notion common among environmentalists that a balance of nature exists and that governments should take steps to restore that balance when it is upset. This research in particular examines the effects of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the subsequent funding of alternative energy start-ups by the federal government in an effort to restore the balance of nature. It includes a detailed case study of Solyndra, a solar power manufacturing company that received a large federal loan from the Department of Energy under the Obama administration only to default a few years later. This case study questions the role of the government in “picking favorites” when it comes to alternative energy, and argues that failure is likely when this occurs due to imperfect information and the tendency for politics to play too large a role in decision-making.

Joshua Blume, Utah State University Economics and Finance Studies of expatriates in a number of industries have suggested that acculturation plays a role in how individuals re-adapt to their home country after working abroad. This study applies acculturation and repatriation frameworks to returned Mormon Missionaries (who have also spent significant time away from home and family). Qualitative and quantitative results suggest that re-adaptation to home, family and school are affected in part by cultural components of the mission experience. Recommendations are made to assist “expatriate missionaries” in the re-acclimation process.

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

Whitney Evans, Brigham Young University Communications The United States adopted a freedom of information law earlier than the United Kingdom, but the latter has surged ahead with its adoption of an Information Commissioner’s Office, well equipped to handle complaints and mediate in complex situations. This article delves into the attitudes of those who are intimately involved with freedom of information laws: journalists, lobbyists, campaigners, advocates and government officials. This qualitative research showed a similar attitude at a government level in both countries, namely, a hesitance of government officials to warm up to the law. The Information Commissioner in the United Kingdom and the Office of Government Information Services in the United States are essentially limited to recommendation and mediation services. The United States, initially progressive in its open government laws, has lagged behind many other nations in terms of disclosure. Because the law is nearly 50 years old, the Freedom of Information Act here is often taken for granted. Complacence, rather than outright defiance, obstructs successful implementation of this law. The United Kingdom has the lingering legacy of an Official Secrets Act obstructing what would otherwise be a clean slate on which to build their government disclosure laws. The key to successful utilization of freedom of information laws in both countries lies in a shift in each country’s culture, instigated by a marked change in the stories being told.

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

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

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

Dani Willis, Utah State University Political Science In this era of increasing complex electric utility corporate restructurings, prudence review is an important analytical tool that should be applied by state regulatory commissions in an informed and reasonable manner to address and balance risk sharing between electric utility investors and utility ratepayers. The payer examines the legal and economic considerations concerning the development and application of the analytical tool of prudence review by state regulatory commissions concerning the revenue requirement regulation of electric utilities.

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

Scott Ploharz, Weber State University Psychology A pilot study conducted in spring of 2012 by the same researchers, suggested that sexting, or the sending of text or picture messages containing sexual content is common among young adults ages 18-30. This pilot research suggests that there were differences in personality and relationship satisfaction among those who engaged in sexting and those who did not. This current study further examines the effect of sexting on individuals and their relationships, as well as the reasons individuals may choose to engage in sexting. This study examines personality traits that may be related to engaging in sexting using both the Big 5 personality inventory and the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI). The relationship between engaging sexting and relationship satisfaction is measured using the Revised Dyadic Assessment Scale(RDAS). To measure the effect on the individual, along with providing a possible explanation for sexting, self-esteem will be measured using Rosenberg’s RSE. Previous research suggests adult attachment style as a possible method of explanation as to who engages in sexting and the reasons for the behavior. Attachment style is measured using the Experiences in Close Relationships Revised (ECR-R) and the Experiences in Close Relationships Revised Structures (ECR-RS). Analysis of the data is expected to be completed by January 31st 2013. Results are expected to show that those with an Anxious or Anxious/Avoidant attachment style are more likely to sext. It is also expected that there will be a small positive correlation between the personality trait extroversion and sexting. It is also expected that specific domains of narcissism and lower self-esteem scores, will relate to engaging in sexting. There is also expected to be a negative correlation between sexting and relationship satisfaction.

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

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

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

Dexter Thomas, Westminster College Psychology When someone is the victim of a beating, rape, or murder, one might expect that most individuals would recognize the innocence of the victim. Surprisingly, research suggests many people assign blame to innocent victims (Dalbert, 2009; Lerner & Simmons, 1966). The “Just World” hypothesis proposes a possible explanation for this puzzling phenomenon. Belief in a Just World implies that good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people. Previous research has found a relationship between belief in a just world, victim blaming, and other beliefs such as homophobia (Glennon & Joseph, 1993; Anderson, 1992). The present experiment extends upon this area of research. We examine transphobia, belief in a just world, and victim blaming. Three hundred and forty-two participants ages 18-72 were recruited from within the United States. Participants read a scenario in which an individual was the innocent victim of a beating. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions; in one condition, the victim was transgender, in the other condition, the victim was not. Participants then completed questionnaires measuring victim blame, transphobia, and belief in a just world. Results showed that transphobia positively correlated with belief in a just world. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between victim blaming and transphobia for all victims, transgender and non-transgender. However, when controlling for levels of transphobia, belief in a just world was no longer correlated with victim blaming. These results suggest that transphobia is related to belief in a just world and that transphobia, separate from belief in a just world, is related to increased victim blaming even for victims who are not transgender.