2014 Abstracts

María Velasco, Utah Valley University Agriculture Calochortus is a plant genus that includes approximately 60 species distributed in North America with great ornamental and ethnotobanical value. Sego lily, mariposa lily and other common names have been used to describe the different species of Calochortus. Native Americans and settlers have used the bulbs as food, either raw or ground into flour and cooked. C. nuttallii played an important role in the success of colonization of Utah. Between 1840 and 1851 the scarcity of food due to a plague of crickets led to the pioneers to dig for the bulbous roots of sego lily, ensuring the survival of the pioneer population. This research studies the effects of Gibberellic acid on the germination and elongation of these species in vivo and in vitro. Eight different species of Calochortus are being utilized for this experiment to evaluate the effect of this growth regulator on the germination of these species. Different types of media are being tested to evaluate the optimal in vitro conditions that these species require for germination and growth. In addition embryogenesis and organogenesis is being induced by using Benzyl Amino Purine and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid at different concentrations. Sego Lily is the State flower of Utah; micropropagating this plant will allow us to understand and research new methods and conditions to grow these species successfully, making preservation possible since some Calochortus species have been listed as endangered. In addition, other species such as Calohortus ambiguous (Doubting Mariposa Lily), which is distributed in Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, will also benefit from the system developed in this research because they are closely related to Sego Lily (C. nuttallii). The long term goal of this research is to establish an appropriate micropropagation system for a wide variety of Calochortus species.

Taylor Woodward, Brigham Young University Life Sciences The prevailing view is that enhancement of dopamine (DA) transmission in the mesocorticolimbic system, consisting of DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) that innervate the nucleus accumbens (NAc), underlies the rewarding properties of alcohol and nicotine (NIC). Dopamine neurotransmission is regulated by inhibitory VTA GABA neurons. We have shown previously that VTA GABA neurons are excited by low-dose ethanol, but inhibited by moderate to high-dose ethanol. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of []6 nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs) in ethanol effects on VTA GABA neurons as well as DA release in the NAc. In electrophysiology studies, superfusion of ethanol enhanced the frequency, but not amplitude, of mIPSCs recorded in acutely dissociated VTA GABA neurons from GAD GFP mice. The []6 nAChR antagonist []-conotoxin P1A did not affect mIPSCs, but prevented the ethanol (30 mM)-induced increase in mIPSC frequency. While microdialysis studies show that ethanol enhances DA release in the NAc, we and others have found that ethanol decreases DA release at terminals using fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV). We have reported that ethanol inhibition of DA release at terminals in the NAc of ethanol-naïve animals is mediated by GABA. Using FSCV in the slice preparation, ethanol inhibited DA release in the NAc. Superfusion of the []6 nAChR antagonist []-conotoxin MII did not affect DA release, but prevented ethanol inhibition of DA release. Taken together, these findings suggest that ethanol enhancement of GABA inhibition of VTA GABA neurons is mediated by []6 nAChRs located on GABA terminals to other VTA neurons, affecting DA release in the NAc. Results from this study could provide a pharmacologic rationale for considering drugs that act selectively on nAChRs as therapeutic agents for the treatment of alcohol dependence and alcohol and NIC co-dependence.

Corey Wolf, Westminster College Life Sciences The yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used in numerous industries including brewing, baking, and winemaking. In recent years an increased demand for low ethanol beers has pushed breweries to develop a beer that is both rich in flavor and low in alcohol content. The current strategies employed to decrease the ethanol concentration in beer are costly, time intensive, and result in less flavorful beers. In this study, a method for decreasing alcohol content in the brewing process through the use of metabolic inhibitors of Alcohol Dehydrogenase is tested. Alcohol Dehydrogenase is the enzyme responsible for the conversion of acetaldehyde, an intermediate in the metabolic pathway of yeast, into ethanol. Two competitive inhibitors of Alcohol Dehydrogenase, Pyrazole and Fomepizole, were applied to small scale fermentations in varying concentrations in an attempt to decrease the overall ethanol yield of the beer. The application of either inhibitor resulted in an initial decreased rate of fermentation overall, measured as a change of sugar and ethanol concentration. In the later stages of fermentation, the rate of ethanol production returned to normal, suggesting the inhibitors were either catalyzed or removed by the cell. While this method for manipulating the products of fermentation did not yield the desired effects, this study did highlight the importance of the fermentation pathway for maintaing healthy Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures. This research may be helpful in understanding the complete metabolic pathway of brewer’s yeast, with further application to organisms with conserved pathways.

Merrill Christensen, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Selenium (Se) has established chemopreventive efficacy against prostate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the US. Currently, most studies only employ one single chemical form of Se, even though different forms of Se act through varied mechanisms to achieve their anticancer effects. In this study, we propose that systematically combining multiple forms of Se will produce an optimal combination of Se compounds to inhibit in vitro prostate cancer cell growth. As proof of principle, we (1) synthesized Se nanoparticles (nano Se), (2) determined the IC50s of methylseleninic acid (MSA), sodium selenite, and nano Se in PC-3 cells, (3) utilized mixture designs and response surface methodology to direct our combination experiments with these three compounds, (4) tested the fifteen combinations determined in the previous step, and (5) constructed a polynomial model to derive the optimum combination of MSA, sodium selenite, and nano Se to inhibit PC-3 cell growth. Our results showed that combining different forms of Se compounds enhanced its chemopreventive effect. Future studies will expand the use of three Se-containing compounds to four and demonstrate similar effects in xenograft mice.

Chelsea Moody, Dixie State University Life Sciences A relatively new pathogen, chytrid fungus, has been a major cause of decline in amphibians worldwide. This pathogen has been found on Canyon Tree Frogs in Zion National Park. Earlier data suggested that chytrid did not affect populations of Canyon Tree Frogs in Zion National Park. We predicted that since the populations weren’t impacted by the presence of the fungus, there must exist a mechanism by which the frogs rid themselves of the infective agent. To test this prediction, we captured and swabbed ten frogs in each of nine canyons in Zion National Park during the summer of 2013. Swabs were sent to the San Diego Zoo to be analyzed for the presence of chytrid DNA. Chytrid infection rates and population sizes were compared with data from previous years. As expected, the data showed that two of the three infected canyons experienced declines in the percentage of frogs testing positive for the fungus. Thus, these frogs must possess a mechanism to survive this pathogen, whereas most amphibians do not. Our results may prove helpful to other biologists seeking to understand how amphibians can survive this pathogen.

Eric Swenson, Dixie State University Life Sciences Underwater invasive species such as mussels and algae attach to submersible substrates that are advantageous for growth, and often include recreational boats that are frequently moved from one waterway to another. This can lead to rapid and uncontrolled spread of the invasive species. Through the use of newly developed ionic surfactants, growth and attachment of species on submersible surfaces can be inhibited. New surfactants have been incorporated into the final coating of typical product sealants to prevent the attachment of various marine organisms. By integrating the surfactant into the coating, an increase in the usefulness and longevity of effective inhibition is expected, as compared to commercially available alkali anti-fowling agents that are applied after the sealing process. It is hypothesized that the adherence properties possessed by marine organisms will be compromised by the introduction of ionic surfactants through changes in the chemical makeup of the exposed surfaces. The ultimate goal is to develop a substrate surface in which there is no affinity for attachment and/or causes fatality to the organism. If the desired outcome is reached, the potential benefits that ensue could create drastic improvements in areas of invasive species prevention and management in the desert southwest fresh-water lakes. Additionally, extension of the surfactant application to metal surfaces could have significant impacts on efficiency in water treatment systems, as well as cargo shipping in saltwater environments.

David Baird, Utah Sate University Life Sciences We obtained from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 30 years of monthly waterfowl population surveys completed at Pariette Wetlands in the Uintah Basin, Utah between 1980 and 2010. The Pariette Wetlands are the largest wetlands managed by the BLM within the lower-48 states and are comprised of 4,033 acres of land. Pariette Wetlands is surrounded by about 6,000 square miles of land where oil and gas production is the major activity. This waterfowl refuge is a significant location for migrating waterfowl species within the Pacific Flyway and provides important summer habitat for resident waterfowl. Our objectives were to determine what the trends were for waterfowl population abundance, occupancy, and species richness.

Sharisa Nay, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Gene therapy is a growing field of science with the potential to improve thousands of lives. With an eye toward improving the effectiveness and longevity of gene therapies, my project examines the preferential binding tendencies of the histone protein variants Htz1 and Htas1. Htz1 is the Ceanorhabditis elegans homolog of H2AZ, an important variant of the H2A histone. This protein has been shown as necessary for survival and as playing a role in the prevention of ectopic heterochromatin spread. Htas1 is another variant of H2A that plays a role in the increased transcription of sperm-producing genes. The preferred positioning of these variants on naked DNA is not yet known. Through a DNA extraction, nucleosome reconstitution, and DNA digest and sequencing, we will take these variants and examine where they are prone to localize within the N2 Bristol strain of c. elegans. This will allow us to include DNA sequences on our gene insertions possessing a high binding-affinity for these transcription-promoting histones. Thus, if we can identify the locations at which these variants will localize within DNA, we will be able to insert these preferred constructs into the genes used for gene therapy and thereby increase the effectiveness of gene therapies.

Shwan Javdan, University of Utah Life Sciences Each year in the United States, over 22,000 new cases of ovarian carcinoma are diagnosed and 14,000 women die from its progressive cancer stages. Anthracyclines, a class of common chemotherapy drugs, have long been the primary treatment for this and many other cancers, but they often leave patients with cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and other adverse effects. Polymer-drug conjugates using poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] (poly-HPMA) are nanosized, water-soluble constructs that accumulate passively in solid tumors by the enhanced permeability and retention effect as well as actively by cell surface targeting methods. As such, they have exhibited reduced toxicity in the body. The goal of this study was to develop a novel, targeted HPMA copolymer-drug conjugate for the treatment of ovarian carcinoma. To accomplish this, an antibody fragment called Fab’, targeted to ovarian carcinoma cell surface antigen OA3, was bound to an HPMA copolymer-gemcitabine conjugate. Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog used in chemotherapy that has demonstrated considerable effectiveness in recent years. The copolymer-gemcitabine conjugate was successfully developed following the synthesis of all the requisite components, including Fab’, diblock chain-transfer agent (di-CTA), N-(2-(2-pyridyldithio)ethyl)methacrylamide (PDTEMA), and polymerizable backbone-degradable gemcitabine derivative. Syntheses of di-CTA and PDTEMA were optimized and then characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography, H-NMR, and mass spectrometry. Monomers were combined by reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization, and then the Fab’ fragment was bound to the polymer backbone via a disulfide exchange reaction with PDTEMA. The targeted copolymer-drug conjugate was then verified by fast-protein liquid chromatography as well as ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. A number of in vitro tests have demonstrated the properties of an efficient drug delivery system. Flow cytometry displayed active accumulation of the copolymer-gemcitabine conjugate to OVCAR3 cell surfaces. Furthermore, IC50 measurement found promising drug efficacy comparable to modern anthracyclines. Future work will involve in vivo evaluation of the conjugate’s therapeutic efficacy in nude mice bearing OVCAR3-xenografts.

Whitney Badal, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Light therapy has been utilized to treat alcoholism and opiate-dependent rats as well as ameliorating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. As both addiction and Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are often associated with decreased dopamine transmission in the striatum, it is likely that light therapy is able to increase dopamine release. A similar technique called near-infrared light treatment has also been shown to be effective in mice in restoring the function of dopamine cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta (an area associated with PD). A possible explanation for this is that light catalyzes the formation of neuromelanin. It is likely that neuromelanin is a neuroprotective cellular agent that is able to reduce damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Using UV-IR spectrophotometry, we show that in the presence of photostimulation, dopamine (0.3-30 uM) oxidizes and polymerizes into neuromelanin. Since hydrogen peroxide catalyzes this formation of neuromelanin, it is likely that this is a radical-polymerization reaction, suggesting that neuromelanin may be a radical scavenger. Additionally, the presence of the selective iron chelator desferrioxamine, the calcium chelator EGTA, or lack of calcium in the artificial cerebral spinal fluid markedly reduces the formation of neuromelanin. Using fast scan cyclic voltammetry in mouse horizontal and/or coronal brain slices, dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens core was enhanced by light exposure, in particular UV and short-wavelength visible light. These findings indicate that both iron and calcium are necessary for melanization in neural tissues and that light-induced melanization enhances dopamine release, suggesting a physiological role for melanization in synaptic transmission.

Chase Barker, Utah Valley University Life Sciences Central Research Question: 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). Our central question is to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships within the mayfly family Baetidae.

Julia Hull, Weber State University Life Sciences Endophytes are fungi that live within aerial portions of plants for most or all of their life cycle without causing visible signs of disease. Gall forming aphids, Pemphigus betae, are highly competitive over gall site selection (Moran 1993), forming galls on the leaves of narrowleaf cottonwood and their hybrids. The favored gall location overlaps with areas of highest endophyte probability. I hypothesized that a negative correlation would exist between endophyte infection and aphid galling on leaves of backcross hybrid cottonwood trees.

Brianne Palmer, Utah State University Life Sciences Inversions have plagued the valleys in Utah resulting in built up pollution carpeting the cities and spreading into surrounding ecosystems. The ecological impact of these inversions is unknown. Inversion-based pollution events deposit nutrients and pollutants in the ecosystems. The purpose of this study is to determine if lichens, due to their unique physiology, preserve a record of inversion-based nitrogen deposition in order to assess the ecological impact of the inversions. In June and July of 2013 we collected 111 samples of lichens from sites exposed to the inversions, along Red Butte Creek and on an elevation gradient on Grandeur Peak in Salt Lake City. The collection focused on two species of lichens (Xanthomendoza montana and Xanthomendoza fallax) because they are easily identifiable and live in all the sampling sites. The samples were ground, run through a stable-isotope mass spectrometer and analyzed for the %N and δ15N. If lichens hold a record of inversion-based depositions there should be more nitrogen in lichens from the sampling sites closer to the pollution source (Salt Lake City). Once the data was complied, the resulting graphs showed no correlation between %N and distance from Salt Lake City between δ15N and the pollutant source. However, the isotopic variability within the samples was greater than expected and requires further research.

Preston Manwill, Southern Utah University Life Sciences Plants produce compounds, secondary metabolites, which can be harnessed for medicinal uses. Caryophyllene, a secondary metabolite produced by a variety of higher plants, has shown promise as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Caryophyllene synthase is the final enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway that produces caryophyllene. The gene and enzyme responsible for caryophyllene production have been observed in crop plants and model organisms, but few studies have investigated caryophyllene production in indigenous plants. We investigated the production of caryophyllene in Ericameria linearifolia (Narrowleaf goldenbush) because it is a shrub native to southwest North America. The first portion of this research examined sequence similarities between caryophyllene synthase gene orthologs in E. linearifolia and other plant genera. Genomic DNA was isolated from E. linearifolia leaves collected from plants growing in southern Utah. Literature reviews and database inquiries have provided DNA sequences for similar synthases, from which primers will be designed to copy and sequence the E. linearifolia caryophyllene synthase gene, confirming the orthologs presence. Following confirmation of the gene, mRNA will be extracted from leaf material and oligo(dT) primers used to synthesize cDNA. Subsequent cDNA amplification and cloning of products into a vector will allow for transformation into a protein-producing bacterium. These final steps make the downstream procedures of protein production, structure determination, and functional characterization of the protein possible. Comparison with enzymes that produce similar organic compounds may result as well, and would provide insight that could improve the biosynthesis of medicinal compounds.

Preston Manwill, Sourthern Utah University Life Sciences Plants produce myriad secondary metabolites (essential oil) that play a role in ecological interactions. Species evolve unique mixtures of organic compounds due to strong selective pressures that act on metabolic pathways. Few studies have investigated the antimicrobial properties of secondary metabolites that evolved against soil microbes associated with native plants. The essential oil of Mojave goldenbush (Ericameria linearifolia), a shrub native to the Intermountain West, was characterized and its bacteriostatic abilities against root associated and non-root associated bacteria morphs were examined in this study. We hypothesized E. linearifolia oil would act as a greater growth inhibitor against native soil bacteria with which it has evolved than against bacteria from non-associated soils. Secondary metabolites were extracted using steam distillation and analyzed with gas chromatography mass spectroscopy. A Kirby-Bauer assay tested presence, size and retention of inhibition zones (IZ) produced against soil bacteria. The essential oil of E. linearifolia contained twenty secondary metabolites, two of which, limonene and sabinene, constituted greater than fifty percent of the oil. Presence and retention of IZ produced by E. linearifolia metabolites varied significantly by community association and bacteria morph. The hypothesis was supported by IZ that were largest against bacteria cultures isolated from soil that surrounded Mojave goldenbush roots and least effective against cultures isolated from non-root associated soil. Our findings suggest that secondary metabolites of E. linearifolia have evolved to specifically prevent negative interactions with bacteria most associated with the plant.

Cameron Sargent, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Although viruses present a potential solution for treating and studying many harmful diseases, they have yet to be utilized successfully, largely due to an overall lack of understanding of the interactions between viruses and their hosts. This study, however, demonstrates the efficacious usage of comparative genomics in further elucidating viral reproduction mechanisms, a step in overcoming this hurdle. Following the sequencing and annotation of genomes of the B4 subcluster of mycobacteriophage, a previously unstudied selection of viruses, comparative genomics analysis identified regions of proteins from these viruses that are highly conserved, or highly similar. One of these B4 phage proteins was then compared on the basis of its predicted folded structure and its amino acid composition to a protein with the same function from another phage, whose structure and DNA binding mechanism was determined via NMR spectrometry. Gene sequence alignments identified the region of highest conservation in the B4 phage. Protein folding then revealed that this region created a structure that was analogous to the functional region of the protein studied elsewhere, indicating that it too recognizes, binds to, and modifies DNA in the same manner. Furthermore, another DNA-binding motif with high conservation among B4 phage was observed in both the folded B4 proteins and the protein analyzed via NMR spectrometry. This comparison procedure not only further elucidated the function of an important gene in B4 phage but also displayed that comparative genomics, a resource-effective and computer-based approach, can successfully identify the critical functional regions of a protein. This study therefore provides a novel procedure for further understanding the mechanisms of virus-host interactions, which in turn facilitates the successful application of viruses in treating and studying diseases.

Eliza Warren, Brigham Young University Life Sciences We have previously demonstrated that ethanol inhibition of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons in other ethanol-sensitive brain areas, is mediated by GABA(B) receptors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the involvement of GABA and glutamate (GLU), and in particular GABA(A), GABA(B) and NMDA receptors, in mediating ethanol inhibition of dopamine (DA) release in the NAc. Using fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV), we evaluated the effects of ethanol on DA release in the NAc core of C57/BL6 and CD-1 mice. In the slice preparation, local stimulation evoked robust, frequency-dependent DA release in the NAc, with maximal release at 20 Hz. Ethanol decreased DA release with an IC50 of 60 mM in C57Bl6 mice. In anesthetized C57BL6 mice, ethanol decreased DA release with an IC50 of 2.0 g/kg. Superfusion of the GABA(B) receptor antagonist CGP55845 enhanced DA release 85%, while neither the GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline, the GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol, the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen, nor the NMDA GLU antagonist APV significantly affected DA release. CGP55845 blocked ethanol inhibition of DA release, while neither bicuculline nor APV altered ethanol’s effects. GABA inhibited DA release at 0.5-10 uM but not at 0.1-1 mM. Compared to ethanol effects on DA release in C57BL6 mice, CD-1 GAD GFP knock-in mice, which only express GAD at 50% levels, were significantly less sensitive to ethanol. As DA release was sensitive to low concentrations of GABA, CGP55845 may act as a GABA(A) rho receptor antagonist, and neither bicuculline nor baclofen had any effect on DA release, ethanol may be acting on extrasynaptic GABA(A) rho receptors on DA terminals to inhibit DA release in the NAc.

Tamara Fox, Weber State University Life Sciences Clostridium botulinum has been implicated in cases of infant botulism across the United States. It is recommended that infants under the age of one year not be fed honey because of the presence of C.botulinum spores. The goal of this project is to determine whether honey produced in small and large apiaries in Utah contain varying amounts of toxin producing C. botulinum. Honey samples will be collected from hives maintained in Utah and tested for the presence of toxin producing strains of C. botulinum. Samples will be dissolved and centrifuged to isolate the spores and then superheated to release the DNA. Testing will then be done through a multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCR) using primers specific for 16s rRNA, Clostridia species, and toxins A, B, E, and F. The presence and type of toxin producing Clostridia species will be compared with a Chi-Squared Test of Independence. Research will be completed by February of 2014 and we expect small apiaries will have a lower frequency of toxin producing C. botulinum strains than large apiaries and that toxin phenotype will vary between the two groups. The results will increase understanding on the variance of C. botulinum in Utah honey and will contribute to further research on this topic.

Kevin Nay, Southern Utah University Life Sciences Leech taxonomy has traditionally been based on morphological characters, but with new developments in DNA technology many taxonomists are starting to use genetic information in descriptions of new species. Leeches in southern Utah are poorly inventoried with respect to many other aquatic animals. There have been few morphological inventories of leeches and even fewer descriptions of the genetic diversity within leeches. Landscape genetics is a powerful tool used to understand geographic patterns of genetic diversity. Southern Utah has many naturally isolated bodies of water due to the climate and the dramatic changes in elevation in this part of the country. The landscape genetic study of leeches in southern Utah will provide us with a better understanding of genetic differentiation within southern Utah leeches. The mitochondrial DNA (CO I region) will be used to estimate genetic diversity and examine the relationships among individuals in two populations of leeches. I hypothesize that leeches in southern Utah will have greater genetic diversity then historically recognized from morphological studies suggesting a new species of leech. The study will lead to better understanding of the taxonomy and identification of southern Utah leeches.

Preston Manwill, Southern Utah University Life Sciences Members of Anthoxanthum (sweetgrass) have a history of ceremonial and medicinal use. Coumarin, a secondary metabolite produced by the grass, is an anticoagulant and antimicrobial agent. Antimicrobial properties of commercially available European A. odoratum metabolites have been nominally investigated, but no North American species have been studied. Additionally, European sweetgrass is purported to be available in both diploid and polyploid strains. Our research objectives were to: 1) determine if ploidy level strains do exist, and 2) investigate secondary metabolite production and evolution in commercial strains and A. hirtum, a Great Basin native. Using epidermal casts and fuschin staining, differences in guard cells and nuclei were surveyed. Secondary metabolites from the A. odoratum strains and A. hirtum were obtained through steam distillation and a vacufugation protocol that concentrated hydrosols. GC/MS analyses characterized and quantified secondary metabolites. The secondary metabolites coumarin, dihydrobenzofuron, and dihydroactinidiolide were identified, with the first and latter greatest in A. hirtum. Significant guard cell differences between strains, as well as species, were observed. Two ploidy strains of A. odoratum were suggested. A Kirby-Bauer assay tested presence, size and retention of inhibition zones (IZ) produced against soil bacteria. Gram-staining initially characterized bacterial morphs. Secondary metabolites from the diploid strain were most effective against all bacterial morphs, but polyploid metabolites also generated and retained IZ against diploid root associated and non-root associated morphs. The native sweetgrass produced IZ only against root associated bacteria with which it had evolved. Future work will include similar studies of other North American Anthoxanthum species.

Justen Despain, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Mycobacterium ulcerans is an acid fast intracellular bacteria that is the causative agent of Buruli Ulcer, a disease endemic in tropical regions of Africa. The disease starts as a nodule that progresses into a necrotizing skin lesion. Treatment ranges from antibiotic therapy to surgical removal of surrounding skin to stop necrotization of the skin. Owing to the intracellular nature of M. ulcerans, antibiotic therapy can be an ineffective treatment option. It has been previously shown that mycobacteriophage can reduce extracellular bacterial load in mice infected with M. ulcerans. In this study, we propose a method of killing intracellular M. ulcerans by mycobacteriophage using avirulent Mycobacterium smegmaits as a vector.

Lee Leavitt, University of Utah Life Sciences The ventral respiratory column (VRC) is a region in the brainstem shown to control breathing patterns in mammals. Using activation and inhibition of neurons in this region, classes have been assigned based on response-combinations. Using a mouse model, cells from this region are dissociated, plated and incubated with a dye that indicates changes in cytoplasmic calcium levels. Hundreds of cells are measured while varieties of pharmacological agents are applied. Response-combinations provide a profile of the receptors found on these neurons. Previously, varieties of cell classes were shown to contain NMDA receptors (receptors linked to learning and memory). However, specific compositions of subunits within these receptors are not known. These receptors are ligand gated ion channels composed of four non-covalently bound proteins. Each subunit has a different activation profile determined by interactions of agonist and antagonists. Conantokins (peptides isolated from snail venom) and other compounds further afford understanding of the architecture the assigned cell-classes. This project has continued to classify the subunit compositions of NMDA receptors with the ultimate goal of understanding which NMDA receptor subunits are present in each class. This will provide valuable information on the VRC’s function, and will allow for pharmacological innervations to change behavior in this region.

Dasom Kim, Brigham Young University Life Sciences The main purpose of the project is to compare the phylogeography of a species of stonefly (Klapopteryx kuschelli) and a species of dragonfly (Rhionaeshna variegata) in Patagonia. Specifically, the project will study how geography and behavior (i.e., their dispersal abilities) have affected their evolutionary histories. Of all the varied climates and geography in South America, comparatively few phylogeographic studies have been conducted with insects, especially in Patagonia. This study will provide an important foundation for a comparative phlyogeographic study of two insect groups inhabiting the same regions of Patagonia. Also, if funded, this project will give me an exclusive opportunity to interact with international research institutions in South America as well as their scientists.

Derrick Crawford, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Members of the FGF family of signaling factors are key components in distal outgrowth and patterning of the vertebrate limb. These factors are expressed and secreted by the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) on the distal margin of the limb. Blocking their function is known to truncate the limb skeleton. Conversely, replacing the AER with beads soaked in Fgf protein can rescue limb outgrowth and patterning. Our lab has demonstrated that one of the mechanisms whereby the Fgf/AER functions is to mediate directed outgrowth of the adjacent mesenchyme. As the AER regulates growth of mesenchyme toward itself, it would be predicted that the AER’s dimensions would be important for shaping the mesenchyme that it recruits. We have found that the shape of the AER changes over time in a manner that corresponds to the shape of limb elements as they form along the proximal distal axis. Further, mutants that exhibit defects in the dimensions of the AER show corresponding anomalies in the limb skeleton. Given these observations it would be predicted that an Fgf soaked bead being of fixed spherical dimensions would only be capable of forming a cylindrical, rod-shaped limb. A bead placed posteriorly fulfills this expectation whereas a bead placed apically does not. We provide a molecular explanation for this discrepancy. We have also manipulated the shape of the AER surgically and find that similar to beads the shape and the AP position of the AER dictates the shape of the forming limb skeleton.

Jake Gamboa, Brigham Young University Life Sciences It is estimated that approximately 350,000 people in the United Stated die annually from post-myocardial infarction arrhythmias. A majority of these people will undergo a surgery that results in partial or complete removal of the stellate ganglion and other nerve fibers of the pharyngeal space in an attempt to prevent over stimulation from the neurons to the area of dead heart tissue and, therefore, future arrhythmias. However, without a somatomototopy, it is unclear what physiological effects partial or full sympathectomies may have. We will create a three-dimensional map of the pharyngeal space nerve plexus which will, in turn, allow for a more accurate and precise surgery.

Mark Soffe, Utah State University Life Sciences SSBs are DNA binding proteins that are essential components of cells and play key roles in DNA replication, repair, and recombination. Here we utilize two biochemical properties associated with the E. coli SSB protein to develop a novel procedure to purify proteins using a resin-free strategy. 1. E. coli SSB binds to single stranded DNA (ssDNA) with extremely high affinity (K = 1013 M-1), indicating very tight binding. 2. It is also a unique protein with respect to its purification – it is possible to obtain greater than 95% pure SSB from the total cell lysate without using any sort of column or resin, utilizing polyethyleneimine (PEI) and ammonium sulfate precipitation. Our design uses SSB as an affinity/solubility tag to enhance the solubility and expression of difficult-to-purify proteins, and allows for the simple, resin-free purification using PEI and ammonium sulfate precipitation. There also may be a possibility to co-express protein dimers and possibly tetramers using this method. Constructs have been made that include the SSB gene, along with the ability to fuse any gene of interest, as well as a TEV Protease cleavage sequence allowing for proteolytic cleavage after gene expression. Two genes of interest have been cloned in thus far—TEV protease and Rad51. In this proposal I outline experiments to develop this strategy further and test our proof of principle concept and its application to a broader set of target proteins.

Teressa Paulsen, University of Utah Life Sciences Breast cancer is still the most common cancer among women regardless of race or ethnicity. The focus of our research is to uncover the mechanism breast cancer cells use to escape the inherent limitations of the telomere and obtain immortality. The protective end of a chromosome, the telomere, degrades with each cellular division. The cellular response to telomere dysfunction is to activate programmed cell death. Therefore, this type of damage normally limits the proliferative potential of the cell and subsequently carcinogenesis.

Josh Hall, Weber State University Life Sciences Reproduction in birds is extremely conservative with the vast majority of the birds adopting bird-egg contact incubation to maintain an appropriate microclimate for embryonic development (Deeming, 2004). The Great Salt Lake is a vital nesting site for American Avocets (Recurvirostra Americana) that shows extreme temperatures and hostile environments where nest success can be as low as 1 -14% (Cavitt, 2008). Constancy of incubation, i.e. the time that the eggs are in contact with an adult, is a major indicator of nest success and environmental conditions. Our goals were to examine some of the costs natural selection places on embryos and parents to maintain a constant embryo temperature. We hypothesized that incubation attentiveness would increase across the nesting cycle. Over 200 AMAV nests were surveyed. Thermal probes were used to record various nest microclimates at every minute. A pseudonest with painted chicken eggs was also created and a thermal probe was placed to measure the ambient temperature without any adult incubation. A motion sensitive camera was placed over nests to examine differences in parental care. Nests will be divided into three phases: early, mid, and late incubation. Thermal data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and mean variance values to calculate how incubation constancy varied throughout these phases. We expect this data to tell us more on how natural selection is working on these populations and some possible theories of how this developed.

Xin Wan, University of Utah Life Sciences Endothelial dysfunction exists in individuals with diet-induced obesity (DIO) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Markers of endothelial dysfunction include reduced phosphorylation (p) of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) to total eNOS (p-eNOS:eNOS), and attenuated endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. Free fatty acids (FFAs) are elevated in individuals with DIO and T2DM. Our laboratory has shown that when: (i) endothelial cells are incubated with saturated FFA palmitate; (ii) mice are infused with lard-oil; and/or (iii) when mice are fed with high-fat diet, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) binds directly with eNOS. When this occurs, the association among Akt-Hsp90-eNOS is disrupted, p-eNOS:eNOS is impaired, and endothelium-dependent dysfunction occurs. This is prevented using pharmacological and genetic approaches that limit production of FFA metabolite ceramide. It is unknown whether PP2A inhibition per se is protective. We hypothesized that arterial dysfunction in obese vs. lean mice is prevented by PP2A inhibition. Seven-week-old, male, C57B16 mice consumed standard (CON, n=20) or high-fat (HF, n=20) chow for 12-weeks. Subgroups (n=10) of CON and HF mice received IP injections of saline (vehicle; V) or Lixte Biotechnology 100 (LB1, 1 mg/kg/day) for the last 14-days. Preliminary experiments verified that LB1-treatment for 3 and 21 days decreases (p<0.05) arterial PP2A activity. HF mice gained weight and developed peripheral glucose intolerance vs. CON mice regardless of LB1 treatment. Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation was impaired (p<0.05) in HF-V vs. CON-V mice, but dysfunction was less severe (p<0.05) in HF-LB1 mice. p-eNOS:eNOS was reduced (p<0.05) in arteries from HF-V vs. CON-V mice, but p-eNOS:eNOS was similar in arteries from HF-LB1 and CON-LB1 mice. Akt and Hsp90 co-immunoprecipitation with eNOS was impaired (p<0.05) in HF-V vs. HF-CON mice, but this was not observed in arteries from HF-LB1 and CON-LB1 mice. These findings suggest that PP2A activity suppression in vivo is sufficient to preserve endothelial function in obese mice.

Molly Van Engelenhoven, Utah State University Life Sciences For thousands of years farmers have known that soil organisms can destroy crops but only in the past ten years have researchers begun to understand that complex interactions among soil organisms and plants can determine plant diversity and productivity. Much of the research in this young field of study has come from qualitative greenhouse experiments and separately from simple mathematical models. Here, we report findings from a six-year plant-soil feedback (PSF) field experiment that assessed the effects of soil organisms on the growth of twelve plant species common to the intermountain west. Initially, twelve native and exotic species were randomly assigned to 1550 experimental plots in a field. After four years of growth, the plants were killed. Next, the same plant species were randomly assigned to the 1550 plots again to test how each plant species responded to the soil microbial communities ‘cultivated’ by each other plant species. Two years later plant growth responses to different soil types were measured. Most plants showed large growth differences on different soil types. For example, Bromus tectorum grew twice as much on Pseudoroegneria spicata-cultivated soils than on self-cultivated soils. When the plant growth responses observed in this experiment were used in a mathematical model, PSFs were found to play a critical role in determining which plants were likely to be dominant in a community and how productive these different plant communities would be. In summary, this large-scale experiment provides strong evidence for the role of PSFs in plant productivity and diversity. Results have implications for natural methods of effective native plant restoration, biofuel production and weed control.

Jacob Anderson, Utah Sate University Life Sciences Leafy spurge (LS) is an aggressive Eurasian forb that has been successfully reduced in many areas in western North America through the biological control releases of flea beetles. Long term studies of this phenomenon are sparse. Three flea beetle species were released in the mid-1990s at a site dominated by LS in Richmond, Utah. This study assessed the long term effects of LS biocontrol on an ecological community at this site by addressing five questions: (1) Is LS abundance significantly lower now than in the 1990s? (2) What plant species are replacing LS and are they native or non-native? (3) Have the flea beetle populations persisted since their initial release? (4) What part does soil type play in which flea beetle species now dominate at the site? (5) In response to their unexpected presence, what role may long-horned beetles contribute to the long-term reduction of LS? It was found that LS abundance has significantly decreased from the 1990s; the dominant plant species are those of non-native grasses; flea beetles have persisted in significantly smaller numbers, with Aphthona lacertosa being the most abundant; and long-horned beetles appear to play a significant role in the reduction of sexual success of LS. The results of this project have implications for land managers when considering the vegetative response to LS biological control and the importance of long-horned beetles for long-term in managed, LS-reduced habitats.

J David Symons, University of Utah Life Sciences Autophagy plays a central role in cellular quality control by destroying damaged or excess proteins, lipids, membranes, and organelles that accumulate in response to deviations from homeostasis. The existence and role of autophagy in endothelial cells (ECs) and blood vessels has not been established. Autophagy can be quantified by assessing the ratio of the membrane bound conjugate of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-II) to the cytosolic non-lipidated conjugate LC3-1 (LC3-II:LC3-I) or GAPDH (LC3-II:GAPDH) via immunoblotting. We sought to determine the extent to which a variety of cellular stressors induces autophagy in ECs and intact blood vessels. LC3-II:LC3-I or LC3-II:GAPDH was elevated (p<0.05) (i) 450±6% (n=4) in ECs incubated for 2 h in amino acid (AA)-deplete vs. AA-replete media; (ii) 47±3% (n=3) in arteries from fasted (14 h) vs. fasted / refed (1 h) mice; (iii) 40±2% (n=3) in arteries from mice that completed acute exercise vs. sedentary controls; (iv) 38±1% in arteries from exercise-trained vs. sedentary mice under basal conditions (n=2 per group); and was decreased (p<0.05) (v) 57±8% (n=4) in arteries from ~30 month-old (i.e., old) vs. ~6 month-old (i.e., young) mice. Further, indices of autophagy were elevated (p<0.05) 101±6% in ECs exposed to 3 h x 500 uM palmitate vs. vehicle (n=4), and 50±6% in arteries from obese vs. lean mice (n=4 per group). Thus, autophagy is altered in ECs and blood vessels in response to physiological (e.g., fasting, acute exercise, exercise training, aging) and pathophysiological (acute lipotoxicity, diet-induced obesity) stimuli. Ongoing research will determine the functional role of vascular autophagy in health and disease.

Janweb Lagazo, Brigham Young University Life Sciences The scientific community and the general public have long been interested in the effects of water pollution. Most studies on water pollution have focused solely on industrial pollution, but have failed to consider the potential impact of pharmaceuticals that unintentionally accumulate in aquatic ecosystems via wastewater treatment effluents. The purpose of this study is to advance our understanding on how these wastewater effluents affect aquatic ecosystems in Utah. We quantified the concentration of select pharmaceuticals in Hobble Creek using mass spectrometry. Then we sampled above the treatment plant, at the effluent outlet, and downstream of the effluent to determine pre-effluent and post-effluent drug concentrations. We are currently using this preliminary data to investigate how common endocrine disrupting, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety drugs may potentially affect the aquatic ecosystem of the endangered Chasmistes liorus, commonly known as June sucker.

Michael Morgan, Utah State University Life Sciences The advancement of biologically derived alternatives to petroleum diesel fuel requires a multifaceted approach. At Utah State University we use an interdisciplinary team including the Colleges of Engineering, Agriculture & Applied Sciences, and Science in conjunction with industry partners to drive innovation in improving the science behind petroleum diesel alternatives. With increasing petroleum use, depleting reserves, increasing emissions standards, and other factors, there is need for petroleum diesel alternatives that are cost effective, offer improvement, and perform similarly to petroleum diesel. Our team has focused on the use of oleaginous microbes utilizing low value effluent and waste sources including sugars and CO2 to create biofuels. We have focused on a yeast, Cryptococcus curvatus, and a microalgae, Nannochloropsis salina which have shown high yields of fuel per cell mass. Using these microbes we have utilized USU’s own direct trans-esterification reaction to create sufficient quantities of biodiesel for engine performance and emissions testing, including a subset of ASTM tests characterizing the fuels from each organism. Our initial engine testing used petroleum diesel as a baseline in conjunction with commercial soybean biodiesel to establish the quality of our microbially derived biodiesel. Testing in stationary diesel engines and on the Bonneville Salt Flats has proven our microbial fuels perform similarly to soybean biodiesel and comparably to petroleum diesel. To further improve biological diesel replacements we have begun working to create green diesel, hydrocarbons from a biological source, using a novel method of hydrothermal liquefaction. Preliminary results of those tests are presented here. Through a multifaceted and interdisciplinary approach USU is successfully improving petroleum diesel alternatives from microbial sources including characterization of the properties of these fuels and is working to create the fuels at the scale necessary for exhaustive engine performance and emissions testing including ASTM testing of all important fuel properties.

Laurel Thompson, Utah Valley University Life Sciences Breast cancer is divided into subtypes which are defined by their proteomics, histology, and genetic expression profile. Current methods, therefore, are aimed at testing these, and include DNA microarrays, immunohistochemical staining, and proteomic analysis. These methods are effective classifiers, but are not easily transferable to real-time clinical applications, such as the determination of cancerous status during operation or when taking a biopsy. The determination of molecular subtype by other means would be a significant advancement in cancer detection and treatment. We have made some preliminary studies that suggest high-frequency ultrasound may be sensitive to variations among the cancer subtypes as manifest in cell cultures through their cytoskeletal protein structure, which has a distinct spectral signature. The object of this study was to explore the basis for this variation through a combination of experimental and theoretical analysis. We used first-principal modeling methods and compared the model spectra generated from these to spectra obtained in the cell culture lab. Variations in bulk modulus, cell position and size were modeled and combined with experimental spectra in principal component analysis (PCA), and the Euclidean distances between each principal component of the experimental were found as they relate to the theoretical principal components. A graphical method similar to heat maps used for gene expression profiling was then developed to display the relative distances (similarities) between spectra. The program was tested by comparing experimental spectra of three breast cancer cell lines to model spectra. The results indicate the properties and thus molecular subtypes of breast cancer cells could potentially be determined by comparing their measured spectra to model spectra using a feature classification program such as PCA and that these classifying features can be displayed in a convenient graphical representation according to their spectral similarities.

Austin Spence, Utah State University Life Sciences This study investigated the physiological effects of localized habitat disturbances around two well-studied hibernacula of the wandering gartersnake Thamnophis elegans. After three years of monitoring snake morphology and physiology at several hibernacula, several disturbance events occurred, including log clearing, stream bank disturbance, and vegetation removal. Individuals from three populations, two with disturbed hibernacula and one control population with no disturbance, were collected during the spring emergence immediately following the disturbance. Blood samples were collected upon capture and following a uniform stressor to measure baseline and post-stress physiological conditions. The samples were analyzed using a radioimmunoassay to measure corticosterone levels and a bacterial killing assay to measure innate immunocompetence. Baseline and post-stress corticosterone levels were higher in both populations with disturbance events compared to the control population. The bacterial killing ability of the site with the most anthropogenic activity was lower than the control site, indicating immunocompromise. Data are currently being analyzed to assess differences within the same populations between years with and without disturbance events. Pre-disturbance data are a rare and useful commodity and allow us to facilitate a better understanding of the various effects of anthropogenic change on natural populations. This study was funded through the Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunity Grant from Utah State University.

Dani Peterson, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Due to its long and complicated trajectory through the cranium, facial nerve VII (CN VII) can be damaged in surgeries, sometimes resulting in facial muscle paralysis. Surgical removal of acoustic neuromas and parotid tumors, in addition to surgical repair of the temporomandibular joint disorder are associated with a risk of damage to CN VII. In addition, insertion of auditory implants can damage the nerve, as can improper stimulation to the nerve after the implantation has occurred. We will create a three-dimensional (3D) model based off of data from dissection of the nerve in a human cadaver in order to give physicians a greater in vivo knowledge of the pathway of CN VII. We have dissected the lateral side of the right half of the head to the level of the parotid gland, identified the parotid plexus of CN VII, and followed its five branches. In addition, we are currently following the nerve through the internal auditory meatus on its pathway through the temporal bone. In preparation for the modeling MicroScribe technique described below, we have imaged the head using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at BYU. These images will be used as a template for the nerve reconstruction model. After completing the dissection, we will track the nerve trajectory using a MicroScribe 3D Digitizer. The MicroScribe technique is used to create 3D computer models of any physical object. The user sets reference points and uses the stylus to trace data points of the object’s contours. Our final product will be a 3D spatial computer mapping of CNVII, as well as a mapping of the skull, parotid gland, and other landmarks to put the nerve model into context. We hypothesize that with our approach and MicroScribe technique, we will be successful in creating an accurate model of CN VII in the head.

April McMurray, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DMT2) is a lifestyle-related disease where the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells are unreceptive to it, and it is now the most common form of diabetes. Individuals who do not control the disease can suffer serious complications such as limb amputation, damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and it can be very costly. This problem is particularly serious in Tonga; the prevalence is almost twice as high as that in the United States. The purpose of this research project was to determine to what extent the cultural, economic, and educational factors contribute to such high prevalence. In May I traveled to Tonga with the nursing students from Brigham Young University to conduct my research. I distributed surveys to patients and medical staff in the diabetes clinic in the Vaiola hospital in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. The surveys had questions related to their socioeconomic status, understanding and attitudes of diabetes, as well as patient management practices. While I was there, I also kept extensive field notes on observations related to my research, which provided supplemental information regarding the Tongan lifestyle that was difficult to gather from the surveys. Preliminary analysis indicates that there has been a very small, positive shift in understanding and attitudes towards DMT2, but economic- and culture-based habits still impede Tongans from managing the disease effectively. There were several limitations to this study: small sample numbers, lack of resources, some resistance from Tongan medical personnel, and particularly cultural barriers made it difficult to gather enough information to come to significant conclusions. However, the research does give insight concerning potential future studies and interventions to help the people of Tonga treat this disease.

Jacob Bassett, Utah Valley University Life Sciences Many discoveries regarding the complex interplay between biological pathways within a cell begin with attempts to link new observations to scrupulously studied cellular mechanisms. Our lab is studying the soluble inter-mitochondrial space protein mdm35, which has been observed to facilitate the function of ups1 & 2 proteins, as they in turn regulate the mitochondria’s phosphatidic acid metabolism. In addition to this phenotype, our lab has observed a copper resistance at 0.17% on YPD plate and 0.14% in liquid cultures of S. cerevisiae lacking the mdm35 protein, when compared to the Wild Type strain. Our investigation measures the levels of expression in the cup1 and ctr1 promoters in an attempt to link this observation to a potential mechanism contributing to this resistance.

Sara Fauver, University of Utah Life Sciences We know that novel genetic variants have driven evolution for millions of years and that natural selection favors phenotypes most suited for survival, leading to the enormous diversity of life we see today. However, what remains unclear, are the patterns of mutations that lead to large phenotypic changes. For example, do mutations in a single gene of large effect lead to morphological changes more often than numerous mutations in genes of smaller effect? Also, do these mutations occur more often in protein coding regions or regulatory regions of DNA? Finally, are the same genes or gene pathways used repeatedly across lineages when parallel phenotypes evolve?

Daniel Hall, Brigham Young University Life Sciences OBJECTIVE(S): Predictive analytics (PA) is increasingly being used in the delivery of healthcare. Whether PA can improve patient handoffs on a busy surgical service is unknown. This study aims to determine if predictive models for acute cellular rejection (ACR) episodes and biliary complications after orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT) can be built in order to improve patient care.

Michaelle Cadet, Utah Valley University Life Sciences Utah County, Utah has an estimated population of 540,000 residents and is considered to be a non-attainment area for criteria pollutants such as PM-10 and CO. High levels of these contaminants may increase the risk of respiratory diseases. Additional environmental issues exist including water contamination and eutrophication of Utah Lake. These environmental issues are frequently on the news and warnings are issued by the Department of Environmental Quality notifying citizens of the potential health concerns associated with environmental pollution. With these announcements, it is expected that Utahans are acutely aware of environmental issues, particularly, in the academic settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of environmental awareness among students at Utah Valley University and to correlate the results to socio-demographic categories. Utah Valley University, located in Utah County, is a public institution of higher education with approximately 30,000 registered students. Data for this study was collected through a survey using a multistage sampling technique with population stratified based on colleges and schools within the university. Sample size included approximately 1,000 students. The survey contained 12 environmental questions relating to recent local, national and international media exposure. Standards and protocol of the International Research Board were employed. We hypothesize that married, educated, religious males will positively correlate with higher levels of environmental awareness, but will be less than atheists. Additionally, those identifying with the Republican Party will have lower levels of awareness. No significant difference will be found between majors. Furthermore the young, poor and ethnic populations will be less aware than their more affluent counterparts. Results of this study will be used to inform residents of environmental issues and the associated health concerns. Additionally, this study will be used to inform legislators about the importance of environmental education in the community.

Madison Landreth, Weber State University Life Sciences 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 these bacteria often have a high level of antibiotic resistance, making effective treatment of patients more difficult. While Enterococcus 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 (GSL). In this experiment, hundreds of isolates of Enterococcus were collected from the Great Salt Lake, from various sites along the Weber River which flows into the GSL and from clinical sources. Isolates were tested for different phenotypic characteristics and for their resistant patterns against certain antibiotics. Preliminary 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 compared to 98% of the clinical isolates. In contrast, in a previous study, as few as 15% of Enterococcus isolated from the fresh water sources were resistant to one or more of the five antibiotics. These data may have implications concerning the importance of anthropological impact on rates of antibiotic resistance in this genus.

Jeremy Rehm, Brigham Young University Life Science The recent surge of interest in personality differences between individuals of a single population or members of differing populations has generated numerous new hypotheses that may aid in elucidating patterns of ecology and evolution that were previously considered improbable. Two hypotheses relevant to fish biology relate the size of an organism from a certain predation environment to the level of boldness it exhibits. The first of these (predation hypothesis) predicts small individuals living with predators should not express boldness comparable to their larger counterparts, whereas the other (metabolic hypothesis) predicts the exact opposite. Our study investigated these hypotheses using two sister-taxa fish species in Panama (Brachyrhaphis roseni and B. terrabensis) that exhibit two size classes (large and small) and live in differing predation environments. Additionally, because males are smaller than females in both species, we could look at size-boldness relations within each species. The study, as in others, defined boldness as the amount of time for an individual to emerge from a shelter and into an unfamiliar territory. When the species are analyzed collectively, our results support previous findings that fish from high-predation environments tend to be bolder than those without predators; males tend to be bolder than females; and both mass and standard length positively correlate with boldness. However, within species analyses find that mass and standard length have no significant relation to boldness, and gender was only significant in the predation-exposed B.roseni, where males were bolder. These interesting findings contrast with previous studies, and lead us to question the value of these size-related hypotheses in the process of speciation and, ultimately, evolution.

Ethel Tackie-Yarboi, Westminster College Life Sciences The brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana are an important source of nutrients for many of the over 15 million migratory birds that visit Great Salt Lake (GSL) in Utah each year. As well as being a source of food, the brine shrimp are an intermediate host to cestode parasites that infect many of the bird species. Although the effects of cestode infection in brine shrimp and the contribution of brine shrimp to cestode circulation in birds have been studied, little research has yet addressed the rate of cestode infection or molecular phylogeny of these cestodes. We collected brine shrimp from three sites in GSL and tested individuals for cestode infection using previously identified and newly designed cestode specific PCR primers that amplify the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. Our preliminary results showed that the Spiral Jetty site from the North arm of GSL had a 2% infection rate, the Antelope Island site from the South arm had a 45% infection rate, and the shrimp collected at the Black Rock site, also in the South arm, had a 32% infection rate using our cestode specific PCR assays. We also have preliminary DNA sequencing results that demonstrate that we are amplifying cestode DNA, which is most closely related to members of the genus Hymenolepis. Our data suggest that there may be a higher prevalence of cestode infection in the shrimp in the South arm than those from the North arm of the Great Salt Lake. Our goal is to extend our study in order to better identify the species of cestodes that infect brine shrimp using further DNA sequencing and to expand our infection rate samples to better estimate the percentage of the brine shrimp population that is infected by the cestode parasites, as well as test samples from several years.

J David Symons, University of Utah Life Sciences Cardiovascular complications (e.g., arterial dysfunction) are more prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Patients with T2DM have elevated levels of circulating free fatty acids (FFAs). We have shown that when bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) are treated with the physiologically relevant FFA palmitate, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity increases, phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) to total eNOS (p-eNOS:eNOS) decreases, and metabolites of NO production decrease. NO is an important endothelial-derived relaxing factor that is vasculoprotective. As such, FFA-induced, PP2A-mediated reductions in p-eNOS:eNOS and NO production might explain why vascular complications are more common in pathologies associated with lipotoxicity e.g., T2DM and diet-induced obesity. Recently we showed in BAECs that if PP2A is inhibited using okadaic acid (OA), palmitate-induced increases in PP2A activity, and reductions in p-eNOS:eNOS and indices of NO production are negated. We sought to translate these finding from BAECs to the intact organism. However, OA cannot be used in vivo. Lixte Biotechnology 1 (LB1) is a PP2A inhibitor that has been used in vivo in the context of cancer research. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of LB1 under our experimental conditions, with the long-range goal of using LB1 in mice. Further, we used this opportunity to optimize the measurement of NO directly using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). BAECs were treated for 3 h with vehicle (V), 500 µM palmitate (P), 4 µM LB1, or P + LB1 (n=10 per treatment). P increased (p<0.05) PP2A activity (50±12%), and decreased (p<0.05) p-tyr307:PP2A (29±9%; redundant indicator of increased PP2A activity), p-eNOS:eNOS (30±3%), and NO production (27±9%). All P-induced effects were prevented by concurrent treatment with LB1. Future experiments will determine whether chronic treatment of mice with LB1 is capable of suppressing PP2A activity in intact arteries.

Cynthiann Heckelsmiller, Weber State University Life Sciences Heavy foot traffic compacts soil, leading to decreased gas exchange, water permeability, and reduced nutrient cycling. Plant communities are defined by the availability of nutrients, water, and other resources.

Charlee Byers, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Agave utahensis (Utah agave) plays a critical role as a keystone species in its native habitat. A rise in frequent, intense fires across the range of these habitats threatens to eliminate Utah agave populations, and consequently limit its genetic diversity. Characterizing the genetic diversity of Utah agave and its subspecies will help in restoration efforts to protect the species. We constructed primers to amplify microsatellite markers of two subspecies of Utah agave, ssp. kaibabensis and ssp. utahensis. Using these markers, we determined the level of polymorphism within four populations of each of the two subspecies.

Sean Studstill, Weber State University Life Sciences Imidacloprid is a popular systemic insecticide that has been applied to our staple crops for two decades. According to the EPA, it is persistent in the environment and at risk of effecting non-targeted organisms. Imidacloprid is an insect neurotoxin; however it is also known to be toxic to various aquatic species in concentrations as low as 37 ppb. Ingestion of imidacloprid causes paralysis in organisms through the blockage of postsynaptic nicotinic cholinergic receptors. We sought to find out how toxic imidacloprid is to brine shrimp and what kinds of physiological reactions occur upon exposure.

Evan Campbell, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Asthma is a chronic allergic disorder manifest by airway restriction due to inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and increased respiratory mucous secretion. As many as 300 million people worldwide are affected by asthma and its prevalence is increasing primarily in countries experiencing urbanization and Westernization. Asthma is currently the most common chronic illness among children in the U.S., and the third leading cause of hospitalization for children aged 0 – 15 yrs. Reservoir dust collection and area air sampling are the two primary methods of measuring allergen levels in house dust. Allergen sensitization leading to asthma is thought to occur prior to age six while the immune system is still naïve. In the case of the dust mite allergen Der p1, the exposure window may be as early as age two. However, little evidence is available to establish a dose–response relationship between inhalation exposure and early immunological sensitization to allergens. Temperature and relative humidity play a major role in dust mite survival and proliferation and indoor humidity above 50-60% in arid environments has been shown to support dust mite populations. Evaporative “swamp” coolers cool air by adding humidity to it and can create favorable environments for dust mite survival. We are working to determine how much swamp coolers contribute to dust mite levels in Utah by quantitating dust mite allergen levels in homes with and without swamp coolers. In order to do this we are developing sensitive ELISA and quantitative PCR methods to allow us to determine levels of exposure even when low levels of dust are collected.