2015 Abstracts

Mattie Jones, Dixie State University Physical Sciences Current techniques for isolating components of samples found at crime scenes by their unique chemical properties are lengthy and often destroy important forensic evidence. New methods aimed at forensic analysis of sensitive, minute samples are critical to the intelligence community. In particular, successful extraction of dyes from materials found at crime scenes will provide innumerable benefits for matching, identifying, and finding origins of these materials and dyes. Ionic liquids possess the necessary chemical properties to ensure efficient extractions while maintaining the forensic signatures of the original materials. Ionic liquids, which are organic salts that are room temperature, provide a versatile solvent to achieve single-component extraction-separation-identification of forensic analytes. Following extraction, successful identification by infrared, absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy has provided evidence of preserved quality and complete separation of material and dye. This novel approach to forensic analysis is advantageous particularly when sample sizes are extremely limited, but it can be readily scaled to larger applications. Developing a simple and affordable method of achieving specific molecular interactions provides a solution for often unidentifiable evidence in crimes. Harnessing the versatility of ionic liquids in a high-yielding recovery and efficient single-pot methods will enhance forensic abilities for the intelligence community and forensic investigators.

Michael Kutschke and Niccolo Fiorentino University of Utah Measurements of joint angles, moments, and forces can be sensitive to positional changes in the center of a joint. Due to its deep location, the hip joint center (HJC) can be difficult to determine. Regression equations and functional methods use skin markers and are commonly used to measure the HJC, yet introduce sources of error such as bony landmark identification, soft tissue artifact, and system resolution. Additionally, the accuracy of said methods cannot be established in-vivo without a reference standard. The purpose of this study was to implement a dual fluoroscopy (DF) and model-based tracking technique to quantify the subject-specific HJC position in-vivo. This reference standard (DF-HJC) was then compared to the HJC defined by regression equations (CODA) and a functional method (FHJC) using skin markers. Five subjects with normal hip anatomy provided informed consent to participate in this IRB approved study. A gait marker set was applied to the subject’s skin. The subject performed various activities involving the inferior limb while a 10-camera Vicon system measured the position of the skin markers. From these data, the CODA and FHJCs were identified. Simultaneously, the hip was visualized using a DF system, and the DF-HJC was identified using model-based tracking. The DF-HJC was then transformed to the Vicon coordinate system for comparison with the CODA and FHJCs. The average Euclidean distance (and standard deviation) for the five subjects from the DF-HJC was 2.0 (0.6) cm for CODA and 1.3 (0.4) cm for the FHJC. To our knowledge this is the first study to use DF and model-based tracking to measure the in-vivo position of the HJC. This technique affords greater accuracy in determining subject-specific bone geometry and visualization of deep hip anatomy, thus may be considered a reference standard for identifying the HJC.

Daisha L. Cummins, Kodey Meyers, and Breanna E. Studenka, Utah State University Health Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit rigidity of motor plans and difficulties planning and executing movements (Eigsti et al., 2013). Those with ASD may also have difficulty formulating new or switching between different motor plans. In typically developing individuals, sequential actions exhibit hysteresis, a phenomenon where a specific motor plan is influenced by recent, similar motor actions. We sought to determine if hysteresis was stronger in children with ASD. A rotation motor task measured the rigidity of motor planning (hysteresis) of five ASD children, and 5 control participants. A stick was placed in one of 24 different orientations around a circle. The researcher moved the stick counterclockwise or clockwise in subsequent trials. A participant grasped the stick and returned it to the home position. Researchers measured the position at which the child switched from a thumb up to a thumb down grasp in each direction. The peak counterclockwise switch occurred later for children with ASD. The grasp also changed less frequently for the ASD than for the control group. Our results suggest that changing a grasp was more costly than being comfortable, and that hysteresis was more prevalent in children with ASD than in the control group.

Abigail Harris, Brigham Young University Health Purpose:

Tianne Pierce, Utah Valley University Health Since Mario and Zelda (Nintendo video games), video interactive games have been a favorite babysitter for the past two generations of children, simulation is no stranger to this population. Portions of this population became nursing students. Simulation in health care is second to none in the ‘hands on’ teaching of skills; thus, it would be the natural order of things to include interactive figures and scenario during teaching and learning in nursing. Utah Valley University’s nursing department employs the use of human simulators in the delivery of content to the students. It is no surprise that these students relate well to simulation in the classrooms. The purpose of the research study will be to compare students’ responses to learning in a teaching environment void of simulation vs. a teaching environment which uses simulation. Although simulation has long been used in aviation and the military, it has become more integrated in the health care profession over the last 20 years. These study results were congruent with national and international landmark studies where the use of simulation in nursing has been supported by the world of healthcare.

Diana Carter, Brigham Young University Health Purpose:

Ashley Havlicak and Joanna Beachy, University of Utah Health Background:

John Rossi, Julie Valentine, Leslie Miles, Linda Maybe, and Julie Melini, Brigham Young University Health The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of sexual assault on memory and consciousness in 314 victims in a Mountain West community using retrospective chart review. Altered mental awareness and/or loss of consciousness during a sexual assault are widely unexplored phenomena. A majority of assaulted individuals experience a varying degree of loss of consciousness during an assault – resulting in memory loss and conflicting evidentiary reports creating challenges during an investigation and prosecution. Statements written by a forensic nurse based on patients’ telling of the sexual assault (analyzed in Nvivo10) were placed within the following categories: memory loss; decreased feelings of mental alertness or awareness; symptoms of tonic immobility; detachment from self, environments and/or situation; reports full loss of consciousness; and/or awoke to assault. Quantitative data from patients’ answers to questions related to their memory of the nature of the assault was analyzed through descriptive statistics in SPSS, resulting in the following statistics: 58.3% reported having a loss of consciousness or awareness, 54.2% reported “unknown” to 1 or more questions about the nature of the assault, 37.8% reported “unknown” to 4 or more questions, 17.3% reported “unknown” to all questions. Additionally, a Chi square test for independence found patients with memory loss/altered consciousness were associated with the following variables: patients with mental illness and/ or use of psychotropic medications (p=0.025) and use of alcohol prior to assault (p=0.000). Medical teams, law enforcement, and judicial representatives must understand the impediments associated with a victim suffering from altered mental status caused by neurobiological and psychophysical effects of sexual trauma; thus, creating an atmosphere that avoids re- traumatizing a patient and providing for optimal care. This research will supplement other studies focusing on neurobiology/sexual assault trauma and foster greater understanding of the effects of sexual assault on memory and consciousness.

Kalene Mears, Brigham Young University Health The purpose of this project is to compile a learning history for a hospital unit, documenting patterns of past adaptation within a clinical microsystem that can be magnified to help the system continue to improve. The goal in healthcare is to create an adaptable system, where changes are continuously made as problems are identified to prevent harm from care. Through a learning history, a hospital unit can identify how they have already solved problems in the past and identify patterns of adaptation that can be replicated to increase reliability within the organization. This project has the potential to help a hospital unit improve its reliability in providing quality patient care and reduce preventable patient harm. To obtain the information about the unit’s history, key team members will be interviewed using an appreciative approach to identify strengths and patterns of successful adaptation. Interviews will highlight positive features of this team to foster feelings of success and achievement, promoting desire to continue improvement. Clinical data will supplement the interviews to show a full picture of how the unit adapted to its situation. The transcribed interviews will then be distilled to highlight the critical, meaningful points in the plot line where learning and adaptation took place. This resulting manuscript is the tangible learning history. Internal dissemination will involve sharing the learning history with the organization and facilitating group discussions about the findings with members of the organization. Through this process, we anticipate the unit will be able to promote more effective interventions to improve patient care.

Trey Esplin, Alathia Burnside, Sean Madill, Marquelle Funk, Sean Kiesel, Kaisey Margetts,

Cody Craig and Charles Yeager, Snow College Health Logically, a rise in income should lead to a healthier population. Diseases like malaria, cholera, and HIV/AIDS are associated with poverty, low rates of education, and poor infrastructure in many parts of the world. In populations with higher per capita income (or “wealth”), these diseases are not as common. However, while our higher socioeconomic classes have fewer poverty linked diseases, is the overall health of people across Utah as high as we might expect it to be? Diseases like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes (known as diseases of affluence) are becoming more and more common, even though advanced health technology and healthcare availability increase. This project will examine the relationship between income level, diseases of poverty, and diseases of affluence. Data will be aggregated from a number of sources and mapped using a geographic information system. A regression analysis will be conducted to determine if variables are positively or negatively correlated with diseases of poverty and affluence in Utah.

Whittni O’Brien, Dixie State University Health St. George residents are currently at risk from poor indoor air quality. The objective of this study was to provide citizens with simple solutions to purify their indoor air and avoid the side effects of pollution. The rising threats include benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. These carcinogens are directly linked to heart disease, birth defects, asthma and premature deaths in individuals. The study was conducted to see just what could be done to combat these hazards and provide the necessary information to resolve the levels of indoor air pollution to residents. A standardized questionnaire was issued to find out how educated locals were about the pollution levels and air quality within the community. Questions covered a variety of aspects including exactly what the threats were to specific methods of indoor air purification. To reduce the number of carcinogenic related health issues, participants were provided with a pamphlet including easy to follow steps to cleaner indoor air and outdoor air pollution. The objective result yielded plants to be the best solution. Aloe vera plants are not only grown locally, but are easy to propagate. These plants are known for their ability to remove formaldehyde from the air and therefore an inexpensive and readily available resource that will assist residents. Other solutions found included greenery such as moth orchids, snake plants and the ficus tree. All of these plants are easy to maintain with local climate conditions. By providing residents with the proper education and resources, the overall health of the population will rise. The conclusion of the study offers vital knowledge to the community and a progressive approach to cleaner indoor air for a healthier living space.

Rebekah Goodrich, Leenalitha Panneerseelan Bharath, Ting Ruan, Tetyana Forostyan, Ashot Sargsyan,

Erika Brown and Stacie Hunsaker, Brigham Young University Health Health care professionals are often challenged with starting an intravenous (IV) line in patients who are dehydrated, have suffered trauma, or are in shock. Nurses and physicians can become frustrated by the multiple attempts and patients can lose valuable time. An alternative route to deliver the needed fluids and medications to these critical patients can be achieved by accessing the blood supply inside the bone. Intraosseous (IO) access is a safe, rapid, and an effective alternative method to deliver medications and fluids to these critical patients (Hunsaker and Hillis, 2013). I was mentored in the practice of qualitative research and interview process in a study related to difficult IV access. A qualitative research study was performed at Hospital Luis Vernaza in Guayaquil, Ecuador, to determine the complications faced in providing timely care to critical patients, and to assess their knowledge and use of IO therapy. Interviews were performed, and, because of my fluency in the Spanish language, I was the primary interviewer. These interviews were analyzed to assess the need of interventional IO therapy. Through the interviews, preliminary results demonstrated a need for an organized IV algorithm in this large hospital. The difficult IV algorithm has been developed and will be presented to the health care professionals at Hospital Luis Vernaza in the spring of 2015 on a Brigham Young University College of Nursing Global Health stay in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Delena Hanson, Dixie State University Health Debate in diagnostic imaging over the effectiveness of shielding the patient from the incident (primary) beam compared to shielding from the scattering beam once it has hit the image receptor is ongoing. Because radiation in any amount can cause long term effects, it is the ethical obligation of those in the profession to keep the dose of radiation to the patient as low as reasonably achievable. Backscatter is radiation that goes through the patient, contributes to the diagnostic image, then still has enough energy to hit the image receptor and scatter back toward the patient. While previous studies indicate that dose to the gonads from the primary beam during chest x-ray exams are low, this additional research assesses the amount of backscatter that happens during a chest x-ray to determine at what point patient size is a factor that increases patient dose. As more technique must be used for larger patients, increased interactions will occur and therefore present a higher probability of backscatter that can add to the patient’s gonadal dose. This research quantifies whether and at what point placing a lead shield between the patient and the image receptor will reduce dose to the patient by measuring the thickness of a patient receiving chest x-ray and using a pocket dosimeter to measure the amount of radiation scattering back from the patient to compare with data from the incident beam.

Paydon Newman and Joseph Rebman, Dixie State University Health Several studies (Shepley, 2012; Sherman-Bien, 2011; Walch, 2010) have found that sunlight has a stress-reducing effect on those who are exposed to it. An innovative new design of artificial lighting known as RaLight is proposed to reflect light with a color rendering index nearly identical to natural sunlight. This study will examine the relationship between exposure to RaLight (as a substitute for sunlight) and levels of stress. RaLight is predicted to decrease levels of stress in test subjects. In a commercial call center setting, test subjects will consist of an estimated 50 employees both male and female with ages ranging from 18 to 30 years. This research is designed as a single subject experiment (ABA). The initial control condition will be the common indoor environment which exposes patients to standard fluorescent lighting. Replacing light fixtures with RaLight will then establish both the second phase of the experiment and the independent variable. A follow up re-installment of the initial fluorescent lighting will be conducted post-RaLight phase. Throughout each phase, questionnaires regarding the overall well-being of employees will be completed.

Jamie Slade, Utah Valley University Health Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are gaining in popularity. Unfortunately, this increase is occurring at a time when we lack a definitive understanding of the health hazards. It is important for professionals to understand e-cigarette users’ experiences and satisfaction with the devices in order to determine what may entice users to begin and continue using these devices.

Sam Katz, University of Utah Fine Arts “Tom Stockham: The Father of Digital Audio Recording” is a 30-minute documentary film about former University of Utah professor Thomas Greenway Stockham, Jr., who developed the first commercially viable method of recording sound digitally with extremely high fidelity and made it possible to edit sound and music using a hard drive. Despite the limitations of 60s and 70s computing technology, as well as a number of audio professionals who opposed to the shift to digital audio, Stockham believed in his ideas, persevered, and changed the way we listen to music forever. To this day, these innovations have dramatically altered the shape of the audio recording industry in music, television, and film. Despite Dr. Stockham’s many achievements, his story remains relatively unknown outside of the audio engineering world, even here at the University of Utah and in Salt Lake City, where much of his pioneering work was done. This film brings well-deserved attention to Dr. Stockham’s story. Sadly, Dr. Stockham passed away from early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2004, therefore I portray him by interviewing those who knew him best: his wife, his four children, and his colleagues. I situate Stockham’s life and work in a larger historical context by interviewing historians, musicians, and audio industry professionals, and by mining archival footage, family photos, voice memos, and magazines for relevant material. I travel from Seattle, to Boston, to Lake Powell, to Moab, to Salt Lake City. In homage to Stockham, I use the sound and music of the film, rather than images, as the locus from which meaning and emotional power are derived. The finished film serves as an important educational and historical resource and helps to preserve an important piece of the history of the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, and the State of Utah in general.

Kelly O’Neill, University of Utah Fine Arts After studying the formal qualities of photographic production and the canonic narratives of art history for over three years at the U, I am still left with a pressing question: how can this medium of artistic self-expression also be considered evidence admissible in the court of law powerful enough to elicit felony convictions? How can these mechanical images which I have been trained to see as subjective representations of artistic sentiment in their contrast, tonality, and composition simultaneously be objective records of fact in judicial and scientific discourses? If the medium of photography does exist how is this single operation able to function in such heterogeneous and contradictory discourses? Through my works and research I investigate these and other questions concerning the photographic medium’s ambiguous nature as a simultaneously aesthetic and empirical object. By combining a vast assortment of photographic forms from contemporary GIFs to historical processes such as the Cyanotype, my work reveals the multiplicity of the photographic form and its dubious ability to function within seemingly contradictory systems of knowledge production. Interrogating the processes by which photography has been used and abused, my project does not propose to reveal the truth of photography, but rather underlines the importance of seeing photography in a new and radicalized fashion. The images that I create contemplate the liminal spaces of photography in which its factual, emotional, institutional, and narrative truths commingle; fragmenting not only the solidity of the photograph but also the cultural and institutional systems it predominates. More than just a series of art works, my research seeks to bring a broader discourse on photographic meaning into a serious academic engagement which does not treat it as a simple device for conveying meaning but as a specific and complex subject in its own right.

Steven Saline, Dixie State University Fine Arts Electronic Dance Music or EDM has grown from its underground club origins in the late 70’s to early 80’s to become a widespread phenomenon in pop music. Through out those years, EDM has been categorized in previous terms such as Techno, and Electronica. Today EDM can be heard in music festivals through out the world and is now widely experienced in the US. Much of the genres within EDM such as Dubstep, Hardcore,Trance, etc… were created and have evolved outside the US, however; House and Techno originates here in the US. In this presentation I will discuss the history of some of the popular genres in EDM, present how each of the genres started whether they were created on their own or their evolution from previous electronic music, the history of its origins, how the music evolved in Europe, and its move to the US as we hear the music today. I will present how wide-spread EDM has become and how diverse the various forms are within the genre. I propose that if EDM continues in the direction that it is moving now, EDM will continue to grow among all other forms of music in the world for years to come.

Brad Draper, Hannah Firth, and Patricia Stauffer, Weber State University Physical Sciences It is widely known that cacao beans are one of the most abundant sources of naturally-occurring flavonoids on earth. However, chocolate products contain only a small percentage of the original flavonoids present in cacao beans, indicating that up to 95% of these flavonoids are lost during the manufacturing of chocolate. However, no one has identified the specific events or steps in chocolate preparation that destroys these flavonoids. We have measured the concentrations of a variety of nutritionally beneficial flavonoids at each step of the chocolate manufacturing process to identify the related extent of flavonoid losses. Following multiple-step extractions and sample preparations, we utilized chemical techniques of TLC, UV/VIS Spectroscopy, HPLC, and organoleptic testing to measure the levels of catechins and proanthocyanidins at each step of the chocolate making process.

Valerie Jacobson, Weber State University Physical Sciences This study will compare and contrast the differences between nuclear accidents in Chernobyl and Fukushima. The environmental impacts of the “fall-out” across the two differing landscapes and the displacement of the populations due to radiation contamination, e.g., soil contamination, will be analyzed. Research on health issues, such as the increased numbers of thyroid cancer cases in Ukraine and Belarus in those who were children at the time of the disaster in 1986, will also be reviewed and compared to current health issues in Fukushima. Certain weather patterns distributed the radioactive materials over specific geographic areas that later came to be known as “hot-spots.” The study will evaluate the evacuations handled by the respective governments and the “exclusion zone” measures put in place by each. While the nuclear disasters at Chernobyl and Fukushima have been compared as similar in disaster level, research and data collection of the fallout zones, or hot spots, reveal that the two disasters are not of an equal level. Factors such as air temperature, political and social responses all contributed to the disparity in levels of the two disasters.

Melissa Warren, Weber State University Physical Sciences Spot tests are commonly utilized as presumptive qualitative tests for detecting chemical substances. Such tests are the basis for detection of illegal drugs or for cleaning validations in manufacturing systems. In this study we evaluate the use of Scott’s reagent and Mandelin reagent for the detection of trace quantities of diphenhydramine (Benadryl). These reagents have been reported to give false positive tests for illegal drugs such as ketamine (cocaine) when diphenhydramine is present. Our studies were focused on enhancing the detection limits of these reagents and their application of swab tests for diphenhydramine. We report the limits of detection and swab techniques that enhance selectivity and sensitivity for this analyte.

Monika Miller, Weber State University Physical Sciences Nutritionally important minerals are more readily absorbed by living systems when they are combined with organic acids. These combined metal-organic acid complexes are called chelate metals or chelates. The synthetic processes utilized to prepare these mineral chelates adds significant cost to the final product. Occasionally, manufactures sell cheaper dry blends of unreacted minerals and organic acids to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the market place. There are few if any reliable methods for reliable measurement of the extent of chelation between metals and organic acids. We report our successful application of Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for the quantitative determination of chelation in solid samples of mineral chelates.

Sergio Arellano, Snow College Mathematical Sciences Why is music so pleasant to? In Western music, we have used what is called the “tempered scale” for centuries, and even though it has gone through changes, it is still largely based around the mathematical principles that Pythagoras created two thousand years ago. Is it possible that the explanation to this phenomenon has to do with the mathematical basis of music, which is unconsciously perceived by the brain? The human brain is known for detecting the underlying mathematical patterns present in many non-music related disciplines, such as visual arts. Independent of the music world, there is a proportion called the Golden Ratio or Phi. It is found in art and geometry, because human eyes tend to find that this proportion produces beauty. This is not a coincidence; this proportion is found everywhere around us, especially in nature. With this in mind, it makes sense to search for the Golden Ratio in the tempered scale to explain the mind’s intuitive appreciation of music. This research discovered the surprising fact that there is a Phi relationship between the first and third degree of the major scale, in terms of the frequency of sounds. The relationship is this: the sum of the frequencies of the notes of the minor III chord divided by the sum of the frequencies of the major I chord in any given major key, tends to be Phi. Another very surprising result was the importance of the number 24 in the frequencies of the major scale. These two particularities help to shed light on why human ears have an untaught comprehension of music; the underlying perception of mathematical relationships by the mind are related to the natural appreciation of it.

Amy Gifford and Brennon Bauer, Southern Utah University Mathematical Sciences Mutualism is the way two organisms of different species exist in a relationship in which each individual benefits from the activity of the other. We study a mathematical model of mutualism. The stability of the steady state solutions of this system will be analyzed. Also, we give some numerical experiments that verify the theoretical results for those steady solutions.

Christopher Vander Wilt and Daniel Gulbrandsen Utah Valley University Let nP denote the polytope obtained by expanding the convex integral polytope P⊂R^d by a factor of n in each dimension. Ehrhart [1] proved that the number of lattice (integer) points contained in nP is a rational polynomial of degree d in n. What happens if the polytope is expanded by not necessarily the same factor in each dimension? In this talk a partial answer to this question will be provided, using powers of n as different factors to expand the polytope. It will be shown that the number of lattice points contained in the polytope formed by expanding P by multiplying each vertex coordinate by such a factor is a quasi-polynomial in n. Quasi-polynomials are a generalization of polynomials, where the coefficients of the quasi-polynomials are periodic functions with integral period. Furthermore, particular cases where the number of such lattice points is a polynomial will be presented. In addition, the period of these quasi-polynomials as well as the Law of Reciprocity will be addressed. At the end, future work will be discussed. [1] E. Ehrhart, “Sur les Poly`edres Rationnels Homoth ´etiques `a n Dimensions,” C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris 254 (1962)

Jason Adams, Nathan Jewkes and Tyrell Vance, Southern Utah University Mathematical Sciences We will study the divisibility of p^(n)-1 where p is a prime number larger than 5 and n is a positive integer. We will generalize the result by considering the case where n is odd and two cases where n is even. We show that when n=2^(k), k an integer greater than 1, 2^(k+2)∙3∙5 is a factor of p^(n)-1. We also show that when n=2^(m)∙l for m a positive integer greater than 1 and l an odd positive integer greater than 1, 2^(m+2)∙3∙5 is a factor of p^(n)-1.

Michael Packer, Utah Valley University Life Sciences Dipsosaurus dorsalis is a desert dwelling iguana species geographically distributed throughout the south-western United States, northern Mexico, and the Baja Peninsula. Throughout the Baja Peninsula, multiple species of herpetofauna exhibit a distinct north-south division, both morphologically and genetically, with no presence of any physical barriers. The goal of this study was to examine how the genetic structure of D. dorsalis has been influenced by past geological events, and whether this species exhibits a similar north-south division on the Baja peninsula. Additionally, this study aimed to see if the current taxonomy of Dipsosaurus is reflective of the evolutionary relationships across its entire geographic range. 100 tissue samples of D. dorsalis were collected across the species geographic range. DNA extraction from collected tissue samples and sequencing of nuclear loci MLH3 (~900bp), NT3 (489bp), as well as mitochondrial loci ND4 (~900bp) were performed to examine the distribution of genetic variation in D. dorsalis. The collected data was then used to construct phylogenetic trees for each locus, comparing individuals of Dipsosaurus to the geologic history of its geographic distribution. Although shallow, a maximum likelihood tree of the ND4 mitochondrial gene shows the phylogeographic separation of three distinct clades. The results do not support the designation of Dipsosaurus catalinensis as currently defined.

Robert Erickson, Utah Valley University Life Sciences Although the insect fauna of the Colorado Plateau region are somewhat well known, our specific understanding of the arthropod biodiversity in Capitol Reef National Park has been sparse. Objective: From the multiple insect surveys conducted in Capitol Reef National Park we intend to catalog the arthropod biodiversity into a species list. Methods: In addition to the previous collecting trips, we carried out collection efforts this past summer (2014). We used the Utah Valley University Capitol Reef Field Station as our home base. General insect collecting efforts were conducted around the field station and the nearby Pleasant Creek, near the public campgrounds, along trails, and in several other locations in the southern portion of the park. Additionally, we performed night collecting with a mercury vapor lamp trap on the nights we were in the park and utilized stationary malaise and aquatic larvae traps. The collected specimens were curated using methods of pinning, spreading, labeling, identifying, photographing, and organizing the insects. Results: The collections contributed to an increased understanding of the parks insect diversity and resulted in a curated natural history museum collection. A species list will be made available for the records of Capitol Reef National Park. More than 3000 specimens have been collected within the park. Furthermore, a booklet of the common insects for the park is in the process of being created in order to serve as an educational tool for visitors to the park and field station.

Jenny Pattison, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Sensory protein kinases are essential in the phosphorylation of many protein substrates, allowing them to control several metabolic functions and maintain cellular homeostasis. PAS kinase is a sensory protein kinase that is highly conserved and plays a crucial role in glucose homeostasis, however little is known about the molecular mechanisms behind its function. UGP1 is the only well-characterized substrate of PAS kinase, and its phosphorylation diverts glucose away from storage and towards cell wall biosynthesis. We have recently discovered another key substrate of PAS kinase that affects glucose metabolism in the cell, Centromere binding factor 1 (Cbf1). Cbf1 regulates genes involved in respiration, and we have shown that the phosphorylation of Cbf1 by PAS kinase inhibits Cbf1, decreasing respiration in yeast cells. We hypothesize that this is due to a decrease in mitochondrial mass in cbf1 deficient yeast. Further characterizing the effects of PAS kinase on Cbf1 will give further insight into how cells regulate their central metabolic functions, including respiration.

Chase Barker, Utah Valley University Life Sciences Central Research Question:

Stephan Maman and Holden Wagstaff, Southern Utah University Life Sciences Most plant species produce chemical compounds called secondary metabolites that enhance fitness in a variety of ways. Many of these compounds are also physiologically active in vertebrates and have widespread medicinal uses. The most ubiquitous secondary metabolites are the terpenoids, many of which cause vasodilation of the aorta and mesenteric arteries. In this study, we examined the vasoactive effects of the essential oil of Umbellularia californica, which contains the terpenoid umbellulone. Oil obtained via steam distillation using aerial portions of U. californica was applied directly to cutaneous arterioles of frogs. Arteriole diameter was monitored both before and after oil application by video microscopy. Within seconds of application, the oil caused significant vasoconstriction that persisted until the oil was washed off. Our control, medical grade sesame oil, caused no observable effects when applied using the same protocols. These results are opposite to the vasodilatory effects of terpenoids on aortic rings and mesenteric arteries. This suggests that the vasoactive effects of umbellulone are different from other terpenoids, that the vasoactive effects of terpenoids differ depending on blood vessel type, or that application of the complete essential oil affects vasculature differently than application of the isolated terpenoid.

Kylynn Parker, University of Utah Life Sciences Red Butte Canyon (RBC) is a Research Natural Area administered by the US Forest Service in Salt Lake City, Utah. RBC is an undisturbed area and a haven for all types of birds. Most of the avian species found in this area are migratory, and either pass through or breed in the area. The overall aim of this project is to determine if there have been any notable changes in populations of species in the area over the past 22 years. The research question that is covered in this summary are the following: has the density and relative abundance of the top five most commonly detected avian species in Red Butte Canyon notably changed through time in Transect 1? Data was collected by Mark Leppert, PhD and Sherwood Casjens, PhD of the University of Utah. They recorded the number and species of birds that were both seen and heard in 10 different transects within RBC over the past 22 years (1991-2013) and 457 survey days. In 2013 and 2014, I compiled and entered all of the data into a database with the guidance of the researchers. For analysis, I focused on the five most commonly detected species in Transect 1. These species are Black-Capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapilla), Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus), Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia), American Robin (Turdus migratorius), and Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena). Detection trends were found by graphing the number of individual birds seen or heard in Transect 1 over the days since surveys began in 1991 and statistical evidence was found showing significant changes in species population size of these five most commonly detected species, especially in the case of the American Robin which exhibits a decline in detections in recent years.

Daniel Barnett, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Approximately one-third of US adults have metabolic disease, increasing their risk for diabetes, cancers and neurodegenerative disease (www.ADA.org). At the heart of these diseases are imbalances in the cellular redox state. The cofactor NAD(P), commonly known as niacin, is required for over 300 essential reactions in the cell and is largely responsible for the cellular redox state. NAD kinase regulates the NAD to NADP ratio, an important ratio for controlling cellular redox state and central metabolism. Herein we provide evidence that PAS kinase, a nutrient sensing kinase required for glucose homeostasis, phosphorylates NAD kinase. We are currently investigating the effect of this phosphorylation on the function of NAD kinase both in vitro and in vivo by measuring NAD kinase activity and associated phenotypes. This research will increase our understanding of how cells regulate central metabolism. In addition, because PAS kinase is a nonessential protein, it may prove to be an invaluable treatment target for regulating NAD(P) levels and controlling cellular redox state. This may lead to therapeutic targets for cancer and metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

Amanda Hobson, Carrie Draney, Andrew Stratford, Thomas Becker, Danhong Lu, Michelle Arlotto,

Brent Knoblauch and Marty Larsen, Dixie State University Life Sciences Chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) is one of the major hypothesized theories behind global amphibian decline. Canyon Tree frogs (Hyla arenicolor) found in Zion National Park have been found to contain infected individuals, however population sizes have grown despite infection with the usually deadly fungus. The present study sought to demonstrate a correlation between skin temperatures and fungal proliferation, and investigated what enabled Hyla arenicolor to survive and reproduce with chytrid present. Ten frogs were sampled with sterile swabs from each of seven different study areas found in Zion National Park. Along with each swab a temperature was taken via infrared thermometer and recorded. DNA was also extracted from the swabs, and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis- specific primers were used in a touchdown PCR protocol to determine infection rates. Swabs from specimens with higher temperatures were expected to display lower instances of infection. This would establish for the first time a clear demonstration that high skin temperatures were destroying the fungus in infected individuals in the wild.

Bryce Anderson, Kemais Ehlers, Deborah Johnson, and Stephen Persaud, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Antigen presenting cells digest and display foreign proteins from infected cells on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) that is recognized by T cells via their T cell receptor (TCR). LLO56 and LLO118 are CD4+ helper T cells with TCRs specific for the same Listeria monocytogenes epitope. Despite differing by only 15 amino acids, these TCRs have dramatically different primary and secondary responses to infection. TCRs have very low affinity for peptide MHC. We determined to generate high affinity T cell receptors to test if T cell activation would be improved. We reasoned that the single chain LLO118 and LLO56 TCRs (Vβ2-linker-Vα2) could be subjected to directed evolution to generate mutants that are more stable and then used as a template for engineering high affinity T cell receptors. Single chain LLO118 and LLO56 were fused to the yeast surface protein Aga-2 and error prone PCR was used to generate mutagenic libraries. Stabilized single chain TCRs (scTCRs) were selected for using biotinylated Vβ2 and Vα2 antibodies and anti-biotin beads. First generation clones with increased stability compared to wild type were isolated for both LLO118 and LLO56. A second mutagenic library using the first generation mutants as templates was produced and the most stable clones were selected after temperature denaturation, permitting isolation of clones with increased stability. We are currently engineering high affinity T cell receptors by generating affinity libraries using site directed mutagenesis of the CDR3 regions. These libraries are sorted for their ability to bind to MHC tetramers and individual clones are tested using flow cytometry. Generation of pathogen specific high affinity TCRs will increase our understanding of how T cells are activated and could also provide infection specific diagnostics and therapeutics.

Benjamin Bitner, Jason Ray, Kyle Kener, and Brent Wright, Brigham Young University Life Sciences β-cell mass is lost in both major forms of diabetes. Mature β-cell have restricted proliferative capacity. Studies aimed at increasing β-cell mass frequently have the unwanted side effects of decreased glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) or increased apoptotic rates. Without functional β-cells, the body is unable to reduce elevated blood glucose, which results in hyperglycemia induced maladies. Enhanaced GSIS could be used as a treatment for diabetes. Overexpression of the β-cell transcription factor Nkx6.1 induces β-cell proliferation, enhances GSIS and protects against apoptosis. Nkx6.1 induces expression of VGF, which is necessary for enhanced GSIS. Microarray analysis of Nkx6.1 expressing primary rat islets demonstrates upregulation of c-Fos at 24 and 48 hours after adenoviral transduction. We have shown that c-Fos upregulates expression of VGF. Finally, preliminary data suggest that c-Fos modulates GSIS as demonstrated in INS-1 β-cell line, stable INS-1 knockdown cells transduced with lenti-sh-c-Fos and in primary islets. We present a model by which c-Fos is necessary for Nkx6.1 mediated enhanced GSIS by inducing expression of VGF.

Stephanie Bartlett, Utah Valley University Life Sciences Our project investigates the phylogenetic relationships of the superfamily Ephemeroidea + Behningiidae. Found in waters worldwide, burrowing families are unique in that they have mandibular tusks that allow them to tunnel in the silt or gravel of riverbeds. Surprisingly, even without the mandibular tusks necessary for tunnel construction, the Behningiidae family is still found within these burrows as nymphs. Because the Behningiidae don’t have tusks, morphological research has lead to a phylogenetic classification of this family that our genomic investigation ultimately disputes. To begin this investigation, mayfly specimens were collected worldwide and prepared for DNA extraction. For each specimen genes were amplified via polymerase chain reaction and visualized on an agarose gel, before being sequenced and analyzed. The specific genes targeted for this analysis include; 12s mitochondrial rDNA, 16s mitochondrial rDNA, 18s nuclear rDNA, 28s nuclear rDNA, H3 nuclear protein coding, and CO1 mitochondrial protein coding. Datasets were supplemented with sequences acquired from Genbank. The ingroup consisted of approximately 30 samples. Phylogenetic relationships were estimated using Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood, and Baysian methods. We constructed phylogenetic relationships of burrowing mayflies using molecular DNA data analysis, when compared to morphological analysis we identified some important classification differences. As a result of our findings, we propose an alternative explanation for the evolution of mandibular tusks in burrowing mayflies (Ephemeroptera). The data support that burrowing mayflies first evolved tusks. Within the family Behningiidae, tusks were lost, while the burrowing lifestyle (i.e., living in a burrow to filter feed) was retained. This study represents the largest analysis to date for these insects and strongly supports the evolutionary trend of a gain and a loss of mandibular tusks during their evolution.

Jacob Welch, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Learning and memory occur due to adaptive brain changes in response to our environment. These changes are mediated by synaptic plasticity, particularly within the hippocampus. Plasticity can either strengthen or weaken synapses, known as long-term potentiation (LTP) or long-term depression (LTD) respectively. While many forms of plasticity are NMDA-dependent, recently endocannabinoids were identified to mediate several new forms of hippocampal synaptic plasticity through the CB1 and TRPV1 receptors. However, research has demonstrated a non-CB1/TRPV1-dependent endocannabinoid synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Several potential candidate receptors that bind the endocannabinoid anandamide have been identified. These are among the orphan G-protein coupled receptors (GPRs) whose distribution in the brain and/or function is less well known. GPR55 is of particular interest as it activates second messenger systems. Using quantitative RT-PCR, electrophysiological and memory behavioral tasks we examined hippocampal GPR55 expression and function. GPR55 is expressed in hippocampus of both rats and mice. Cellular expression is currently being examined and appears to be rare in interneurons and more likely expressed by pyramidal cells. Interestingly, application of the GPR55 agonist LPI (2 μM) to wild-type mice demonstrates a significant enhancement of LTP in brain slices. This LPI effect was not noted in GPR55 knock-out (KO) mice, which exhibit significantly (p < 0.05) smaller LTP (146%) than wildtype (WT) (181%). GPR55 also appears to increase release probability (Sylantyev et al., PNAS, 2013), denoting a presynaptic role. Paired-pulse ratios are now being analyzed between GPR55 KO and WT mice to confirm this finding; however we did not note a change in EPSCs in CA1 in response to 2μM LPI. These data suggest GPR55 is expressed and physiologically relevant in the hippocampus. Because enhanced LTP is usually associated with better memory performance in rodents, this provides a potential target to enhance the cellular mechanism associated with memory formation.

Bryce Taylor and Ian Kesler, Southern Utah University Life Sciences Green infrastructure is the use of natural processes to manage stormwater runoff and has many positive effects on evaporative cooling, building energy demand, and wildlife habitat. Very little green infrastructure research has been conducted in arid environments such as Southern Utah. The scope of this research project is to establish a complete water budget of the green roof using a lysimeter (an acrylic box resting on a high-resolution weighing scale). The water budget will help in determining whether the cost of irrigating the green roof is off- set by the potential benefits to biodiversity and decreased energy demands.We have constructed a working lysimeter and will collect the required data by using: a high resolution scale, a tipping bucket to measure drainage, two soil moisture and temperature sensors and weather data from the campus weather station. A collection of mixed Sedum species vegetation will be planted in the lysimeter using a special green roof media to accurately simulate a greenroof environment. Both pitfall (used to capture grounded insects) and combination traps (used to capture airborne insects) will be used to measure the biodiversity. Data collection will begin during the winter of 2014 and continue indefinitely.

Danny Ferguson, Utah Valley University Life Sciences This research examined the acceptance of evolution for introductory Biology students and the reasons why they don’t accept evolution, accept evolution, and why they change their minds over the semester. Previous studies examined student’s observations and knowledge of the evolutionary theory and found that the degree of conflict students perceived between religion and science was negatively correlated with their knowledge of evolution. Objective: The objective of this research was to better understand the student’s views of evolution and its integration into their worldly and religious views. Methods: We will conduct interviews with general Biology students in order to better understand the reasons why they don’t accept evolution, accept evolution, and why they change their minds over the semester. The interview questions are designed to investigate, in more detail than the previous surveys, the opinions of evolution and how they change over the course of the semester. The recordings will be transcribed and quantified by binning answers into categories. Given high % of students are LDS, we will ask a few additional questions to this portion of the population. Results: We found that as students knowledge of evolution increased, their conflict with religion decreased. The data demonstrate that there are three main reasons for this trend: 1) Evidence convinces the students to accept evolution; 2) Particularly for LDS students, knowledge of the official position of the Church, enables them to allow evolution to be a correct process in nature; and 3) the instructor as a role model (believer yet accepts evolution) can have a large influence.

Jake Loveless, Utah Valley University Life Sciences Macroinvertebrate assemblage composition was assessed in two perennial streams, Pleasant Creek, and Sulphur Creek in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, during the summer of 2014. Individuals collected were identified to genus. This information was used to compare assemblage composition, nutrient availability, and water quality between the two streams. Five collection trips were made (May 27, June 10,17, July 1,15). Sampling was conducted randomly using mesh kick nets with four samples being collected per site, per trip. Heavy rains caused flash flooding on July 15 prohibiting sampling, so a total of sixteen samples per site were taken. Samples were stored in 90% isopropyl alcohol until they could besorted and identified using a dissecting microscope. Water quality estimates were determined by taking the weighted average of the tolerance values, and the final classification was made using the family-level biotic index. Pleasant Creek showed the highest number of taxa present, fourteen, compared to six in Sulphur Creek. Both streams followed the predictions of the River Continuum Concept consisting of collector-dominated functional feeding groups, with Pleasant Creek showing a higher percentage of predators 35.7% to 16.6%. Tolerance values of collected taxa were used to estimate organic pollution indicating good water quality in Pleasant Creek, and fairly poor water quality in Sulphur Creek. The differences in the macroinvertebrate assemblage composition in this study were likely multi-causal. Stream size is a major factor influencing the structure of macroinvertebrate assemblages; in general, as stream size increases, more taxa are added. Pleasant Creek is a much larger stream with a well-established channel, while Sulphur Creek is shallow with depths never exceeding fifteen centimeters. The shallow channel of Sulphur Creek also made it prone to frequent flooding. Isolated floods have little impact on macroinvertebrate communities due to availability of aerial adults nearby to recolonize rapidly, however, frequent flooding may have long-term effects through extirpation of taxa with high mortality. The difference in water quality was the most surprising finding in this study. The fairly poor water quality of Sulphur Creek may also be a factor in the lack of genera found there. Organic pollution effects primary productivity in streams, and while primary productivity was not measured in this study, visual observations found very little algae or aquatic vegetation at Sulphur Creek.

Anne Thomas and Richard Gill, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Providing water for expanding urban communities in the western United States is a growing concern for city planners and governmental agencies. Landscaping can claim up to 50% of the urban water budget but also has the most potential for water conservation. Landscape water use is highly variable, however, because of species-specific differences in tree water use and because of decision-making by city planners and residents in maintaining trees. The objective of this study is to improve our ability to predict urban forest water use by identifying differences in tree basal area and diversity between neighborhoods that have arisen at different periods of development in Heber Valley, Utah. We classified neighborhoods as established, exurban (rural housing), commercial, or new tract based on age, location, and lot size. We performed a stratified random survey with twenty lots in each category and collected diameter and species data for each tree in the lot. Some of the patterns we observed were easily anticipated, such as higher basal area per hectare in the older, established neighborhoods relative to newer tract housing. Surprisingly, the number of individual trees per hectare in tract and established neighborhoods is very similar. Perhaps of more interest is the low species richness of tract housing compared to exurban communities. Because exurban communities are being replaced by tract housing there is evidence that tree diversity will be lost. Another important aspect of community structure in urban forests is the ratio of conifers to broadleaf trees because of fundamental differences in water use patterns. Conifers comprised twenty-five percent of the basal area in exurban and thirty-five percent in established neighborhoods, as opposed to five percent in tract. Our data suggest that tree diversity is likely to decrease while water demand is likely to increase with changes in urban forests in the coming decade.

Westen Archibald, Trevor Smart, and Emily Forsyth, Brigham Young University Life Sciences The Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area is considered an important biodiversity hotspot for the Western United States. The wash is an ecotone on the Northeastern edge of the Mojave Desert and is directly adjacent to both the Colorado Plateau and the Great Basin. Thus, this area contains various species of flora and fauna from each of the surrounding biomes. Prior research of the Beaver Dam Wash has documented high aboveground biodiversity for a desert ecosystem however no research has been conducted on belowground diversity. For this reason we chose to characterize the diversity and distribution of entomophilic nematodes, as they are commonly used as a biological indicator to the surrounding ecosystems. We hypothesized that because plant and insect biodiversity is high here, we would also find a diversity of entomophilic nematodes that is higher than the surrounding areas. To test this hypothesis we collected soil samples from 15 sample sites representative of the diversity of the different ecological communities. We tested for patterns of codistribution between entomophilic nematodes and environmental variables, such as plant cover, proximity to water, presence of organic matter, elevation, ecosystem classification, and soil chemistry. We extracted nematodes from the soil samples and sequenced the 28s rDNA region of representative individuals from each sample. Nematode diversity was low; one species was broadly distributed, X others were more patchily distributed. No correlation was found between above ground factors or soil chemical properties (ppm phosphorous, percent organic matter, and percent soil moisture). We conclude that the distribution of entomophilic nematodes in this ecological confluence is to some degree stochastic and uncoupled from aboveground diversity or belowground soil conditions.

Katherine Harris, Brady Evans and Thomas Andros, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, have become endemic and the need for better treatments is rising. Mutations in PAS kinase, a recently discovered sensory kinase, have been shown to cause Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) in humans (Semplici et al., 2011). In addition, PAS kinase deficient mice display many phenotypes related to diabetes including resistance to weight gain, insulin insensitivity and triglyceride accumulation in response to a high-fat diet (Hao et al., 2007). Despite its importance in metabolism, little is known about the regulation of PAS kinase. PAS kinase consists of a sensory PAS domain that binds to and inhibits a protein kinase domain (Amezcua et al, 2002). We are currently engaged in several yeast genetic screens which will allow identification of regions in the full length PAS kinase that are essential for activation or for binding its substrates. The first screen is based on the finding that PAS kinase overexpression rescues a temperature-sensitive mutation in Tor2, the tor2(ts). We have isolated both point mutations and truncations in PAS kinase which alleviate the tor2(ts), suggesting they are hyperactive alleles. These mutations identify novel regions involved in PAS kinase regulation. Our second screen uses the yeast 2-hybrid to select for both point mutations and truncations that increase the ability of PAS kinase to bind its substrates. These mutations will help identify key regions of PAS kinase utilized in substrate recognition. Finally, we have identified regions of PAS kinase that are well-conserved throughout evolution and will compare these regions with the regions affected by our mutations. This study will be the first reported mutagenic analysis of PAS kinase. Analysis of these specific genetic regions will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation and function of PAS kinase, a key player in the development of metabolic disease.

Scott Newton, Brigham Young University Life Sciences The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is known to controls the processing of rewarding and addictive behaviors. The VTA contains dopamine (DA) cells, which release DA to downstream targets in response to rewarding stimuli, and GABA cells, which modulate DA cell activity. Therefore, both cell types are involved in associative reward learning. Synaptic plasticity plays an important role in adaptive reward signaling within the VTA. Endocannabinoids mediate or modulate synaptic plasticity at synapses within the reward circuit. However, the source of endocannabinoids within the VTA is not well understood. Therefore, our goal was to describe the distribution of endocannabinoid biosynthetic enzyme mRNA within VTA neurons. We extracted single VTA neurons via whole cell patch clamp and used single-cell real-time quantitative PCR to identify DA and GABA neurons based on mRNA expression of cell-type specific targets. Additionally, electrophysiological properties such as action potential frequency and sag potential amplitude were examined between the two cell types. Concurrent with established observations, slower firing frequencies were observed in DAergic neurons, however overlap was identified between these two cell types. VTA neurons were then probed for endocannabinoid/ biosynthetic enzyme mRNA, such as N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D (NAPE- PLD), diacylglycerol lipase α (DAGLα), and 12-lipoxygenase. We also probed for type I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) mRNA, as endocannabinoid synthesis requires mGluR activation. Our data demonstrate that endocannabinoid biosynthetic enzyme mRNA is expressed in both DAergic and GABAergic cells with concurrent expression of type I mGluRs. Next, to ensure mRNA expression was representative of protein content, slices were stained using immunohistochemistry for GAD67, DAGLα, NAPE-PLD and type I mGluRs. Positive labeling for these targets was observed in VTA neurons, supporting our RT-PCR results. Collectively, these data suggest DAergic and GABAergic cells of the VTA have the capability to produce endocannabinoids and potentially alter synaptic plasticity involved in reward and addiction.

Alex Hyer, University of Utah Life Sciences Geochemical reactions associated with the process known as serpentinization can generate copious quantities of organic carbon and chemical energy that support life, but these reactions also greatly increase the pH of serpentinization sites. High-pH environments hinder ATP production because the low proton concentrations at high pH can result in a reversed proton gradient across cell membranes. Organisms present at serpentinization sites are not well-characterized, and adaptations to their alkaliphilic lifestyle are unknown. Bacillus pseudofirmus OF4 was not isolated from serpentinization sites, but it is a well- studied alkaliphile that has several distinct adaptations for ATP production in high pH environments. Its sequence for ATP synthase, the molecular motor responsible for ATP generation in the cell, contains several distinctive mutations including an AXAXAXA motif that increases the C-ring stoichiometry, a P51XXE54XXP57 motif that creates a distinct kink in the outer helix of the C-subunit, and a V21 mutation granting rotamer freedom to E54. In this study, we search for similar mutations in metagenomic databases containing DNA sequences collected from serpentinization sites. Analysis of alignments from the programs BLAST and Exonerate indicate that V21 is present in several alignments, but P51 is found in only a single alignment from serpentinization sites. The AXAXAXA motif is non- existent in our databases, but the more common GXGXGXG motif is present with alanine replacements occurring periodically. In general, these results indicate that our DNA sequences from high-pH sites of serpentinization are more reminiscent of typical neutrophiles than of the alkaliphile B. pseudofirmus OF4. Therefore, serpentinization- adapted organisms may harbor other adaptations to high pH such as local pmf regulation. Future work will test for quantitative correlations between environmental pH measurements and the incidence of mutations in ATP synthase in order to identify novel adaptations to high pH in serpentinization-driven ecosystems.

Laine Anderson, Utah State University Life Sciences Plague is maintained in complex epizootic and enzootic transmission cycles involving rodents and their fleas. Ground squirrels, prairie dogs, woodrats and their associated fleas have been identified as essential for bacterial maintenance. Oropsylla montana is of major interest due to the fact that it is distributed throughout the western U.S. where most human plague cases occur. Evidence suggests this species is the primary vector of plague to humans. Data on the genetic variation within and among populations of potential vectors of Yersinia pestis, including O. montana, is very limited. O. montana fleas were previously collected from 35 geographically distinct field sites from Colorado and New Mexico on the east, to California and Oregon on the west. Genomic DNA was extracted and mitochondrial and nuclear genetic data was sequenced to estimate phylogenetic relationships. The data collected from these studies will expand our knowledge of natural O. montana populations. We anticipate the genetic data collected from these flea populations will provide information that will assist with understanding human plague risk. Such information will, in turn, provide potentially significant insights into the ecology and epidemiology of plague in this region and is likely to suggest new strategies for monitoring and preventing this disease.