2020 Abstracts

Karin, Kettenring; Robison, Talin; Leonard, Emily (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Kettering, Karin (S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resource, Watershed Sciences Department)

The Great Salt Lake (GSL) and its wetlands are important habitat for migrating birds. The GSL wetlands provide crucial habitat for nesting, food, and areas to recover from migration. Common carp are a threat to GSL wetlands. Carp disturb sediments in the water, blocking some of the sunlight from entering the water, which is utilized by aquatic macrophytes and algae. Carp also may be affecting invertebrate populations, which are critical food resources for migrating birds, but these effects have not been well-documented. My research addressed the question: what are the effects of invasive common carp on invertebrate food sources for diving ducks in the Great Salt Lake wetlands? I answered my research question by addressing the following objectives: (1) to identify the benthic, epiphytic, and water-column dwelling invertebrates in Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area (WMA), and (2) to determine if common carp are having an impact on the overall density, diversity, and abundance of the invertebrate communities fed on by diving ducks. I compared invertebrate communities (diversity and abundance) between carp-excluded boxes and control boxes. I constructed my carp exclosures of wire mesh and t-posts to prohibit carp from entering while still allowing invertebrates and water to freely move in and out of the exclosure. The control boxes were constructed of t-posts and allowed carp to freely enter and exit the box. I used dipnet and substrate core samples to determine what invertebrates are living in the water column and substrates at Farmington Bay wetlands. Although sample processing is on-going, early results indicate that carp reduce water column invertebrate abundance while effects on invertebrate diversity are thus far inconclusive. Given the importance of GSL wetlands and their invertebrate food sources to migrating diving, my research findings underscore the importance of aggressive carp management.

Gottfredson, Sarah; Chaston, John (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Chaston, John (Life Sciences, Plant and Wildlife Sciences)

The microbiome of Drosophila melanogaster can have significant effects on the host, and many of these have been studied. However, the reason why the bacterial species associate with and persist in D. melanogaster has not been studied in depth. Here we define persistence as how long a microbe associates with a host. The early assumption has been that the D. melanogaster gut microbiome is established solely through diet, but recent work suggests that other factors may be at play in the microbiome establishment. This experiment aims to study the correlation between bacterial genotype and persistence in the D. melanogaster microbiome. In this study, a metagenome wide association (MGWAS) was done using 40 different strains of bacteria to find distinct bacterial genes that are significantly correlated with persistence. To do this, each strain was mono-associated with twenty-four individual flies. The flies were reared for fourteen days, transferred onto new food three times a day for two days, homogenized, and plated. Using the significant genes found through the MGWAS, the same experiment protocol will be used to test mutants of these genes for their effect on persistence. These data will provide us with distinct genes that are necessary for effective bacterial persistence.

Evans, Justin; Murray, Cameron; Crowley, Bailey; Welker, Dennis; (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Welker, Dennis (College of Science, Biology Department)

In previous experiments, we explored the abilities of a set of newly derived vectors to transform Lactobacillus casei, specifically, the 32G and the A2-362 strains. We have now expanded our research to study the abilities of these vectors to transform additional Lactobacillus species, Lactobacillus paracasei strain LPC-37 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain HN001. The vectors were transformed into the cells by electroporation, after which the cells were given a 4-hour incubation to allow expression of the erythromycin resistance gene carried on the vectors. The cells were then plated to MRS agar containing erythromycin and incubated for 2-3 days until colonies appeared. The colonies were counted and the transformation efficiencies for each vector tabulated as colony forming units per _g of vector DNA. These studies help us to understand how effective the vectors are at transforming different species of lactic acid bacteria. We can also start to ask why some vectors performed better in some bacterial strains than they did in other strains.

Not yet published (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Chaston, John (Brigham young University, Life Sciences)

Within an organism's gut are many strains of bacteria that are constantly interacting with their host. Microbiota composition has been shown to impact many aspects of host health such as metabolism, fat-storage, starvation resistance, and reproduction. Certain behaviors and outcomes have been correlated with certain microbial taxa present in the host gut.

D. melanogaster serves as a useful tool for studying this relationship because its microbiota contains relatively few bacterial strains and is both widely studied and largely understood. Previous research within our lab involving D. melanogaster has found trends in many life-history strategies (ie. reproduction, fecundity, lifespan) that correlate with the presence of certain gut bacteria. While there are many aspects of health that microbiota composition affects, there are also a variety of factors that impact microbiota composition thus leading to these end results.

This experiment seeks to further understand the role that environment has in determining microbiota composition. By rearing gnotobiotic flies in environments that differ in temperature, we can then analyze microbiota content to see if any fluctuations occur due to environmental temperature. If temperature is found to have an effect on the taxa present in fully developed D. melanogaster, we can then seek to determine whether or not there are evolutions taking place in host genotype that yield differing microbiota phenotypically.

Thornton, Sherie; Cardona,Rebecca (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Culumber, Michele (Weber State University, Microbiology); Oberg, Craig (Weber State University, Microbiology)

Lactobacillus wasatchensis was initially isolated from cheese produced at Utah State University and was found to be a Non-Starter Lactic Acid Bacteria (NSLAB) that causes late-gas production in cheese that can damage packaging and produce defects in the cheese. The goal of this project was to locate an environmental reservoir for Lactobacillus wasatchensis. Five samples of silage that were in different stages of fermentation and content and raw milk samples were obtained at the Utah State University dairy. Samples were serially diluted, plated on de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe agar supplemented with 1% D-Ribose (NRS-R) and incubated anaerobically for 5 days. Colonies that looked like potential Lb. wasatchensis were selected and regrown for isolation. All isolates were gram-positive rods. The isolates were further grown in broth for DNA extraction, sequencing, and analysis with API 50 carbohydrate panel (API 50CH). The API 50CH results were significantly different from Lb. wasatchensis, which only demonstrates use of ribose in this assay. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, however, produced a match to three isolates from two different silage samples that had 99% sequence identity to Lb. wasatchensis. Further analysis of the isolates is being done to confirm this finding and describe the organism isolated from the soil. We hypothesize that these organisms are very closely related to Lb. wasatchensis and that silage could be an environmental source of contamination.

Hendricks, Kyle; Tessem, Jeffery (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Tessem, Jeffery (Brigham Young University; Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science)

Over 30 million Americans suffer from type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D), the seventh leading cause of death in the US. T1D and T2D is caused by a significant decrease in pancreatic β-cell mass, resulting in the body's inability to regulate blood glucose. Specifically, T1D is classified as an autoimmune disease due to pancreatic β-cell death by the body's T cells. Nf-κB is required for T cell mediated β-cell destruction. Nf-κB interacts with ICAM-1 on the T cell and acts in conjunction with IL-1β which acts as a T cell activator. This pathway is part of the mechanism that contributes to T cell mediated cell destruction. Here we hypothesize that IL-1β is involved in the mechanism that contributes to Nf-κB and ICAM-1 binding. We will begin with an electrophoretic mobility shift assay to identify the interactions between the ICAM-1 site on IL-1β treated cells and the Nf-κB binding complex. A better understanding of this pathology can, in the future, lead to a treatment that could regulate T cell mediated death of β-cells.

Almaw, Naredos; Chaudhuri, Dipayan (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Chaudhuri, Dipayan (School of Medicine, Internal Medicine)

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21), a regulator of metabolism that is typically expressed in the liver, has recently been shown to be induced by other tissues in the body as a response to mitochondrial stress. Elevated levels of serum FGF21 was exhibited in children with mitochondrial mutation-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions. Similarly, in dilated cardiomyopathy, a common type of heart failure (HF) mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with mitochondrial DNA damage. This study aims to determine the signaling pathway that leads to the production and effects of FGF21 during mitochondrial dysfunction associated HF. We hypothesize that in left ventricular failure, cardiomyocytes experience oxidative stress, which initiates signaling pathways that leads to the production of FGF21 by other organs.

To test this hypothesis, HF was induced in four mice models via Transverse Aortic Constriction (TAC), and tissue samples were collected. Messenger RNA (mRNA) was extracted, and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was performed to examine the FGF21 gene expression in control and experiment mice models. The qPCR data showed an upregulation of FGF21 in the heart, liver, and pancreas of experiment mice. qPCR results were confirmed through FGF21 protein expression via western blot. Our preliminary results appear to support our hypothesis that during heart failure, the heart sends stress signals to other organs to produce FGF21. Understanding the origin of FGF21 production could help better understand the critical role it plays in preventing disease progression in HF patients.

Edwards, Jeffery; Saito, Erin; Blaylock, Tanner; Brantley, Adam; Winzenried, Eric (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Edwards, Jeffrey (Life Sciences, Physiology and Developmental Biology)

The ketogenic diet initially began as a significant treatment to prevent epilepsy. More recently it has seen a rise in popularity again, with many attributing positive physiological and cognitive benefits. The purpose of this study is to assess the validity of those claims in an animal model in order to examine this at the cellular level as well as identify possible molecular mechanisms for the changes observed. To quantify this, mice will be fed a diet high in fats and low in carbohydrates. A Morris water maze, radial arm maze, and novel object recognition will then be used to assess the diets effect on behavioral memory. Field electrophysiology will then be performed in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for mediating memory, to measure two types of synaptic plasticity: long-term potentiation and long-term depression. It has been previously hypothesized that changes in BDNF concentration are a possible explanation for physiological changes caused by the keto diet. To assess this, ANA-12, a TrkB antagonist, will be used to block the effects caused by BDNF. Preliminary data gathered from bathed brain slices of both male and female animals have shown an enhancement of LTP, the cellular equivalent of learning and memory. These data lead us to our hypothesis that the ketogenic diet will cause significant changes in behavioral memory and CA1 synaptic plasticity through altered BDNF levels.

Lahy, Neve (Westminster College)
Faculty Advisor: Kruback, Matt (Westminster College, Art)

Tree of Trees
Neve Lahy:
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is a group of national forests within our Wasatch Mountains. The forest is a host to many species of trees, both coniferous and flowering. I have chosen seven of each of the most prominent local cone bearing and flowering trees to focus on.
The trees are a crucial part of the ecosystem and participate in many symbiotic relationships. Without the trees the ecosystem wouldn't survive. It is important to acknowledge the vitality of our local forests not only for us, but for all other organisms dependent on the trees.
A phylogenetic tree is a branching diagram showing the evolutionary relationships among various biological species. Phylogeny is based upon similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics. The branches indicate closeness in relation to one another. The species nearest to each other on the phylogeny are the most closely related organisms based on special derived traits.
Learning how to identify the trees that I am so often surrounded by has brought me a deeper appreciation and love for the organisms around me. Now that I can spend time in trees and know exactly what I am looking at has given me a broader understanding of how the trees not only interact with me but the other ecological factors present in the area. I feel more keenly aware of what it takes to protect these trees and enjoy them more respectfully.

Bell, McKenzie; Porter, Tyrel; Naylor, Emily; Domyan, Eric (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Domyan, Eric (Utah Valley University, Biology)

The domestic rock pigeon has been the subject of selective breeding for over a hundred years and so displays an immense variety of phenotypes. This variety provides opportunities to further understand the genetic basis of phenotypic evolution. Pigmentation of pigeon feathers is controlled by multiple alleles at different loci, which influences the type and amount of melanin deposited in the feathers. A specific phenotype, known as "recessive red", consists of distinctly red plumage and is caused by a mutation that greatly reduces the expression of the gene SOX10. This gene encodes a transcription factor, known to play a key role in melanocyte maturation and proliferation. SOX10 likely regulates the transcription of multiple downstream genes but the identities of these genes are largely unknown. To identify downstream targets of SOX10, we compared the transcriptomes of regenerating feathers from wild-type and recessive red birds to identify genes that had different expression levels between the two groups. We identified 46 genes that are expressed at different levels between wild-type and recessive red birds, and thus potential targets of SOX101. Of the 46 genes, Tbx2 was selected as a starter because it is one of the only transcription factors regulated by Sox10 in melanocytes. This mechanism makes it a plausible candidate given the critical role proteins play in phenotypic expression ("TBX2 T-box transcription factor 2—Gene—NCBI," n.d.).

Yang, Haokun; Herring, Jacob; Elison, Weston; Wynn, Adam; Tessem, Jeffery (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Tessem, Jeffery (Brigham Young University; Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science)

Nearly 1 in 10 Americans have type 2 diabetes (T2D), a disease that is characterized by a loss of functional β-cell mass, resulting in decreased insulin secretion and glucose utilization. The pancreatic β-cell is responsible for producing and secreting insulin and monitoring blood glucose levels, and it is crucial to the understanding of T2D. The orphan nuclear receptor Nr4a3 (Nor1) has well-defined roles throughout the body, specifically with fuel utilization in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissues. Here we present data demonstrating that Nr4a3 KO mice have increased body weight, blood glucose levels (fasting and non-fasting), and impaired glucose tolerance when fed a standard diet. Respiration from adipose tissue is significantly impaired in male and female Nr4a3 KO animals. These data demonstrate that Nr4a3 is necessary for whole-body homeostasis. We believe that these data serve as a step toward understanding the pathway of T2D progression and finding a cure.

Garcia, Jessica; Hanks, Hana; Kist, Taylor; Suman, Tanner (Dixie State University)
Faculty Advisor: Meyer, Jennifer (Dixie State University, Physical Sciences)

Antioxidants in the human body regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS). If ROS are increased within the body it can potentially lead to oxidative stress and cell injury. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme found in the pentose phosphate pathway that assists in reducing the amount of ROS in the bloodstream. Increased concentrations of glucose, commonly found in patients that suffer from type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus have been shown to impair G6PD activity, thereby causing damage to erythrocytes (RBCs)2. It has been shown that hyperglycemic conditions decrease the activity of G6PD in RBCs, which is improved by the addition of pterostilbene, a potent antioxidant1. Glutathione, another antioxidant found in the pentose phosphate pathway, is decreased in RBCs within hyperglycemic conditions. The addition of pterostilbene is predicted to increase levels of glutathione under high glucose conditions.

References:

1. Richins, M., & Meyer, J. (2018). Pterostilbene Ameliorates Lipid Peroxidation and Increases Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Activity in Erythrocytes Subjected to High Glucose Conditions. American Heart Association Journals, 138.

2. Zang, Z., Apse, K., Pang, J., & Stanton, R. C. (2000). High glucose inhibits glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase via cAMP in aortic endothelial cells. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 275(51), 40042-40047. Doi: 10.1074/jbc.M007505200

Buehler, Nate; Hoehn, Nick; Stokes, Britt; Tyler, Areiann; Dr. Kopp, Olga (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Kopp, Dr.Olga (Utah Valley University, Biology)

Bacterial infections are difficult to treat with antibiotics because of the protective nature of the biofilms produced by bacteria. Biofilms are a common cause of nosocomial and medical devices-related infections. The current treatments for biofilms include mechanically removing the biofilm itself or by treatments with antibiotics. Biofilms usually become resistant to drugs because of the higher frequency of mutation and horizontal gene transfer compared to planktonic cells. Liposomes are promising delivery systems because of their small size, surface characteristics and ability to encapsulate drugs and other molecules. Liposomal particles can slowly release the encapsulated drugs, increasing their distribution in targeted areas. Studies have shown that the fusion between liposomes and bacterial cells enhances the penetration of antibiotics. The purpose of this study is to form liposomes to encapsulate Gentamicin and characterize the formation and characteristics of these liposomes. Liposomes will be formed using the thin film hydration method and characterized using a scanning electron microscope. This project will present an analysis of the use of different ratios of phospholipids and cholesterol to evaluate the stability and ability to carry Gentamicin.

Berges, Bradford; Wienclaw, Trevor; Ball, Ashley; Richmond, Bradley (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Berges, Bradford (Life Sciences, Microbiology and Molecular Biology)

Staphylococcus Aureus (SA) biofilms are serious impediments to immune defenses and antibiotics, making them a major factor in SA infection. Such infections can be highly lethal even using current treatments, representing a major challenge to the healthcare industry. Previous genetic screenings of SA have revealed several genes that may be associated with biofilm formation. While the roles of many of these genes have been studied, little research has been done on how mutations of these genes impact biofilm composition. As several therapeutic options for treating mature SA biofilms require understanding of biofilm composition, a better understanding of how genes influence that composition is critical to improving current treatments and developing new ones.
In this project, we will study the biofilm phenotypes of SA with mutations in common biofilm-associated genes. By comparing the biofilm mass and composition of the wild-type (wt) Je2 strain to strains containing mutated biofilm-associated genes, we hope to uncover the impact that each mutation has on the composition of the biofilm matrix. We will utilize crystal violet assays as well as extracellular DNA and protein quantifying procedures to determine biofilm composition, after which meaningful comparisons can be made between mutant biofilms and wt biofilms.

Harrison, Jake; Romney, Alexander C. (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Romney, Alexander (Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, Marketing and Strategy Department)

Narcissism in organizations is becoming increasingly prevalent, as evidenced by the growing number of CEOs that seek acclaim and dominance, often at the expense of others (Chatterjee, 2017). Narcissism is defined as "individuals for whom enhancing the positivity of the self (specifically, to achieve status and esteem) is overwhelmingly important" (Campbell, 2004), and most often wields a detrimental influence on organizations. Typically, narcissism within organizational leadership has shown to lead employees to view managers' behavior as self-serving, lowering perceptions of managerial trustworthiness and increasing the likelihood of employee silence (Hamstra, 2019). Additionally, scholars have empirically demonstrated that silence provokes specific emotions, with anger being a particularly common emotional consequence of silence (Kirrane, 2017). The main effect of narcissism seems to lie in a stronger arousal of anger (Laurenz, 2013), which in turn may energize employees to proactively change the situation (Lebel, 2016). Employees often generate awareness of specific dissatisfying aspects of work by means of prohibitive voice (Chamberlin, 2017), which emphasizes harmful, failing, or wrongful work practices or events that currently exist (Liang, 2012).
In this study, I hope to examine how a leader's narcissism could arouse anger in employees and energize them to engage in prohibitive voice. Specifically, I hypothesize that a higher level of anger derived from a narcissistic leader's actions will positively correlate to a higher frequency of employee voice.

Hypotheses:
1. Perceived managerial narcissism will relate positively to employee voice.
2. Perceived anger will mediate the relationship between managerial narcissism and employee voice.
3. Employee status will moderate the relationship between managerial narcissism and employee voice.

This study is aimed to contribute to our understanding of the correlation between leadership and employee voice. I will test these hypotheses by recruiting 200 full-time employees to complete a survey. No identifying information will be collected.

Froberg, Matthew (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Asparouhove, Elena (University of Utah, David Eccles School of Business (Finance))

This research examines two fundamental topics of economics: accuracy of prices and the effect of market participation on individuals. In particular, it asks how security structure affects price and allocational efficiency through the equilibration process.

Security structure is defined as the payoff correlation structure between tradable assets. Economists agree that the markets they are studying are in equilibrium and also that there are equilibration forces that will drive markets towards equilibrium if they are not already there (see, for example, Arrow and Hahn (1971)). There is much less agreement, however, on what these equilibration forces are. Furthermore, it is very difficult to learn about these driving forces through the analysis of historical data because not enough is known about the fundamentals (wealth, human capital, and preferences of individuals) of past markets. This represents a great opportunity for experimental finance, where markets can be created in a laboratory setting allowing researchers to know, control, and change the fundamentals of the markets they create. This research examines what asset structures yield the most efficient allocations as a result of imposed fundamentals. The trading platform is Continuous Double Auction and is implemented in a software called Flexemarkets (flexemarkets.com). The main hypothesis is that markets consisting of securities that correlate negatively will exhibit the highest allocational efficiency. Data collection with human traders will be collected in the months of November and December. Pilot sessions with humans suggest that negatively correlated assets aid price discovery but more data is needed to address allocational efficiency.

The question regarding asset structure and its effect on financial well-being is especially relevant given the increasing popularity of index funds (see Bogle (2016)), which are typically positively correlated. Results of the experiment could yield substantial policy implications concerning what types of security designs lead to optimal allocational outcomes.

Westover, Jonathan; Hardy, Danielle; Arvizu, Annie; Johnson, Jace; Powell, Spencer (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Westover, Jonathan (Woodbury School of Business, Academic Director, Center for Social Impact)

Purpose - The purpose of this presentation and paper is to explore work-life balance predictors of job satisfaction across various generations, using international sample of workers across 37 countries. The four generational cohorts included in the analysis include Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennial.

Design/methodology/approach: This study provides a comparative analysis of work-life balance indicators of overall job satisfaction across generational cohorts, utilizing data from the 2015 Work Orientations IV Wave of the International Social Survey Program (including stratified random samples of employees across 37 different countries).

Findings: Initial analyses indicate statistically significant differences in work-life balance related indicators of employee job satisfaction across generational cohorts. Additional analyses will be performed to clarify these relationships and further explore the causes behind the differences.

Originality/Value: While many studies have been performed on job satisfaction, very few studies have explicitly examined job satisfaction levels and its indicators across generations. Additionally, while many studies have examined the role of work-life balance saliency on job satisfaction across generational cohorts, and no research has previously been done examining these relationships cross-nationally.

Keywords Job satisfaction, Generational Differences, Work-life Balance, Cross-national

Purpose/Hypothesis:

We hope to supply statistical evidence that there are differences in the saliency and impacts of work-life balance variables on job satisfaction across generational cohorts. Specific hypotheses include:

H1: There are statistically significant differences in the mean scores of job satisfaction and work-life balance variables across generational cohorts.

H2: One's age (generational cohort grouping) has a positive statistically significant impact on job satisfaction.

H3: One's age cohort has a statistically significant impact on the determinants of job satisfaction.

H4: There are statistically significant cross-national differences in the impact of generational cohort on job satisfaction.

Calzado Real, Tamara; Blair, Ariel; Tenney, Elizabeth (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Blair, Barbara "Ariel" (David Eccles School of Business, Management)

The purpose of this study is to understand how racial dissimilarity affects people of color's voice behavior in a student or class group. In a group where a person's social category is underrepresented, they become more aware of that social identity and their ability to perform at their full potential reduces because they are more focused on monitoring their performance and suppressing negative thoughts and feelings than improving group performance. However, in situations where people are more identified with the group, they are more likely to feel committed to or express themselves in a group. Additionally, in groups where people of color don't perceive themselves as different from all or most of the other group members, subgroups and division among team members is less likely to occur. In order for people of color to contribute in meaningful and innovative ways, having the confidence to speak up and express new ideas is crucial. We will run a survey where participants recall groups that they have been a part of and rank their voice (participation) in the group, their perceived racial dissimilarity of the group, and the importance of race on their personal identity. Afterwards, they will placed in an online student group chat with high or low dissimilarity and will be asked to reflect on their experiences. In line with previous research we expect that the importance of race on their personal identity will be positively related to perceived racial dissimilarity and therefore, we expect peoples' voice behaviors to decrease when they are in a group where racial dissimilarity is high.