Life Sciences

Kari Norman, Utah State University Life Sciences The identification of important areas for biodiversity is essential for affective allocation of limited conservation resources. Since Myers’ seminal biodiversity hotspot paper in 2000, great strides have been made in more accurate global mapping. While global mapping identifies important patterns in large-scale biodiversity, conservation management rarely if ever occurs on the same scale. Finer scale mapping is therefore essential to make research applicable for on the ground decision-making. This project focuses on North America, a continent that holds no priority areas when included in a global analysis. Using citizen scientist data of multiple vertebrate and plant taxa, we created maps of species richness and significantly rare species. In addition, we created similar maps based on range map data and compared to determine if the two data types produced different biodiversity priority areas. The results of this study provide informative maps about the locations of species, their vulnerability, and how human action may impact them, as well as underline the importance of understanding the data behind their construction.

Tyler White, Kyle Jensen, Jacob Hatch, Trevor Wienclaw, Brian Hair, and Aaron Trent, Brigham Young University Life Sciences The bacterium Staphylococcus Aureus (SA) is a common commensal organism of the human nose and skin that can lead to diseases such as pneumonia, endocarditis, and meningitis. These SA infections are usually remedied via antibiotic treatment with methicillin. However, over the course of frequent exposure to various antibiotics, the bacteria have evolved resistance to methicillin to create resistant strains (MRSA) that is completely resistant to this drug and many others (leaving vancomycin as the last viable option). As a result, the need for an antibiotic alternative treatment for this infection is becoming increasingly crucial especially in hospitals where nosocomial transmission of the bacteria is prevalent. Phage are bacterial-specific viruses that have shown promise as anti- bacterial agents for human bacterial pathogens. Thus far, we have isolated 18 different samples of phage that lyse MRSA and 51 strains of S. Aureus (over 20 of which are MRSA). We are currently testing all phage samples against these bacterial strains to determine which phage possess a broad tropism to kill many SA/MRSA isolates. We are also conducting experiments to determine the relative lytic ability of each phage. Lytic phage with broad tropism and/or strong lytic ability will have their genomes sequenced in order to verify their respective novelty. Novel phage will be aggregated to form a highly virulent cocktail that can be used to treat a broad spectrum of SA and MRSA infections.

Kyle Kener, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Diabetes is characterized by the inability to maintain a normal blood glucose level caused by decreased insulin due to β-cell loss, or decreased insulin sensitivity in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. While β-cell death is a hallmark of T1D, β-cells are also destroyed as T2D progresses. Death of β-cells is eventually a hallmark of both forms of diabetes. This results in decreased functional β-cell mass, which is defined by the ability to secrete insulin while maintaining β-cell number through proliferation or decreased apoptosis. To resolve the decreased β-cell level, much research is being done regarding β-cell proliferation to increase pancreatic β-cell mass. However, another important step in this process is protecting β-cells from apoptotic mediated β-cell death. The β-cell transcription factor Nkx6.1 is sufficient to induce β-cell proliferation and increase protection against apoptotic insults. The Nkx6.1 target gene VGF is critical for protection against apoptosis. Our data demonstrates that Nkx6.1 upregulates expression of c-Fos. Furthermore, we show that c- Fos is sufficient to induce expression of VGF. In addition, our data demonstrates that expression of c-Fos is sufficient to protect β-cells from apoptotic insults. Our data demonstrates that c-Fos is the link between the Nkx6.1 and VGF, and that it’s expression is sufficient to protect rat pancreatic β-cells from apoptosis.

Brent Wright, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death among Americans and is a major health concern worldwide. Nearly one in four Americans aged 65 or older are diabetic. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes both result in reduced functional β-cell mass, which regulates the storage and secretion of insulin. Increased functional β-cell mass could essentially cure diabetes. We have shown that Nkx6.1 overexpression induces proliferation of 2-month-old primary rat β-cells but fails to induce replication of 8-month-old primary β-cells, as measured by 3H- thymidine incorporation is age-dependent. Cell cycle activator and inhibitor mRNA levels were measured in young and aged untreated islets and islets transduced with AdCMV-BGal or AdCMV-Nkx6.1. This data demonstrated a significant increase in mRNA expression of cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p57 of the CIP/KIP family in young islets transduced with Nkx6.1. However, p21 and p57 mRNA showed no significant increase in aged islets. Cdk2 and cyclin E1 mRNA expression showed a similar trend for young and aged islets. The increased expression of Cdk2, a necessary factor for transition from G1 to S phase, could provide possible explanation for increased proliferation in young islets. Fluctuating mRNA levels of key cell cycle components in aged islets, provides a possible explanation for the decreased effectiveness of Nkx6.1 in inducing proliferation in aged islets.

Madalynne Fedoruk and Darian Carey, Dixie State University Life Sciences For at least three decades, infection with chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) has been a major cause of population decline in amphibians worldwide. This pathogen has been found in canyon tree frogs (Hyla arenicolor) in Zion National Park; previous studies suggested that population sizes decreased in frogs infected with the fungus; but our studies indicated that these frogs were resistant. We hypothesized that chytrid infection in the Zion Canyon tree frogs were not lethal, but other environmental factors caused populations to fluctuate. Canyon tree frogs were captured and swabbed in each of nine canyons in and around Zion National Park during the summer of 2014, and total frog populations were counted in each study canyon. The swabs were analyzed for the presence of chytrid DNA, and infection rates and population sizes were compared with data from 2011-2013. We found that the presence or absence of chytrid had no influence on population size in a particular canyon; population sizes were more dependent on precipitation. The Zion canyon tree frogs resist this normally lethal disease; how they evade it will be the goal of future studies.

Joshua Peterson, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Cancer kills millions of people every year. Cancer occurs when cells proliferate at an excessive rate and do not die as regularly functioning cells do. In cancer cells, the mechanism that initiates apoptosis (cell death) is inhibited. These cells eventually multiply to the point where they interfere with physiological function and cause death. Therefore, one of the aims of cancer research is to find treatments that initiate apoptosis in cancer cells. Many current chemotherapeutic (anti- cancer) treatments are toxic to all mitotic cells, rather than to cancer cells alone. Studies have shown that resveratrol, which is found in grapes, peanuts, and berries, facilitates apoptosis in cancer cells without causing apoptosis in regular cells. The apoptotic activity of resveratrol in tumor cells is dependent on a large, sustained increase in cytoplasmic calcium ion concentration. In properly functioning cells, plasma membrane Ca2+- ATPase (PMCA) pumps excess calcium from the cytosol to the extracellular space. PMCA prevents toxically high levels of calcium and maintains cytoplasmic calcium homeostasis. Using live cell microscopy to monitor intracellular calcium ion concentration, we explore the direct and indirect effects of resveratrol on PMCA activity in MDA-MB-231 (a breast cancer cell line).

Morgan Christiansen, Taylor Hoybjerg, and Ryan Cook, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Asthma is a chronic allergic disorder manifest by airway restriction due to inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and increased respiratory mucous secretion. As many as 300 million people worldwide are affected by asthma. It is becoming increasingly prevalent, especially in countries experiencing urbanization and Westernization. Asthma is currently the most common chronic illness among children in the U.S. and the third leading cause of hospitalization for children aged 0 – 15 yrs. Reservoir dust collection and area air sampling are the two primary methods of measuring allergen levels in house dust. Allergen sensitization leading to asthma is thought to occur prior to age six while the immune system is still naïve. In the case of the dust mite allergen Der p1, the exposure window may be as early as age two. However, little evidence is available to establish a dose–response relationship between inhalation exposure and early immunological sensitization to allergens. Temperature and relative humidity play a major role in dust mite survival and proliferation—indoor humidity above 50-60% in arid environments has been shown to support dust mite populations. Evaporative “swamp” coolers add moisture to cool the air and this increased humidity can create favorable environments for dust mite survival. The purpose of this research is to quantify the levels of dust mite antigen in homes with air conditioners and homes with swamp coolers in Utah Valley to determine the role humidity plays in the abundance of dust mite antigens. We are testing the hypothesis that homes with swamp coolers exhibit higher levels of antigen due to heightened humidity levels.

Breanna Torgersen, Hailey Seaver, Abigail Gunn, Siena Davis, and Jim Johnston, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Exposure to radon gas (222Rn) is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Because 222Rn is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, it must be tested for to recognize its existence in a home. Studies show that many homeowners know little about radon, and do not test their homes as recommended. This study was undertaken to measure Utah County residents’ knowledge about radon, and to understand factors associated with radon testing. Utah County residents (N = 200) are currently being surveyed as they exit the vital records office at the Utah County Health Department (UCHD). Subjects complete a 51-item survey measuring demographics, radon knowledge, and social cognitive theory-based constructs related to radon testing. Preliminary data (n = 65) shows subjects’ mean radon knowledge score was 1.68 (33%, SD = 26.24%) on a 5-item test. There was a significant relationship between radon testing and self-efficacy (OR 1.76, 95% CI: 1.2–2.6, p = 0.007). Subjects with higher self-efficacy for radon testing were more likely to report that they had tested their home at least once. Data collection is still underway on this study, and all results reported here are preliminary.

Morgan Hughes, Utah State University Life Sciences Elk feeding stations are used throughout the Western US as a means to prevent depredation on private lands (Smith,2001). Many of the unintended effects of such artificial congregation remain unexamined. In many species, increased densities result in increased parasite loads (Dietz, 1988) adding physiological stress to individual animals and reducing the economic value of the animal to sportsmen (Choquette, 1956). Through laboratory analysis of fecal float samples, I will monitor changes in the number of parasite eggs for elk at Hardware Ranch feeding station over the winter season. This is to discover if there may be negative implications of feeding stations which should be further examined. Increased prevalence of parasites could also indicate an increased danger for transmission of other diseases which are a threat to domestic livestock (Williams, 2002).

Matthew Durrant and Dennis Eggett, Brigham Young University Life Sciences The drugs amantandine and rimantadine were previously used to treat influenza A infections in humans. In 2005, a mutation in the Influenza A M2 channel conferred resistance to these drugs, rendering them obsolete against treating influenza. The S31N amantadine-resistance mutation in the influenza A M2 sequence currently occurs more frequently in nature than the S31 wild type. Overcoming this mutation with new drug compounds is the focus of Influenza A M2 channel researchers. However, there are several other identified mutations that have also been shown to confer resistance to these drugs. These other mutations are thought to occur only in small frequencies in nature. A statistical analysis of 1,007 unique M2 protein sequences shows an enhanced frequency for the S31N/V27A dual amantidine resistant mutation in recent years, especially in swine, compared to expected frequencies based on the occurrence rates of individual mutations in wild type (S31) M2. The development of the S31N/V27A variant in the Midwestern US swine may be a harbinger of novel human strain development. At the same time, the different propensities for the V27A as compared to the V27T dual mutant may reflect differences in viral fitness or protein energetics, and this information could be exploited to focus drug development so as to reduce further drug insensitivity. V27A/S31N is a possible path forward for the evolution of M2, which may convey a new level of drug resistance and should receive attention in drug design.

Tielle Gallion, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Quality of life is highly dependent on how well the liver functions. Increases in liver-enzyme levels, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) are associated with liver damage. A common treatment for Relapse-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) is Copaxone. This treatment has shown to be effective in reducing the number of relapses (periods of disability), but despite its effectiveness there is a prevalence of side effects, including increased liver enzyme activity. The aim of this pharmacogenetic project is to look at the effects of Copaxone, a drug therapy used in treating RRMS, on a patient’s liver-enzyme levels. I will determine if a correlation exists between increased liver levels and a specific genotype present in RRMS patients. I also plan to utilize medical record extraction. We have identified clinic visits in which 1,050 patients are recorded as currently using Copaxone by creating an algorithm to extract this data from electronic medical records (EMRs). This records are part of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center BioVU database. With this information, I have determined the period of time when patients are taking the drug. I accomplished this by manually calculating start and stop dates of Copaxone and created a table with information for each individual. Laboratory values are stored in a database, and we are currently extracting liver levels for ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT during the identified time frames for respective patients. Once extraction of lab values is complete, I will perform a linear regression analysis in R, a statistical computing program, to determine if any correlation exists between RRMS patient genotypes and liver-enzyme levels. Patients have previously been genotyped on the ImmunoChip, which contains 196,524 SNPs and has undergone stringent quality control.

Matz Indergard, Paul Spruell, and Fredrich Govedich, Southern Utah University Life Sciences Dispersal of organisms allows them to colonize new habitats and may buffer against extirpation due to localized catastrophic events. For organisms inhabiting ephemeral environments, dispersal can be challenging, as suitable habitat is often small, isolated spatially, and unpredictable temporally. Fairy shrimp are small invertebrates that occupy ephemeral freshwater pools filled by rainfall. Fairy shrimp produce resting (resistant) eggs when conditions are not favorable. Upon the return of supportive conditions, these eggs will then hatch. Little is known about the methods of dispersal used by fairy shrimp. However, it has been suggested that the resting eggs are the most likely life stage to provide dispersal opportunities. We examined two proposed methods of egg dispersal for fairy shrimp (Brachinecta sp) from a series of ephemeral pools just north of Three Peaks near Cedar City, Utah. We hypothesized that dispersal could be attributed to prevailing winds or water runoff, which would disperse eggs in a direction corresponding to prevailing wind patterns or to outflow following the surface gradient. To conduct our test we established three reference points equally spaced in the linearly arrayed series of pools. We then collected soil samples at randomly determined locations around these center points to form an overlapping radial grid. We then added purified water to each of our samples and hatched any shrimp eggs that were present in the sediment. We then mapped the overall concentrations of shrimp in our sampling area. Results to date do not reveal an obvious pattern with prevailing wind direction and dispersal.

Jordan Tingey, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Diabetes is a serious condition that is increasing worldwide. Diabetes is characterized by lost β-cell mass and uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Pancreatic islet transplantation could be used to cure people with diabetes, however the lack of islets is a major obstacle to its use. If we could understand how to increase β-cell proliferation and glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) then we could increase success in pancreatic islet transplants. Nkx6.1 induces β-cell proliferation. Nkx6.1 mediated proliferation is dependent on expression of Nr4a1 and Nr4a3. Nr4a1 and Nr4a3 are orphan nuclear receptors. It is currently unknown what ligand induces their activation. Previous reports have shown that free fatty acids induces expression of Nr4a1 and Nr4a3 in muscle, liver and adipose tissue. We show that culture of our INS-1 832/3 β -cell line in the presence of 0.2 mM palmitate induces expression of Nr4a nuclear receptors. Furthermore, culture with 0.2 mM palmitate results in increased β -cell proliferation. Finally, using INS-1 cells cultured with palmitate, and INS-1 cells deficient for either Nr4a1 or Nr4a3 we demonstrate the effect on mitochondrial respiration. Our data demonstrate that free fatty acids that are present during diabetes may induces expression and enhance activation of the Nr4a nuclear receptors, thus resulting in enhanced β -cell proliferation.

Amanda Johnson, Rian Farr, and Autumn Woodfall, Dixie State University Life Sciences Autism affects approximately 1 in 68 children, and is one of the fastest growing developmental disorders in the United States. Studies suggest that autism may be a result of processes that occur during labor and delivery. Although Pitocin is widely used during labor and delivery in the United States, there is a paucity of research on the developmental outcomes of Pitocin use during labor and delivery in young children. Additionally, the components and metabolic fate that make up the compounded Pitocin are widely varied between suppliers. Samples of Pitocin were extracted to isolate the chemicals that comprised commercial available products. These were then analyzed by chemical and biological methods to determine the composition and chemical breakdown products. Understanding the components and breakdown of commercial Pitocin will help to determine the compounds potentially transferred to fetuses with Pitocin use during labor and delivery and the potential developmental outcome.

Alex Bischoff, Connor Dodge, Sarah Livingston, Sterling Rosqvist, Tomonori Baba, Kyle Larsen,

Coral Gardner and Don Long, Southern Utah University Life Sciences Irrigation of lawns and gardens in Cedar City, Utah is accomplished in two fundamentally different manners. In older neighborhoods, water is diverted from a natural stream (Coal Creek) into a series of canals and ditches for residential flood irrigation, compared to newer neighborhoods, which use sprinklers or similar devices from well water. The overall objective of this project is to better understand the chemical and biological changes that occur in irrigation and runoff waters in Cedar City. We are addressing the following three hypotheses. 1) Changes will be observed in water chemistry as surface water moves from Coal Creek through Cedar City. 2) Irrigation strategies influence water chemistry during periods of high precipitation. 3) Microbial community changes will be associated with differences in water chemistry. Water chemistry data including dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, alkalinity, dissolved organic matter and nitrate/nitrite were collected weekly at eight sites and during high precipitation events. Over the course of four months, there was a reduction in alkalinity levels among all sites. During high precipitation periods, nitrate was detected in newer neighborhoods. Dissolved oxygen and pH were at higher levels, while salinity and conductivity were lower in a reservoir site relative to irrigation canals. Future work will investigate bacterial community composition in Cedar City waters. We will isolate bacterial DNA from water samples and amplify the 16sRNA segment of DNA using the polymerase chain reaction. We will then correlate bacterial community composition to the water chemistry results described above.

Brianne Palmer, Utah State University Life Sciences Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) are declining in the interior west. Aspen are critical for the maintenance of wildlife habitat and are one of the few broadleaf trees in the western forest ecosystem. In western landscapes, it has recently been determined that a large proportion of aspen trees are triploid (three copies of each chromosome) and the remaining trees are diploid (two copies of each chromosomes). In this study we attempted to find differences in the physiology between the two cytotypes to determine future management strategies The size and density of stomata trees is likely to influence the survival of the species in water- and heat-stressed environments, since stomata control both photosynthesis rates and rates of water loss. Individuals with larger stomata or greater stomatal density may be efficient photosynthesizers but may be at risk for water loss during transpiration in environments with low precipitation and hot temperatures, such as those often seen during summers in the intermountain west. To determine if there is physiological differences between the cytotypes we measured the variation between stomatal sizes and densities between the cytotypes using cellulose acetate leaf impressions and microscope imagery. We collected leaves from twelve aspen stands (eight diploid and four triploid) representing the two cytotypes in Swan Flats and Fish Lake, Utah. From these analyses, we deduced that the variation in stomatal size and density is primarily among clones rather than among cytotypes. Further data collection and analyses will occur in the spring of 2015.

Austin Thompson and David Walton, Brigham Young University Life Sciences When we sustain a traumatic injury to the peripheral nervous system (PNS), our bodies elicit a series of responses to try to heal the acquired damage, including inflammation and repair processes. One of these responses is the increased expression of nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), which helps to stimulate regeneration of the nerve. In a normal, healthy PNS, NGFR is rarely found. Following damage to the nerve, NGFR can be found in high levels around the damaged area. In our study, we are simulating traumatic injury to the sciatic nerve of rats in order to study the effects of regeneration after a local application of nerve growth factor (NGF). We are using both a physical crush model and a focal demyelination model to simulate the nerve injury. In the crush model, we are examining the effect of a crushed extracellular matrix (ECM) on degeneration and subsequent regeneration. In the focal demyelination model, we are investigating the effects of local demyelination with an intact ECM on degeneration and regeneration. In two additional experimental groups, we will perform an intraneural injection of NGF into the damaged sciatic nerve one week after the crush or a lysolecithin injection at the damaged site. We are examining the nerve both qualitatively using SEM and immunohistochemistry and quantitatively using electrophysiology. This allows us to understand the role of the ECM in regeneration, and its effect on the rate of regeneration. We hypothesize that the addition of NGF in combination with the increase of NGFR after injury will increase the rate of nerve regeneration. We expect regeneration to be faster in the focal demyelination model due to the presence of intact ECM than in the crush model where the ECM is damaged.

Scott Frodsham, Brigham Young University Life Sciences The goal of this study is to better understand if the genetic variants that strongly correlate with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) also increase the risk of developing diseases that commonly co-occur with MS. This relationship can be determined by comparing genetic data of patients diagnosed exclusively with MS to the genetic data of patients diagnosed with both MS and one of its comorbid diseases. Many electronic medical records (EMR) collected at medical institutions are made available for research purposes. The EMRs of individuals contained in the database that will be used for this study are linked to corresponding genetic information. Data extraction via computer algorithm will be executed to identify patients who, because of their respective diagnoses, will provide meaningful data for analysis. The case group for individuals diagnosed with just MS and have available genetic information consists of 1003 individuals. Applying a basic algorithm (ICD-9 billing codes) to this group has shown preliminary data on patients with MS and one other comorbidity as follows: Hypertension, 192 patients; anxiety, 17 patients; hypothyroidism, 84 patients; Type 1 diabetes, 24 patients; inflammatory bowel disease, 12 patients; migraine, 116 patients; restless leg syndrome, 14 patients; rheumatoid arthritis, 28 patients. The algorithms will be modified to find and include more patients for analysis. We will enhance patient identification by including medications and text keyword searches of clinical notes in the search. Genetic analysis will be performed on the final dataset.

Brooke Linney, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Recombinant DNA technology has become one of the most critical fields of research relating to biotechnology. Recombinant DNA can be used to obtain certain proteins or examine the effects of genes that we engineer, with many applications in medical research. As part of our lab’s use for recombinant DNA, we create a gene sequence to code for a certain protein, and then use heat-shocking transformation to stimulate Escherichia coli bacterial cells to incorporate the mutated DNA from the surrounding solution. As the bacterial cells then grow, they replicate the mutated plasmid that we introduced. This DNA can later be extracted from the bacterial cells and used for further synthesis, usually protein synthesis in our lab. The process of transforming bacterial cells with mutated DNA is directly affected by plasmid size. Transformation efficiency is maximized with smaller plasmids. One of the DNA plasmids we use to introduce mutations is the pET9a vector. This plasmid is a sequence of 4,341 base pairs, but by reducing the length of the plasmid, we can increase transformation efficiency. By restricting the size of the pET9a vector, we will also be able to introduce larger foreign DNA sequences than we would with the original pET9a vector. This presentation will explore the different methods of reducing sequence length to optimize the pET9a vector, mainly focusing on site-directed mutagenesis coupled with the use of restriction enzymes.

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

Madison Landreth, Weber State University Life Sciences Enterococcus, a bacterial genus that normally inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of animals, can be pathogenic to humans, causing urinary tract infections, sepsis and other serious diseases. It is also one of the major causes of hospital acquired infections. One important complication of those infected with Enterococcus is the fact that these bacteria often have a high level of antibiotic resistance, making effective treatment of patients more difficult. While Enterococcus is a normal inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract, it can survive outside its host in the environment, even in adverse conditions, such as the Great Salt Lake (GSL). In this experiment, hundreds of isolates of Enterococcus were collected from the Great Salt Lake, from various sites along the Weber River which flows into the GSL and from clinical sources. Isolates were tested for different phenotypic characteristics and for their resistant patterns against certain antibiotics. Preliminary results of the Kirby Bauer disk-diffusion assay demonstrated that 47% of enterococcal isolates from the Great Salt Lake were resistant to one or more of the five antibiotics compared to 98% of the clinical isolates. In contrast, in a previous study, as few as 15% of Enterococcus isolated from the fresh water sources were resistant to one or more of the five antibiotics. These data may have implications concerning the importance of anthropological impact on rates of antibiotic resistance in this genus.

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

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

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

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

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

Goyeun Tun, University of Utah Life Sciences Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) are disorders which their symptoms and treatments are not clearly known. CFS and FMS are not life threatening diseases; however, they can affect patients’ quality of life because they experience symptoms including exercise intolerance, need for bedrest, and debilitating chronic pain and fatigue with these disorders. The research from Dr. Light’s lab has shown that moderate exercise for 25 minutes causes changes in mRNA levels in CFS and FMS patients but not healthy controls. The objective of our study was to examine changes in white blood cell gene expression of CFS and FMS patients both on Lyrica and on placebo in a double-blinded, cross-over design (where each study subject was his or her own control) by using quantitative PCR gene expression analysis. The lab routinely analyzes blood samples for 48 different genes from study subjects and healthy controls collected before (baseline) and then 8, 24, 48 hours after exercise moderate exercise. My focus was on changes in expression of two ATP-responsive purinergic receptors, P2X7 and P2Y1, which have not been studied after exercise in CFS and FMS but have been associated with chronic inflammation and pain in animal models. White blood cell layers (buffy coat) were collected from samples, RNA was extracted and converted to cDNA. 384 well PCR plates were robotically loaded from 96 well source plates, then the PCR reaction was run in an ABI 7900 thermal cycler that tracks fluorescence in “real time” (real time qPCR). Analysis of results is in progress and will be reported on the poster.

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

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

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

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

Lauren Archibald, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Increased intake of selenium (Se) and soy have both been shown to reduce risk for prostate cancer, especially if these dietary treatments are combined. The purpose of this project is to determine how the timing of Se supplementation of either a low- or high-soy diet affects prostate cancer risk. [C57BL/6 X FVB] F1 TRAMP (TRansgenic Adenocarcinoma of Mouse Prostate) male mice were fed stock diets low or high in soy. Half of the mice received Se supplementation (4.0 mg Se/kg BW as Se-methylselenocysteine) by gavage 5 d/wk in a 2 X 2 factorial design. Se supplementation began at conception, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, or 18 weeks of age. The mice were then sacrificed at different stages of maturation (4, 12, 18, and 24 weeks). Our results showed that, at 12 weeks of age, urogenital tract weights, a measure of prostate proliferation and tumor volume, were significantly reduced by Se supplementation (p<0.001) and by soy (p=0.044), independent of time of dietary intervention. Histological scores of prostate cancer progression also showed a protective effect of Se supplementation (p=0.030). At this writing, statistical analysis of data from mice sacrificed at 18 weeks is in process. Data derived from 18-week mice, combined with our previous findings from 12-week animals, will allow us to chart the progress of prostate cancer in this model. In addition, results will show how dietary Se and soy may alter disease progression and how the timing of dietary intervention may determine its effects.

Claudia Gonzalez, Brigham Young University Life Sciences Cortisol has been shown to be a potential bio-marker as it discriminates between individuals with and without depression (Rush et al., 1996 and Ising et al., 2007). However, cortisol has not been used to predict variation in temperament extremes that lead to pathological behaviors in adulthood. In order to examine the relationship between cortisol and temperament extremes, data from the bio-behavioral assessment (BBA) was used. The BBA data base includes data collected from over 2,700 infant rhesus macaques located in California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC). During the BBA four blood samples per subject are obtained and later assayed for plasma cortisol levels. In this study, the plasma cortisol response levels were looked at in a holistic form encompassing all individual cortisol samples. The four points of plasma cortisol concentrations were used to extract patterns of response per subject which provided classifications for each of the monkeys. The pathological patterns of cortisol response were characterized by abnormal plasma cortisol levels in response to Dexamethasone suppression testing and adrenocorticotropin ACTH injections. The variability in plasma cortisol patterns was then compared to BBA temperament ratings of vigilance, gentle, nervousness and confidence. These results showed that 12 of the 26 possible patterns of response were significantly (p<.05) related to each of the temperament ratings of vigilance, gentleness and confidence. Thus cortisol response patterns can be used both as biomarkers for vigilance, gentleness and confidence, and as potential predictors for pathological behaviors in adulthood.

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

Benjamin Gann, Utah Valley University Life Sciences (E)-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal (2-Butenal) was shown to inhibit various inflammatory responses by inhibiting NF-kB pathway. A pull-down assay proved 2-butenal to bind to IKKb and was proposed as an active site kinase inhibitor through molecular docking experiment. However, 2-butanal has a highly conjugated aldehyde group that makes it very unstable. Therefore, we have designed more stable 2-butenal analogues and prepared them using Heck reaction. Molecular docking experiment shows that many of them have a greater affinity to IKKb.

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

Jeffrey Leavitt, Utah Valley University Life Sciences Central Research Question: Heptageniidae is a large family within the order Ephemeroptera (mayflies). This family consists of over 500 described species. Recently a study was done across 200 of the species to break them up into subfamilies, and genera. The studied concluded that there are 29 genera and three subfamilies Ecdyonurinae, Heptageniinae, and Rhithrogeninae (Wang, 2004). Furthermore, Ogden et al. (2009) proposed that the families Arthropleidae and Pseudironidae were derived heptageniid lineages. The phylogenetic relationships of Heptageniidae, Arthropleidae, Pseudironidae, to other closely related families are inconclusive. We propose to study these three families and the three subfamilies of Heptageniidae in detail via molecular systematics.

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

Spencer Alexander, Dixie State University Life Sciences Antibiotic resistance has increased with each new developed medication, creating new problems as bacteria become more difficult to defeat. Some of these bacteria are resistant because they can excrete an extracellular polymeric substance known as a biofilm. The polysaccharide-based biofilm matrix allows the colony to communicate, absorb nutrients, and exchange genetic material giving it an advantage in possible resistance through plasmid exchange. At present, there are no effective antimicrobial agents that can safely treat and prevent resistant bacteria like ORSA. Biofilms have a negative impact ranging from human pathogenesis down to economic expenses. In order to break down established biofilms, we utilized newly developed organic salts known as ionic liquids. These novel liquids have been observed to prevent bacterial colonies and biofilm formation, possibly by introducing intermolecular interactions that disrupt the chemical bonding in biofilms. The morphology of the microbes was characterized and observed to determine the effect of the ionic liquids on biofilms. Inhibition studies were also performed to determine antimicrobial efficiency of the ionic liquids as a function of organic structures. These novel ionic liquids provide an unprecedented, effective and efficient method to combat resistant bacteria, which could have tremendous impacts in achieving sterile environments in medical and remote settings.

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

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

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

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

Marilize Van der Walt, Utah State University Life Sciences Urbanization is accompanied by a lot of changes to the landscape that have the potential to affect the native species inhabiting the area. If animals are chronically exposed to these anthropogenic disturbances and are unable to acclimatize, changes in circulating glucocorticoid hormones may cause adverse effects to the animal’s health, such as an impairment in innate immune activity. One such disturbance is human-induced noise. Using the side-blotched lizard, Uta stansburiana, because of their localized habitat and inability to escape such disturbances within the urban environment, we looked at the field and lab components of noise as a stressor. We first measured decibel levels in urban and rural field sites in their natural habitats in St. George, Utah, and conducted a lab study exposing U. stansburiana to either a synthesized urban sound recording or no sound recording (control) for nine days. We collected blood samples and measured circulating corticosterone and testosterone concentrations and bactericidal ability to determine if there are endocrine and immune alterations in response to increased noise decibels. Our results show that lizards exposed to urban noise experienced increased corticosterone levels indicative of stress. Furthermore, bactericidal ability was indirectly affected by noise through significant correlations between body condition and corticosterone and testosterone concentrations. These results indicate that an increase in ambient decibel levels acts as a stressor to animals in urban areas. By dissecting out an individual component of a complex stressor we can better understand the effects of urbanization as a whole.

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

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

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

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

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