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C ONFERENCE W EEK IS HE RE AND WE
I N V I T E Y O U T O P A R T IC I P A T E D U R IN G T H E
T TU UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
CONFERE NCE! WE WILL HOS T AN A RRAY
OF EVE NTS THROUGHOU T THE WE EK AND
ENCOU RAGE YOU TO NETWORK WITH
PEE RS AND ENJOY THE ACTIVITIES WE
HAVE PLANNED FOR THE TTU
C O M M U N IT Y ! H E R E I S A C O N F E R E N C E
OUTLINE:
Conference Events
MONDAY APRIL 22ND, 2013:
Undergraduate Social Media
Blast:
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Check Facebook for chances to
win Prizes!
TUESDAY APRIL 23RD, 2013:
Registration and Poster Set up:
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Red Raider Ballroom, SUB
Breakout Sessions:
2:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Traditions Room, Lubbock Room
SUB
General Session
3:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Escondido Theatre, SUB
Afternoon Poster Takedown:
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Red Raider Ballroom, SUB
TTU URC Kickoff Event:
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Red Raider Ballroom, SUB
TTU HHMI @ CISER Spring
Banquet:
6:30 p.m. – 8:30p.m. (invite only)
Matador Room, SUB
Welcome Dessert Reception:
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Animal Food Science Building
THURSDAY APRIL 25TH, 2013
Continental Breakfast:
8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Red Raider Lounge, SUB
WEDNESDAY APRIL 24TH, 2013:
Continental Breakfast:
8:30 a.m. – 9:45 A.m.
Red Raider Lounge, SUB
Registration and Poster Set up:
8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Red Raider Ballroom, SUB
Registration: Judges & Visiting
Institutions
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Red Raider Ballroom, SUB
Conference Welcome:
9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Red Raider Ballroom, SUB
Come & Go Luncheon:
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Red Raider Lounge, SUB
Day Two Conference Welcome:
9:15 a.m. – 9:25 a.m.
Red Raider Ballroom, SUB
Come & Go Luncheon/ Panel:
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Matador Room (RSVP ONLY)
Afternoon Poster Takedown:
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Red Raider Ballroom, sub
TTU Research Spring Banquet:
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Frazier pavilion
Student
Presentations
WEDNESDAY APRIL 24TH, 2013:
Poster Presentation 1:
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Red Raider Ballroom,
SUB
Oral 1 Check In:
12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Masked Rider Room, SUB
Oral Presentations 1:
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Mesa, Toreador, Double T (2nd
floor SUB)
THURSDAY APRIL 25TH, 2013
Oral 2 Check In:
9:00 A.M. – 9:30 A.M.
Masked Rider Room, SUB
Oral Presentation 2:
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Mesa, Toreador, Double T (2nd
floor SUB)
Poster Presentation 2:
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Ballroom, SUB
Graduate
School Fair
Wednesday April 24th, 2013
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ballroom, SUB
Prizes and Drawings
throughout the event!
Table of Contents
2013 Texas Tech University
Undergraduate Research Conference
Schedule of Events
1
A message from the Associate Vice Provost
3
Center for Active Learning & Undergraduate Engagement
4
List of Conference Partners
5
TTU URC Speaker Series
6
Graduate School Fair & Science Vendor Fair
10
Presentations by Program Affiliation
11
Abstract Category Key
12
Poster Abstracts: Wednesday, 10:00-11:30 AM
13
Poster Abstracts: Thursday, 12:30-2:00 PM
38
Oral Abstracts
60
Campus and Community Partners
76
Alphabetical Listing of Presenters
85
Numerical Listing of Presenters
91
2
A Welcome Message from Dr. Hughes
!
!!
Welcome Conference Attendees,
!
Thank you for joining us for the 5th annual Texas Tech University Undergraduate Research Conference (URC).
As an emerging research institution, we are eager to showcase undergraduate research to faculty, staff, students
and the local community. This year we have over 140 participants from a variety of disciplines and research
topics. In addition, we are welcoming more than 90 registered reviewers, a number of Graduate Schools, 6
distinguished Texas Tech alumni as Visiting Scholars, and student presenters from as far away as Zamorano
University in Honduras; further cementing the TTU URC as one of the largest undergraduate research
conferences in the region.
Texas Tech prides itself on being a major comprehensive research university and this week the Undergraduate
Research Conference will host an array of activities including a Kick-Off Event, Graduate School Expo, and
Conference Networking Reception. This year these staple URC events are part of the Center for Active
Learning and Undergraduate Engagement’s effort to partner with various other TTU departments in promoting
and providing programming for the 2013 TTU Strive for Honor Week.
I want to thank you for attending the 2013 Texas Tech University Undergraduate Research Conference and
sharing your expertise with fellow researchers.
Sincerely,
Patrick C. Hughes, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Provost
3
The Center for Active Learning & Undergraduate Engagement
The Center for Active Learning & Undergraduate Engagement (CALUE) works with a variety of campus partners to
promote and support the four key areas of active learning: Service Learning, Internships, Study Abroad, and
Undergraduate Research. In regard to undergraduate research, CALUE hosts events such as training sessions,
networking events, and graduate school expos throughout the semester. Further support for Undergraduate Research
is provided through student researcher travel and supply funding. With the support of campus partners, the Center is
able to host its flagship undergraduate research based event, the annual Texas Tech University Undergraduate
Research Conference. In addition, the CALUE teams seeks creative opportunities to promote active learning and
facilitate student/faculty connections to support academic excellence.
For the 2012-2013 academic year, the Center funded a number of undergraduate research travel awards to support
travel to local and national conferences. One such award was given to undergraduate researcher Cara Wessels in
support of her travel as the Texas Tech University representative at the bi-annual Posters at the Capitol event.
This spring the Center will host the annual TTU Undergraduate Research Spring Banquet to showcase outstanding
undergraduate researchers and faculty mentors. We invite you to join us on April 25, 2013, from 6:00pm – 7:30pm at
the TTU Frazier Alumni Pavilion for this year’s celebration! Thank you for joining us during this campus wide
celebration and we hope you enjoy all conference activities hosted this week.
Center for Active Learning & Undergraduate Engagement Team Includes:
Jerylme Robins
Unit Coordinator
Joe Street
SRC
Christine Slaughter
Sr. Business Assistant
Tabatha Wilson
SRC
Haley Word
SRC
Center for Active Learning & Undergraduate Engagement
Administration Building #233
calue@ttu.edu / 806.742.1095
4
Texas Tech University Conference Partners
The TTU Undergraduate Research Conference committee would like to recognize the Division of
Undergraduate Education and Student Affairs for their remarkable contributions and dedication towards
making the TTU Undergraduate Research Conference, and undergraduate research in general, a success.
Additionally, we would like to extend a special thanks to the following partners for their support of the
Undergraduate Research Conference. A special thanks to the following:
• The Division of Undergraduate Education and Student Affairs, the Center for Active Learning and
Undergraduate Engagement STEM Education and Outreach, CISER, University Honors College, TLPDC
and TTU Graduate School for providing administrative assistance, planning, and support for the
conference.
• Presenters, Faculty Mentors, Graduate School Fair & Science Vendor Fair participants, Session
presenters, Moderators, and Poster Reviewers.
• Office of the Provost, President, and the Vice President for Research.
• Undergraduate Research Conference Committee for their dedication to undergraduate research and the
spring conference.
TTU Campus Partners:
!
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
"#$%&'(#!)&*+(,-!.&/0(#&*!!
Animal and Food Sciences
Center for Active Learning and
Undergraduate Engagement
COWamongus
Division of Undergraduate Education and
Student Affairs
Ethics Center
Graduate School
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Program at
the Center for the Integration of STEM
Education and Research
Office of Planning and Assessment
Office of the Vice President for Research
Philosophy Department
Printing Center
School of Music
STEM Education and Outreach
Student Union & Activities
Teaching Learning and Professional
Development Center
Top Tier Catering
Undergraduate Research Organization
University Honors College
West Texas Association for Women in
Science
Community Partners:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Jimmy John’s
Kaplan
Great Clips
McAlister’s Deli
Noodles & Company
Raider Pass
25 Twenty
University Pointe
University Trails
University Club at Overton Park
The Village at Overton Park
5
TTU URC Speaker Series
Texas Tech University
Undergraduate Research Conference 2013 Speaker Series
Limitless: The Role of Research in Successful Scholarly and
Professional Endeavors
A Way to Make Sense of the World: Research as a Tool for Thinking and Living
(Breakout Session 1)
April 24, 2013
2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.
Student Union Building: Traditions Room
Christopher J Smith, PhD
Synopsis:
Research is essentially a set of tools and a frame of reference that help us learn in a consistent, intentional, conscious, selfdirected, and results-oriented way. We speak of scholarship’s “empirical method”; of learning and coming to know things
via direct observation, experience, and deduction. As we develop ways to identify our own ignorance or lack of
understanding, and to develop the means to address our ignorance and enhance our understanding, we begin to be able to
make conscious, thoughtful choices in the world. Research, then, is a means of assuming intellectual and ethical
responsibility for one’s own opinions, decisions, and actions. It is a way of choosing intellectual and ethical paths, while
remaining open to new evidence and revising our conclusions. Research need not begin, end, or be limited to the library or
the lab—it is a way of making sense of the world.
Dr. Smith Biography:
Christopher J. Smith is Associate Professor, Chair of Musicology, and director of the Vernacular Music Center at the
Texas Tech University School of Music. His research interests are in African-American Music, 20th Century Music, Irish
traditional music and other vernaculars, improvisation, music and politics, and historical performance. He records and
tours with Altramar medieval music ensemble, the Irish traditional band Last Night’s Fun, and the Juke Band, and directs
the TTU Celtic Ensemble; his full-length theatrical dance show Dancing at the Crossroads premiered in February 2013
and his scholarly monograph The Creolization of American Culture appears in Sept 2013. He is a former nightclub
bouncer, carpenter, lobster fisherman, oil-rig roughneck, and a published poet.
6
TTU URC Speaker Series
Humanities Research Manifested
(Breakout Session 2)
April 24, 2013
2:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.
Student Union Building: Lubbock Room
Carole Edwards, PhD
Dustin Tucker, PhD
John Poch, PhD
Synopsis:
Through insightful dialogue about personal experiences as well as audience questioning, a panel of professors from
various Humanities disciplines will cover topics such as: what research “means” in the Humanities; expectations in regard
to research making lasting changes; and other topics that are valuable to those who are interested, or may not know they
are interested, in humanities research.
Dr. Edwards Biography:
Carole Edwards is a native of Reims (France) who received her doctorate from Purdue University in Francophone Studies
(2005). She is an Associate Professor in French and Francophone Studies at Texas Tech University. Her research
interests include North African, Sub-Saharan and Caribbean Francophone literature. She has published a monograph on
French women dramatists (L’Harmattan 2008) and a volume on Sacrifice (Rodopi forthcoming in 2013). She has also
published various articles ranging from literature, history to cultural studies (women in French, Routledge, etc). She is
currently working on Haitian dramatist and storyteller Mimi Barthélémy.
Dr. Tucker Biography:
Dustin Tucker received his BA from the University of Washington before moving on to the University of Michigan for his
PhD. He has two primary research projects, which overlap with a number of other academic disciplines, including
mathematics, computer science, linguistics, and education. The first investigates paradoxical limits on our ability to
theorize about the connection between the world and our mental lives, and the second concerns how everyday reasoning
ought to proceed. He is also interested in empirical research on how to best teach and develop skills of inquiry and
argument, which he sees as central not to just philosophy or the humanities, but to intellectual life generally.
Dr. Poch Biography:
He was the Colgate University Creative Writing Fellow from 2000-2001 and was the 2007 Thornton Writer-in-Residence
at Lynchburg College. His most recent book, Dolls, was released in September 2009 with Orchises Press. Two Men
Fighting with a Knife (Story Line Press 2008) won the Donald Justice Award. His first book, Poems, was published in
January 2004 by Orchises Press and was a finalist for the PEN/Osterweil prize. The Essential Hockey Haiku (a
poetry/fiction collaboration with Chad Davidson) was published by St. Martin’s Press in Fall 2006. A limited edition
letterpress/art book, Ghost Towns of the Enchanted Circle was published by Flying Horse Editions in 2007. Poch was a
recipient of the “Discovery”/The Nation Prize in 1998. He is the editor of 32 Poems Magazine.
7
TTU URC Speaker Series
What in the World is Trans-disciplinary Research?
(General Session)
April 24, 2013
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Student Union Building: Escondido Theater
William Westney, DMA
Michael O’Boyle, PhD
Synopsis:
How do we answer the really big questions? This general session will combine the two preceding TTU Undergraduate
Research Conference breakout sessions to further expand on the limitless possibilities of research. Drs. Westney and
O’Boyle will speak briefly about their current TTU Transdiciplinary Research Academy project; explain the dynamics of
their research team, which includes additional members Dr. Cynthia Grund (Philosophy) and Dr. James Yang
(Mechanical Engineering); and then help us answer, “What in the world is Transdisciplinary Research?” Attendees will
be exposed to the challenges, rewards, and implications of working within a transdisciplinary research team.
More information about the TTU Interdisciplinary Research Academy can be found here:
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/vpr/transdisciplinary/index.php
Specific information about Dr Westney and O’Boyle’s project can be found here:
http://www.soundmusicresearch.org/TRA.html
Dr.Westney Biography:
William Westney was the top piano prizewinner in the Geneva International Competition and holds the Doctor of Musical
Arts degree from Yale University School of Music. He has soloed with such major orchestras as Houston Symphony and
L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, and his recording of music by Leo Ornstein made Newsweek Magazine’s “Top 10”
list. Currently a Paul Whitfield Horn Professor and the Browning Artist-in-Residence at Texas Tech University, he has
held guest professorships in Taiwan and Denmark, taught in Korea as a Fulbright Senior Scholar (U.S. State Department),
and won many teaching awards including the highest Texas Tech can bestow (Chancellor’s Council Distinguished
Teaching Award). Among the venues for the hundreds of workshops he has given internationally are Central
Conservatory (Beijing), Sibelius Academy (Helsinki), Royal College of Music (London), University of Music and the
Performing Arts (Vienna), Victorian College for the Arts (Melbourne), Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Juilliard
School, and many more. He is most noted for his unique “Un-Master Class,” described as “fascinating” in a N.Y.Times
feature article, and is the author of the best-selling and critically acclaimed book The Perfect Wrong Note (2003), now in
its second printing, and described by reviewers as “refreshing,” “open-hearted” and “an absolute joy to read.”
Dr.O’Boyle Biography:
Michael W. O’Boyle, Ph.D. is the Associate Dean for Research in the College of Human Sciences and Professor of
Human Development and Family Studies at Texas Tech University. He is also adjunct Professor of Pharmacology and
Neuroscience at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Professor O’Boyle is a leading expert in the field of
intellectual giftedness and individual differences in brain function, using fMRI techniques to investigate the neurological
origins and mechanisms of high ability (or disability, e.g., autism). He has published extensively in the field of cognitive
neuroscience and is the recipient of numerous federal, private foundation and corporate grants in support of his work.
Professor O’Boyle received his B.S. in Psychology from Loyola University of Chicago, an M.A. in Clinical Psychology
from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Southern California, specializing
in Cognitive Neuroscience.
8
TTU URC Speaker Series
Visiting Scholar Panel Discussion: Eat, Think, Be Successful
April 25, 2013
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Student Union Building: Matador Room
(RSVP ONLY!)
Synopsis:
Enjoy lunch and inspirational discussion with six Texas Tech University alumni who have found success in various fields.
Take the opportunity to hear, first account, how being Red Raiders has effectuated lasting changes within the panelists’
lives and led to successful professional careers.
Visiting Alumni Scholars include:
Jesse Pruitt, Real Estate Developer
Daragh Heitzman, MD, Neurology
Gayle Mullanax, MD, Dermatology
Ken Talkington, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Allan Van Horn, MD, Urology
Jay Vollet, PhD, Immunology and Pharmaceuticals
2013 TTU Undergraduate Research Banquet
April 25, 2013
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Frazier Alumni Pavilion
Keynote Speaker
Dr.Green Biography:
Micah J, Green received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at Texas Tech in 2002. He then entered the
Chemical Engineering Ph.D. program at MIT where he was co-advised by National Academy members Bob Armstrong
and Bob Brown. His PhD focused on computational studies of phase behavior and rheology of rodlike liquid crystals; his
studies also included a minor in religious history at Harvard. After finishing his Ph.D. in 2007, he moved to Rice
University where he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology. His
work at Rice combined experimental and computational studies on superacid processing of carbon nanotubes into highperformance fibers. He joined the faculty of Texas Tech as an Assistant Professor in August 2009. In addition to four
NSF grants, he received a FY2011 Young Investigator Award from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research for his
work in the area of graphene dispersion, morphology dynamics, and composites, which is the focus of his seminar at
ARL. His group combines experiment and simulation to bring the fields of chemical engineering, colloidal science, and
polymer physics to bear on critical nano-applications.
9
Graduate School Fair & Science Vendor Fair Representatives
Graduate School Attendees Table Location:
1. Texas Tech University Center for Undergraduate Research
2. Kaplan Test Prep
3. Kansas State University Graduate School
4. Abilene Christian University
5. Texas Tech University Graduate School
6. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
7. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing
8. Texas Tech University Department of Plant and Soil Science
9. Tarleton State University
10. University of Texas Arlington
11. University of Texas at Austin Graduate School
12. University of Texas at San Antonio – Graduate School
13. University of North Texas Health Science Center, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
14. University of North Texas Toulouse – Graduate School
Science Vendor Fair Attendees:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Biotek
EMD Millipore
Fisher Scientific
Kimberley-Clark
Mettler Toledo
Thermo Scientific Lab Equipment Division
10
Presentations by Program Affiliation
Honors Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Plains Bridges to Baccalaureate
Andrew Alleman
Atia Amatullah
Erica Barhorst
Hayley Bupp
Clara Bush
Ashley Cossio
Ellen Cresto
Eliseo de Leon
Sadie Dierschke
Jonathan Doerzbacher
John Driscoll
Tyler Enos
Alejandro Figueroa
Andrew Fillingim
Mayghan Findley
Amanda Gray
Armon Habibi
Michelle Harold
Jaryse Harris
Michael Ijeh
Jason Judd
Nicole Kemei
Jenni Kennemur
Bridget Key
Eunjee Kim
Lauren Littlefield
Sarah Miller
Saba Nafees
Patrick Newman
Swagat Parajulee
Niki Parikh
Jessica Puthenparampil
Kia Rahnama
Rachel Ray
Luis Ruiz
John Sandy
Ann Marie Scott
Matthew Smith
Vidhur Sohini
Daniel Stroud
Rachel Summerlin
Kaitlin Thogmartin
Tabitha Threatt
Scott Vadala
Julia Voelkl
Kendra Walker
Colleen Williams
Adam Bernal
Dionicio Maldonado
Alfonzo Sanchez
Mentor Tech
Teresa Awuor
Rosalinda Vaquera
PRISM
Sarah Doucette
Agatha Eason
Ryan Farmacka
Ethan Hall
Kaylee Holloway
Megan Merewether
Niki Parikh
Quinn Pearce
Luis Ruiz
Chris Shockey
Austin Tyson
Robert Wallette
SACNAS
Armon Habibi
Dalia Martinez-Marin
Rocio Rodriguez
SOWER
Luis Llumitasig
Gerson Flores
Ana Gomez
Carla Millares
Esaú Salgado
Johana Torres
TTU/HHMI @ CISER
Afzal Ahrorov
Andrew Amrstrong
Barbara Burton
Jeffrey Chen
Stephanie Deleon
Anibal Dominguez
Elizabeth Mack
Dalia Martinez-Marin
Saba Nafees
Graysen Ortega
Katelyn Ortega
Ann Scott
Jessica Stilwell
Naureen Suteria
Cara Wessels
Joshua Willms
URO
Michael Ijeh
Ropinder Singh
Prism = Proactive Recruitment in Introductory Science and Mathematics
SACNAS = Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
SOWER = Sustaining Our World through Educations and Research
TTU/HHMI @ CISER = TTU Howard Hughes Medical Institute Program at the Center for the Integration of STEM Education & Research
URO = Undergraduate Research Organization
11
Abstract Category Key
The following key should be used to make finding abstracts in specific categories more convenient:
Biological and Chemical Sciences
Business Emphasis
Humanities and The Arts
Law, Public Policy, and Education
Physical Sciences
Social Sciences
Each category includes:
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Anthropology / Archaeology
Economics
Psychology
Social Work
Sociology
BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES
Biology / Biochemistry
Chemistry / Biochemistry
Environmental Studies
Health Professions
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Computer Science
Engineering
Geosciences
Mathematics
Physics / Astronomy
BUSINESS EMPHASIS
Business
HUMANITIES and THE ARTS
Art History
Cultural Studies
Gender Studies
Literature
Music
Media and Communications
Theatre
LAW, PUBLIC POLICY, & EDUCATION
Education
Legal Studies
History
Philosophy
Political Science
12
Wednesday April 24, 2013
Poster Presentations
Abstracts 1-54
!"#
#
BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES
(Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry/Biochemistry,
Environmental Studies, and Health Professions)
Abstracts 1-33
#
#
#
#
#
#
!$#
1. GENETIC INTERACTIONS BETWEEN RNA INTERFERENCE AND ABSCISIC ACID RESPONSE
PATHWAYS IN ARABIDOPSIS
Presenters: Osama Ajlouni
Authors: Ajlouni, Osama; Jia, Fan; Rock, Chris
RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which eukaryotic cells control the activity of their genes. The RNAi pathway is initiated
by the enzyme Dicer, which cleaves double-stranded (ds)RNAs into small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or microRNA (miRNA)
duplexes, classes that differ in their genomic origins. The RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC) binds siRNA/miRNA and targets
messenger RNAs guided by extensive base complementarity, leading to target degradation or decreased mRNA translation. We and
others previously showed that mutants affecting RNAi are hypersensitive to abscisic acid (ABA), a plant stress hormone, but the
molecular mechanisms of crosstalk between RNAi and ABA response pathways remains unknown. In my research, we crossed
mutant alleles of ABA HYPERSENSITIVE1/CAP-BINDING-PROTEIN80 and SUPPRESSOR OF GENE SILENCING3 (a plantspecific protein) and isolated recombinant double mutant lines. The double mutant plants showed interesting phenotypes including
altered ABA sensitivity, fused cotyledons, accelerated phase transition, altered silique shape, and reduced fertility. These findings
support the hypothesis that specificity determinants (genes) remain to be discovered in these overlapping pathways that could explain
how the hormone functions. My research is focusing on screening and molecular characterization of chemically induced suppressor
mutants of abh1/sgs3. I have so far found one second-site-suppressor line that produces normal silique phenotypes compared to the
parental abh1/sgs3 line. The presentation will focus on the genetic analysis of this newly identified revertant. The potential
significance of the work is to elucidate molecular mechanisms of plant responses to stress that control growth and development.
2. PHYSIOLOGICAL ROLE OF NA/K PUMPS ISOZYMES IN RAT HEARTS
Presenters: Adam Bernal
Authors: Bernal, Adam; Velez, Beatriz; Artigas, Pablo
The Na/K pump is an enzyme that transports 3 sodium out and 2 potassium into the cell, using the energy of one ATP molecule.
The pump is a member of the P-type ATPase family formed by association of one of four !-subunit isoforms (!1-!4) and one of three
"-subunit isoforms ("1-"3). It is thought that heart cells express the ubiquitous !1 pumps, !2 pumps in atria and ventricles, and !3
pumps in the conduction system. The reasons for isozyme multiplicity as well as isozyme subcellular location in venticular myocytes
are not well understood.
We used immuno-fluorescence microscopy to address isozyme location in enzymatically isolated ventricular myocytes from 7
day old and adult 1-3 months rats. !1 and !2 are expressed in the plasma membrane of all ventricular myocytes with different
subcellular distribution; !2 is mainly present in the t-tubular system while !1 pumps are more homogenously distributed. On the other
hand !3 pumps are not present in adult myocytes and in young myocytes (7 days old) appear exclusively outside the t-tubule.
Voltage clamp techniques were used to investigate the differences in voltage dependence of Na/K pumps composed of !1 and !2
isoforms within the physiologic voltage range. Both endogenous rat Na/K pumps and human Na/K pumps expressed in Xenopus
oocytes indicate that with normal external Na+ and K+, !2 pumps are strongly inhibited by voltage at ventricular resting potentials
while !1 pumps are fully functional.
3. PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS INTO SALINITY TOLERANCE OF SPRING SYSTEM AMPHIPODS
Presenters: Carter Bruening
Authors: Bruening, Carter; Rogowski, David; Howard, Jacob
Amphipods are important components of aquatic ecosystems and in isolated spring systems of the Trans-Pecos region, they can
be the dominant benthic biomass. Environmental conditions vary among these springs with differences in salinity and temperature.
Genetic evidence suggests that different spring systems contain different species of amphipods (Gammarus-pecos species complex)
that have not been formally described. Changing climate and anthropogenic impacts may result in alterations in salinity and
temperature of these stable springs. Thus we present preliminary investigations into the tolerance of amphipods to changes in salinity
(specific conductance). Amphipods were collected from three spring systems in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas: San Solomon
Springs (SS), Independence Creek/Carolina springs (IC), and Diamond Y spring system (DY). Amphipods from each spring were
individually placed in glass vials containing water at various levels of specific conductance, and survival was monitored for two
weeks. Specific conductance levels tested varied by spring system. For SS and IC all individuals in the control treatments (site specific
conductance) survived. Mortality of amphipods from DY was the same across the range of test levels. IC amphipods exhibited some
evidence that increasing salinity resulted in increased mortality. Amphipods from SS appeared to be fairly tolerant to wide ranges of
specific conductance (1.7-12.05 mS/cm2), as there were no clear patterns in SS amphipod survival. Our preliminary results indicate
that there may be differences in tolerance among these putative species of amphipods. We plan to conduct additional experimental
trials to better describe tolerances (survival and reproduction) to changes in salinity.
!%#
4. INHIBITION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN ALFALFA SPROUTS USING LACTIGUARDTM
CULTURES
Presenters: Erin Castelli
Authors: Castelli, Erin; Campos, David; Zhang, Qingli; Brashears, Mindy
Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogen that is ubiquitous. There are very few biological interventions using competitive exclusion
techniques have been validated for effectiveness. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different lactic acid bacteria
(LAB, LactiguardTM) on the growth and survival of Listeria monocytogenes on alfalfa seeds that sprouted. A cocktail of four
different strains of L. monocytogenes were grown in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth prior to the experiment. The seeds were soaked
with Lactococcus lactis FS56; LAB at a level of approximately 1.0 X 108 for 12 hours. Approximately 300g of alfalfa seeds were
inoculated with the L. monocytogenes cocktail to a level of approximately 1.0 X 101 CFU /g. Seventy grams of the inoculated seeds
were assigned to either control (sterile water spray) or to treated (solution of Lactobacillus lactis L7; LAB, at a level of approximately
1.0 X 108 CFU/ml) batches. During a 5 day period, the two different batches were sprayed with their respective treatment, germinated
and sprouted in an Easy Green Automatic Sprouter at room temperature. Ten grams were collected each day, and enumerated for L.
monocytogenes and LAB. However, in the seeds and sprouts treated with LAB, the growth of Listeria monocytogenes was suppressed
throughout the sprouting process except on day two where there was a contamination level around 105 CFU/g. By day four, the
treated sprouts were four log counts below the control.
5. ESTABLISHING AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR STUDY OF CHRONIC INTERMITTENT ETHANOL
EXPOSURE IN COCULTURES OF ASTROCYTES AND CEREBELLAR GRANULE CELLS
Presenters: Sadie Dierschke
Authors: Dierschke, Sadie; Dertien, Janet; Redondo, Jose Luis; Popp, Lisa
Consuming alcohol (EtOH) in a pattern of prolonged intermittence, as in the case of binge drinking, can alter neuronal function.
These neuroadaptive changes can lead to a developed tolerance for and dependence on alcohol. To establish a model indicative of the
metabolic process of EtOH in humans, primary cocultures of rat cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) and astrocytes were subjected to
chronic intermittent ethanol exposure (CIE) and the viability of neurons and astrocytes were evaluated. Cells were treated with 100
mM EtOH at 1600 h and underwent dilution at 2 hour intervals beginning the next day at 0830 h; this process was conducted for 4
days followed by a 3 day withdrawal period (WD). Control cells were compared to EtOH treated cells each day. EtOH concentrations
were determined using gas chromatography with mean initial values of 118.4 ± 6.4 mM, n=5. The trypan-blue exclusion method was
used to distinguish between healthy and dying cells. Although data varied among days of the experiment, CGCs posed an overall trend
of viability post-CIE treatment that continued through the withdrawal period. Each day of the experiment, coverslips from CGC
cultures were labeled with the mitochondrial-specific probe Mitotracker Red, an antibody to the astrocytic cytoskeletal protein GFAP,
and the nuclear stain DAPI. Further experiments are underway to confirm CGC and astrocytic viability as assessed by CGC and
astrocyte cell number, astrocytic cytoskeletal integrity, and mitochondrial dispersion within astrocytic cells. All images will be
acquired and subsequently analyzed using MetaMorph image acquisition and data analysis software.
6. SELENIUM-COATED POLYESTER BANDAGES INHIBIT THE FORMATION OF BACTERIAL
BIOFILMS
Presenters: Tyler Enos
Authors: Enos, Tyler; Tran, Phat; Reid, Ted; Jarvis, Courtney; Colmer-Hamood, Jane
Wounds (acute or chronic) infected by bacteria pose significant threats to patients following surgery and severe burns. Within the
wound, many bacterial pathogens, exist within protective biofilms. Biofilms protect the bacteria from the host immune response and
enhance their resistance to the effects of antibiotics. Due to the enhanced antibiotic resistance of wound pathogens, alternative
antimicrobial agents are needed. To prevent bacterial colonization and biofilm formation, these antimicrobial agents must be attached
or embedded either as coatings or bandages. Many antimicrobial agents, including silver, suffer from several disadvantages including;
local irritation and the continuous release of the antimicrobial agents. Alternatively, covalently attaching the antimicrobial agent
selenium to the surfaces of a dressing would prolong the effectiveness of that dressing. Using the in vitro wound biofilm model, in
which the biofilms are developed on uncoated and organoselenium-coated (OS) polyester bandages, we examined the effectiveness of
OS-coated polyester bandages in inhibiting biofilms formed by different wound pathogens including: Staphylococcus aureus,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Enterococcus faecalis. The biofilms
were quantified by determining the colony forming units (CFU)/polyester bandage and visualized by confocal laser scanning
microscopy. OS-coated polyester bandages significantly inhibited biofilm development by all tested pathogens. Confocal laser
scanning microscopy supported these results. The biofilm inhibitory effect was not diminished after soaking the OS-bandage in PBS
for three months at 37oC. These results suggest that OS-coating on polyester bandages is both effective and durable.
!&#
7. GALECTIN-3C HAS MODEST INHIBITORY EFFECTS ON THE VIABILITY OF LEWIS LUNG CANCER
CELLS COMARED TO PACLITAXEL IN VITRO
Presenters: Alejandro Figueroa
Authors: Figueroa, Alejandro; Yu, Yuefei; Pedretti, Elisa; Cobos, Everardo; Figueroa, Jose
Galectin-3, a human lectin with affinity for galactoside-containing glycoproteins, is involved in a variety of cellular processes
including angiogenesis, differentiation, metastasis, neoplastic transformation, and apoptosis. In this study, we evaluated the effects of
galectin-3 inhibition in Lewis Lung Cancer (LLC) cells using varying doses of galectin-3C, an N-terminally truncated inhibitor of
galectin-3. Galectin-3C is thought to be a competitive inhibitor of galectin-3 and has been previously shown to have activity against
multiple myeloma in vitro and in vivo. The effects of paclitaxel, a chemotherapeutic agent active in lung cancer, were also evaluated
alone and in combination with galectin-3C. LLC viability and expression of galectin-3 and Sp17 RNA and protein were evaluated
before and after varying treatments with galectin-3C, paclitaxel, and combinations of the two. Treatment with galectin-3C
significantly reduced galectin-3 and Sp17 (a cancer biomarker) expression in LLC cells as determined by Western Blot, ELISA, and
RT-PCR. Compared to paclitaxel, galectin-3C had a modest affect on LLC cell viability (measured through ATP content). Cells
treated with the combination of paclitaxel and galectin-3C did not exhibit a significant difference in viability when compared to the
highest paclitaxel dose (6ng/mL). Our results showed that, at the doses tested, galectin-3C inhibits galecin-3 and Sp17 expression in
LLC cells, but only has a modest effect on LLC cell viability in vitro compared to paclitaxel. Additional studies that evaluate higher
doses of galectin-3C, with or without paclitaxel, in this lung cancer model are necessary. (Waiting on more data, conclusion may
change).
8. SONOCHEMICAL FORMATION OF BIMETALLIC NANOPARTICLES
Presenters: Andrew Fillingim
Authors: Fillingim, Andrew; Uacearnaigh, Deois; Casadonte, Dominick
This study involves the synthesis of platinum and copper alloys using high-intensity ultrasound. By sonochemical methods, truly
homogeneous alloys are produced due to enhanced mixing, extremely high local temperatures, and rapid cooling rates. These alloys
are of particular interest as a catalyst in the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR). By generating a series of platinum and copper alloys
with various compositions, the composition that provides the maximum strain-activity on the platinum surface can be identified.
Through continuous sonication, a strong reducing agent (lithium naphthalide) is produced in situ and is used to reduce platinum and
copper salts. The nanostructured alloys can then be separated from the various remnants and products of the reaction via centrifuge.
The material is run through a series of washes in tetrahydrofuran(THF), isopropanol, acetone, and methanol. The final products can be
analyzed using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), electron microscopy (EM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis; the
optimum composition of platinum and copper in the alloy for use in the ORR can then be determined.
9. EFFECT OF R1 KNOCKDOWN ON CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA GROWTH
Presenters: Mayghan Findley
Authors: Findley, Mayghan; Leyva-Illades, Dinorah; Patel, Nisha; Pae, Hae Yong; DeMorrow, Sharon
Cholangiocarcinoma is a form of extremely aggressive cancer that originates in the cholangiocytes of the liver. Although fairly
rare, it is highly resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and excision has little effect due to the metastatic nature of this
cancer. The objective of this research was to study the effect of a transcriptional repressor of MOA A, R1, on the proliferation and
apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells. It was predicted that the cells that expressed R1 would have a higher level of proliferation than
cells that had lower levels of R1. To examine this, normal cholangiocarcinoma cells and R1 knockdown cholangiocarcinoma cells
were plated in 96-well or 6-well plates and allowed to adhere overnight. Fresh medium was added the following morning and the
cells remained plated for 24 or 48 hours before being analyzed with MTS assays, annexin staining, cell cycle staining and qRT-PCR.
The results showed that the R1 knockdown cells had higher levels of proliferation. It was also discovered that whether or not R1 was
present, the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis levels were not significantly changed.
10. GRASS FED MEAT ACCEPTANCE IN UNITED STATES IMPORTED FROM NEW ZEALAND
Presenters: Ana Gomez
Authors: Gomez, Ana
Beef is an important source of protein in the United States and its flavor is determined by the alimentation the cattle has received.
In the United States the cattle is fed with different grains which produces marbling in meat affecting flavor and other characteristics.
In most of the other countries cattle is fed with grass or grass and grains. Lately meat consumption has changed around United States
because of the healthy tendency.
The objective of this project is to determine the acceptance of beef meat grass fed from New Zealand in comparison with the
grain fed that United States consumers are used to purchasing.
For this study to determine the consumer preference the meat will be cooked with an specific method in a grill with a lid at a
temperature of 135° F for 6 minutes. The meat evaluated has been taken from four different muscles. For the determination of the
desire characteristics including tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall acceptance are going to be evaluated by 60 non trained
panelists per session and the project will cover different cities in the United States.
!'#
11. EFFECTIVENESS OF MDSA ON PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA AND STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
BIOFILM PRODUCTION: ANALYSIS USING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL WOUND BIOFILM MODEL
Presenters: Amanda Gray
Authors: Gray, Amanda; Haley, Cecily; Miller, Kyle; Colmer-Hamood, Jane; Hamood, Abdul
Chronic wounds, including diabetic ulcers and non-healing surgical wounds, may be colonized by different gram-positive and
gram-negative pathogens. Bacterial pathogens within the infected wound produce an exopolysaccharide matrix (biofilm) that protects
them from the effect of the host immune system and topical antibiotics. Beside the biofilm, wound pathogens may penetrate and
infect underlying muscles and connective tissues. Therefore, standard wound treatments, which include debridement of the infected
tissues and application of antibiotic, may fail to eliminate these pathogens within the wound underlying the tissues. Among the
different wound pathogens, the gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the gram positive Staphylococcus aureus are the most
frequently isolated. The resistance of these two pathogens to most available antibiotics necessitates the search for alternative
antimicrobial agents. In this study, we utilized our in vitro three dimensional wound biofilm model (3-D WBM) to examine the
effectiveness of the recently developed antimicrobial agents, Microbial Defense System Agents (MDSA). MDSA is designed to
penetrate the biofilm first then kill the planktonic (individual) bacteria within the biofilm.
12. EFFECTS OF A NOVEL GROWTH MEDIUM ON PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA QUORUM SENSING
GENES LASR/LASI
Presenters: Armon Habibi
Authors: Habibi, Armon
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that causes serious infections in severely burned patients as
well as in patients with chronic wounds. The environmental conditions at the sites of infection influence both the production of
virulence factors and the quorum sensing communication systems. Among these environmental conditions is the variation in the
levels of calcium, magnesium, and iron which vary within human blood in comparison to standard laboratory media. In this study, we
describe a novel growth medium Supplemented Rich Defined Medium (SRDM), in which the levels of calcium, magnesium, and
ferritin (as an iron source) resemble their levels in blood. Furthermore, we supplied SRDM with a carbon source and adjusted its pH
to reflect that of human blood. SRDM supports the growth of the virulent P. aeruginosa strains PAO1 and PA14. We analyzed the
effect of SRDM on the transcription of the las genes (lasI,R,B) which are involved in the P. aeruginosa quorum sensing system and
their functional products (elastase and a staphylolytic protease). Compared with standard laboratory medium, LB & SRDM repressed
the overall expression of lasI, lasR, and lasB at 4 and 8 hour time points in both the PAO1 and PA14 strains. In addition, the
production of elastase (LasB) and staphylolytic protease (LasA) was significantly decreased. However, when ferritin and calcium were
individually removed from SRDM, LasB and LasA production was significantly increased.
13. THE EFFECT OF SALINITIY ON MORPHOLOGY OF GULF KILLIFISH (FUNDULUS GRANDIS) IN
THE PECOS RIVER
Presenters: Clinton Harmon
Authors: Harmon, Clinton; Cheek, Christopher; Cheek, Brandon; Rogowski, David
Gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis) are medium-sized Cyprinids that are highly adaptable to a large range of salinities and as such
have a large area of distribution. These fish have characteristic mouth and coloration features that make them extremely identifiable
even within the Fundulus genus, which makes Gulf killifish prime candidates for morphological studies. The purpose of this project
was to determine whether or not Gulf killifish collected from habitats with different salinities show any significant morphological
variance. Fifteen sites (each with varying salinities) were selected on the Pecos River to collect fish samples; only ten sites actually
contained Gulf killifish. Once the killifish were collected, meristic measurements (fin count, scale count, length) were taken along
with a digital picture for shape analysis using a landmark-based geometric morphometrics approach. The “tps” suite of programs was
used for collection and analysis of shape data. Preliminary results reveal that there was little to no significant difference in the
morphology or meristics of Gulf killifish related to salinity within the Pecos River. However, Gulf killifish were more abundant and
made up a greater percentage of the fish community with increasing salinity.
!(#
14. EFFECTS OF DESICCATION AND TEMPERATURE ON THE SURVIVAL OF ESCHERICHIA COLI IN
CANADA GEESE FECAL SAMPLES
Presenters: Nicole Kemei
Authors: Kemei, Nicole
In winter, migratory Canada geese visit inland wetlands called playa lakes on the High Plains of West Texas and deposit copious
amounts of fecal matter in the water and along the banks. This study aims to answer a key question. Does Escherichia coli survive in
the fecal matter on the ground around the playas? Freshly deposited feces were aseptically collected, and chrome agar, a selective
differential medium, was used to identify and quantify E. coli. Triplicate fecal samples were incubated in aluminum pans at
temperatures of 5°, 20°, 30° and 40°C. E. coli counts were measured over a period of 20 weeks. E. coli rapidly declined by Week 1 at
5°C but rapidly increased at 40°C. No E. coli was detected by Week 3 at 5°C and none at 40°C by Week 6. At 20°C and 30°C, E. coli
counts increased in Week 1 and then began to decline. E. coli was still viable after 20 weeks at 20°C and 30°C. The 5°C and 40°C
samples were rehydrated and incubated from 5°C to 40°C. No E. coli was detected in the 5°C sample; however, E. coli revived in the
40°C sample. These results suggest that both temperature and moisture play a role in the survival of E. coli in feces deposited by geese
and other waterfowl around the playas. If E. coli survives in the fecal matter after the geese leave, pathogens might also survive.
Since people use these areas year round, possible exposure to pathogens becomes an important factor.
15. EXPLORATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF A [2]ROTAXANE SYNTHESIS VIA RING-OPENING CROSS
METATHESIS OF A [2]CATENANE AND A DOUBLY-STOPPERED AXLE
Presenters: Jenni Kennemur
Authors: Kennemur, Jennifer; Mazumdar, Arindam; Cetin, Muhammet Mustafa; Mayer, Michael
Interlocked molecules have recently garnered significant interest as useful drug delivery systems and molecular machine
prototypes. Over the last fifty years, the synthetic evolution of interlocked molecules has led to a fundamentally new bonding mode,
i.e., the mechanical bond. Mechanical bonds hold together the chemical fragments of interlocked molecules such that the components
cannot dissociate without the breaking of at least one formal chemical bond. Examples of systems held together by mechanical bonds
include the classes of compounds known as catenanes and rotaxanes. A catenane consists of two or more interlocked rings. A rotaxane
is composed of a linear chain, referred to as an axle, which threads through a ring. Due to their synthetic challenges, interesting threedimensional structures, and potential applications, rotaxanes are common synthetic targets. In the Mayer group, our attention, in part,
is focused on the development of new and efficient routes to rotaxanes. In these efforts, we have envisioned an “insertion-type”
method which can be achieved by the ring-opening of a [2]catenane followed by its in situ “insertion” into a di-stoppered axle. The
purpose of this research project is to explore and optimize this novel insertion method of rotaxane synthesis.
16. BATRACHOCHYTRIUM DENDROBATIDIS ZOOSPORE PRODUCTION IS DEPENDENT ON MEDIUM
STRENGTH
Presenters: Bridget Key
Authors: Key, Bridget; Hicks, Amanda
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the pathogen responsible for chytridiomycosis, has been identified as a factor in the global
decline of amphibians. The life cycle of this fungus consists of a motile zoospore stage and a sessile zoosporangium stage. Previous
studies have shown that Bd zoospores can cause mortality in Caenorhabditis elegans, but the mechanism of infection when using a
Bd-nematode model remains unknown. In amphibians, however, infection and virulence are linked to life cycle completion. Here we
show that when cultured in a growth medium containing tryptone and glucose, Bd zoospore production and ultimately life cycle
completion, is dependent on the amount of accessible nutrients. Differential protein production by Bd in various media strengths is
also being analyzed. These investigations will allow further examination of Bd interaction with C. elegans to understand how Bd
completes its life cycle absent of its normal amphibian host.
17. GALECTIN-3C INHIBITS MURINE BREAST CANCER CELL GROWTH AND MAY INCREASE THE
ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF PACLITAXEL
Presenters: Eunjee Kim
Authors: Kim, Eunjee; Yu, Yuefei; Pedretti, Elisa; Chiriva-Internati, Maurizio; Cobos, Everardo
Galectin-3 is a human lectin involved in numerous cellular processes such as apoptosis, differentiation, neoplastic transformation,
angiogenesis, and metastasis. Galectin-3C is an N-terminally truncated form of galectin-3, thought to function as a dominant negative
inhibitor of this galectin and has potential anti-cancer activity. Galectin-3C has been tested in multiple myeloma cells, and has shown
to inhibit cell growth. We predict that galectin-3C will have the same inhibiting effect on 4T1 cell proliferation. A baseline expression
test was run on 4T1 cells (breast murine cell lines) using WB, RT-PCR, ELISA, and IF. After treatment with galectin-3C, paclitaxel,
and the combination, the same tests were performed for expression of galectin-3 and sperm protein 17 (sp17) as biomarkers. Cell
viability was also performed to check for the efficacy of drugs as well as cell anti-proliferation. Results indicate that treatment with
galectin-3C significantly reduced the expression of galectin-3 and sp17, 4T1 cell proliferation, and cell viability. Galectin-3C has
antineoplastic characteristics and inhibits 4T1 cell growth. Data suggests testing of galectin-3 should be continued to further examine
its anticancer activity.
!)#
18. CONSUMER ASSESSMENT OF BEEF PRODUCED IN NEW ZEALAND AND THE UNITED STATES
FROM FOUR BEEF MUSCLES USING THE ROAST COOKING PROCEDURES.
Presenters: Luis LLumitasig
Authors: LLumitasig, Luis
Introduction: Recent climate changes have complicated food needs of the population. The United States is not an exception. The
United States is the second largest importer of beef in the world. The total consumption of imports are divided in two large sectors: 90
percent is directed from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. On the other hand Central America, Uruguay, and Chile
represent the other 10 percent (Nearural, 2012.). In the last year, New Zealand had exported 22 percent of the total imports of beef for
the United States. Through these consumer trends, several suppliers of beef from New Zealand have been interested in studying the
needs of consumers through diverse market research in the American population (Castro. 2012). This takes into account the results of
consumption of beef of recent years from New Zealand for the United States population. This research aims to obtain accurate data on
the trend of consumption of beef in the United States by characterizing the palatability traits of beef from New Zealand. In order to
achieve this goal, the method of cooking the roast was applied to four different muscles of beef from New Zealand grass-fed animals.
This research can result in offering better strategies for certain regions or consumers in the United States by providing changes that
could be made to the beef production system in New Zealand to improve beef palatability.
19. SMOKE-INDUCED SEED GERMINATION OF GREAT BASIN SPECIES
Presenters: Sarah Miller
Authors: Miller, Sarah; Pendell, Elizabeth; Chandler, Alisa
Fires cause major changes to a landscape, altering the amount of light, available nutrients, and potential temperatures influencing
seeds. The products of wildfires, such as smoke, can break seed dormancy for many native species in fire-prone plant communities. In
this study, we evaluated the smoke-induced germination responses of eight native Great Basin species with the aim of developing
restoration protocols. We designed an experiment with four treatment groups for each species with varying concentrations of smoke to
water (0:1, 1:10, 1:100, 1:1000). In each treatment group, we soaked 25 seeds and replicated each treatment four times for a total of
400 seeds per species. Seeds were then placed in a germination chamber programmed to simulate the alternating temperature and light
intensity regimes required by species as estimated from an extensive literature review. Daily observation records were taken on the
number of germinated seeds in each treatment group. We considered seeds germinated when the radical extended at least 1mm past
the seed coat. Germination was promoted, inhibited, or unchanged depending on species and smoke concentration. Smoke treatments
may contribute to an effective restoration plan to stimulate the germination of species in historically fire-prone plant communities
where prescribed fires are currently restricted.
20. TDTOMATO FLUORESCENT MARKER FOR VISUALIZATION IN LIVE ANIMAL IMAGING
Presenters: Nicky Paniagua
Authors: Paniagua, Nicky; Thompson, Lea; Dufour, Jannette
Sertoli Cells (SC) are immune-privileged, somatic, nurse cells found in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. Besides playing a
crucial role in spermatogenesis, they are able to survive when transplanted across immunological barriers; thus establishing their
promise as a vehicle for gene therapy. Previously, SC transduced with a recombinant adenoviral vector carrying furin-modified human
insulin cDNA were able to restore normal blood glucose levels when transplanted into diabetic mice. However, insulin expression
was transient due to the epichromosomal nature of the adenovirus and normoglycemia was short lived. To accomplish stable insulin
expression by incorporating genetic material into the chromosome, a lentiviral vector was created carrying the same insulin (LVhINS). After transplantation of the SC-LV-hINS, insulin protein and mRNA were produced at stable levels, however not at high
enough levels to restore normoglycemia. Studies are currently on going to increase insulin expression. The lentiviral vector currently
being used contains a GFP Fluorescent marker. New imaging technology allows for fluorescent markers to be visualized in live
animals; however, GFP is not easily detected. A synthetic tandem double tomato florescent marker has been shown to be extremely
bright in live imaging with depths of 1 cm. The goal of this project is to replace the GFP marker with the tdTomato marker through
cloning and subcloning and to create an insulin expression vector. This expression vector will then be used to create a new lentiviral
vector to transduce SC which will then be transplanted in mice that will be imaged live.
*+#
21. GENETIC DIVERSITY OF LYGUS HESPERUS FROM DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN THE UNITED
STATES
Presenters: Swagat Parajulee
Authors: Parajulee, Swagat
Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae) is the dominant species of Lygus bug complex in the Texas High Plains. However, there
exists a considerable variation in L. hesperus populations within a narrow geographic range in west Texas. Simple sequence repeat
(SSR) or microsatellite markers are widely used as markers in insect ecology due to its genome-wide availability, reproducibility and
high polymorphism. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the application of recently developed 15 polymorphic SSR
markers in the genetic diversity study of Lygus hesperus from different cotton growing regions in the USA. Lygus hesperus samples
(n=24 male Lygus per location) were collected from four states (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Washington). They were identified
using a taxonomic key and genomic DNA from individual Lygus samples from each location and was extracted using Master Pure
Kit. DNA samples will be genotyped using capillary electrophoresis using 15 SSR markers. The within-population and between
population Lygus hesperus genetic diversity and spatial pattern of genetic variation are being investigated. The expected conclusions
are that the genetic makeup will vary across the areas in the United States.
22. THE TASTE TEST: THE EFFECT OF SWEETENED MOUTH RINSES ON CEPHALIC PHASE INSULIN
RELEASE IN HUMANS
Presenters: Lara Ringos, Brian Wilson
Authors: Ringos, Lara; Wilson, Brian; Hawkins, Keely
Sweet taste can stimulate insulin (I) release and increase blood glucose (GLU) prior to ingestion of the taste source; known as
cephalic phase insulin release (CPIR). Purpose: Determine distinction of CPIR in individuals who are more sensitive (responders (R))
and less sensitive (nonresponders (NR)) to sweet tastants. Methods: Pilot data from our lab was used which consisted of 16 individuals
asked to rinse three different sweetened solutions (sucrose (SU), sucralose (SL), and water (C)) for 45 seconds and expectorate. GLU,
I, and heart rate (HR) were recorded post-rinse for a 12-minute period. The data clearly indicates CPIR in response to the solutions,
although there is a great deal of variation when examined individually. Data was divided into R for GLU, I and HR for each solution
by subtracting baseline measures from peak values. R Groups were categorized based on a 10% change above or below baseline while
NR groups were categorized by a change of less than 10% above or below baseline. Results: Post-rinse GLU values showed
significance for the SU treatment in the R versus the NR group (97.03 ± 1.12 mg/dl vs. 88.77±1.43 mg/dl, p=0.02, respectively) while
all other solutions showed no difference between R and NR. There were no differences between R and NR groups for I and HR.
Conclusion: The arbitrary nature of the division of subjects was not enough to show the variation in response among individuals.
Further research methods utilizing fMRI and genotyping should be used to investigate genetic variation in individuals.
23. SERUM REPRESSES THE PROTEOLYTIC BUT NOT THE ELASTOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF P.
AERUGINOSA
Presenters: Rocio Rodriguez
Authors: Rodriguez, Rocio; Kruczek, Cassie; Hamood, Abdul; Colmer-Hamood, Jane
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes many serious infections. P. aeruginosa produces numerous
extracellular virulence factors including exotoxin A, pyocyanin, siderophores, and proteases. P. aeruginosa produces four major
extracellular proteases: LasB, LasA, alkaline protease, and protease IV. Besides proteolytic activity, LasB degrades elastin
(elastolytic activity). In this study, we investigated the effect of serum on the proteolytic activity produced by P. aeruginosa strain
PAO1 using skim milk (SM) plates. We inoculated PAO1 on either SM plates or SM plates containing 10% serum (SM-S). In the
presence of serum, the protease-induced clearing zone around PAO1 was significantly reduced. To confirm these results, we grew
PAO1 in either Luria Bertani (LB) broth or in LB containing 10% serum (LB-S) and analyzed the supernatant for proteolytic activity.
Supernatant from PAO1 grown in LB-S produced significantly reduced proteolytic activity. Using real time PCR, we investigated the
effect of serum on the expression of lasB, lasA and aprE. The expression of lasB and lasA was significantly enhanced in the presence
of serum; however, aprE expression was repressed. Using elastin plates, we examined the effect of serum on PAO1 elastolytic
activity. In contrast to skim milk plates, PAO1 grown on elastin plates containing serum produced a larger zone of clearing. These
results suggest that: 1) serum interferes with the proteolytic but not the elastolytic activity of secreted P. aeruginosa proteins; and 2)
extracellular proteases may not be critical for P. aeruginosa pathogens during septicemia or in serum containing infected sites.
*!#
24. DYNAMIC CONNECTIVITY OF TEMPORARY WETLANDS
Presenters: Luis Ruiz, Niki Parikh
Authors: Ruiz, Luis; Parikh, Niki; Heintzman, Lucas; Collins, Steve; Starr, Scott
Playas are temporary wetlands of the southern Great Plains of North America and are regional foci for biodiversity. Charged by
precipitation runoff, these closed-basin wetlands are subject to land conversion and climate change, which may disrupt the
connectivity of the playa network for wildlife. Researchers used remote sensing imagery to delineate the location of >8000 playas in a
~34,225 km2 portion of the Texas panhandle. Using three standard graph theory metrics, researchers quantified connectivity in this
area over 37 cloud-free dates from 2007-2011, ranking stepping-stones, cutpoints, and hubs of the playa network during differing
times of habitat availability (regionally wet, dry, and average periods of precipitation) and for different dispersal distances ranging
from 0.5-10 km (a range of vagility for wetland-dependent wildlife). Whereas an individual playa’s status as a stepping-stone,
cutpoint, or hub was quite fluid over time, there was some consistency in regions of the network where these nodes tended to occur.
Hubs were located in areas of high playa density; cutpoints were primarily situated around the focal area’s edges (likely due to focus
on only a portion of a larger network) and stepping-stones were typically in topographically constricted portions of the focal area.
Coalescence of the network was usually at >10 km dispersal distance and dependent on wetland density, indicating a synergistic effect
of dispersal ability and habitat availability on critical thresholds in connectivity. Connectivity is a dynamic landscape trait in an
ecosystem that is likely to be affected by climate and land-use changes in the foreseeable future.
25. ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM CANADA GEESE FECES
AND URBAN PLAYA LAKE WATER
Presenters: Nolan Rutherford
Authors: Rutherford, Nolan
Each year vast numbers of Canada geese overwinter in the inland wetlands of West Texas, regionally known as playa lakes, and
deposit large amounts of fecal matter in the water and along the shores. This investigation was conducted in urban areas during the
time when these waterfowl were in greatest abundance, and findings suggest a high incidence of antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli in
the feces and water. The Kirby-Bauer Antibiotic Disk Diffusion Susceptibility Test was used to determine the antibiotic resistance or
susceptibility of 100 E. coli isolates from Canada geese feces and playa lake water using 10 antibiotics known to be effective in the
treatment of gram-negative bacterial infections. Antibiotic resistance was found in 84% of E. coli isolated from feces and water.
Isolates were completely susceptible to 5 antibiotics and susceptible, intermediate, or resistant to the other 5 antibiotics. Complete
resistance to tetracycline, streptomycin, ampicillin, and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid was found in some isolates. This research is
important because antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in the treatment of infections. With the high incidence of antibiotic
resistant E. coli in the feces and water, pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms might possibly be present. Therefore, finding
antibiotic resistant E. coli in Canada geese feces and playa lake water poses potential health issues because these lakes are used
recreationally where there is possible contact with both sources.
26. REDUCTION OF SALMONELLA ENTERICA AND LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN CANTALOUPES
AND MANGOES USING LOW-COST CHEMICAL ANTIMICROBIAL INTERVENTIONS
Presenters: Esaú Salgado
Authors: Salgado, Esaú
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of four low-cost intervention treatments on the reduction of Salmonella enterica and
Listeria monocytogenes on cantaloupes and mangoes surface. Methods: Fresh cantaloupes and mangoes were purchased at a retail
store. Four intervention treatments were evaluated: ambient deionized water; chlorine at 200 ppm; hydrogen peroxide at 3%; and a
combination of chlorine at 100 ppm with hydrogen peroxide at 1.5%. A three-strain cocktail of each pathogen, S. enterica and L.
monocytogenes, was prepared. The fruit was inoculated one pathogen at a time by completely submerging each fruit into tubs
containing 3 L of the inoculum for 60s. Swab samples were taken from the surface of inoculated fruits before (with the pathogens
inoculated one on each fruit) and after treatment. The sample was serially diluted and 100 µL aliquots were plated on Xilose Lysine
Deoxycholate (XLD) agar for Salmonella and Modified Oxford (MOX) Agar for L. monocytogenes.Results: Chlorine was observed to
have the highest reduction level, reducing pathogens by up to 2.13 Log CFU/cm2 on cantaloupes surface. Hydrogen peroxide was
found to be the most effective reducing 4.33 Log CFU/cm2 of S. enterica on the mangoes surface. Significance and implications of
results: Mangoes and cantaloupes are commodity crops highly exportable from developing countries in Latin America. Having lowcost, readily available interventions is critical to protect public health and to protect the market value of these commodities. Such
interventions can be implemented to reduce pathogen loads prior to shipment to the markets to prevent illnesses and outbreaks.
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27. NANOLIQUID MASS TRANSFER-BEYOND THE SHERWOOD NUMBER LIMIT OF TWO
Presenters: Danielle Sinte
Authors: Sinte, Danielle; Wiesner, Theodore
Nanotechnology is having a tremendous impact on scientists’ discoveries that could improve every part of our lives. Particle size
is a crucial parameter in nanotechnology and measuring the rate of transport of the particles in nanoliquids will reinforce all
applications of this field including energy applications such as hydrogen and electrocatalysts in fuel cells, drug delivery system in
medicine, design of nanocatalysts, and communication technology. Although actual correlations and theories constituted for micronsize particle predict a minimum Sherwood number of two as particle size decreases, several reports of mass transfer coefficient
involving nanoparticles yield a Sherwood number on the order of 10-7 indicating that current mass transport correlations are
inadequate for determining mass transfer coefficients at nanoscale. Consequently, we are establishing the Sherwood number as a
function of particle size in colloids and nanoliquids by measuring the rate of transport of basic blue dye 41 (BB41) onto silicon IV
oxide (SiO2) nanoparticles employing the batch adsorption technique as function of time. All experiments were run at 610 nm where
BB41 dye absorbs maximally. Calculations were done to obtain that 5 wt% of SiO2 has the ability to remove more than the amount of
dye present in a 0.01 wt% dye solution. To date,we have found the rate of adsorption to be exceedingly fast, and we are working to
increase the time resolution of our experiments.
28. EFFECTS OF LIMB LENGTH ON THERMAL TOLERANCE IN HARVESTER ANTS
(POGONOMYRMEX, HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)
Presenters: Vidhur Sohini, Cody Fell
Authors: Sohini, Vidhur; Fell, Cody; Verble-Pearson, Robin
Critical thermal maxima are temperatures above which organisms cannot survive. Factors that may influence thermal maxima are
habitat, previous short-term exposure to hot sub-lethal temperatures (i.e., heat hardening), species, organism size, and limb length.
Specifically, long limb size may benefit ants that live in hot climates by allowing them to “stilt” their bodies away from warm surfaces
while foraging. We manipulated limb length in red harvester ants (pogonomyrmex rugosus) and examine critical thermal maxima.
Harvester ant workers were collected in Lubbock, Texas, maintained in laboratory colonies for up to 48 hours. Five individuals from
each colony were randomly assigned to a treatment (removal or shortening of all legs, no legs, front legs, middle legs, hind legs).
Ants were encapsulated in thin plastic vials and submerged in a water bath. The temperature of the water bath was increased 1 degree
C per minute until the ants exhibited a “loss of righting response” (a common physiological measurement of critical thermal
maximum). Temperatures were recorded, and treatments were compared with an analysis of variance.
29. DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS OF COUMARIN DERIVATIVES CAPABLE OF UNEXPECTED
REARRANGEMENTS
Presenters: Daniel Stroud
Authors: Stroud, Daniel; Rajale, Trideep; Birney, David
In the past, heating derivatives of allyl alcohol has been shown to lead to sigmatropic rearrangements. These rearrangements have
been presumed to be pericyclic in nature and therefore followed the Nobel Prize-winning Woodward-Hoffman rules. In this project,
however, we propose to study coumarin derivatives for which heat-driven sigmatropic rearrangements might be pseudopericyclic and
therefore could violate these rules. Activated derivatives will be synthesized and then heated to explore the rearrangements possible in
this system. The coumarin system was selected because it is present in pharmaceutical drugs such as the anticoagulant, Warfarin
(Coumadin). Additionally, this structure was designed to avoid undesired competing reactions. Currently, the synthesis of the acetate
derivative is being optimized and characterization is underway. Computational studies of simple model systems containing similar
structures to the rearrangement site of the derivatives have suggested the possibility of the pericyclic and pseudopericyclic ([3,3] and
[3,5] respectively) rearrangement products.
30. BAT ACTIVITY ASSOCIATIONS IN AGRICULTURAL AREAS
Presenters: Kaitlin Thogmartin
Authors: Thogmartin, Kaitlin
In agricultural landscapes, bats are beneficial because they eat crop insect pests. Approximately 100 million Brazilian free-tailed
bats eat up to four billion corn earworms each night, reducing the need for using pesticides in crop fields. The objective of this study
was to ascertain if bat activity in agricultural landscapes is related to the presence of certain landscape features, such as trees. Using a
Pettersson D1000x ultrasonic detector, bat calls were continuously recorded along a 15 km acoustic transect driven at 24 kilometers
per hour through Lubbock County. Locations of the recorded calls were collected with a Garmin GPS. The acoustic transect went
through both agricultural and urban areas, as well as places with water. Thirty and 500 meter geocentric circles were constructed
around each recorded bat call. Within each circle, the percentage covered of land use categories and trees was estimated with Google
Earth. The 500 meter geocentric circle data shows that bat activity is highest in areas with water and trees. The data also shows that
bat activity is lowest in urban areas. This information is useful in that it helps determine how bats are using the landscape in cropdominated areas.
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31. SCREENING OF SELECTED CANDIDA ALBICANS CELL WALL AND TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR
MUTANTS FOR CHONOLOGICAL AGING DEFECTS
Presenters: Tabitha Threatt
Authors: Threatt, Tabitha; Chaffin, LaJean
Candida albicans is a mucosal and cutaneous commensal. Populations increase via cell replication and reduce by cell death and
mechanical processes. In normal cells, death usually occurs after undergoing replicative aging and chronological aging (CA, survival
during stationary phase). Our studies have shown that diet restriction increases cell survival, and that certain transcription factor
mutations and cell wall defects have decreased survival in rich media. We hypothesize that the effect of a mutation is medium
dependent. In the initial screening, high and restricted glucose media were used, along with vaginal simulative medium. An overnight
culture was diluted into a test medium and grown at 37 °C with shaking. At various times, cultures were serially diluted and spot
plated on YEPD. The behavior of 6 strains was similar to that of the parent strain. Strains zcf28, ume7, zcf34 and orf19.2315 differed
from the parent and were grown in independent, triplicate cultures in YEPD, YNB + 2% glucose, and YNB + 27.7 mM glucose.
YEPD is a rich media, whereas YNB is a defined medium. The strain orf19.2315 died by day 12, on YNB + 2% glucose only. This
supports our hypothesis of medium dependent effects. The strain deficient for orf19.2315 is currently being analyzed to determine if
cell death is due to apoptosis or necrosis. On day 3, over 90% of the cells expressed an apoptotic marker. Because cells are viable until
day 12, this suggests that this marker is not an indicator of immediate cell death. This assay is still ongoing.
32. THERMAL TOLERANCE OF COMMON TEXAS ANTS (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)
Presenters: Victoria Young
Authors: Verble-Pearson, Robin; Young, Victoria
Ants are nearly ubiquitous in terrestrial environments, occupying diverse habitats and ecological niches. In Texas alone, there are
upwards of 200 species of ants. The critical thermal maximum of an organism is the hottest temperature at which it can perform a
given function (e.g., foraging, respiring, etc...). Many ants already forage near their thermal maxima; thus, they may be particularly
sensitive to warming climates. We examined the critical thermal maxima of common ant species in west Texas. Five workers from
each colony were placed in thin plastic vials and submerged in a water bath. The temperature of the water bath was increased 1
degree C per minute until the ants lost the ability to right themselves. The temperature was recorded and plotted against body size.
Temperatures were also compared among species and habitat types.
33. MICROBIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A BIOSAND FILTER
Presenters: Andrew Alleman
Authors: Alleman, Andrew
Biological filtration is a mechanism in water filters where microorganisms and other biological processes break down particles,
organic material, and pathogens in drinking water. Water-related diseases, such as cholera, account for 2-5 million deaths per year
across the globe. The ability of a water filter to remove pathogens and other solids in drinking water is critical to provide safe water to
the public and to prevent the spread of these diseases. Therefore, it is of interest in what communities of microorganisms are
producing the clean water from unsafe water sources. The main objective of this project was to characterize the microbiological
community that exists in the biological layer of the filter. The community was characterized by two methods of measurement. The
first being the amount of biomass in the filter and the second being enzyme activity in the biological layer of the filter. The amount of
biomass in the biological layer followed a normal trend of decreasing over depth. However, the carbon to nitrogen biomass ratio was
relatively large. The enzyme activity also showed degradation of organic material in the upper most portion of the biological layer,
but the nitrogen-based enzymes also showed an increase in activity with depth in the biological layer. This work increases our
understanding of water treatment and how to improve bio filtration processes. Future studies could be done to examine the different
species with DNA analysis that make up the community of microorganisms in the biological layer.
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BUSINESS EMPHASIS (Business)
Abstracts 34-36
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34. BLINDED BY LOYALTY: A NEW ELEMENT OF WINE TASTING
Presenters: Ellen Cresto
Authors: Cresto, Ellen
The purpose of this study is to investigate how previous brand loyalties influence consumers' perceptions of the quality of wine.
The paper, "Pride and Prejudice in the evaluation of wine?", published in the International Journal of Wine Business Research, found
that "a wine's country of origin has a strong effect on consumers' preferences and price perceptions" (Guidry, Babin, Graziano,
Schneider 298). Now, taking a step further, this study will test the effects of elements unrelated to the production of the wine: the
brand. To test the significance of personal affiliation with brands, three segments of consumers were tested: Texas Tech University,
University of Texas, and Texas A&M University alumni. These segments of consumers participated in a wine tasting and tasted what
they believed to be three separate wines, branded by the three previously stated schools. In reality, the three bottles were filled with
the same wine. The data are collected via self-report questionnaire and data collection is ongoing. The pre-questionnaire gages the
participants' existing experience and knowledge of wine, and a survey during the tasting indicates each participant's preferences. It is
expected that the alumni will perceive differences in the taste for wines affiliated with their alma mater and rate the wine labeled by
their alma mater to be the highest in quality.
35. TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY?
Presenters: Kaitlyn Jones
Authors: Jones, Kaitlyn; Reichenau, Ethan; King, Katy
The study investigates how consumers’ opinions aid in the purchasing of wine through a web based questionnaire. The
questionnaire will focus on three major themes of design labels; symmetrical, natural, and elaborate. (Orth, 2008) Participants view
various wine labels and then rate them on the three themes and label design. The online, self-report survey will include preference
items and items measuring level of knowledge and involvement with wine. We expect to find consumers prefer a different label
content mix for different types of wine. Specific elements of a label may signal consumers to assume characteristics (i.e., sweet versus
dry) concerning the taste of the wine. This study will aid in our understanding of how packaging affects purchase decisions for wine.
Also, this study informs the selection of the types of information, label design, and other label content, helping wine marketers to
understand today’s wine consumer. The wine market has a vast variety of brands, labels, and labels that research is the only way to
understand the trends of purchasing habits from consumers. With the findings from the study marketers will be able to pin point the
right wine label font, picture, and color for specific types of wine.
36. SHADES OF RED AND WHITE
Presenters: Ethan Reichenau
Authors: Reichenau, Ethan; Jones, Kaitlyn; King, Katy
The purpose of this research is to determine the impact of various dimensions of colors and on the consumers’ preferences,
purchase intent and emotional responses to wine labels. Color results when the brain converts wavelengths of light and is absorbed by
the eyes, into what we perceive as color (Singh, 2006). Previous research has concluded that the warmth of a label has a direct
correlation with a higher price point as well as females being more affected by colors than males (Bourdeaux, 2007; Barber, 2006). In
this online study, we examine how colors used on existing wine labels affect consumer perceptions. We expect a direct correlation
between the effectiveness, brightness and warmth of primary and secondary colors in wine labels on consumers’ purchase intent. This
application can assess the implications of different hues, lighting and effectiveness on the perceptions of consumer’s and how it
impacts the various levels of the consumer’s purchase intent. Through the use of a self administered questionnaire we can measure the
consumer’s perceived level of effectiveness, brightness, and warmth of labels and purchase intent limited only by the various
brightness levels of monitors and the consumer’s self confidence. Overall, this research allows brand managers and packaging
designers to use the appropriate color combinations when packaging their products and do so in an effective manner.
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HUMANITIES and THE ARTS (Art History,
Cultural Studies, Gender Studies, Literature, Music,
Media and Communications, and Theatre)
Abstracts 37-38
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37. AN ANALYSIS OF PATTERN DESIGN USING OPTITEX 3D
Presenters: Kimberly Berry, Claire Scurlock
Authors: Berry, Kimberly; Scurlock, Claire
The purpose of our undergraduate research is to find out how the newly emerging 3D virtual design software program OptiTex
can be effectively worked for product development process. We have used several methods to assess the pattern development process
using the 3D program. First, we created prototype patterns with 3D Optitex and then converted them to 2D Gerber Accumark. In this
study, we found some of the issues with this conversion process that include ill-fitting garments when draped on the 3D model,
especially with darts and waist seams, and measurement changes when converting the pattern files from Optitex to Gerber Accumark.
In the pattern correction process, we used OptiTex to drape the patterns on a dress form, digitized the patterns onto Gerber Accumark,
and then converted them to OptiTex. When we evaluated the fit of the patterns on the 3D virtual model in OptiTex, we found that it
was possible to save the digitized patterns without skewing the format’s original patterns. Outcomes from our experimental study will
be useful for apparel manufactures and researchers to aim the accuracy of production patterns using both 2D CAD and 3D virtual
design programs.
38. TIGER CHRONICLES: MANUEL LOZADA IN MEXICAN NEWSPAPERS
Presenters: Ashley Cossio
Authors: Cossio, Ashley
The project involves discovering how Manuel Lozada was portrayed in Mexican newspaper articles during the 1850’s and 1860’s
in Mexico, and later during the Mexican Revolution in the 1920’s. The goal is to show that Manuel Lozada was not portrayed as an
insurgent with a cause, but as a robber and a bandit. This has been done by examining articles from different newspapers, such as El
Siglo XIX and El Universal. It has become clear that while his assaults were recorded, the driving force behind the accounts was not
mentioned. Although attitudes toward Lozada bettered over time, there were no records of him being mentioned in revolutionary
times.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES (Computer Science,
Engineering, Geosciences, Mathematics, and
Physics/Astronomy)
Abstracts 39-49
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39. COMPARISION OF A CASSEGRAIN SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION (SEGS) TO A CENTRAL
POWER TOWER SEGS
Presenters: Bruna Dias
Authors: Dias, Bruna; Wiesner, Theodore
The Earth's climate is currently changing because of emissions of CO2 to the Earth’s atmosphere. Therefore, a critical challenge
for this century is to find ways of supplying energy needs, having in mind that fossil fuels contribute to global warming. Thus,
renewable, carbon-free sources of energy, such as solar energy, are an important alternative. However, the principal obstacle to the
adoption of these technologies is that the solar electricity cost is higher than the cost of the electricity provided by the current fossilfueled grid. According to Energy Information Administration (EIA), the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for Concentrated solar
Power (CSP) is presently $0.21/kWh, whilst the LCOE for coal is only $0.08/kWh.
This work intends to reduce the LCOE of a CSP tower plant and make this energy source competitive with the current grid prices.
The design proposed is a Cassegrain solar field; the receiver tower is replaced by a suspended secondary concentrator and the
numerous heliostats are replaced by the continuous reflective surface of a stationary parabolic dish placed at ground level. The
dimensions of the preliminary design are 135 meters in diameter for the primary reflector and 18 meters in diameter and 30 meters
high for the suspended secondary reflector.
This study shows that this replacement can reduce the LCOE for this type of concentrated solar power by $0.04/kWh. Moreover,
a 5 MW Cassegrain design occupies only 0.5 acres of land, whilst a 5 MW heliostat CSP plant in California (Sierra Sun Tower)
occupies 20 acres.
40. CHAOS AND ALLEE EFFECT ON A DISCRETE-TIME LOGISTIC POPULATION MODEL
Presenters: Sarah Doucette
Authors: Doucette, Sarah
Chaos is a term used in biological population systems that often carries implications of randomness. Instead, the accepted
mathematical consensus considers a system to be in chaos only if this system displays the following three characteristics: topological
mixing (different parts of a graph are superimposable on others), a deterministic nature, and sensitivity to initial conditions. Chaos
occurs in a discrete logistic system as the growth rate r increases beyond approximately 2.692. Using MATLAB, three programs were
developed to model the population size of a discrete logistic model. These programs model population size versus growth rate, time,
and previous population size in order to study the changing patterns in population size and clearly display each of the conditions of
chaos. The values of r for which a discrete logistic system bifurcates into 2, 3, 4, and 8 cycles were numerically derived. An
investigation was then conducted that examined how complications like the addition of an Allee effect (positive density dependence)
to the system affects the r values at which the system bifurcates. Adding an Allee effect to the system increased the r values at which
the system bifurcated, implying increased system stability.
41. COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND ITS EFFECT ON VIRUS SPREAD
Presenters: Ryan Farmacka
Authors: Farmacka, Ryan; Calhoun, John: Williams, Brock
Though the idea of Zombies invading and destroying a neighborhood may not be too applicable in the real world, virus outbreaks
are all too real. Imagining a lifeless, thoughtless virus strain is then as simple as imagining a zombie roaming the neighborhood. This
study utilizes the Calhoun-Williams Model, a computer simulation which makes use of random walks to create a virtual city and
contagion. By introducing a virus strain into multiple communities, and tracking its progress and success rate in each area, conclusions
can be drawn on the effects of the city’s shape and inhabitants on the spread of a disease. Population density, human susceptibility,
and latency time are explored as well.
42. THE ITERATION AND FIXED POINTS OF MATHEMATICAL FUNCTIONS
Presenters: Ethan Hall
Authors: Hall, Ethan
This research describes the iteration of trigonometric functions. Upon conducting the research, fixed points and periodic points of
the iterations have been obtained. Researchers determined whether each set of points was attracting or repelling points. The
researcher obtained the corresponding basins of attraction for each of the functions as well. Within the research, graphical images are
displayed to demonstrate the iterative process. The behavior of these trigonometric functions was contrasted with that of
combinations of polynomial, logarithmic, and exponential functions. Repelling/attracting points, basins of attraction, and graphs have
been constructed for these functions as well. Mathematical properties were derived through the use of common calculus concepts
such as derivative and slope.
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43. GRADIENTS IN NANOFILLER CONTENT IN CONDUCTIVE COMPOSITES
Presenters: Shane Metzler
Authors: Metzler, Shane; Green, Micah
One of the key benefits of polymer nanocomposites, i.e., polymers loaded with conductive nano-sized filler particles, is the ability
of the nanofiller to form a connected, conductive “percolating” network. Such a network increases the conductivity of the bulk
material by orders of magnitude. The nanofiller concentration at which conductivity jumps is termed the “percolation threshold.”
We examine a novel gradient nanocomposite design where the nanofiller content increases linearly from one end of the composite
to the other, such that the conductivity changes along the length of the material. The sudden increase in conductivity at a particular
location in the sample corresponds to the percolation threshold. Using this known location, the weight percent at the percolation
threshold of a given composite and nanofiller can be determined.
For our study, carbon black was used as the nanofiller and PDMS was used as the matrix. Two syringe pumps and a mixer were
used to make this continuous gradient. One syringe pump had zero carbon black and the other had enough carbon black to make the
composite conducitve. Both syringe pumps were ramped, one was ramped up while the other was ramped down, giving a constant
flow rate. The carbon black and PDMS mixture was then mixed thoroughly and finally put in a mold giving a continuous gradient.
Once the gradient is formed, the weight percent of the percolation point can be determined. Gradient composites enable singlesample comparisons of percolation behavior for various nanofillers, polymers, and processing techniques.
44. QUANTUM STATE TOMOGRAPHY OF A SPP IN A WAVEGUIDE
Presenters: Trevor O'Loughlin
Authors: O'Loughlin, Trevor; Dominguez, Daniel
Quantum plasmonics involves fundamental understanding of single-photon surface plasmon polariton (SPP) excitation,
propagation, and interaction with plasmonic structures. In quantum optics, quantum-state tomography methods have been developed
to determine the quantum state of the radiation field or the photon wavefunction. This project seeks to combine these two fields in
order to determine the wavefunction of the SPP in a waveguide. The samples investigated here were fabricated using a combination
of electron-beam lithography and liftoff techniques; it consisted of a glass substrate and thin film of gold in periodic arrays of
waveguides topped with PMMA doped with Rhodamine 6G.
45. ZOMBIE INTERACTIONS OVER TIME
Presenters: Quinn Pearce
Authors: Calhoun, John; Williams, Brock
Zombie outbreaks are often portrayed in popular movies, books, and games as a way to see who can survive, but there are many
more factors than meet the eye. We will describe our work using the Calhoun-Williams model that implements random walks to
simulate zombie outbreaks in a city and charts the number of interactions between zombies and humans over time. A computer
simulation was created to run a virtual outbreak in a generated city. The virus can originate in varying numbers of people and spread
very quickly. We aim to understand the distribution of interactions between infected and healthy individuals over time in order to
discover what parameters play a role in how quickly the virus can spread throughout a population.
46. OPTIMIZING DISASSEMBLY OF PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD USING A SUPERCRITICAL CARBON
DIOXIDE PROCESS
Presenters: Felipe Silva
Authors: Silva, Felipe
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are complex components present in a large variety of electronic devices. Although PCB’s have
well defined manufacturing technologies, the disassembly and recycling process for these devices still represents a challenge. The
purpose of this work is to analyze and optimize the disassembly process of PCBs using a supercritical carbon dioxide process. An
experimental design was conducted using four control factors each with three levels. The factors included: temperature (160 C,
190 C and 220 C), pressure (1500 psi, 3500 psi and 5500 psi), solvent used in reaction (pure carbon dioxide, water mixture, and
sodium carbonate mixture) and vessel depressurization (every 4 hours, 1 hour and # hour). From performed experiments, the
supercritical carbon dioxide process has been validated providing an environmentally benign solution for disassembling PCBs for
recycling. The conducted experiments have provided key effects based on the tested control factors for the supercritical carbon
dioxide process. Based on these effects, the optimal disassembly and recycling scenario for the super critical carbon dioxide process
is with high operating pressures, high temperatures, frequent depressurizations, and the sodium carbonate mixture solvent. This
optimal process showed the greatest weight reduction and thickness increase of the PCB denoting the best delamination of the PCB for
disassembly and recycling.
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47. DEATH 1 LATENCY AND THE EFFECTS ON PREDICTABILITY OF ZOMBIE VIRUS SPREAD
Presenters: Austin Tyson
Authors: Tyson, Austin; Calhoun, John; Williams, Brock
Zombie diseases provide a means of exploring new tools in virology without the typical restraints of real-life diseases such as lack
of information or lack of control over the experiment. By studying a virus with no real-life context, all of the restraints of real-life
diseases can be avoided. The zombie disease model used for this research was the Calhoun-Williams model of the zombie virus. This
model employs random walks to imitate the analogous spread of diseases among human populations. A computer simulation was used
to create a virtual city and disease wherein specific factors can be observed and manipulated. The factors explored by this simulation
were infectivity of disease as an expression of the population’s resistance, initial population (both total and infected), shape of the city,
and latency periods. This researcher focused on the trend between Death 1 latency (a measure of the time between recovering from a
disease and becoming infected by the same disease again) and overall predictability of viral spread. This relationship can be seen in
the coalescence of population graphs over time when the Death 1 latency period is modified.
48. MODELS FOR TREATMENT OF BACTERIAL INFECTION, ANTIBIOTICS, AND BACTERIOPHAGE
Presenters: Robert Wallette, Kaylee Holloway
Authors: Allen, Linda; Holloway, Kaylee; Wallette, Robert
In the medical field, the increase in bacterial resistance to antibiotics in humans has become a substantial problem. Therefore,
new methods for fighting bacterial infection are of current research interest. One treatment method that shows promise is
bacteriophage therapy. Bacteriophage are viruses that use bacteria as their cloning vector, and eventually cause the bacteria to lyse, or
rupture, releasing newly created bacteriophage. To explore the effects of different treatment strategies on bacterial growth, we applied
a model for bacterial infection within an individual host. This model is a system of differential equations for the rate of change of
bacteria, bacteriophage, immune response and antibiotics, originally formulated by Bull and Levin in 1996. We use a generalized
model to explore the effects of bacteriophage on bacterial growth, as well as the benefits in applying bacteriophage therapy to treat
antibiotic resistant infections. In conclusion, we can theorize that bacteriophage therapy could be used as a possible treatment for
bacterial infections.
49. OPTIMIZATION OF THE REACTIVTY DURATION OF NANOSCALE ZERO-VALENT IRON (NZVI)
Presenters: Dong Yue Yang
Authors: Yang, Dong Yue; Han, Yanlai; Yan, Weile
Environment remediation using nano-scale materials (‘nanoremediation’) is a rapidly evolving field that offers attractive solutions to
the restoration of contaminated surface water, soil, and groundwater. One of the most frequently used materials in nanoremediation is
the nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI). nZVI can degrade a wide range of pollutants, including chlorinated solvents (e.g.
trichloroethene), pesticides, heavy metals, and arsenic, by absorption and chemical reduction. Previous studies have shown that nZVI
can stay reactive for up to eight weeks in soil or water. The synthesis conditions of nZVI are known to have a significant effect on the
particle morphology and chemical reactivity. In this research, the objective is to develop an optimized recipe for synthesizing nZVI
from ferric chloride (FeCl3) and sodium borohydride (NaBH4), which allows the nanoparticles to possess a large reductive capacity
for contaminant reduction. Specifically, we manipulated the synthesis conditions of the nZVI by varying four independent reaction
parameters: the ratio of NaBH4 to FeCl3, the starting concentration of NaBH4, stirring speed, and the rate at which NaBH4 is fed to
the FeCl3 solution. Based on our baseline recipe, we increased or decreased the values of the four parameters independently within
suitable ranges. Furthermore, we designed two methods to evaluate the reductive properties of the as-synthesized nanoparticles using
Cu(II) reduction and nitrate reduction tests. We also assessed the crystallographic properties of the particles through X-ray diffraction
(XRD) analysis to gain an estimate of the grain size of bcc Fe(0).
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SOCIAL SCIENCES (Anthropology / Archaeology,
Economics, Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology)
Abstracts 50-55
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50. COMPARING PORTRAYALS OF TEEN MOTHERS AND FATHERS ON MTV’S HIT SHOW "16 AND
PREGNANT"
Presenters: Hudaina Baig
Authors: Baig, Hudaina
Teen pregnancy has become a controversial and popular topic in entertainment media over the past few years. Television shows,
such as MTV’s "16 and Pregnant," which follows teen parents for five months pre/post birth in a documentary-style reality series, are
regularly the most watched television programs among 12-34 year olds (Gorman, 2010). The popularity of the series has sparked
controversy among parents, public health advocates, and pundits about whether the series glamorizes teen pregnancy in viewers' eyes
(e.g., Union, 2012). Many others, however, have defended the series (e.g., Bricklin, 2012). Much of the criticism and the praise for
"16 and Pregnant" has been based on anecdotal evidence or personal impressions, but little, if any, research has examined the content
of the show in a systematic way.
This study systematically examined four episodes of "16 and Pregnant" by conducting a content analysis of each episode and
coding for examples of teen parent maturity, work ethic, reliance on others, parenting knowledge and skills, positive and negative
consequences, relationship dynamics between the teen parents, emotion, future intentions, and more. Strong reliability between the
coders was found (Cohen’s Kappa above .80). The analysis will focus on comparing teen mothers and teen fathers across the coded
categories, with an emphasis on discovering how the episodes portray changes (positive or negative) in the character (e.g., maturity,
self-sufficiency) and lives (e.g., social, academic) of the teen parents. This research will provide insights into the actual portrayals of
teen parents and teen pregnancy on this television series.
51. UNDERSTANDING COGNITIVE AND SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT AMONG EAST LUBBOCK YOUTH:
AN ACTION-RESEARCH APPROACH
Presenters: Isaac Billalobos
Authors: Billalobos, Isaac; Schafer, Nancy; Trejos, Elizabeth
During adolescence cognitive development goes through significant changes that reflect life skills learned primarily from
interactions with parents. Adolescents’ choices are generally based on their abilities to understanding/processing situations and
making decisions as well as balancing the perceived costs/benefits of their actions. Some of the tougher choices in life coincide with
decisions pertaining to the opposite sex particularly during sexual development those decisions/actions can have life-long
consequences. Though the previous statements are not new to researchers working with teenagers, the gap between empirical evidence
and practice/knowledge implementation remains a concern and an evident issue that warrants immediate attention. The current study
aims to discuss a recently growing practice in research described as Action-Research which aims to “contribute to both the practical
concerns of people in an immediate problematic situation and to further the goals of social science simultaneously” (O'Brien, 2001).
Thus, Action-Research represents a commitment for the researcher that goes beyond the sole generation of knowledge to a close
collaboration with the community for the improvement of community conditions and subsequent changes such as policy making. This
study will review/discuss the action-research stages for a currently developing prevention program to be implemented in East Lubbock
next Fall 2013 as part of the recently awarded East Lubbock Promise Neighborhood Grant to TTU faculty. A main emphasis would be
placed on the creation of a cognitive development module as it pertains to sexual maturation. Methodological tools and strategies for
an action-research model development and implementation will be discussed in detailed.
"$#
52. EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SEXUAL MATURATION IN FOSTER & JUVENILE JUSTICE
YOUTH: AN EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE APPROACH
Presenters: Amanda Cutts
Authors: Cutts, Amanda; Trevino Schafer, Nancy; Trejos-Castillo, Elizabeth
The National Implementation Research Network (NIRN) defines Evidence-Based Practice as “the skills, techniques, and
strategies used by practitioners when interacting with program participants.” One of the main goals of Evidence-Based Practice is to
help reduce the gap between research and practice to improve and advance current prevention/intervention programs particularly
aiming to support under-served populations. Thus, generating new knowledge through research practices is as important as
understanding the implementation of that knowledge for advancing populations’ well-being and outcomes. The proposed study aims
to evaluate and discuss key factors of implementing a prevention program for preventing teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted
diseases/infections (STDs/STIs) among foster youth and juvenile justice youth. A particular emphasis is being placed on emotions and
its salient role in adolescent development since emotional competence and socialization are central to having a healthy development of
adolescents’ emotions. In the absence of living in an “ideal” intact family environment, helping foster and juvenile justice adolescents
and their caregivers learn more about the changes, reasons, and ways to adapt to changing emotions during sexual development could
help bridge the gap that seems to form between caregivers and youth during this stage of life. Thus, as supported by evidence-based
research, gathering empirical knowledge and distributing/implementing it in the community might support building a bridge to help
youth and substitute families benefit from research findings. Specific information about the prevention program as well as
implementation strategies, main challenges, lessons learned, and future directions will be also discussed.
53. ADMINISTRATOR PERCEPTIONS OF FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATION
Presenters: Samara Martinez
Authors: Martinez, Samara
Many changes have taken place in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) in the last decade. Because secondary school
administrators (i.e., superintendents, principals, assistant principals, and counselors) have decision making authority over their districts
and campuses, it is important that they have a clear vision of what FCS courses are and what they contribute to the student population
(Smith, Hall, & Jones, 2001). According to previous research, it is unclear if school administrators are aware of the changes of foci
and the potential for impact FCS courses have for student academic outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore school
administrators’ perceptions of FCS in Texas to determine where marketing efforts will be the most efficacious. Semi-structured
personal or technology enabled interviews will be conducted with a variety of school administrators in order to determine their
familiarity with and perception of the FCS curriculum, how the FCS program fits into the school system, the role of the FCS student
organization, personal experiences with FCS in the past, and familiarity with AchieveTexas, the career cluster system in Texas. It is
anticipated that the majority of administrators will have limited understanding of the benefits Family and Consumer Sciences course
offer in the way of academic and career preparation.
54. BONES FROM THE RUBBLE: ANIMAL REMAINS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO CULTURAL
BEHAVIOR AT SALMON PUEBLO
Presenters: Ethan Ortega
Authors: Ortega, Ethan
Salmon Pueblo was constructed and inhabited by individuals of the Ancestral Pueblo Culture in northwestern New Mexico from
approximately AD 1090 to 1280. In the 1980s, thirty percent of the site was excavated by Cynthia Irwin-Williams; after the project
was completed, her crews had recovered over 2 million artifacts including, but not limited to, stone tools, textiles, macrobotanical
remains, and animal remains. The large number of animal remains that were uncovered provide an opportunity to deduce information
about the behaviors of the individuals that inhabited the pueblo.
The intention of this research is to compare the faunal remains from two rooms at Salmon Pueblo, Room 82 and Room 93.
These rooms were selected based on the large amounts of animal remains found within them as well as their locations within the larger
structure. Room 82 is located in association with structures that have been documented as ritualistic centers due to the artifacts found
within them, their architecture, and ethnohistorical studies. Room 92 is located further away and contains different architectural
features than Room 82.
The presence or absence of specific animals such as Ara sp. (Macaws) can suggest ritualistic activities, whereas the presence
of large quantities of lagomorph and artiodactyl remains would suggest subsistence activities. This research will add to a better
understanding of past life ways in the prehistoric Southwest. Also, the results will document what areas of Salmon Pueblo were used
for certain activities and add to the understanding of the site as a whole.
"%#
55. PARENT AND TEACHER ATTITUDES AT EARLY HEAD START
Presenters: Colleen Williams
Authors: Williams, Colleen
The Parent Opinion Study examines the attitudes of parents and teachers towards parent education at Texas Tech Early Head Start
in order to better serve the families and their children. One of the goals of Early Head Start is to develop and strengthen parent’s
abilities as primary educators of their children and this study is exploring if teachers and parents actively work towards this goal. This
is being done in a two-fold manner by first examining the beliefs and attitudes of the teachers towards their student’s parents in a
focus group by watching videos of parents and children interacting. This focus group is then followed up by individual interviews with
the ten teachers. After these interviews are completed, parents of the children attending Early Head Start will participate in a focus
group with the same videos and then be individually interviewed. After the interviews have been completed a framework for
implementing to improve parent education will be completed.
"&#
Thursday April 25, 2013
Poster Presentations
Abstracts 56-110
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BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES
(Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry/Biochemistry,
Environmental Studies, and Health Professions)
Abstracts 56-91
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56. TESTING THE FUNCTIONALITY OF MUTANT CHIMERICAL TRANSMEMBRANE PROTEIN,
GLOEOBACTER VIOLACEUS LIGAND-GATED ION CHANNEL (GLIC), WITH GENETICALLY
INSERTED EUKARYOTIC INTRACELLULAR DOMAIN (ICD)
Presenters: Afzal Ahrorov
Authors: Ahrorov, Afzal; Mnatsakanyan, Nelli; Nishtala, Nirupama
Cys-loop receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that are abundant in the central nervous system where they mediate fast synaptic
chemical transmission. Cys-loop receptors are targets for various pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of severe diseases such as
epilepsy, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, ADHD, depression, and psychosis. Eukaryotic Cys-loop receptors have three
domains: extracellular domain (ECD), transmembrane domain (TMD) and intracellular domain (ICD), where prokaryotes lack the
ICD. Both the ECD and TMD have been described and studied in great depth but little is known about the ICD. Thus, an
understanding of the function of the ICD will provide an insight into the design of ICD specific drugs. Separating the ICD and
studying it in a conditioned environment give more comprehensive and detailed results.
Homo-pentameric mutant chimeras were created through genetic engineering by inserting the ICD from human nicotinic
acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) !7 subunits in the short cytosolic loop between transmembrane segments M3 and M4 of the
prokaryotic Gloeobacter violaceus ligand-gated ion channel (GLIC). In this comprehensive study the functionality of chimeras is
being compared to control (wild type GLIC) channels. The chimeras were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and Two Electrode
Voltage Clamp (TEVC) recordings were employed to measure the currents induced by application of agonist protons. An initial
electrophysiological test utilizing application of pH 5.5 showed 11 out of 12 mutants were functional. Further experiments will study
the functionality of the GLIC-!7ICD chimeras in more detail.
57. THE CSTF-64 POLYADENYLATION PROTEIN IS ANDROGEN-RESPONSIVE IN PROSTATE CANCER
CELLS
Presenters: Atia Amatullah
Authors: Amatullah, Atia; Youngblood, Bradford
CstF-64 is a key protein that controls mRNA polyadenylation in eukaryotic cells. In many proliferative cells, high levels of CstF64 promote mRNA transcripts with shorter 3$ untranslated regions (UTRs), while lower levels promote longer 3$ UTRs. Research from
our laboratory and others has shown that higher expression of CstF-64 correlates with an increase in cell cycle progression, pushing
cells into a more proliferative state. One of the hallmarks of cancer cells is their ability to proliferate indefinitely, through deregulation
of the cell cycle. Cancer cells also express oncogene mRNA transcripts with shorter 3$ UTRs, suggesting that polyadenylation may be
misregulated in these cells. We examined the expression of CstF-64 and %CstF-64 in nine cell lines representing neuroblastomas,
Ewing’s sarcomas, and prostate cancers. Because they exhibited the widest range of CstF-64 expression, we focused on two prostate
cancer cell lines, LNCap (androgen-sensitive) and PC3 (androgen-insensitive) cells. We propose that CstF-64 plays a regulatory role
in the cell cycle in prostate cancer cells. To test this hypothesis, we overexpressed CstF-64 in the cells by DNA transfection and
analyzed samples by flow cytometry and Western blotting. Both cell lines showed an increase in G1 phase, and slight differences in
the expression of cell cycle proteins such as CDK4 and cyclin D1, suggesting that CstF-64 promotes proliferation in these cells. We
will confirm these results using siRNA knock-down of CstF-64. These experiments suggest a previously unrecognized role for
polyadenylation in the etiology of cancer, making it a future target for therapies.
58. IS QUORUM SENSING INVOLVED IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA IN
CHRONIC WOUND INFECTIONS?
Presenters: Andrew Armstrong
Authors: Armstrong, Andrew; Haley, Cecily; Chavez, Jorge; Mechref, Yehia; Rumbaugh, Kendra
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram negative bacterial species which contributes greatly to high rates of morbidity and mortality in
patients with wound infections. The production of most virulence factors that contribute to pathogenesis is regulated by cell to cell
signaling, or quorum sensing (QS). QS in P. aeruginosa alters gene expression in response to the amount of specific chemical signals
or autoinducers within an environment. We have previously demonstrated that QS is essential to the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa in
burn wound infections. Quorum signals have also been detected in ischemic wounds; however, little has been elucidated about the role
of QS in the chronic wound environment. Likewise, the efficacy of QS inhibiting compounds as effective treatments for chronic
wound infections have not been investigated. To determine the extent of QS activity in infected chronic wounds, we used liquid
chromatography-mass spectrometry to detect specific QS signals in murine chronic wound tissue homogenates. We also infected
mouse wounds with strains carrying green fluorescent protein-fusions to different QS-related genes and used confocal microscopy to
visualize the expression of these QS genes in situ. These experiments indicated that QS was active early in murine chronic wound
infections. We also compared the infection sequela of wild-type P. aeruginosa versus a QS mutant in mouse chronic wounds and
observed that the QS mutant strain of P. aeruginosa was significantly less tolerant to gentamicin treatment in comparison with the
wild-type strain; that tolerance in wild-type infections was reduced after treatment with a QS inhibitor.
")#
59. THE EFFECT OF CATION SYMMETRY IN THE THERMAL DENATURATION OF RIBONUCLEASE A
PROTEIN BY IMIDAZOLIUM IONIC LIQUIDS
Presenters: Teresa Awuor
Authors: Awuor, Teresa; Xue, Lianjie; Tamas, George; Quitevis, Edward
The cation symmetry effect of ionic liquids on the thermal denaturation of the protein Ribonuclease A (13.7 kilodaltons) was
studied. The technique used was differential scanning calorimetry in order to determine the thermal denaturation temperature and the
reversibility, with reversibility defined by the ratio denaturation enthalpy of the 2nd scan divided by that of the 1st scan. The ILs
observed were asymmetric 1-pentyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide [C5C1im][Br] and symmetric 1,3-dipropylimidazolium bromide
[C3C3im][Br]at pH 5.5. The denaturation temperature is decreased with the increasing concentration of IL and the denaturation
temperature is higher in symmetric [C3C3im][Br] than asymmetric [C5C1im][Br]. The reversibility is higher with the asymmetric
[C5C1im][Br] than the symmetric [C3C3im][Br]. Based on these results, the symmetric IL has the larger effect on thermal
denaturation of Ribonuclease A due to the effect of increasing the thermal denaturation temperature and the decrease of reversibility.
The reason behind these results are still being studied through further experiments.
60. DISTRIBUTION OF FIELD MICE, GENUS APODEMUS, AND ITS IMPLICATIONS TO ZOONOTIC
DISEASES
Presenters: Barbara Burton
Authors: Burton, Barbara; Briggs, Benjamin; Larson, Peter; Duplechin, Ryan; Hewson, Rodger
Native mammals are known to be reservoir species for a broad array of zoonotic diseases. The Kyrgyz Republic is at the northern
end of the Himalayan Mountains in Asia and occupies a critical corridor of human travel and culture, the Silk Road. Vital to
understanding the ecological interface between viruses, reservoir species, and human health issues in this region is an understanding of
its native mammals, vectors, and viruses. The genus Apodemus (field mice) has been identified as a reservoir species of Tick-borne
Encephalitis, an array of Hantaviruses, Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, and others. This study is concerned with proper Linnean
identification of the genus Apodemus in the Kyrgyz Republic. The cytochrome b gene was used to examine to phylogenetic positions
of 55 mice collected from the Kyrgyz Republic in 2009. Cytochrome b sequences were compared with GenBank sequences
representative of diverse European and Asian localities. Ultimately the goal of this and subsequent studies is to identify the geographic
and ecological conditions associated with rodent vector species in order to collaborate with health agencies on the assessment of
emerging disease risks in this critical region. These kinds of data can be used to determine whether an emerging infectious disease is
naturally occurring or is a product of biological warfare.
61. SKEWED X CHROMOSOME REPRESENTATION IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Presenters: Emily Chauncey, Joseph Caldwell
Authors: Chauncey, Emily; Caldwell, Joseph; Nies, Kleesy; Lindner, Sarah
There is an increased prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in females when compared to males. X-chromosome inactivation
(XCI) is a process in which one of the two X chromosomes in females is inactivated in order to maintain gene-product dosage similar
to that of males. There is an equal chance for either of the X chromosomes to be inactivated in each cell. We hypothesize that a
significant deviation from the normally observed pattern of XCI in the remaining neurons of females with AD may indicate the
presence of alleles on the X chromosome which, when transcribed, contribute to cell death. To test this, we will use tissue known to be
affected by AD from the hippocampus and tissue unaffected by the disease from the cerebellum. Laser microdissection will be used to
capture individual neurons from AD patients and RT-PCR will be performed to determine which X chromosome is expressed. The
XCI patterns will be established by utilizing several informative genes on the X chromosome. We will amplify and sequence sections
of these genes, which contain highly polymorphic elements such as short tandem repeats and single nucleotide polymorphisms. This
will allow for the two chromosomes to be distinguished from one another based on the heterozygous nature of the polymorphisms. We
expect to see a disproportionately high representation of one X chromosome in the remaining neurons of AD patients, indicating that
those neurons which had expressed the alternate X chromosome were absent as they had died during the progression of the subject’s
AD.
$+#
62. IMPROVING THE SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY OF DNA ARRAYS
Presenters: Jeffrey Chen
Authors: Chen, Jeffrey
Hybridizing DNA to a template located on a microarray can provide information for gene expression analysis. Combined with
genome-based treatments that can be personalized for a specific subset of a population, microarrays can improve diagnostic testing
and pharmaceutical therapies. Currently, analysis of DNA array information is hindered by non-specific binding of mismatched
strands of DNA. The objective of this research is to reduce the number of cross-hybridized and mismatched DNA, thus improving
selectivity of DNA arrays. To do so, we will manipulate the configuration of short-surface attached DNA by varying the intensity and
frequency of a surface electric field. We predict that without an electric field, DNA-DNA interactions will be dominated by hydrogen
bonding through both Watson-Crick and non-Watson Crick base pairing. However, the presence of local high and low electric fields
is expected to alter the interactions of surface tethered DNA and decrease non-specific binding. After analyzing the interactions of
surface-tethered DNA, we will be able to apply these characteristics to hybridization and ultimately improve the effectiveness of DNA
microarrays in the diagnosis of patients. This investigation requires well-defined DNA for attachment to the microarray surface, so our
initial studies focused on the efficient recovery and production of plasmid DNA through PCR. The DNA was then functionalized
before being attached to a stamped slide for observation under the microscope.
63. CHEMOPREVENTION OF BREAST CANCER USING NANPENCASULATED RESVERATROL
Presenters: Shavia Curry
Authors: Curry, Shavia; Sun, Ming; Wang, PhD, Shu
Breast cancer is the second common cancer in women in the United States. Being second only to cancer of the skin, it accounts
for one out of every four cancer cases diagnosed in the United States. Many natural compounds show promise to prevent this serious
illness, but their low level of solubility, stability, and bioavailability in the body makes administering them in therapeutic doses
unrealistic. This is particularly true for resveratrol, a natural polyphenol found in grapes and red wine, that is valuable for the
prevention of breast cancer. The purpose of this project is to synthesize resveratrol encapsulated nanostructured lipid carriers (R-NLC)
to increase its level of solubility, stability, and bioavailability to breast cancer cells, with the goal of preventing breast cancer
development. We have successfully synthesized R-NLC in our laboratory. The mean size is about 38 nm in diameter. NLC
significantly increase the solubility of resveratrol in physiological saline. We also measured the viability of MCF7 breast cancer cells
using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Compared to native resveratrol, the
nanoencapsulated resveratrol (R-NLC) decreased the viability of MCF-7cells at 10&M after 24 hours. The results suggest that R-NLC
have more beneficial effect on breast cancer prevention than native resveratrol. We will further determine the stability and cellular
bioavailability of R-NLC in breast cancer cells. This study could serve as a basis for the use of biodegradable and biocompatible
nanoparticle-mediated delivery systems to increase bioavailability, solubility, stability and payload of chemopreventive agents, such
as resveratrol.
64. POPULATION DYNAMICS OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA AND STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN
AN IN VITRO WOUND ENVIRONMENT
Presenters: Stephanie DeLeon
Authors: Deleon, Stephanie; Rumbaugh, Kendra; Fowler, Haley; Clinton, Allie
Two of the most prominent resistant bacterial species found together in wounds are Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and
Staphylococcus aureus (SA). Few studies have examined the interactions of these species in the context of wound environment
because PA quickly kills SA when they are cocultured. Recently, a method to grow polymicrobial biofilms in vitro was established.
This model reflects the composition of human wound infections. Through this model, we examine the relationship between SA and
PA in an in vitro ‘wound-like’ environment. We examined the population dynamics of the species in this model and compared the
antimicrobial tolerance of planktonic cells to biofilm-associated cells. Our results demonstrate: 1. When PA and SA were grown in
planktonic cell co-cultures, PA killed SA; however, when they were grown in our wound biofilm model, PA did not kill SA. 2. SA
alone formed a host-matrix-associated wound biofilm. 3. PA was not able to form a biofilm, but was able to colonize the biofilm made
by SA when grown together. 4. Imaging analysis of the species within the biofilm demonstrated many that single-species
microcolonies were located in close proximity. 5. Strikingly, while no SA planktonic cells survived gentamicin treatment, over half of
SA cells in-wound biofilms remained viable after treatment and 91% of SA cells from SA/PA dual-species biofilms remained viable
after treatment. Overall, these data indicate that within the wound environment, SA and PA may have synergistic interactions that
allow them to coexist within a host-matrix-associated biofilm while increasing antimicrobial tolerance for both species.
$!#
65. MUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE TOL-C EFFLUX PUMP IN E. COLI
Presenters: Anibal Dominguez
Authors: Dominguez, Anibal
Tol-C is an outer membrane protein in E. coli, which serves as an opening for the efflux systems. In order to test Tol-C
functionality the YFRE mutation was used to keep the Tol-C channel open, which was tested using Vancomycin. Tol-C, as well as the
YFRE mutant were then subjected to deletions of it's last 50 and 60 amino acids in order to check whether or not the YFRE phenotype
would be lost, as is seen in the d.68 mutant which is Tol-C minus. This was done by placing Tol-C in a high copy number pBR
plasmid, as well as an inducible low copy number plac plasmid in order to determine the effect of relative amounts of Tol-C would
have on the phenotype. When the 50 deletion was added to Tol-C it maintained wild type phenotype in pBR, plac and I. plac, and TolC functionality, while showing lower on a SDS page gel, due to the deletion, with the plac barely showing on the gel. The YFRE
mutant showed VAN sensitivity in all three of the samples. The YFRE d.50 mutants showed YFRE phenotype in the pBR and the I.
plac strains while showing wild type phenotype on the plac strain. The d.60 mutants are expected to behave in a Tol-C minus manner,
as previously described in literature, however the YFRE d.60 is expected to show VAN sensitivity even if it is also Tol-C minus.
66. FRESHWATER SEEPS AND THE EFFECT IT HAS ON FISH BEHAVIOUR AT LORD HOWE ISLAND
Presenters: Kyandra Fox; Michael Phillips
Authors: Fox, Kyandra; Phillips, Michael; Hopper, Tiffany; Diamond, Sandra
Tol-C is an outer membrane protein in E. coli, which serves as an opening for the efflux systems. In order to test Tol-C
functionality the YFRE mutation was used to keep the Tol-C channel open, which was tested using Vancomycin. Tol-C, as well as the
YFRE mutant were then subjected to deletions of it's last 50 and 60 amino acids in order to check whether or not the YFRE phenotype
would be lost, as is seen in the d.68 mutant which is Tol-C minus. This was done by placing Tol-C in a high copy number pBR
plasmid, as well as an inducible low copy number plac plasmid in order to determine the effect of relative amounts of Tol-C would
have on the phenotype. When the 50 deletion was added to Tol-C it maintained wild type phenotype in pBR, plac and I. plac, and TolC functionality, while showing lower on a SDS page gel, due to the deletion, with the plac barely showing on the gel. The YFRE
mutant showed VAN sensitivity in all three of the samples. The YFRE d.50 mutants showed YFRE phenotype in the pBR and the I.
plac strains while showing wild type phenotype on the plac strain. The d.60 mutants are expected to behave in a Tol-C minus manner,
as previously described in literature, however the YFRE d.60 is expected to show VAN sensitivity even if it is also Tol-C minus.
67. ACCEPTANCE OF NEW ZEALAND BEEF IN THE UNITED STATES CONSUMERS, EVALUATING
FOUR DIFFERENT MUSCLES BY THE METHOD OF SLOW COOKING (STEW).
Presenters: Gerson Flores
Authors: Flores, Gerson
Beef is one of the most produced meats worldwide, second only to pork and chicken. At the same time constitutes a rich source of
nutrients like fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals necessary for the diet of people.
The beef market in the world is in constant motion, with developed countries that keep their production such as the United States and
China, as well as developing countries have increased their production such as Brazil, India, and New Zealand. As the United States
marked change in diversity rapidly, knowledge of the consumer’s acceptance for imported beef meat it’s becoming a priority. This
project will evaluate the acceptance of four different types of muscles from the New Zealand beef meat production in the United
States, characterizing palatability traits as tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and general acceptance.
The method used is the method known as Slow Cook (stew), and sensory analysis will deal with 60 untrained panelists per session.
Consumer acceptance of New Zealand beef, as well as data supporting the most preferred muscle was obtained from sensory analysis.
This information will be helpful for New Zealand companies, trying to improve production and marketing strategies while opening
new markets in the United States and significantly improve the country's exports.
68. THE !CSTF-64 POLYADENYLATION PROTEIN: ROLE IN COGNITION
Presenters: Jaryse Harris
Authors: Harris, Jaryse; Martinez, Joseph; MacDonald, Clinton
Polyadenylation is an essential mechanism for the processing of mRNA 3$ ends. CstF-64 is a regulatory RNA-binding protein that
is an important part of the polyadenylation machinery. We discovered a variant form of CstF-64 that we named %CstF-64 (gene
symbol: Cstf2t). The %CstF-64 protein is expressed in select tissues, mostly in male germ cells and the brain. We have created mice
that lack the Cstf2t gene, which encodes the %CstF-64 protein. Male Cstf2t-/- mice experience disruption of spermatogenesis and are
ultimately infertile. However, the role of %CstF-64 in the brain has not been determined. To test whether %CstF-64 is important for
brain function, we performed behavioral analyses of wild type and Cstf2t-/- mice. A battery of behavioral assays meant to examine a
wide range of possible cognitive and motor function changes were employed to identify any differences that might exist between mice
expressing %CstF-64 and those that do not. A pilot study suggested slight differences in reference memory that we wanted to explore
further. The current study explores reference memory and spatial learning tasks that might be associated with loss of %CstF-64. These
studies highlight the importance of mRNA processing in both cognition and reproduction.
$*#
69. ENDOTHELIAL CELL SENESCENCE
Presenters: Michael Ibarra, Tyler Hilsabeck
Authors: Hilsabeck, Tyler; Ibarra, Michael; Rojas, Daniel
Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is a multi-subunit protein within the inner mitochondrial membrane of eukaryotic cells. As the
terminal electron acceptor of the electron transport chain (ETC), it receives electrons from cytochrome c molecules, catalyzing the
reduction of molecular oxygen to two molecules of water while pumping excess protons across the mitochondrial membrane. This is
done in order to establish an electrochemical gradient, employed by ATP synthase, to generate ATP. COX is made up of subunits
encoded by both the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Each time a cell divides it loses a portion of the linear nuclear DNA, a
telomere. As an organism ages, the string of telomeres at the ends of nuclear DNA becomes shorter. As some of the COX assembly
genes are near the telomeres, this shortening could lead to mutations in these genes, leading to COX dysfunction. Considering COX
indirectly facilitates the production of ATP, its malfunction may lead to insufficient energy stores for both neurons and the organism
as a whole, resulting in the observed symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. The goal of this
experiment is to correlate telomere shortening to COX dysfunction, and to find a critical point of telomere shortening where the COX
assembly proteins have an increased rate of mutation.
70. GALECTIN-3C INHIBITS TUMOR GROWTH AND INCREASES THE ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF
TAXOL IN VITRO MURINE MODEL OF OVARIAN CANCER
Presenters: Lauren Littlefield
Authors: Littlefield, Lauren; Chiriva-Internati, Dr. Mauirizio; Yu, Dr. Yuefei; Pedretti, Elisa; Figueroa, Dr. Jose
Presently, there is no effective cure for ovarian cancer (OC). Its inability to be detected at early stages and its high rate of
resistance to chemotherapy makes this cancer the seventh leading cancer death in women. Targeting and destroying molecules that
enhance cancer cells’ survival ability could potentially increase the anticancer effect of cytotoxic drugs. Galectin-3 is a human lectin
present in cancer cells that is involved in cellular processes such as angiogenesis, metastasis, apoptosis, and differentiation. Galectin3C is an N-terminally truncated form of galectin-3 thought to act as a dominant negative inhibitor of galectin-3 and has previously
been shown to inhibit the growth of multiple myeloma. In this study, we evaluated the significance of galectin-3 inhibition in the
murine ID8 OC cell line in vitro. Proteins derived from ID8 cell culture were analyzed through Western Blot (WB) and ELISA for
expression of galectin-3. ID8 OC cells were treated with galectin-3C, the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, or the combination. The
result of ELISA and WB testing after treatment show that galectin-3C alone did not significantly decrease the expression of galectin-3.
However, some doses (2.5mg/ml, 5mg/ml) of galectin-3C in combination with paclitaxel (6ng/ml) did reduce expression, while
paclitaxel alone had no effect on reducing expression. Our results demonstrated that all treatments reduced the expression of sp17 (a
cancer biomarker) and showed anti-proliferative effects on the murine ID8 ovarian cancer cell line, in vitro. This data further
demonstrates that continued testing of galectin-3C should be performed to further examine its anticancer activity.
71. ISLAND PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF ERYX JACULUS, THE JAVELIN SAND BOA, IN THE AEGEAN SEA
Presenters: Elizabeth Mack
Authors: Mack, Elizabeth; Roussos, Stephanos
Eryx jaculus is a semi-fossorial sand boa which ranges from Morocco to Iran, including North Africa and several countries of the
Balkan Peninsula. In the Aegean Sea, the main Cycladic island group (and its accompanying sand boa population) split from mainland
Greece approximately 200,000 years ago. In contrast, the Dodecanese islands split from mainland Turkey much more recently, with
the main land bridge breaking up around 20,000 years ago. In addition to these events, the Mid-Aegean Trench (MAT) formed 9-12
million years ago, separating the Aegean into eastern and western halves with corresponding fauna being of European and Asian
origin. The complex paleogeography of these islands makes the Aegean an interesting site for phylogeographic studies. Despite a wide
geographic distribution, very little is known about E. jaculus at the genetic level. This project’s focus is to increase the understanding
of the evolutionary history of the species by studying the genetic relationships of the populations that occur in the Cycladic and
Dodecanese archipelagos in the Aegean Sea. To determine the phylogenetic relationships of the sand boa populations, the
mitochondrial cytochrome b gene will be amplified and sequenced with analyses being performed to determine the relationships
between both island groups and between each island group and the corresponding mainland populations. The results of this study will
increase the understanding of the evolutionary history of E. jaculus populations in the Aegean and will facilitate other scientists
looking to study this boa or taxa in similar systems for which there is little available information.
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72. MECHANICAL PHENOTYPING OF TUMOR CELLS USING A MICROFLUIDIC CELL SQUEEZER
DEVICE
Presenters: Dionicio Maldonado
Authors: Maldonado, Dionicio; Khan, Zeina; Vanapalli, Siva
Though tremendous progress has been made in disease diagnosis and treatment, cancer remains an important and major public
health problem. One characteristic of the disease that comes with a significant amount of emphasis is metastatic potential. An
important step in cancer metastasis is the hydrodynamic transport of the so-called circulating tumor cells (CTCs) through blood microvessels. Our goal is to use microfluidics technique to identify key parameters through confinement and fluid forces that may help to
identify physical factors determining CTC transport.
We use cultured cells as model CTCs and mimic the in vivo situation by investigating their motion in a confined micro-channel.
We also integrate a microfluidic manometer to measure time variations in the blockage pressure during tumor cell motion. By
analyzing the high-speed movies, variations in blockage pressure, cell shape, cell velocity, and cell entry time into the micro-channel
are simultaneously quantified. We find that the blockage pressure is more sensitive to the driving parameters and cell size than the cell
shape under confinement.
73. PEDF GENE THERAPY USING BONE MARROW-DERIVED MACROPHAGES FOR ADVANCED
PROSTATE CANCER
Presenters: Dalia Martinez-Marin
Authors: Martinez-Marin, Dalia; Nelius, Thomas
Macrophages have been described as one of the main inflammatory components involved in prostate cancer (PCa) initiation,
progression, and metastases formation. PEDF (Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor) is an anti-angiogenic factor with differentiation
activities and was recently suggested as an immune-modulating factor. PEDF expression has been shown to be down-regulated in PCa
compared to normal tissues. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that PEDF re-expression in PCa cells curbs tumor growth in
vivo and prolongs the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Others have shown that PEDF expression increased the recruitment of tumorcytotoxic macrophages into orthotopic MatLyLu rat prostate tumors suggesting a new way through which PEDF curbs PCa growth.
While all of these results emphasize the anti-tumor properties of PEDF, the delivery of PEDF still remains challenging. The objective
of the present study is to investigate PEDF gene therapy using bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) as a novel therapeutic
modality for advanced PCa. Our central hypothesis is that PEDF expression will induce the migration and differentiation of BMDMs
into a tumor-cytotoxic phenotype and as a corollary, will block tumor growth and metastases formation and prolong survival. We have
formulated this hypothesis on the basis of our preliminary data that showed that PEDF stimulates the migration of
monocytes/macrophages using in vitro chemotaxis assays and our immunohistochemistry studies that demonstrated a positive
correlation between PEDF expression levels and macrophage density in human prostate specimens. The present proposal which will
use subcutaneous and orthotopic preclinical models may potentially lead to development of improved therapeutic approaches to PCa.
74. AN ECOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT ON MICROBIAL
FUNCTIONAL AND COMPOSITIONAL DIVERSITY OF THE STAGES OF MAMMAL DECOMPOSITION
Presenters: Taryn McFarlane
Authors: McFarlane, Taryn; Lord, Adam; Hamilton Ph.D, Donna
A thorough understanding of the functional diversity in microbial communities during individual stages of decay is necessary to
provide insight into the complexities of microbial interaction during these processes. When a cadaver is left to decompose in a
terrestrial ecosystem these microbial communities directly facilitate the nutrient cycling. To further understand this dynamic a
thorough investigation in a rat model will be beneficial in understanding and providing basic research for later studies with larger
animal models or human cadavers. Decomposing carrion provide a perfect vessel for this microbial proliferation to occur. During
decomposition the functional and taxonomical diversity of the microbial communities within and outside the carrion vessel will prove
to have very dynamic interaction between stages of decomposition and varying environmental treatments. We conducted a study of
the collective microbial community functional and taxonomical diversity during various stages of decomposition, by means of
BIOLOG and FAME analysis to further understand the microbe interaction. In our study we took sample swabs in multiple areas of
carrion Rattus norvegicus at different stages of decomposition and compared their community level physiologic profiles by means of
BIOLOG, and their taxonomic diversity by means of FAME. Of 60 rats, 20 were part of a control group, 20 were buried in shallow
covered graves, and 20 were exposed as the control group with lacerations that puncture the stomach cavity. Nonmetric
multidimensional scaling was used to analyze the variations between functional and taxonomic diversity in different treatments,
position on corpse and stages of decomposition.
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75. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN AND CONTROLLED
OVARIAN HORMONAL STIMULATION IN ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY PATIENTS
Presenters: Brittany Mosman
Authors: Mosman, Brittany; Penrose, Lindsay; Prien, Samuel
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is known to be a glycoprotein that binds sex hormones, such as androgens, and has
inhibiting influences on what inhibits the hormone reacts with in the human body. The objective of the current study is to evaluate
SHBG as a potential predictor for IVF success. Serum from the patients who have undergone IVF were obtained from three specific
days in their treatment cycle, FSH start date, day of retrieval, and the day of transfer. Hormone levels where taken on each patient for
each date, including estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and SHBG. Data was then analyzed by using regression. Data from the new
SHBG assay were higher than those previously reported in the literature for controlled ovarian hormonal stimulation (COH) patients.
Further, all patients demonstrated a drop in SHBG at the time of retrieval (132.4 +/- 67.5 nmol/L) compared to the date of COH start
(205.4 +/- 90.6), which rebounded by the date of transfer (207.3 +/- 98.6; P < .001). While the initial SHBG’s were almost 20% lower
in patients who conceived vs. those who did not (185.4 vs 224.3) they were statistically similar (P = .19). Data on inter-hormone
relationships will be presented at a later point. The data demonstrate a new pattern of SHBG in COH patients not previously described
in the literature. While the variation in SHBG at the initiation between pregnant and non-pregnant patients was interesting, a larger
study will be needed to confirm any relationship between SHBG and cycle outcome.
76. MODELING POSITIONS COUPLED TO F508, SITE OF CHIEF CF CAUSING MUTATION
Presenters: Saba Nafees
Authors: Nafees, Saba; Rice, Sean; Thomas, Philip
Cystic Fibrosis is a complex genetic disease caused by deletion of F508. Currently there are no known mechanisms that explain
how common mutations interact to inhibit efficient protein folding. These mutations join together to have a coupling effect on the
protein folding machinery. Analyses of the amino acid sequence data could illuminate the mutations’ coupling interactions. Modeling
this coupling effect is a profound mechanistic problem in illuminating this disease. In standard polynomial regression, the coefficients
of each term are a function of the degree of the polynomial that we choose to fit. Therefore, the coefficients do not have independent
biological meaning, and it is impossible to use polynomial curve fitting and obtain a function that precisely reveals the properties of
the ambiguous data set. We must rely on functions that are independent of each other and can be analyzed separately to give meaning
to the coefficients. This is the basis of Orthogonal Polynomials. With regards to this disease, our goal is to build functions that capture
the intrinsic properties of the amino acid sequences affected by the chief mutation of CF so that we can assess the mutation's coupling
effect. Our ultimate goal is to develop a method which conserves intrinsic biological properties of any phenomenon being tested while
simultaneously capturing its quantitative properties. We hope that this will illuminate the interactions between not only different
variables in genetic diseases, but to a wide variety of phenomena, such quantitative properties of interactions of different cancer drugs.
77. PREVALENCE OF E. COLI NON-O157:H7 STEC IN BEEF IN MEXICO
Presenters: Graysen Ortega Katelyn Ortega
Authors: Ortega, Graysen; Ortega, Katelyn; Calle, Alexandra; Echeverry, Alejandro; Brashears, Mindy
E. coli non-O157:H7 STECs are dangerous pathogens that pose a substantial risk to public health. A baseline prevalence must be
established in order to effectively validate interventions and modifications to the beef production system in the future.
The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of E. coli non-O157:H7 STECs in beef in Mexico.
Samples were collected at beef processing plants in three major cities in Mexico. In addition to market samples collected in one
city, hide, pre-evisceration, and post-evisceration samples were collected using sponges hydrated with buffered peptone water. All
samples were then enriched in Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB), incubated at 37°C for 18 h, and processed in accordance with standard BAX
protocols (Dupont Qualicon).
The hide, pre-evisceration, and post-evisceration prevalence varied by city with rates in city one being 96.9%(n=65),
76.9%(n=65), and 80.8%(n=65), respectively; city two 100%(n=25), 50%(n=25), and 0%(n=25); and city three 100%(n=20),
100%(n=20), and 75%(n=20). The prevalence in market samples from city three was 5.7%(n=105). Serogroups O121, O126, and
O103 were the most common, with prevalence rates as high as 96.7% in city two’s hide samples, while O111 was the least common
serogroup with prevalence rates of 0%-30%.
Contamination of food animals and food products with E. coli non-O157:H7 STECs can pose an important public health risk,
especially to populations most susceptible to E. coli infections. While E. coli O157 has been reported at low prevalence in Mexico,
this study effectively establishes that other STECs need to be addressed and controlled in Mexico.
$%#
78. ANALYSIS OF EXPRESSION OF GENES INVOLVED IN THE NEUROTRANSMITTER
ACETYLCHOLINE METABOLISM
Presenters: Jessica Puthenparampil
Authors: Puthenparampil, Jessica; Shah, Rasesh; Redondo, Jose-Luis; Roghani, Ali
Acetylcholine (ACh) is a major neurotransmitter in the nervous system. The biosynthetic enzyme choline acetyltransferase
(ChAT) catalyzes the synthesis of ACh from acetyl CoA and choline. Acetyl CoA itself is synthesized by the enzyme acetyl CoA
synthetase (ACS). ACh is then transported into synaptic vesicles, a process mediated by vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT), for
regulated release upon neuronal activity. ACh is strongly implicated in learning and memory as well as in the pathogenesis of
Alzheimer’s disease (AD). To this end, we need to better understand how ACh is synthesized and released and how these processes
are regulated by various growth factors, such as the nerve growth factors (NGF). We are currently studying the expression of these
proteins in a known neuronal cell line (called PC12) that can synthesize ACh and release it upon stimulation. In our experiments,
PC12 cells grown on well plates are subjected to immunofluorescent staining using antibodies specific to a protein of interest.
Subsequently, the pattern of staining is analyzed by confocal microscopy. We are now in the process of optimizing our
immunostaining technique to achieve optimal staining pattern. Current efforts focus on amending the immunostaining protocol, for
instance, by testing the effects of adding goat serum to blocking solution, PBS washes, or both on the quality of fluorescence signal of
an ACS antibody and the related markers. Once this is achieved, we plan to treat the cells with various drugs to determine how they
can alter the expression of the genes involved in ACh metabolism.
79. THE SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF STERICALLY ENCUMBERED BITHIAZOLE
LIGANDS: NOVEL SCAFFOLDS FOR METAL-BASED POLYMERIZATION CATALYSTS
Presenters: Alfonzo Sanchez
Authors: Sanchez, Alfonzo; Findlater, Michael
The copolymerization of ethylene with vinyl co-monomers is an ongoing, and generally, unsolved problem in organometallic
chemistry. Prior work has established the importance of the steric bulk (size and shape) of the catalyst in both catalytic performance
and resulting polymer microstructure. Bithiazole ligands are neutral, four-electron, N-donor bidentate chelating ligands. Importantly,
these bithiazole ligands may be prepared in one step from readily available a-bromoketones and dithiooxamide. Despite the striking
resemblance of bithiazole to the widely studied a–diimine system, there are no reports of bithiazole-based catalysts currently in the
literature. It is our hypothesis that suitably substituted bithiazole ligands will serve as catalysts in the copolymerization of ethylene and
carbon monoxide (CO). We will prepare the bithiazole ligands by treatment of dithiooxmide with the appropriately bulky abromoketones. Subsequent reaction with commercially available nickel and palladium sources will afford the corresponding
precatalysts which are capable of in-situ activation. We will initially screen their activity in the polymerization of ethylene to verify
formation of polyethylene. This presentation will describe our initial efforts to prepare a novel series of bithiazole ligands. Moreover,
the conversion of these ligands into metal-complexes will also be addressed.
80. ANALYSIS OF P. AERUGINOSA AND S. AUREUS INTERACTION USING THE TWO-DIMENSIONAL
WOUND BIOFILM MODEL
Presenters: Ann Marie Scott
Authors: Scott, Ann Marie; Haley, Cecily; Colmer-Hamood, Jane; Hamood, Abdul
Within infected wounds bacteria exist within protective structures called biofilms. Biofilms are protected communities of bacteria
that are attached to each other or a surface and encased in a polysaccharide matrix. The two most common bacteria causing wound
infections are the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and the Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Wound biofilms are
heterogeneous and bacterial interaction within these biofilms can be competitive. For example, P. aeruginosa eliminates established S.
aureus biofilms. Among the different extracellular factors that P. aeruginosa may utilize to do this is the LasA protein. The cell-to-cell
communication (quorum sensing, QS) systems stringently controls LasA production. Using the in vitro two-dimensional wound
biofilm model and several P. aeruginosa mutants, we investigated the role of QS and LasA in eliminating S. aureus biofilm by P.
aeruginosa. Single and dual biofilms were developed on cellulose disks for 6-9 days and quantified by CFU analysis on selective
plates. While P. aeruginosa eliminated S. aureus biofilm, P. aeruginosa 'lasA did not. Similarity, P. aeruginosa mutants defective in
either lasI, rhlI, or lasI/rhlI QS genes failed to eliminate a S. aureus biofilm. However, P. aeruginosa 'lasB was as efficient as its
parent strain in eliminating S. aureus biofilm. These results suggest: 1) lasA plays a key role in the elimination of S. aureus biofilm by
P. aeruginosa; 2) through their stringent regulation of LasA production, P. aeruginosa QS systems facilitate the elimination of S.
aureus biofilms; and 3) LasA represents a potential factor that may be utilized/developed to eliminate S. aureus biofilms.
$&#
81. POSSIBLE INFLUENCE OF ROOM RELATIVE HUMIDITY ON PREGNANCY OUTCOME FROM IN
VITRO FERTILIZATION
Presenters: Caitlin Shelinbarger
Authors: Shelinbarger, Caitlin; Penrose, Lindsay; Prien, Samuel
Objective: Clinical laboratory procedures are thought to be reliable and reproducible when done by proper protocol. However,
problems with clinic assays often have significant impacts on patient care. This is especially true in the world of assisted reproductive
technologies (ARTs), where a loss of proper culture conditions can lead to reduced pregnancy rates. Previous studies have
demonstrated effects of excessive temperatures and airborne organics on embryo growth. One area that has been debated but rarely
explored is the effect of room relative humidities (RH) on ART outcome. The objective of the present study was to determine if RH
does play a factor in ART success.
Materials and Methods: Two studies were conducted. In the first study, room RH and outcome data were collected retrospective
for the previous two year period. Both positive pregnancy test and heartbeat were reviewed. In a second experiment culture media was
exposed to room conditions and the rate of evaporation measured using decreased resistance.
Result: Seventy-nine cycles were reviewed. Sixty-nine percent of the pregnancies occurred when room RH was above 25% while
only 31% occurred when the room was dry (< 25%; P = 0.10) However, once pregnancy was establish there was no difference in the
number of cases continue on to heartbeat (P = 0.897). Studies with media demonstrated significant water loss from media in as little as
30 minutes even with oil overlay.
Discussion: It appears room RH may play a role in ART outcome. Studies continue to establish the relationship.
82. COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF GENE CHIP DATASETS FOR DISCOVERY OF INTERACTING
SIGNALING PATHWAYS IMPORTANT FOR PLANT ADAPTATION TO STRESS
Presenters: Chris Shockey
Authors: Shockey, Chris; Jiang, Yingwen; Rock, Chris
With advances in genomics, a revolution in life sciences is taking place where “big data” can drive hypothesis formulation to
impact real world problems and reveal the nature of evolution. We are studying microarrays (“gene chips”) by Bayesian statistical
clustering methods with a goal to discover novel genes associated with drought stress, hormone signal transduction, and RNA
interference. A microarray is a user-defined set of DNA probes synthesized by photolithography, with a density of >2 million/cm2.
By hybridization (Watson-Crick base pairing) to the chip of pairs of RNA samples from different genotypes and treatments, we
generated expression data for >20,000 known genes of sorghum (a biofuel feedstock) and Arabidopsis (a model plant), reported as
ratios of probe signals between treatments. There is additional complexity in the data due to replicates, which brings statistical power
to bear on the variables but requires sophisticated computation. The current experiment is to characterize the gene expression
differences between wild type (control) and RNAi mutants (suppressor of gene silencing3, aba hypersensitive) with or without ABA
(a plant stress hormone) treatment to find effects of the mutant genes and of the treatments on gene expression. We must be able to
compare between dyes (sample colors) as well as between slides. The method is called quantile normalization and here we implement
the powerful Limma “linear modeling of microarrays” package written in R language to even the signal strength and densities across
all the data before mathematical modeling and interpretation of genotype and treatment interactions and dye artifacts.
83. EFFECTS OF ALLELOPATHIC CHEMICALS OF COMMON REED (PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS) ON
AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES
Presenters: Sasha Soto
Authors: Soto, Sasha D.; Roesler, Elizabeth L
Common reed (Phragmites australis) has invaded vast areas of Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge (BLNWR) in Roswell, New
Mexico, which is home to a variety of endemic, threatened, and endangered species. Phragmites is rapidly becoming a world-wide
problem for native vegetation communities. Little is known about the ecological effects of such a vigorous invasive plant species.
Pecos assiminea (Assiminea pecos), a semi-terrestrial endangered snail, is potentially negatively impacted by this monotypic invasion.
Research on Phragmites and Assiminea interactions is important for the management and conservation of this rare snail. It is known
that Phragmites australis releases allelopathic chemicals that negatively affect other plants; leaching of these chemical has inhibited
germination and growth of roots and shoots. Perhaps these allelopathic chemicals also negatively affect aquatic and semi-terrestrial
invertebrates, resulting in avoidance and possible increased mortality. We are interested in the potential allelopathic effects of
Phragmites on aquatic invertebrates. Samples of Phragmites’ (leaf and litter) will be dried, ground to a powder, and then soaked in
water to extract potential allelopathic chemicals. We will expose the allelopathic extracts to the Phantom Cave snail (Pyrgulopsis
texana) used as a surrogate for Assiminea pecos to record and analyze behavioral responses (e.g. avoidance). Various concentrations
of Phragmites extracts from several sites at BLNWR will be tested. We expect greater snail avoidance with increased concentrations
of Phragmites allelopathic extracts.
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84. TYRE: AN IN SILICO SIMULATOR OF POPULATION DYNAMICS
Presenters: Jessica Stilwell
Authors: Stilwell, Jessica; Wright, Jill; Zahner, Christopher; Hua, Hui; Schneider, Dr. Brandt
Our lab has observed that in the budding of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cellular lifespan is tightly linked to cell size and
growth rate. Specifically, we have demonstrated that increased cell growth (hypertrophy) promotes cellular aging and decreases
lifespan. Since many of the genes involved in cell size and cell cycle control are highly evolutionarily conserved, elucidation of these
pathways in yeast may lead to a better understanding of mechanisms involved in cellular aging. To help accomplish this, we have
developed TYRE: a Theoretical Yeast Replicator Emulator in MATLAB. Specifically, by modeling the growth and proliferation of
individual cells, TYRE functions as a silico simulator that demonstrates population dynamics. It is well established that while cell
growth and proliferation are genetically controlled, environmental conditions (e.g. the quality and quantity of nutrients, temperature,
etc.) also have a profound impact. However, to date, it is very difficult to predict how environmental stimuli or specific genes
influence the growth and proliferation of the population as a whole. With this in mind, we have utilized TYRE to study how specific
inputs (e.g. cell size, growth rate, cell death, etc.) impact the dynamics of the population. The intent is that by modeling how these
complex mechanisms interact, we may be able to predict the impact of specific genes or environmental stimuli on the proliferation
potential of cells.
85. EFFECT OF A MULTI-HURDLE INTERVENTION ON THE SURVIVAL OF NON-O157 SHIGA TOXINPRODUCING E. COLI ON GROUND BEEF TRIM.
Presenters: Johana Torres
Authors: Torres, Johana K
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli have become a food safety problem over the past few decades because of their association
with major foodborne outbreaks. Although E. coli O157:H7 is the most frequent serotype associated with foodborne outbreaks in the
United States, more than 100 different STEC serotypes have been related to human disease globally. In addition to E. coli O157:H7,
there are six major O groups most commonly associated with illness in the United States, which are.: O26, O45, O103, O111, O121,
and O145 these six O groups, comprising 13 serotypes, cause a wide spectrum of human diseases.
For the study three different inoculums concentrations were used for a total of 24 treatments. All samples were randomly assigned
to treatments.
The experiment was designed as a completely randomized study replicated three times using commercial beef trimmings from
separate lots of meat as well as different bacterial cultures. An ANOVA analysis was performed on the log reduction data using PROC
MIXED on the SAS version 9.2. Tukey’s inequality was used to estimate multiple comparison error rates at a 5 percent level of
significance.
The Bacterial quantity for each chemical treatment was subjected to cooling and they were count in their function of the storage
time. Each treatment reduction was compared with the control treatment (water spray sampled at day 0). Finally analyzing the mean
separation tests it was determined what treatment was more effective as a antimicrobials.
86. ERG25 GENE KNOCKOUT IN LEISHMANIA: DISRUPTING ERGOSTEROL SYNTHESIS
Presenters: Scott Vadala
Authors: Vadala, Scott; Xu, Wei; Zhang, Kai
Leishmania parasites cause cutaneous, mucosal, or visceral infections called leishmaniasis. It is estimated that 12 million people
are currently infected. Current treatments for leishmaniasis are inadequate as recurrence of the disease is common after treatment. Our
lab is working to find a more effective cure by studying the role of membrane lipids in parasite virulence. For example, we are
studying proteins involved in the synthesis of ergosterol, a cholesterol-like component of Leishmania membrane. There are many
steps in the process of ergosterol synthesis, each controlled by a different enzyme. In this project, we plan to knockout a gene
encoding Sterol Methyl Oxidase (Erg25) using a process called homologous-based recombination. Because Leishmania parasites are
predominantly diploid, they usually possess two copies of each gene. We have successfully knocked out the first copy of Erg25 from
a wild type strain of L. major. We are in the process of generating the Erg25 null parasites. These knockout parasites will be
characterized in a range of assays to determine the importance of ergosterol synthesis for parasite survival inside and outside the
mammalian host.
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87. THE EFFECT OF TOMM40 GENE VARIANTS AND THEIR CORRELATION WITH APOE GENOTYPE
ON THE PATHOGENESIS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IN PERIMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Presenters: Rosalinda Vaquera
Authors: Vaquera, Rosalinda
Introduction: The higher incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in women raises the question of gender differences in the aging
process, as there are twice as many female AD patients compared to males. In our gender specific AD study, we confirmed ApoE as
the most important risk factor for AD without explaining the association with the disease in the majority of the cases, as the ApoE risk
allele was not found in the most patients. TOMM40 is a gene adjacent to ApoE gene which could be in linkage disequilibrium with
ApoE and its variants could cause the high association of ApoE with the disease.
Hypothesis: Certain variants in TOMM40 gene may confer risk for Alzheimer’s disease, specifically in perimenopausal women.
Material and methods: We screened the coding region of TOMM40 gene in a cohort 0f 700 AD, MCI, and healthy controls from
Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium (TARCC). We amplified each exon through Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR) and
sequenced each amplimer using fluorescent method. The sequencing assays were run on an ABI 3730 DNA Analyzer. The sequences
were ultimately analyzed using Sequencher software.
Results: We will use the sequencing results for identification of additional risk factors and use all the identified variants to build
haplotypes using the haploview software.
Discussion: Our goal is to determine the risk factors of AD, specifically in women to provide early detection and intervention to
delay and ultimately prevent AD by treating the risk factors at the early stages.
88. REORGANIZATION IN METASTATIC PROSTATE CANCER CELLS
Presenters: Kendra Walker
Authors: Walker, Kendra; Sennoune, Souad; Martinez-Zaguilan, Dr. Raul; Roghani, Dr. Ali
The cytoskeleton of a cell is made up of microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Polymer chains of the protein
G- and F-actin make up microfilaments which play a vital role in cell motility through protrusive and contractile forces. Polymers
chains of !- and "-tubulin dimers make up microtubules which provide structural support and are involved in organelle transport and
organization. Intermediate filaments are involved in maintaining overall cell shape. It is known that metastatic cancer cells migrate
and invade faster than normal cells. It is known that actin filaments undergo dramatic reorganization and allow the cells to invade
secondary areas. However, "-tubulin's reorganization has not been explored. We hypothesize "-tubulin's organization and structure
differs in metastatic cells to allow greater motility. Metastatic prostate cancer cells were used (LNCaP and DU145) to compare to
normal prostate cells (RWPE). Immunofluorescence was performed to determine the organization of "-tubulin and F-actin within the
cells using a CCD camera and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Our results show that microtubules within the metastatic cancer
cells differ in organization than in normal cells. cells. Our data suggest that "-tubulin plays a significant role in the increased cell
motility of metastatic prostate cancer cells.
89. CAN ESTIMATIONS OF EARLY STAGE EMBRYO WEIGHT PREDICT LATER EMBRYO
DEVELOPMENT
Presenters: Cara Wessels
Authors: Wessels, Cara; Penrose, Lindsay; Prien, Samuel
The Center of Disease control estimates that 1 in 7 couples will have trouble with conception. Assisted Reproductive Techniques
(ART) used to assist the couples are both expensive and often result in multiple births; a condition known to produce its own
complications and recently implicated in a rapid increase in the cost of health care. Therefore, there has been a push to transfer fewer
embryos which has created a need for a better method of assessing embryo quality. This laboratory has been researching a novel
specific gravity technique to determine if it can be used to identify the highest quality embryos. Previous research has discovered that
weight differences do occur in embryos between Angus and Jersey cattle, and between obese and normal body condition score mice
due to the lipid content of the embryo. Current research has focused on a redesigned system, specifically designed to allow easy
recovery of the embryos. After training, preliminary studies with the device have resulted in a 100% embryo recovery rate. Further,
recent experiments have demonstrated the ability of the system to distinguished between live and dead embryos, and that live embryos
returned to culture continue to develop in a normal fashion; with some forming high quality blastocyst (HQB). Current research is
focused on determining if the HQB are associated with a specific weight range during an earlier stage of development. Such
information would potentially allow the selection and transfer of a single HQB, thus preventing the risks of multiple gestations
currently associated with ART.
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90. THE EFFECTS OF OCEAN ACIDIFICATION AND HYPOXIA ON ELEMENTAL INCORPORATION
INTO THE OTOLITHS OF ESTUARINE FISH IN THE GULF OF MEXICO
Presenters: Joshua Willms
Authors: Willms, Joshua; Norton, Alexander; Hopper-Hedrick, Tiffany; Diamond-Tissue, Sandra
Otoliths are bones found in the ears of fish. Fish regularly lay down layers of bone onto otoliths, and elements from the
environment are incorporated as this takes place. By examining these elements the location of fish over time can be determined. The
integrity of this tracking method can be compromised by changes in water chemistry, such as lower pH and dissolved oxygen
concentration (DO). By 2100, surface ocean pH will be 0.4-0.5 units lower than preindustrial values and the DO in parts of the Gulf of
Mexico will be below 2 mg/L. While ocean acidification and hypoxia have been shown separately to affect elemental incorporation in
marine organisms, both parameters have not been examined together in a controlled setting. The purpose of this study is to examine
potential synergistic or antagonistic effects of simultaneously lowered pH and DO on otolith formation. Atlantic croaker play a key
role in marine ecosystems. In this study Atlantic croaker will be exposed to pH and DO lowered to the values projected for Gulf of
Mexico in 2100. Changes in elemental incorporation based off of climate change scenarios will be used to modify techniques so that
they will be applicable for future studies.
91. DISPERSED GRAPHENE AND IONIC LIQUIDS
Presenters: Garrett Wire
Authors: Wire, Garrett; Bari, Rozana; Green, Micah
Single-atomic-layer graphite, known as graphene, is composed of carbon arranged in a 2-D hexagonal lattice. Due to
its desirable mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, graphene has been a subject of great interest since discovery in
2004. Applications for this material include use in structural composites, which require high strength, as well as
electrodes, which require high surface area and conductivity. A major industrial need is the ability to produce large
quantities of graphene. A common production method involves exfoliation in surfactant solutions using ultrasonication
treatment. This method, however, is difficult to scale and sonication can decrease the size of the graphene sheets.
Surfactants are problematic because they can act as impurities in the final product. To avoid these problems and find a
method that is scalable, we investigated use of ionic liquids.
Ionic liquids are salts that exist in the liquid phase below 100 °C, composed of an anion and a large, asymmetrical cation.
They have attracted attention because they can be tailored to have certain properties, earning them the moniker ‘designer
solvents’. We focused on electrochemical exfoliation of graphene in an ionic liquid – water mixture by inducing a voltage
between two graphite rods. After a set amount of time, the mixture is filtered, leaving a fine black powder. Ongoing work
focuses on the properties of the ionic liquid (such as miscibility in water) and their effects on the graphene yield and
properties. Ongoing work also examines direct sonication of graphene in ionic liquids without surfactant.
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HUMANITIES and THE ARTS (Art History,
Cultural Studies, Gender Studies, Literature, Music,
Media and Communications, and Theatre)
Abstracts 92-93
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92. THE COMPARISON OF 3D CAD/CAM & MANUAL SYSTEMS IN GARMENT MANUFACTURING
Presenters: Meaghan McCormack
Authors: McCormack, Meaghan
3D CAD/CAM technology are being more widely used in the apparel manufacturing industry and are slowly replacing manual
systems. The objective of this study is to see the difference in time it takes for making garments by comparing 3D CAD/CAM to
manual systems. Previous research has shown that 3D CAD/CAM software was, on average, 19% faster in overall planning,
preparation, and garment production when compared to manual systems. CAD/CAM averaged 15,856 garments per day and manual
averaged 4,013 garments per day. Overall, there is a significant improvement in productivity, and quality, leading to time reduction.
93. ANALYZING CLOTHING FIT USING 3D VIRTUAL TOOL
Presenters: Jocelin Villarreal
Authors: Villarreal, Jocelin
Technology is an important way of life and it keeps rapidly expanding just like the apparel industry. The apparel industry plays an
important role globally, and almost every country in the world depends on the apparel industry as an important contributor to their
economy. Apparel products are made under all sorts of circumstances, and nearly all those operations can be linked electronically to
create and produce apparel products for today’s consumers.
There’s now more ways to optically create apparel products and patterns. One of optical technologies, 3D virtual design software,
creates 2D patterns and 3D garments. This way, it’s possible for designers to assess clothing fit without waiting fabrics and reduce the
approval time for fit that is a hold up in the manufacturing process. However, there’s hesitation of adapting the virtual design tool for
the manufacturing process since this virtual tool is fairly new to the apparel industry and there is not enough information about this 3D
virtual tool.
Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the clothing fit using 3D virtual tool, while evaluating the different apparel
computer applications that have 3D virtual tools. In this study, Gerber Technology, OptiTex, and Tuka Tech were investigated to help
determine which software has less error on the fit of the garment, and determine which software is more user friendly using 3D virtual
tools for apparel manufacturers. This study will be important to aid the development of the 3D virtual tools that will help the apparel
industry.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES (Computer Science,
Engineering, Geosciences, Mathematics, and
Physics/Astronomy)
Abstracts 94-104
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94. MICROFLUIDIC IPOD BASED VISCOMETER
Presenters: Amjad Abdel-Raziq
Authors: Abdel-Raziq, Amjad; Solomon, Edward; Vanapalli, Siva
Viscosity is an important fluid property that has broad applications in industries such as petroleum, pharmaceuticals and food
processing. With the advent of microfluidics in the last decade, it is now possible to build micron sized fluidic viscometers. Here we
show a novel technique of finding the viscosity of a fluid by using a glass capillary attached to the outlet of a microfluidic chip. A
known pressure drop is applied across the device and the viscosity of the fluid is determined by measuring the speed of the
progressing fluidic slug in the capillary.
We also show how an iPod can be interfaced to record the speed of the moving slug, which can then be processed to find the
corresponding viscosity. By varying the applied pressure drop across the microfluidic chip, we vary shear rate and calculate the entire
flow curve of the fluid. As a first step we show the viscosity curve for Newtonian glycerol and non-Newtonian PEO solutions. Such a
device can be used by industries in the field, for rapid rheological characterization of fluids in a cheap and high throughput manner.
95. GRAPHENE AND BIOFILM INTERACTIONS
Presenters: Francis Atore
Authors: Atore, Francis; Green, Micah
Industrial wastewater treatment is a costly process that requires large quantities of caustic chemicals and multiple unit operations.
The largest of these, a Media trickle filter (Roughing Filter). During wastewater treatment, bacteria in the influent wastewater break
down waste in the presence of oxygen, but this results in biofilms as an unwanted byproduct. Over time the biofilm can cover up the
pores of the filter, which can reduce efficiency and increase cost.
With this problem in mind, we examine the inhibition of biofilm growth in the presence of graphene, i.e. single-atomic-layer
graphite. Our ongoing goal is to determine whether graphene can be used as a surface coating on filters and pipes for biofilm
inhibition; we also aim to resolve the perceived conflict in literature on dispersed vs. coated graphene as an antimicrobial agent.
96. COMPLICATIONS IN DATA ENTRY, CONDENSING MULTIPLE REGIONS TO A CENTRAL POINT
Presenters: Jonathan Doerzbacher
Authors: Doerzbacher, Jonathan
In clinical studies, patients are often asked to record the location or severity of pain. Even when explicit instructions are given,
patients often fail to follow directions, resulting in ‘messy’ data. For instance, multiple methods of indicating location of pain were
used in a trial conducted by Spinal Restoration, who provided the data used for this project. The project is an attempt to take the varied
patient input and obtain central values for determined clusters of markings. A grid was overlaid on top of the diagrams the patients
were asked to mark, and a set of rules was developed to help identify which locations had a mark in them. Software was developed in
order to calculate the central value of each cluster and produce a graphical representation of the patient’s progress over time.
97. THE GLACTIC BULGE SURVEY: UV OBSERVATIONS
Presenters: Catherine Fielder
Authors: Fielder, Catherine
The Galactic Bulge Survey (Jonker et al. 2011) surveyed two strips, one above (1° < b < 2°) and one below (-2°< b< -1°) the
Galactic plane in the direction of the Galactic center in X-ray and optical wavelengths. The SWIFT satellite surveyed similar regions
in the UV. The goal for this part of the project is to find sources that vary in the UV, which may be gamma ray bursts emitted by the
object that we want to know more about: neutron stars. After running a script to reduce the SWIFT data to several thousand sources, it
was then matched with the X-ray data, resulting in about 40 matches. These matches are now being analyzed in order to find out
exactly what they are, which namely involves looking at the spectrum in the UV-optical. We are expecting to find about 10 sources
that vary.
98. MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLE – GRAPHENE HYBRIDS
Presenters: Robert Fullerton
Authors: Fullerton, Robert; Green, Micah
Graphene, i.e., single-layer graphite sheets, is an exciting two-dimensional carbon nanomaterial that is prized for its exceptional
combination of thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. A major goal for graphene-based materials is the ability to align or
pattern the individual graphene sheets within a bulk material. Based on this idea, we have investigated the combination of polymergrafted magnetic nanoparticles with graphene in aqueous solutions. (Such magnetic nanoparticles have been used in research fields
ranging from MRI imaging contrast agents to environmental remediation.) The nanoparticles are synthesized by a co-precipitation
method using ferric and ferrous iron salts and grafted with a polymer coating of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The PVP-grafted
nanoparticles are then used to stabilize pristine graphene sheets; they are shown to be very sensitive to external magnetic forces and
can even be magnetically separated from the solution. TEM imaging confirms that the nanoparticles not only stabilize pristine
graphene sheets, but also show excellent surface coverage. Ongoing work focuses on the use of magnets to precisely pattern these
graphene sheets within a larger host material such as electrospun polymer fibers and spray dried polymer powders.
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99. DEVELOPMENT OF MILLIFLUIDIC WATER-IN-OIL EMULSION DROP DISPENSING PLATFORM
Presenters: Rebecca Gabrilska
Authors: Gabrilska, Rebecca
High-throughput screening is a fast and automated yet expensive and highly specialized method that conducts a multitude of
chemical and biological assays. The objective of this project was to engineer an uncomplicated and inexpensive millifluidic drop
dispensing platform and to determine optimal flow conditions that produce uniform water-in-oil emulsion pendant drops for biological
and pharmacological screenings. We mechanically pumped solutions at varying flow rates into the millifluidic T-junction to create
droplets in plastic tubing and drip at the tubing end. To collect data, videos were recorded of the droplet formation at the T-junction
and dispensing of water-in-oil emulsion pendant drops at the outlet. The videos were then analyzed to tabulate flow rates with drop
production, volume, and dispensing. Furthermore, we condensed operable regimes for user-desired applications. We developed an
easily assembled affordable millifluidic drop dispensing platform to evaluate the millifluidic emulsion drop production under varying
flow conditions for future experimental assays.
100. DEVICE MICROFABRICATION AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF VO2 INSULATOR-METAL
TRANSITION UNDER ELECTRICAL CONTROL
Presenters: Kay Igwe
Authors: Igwe, Kay; Hoque, Md Nadim Ferdous
Electrically controlling the insulator-metal transition of VO2 has great potential to design tunable devices for microwave,
terahertz, and infrared light modulation, switching and filtering. The objective of this project is to fabricate two-electrode VO2 devices
and study the insulator-metal transition process under current control. Device microfabrication includes photolithography patterning,
plasma etching, and metallization processes. The resistance, capacitance, and the evolution process from insulating phase to metallic
phase were experimentally investigated. Our results indicate that the VO2 insulator-metal transition under current flow is a
percolation process with a mixed insulating and metallic phase during the transition.
101. A MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR HIGH-THROUGHPUT DRUG SCREENING USING SMALL
ANIMALS
Presenters: Ross McFall
Authors: McFall, Ross
The small nematode, Caenorhabditis Elegans, is a model organism for life science research. These animals have differentiated
cells and organs, a simple nervous system, and a well defined lifespan. They are also transparent and genetically tractable. These
factors allow them to generate a high volume of data on a whole animal scale in drug discovery/screening. The objective of this
research is to incorporate microfludic devices to generate a high-throughput drug screening apparatus that can accurately produce
results at a faster rate, such as an inhibition (IC50) curve. An IC50 curve is used to find the concentration at which half of the
specimens will be inhibited. In this work, an IC50 curve was generated using traditional procedures with the drug Levamisol and C.
elegans as the model. An IC50 value of 7 µM was identified which closely matches literature values. The traditional procedures
include hand pipetting in 96 well plate and six to ten different drug concentrations, which are generally produced by serial dilution.
The movement toward microfluidic devices will eliminate tedious and time consuming steps. Our device consists of worm traps and
dilution loops. In a two step process, this device first traps worms and then a dilution plug, which creates a high resolution
concentration gradient. Thus, mimicking the traditional procedures and enabling a way of generating high resolution data in less time
and effort. Successful implementation of this device can have the potential to become a staple procedure used for drug screening in all
drug research facilities.
102. TECHNO-ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE CONVERSION OF PERMIAN BASIN NATURAL GAS
TO LIQUID FUELS
Presenters: Taylor Northern
Authors: Northern, Taylor; Wiesner, Ted
Recent technological progress in the exploration for, and production of, natural gas has resulted in a plentiful supply and
significantly lower domestic gas prices. At the same time, the United States continues to import more crude oil than it produces. This
gives rise to the question, “Can natural gas be used to make products currently manufactured from crude oil?” The objective of this
research is to determine if gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology, specifically Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, can be applied in a plant setting in
both an economical and efficient manner to produce liquid transportation fuels. Such a process would potentially reduce U.S.
dependency upon crude oil imports. To determine if Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of liquid fuels from Permian Basin natural gas is
economically viable, the proposed process is first simulated in Aspen HYSYS. At this point, a capital investment summary, product
costs, incremental and cumulative cash flow diagrams, and before- and after- tax rates of return can be estimated. These values, along
with current projections for natural gas supply and demand, are used to determine if building a GTL facility in the Permian Basin is
economically advantageous. Based upon this analysis, it is recommended to proceed with building the facility.
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103. WIRELESS HEADPHONES SAFETY AND HEARING CONSERVATION
Presenters: Matthew Smith
Authors: Smith, Matthew
In today's society, a person’s hearing is one of the most neglected abilities when it comes to safety. As headphones have become
increasingly popular, especially among younger generations, the potential for damage and abuse has skyrocketed. My research hopes
to shed light on how several of today’s most popular headphones are performing with regard to personal hearing protection. Through a
statistical analysis of a small sample population (n < 30), with regard to headphone frequency response, impedance, and sensitivity,
my goal is to show which headphones are in compliance with governmental hearing regulations and to what degree. Research done for
OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) and NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) represents
a more general recommendation for all concerned with protecting their ears. This research will hopefully steer individuals towards
safer headphones and promote more responsible listening habits.
104. HYDRODYNAMIC RESISTANCE OF A TRAIN OF CONFINED DROPLETS
Presenters: Naureen Suteria
Authors: Suteria, Naureen
Microfluidic devices have become increasingly popular in the fields of science and engineering due to their ease of fabrication.
These devices have significant potential for a wide range of applications including biomedical diagnostics and biosensing. Many of
these applications involve the transportation, sorting and storage of droplets. When a single-phase fluid flows in a confined channel,
there is a resistance to flow. Two-phase fluid flow, which includes droplets, introduces even more resistance to flow, known as
hydrodynamic resistance of the droplets. The hydrodynamic resistance of droplet is the main key factor that controls the behavior of
the droplets in a channel. Researchers have tried to determine the parameters that may affect the hydrodynamic resistance of droplets
in a microfluidic channel. However, their studies have limited the domain of parameters. The purpose of this study is to measure the
hydrodynamic resistance of droplets over a wider range of parameters which include capillary number, drop size, intra-drop spacing,
viscosity ratio and surface tension between the inner and outer phase. We measure the resistance of the droplet using a microfluidic
comparator; it directly compares a reference channel with known resistance to a parallel test channel containing droplets of unknown
resistance. These water-in-oil droplets are generated upstream from the comparator using a cross-junction where droplet size and
spacing can be easily controlled. Quantifying the resistance of droplets can help researchers better design their microfluidic devices
for droplet trafficking, sorting or trapping.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES (Anthropology / Archaeology,
Economics, Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology)
Abstracts 105-110
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105. DIGGING HIPPIE ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE LONE STAR STATE
Presenters: William Cawley
Authors: Cawley, William; Walter, Tamra
In 2012, Texas Tech University conducted archaeological excavations at Peaceable Kingdom Farm, in Washington, Texas. The
300-acre property was part of land owned in 1824 by one of Stephen F. Austin’s 300 original colonists, William S. Brown. Later the
property was sold to John D. McAdoo who operated a plantation there in the 1850s. After emancipation, tenant farmers occupied the
property until the 1960s and 70s when the property served as a Hippie colony known as Peaceable Kingdom. Excavations of a large
cistern near the original plantation house revealed the majority of the cultural material inside originated from the Hippie era and
reflects commune life along with other unique aspects of the counter-culture movement that swept across the U.S. in the 1960s. The
cistern offers a juxtaposition of 1960s counter-culture philosophy against the actual cultural material found. This poster will discuss
the findings from the cistern and address the potential information discerned from this feature.
106. PERSONAL GROWTH INITIATIVE, STRESS, AND FAMILY FUNCTIONING IN AFRICAN
AMERICANS
Presenters: Addison Ciavaglia
Authors: Ciavaglia, Addison; Robitschek, Christine; Sirles, Danielle
Stress is an increasing problem in the lives of African Americans (Davis, LaShun, Davis & Moll, 2011). Stressors can lead to
distress-related emotions and can even cause negative interactions between family members (Launier, 1997). Family functioning can
either help alleviate or it can worsen a person’s stress, because negative interactions between family members can be a source of stress
while positive interactions can be a source of emotional support (Lincoln, Taylor, Bullard, Chatters, Woodward, Himle & Jackson,
2010). Additionally, stress is linked with one’s personal growth (Robitschek, 2009). Personal Growth Initiative (PGI: Robitschek,
1998) is intentional change in a person’s lifestyle that allows that person to grow and studies suggest that it is negatively related to
psychological distress. While studies show a relationship between stress, family functioning and PGI for some ethnic groups, these
relationships have not been researched in the African American community yet (Robitschek, 2001). It is hypothesized that PGI will
serve as a mechanism that lessens the negative effects of stress in African American families. The results and implications of this
research are discussed.
107. AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY EVALUATING ATTITUDES TOWARDS EXERCISE IN DIABETIC
VERSUS NON-DIABETIC WOMEN
Presenters: Michelle Harold
Authors: Harold, Michelle; Krishnan, Sridevi; Cooper, Jamie; Tokar, Theresa; Esperat, Chris
Background: The "Who" identifies lack of exercise as a contributing factor to both obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
mellitus (T2DM). Attitudes towards exercise can determine exercise habits in adults. Purpose: To identify associations
between attitudes towards exercise, fitness levels and HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c –indicates long-term blood glucose
control) in diabetic/overweight/obese women. Methods: We measured basic fitness (resting heart rate (RHR), postexercise heart rate (EHR), waist circumference) and HbA1c levels in 41 sedentary women (29 with T2DM and 12 nondiabetic overweight/obese). We administered questionnaires to evaluate positive or negative attitudes towards exercise,
exercise-related autonomy (freedom to exercise), relatedness (social connection in a group), and competence (ability to
succeed). Results: Combined negative attitude scores from the questionnaires were positively correlated with EHR
(r=0.325, p<0.05) but not with RHR (r=0.209, p>0.10) or HbA1c (r=0.298, p>0.10). HbA1c was positively associated
with positive attitudes scores (r=0.324, p<0.05) in diabetics, but not in non-diabetics (r=0.403, p>0.1). Waist
circumference was inversely correlated with the negative attitude BREQ-2 score (r=-0.384, p<0.05) in the diabetics but
not in the non-diabetics (r=-0.509, p>0.1). Also, in the non-diabetics, perceived relatedness was inversely correlated with
RHR (r=-0.809, p<0.05), but not in the diabetics (r=-0.01, p>0.1). Conclusions: Associations between high RHR and EHR
to negative attitude towards exercise indicate an association between poorer fitness and increasing negative perception.
The inverse association between waist circumference and negative attitude towards exercise found in diabetics supports
this notion as well. Awareness of high HbA1c levels in diabetics may be associated with positive attitudes towards
exercise.
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108. SHORT-TERM MEDITATION IMPROVES ATTENTION AND EMOTION
Presenters: Megan Merewether, Agatha Eason
Authors: Eason, Agatha; Merewether, Megan
Life is stressful and many try to cope with stress using various methods, including smoking. Meditation and relaxation are shown
to improve mindfulness and focus due to decreased stress levels. In the past six years, the field of psychology has expanded its
interest in meditation and mindfulness, resulting in numerous publications in this area. The researchers are in the process of
investigating the effects of short-term meditation on smokers. The participants are students attending Texas Tech University. Two
groups, a smoking and a non-smoking group, are subjected to thirty minutes of meditation for ten consecutive nights. The researchers
monitored the changes in their sense of wellbeing over the ten day period using the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Mindful Attention
Awareness Scale (MAAS), and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) tests. Due to the length of the study and the need for
individuals to be present during every session, finding willing and qualified participants is difficult, especially for the smoking group.
This affects the random sampling of the population and lengthens the time it takes to obtain statistically significant data. As a result,
the data that the researchers present may not all be significant, but previous studies indicate that over time and with a greater sample
size, this research should follow the idea that short-term meditation decreases stress levels, heightens attention, and improves emotion.
109. THE IMPACT OF FARMERS' KNOWLEDGE ON ENVIRONMENTAL DECISIONS AND INCOME
Presenters: Carla Millares
Authors: Millares, Carla
Farmers’ lack of knowledge regarding environmental issues impact their decision-making which can affect the environment and
farm profitability. The objective of this study is to describe the demographics, personal, systematic and farm characteristics that
influence farmers’ daily environmental practices related to water and soil. In addition, the research sought to determine which of these
variables is most influential at the time an important decision is made. It’s central to know these variables because it is easier to work
with farmers who focus on a specific point, instead of variables that do not really make any difference. Methods: The researcher
developed a customized survey instrument based on previous research that has shown demographic characteristics such as education,
age, ethnicity and income which the variables that are most influential in actions and decisions that farmers take. Data were collected
using accepted survey research methodology and results were analyzed using SPSS for windows v 21. Results were reported using
means, standard deviations and correlational data to indicate relationships between the variables and decisions made by the farmers.
Conclusions: Findings indicate relationships between the variables that range from Low to Moderate (Davis, 1970), indicating that
basic characteristics of demographics, personal, systematic and farm characteristics are related in varying levels to the decisionmaking process. This information is valuable to educators who work with rural populations.
110. PARENTING STRESS IN AUTISM
Presenters: Julia Voelkl
Authors: Voelkl, Julia; Grubb, Laura; Richman, David M.; Barnard-Brak, Lucy
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) report higher parenting stress than parents of children with
developmental disabilities and parents of typically developing children. Although raising a child with an ASD is strongly
correlated with elevated parenting stress, variables such as the child’s level of functioning, severity of challenging
behaviors, and parent mental health may also influence parenting stress. The current study evaluated child behavior
(Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory; ECBI, and Behavior Problem Inventory; BPI), family resources (Family Resources
Survey; FRS), and parental mental health (Mental Health Index; MHI) as predictors of parenting stress (Parenting Stress
Index: Short Form; PSI-SF) using multiple linear regression. In a group of parents (N = 31) raising a child with an ASD in
West Texas, adequacy of childcare resources (FRS; p = .097) and problem behavior (ECBI; p = .128) approached
statistical significance as predictors of parenting stress. Model fit was satisfactory (R-squared = .377), indicating that
approximately 37.7% of the variance in parenting stress may be accounted for by some combination of the variables
measured. Results suggest local interventions could focus on management of child behavior problems. These findings are
mostly consistent with the literature; although, limited sample size may have hampered the ability to detect significant
predictors previously identified. These results are based on indirect measures of parent and child characteristics;
evaluating parent-child interactions directly may provide more detailed information which can better aid the development
of interventions to reduce stress for parents of children with ASDs.
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ORAL ABSTRACTS
Abstracts 1-26
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BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES
(Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry/Biochemistry,
Environmental Studies, and Health Professions)
Abstracts 1-4
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1. THE EFFECTS OF TRICLOSAN ON BACTERIA COUNTS IN THE SLIME COATS OF ATLANTIC
CROAKER
Presenters: Lauren Koster
Authors: Koster, Lauren; Hendrick-Hopper, Tiffany
Triclosan is an antibacterial compound that is an ingredient in many personal care products. Triclosan can pass
through the water treatment process and enter the aquatic environment. Because triclosan kills bacteria, it could negatively
affect the beneficial microbe communities present in fish slime coats, potentially leading to an increase in fish diseases.
Atlantic croaker, an estuarine fish species, was treated with triclosan to see how it might affect the amounts of bacteria in
the slime coat relative to the numbers observed in untreated individuals. Our hypothesis was that there would be fewer
bacteria present in the slime coat of fish that were exposed to triclosan than in fish that were not exposed. A total of 30
croaker were held in individual tanks for two weeks and fed either triclosan-infused pellets - (50ppm dosage) - or regular
pellets. Both prior to and immediately after the two-weeks, a sample of fish slime was taken. The samples were tested by
incubating with nutrient broth at room temperature for 48 hours. After the incubation period, each plate was analyzed and
the number of colonies was counted to calculate the number of bacteria present in the original sample. These numbers
were used to standardize the bacteria counts per &l of fish slime. If our hypothesis is correct, we expect to see a lower
number of bacteria in the fish that were exposed to triclosan relative to those that were not exposed.
2. THE EFFECTS OF TRICLOSAN ON PREDATOR ESCAPE PATTERNS OF ATLANTIC CROAKER
Presenters: Matthew Lyle
Authors: Rahnama, Kia
Triclosan is an antimicrobial compound that can be found in many personal care products such as hand soaps and
shampoos. Triclosan enters into aquatic environments, where it can create problems for aquatic organisms. We researched
the effects of chemical triclosan, on Atlantic croaker a common estuarine fish, and it’s predator evasion strategies, both
auditory and visual. Atlantic croaker makes a low clicking sound, also known as a “croak” when threatened or asserting
dominance. Because triclosan is an endocrine disrupting chemical, we hypothesized that triclosan exposed fish would use
different strategies than unexposed fish of “croaking” and flight from a simulated predator. To test the effects of triclosan,
2 groups 15 fish were housed in individual 75-l tanks. The 15 control croaker were fed normal food pellets while the 15
experimental group croaker were given pellets that had been treated with triclosan. Both before and immediately after the
exposure period, croakers were tested for potential flight/dominance behaviors. Fish were placed into a 600-gallon arena
tank, and acclimated to the hydrophone for 5 minutes. Then a net was placed into the tank to simulate a predator, and fish
responses were audio and video recorded. Preliminary results show that the majority of the fish that have been exposed to
triclosan not only used a different escape pattern, but also had different patterns of “croaking” that can be directly
correlated with their escape patterns. Therefore, triclosan exposure may have an effect on the structure of fish populations
and aquatic food webs.
3. THE EFFECTS OF ACIDIFICATION AND HYPOXIA ON THE MORPHOMETRICS OF ATLANTIC
CROAKER OTOLITHS
Presenters: Alexander Norton
Authors: Norton, Alexander; Willms, Josh; Diamond-Tissue, Sandra; Hopper-Hedrick, Tiffany
Estimates predict that by 2100 the pH of the Gulf of Mexico will be 0.5 units lower than current levels due to ocean
acidification. In some hypoxic areas, the amount of DO will decrease to <2mg/L. While both acidic and hypoxic
conditions have been shown to adversely affect marine life, little research has been done on the interaction between pH
and DO. This study will focus on the effects of acidification and hypoxia on the shape of the ear bones of an estuarine
fish, Atlantic croaker. Atlantic croaker otoliths are used to measure the age and growth of the fish. Atlantic croaker will be
randomly separated into 4 groups of 15 fish and held in individual tanks for 28 days: 1) a control group at ambient
conditions with pH of 8.15 and DO of 6 mg/L, 2) a low pH group with a pH of 7.7, 3) a low DO group with DO of 2
mg/L, and 4) an interaction group in which both pH and DO will be lowered. After the experiment, fish otoliths will be
analyzed to see if lowered pH and DO levels have any statistically significant effects on the shape compared to the control
group. Any statistically significant morphometric differences between otolith groups could cause biases in the estimates of
age and growth of the fish under future climate conditions. This research will help pave the way to a better understanding
of the effects that climate change has on marine life.
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4. NEGATIVE ENRICHMENT FOR RARE TARGET CELLS BY MICROFLUIDIC AFFINITY
CHROMATOGRAPHY IN A TANDEM CHANNEL DEVICE
Presenters: Rachel Ray
Authors: Ray, Rachel; Gao, Yan; Pappas, Dr. Dimitri
In this study, a three-dimensional microfluidic channel device was developed for rare cell capture. This system
utilizes cell affinity chromatography to isolate the rare cells. In most cell separations, positive selection (capture of the
target cell) is employed (Pratt et al., 2011); however, this device uses negative enrichment in order to capture nontarget
cells and isolate the desired cells. In previous work, (Li, P.; Gao, Y.; Pappas, D. Anal. Chem. 2011, 83, 7863-7869) Li et
al designed a single lane, three-dimensional, multiple vertical inlet separations system with an enrichment of target cells
showing purities of 92-96%. In our study, we altered and expounded upon this system and elongated the unit by
connecting two of the channels in tandem. Development of this device is still currently in process; however, we have
found that after 60 minutes of separation, the target cell was enriched from the initial ratio of 2-4% target in total to a
purity of greater than 90%. This device is capable of negatively enriching the target cell to high purity. This has the
potential application for biomedical purposes such as the isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTC).
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BUSINESS EMPHASIS (Business)
Abstract 5
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5. HAVE A GLASS, OR TWO: THE EFFECT OF WINE ON CONSUMER SELF-CONTROL
Presenters: Andrew Legrand
Authors: Rinaldo, Shannon; Craig, Curtis; Legrand, Andrew ; Klein, Martina
Previous research has demonstrated that people experience self-control depletion when they engage in a difficult task
and that people regain control when rewarded with glucose-sweetened mouth-rinse (Baumeister, Vohs, & Tice, 2007;
Hagger, M. S., & Chatzisarantis, N. L., 2012 ). This study extends this research to consumer purchasing decisions. In our
first study, participants will engage in a difficult task, the Stroop Task. Some participants will receive sweet wine, some
dry wine, some water, and some glucose. We expect to see marked improvement on the difficult task when participants
receive glucose or sweet wine. In study 2, we introduce an attention control task to test whether the effect extends to a
cognitive task. In study 3, we extend this research to consumer psychology to verify whether wine mouth-rinsing will
improve self-control after a demanding decision task of consumer choices. After each study, we assess mood, trait selfcontrol, and alcohol preference. We hypothesize that the sweet wine will have a similar effect to glucose-sweetened drinks
in improving self-control after performing demanding tasks, in which the participant’s self-control will be depleted. If in
fact our hypothesis is correct, it will suggest that wine plays a positive reinforcement role on improving one’s self-control.
Our findings, could suggest that glucose-sweetened drinks and dry wine may help consumers’ better concentrate on their
purchases. This research has implications for consumer scenarios where sustained attention and cognitive control is
required and will highlight the positive benefits of wine consumption.
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HUMANITIES and THE ARTS (Art History,
Cultural Studies, Gender Studies, Literature, Music,
Media and Communications, and Theatre)
Abstracts 6-11
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6. A STORY OF SEX TRAFFICKING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Presenters: Hayley Bupp
Authors: Bupp, Hayley
The worldwide epidemic of human trafficking enslaves millions of people. Sex trafficking in particular generates
billions of dollars in profit and exploits millions of people. The objective of my research is to create a realistic story that
represents the horrifying realities of sex trafficking victims. My presentation will be an excerpt from a story I have
written, entitled “A Story of Sex Trafficking in Southeast Asia.” The story captures the horrifying realities of sex
trafficking victims. The story is told from the perspective of a young girl named Nisha who has been forced into the sex
trade. Based in Southeast Asia, Nisha’s tale reveals entrapment and dehumanizing experiences so terrible that she risks
her life in an escape attempt. The criminality of the sex trade becomes personal when it is narrated by one of its victims.
Nisha’s story provides an attempt at exposing the truth of the sex trade.
7. RECIPROCITY IN POETRY, MUSIC, AND THE NATURAL WORLD: POEMS INFLUENCED BY
PATTIANN ROGERS
Presenters: Clara Bush
Authors: Bush, Clara
My presentation is based on my research of Pattiann Rogers' manuscript collection in the Sowell Collection at Texas
Tech University. I will be presenting some of my own poems, which are based on the style, content, and language of
Rogers’ poems and materials from her manuscript collection. My poems are particularly influenced by her collection of
drafts and materials concerning her book of poems, The Tattooed Lady in the Garden. My presentation will also include
one or two short essays about researching in a manuscript collection and analysis of themes in The Tattooed Lady in the
Garden.
My poetry and essays will explore the same themes of reciprocal creation, musicality, and the natural world that
appear throughout The Tattooed Lady in the Garden. Rogers’ work has significantly influenced my own creative process
and poetry. Her annotated manuscripts, rather than just her published work, have proved invaluable for learning the
methods behind Rogers’ writing and the motifs that have influenced her work. The audience will hear the way my writing
echoes the themes and styles of The Tattooed Lady in the Garden and learn more about Pattiann Rogers, a multi-faceted
poet who uses her knowledge of science and religion to craft poetry that has led to some calling her the “Poet Laureate of
Nature.”
8. THE SEARCH FOR POWER AND IDENTITY IN ROSA MONTERO'S AMADO AMO AND LA HIJA DEL
CANIBAL
Presenters: Eliseo de Leon
Authors: de Leon, Eliseo
Struggling to maintain any semblance of power in their lives and to construct a viable identity for themselves, both
protagonists of Rosa Montero's novels, Amado Amo (1988) and La hija del caníbal (1997), Cesar Miranda and Lucia
Romero respectively, confront the common dilemmas presented to humans as they age. By examining both novels and
several scholarly works published over each novel, this paper will demonstrate that Montero utilizes both protagonists to
illustrate the various manners in which humans are constantly striving for the acquisition of power and the construction of
a stable identity necessary to living a purposeful existence, an elusive goal each protagonist attempts to obtain. Believing
his past prestige and power at his work to be waning, Cesar strives to gain the acceptance of his superiors and the past
power he once held. Bewildered by the disappearance of her husband and realizing that she has been trapped in a loveless
marriage, Lucia reevaluates her life and attempts to reconstruct it. Both individuals realize that they have been living a
bleak existence and desire to posses a life with power and purpose. Through both protagonists’ actions, Montero
emphasizes humans’ desires for power and acceptance in life. Cesar desires to reclaim his power and be accepted as a
prominent member at his work. Lucia simply wants to control her life and be accepted and loved by others. Likewise, both
wish to be part of the world in a meaningful manner, thus allowing them to posses an identity in society.
&'#
9. THE USE OF LITERARY CLASSICS IN A CLASSROOM SETTING
Presenters: John Driscoll
Authors: Driscoll, John
Language Arts is an important part of the high school curriculum, but many students feel as though the subject is
boring or has little to offer in terms of real-life applications. I was interested in pursuing a career in education, and I have
a love for literature. Because of this, I wanted to find a way to present the subject to students in a way that will be
appealing. The goal of this project is to develop techniques and strategies for teaching prose literature to Texas high
school students. In order to complete this task, I researched the English Language Arts learning objectives required by the
state of Texas. I then selected an assortment of novels and short stories that can be used to fulfill these requirements while
still being engaging to younger learners. These works would then be presented over a semester. The curriculum is
organized into four sections, each of which includes a novel and three short stories that are close in both theme and
literary period. The works chosen represent many significant male and female writers of the last two centuries, in order
that students are sure to find at least one work they can relate with. In addition to reading the texts, the curriculum will
also include a variety of assessments. The assessments go beyond simple quizzes and tests designed to ensure
comprehension, but also will encourage critical thinking and analysis skills that will be useful to students throughout life.
10. SELF-LOVING AND SERVING OTHERS
Presenters: Michael Street
Authors: Street, Michael
Throughout books eight and nine of Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle develops a theory of friendship and how qualities
of self-love are necessary for such a relationship to be functional and true. He is paramountly concerned with the
formation of friendships and how they practically develop, as well as the justice and equality that are found in each in
relation to self-love and the seeking out of kindred spirits. Primary focus will be given to the reasons why self-love is
paramount in the formation of a character-based friendship and why the other two forms of friendship (pleasurebased/utility-based) fail.
11. EDMUND BURKE AND THE PARADOX OF TRAGEDY
Presenters: Douglas Westfall
Authors: Westfall, Douglas
Edmund Burke’s Inquiry into the Origin of our Ideas of the Sublime and the Beautiful contains an implicit solution to
the paradox of tragedy which argues we enjoy the suffering of others and the feelings of sympathy that enjoyment brings.
This essay examines the relevant portions of Burke’s writing in order to tease out his implicit argument so that we may
correctly assess it. While Burke’s solution contains some truth, it relies on an entirely charitable interpretation of human
nature that is in keeping with neither Burke’s philosophical commitments nor history. Once we examine his solution with
a less charitable view of humanity, a different solution to the paradox emerges. This paper will briefly examine Burke’s
aesthetic views and the psychology that undergirds them in order to demonstrate that even according to Burke’s own
views, the exercise of sympathy cannot be our primary motivation for going to see tragedies. Additionally, I shall briefly
examine contemporary incidents that seem to validate those portions of Burke’s writing which argues we go to see
tragedies to enjoy the suffering of another. While it is beyond the scope of this essay to completely resolve the paradox of
tragedy, this essay will argue that the insights gained from Burke’s thought experiment, seems to strongly imply that any
successful solution to the paradox will have to account for the human desire to watch another’s suffering as at least a
primary motivation in our desire to see tragedies.
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LAW, PUBLIC POLICY, & EDUCATION
(Education, Legal Studies, History, Philosophy, and
Political Science)
Abstracts 12-14
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&)#
12. TAMING THE TEXAS RANGERS: AN END OF THE LAWLESSNESS OF THE RANGER FORCE
THROUGH LEGISLATIVE ACTION IN 1919
Presenters: Jason Judd
Authors: Judd, Jason
The Texas Rangers, the investigative force of the Texas Department of Public Safety, have a long history of turmoil
and conflict in the State of Texas. Founded originally to protect Anglo settlements on the frontier, the Texas Rangers have
served a variety of roles to protect law and order throughout the state. In doing so, however, the Texas Rangers have
attracted hatred for acts of lawlessness they have perpetrated throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Public
displeasure became so intense, the Texas State Legislature created a Joint Committee to look into the Ranger Force in
1919, whether they performed more disservice than service to the State of Texas, and whether they should continue as a
government agency. My research looks deeply into the 1919 investigation of the Ranger Force, its successes, flaws, and
outcomes that have set the foundation for the continuance of the Texas Ranger Division into the twenty-first century. My
research relies heavily on the transcripts of the Joint Investigative Report by the Texas Legislature, which includes
testimony from eye witnesses of Ranger crimes such as public drunkenness and intimidation of local authorities. The
purpose of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of the transformation of the State of Texas from the western
frontier into a state of law and order and how the Texas Rangers embody the sense of chaos and disorder throughout the
transformative period.
13. BLOOD AND IRON: OTTO VON BISMARCK, REALPOLITIK, AND THE POLITICS OF HONEST
BROKERING
Presenters: Niki Parikh
Authors: Parikh, Niki
My presentation examines the influence and legacy of Otto von Bismarck on German domestic, military, and international
policies and the making of a strong second Reich. Although the Machiavellian diplomatic prowess of Otto von Bismarck
contributed to perceived Prussian supremacy and the unification of Germany, this presentation also traces the construction
of a larger European framework of international diplomatic negotiation and mediation.
Prussian Chancellor Bismarck popularized the use of the term "realpolitik', which describes a realist or pragmatic (or, at
its worst, Machiavellian) view of the use of a politics or diplomacy based on practical considerations, void of ethical
boundaries. Bismarck was arguably an opportunist, a ruthless diplomat, and an advocate for a strong Prussia and later,
Germany. He never entered into a rigid commitment with any power that could potentially harm Prussia or Germany.
Given Bismarck's political and diplomatic decisions, his strident and material actions, his focus on real, practical ends that
would justify the means, can one characterize Bismarck as a form of Machiavelli's Prince? In matters concerning Prussia
and Germany, Bismarck was a follower of the tenets of realpolitik, but he claimed to be an "honest broker" in European
affairs. My study sheds light on Bismarck’s political philosophy, his actions and their consequences, and his application
of realpolitik. Most importantly, it examines the larger question: Can one both be a pragmatic prince in domestic issues,
but measured diplomat in foreign affairs?
14. COPYRIGHTS RE-EVALUATED: WHAT IS NEEDED TO PROTECT LITERATURE IN THE DIGITAL
AGE
Presenters: Rachel Summerlin
Authors: Summerlin, Rachel
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C#4-<<#?/#<88@-6;#1.#71>/#>.2A-/>#16A#5->.80-71<#F17.>#1?82.#789:0-;5.#<14#-6#.5/#K6-./A#L.1./>M16A#584#-.#>582<A#
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES (Computer Science,
Engineering, Geosciences, Mathematics, and
Physics/Astronomy)
Abstracts 15-19
'!#
15. HOME INVENTORY AUTOMATION: WEBSITE & APP’S FOR INVENTORY MONITORING
Presenters: Stormy Adams; Doug Cooper
Authors: Adams, Stormy; cooper, doug; Yeager, Trey
Home Inventory is the practice of keeping track of what a person or family has currently stored in their home. The
Objective of this study is to look at a person's efficiency by assisting them in creating a shopping list, managing their
pantry inventory, and providing an easy access recipe database for meals. The use of the website and apps will give the
user the ability to easily see what is in stock and the details of said object. The applications will allow the user to prepare
coupons for their shopping list by allowing him/her to navigate to a store’s coupon listing. The user's data will be
accessible anywhere there is an established internet connection.
16. IRRADIATION TEST OF THE IFLAME LASER TRANSMITTER
Presenters: Aaron Chu
Authors: Chu, Aaron
The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of radiation on the iFlame VCSEL array optical assembly. Since
the iFlame will potentially be used in the Liquid Argon Calorimeter of the ATLAS detector, it is necessary to examine the
effects of radiation on the laser diodes. By examining the LIV curves of a functional iFlame before, during, and after
irradiation, the functionality and viability of the iFlame can be determined. The design and verification of the test bench
and the results of the experiment are presented here.
17. INVESTIGATIONS OF HIGH-ENERGY GAMMA RAYS THROUGH CHERENKOV RADIATION IN
ATMOSPHERE
Presenters: Jonathan Clark
Authors: Clark, Jonathan; Cowden, Chris; Sandy, John; Akchurin, Nural
High-energy gamma rays from various sources in space interact with the atmosphere resulting in electromagnetic
showers. Relativistic charged particles from the core of electromagnetic showers emit Cherenkov radiation which is
highly directional and polarized. The size, temporal properties, as well as polarization of the Cherenkov radiation incident
on the earth's surface reveal some of the fundamental properties of an incident gamma ray. The GEANT4 simulation
package is used to model the electromagnetic showers resultant from gamma rays interacting with the atmosphere. We
later analyze the collected data to estimate the signal generated by Cherenkov photons by an array of photo-multiplier
tubes (PMTs). Our goal is to explore the feasibility of using the Cherenkov polarization information to improve
measurements of high-energy cosmic rays by optimizing the configuration of an array of PMTs.
18. DISCRETE EARTHQUAKES ON RIEMANN SURFACES
Presenters: Patrick Newman
Authors: Newman, Patrick
Hyperbolic Riemann surfaces have been the focus of intense mathematical research in the last hundred years. They
play a key role in modern geometry and in mathematical physics. Earthquakes on these surfaces were introduced by
Fields Medalist William Thurston who showed how any surface can be deformed into any other by an earthquake. We
investigated the use of circle packings to implement a discrete version of earthquakes.
19. SEARCH FOR A Z` RESONANCE USING FORWARD/BACKWARD ASYMMETRY IN COMPACT
MUON SOLENOID EVENTS AT A CENTER OF MASS ENERGY OF 8 TEV
Presenters: John Sandy
Authors: Sandy, John; Dragoiu, Cosmin
At the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the Standard Model of particle physics is continually being tested and
examined. This research is focused on searching for a Z’ resonance at the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector. We
have examined ~20 fb-1 of data taken in 2011 and 2012. During this period, the LHC delivered opposing beams of
protons of 3.5 to 4 TeV each.
The process being studied is known as the Drell-Yan process, wherein a quark and anti-quark annihilate and produce
a lepton pair. This process is mediated either by a virtual photon ((*) or a Z boson, depending on the mass range. The
presence of the two electroweak bosons (Z/(*) creates both vector and axial-vector coupling to fermions, which in turn
creates an asymmetry in the polar angle between the lepton and quark. This asymmetry is called the forward- backward
asymmetry (AFB) and is used to search for a high mass Z’ resonance. Results are compared with Monte-Carlo simulations
for several models predicting Z’ resonances at different mass points. In the absence of a clear resonance, all this
information is then used to place lower mass limits on the possible existence of a resonance.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES (Anthropology / Archaeology,
Economics, Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology)
Abstracts 20-26
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20. THE CORRELATION OF DANCE EXPERIENCE AND SPATIAL MEMORY ABILITIES
Presenters: Erica Barhorst
Authors: Barhorst, Erica
Practice and experience are determining factors in the development of expertise (Chase & Simon, 1973). Years of practice
correlate with memory ability in a given domain. Experts excel in domain-specific memory because they store and retain a large
number of “chunks,” or groups or patterns of information in long-term memory (Ferrari, Didierjean, & Marmeche, 2008). This
improved memory ability applies to experts in many different domains (Ferrari et al., 2008). This study investigated the spatial and
verbal memory of dancers and non-dancers using two memory tasks related to dance: the Corsi block-tapping task (spatial memory),
and a full-body version of the Corsi block-tapping task (dance-specific spatial memory). A word span task (verbal memory) was used
as the control task. Participants included both dancers and non-dancers from the age group of 14 years and older. The primary
hypothesis, based on the available research on expertise, was that performance on both spatial memory tasks would be positively
correlated with years of dance experience, such that the more experience an individual has in dance, the better his or her performance
would be on the spatial memory tasks. No differences were predicted for the control task, based on the assumption that dancers and
non-dancers have had comparable verbal experience. In summary, this experiment examines the possible memory enhancement
properties of dance.
21. THE EFFECTS OF GUM CHEWING AND AEROBIC ACTIVITY ON MEMORY AND META-MEMORY
Presenters: Erica Barhorst
Authors: Barhorst, Erica; Serra, Michael
It is believed that memory encoding can be enhanced by increasing blood flow to the brain. For example, mastication (gum
chewing) has been shown to improve short-term memory (Wilkinson, Scholey, & Wesnes, 2002), and exercise has been found to
enhance free-recall memory (Coles & Tomporowski, 2008). Some evidence also suggests that these memory enhancements are also
accompanied by enhanced metacognitive abilities (i.e., being able to monitor memory strength accurately). Notably, Salas and
colleagues (2011) found that a brisk 10-minute walk before encoding improved both memory and absolute metamemory accuracy
compared to a no-exercise sitting condition. To date, however, no study has directly compared the effects of gum chewing and
walking on memory, nor considered metamemory fully in such situations. Towards this end, in the present experiment, we compared
the effects of walking and gum chewing on both memory (cued-recall of paired associates) and metamemory (memory judgments)
accuracy. Based on past results, we predicted that both walking and gum chewing would enhance memory performance and
metamemory accuracy compared to a control group.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (walking, gum chewing, or control). Participants first either
walked briskly around the building for five minutes, worked on a puzzle while chewing sugar-free gum for five minutes, or simply
worked on a puzzle for five minutes (control). Afterward, participants completed a standard metamemory task, studying 64 pairs of
unrelated nouns, making a memory judgment for each one, and finally responding to questions over the pairs.
22. EXPLOITATION, ON THE JOB TRAINING OR LUCK OF THE DRAW: SALARIES AND VALUE OF A
PLAYER’S MARGINAL REVENUE PRODUCT: THE CASE OF NBA ROOKIES UNDER THE SALARY CAP
Presenters: Michael Ijeh
Authors: Ijeh, Michael
Today, the initial term of an NBA rookie contract is two years. However, teams may exercise an option to re-sign a rookie for a
third season. In terms of rookie contracts, there is not much for agents to negotiate for their clients in the way of salaries since the
NBA works under a rookie salary scale. Thus, the amount of salary a player receives under the rookie contract depends upon where he
was drafted rather than what the player’s expected marginal revenue product for the team is.
In this paper I will calculate the value of the marginal revenue product; that is the additional revenue that a rookie NBA
player generates in his first two years with the team and compare it to the salary that the player receives under the NBA
rookie salary cap constraint. My findings will allow me to draw conclusions with respect to a player’s market value versus the
salary that he receives. If the market value is higher than one could argue, then the player is exploited; but if, however, the
market value is lower, than the argument that “On the Job Training” takes place is supported.
'$#
23. EVEN BAD GUYS SAY YES MA’AM! : FEMALE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS ON GENDER
PERCEPTIONS
Presenters: Bethany Johnson
Authors: Johnson, Bethany; Maloney, Patricia
There is a great deal of research that shows that women have increasingly joined the ranks of law enforcement personnel in the
last few decades. However, from that literature, we have no way of determining whether they perceive that they are treated materially
different than their male colleagues in interactions with both officers and citizens. Therefore, this research study asks, “do female
officers perceive that their gender has an affect on their interactions with other officers and citizens? If so, what is that affect?” We
will also be studying female correctional officers to determine if there is a difference based on environment (the community versus a
correctional facility). To gather these data, an open-ended survey was distributed to local female police/correctional officers (N=30).
Data were analyzed through grounded theory to determine thematic commonalities and then re-analyzed to ensure researcher
concordance. Our research shows that about half of the sample report being treated differently by coworkers and/or civilians, and that
if it occurs, they report that it is situational and transient. Additionally, when women report that they are treated differently, the
majority of the time it was in a positive manner. However, there were a few of the respondents who reported being treated negatively
and seen as physically and emotionally weaker than male colleagues. The effects of this are also discussed. The results also showed
that the differences between police officers and correctional officers are minimal. They receive relatively the same treatment, albeit
from different populations (citizens and inmates, respectively).
24. ROOT CAUSES OF TERRORISM
Presenters: Kia Rahnama
Authors: Rahnama, Kia
Tragic events of September 11, 2001 renewed studies of terrorism, its causes and proper prevention methods.
Although some of the earliest studies of terrorism date back to mid 1980s, the past decade has been marked with an
extensive and comprehensive academic effort from numerous fields that has truly contributed to a more heterogeneous
understanding of this phenomenon. Today, terrorism literature is vast, multidisciplinary and prolific, yet very few theories
have delivered a consensus. Reviewing this literature, this paper will seek to discuss three of the most prominent and
widely discussed theories in the literature: education, poverty, and psychological factors as root causes of terrorism.
Analysis of poverty as a causal factor would be divided into three different perspectives: individual level, state level, and
global level analysis. The role of education as a cause will also be discussed with emphasis on the role of madrassas in
many Middle Eastern countries. Finally, a review of psychological explanations of terrorism will be mentioned. This
paper posits that education and poverty are insufficient explanations for the causes of terrorism and that psychological
dispositions provide the best explanation for one’s tendency to engage in a terrorist act. This paper will further propose a
new interdisciplinary approach to understanding the psychological causes of terrorism that brings together the fields of
political science and neuroscience.
25. EURO DEBT CRISIS
Presenters: Ropinder Singh
Authors: Singh, Ropinder
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'%#
26. THE ASSESSMENT OF MULTIPLE BLOWS TO A PIG SKULL FOR BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA
ANALYSIS
Presenters: Caitlin Yoakym
Authors: Yoakum, Caitlin
Blunt Force trauma is usually a messy business that can result in multiple fractures to the cranium. As a result, small bits of bones
from the skull are created and these can be difficult to place in their proper anatomical context so that an interpretation of the violent
event can be made. Critically, one difficulty in interpreting blunt force trauma is determining the number of blows received by the
victim. Such information can be used to assess the state of mind of suspects and this information can influence sentencing. This senior
thesis project will focus on how cranial fracture patterns can indicate the number and placement of blows to the skull. In order to
accomplish this research I will design a double blind study. A volunteer will be asked to strike the pig heads while the number of
blows is recorded. The force of the blow will be recorded using force plates. Afterwards, I will de-flesh the pig heads by boiling them
and attempt to determine the number of blows for each pig head, without knowing this information beforehand. The first step will be
to reconstruct the skeletal elements of the skull. Next, black and white photos will be taken of the reconstructed skull and these will be
used to trace fracture patterns specific to individual blows to the skull. Concepts from physics and how force is transmitted through
material will guide me as I attempt to show specific impact events to the skull.
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The Center for Active Learning and Undergraduate Engagement (CALUE) is committed to
supporting and increasing undergraduate participation in active learning at Texas Tech
University. Active Learning engages the learner directly in a phenomenon studied in the
classroom at the University. The Center serves as a centralized location for undergraduates,
faculty, and staff interested in participating in the following active learning programs:
Service Learning, Undergraduate Research, Professional Internships, and Study Abroad.
Service Learning
The Texas Tech University Service Learning
Program provides information, support, and
opportunities concerning Service Learning to
students, faculty, and community members,
fostering an appreciation of the academic and
social values of community engagement.
Professional Internships
Through its collaboration with academic colleges
and other centers on campus, CALUE enhances
the educational experiences of Texas Tech
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University students by promoting internship
opportunities to students, developing
relationships with organizations seeking
internship placements, and placing students in
work experiences related to their academic major
or minor.
Undergraduate Research
CALUE recruits researchers from all disciplines for the
Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. This
program provides fellowship funding to support
undergraduate research initiatives under the guidance of
a faculty mentor. Students gain valuable experience by
conducting scholarly research and presenting research
findings during the annual Texas Tech University
Undergraduate Research Conference.
Study Abroad
CALUE assists the International Cultural Center and
colleges with promoting study abroad opportunities to
students interested in participating in programs abroad
that offer international learning opportunities while
making progress toward their TTU degree.
CALUE | Administration 233 | 806.742.1095 | calue@ttu.edu | calue.ttu.edu
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Abdel-Raziq, Amjad .................. 94. MICROFLUIDIC IPOD BASED VISCOMETER
Adams, Stormy .......................... 15. HOME INVENTORY AUTOMATION: WEBSITE & APP’S FOR INVENTORY
MONITORING
Ahrorov, Afzal ........................... 56. TESTING THE FUNCTIONALITY OF MUTANT CHIMERICAL
TRANSMEMBRANE PROTEIN, GLOEOBACTER VIOLACEUS LIGANDGATED ION CHANNEL (GLIC), WITH GENETICALLY INSERTED
EUKARYOTIC INTRACELLULAR DOMAIN (ICD)
Ajlouni, Osama .......................... 1.
GENETIC INTERACTIONS BETWEEN RNA INTERFERENCE AND ABSCISIC
ACID RESPONSE PATHWAYS IN ARABIDOPSIS
Alleman, Andrew ....................... 33. MICROBIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A BIOSAND FILTER
Amatullah, Atia .......................... 57. THE CSTF-64 POLYADENYLATION PROTEIN IS ANDROGEN-RESPONSIVE
IN PROSTATE CANCER CELLS
Armstrong, Andrew ................... 58. IS QUORUM SENSING INVOLVED IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF
PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA IN CHRONIC WOUND INFECTIONS?
Atore, Francis............................. 95. GRAPHENE AND BIOFILM INTERACTIONS
Awuor, Teresa ............................ 59. THE EFFECT OF CATION SYMMETRY IN THE THERMAL DENATURATION
OF RIBONUCLEASE A PROTEIN BY IMIDAZOLIUM IONIC LIQUIDS
Baig, Hudaina ............................ 50. COMPARING PORTRAYALS OF TEEN MOTHERS AND FATHERS ON
MTV’S HIT SHOW "16 AND PREGNANT"
Barhorst, Erica ........................... 20. THE EFFECTS OF GUM CHEWING AND AEROBIC ACTIVITY ON MEMORY
AND META-MEMORY
Barhorst, Erica ........................... 21. THE CORRELATION OF DANCE EXPERIENCE AND SPATIAL MEMORY
ABILITIES
Bernal, Adam ............................. 2.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ROLE OF NA/K PUMPS ISOZYMES IN RAT HEARTS
Berry, Kimberly ......................... 37. AN ANALYSIS OF PATTERN DESIGN USING OPTITEX 3D
Billalobos, Isaac ......................... 51. UNDERSTANDING COGNITIVE AND SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT AMONG
EAST LUBBOCK YOUTH: AN ACTION-RESEARCH APPROACH
Bruening, Carter......................... 3.
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS INTO SALINITY TOLERANCE OF
SPRING SYSTEM AMPHIPODS
Bupp, Hayley ............................. 6.
A STORY OF SEX TRAFFICKING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Burton, Barbara .......................... 60. DISTRIBUTION OF FIELD MICE, GENUS APODEMUS, AND ITS
IMPLICATIONS TO ZOONOTIC DISEASES
Bush, Clara................................. 7.
RECIPROCITY IN POETRY, MUSIC, AND THE NATURAL WORLD: POEMS
INFLUENCED BY PATTIANN ROGERS
Caldwell, Joseph ........................ 61. SKEWED X CHROMOSOME REPRESENTATION IN ALZHEIMER’S
DISEASE
Castelli, Erin .............................. 4.
INHIBITION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN ALFALFA SPROUTS
USING LACTIGUARDTM CULTURES
Cawley, William ........................ 105. DIGGING HIPPIE ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE LONE STAR STATE
Chauncey, Emily ........................ 61. SKEWED X CHROMOSOME REPRESENTATION IN ALZHEIMER’S
DISEASE
Chen, Jeffrey .............................. 62. IMPROVING THE SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY OF DNA ARRAYS
Chu, Aaron ................................. 16. IRRADIATION TEST OF THE IFLAME LASER TRANSMITTER
56(
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Ciavaglia, Addison..................... 105. PERSONAL GROWTH INITIATIVE, STRESS, AND FAMILY FUNCTIONING
IN AFRICAN AMERICANS
Clark, Jonathan .......................... 17. INVESTIGATIONS OF HIGH-ENERGY GAMMA RAYS THROUGH
CHERENKOV RADIATION IN ATMOSPHERE
Cooper, Doug ............................. 16. HOME INVENTORY AUTOMATION: WEBSITE & APP’S FOR INVENTORY
MONITORING
Cossio, Ashley ........................... 38. TIGER CHRONICLES: MANUEL LOZADA IN MEXICAN NEWSPAPERS
Cresto, Ellen............................... 34. BLINDED BY LOYALTY: A NEW ELEMENT OF WINE TASTING
Curry, Shavia ............................. 63. CHEMOPREVENTION OF BREAST CANCER USING NANPENCASULATED
RESVERATROL
Cutts, Amanda ........................... 52. EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SEXUAL MATURATION IN FOSTER &
JUVENILE JUSTICE YOUTH: AN EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE APPROACH
De Leon, Eliseo.......................... 8.
THE SEARCH FOR POWER AND IDENTITY IN ROSA MONTERO'S AMADO
AMO AND LA HIJA DEL CANIBAL
DeLeon, Stephanie ..................... 64. POPULATION DYNAMICS OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA AND
STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN AN IN VITRO WOUND ENVIRONMENT
Dias, Bruna ................................ 39. COMPARISION OF A CASSEGRAIN SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION (SEGS)
TO A CENTRAL POWER TOWER SEGS
Dierschke, Sadie ........................ 5.
ESTABLISHING AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR STUDY OF CHRONIC
INTERMITTENT ETHANOL EXPOSURE IN COCULTURES OF
ASTROCYTES AND CEREBELLAR GRANULE CELLS
Doerzbacher, Jonathan ............... 96. COMPLICATIONS IN DATA ENTRY, CONDENSING MULTIPLE REGIONS
TO A CENTRAL POINT
Dominguez, Anibal .................... 65. MUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE TOL-C EFFLUX PUMP IN E. COLI
Doucette, Sarah .......................... 40. CHAOS AND ALLEE EFFECT ON A DISCRETE-TIME LOGISTIC
POPULATION MODEL
Driscoll, John ............................. 9.
THE USE OF LITERARY CLASSICS IN A CLASSROOM SETTING
Eason, Agatha ............................ 108. SHORT-TERM MEDITATION IMPROVES ATTENTION AND EMOTION
Enos, Tyler ................................. 6.
SELENIUM-COATED POLYESTER BANDAGES INHIBIT THE FORMATION
OF BACTERIAL BIOFILMS
Farmacka, Ryan ......................... 41. COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND ITS EFFECT ON VIRUS SPREAD
Fell, Cody................................... 28. EFFECTS OF LIMB LENGTH ON THERMAL TOLERANCE IN HARVESTER
ANTS (POGONOMYRMEX, HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)
Fielder, Catherine....................... 97. THE GLACTIC BULGE SURVEY: UV OBSERVATIONS
Figueroa, Alejandro ................... 7.
GALECTIN-3C HAS MODEST INHIBITORY EFFECTS ON THE VIABILITY
OF LEWIS LUNG CANCER CELLS COMARED TO PACLITAXEL IN VITRO
Fillingim, Andrew ...................... 8.
SONOCHEMICAL FORMATION OF BIMETALLIC NANOPARTICLES
Findley, Mayghan ...................... 9.
"EFFECT OF R1 KNOCKDOWN ON CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA GROWTH"
Flores, Gerson ............................ 67. ACCEPTANCE OF NEW ZEALAND BEEF IN THE UNITED STATES
CONSUMERS, EVALUATING FOUR DIFFERENT MUSCLES BY THE
METHOD OF SLOW COOKING (STEW).
Fox, Kyandra ............................. 66. FRESHWATER SEEPS AND THE EFFECT IT HAS ON FISH BEHAVIOUR AT
LORD HOWE ISLAND
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Fullerton, Robert ........................ 98. MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLE – GRAPHENE HYBRIDS
Gabrilska, Rebecca .................... 99. DEVELOPMENT OF MILLIFLUIDIC WATER-IN-OIL EMULSION DROP
DISPENSING PLATFORM
Gomez, Ana ............................... 10. GRASS FED MEAT ACCEPTANCE IN UNITED STATES IMPORTED FROM
NEW ZEALAND
Gray, Amanda ............................ 11. EFFECTIVENESS OF MDSA ON PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA AND
STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS BIOFILM PRODUCTION: ANALYSIS USING
A THREE-DIMENSIONAL WOUND BIOFILM MODEL
Habibi, Armon ........................... 12. EFFECTS OF A NOVEL GROWTH MEDIUM ON PSEUDOMONAS
AERUGINOSA QUORUM SENSING GENES LASR/LASI
Hall, Ethan ................................. 42. THE ITERATION AND FIXED POINTS OF MATHEMATICAL FUNCTIONS
Harmon, Clinton ........................ 13. THE EFFECT OF SALINITIY ON MORPHOLOGY OF GULF KILLIFISH
(FUNDULUS GRANDIS) IN THE PECOS RIVER
Harold, Michelle ........................ 107. AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY EVALUATING ATTITUDES TOWARDS
EXERCISE IN DIABETIC VERSUS NON-DIABETIC WOMEN
Harris, Jaryse ............................. 68. THE !CSTF-64 POLYADENYLATION PROTEIN: ROLE IN COGNITION
Hilsabeck, Tyler ......................... 69. ENDOTHELIAL CELL SENESCENCE
Holloway, Kaylee ...................... 48. MODELS FOR TREATMENT OF BACTERIAL INFECTION, ANTIBIOTICS,
AND BACTERIOPHAGE
Ibarra, Michael ........................... 69. ENDOTHELIAL CELL SENESCENCE
Igwe, Kay ................................... 100. DEVICE MICROFABRICATION AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF VO2
INSULATOR-METAL TRANSITION UNDER ELECTRICAL CONTROL
Ijeh, Michael .............................. 22. EXPLOITATION, ON THE JOB TRAINING OR LUCK OF THE DRAW:
SALARIES AND VALUE OF A PLAYER’S MARGINAL REVENUE
PRODUCT: THE CASE OF NBA ROOKIES UNDER THE SALARY CAP
Johnson, Bethany ....................... 23. “EVEN BAD GUYS SAY YES MA’AM!”: FEMALE LAW ENFORCEMENT
OFFICIALS ON GENDER PERCEPTIONS
Jones, Kaitlyn............................. 35. TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY?
Judd, Jason ................................. 12. TAMING THE TEXAS RANGERS: AN END OF THE LAWLESSNESS OF THE
RANGER FORCE THROUGH LEGISLATIVE ACTION IN 1919
Kemei, Nicole ............................ 14. EFFECTS OF DESICCATION AND TEMPERATURE ON THE SURVIVAL OF
ESCHERICHIA COLI IN CANADA GEESE FECAL SAMPLES
Kennemur, Jenni ........................ 15. EXPLORATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF A [2]ROTAXANE SYNTHESIS VIA
RING-OPENING CROSS METATHESIS OF A [2]CATENANE AND A
DOUBLY-STOPPERED AXLE
Key, Bridget ............................... 16. BATRACHOCHYTRIUM DENDROBATIDIS ZOOSPORE PRODUCTION IS
DEPENDENT ON MEDIUM STRENGTH
Kim, Eunjee ............................... 17. GALECTIN-3C INHIBITS MURINE BREAST CANCER CELL GROWTH AND
MAY INCREASE THE ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF PACLITAXEL
Legrand, Andrew ....................... 5.
HAVE A GLASS, OR TWO: THE EFFECT OF WINE ON CONSUMER SELFCONTROL
Littlefield, Lauren ...................... 70. GALECTIN-3C INHIBITS TUMOR GROWTH AND INCREASES THE
ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF TAXOL IN VITRO MURINE MODEL OF
OVARIAN CANCER
58(
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LLumitasig, Luis ........................ 18. CONSUMER ASSESSMENT OF BEEF PRODUCED IN NEW ZEALAND AND
THE UNITED STATES FROM FOUR BEEF MUSCLES USING THE ROAST
COOKING PROCEDURES.
Mack, Elizabeth ......................... 71. ISLAND PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF ERYX JACULUS, THE JAVELIN SAND
BOA, IN THE AEGEAN SEA
Maldonado, Dionicio ................. 72. MECHANICAL PHENOTYPING OF TUMOR CELLS USING A
MICROFLUIDIC CELL SQUEEZER DEVICE
Martinez, Samara ....................... 53. ADMINISTRATOR PERCEPTIONS OF FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES
EDUCATION
Martinez-Marin, Dalia ............... 73. PEDF GENE THERAPY USING BONE MARROW-DERIVED MACROPHAGES
FOR ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER
McCormack, Meaghan............... 92. THE COMPARISON OF 3D CAD/CAM & MANUAL SYSTEMS IN GARMENT
MANUFACTURING
McFall, Ross .............................. 101. A MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR HIGH-THROUGHPUT DRUG SCREENING
USING SMALL ANIMALS
McFarlane, Taryn....................... 74. AN ECOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT
ON MICROBIAL FUNCTIONAL AND COMPOSITIONAL DIVERSITY OF THE
STAGES OF MAMMAL DECOMPOSITION
Merewether, Megan ................... 108. SHORT-TERM MEDITATION IMPROVES ATTENTION AND EMOTION
Metzler, Shane ........................... 43. GRADIENTS IN NANOFILLER CONTENT IN CONDUCTIVE COMPOSITES
Millares, Carla ........................... 109. THE IMPACT OF FARMERS' KNOWLEDGE ON ENVIRONMENTAL
DECISIONS AND INCOME
Miller, Sarah .............................. 19. SMOKE-INDUCED SEED GERMINATION OF GREAT BASIN SPECIES
Mosman, Brittany ...................... 75. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN
AND CONTROLLED OVARIAN HORMONAL STIMULATION IN ASSISTED
REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY PATIENTS
Nafees, Saba............................... 76. MODELING POSITIONS COUPLED TO F508, SITE OF CHIEF CF CAUSING
MUTATION
Newman, Patrick ........................ 18. DISCRETE EARTHQUAKES ON RIEMANN SURFACES
Northern, Taylor ........................ 102. TECHNO-ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE CONVERSION OF PERMIAN
BASIN NATURAL GAS TO LIQUID FUELS
Norton, Alexander ..................... 3.
THE EFFECTS OF ACIDIFICATION AND HYPOXIA ON THE
MORPHOMETRICS OF ATLANTIC CROAKER OTOLITHS
O'Loughlin, Trevor .................... 44. QUANTUM STATE TOMOGRAPHY OF A SPP IN A WAVEGUIDE
Ortega, Ethan ............................. 54. BONES FROM THE RUBBLE: ANIMAL REMAINS AND THEIR
RELATIONSHIP TO CULTURAL BEHAVIOR AT SALMON PUEBLO
Ortega, Katelyn .......................... 77. PREVALENCE OF E. COLI NON-O157:H7 STEC IN BEEF IN MEXICO
Ortega, Graysen ......................... 77. PREVALENCE OF E. COLI NON-O157:H7 STEC IN BEEF IN MEXICO
Paniagua, Nicky ......................... 20. TDTOMATO FLUORESCENT MARKER FOR VISUALIZATION IN LIVE
ANIMAL IMAGING
Parajulee, Swagat ....................... 21. GENETIC DIVERSITY OF LYGUS HESPERUS FROM DIFFERENT
LOCATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES
Parikh, Niki ................................ 13. BLOOD AND IRON: OTTO VON BISMARCK, REALPOLITIK, AND THE
POLITICS OF HONEST BROKERING
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Parikh, Niki ................................ 24. DYNAMIC CONNECTIVITY OF TEMPORARY WETLANDS
Pearce, Quinn ............................. 45. ZOMBIE INTERACTIONS OVER TIME
Phillips, Michael ........................ 66. :;<=>?!@<;(=<<A=(!BC(@><(<::<D@(E@(>!=(FB(:E=>(G<>!HEFI;(!@(
JF;C(>F?<(E=J!BC
Puthenparampil, Jessica ............. 78. ANALYSIS OF EXPRESSION OF GENES INVOLVED IN THE
NEUROTRANSMITTER ACETYLCHOLINE METABOLISM
Rahnama, Kia............................. 24. ROOT CAUSES OF TERRORISM
Ray, Rachel ................................ 3.
NEGATIVE ENRICHMENT FOR RARE TARGET CELLS BY MICROFLUIDIC
AFFINITY CHROMATOGRAPHY IN A TANDEM CHANNEL DEVICE
Reichenau, Ethan ....................... 36. SHADES OF RED AND WHITE
Ringos, Lara ............................... 22. THE TASTE TEST: THE EFFECT OF SWEETENED MOUTH RINSES ON
CEPHALIC PHASE INSULIN RELEASE IN HUMANS
Rodriguez, Rocio ....................... 23. SERUM REPRESSES THE PROTEOLYTIC BUT NOT THE ELASTOLYTIC
ACTIVITY OF P. AERUGINOSA
Ruiz, Luis ................................... 24. DYNAMIC CONNECTIVITY OF TEMPORARY WETLANDS
Rutherford, Nolan ...................... 25. ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM
CANADA GEESE FECES AND URBAN PLAYA LAKE WATER
Salgado, Esaú ............................. 26. REDUCTION OF SALMONELLA ENTERICA AND LISTERIA
MONOCYTOGENES IN CANTALOUPES AND MANGOES USING LOWCOST CHEMICAL ANTIMICROBIAL INTERVENTIONS
Sanchez, Alfonzo ....................... 79. THE SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF STERICALLY
ENCUMBERED BITHIAZOLE LIGANDS: NOVEL SCAFFOLDS FOR METALBASED POLYMERIZATION CATALYSTS
Sandy, John ................................ 19. SEARCH FOR A Z` RESONANCE USING FORWARD/BACKWARD
ASYMMETRY IN COMPACT MUON SOLENOID EVENTS AT A CENTER OF
MASS ENERGY OF 8 TEV
Scott, Ann Marie ........................ 80. ANALYSIS OF P. AERUGINOSA AND S. AUREUS INTERACTION USING
THE TWO-DIMENSIONAL WOUND BIOFILM MODEL
Scurlock, Claire ......................... 37. AN ANALYSIS OF PATTERN DESIGN USING OPTITEX 3D
Shelinbarger, Caitlin .................. 81. POSSIBLE INFLUENCE OF ROOM RELATIVE HUMIDITY ON PREGNANCY
OUTCOME FROM IN VITRO FERTILIZATION
Shockey, Chris ........................... 82. COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF GENE CHIP DATASETS FOR
DISCOVERY OF INTERACTING SIGNALING PATHWAYS IMPORTANT FOR
PLANT ADAPTATION TO STRESS
Silva, Felipe ............................... 46. OPTIMIZING DISASSEMBLY OF PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD USING A
SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE PROCESS
Singh, Ropinder ......................... 25. EURO DEBT CRISIS
Sinte, Danielle ............................ 27. NANOLIQUID MASS TRANSFER-BEYOND THE SHERWOOD NUMBER
LIMIT OF TWO
Smith, Matthew .......................... 103. WIRELESS HEADPHONES SAFETY AND HEARING CONSERVATION
Sohini, Vidhur ............................ 28. EFFECTS OF LIMB LENGTH ON THERMAL TOLERANCE IN HARVESTER
ANTS (POGONOMYRMEX, HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)
Soto, Sasha ................................. 83. EFFECTS OF ALLELOPATHIC CHEMICALS OF COMMON REED
(PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS) ON AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES
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Stilwell, Jessica .......................... 84. TYRE: AN IN SILICO SIMULATOR OF POPULATION DYNAMICS
Street, Michael ........................... 10. SELF-LOVING AND SERVING OTHERS
Stroud, Daniel ............................ 29. DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS OF COUMARIN DERIVATIVES CAPABLE OF
UNEXPECTED REARRANGEMENTS
Summerlin, Rachel..................... 14. COPYRIGHTS RE-EVALUATED: WHAT IS NEEDED TO PROTECT
LITERATURE IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Suteria, Naureen......................... 104. HYDRODYNAMIC RESISTANCE OF A TRAIN OF CONFINED DROPLETS
Thogmartin, Kaitlin ................... 30. BAT ACTIVITY ASSOCIATIONS IN AGRICULTURAL AREAS
Threatt, Tabitha .......................... 31. SCREENING OF SELECTED CANDIDA ALBICANS CELL WALL AND
TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR MUTANTS FOR CHONOLOGICAL AGING
DEFECTS
Torres, Johana ............................ 85. EFFECT OF A MULTI-HURDLE INTERVENTION ON THE SURVIVAL OF
NON-O157 SHIGA TOXIN-PRODUCING E. COLI ON GROUND BEEF TRIM.
Tyson, Austin ............................. 47. DEATH 1 LATENCY AND THE EFFECTS ON PREDICTABILITY OF ZOMBIE
VIRUS SPREAD
Vadala, Scott .............................. 86. ERG25 GENE KNOCKOUT IN LEISHMANIA: DISRUPTING ERGOSTEROL
SYNTHESIS
Vaquera, Rosalinda .................... 87. THE EFFECT OF TOMM40 GENE VARIANTS AND THEIR CORRELATION
WITH APOE GENOTYPE ON THE PATHOGENESIS OF ALZHEIMER’S
DISEASE IN PERIMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Villarreal, Jocelin ....................... 93. ANALYZING CLOTHING FIT USING 3D VIRTUAL TOOL
Voelkl, Julia ............................... 110. PARENTING STRESS IN AUTISM
Walker, Kendra .......................... 88. REORGANIZATION IN METASTATIC PROSTATE CANCER CELLS
Wallette, Robert ......................... 48. MODELS FOR TREATMENT OF BACTERIAL INFECTION, ANTIBIOTICS,
AND BACTERIOPHAGE
Wessels, Cara ............................. 89. CAN ESTIMATIONS OF EARLY STAGE EMBRYO WEIGHT PREDICT
LATER EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT
Westfall, Douglas....................... 11. EDMUND BURKE AND THE PARADOX OF TRAGEDY
Williams, Colleen ...................... 55. PARENT AND TEACHER ATTITUDES AT EARLY HEAD START
Willms, Joshua ........................... 90. THE EFFECTS OF OCEAN ACIDIFICATION AND HYPOXIA ON
ELEMENTAL INCORPORATION INTO THE OTOLITHS OF ESTUARINE
FISH IN THE GULF OF MEXICO
Wilson, Brian ............................. 22. THE TASTE TEST: THE EFFECT OF SWEETENED MOUTH RINSES ON
CEPHALIC PHASE INSULIN RELEASE IN HUMANS
Wire, Garrett .............................. 91. DISPERSED GRAPHENE AND IONIC LIQUIDS
Yang, Dong Yue ........................ 49. OPTIMIZATION OF THE REACTIVTY DURATION OF NANOSCALE ZEROVALENT IRON (NZVI)
Yoakym, Caitlin ......................... 26. THE ASSESSMENT OF MULTIPLE BLOWS TO A PIG SKULL FOR BLUNT
FORCE TRAUMA ANALYSIS
Young, Victoria ......................... 32. THERMAL TOLERANCE OF COMMON TEXAS ANTS (HYMENOPTERA:
FORMICIDAE)
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Wednesday April 24, 2013 Poster Presentations
BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES
1. GENETIC INTERACTIONS BETWEEN RNA INTERFERENCE AND ABSCISIC ACID RESPONSE PATHWAYS
IN ARABIDOPSIS, Ajlouni
2. PHYSIOLOGICAL ROLE OF NA/K PUMPS ISOZYMES IN RAT HEARTS, Bernal
3. PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS INTO SALINITY TOLERANCE OF SPRING SYSTEM AMPHIPODS,
Bruening
4. INHIBITION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN ALFALFA SPROUTS USING LACTIGUARDTM
CULTURES, Castelli
5. ESTABLISHING AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR STUDY OF CHRONIC INTERMITTENT ETHANOL
EXPOSURE IN COCULTURES OF ASTROCYTES AND CEREBELLAR GRANULE CELLS, Dierschke
6. SELENIUM-COATED POLYESTER BANDAGES INHIBIT THE FORMATION OF BACTERIAL BIOFILMS,
Enos
7. GALECTIN-3C HAS MODEST INHIBITORY EFFECTS ON THE VIABILITY OF LEWIS LUNG CANCER
CELLS COMARED TO PACLITAXEL IN VITRO, Figueroa
8. SONOCHEMICAL FORMATION OF BIMETALLIC NANOPARTICLES, Fillingim
9. EFFECT OF R1 KNOCKDOWN ON CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA GROWTH, Findley
10. GRASS FED MEAT ACCEPTANCE IN UNITED STATES IMPORTED FROM NEW ZEALAND, Gomez
11. EFFECTIVENESS OF MDSA ON PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA AND STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
BIOFILM PRODUCTION: ANALYSIS USING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL WOUND BIOFILM MODEL, Gray
12. EFFECTS OF A NOVEL GROWTH MEDIUM ON PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA QUORUM SENSING
GENES LASR/LASI, Habibi
13. THE EFFECT OF SALINITIY ON MORPHOLOGY OF GULF KILLIFISH (FUNDULUS GRANDIS) IN THE
PECOS RIVER, Harmon
14. EFFECTS OF DESICCATION AND TEMPERATURE ON THE SURVIVAL OF ESCHERICHIA COLI IN
CANADA GEESE FECAL SAMPLES, Kemei
15. EXPLORATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF A [2]ROTAXANE SYNTHESIS VIA RING-OPENING CROSS
METATHESIS OF A [2]CATENANE AND A DOUBLY-STOPPERED AXLE, Kennemur
16. BATRACHOCHYTRIUM DENDROBATIDIS ZOOSPORE PRODUCTION IS DEPENDENT ON MEDIUM
STRENGTH, Key
17. GALECTIN-3C INHIBITS MURINE BREAST CANCER CELL GROWTH AND MAY INCREASE THE
ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF PACLITAXEL, Kim
18. CONSUMER ASSESSMENT OF BEEF PRODUCED IN NEW ZEALAND AND THE UNITED STATES FROM
FOUR BEEF MUSCLES USING THE ROAST COOKING PROCEDURES., LLumitasig
19. SMOKE-INDUCED SEED GERMINATION OF GREAT BASIN SPECIES, Miller
20. TDTOMATO FLUORESCENT MARKER FOR VISUALIZATION IN LIVE ANIMAL IMAGING, Paniagua
21. GENETIC DIVERSITY OF LYGUS HESPERUS FROM DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES,
Parajulee
22. THE TASTE TEST: THE EFFECT OF SWEETENED MOUTH RINSES ON CEPHALIC PHASE INSULIN
RELEASE IN HUMANS, Ringos, Wilson
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23. SERUM REPRESSES THE PROTEOLYTIC BUT NOT THE ELASTOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF P. AERUGINOSA,
Rodriguez
24. DYNAMIC CONNECTIVITY OF TEMPORARY WETLANDS, Ruiz, Parikh
25. ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE OF ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM CANADA GEESE FECES AND
URBAN PLAYA LAKE WATER, Rutherford
26. REDUCTION OF SALMONELLA ENTERICA AND LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN CANTALOUPES AND
MANGOES USING LOW-COST CHEMICAL ANTIMICROBIAL INTERVENTIONS, Salgado
27. NANOLIQUID MASS TRANSFER-BEYOND THE SHERWOOD NUMBER LIMIT OF TWO, Sinte
28. EFFECTS OF LIMB LENGTH ON THERMAL TOLERANCE IN HARVESTER ANTS (POGONOMYRMEX,
HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE), Sohini, Fell
29. DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS OF COUMARIN DERIVATIVES CAPABLE OF UNEXPECTED
REARRANGEMENTS, Stroud
30. BAT ACTIVITY ASSOCIATIONS IN AGRICULTURAL AREAS, Thogmartin
31. SCREENING OF SELECTED CANDIDA ALBICANS CELL WALL AND TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR
MUTANTS FOR CHONOLOGICAL AGING DEFECTS, Threatt
32. THERMAL TOLERANCE OF COMMON TEXAS ANTS (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE), Young
33. MICROBIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A BIOSAND FILTER, Alleman
BUSINESS EMPHASIS
34. BLINDED BY LOYALTY: A NEW ELEMENT OF WINE TASTING, Cresto
35. TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY?, Jones
36. SHADES OF RED AND WHITE, Reichenau
HUMANITIES and THE ARTS
37. AN ANALYSIS OF PATTERN DESIGN USING OPTITEX 3D, Berry, Scurlock
38. TIGER CHRONICLES: MANUEL LOZADA IN MEXICAN NEWSPAPERS, Cossio
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
39. COMPARISION OF A CASSEGRAIN SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION (SEGS) TO A CENTRAL POWER
TOWER SEGS, Dias
40. CHAOS AND ALLEE EFFECT ON A DISCRETE-TIME LOGISTIC POPULATION MODEL, Doucette
41. COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND ITS EFFECT ON VIRUS SPREAD, Farmacka
42. THE ITERATION AND FIXED POINTS OF MATHEMATICAL FUNCTIONS, Hall
43. GRADIENTS IN NANOFILLER CONTENT IN CONDUCTIVE COMPOSITES, Metzler
44. QUANTUM STATE TOMOGRAPHY OF A SPP IN A WAVEGUIDE, O'Loughlin
45. ZOMBIE INTERACTIONS OVER TIME, Pearce
46. OPTIMIZING DISASSEMBLY OF PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD USING A SUPERCRITICAL CARBON
DIOXIDE PROCESS, Silva
47. DEATH 1 LATENCY AND THE EFFECTS ON PREDICTABILITY OF ZOMBIE VIRUS SPREAD, Tyson
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48. MODELS FOR TREATMENT OF BACTERIAL INFECTION, ANTIBIOTICS, AND BACTERIOPHAGE,
Wallette, Holloway
49. OPTIMIZATION OF THE REACTIVTY DURATION OF NANOSCALE ZERO-VALENT IRON (NZVI), Yang
50. COMPARING PORTRAYALS OF TEEN MOTHERS AND FATHERS ON MTV’S HIT SHOW "16 AND
PREGNANT", Baig
SOCIAL SCIENCES
51. UNDERSTANDING COGNITIVE AND SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT AMONG EAST LUBBOCK YOUTH: AN
ACTION-RESEARCH APPROACH, Billalobos
52. EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SEXUAL MATURATION IN FOSTER & JUVENILE JUSTICE YOUTH:
AN EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE APPROACH, Cutts
53. ADMINISTRATOR PERCEPTIONS OF FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATION, Martinez
54. BONES FROM THE RUBBLE: ANIMAL REMAINS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO CULTURAL
BEHAVIOR AT SALMON PUEBLO, Ortega, Ortega
55. PARENT AND TEACHER ATTITUDES AT EARLY HEAD START, Williams
Thursday, April 25, 2013 Poster Presentations
BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES
56. TESTING THE FUNCTIONALITY OF MUTANT CHIMERICAL TRANSMEMBRANE PROTEIN,
GLOEOBACTER VIOLACEUS LIGAND-GATED ION CHANNEL (GLIC), WITH GENETICALLY INSERTED
EUKARYOTIC INTRACELLULAR DOMAIN (ICD), Ahrorov
57. THE CSTF-64 POLYADENYLATION PROTEIN IS ANDROGEN-RESPONSIVE IN PROSTATE CANCER
CELLS, Amatullah
58. IS QUORUM SENSING INVOLVED IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA IN
CHRONIC WOUND INFECTIONS?, Armstrong
59. THE EFFECT OF CATION SYMMETRY IN THE THERMAL DENATURATION OF RIBONUCLEASE A
PROTEIN BY IMIDAZOLIUM IONIC LIQUIDS, Awuor
60. DISTRIBUTION OF FIELD MICE, GENUS APODEMUS, AND ITS IMPLICATIONS TO ZOONOTIC
DISEASES, Burton
61. SKEWED X CHROMOSOME REPRESENTATION IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE, Chauncey, Caldwell
62. IMPROVING THE SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY OF DNA ARRAYS, Chen
63. CHEMOPREVENTION OF BREAST CANCER USING NANPENCASULATED RESVERATROL, Curry
64. POPULATION DYNAMICS OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA AND STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN AN
IN VITRO WOUND ENVIRONMENT, DeLeon
65. MUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE TOL-C EFFLUX PUMP IN E. COLI, Dominguez
66. 9:;<=>!?;:(<;;@<(!AB(?=;(;99;C?(D?(=!<(EA(9D<=(F;=!GDEH:(!?(IE:B(=E>;(D<I!AB, Fox,
Phillips
67. ACCEPTANCE OF NEW ZEALAND BEEF IN THE UNITED STATES CONSUMERS, EVALUATING FOUR
DIFFERENT MUSCLES BY THE METHOD OF SLOW COOKING (STEW). Flores
68. THE !CSTF-64 POLYADENYLATION PROTEIN: ROLE IN COGNITION, Harris
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69. ENDOTHELIAL CELL SENESCENCE, Ibarra, Hilsabeck
70. GALECTIN-3C INHIBITS TUMOR GROWTH AND INCREASES THE ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF TAXOL
IN VITRO MURINE MODEL OF OVARIAN CANCER, Littlefield
71. ISLAND PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF ERYX JACULUS, THE JAVELIN SAND BOA, IN THE AEGEAN SEA,
Mack
72. MECHANICAL PHENOTYPING OF TUMOR CELLS USING A MICROFLUIDIC CELL SQUEEZER DEVICE,
Maldonado
73. PEDF GENE THERAPY USING BONE MARROW-DERIVED MACROPHAGES FOR ADVANCED PROSTATE
CANCER, Martinez-Marin
74. AN ECOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT ON MICROBIAL FUNCTIONAL
AND COMPOSITIONAL DIVERSITY OF THE STAGES OF MAMMAL DECOMPOSITION, McFarlane
75. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN AND CONTROLLED OVARIAN
HORMONAL STIMULATION IN ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY PATIENTS, Mosman
76. MODELING POSITIONS COUPLED TO F508, SITE OF CHIEF CF CAUSING MUTATION, Nafees
77. PREVALENCE OF E. COLI NON-O157:H7 STEC IN BEEF IN MEXICO, Ortega, Ortega
78. ANALYSIS OF EXPRESSION OF GENES INVOLVED IN THE NEUROTRANSMITTER ACETYLCHOLINE
METABOLISM, Puthenparampil
79. THE SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF STERICALLY ENCUMBERED BITHIAZOLE LIGANDS:
NOVEL SCAFFOLDS FOR METAL-BASED POLYMERIZATION CATALYSTS, Sanchez
80. ANALYSIS OF P. AERUGINOSA AND S. AUREUS INTERACTION USING THE TWO-DIMENSIONAL
WOUND BIOFILM MODEL, Scott
81. POSSIBLE INFLUENCE OF ROOM RELATIVE HUMIDITY ON PREGNANCY OUTCOME FROM IN VITRO
FERTILIZATION, Shelinbarger
82. COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF GENE CHIP DATASETS FOR DISCOVERY OF INTERACTING
SIGNALING PATHWAYS IMPORTANT FOR PLANT ADAPTATION TO STRESS, Shockey
83. EFFECTS OF ALLELOPATHIC CHEMICALS OF COMMON REED (PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS) ON
AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES, Soto
84. TYRE: AN IN SILICO SIMULATOR OF POPULATION DYNAMICS, Stilwell
85. EFFECT OF A MULTI-HURDLE INTERVENTION ON THE SURVIVAL OF NON-O157 SHIGA TOXINPRODUCING E. COLI ON GROUND BEEF TRIM., Torres
86. ERG25 GENE KNOCKOUT IN LEISHMANIA: DISRUPTING ERGOSTEROL SYNTHESIS, Vadala
87. THE EFFECT OF TOMM40 GENE VARIANTS AND THEIR CORRELATION WITH APOE GENOTYPE ON
THE PATHOGENESIS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IN PERIMENOPAUSAL WOMEN, Vaquera
88. REORGANIZATION IN METASTATIC PROSTATE CANCER CELLS, Walker
89. CAN ESTIMATIONS OF EARLY STAGE EMBRYO WEIGHT PREDICT LATER EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT,
Wessels
90. THE EFFECTS OF OCEAN ACIDIFICATION AND HYPOXIA ON ELEMENTAL INCORPORATION INTO
THE OTOLITHS OF ESTUARINE FISH IN THE GULF OF MEXICO, Willms
91. DISPERSED GRAPHENE AND IONIC LIQUIDS, Wire
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HUMANITIES and THE ARTS
92. THE COMPARISON OF 3D CAD/CAM & MANUAL SYSTEMS IN GARMENT MANUFACTURING,
McCormack
93. ANALYZING CLOTHING FIT USING 3D VIRTUAL TOOL, Villarreal
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
94. MICROFLUIDIC IPOD BASED VISCOMETER, Abdel-Raziq
95. GRAPHENE AND BIOFILM INTERACTIONS, Atore
96. COMPLICATIONS IN DATA ENTRY, CONDENSING MULTIPLE REGIONS TO A CENTRAL POINT,
Doerzbacher
97. THE GLACTIC BULGE SURVEY: UV OBSERVATIONS, Fielder
98. MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLE – GRAPHENE HYBRIDS, Fullerton
99. DEVELOPMENT OF MILLIFLUIDIC WATER-IN-OIL EMULSION DROP DISPENSING PLATFORM, Gabrilska
100. DEVICE MICROFABRICATION AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF VO2 INSULATOR-METAL
TRANSITION UNDER ELECTRICAL CONTROL, Igwe
101. A MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR HIGH-THROUGHPUT DRUG SCREENING USING SMALL ANIMALS,
McFall
102. TECHNO-ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE CONVERSION OF PERMIAN BASIN NATURAL GAS TO
LIQUID FUELS, Northern
103. WIRELESS HEADPHONES SAFETY AND HEARING CONSERVATION, Smith
104. HYDRODYNAMIC RESISTANCE OF A TRAIN OF CONFINED DROPLETS, Suteria
SOCIAL SCIENCES
105. DIGGING HIPPIE ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE LONE STAR STATE, Cawley
106. PERSONAL GROWTH INITIATIVE, STRESS, AND FAMILY FUNCTIONING IN AFRICAN AMERICANS,
Ciavaglia
107. AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY EVALUATING ATTITUDES TOWARDS EXERCISE IN DIABETIC VERSUS
NON-DIABETIC WOMEN, Harold
108. SHORT-TERM MEDITATION IMPROVES ATTENTION AND EMOTION, Merewether, Eason
109. THE IMPACT OF FARMERS' KNOWLEDGE ON ENVIRONMENTAL DECISIONS AND INCOME, Millares
110. PARENTING STRESS IN AUTISM, Voelkl
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All Oral Presentations
BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES
1. THE EFFECTS OF TRICLOSAN ON BACTERIA COUNTS IN THE SLIME COATS OF ATLANTIC CROAKER,
Koster
2. THE EFFECTS OF TRICLOSAN ON PREDATOR ESCAPE PATTERNS OF ATLANTIC CROAKER, Lyle
3. THE EFFECTS OF ACIDIFICATION AND HYPOXIA ON THE MORPHOMETRICS OF ATLANTIC CROAKER
OTOLITHS, Norton
4. NEGATIVE ENRICHMENT FOR RARE TARGET CELLS BY MICROFLUIDIC AFFINITY
CHROMATOGRAPHY IN A TANDEM CHANNEL DEVICE, Ray
BUSINESS EMPHASIS
5. HAVE A GLASS, OR TWO: THE EFFECT OF WINE ON CONSUMER SELF-CONTROL, Legrand
HUMANITIES and THE ARTS
6. A STORY OF SEX TRAFFICKING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, Bupp
7. RECIPROCITY IN POETRY, MUSIC, AND THE NATURAL WORLD: POEMS INFLUENCED BY PATTIANN
ROGERS, Bush
8. THE SEARCH FOR POWER AND IDENTITY IN ROSA MONTERO'S AMADO AMO AND LA HIJA DEL
CANIBAL, de Leon
9. THE USE OF LITERARY CLASSICS IN A CLASSROOM SETTING, Driscoll
10. SELF-LOVING AND SERVING OTHERS, Street
11. EDMUND BURKE AND THE PARADOX OF TRAGEDY, Westfall
LAW, PUBLIC POLICY, & EDUCATION
12. TAMING THE TEXAS RANGERS: AN END OF THE LAWLESSNESS OF THE RANGER FORCE THROUGH
LEGISLATIVE ACTION IN 1919, Judd
13. BLOOD AND IRON: OTTO VON BISMARCK, REALPOLITIK, AND THE POLITICS OF HONEST
BROKERING, Parikh
14. COPYRIGHTS RE-EVALUATED: WHAT IS NEEDED TO PROTECT LITERATURE IN THE DIGITAL AGE,
Summerlin
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
15. HOME INVENTORY AUTOMATION: WEBSITE & APP’S FOR INVENTORY MONITORING, Cooper
16. IRRADIATION TEST OF THE IFLAME LASER TRANSMITTER, Chu
17. INVESTIGATIONS OF HIGH-ENERGY GAMMA RAYS THROUGH CHERENKOV RADIATION IN
ATMOSPHERE, Clark
18. DISCRETE EARTHQUAKES ON RIEMANN SURFACES, Newman
19. SEARCH FOR A Z` RESONANCE USING FORWARD/BACKWARD ASYMMETRY IN COMPACT MUON
SOLENOID EVENTS AT A CENTER OF MASS ENERGY OF 8 TEV, John Sandy
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SOCIAL SCIENCES
20. THE CORRELATION OF DANCE EXPERIENCE AND SPATIAL MEMORY ABILITIES, Barhorst
21. THE EFFECTS OF GUM CHEWING AND AEROBIC ACTIVITY ON MEMORY AND META-MEMORY,
Barhorst
22. EXPLOITATION, ON THE JOB TRAINING OR LUCK OF THE DRAW: SALARIES AND VALUE OF A
PLAYER’S MARGINAL REVENUE PRODUCT: THE CASE OF NBA ROOKIES UNDER THE SALARY CAP, Ijeh
23. EVEN BAD GUYS SAY YES MA’AM!: FEMALE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS ON GENDER
PERCEPTIONS, Johnson
24. ROOT CAUSES OF TERRORISM, Rahnama
25. EURO DEBT CRISIS, Singh
26. THE ASSESSMENT OF MULTIPLE BLOWS TO A PIG SKULL FOR BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA ANALYSIS,
Yoakym
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