The Office of Undergraduate Research
welcomes you to
Discovery Day 2005
We are delighted to see such a great variety of posters entered this year.
From material development to methods of communication to genetics, USC’s
undergraduates have shown once again that they are ready, willing, and
able to take on research in all its forms. These students and their mentors
have done a fantastic job and the Office of Undergraduate Research and the
Office of Research are pleased to recognize their work.
We invite all of our visitors to browse the posters, ask questions of the
presenters, and congratulate them on their projects.
We also invite you to attend NanoBuzz, where USC’s NanoCenter will
explore the effectivenes of how new technology is communicated. This
session will begin at 1pm in Russell House room 205.
We would like to thank our student presenters, mentors, and judges for
participating in Discovery Day 2005. We also offer special thanks to this
year’s sponsors:
Milliken & Company
Office of Research
South Carolina Honors College
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Engineering and Information Technology
This day could not happen without you. Thank you,
Julie Morris
Director
Office of Undergraduate Research
Discovery Day 2005
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Discovery Day 2005
Table of Contents
Biomedical Engineering .....................................................
5
Earth Science ....................................................................
9
Engineering and Material Science ..................................... 14
Environmental Issues ........................................................ 18
Life Science ....................................................................... 22
Natural Science - Other ..................................................... 28
Psycho Social .................................................................... 33
Social and Political Communication .................................. 39
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Discovery Day 2005
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Preparation and Evaluation of Anion-Exchange Polymer
LaTonia Belcher, Chemical Engineering - Greenwood, SC
Mentor: Dr. Thomas Davis, Department of Chemical Engineering
When drugs are produced synthetically, certain compounds form mixtures that produce
enantiomers: substances that have the same molecular formula but whose atoms
are arranged differently. Such structures have a right and left hand mirror image
relationship known as chirality. However, many times only one enantiomer has desirable
physiological function while others cause undesirable effects. Requirements from the
Food and Drug Administration are driving the need for separation and characterization
of drug enantiomers. The goal of this project is to create a novel technique to separate
enantiomers. Binding receptor sites to a membrane and using electric current to
release the chiral compound into a small volume of water, enables the enantiomers
to be separated. Since commercially available membranes are not suitable for the
attachment of receptors, this research develops membranes with a high ion exchange
capacity in order to separate chiral compounds. The first procedure, performed using
polysulfone (PSF), had negligible ion-exchange capacity. A new procedure involving the
treatment of poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO) with bromine and subsequent amination was
tested. A new ion exchange capacity test was performed on this material to determine
if the developed membrane is useful. Results will be presented.
Sensor Development for Measuring Capsule Contracture
Mandi Black, Mechanical Engineering - Lexington, SC
Mentor: Dr. Victor Giurgiutiu, Department of Mechanical Engineering
When an object is surgically implanted into the body, the wound healing response
triggers the formation of a collagen capsule around the entire object. If the implant
is thought to be harmful, the capsule will contract in an effort to destroy the implant or
eject it from the body. Capsule contracture is a problem for manufacturers of implants
and prosthetic devices, but the solution has yet to be found. Currently, scales to
quantitatively measure capsule contracture around implants are not even available.
This research aims to develop a sensor to measure contracture in order to learn more
about the body’s reaction and how to prevent contracture. Two types of sensors have
shown potential for use in this area; piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) and
strain gauges have both been adapted for functioning as biosensors. Both in vitro
and in vivo studies have been successfully conducted with these sensor types. The in
vivo experiments consisted of implantation of the sensors into rats for up to 16 weeks.
The sensors that remained functional throughout the entire testing period exhibited an
increasing strain and stiffness over time.
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Craniofacial Reconstructive Surgery with Graphically Interfaced
Cephalometry
Eric Carter, Mechanical Engineering - Columbia, SC
Mentor: Dr. Jeffery Bischoff, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Craniofacial reconstructive surgery is hindered by the lack of a biomedical tool
that can quantitatively assess the position of the bones during surgery. In current
practice surgeons rely on medical experience and estimations when placing bones.
This occasionally results in misalignment, which can only be fixed by additional
surgeries. By knowing the position of the bones, surgeons would reduce the chance
of misalignment through real-time quantitative monitoring of positional accuracy, and
thereby lessen the need for multiple surgeries. In order to find three dimensional realtime measurements a Microscribe G2X contact digitizer was used. A surgeon can use
the Microscribe to take surface points on a patient’s skull. Those points are then entered
into Matlab7.0 to create a digital model of the patient’s skull. The digital model can then
be mathematically analyzed in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to determine where
the damaged bone needs to be placed in order to restore symmetry to the face. The
GUI we are creating will be a user friendly program that will allow surgeons to quickly
take accurate measurements and automatically calculate the necessary adjustments
needed.
Dipicolinic Acid Analysis of Spores Treated with Supercritical CO2 and
30% H2O2
Nishita Dalal, Chemical Engineering - Greenville, SC
Mentor: Dr. Michael Matthews, Department of Chemical Engineering
This project is part of an ongoing investigation into the use of supercritical CO2 on a
basis for sterilization of bacterial spores. The deactivation of spores has very important
implications for a new method of sterilizing biomaterials and medical devices. The
specific purpose of this work is to analyze the amount of dipicolinic acid (DPA) that
is released from B. atrophaeus spores exposed to a treatment of supercritical CO2
and 30%H2O2. Analysis of DPA gives insight on the mechanism by which the CO2/
30%H2O2 system causes deactivation. DPA is a marker for spore coat perforation
and, therefore, can indicate if spore coat perforation is a possible mechanism by which
the CO2/30%H2O2 system causes deactivation. Lyophilized spores were exposed to
varying pressures and treatment times (4000 psi, 4 hours; 1500 psi, 1 hour) at 40°C. The
amount of DPA in the samples was analyzed by measuring the fluorescence intensity
and comparing the results with a standard calibration. The technique developed by
Hindle et al. was extended to a concentration of 1000 nM DPA; the fluorescent intensity
was found to be linear. The analysis of the treated spores in comparison to the control
spores indicated perforation of the spore coat. Moreover the CO2/30% H2O2 treated
spores released more DPA than pure CO2 treated spores. The results also indicated
that both a higher pressure (4000 psi) and a longer treatment time (4 hours) were
more effective in the perforation of the spore coat. Therefore, higher pressures, longer
treatment times, and an additive deactivate more spores.
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Discovery Day 2005
Applications of Nanoparticles in Cancer Research
Nidhi Kumar, Biology - Greenville, SC
Mentor: Dr. George Khushf, Department of Philosophy
One particular area of nanoscience that current research is focused on is nanoparticles,
which are submicron-sized particles that usually range in size from 1nm to 100nm.
The distinctive size of nanoparticles and the unique properties that emerge at the
nanoscale introduce numerous possibilities in advancement of cancer research such
as targeted drug delivery, detection of tumor location and boundaries, in vivo cellular
imaging, and gene therapy. Significant advancements are being made in both drug
delivery and tumor imaging by studying nanoparticles that respond to near-infrared
light. Nanoshells, which are submicron-sized silica particles coated with gold that
generate heat in response to near-infrared light, are being studied as possible agents
for photothermal treatment of in vivo tumors; if heat-sensitive polymer capsules were
bound to nanoshells, these nanoparticles could also be used for targeted and controlled
drug delivery. Quantum dots are another type of nanoparticle that can be especially
responsive to near-infrared light; these nanometer-sized semiconductor crystals can
be used to image and actively detect tumors. By developing more accurate diagnostic
measures and less invasive disease treatments, researchers and physicians may be
able to make earlier diagnoses of diseases and treat diseases, such as cancer, more
effectively.
Strain Gauge Usage for Determination of the Effects of Platlet Derived
Growth Factor on Fibroblast Populated Collagen Gel Contraction
Stephanie Lareau, Chemical Engineering - Charlotte, NC
Mentor: Dr. Jonathan Bender, Department of Chemical Engineering
When injured, the body reacts with the immune response which leads to a collagen
capsule formation at the injury site followed by contraction of the fibrous collagen
around the foreign body. This contraction is increased by the presence of growth
factors. Fibroblast populated collagen gels (FPCGs) are currently used to model this
process in vitro. However, traditional gel contraction is measured via changes in gel
dimension over time, but with no concomitant measure of stresses. Since developing
stresses influence fibroblast response, it is desirable to measure stresses directly with
no gel dimensional changes: a better model of the in vivo process. Precision strain
gauges were inserted into the center of FPCGs. The strain was measured for gels as a
function of gel state (released or not released) and presence of platelet-derived growth
factor (PDGF). Non-released gels and gels that contained PDGF showed the largest
strains, as expected. These tests confirm the validity of this approach, and enhance the
applicability of the FPCG for modeling the in vivo wound healing response.
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Synthesizing Conjugated Polymers for Pathogenic Sensing
Mary Jo Manuse, Chemistry - Cayce, SC
Mentor: Dr. John J. Lavigne, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Carbohydrate interactions are very important in biological systems. They play a crucial
role in cellular communication and trafficking, as well as recognition of foreign invaders.
Because of the potential threat of an infectious outbreak, the development of an easy
and rapid method for the detection of pathogens necessary. Recent studies have
shown fluorescent, functionalized polymers to be an effective method for the detection
of pathogens. Sugars on the cell surface are used as receptors by foreign invaders
such as a pathogen or toxin. These interactions occur through human carbohydrate
binding proteins called lectins. The goal of this project is to synthesize a conjugated
polymer stacked with sugars that can be used as a tool for sensing pathogens/toxins.
Once the polymer is bound to a pathogen/toxin, its fluorescence is quenched. Because
this occurs very rapidly, it becomes an attractive device for easy detection of a pathogen
in the blood. We aim to synthesize the polymer, poly(para-phenylene ethynylene), also
known as PPE. The PPE can be functionalized with sugars and thus interact and bind
to lectins. The lectin, concanavalin A, will be used as a model toxin for the proposed
detection system. Once the PPE has been synthesized through Sonogashira Coupling,
we utilize ‘Click Chemistry’ to covalently link sugars to the polymer in order to test lectin
binding.
Tissue Regeneration Engineering
Deanna Norris, Chemical Engineering - Gaffney, SC
Mentor: Dr. Esmaiel Jabbari, Department of Chemical Engineering
Restoration surgery and organ transplantation are facing many problems although they
have saved thousands of patients. The main objective of tissue engineering is to allow
natural tissues to regenerate at body effects as well as to create substitutes for injured
and damaged organs by making use of cells. In addition for substitution, growth factors
are often required to help tissue regeneration. What are the factors that are necessary
for tissue engineering? The factors include cells, scaffold for cell proliferation and
differentiation, and growth factors. What kinds of growth factors are needed? A direct
injection of a growth factor in soluble form is not as effective because growth factors
diffuse. For growth factors to make use of biological effects in the body, a drug delivery
system is used. A carrier makes it possible to control the release of a growth factor
at the site or over an extended amount of time. One must note that the carrier will
degrade in the body because it is not needed any more after the growth factor release
has been completed. I am studying the degradation over time. In concluding, in order
to regenerate body tissues growth factors act on cells, while timing, and concentrations
are regulated throughout the body.
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Discovery Day 2005
EARTH SCIENCE
Compressional wave velocity of India from regional seismicity
Katrina Byerly, Geology - Auburn, AL
Mentor: Dr. Thomas J. Owens, Department of Geological Sciences
This seismology research analyzes the behavior of compressional wave (P-wave)
arrivals at 22 stations in southern India. The earthquakes were recorded over a period
of three and a half years with a total of 111 events available for study. The earthquakes
used had to occur within certain distance ranges. For each event, the travel time of the
p-wave was calculated based on the arrival time of the p-wave at a particular station and
the origin time of the earthquake. The distance from the epicenter of the earthquake
to the station in kilometers versus the travel time in seconds was plotted. This is a
quasi-linear plot and the inverse of the slope is the approximated average p-wave
velocity over the raypath traveled. When the distance between the earthquake and
station reaches approximately 2000 km the points begin to scatter due to triplecation of
seismic wave energy by the heterogeneous structure of the upper mantle.
Spring Distribution and Abundance of Ichthyoplankton Across the
Continental Shelf
Sherena H. Coachman, Marine Science - Aynor, SC
Mentor: Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson, Department of Geological Sciences
Additional Contributors: Gorka Sancho and Leslie Sautter, College of Charleston
Ichthyoplankton, or fish, play an essential role in the Southeast United States economy
via tourism, commercial fishing, and ecosystem health. As such, understanding their
early life cycle will help maintain healthy fisheries, coasts, and wetlands. During a 5-day
cruise between May 17-22, 2004 ichthyoplankton were collected across the continental
shelf off the coast of Charleston onboard the R/V Savannah, a research vessel operated
by the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. Phytoplankton samples were collected
using a Boothbay Neuston Plankton net during both day and night. Larval fish were
examined and categorized into the orders of Pleuonectiforms (flatfishes), Clupeiforms
(sardines), and Scombriforms (tuna). Unidentifiable fish were placed in the “other”
category. The results of the experiment showed that the average number of fish per
cubic meter increased offshore from the continental shelf to the slope. In the spring, a
greater number of fish per volume were caught and the number of larval fish increased
across the continental shelf relative to the fall. Fish distribution and abundance may
have been affected by the movement and strength of the Gulf Stream Current. Another
factor affecting abundance is that it was not spawning season for some the larval fish
examined in this study.
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Radiocesium Distribution in North American River Otters on the
Savannah River Site
Bonnie Coggins, Marine Science - Shawnee, OK
Mentor: Dr. Machelle Wilson, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory
The Savannah River Site (SRS), once a plutonium processing facility, is currently home
to many species, including Lontra canadensis, the North American River Otter. Due
to the nature of the facility, radioactive contaminants exist in the soils and waters of
the site. This has the possibility of affecting organisms in the environment, especially
aquatic organisms and their predators. Primary food sources for otters include fish and
crayfish, making them particularly susceptible to contamination. The purpose of this
study was to analyze otter scat found on the SRS for the presence of radiocesium, a
known contaminant in the area. This would indicate the level of toxicity in the diet of
the otter and possibly where feeding is occurring relative to the location of the scat.
Upper Three Runs, Lower Three Runs, Fourmile Branch, Meyer’s Branch, Steel Creek,
Pen Branch, Bays 4, 40, 42, 95, 98, 5095, and Pond B were sampled. Otters were
determined to be abundant on Upper Three Runs, Lower Three Runs, and Fourmile
Branch and present on Steel Creek and Meyer’s Branch. No evidence suggested their
presence at Pond B or any bays. No significant difference (� = 0.05) was found in
radiocesium concentrations between waterways. The contamination that was detected
in scat at any location was very low, the highest contamination being less than 2 Bq/g.
Groundwater pH remediation using macroencapsulated buffer
Melissa Engle, Marine Science - Myerstown, PA
Mentor: Dr. Marjorie Aelion, Department of Environmental Health Science
Additional Author: B. Kirtland
One potential result of groundwater contamination is low pH. Macrocapsules that dissolve
at a specific pH, releasing a buffer, offer a way to mediate this problem. We measured pH
changes, metal precipitation, and clogging in a small-scale simulated groundwater well
using phosphate buffer encapsulated in a pH sensitive polymer (Eudragit E-PO). A flowthrough Plexiglas box was filled with filter sand and sediment from the Savannah River
National Laboratory (SRNL). A 1-in. PVC well (inside a 4-in support well) was installed
and filled with limestone, Eudragit polymer, and macrocapsules. SRNL groundwater
was pumped through the system, and pH, iron, and aluminum concentrations were
measured over 10 days. Down-gradient sand and sediment samples were analyzed for
metal precipitates using electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. Small pH changes
were measured with the addition of limestone and Eudragit polymer. pH was stratified
(pH 2.8 to 6.8) within the 4 in. well during macrocapsule-only addition. In-well recirculation produced a uniform pH (approximately 6.5) and reduced metal precipitation
on well screens. Trace amounts of Al and Fe precipitates were found on well packing
sand and down-gradient sediment suggesting that macrocapsules will not impact the
geologic formation when this technology is applied at the SRNL field site.
10 Discovery Day 2005
Climate Change: Distribution of Inertinite Maceral Precursors in
Congaree National Park
Carrie Allison Humphries, Geology - Summerville, SC
Mentor: Dr. Arthur Cohen, Department of Geological Sciences
Peat, a precursor to coal, is an organic soil formed in wetland swamps and marshes. It
preserves plant tissue so well that within a deposit one can track the major changes in
vegetation, which indirectly infer changes in the environment at the time of deposition.
Oxidized material known as pre-inertinite within the peat can indicate dry periods, and
one type of pre-inertinite known as fusinite is a trace of fire. The Congaree National Park,
located in Richland County, South Carolina, remains a relatively pristine ecosystem
encompassing the floodplain of the Congaree River. Four peat cores have been taken
from two sites within the park, and one ten-foot core was dated at approximately twentyone thousand years old at the base. The peat went through drying solutions and was
embedded in paraffin and mounted on slides. Counts of micrinite, macrinite, fusinite,
inertodetrinite, and funginite (all forms of inertinite) were taken along vertical transects
every six centimeters. This data was graphed by depth and larger cycles of dry periods
were observed.
How does salinity affect where fiddler crabs will reside?
Dale Jacobs, Biology - Hamer, SC
Mentor: Dr. Renae Brodie, Department of Biology
Estuarine crabs inhabit a challenging, changing ecosystem. During flood tides, salinity
rises as ocean water fills and then overflows estuarine creeks, while fresh water
from rivers and terrestrial runoff lowers salinity during ebb tides. On top of this cyclic,
predictable variation are sporadic changes in salinity caused by rain events, which
can endanger the estuary’s residents. Irregular physical conditions challenge all the
estuarine organisms, but are especially dangerous to larvae and juveniles, which often
lack the physiological capabilities of the adults of their species. In the Brodie Lab
at the University of South Carolina the early life stages of three different species of
fiddler crabs are studied. Two of the species Uca pugnax and Uca pugilator both
occupy high salinity tidal creeks of the estuary as adults and Uca minax typically
burrows into the banks of low salinity tidal creeks high in the estuary. All three undergo
larval development outside of the estuary in coastal waters, where they experience
more stable physical conditions and encounter fewer predators, and then return to
the estuary to settle into their respective adult habitats. The three different species of
crabs in their larval stages were collected at the Baruch Marine Station in the North inlet
Estuary at four different sites. These sites were Oyster Creek, Oyster Landing, Clam
Bank, and the Wood Sites. At the end of this research project the following questions
will be answered: Which species is most common in the water column at each of our
field sites? And does this change during wet and dry years? These questions will be
answered using PCR-RFLP analysis to identify larval crabs to species.
Discovery Day 2005 11
Gas Hydrates in the South Caspian Sea: Potential Implications for
Understanding Climate Change
Christopher Mitchell, Geology - Billings, MT
Mentors: Dr. Camelia Knapp, Department of Geological Sciences
Dr. James Knapp, Department of Geological Sciences
Reflection seismic data in the South Caspian basin show massive continental slope
failure in close proximity to buried gas hydrate deposits. This spatial relationship has
been observed in numerous locations around the world, including the Storegga Slide
off the Norwegian coast. These occurrences suggest that destabilization of methane
hydrates, brought about by changes in sea-level and temperature, lead to massive
failure of the continental slope. Destabilized hydrate can be violently released from the
seafloor, triggering submarine landslides. The methane eventually finds its way into the
atmosphere where it acts effectively as a greenhouse gas. There is growing evidence
to support the hypothesis that release of gas hydrates is a primary agent in past and
potentially future climate change. The Caspian Sea is separated from the world’s
oceans and experiences more frequent fluctuations in sea level. For this reason, the
complex relationship between sea-level change, hydrate destabilization, and submarine
landslides can be better examined. My work has consisted of interpreting a seismic
dataset of the Caspian Sea. This consisted of identifying and delineating zones of
massive landslide deposits and gas hydrates. Next, a relative temporal constraint was
determined for their formation by identifying and quantifying amounts of post-formation
sediment deposition.
Sedimentary Provenance Methods for Understanding Mountain Genesis
Christopher Mitchell, Geology - Billings, MT
Mentor: Dr. David Barbeau, Department of Geological Sciences
Sedimentary geology concerns the formation of rocks from the weathered products of
previous generations of rocks. Understanding the origin of these products is the field of
provenance. Provenance data proves to be an important constraint on understanding
geological processes. One such process is the formation of mountain ranges. As
mountains are uplifted, they are eroded down by wind and water. Successive layers
of the mountain are turned into sediment and are deposited, resulting in an unroofing
sequence of sedimentary rocks. These rocks can record the timing and evolution
of mountain formation and development. We analyzed sedimentary rocks from the
sedimentary basins along the margins of the Catalan Coastal Ranges of northeastern
Spain. This analysis consists of mineralogical analysis of sandstones using a
petrographic microscope. 400 randomly selected points on each rock were observed
for mineral type. These counts were tabulated for over twenty samples throughout the
sedimentary record. These data serve to better understand the unroofing sequence
and the tectonic evolution of the Catalan Coastal Ranges.
12 Discovery Day 2005
Mixing and sediment transport near a tidal node during high discharge
conditions
Steven Traynum, Marine Science - Greenville, SC
Mentor: Dr. Richard Styles, Department of Geological Sciences
In October of 2004, an observational program to examine flow and sediment transport
in a subtidal marsh system was conducted in the North Inlet/Winyah Bay NERRS
located near Georgetown, South Carolina. Time series of current and acoustic
backscatter profiles were obtained from a moored upward looking ADCP deployed
in a tidal channel. The channel serves as a conduit between Winyah Bay, a large
brackish estuary, and North Inlet, a saline subtidal marsh system. During flood, tidal
waters entering from the two systems converge at a node point separating the two
water masses. Spatial and temporal salinity and current measurements suggest that
during early ebb, Winyah Bay water is transported into North Inlet. As ebb continues,
flow of brackish water from Winyah Bay leads to a vertical salinity gradient, suggesting
that North Inlet water is mixing with the Winyah Bay water. Resuspension is greatest
during the latter ebb phase with concentrations exceeding 300 mg/l. These results
indicate that during periods of high freshwater discharge into Winyah Bay, there exists
net particulate transport from Winyah Bay to North Inlet over a tidal cycle.
Growth Rates of the Toxic Dinoflagellate Karenia brevis in Response to
Variations in Light and Grazing
Elyse Walker, Marine Science - Kingston, WA
Mentor: Dr. Tammi Richardson, Department of Biological Sciences
Karenia brevis is a single-celled organism, called a dinoflagellate, that sometimes grows
in abundance (or “blooms”) in coastal waters. This dinoflagellate produces a potent
toxin that, when consumed by other organisms, may result in fish kills, marine mammal
mortalities, or neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in humans if contaminated shellfish are
eaten. The economic impacts of Karenia blooms are serious, and range from closure of
shellfish beds and fisheries to loss of tourism revenues in coastal communities. Thus,
scientists need to understand how blooms are formed. One way of understanding
Karenia brevis blooms is by studying what factors increase their growth rate. Like many
dinoflagellates Karenia brevis is mixotrophic, meaning it is both photosynthetic and
can use organic nutrients to grow. In nature organic nutrients are released into the
water when zooplankton consume phytoplankton. I hypothesized that the growth rate
of Karenia brevis would increase in response to higher light intensity and in response to
organic nutrients released by zooplankton grazing. I found that Karenia brevis cultures
clearly responded to the higher light intensity with a greater growth rate. Experiments to
test the effects of organic nutrients on the growth of Karenia brevis are underway.
Discovery Day 2005 13
ENGINEERING AND MATERIAL SCIENCE
An investigation of the solute vaporization interference in flame atomic
absorption spectroscopy
Michael Blew, Nursing - Florence, SC
Mentor: Dr. Scott Goode, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Every day, tens of thousands of chemists use analytical atomic spectroscopy in their
work, often without knowledge of possible interferences. We present a unique approach
to study these interferences by using modern response surface methods to visualize
an interference in which aluminum depresses the calcium atomic absorption signal.
Calcium atomic absorption measurements are performed on solutions that contain
calcium only, calcium plus aluminum, and calcium plus aluminum and added lanthanum
to “free” the calcium. The interferences are known to be affected by flame temperature,
so measurements were made under conditions of varied flame stoichiometry and
observation height. Results are displayed using response surfaces generated by
regression analysis of the results of a factorial design in which burner height and fuel
ratios are varied. Response surface methods allow chemists to recognize the tradeoffs
required to optimize instrumental parameters. The conditions that produce the maximum
signal were substantially different from those needed for stable, reproducible chemical
analyses.
Hollow Tubular Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthesis, Characterization,
and Thermal Properties
Rachael Hipp, Chemistry - Blythewood, SC
Mentor: Dr. Hans-Conrad zur Loye, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
In recent years, research targeting the synthesis of open or channel-containing metalorganic frameworks has interested chemists as such materials have found application in
areas like gas absorption, size-selective separation, and heterogeneous catalysis. Our
group has been successful in the synthesis of a new metal-organic open framework,
namely [ZnF(AmTAZ)] solvents, using 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AmTAZ) and several
Zn(II) salts as reactants. The framework, which consists of open-ended tubular channels
arranged in a honeycomb-like array, is filled with solvents of crystallization that may
be removed without framework decomposition. We have additionally synthesized two
related compounds using the ligands 1,2,4-1H-triazole (TAZ) and 3,5-diamino-1,2,4triazole (Am2TAZ). The solvothermal synthesis, structures, and thermal behavior of
these materials will be discussed.
14 Discovery Day 2005
Implementing an Interface Board into a Modular Permanent Magnet
Linear Motor
Albena Iotova, Electrical Engineering - Columbia, SC
Mentor: Dr. Roger Dougal, Department of Electrical Engineering
Permanent Magnet (PM) brushless drives provide high efficiency and low losses.
Consequently, they are suitable for broad applications ranging from transportation to
factory automation. The goal of this project is to study various parts of a modular linear
PM motor system that is currently built at the University of South Carolina. The structure
of the linear motor includes the motor, the switching board, the power board, and the
control board. The modular structure increases the flexibility and the re-usability, but
it requires a unique design of the power stage and the control architecture. The poster
will introduce each individual component of modular linear PM system and discusses
their operation. The work also includes designing and testing interface board. The
control is implemented on the combined platforms of FPGA and dSPACE. The interface
board links the FPGA and dSPACE Platform. The need for interface board arises from
the fact that both control platforms operate at different voltage level. The interface
board performance is tested and experimental data for the validation of interface board
will be reported in the final poster.
Power and Energy Analysis in Nastic Structures Research at USC
Luke Matthews, Mechanical Engineering - Columbia, SC
Mentor: Dr. Victor Giurgiutiu, Department of Mechanical Engineering
A biological process called nastic motion enables movement in plants. This is due to
an unequal change in osmotic pressure within plant tissue, which causes the individual
cells to increase or decrease in size, depending on the pressure change. Because of
this process, flowers can open their pedals and grow towards light. Nastic structures
research focuses on developing a material that can change shape based on biological
nastic motion. The structure is composed of microactuators, which are modeled after
the plant cells that swell or shrink when water is pumped in or out. Likewise, hydraulic
transport into or out of the actuators causes volumetric change, resulting in net shape
change of the overall material. There are many possible uses of nastic structures, such
as the covering of a plane wing that can change shape while in flight. Several institutions
are involved in this project, each focusing on a specific area of expertise. The research
at USC involves power and energy analysis. Several chemical and physical properties
are analyzed to determine the energy required for the material to change shape and
perform work, as well as the potential range of deformation and the force needed to
cause shape change. Each variable is examined to study the impact it has on the
system in order to maximize efficiency and determine the possible applications.
Discovery Day 2005 15
Synthesis of Copper-Palladium Bimetallic Catalysts using Electroless
Deposition
Ashley Y. Metcalf, Chemical Engineering - Lexington, SC
Mentor: Dr. Christopher T. Williams, Department of Chemical Engineering
Additional Contributors: Carol C. Stork and John R. Monnier
Electroless deposition has been used for electronics, batteries, and biomedical
applications. The deposition is a result of a controlled chemical reaction where metal
ions are plated onto the surface of a substrate because of the presence of a reducing
agent. This process is mainly used in the synthesis of thick films and has not been
extensively studied for the deposition of small particles. In this research, Cu is plated
on a 2 wt% Pd/SiO2 catalyst to form a bimetallic catalyst. Formaldehyde and EDTA
salt are used as the reducing agent and stabilizing agent, respectively. The time the Pd
catalyst is in the bath is compared to the amount of copper deposited in order to obtain
an approximate rate of deposition. Catalysts were made for 0%-100% molar coverage
of palladium. Preliminary reactor tests have been performed using monometallic Pd,
50% equivalent monolayer coverage of Cu on Pd, and 100% equivalent monolayer
coverage of Cu on Pd catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of butadiene epoxide.
The prospects for using electroless deposition to produce bimetallic industrial catalysts
will be discussed.
Development of Non-Precious Metal Cathode Catalysts for PEM Fuel
Cells
Kelvin Moore, Chemical Engineering - Columbia, SC
Mentor: Dr. Branko N. Popov, Department of Chemical Engineering
The resources currently used to produce energy are diminishing due to the increased
demands of our society. Over the years alternatives to supply energy have been
developed, but presently the most viable option is the fuel cell. Fuel cells are
electrochemical engines that convert the chemical energy of a fuel, such as hydrogen,
directly into electricity. The most promising type of fuel cell is the polymer electrolyte
membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), due to its low operational temperatures and the versatility
of its use in stationary and portable applications. The PEMFC consists of three basic
elements namely, the anode electrode, the electrolyte, and the cathode electrode. The
state-of-the-art catalyst that facilitates the reactions of oxygen reduction (cathode) and
hydrogen oxidation (anode) is platinum, which is a rare and expensive metal. This makes
the widespread use of PEMFCs unfeasible due to material limitations and excessive
costs. The goal of our research approach is to prepare inexpensive transition metal
based cathode catalysts that will have a performance comparable to that of platinum
catalysts. Using organometallic cobalt precursors, we have successfully developed low
cost cobalt based cathode catalysts that show 60% of the platinum performance in the
rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) experiments.
16 Discovery Day 2005
Gas Barrier Nanocomposites: Building a Better Bottle
Vivek Thakur, Chemistry - Columbia, SC
Mentor: Dr. Wally Scrivens, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
The research reported here is concerned with the development of an oxygen barrier
polymer nanocomposite bottle. The polymer is PET and the additive exfoliated
Montmorillonite nanoclay. Two nanocomposite materials were synthesized through
distinct methods: PET-MMT A was formed through stepwise polymerization of a BHETnanoclay mixture, and PET-MMT B was formed through nanoclay dispersion into a
PET resin matrix. Characterization of nanocomposites via TEM and XRD revealed
that nanoparticle dispersion was adequate. Although further testing is necessary,
initial MOCON O2 transmission and permeation rate measurements showed moderate
improvement in PET-MMT B over the control. PET-MMT A is still undergoing gas
barrier testing. Both materials will also undergo analysis for tensile strength and other
physical properties.
Discovery Day 2005 17
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Taking Action: An analysis of methods used to reduce the impact of
tsunamis
Victoria Boozer, Advertising - Columbia, SC
Jessica Foster, Journalism - Columbia, SC
Gabrielle Sinclair, Journalism - Lexington, SC
Mentor: Dr. Evan Paleologos, Department of Geological Sciences
The tsunami that devastated the Indian Ocean region on December 26, 2004 was
not the first of its kind nor will it be the last. Selecting the best solution from the most
practical and widely supported options for mitigating the damage and loss created by
future tsunamis involves factoring in cost, environmental and human impact, and current
technology. There are several related factors to consider in making an informed decision
about measures that must be taken in the region. These factors are: the science of
tsunamis and how they are generated; the people affected by the devastation; money
spent in aid and reconstruction as well as countermeasures; and regional seismic
trends throughout recent history and the human response to specific disasters. This
data, gathered from government Web sites, scientific publications and recent news
articles, will support a proposed plan of action. The analysis will be presented and
supplemented with graphs, charts and photographs. The proposed solutions vary in
cost and in short-term and long-term benefits. Barricades include concrete sea walls
and vegetation; warning systems include seismometers, buoys, bottom pressure
recorders and satellites; and public education includes instilling a general knowledge
into the public conscience, regular drills and mapped evacuation routes.
Accidental Chlorine Gas Leaks: Risks and Response
Jason Byrnes, Computer Science and Engineering - Fort Mill, SC
Stefanie Levine, Political Science - Rock Hill, SC
Jackie Ortner, English - Aiken, SC
Kim Veronee, Psychology - Charleston, SC
Mentor: Dr. Evan Paleologos, Geological Sciences
Chlorine is a chemical produced in large quantities in the U.S. and used in hundreds
of processes daily in the manufacturing industry; but despite its great usefulness it can
also be very dangerous. When chlorine is released into the atmosphere it takes the
form of a greenish-yellow gas that causes irritation of the lungs and mucus membranes
at even very low exposures. At high exposure levels it is deadly. Chlorine poses a
high risk to populations as it is transported through densely populated areas on lightly
regulated trains every day. Accidents such as the derailment and leak of chlorine rail
cars in Graniteville, SC highlight this danger. And in this age of increased awareness
of terrorism, many experts warn that hazardous materials transported by rail such pose
18 Discovery Day 2005
one of the greatest threats to our national security. In the US there are reasonably
effective and flexible procedures for responding to unintended releases, as well as
laws and regulations to help prevent them from occurring in the first place. Still, the US
lags behind most of Europe in its safety record. Accordingly, this analysis includes not
only the current state of chlorine disaster response, but possibilities for improvements
in all phases.
Domestic Waste Disposal Methods and Alternatives
Sarah Chakales, Broadcast Journalism - Richmond, VA
Chris Dickson, Political Science - Charlotte, NC
Kathryn Michaelis, English - Greenwood, SC
Marissa Venn, English - Columbia, SC
Mentor: Dr. Evan Paleologos, Department of Geological Sciences
Domestic waste is a serious problem in the United States; Americans are consuming
more and creating more waste than ever. In 2000, domestic waste was 231.9 million
tons, compared to 88.1 million tons in 1960. Domestic waste, or municipal solid
waste, consists of everyday materials that are thrown away: trash or garbage. Until
recent decades, the primary methods of domestic waste disposal were landfills and
incineration. Landfills are a simple way to dispose of waste, but they are expensive
to build and maintain, they create hazardous chemicals, and take up valuable space.
Incineration dramatically decreases the volume of waste, but this leads to the release
of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. The technology required to prevent this
pollution is costly. Recycling and composting, or waste recovery, are relatively new
trends in domestic waste management. In 2000, about 30% of domestic waste was
recycled or composted, up from 6.4% in 1960. Each method of disposal is part of
integrated waste management, an idea by which the total amount of domestic waste
is most efficiently handled. Waste reduction and waste recovery are essential to
integrated waste management, with the intention of using incineration and landfills as
a last resort.
Morris Island: A Socioeconomic, Scientific, and Political Study
Talia Corley, Psychology - Charleston, SC
Katie Faulk, Political Science - Milwaukee, WI
Jonathan Ross, Political Science - Spartanburg, SC
Mentor: Dr. Evan Paleologos, Department of Geological Sciences
Coastal erosion is a natural process that threatens shorelines, resulting from large
amounts of sand being carried out by waves in a systematic process. Morris Island is
a coastal barrier island in South Carolina, the site of a historic lighthouse and a Civil
War battle. Waves crash into it daily, removing a great deal of sand. The lighthouse is
detached from the island by the coastal pools that were caused by erosion. After jetties
were constructed to improve accessibility into Charleston harbor, erosion increased,
Discovery Day 2005 19
because the waves could not deposit sand outside the jetties. Erosion is affecting
Morris Island’s economy because a developer is attempting to either commercially
develop or sell the island. The erosion question, coupled with the island’s historical
significance, has led to concerns over zoning rights. Engineers have explored various
methods to curb erosion. These methods include further jetties, groin fields, sea walls,
and beach nourishment. All of these have severe financial implications, and have no
guaranteed success (many end up speeding up the erosion process). Since there is
no clear solution to the problem specifically on Morris Island, it is likely that the best
solution is to allow nature to run its course.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Jamie Coslett, Philosophy - Medfield, MA
Anna Fox, Public Relations - Charleston, SC
Chris Speaks, Political Science - Lexington, SC,
Chris van Dalen, Political Science - Columbia, SC
Mentor: Dr. Evan Paleologos, Department of Geological Sciences
This project seeks to examine the science behind hydrogen fuel cells, their benefits and
drawbacks, and the costs of transitioning from the current energy systems to a future
economy where hydrogen fuel cells are predominant. As well, environmental and social
concerns are addressed in some detail, especially the effect of fuel cells on global
warming and industry. In brief, there are two primary benefits of fuel cell technology.
First, hydrogen can be produced purely from renewable sources, lessening (even
eliminating) dependence on fossil fuels. Second, fuel cells produce no by products
known to have an impact on global warming. The primary drawback to hydrogen fuel
cells is that the technology is not sufficiently mature to replace the current oil based
economy. Another negative aspect to this technology is the huge cost necessary for
a replacement of current fossil fuel based infrastructure with infrastructure designed
to produce and deliver hydrogen. Fortunately, such costs would be spread over a
considerable time (at least the next 20 years), so they would be bearable. Despite its
drawbacks, the conclusion reached is that the eventual depletion of fossil fuel reserves
and concerns about global warming make an economy based on hydrogen fuel cells
inevitable.
The Georgetown Steel Mill in Georgetown, SC: The avoidance of
“Beaufortization” and the effects of an industrial economy
Mary Lohman, Exercise Science - Atlanta, GA
Kathryn Vignone, Baccaluareas Artium et Scientiae - Greenville, SC
Mentor: Dr. Thomas Lekan, Department of History
During the 20th century many of the traditionally agricultural economies of coastal
towns in South Carolina experienced a shift toward reliance on the tourist industry.
Despite an increasing influx of tourist dollars, the county of Georgetown has avoided
20 Discovery Day 2005
this economic dependence by replacing its agricultural heritage with paper and steel
industries. Our research was designed to examine the economic influence of the steel
mill on the community of Georgetown in order to determine whether or not the mill has
prevented Georgetown from becoming dependent upon tourism and, if so, whether
the environmental impact of the industry has outweighed that lack of dependence.
We performed formal oral history interviews with three Georgetown mill employees,
conducted extensive archival research in Georgetown on the history of the mill,
and informally interacted with numerous Georgetonians of varied backgrounds and
occupations to obtain a full picture of the Georgetown community. Our assertion is
that there is strong evidence that the presence of industrial mills enables a historically
disadvantaged sector of the population to maintain a certain economic and social freedom
not maintained in places like Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, and Beaufort South
Carolina. During our interviews we discovered that the opinions reflecting the degree
to which industry has damaged Georgetown’s environment are often inconsistent or
contradictory, but we found there to be a general consensus among residents that the
mill provides jobs and money which have allowed Georgetown to avoid total reliance on
tourism and the social implications which such reliance would bring.
Preservation or Utilization? The Question of Drilling in the Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge
Sara Saylor, English - Charleston, SC
Ryan Holt, Political Science - Austin, TX
Kenneth Bryan, History - Concord, NC
Mentor: Dr. Evan Paleologos, Department of Geological Sciences
With energy demand increasing rapidly and drilling proponents citing a need to reduce
dependence on foreign oil sources, debate over opening Section 1002 of the Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge has become a political priority. The narrow March 16 Senate
vote approving inclusion of ANWR operations into the federal budget attests to the
heated controversy of the issue. This study evaluates perspectives for and against
drilling by weighing the benefits of domestic oil production and economic development
in the region against the environmental, human rights, and ethical costs which have
historically motivated the United States to set aside reserves like ANWR. The awareness
of these costs is pitted against a mentality of unchecked oil consumption which may
prove environmentally and economically damaging over the long term. The findings of
this study confirm that exploration and drilling in ANWR will temporarily reduce foreign
oil dependence and benefit the Alaskan economy. However, in light of the negative
implications of drilling, the study concludes that investment in alternative energy
sources and reduced consumption of fossil fuels within the United States should also
be actively pursued, since these practices constitute more effective long-term solutions
to the nation’s dependence on foreign oil.
Discovery Day 2005 21
LIFE SCIENCE
The Effects of Glucocorticoids on the Regulation of Glutamate
Transporters in the Rat Hippocampus
Anita Autry, Chemistry - Lexington, SC
Mentor: Dr. Larry Reagan, USC School of Medicine
In the rat hippocampus, the predominate glutamate transporter is GLT-1 and its
recently identified isoform, GLT-1b. Recent studies have shown that stress levels of
glucocorticoids (GCs) are associated with increased expression of GLT-1 isoforms in
the rat hippocampus. We believe that the mechanism for these increases is specific
to each isoform with regulation of GLT-1b via GCs and GLT-1 by glutamate. In order
to determine whether these increases were modulated by stress levels of the hormone
corticosterone (CORT) or by increases in glutamate, we used an adrenalectomy (ADX)
paradigm. This paradigm allowed for the removal of endogenous GCs, and these data
were compared to another paradigm using stress levels of GCs (high-dose CORT).
Results from the ADX study for GLT-1b reveal no significant differences in message or
protein levels compared to control; however, the high-dose CORT study demonstrates
an increase in GLT-1b protein expression in the CA3 and dentate gyrus. Results from
the ADX study show elevated GLT-1 mRNA levels in comparison to sham-operated
animals, increases that are reversed with administration of replacement levels of
CORT. GLT-1 protein levels reveal similar increases in layers of Ammon’s horn as
well as the dentate gyrus. In the high-dose CORT study, GLT-1 protein expression is
increased in all layers of the hippocampus. Taken together, these data indicate that
GLT-1b protein expression is regulated by stress levels of GCs while GLT-1 may be
regulated by glutamate.
Dopamine transporter immunoreactivity in rat hippocampal and
midbrain primary cell cultures
Lauren Codi Black, Biology - Pickens, SC
Mentor: Dr. Rosemarie Booze, USC School of Medicine
The dopamine transporter (DAT) mediates uptake of dopamine into neurons and is a
major target for various pharmacologically active drugs and environmental toxins. The
presence of cysteinyl residues essential for its function makes DAT one of the proteins
at risk for modification by reactive oxygen substances (ROS). Therefore, studies of
changes in dopamine transport induced by oxidative stress and psychoactive chemical
substances may help to elucidate mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders and
drug addiction. Rodent primary neuronal cell cultures are widely used as experimental
models of neurodegeneration and drug abuse. In this study we determined DAT
immunoreactivity in primary cultures of rat midbrain and hippocampal fetal neurons.
Using fluorescent plate reading and laser confocal microscopy we detected the presence
of DAT immunoreactivity 14 day-old cultures of fetal rat midbrain neurons and in cultures
22 Discovery Day 2005
of rat fetal hippocampal neurons. Two anti-DAT antibodies which react with different
epitopes of rat DAT revealed the same single protein band on Western blots prepared
from midbrain and hippocampal cell lysates. Our results provide evidence that a part on
neuronal cell population in rat hippocampal cell cultures may be dopaminergic.
Prenatal Cocaine Exposure: Dose-Dependent Increase in Intentional
Tremor
Leah M. Brown, Psychology - Campobello, SC
Mentor: Dr. Charles F. Mactutus, Department of Psychology
Prenatal exposure to cocaine causes neurological and behavioral alterations in
young children, increasing the likelihood for attentional disorders and motor-related
abnormalities (Singer et al., 2000). We investigated developmental alterations in the
cerebellum as responsible for the potential motor/tone/reflex abnor-malities. LongEvans female rats were implanted with intravenous (IV) catheters, impregnated and
admini-stered saline, a low dose of cocaine (3mg/kg/ml, 1x/day GD 8-21), or a high dose
of cocaine (3mg/kg/ml, 1x/day GD8-14, 2x/day GD 14-21). An uncatheterized untreated
control group was included. Cocaine did not affect maternal or litter parameters. At 14
days of age, one male and one female from each litter were randomly selected, injected
with harmaline and placed in a tremor monitor (San Diego Instruments, Inc.) for 512
s. When tested in a large chamber (10x15cm), which permits greater exploratory
activity, a linear prenatal cocaine dose-response relationship was found across groups;
the control groups were not significantly different. In a small chamber (10x9cm), the
tremor response was not significantly different across groups. An increased response
to harmaline reflects greater Purkinje cell activation, mediated via the climbing fiber
pathway. The present data replicate our prior findings that there are functional alterations
in the cerebellum consequent to prenatal IV cocaine exposure and now extend these
observations to indicate there is a clear intentional component to the altered tremor
response.
GABA Mechanisms in Audiogenic Seizures Studied Using Herpes Virus
and Lentivirus Mediated Gene Transfer
S. Alisha Epps, Psychology - Lexington, SC
Mentor: Dr. James R. Coleman, Department of Psychology
Viral gene transfer was used to alter expression of GABAAα1 subunits and GAD65
production to study effects on the audiogenic seizure (AGS) model for epilepsy. Long–
Evans rats acoustically primed with a 125-dB 10-kHz tone at postnatal day (PND) 18
were tested at PND32 for AGS using 125-dB white noise. Subjects were AGS-tested
2 and 3 days before surgery on PND50–100, and again 2-4 days after surgery; posttesting to 30 days was added for lentivirus animals to study long-term expression. The
central nucleus of the inferior colliculus was bilaterally injected with multiply attenuated,
replication defective and self-inactivating viral vectors: herpes virus encoding GAD65
Discovery Day 2005 23
and GABAAα1 mix sense, or a lentivirus vector encoding GABAAα1 sense or antisense,
or GAD65 sense. Animals treated with the herpes mix showed an overall reduction in the
incidence of seizure behaviors. In lentivirus GABAAα1 sense animals, wild running and
clonus latencies showed significant increases during posttests 2-3 (t=3.305, p<0.03);
overall incidence was significantly reduced. Preliminary studies using GAD65 sense
lentivirus suggest that this vector is effective in decreasing incidence of AGS. These
results show that manipulation of GABA production through the GAD65 enzyme or the
GABAAα1 receptor subunits using viral constructs can directly alter epilepsy.
Heart disease and diabetes: the role of â1-integrin and mitogenactivated protein kinases in transducing cardiac fibroblast response to
hyperglycemia and mechanical stretch
Ian Kane, Biology - Aiken, SC
Mentor: Dr. Wayne Carver, USC School of Medicine
Growing evidence suggests that diabetics are at increased risk for cardiovascular
disease. Cardiac fibrosis, a primary risk factor of heart disease, has been shown to
result from hyperglycemia. Mechanical stresses such as hypertension are another
known cause of fibrosis. This experiment was developed to elucidate how â1-integrin
and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) responded to hyperglycemia and
mechanical stretch. These proteins were assayed because they are vital components of
transduction pathways that convert extracellular stimuli into a cellular response. These
variables were also used to study fibroblast proliferation, since this could also affect a
cell’s response to extracellular stimuli. A 3-dimensional collagen gel contraction assay
was performed to determine how these changes in protein expression affected collagen
remodeling. The signal transduction results suggest that two proteins of the MAPK
superfamily are upregulated by both stretch and hyperglycemia, though upregulation
becomes high glucose-dependent over time. â1-integrin, the primary transducer of
mechanical stimuli, is upregulated by both treatments, though this effect diminishes
after 24 hours. The increases in these proteins indicate that pathological cardiac fibrosis
may result from exposure to hyperglycemia and mechanical stretch. Additionally, their
upregulation suggests that hyperglycemia-induced collagen gel contraction occurs via
a â1-integrin/MAPK dependent pathway.
The Immunological Effects of Oat β-Glucan Consumption and NSAIDAdministration with Exercise
Jennifer Lake, Exercise Science - Geneseo, IL
Mentor: Dr. J. Mark Davis, Department of Exercise Science
Additional Contributors: E. Angela Murphy, Martin D. Carmichael, Abdul Ghaffar and
Eugene P. Mayer.
Exercise can alter certain immune system functions resulting in an increase in
inflammation and risk for infection. We have shown that various supplements including
24 Discovery Day 2005
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and the soluble fiber oat β-glucan
(OβG) can decrease inflammation and infection risk in athletes, which may increase
performance. However, there has been some concern over a possible harmful interaction
between these supplements. This study examined the interaction between OβG and
NSAIDS during exercise training in mice. We hypothesized that OβG and NSAID
supplementation during exercise would increase mortality, which would be associated
with an exaggerated immunological response. Results indicate an increased mortality
in mice consuming OβG and NSAIDS which was associated with sickness behaviors
such as a decrease in exercise performance, body weight, fluid and food consumption.
We also observed in these mice an inflated immunological response including an
increase in peritoneal cell number, spleen weight and macrophage cytokine response.
These important findings suggest that OβG and NSAIDS can cause a lethal interaction
in mice, which may be mediated by an exaggerated immunological response. While
these supplements may be beneficial to immune function when taken independently,
they should not be taken in combination until this work can be clinically evaluated
.
Contribution of pre-synaptic mu opioid receptors to morphine
withdrawal-associated allodynia in neonatal rats
Teresa M. Mark, Biology - Aiken, South Carolina
Mentor: Dr. Sarah M. Sweitzer, USC School of Medicine
Children and infants are being increasingly treated with opioids. This study
characterizes the contribution of pre-synaptic mu opioid receptors (µOR) to opioid
withdrawal-associated allodynia in postnatal day 7 (P7) but not day 21 (P21) rats–
which equate to human infants and toddlers. A herpes simplex virus was engineered
to carry anti-sense µOR cDNA (AMOR). AMOR, a control virus (KHZ), or no virus was
applied to the left hind paw on the day of birth. Lumbar spinal cords were examined
with immunohistochemistry to determine µOR expression. P7 and P21 rats were
administered morphine and allowed to withdraw spontaneously or had it precipitated by
naloxone. Mechanical allodynia thresholds were tested using Von Frey filaments. Gross
behaviors were recorded during precipitated withdrawal. Expression of µOR in lamina
ll/lll of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord was decreased by 10% and 20% in P7 and P21
AMOR rats, respectively. In both precipitated and spontaneous withdrawal, mechanical
allodynia was attenuated in the P7, but not P21 AMOR rats. Gross behaviors were
similar among treatment groups. In conclusion, pre-synaptic µORs affect withdrawalassociated allodynia in P7 but not P21 rats. Pre-synaptic µORs do not regulate gross
dependence-related behaviors. This suggests age-specific mechanisms for opioid
withdrawal-associated allodynia.
Discovery Day 2005 25
Effects of Cocaine on Vertical Cortical Organisation in Prenatal Rats
Andy Su, Psychology - Irmo, SC
Mentors: Dr. Daniel Buxhoeveden, Department of Psychology
Dr. Rosemarie Booze, Department of Psychology
The introduction of cocaine into fetal organisms can alter the developmental process
in various ways, among which is a notable effect on the formation of ontogenetic cell
columns in the cortex of the brain. In this study, repeating micro vertical organization is
examined by way of Nissl stained cell somas and apical dendrite bundles in the right
hemispheric prelimbic, CG2, and S1 barrel regions of prenatal rat brain tissue (N=6, all
males). Cocaine was administered via a recreational model, starting on gestational day
8 and continuing to day 21, while the control group received saline intravenously. Two
independent observers using computer-imaging techniques measured spacing and
neuropil distances. Significant treatment effects were found in all three areas of study,
with the treatment group’s columns being narrower than the control. There was no
significant difference between observers. The results demonstrate that early exposure
to cocaine may affect the size and number of ontogenetic cell columns. The impact of
this change warrants further investigation.
The Role of Adam 12 in Cardiac Myocyte Hypertrophy
Jennifer Tomlinson, Biology - Irmo, SC
Mentor: Dr. Wayne Carver, USC School of Medicine
Cardiac myocytes respond to different stimuli, such as biochemical factors and
mechanical stresses, by increases in cell size and/or gene expression alterations.
ADAMs, A Disintegrin And Metalloproteases, are cell surface proteins and play a role
in myocyte growth and development. Recent studies have suggested that ADAM 12
or meltrin α is essential for differentiation and fusion of myoblasts. However, many
questions remain regarding the role of ADAM 12 in the adaptation of cardiac myocytes
to external stimuli and changes in circulating growth factors. Therefore, the focus of
this study was to examine the expression of ADAM 12 in normal adult rats and rats
with a chronic pressure overload via constriction of abdominal aorta as well as in
isolated neonatal myocytes subjected to hypertrophic growth factor stimuli (i.e., insulinlike growth factor-IGF) in culture. Real Time-PCR analysis demonstrated upregulation
of ADAM 12 expression in hearts/myocytes subjected to an increased external
environmental stimuli and IGF. Thus, indicating a role of ADAM 12 in the hypertrophic
response in hearts. In the future, adenoviral constructs will be utilized to determine if
this increase in ADAM 12 alone is sufficient to induce a hypertrophic response and
whether blocking ADAM 12 expression attenuates this growth response.
26 Discovery Day 2005
Role of Inflammation in Heart Failure
Jason Wheeler, Chemistry
Mentor: Dr. Wayne Carver, USC School of Medicine
Mast cells are important in inflammation and tissue repair processes. They secrete
several mediators, such as cytokines and proteases, which are implicated in modulating
fibrosis of organs including the heart. In addition to mast cells, fibroblasts are critical
in the maintenance and organization of the cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM), which
is essential to normal cardiovascular function and development. Mast cells modulate
the ECM by stimulating fibroblasts to increase secretion of proteins such as collagen.
Collagen accumulation in the ECM has been associated with cardiomyopathy and
heart failure through stiffening of the myocardium (fibrosis). Little is known about
which mast cell mediators stimulate the fibrotic process or how the expression or
secretion of these mediators is regulated. Mast cell density and degranulation are
increased in the hypertensive myocardium, which has led to the hypothesis that the
mechanical environment plays an important role in mast cell gene expression. To test
this hypothesis, mast cells were stretched using a mechanical cell stretcher to mimic
hypertensive cardiac function. Cells were cultured with or without stretch for varying
durations (3 and 24 hours) and assayed for changes in gene expression. Real-Time
Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reactions were employed to study the
changes in particular mast cell mRNA levels. This approach offers valuable insights
into the cell and tissue interactions associated with myocardial fibrosis.
Discovery Day 2005 27
NATURAL SCIENCE – OTHER
Measurement of Neutrino Induced Quasi-Elastic (QE) Cross Section
Jae Jun Kim, Physics - Cayce SC
Mentor: Dr. Sanjib Mishra, Department of Physics and Astronomy
The measurement of the weak mixing angle - one of the fundamental constant of
the Standard Model which unified the electromagnetic and weak forces – is one of
general goals of USC high energy physics group, using the data collected in NOMAD
collaboration at CERN. The neutrino induced Quasi-Elastic (QE) scattering, in which
neutrino hits neutron and results in a muon and a proton in the final state, is one such
process that would enhance our understanding of ‘higher-twist’ effect – the effect that
could effect the weak mixing angle. Toward this, as a first step, I had been developing a
method called likelihood probability density function (PDF) that enabled me to eliminate
significant portion of background – resonance (RES) and deep inelastic scattering
(DIS), which are not induced by QE but resemble the signature of it. Due to the fact
that the Monte Carlo (MC) sample that my analysis based on is reliable to a precision
no better than 15 – 20%, Data-Simulator technique was launched to identify control
sample region in the data and then to normalize the corresponding MC sample. After
verifying that MC and DATA agreed around 5% level (15% before), using the flux and
MC sample, QE cross-section is calculated and is compared to the result studied by
other NOMAD collaboration members in Russia.
Monte Carlo Simulation of Phi Meson Photoproduction
Yossef Korang-Behesht, Physics and Astronomy - Anderson, SC
Mentor: Dr. David Tedeschi, Department of Physics and Astronomy
An accurate measurement of the phi meson photoproduction cross section can improve
our understanding of the photon-nucleon interaction. To complete the experimental
measurement, we run a Monte Carlo simulation that will provide the acceptance
function for our particle detector system. The simulation uses a probability density
function from the measured data and produces the acceptance function through an
iterative procedure. The procedure and preliminary results of the computer simulation
will be presented.
28 Discovery Day 2005
Forensic Fingerprints for Dyed Fibers: Extraction of Vat Dyes from
Cotton
Drew Krena, Chemistry - Simpsonville, SC
Mentors: Dr. Stephen L. Morgan, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Dr. Loren Knapp, Department of Biological Sciences
The subsequent identification and quantification of the relative amounts of the
extracted vat dyes may provide enhanced discrimination of trace fiber evidence.
Optimal extraction techniques are currently being developed to provide the best
results for their identification. Certain techniques will be used to isolate the vat dyes
for determination through capillary electrophoresis (CE) or other methods. This will
provide the precise information for the dyes composition, which will later be used to
match unknown samples. The development of a technique to isolate than analyze trace
vat dyes will help to revolutionize analytical forensic techniques. Methods to isolate and
analyze vat dyes are unexplored and the development of a method would advance our
understanding and certainty in forensic analysis.
Investigating the Function of ZAT 7 and ZAT 12 in Salt Stress Response
Kristin D. Oates, Biology
Mentor: Dr. Beth A. Krizek, Department of Biological Sciences
ZAT 7 and ZAT 12 genes are induced in response to oxidative stress. Although the
exact function of these proteins is still unknown, several members of the ZAT family
are up regulated in response to different stresses. The expression of ZAT 12 and ZAT
7 are simultaneously elevated in response to oxidative stress, heat shock, or wounding
(Rizhsky, etal). We are investigating the function of ZAT 7 and ZAT 12. To accomplish
this task, we studied the effects of plants that are disrupted in each gene. ZAT 7-IR lines
have an inverted repeat transgene that results in decreased levels of ZAT 7 mRNA.
These plants have no phenotype. Two insertional mutant lines of ZAT 12 have been
identified (SALK_037357 and SAIL 793-F04). ZAT 12 mRNA is decreased in each line,
but they too have no phenotype. Because of possible overlapping of these two related
genes (ZAT 7 and ZAT 12), we will identify and later characterize plants that have
decreased expression of both ZAT 7 and ZAT 12. F2 populations created by crossing
ZAT 7-IR homozygous Arabidopsis plants with either T-DNA lines of SALK_037357 or
SAIL 792-F04. F1 population consisted of heterozygotes for each of the two transgenes.
This F1 population was allowed to self fertilize and gave rise to the F2 population of
double mutants with an expected ratio of 1:16. A series of molecular PCR screenings
were performed to determine which particular plants of F2 population corresponded
to the double mutant. DNA for the PCR was obtained from the individual rosettes of
the F2 plants, and isolated using standard DNA isolation procedure. To confirm the
presence of the ZAT 7-IR transgene, SALK_037357 plants that screen positive for the
ZAT 7-IR T-DNA insert were plated on media with kanamycin. Plants lacking the TDNA insert will be sensitive to the Kan in the media, while those with the insert will be
resistant. SAIL 792-F04 plants that screened positive for the T-DNA inserts were plated
Discovery Day 2005 29
on media containing kanamycin and basta to screen for both transgenes. As with the
SALK_037357 double mutants, those SAIL 792-F04 with the insert will be resistant to
the kanamycin and basta media. Finally, an attempt to study the response of the double
mutant Arabidopsis thaliana plants to salt was performed. The goal was to identify
whether the T-DNA insert offers resistance response in the plants to salt stress.
Comparison of MAPK Activity in Tomato and Potato Leaves in
Response to Wounding
Suchita Pancholi, Biology - Columbia, SC
Mentor: Dr. Johannes Stratmann, Department of Biological Sciences
For self-defense, plants activate specific defense genes via a wound response signal
transduction pathway. This pathway is induced by the wound signaling peptide
systemin in some solanaceous plants. The systemin signal is relayed via a MAPK
(mitogen activated protein kinase) cascade. The role of wound- and systeminresponsive MAPKs in Solanum tuberosum (potato) is not well known. Therefore, we
compared MAPK activation by mechanical wounding and Manduca sexta caterpillars in
tomato and potato. We tested two hypotheses: one, the greater the extent of wounding
in Lycopersicon esculentum and Solanum tuberosum, the larger the increase in
MAPK activity, and two, MAPK activation for both plants is systemic but the activity is
greater in local leaves than systemic leaves. Experiments using hemostat wounding
and damage induced by Manduca sexta caterpillars were conducted on both plants
to test MAPK activation. Samples were analyzed using in-gel and immunocomplex
kinase assays. Proteinase inhibitor synthesis upon hemostat wounding was analyzed
by a radial immunodiffusion assay. Results indicate that tomato MAP kinases 1, 2,
and 3 were activated as a consequence of wounding and damage from feeding. The
activation showed similar patterns in both plants, and thus, orthologous MAP kinases
of both plants might share a similar function.
Identification of LeMKK4-interacting proteins from tomato
Sarah Refi, Biology - Lake Mary, FL
Mentor: Dr. Johannes Stratmann, Department of Biological Sciences
The MAPK cascade in tomato acts as a convergence point for different defense
signaling pathways. Using systemin as the signaling peptide, the plant initiates the
transduction of a signaling pathway that results in the transcription of defense-related
genes including the genes encoding for protease inhibitors, which inhibit digestion in
the guts of feeding insects. While some components of the MAPK cascade have been
identified, others have yet to be identified or characterized. In this project I use a yeast
two-hybrid system to detect interactions between sequences from a cDNA library and
the protein of interest, LeMKK4. I have isolated one sequence that has homologues in
other plants which act as regulators in light-mediated development. Further experiments
are needed to identify the function of this potential LeMKK4-interacting protein.
30 Discovery Day 2005
Combinatorial Optimization of Extractions and Capillary
Electrophoresis for Forensic Analysis of Dyes from Textile Fibers
Samantha N. Roberson, Chemistry - West Columbia, SC
Mentor: Dr. Stephen L. Morgan, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Scientific technology has become important to solving crimes. In particular, fibers are
increasingly found and analyzed as trace evidence in investigations involving personal
contact such as physical and sexual assaults, kidnappings, robberies, and homicides.
We hypothesize that the pattern and identity of dyes extracted from textile fibers
can be utilized as fingerprints for the forensic discrimination of fibers. An automated
workstation, designed for efficient liquid handling of microliter-sized samples, was used
to investigate micro-scale extraction techniques for a broad range of dye classes from
four different textile fiber types. Combinatorial experimental designs were employed
to optimize solvent extraction conditions, with extraction efficiency determined by
capillary electrophoresis coupled to diode array and mass spectrometric detection.
Nanogram amounts of up to three different dyes were successfully extracted from
single strands of fiber as small as 1 cm in length. The technique is semi-quantitative,
with relative standard deviations ranging from 10-30% depending on the dye and
fiber type. Unequivocal identification of all dyes present on a fiber and measurement
of the relative concentration patterns has the potential to revolutionize forensic fiber
examinations.
Synthesis of a novel tris(pyrazole) compound for use in virus
bioconjugation
Thomas Styslinger, Chemistry - Cary, NC
Mentor: Dr. Qian Wang, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Recent studies have demonstrated the potential use of viruses as convenient and
programmable platforms for organic chemical reactions. Viruses provide a basis from
which to solve numerous problems in biology and chemistry. Potential uses range
from possible target-specific drug delivery vehicles to building nanoscale conducting
“wires”. One specific virus receiving much attention is Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV).
CPMV forms a 30 nm-diameter icosahedra, formed by two different protein subunits.
The physical, biological and genetic properties of CPMV have been well characterized
over the past twenty years, making it ideal subject for bioconjugation studies. This
paper reports on the attempt of bringing a novel tris(pyrazole) compound into water via
bioconjugation to CPMV. Tris(pyrazole) alkanes have recently been receiving a great
deal of attention due to their successful use in coordination chemistry. Coordination
chemistry revolves around structures composed of a central metal atom or ion
surrounded by a number of charged atoms or neutral molecules (ligands) possessing
lone pairs of electrons. Consequently, tris(pyrazole) compounds are currently being
studied for applications in numerous areas, such as potential hydrogen sources
for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. However, tris(pyrazole) compounds are
insoluble in water significantly hindering their use in certain areas of science. A possible
Discovery Day 2005 31
solution to effectively bring tris(pyrazole) compounds into water was explored in this
paper. To accomplish this goal an effective ligand was synthesized containing a
tris(pyrazole) region, a water-soluble carbohydrate region and an appropriate end site
to conjugate to CPMV. Notably, particular steps in the synthesis of this compound were
taken from the newly developing field of “click” chemistry. The effective synthesis of
this water-soluble tris(pyrazole) ligand combined with its potential ability to conjugate to
the surface CPMV brings about a novel approach for which to attack existing problems
in biology, biochemistry, chemistry and pharmaceutics.
32 Discovery Day 2005
PSYCHO-SOCIAL
Parental Treatment Antecedents of Adult Attachment Styles
Christina N. Bass, Psychology - Columbia, SC
Mentor: Dr. Keith Davis, Department of Psychology
Attachment bonds have become recognized as the basis of adult relationship quality
(Hazan & Shaver, 1987). We report the development of a new measure of parental
treatment relevant to attachment bonds. We will provide data relevant to answering
the following question: How does the lack of a responsiveness parental environment,
characterized by the lack of a safe haven and having to be one’s own parent correlate
with one’s adult attachment style? The issue is important because the latter two aspects
of parental treatment have not received explicit attention. The degree of insecure
attachment—both of an anxious-resistant and avoidant sort will be related to all three
aspects of parental treatment. Our sample consisted of 71 students. Responsiveness
was negatively correlated with lack of a safe haven and having to be one’s own parent.
Attachment avoidance was significantly correlated with these three aspects of parental
treatment [with responsiveness: r (df=69) = -.21, p<.04, with safe haven: r (df =69) =
.34, p<.002] in the expected directions, but attachment anxiety was not. These findings
were replicated in a second sample (N = 79). These findings are significant because
little research exists on the impact of a lack of safe haven on adult attachments.
University Students’ Projected Moral Disengagement Mechanisms on
Peer Offenders
Michael Chajewski, Psychology - Charleston, SC
Mentor: Dr. Thomas Cafferty, Department of Psychology
Issues regarding under-age drinking and illegal drug ingestion have been among the
most discussed phenomena on US campuses in the past 5 years. More and more
students classify such behaviors as normal activities, utilizing Bandura’s (1999 and
2002) moral disengagement mechanisms to avoid self-censure. This creates a socially
bonded circle of offenders and morally disengaged bystanders. A brief (about 6 minutes)
on-line survey, hosted on the University’s web server, was designed to investigate the
disengaging behavior of offender’s peers, not offenders themselves. The predominant
part of the current research was concerned with perceptions of criminal offenders. We
wanted to test those who might be acquaintances for how they justify their friends
committing crimes and what motivates them to do so. Participants were asked to provide
information about their peers and their observations of peer activity on their college
campus. The questionnaire was aimed at understanding peer relationships as they
relate to possible misconduct and common campus offenses. Analyzing peer relations
with a focus on moral justification procedures in regard to social group facilitation,
we attempted to assess what crimes have become considered basic aspects of
Discovery Day 2005 33
undergraduate life and which ones still elicit a moral sanction. Participants were faced
with fictitious peer generated offenses and were asked to morally disengage from their
value/law based perceptions. Their responses where analyzed through correlation of
the forced moral disengagement mechanisms with the student’s socio-legal perception
of these crimes on college campuses.
The Importance of School Satisfaction: Correlates and Their
Implications
Allison Champion, Psychology
Tassie Barber-Collins, Psychology
Mentor: Dr. E. Scott Huebner, Department of Psychology
School satisfaction, a term often used interchangeably with quality of school life, is
a variable that first began its conception in the late 1970’s. Almost three decades
later, there has recently been an increased interest in measuring school satisfaction
and its correlates. School satisfaction has been found to relate to variables such as
academic achievement, school disengagement, teacher support, school drop-out,
and numerous family variables. While research in the area of school satisfaction has
gradually revealed such findings, the need for further research still exists. In addition,
in order to unify the existing literature base on school satisfaction, one consistent
definition of school satisfaction is necessary. In this poster presentation, the authors
intend to discuss the variation across different definitions of school satisfaction and
explain why the construct of school satisfaction is an important one to investigate.
This poster will also present significant correlates of school satisfaction, implications of
these correlations, and provide ideas for future research.
Phonological and Semantic Influences on Working Memory
Bobby Frankenberger, Psychology
Lesya Lasota, Psychology
Jeni Mehta, Psychology
Sara Peters, Psychology
Ray Saut, Psychology
Raquel Vaca, Psychology
Mentor: Dr. Amit Almor, Department of Psychology
This research explores the effect of semantic and phonological similarity on verbal
working memory (WM). While much research has shown that phonological overlap
interferes with word recall, the effect of semantic overlap is controversial. The present
research therefore aimed to ascertain the role of semantic overlap in WM by using a
standard free recall task. 320 participants repeated lists of six words that varied in
total number of words with semantic and phonological overlap and in the list position
of the overlapping words. A list of phonologically related words might include nose,
hose, and rose, and a list of semantically related words might include pig, cow, and
34 Discovery Day 2005
sheep. Experiment 1 employed a standard recall task. Experiment 2 substituted
degraded audio stimuli to encourage lexical semantic processing. Experiment 3 added
a secondary semantic category judgment task to further promote lexical semantic
processing. Error rates were used as dependent measures in all experiments and were
counted separately for each list position. Replicating previous research, phonological
overlap decreased recall accuracy, especially for the overlapping words. Semantic
overlap facilitated recall of the overlapping words but decreased recall accuracy for
non-overlapping words. This may explain previous conflicting findings about the effect
of semantic overlap.
Public and Secret Selves: Gender Contrast and Content
Itzel Gonzalez, Psychology - Columbia, SC
Mentor: Dr. Keith Davis, Department of Psychology
We propose to shed light on these questions: How does the content of one’s publicly
presented self contrast with one’s secret self? Are the contrasts between public and
secret selves related to gender? We hypothesized that secret selves will have a more
negative content than public selves. Furthermore, we expect the pattern of discrepancies
between public and secret to vary in predictable ways by gender. Our definition of the
self concept is the person’s intuitive summary of their behavioral potentials. (Ossorio,
1979). Goffman (1959) proposed that each person has a “backstage self” that conflicts
with his/her publicly presented self. In a sample of 20 male and 37 female students, the
results were consistent with Kuhn’s (1960) findings of more position-like statements for
public selves. The secret selves indicated that males had more sins (M = 3.2 vs 2.8,
p <.05), contradictions (60% to 41%, X2 = 4.03, p < .05), self-condemnation (2.6 to
1.7, ns), and narcissistic statements (35% to 14%, X2 = 3.28, p <.10). Females were
more perfectionistic (35% to 5%) and attachment insecure than were men (27% to
10%)--both p <.05. These gender differences were consistent with a social role theory
of secret selves.
Attachment Style, Gender, and Romantic Partner Preference?
Brian Leonard, Psychology - Columbia, SC
Amanda McDougald, Psychology - Columbia, SC
Mentor: Dr. Keith Davis, Department of Psychology
Laura Myers, Department of Psychology
Previous research indicates that attachment styles within interpersonal relationships
are strong indicators of both happiness and success for the individual partners and
the relationship itself. Gender, previous relationship experience (both frequency and
length), and cognitive development are found to be strongly correlated with differing
attachment styles (e.g. anxious, avoidant). The present study conducted utilizes
individual six page questionnaires distributed to different undergraduate students at
the University of South Carolina. We anticipated that, for women, their partners would
Discovery Day 2005 35
be similar both on the degree of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. We
predicted the same pattern for men—a similarity in their two attachment dimensions.
It was found that women’s level of avoidance and anxiety significantly correlated with
their partner’s levels of avoidance and anxiety, that is those of a particular attachment
style seek similar styles in their partner. For men similar results were found for avoidant
partners, each sought similar styles, however anxious men did not correlate with their
partner’s level of anxiety such that women did. Reasonable explanations for such
findings could be the gender roles society allocates to individuals but more research is
still needed in this area.
Role of Pre-Frontal Cortex in the Three Stages of Learning
Kathleen S. Mahan, Chemistry - Camden, SC
Clara E. Sanders, Biology - Clinton, SC
Mentor: Dr. Donald Powell, VA hospital
Learning occurs in three stages: Acquisition, Storage, and Retrieval. Acquisition involves
perception of the abnormal stimulus and orientation, which is differentiation between
this new stimulus and the normal environment. Storing involves the actual storage of
this information after determining the new stimulus is consequential. Retrieval involves
accessing this stored information in order to react to a situation that is deemed similar
to the recently stored stimulus. The pre-frontal cortex plays a major role in learning but
the exact step has not yet been determined. It may be involved with either storage,
retrieval, or both processes. Previous studies by this laboratory, under the direction
of Dr. Donnie Powell et al., show that damage to this region (PFC) significantly affects
learning. This laboratory (and others) has also shown that different types of stimuli
produce different effects in the learning process. Stimuli that are considered to be
“emotionally activating” quantitatively show better acquisition and then later better
retrieval processes in the animals after surgery. We believe this is due to the innervation
of the amygdala in emotionally inspiring conditions. Other laboratories have shown that
the amygdala is the fear-receptor portion of the brain, especially in learned fear. We
are attempting to explain the exact role of the pre-frontal cortex in the steps of learning
as affected by other connections and processes in the brain.
Influence of skill acquisition on social behavior and other skills
Ryan J. Newsom, Psychology
Mentor: Dr. Sandra J. Kelly, Department of Psychology
Additional Contributors: Justin T. Gass, Nicha Oliver, J. Ben Davis, and Lauren A.
Bright
There is an increasing requirement for children to learn specific skills at an early age
and the consequences of this are unknown. This study examined whether acquisition
of one skill affects the acquisition of other skills or the expression of social behaviors in
rats. Male Long Evans rats received spatial, visual discrimination or swimming training
36 Discovery Day 2005
from postnatal day (pd) 25 to 65. On pd 75, the training groups and an untreated
control group were tested for performance and behavior in a variety of tasks. Visual
discrimination training and swimming experience facilitated performance in visual
discrimination tasks and tasks involving swimming, respectively. Interestingly, rats
trained spatially showed increased active social interactions compared to all other
groups. In addition, all of the rats given training of any kind showed impaired social
recognition memory compared to the untreated control rats, because of reduced
investigation time of novel juvenile rats in the memory task. The results suggest that
the acquisition of skills does affect behavior in different tasks, particularly in the social
domain. The specific effect (facilitation or hindrance) probably depends on the nature
of the training and tasks, and is likely due to the organization of the cortices that occurs
when learning a skill.
Romantic Relationships and the Transition to College
Kimberly Veronee, Psychology - Charleston, SC
Mentor: Dr. Thomas Cafferty, Department of Psychology
The transition into college is a topic in which there has not been a lot of research
conducted. This is especially true in regards to how the transition to college affects
romantic relationships. The purpose of this research is to find out how romantic
relationships are affected by the transition to college, and how different attachment
styles handle this situation. In this study participants will be given the Experiences
in Close Relationships survey to assess their attachment style. This measure has
already been tested and shown to be effective for assessing attachment styles. This
will be followed by a survey that asks participants about how their relationships have
handled the strains that occur due to the transition to college. The surveys will be
anonymous and will just be assigned a random number for the purposes of inputting
data. The data will then be analyzed in order to see how attachment styles affect
relationship transitioning to college. I hypothesize that securely attached individuals
will no longer be in relationships having already moved on. I further hypothesize that
insecurely attached individuals of the avoidant type will not be in relationships, and
insecurely attached individuals of the resistant type will still be in a relationship because
they do not like change.
Analysis of changes in play behavior induced by alcohol exposure
during development
A. Cade Warren, Psychology - West Columbia, SC
Mentor: Dr. Sandra J. Kelly, Psychology department
Additional Contributors: Raymond S. Harvey, Justin T. Gass, Lauren A. Bright, Ryan
J. Newsom
An animal model of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome was used to examine the hypothesis
that somatosensory deficits underlie the alterations in play behavior induced by
Discovery Day 2005 37
alcohol exposure during development. Ethanol treatment was throughout the prenatal
and early postnatal period. A group exposed to the administration procedures and
nontreated group were the control groups. During the juvenile period, pairs of rats
were singly housed and then tested for play behavior. Five concentrations of xylocaine
were administered in randomized fashion over five testing days: 0.00% (saline), 0.50%,
1.00%, 2.00% and 4.00%. Each rat was paired with another of same sex/treatment.
On each test day, pairs were injected with the same concentration of xylocaine 15
minutes before a five minute round of play. The pairs were scored for dorsal contacts
and pins as a measure of play. The results show that ethanol-treated rats had
significantly more pins and dorsal contacts than control groups. In addition, the level
of play was concentration-dependent, with dorsal contacts peaking at 0.50% xylocaine
and subsequently decreasing. Pins peaked with the saline dosage, and decreased
with each dosage of xylocaine. The preliminary data suggest that the effect of the
xylocaine treatment did not interact with group. This finding suggests that the change
in play behavior seen in rats exposed to alcohol exposure is not a function of changes
in somatosensory processing and must be a function of some other aspect of the social
behavior system.
Freedom of Choice? Effects of Choice Overload in an Internet
Environment
Megan Wright, Marketing - Columbia, SC
Mentor: Dr. Kristin Diehl, Department of Marketing
In today’s society, consumers strive to have as many choices as possible; however,
research suggests that too much choice can be demotivating to buyers and can actually
inhibit purchasing. Prior research has been done with relatively small assortments
sizes (6 vs. 24 options). The focus of this study was to see how consumers react to
the countless number of choices presented on the Internet. In this study 65 college
students were given the task of searching for a watch online, using the website Froogle.
com. I manipulated the number of options displayed on a given page (10, 50, 100).
Participants chose a watch and subsequently reported their feelings of satisfaction with
and confidence in their choice. They also indicated feelings of being overwhelmed,
pressured, and confused. An unobtrusive behavioral measure of pressure and
overload was taken by observing the number of candy pieces consumed during the
task. Interestingly, participants exposed to 50 options per page felt more overloaded
and less satisfied with and confident in their choice. This finding is surprising in light
of the third group that in addition to the first 50 options, also saw another 50 options,
but did not feel equally overloaded and dissatisfied. Underlying drivers will be explored
and explained in the presentation.
38 Discovery Day 2005
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL COMMUNICATION
Transculturation and Gender in Japanese Contemporary Dance
Caitlin Coker, English - Rock Hill, SC
Mentor: Susan Anderson, Department of Theatre and Dance
In the summer of 2005, I conducted an ethnographic survey of Contemporary Japanese
Dance in conjunction with a six-week “Urban Culture” course at Temple University in
Tokyo. Dance, as an art, is a representation of the artist and the culture from which she
hails; I hypothesized that current dance in Tokyo would represent today’s generation
of Tokyoites. I studied three prominent dance entities, each from a separate style of
Japanese contemporary dance. For each artist, I watched their performances and
rehearsals, participated in their classes, and interviewed them. Two of the artists’
movements looked western-influenced yet were Japanese in essence. The third artist
performed Butoh, an indigenous style that both rejects and borrows from western
sources. All of the artists challenged Japanese gender stereotypes. The mixture of the
traditional with the foreign and the progressive attitude towards gender stereotypes are
both reflections of the globalized, shifting cultural identity of Tokyo.
The Precautionary Principle and Nanotechnology Risk Assessments
Jamie Coslett, Philosophy - Medfield, MA
Mentor: Dr. Edward Munn Sanchez, Department of Philosophy
The great uncertainty over the potential negative consequences of Nanotechnology
research demands that regulators and entities playing a role in implementing this
relatively new field of technology assess which risks are acceptable, and which must be
curtailed. A possible method of addressing these risks is embodied in the Precautionary
Principle, a method of pursuing preventative measures against negative externalities
when impact of risky activities is unknown. This presentation concerns itself with
outlining the major interpretations of the Precautionary Principle from its inception to its
current versions, criticizing the apparent flaws in each interpretation, and analyzing how
well these interpretations fit in with the growing need to regulate a science exploiting
novel and relatively arcane properties of matter at the Nanoscale. Furthermore, a
contrast between the Precautionary Principle and traditional risk-assessment tools
such as cost-benefit analysis is explored. This project reports the specific manner in
which the very principle of precaution epitomizes the competing international visions of
science from state, nonprofit, and business perspectives.
Discovery Day 2005 39
What is an Artist’s Book?
Kristie Etson, Marine Science - Centerville, OH
Melissa Anderson, Graphic Art - Lexington, SC
Paula Johns, International Studies - Luling, LA
Mentors: Dr. Susan Hogue, Department of Art
Dr. Claudia Smith Brinson, South Carolina Honors College
When researching, scientists formulate a hypothesis, test their hypothesis, collect data
and form a conclusion. Book artists follow a similar process in the creation of their books,
which involves finding a subject, creating a book to match the content, and combining
both art and written word. In SCCC 384K, Art of the Book, we discovered that an artist’s
book is not a linear traditional story formatted by rules; they are books bound only by
the author’s imagination. Unlike a linear book, an artist’s book involves blending form,
function and content, visually and literally. We researched the artist’s book in our class
through studying artist’s books, reading about artist’s books, in class presentations
by established book artists, by experimenting with book construction and content
techniques, learning to operate a nineteenth century printing press, art discussions and
finally creating our own books. Through trial and error, revising and editing, we hand
constructed artist’s books in three genres: children’s books, memoirs and reporting
books. Through our research, we found that an artist’s book is a collaboration of a
visual and written story that requires a perfect blend of form and function.
Redefining Overlaps and Interruptions to Reflect the Functional
Complexity of Discourse Strategies
Patrick B. McCormick, Math/Linguistics - Greenville, South Carolina
Mentors: Lori Donath, Linguistics Program
Dr. Nancy Thompson, Department of English
This study presents a redefinition of overlap and interruption as discourse strategies,
to more accurately study discourse in a task-oriented environment. Previous research
on overlap and interruption in discourse reveal gender-based differences (Zimmerman
and West 1983). The present study, set in the Research Communications Studio
(RCS), where small groups of male and female engineering undergraduates meet
weekly to discuss their research, suggests that traditional definitions of overlaps and
interruptions as set forth by Zimmerman and West (1983) are insufficient to explain
discourse patterns. Rather than Zimmerman and West’s syntactic measurements of
interruption, more contextual and situational measurements such as those put forth
by Murray (1985) are more appropriate for analysis of discourse in the Studio. This
study investigates these definitions of overlap and interruption and their capacities to
reflect the complexity of Studio interactions. Though previous studies have focused on
gender as being the salient factor explaining the patterns of overlaps and interruptions,
preliminary findings show that in the Studio setting more detailed classifications are
needed to reflect the spectrum of functions that these discourse strategies play.
40 Discovery Day 2005
Images as Signs: The Risks of Definition by Analogy in Nanotechnology
Kathryn Vignone, Baccaluareas Artium et Scientiae - Greenville, SC
Mentor: Dr. Chris Robinson, Department of Art
Changing a person’s vocabulary is a good first step towards changing that person’s
behavior. This vocabulary change does not have to be verbal: images are a language.
An image’s context conveys meaning much like the tone of a voice colors the connotation
of a word. The context, however, conveys the desired meaning only if the viewer already
understands the terminology used by the speaker to create the context. To establish
communication about a subject of which one party has no previous knowledge requires
a creative use of analogy. Likening the unknown to something of which the other party
(the public) has knowledge allows that second body of information with which both
parties are familiar to form a bridge between the known and unknown. Nanotechnology
uses images to communicate information about itself. The translation from words to
images abstracts complicated experimentation to more manageable definitions. At
present, however, nanoimages are still beyond most people’s breadth of vocabulary.
Therefore, to create an analogy between the receiver and the communicator, the
images are placed into formats the average person understands. A sky, a cliff, a tunnel,
a child, a landscape, and a robot are all objects familiar to many persons. Giving macro
characteristics to images, combining the familiar with the nano, gives meaning to the
sign, the image. A person with no previous knowledge can now infer the significance
of the sign because the context establishes the analogy. I contend that using creative
analogies with impunity imperils the establishment of an accurate public interpretation
of nanoimagery thus making the task of any later relevant discussion of nanotechnology
many times more difficult because the communicator can no longer capitalize on an
established foundation of trust with the receiving public.
Bridges: A Video Documentary in Rural South Carolina
Lauren Waring, Art - Charleston, SC
Mentor: Dr. Susan Hogue, Department of Art
The purpose of Bridges is to create a documentary that examines both sides of an
overlooked but powerful piece of South Carolina history. When Lake Marion was
flooded for the 1930s Rural Electrification Project, two prosperous towns of Rimini
and Lonestar, SC were separated. An alleged promise was made to reconnect the
two communities, but it was never fulfilled. Now that a new bridge is being proposed,
many question whether a promise was made at all and say that a $90-million bridge
reconnecting these two tiny communities is environmentally destructive and possibly the
product of a politician’s vanity. Others say the bridge will bring long-overdue economic
development to the area. The history of the communities is being examined through
WPA records, Santee Cooper historical documents, and Movietone footage. The end
result of the film will be the creation of a visual history for the two towns, which will
include the oral history of the elderly, interviews with working professionals and youth
of the community, as well as politicians, political experts, local and national historians,
Discovery Day 2005 41
and environmentalists. It is anticipated that Bridges will spark a debate on one central
issue: What obligation do we have to keep our promises?
The True New Russians: Opinions on terrorism, democratic
governance, and US-Russian relations among Russian university
students
Jeremiah Wolfe, Russian - Danville, KY
Mentor: Dr. Gordon Smith, Department of Political Science
Sir Winston Churchill put it best when he described Russian politics as a riddle wrapped
in a mystery inside an enigma. Unfortunately for scholars and policy-makers, the same
can be said of contemporary Russian politics. Even less understood is the first postSoviet generation of Russians. My goal is to shed light on this group, which I call the
true new Russians. My research consists of the results of a self-designed survey that I
distributed to over 1,000 Russian students in Vladimir, Russia and Krasnodar, Russia.
My poster will explain that although Russian students are generally pro-democracy, they
overwhelmingly favor a Russified version of democracy over the American/Western
version. It will also show that while Russian students in general have a positive or
indifferent view of America, the vast majority of students believe that Russia should
pursue a more independent foreign policy as well as make efforts to form a countering
alliance by bolstering ties with Europe and Asia. Another issue I address is disparity
between general support for the U.S. War on Terrorism, support for military operations
in Chechnya, and opposition to the Iraq War. In application this research helps to
understand the strong-armed policies of the Putin administration and sheds light on the
likely future course for Russian politics.
42 Discovery Day 2005
Index of Students
Anderson, Melissa ............................. 40
Autry, Anita ........................................ 22
Barber-Collins, Tassie........................ 34
Bass, Christina .................................. 33
Belcher, LaTonia .................................. 5
Black, Lauren Codi ............................ 22
Black, Mandi ........................................ 5
Blew, Michael .................................... 14
Boozer, Victoria ................................. 18
Brown, Leah ...................................... 23
Bryan, Kenneth .................................. 21
Byerly, Katrina ..................................... 9
Byrnes, Jason .................................... 18
Carter, Eric........................................... 6
Chajewski, Michael ............................ 33
Chakales, Sarah ................................ 19
Champion, Allison .............................. 34
Coachman, Sherena ........................... 9
Coggins, Bonnie ................................ 10
Coker, Caitlin ..................................... 39
Corley, Talia ....................................... 19
Coslett, Jamie ............................... 20,39
Dalal, Nishita ....................................... 6
Dickson, Chris ................................... 19
Engle, Melissa ................................... 10
Epps, S. Alisha .................................. 23
Etson, Kristie ..................................... 40
Faulk, Katie ....................................... 19
Foster, Jessica .................................. 18
Fox, Anna .......................................... 20
Frankenberger, Bobby ....................... 34
Gonzalez, Itzel ................................... 35
Hipp, Rachael .................................... 14
Holt, Ryan .......................................... 21
Humphries, Carrie Allison .................. 11
Iotova, Albena .................................... 15
Jacobs, Dale ...................................... 11
Johns, Paula ...................................... 40
Kane, Ian ........................................... 24
Kim, Jae Jun ...................................... 28
Korang-Behesti, Yossef ..................... 28
Krena, Drew ...................................... 29
Kumar, Nidhi ........................................ 7
Lake, Jennifer .................................... 24
Lareau, Stephanie ............................... 7
Lasota, Lesya .................................... 34
Leonard, Brian ................................... 35
Levine, Stefanie ................................. 18
Lohman, Mary ................................... 20
Mahan, Kathleen ............................... 36
Manuse, Mary Jo ................................. 8
Mark, Teresa ...................................... 25
Matthews, Luke ................................. 15
McCormick, Patrick............................ 40
McDougald, Amanda ......................... 35
Mehta, Jeni ........................................ 34
Metcalf, Ashley .................................. 16
Michaelis, Kathryn ............................. 19
Mitchell, Christopher .......................... 12
Moore, Kelvin .................................... 16
Newsom, Ryan .................................. 36
Norris, Deanna .................................... 8
Oates, Kristin ..................................... 29
Ortner, Jackie .................................... 18
Pancholi, Suchita ............................... 30
Peters, Sara ...................................... 34
Refi, Sarah ........................................ 30
Roberson, Samantha ........................ 31
Ross, Jonathan ................................. 19
Sanders, Clara .................................. 36
Saut, Ray ........................................... 34
Saylor, Sara ....................................... 21
Sinclair, Gabrielle .............................. 18
Speaks, Chris .................................... 20
Styslinger, Thomas ............................ 31
Su, Andy ............................................ 26
Thakur, Vivek ..................................... 17
Tomlinson, Jennifer ........................... 26
Traynum, Steven ............................... 13
Vaca, Raquel ..................................... 34
van Dalen, Chris ................................ 20
Venn, Marissa .................................... 19
Veronee, Kimberly ........................ 18,37
Vignone, Kathryn .......................... 20,41
Walker, Elyse ..................................... 13
Waring, Lauren .................................. 41
Warren, A. Cade ................................ 37
Wheeler, Jason .................................. 27
Wolfe, Jeremiah................................. 42
Wright, Megan ................................... 38
Discovery Day 2005 43
44 Discovery Day 2005