[TN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE WESTERN COLLEGIATE DIVISION] April 11, 2015
The 2015 Western Collegiate Division Meeting of the Tennessee
Academy of Sciences
Hosted by The University of Memphis Department of Biological Sciences in Memphis.
Ellington Hall, 3700 Walker Avenue. Memphis
Saturday, April 11, 2015.
8:00 Registration. Free parking at Zach Curling parking Garage; Poster setup in H loopy
8:30 Welcome Remarks from Dean Thomas J. Nenon, College of Arts and Sciences, University
of Memphis (EH 100)
8:35 Keynote Speaker Professor Jennifer Mandel (EH 100)
Title “Conservation Genetics of the Endangered Whorled Sunflower, Helianthus verticillatus”
Oral presentation
Section 1 (EH 105)
Section 2 (EH 131)
Andrew Aristorenas
Taylor C. Rosa-Ramon
Anqi Zheng
Alisha Hetal Patel
Brent McGlaughlin
Austyn Harriman
Charlene Patino
Chelsie Clark
Break. Please visit the posters
Danny Vu Cao
Colton Terhune
Shannon Brooke Joyce
Daniel Schenck
Solomon Amiri
Deanna Long
Toni A. Patrick
Erika A. Odigie
Whitney Kierra Stepter
Heather Huff
Emily Hayward
Madeline Carwile
Alexandra Bickenbach
Rebecca Butler
12:00-1:30 pm
Luncheon at RTG Rose Entertainment Lobby (extra ticket ($10) available at Registration Table)
Time
9:05-9:20
9:20-9:35
9:35-9:50
9:50-10:05
10:05-10:15
10:15-10:30
10:30-10:45
10:45-11:00
11:00- 11:15
11:15-11:30
11:30-11:45
11:45-12:00
Broad #
1
2
3
4
5
Poster presentation
Name
Alyssa Tews
Catherine Kendall Major
Matthew Tom
Sara B. Brauninger
Yoonkeong Chi
See map below for various locations
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[TN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE WESTERN COLLEGIATE DIVISION] April 11, 2015
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[TN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE WESTERN COLLEGIATE DIVISION] April 11, 2015
The 2015 Western Collegiate Division Meeting of the Tennessee
Academy of Sciences
The University of Memphis
Department of Biological Sciences
Saturday, April 11, 2015.
Keynote Speaker
Jennifer R. Mandel Ph.D.
University of Memphis
Dr. Jennifer Mandel is an Assistant Professor at the University of Memphis. Her lab studies evolutionary
and ecological genetics in a number of plant species. Current projects in the lab include the
application of targeted gene sequencing for phylogenomic applications, population genetics of cropwild relatives, and conservation genetics of natural plant populations. She received a BA from Carson
Newman University in 2003, her PhD from Vanderbilt University in 2008, and completed a post-doc in
Plant Biology at the University of Georgia before coming to the UofM in January 2014. Her presentation
to the Meeting is:
“Conservation Genetics of the Endangered Whorled Sunflower,
Helianthus verticillatus”
The talk will address biodiversity and conservation genetics in an endangered sunflower, Helianthus
verticillatus, which is native to West Tennessee. Dr. Mandel will discuss population genetic approaches
for assessing levels and patterns of standing genetic variation in H. verticillatus. The talk will discuss
how conservation genetics is an important component of evaluating rare species and determining and
directing appropriate conservation strategies.
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[TN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE WESTERN COLLEGIATE DIVISION] April 11, 2015
Poster
Alyssa Tews
Monitoring thermoregulation in captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus) at the Memphis Zoo.
Alyssa C. Tews* and Katrina Knott, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee, and Memphis Zoo,
Memphis, Tennessee.
Polar bears are evolutionarily adapted for the Arctic biome, but captive bears often live in
unnaturally hot climates and need methods to lose excess heat. The objective of this study was to
determine whether polar bears modify their body posture in response to ambient temperature
(Ta). An ethogram was developed to determine which body postures were most frequently
observed and how these behaviors correlated to: sex, activity level, and sun exposure. Camera
observations via scan sampling at 2 minute intervals were collected from September to October
2014. Our data showed that Haley rested more frequently (0.60) than Payton and that she spent
majority of her observed time indoors (0.79). In contrast, Payton showed more active behaviors
(0.83) and spent more than half (0.59) of his observed time outdoors. Overall, our study revealed
how captive bears monitor their levels of thermoregulation by activity and sun exposure levels.
Catherine Kendall Major
Comparison of germination rates of crop and wild agricultural species. Catherine K. Major*,
University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee.
Many of the agricultural crops consumed by humans were domesticated from crop-wild
relatives. In order to provide an outreach tool for the Memphis community; I compared
germination between crops and their wild relatives (sunflower, corn, tomato, pepper, lettuce, and
carrot). My hypothesis is that the crops will have more uniform germination rates than their wild
relatives and germinate more rapidly. The wild varieties will be planted in the domestication
garden at the University of Memphis to educate individuals on the ancestral origin of their foo
Matthew Tom
Examination of mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA genetic variation in carrot, Daucus carota.
Matthew Tom*, Rob Coleman, and Jennifer R. Mandel, The University of Memphis, Memphis,
Tennessee.
Mitochondrial DNA is thought to be maternally inherited, but previous research in some plant
species has found evidence of recombination and paternal leakage. Evidence of reassociation
between mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA may provide evidence of paternal leakage.
Following extraction of DNA from Daucus carota, PCR amplification of the DNA using
mitochondrial and chloroplast markers was performed. PCR markers of known size variation
were examined using gel electrophoresis and used to ascertain individual haplotypes. Evidence
of four distinct combinations of the marker variations would yield indirect evidence of paternal
leakage and support research related to paternal leakage and heteroplasmy.
Sarah B. Brauninger
Measuring Clonal Diversity in Stands of Bamboo at Shelby Farms for Memphis Zoo Pandas.
Sara B. Brauninger*, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee.
Bamboo serves as an important food source for pandas and has many medicinal and commercial
applications. The Memphis Zoo grows a large bamboo farm located in Shelby Farms to feed
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[TN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE WESTERN COLLEGIATE DIVISION] April 11, 2015
their two pandas and the pandas in Toronto Zoo, Canada. We studied the genetic variation
present in one of the bamboo species, Phyllostachys bissetii, from Shelby Farms using Simple
Sequence Repeat genetic markers. The study will provide valuable information for the Memphis
Zoo and establishes methodology for identifying clonal diversity and genetic variation within
other species of bamboo in natural stands located in China.
Yoonkeong Chi
Outside spatial movement and social behavioral observations of African elephants (Loxodonta
africana) in captivity. Conner Bradley*, Yoonkeong Chi*, Annie Giarla*, and Maraia
Tremarelli*, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee.
The purpose of this project is to quantify agonistic behavior and physical interactions that occur
between the three elephants at the Memphis Zoo to quantify the social interactions and dynamics
among the three elephants. We collected behavioral and spatial data using scan sampling at 2minute intervals and determined an activity budget for each elephant by observing their social
behaviors. With the activity budget, we quantified the proportion of time each elephant engaged
in social behavior. We then examined the spatial component by looking at the grid number for
each animal at each interval and determined the distance between each of the elephants. The
findings from our study are important for quantifying the social relationship between Gina and
Asali and determining in the future how this relationship may change as Tyranza ages.
Oral
Section 1
Andrew Aristorenas
Diabetes attenuates metabolic oscillations regulated by circadian clock rhythms. Andrew
Aristorenas* and Martin E. Young, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee, and
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
Diabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The cardiomyocyte circadian clock regulates
myocardial functions in a time-of-day-dependent manner; our laboratory identified Dgat2,
Nampt, and Pik3r1 as direct clock output genes. This transcriptionally-based molecular
mechanism is altered in rat hearts during streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. We hypothesize
circadian clock output is disrupted in the heart during diabetes. STZ was administered to 8-week
old mice; 16 weeks later, hearts were isolated at 4 hour intervals. Cardiomyocyte-specific
CLOCK mutant (CCM) mice were utilized as a positive control. RT-PCR and Cosinor analysis
were completed. Results showed STZ treatment significantly decreased circulating insulin levels,
and concomitantly increased circulating glucose levels. dgat2, nampt, and pik3r1 expression
oscillated in control hearts and was attenuated in CCM hearts. Oscillations in these clock output
genes were absent in STZ-induced diabetic mouse hearts. Conclusions: Diabetes diminishes
cardiomyocyte circadian clock-dependent rhythms, which could contribute towards
cardiovascular disease. Supported by UAB SIBS.
Anqi Zheng
Correlation between adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol expressions in young
children. Anqi Zheng*, Cynthia R. Rovnaghi and Kanjalweet Anand, Christian Brothers
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[TN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE WESTERN COLLEGIATE DIVISION] April 11, 2015
University, Memphis, Tennessee (AZ), and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center,
Memphis, Tennessee (CRR and KA).
Noting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis feedback mechanisms, our goal was to
establish the correlation between the stress hormones cortisol and ACTH in African American
and Caucasian children. As cortisol's upstream regulator hormone, ACTH has not been
previously evaluated in saliva. Diurnal salivary levels of ACTH and cortisol were determined in
41 children (1-4 yrs, 3 samples per child per day) enrolled in a magetoencephalography (MEG)
study. Quantification of ACTH and cortisol concluded that African-Americans sustained a higher
cortisol level throughout the day (p=0.0066, median=16.77, 25%tile=8.11, 75%tile=22.35 ).
Morning ACTH levels for African-American is also higher (p=0.0416,median=1.9,
25%tile=0.21, 75%tile=3.6), potentially indicating a disruption of HPA axis. We propose that
partnering measures of stress hormones with brain activity mapping may distinguish
physiological brain changes of the (HPA) axis in response to varying exposures to stress.
Brent McGlaughlin
Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Cell Cycle Induction in a Hepatocellular
Model Brent T. McGlaughlin*, Timothy J. Howze, Peihong Guan, Richard A. Helms,
Emma M. Tillman Departments of Clinical Pharmacy and Pediatrics, University of Tennessee
Health Science Center, Children’s Foundation Research Institute at Le Bonheur Children’s
Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.
When administered long term parenteral nutrition (PN), many patients develop what is known as
(PN) associated liver disease (PNALD). The effects of this disease, which have proven to be life
threatening, have recently shown to be attenuated with the administration of fish oil containing
omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3PUFA). Though ω3PUFA shows antiapoptotic effects in a hepatocellular model, its use to prevent cellular apoptosis and its effects on
cell proliferation have not been studied. This study was performed to examine if higher
concentrations of ω3PUFA further contributed to bile acid-induced apoptosis as well as its
effects on cell proliferation. Results indicated there was no further increase with high
concentrations of ω3PUFA and cell proliferation was increased in the 5μM and 500μM amounts.
In conclusion, bile acid-induced hepatocellular apoptosis was not further increased at higher
concentrations of ω3PUFA and some concentrations did induce proliferation.
Charlene Patino
Effect of potential DAMPs on inflammatory cytokine secretion in particle exposed macrophages.
Charlene Patino*, Karina Chavez*, Charlie L. Xie, Pammi Cheema, William M. Mihalko, and
Richard A. Smith, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (CLX,
PC, WMM, RAS), and Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (CP, KC).
The number of total joint replacements performed each year continues to rise. However, the rate
of revision surgery required to correct failed implants is rising at an even faster rate. The
mechanisms that lead to osteolysis and aseptic loosening are not well understood and the role of
danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in wear-debris induced inflammation and
macrophage activation has not yet been shown. This research studied the affects of selected
DAMPs on inflammatory cytokine secretion from macrophages in vitro. Vitronectin, hyaluronic
acid, and HMG-1 did not show DAMP properties in these experiments, as there was no increase
in the pro-inflammatory TNF- or IL-6 release in macrophages exposed to these molecules
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[TN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE WESTERN COLLEGIATE DIVISION] April 11, 2015
compared with the negative controls. The results indicate that more studies need to be performed
to explore how and if these DAMPs function and determine the role of other molecules in
mediating inflammation in the presence of implant wear particles.
Danny Vu Cao
Real Time-qPCR Analysis of Gene Expression Levels in Oral Cancer Cells. Danny V. Cao*,
Yanhui Zhang, Franklin Garcia-Godoy, and Qian Zheng, Christian Brothers University,
Memphis, Tennessee (DC), and University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of
Dentistry, Memphis, Tennessee (YZ,FG, QZ).
Oral Cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world. The objective of this study was to use
qRT-PCR to analyze the expression levels of target genes in a cancer human cell line SCC-25
and compare them to a normal human cell line GN-23. The target genes were TP53, CD82,
CD81, CD9, and IGSF8. These genes can function as tumor suppressors. However, their
functions in oral cancer are still unknown. Results showed that CD81A and P53 were
significantly down regulated in the cancer cell line SCC-25. Both IGSF8A and IGSF8B were
significantly upregulated in the cancer cell line. In conclusion, genes with significant up or down
regulation may play a role in oral cancer. Furthermore, these data can help support future studies
concerning protein expression levels and functions in oral cancer. This research was supported
by UTHSC College of Dentistry Alumni Endowment Fund and the Tennessee Dental
Association Foundation.
Shannon Brooke Joyce
An examination of tight junction protein expression in human brain microvascular endothelial
cells (hBMEC) in the presence of conditioned media from medulloblastoma subtypes. Brooke
Joyce*, Megan Jacus, Stacy Throm, and Clinton Stewart, Christian Brothers University,
Memphis, Tennessee (BJ), and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee (MJ,
ST, CS).
The increased survival rate of WNT subtype medulloblastoma MB patients compared to patients
with SHH, Group 3 or Group 4 MB may be related to increased permeability of the blood-brain
barrier (BBB) surrounding the tumor. . We sought to determine increased permeability of WNT
tumors by examining whether tumor secreted factors affect tight junction protein expression in
brain endothelial cells. Expression of ZO-1 and occludin were measured in human brain
microvascular endothelial (hBMEC) cells cultured in conditioned media from WNT, SHH, and
group 3 MB tumor cells. ZO-1 and occludin expression in hBMEC cells cultured in conditioned
media was not significantly different from control (p<0.05). These results suggest ZO-1 and
occludin are not the primary proteins influencing WNT MB permeability. Further studies
examining other proteins and their involvement in WNT tumor permeability are warranted.
Solomon Amiri
Inhibition of Arginine-Gingipain by the Cysteine Protease Inhibitor E64. Solomon J Amiri*,
Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee.
The experiment was performed in order to find out if the protease inhibitor E64 was able to
inhibit the actions of the proteases (gingipains) of the periodontal disease causing dental
bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg). Pg produces two protease types- Arginine specific
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[TN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE WESTERN COLLEGIATE DIVISION] April 11, 2015
(Rgp) and Lysine specific (Kgp). The experiment tested the E64 antibacterial activity against Pg
in vitro, and if E64 can inhibit the gingipains at low concentrations without killing the Pg.
Killing Pg would select for resistant mutants. R and K protease activity and bactericidal activity
were measured by fluorescent assays after the inhibitor E64 was added to Pg cultures. The Rgps
were slightly inhibited, while the Kpgs were not inhibited at all by E64. The results were
compared to a known inhibitor of the proteases, which showed the E64 was not effective enough
be used. Supported by the Alumni Endowment Fund of College of Dentistry.
Toni A. Patrick
Blood chemistry in neonatal acute kidney injury. Toni A. Patrick* and Adebowale Adebiyi.
Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (TAP), and University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Memphis Tennessee (AA).
Adequate kidney function is very critical to maintaining body homeostasis. Although
organogenesis occurs in the first trimester, newborn kidneys are still structurally and functionally
immature. Hence, infants are more vulnerable to renal dysfunction, especially when blood
circulation in the kidney is altered. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a condition in which kidney
function is abruptly disrupted. An important cause of AKI is renal ischemia-reperfusion. Renal
ischemia-reperfusion injury is defined as the temporary depletion of blood flow to kidneys with a
sudden return to tissues. In this study, blood chemistry changes during short-term renal ischemiareperfusion were analyzed in newborn pigs subjected to 30 minutes ischemia and 3 hours of
reperfusion. The levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, glucose, and total
protein did not show significant alterations following 180 minutes of reperfusion. By contrast,
serum creatinine, sodium, and potassium were significantly elevated. These findings highlight
blood chemistry changes in neonatal AKI.
Whitney Kierra Stepter
Effects of Human Traits vs. Motor Vehicle Elements on Whiplash Recovery. Whitney K
Stepter* and Bobby Myers, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee, and James
Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, Cordova, Tennessee.
The purpose of this research was to determine if a correlation existed between patients’ activity
level, prior to car accident, and recovery time after whiplash injury. Chiropractic assessment and
patients’ perception of pain/range of motion was the determining factor on recovery.
Independent variables included: age, weight, activity level, while dependent variables were:
vehicle type, time/speed/damage, seatbelt status, or airbag deployment. Statistical analysis
showed a correlation (p<0.05) with a patients’ physical ability prior to accident and recovery
time. If an individual was active, regardless of age, they recovered faster. Further analysis
showed that the passenger within a vehicle had a longer recovery time than a driver in same type
accident. Vehicle type showed that the larger the vehicle the less likelihood of an injury, when
compared with compact cars. These results support activity as a deterrent to injury at any age,
and the need for increased safety standards for small vehicles.
Emily Hayward
Expression and purification of active Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) for potential use as
a novel anticancer therapeutic agent. Emily Hayward*, Krystal Herline, Steve Finckbeiner,
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[TN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE WESTERN COLLEGIATE DIVISION] April 11, 2015
Cristina Guibao, Jie Zheng, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee (EH), and St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee (EH, KH, SF, CG, JZ).
Although Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) was originally noted for its ability to induce
bone formation and repair, recent research has discovered that both under-expression and
overexpression of BMP4 can lead to cancer. For the cancers in which BMP4 is under-expressed,
the protein itself may be a promising treatment. However, BMP4 is expensive and does not exist
in a highly pure and stable form that can be used in human medicine without severe side effects.
Current work in the Zheng Lab utilizes the cost effective and easily accessible model organism
Escherichia coli (E. coli) to overexpress BMP4. Various purification methods, including affinity
column chromatography, were then implemented to develop a purer, more stable form of BMP4.
Assays in eukaryotic cell lines have recently confirmed the successful production of active
BMP4 from E. coli inclusion bodies, and this protein will be investigated further as a potentially
novel anticancer therapeutic agent.
Alexandra Bickenbach
Ethanol Effects on Diameter of Arteries That Irrigate Different Cerebral Territories. Alexandra
Bickenbach*, Anna Bukiya, Alex Dopico, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee,
and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee.
Moderate-heavy episodic alcohol intake, such as during binge drinking, is associated with
increased risk for cerebrovascular spasm and stroke. Ethanol-induced cerebral artery constriction
is caused by inhibition of smooth muscle ion currents of the BK type. In the present work we
used rat cerebral artery in vitro pressurization and selective pharmacological tools to determine:
1) whether cerebral arteries that irrigate different areas of the brain have differential
susceptibility to Ethanol- induced constriction and 2) possible role of primary targets of Ethanol
action in the vascular smooth muscle- BK channels- in the differential sensitivity of cerebral
arteries (anterior, posterior, middle, basilar) to Ethanol. Arteries from the different cerebral
territories showed differing sensitivity to ethanol, with the basilar artery constricting the most
and the anterior artery cerebral artery constricting the least. This study has identified the cerebral
arteries that are most affected by ethanol.
Oral
Section 2
Taylor C. Rosa-Ramon
Evaluation of Clearing Methods for Light Microscopy. Taylor C. Rosa-Ramon*, Victoria
Frohlich, and Cliff Guy, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (TR) and St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee (VF, CG).
Various tissue clearing methods were evaluated to determine which would provide the most
effective fluorescence detection for light microscopy imaging by reducing tissue opacity. Whole
brains and lymph nodes were cleared with 3DISCO, Scale, Clear T2, and BABB respectively.
Tissue clearing was performed at 4°C and the total clearing time was relative to the volume of
tissue. Initial evaluations of clearing were made visually and the depth of imaging penetration
was evaluated by confocal imaging. It was hypothesized that 3DISCO, an organic solvent based
method, would provide the fastest and most reliable preparation method. The depth of imaging
penetration by confocal microscopy was inadequate in BABB and Clear T2. Tissue cleared with
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[TN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE WESTERN COLLEGIATE DIVISION] April 11, 2015
either Scale or 3DISCO had reduced light scattering properties; however, depth of penetration
for Scale was also inadequate. The 3DISCO clearing method resulted in the best depth of
penetration, clarity, and time required for tissue preparation.
Alisha Hetal Patel
Morphological characterization of hemoparasites from small mammals living in forest fragments
in Paraguay. Alisha Patel*, Aubrey Howard*, Monali Lipman*, Patrick Leavey III*,
Katharine Goebel*, Pastor Pérez-Estigarribia, Noé de la Sancha, Sarah Boyle, Laura E.
Luque, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee (AP, AH, ML, PL, KG, SB, LL), Centro
Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Asuncion, Paraguay (PP), Chicago State
University, Chicago, Illinois (NL).
Forest fragmentation can affect the distribution and types of parasites among resident
mammalian populations. The purpose of this study was to characterize the hemoparasites of
small mammals living in six forest fragments (2 to 1200ha) in the Tapytá Private Reserve,
Paraguay. We collected blood samples from 134 individuals representing the genera:
Oligoryzomys (63.2 % of all small mammals sampled), Akodon (28.6 % of individuals sampled),
Gracilinanus (6.0 % of individuals sampled), and Marmosa (2.2 % of individuals sampled).
Blood smears were analyzed via light microscopy. Hemoparasite infection was present in all four
genera of small mammals captured and in all six forest fragments. The two most common
hemoparasites were protozoa belonging to the Aconoidasia and Kinetoplastida classes. Bacterial
infections were also present. The identification of these hemoparasites will allow us to
understand the relationship between forest fragmentation and disease ecology to ultimately
improve conservation management plans.
Austin Harriman
Sampling of fish diversity as an indicator of stream health at Cypress Creek. Austyn Harriman*,
Cheryl Goudie, and Lynda Miller, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (AH,
LM) and University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee (CG).
An EPA wadeable streams assessment was used to evaluate Cypress Creek, a tributary to the
Loosahatchie River. Ten transects were established at 10 meter intervals along each of three
sections and Habitat variables were measured and recorded. Fish were collected from each site
using seines and a backpack electroshocker. The fish were counted and identified on site, and
unidentifiable fish were taken to the lab and keyed out. The data from the fish collection was
used to compile an index of biotic integrity for each site as well as an overall IBI for the entire
creek. The IBI metrics were summed, resulting in values of 38, 44, and 36 for the individual sites
and 44 for the creek as a whole. A Simpson’s diversity index was also calculated, giving vales of
0.65, 0.82, and 0.61 for the individual sites and 0.86 for the total. These analyses indicate poor
stream health.
Chelsie Clark
Post Approval Study of the TS (Threshold Suspend) Feature with a Sensor-Augmented Pump
System. Chelsie Clark, Shazia Chatha, and Dr. Kashif Latif, AM Diabetes & Endocrinology
Center.
Many studies have been implemented to test the technical and therapeutic efficacy insulin pumps
for patients diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus type 1 and 2. Medtronic MiniMed has
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[TN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE WESTERN COLLEGIATE DIVISION] April 11, 2015
manufactured and acquired FDA approval for an insulin pump called 530G that can sense a
patient’s blood glucose via a sensor inserted subcutaneously that will start or end insulin delivery
accordingly. This is known as the Threshold Suspend (TS) feature. Researchers conducted a
study to investigate the TS feature of the 530G pump to assess its relationship with glycemic
deterioration, as measured by a significant increase or decrease in A1C or the average blood
sugar level over a 3 month period. The study aimed to observe the TS feature in patients 16 and
older with insulin-requiring diabetes and record the change in A1C from a baseline visit over a
period of one year with 4 visits, one every 3 months. The study objective was to demonstrate that
home use of TS feature is not associated with severe hypo- and hyperglycemia as supported by
A1C.
Colton Terhune
Understanding the Population Dynamics of Trillium recurvatum in Western Tennessee. Colton A
Terhune*, James E Moore, Jennifer R Mandel Christian Brothers University Memphis,
Tennessee (CT, JM), University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee (JRM).
For vegetation ecologists, an understanding of the performance and ecological success of genets
and ramets can provide valuable insights into population dynamics. For this project, we
developed a simple sequence library using microsatellite enrichment and next – gen sequencing
and optimized a set of polymorphic loci to determine genetic and clonal diversity in the selfincompatible Trillium recurvatum. We specifically address the extent of clonality and spatial
patterns of genetic diversity in this population. We calculated the probability that each cluster
was a single genet and that identical genotypes were not obtained by chance. In many cases, we
found multiple genotypes per quadrat, yet the number within each quadrat varied. Juvenile and
non-flowering adults have been shown to dominate this population, which may indicate that
there are substantial fitness tradeoffs between clonality and self-incompatibility, since insect
pollinations that occur between genetically identical individuals, i.e., ramets, may not produce
viable seeds.
Daniel Schenck
Testing of Stream Health of the Loosahatchie River Using Macroinvertebrates. Daniel Schenck*,
Cheryl Goudie, Lynda Miller. Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (DS, LM)
University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee (CG).
Aquatic macroinvertebrates are organisms that are found in substrates like gravel, silt, and sand.
They are affected by the level of pollution in the waters that they inhabit and they are considered
to be bioindicators of stream health. This study examined three sections of a stream that flow
into the Loosahatchie River in Southwest Tennessee. Macroinvertebrates were collected at each
of the three sites and identified to genus in the lab. A Benthic-IBI was calculated. Many
different species with a high tolerance of pollution were found in the stream but the
Chironomidae family was found in the greatest abundance. Based on our data it was determined
that the three stream was of poor health.
Deanna Long
Relationships of tick and host among small mammals in western Tennessee. Deanna L. Long*,
Rebecca Butler*, Dave Paulsen*, Rebecca Trout Fryxell, Allan E. Houston, and Michael L.
Kennedy. The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee (DL, RB, and MK), The University
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[TN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE WESTERN COLLEGIATE DIVISION] April 11, 2015
of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (DP, RT), and The Ames Plantation, Grand Junction,
Tennessee (AH).
We examined host-tick associations for small mammals in three habitats types (field, hardwood
forest, and pine forest) during the years 2013 and 2014. The study was conducted at the Ames
Plantation in Fayette and Hardeman counties in western Tennessee. Small mammals were
collected using Sherman live traps baited with rolled oats and identified to species. Collectively,
eight species of small mammals were captured, with Sigmodon hispidus and Peromyscus
leucopus being the most abundant. Dermacentor variabilis was the most abundant of four species
of ticks collected from host. Greatest numbers of ticks were found on hosts from field habitat.
Based on catch per unit effort for small mammals and numbers of ticks recorded from hosts,
populations of small mammals and ticks were numerous on the site.
Erika A. Odigie
Impact of Surgical or Trans catheter device closure on weight gain in children with VSD, ASD or
PDA. Erika A. Odigie*, Michael Perez, Rana Khaznadar, Shyam Sathanandam. Christian
Brothers University, Memphis, TN
Background: Patients with ventricular septal defects (VSD), atrial septal defects (ASD), and
patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) are known to develop congestive heart failure leading to poor
growth.
Objectives: The goal of this study is to evaluate the impact of repairing isolated VSD, ASD, and
PDA on growth velocity. We hypothesize that patients who undergo repair will demonstrate an
increase in growth velocity.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts from 2007-2014 of all patients with isolated VSD,
ASD, PDA who underwent surgical or trans-catheter repair at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital,
excluding those with comorbidities. Height and weight velocities before and after intervention
were collected.
Results: 12 patients were included: 5 PDA, 5 ASD, and 2 VSD. There was a decrease in weight
velocity of 24 grams/month and a decrease in height velocity of 0.25 cm/month following
intervention.
Conclusions: This study is ongoing and no conclusions can yet be made.
Heather Huff
Drug Screening of Candida albicans in Amphotericin B. Heather E. Huff* Christian Brothers
University, Memphis, Tennessee. P. D. Rogers, Sarah G. Whaley University of Tennessee
Health and Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee.
The goal of this research was to determine if the growth of transcription factor deletion mutants
of the fungus Candida albicans is inhibited by the antifungal drug Amphotericin B (AmB). 165
mutants, along with the wild type parent were grown in a RPMI medium containing increasing
concentrations of Amphotericin B (0-1 mg/µl). The minimum inhibitory concentration of AmB
was determined for each strain and measured at 24 and 48 hours. Strains deleted for three
transcription factors (TUP1, RIM101, STP2) showed increased susceptibility to AmB. These
results suggest that components of the transcription pathways regulated by these transcription
factors might be exploited for the enhancement of AmB activity.
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[TN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE WESTERN COLLEGIATE DIVISION] April 11, 2015
Madeline Carwile
Sexual behaviors of a female Sumatran tiger at the Memphis Zoo following Deslorelin implant
Madeline E. Carwile* and Beth Roberts, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee and the
Memphis Zoo, Memphis, Tennessee. Rahtu is a female Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)
housed with a male at the Memphis Zoo. From 2007-2009, she was not recommended for
breeding, and was implanted yearly with the birth control Deslorelin, a type of GNrH analogue
implant. Initial testing of Deslorelin on wild and captive felids showed it to be effective and
reversible in 12-18 months. Rahtu was expected to return to sexual receptivity in 2010, but has
not reproduced. This study correlated sexual behaviors and urinary steroid hormones to
determine if Rahtu is cycling and sexually receptive. The study found that while Rahtu exhibits
cyclic sexual behaviors, her urinary estrogen is not correlated to the events, and mounting
attempts by the male are not successful. The results suggest that there are residual effects from
the Deslorelin implant which are not removed between doses. Our recommendation is to attempt
surgical removal and GnRH challenge.
Rebecca Butler
Differential occurrence of ticks on Sigmodon hispidus and Peromyscus
leucopus based on age and sex. Rebecca Butler*, Deanna L. Long, Dave Paulsen, Rebecca
Trout-Fryxell, Allan E. Houston, and Michael L. Kennedy, The University of Memphis,
Memphis,
Tennessee (RB, DLL, and MLK), The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (DP, RT),
and The
Ames Plantation, Grand Junction, Tennessee (AH).
Differential occurrence of ticks on the hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) and the whitefooted deer mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) was assessed at the Ames Plantation in Fayette and
Hardeman counties in western Tennessee. Specimens were live-trapped in multiple habitats
using Sherman live traps were baited with rolled oats. Upon capture, animals were examined and
separated by age (adult, sub adult, or juvenile) and sex was determined. The presence or absence
of ticks was determined based upon visual examination. For P. leucopus, the greatest number of
ticks was found on adult males with the least number on juvenile males and juvenile females. A
similar pattern was observed for S. hispidus with the greatest number of ticks occurring on adult
males and the least number on juvenile females. Overall, the greatest number of ticks occurred
on hispid cotton rats. Males of both species were most likely to harbor ticks.
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