57TH IDAHO ACADEMY
OF SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING ANNUAL
MEETING AND
SYMPOSIUM
March 19-21,
2015
Addressing Global Concerns
Held at the Boise State University Student Union Building
1910 University Drive, Boise, Idaho 83725
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................ 1
VISUAL AGENDA ................................................................................................................. 2
WRITTEN AGENDA .............................................................................................................. 3
SESSION SCHEDULE FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015 .................................................................. 4
Morning Session ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Afternoon Session ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Poster Session ............................................................................................................................................ 9
PANEL DISCUSSION THUSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015 ............................................................ 11
Invited Panelists...................................................................................................................................... 12
OPENING KEYNOTE .......................................................................................................... 14
Dr. Troy Rohn, Ph.D................................................................................................................................ 14
SYMPOSIUM BANQUET FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015 .......................................................... 15
BANQUET KEYNOTE.......................................................................................................... 17
Dr. Denny Stevens, M.D., Ph.D. ............................................................................................................ 17
SESSION CHAIRS ............................................................................................................... 18
CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS ............................................................................................. 20
ORAL PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS ................................................................................... 22
Materials for Energy and Sustainability ........................................................................................... 22
Materials for Nano-biotechnology .................................................................................................... 23
Global Challenges in Hydrosystems .................................................................................................. 24
Global Challenges in Ecosytems ......................................................................................................... 25
Progress in Therapeutic Development ............................................................................................... 28
STEM Education in Idaho ...................................................................................................................... 28
Student Oral Session ............................................................................................................................. 32
POSTER PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS................................................................................ 36
BANQUET—ZIONS BANK WALKING AND PARKING INFORMATION ............................. 56
ZION BANK MAP .............................................................................................................. 57
SURROUNDING AREA/BOISE MAP ................................................................................... 58
BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS MAP.......................................................................... 59
BSU STUDENT UNION MAP ............................................................................................... 60
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS ..................................................................................... 61
CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Organizing Committee
Dr. Cheryl L. Jorcyk, Conference Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University
Dr. Stephen Crowley, Department of Philosophy, Boise State University
Steven J. Lysne, Department of Life Sciences, College of Western Idaho
Danielle Hedeen, Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University
Session Chairs
Dr. Alejandro Flores, Department of Geological Sciences, Boise State University
Dr. Marie-Anne de Graaff, Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University,
Dr. David Estrada, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University
Dr. Jeunghoon Lee, Department of Chemistry, Boise State University
Dr. Allan Albig, Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University
Dr. Ken Cornell, Department of Chemistry, Boise State University
Dr. Louis S. Nadelson, College of Education, Utah State University
Judges
Dr. Kevin Kelley, Department of Physics, Brigham Young University – Idaho
Dr. Ehab Marji, Department of Physical Sciences, College of Western Idaho
Dr. Emiko Quintana, Department of Mathematics, College of Western Idaho
Dr. Sara Heggland, Biology Department, College of Idaho
Dr. Dan K. Moore, Department of Geology, Brigham Young University – Idaho
William H. Clark, Orma J. Smith of Natural History, College of Idaho
Nicole Frank, Department of Life Sciences, College of Western Idaho
William Piispanen, AECOM
Others
Ty Sthyl
Tony Berlin
Davianne Astley
Mala Jayatilleke
Merrie Rampy
Katie Neal
Hannah Scott
Katherine klamerus
David Astley
Cover Photo Credit: Joshua Roper Photography
Page |1
VISUAL AGENDA
Friday March 20th, 2015
Thursday March
19th, 2015
Day
Time
Event
Room
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Registration
Hatch Ballroom
6:00pm – 7:30pm
Panel Discussion
Hatch Ballroom
7:30pm
Reception & Social
7:30am – 1:00pm
8:30am – 8:35am
8:35am – 9:30am
9:30am – 9:45am
Registration
Welcome & Introductions
Opening Keynote
Break
Materials for Energy and
Sustainability
Global Challenges in
Hydrosystems
Morning
Molecular and Cellular
Session
Approaches to
Understanding Human
Disease
STEM Education in Idaho
Student Oral Session
Poster Setup
Lunch on your own
Materials for NanoBiotechnology
Global Challenges in
Afternoon
Ecosystems
Session
Progress in Therapeutic
Development
STEM Education in Idaho
Poster Session
Symposium Banquet
9:45am – 12:30pm
(break 10:4511:00)
12:30pm – 1:45pm
12:30pm – 1:45pm
1:45pm – 4:30pm
(break 3:15-3:30)
Saturday
March 21st,
2014
4:30pm – 6:00pm
6:30pm – 9:30pm
9:00am– 12:00pm
Annual IASE Executive Committee &
Board Meeting
The Stonehouse 709 E. Park
Blvd., Boise
Hatch Ballroom
Hatch Ballroom
Hatch Ballroom
Brink Room
Ah Fong Room
Bergquist Lounge
Trueblood Room
Boyington Room
Hatch Ballroom
Brink Room
Ah Fong Room
Bergquist Lounge
Trueblood Room
Hatch Ballroom
17th Floor, Zion Bank Building
Forum Room
57th Idaho Academy of Science and Engineering Annual Meeting and Symposium
2|Page
WRITTEN AGENDA
T H U S D A Y, M A R C H 1 9 T H , 2 0 1 5
4:00-6:00pm
6:00-7:30pm
7:30pm
Registration
Hatch Ballroom
Addressing Global Concerns Panel Discussion
Hatch Ballroom
Reception and Social
The Stonehouse, 709 E. Park Blvd.
F R I D A Y, M A R C H 2 0 T H , 2 0 1 5
7:30am-1:00pm
8:30-8:35am
8:35-9:30am
9:30-9:45
9:45-12:30pm
(Break 10:45-11:00am)
12:30pm-3:30pm
12:30-1:45pm
1:45-4:30pm
(Break 3:15-3:30pm)
4:30-6:00pm
6:30-7:30pm
7:30-8:15pm
8:15-8:30-pm
8:30pm-9:15pm
9:15-9:30pm
Registration
Hatch Ballroom
Welcome and Introductions
Hatch Ballroom
Dr. Cheryl Jorcyk, Symposium Chair
Opening Keynote
Hatch Ballroom
Dr. Troy Rohn
Break
Morning Sessions
Session 1 Materials for Energy and Sustainability
Brink Room
Session 2 Global Challenges in Hydrosystems
Ah Fong Room
Session 3 Molecular and Cellular Approaches to
Bergquist Lounge
Understanding Human Disease
Session 4 STEM Education in Idaho
Trueblood Room
Session 5 Student Oral Session
Boyington Room
Poster Setup
Hatch Ballroom
Lunch on your own
Afternoon Sessions
Session 1 Materials for Nano-biotechnology
Brink Room
Session 2 Global Challenges in Ecosystems
Ah Fong Room
Session 3 Progress in Therapeutic Development
Bergquist Lounge
Session 4 STEM Education in Idaho
Trueblood Room
Poster Session
Hatch Ballroom
Banquet Reception
Zion Bank Building
Dinner
Zion Bank Building
Welcoming Remarks
Zion Bank Building
Dr. Harold Blackman, Associate VP, Research and Economic Development
Brad Little, Lieutenant Governor of Idaho
Banquet Keynote
Zion Bank Building
Dr. Denny Stevens, Chief, Infectious Disease Boise VA
Student Awards
Zion Bank Building
S A T U R D A Y, M A R C H , 2 1 S T , 2 0 1 5
9:00am-12:00pm
IASE Annual Executive Committee and Board Meeting
Forum Room
Match 19th-21st, 2015
Page |3
SESSION SCHEDULE FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015
Morning Session
Morning Session 1
9:45am-12:30pm
Materials for Energy and Sustainability
Session Chair:
David Estrada, PhD, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University
ID
Time
Presenting Author
Title
MNC-1
9:45-10:15
Yanliang Zhang
Thermoelectric energy conversion-materials,
(Invited Talk)
devices and applications
MNC-2
10:15-10:45
Hui (Claire) Xiong
Nanostructured electrodes for sodium-ion
(Invited Talk)
batteries
10:45-11:00
Break
MNC-3
11:00-11:30
Janelle Wharry
Comparison of proton and neutron irradiation
(Invited Talk)
effects in ODS and F/M alloys
MNC-4
11:30-11:45
Brandon Anderson
Silver Nanoparticle Toxicity and Characterization
MNC-5
11:45-12:00
Kalyan Chitrada
Understanding and Enhancing the Photo-stability
of β-Bi2O3 for Solar Hydrogen Generation
MNC-6
12:00-12:15
Kevin Tolman
Aliovalent doping in CaTiO3 and
Pb(Zr0.6Ti0.4)O3
Morning Session 2
9:45am-12:30pm
Global Challenges in Hydrosystems
Session Chair:
Alejandro Flores, PhD, Department of Geosciences, Boise State University
ID
Time
Presenting Author
Title
ECO-1
9:45-10:15
Lejo Flores
Challenges at the interface of human and water
systems
ECO-2
10:15-10:30
David Assan
Overview of water supply and sanitation in
Accra, Ghana
10:30-11:00
Break
ECO-3
11:00-11:30
Daniel Moore
Origin of lava benches and Upper and Lower
Mesa Falls in the Henrys Fork and Warm River
canyons, Island Park, Idaho
ECO-4
11:30-12:00
Harold Blackman
Energy and water – globally and locally
(Invited Talk)
ECO-5
12:00-12:15
Katelyn Watson
Modeling the hydro-climate of Southwest Idaho:
verification of surface fields from high-resolution
regional climate stimulation
ECO-6
12:15-12:30
Will Parham
Spatial and temporal storage dynamics
moderate the eco-hydrologic significance of
evapotranspiration in semi-arid, mountainous
terrain
57th Idaho Academy of Science and Engineering Annual Meeting and Symposium
4|Page
Morning Session 3
9:45am-12:30pm
Molecular and Cellular Approaches to Understanding Human Disease
Session Chair:
Allan Albig, PhD, Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University
ID
Time
Presenting Author
Title
BM-1
9:45-10:15
Tanya Miura
The role of alveolar epithelial cells in disease
(Invited Talk)
pathogenesis of respiratory viral infections
BM-2
10:15-10:45
James Lai
Cell models of chronic mitochondrial DNA
(Invited Talk)
deletion for studying neurodegenerative diseases
10:45-11:00
Break
BM-3
11:00-11:15
Bryce LaFoya
Resveratrol controls Notch signaling in an integrin
dependent manner: a new mechanism to
understand Resveratrol’s anti-atherosclerotic
activity?
BM-4
11:15-11:30
Catherine Anders
Investigation of the physiochemical properties
that influence and control the preferential
cytotoxicity of ZnO nanoparticles to cancer cells
BM-5
11:30-12:00
Todd Talley
Structural information for building better drugs
(Invited Talk)
BM-6
12:00-12:30
Brad Morrison
The Parkinson’s disease-causing VPS35 D620N
(Invited Talk)
mutation represses autophagy
Morning Session 4
9:45am-12:30pm
STEM Education in Idaho
Session Chair:
Louis Nadelson, PhD, School of the Future Teacher Education and Leadership, Utah State University
ID
Time
Presenting Author
Title
STEM-1 9:45-10:15
Liljana Babinkostova
Effectiveness of using cryptography math
(Invited Talk)
understanding and to engage undergrads in
research
STEM-2 10:15-10:45
L. Paul Verhage
BalloonSats as a STEM teaching tool through
community education
10:45-11:00
Break
STEM-3 11:00-11:30
Brian McClain
Using logistic regression to predict the
probability of passing general chemisty
STEM-4 11:30-11:45
Nicole Frank
Implementing vision and change programatically
(Invited Talk)
STEM-5 11:45-12:00
Jazmin Lomax
Short term memory
STEM-6 12:00-12:15
Steven J. Lysne
Using mobile devices to engage students in
evolutionary thinking
STEM-7 12:15-12:30
Daniele Moro, Nick
Students local and international collaboration for
Sabaj
environment through innovative technologyTM
Match 19th-21st, 2015
Page |5
Morning Session 5
9:45am-12:30pm
Student Oral Session
Session Chair:
Stephen Crowley, PhD, Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University
ID
Time
Presenting Author
Title
SU-1
9:45-10:00
Esteban Cano
Image processing and analysis of an apple
orchard’s aerial images
SU-2
10:00-10:15
Heather Skovgard
Analyzing crop efficiency through UAV imaging
SU-3
10:15-10:30
Cheri Lamb
Exposure to TCDD increases fibrogenesis during
experimental liver fibrosis
SU-4
10:30-10:45
Ken Tawara
Inflammatory cytokines stimulate breast cancer
disease progression
10:45-11:00
Break
SU-5
11:00-11:15
Neha Misra
Identifying S. aureus surface proteins that are
upregulated and immunogenic during mastitis
SU-6
11:15-11:30
Hunter Covert
The role of inflammatory cytokines in metastatic
breast cancer
SU-7
11:30-11:45
Jerry Hagler
TCDD increases activity of matrix
metalloproteinases during experimental liver
fibrosis
SU-8
11:45-12:00
Neda Shefa
BMP-2 and PTHrP regulate Col11a1 alternative
splicing during osteoblast differentiation of
C2C12 cells
57th Idaho Academy of Science and Engineering Annual Meeting and Symposium
6|Page
SESSION SCHEDULE FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015
Afternoon Session
Afternoon Session 1
1:45-4:30pm
Materials for Nano-Biotechnology
Session Chair:
Jeunghoon Lee, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Boise State University
ID
Time
Presenting Author
Title
MNC-7
1:45-2:15 Daniel Fologea
Lipid-based structures and their application for
(Invited Talk)
nanobiotechnology
MNC-8
2:15-2:45 Byung Il Kim
Direct observation of self-assembled chain-like water
(Invited Talk)
structures in nanoscopic water menisci by cantileverbased optical interfacial force microscopy (COIFM)
MNC-9
2:45-3:15 Peter Allen
Progress toward applying DNA computation to
(Invited Talk)
biomaterials
3:15-3:30
Break
MNC-10 3:30-4:00 Reza Zadegan
DNA logic gates
(Invited Talk)
MNC-11 4:00-4:15 Xiaoping Olson
Leakage reduction by mismatches and secondary
structure in a catalyzed DNA strand displacement
reaction
MNC-12 4:15-4:30 Bert Huttanus
Catalytic DNA hybridization reactions increase the
sensitivity of gold nanoparticle biosensors
Afternoon Session 2
1:45-4:30pm
Global Challenges in Ecosystems
Session Chair:
Marie-Anne de Graaff, PhD, Department of Philosophy, Boise State University
ID
Time
Presenting Author
Title
ECO-7
1:45-2:15 Martha Brabec
Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate) in a shifting
(Invited Talk)
climate context: assessment of seedling responses to
variable climate
ECO-8
2:15-2:30 Xochi Campos
Precipitation impacts on littler decomposition
ECO-9
2:30-2:45 Jaron Adkins
A meta-analysis of soil biodiversity impacts on the
carbon cycle
ECO-10 2:45-3:15 Mir Seyedbagheri
On farm applied research verifies the benefits of using
humate products
3:15-3:30
Break
ECO-11 3:30-3:45 Tyrell Styhl
Entrainment of freshwater mollusks: a bioenergetics sink
for primary consumers
ECO-12 3:45-4:00 Anthony Berlin
A review of biomphalaria in North America with
implications for disease transmission in human and
wildlife populaitons
ECO-13 4:00-4:30 Leslie Hay
Use of camera trap to detect abundance and
distribution of jaguar and other forest carnivores in
Costa Rican neotropical rain forests
Match 19th-21st, 2015
Page |7
Afternoon Session 3
1:45-4:30pm
Progress in Therapeutic Development
Session Chair:
Ken Cornell, PhD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Boise State University
ID
Time
Presenting Author
Title
BM-7
1:45-2:15 Danny Xu
Computer aided design of novel antibiotics to treat
(Invited Talk)
bacterial infections
BM-8
2:15-2:45 John Thurston
Photocatalytic antimicrobial properties of graphitic
(Invited Talk)
carbon nitride
BM-10
2:45-3:15 Ken Cornell
Antibiotic targeting of microbial purine and methionine
salvage pathways
3:15-3:30
Break
BM-11
3:30-4:15 Charlie Powell
Animals in research and teaching: managing media,
(Invited Talk)
images, and messages
Afternoon Session 4
1:45-4:30pm
STEM Education in Idaho
Session Chair:
Steven J. Lysne, Department of Life Sciences, College of Western Idaho
ID
Time
Presenting Author
Title
STEM-8
1:45-2:15 Louis Nadelson
The rift of two realities: Bridging the in-school and out(Invited Talk)
of-school chasm
STEM-9
2:15-2:45 Stevan Hunter
Intro to Lean Six Sigma, for use in teaching
(invited Talk)
STEM-10 2:45-3:15 Merrie Rampy
Student pre-college science research
3:15-3:30
Break
STEM-11 3:30-4:00 Stephen Crowley
Why is interdisciplinary collaboration hard and what
can we do about it?
STEM-12 4:00-4:30 T. Rick Fletcher
Supporting first-year Idaho science students as they
(Invited Talk)
are
57th Idaho Academy of Science and Engineering Annual Meeting and Symposium
8|Page
SESSION SCHEDULE FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015
Poster Session
Poster Session 4:30-6:00pm
Materials Science/Engineering/Physical and Chemical Science
ID
Presenting Author
Title
Co-culturing dorsal root ganglion neurons with Schwann cells protects
1
Solomon Leung
them against the cytotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles
Photoelectrochemical behavior of nanoporous anodic oxide of FeNdB
2
Kalyan Chitrada
alloy
Macromolecule translocation through lysenin channels
3
Nisha Shrestha
Emerging biomedical applications of graphene and graphene foam
4
Nicole Chang
Screen printing and spray coating for flexible thermoelectric energy
5
Ryan Stevenson
harvesting
Correlated optical and atomic force microscopy characterization of
6
Nicholos Alec La Combe
two-dimensional atomic-layered
Cyanide detection in blood via elemental silver complexation
7
Matt Kirkham
A comparative analysis of acyl-homoserine lactone synthase assays
8
Daniel Shin
Synthesis of model compounds that mimic the primary and secondary
9
Josiah Elsberg
coordination sphere of carbonic anhydrase
Limitations of Sn incorporation into PECVD deposited GeS2 thin films
10 Benjamin Poulter
Water/Ecosystems/Environment
ID
Presenting Author
Title
11 William Clark
Philolithus elatus (LeConte) associated with Pogonomyrmex salinus
Olsen nest soils in southeastern Idaho
Student training in large vertebrate fossil collection and preparation
12 Casey Dooms
The effect of spatial resolution in digital elevation models (DEM) on
13 Logan Davidson
losses from hurricane storm surge in the HAZUS hurricane model
Monitoring distribution and abundance of terrestrial mammals in
14 Christian Rohnert
protected Costa Rican rain forests
Giant Chelonians of Idaho’s Miocene
15 Ellen Jacox
A new occurrence of Paramylodon harlani from Power County, Idaho
16 Kevin Bell
Investigation of bison bones at the Minidoka Bison Site: determining
17 Jeff Castro
butchery vs. trampling
Characterization of low-height vegetation with waveform LiDAR
18 Nayani Ilongakoon
Use of morphometric analysis on postcrania to identify mammalian fossil
19 Mary Thompson
species
Predicting patterns of indoor radon concentrations in northern Idaho
20 Morgan Weeks
21 Lauren Polito
Biomolecular
ID
Presenting Author
Title
Progress towards the development of novel bacteria MTN inhibitors
22 Hank Dossett
The antimicrobial properties of graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets:
23 Necia Hunter
photocatalytic production of reactive oxygen species to reduce
microbial growth
One more Notch towards the connection of ECM and cell communication
24 Michael Detweiler
25 Colton Knopp
Intranasal vaccination with IsdA/CtA2B chimera reduces
Staphylococcus aureus CFUs in bovines
The effects of inflammatory cytokines on cancer cell migration
26 Matt Dillon
Match 19th-21st, 2015
Page |9
27
28
29
30
31
Jacob Crow
Teslin Botoy
Daniel Flesher
Arpita Malik
Tyler Wines
32
33
Ryan Carfi
Katie Neal
34
35
Amy Hall
Debra Weakly
36
Laura Rogers
37
Jason Davis
38
39
Hannah Scott
Jason Stonick
40
41
42
43
Sang Phil Moon
Shirley Xu
Brittany Sanchez
Brad Grimm
44
Jessica Burlile
45
Karen Gellerman
46
47
Danielle Hedeen
Daniel Perkins
STEM
ID
Presenting Author
48 Julia Berger
49 Samual Weeks
50 Jeff Kulmeir
51 Daniele Moro, Nick
Sabaj
Molecular control of arterial calcification
Analysis of novel MTA nucleosidase inhibitors as anti-parasitic agents
LDH in DRG neurons and Schwann cells: kinetic properties
ECM control of cell physiology and angiogenesis
Molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus adhesins as vaccine
candidates
In vivo anti-giardial activity of nucleoside transition state analogs
The effects of inflammatory cytokines on integrin expression in breast
cancer
Proteomics of MTN deficiency in E. coli O157:H7 using iTRAQ
Consequences of TCDD treatment on ADRP expression during
experimental liver fibrosis
Purification of cholera toxin and heat labile toxin A2/B chimeras for use
as a potential Staphylococcus aureus vaccine
Some kinetic and regulatory properties of GDH in DRG neurons and
Schwann cells
Circulating cytokine levels in breast cancer patients
Role of MTA/SAH nucleosidase in Klebsiella pneumoniae growth and
virulence
Analysis of HT1080 fibrosarcoma cell sensitivity to Doxorubicin analogs
MDH in DRG neurons and Schwann cells: kinetic properties
A synergistic role for cytokines in prostate cancer metastasis
Regulation of type II collagen fibrillogenesis In vitro by accessory and
chaperone proteins
Differential expression of metastasis-promoting signaling molecules in
breast cancer
TCDD increases collagen type I expression during experimental liver
fibrosis
Differential expression of cytokine-induced VEGF in breast cancer
TCDD treatment modulates gene expression during experimental liver
fibrosis
Title
Gender bias in scientific research revisited
Color and kids
Design and use smartphone application for field testing and analysis
Students local and international collaboration for environment through
innovative technologyTM
57th Idaho Academy of Science and Engineering Annual Meeting and Symposium
10 | P a g e
PANEL DISCUSSION THUSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015
Addressing Global Concerns
H ATC H B A L L R O O M B O I S E S T AT E S T U D E N T
UNION BUILDING
6:00 PM
(OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
I N V I T E D PA N E L I S T S
Dr. Jan Boll
Dr. John Gardner
Dr. Leslie Tengelsen
Dr. John Ziker
Reception following the panel
T H E S TO N E H O U S E AT T H E R A M
709 E. PARK BLVD., BOISE, ID 83712
7:00 PM
Match 19th-21st, 2015
P a g e | 11
PANEL DISCUSSION Thursday, March 19, 2015
Invited Panelists
Dr. Jan Boll, Ph.D.
Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering
University of Idaho
Dr. Jan Boll spearheaded the creation of the
interdisciplinary Waters of the West program,
which launched the graduate water resources
degree program at the University of Idaho in
2007, and has served as director since then. In
2011, WR and the EnvS Program combined
administratively, and Dr. Boll was appointed fulltime director of both programs, referred to as
EnvS-WR. Dr. Boll is professor in the college of
agricultural & life sciences, with research and
teaching in watershed hydrology and water
quality. In his role as Director, he teaches
Interdisciplinary Water Resources Projects, and
team-teaches Interdisciplinary Methods in Water
Resources. He is principal investigator on the
NSF-IGERT: Adaptation to change in water
resources: science to inform decision-making
across disciplines, cultures and scales, and the
NSF-GK-12 Project in Water Resources for
Middle and High Schools in Rural Northern Idaho
and Eastern Washington.
Professor, Director of CAES Energy Efficiency
Research Institute
Department of Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering
Boise State University
John is Director of the CAES Energy Efficiency
Research Institute (CEERI) and professor of
mechanical and biomedical engineering at Boise
State University where he has been a faculty
member since 2000. Through CEERI, he leads
research, outreach and educational efforts to
promote the efficient and effective use of
energy. John is also a commissioner for the City
of Boise Public Works Commission. Professor
Gardner received his Bachelor’s degree from
Cleveland State University in 1981, and his MS
and Ph.D. (all in Mechanical Engineering) from
Ohio State in 1983 and 1987, respectively.
He has published more than 60 peer-reviewed
research papers, 2 textbooks and has been
awarded 3 US Patents. He is a registered
professional engineer in the state of Idaho and a
Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers.
Dr. John Gardner, Ph.D., P.E.
57th Idaho Academy of Science and Engineering Annual Meeting and Symposium
12 | P a g e
PANEL DISCUSSION Thursday, March 19, 2015
Invited Panelists
Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, Ph.D., DVM
Deputy State Epidemiologist
Bureau of Communicable Disease Prevention
Idaho Department of Health & Welfare
Dr. Leslie Tengelsen is the Deputy State
Epidemiologist and Designated State Public
Health Veterinarian with the Idaho Department
of Health and Welfare, and has held her
position since 1998. She has a PhD in
Microbiology from Oregon State University and
a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan
State University. She was trained in applied
epidemiology as a fellow in the Epidemic
Intelligence Service Officer (EIS) Program with
the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. During her work with the CDC she
was stationed in Ft. Collins, CO focusing her
efforts on vector-borne diseases such as
epidemic West Nile virus in Romania and Eastern
equine encephalitis virus in emus and people in
Alabama. Today she continues her work on
vector-borne diseases and all other reportable
communicable diseases and conditions in Idaho,
with a focus on diseases transmitted from animals
to people directly or via contaminated foods.
Dr. John Ziker, Ph.D.
Professor, Department Chair
Department of Anthropology
Boise State University
John P. Ziker is professor of Anthropology at
Boise State University. His research with
indigenous small-number peoples in Siberia has
been featured in Science, Human Nature, Human
Ecology, Nomadic Peoples, and Ecology of Food
and Nutrition. He has conducted fieldwork in the
Taimyr district, the north Baikal region, and the
Tuva Republic.
Match 19th-21st, 2015
P a g e | 13
OPENING KEYNOTE Friday, March 20, 2015
H ATC H B A L L R O O M B O I S E S TAT E
S T U D E N T U N I O N B U I L D I N G 8:30 AM
Dr. Troy Rohn, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Boise State University
Title: ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND APOE4:
CONNECTING THE GREATEST GENETIC RISK
FACTOR TO PROTEOLYSIS.
Dr. Troy T. Rohn obtained his Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Washington,
Department of Pharmacology in 1994. He completed postdoctoral stints at INSERM (Paris,
France), Montana State University, and the Institute for Memory Impairments and
Neurological Disorders at UC Irvine. Currently, Dr. Rohn is a professor in the Department
of Biological Sciences at Boise State University. His research focuses on the role that
certain proteases play in promoting the pathology associated with different
neurodegenerative diseases. More recently, his research has begun to assess the
proteolytic consequences of ApoE4, a major genetic risk factor in Alzheimer’s.
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SYMPOSIUM BANQUET FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2015
57th Idaho Academy of Science and
Engineering Annual Meeting and Symposium
Addressing Global Concerns
ON THE 17TH FLOOR OF THE ZION BANK BUILDING
800 WEST MAIN STREET, BOISE, IDAHO (ON THE CORNER OF 8TH & MAIN)
6:30 pm
Reception
7:30 pm
Dinner
8:15 pm
Welcoming Remarks
Dr. Harold Blackman, Associate VP of Research
and Economic Development, Boise State University
Brad Little, Lieutenant Governor of Idaho
8:30 pm
Key Note Speaker
Dr. Denny Stevens, Chief, Infectious Disease,
Boise VA
“Global and Regional Mortality Due to Infectious
Disease: Past, Present, and Future”
9:15 pm
Awards Ceremony
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BANQUET WELCOMING REMARKS
Harold Blackman, Ph.D.
Associate VP of Research and Economic Development, Boise State University
Harold Blackman has more than 30 years of experience in education, research
management and in human factors research and development. He has held a
variety of management positions throughout his career, largely at the Idaho
National Engineering Laboratory. These positions have varied from a manager
of human factors to the chief engineer, where he was responsible for about
1,000 engineers and scientists. He served as the associate laboratory director
for energy environment where he was responsible for one of the three major
research areas for the laboratory.
Blackman has been involved in university education throughout his career,
beginning as a faculty member, and as adjunct faculty since then. He now serves
as the associate vice president for research and economic development at Boise
State and leads the development of new and ongoing research programs across
the university.
Brad Little
Lieutenant Governor of Idaho
Brad Little is Idaho’s 37th Lieutenant Governor.
A native of Emmett in Gem County, Little is a third-generation Idahoan. He
has dedicated his life and career to continuing both his family’s ranching
interests and its history of service to the people of Idaho.
A graduate of the University of Idaho, Little has strived to be a good steward
of the land as well as a responsible citizen. He has succeeded in both areas
by encouraging sustainable agriculture, and by getting involved in public
policy.
Little served in the Idaho Senate from 2001 to 2009.
Little rose quickly into leadership, being elected by his peers as Majority
Caucus Chairman in 2003.
Little’s personal philosophy has been consistent throughout his career: to ensure
the lightest possible hand of government in the lives of citizens and businesses
alike.
A rancher, farmer and industry leader, Little is a former chairman of the Idaho Association of Commerce and
Industry (IACI), the Idaho Wool Growers Association, American Land and Resources Foundation, Idaho business
Week Foundation, and vice- chairman of the Idaho Community Foundation.
He is currently a member of the board of directors of a small Boise-based manufacturing company. He also
serves on the State Capitol Commission, the Leadership in Nuclear Energy Commission 2.0 and the Idaho
Credit Rating Enhancement Committee.
In his personal life, Little married Weiser native Teresa Soulen in May 1978. They have two sons and
daughters-in-law, Adam and Angela, David and Kelsey and four grandchildren.
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BANQUET KEYNOTE Friday, March 20, 2015
Z I O N B A N K B U I L D I N G 8:30 PM
Dr. Denny Stevens, M.D., Ph.D.
Chief of the Infectious Diseases Section
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Title: GLOBAL AND REGIONAL MORTALITY
DUE TO INFECTIOUS DISEASE: PAST,
PRESENT, AND FUTURE.
Dr. Dennis L. Stevens is Chief of the Infectious Diseases Section, Director of Research and Development of the
Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Boise, Idaho and Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington’s
School of Medicine in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Stevens’ research group is composed of 12 clinical and basic
science researchers, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows united by a common interest in pathogenesis
of serious infections caused by toxin-producing Gram positive pathogens including Clostridium perfringens (the
primary agent of gas gangrene), Clostridium sordellii (the cause of many fatal infections in women undergoing
childbirth or gynecological procedures), group A streptococcal infections and methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
In 1989, Dr. Stevens published the first series of severe invasive Group A streptococcal (GAS) infections
associated with a toxic shock like illness in the New England Journal of Medicine. Subsequently, similar cases
emerged worldwide, prompting an official case definition of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (StrepTSS)
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now a reportable disease, the annual incidence of
StrepTSS is estimated at 5 -10 cases/100,000 population/year, affects all age groups, and carries a
fatality rate of 30 - 70%.
Dr. Stevens recently received the Infectious Diseases Society of America Citation for his work on group A
streptococcal infections, The William Altemeier Award from the Surgical Infections Society and was elected to
membership in the Association of American Physicians. In June, 2009, Dr. Stevens gave the endowed
lectureship to the Royal Society of Physicians in Edinburgh, Scotland. He has published over 160 articles and
60 book chapters on serious invasive infections due to Gram positive infections and has been Visiting
Professor at more than 70 national and 30 international institutions. He is a member of the Centers for
Disease Control Working Group on Invasive Streptococcal Infections, a consultant to the World Health
Organization and an invited participant to the National Institutes of Health Workforce on severe group A
streptococcal infection. He has testified twice before the United States Congress on the importance of basic
science research in Infectious Diseases and on invasive group A streptococcal infections. Dr. Stevens is
Chairman of the Infectious Disease Society of America Guidelines Committee for the Diagnosis and
Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections and this was published in June 2014. Dr. Stevens has had
continuous research funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs for over 30 years and in November
2012 was awarded a 4 year VA Merit Review grant to investigate the role of streptococcal NADase in the
pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy associated with StrepTSS. Over the course of 30 years, Dr. Stevens has
mentored more than 50 undergraduate and medical students from Idaho and 90% have gone on to
professional and graduate schools.
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SESSION CHAIRS
Dr. David Estrada, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Materials Science & Engineering
Boise State University
Dr. Alejandro Flores, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Geosciences
Boise State University
Dr. David Estrada
joined the Faculty at
Boise State University
after completing his
graduate studies in
Electrical Engineering
at the University of
Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, under the
direction of Prof. Eric
Pop. He is the recipient
of the NSF and NDSEG graduate research
fellowships and a U.S. Navy Veteran. His research
interests are in the elucidating the structureproperty-processing correlations of 2-dimensional
materials in order to create novel devices for
applications in energy and healthcare. He
currently oversees the daily operations of Boise
State University’s Integrated NanoMaterials
Laboratory and Transport Characterization
Laboratory.
Dr. Alejandro “Lejo”
Flores, is the Principal
Investigator and director
of the LEAF group. He
is interested in landatmosphere interactions,
and spatial and
temporal organization
and patterns in
ecohydrologic
processes. He primarily
focuses on how models
and data can be used to
predict hydrologic states
and fluxes at spatial scales ranging from hillslopes
to large water supply basins by exploiting the
knowledge that’s gleaned by studying these
patterns. He has a Ph.D. from MIT in Hydrology
and an M.S. and B.S. in Civil and Environmental
Engineering.
Dr. Jeunghoon Lee, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Boise State University
Dr. Lee joined the
Faculty at Boise State
University after
completing his
postdoctoral fellowship
in Chemistry at
Northwestern
University. He obtained
Ph.D. in polymer science
from University of
Connecticut. His
research interests
include synthesis of
nanostructures, DNA-templated assembly of
nanostructures, and colorimetric sensing using DNA
reaction networks toward biomedical application.
He is a part of Nanoscale Materials and Devices
Group at Boise State University.
Dr. Marie-Anne de Graaff, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Boise State University
Dr. de
Graaff
studies
how
changes in
climage
and landuse affect
ecosystem
processes
that drive
biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nitrogen. She
specifically addresses the question of how plant
roots and soil microorganisms interact to affect soil
carbon and nutrient dynamics. Within that
framework, she evaluates how elevated
atmospheric CO2 concentrations, changes in
temperature and precipitation, and land-use
change for cellulosic biofuel production affect the
quantity and quality of root and litter derived soil
57th Idaho Academy of Science and Engineering Annual Meeting and Symposium
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carbon input and determine implications for soil
carbon sequestration. Dr. de Graaff has a PhD in
environmental science from Wageningen
University.
Dr. Allan Albig, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Boise State University
Research in the
Albig lab strives to
understand how
extracellular matrix
impacts cell
physiology. In
particular, we
identify new
extracellular matrix
molecules and
characterize the
molecular
mechanisms by which
these proteins
influence cellular
behaviors. Since
many human diseases include a vascular
dysfunction component, we have a special interest
in understanding how extracellular matrix controls
vascular function and dysfunction.
Dr. Ken Cornell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Boise State University
Dr. Cornell joined
the faculty in the
Department of
Chemistry &
Biochemistry at
Boise State
University in 2004.
His research
involves the
identification of
antibiotic targets in
microbes, and the
development of
novel drugs to fight infectious disease. The focus of
his current research is the development of
antibiotics that interrupt microbial signaling
pathways and reduce microbial virulence.
Dr. Louis Nadelson,
Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Interim Director-Center
for the School of the
Future Teacher
Education and
Leadership
Utah State University
Louis S. Nadelson is an
associate professor
and director of the
Center for the School of the Future in the Emma
Eccles Jones College of Education at Utah State
University. He has a BS from Colorado State
University, a BA from the Evergreen State College,
a MEd from Western Washington University, and
a PhD in educational psychology from UNLV. His
scholarly interests include all areas of STEM
teaching and learning, inservice and preservice
teacher professional development, program
evaluation, multidisciplinary research, and
conceptual change. Nadelson uses his over 20
years of high school and college math, science,
computer science, and engineering teaching to
frame his research on STEM teaching and learning.
Steven Lysne, M.S. (See Conference
Organizers)
Assistant Professor
Department of Life Sciences
College of Western Idaho
Dr. Stephen Crowley, Ph.D. (See Conference
Organizers)
Associate Professor
Department of Philosophy
Boise State University
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CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS
Dr. Cheryl L. Jorcyk, Ph.D. Conference Chair
Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Boise State University
Cheryl Jorcyk received her BS from Penn State University.
During her undergraduate years she spent the summers
working with Dr. Takis Papas at the National Cancer Institute
at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD,
where she first gained her interest in cancer research.
Dr. Jorcyk received her PhD from the Johns Hopkins University
in Baltimore, MD under Dr. Dennis Watson involving the study
of the human oncogene ETS1 gene and its involvement in
cancer development. She did her postdoctoral fellowship
with Dr. Jeffrey Green at the National Cancer Institute, NIH, where she worked on a transgenic mouse
model for breast and prostate cancer.
Dr. Jorcyk is a currently a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and the Biomolecular
Research Program at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho. Through collaboration with the Boise VA
Medical Center, Dr. Jorcyk started studying the cellular factor Oncostatin M (OSM) and its function in
tumor progression. Currently, her lab is focused on studying the role of OSM in breast cancer invasion
and metastasis and plans to develop a novel therapeutic to block OSM. Dr. Jorcyk recently started
clinical studies working with the Mountain States Tumor Institute at the St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center
in Boise, ID. Funding for her research includes NIH, the American Cancer Society, the Susan G. Komen
Foundation, NASA, The W.M. Keck Foundation, the Murdock Charitable Trust, St. Luke’s Regional Medical
Center Mountain States Tumor Institute, and the Birt Family. Dr. Jorcyk has published over 45 journal
articles.
Dr. Stephen Crowley, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Philosophy
Boise State University
Stephen Crowley did much of his growing up in Adelaide, South Australia, and got
interested in Philosophy as a way to escape Law School. At the University of
Adelaide he focused on the study of Logic – in particular Inconsistent Logic.
Stephen also spent as much time as he could climbing, kayaking and playing
Aussie Rules! (Australian football). Eventually graduate school called and he
spent way too many fascinating years in Bloomington, Indiana, working on his
Ph.D. in philosophy and taking as many classes on the history and sociology of
science as he could. However, even grad school must come to an end, and Stephen
was beyond fortunate to join the Philosophy Department at Boise State, where he
remains to this day.
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Steven Lysne, M.S.
Assistant Professor
Department of Life Sciences
College of Western Idaho
Steven moved from northern Illinois to Colorado where he graduated from
Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology.
While in school he worked on a variety of wildlife projects but most dealt with
threatened and endangered species. For example, Steven worked with whitetailed prairie dogs, burrowing owls, Canada lynx, and several upper Colorado
River Basin fishes that are federally protected. After Steven graduated he went to
work for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management as a member of the recovery team
for the endangered black-footed ferret. Following that adventure he moved to
Idaho and attended Boise State University where he earned a Master of Science degree in Biology,
again working with endangered species. This time Steve studied two native species of Idaho snails and
one non-native, nuisance species. This work led to a decade-long relationship with the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service where he was a wildlife biologist for the agency. Steven began teaching in higher
education in 2006 and since then his focus has been on science education in Idaho and the undergraduate
research experience. Steven’s presently studying Science Education at the University of Idaho and will
complete his doctorate degree in 2015. He teaches a variety of courses at CWI and mentor students
through his role as Director of the Center for Invertebrate Science. Some examples of his students’
research are listed below along with my own projects. Steven is also a Curator of Mollusks at the Orma J.
Smith Museum of Natural History and CWI’s Trustee to the Idaho Academy of Science and Engineering.
Danielle Hedeen
Department of Biological Sciences
Boise State University
Danielle graduated from Boise State University in 2013 with a BS in biology. She
currently works in Dr. Cheryl Jorcyk’s Lab as lab manager, and studies the effects of
Oncostatin M (OSM) on breast cancer metastasis. She will be starting graduate school
for a PhD in molecular biology at the University of Utah this fall.
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ORAL PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS (G)=graduate (UG)=Undergraduate
(HS)=High School
Materials for Energy and Sustainability
MNC-4 (G)
Presenting Author: Brandon Anderson, Idaho State University
Co-authors: James C. K. Lai, and Solomon W. Leung
Title: Silver nanoparticle toxicity and characterization
Abstract:
Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are the most commonly available nanomaterial in commercial applications, the
development of their applications will continue to be of importance in industrial, medical and commerce
settings. While the antimicrobial activity of Ag NPs has been well established, the differential toxicity of Ag
NPs and their “downstream” effect on the environment and biological systems are still in their infancy.
Initial research indicates the potential for Ag NPs to exhibit characteristics of toxicity in a downstream
environment, to test such, DRG (dorsal root ganglion) nerve cells from rat have been selected as the surrogate
to be exposed to Ag NPs over different concentrations and age of the nanoparticles.
The intent of this research is to determine: 1) At what concentrations do Ag NPs exhibit toxicity to the DRG
nerve cells, thus the LD50; and 2) Does the age of the Ag NPs result in an increase or decrease of toxicity to
the DRG nerve cells.
Preliminary laboratory testing using the MTT assay at 24 and 72 hours indicates that both the age and
concentration of the Ag NPs may influence the toxicity characteristics of the Ag NPs, however, additional
testing and characterization of the Ag NPs will be conducted.
MNC-5 (G)
Presenting Author: Kalyan Chitrada, Univeristy of Idaho
Co-author: Dr. Krishnan Raja
Title: Understanding and enhancing the photo-stability of β-Bi2O3 for solar hydrogen generation
Abstract:
Photo-electrochemical water splitting has received wide attention as an alternate method of a clean, safe,
and environmentally friendly production of hydrogen in the recent years. Since the first demonstration of
water splitting by a TiO2 electrode using the sunlight in 1971 by the Japanese researchers, significant
research efforts have been focused on developing various metal-oxide based semiconductors as photo
electrodes for efficient photo water splitting. However the search for a viable photo electrode for
photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting still continues. Bismuth based ternary oxides such as BiVO4, and
BiFeO3 are being investigated by the international photo-catalysis community because of their attractive
properties such as narrow energy band-gap, appropriate band edge positions, less scattering of charges due
to wider valence band, high dielectric constant, natural abundance, and non-toxicity. However, the photoelectrochemical behavior of the binary bismuth oxide is not well understood. In order to design next
generation bismuth based complex oxides as photo-active materials, it is important to understand the
properties of the Bi2O3 which is the building block of the advanced systems. This work effort focuses on
developing large surface area nanoporous/nanotublar bismuth oxide thin films for enhanced photo activity. A
detailed study was carried out on synthesis of bismuth oxide thin films by the electrochemical anodization.
Subsequently, the materials were characterized for microstructural and structural characteristics along with
photoelectrochemical performance. Finally, the effect of nanoscale dimensions, and the presence of different
phases was investigated to understand the charge transport and charge recombination behavior, and long
term stability of the material.
MNC-6 (G)
57th Idaho Academy of Science and Engineering Annual Meeting and Symposium
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Presenting Author: Kevin Tolman, Boise State University
Title: aliovalent doping in CaTiO3 and Pb(Zr0.6Ti0.4)O3
Abstract:
Acceptor dopants in perovskites are well known to have an effect on structure and properties. Such doping is
important partly because it can enhance the relative permittivity; however, the structure and effective
dielectric polarizability contributions from extrinsic vacancies in doped perovskites remains largely unknown or
anomalous. This work shows an empirical approach to model effective vacancy size (i.e., bond relaxation and
anion-anion repulsion) and dielectric polarizability.
In the case of Ca1-3xLn2xTiO3 (Ln = La3+, Nd3+, Y3+), the permittivity generally decreases with increasing
dopant concentration, as the dielectric polarizabilities of the trivalent species are greater than that of Ca2+.
Nevertheless, a finite polarizability residual (~0.95 Å3) can be calculated for Ca2+ vacancies via the ClausiusMossotti equation. This phenomenon indicates that vacancies can not only be described with an effective size
but also with an effective polarizability of their own.
A more striking example of this phenomenon is the case of Pb1-3xLa2x(Zr0.6Ti0.4)O3 (PLZT), in which increasing
the La3+ concentration increases the relative permittivity despite the fact that La3+ has a lower dielectric
polarizability than the Pb2+ it replaces. In this case the polarizability residual increases from ~0.44 Å3 (x =
0) to ~0.65 Å3 (x = 0.04) as the structure, and so crystalochemical environment of the vacancies, gradually
changes from rhombohedral to cubic via an intermediate tetragonal phase. Modeling the effect of vacancies
in this fashion provides a new tool for the design of dielectric materials.
Materials for Nano-biotechnology
MNC-7
Presenting Author: Daniel Fologea, PhD, Boise State University
Title: Lipid-based structures and their application for nanobiotechnology
Abstract:
Lipids are major components of cell membranes, which possess strong amphiphilic properties. Their inherent
capability to self-assemble in aqueous solutions has been extensively used for the development of nanoscale
artificial carriers for multiple scientific, biotechnological, and biomedical applications.
This presentation will describe current strategies for the development of lipid-based drug carriers which are
able to retain sizable amounts of therapeutic drugs, evade the immune system of the host, target a desired
area, and release the incorporated drug in a controllable manner.
Additionally, the use of lipid self-assembly as an advantageous strategy to modulate the surface properties
of nanomaterials intended for diagnostic, treatment, or biotechnological applications will be presented.
MNC-9
Presenting Author: Peter B. Allen, PhD, University of Idaho
Title: Progress toward applying DNA computation to biomaterials
Abstract:
Microparticles coated with DNA are versatile tools for nano biotechnology. These DNA coated microparticles
can assemble to form 3-D objects. These microparticles can also be substrates for more complex DNA-DNA
reactions. Amazing proof-of-principle demonstrations have been exhibited of complex DNA chemical reaction
networks and DNA nanomachines. Colloidal particles present a strategy for larger scale utility of nanoscale
engineering. We can now apply the active molecular logic of DNA to useful but inert materials.
MNC-11 (G)
Presenting Author: Xiaoping Olson, Boise State University
Co-authors: Shohei Kotani, Jennifer E. Padilla, Sara Goltry, Natalya Hallstrom, Bernard Yurke, Elton
Graugnard, and William L. Hughes
Title: Leakage reduction by mismatches and secondary structure in a catalyzed DNA strand displacement
reaction
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Abstract:
Catalytic DNA strand displacement systems are set in motion by introducing a unique catalyst sequence to
trigger a cascade of toehold-mediated strand displacements. The forward reaction of the metastable system
in the absence of the catalyst is often referred as “leakage” and remains a critical obstacle, reducing
sensitivity and limiting system lifetime. We examine a complete set of base-pair mismatches at key breathing
positions between the fuel strand and the substrate complex in a catalytic DNA strand displacement system.
We found secondary structure induced by mismatch modification played a more important role than the
thermodynamic barrier caused by mismatch defects in the leakage reaction. By examining the change in
secondary structure, we are able provide a qualitative explanation of the observed behavior and
quantitative prediction of the leakage rates. By introducing mismatches to the fuel strand, we have improved
the performance of an already optimized system by a factor of 4. Mismatches can be used as a tool for
control of DNA strand displacement kinetics and leakage reduction in nucleic acid catalytic assembly systems.
MNC-12 (G)
Presenting Author: Bert Huttanus, Boise State University
Co-authors: Jeunghoon Lee
Title: Catalytic DNA hybridization reactions increase the sensitivity of gold nanoparticle biosensors
Abstract:
Gold nanoparticle aggregation reactions can provide a cheap, simple, and field-deployable colorimetric
biosensor for a wide range of medically and environmentally significant biomarkers thanks to their high
extinction coefficients, ease of coating with organic probes and their proximity-dependant plasmonic
properties that allow them to change color upon aggregation. Despite being inherently more sensitive than
colorimetric biosensors using organic dyes, the gold nanoparticle biosensors are still not as sensitive as
amplification methods such as PCR, which limits their use for applications involving biomarkers at ultra-low
concentrations.
To help overcome this limitation, we have incorporated catalytic DNA hybridization reactions to the surface
probe design of a gold nanoparticle biosensor for specific DNA sequences. The catalytic design is capable of
forming linkages between nanoparticles and then releasing the analyte molecule back into solution which
gives it a multifold increase in sensitivity compared to conventional direct aggregation methods.
Global Challenges in Hydrosystems
ECO-2 (G)
Presenting Author: David Assan, Idaho State University
Co-authors: Solomon Leung
Title: Overview of water supply and sanitation in Accra, Ghana
Abstract:
The lack of portable drinking water in most parts of Accra, Ghana has been a major topic at several
international donor agency conferences. The Greater Accra Municipal Assembly (GAMA) water supply is
provided by two main surface water treatment plants with a combined production capacity of 363,533
m3/day which is lower than the city’s demand of almost 500,000 m3/day. With a population of 4 million
and about 90% living in “urban” areas, access to regular drinking water is dependent on income level and
standard of living. 59% of water produced is classified as non-revenue water due to high physical and
economic losses leading to irregular water supply. Low income households depend on expensive alternatives.
Aging sewerage systems in central Accra cannot support rapid development of the city. 41% and 33% of the
populace rely on public toilets and private water closet for their sanitation needs respectively. Lack of
maintenance and upgrades of waste treatment facilities ensures liquid waste is directly discharged into the
ocean.
The city has therefore failed to meet its Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of halving the proportion of
people without access to sustainable safe drinking water and basic sanitation by 2015 although the effort is
ongoing.
57th Idaho Academy of Science and Engineering Annual Meeting and Symposium
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ECO-3
Presenting Author: Daniel Moore, PhD, Brigham Young University-Idaho
Co-authors: GF Embree, DE Champion, MA Kuntz, CS Painter, B Shenton, K McGuire, B Rasaka, D Lndsey, A
Gearge, and B Leishman
Title: Origin of lava benches and Upper and Lower Mesa Falls in the Henrys Fork and Warm River canyons,
Island Park, Idaho
Abstract:
The headwaters of the Henrys Fork River—including Warm River—lie in the Island Park area of eastern
Idaho. In southern Island Park, these rivers form deep canyons through the flank of the Yellowstone I caldera.
The Henrys Fork and Warm River canyons contain lava benches formed when local basalt lava flows entered
the canyons, solidified, and were later incised. The five lava-bench remnants in Henrys Fork River canyon are
from the Warm River (~835 ka), Elk Wallow Well (~743 ka), Highway 20 (~737 ka), Survey Draw (~450
ka?), Hatchery Butte (~81 ka), and Pinehaven (~29 ka) lava fields. The three lava-bench remnants in Warm
River canyon are from the Warm River, Survey Draw, and Hatchery Butte lava fields. The Henrys Fork River
canyon contains Upper and Lower Mesa Falls and other small falls and cascades. We use density variations in
the Mesa Falls Tuff in the Henrys Fork River canyon to infer that these falls result from high-density/highlywelded zones in the Mesa Falls Tuff. The density profile of the Mesa Falls Tuff suggest that at least three ash
deposits built the Mesa Falls Tuff.
Global Challenges in Ecosytems
ECO-7
Presenting Author: Martha Brabec, US Geological Survey
Co-authors: Matthew Germino
Title: Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate) in a shifting climate context: assessment of seedling responses to
variable climate
Abstract:
Minimum temperatures are directly linked to the greenhouse effect, and are the only climate change variable
predicted to increase with certainty. Correlative evidence suggests that responses of big sagebrush seedlings
to minimum temperatures are particularly important for explaining adaption and diversity of big sagebrush.
We used in situ experimental warming to increase minimum temperatures, and test the effects of warming on
seedling physiological performance for the three dominant subspecies of big sagebrush. We measured
ecophysiological parameters including survival, growth, water balance, photosynthesis, and freezing
responses. Warming did not affect overall seedling survival; however, experimental warming did influence
each subspecies, as a function of time and weather, differently. Our results indicate that experimental
warming may alter seedling freezing response and thereby affect growth and survival of big sagebrush.
Freezing response should be considered when predicting changes in subspecies distributions, as well as in seed
source selection for restoration.
ECO-8 (G)
Presenting Author: Xochi Campos, Boise State University
Co-authors: Matthew Germino, Marie-Anne de Graaff
Title: Precipitation impacts on plant-derived soil C input and decomposition
Abstract:
Changes in climate, such as timing and amount of precipitation, are expected to impact the global carbon (C)
cycle by affecting important water-dependent biogeochemical processes like litter decomposition. Litter
decomposition plays an essential role in the global C cycle by co-regulating net ecosystem C storage.
Changes in precipitation may have an especially large effect on litter decomposition rates in semi-arid
ecosystems where ecological processes are limited by and sensitive to water availability. Consequently, soil C
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sequestration may be effected by precipitation-induced changes in plant production and soil microbial
activity. It is currently uncertain if a change in amount and timing of precipitation alters the balance of soil C
input via plant-derived C and soil C output via microbial activity thus the C flux from soil to the atmosphere.
We conducted a litterbag decomposition experiment at the Idaho National Laboratory Ecohydrology
Experiment with basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata) after 19 years of precipitation
treatment application to assess how precipitation shifts affect aboveground litter inputs and decomposition
rates. Our data show a direct influence of precipitation on litter decomposition and a lack of an indirect
effect through changes in litter quality. This experiment provides evidence that precipitation shifts impact litter
decomposition through changes in local soil microbial activity.
ECO-9
Presenting Author: Jaron Adkins, Boise State University
Co-authors: Heather Throop, Paul Kardol, Marie-Anne de Graaff
Title: A meta-analysis of soil biodiversity impacts on the carbon cycle
Abstract:
Loss of biodiversity impacts ecosystem functions, such as carbon (C) cycling. Soils are the largest terrestrial C
reservoir, containing more C globally than the biotic and atmospheric pools together. As such, soil C cycling,
and the processes controlling it, have the potential to affect atmospheric CO2 concentrations and subsequent
climate change. Despite the growing evidence of links between plant diversity and soil C cycling, there is a
dearth of information on whether similar relationships exist between soil biodiversity and C cycling. This
knowledge gap occurs even though there has been increased recognition that soil communities display high
levels of both taxonomic and functional diversity and are key drivers of fluxes of C between the atmosphere
and terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we used meta-analysis and regression analysis to quantitatively assess how
soil biodiversity affects soil C cycling pools and processes (i.e., soil C respiration, litter decomposition, and
plant biomass). We compared the response of process variables to changes in diversity both within and across
groups of soil organisms that differed in body size, a grouping that typically correlates with ecological
function. When studies that manipulated both within- and across-body size group diversity were included in
the meta-analysis, loss of diversity significantly reduced soil C respiration (-27.5%) and plant tissue
decomposition (-18%) but did not affect above- or belowground plant biomass. The loss of within-group
diversity significantly reduced soil C respiration, while loss of across-group diversity did not. Decomposition
was negatively affected both by loss of within-group and across-group diversity. Furthermore, loss of
microbial diversity strongly reduced soil C respiration (-41%). In contrast, plant tissue decomposition was
negatively affected by loss of soil faunal diversity, but was unaffected by loss of microbial diversity. Taken
together, our findings show that loss of soil biodiversity strongly impacts on soil C cycling processes, and
highlight the importance of diversity across groups of organims (e.g., primary consumers and secondary
decomposers) for maintaining full functionality of C cycle processes. However, our understanding of the
complex relationships between soil biodiversity and C cycling processes is currently limited by the sheer
number of methodological concerns associated with these studies, which can greatly overestimate or
underestimate the impact of soil biodiversity on soil C cycling, challenging extrapolation to natural field
settings. Future studies should attempt to further elucidate the relative importance of taxonomic diversity
(species numbers) versus functional diversity.
ECO-10
Presenting Author: Mir M. Seyedbagheri, University of Idaho
Title: On farm applied research verifies the benefits of using humate products
Abstract:
The International Food Policy Research Institute reports that each year an estimated 10 million hectares of
cropland are lost due to erosion and diminished soil health. Restoring soil health and learning efficient ways to
utilize water should be the number one mission for farmers and the agricultural industry. For almost 30 years, I
have been researching the effects of humic substances (HS) on soil health and water quality, using different
humate products in various field conditions.
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The biology and chemistry of humic substances in the soil are exceedingly complex. Humic substances as soil
amendments are new management tools for the agronomist and land manager. My applied research has
been focused on determining the management situations where HS are most useful and as well as finding and
implementing the most effective management techniques.
In 2014, we conducted field trials on potato and sugarbeet crops, in the Glenns Ferry and Hammett, Idaho
areas. We did four replications of each treatment (1X, 2X, 3X & Control) Our objectives were to evaluate the
influence of liquid humic and nutrients on soil health, fertilizer and water-use efficiency, how these nutrients
affected soil compaction and to evaluate crop yield and quality. Our data showed that the potatoes from
row 1X had a 26.8% difference in yield compared to the control rows. The sugarbeet harvest showed a
19.6% difference in yield between 2X and control.
ECO-11 (UG)
Presenting Author: J. Tyrell Styhl, College of Western Idaho
Co-authors: Steven J. Lysne
Title: Entrainment of freshwater mollusks: a bioenergetics sink for primary consumers
Abstract:
The conservation and management of western freshwater mollusks has been the focus of considerable
attention as western populations grow; challenging conservation and management efforts. Managing
these important freshwater resources effectively requires information regarding the natural history of
molluscan populations and communities. We investigated mortality factors influencing the community of
freshwater mollusks in the Boise River, Idaho, USA, as well as impacts to higher trophic levels such as fish,
semi-aquatic mammals, and birds. Specifically we conducted a systematic survey of mollusks entrained in
1km of the Phyllis Canal in south-western Idaho; a major irrigation canal diverting water from the Boise
River. Results demonstrate that ten species from three families of freshwater mollusks were entrained in
the Phyllis Canal in the 2013 irrigation season. An estimated 21 Kg of freshwater mollusks were
entrained in the 78 Km canal. Stagnicola elodes constituted 85% of the 483 individuals collected resulting
in an uneven estimation for Simpson’s D and E. Implications of the current work are discussed and
recommendations for future work are advanced.
ECO-12 (UG)
Presenting Author: Anthony Berlin, College of Western Idaho
Co-authors: Fissiha Antalew, and Steven J. Lysne
Title: A review of Biomphalaria in North America with implications for disease transmission in human and
wildlife populations
Abstract:
Schistosomiasis is a disease afflicting 300 million people primarily in tropical regions. As our understanding of
the disease grows it has found its place on the global health agenda. In mammals this intestinal infection is
caused by a flat worm in the family Schistosomatidae. These parasites use aquatic gastropods in the genus
Biomphalaria as an intermediate host to complete their life cycle. While native to neo-tropical regions of the
Pacific Basin, several populations of Biomphalaria have been observed in North America. The presents of
persistent populations of Biomphalaria in North America should be of concern to public health officials and
conservation biologists. We reviewed the available information on Biomphalaria element occurrences in North
America from the primary literature, government documents, and online databases. Although schistosomiasis is
not epizootic in North America, the disease is enzootic in wildlife populations. Our findings and the
implications for human and wildlife health are discussed.
ECO-13
Presenting Author: Leslie Hay, PhD, Northwest Nazarene University
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Co-authors: Christian Rohnert, Kayla Siepmann, Johanna Hay-Smith, Elliott Haragos, Chris Doxtator, Brytanie
Self, and Tom Sigrist
Title: Use of camera trap to detect abundance and distribution of jaguar and other forest carnivores in Costa
Rican neotropical rain forests
Abstract:
Our project goal is to determine differences in presence, relative abundance and distribution of felids in two
neotropical rainforests at low and high elevation sites in Costa Rica. Our focal felid species include jaguar
(Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), margay (Leopardus weldii), and jaguarundi
(Herpailurus yagouaroundi). We are also evaluating terrestrial prey species that utilize trail systems in these
rainforests. Our team monitored several network trails in different habitats of primary and secondary forests.
Trail cameras were placed along various types of trails and at trail intersections. We placed cameras near
specific micro-habitat types (e.g., streams, fruiting trees). Another methodology utilized was perfume scent
lures on a hair snag pad to enhance visitation by felids to the camera traps. A higher frequency of jaguar
and other felids were detected at the high elevation sites, whereas puma was observed in both low and high
elevation sites. The results demonstrate relative frequencies as follows in the Osa peninsula: jaguarundi 0%,
jaguar 2%, margay 13%, ocelot 18%, and puma 67%. In the La Amistad Biosphere Reserve we documented
the following relative frequencies: jaguarundi 2%, margay 5%, ocelot 7%, jaguar 24%, and puma 62%.
Prey species of these felid predators were documented, demonstrating a high diversity of small, meso-and
large mammals. Additionally, high frequencies of two terrestrial avian species were documented. We will
continue to monitor mammalian felids and prey in different protected areas in Costa Rica, with a future
emphasis on relative abundance, distribution, and predicting presence through occupancy analyses.
Progress in Therapeutic Development
BM-7
Presenting Author: Dong Xu, PhD, Idaho State University
Co-authors: Ken Cornell
Title: Computer aided design of novel antibiotics to treat bacterial infections
Abstract:
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 is the predominant pathogenic E. coli strain that is responsible for
approximately 100,000 illnesses, 3,000 hospitalizations, and 90 deaths per year in the US. The continued
rise in foodborne E coli outbreaks indicates that there is a critical need of discovering pre-harvest
interventions on novel drug targets and alternative therapies to potentiate the activity of existing antibiotics.
Our goal is to develop effective primary and adjunctive antimicrobial therapeutics based on the
characterization and validation of uncovered important pathways. We have examined a specific catabolic
pathway enzyme, methylthioadenosine nucleosidase (MTN), as a new target for drug intervention. Our
objective in this project is to identify novel MTN small molecule inhibitor (SMI) leads through virtual highthroughput screening (vHTS). The rationale is that MTN inhibition results in potent disruption of essential
polyamine synthesis and loss of methionine/purine salvage required for parasite growth. Because of its
absence in humans and its role in essential nutrient salvage in parasites, MTN presents a particularly attractive
drug target. We hypothesize that the highly conserved MTN catalytic site in different pathogens allows SMI
cross-species activity. In our pilot in silico screening, we have identified numerous competitive SMI leads
through vHTS against MTN catalytic binding site and these SMI leads have been also validated to show subµM to nM MTN inhibition in vitro.
STEM Education in Idaho
STEM-1
Presenting Author: Liljana Babinkostova, PhD, Boise State University
Title: Effectiveness of using cryptography math understanding and to engage undergrads in research
Abstract:
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Humanity has always needed efficient methods to communicate private information securely. Advances in
electronic communication systems make information exchange easier, but present an ever increasing challenge
to maintain security and prevent opportunities for subversion. Cryptography, the science of coding and
decoding information, is the essential tool to address this challenge. Cryptography and cryptanalysis are
among the most exciting applications of mathematics to real life. Cryptography is fun, but it is also be highstakes and requires sharp problem solving skills. This paper highlights some of my experiences in teaching
students fundamental math concepts through cryptography and in engaging them in research to work and
thrive in a 21st century digital world.
STEM-2
Presenting Author: L. Paul Verhage, PhD, Treasure Valley Mathematics and Science Center
Title: BalloonSats as a STEM teaching tool through community education
Abstract:
In conjunction with the Community Education program of the Boise School District, the author introduced three
families to new aspects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics using a project called
BalloonSats (Balloon-based Satellites).
BalloonSats are functional models of satellites that are carried by weather balloons to altitudes in excess of
85,000 feet. This region is informally known as near space because of the many similarities it has to outer
space. It is located in the mid-stratosphere and well above commercial airline traffic. The environment of near
space involves greater cosmic ray flux, lower air pressure, and colder temperatures than are found on the
surface.
The BalloonSat makes a good tool for STEM education since it naturally incorporates all aspects of STEM. A
BalloonSat is a science experiment that uses electrical and programmable technology (microcontrollers) to
collect data in an engineered system and requires the use of a spreadsheet to convert its raw data into
meaningful graphs.
This presentation will explain how the electrical and mechanical systems of the BalloonSats were constructed
and tested. It will also explain the science background of near space flight. In addition, examples of
BalloonSats, the kit, and their data will be presented.
STEM-3
Presenting Author: Brian McClain, PhD, College of Western Idaho
Co-authors: Kristin Cook
Title: Using logistic regression to predict the probability of passing general chemisty
Abstract:
A statistical analysis based on logistic regression is presented that compares student performance on a
standardized chemistry placement exam with achieving a passing grade in a first semester general chemistry
course. A training set consisting of 44 students who took the California Chemistry Diagnostic Exam (Form
1997) at the beginning of first semester general chemistry and completed the course was used to predict that
a score of 18 or higher on the placement exam gave a 95% chance of passing the course. The results from
this model, in combination with the chemistry diagnostic exam, will be used to evaluate preparedness of
students who wish to enroll in first semester general chemistry, thus boosting success rates of students passing
the course.
STEM-5 (HS)
Presenting Author: Jazmin Lomax, Highland High School
Co-authors: Merrie Rampy
Title: Short term memory
Abstract:
Memory is a part of the normal person’s everyday routine. Understanding the memorizing process is only
going to help us understand the brain more. There are many processes dealing with memory, and many
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different parts of memory. There’s short term, long term, working and sensory memory. There are more ways
than just listening or reading information to memorize it. Memorization can be done through feeling or just
seeing something. To make the memorization process easier there are tactics the brain uses, including encoding
and chunking. There are also different theories about the capacity of information that can be held in the
memory storage and for how long it can be held.
STEM-6
Presenting Author: Steven J. Lysne, College of Western Idaho
Co-authors: Brant G. Miller
Title: Using mobile devices to engage students in evolutionary thinking
Abstract:
We used personal mobile electronic devices (PMEDs) to engage students in a lesson to support evolutionary
thinking in an undergraduate biology course. Community college students enrolled in Biodiversity & Evolution, a
core major’s biology course, met for an optional field trip at the University of Idaho’s McCall Outdoor Science
School (MOSS) in central Idaho during the summer of 2014. Ten students participated in the classroom and
outdoor activities at MOSS. Students were provided with directions and objectives for the lesson and PMEDs
were used to capture images of the community of organisms in and around MOSS. After returning from the
field, students analyzed their digital data in the context of morphological similarities and differences to
construct a phylogenetic hypothesis for the relationships of organisms observed. The theoretical basis for using
PMEDs is discussed and lesson outlines will be provided session participants.
STEM-7
Presenting Authors: Pam Aishlin, PG, Boise State University, Daniele Moro, Timberline High School, Nick Sabaj,
Capital High School
Co-authors: Dietrich Reidenbaugh, Bing Ho, Megan Byres
Title: Students local and international collaboration for environment through innovative technologyTM
Abstract:
The Students Local and International Collaboration for Environment through Innovative TechnologyTM
(SLICEITTM) pilot provides combined informal-formal education in STEM workforce skill development that
incorporates low-cost technology for environmental sensing to address climate, environment and energy
applications. Initiated at East Junior High in Boise, 2013, by four ambitious students, the program was
propagated by students to three Boise high schools in 2014.
The informal program component is provided by a student-run school club, the International Climate TeamTM
(ICT). The club operates according to a professional model with student members having designated roles
and responsibilities. Leaders from each ICT school plan collaborative outreach events, share resources and
develop ICT standards. During school year 2014-2015, ICT students have met weekly for prototype weather
station and ICT webpage development. The local applications component is addressed by pairing each ICT
school with an agency, community, research or industry partner and mentor. The international component is
addressed by pairing with a partner school in sub-saharan Africa via the Trans African Hydrometeorological
Observatory (TAHMO.org). The local/international pairings are utilized in formal classroom activities and
informal service learning projects.
The formal program component was launched in 2014 by 5 students who presented curriculum to
environmental science teachers. This June, students will present an iSTEM strand for technology-engineering
and environmental science teachers.
STEM-9
Presenting Author: Stevan Hunter, PhD, Sr. Principal Reliability Engineer, ON Semiconductor; Certified
Reliability Engineer in the American Society for Quality
Co-authors:
Title: Intro to Lean Six Sigma, for use in teaching
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Abstract:
Lean Six Sigma is a collection of best practices in quality and problem solving that began in the semiconductor
industry and has evolved and improved over the last 25 years. Six sigma programs are established in many
industrial companies, and have also spread into finance, medical, schools, and other types of organizations.
Teachers who are aware of Lean Six Sigma principles can not only guide students to learn them, but can make
use of many of the principles and practices to facilitate student learning in the classroom or on projects. A
number of different problem solving techniques are well suited for small teams, where the outcome will be
greater than would have been possible from individuals working independently. A rigorous project planning
and execution methodology for teams can be applied to a large variety of life and classroom situations. Use
of statistical principles, careful design of experiments, and thorough data analysis follow industry best
practices. Team activities, especially for defining and solving problems, can be facilitated with the use of
thought maps, process and value stream mapping, voice of the customer, fishbone diagrams, is/is-not,
spaghetti diagrams, the 8 wastes, and many other “tools” that teachers and students alike can learn to apply
quickly.
STEM-10
Presenting Author: Merrie Rampy, Highland Highschool
Co-authors:
Title: Student pre-college science research
Abstract:
High school students in Idaho do not have many opportunities to pursue individual STEM research. This is due
to several factors including availability of mentors/instructors, availability of materials/facilities, and student
knowledge of state, national and international presentation and competition venues. There are hundreds of
thousands of dollars in STEM scholarships that our students never even hear about because we have not made
research an option for most of them.
My presentation will discuss evidence-based methods to effectively address some of the limiting factors
mentioned above. I will also present field-tested materials to support teachers, schools, and districts wishing
to implement student research programs. Finally, I will share anecdotal evidence of the positive impacts of
student research based on over twenty-six years of teaching.
STEM-11
Presenting Author: Stephen Crowley, PhD, Boise State University
Co-authors:
Title: Why is interdisciplinary collaboration hard and what can we do about it?
Abstract:
The kind of research required for meeting global challenges increasingly requires collaboration between
researchers from different disciplines. Such collaborations however confront significant challenges in
coordinating the variety of disciplinary perspectives involved (call this the coordination challenge).
The coordination challenge has many dimensions but one often overlooked but critical aspect involves
potential inconsistencies in the ‘worldviews’ (I use the term worldview to capture the set of beliefs a researcher
has about what matters to doing good science) of the participants. Differences in ‘worldviews’ generate
difficulties in communication that can further impact the efficiency of interdisciplinary collaborations.
In this paper I describe a mechanism (the Toolbox workshop - www.toolbox-project.org) for ameliorating the
difficulties just described. I will set the elements of the mechanism, say something about why I think it works
and provide some initial evidence for its impact.
STEM-12
Presenting Author: T. Rick Fletcher, PhD, University of Idaho
Title: Supporting first-year Idaho science students as they are
Abstract:
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Idaho students who come to college from smaller school districts can be under-prepared for success in science.
Many drop their first course, change major or drop out of college completely. This is a report on changes in
the General Chemistry Program at University of Idaho, enrollment = 350/semester. The goal is to increase
success of under-prepared students. Everything in the program is new: instructors, text and the online learning
system (OLS). The OLS allows individualized attention to students due to the detailed data on work habits
and success. The changes created a large decrease in attrition: less than 3% dropped the course. A large
increase in student retention was observed, with enrollment increase in second semester of 40% and an
increase of 28% in declared chemistry majors. Grade performance was inverted with 80% of students
receiving A or B grades and 5% received failing grades. Instruction is driven primarily by data on student
engagement and success. The number of assigned problems is high, with over 450 problems assigned over
15 weeks of class. The goal of curriculum change was to engineer a system where students do chemistry work
every day and data is reviewed constantly to drive change and encourage students to receive support.
Course evaluations did not show resistance to the much larger workload.
Student Oral Session
SU-1 (UG)
Presenting Author: Esteban Cano, Northwest Nazarene University
Co-authors: John Lonai, Scott Thatcher, Heather Skovgard, Duke M Bulanon
Title: Image processing and analysis of an apple orchard’s aerial images
Abstract:
As technology advances, the capability to perform tasks also becomes easier. The analysis and caretaking of
crops is no exclusion. Aerial analysis of these crops by photograph allows for the ease of caretaking.
However, crops tend to be closely spaced because of the need to minimize the land used. This is where an
algorithm was developed to identify and analyze individual crops in crowded growing environments in need
be. This algorithm was developed primarily to accommodate analysis of apple orchards from an aerial
perspective. The algorithm first identifies individual rows of trees from a Near-Infrared-Image (NIR) for
subroutine analysis. When this is done, each row is individually analyzed using a variety of methods. This is
primarily to develop a matrix of favorable tree intersection points. The methods used to do this include:
canopy profile matching, threshold concavity measurements, and maximum intensity values in vegetation
health indices. Upon completing the analysis and the intersections determined, markers are created to be used
in a gradient modified, marker-controlled watershed segmentation algorithm which divides each row into
individual tree profiles. This analysis and data now allows for measurement of the vegetation health indices as
well as to trend plant coloration for each individual tree. This combination of algorithms and method of
analysis provide functional and innovative processes for target crop analysis that will not only help precision
agriculture’s expansion but potentially could apply to a larger field of work or study.
SU-2 (UG)
Presenting Author: Heather Skovgard, Norhtwest Nazarene University
Co-authors: Duke M. Bulanon, John Lonai, Darrell Leber
Title: Analyzing crop efficiency through UAV imaging
Abstract:
In an effort to increase food supplies to keep up with the demands of a growing population, there is a
desperate need to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce waste. The purpose of this research is to
develop engineering technologies that will improve crop production helping farmers create optimized nutrient
and watering system to individual plants to efficiently produce large quantities of healthy crops.
The Crop Monitoring and Assessment Platform (C-MAP) suggested in this research utilizes a multispectral
camera attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to collect pictures of entire fields from a
bird’s-eye view. An image processing algorithm is used in post processing to analyze these pictures. Results
using Enhanced Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (ENDVI), a common index for crop health, have
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shown significant correlation. This platform has the potential to revolutionize the agriculture industry and
impact every aspect of civilization.
SU-3 (G)
Presenting Author: Cheri Lamb, Boise State University
Co-authors: Karen Gellerman, Wendy A. Harvey, and Kristen A. Mitchell
Title: Exposure to TCDD increases fibrogenesis during experimental liver fibrosis
Abstract:
The environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) elicits toxicity through the aryl
hydrocarbon receptor. It was recently shown that exposure to TCDD enhances gross markers of liver damage
during experimental liver fibrosis. Fibrosis is a common pathophysiological response to chronic liver injury
mediated by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Studies in our laboratory have revealed that TCDD treatment
enhances activation of HSCs . The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that TCDD treatment increases
HSC activation during liver fibrosis . To test this, we measured fibrosis-related endpoints that are typically
attributed to activated HSCs. C57Bl/6 mice were treated with 10% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) twice a week
for eight weeks, and TCDD (20 μg/kg) was administered during the final two weeks. Results indicate that
TCDD treatment enhanced collagen deposition based on increased Sirius red staining in liver sections, as well
as mRNA levels of Col1a1 that were 10-fold higher than in mice treated with CCl4 alone. TCDD treatment
also elicited an increase in mRNA levels of TGF alone. TCDD treatment alshydroxyproline in liver
homogenates. Finally, TCDD treatment increased expression of in liver homogenates. Finally, TCDD
treatment increased e These results indicate that TCDD treatment increases fibrogenesis during the CCl4 model
of experimental liver fibrosis and support further investigation into the role of AhR signaling in HSCs in vivo.
SU-4 (G)
Presenting Author: Ken Tawara, Boise State University
Co-authors: Celeste Bolin, Jordan Konsinsky, Hunter Covert, Sujatha Kadaba, Dollie LaJoie, Laura Bond,
Randall E. Ryan, Joseph Kronz, Paul Montgomery, Joel Garbow, and Cheryl L. Jorcyk
Title: Inflammatory cytokines stimulate breast cancer disease progression
Abstract:
Recent studies suggest that cancer cells destined to establish metastatic lesions may disseminate and lay
dormant in a metastatic microenvironment (MME) for years before macrometastases are detectable. While
inflammatory cytokines are known to be important in promoting breast cancer metastasis, their effect on tumor
cell dissemination needs to be clarified. In this study, we investigate the effect of an inflammatory cytokine
such as oncostatin M (OSM) on breast cancer metastasis. In vivo studies using an orthotopic 4T1.2 mouse
model of breast cancer show that OSM may increase tumor cell metastasis to various organs. On the other
hand, reduced OSM expression in 4T1.2 cells suppresses tumor metastasis. Furthermore, orthotopic injection of
reduced OSM 4T1.2 cells increases animal survival post-primary tumor resection. Similar results were seen in
an orthotopic xenograft MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer mouse model. Taken together, these results
suggest that suppression of inflammatory cytokine levels in the tumor microenvironment could be a highly
effective therapeutic strategy for halting breast cancer metastasis.
SU-5 (G)
Presenting Author: Neha Misra, Boise State University
Co-authors: Juliette Tinker
Title: Identifying S. aureus surface proteins that are upregulated and immunogenic during mastitis
Abstract:
Bovine mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus is a major subclinical disease in dairy cows. Mastitis leads to
considerable economic loss every year. Development of a vaccine for prevention of mastitis could significantly
improve animal health and also overcome huge economic losses. The surface of S. aureus contains highly
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conserved microbial surface adhesin proteins (MSCRAMMs) that are critical for S. aureus for establishing
infection, invasion and adhesion in host. MSCRAMMs are promising candidates for developing vaccines
against bovine mastitis. IsdA is a conserved S. aureus MSCRAMM that contributes to host adhesion and
bacterial iron uptake. Here we report, the quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR analysis on isdA, isdB, clfA,
and fnbpA MSCRAMM genes, to detect their expression levels in different conditions that model the in vivo
environment of the infected bovine udder. Both bovine and human strains of S. aureus were grown in milk, low
iron, microaerophillic, low pH and low glucose to identify optimum conditions for their expression. Higher
expression of surface adhesin genes was observed in the milk media for bovine S. aureus strains, however the
human S. aureus strain reflected reduction in the expression of these adhesin genes. In addition, 2D gel
electrophoresis was conducted on S. aureus proteins extracted by silica bead and trypsinization from bovine
S. aureus strains, to identify novel immunogenic adhesin protein that can be incorporated into multivalent
vaccine. Further studies will move towards performing all 2D gel electrophoresis experiments on 11cm gel size
for better resolution and qRT-PCR on the S. aureus surface adhesin genes will be conducted in milk media
supplemented with iron.
SU-6 (G)
Presenting Author: Hunter Covert, Boise State University
Co-authors: Liliana Mellor, and Cheryl L. Jorcyk
Title: The role of inflammatory cytokines in metastatic breast cancer
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between the inflammatory cytokines and cell
migration-promoting proteins in breast cancer metastasis. Critical migration protein expression was studied in
multiple human breast cancer cell lines, including triple negative (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 and estrogen
receptor/progesterone receptor-positive (ER+/PR+) T47D and MCF-7 cells. Western blot analysis and RTPCR demonstrated that certain cytokines are capable of upregulating the expression of the migrationassociated proteins as well as inducing multiple variants produced by alternative splicing. Confocal
microscopy was performed and displayed highly organized metastatic proteins around the edge of the cell
after cytokine treatment. Cytokine treatment also increased the breast cancer stem cell like (BCSC) population
as measured by flow cytometry. To examine the importance of metastatic protein activity in tumor cell
migration, we conducted migration assays with and without siRNA and treatment with inflammatory cytokines.
These results verified that cytokine-induced migration activity is important for metastasis. In conclusion, our
studies demonstrate that specific cytokines increase the expression of migratory proteins and its variants, as
well as induce a BCSC phenotype.
SU-7 (UG)
Presenting Author: Jerry Hagler, Boise State University
Co-authors: Cheri Lamb, Kristen A. Mitchell
Title: TCDD increases activity of matrix metalloproteinases during experimental liver fibrosis
Abstract:
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant that elicits toxicity
through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. We recently discovered that exposure to TCDD exacerbates liver
fibrosis, which is a pathological condition characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM)
components, such as collagen type I. Under normal conditions, collagen deposition is countered by the activity
of collagenases, such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis
that TCDD treatment suppresses MMP expression and activity during experimental liver fibrosis. C57Bl/6
mice were treated with 10% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) twice a week for 8 weeks. During the last two weeks,
mice were also treated with 20 µg/kg TCDD or peanut oil control. Hepatic MMP-13 mRNA levels were
measured by qPCR, and collagenase activity was assessed by in situ zymography. Contrary to our hypothesis,
MMP-13 mRNA levels were twice as high in TCDD/CCl4-treated mice compared to mice treated with CCl4
alone, and this coincided with increased collagenase activity. It is possible that upregulation of MMP
expression and activity is a compensatory response to the increased deposition of collagen observed in
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TCDD/CCl4-treated mice. Future studies will investigate the consequences of TCDD on additional proteins that
regulate ECM remodeling.
SU-8 (G)
Presenting Author: Neda Shefa, Boise State University
Co-authors: Julia Oxford
Title: BMP-2 and PTHrP regulate Col11a1 alternative splicing during osteoblast differentiation of C2C12 cells
Abstract:
Collagen XI is an extracellular matrix protein required for embryonic development with a role in both
nucleating the formation of fibrils and regulating the diameter of heterotypic fibrils during collagen fibrillary
assembly. Although found in many different vertebrate tissues, Col11a1 plays an essential role in
endochondral ossification. To further understand the function of Col11a1 in the process of bone formation, we
compared skeletal mineralization in wildtype (WT) mice and Col11a1-deficient mice using X-ray
microchromatography and histology. Changes to the periosteal bone collar of the developing long bones
were observed and resulted in an increase in thickness but a decrease in mineral density in the case of
Col11a1-deficient mice compared to WT littermates. To investigate the mechanism, we analyzed the
regulation of Col11a1 expression by BMP-2 and PTHrP using C2C12 cells. We found that BMP-2 and PTHrP
regulate the expression and splicing of Col11a1 expressed by C2C12 cells. BMP-2 treatment resulted in the
inclusion of exons 6A and 8 whereas BMP-2 combined with PTHrP led to the inclusion of the alternative exon
6B. Col11a1 knockdown by small interfering RNA reduced the expression of osteoblast markers including
osteocalcin, Runx2, ALP and osteopontin, and inhibited the localization of phosphorylated Smads into the
nucleus, suggesting a role for Col11a1 in osteoblast differentiation. These results show for the first time that
Col11a1 is regulated by BMP-2 and suggest a novel role for Col11a1 isoforms in osteoblast differentiation
and bone collar formation during endochondral ossification.
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POSTER PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS
1
Presenting Author: Solomon W. Leung, PhD, Idaho State University
Co-authors: Wenjuan Gao, Alok Bhushan, and James C.K. Lai
Title: Co-culturing dorsal root ganglion neurons with Schwann cells protects them against the cytotoxic effects
of silver nanoparticles
Abstract:
Because of their presumed inertness, silver nanoparticles are increasing employed in many consumer products.
Nonetheless, their environmental and health hazard impact are not understood. Our previous studies led us to
develop a co-culture model consisting of DRG neurons and Schwann cells and to employ it to investigate our
hypothesis that co-culturing DRG neurons with Schwann cells imparts protection on them against cytotoxicity
induced by silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles induced concentration- and time-related decreases in
survival of DRG neurons or Schwann cells in monotypic cultures: both cell types withstood the cytotoxicity of
silver nanoparticles and survived better when maintained in co-cultures. DRG neurons and co-cultures of DRG
neurons and Schwann cells, but not Schwann cells alone, expressed synapsin. Silver nanoparticles suppressed
synapsin expression in DRG neurons alone but not in co-cultures with Schwann cells. Schwann cells and cocultures of DRG neurons and Schwann cells, but not DRG neurons alone, expressed GFAP. However, silver
nanoparticles markedly suppressed GFAP expression in Schwann cells alone but not in co-cultures with DRG
neurons. Thus, our results provides support for our hypothesis and may be relevant to toxicological studies
prior to clinical trials of drugs formulated with agents containing silver nanoparticles.
2 (G)
Presenting Author: Kalyan Chitrada, University of Idaho
Co-authors: Krishnan Raja
Title: Photoelectrochemical behavior of nanoporous anodic oxide of FeNdB alloy
Abstract:
Nanoporous oxide layer was synthesized by electrochemical anodization of commercially available sintered
Fe14Nd2B permanent magnets. The anodized oxide layer consisted of predominantly α-Fe2O3 alloyed with
Nd and B ions and minor Nd2O3 phases. The photoelectrochemical behavior of the prepared anodic oxide
was compared with thermally oxidized counterpart and the nanostructured iron oxide layers obtained by
anodization and thermal oxidation of pure iron foil. The oxide of FeNdB exhibited higher electron density of
states, charge carrier density, and lower band gap than the un- alloyed iron oxide. The catalytic activity of
FeNdB oxide for the oxygen evolution reaction was slightly higher than that of un- alloyed iron oxide.
However, the photocatalytic behavior of the FeNdB oxide was inferior to the iron oxide, which could be
attributed to the increased charge recombination, and the hole accumulation occurring at the FeNdB oxide
surface.
3 (G)
Presenting Author: Nisha Shrestha, Boise State University
Co-authors: Xinzhu Pu, Daniel Fologea
Title: Macromolecule translocation through lysenin channels
Abstract:
Stochastic sensing using natural or synthetic nanopores has become a technique largely used for the
characterization of single molecules and their interactions. For almost two decades, alpha-hemolysin has been
the prototype pore-forming protein used for single molecule analysis upon insertion in an artificial bilayer
lipid membrane. However, the size restriction and the lack of regulation significantly limit its further use for
biosensing and controlled transport.
This presentation provides evidence for the controlled translocation of individual ssDNA molecules and
peptides through single and multiple lysenin channels inserted in artificial planar lipid membranes.
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These findings facilitate further use of lysenin channels for single-molecule biosensing, DNA and peptide
sequencing, development of nano-valves and nano-switches, and development of novel drug-delivery
strategies.
4 (G)
Presenting Author: A. Nicole Chang, Boise State University
Co-authors: Dale Brown, Eric Kruger, Kari McLaughlin, David Estrada
Title: Emerging biomedical applications of graphene and graphene foam
Abstract:
Graphene, a two-dimensional carbonaceous material, has uniquely interesting electrical, optical, and thermal
properties. This makes it an attractive candidate for applications in a variety of fields, including the
electronics and medical industries. While graphene was originally mechanically exfoliated from bulk graphite
crystals, this technique results in relatively small crystals useful only for fundamental research. Presently, highquality, wafer-scale graphene can be grown via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Moreover, the properties
of two-dimensional graphene can be extorted by synthesizing three-dimensional structures called graphene
foams.
In this work, we report on the development of such processes at Boise State University. Using a custom built
variable pressure CVD system we grow graphene on planar and three-dimensional transition metal substrates
by introducing a gaseous carbon precursor in a low pressure and high temperature environment. The resulting
graphene and graphene foam are supported by a polymer layer, while the metal template is removed via
selective etching. The supporting polymer is then removed using a variety of solvents. We also present our
recent results highlighting the potential of graphene and graphene foam as an artificial matrix for cell growth
and differentiation. C2C12 cardiomyoblasts are seeded on graphene scaffolds, and their growth monitored
via optical microscopy. Our results highlight the emerging research capabilities of the new interdisciplinary
Ph.D. program in Materials Science and Engineering at Boise State University, as well as the potential of using
graphene as a scaffold for tissue engineering.
5 (G)
Presenting Author: Ryan Stevenson, Boise State University
Co-authors: Yanliang Zhang, Tony Varghese, Courtney Hollar
Title: Screen printing and spray coating for flexible thermoelectric energy harvesting
Abstract:
Thermoelectric generators (TEGS) produce electrical energy for autonomous operation of microsystems when a
small thermal gradient is applied across the device. This poster reports two new fabrication techniques
utilizing an easy-to-manufacture approach for producing thermoelectric devices at lower costs. The poster also
discusses modifications of measurement techniques to enhance the accuracy of thermoelectric property
measurements for thick films.
Bismuth antimony telluride (Bi1.5Sb0.5Te3) is an excellent material with exceptional figures of merit at room
temperature. This approach uses a dispersion of nanomaterials to print onto a flexible substrate. This was
done with the help of a specialized ink vehicle for screen printing and also spraying the dispersion directly
onto a flexible substrate to obtain the desired thickness. The simplicity of this approach will allow us to choose
different flexible substrates based on the application and working environment of the device.
Current measurement techniques require separate testing configurations to determine the electrical
conductivity and Seebeck coefficient. Fabrication of an alternative testing configuration involving lowtemperature co-fired ceramics allows for accurate and efficient measurements.
Thick, flexible Bi1.5Sb0.5Te3 films were printed on a kapton substrate, displaying a maximum power factor of
52µW/(mK2 ) at room temperature. Large area flexible TEGs have enormous potential for powering
microelectronic devices with irregular surface morphologies and low temperature gradients, including human
body heat harvesting.
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6 (UG)
Presenting Author: Nicholas A. La Combe, Boise State University
Co-authors: Brett Ward, Paul Davis, David Estrada, Elton Graugnard
Title: Correlated optical and atomic force microscopy characterization of two-dimensional atomic-layered
materials
Abstract:
Single layers of two-dimensional atomic-layered materials, such as graphene–a single layer of graphite–
exhibit unique physical properties as compared to the corresponding bulk materials. These properties offer
possibilities of engineering atomically thin devices. Single layers can be synthesized by chemically and/or
mechanically processing bulk materials, but the yield of single-layer material produced relative to lessdesirable multi-layer material depends strongly on the process parameters. These materials can be
characterized quickly with optical microscopy (OM), but it is non-trivial to determine the layer thickness with
OM, so it is difficult to know which structural features are single layers versus multiple layers. Atomic force
microscopy (AFM) precisely measures layer thickness, but AFM is relatively slow. Here, we describe our efforts
on correlating AFM images with OM images in order to establish a high-speed OM technique for single-layer
material characterization and identification. Two-dimensional atomic-layered materials processed by
mechanical exfoliation were transferred to oxidized silicon wafers and imaged by both AFM and OM. Singlelayer and few-layer features identified in AFM images were compared to corresponding features in OM
images. By processing OM images using Image J software, we established a quantitative correlation between
OM image contrast and the layer thickness of the material thereby enabling rapid, easy identification of
single-layer materials with OM. These results indicate a viable route for high-speed characterization of
atomic-layered materials synthesis processes.
7 (G)
Presenting Author: Matt Kirkham, Idaho State University
Co-authors: Jeff Rosentreter
Title: Cyanide detection in blood via elemental silver complexation
Abstract:
Analysis of the formation of silver complexes with free cyanide has been performed under a series of
variable conditions, including reaction with silver wire, silver mesh, and micro-porous silver filters. Varying
concentrations of cyanide, ranging from 2 ppm to 20 ppm in cyanide, were reacted with the silver sources for
varying periods of time ranging from 5 minutes to 60 minutes. Analysis of the formation of silver-cyanide
complexes was done via atomic absorption spectroscopy. The most precise method was found using the silver
mesh supported on a glass stirring rod. The optimal reaction time was reached around 30 min., after which
insignificant increases in silver-cyanide complex concentration was detected.
These results are important in establishing a basis for the detection of cyanide for silver, and to determine
that such silver-cyanide complexes can in fact be formed. Using these results going forward, the next step will
be to confirm that this process can be used in the formation of Ag-CN complexes from solutions containing
complexed Fe-CN groups, and even further to Heme-CN complexes, and to explore the consistency and
recovery of such methods when applied to a more complex media.
8 (G)
Presenting Author: Daniel Shin, Boise State University
Co-authors: Nicole Frane and Rajesh Nagarajan
Title: A comparative analysis of acyl-homoserine lactone synthase assays
Abstract:
Bacteria are known to coordinate attacks on their host via a census counting mechanism coined “quorum
sensing”, which is involved in inducing virulent gene expression, biofilm production, antibiotic resistance, and
other cellular functions. Gram-negative bacteria facilitate quorum sensing via N-acyl-L-homoserine lactone
autoinducer molecules that are synthesized by a class of enzymes termed acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL)
synthase. AHL synthase enzymes catalyzes the acylation and lactonization reactions between either acyl-acyl
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carrier protein (acyl-ACP) or acyl-CoA and s-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) to form holo-ACP (or free-CoA),
methylthioadenosine (MTA), and the AHL autoinducer. Despite the great potential of targeting AHL synthases
for quorum sensing inhibition, lack of robust assays limits mechanistic studies and inhibitor design for these
enzymes. A radiolabel and a colorimetric (DCPIP) assay are well documented in literature to study AHL
synthase enzymes but not without limitations. While the radiolabel assay is laborious, the DCPIP dye in the
colorimetric assay can undergo nonspecific reduction giving rise to large background rates. In this poster, we
present additional AHL synthase assays, such as HPLC-based, C-S bond cleavage, and multi-enzyme coupled
assays. The benefits and limitations associated for each of these assays are also outlined. Lastly, the
reliability of these assays are explored by comparing them with published methods. Our efforts in expanding
the assay toolkit should accelerate mechanistic studies on signal synthase enzymes, which will open new doors
for developing novel antivirulent compounds.
9 (G)
Presenting Author: Josiah Elsberg, Boise State University
Co-authors: Jeff Barlow and Eric Brown
Title: Synthesis of model compounds that mimic the primary and secondary coordination sphere of carbonic
anhydrase
Abstract:
Carbonic Anhydrase (CA) is a metalloenzyme that is present within numerous organisms. Although CA is
responsible for the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate, its lesser known function is the
activation of carbonyl sulfide (COS) to produce hydrogen sulfide. This pathway is important for numerous
plant and lichen species that live in sulfate deficient environments, since COS is their primary source of sulfur.
However, the mechanism of how CA activates COS is not fully understood. To study this mechanism, synthetic
analogues of CA have been utilized and the reaction with COS explored. Synthetic analogues are low
molecular weight complexes designed to mimic the enzyme active site and replicate the enzyme’s reactivity.
CA has both a primary (amino acids that bind directly to the metal ion) and secondary (amino acids that form
non-covalent interactions with ligands on the metal ion) coordination sphere that influences its reactivity.
Unfortunately, previous research with synthetic analogues of CA have been limited to modeling the primary
coordination sphere. To study the effects of the secondary coordination sphere (e.g. influence of H-bonding
interaction) on CA’s reactivity, analogues with hydrogen bond donors have been synthesized. We will present
the results of reactivity and kinetic studies using our synthetic analogues.
10 (UG)
Presenting Author: Benjamin Poulter
Co-authors: Marti Anthony, Lisa Lau, and Rene Rodriguez
Title: Limitations of Sn incorporation into PECVD deposited GeS2 thin films
Abstract:
Incorporation of Sn into germanium chalcogenide films is known to increase the difference in electrical
conductance between the amorphous and crystalline phases of these films. The addition of Sn also has
potential to increase the magnitude of the resistive switching exhibited by conductive bridging RAM as well as
to decrease the voltage required to cause the switching. In PECVD, plasma enhanced chemical vapor
deposition, however, achieving desired Sn percentages in these films can prove to be an issue. High flow
rates of Sn are required to reach a crystalline phase, but the higher Sn flow rates may also change the GeS2
stoichiometry in the initial films.
In this study, PECVD of germanium chalcogenide thin films was done utilizing GeCl4, H2S, SnCl4, and alkyl
chalcogenides. Their use for thin film deposition of this material was evaluated. The reactant flow rates and
plasma power were varied to deposit several thin films with different Sn content using PECVD. XRF, XRD,
Raman and EDS were used to determine the stoichiometries and crystallinity of the thin films that were
deposited.
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11
Presenting Author: William H. Clark, PhD, The College of Idaho
Co-authors: Paul E. Blom, Paul J. Johnson
Title: Philolithus elatus (LeConte) associated with Pogonomyrmex salinus Olsen nest soils in southeastern Idaho
Abstract:
We report Philolithus elatus (LeConte) (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Asidinae) from the nest soils of the
harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex salinus Olsen (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae) at the Idaho National
Environmental Research Park (INERP) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for the first time. A total of 47
larvae, two pupae, and one adult were collected from 36 P. salinus nests of 65 examined (55 percent had
beetles) during the summer. Fifteen of the 65 nests were part of a comparative survey sifting 4.5 m3 of soil
centered over the nest and at two and four meters distant. This effort uncovered five P. elatus larvae and two
pupae in nest soils, while no P. elatus were found in the non-nest soils. Our observations indicate that the
immature stage may have an obligate association with nest soils of P. salinus. We observed a female P.
elatus ovipositing on a nest of P. salinus in September. Our observations do not indicate intimate
myrmecophily as specimens were not found in ant brood or food storage chambers.
We describe the immature stages (larva and pupa) of P. elatus for the first time. We present a key to
differentiate these from the other Asidinae taxa in the Great Basin.
12 (UG)
Presenting Author: Casey Dooms, Idaho State University
Title: Student training in large vertebrate fossil collection and preparation
Abstract:
Idaho is rich with fossil resources that have changed our understanding of both past and present environments
and ecosystems. However, proper training in the handling and care of Idaho’s fossil resources is essential if
they are to benefit researchers and the public.
Proper training begins in the field with emphasis on modern standards used in data collection, excavation,
and transport of fossil specimens. This is followed by training in a well-equipped lab on the proper methods
for stabilizing specimens to prevent further deterioration. Above all, proper training requires opportunity.
Cooperation between the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and the Idaho Museum of Natural (IMNH) History has
allowed Idaho State University (ISU) students the opportunity to gain hands on experience in excavating a
recently discovered mammoth skull from American Falls Reservoir. Students were allowed to conduct the
excavation under the supervision of the IMNH vertebrate paleontologist. Preparation and stabilization of the
specimen is now being conducted in the IMNH prep lab by the students. This is providing an excellent learning
experience for all involved. This unique experience is due to a special ISU program, Career Path Interns. This
program allows the students to gain hands-on job experience.
13 (UG)
Presenting Author: Logan Davidson, Brigham Young University-Idaho
Co-authors: Ryan Sargeant
Title: The effect of spatial resolution in digital elevation models (DEM) on losses from hurricane storm surge in
the HAZUS hurricane model
Abstract:
Storm surge from hurricanes often cause lots of damage and loss. The Federal Emergency Management
Agency’s (FEMAs) hurricane storm surge model integrates a DEM to accurately predict how far a storm surge
would reach and how much damage it could cause. This study looks to analyze the differences in the storm
surge model depending on the resolution of models. The study will take place in Nassau County New York
involving models of different resolutions. To determine what resolution is most accurate a comparison to
available data on hurricane Sandy will be done. Comparison will include differences in storm surge height,
damage and loss differences.
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14 (UG)
Presenting Author: Christian Rohnert, Northwest Nazarene University
Co-authors: Kayla Siepmann, Johanna Hay-Smith, Christian Carter, Elliot Haragos, Chris Doxtator, Brytanie
Self, Tom Sigrist, Dr. Leslie Hay
Title: Monitoring distribution and abundance of terrestrial mammals in protected Costa Rican rain forests
Abstract:
Our goal is to evaluate differences in the presence, relative abundance and distribution of small, meso, and
large mammal species in the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica. More specifically, we are monitoring terrestrial
species in these neotropical rainforests including: tapir (Tapirus bairdii), white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari),
collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu), agouti (Dasyprocta punctata), paca (Agouti paca), and other select
terrestrial species. In protected areas along the Osa Peninsula and La Amistad Biosphere Reserve, our team
dispersed 40 trail cameras within a network of trails, each having the capacity to film and capture photos of
the target species. Methods of obtaining data involve setting up a scent pad and camera trap parallel with
each other along a chosen trail. In order to obtain precise numbers of individuals, wildlife enter the field of
detection, and their movement triggers the motion sensory cameras. Currently our results (out of total species
viewed) are as follows: paca 4%, collared peccary 10%, curassow 12%, agouti 13%, white-lipped peccary
27%, among the various wildlife recorded. This ongoing research enables us to more accurately document
changes in relative abundance and distribution of important terrestrial wildlife that are significant to seed
dispersal and overall forest structure and function of these neotropical rainforests in Costa Rica.
15 (UG)
Presenting Author: Ellen Jocox, Idaho State University
Co-authors: Mary E. Thompson
Title: Giant Chelonians of Idaho’s Miocene
Abstract:
In Idaho today Chelonians are an unusual to rare sight with only one native species present. This has not
always been the case. The fossil record indicates a diverse group of turtles and tortoises lived here in the
past. While some species have been identified, there are several eye-catching specimens in the collections at
the Idaho Museum of Natural History that remain unidentified. These are giant tortoises from the early to
middle Miocene, and it was originally thought that they possessed minimal identifiable features. At the time
of collection, they were classified only as Chelonia. During an ongoing inventory and reorganization of the
collections diagnostic elements and additional specimens were found, leading to the determination that there
are at least two different species and two age groups represented by these fossils. Their identification and
description will help to clarify the history of Chelonians in Idaho and the environment in which they once lived
16 (UG)
Presenting Author: Kevin C. Bell, Brigham Young University-Idaho
Co-authors: R. Jeff Castro and Mary E. Thompson
Title: A new occurrence of Paramylodon harlani from Power County, Idaho
Abstract:
The Idaho Museum of Natural History (IMNH) is entrusted with the conservation and storage of Idaho’s
collection of fossilized faunal material. The vertebrate paleontology collections located within the IMNH
contain the fossils of four extinct ground sloth species located within the boundaries of Idaho. Two species,
harlani and chapadmalensis, belong to the genus Paramylodon; and two species, jeffersoni and leptostomus,
belong to the genus Megalonyx. The recent accumulation of faunal material from excursions in Power County
over the past year has been compared to the faunal material housed at the IMNH. Specimens of both giant
ground sloths have been found from numerous sites in southeastern Idaho. Six fossilized faunal bones have
been determined to be the remnants of Paramylodon harlani, and at least one of these fossils is that of a
young sloth.
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17 (UG)
Presenting Author: R. Jeff Castro, Idaho State University
Co-authors: Mary E. Thompson
Title: Investigation of bison bones at the Minidoka Bison Site: determining butchery vs. trampling
Abstract:
The Minidoka Bison Site is located in southeastern Idaho along the Snake River. Over the years specimens
have been collected and curated at the Idaho Museum of Natural History (IMNH). A large portion of the
specimens are bison either Bison bison or possibly Bison antiquus. We want to answer two questions regarding
the site: 1)Is the bison component a natural or cultural derived assemblage? and 2) Is the extinct fauna
contemporaneous with the bison material?
Specimens were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level and preservation quality (mineralization)
was noted. Specimens were also examined for breakage patterns, cut marks, and other marks.
The extinct faunal remains include camel, horse, proboscidean and sloth and are generally more mineralized
than the bison material. All bison material was determined to be modern Bison bison. We concluded that the
collection is a palimpsest of depositional events. Only two bison elements exhibit probable modification by
humans. These elements indicate there is a minor human involvement in the bison bone depositional event.
18 (G)
Presenting Author: Nayani Ilangakoon, Boise State University
Co-authors: Nancy Glenn and Lucas Spaete
Title: Characterization of low-height vegetation with waveform LiDAR
Abstract:
Ecosystem models can be used to derive biophysical parameters such as net primary production and carbon
sequestration of vegetation. However, the model accuracy is a function of the accuracy of the input variables.
Many such variables include vegetation structural parameters such as height, canopy area, and gap
probability which can be derived from point clouds generated from discrete return airborne LiDAR (Light
Detection And Ranging) across large scales. Each discrete return LiDAR point is recorded with X, Y, and Z
coordinates and together, a point cloud can be used to derive the above mentioned structural parameters.
However, the applicability of discrete return LiDAR in ecosystems with short vegetation structure (< 1m) are
limited due to the comparable low vertical resolution (~1m). In contrast, full-waveform LiDAR is capable of
digitizing the full backscattered signal of the each LiDAR pulse as a wave with one to several peaks. Each
peak is characterized by not only the XYZ but also with the peak amplitude and pulse width. These two
additional parameters are a function of the scattered target properties and can be used to calculate the
backscattered cross section. Further, through the decomposition of waveforms, additional points can be
generated for each target and thus the point density can be increased in comparison to discrete return LiDAR.
The aim of this project includes 1) decompose and optimize the full waveform LiDAR signal recorded from a
Reigl LMS @ 1560 airborne laser scanner to derive high density point clouds to characterize the sagebrushsteppe, western U.S. semiarid ecosystem, 2) characterize low-height vegetation structure through the
waveform signals based on a backscatter cross section, amplitude and pulse width and 3) derive above
mentioned structural parameters as well as digital elevation models (DEM) and digital surface models (DSM)
for the sagebrush-steppe.
19
Presenting Author: Mary E. Thompson, PhD, Idaho State University
Co-authors: Ashley Ferguson and Kevin C. Bell
Title: Use of morphometric analysis on postcrania to identify mammalian fossil species
Abstract:
Craniodental specimens are often the best material for identifying mammalian fossils to the genus or species
level. Many fossil assemblages consist primarily of dissociated postcrania and lack the typical diagnostic
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remains. In these localities accurate identification of postcranial material can improve measures of
mammalian diversity for wider-scale studies.
Currently bison species in the fossil record are determined by morphologic characteristics of the cranium and
horn cores. This material is often fragmentary at sites which have yielded a wealth of postcranial elements
that can be ascribed to the genus bison.
Elements of the tarsus are often well-preserved and have been shown to have a diagnostic utility in
artiodactyls. This study explored the potential of using the cubonavicular and astragalus in a geometric
morphometric analysis to differentiate bison species. The astragali were also used to differentiate bison
species from camelids. We gathered 3D landmarks from cubonaviculars and astragali from fossil sites in
Idaho. Landmark data was treated with Procrustes superimposition to remove all nonshape differences and
then subjected to principal components analysis and linear discriminant function analysis. In addition, we
subjected eight linear measurements on the astragali to the same analyses. We believe this study showed
that postcrania can be used to identify mammalian fossils to the generic-level. Adding more specimens of
known species will improve certainty and accuracy for future work.
20 (HS)
Presenting Author: Morgan Weeks, Highland High School
Co-authors: Merrie Rampy
Title: Predicting patterns of indoor radon concentrations in northern Idaho
Abstract:
Radon is a colorless odorless invisible gas that has been linked to illness of the lungs. Due to the fact that
radon originates from uranium in the soil, I would test local radon levels and see if there was a significant
statistical difference of the levels of radon among different geology areas. I had people test their specific
indoor radon level in their home using a detector I borrowed from the school.
In my results, I found no statistically significant difference among different radon levels and their location on
the geology map. The main reason for this is because I simply did not have enough volume to make any
inferences with the data. I will keep on collecting data and continue my project to see if there is indeed a
correlation of radon levels and the geologic levels of uranium.
21 (UG)
Presenting Author: Lauren M. Polito, College of Idaho
Co-authors: D. H. Mansfield and J.F. Smith
Title: Phylogenetic analysis of populations within the Lomatium grayi Clade (Apiaceae)
Abstract:
The genus Lomatium, common throughout western North America, forms a group of perennial endemics within
the family Apiaceae. Recent analysis has uncovered some of the evolutionary relationships among many of
the species of this family. The evolutionary relationships of the Lomatium grayi clade, containing five main
species: L. grayi, L. packardiae, L. tamanitchii, L. thompsonii and L. triternatum anomalum, still remains relatively
elusive. We explored the relationships among populations of these species and other varieties of L.
triternatum using DNA sequence data from one nuclear and three chloroplast genes from over 100 specimens
collected in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington and from various herbarium specimens. Primary phylogenetic
analysis indicates that L. triternatum var. anomalum is distinct from all of the other varieties of L. triternatum. L.
anomalum, L. packardiae, and L. tamanitchii are all in a sister clade to L. grayi. Based on our cladistic analysis,
we have identified several populations of a new species resembling L. grayi in Adams Co., Idaho, which
appears to be genetically distinct from all other L. grayi populations. Altogether, the results indicate that
there is more variability within the L. grayi clade than formerly known.
22 (UG)
Presenting Author: Christopher Dossett, Boise State University
Co-authors: Ken Cornell and John Thurston
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Title: Progress towards the development of novel bacteria MTN inhibitors
Abstract:
The World Health Organization reported this year that the incidences of antibiotic resistant infections has
reached epidemic proportions. Thus there is a need for novel antibiotics to treat drug resistant microbes. The
enzyme Methylthioadenosine nucleosidase (MTN) is specific to microbes and not found in humans. Compounds
designed to inhibit MTN could represent a novel class of antibiotics. The goal of our research is to synthesize
nucleoside analogs that contain 2’ and 5’ substitutions that will make them selective inhibitors of MTN. In this
project, we synthesized initial reaction intermediates from ribose. Here we report the results of our studies to
optimize compound synthesis and the production of two reaction intermediates and an iodide reaction
required to make nucleoside analogs. These compounds will be used as precursors to synthesis a panel of 2’
and 5’ substituted nucleosides.
23 (UG)
Presenting Author: Necia Hunter
Co-authors:
Title: The antimicrobial properties of graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets: photocatalytic production of reactive
oxygen species to reduce microbial growth
Abstract:
Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4) is a narrow band gap photocatalyst that is capable of reducing molecular
oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), including hydroxyl radicles and super oxide radicals, in
the presence of visible light. Because ROS are toxic to cells and because the effectiveness of g-C3N4 increases
as surface area of the catalyst increases, this study focused on the antimicrobial effects of g-C3N4 nanosheets
against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7. The catalyst was able to significantly reduce the
number of colony forming units of both types of bacteria under visible radiation as compared to dark
photocatalyst treatments and to light and dark controls not treated with g-C3N4 (p<0.05). Furthermore, there
was no significant difference between the light and dark control treatments and the dark photocatalyst
treatments in all studies, suggesting that the photocatalyst itself is non-toxic (p>0.05). These results indicate
that graphitic carbon nitride could be an effective antimicrobial agent as nosocomial infections continue to rise
and as antibiotic resistance also increases.
24 (UG)
Presenting Author: Michael Detweiler, Boise State University
Co-authors: Allan Albig
Title: One more Notch towards the connection of ECM and cell communication
Abstract:
Cellular membrane molecules have numerous functions on the cell such as controlling migration, adhesion, or
cell to cell communication. Integrins are a transmembrane cell receptor protein that dimerize to facilitate cellextracellular matrix adhesion. The cell receptor Notch works to allow cell to cell communication through
ligand binding. There is some evidence to support a conspiring relationship between Notch and integrins
through some unknown factor, but little data showing how.
To address this issue, we blocked integrin function by incubating endothelial cells with β1 and β3 integrin
antibodies. Expression of Notch related genes were then examined through real-time PCR. Several genes
showed a change in expression with integrin inhibition. Notably, the expression pattern of some of these
genes show a reversal when Notch is inhibited, demonstrating a Notch-dependent effect. β-catenin is one of
the genes that showed this dynamic expression profile, and through prior experiments has been shown to
contribute in Notch regulation. These results are significant in the fact that integrins may have an impact on
Notch signaling.
25 (G)
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Presenting Author: Colton Knopp, Boise State University
Co-authors: Juliette Tinker
Title: Intranasal vaccination with IsdA/ClfA-CtA2B chimera reduces Staphylococcus aureus CFUs in bovines
Abstract: Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of bovine mastitis and usually presents itself without clinical
symptoms. Once established, the disease is likely to become chronic and unresponsive to antibiotics. Thus, a
more preventative approach to eliminating S. aureus infections and minimizing antibiotic use in dairies would
be beneficial both financially and for animal well-being. The iron-regulated surface determinant A (IsdA)
adhesin is essential for S. aureus colonization and plays an important role in iron acquisition. Previous reports
by our lab have shown IsdA to be immunogenic Here we investigated the bovine immune response to
intranasal administration of a cholera toxin ClfA/CtA2B chimera containing IsdA. Cows were vaccinated on 3
separate days; day 1, 14 and 49, of the study and nasal samples were gathered from each nostril on days
1, 14, 49, 60 and 70 to determine the amount of S. aureus present throughout the entire vaccination process.
Nasal samples were then plated on MP2 agar, coagulase tested, and identified through PCR genomic
analysis of S. aureus clfA, isdA, and nuc to characterize Staphylococcal species present.
Plasmids were constructed to express the IsdA-CTA(2)/B chimera and control proteins in Escherichia coli.
Proper construction of the chimera was verified by SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, GM1 enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and confocal microscopy. Groups of female BALB/c mice were mock immunized
or immunized with IsdA-CTA(2)/B, IsdA mixed with CTA(2)/B, or IsdA alone, followed by one booster
immunization at 10 days postpriming. Analysis of serum IgG and nasal, intestinal, and vaginal IgA suggested
that mucosal immunization with IsdA-CTA(2)/B induces significant IsdA-specific humoral immunity. Functional in
vitro assays revealed that immune serum significantly blocks the adherence of S. aureus to human epithelial
cells. Splenocytes from mice immunized with IsdA-CTA(2)/B showed specific cellular proliferation and
production of interleukin-4 (IL-4) after in vitro stimulation. Immunization with IsdA-CTA(2)/B drove isotype
switching to IgG1, indicative of a Th2-type response. Our results suggest that the immunogenicity of the S.
aureus IsdA-CTA(2)/B chimera merits further investigation as a potential mucosal vaccine candidate.
Hypothesis: Through intranasal vaccinations we can reduce/eradicate the level of Staphylococcus aureus in
bovines, through use of IsdA and ClfA/CtA2B chimeras as the vaccine agents.
26 (UG)
Presenting Author: Matthew Dillon, Boise State University
Co-authors: Danielle Hedeen, Steven Pekovich, Cheryl L. Jorcyk
Title: The effects of inflammatory cytokines on cancer cell migration
Abstract:
The ability of cancer cells to metastasize to distant tissues leads to a poor patient prognosis. In order for a
cancer cell to metastasize from the initial tumor, it must first migrate through the extracellular matrix (ECM).
Inflammatory cytokines are known to increase the metastatic potential of various cancer types. In this study,
we examine inflammatory cytokines and the signaling events that lead to cell migration in the human breast
cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231, and the human prostate cancer cell line, Du145. Receptor expression was
examined by reverse-transcriptase chain-polymerase reaction (RT-PCR), signal transducer activator of
transcription 3 (STAT3) activity was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELSIA), and migration
was measure by scratch assays and Boyden chamber assays. Understanding cytokine-induced migration in
cancer cells can help lead to the development of a novel therapeutic agent for inhibiting cancer metastasis.
27 (UG)
Presenting Author: Jacob Crow, Boise State University
Co-authors: Allan Albig
Title: Molecular control of arterial calcification
Abstract:
Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) is involved in the prevention of calcification of arteries, which is a process directly
related to cardiovascular diseases. Transcriptional control of MGP is poorly understood, but evidence suggests
that several signaling pathways and transcription factors (BMP, Notch, and Runx2) regulate MGP expression
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and this work examines these interactions. To accomplish this we cloned the MGP promoter into a luciferase
reporter construct to enable convenient promoter analysis. Results thus far from two cell lines have shown that
BMP increases MGP promoter activity while Notch decreases promoter activity. Evidence also exists showing
that single nucleotide polymorphisms of the MGP promoter exist within the general population and a couple
of these are correlated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The second part of this work examines if
these mutations effect the activation of the MGP promoter, and preliminary data shows that these mutations
have varying effects on the activity. To give another perspective on this data we are incorporating RT-PCR
and qPCR techniques which monitor endogenous promoter activity. Collectively, this data suggests that MGP
expression is checked by a feedback loop involving Notch, BMP, and Runx2, and that promoter mutations
vary MGP transcriptional activity.
28 (G)
Presenting Author: Teslin Botoy
Co-authors: Ken Cornell
Title: Analysis of novel MTA nucleosidase inhibitors as anti-parasitic agents
Abstract:
Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica are a major health concern in developing countries. Strains of
both parasites have been discovered that show resistance to the current treatment, metronidazole. Enzymes
within the methionine salvage pathway such as the methylthioadenosine nucleosidases (MTNs) have become
attractive targets for new drug design. Traditional drug development process takes almost a decade and
millions of dollars. In an effort to shorten that time line and reduce costs, the drugs tested in this study were
found by in silico screening of thousands of drugs for high binding affinities with the enzyme E.coli MTN.
Enzymatic screening of the 33 tightest binding drugs yielded four potent inhibitors of E. coli MTN. These four
drugs were then tested against target parasite MTNs. These drugs were then tested against live Giardia cells
as well as the human cell lines Hela and Jurkat via Alamar Blue and Bac Titer Glo assays to ensure that the
drugs would kill the parasite but not the host. The results of these tests confirm that one of the drugs would
make an effective treatment against Giardia intestinalis with an IC50 value of 10.8 µM while requiring a
concentration of over 100 µM to cause the same cell death against the Jurkat cell line. These results suggest
that in-silico screening of drugs can be a quick and effective means of novel drug discovery.
29 (UG)
Presenting Author: Daniel Flesher, Idaho State University
Co-authors: Robert Hanson, Jason Davis, Shirley Xu, Wenjuan Gao, Robyn Savala, Solomon W. Leung, James
Bigelow, Alok Bhushan, and James C.K. Lai
Title: LDH in DRG neurons and Schwann cells: kinetic properties
Abstract:
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that catalyzes a reversible reaction converting pyruvate to
lactate with the concomitant oxidation of NADH. LDH is known to play important roles in pathophysiological
conditions such as lactic acidosis and ischemia. Unlike those in neural cell types in brain, the kinetic and other
properties of LDH in neural cell types in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) have not been reportedly
characterized. We therefore employed the Clark and Lai assay for characterizing LDH activities in cultured
dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and Schwann cells. Our results revealed LDH activities in both cell types
were dependent on its substrates pyruvate and NADH and also linearly dependent on cell homogenates
added. LDH activities in Schwann cells were significantly higher than those in DRG neurons. We are
characterizing other kinetic properties of LDH in these two cell types. This study is the first to report on the
kinetic properties of LDH in these two neural cell types in PNS. As such our findings may have
pathophysiological implications in diseases involving PNS.
30 (G)
Presenting Author: Arpita Malik, Boise State University
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Co-authors: Allan Albig
Title: ECM control of cell physiology and angiogenesis
Abstract:
The Notch signaling pathway is a fundamental signaling system used by neighboring cells to communicate with
each other in order to assume their proper developmental role. Notch signaling molecules have an important
well-documented role in vascular development, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and tumorigenesis. Our
lab has previously shown that microfibril associated glycoprotein 2 (MAGP2), an ECM integrin binding
protein, suppresses notch activity in endothelial cells. This notch suppressing activity was linked to integrin
binding. Inhibition of kinases downstream from integrins (i.e. SRC and FAK), or treatment with integrin blocking
RGD peptides increased Notch activity. Interestingly, these treatments also triggered the production of a
lower molecular weight, high mobility fragment of the Notch intracellular domain. Our results suggested that
the high mobility bands are non-ubiquitinated forms of the notch intracellular domain that preferentially
localize to the nuclear compartment. In addition, our results also suggested that SRC kinase is required for the
modification. Furthermore, RGD binding to integrins induced an increase in cell migration and invasion, which
are important physiological factors related to tumor angiogenesis. We believe that these results describe a
novel pathway that couples ECM molecules to Notch signaling via integrins.
31
Presenting Author: Tyler Wines, Boise State University
Co-authors:
Title: Molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus adhesins as vaccine candidates
Abstract:
Bovine mastitis is a persistent inflammatory condition of the udder in response to bacterial infections. Mastitis is
among the most important disease affecting dairy cattle with respect to the incidence and economic impacts.
The gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus induced mastitis is among the most prevalent and typically
does not respond to frontline antibiotics. An effective S. aureus vaccine would reduce the dependence on
antibiotics, increase animal health as well as overall milk quality. S. aureus adhesins such as iron-regulated
surface determinant A (IsdA) and clumping factor A (ClfA) are conserved across S. aureus strains and are
upregulated during infections and represent encouraging vaccine candidates. To characterize the
immunogenicity of IsdA we analyzed sequence variability and expression of S. aureus clinical isolates from
100 samples of two Idaho dairies. Genomic characterization was conducted on all S. aureus isolates for the
presence of isdA and clfA through PCR and the variable region of isdA was compared for similarity across
isolates. We report two isoforms of IsdA as well as the presence of isdA in non S. aureus isolates. Milk and
serum samples were taken from these dairies and analyzed by ELISA for anti-IsdA responses. Results support
that S. aureus and other Staphylococcal spp. express IsdA during mastitis infections, and cows infected with
these strains display significantly higher anti-IsdA titers as compared to uninfected cows. Our lab has
constructed IsdA and ClfA/CtA2B chimeras and has begun an immunogenicity trial with intranasal vaccination
of dairy cows at dry off to further characterize IsdA and ClfA as vaccine candidates.
32 (UG)
Presenting Author: Ryan Carfi, Boise State University
Co-authors: Ken Cornell
Title: In vivo anti-giardial activity of nucleoside transition state analogs
Abstract:
Abstract. The parasitic protozoan Giardia intestinalis is responsible for giardiasis, a severe diarrheal disease
that is prevalent throughout the world. It is estimated that up 33% of people in developing countries have
been infected at some point in time. The recent emergence of chronic infections and drug-resistant strains of
Giardia calls for the development of new anti-parasitic drugs with novel targets within the parasite. One such
target is 5’ Methylthioadesosine Nucleosidase (MTN), a parasite specific enzyme required to salvage purines
that Giardia needs for growth and survival. In this study, transition state analog inhibitors of MTN that
previously showed potent in vitro activity against Giardia, were tested for in vivo anti-parasitic activity in a
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C57Bl/6 mouse model of giardiasis. Mice treated with transition state analog MTN inhibitors showed
significant reductions in intestinal parasite numbers. The results support the development of these compounds
as a new class of anti-parasitic drugs to Giardia infections in humans.
33 (UG)
Presenting Author: Katie Neal, Boise State University
Co-authors: Danielle Hedeen and Cheryl L. Jorcyk
Title: The effects of inflammatory cytokines on integrin expression in breast cancer
Abstract:
In 2015, the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 231,840 new cases of breast cancer
diagnosed in the United States, and an estimated 40,290 women will die from the disease. Some research
has been done linking the role of inflammatory cytokines and metastatic breast cancer. Inflammatory
cytokines have been shown to induce cellular signaling pathways that promote increased tumor cell migration,
invasive potential, and cell detachment in multiple cancer types; therefore, ultimately resulting in increased
tumor progression and metastatic potential. Integrins are transmembrane receptor proteins that mediate and
send signals important for cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Integrins also play a part in
regulating processes such as angiogenesis, lymphogenesis, cell motility, and migration due to their adhesive
nature. In this study, we investigated the effects inflammatory cytokines on the expression of various integrins
and subsequent downstream signaling targets. Investigating the effects of inflammatory cytokines on the
molecular processes of migration and invasion could help lead to the development of a novel therapy for
preventing metastases in breast cancer patients.
34 (G)
Presenting Author: Amy R. Hall
Co-authors:
Title: Proteomics of MTN deficiency in E. coli O157:H7 using iTRAQ
Abstract:
Incorporation of stable isotopes for protein quantification has become a fundamental technology in
contemporary proteomics research. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) allow large
scale proteomic analysis of up to eight samples simultaneously using mass spectroscopy. 5’Methylthioadenosine/S-Adenosylhomocysteine Nucleosidase (MTN) is an enzyme encoded on the genome of
most bacterial species, but absent in humans. Its role in methionine salvage makes it a promising target for
novel drug therapies. In order to better understand the mechanism of action of antibiotics targeting MTN, we
have conducted proteomic studies of our E. coli strain in which the MTN is deleted (MTN KO). Our preliminary
data shows a decrease in virulence for MTN KO. Here we report the use of iTRAQ labeling to quantitatively
determine differences in virulence factor expression between E. coli O157:H7 wild type and MTN knock out
strains.
35 (UG)
Presenting Author: Debra Weakly, Boise State University
Co-authors: Cheri Lamb and Kristen Mitchell
Title: Consequences of TCDD treatment on ADRP expression during experimental liver fibrosis
Abstract:
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a widespread, persistent environmental contaminant that elicits
toxicity through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. We recently discovered that in vitro TCDD treatment
modulates the function of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are non-parenchymal liver cells involved in
vitamin A homeostasis, wound healing and fibrosis. Specifically, we found that treatment of an HSC cell line
with TCDD suppressed the storage of vitamin A as cytoplasmic lipid droplets. The goal of the present study
was to determine if TCDD treatment has similar effects on lipid storage in the mouse liver. C57Bl/6 mice were
treated with 10% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) twice a week for eight weeks, and TCDD (20 μg/kg) was
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administered during the final two weeks. Lipid content was approximated by expression of adipose
differentiation-related protein (ADRP), which is a lipid droplet coat protein. We found that ADRP mRNA levels
were ~3-fold higher in CCl4/TCDD-treated mice than in mice treated with CCl4 alone. Increased ADRP
expression in the whole liver could be due to the effects of TCDD on other cell types, such as non-parenchymal
hepatocytes, and suggests that TCDD may differentially impact lipid storage depending on the cell type.
36 (UG)
Presenting Author: Laura Rogers, Boise State University
Co-authors: Juliette Tinker
Title: Purification of cholera toxin and heat labile toxin A2/B chimeras for use as a potential Staphylococcus
aureus vaccine
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus represents a leading cause of nosocomial and community-acquired infection worldwide.
This gram positive bacterium has recently emerged as a major public health threat due to increasing
resistance to antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus contains genes, such asisdH and isdA, that encode for surfaceassociated adhesins and iron-uptake proteins. We have constructed two plasmids; one with genes encoding
the non-toxic A2/B subunits from Vibrio cholerae fromcholera toxin fused to S. aureus isdH and the second
with genes encoding the A2/B subunits from the E.coli heat labile toxin (LTI) fused to S. aureus isdA. These
plasmids were transformed into E.coli, induced for expression and purified on D-galactose agarose. We are
currently analyzing expression using SDS-PAGE and western blot. We hope to isolate this protein and
continue characterizing it in vitro using western blot, ELISA assay, confocal microscopy and tissue culture. These
fusion proteins will be used in the future as potential mucosal vaccines against S. aureus human or bovine
infections.
37 (UG)
Presenting Author: Jason Davis, Idaho State University
Co-authors: Robert Hanson, Daniel Flesher, Shirley Xu, Wenjuan Gao, Solomon W. Leung, James Bigelow, Alok
Bhushan, and James C.K. Lai
Title: Some kinetic and regulatory properties of GDH in DRG neurons and Schwann cells
Abstract:
NAD-linked glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) catalyzes the reversible conversion of α-ketoglutarate, NADH,
and ammonium ions to NAD+ and glutamate, which is an excitatory neurotransmitter important in epilepsy and
several other neurological diseases. Unlike those in neural cell types in brain, the kinetic and other properties
of GDH in neural cell types in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) have not been reportedly characterized.
We employed the Clark and Lai assay for characterizing GDH activities in cultured dorsal root ganglion
(DRG) neurons and Schwann cells. Our results demonstrated GDH in both DRG neurons and Schwann cells
were dependent on its substrates α-ketoglutarate and NADH and its activities in both cell types were linearly
dependent on the cell homogenate. GDH activities in Schwann cells were higher than those in DRG neurons:
ADP, a known activator of GDH, strongly activated its activities in both cell types. This is the first study to
report on GDH in these neural cells in the PNS. Our results may have physiological and pathophysiological
implications in glutamate metabolism and in diseases involving the PNS.
38 (UG)
Presenting Author: Hannah Scott, Boise State University
Co-authors: Ken Tawara, Danielle Hedeen, Laura Bond, Paul Montgomery, and Cheryl L. Jorcyk
Title: Circulating cytokine levels in breast cancer patients
Abstract:
Breast cancer is the second most prominent cancer facing women today. Statistically, 1 in every 8 women in
the US will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. When tumor cells spread (or metastasize) to other
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tissues, patient prognosis becomes unfavorable. There are many several subtypes of breast cancer and the
metastatic potential varies with each subtype and patient status. For example, breast cancer that is estrogen
receptor positive, progesterone receptor positive, and negative for HER2, also known as epidermal growth
factor receptor-2, is called ER+/PR+/HER2- and is typically less aggressive than triple negative breast
cancer (ER-/PR-/HER2-), which is generally more aggressive and metastasizes readily. Identifying a
biomarker for aggressive breast cancer could help early detection and identification of invasive and
metastatic breast cancer, leading to better patient treatment and prognosis. Inflammatory cytokines found in
patient serum could provide useful as biomarkers, in light of their recent association with increased metastatic
potential in various cancer types including breast. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a
correlation exists between patient serum, circulating cytokine levels measured by enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and metastatic breast cancer patient status. Positive correlations would implicate
inflammatory cytokines as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
39 (G)
Presenting Author: Jason Stonick, Boise State University
Co-authors: Ken Cornell
Title: Role of MTA/SAH nucleosidase in Klebsiella pneumoniae growth and virulence
Abstract:
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram negative pathogen responsible for significant nosocomial infections.
Klebsiella pneumonia is a major global health concern since it is the most prevalent cause of carbapenemresistant Enterobactericeae (CRE) infections, which lack a dependable means of medical treatment. In order to
develop new drugs to fight CRE infections, the research presented here explores a potential new class of
antimicrobial drugs that function by inhibition of the enzyme 5’-methylthioadenosine/S-adenosylhomocysteine
nucleosidase (MTN). An array of MTN inhibitors were examined for their impact on growth and biofilm
formation, and their ability to alter expression of virulence factors and binding to the extracellular matrix. The
data indicate that MTN specific compounds are potent enzyme inhibitors that decrease culture density and
reduce biofilm formation, but are not directly cytotoxic. The results suggest these compounds may be useful in
improving the activity of traditional antibiotics against CRE infections and reversing drug resistance.
40 (G)
Presenting Author: Sang Phil Moon, Boise State University
Co-authors: Ryan Carfi
Title: Analysis of HT1080 fibrosarcoma cell sensitivity to Doxorubicin analogs
Abstract:
Doxorubicin (DOX; Adriamycin®; Rubex®) is one of the primary chemotherapeutic agents used to treat soft
tissue sarcoma (STS). However, it shows only a 30% overall response rate and contributes to a disappointing
50% STS comprehensive survival rate that has not improved in last 50 years. Doxorubicin use also induces
significant side effects, including drug-related cardiotoxicity and irreversible congestive heart failure. In order
to improve drug efficacy and reduce cardiotoxicity, three Doxorubicin derivatives (P-DOX, GPX-150, GPX160) were synthesized at BSU in partnership with Gem Pharmaceuticals. Based on preliminary data, P-DOX
showed potent activity against the HT1080 fibrosarcoma cell line (IC50 0.1 nM – 1.0 nM). In contrast,
Doxorubicin was a thousand-fold less potent (IC50 0.1 μM - 1 μM). According to the in vitro cell viability data,
P-DOX could be a better chemotherapeutic agent to treat STS, with a decreased cumulative dose than DOX.
41 (UG)
Presenting Author: Shirley Xu, Idaho State University
Co-authors: Robert Hanson, Daniel Flesher, Jason Davis, Wenjuan Gao, Solomon W. Leung, James Bigelow,
Alok Bhushan, and James C.K. Lai
Title: MDH in DRG neurons and Schwann cells: kinetic properties
Abstract:
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An enzyme in the citric acid cycle, NAD-linked malate dehydrogenase (MDH) catalyzes the reversible
conversion of oxaloacetate to malate with concomitant oxidation of NADH. MDH plays important roles in
metabolism of excitatory neurotransmitters aspartate and glutamate and in the malate-aspartate shuttle,
which mediates transfer of reducing equivalents across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Unlike those in
neural cell types in brain, the kinetic properties of MDH in neural cell types in the peripheral nervous system
(PNS) have not been reportedly characterized. We employed the Clark and Lai assay for characterizing
MDH activities in cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and Schwann cells. Our results revealed MDH
activities in both cell types were dependent on its substrates oxaloacetate and NADH and also linearly
dependent on cell homogenates added. MDH activities in Schwann cells were significantly higher than those in
DRG neurons. We are characterizing other properties of MDH. This is the first study to report on the
properties of MDH in PNS neural cell types. Our findings may have pathophysiological implications in
diseases involving the malate-aspartate shuttle and/or the peripheral nervous system.
42
Presenting Author: Britanny Sanchez, Northwest Nazarene University
Co-authors: Steven Pekovich and Cheryl L. Jorcyk
Title: A synergistic role for cytokines in prostate cancer metastasis
Abstract:
During 2015, roughly 22,800 men in the United States will be diagnosed with the second leading cause of
cancer death in men, prostate cancer. The 5-year survival rate for patients with prostate cancer is very high,
at 99%. However, for patients with distant metastases, that rate drops to 29%. Inflammatory cytokines are
known to influence the metastatic potential of prostate cancer cells. Increased inflammatory cytokines have
been shown to promote prostate tumor cell proliferation, detachment, changes in morphology, migration,
invasive capacity, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). This research specifically investigates the
effects of inflammatory cytokines and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) together on the human prostate cancer cell lines,
Du145 and PC3. Our results suggest that inflammatory cytokines and IL-1β work synergistically to promote
cell detachment, activate EMT transcription factors, and increase the metastatic capability of these prostate
cancer cell lines. Further examination of the synergistic effects of inflammatory cytokines and IL-1β in prostate
cancer could lead to the development of novel therapeutics for blocking prostate cancer metastasis.
43 (UG)
Presenting Author: Brad Grimm, Boise State University
Co-authors: Julia Oxford
Title: Regulation of type II collagen fibrillogenesis In vitro by accessory and chaperone proteins
Abstract:
Studies have shown that both Type I and Type II Collagen undergo fibrillogenesis under similar conditions,
namely at near normal body temperature and pH. It is understood that accessory proteins or chaperone
proteins can either speed up or slow down fibrillogenesis in Type I Collagen. However, there is a lack of
research on how these same proteins can regulate the kinetics of fibril formation in Type II Collagen.
There are substantial medical applications for the ability to regulate the kinetics of fibrillogenesis. If certain
proteins are found to speed up Type II fibril formation, they could greatly increase healing in cartilage
injuries or diseases, especially those due to the inherent lack of vascularity in cartilage. On the other hand,
some proteins may slow down Type II fibril formation and can have applications in diseases that are caused
by excessive fibril formation such as fibrosis or scar formation. To test the effects of specific accessory
proteins, recombinant forms of these proteins were added to solutions of Collagen Type II in a buffer of 7.4
pH at a temperature of 25⁰ C. The resulting effects on the kinetics of fibrillogenesis of Type II Collagen
were observed using Ultraviolet Visible Spectroscopy, and are presented here.
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44 (UG)
Presenting Author: Jessica Burlile, Boise State University
Co-authors: Ken Tawara, Danielle Hedeen, and Cheryl L. Jorcyk
Title: Differential expression of metastasis-promoting signaling molecules in breast cancer
Abstract:
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer afflicting women worldwide, with over 200,000 new
cases per year in the United States alone. Early detection is vital to effective treatment strategies, but more
needs to be done in order to provide patients with effective therapy. By investigating the molecular pathways
involved in cancer development and metastasis, researchers and physicians can elucidate new molecular
targets for difficult-to-treat breast cancers. Inflammatory cytokines have been shown to regulate the
expression of estrogen-mediated receptors, influence the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and affect
differentiation of breast cancer cells. Cytokines can mediate pro- or anti-inflammatory activity, and influence
the metastatic potential of tumor cells. In this study, we examined the expression of several receptors and
signaling molecules in the estrogen receptor positive, progesterone receptor positive, Her2/neu negative,
(ER+, PR+, HER2-) T47D human breast cancer cell line using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
techniques. Preliminary results suggest a role for cytokines in promoting the metastatic potential of ER+
breast cancer cells. Further investigation could lead to the development of novel therapeutics for preventing
breast cancer metastasis.
45 (UG)
Presenting Author: Karen Gellerman, Boise State University
Co-authors: Cheri Lamb, Kristen Mitchell
Title: TCDD increases collagen type I expression during experimental liver fibrosis
Abstract:
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a cytosolic, ligand-activated transcription factor known to mediate the
toxicity of the persistent environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). In vitro
activation of the AhR by TCDD reportedly increases expression of genes involved in wound healing and
fibrosis, such as collagen type I. The goal of this study is to test the hypothesis that exposure to TCDD
treatment increases collagen type I expression in the mouse liver during experimental fibrosis elicited by
chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration. Mice were treated with CCl4 (5 ml/kg diluted 1:10 in corn
oil) twice a week for 8 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. During the final 2 weeks, mice were treated with TCDD
(20 μg/kg) or vehicle control. Results indicate that TCDD treatment increased collagen type I (col1a1) mRNA
levels in the liver compared to mice treated with CCl4 alone. Furthermore, Sirius Red staining revealed that
TCDD treatment may change the distribution of deposited collagen fibers in the liver during experimental
fibrosis. Results from this project support the notion that TCDD treatment increases markers of fibrosis in vitro
and in vivo and support further investigation into the role of the AhR in the progression of fibrosis.
46
Presenting Author: Danielle Hedeen, Boise State University
Co-authors: Ken Tawara, Madhuri Nandakumar, Ryan Fox, David Chang, Alex Ide, Andrew Oler, Dollie
LaJoie, Randy Ryan, and Cheryl L. Jorcyk
Title: Differential expression of cytokine-induced VEGF in breast cancer
Abstract:
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women, and is also the second leading cause of
cancer deaths in women (American Cancer Society). Inflammatory cytokines have been shown to promote
breast cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes the
formation of new blood vessels around the tumor, aiding tumor growth and the early steps of metastasis. This
study was designed to determine differential expression of VEGF in breast cancer cells by inflammatory
cytokines, and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in cytokine-mediated
VEGF induction. Human MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and estrogen receptor
positive/progesterone receptor positive/Her2 negative (ER+/PR+/HER2-) T47D cells were treated with
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various cytokines (25 ng/mL) and analyzed for hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α), vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) expression. Our
results showed that cytokine-induced VEGF secretion occurs through different signaling pathways that are celltype specific as well as cytokine specific. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of cytokine-induced VEGF
in breast cancer can help with diagnosis and is key to developing individualized therapy for patients.
47 (UG)
Presenting Author: Daniel Perkins, Boise State University
Co-authors: Cheri Lamb and Kristen Mitchell
Title: TCDD treatment modulates gene expression during experimental liver fibrosis
Abstract:
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor involved in numerous
physiological processes, such as apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and development. We recently found that
activation of the AhR by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exacerbates liver fibrosis induced by
chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration. The goal of this project was to test the hypothesis that
TCDD treatment modulates expression of genes involved in wound healing and fibrosis. CCl4 (diluted 1:10 in
corn oil) was administered to male C57Bl/6 mice at 5 ml/kg twice a week for six weeks. During the final two
weeks, mice were also injected with TCDD (20 g/kg) or vehicle (peanut oil). RNA was isolated from the
liver, and a commercially available qPCR array was used to measure expression of 84 fibrosis-related genes.
Results indicate that TCDD treatment increased expression of Ccl3, Ccr2, and Ccl12, which encode
inflammatory chemokines. Other genes that were upregulated by TCDD include Snai1 and Tgfb2, which are
involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and Plat, MMP13, and Lox, which encode remodeling
enzymes. We conclude that TCDD treatment may exacerbate liver fibrosis through changes in the expression
of genes involved in wound healing.
48 (UG)
Presenting Author: Julia Berger, Boise State University
Co-authors:
Title: Gender bias in scientific research revisited
Abstract:
There have been many papers in recent years covering the topic of male bias in scientific research. Issues
brought into the discussion include discrimination, equality, experimenter bias, and medical safety. While these
issues are all worthy of attention, these accusations are not well supported by the research that has been
done to establish evidence of bias.
The purpose of this current study was to confirm prior reports of bias and re-evaluate the evidence for
generalization within the larger body of science. Studies were replicated using database searches and then
expanded to include omitted study populations. Bias was confirmed for the limited scope of research done
within animal populations. However, bias was not confirmed within a more inclusive evaluation of the research
including humans. Animal studies show a male base. Human studies do not. The scale of human studies vastly
dwarfs that of animal studies, making the overall bias of scientific research slightly female.
It is concluded that over-emphasis has been placed on animal studies in order to press a social agenda. Male
bias does exist in animal studies, but it is being used to generalize an accusation of male bias to all science.
Better methods need to be employed by authors of secondary sources when generalizing information to
larger populations or disciplines, especially when fact-checking such a generalization may require no more
than a database search.
49 (HS)
Presenting Author: Samuel Weeks, Highland High School
Co-authors: Fallon Horrocks and Merrie Rampy
Title: Color and kids
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Abstract:
Colors have an effect on everything we do. They help us choose what food to eat or what shirt to wear. Is
there is a direct correlation between colors and the feelings they are able to elicit in different age groups or
genders? This has already been researched but not on the children in grade school. We tested students in
grades 1-5 and recorded their reactions to a variety of colors. We used six colors (white, black, green,
yellow, red, and blue) and asked students to select from a card with cartoon faces expressing emotions from
very negative to very positive.
We created frequency tables of these responses and analyzed our data using a Chi-Square test of
Independence. We found statistically significant differences at the 0.05 level for all except warm, neutral,
cool, which showed significance at the 0.10 level, and the gender comparisons which showed no significance
until the 0.25 level or higher.
Our hypothesis was partially supported by our results, but we need to test more subjects in order to support
or refute our entire hypothesis.
50 (UG)
Presenting Author: Jeff Kuhlmeier, Idaho State University
Co-authors: Matt Kirkham and R. Jeff Castro
Title: Design and use smartphone application for field testing and analysis
Abstract:
Collection of data in the field can be a messy affair. A group of student researchers performing multiple field
tests simultaneously, compounded by remote locations, and possibly bad testing conditions, results in multiple
sets of data with no easy way of merging them. However, consider that most students are equipped with
smartphones that include many useful sensors: GPS, timers, geo-synched clocks, mobile internet connections,
and cameras. By accessing these resources with an easy to use and modify interface, data can be entered
quickly and, in many cases, automatically synced and saved remotely as a secure backup.
After all the data is collected, and the students have safely returned to their lab, the requisite data analysis
and graphing begins. Given the novel approach used in this research project, data was automatically
analyzed, graphed, plotted on maps with GPS coordinates; allowing for immediate comparison with past
field tests and observation of chronological or geologic trends. All data was electronically made available
immediately to researchers through the use of a website, complete with maps, and spreadsheets.
This presentation templates the design of a smartphone app, a database, and a website all using completely
free and open source approaches. It then followed the use of each tool by an undergraduate chemistry class
when tasked with field testing geothermal features and soil samples in Yellowstone National Park.
51
Presenting Authors: Pam Aishlin, PG, Boise State University, Daniele Moro, Timberline High School, Nick Sabaj,
Capital High School
Co-authors: Dietrich Reidenbaugh, Bing Ho, Megan Byres
Title: Students local and international collaboration for environment through innovative technologyTM
Abstract:
The Students Local and International Collaboration for Environment through Innovative TechnologyTM
(SLICEITTM) pilot provides combined informal-formal education in STEM workforce skill development that
incorporates low-cost technology for environmental sensing to address climate, environment and energy
applications. Initiated at East Junior High in Boise, 2013, by four ambitious students, the program was
propagated by students to three Boise high schools in 2014.
The informal program component is provided by a student-run school club, the International Climate TeamTM
(ICT). The club operates according to a professional model with student members having designated roles
and responsibilities. Leaders from each ICT school plan collaborative outreach events, share resources and
develop ICT standards. During school year 2014-2015, ICT students have met weekly for prototype weather
station and ICT webpage development. The local applications component is addressed by pairing each ICT
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school with an agency, community, research or industry partner and mentor. The international component is
addressed by pairing with a partner school in sub-saharan Africa via the Trans African Hydrometeorological
Observatory (TAHMO.org). The local/international pairings are utilized in formal classroom activities and
informal service learning projects.
The formal program component was launched in 2014 by 5 students who presented curriculum to
environmental science teachers. This June, students will present an iSTEM strand for technology-engineering
and environmental science teachers.
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BANQUET—ZIONS BANK WALKING AND PARKING INFORMATION
(MAP ON NEXT PAGE)
You can walk from the Boise State University to the Zions Bank Building.
You can park in an on-street metered spot—they are free after 6:00pm on Fridays.
Alternatively, you can park in the Eastman Garage connected to the Zions Bank
Building. Try to park on the 2nd Floor. Enter into the building by the southeast corner of
the garage where the door is labeled “Zions Bank”.
Parking
Parking is available to purchase directly through Zions Bank. See link below for locations nearest to Zions
Bank. Paper validations can be provided or a QR code may also be used. Parking rates are $2.50 per hour
with a 24 hour maximum of $12.50. The first hour is also free. The validations, paper or QR code, are valid
for any DPPS Parking Garage. All parking charges will be listed as a separate line item on your final invoice.
There are discounted rates for weekend and weeknight parking. See the DPPS website
(http://www.ccdcboise.com/ParkingDowntown/GarageInformation.aspx) for exact locations and details.
Everything You Need to Know about Downtown Parking
CCDC Parking Garages:
There are 2,561 parking spaces in six parking garages referred to as the Downtown Public Parking System
(DPPS). The garages are owned by CCDC and are operated by contract with Ampco/The Car Park. The first
hour of parking is free in the Central Parking District and each additional hour is $2.50.
Central Parking District Rate Information:
Hourly: $2.50 per hour, first hour free
Daily: $12.00 maximum
Monthly: $100.00
Event: $3.00 - $9.00
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ZION BANK MAP
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SURROUNDING AREA/BOISE MAP
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7
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Number
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Name
Hampton Inn Downtown Boise
Mariott Residence Inn
Mariott TownePlace Suites Boise Downtown
Mariott Spring Hill Suites
Boise State University Student Union Building
Zion’s Bank Building
The Stonehouse at The Ram
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BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS MAP
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BSU STUDENT UNION MAP
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Boise State University
Division of Research and Economic Development
Boise State University
College of Arts and Sciences
Boise State University
College of Engineering
Boise State University
Concurrent Enrollment
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