north carolina academy of sciences annual … carolina academy of sciences annual meeting ......

North Carolina Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting 2017

Book of Abstracts

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Georgia Ackerman*, Robert Hastings, Mark Brenner, Robert Eckstein

Warren Wilson College

Soil Compaction Under Two Different Watering Methods

An important aspect of soil health is the compaction or bulk density of a soil: an integral

component of soil structure. Along with large tractors and cultivation implements, farm animals

are responsible for the majority of compaction in modern agriculture systems. Highly compacted

soils inhibit the penetration of roots as well as infiltration of air and water, and increase the

susceptibility to erosion and runoff. Compaction resulting in bare soils is noticeable mainly in

cattle (Bos Taurus) trails formed in grazing systems. There is discrepancy to the degree in which

these trails are compacted and how far this compaction spreads laterally from the center of each

trail. While trail density may increase in smaller paddocks, the degree of compaction of each of

these trails may be smaller than that of a primary trail in larger paddocks. Presumptively, the

degree of soil compaction of the increased number of trails would be lesser than the soil

compaction confined to a primary trail with the same stocking rate. From this assumption, a

study was designed on Warren Wilson College Farm (WWCF) to measure the degree of

compaction in a grazing method which promotes the formation of a cattle trail compared to a

grazing method which avoids trail formation.

Ashraf Alsaidi*, Jeison Valencia, Devang Upadhyay, Leonard Holmes

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Mass Production of the Beneficial Nematode Steinernema Carpocapsae on Solid Media

Using Solid State Fermentation

The focus of this study was to mass produce the beneficial nematode Steinernema carpocapsae

in an ideal environment on a solid media using solid state fermentation technology. The

nematode S. carpocapsae has a symbiotic relationship with the bacteria Xenorhabdus

nematophila that makes them an effective biological control agent, an alternative of chemical

pesticides. This biocontrol agent is not harmful to the environment or humans and does not cause

contamination to milk and meat, unlike chemical pesticides. The media used in this study was

known as YOO media and it was poured into different size plates to optimize inoculum size and

fold outcome.

Wadha Alusubaie*, Lititia Stephens, Sherese Mann, Rosalyn Lang-Walker, Phyllis Ford-Booker,

Kelsie M. Bernot

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

Service learning improves health literacy on health disparities

Service learning is being considered by many academic institutions for improving their student’s

health literacy, particularly those who are pursuing careers to become public health professionals.

This study has, therefore, investigated the effects of service learning projects on undergraduate

students’ health literacy for four health disparities: Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, diabetes,

and blood donation. The students were given six choices of service learning activities: Alzheimer's

Disease - Greensboro Walk to End Alzheimer's (Off Campus); Diabetes Awareness Walk (On

Campus); Breast cancer - Women's Only 5K (Off Campus); Red Cross; Personal Fitness; Case

Study; Alzheimer’s Disease - Caregiver's Conference (On Campus); and Breast cancer - Student

Health and TriBeta walk (On Campus). The students’ health literacy evaluated by giving them

pretest and posttest exams. Results showed that the post-test scores were significantly higher than

the pre-test scores at p-value ≤ 0.05 in Alzheimer’s Disease and blood donations. Health literacy

did not improve in breast cancer or diabetes; however, high student scores on the pretest may have

inhibited the observation of learning gains. These data suggest that experiential service learning is

an effective method for improving health literacy.

Alan M. Babineau*, David A. Beamer

Nash Community College

Expanding the Known Range of the South Mountain Gray-Cheeked Salamander

(Plethodon meridianus) using mtDNA sequencing

The South Mountain Gray-Cheeked salamander (Plethodon meridianus) represent one of four

members of the gray-cheeked salamander complex, a group of highly terrestrial salamanders

found in mid to upper elevations within the Appalachian mountain region. P. meridianus has

only been documented from ~3-4 areas in and around the South Mountain State Park in Burke

County, North Carolina. In order to better describe the range of P. meridianus, we sampled gray-

cheeked salamander populations in the surrounding area between the Blue Ridge escarpment and

Bakers Mountain (an isolated peak south of Hickory, NC) In total we sampled 11 different

populations of gray-cheeked salamanders and sequenced a ~750 bp fragment of mitochondrial

gene (ND2) for each sample. We analyzed our sequence datasets using Bayesian phylogenetic

reconstruction and compared our sequence to known sequence of P. meridianus. Our data

suggests that the home range of P. meridianus extends further North, South, and East than

previously recognized and we also present data on the western range extent where they are

adjacent to a second species of gray-cheeked salamander.

Caroline Balch*, Emma Cunningham, Susan McRae

East Carolina University

Do female Eastern bluebirds trade-off egg size with clutch size?

Egg size and clutch size are traits that show a fundamental trade-off in life history theory.

Producing a larger number of offspring can come at the cost of being able to invest in those

offspring. The degree of maternal flexibility in these traits remains poorly understood. As part of

a long-term study, clutch data have been collected for the past six years for Eastern bluebirds

Sialia sialis breeding at East Carolina University’s West Research Campus. In 2014, a spatial

cluster of 2-egg clutches coincident with the occurrence of a late prescribed burn was observed.

Eggs in these clutches were larger than average, suggesting the mothers may have compensated

for number by investing more in each egg. The additional observation that some of these eggs

were misshapen led us to hypothesize that these mothers were resource limited, possibly lacking

calcium due to the depletion of arthropod prey caused by the late burn. We tested the prediction

that shell thickness should be inversely correlated with clutch size. I compiled the last six years

of bluebird egg data in order to identify clutch size, egg size, and whether small clutches

occurred near areas of prescribed burn. Additionally, I measured eggshell thickness and color

intensity of egg specimens laid by different females in clutches of different sizes in different

years. Initially, I have found that egg size is significantly negatively related to clutch size and

first egg date, indicating that there is a tradeoff in egg and clutch size. I’ve also found that clutch

size is significantly negatively related to whether an area was burned. My results will contribute

to understanding how Eastern bluebirds and other breeding birds in similar habitats respond to

human-mediated environmental perturbations including but not limited to prescribed burns.

Jason Barbaretta*, Andrew J. Wommack

High Point University

A novel application of TEC-disulfide replacement showcased in the synthesis of SFTI-1

Disulfide bonds are critical to tertiary structure and cell signaling in cysteine-containing peptides

and proteins. Disulfide bridges form between the thiol groups of two cysteine residues through

the process of oxidative folding. Although disulfide bonds have high bond dissociation energy,

these bonds are readily liable in reducing environments commonly found in biological settings.

Upon replacement of one sulfur atom with a carbon, a thioether bond is formed to deliver a

disulfide surrogate that is biologically redox-inert. Thiol-ene coupling (TEC), a radical-mediated

reaction between a thiol and an alkene, forms a thioether group and functions as a disulfide

replacement. Driven by ruthenium catalysis under blue LED irradiation, this photoredox method

efficiently replaces one sulfur atom of the native disulfide with a carbon to deliver the desired

thioether functional group. The synthetic product provides improved protease stability while

retaining the structural and functional characteristics of the disulfide bond. To showcase this

novel TEC application, sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1) was prepared by Fmoc solid-

phase peptide synthesis. SFTI-1 is a 14-residue disulfide-bridged peptide bicycle (DBPB) and a

subnanomolar inhibitor of b-trypsin. As one of the smallest and most powerful naturally

occurring plant protease inhibitors, SFTI-1 is an attractive therapeutic candidate. The non-

reducible nature of the TEC-disulfide replacement aims to increase SFTI-1 stability in

physiologically relevant reducing environments, while retaining powerful protease inhibition.

Future directions of this study will examine how TEC-disulfide replacement in SFTI-1

influences its ability to inhibit the serine proteases including matriptase, an enzyme implicated in

breast cancer proliferation and metastasis.

Emma James Barksdale*


Antibacterial Assessment of Cyclogossine A, A Cyclic Heptapeptide from J. gossypiifolia

Jatropha, a genus of woody trees and shrubs ubiquitous in the dry tropics, is prevalent in Latin

American, Asian, and African ethnopharmacology. Peptides isolated from Jatropha species

exhibit diverse biological activity, including purgative, wound-healing, antimalarial, and

antifungal effects. Cyclogossine A, a cyclic heptapeptide with the primary structure VLATWLG,

is isolated from J. gossypiifolia. Although Cyclogossine A has been previously synthesized, its

biological activity remains unreported. Due to its rigid structure and hydrophobic side chains,

Cyclogossine A possesses therapeutic potential. Access to Cyclogossine A was enabled by semi-

automated, Fmoc-based solid-phase peptide synthesis. HPLC purification and ESI-TOF mass

spectrometry were utilized to confirm the synthesis and purity of the primary structure. After

optimizing the cyclization reaction, which formed an amide bond between the C-terminus and N-

terminus of the linear peptide, the naturally occurring ring structure was created. Two-

dimensional NMR spectroscopy data confirmed the desired synthesis and cyclization of the

natural product. Antibacterial effects of Cyclogossine A were assessed with a library of bacteria.

Eric E. Bauer*, Emma Lavandosky, Ellen Montgomery

Elon University

Substrate-vibration behavioral sensitivities of the terrestrial snails Helix pomatia and

Zachrysia provisora

The detection of substrate vibrations is common across the animal kingdom and likely evolved

independently several times. Animals have been shown to use substrate vibrations in species

recognition, mate attraction and courtship, and predator/prey detection. A class of animals that

would seem predisposed to detecting and using substrate vibrations is the gastropods (slugs and

snails) due to their body-plan and mode of locomotion. However, there has been little to no

research as to the vibrational sensory capabilities of gastropods, despite the fact that they are

widely distributed and abundant, and common agricultural pests. We have begun investigating

the vibrational sensory capabilities of terrestrial snail species common to North Carolina (Helix

pomatia) and Florida (Zachrysia provisoria). Snails were placed on a horizontal surface that was

then vibrated in the vertical axis while the behavior of the snails was monitored. Stimuli

consisted of frequencies between 6.25 Hz and 1600 Hz as well as white noise and frequency

sweeps. Each stimulus lasted 5 seconds, with 1-second rise/fall times, and stimuli were

presented every 2 minutes. Both species displayed vigorous aversive responses (pulling in

tentacles and/or head) to noise and frequency sweeps, so long as these stimuli contained

frequencies lower than 1000 Hz. Pure-tone stimuli triggered aversive responses in both species,

but only below 800 Hz. Moreover, the probability of response decreased with decreasing

intensity of stimulation, though not equally across all frequencies. Both species were most

sensitive to frequencies between 100 to 200 Hz. Helix was still fairly sensitive to the low

frequency of 12.5 Hz, while Zachrysia was less responsive to the lower frequencies. Given that

the observed responses were all aversive in nature, presumably the frequency sensitivities of

these two species of snail match the substrate vibrations produced by their predators and this is

one possible avenue of further research.

Alexa Belfonté*


Beech Leaf Litter Leachate: Harmful or Beneficial to Moina macrocopa?

Leaf litter was studied to determine the role it plays in the lifespans and reproduction of

filter) including dissolved organic carbon (DOC), which can have beneficial effects on

zooplankton via microbial food web stimulation. However, DOC and other dissolved substances

can lower the pH and have toxic effects. We hypothesize that leaf litter leachate will have an

overall positive effect on zooplankton by providing nutrients that will stimulate their food

sources. Moina macrocopa was the species studied. In the first experiment, there were three

treatments and a control: the leachates from beech (Fagus grandifolia), poplar (Liriodendron

tulipifera), and maple (Acer spp.), as well as filtered low-DOC pond water used as the control.

Each treatment had three replicates and ten Moina per replicate. The Moina were observed for a

week and the results showed enhanced survival and reproduction for all three leachates

compared to the control, which died off within a few days. The beech leachate was the most

effective, producing significantly higher offspring. A second experiment focused on different

concentrations of beech leachate based upon the concentration of the first experiment (1X). The

concentrations were doubled (2X) and quadrupled (4X) to determine if the beneficial food

stimulation effects observed in the first experiment would increase. Initially, survival and

reproduction were higher in all treatments compared to the control, but final numbers appeared

to be higher in 2X compared to 1X and 4X. Overall, these results suggest that the effects of leaf

litter on aquatic organisms depends on the type and concentration of the leachate. This research

is important because the vegetation composition of watersheds is being altered with climate

change.

David A. Beamer*


Undergraduate Research In A Community College Setting

Undergraduate research opportunities are one of the transformative events in many beginning

scientists’ careers. However, conducting scientific research in a community college setting

presents several challenges. The student bodies at many community colleges are often

comprised of students that are underrepresented in science; women, minorities and first

generation college students. As a result, these students are often not aware of scientific research

or ways that they might engage in its pursuit. Here I present some of the ways I have introduced

scientific research to my classes and students at Nash Community College and highlight some of

the scientific accomplishments of these students.

Rasheda A. Boachie*, Laura C. Schnoor*, Michelle S. Thomas

Campbell University

Determining the antimicrobial effects of perillaldehyde

Perillaldehyde is an essential oil used in perfumes and as a food additive for flavoring. Current

literature shows that perillaldehyde has antibacterial properties, particularly against respiratory

pathogens. However, no research has been performed regarding the effects of perillaldehyde on

gastrointestinal pathogens. The goal of this project is to determine if perillaldehyde is effective

against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, inhabitants of the colon, and Helicobactor

pylori, which flourishes in the stomach. If perillaldehyde survives stomach acidity and is active

against these potential pathogens, it could serve as an alternative antimicrobial treatment. To

determine the efficacy of perillaldehyde against E. coli, the broth dilution assay was performed

in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute with modification for emulsifying

essential oils. E. coli inoculated into brucella broth with 0.2% Tween 20 and 5% perillaldehyde

was incubated for 24 hours and compared to a positive control (without perillaldehyde) and a

negative control (without E. coli). Standard plate counts were performed to compare the growth

from each test group. It was found that 5% perillaldehyde is bactericidal against E. coli;

perillaldehyde killed the bacterial cells as opposed to inhibiting their growth. Testing the effects

of perillaldehyde on S. typhimurium and H. pylori may provide further evidence of its potential

in combating gastrointestinal pathogens.

Thomas M. Boudreaux*, Brad N. Barlow, Scott W. Fleming


A Search for Short Period Pulsation in All Hot Subdwarfs with GALEX

NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) provided F and N UV observations for

approximately 77 percent of the sky over the span of ten years; however, the data reduction

pipeline initially only released images to the community. The recently released python module

gPhoton changes this, allowing time series aperture photometry to be easily extracted from the

raw GALEX data set. Here we use gPhoton to generate light curves for all known Hot Subdwarfs

stars (sdBs), in total 5613, that were observed by GALEX, with the intention of identifying short

period, p-Mode, pulsators. We confirm five previously known pulsating targets, and report their

UV pulsation amplitudes. Finally, we also identify five new pulsator candidate stars, which we

will soon try to confirm with a ground based follow-up campaign.

Yousra Bouzaraghar*, Karthik Aghoram

Meredith College

Assessing the potential of the plant natural compound Oxymatrine as an inhibitor of

enzyme HIV protease

This research project examines the ability of Oxymatrine, a plant-based compound derived from

the plant Sophora flavescens to inhibit the enzyme HIV protease. The Human Immunodeficiency

Virus (HIV), the virus that ultimately leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS),

utilizes HIV protease to cleave a long, non-functional viral polypeptide into functional units.

This viral encoded enzyme is essential for completion of the viral life-cycle and has been used as

a primary target for anti-HIV drug development. In Chinese traditional medicine, Oxymatrine

has been used as a drug to treat a variety of conditions. A relatively non-toxic, water-soluble

compound, Oxymatrine has been shown to have antiviral properties in cell cultures. We are

using a fluorescence-based assay to assess the ability of Oxymatrine to inhibit the enzyme HIV

protease. Our preliminary results indicate that Oxymatrine is indeed an inhibitor of this enzyme.

Cora Bright*, Ereny Gerges, Maria S. Santisteban


Dissecting the synthetic lethality between htz1Δ and RPB2-2SL: the interplay between RNA

Pol II and the nucleosome dynamics

Histone H2A.Z, coded for by the HTZ1 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a highly conserved

variant of histone H2A with many important roles, one of the most studied being transcription

regulation. Unlike its homologues in other species, the protein is not essential in yeast, as

deletions of this gene are not lethal. We previously reported that Htz1 has a role in transcription

elongation, but the mechanism of this is not yet understood. We uncovered a synthetic lethality

between a HTZ1 null ( ) and a mutation in the second largest subunit of the RNA pol II

(rpb2-2). That is, either mutant is viable individually but the combination is lethal suggesting

that Htz1 and Rpb2 work together to facilitate an essential function. Moreover, the synthetic

lethal phenotype is dominant, i.e. an extra wild type copy of the RBPB2 gene in the rpb2-2

mutant does not alleviate the dependence on Htz1, suggesting that rpb2-2 could stall on the

elongation template in the absence of Htz1. In order to study the mechanism of the Htz1 role in

transcription elongation, we have focused our efforts on the htz1ΔRPB2-2SL synthetic lethality. A

second site suppressor analysis of the htz1ΔRPB2-2SL synthetic lethal uncovered links to SET2,

which encodes a protein that methylates H3K36 in RNA polymerase II transcribed regions of the

genome. It has been shown in cells lacking Set2, initiation of RNA polII transcription occurs

inappropriately within the protein-coding regions of genes, rather than in the proximal promoter

regions; a phenotype that has been referred to as “cryptic” initiation. We tested our strains for

cryptic initiation phenotypes and have found that cells exhibit a mild cryptic initiation

phenotype and rpb2-2 has a strong phenotype. A plausible explanation for these results is that

the rpb2-2 mutant polymerase is particularly prone to aberrant transcription initiation and when

nucleosome dynamics is altered in the absence of Htz1, the effect is exacerbated.

Jessica Chavez*1,Safeera Khan1, Norman Chiu1, Jianjun Wei1, Hong Zhu1,2, Robert Y. Li1,2,

Zhenquan Jia1

1University of North Carolina at Greensboro and 2Campbell University

Modulating redox status of carbon nanodots in EA.hy926 endothelial cells

Carbon Nanodots (CNDs) are a new class of carbon nanomaterials at the forefront of research for

inherent therapeutic and biological applications. Their fluorescence and stability permit

biological labeling, bioimaging, and drug delivery. This study will examine the role of CNDs in

oxidative stress, which induces cardiovascular disease. The activity of essential detoxifying

enzymes was analyzed in human endothelial (EA.hy926) cells, which are modulators of

oxidative stress. The intracellular concentrations of Glutathione (GSH), NAD(P)H: quinone

oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1), Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR)

were measured. Our data indicates that CNDs at concentrations of 0.003, 0.03, and 0.3 mg/mL

had no toxic effects on EA.hy926 cells over a 24-hr treatment. However, this exposure showed

significant differences in cellular GSH, NQO1, and GST levels. Collectively, these results assist

in our aim to determine the suitability of CNDs as drug-delivery systems for treating oxidative

atherosclerosis.

Padraig Clancy*, Jeff Regester


The benefits of a guided recovery system in experimental rockets

High powered rockets and experimental rockets have many systems to ensure a safe and

survivable landing to protect the rocket and its payload.

But these systems are still at the mercy of the wind and may drift out of a recovery area or into

an environment where a safe recovery is not possible.

Here we explore the benefits and implementation of a GPS guided recovery system using a

parafoil to ensure safe recovery at a predetermined location.

Chelsea Covey*, Jackson T. Sparks


A simplified approach to matching chemicals to chemosensory receptors in insects

Insects have evolved large gene families comprising of olfactory and gustatory (chemosensory)

receptors which are used to identify chemical cues mediating important behaviors like feeding,

mating and egg laying. Identification of chemosensory receptor genes in Endopterygota is

straightforward, as predicted amino acid sequences are well conserved with telltale motifs

despite >250 million years of divergence. The functional characterization of these candidate

receptor genes, i.e., determining each’s chemical sensitivity, has proven more difficult. The

current methods used to deorphanize individual insect receptors include in vitro (heterologously

in Xenopus oocytes or cultured insect cells) or in vivo (via transgenic Drosophila) expression of

target receptors and CRISPR-mediated knockout of target receptors. These approaches provide

means to screen large numbers of biologically relevant chemicals, but require months of

preparation. We propose a more direct means of determining chemical/receptor relationships.

Olfactory receptor gene expression in moths may vary with respect to chemical exposure and

time of day. The greatest changes in gene expression observed for those receptors correspond to

those specifically sensitive to the chemical being tested. Can this genetic response be used to

connect chemicals with their cognate receptors? We are using Drosophila melanogaster to

examine gustatory receptor (GR) gene expression changes in response to single chemical

exposure. The chemical sensitivities of most chemosensory receptors are well established in this

model organism, e.g., DmGR66a mediates responses to caffeine. We are exposing different

cohorts of flies to single chemicals and measuring the genetic response of a large set of gustatory

receptors by qRT-PCR and RNA-seq. If changes in GR expression profiles reliably highlight

cognate receptors, this technique could be used broadly to identify molecular targets for the

disruption of harmful insect behaviors in non-model species.

Casey Davenport*

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The Fundamentals in Meteorology Inventory: Results from the Development of a New

Meteorology Education Tool

Education research has shown that what instructors teach and what students actually comprehend

can be quite different. Much of this disconnect stems from students’ previous conceptions of the

subject; these conceptions often persist even after instruction. The field of meteorology is

particularly susceptible to misconceptions due to the years of personal experience students have

with weather before instruction. Recently, the Fundamentals in Meteorology Inventory (FMI) was

developed to identify the common misconceptions of fundamental topics covered in undergraduate

introductory meteorology courses. This presentation will discuss results of testing at three public

and private institutions during the Fall 2016 semester. Common areas of student difficulty will be

identified, and various metrics describing the validity of the newly-developed exam will be

discussed.

Reynaldo Diaz*

University of North Carolina Greensboro

A high magnification microscopy study: The interaction, adhesion between surfaces and

microbes in the formation of Biofilms

This study focuses on the process of how microbes attach themselves to surfaces. The cicada

insect’s wing presents a unique surface, when magnified one hundred thousand times we can see

that the wing is composed of an even array of tiny nails. When bacteria and baker’s yeast come

into contact with this bed of nails their cell walls get disrupted. This is a promising find towards

developing alternative microbial control both in medical field and everyday life. The reasons

these surfaces disrupt the cell-wall remains unclear. I hypothesize that the key to this microbe

disruption lies within the interaction of an adhesive protein (found in the outer layer of the cell)

and the surface topography. Due to the small scale, electron and helium microscopy were relied

on to visualize in three dimensions the protein and the surface contact points. To confirm the

protein visual location, I developed a labelling technique.

Cameron Dixon*, Bonnie Draper

St. Andrews University

Biochemical characterization of wasp venom

A common characteristic of the ~115,000 ants, bees, and wasps of the order Hymenoptera is that

they produce venom. Venoms from these species have ameliorating effects on rheumatoid arthritis

and other immune-related diseases and inhibit proliferation of certain cancer cell lines. Mastoparan

from wasp venom appears to have the most potential as an anti-proliferative agent. Mastoparan

acts on the intrinsic pathway of mitochondria, increasing mitochondrial membrane permeability

and leading to cell death. Since mastoparan is a major constituent of wasp venom, collection and

purification is feasible and desirable to determine differences in mastoparan peptide concentration

and stability among species. Wasps were collected from two separate sites in the Sandhills region

of North Carolina using sweep nets and glass collection jars; preliminary identifications indicate

that nine species are represented. Venom sacs were excised from euthanized wasps and crude

venom samples were subjected to gel electrophoresis to assess mastoparan concentration and

stability. The most striking difference was the higher concentration of mastoparan found in venom

from social wasps. These results will aid in selecting a model that produces the largest amount of

stable mastoparan for further studies.

Lauren A Eanes*

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Acute exposure to naringenin promotes increased ROS and decreased mitochondria

function in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Natural plant compounds, such as flavonoids found in citrus fruits, are being widely studied

for the potential use of these compounds as disease therapeutics and preventatives. Naringenin, a

flavonoid, has been studied for various health benefits including the use of naringenin as a potential

cancer therapeutic. Our lab has previously found that naringenin is capable of promoting apoptosis

in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. These cytotoxic effects are also evident in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

that are resistant to the commonly used therapeutic, Tamoxifen. For this study, I investigated

potential mechanisms associated with naringenin induced apoptosis in tamoxifen resistant MCF-7

cells (Tam-R). This study examined known markers associated with apoptosis including reactive

oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondria function in response to acute exposure to

naringenin. Following acute exposure to naringenin, Tam-R cells have significantly increased

levels of ROS and significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. This study aims to

provide further knowledge of the mechanisms associated with the cytotoxic effects of naringenin

in breast cancer cells.

Sarah Edmark*, Lexi Lambros, Patrick Vigueira


Methylglyoxal sensitizes Bacillus oleronius to topical antibiotics

Rosacea is an inflammatory disease of the skin that affects nearly 16 million people in the United

States. Recent evidence suggests that this inflammation may be a response to Bacillus oleronius,

a bacterial endosymbiont of Demodex mites that live in the hair follicles of humans. Several studies

have demonstrated a positive correlation between the occurrence of rosacea and the presence of B.

oleronius. In light of this association, topical treatments that limit B. oleronius colonization could

represent a novel rosacea therapy for some patients. Manuka honey, a monofloral honey from the

manuka bush of New Zealand, has natural antibacterial properties and is becoming increasingly

popular as a natural skin care product. We assessed the effect of methylglyoxal (MGO), an active

compound in manuka honey, on the growth of B. oleronius in broth culture. The minimum

inhibitory concentration was 100 ug/mL. We then added a suboptimal concentration of MGO (25

ug/mL) to Muller-Hinton agar plates in order to explore the potential for MGO to alter B.

oleronius’s sensitivity to a variety of antibiotics. MGO increased the sensitivity of B. oleronius to

a number of commonly prescribed antibiotics in a disc diffusion assay. In particular, we found

statistically significant increases in the zones of inhibition produced by neomycin and polymyxin

B. We then determined the synergistic interactions between these antibiotics and MGO using the

broth microdilution method.

Emma Eskeland*, Jen Hamel

Elon University

Examining two closely related species for evidence of selection against hybridization

In nature, individuals can sometimes be observed hybridizing, or mating with individuals of

different species. Such matings are especially common when species that were geographically

isolated from one another for a period of time come back into contact. Hybridization is often costly,

especially for females who typically invest more resources into offspring production than do

males. Because hybridization is often costly, we expect selection for females to avoid mating with

males who are not of their own species. Here, we looked for evidence of selection against

hybridization between two closely related species of insect (Anasa tristis and A. andresii) that

occur together in some locations, but not others, and that have been observed mating together

where they co-occur. In a laboratory environment, we compared receptivity toward male A.

andresii by female A. tristis from two populations: one where selection against hybridization has

had a chance to occur, and one where it has not (Florida and North Carolina, respectively). We

found no evidence that female A. tristis from either population are less likely to mate with male A.

andresii than with male A. tristis (Contingency table analysis, P = 0.22), and no evidence that male

A. andresii expend more effort than male A. tristis to achieve mating with females from either

population (Kruskal-Wallis test, P = 0.23). However, matings between males and females of the

same species are significantly longer than matings between males and females of different species

(Welch’s ANOVA, P = 0.02). We suggest that reproductive costs associated with hybridization

may not be significant compared to overall potential benefits that females are receiving from

mating.

Martin B. Farley*, David A. Wimert, Ashley L. Allen, Edgardo Lara, Daniel Zavala, Bridgette

Munoz

University of North Carolina Pembroke

Preliminary Analysis of NC and Store Honey Samples for Pollen Content and Purity

Bees represent a vital part of our agricultural system, supporting by their pollination activities

approximately one-third of the food consumed by humans. In addition, the USDA reports 157

million pounds of honey was produced in the U.S. in 2015 for food despite colony collapse disorder

and other issues. An important question is the nature and purity of honey that is sold to consumers.

We have evaluated three honeys, one purchased from a large box retailer and two from local

beekeepers (one from suburban Raleigh, one from Columbus County). We tested the physical

properties of the honey by tasting and closely observing, through a simple flow test of viscosity

(the more viscous, the purer), burning the honey (purer honey burns steadily, honey with more

than 25% water extinguishes the flame), and dripping the honey into water (pure honey doesn’t

mix readily with water, honey with water disperses readily into the water). We also extracted

pollen, to understand the bee’s floral sources, by diluting the honey with ethanol, centrifuging, and

acetolyzing the residue. We then made slides and counted and observed how many pollen grains

and which types.

The large box retailer honey was less viscous, didn’t burn, and dispersed in water. The honey

from the large box retailer contains no pollen, so it is has been ultrafiltered to remove the pollen.

This is permissible in the U.S. but means this honey’s origin cannot be easily determined.

The Columbus County and Raleigh honeys were more viscous, burned, and didn’t mix readily

with water. They are therefore purer. The taste of these honeys was preferred. These honeys also

had numerous pollen: 19,800 pollen/gram of honey in the Columbus County and 92,000/gram in

the Raleigh honey. Work continues on identifying specific pollen taxa in these honeys.

Sarah Forget*, Sierra Thorson, Elizabeth Parker, Nicole Hughes


Effects of seasonal frond angles on leaf temperature and associated ecophysiology of the

evergreen fern, Polystichum acrostichoides

Polystichum acrostichoides exhibits upright fronds during the summer, which bow gradually

through summer and fall, resulting in a completely flat leaf orientation during winter. The purpose

of this study was to test whether seasonal leaf movements physiologically benefit the plant by

optimizing leaf temperatures and associated photosynthetic parameters. During the summer, one

frond on each of ten different plants was forced to lay flat from June-September 2012. From

November 2016-March 2017, one frond was forced to remain upright. Natural vs. artificially-

positioned fronds from the same plant were compared for all measurements. Temperatures were

measured using thermocouples, Daqlink data loggers, and an infrared gun. Photosynthetic gas

exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured with a LI-COR 6400 and Walz Mini-PAM

fluorometer. During both summer and winter, flat leaves were cooler than upright leaves during

shade intervals, but warmed dramatically (5-15oC) when exposed to high sunlight during sunflecks

and sungaps. Measurements of photosynthetic response to temperature suggest that optimum

temperatures for photosynthesis in P. acrostichoides is between 10-25oC. Measurements made

during and at the end of both seasons did not reveal any significant differences in photosynthetic

capacity (Asat), evapotranspiration, or maximum quantum yield efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) between

natural vs. artificially-positioned fronds, indicating no long-term negative consequences of altered

leaf angles. We conclude that upright leaf angles during summer prevent overheating and promote

spore dispersal, and that flat leaf angles during winter elevate frond temperatures, which may

increase photosynthesis under cold (<10oC) conditions.

Michael P. Galie*, Jason Andrus

Meredith College

Control and inducibility of violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum

Violacein is a purple-hued pigment, first discovered being produced by C. violaceum. Violacein

is of medical and commercial interest for its many properties, such as antibiotic, tumor suppressive,

and anti-parasitic properties. With discovery of new potential uses for violaceum is an interest in

finding more efficient methods of violacein production. The purpose of our work is to better

understand control of violacein expression in C. violaceum using genetic engineering techniques.

The five genes that code for violacein in C. violaceum are contained in the vioABCDE operon,

which is controlled by a quorum sensing (QS) system and the genes cviR and cviI. The complete

QS system is comprised of these seven genes, their proteins, and signal molecules known as

autoinducers or acylated homoserine lactones (AHL). In this study, we describe the initial steps to

create a reporter system for the vioA promoter by fusing it to green fluorescent protein. Primers

were designed to amplify the promoter region of vioA via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The

PCR product was cloned into the T/A cloning plasmid pGEMT-Easy (Promega) and transformed

into E. coli TOP10 cells. Future work will include cloning GFP downstream from the promoter

using the multicloning site on the newly constructed plasmid.

David Gammon*, Alexa Darby, Sean Giovanello, Nina Namaste

Elon University

College Students’ Perceptions of STEM – comparisons across the Arts and Sciences

Research into college students’ perceptions of STEM is often flawed in two respects: First,

participants of most studies either all major in STEM or all major in something other than STEM,

making it difficult to compare majors to non-majors. Second, studies often measure stated

preferences as their dependent variable (e.g., survey responses) rather than revealed preferences

(e.g., decisions). We addressed both of these deficiencies using data we collected from our

interdisciplinary course containing high-achieving freshmen from all three branches of the Arts

and Sciences. We require students to complete major projects in two of the three branches. We

surveyed student perceptions of STEM (and the other branches) before and after our course, which

allowed us to assess stated preferences and whether they changed. We also tracked which branches

students avoided when choosing their projects, which allowed us to assess revealed preferences.

Data generally supported previous findings that students feel anxiety towards STEM, avoid it when

possible, and resist changing their perceptions.

Samantha Garriques*, McCall DiMarco, Samantha Bollinger

St. Andrews University

Microbial diversity of the equine coat

Microbiomes are comprised of the fungi, bacteria, and viruses that live both within and upon an

organism. Information about microbial diversity in the equine cecum has led to improvements in

equine feeding practices and management. However, the external microbiome of the equine

species is largely uncharacterized. This study aims to characterize the external equine microbiome

in order to understand coat health and dermal diseases. Skin scrapings and dermal swabs were

taken at regular intervals from six sites on twenty horses under the supervision of a veterinarian.

The horses chosen for sampling comprised a variety of ages, sexes, breeds, pastures, and

disciplines of riding. Swab samples were taken over the course of one day, and scraping samples

were obtained over the course of a separate day. Samples were analyzed via differential growth

and staining, and 16S rRNA sequencing is currently underway to definitively identify samples.

Results are expected to reveal the external microbial diversity of the equine species in the Sandhills

region of North Carolina.

Elizabeth Gerdes*, Devang Upadhyay, Leonard Holmes


norhabdus nematophilus Growth Kinetic Study using 2L A plus Sartorius Stedim Biostat®

Fermentation System

Xenorhabdus nematophilus is a gram-negative, entomopathogenic bacterium that exists in a

mutualistic relationship with the Steinernema carpocapsae beneficial nematode. This combination

of bacteria and nematode is unique in that the virulent factors produced by bacteria will kill the

insect host while simultaneously protecting the nematode. Xenorhabdus nematophilus has two

phases with very different properties associated with them. In Phase I, the bacteria produce virulent

factors, while Phase II cells produce no virulent factors. This growth kinetic study was conducted

using a 2L A plus Sartorius Stedim bioreactor by varying the environmental conditions to achieve

higher yield of bacterial biomass in shortest incubation period. The study showed that the

parameters of 1.0 vvm, pH 7.8, 25°C and 200 RPM had the highest specific growth rate 3.1 h-1 and

the lowest doubling time 0.22 hr. The bacterium, X. nematophilus growth was best under those

conditions.

Gerges G. Ereny*, Jennifer L. Larson Casey, A. Brent Carter.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine.

Cadmium from cigarette smoke increases the risk and severity of lower respiratory tract

infection by decreasing the immune response of alveolar macrophages

Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI).

LRTIs are a prevalent infection that result in hospitalization; however, the molecular pathogenesis

of cigarette smoke-induced LRTIs is unknown. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4500 chemical

compounds, including carcinogens, toxins, oxidants, and metals. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the

metals present in cigarette smoke. Cd specifically inhibits bacterial clearance in alveolar

macrophages unlike other immune cells. The molecular mechanism by which Cd alters the

immune response of alveolar macrophages is not known. One factor that is required for the immune

response is ROS production by the NADPH oxidase. The small GTP-binding protein Rac2 is

required for NADPH complex formation. We hypothesize that Cd from cigarette smoke impairs

the host defense of alveolar macrophages via inhibition of the Rac2 GTPase. We tested our

hypothesis by treating macrophages with different concentrations of cigarette smoke extract (CSE)

or Cd to determine if there is a dose-dependent effect on Rac2. We isolated the cell fractions after

treatment and found that localization of Rac2 in the cell membrane and ROS production by the

NADPH oxidase are reduced in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism of Rac2 inhibition is

by impairing lipidation of the C-terminal cysteine. Overall, the results of these studies will allow

us to characterize the molecular mechanism(s) by which cadmium in cigarette smoke inhibits host

defense, thereby permitting the potential design of a clinically relevant therapeutic agent in

subjects that smoke.

Robert Glass*, Pamela Lundin


Synthesis of an acceptor-donor molecule for solar cell application analysis

Our research focuses on the synthesis of an acceptor-donor molecule that shares the functions and

conjugated structure of the active layer of an all-polymer solar cell. The synthesis of our desired

compound was performed with commercially available starting reagents. The starting materials

will undergo a Suzuki coupling reaction, followed by a Vilsmeier-Haack formylation, a Corey-

Fuchs reaction, and a Sonogashira reaction in sequence. The current results of this synthesis will

be discussed.

Haley Griffith*, Melanie Lee-Brown, Christine Richard-Stracey

Guilford College

Break it down! The effect of moisture on decomposition rates

The decomposition of leaf litter is the physical and chemical breakdown of its organic material.

Many factors can contribute to the rate of decomposition of leaf litter, including the organic and

inorganic composition of the litter, chemical and physical conditions, and the nature and

abundance of the decomposing organisms (primarily insects and microbes). This study explores

the effect of moisture on decomposition rates and describes the aerobically culturable bacteria in

the decomposing leaf litter. The hypothesis was that increasing moisture would increase the rate

of decomposition. The experimental design included 30 mesh leaf litter bags that were spread

throughout the Guilford College woods; 300 acres of new and old growth forest. Ten of the mesh

bags are watered regularly, ten are kept dry except for natural precipitation, and ten were placed

along a documented natural moisture gradient. Bacterial samples of the leaf litter were cultured on

nutrient agar and incubated at 23oC for 24 hours. Bacteria were identified (to the genus level) by

BLAST analysis of the sequence of 16S rDNAs. Preliminary data confirms our hypothesis; higher

rates of decomposition are correlated to greater moisture levels. BLAST analysis confirms the

presence of bacterial species commonly found in healthy soils.

Warren A. Grunvald*, Jen Hamel

Elon University

Assessing morphological traits for evidence of in situ hybridization between two closely

related insect species

The movement of harmful pests and invasive species is a significant issue in the globalized world.

One result of adding new species to an ecosystem can be hybridization, or mating between

individuals of different species. We conducted a field survey to search for evidence of in situ

offspring resulting from hybridization between two closely related species of insects, Anasa tristis

and A. andresii, that came into secondary contact in North Florida ~ 40 years ago. Preliminary

work shows that hybridization between these two species can result in offspring under laboratory

conditions, and that hybrids differ from both parental species by a combination of discrete

morphological traits. To evaluate whether hybrids are occurring in the field, we searched three

locations in Alachua County where both species have been previously documented. We collected

over 800 individuals, of which 328 have been scored for diagnostic morphological traits. We

assigned specimens to species according to presence/absence of small horns near the antennae,

presence/absence of a white line on the scutellum, and antennal tip color. We identified 265

individuals as A. andresii, 62 individuals as A. tristis, and described 1 specimen with traits that

differ from both parental species, but also from lab-reared hybrids. In addition to scoring discrete

traits, we found that body sizes differed between A. tristis and A. andresii (males, two-sample t-

test: 28.36, d.f. = 191, P < 0.0001; females, two-sample t-test: 21,99, d.f. = 125, P < 0.0001). Our

findings are consistent with those of a laboratory experiment: very few hybrids survived to

adulthood under laboratory conditions. We suggest it is unlikely that hybrid offspring survive until

adulthood in the field, and that two diagnostic characteristics described by previous taxonomic

work are consistent within species.

Gabriel Z. Haire*, Gloribel Vanegas, Michelle S. Thomas

Campbell University

Identification and characterization of fluoroquinolone resistant bacteria from swine

Antibiotic resistance has become a concern for the medical and agricultural community.

Commercial swine farms often treat their livestock with fluoroquinolone antibiotics for

prophylaxis and therapeutics. Repeated exposure to fluoroquinolone antibiotics may lead to the

promotion of resistance in enteric flora of swine. Fluoroquinolone resistant gram negative bacteria

were isolated from the fecal matter of hogs that had received one dose of intravenous antibiotics.

Seven of the fluoroquinolone resistant bacteria were tested for the level of resistance against seven

antibiotics utilizing the Kirby Bauer method in accordance to the Clinical Laboratory Standards

Institute. The level of resistance is determined by comparing our results to the standard minimum

inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the family Enterobacteriaceae. To phenotypically

characterize the isolates, Gen III MicroPlates were used to test carbon source utilization and

antibiotic resistance. When the phenotypic profile was analyzed using the MicroLog Microbial

identification system, a definitive identity was not obtained for any of the isolates. The antibiotic

resistance profiles suggest that all isolates are resistant to: nalidixic acid, vancomycin, lincomycin,

troleandomycin, fusidic acid, aztreonam and rifamycin. To determine the genus and species of the

isolates, ribosomal RNA analysis is being performed. Chromosomal DNA was extracted and the

rRNA gene amplified using PCR with universal rDNA primers. PCR products will be sequenced

and analyzed to confirm the phylogenetic placement of the isolates. This study provides insight on

the type of resistance held by these isolates and furthers our understanding of fluoroquinolone

resistance in enteric bacteria from swine.

Alyssa Hall*

Lenoir-Rhyne University

The Effect of Carbon Source and Essential Oil on the Morphology and Growth of

Aspergillus niger

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a respiratory disease of immunocompromised patients caused

by exposure to the fungus Aspergillus niger. Current antifungal medications have little effect in

reducing the size of Aspergillus niger mycelial masses in the lungs of these individuals. The

purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of essential oil treatment on the growth and

morphology (macroscopic and microscopic) of Aspergillus niger in vitro. Since environmental

factors such as variations in carbon source, pH, fluid dynamics, and other stressors can influence

structural characteristics of mycelial masses, A. niger was grown in minimal salts solutions

containing a specific carbon source. After incubation for 72 hours, the resulting fungal masses

were dried and weighed. Sucrose, D-fructose, and D-glucose over five trials produced similar dry-

weight yields. Cellulose was ineffective as a carbon source. The sucrose containing nutrient

solution was selected for A. niger growth in the presence of selected essential oils. These

preparations were incubated for 72-96 hours to observe maximum growth potential and

morphology differentiation in the presence of essential oil. A dose-dependent relationship between

mycelial dry weight and morphological appearance was observed. The results of this study

indicate that essential oils should be explored further as an alternative approach to treatment of

Aspergillus niger infections.

Ally Hamilton*, Mandy Syzmanski, Meghan Patton, Lacey Gould, Matt Kuennen


Curcumin Improves Systemic Responses to Exertional Hyperthermia but Doesn't Alter

Protein Content of Circulating Leukocytes

Exertional heat stress increases gastrointestinal barrier permeability and risk of exertional

heatstroke (EHS) via a TLR4-mediated inflammatory pathway. Curcumin has been shown to

inhibit TLR4 signaling in vitro but has not been examined in a human exertional heat stress model.

PURPOSE: This work investigated the effect of 3d of 500mg/d dietary curcumin supplementation

on the cellular and systemic responses to exertional heat stress in non-heat acclimated humans.

METHODS: Six subjects ran twice(CURCUMIN/PLACEBO) inside an environmental chamber

(37°C/26%RH). Core temperature (Tc), heart rate (HR), and physiological strain index (PSI) were

measured throughout exercise. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from

blood samples that were taken before(PRE), after(POST), 1hr(1-POST), and 4hrs after(4-POST)

exercise. From these samples, Western Blot was used to analyze the protein content of markers

along the TLR4 signaling pathway, indicators of cellular energy status, and mediators of the heat

shock response. RESULTS: Tc rose less(0.23±0.15°C) under CURCUMIN(p<0.01) and both HR

and PSI were lower(HR: 9±2bpm; PSI: 12±1%) from 45-60min of exercise(p<0.05). In PBMC,

TLR4 was reduced by 28% in PLACEBO and by 17% in CURCUMIN(p<0.05) at 1-POST.

However, the ratio of p-NFKB to NFKB at 1-POST was increased by 64% in PLACEBO and 51%

in CURCUMIN(p=0.05). This may be explained by p-AMPK, which was reduced by 62% in

PLACEBO and by 57% in CURCUMIN at 1-POST(p=0.05). CONCLUSION: CURCUMIN

improved systems physiology responses to exertional heat stress but did not alter the protein

content of PBMCS. With regard to exercise, we did note a significant elevation in p-NFKB:NFKB

at 1-POST, which (ironically) coincided with a significant reduction in TLR4. At present, our

working hypothesis is that p-AMPK was downregulated in an effort to maintain pro-inflammatory

capacity of PBMC during the “open window”, as reductions in p-AMPK have been shown to

potentiate LPS-induced activation of leukocytes in select animal models.

Byron Hamilton*, Melanie Lee-Brown, James W. Brown

Guilford College

What’s an old book good for? Testing an Ayurvedic Cure for Acne

Ancient remedies made from natural products are proving to be potential antimicrobials to fight

bacteria that have become resistant to mainstream antibiotics. The Sushruta Samhita is one of the

oldest Indian texts describing the use of natural products for medicinal purposes. A treatment for

acne described in Sushruta Samhita, titled Yuvana-Pidaka, is a mixture of four plants: Coriandrum

sativum (coriander), Saussurea lappa (costus), Acorus calamus (sweet flag), and Symplocos

racemosa (lodhra). Acne is most commonly caused by Propionibaterium acnes, a Gram positive,

rod-shaped, aerotolerant bacterium, that readily acquires resistance to antibiotic treatments. This

study evaluates multiple methods for testing raw plant materials for their antibiotic properties,

including a Kirby Bauer-like (KBL) assay, utilizing plant-plugs, and a diffusion-dependent

antimicrobial assay, utilizing a multi-layered filtration environment. These methods are being

utilized to determine the sensitivity of Propionibacterium acnes to whole plant derivatives

described in Yuvana-Pidaka.

Harrison Seitz*, Tommy Kyllo, Sandra Cooke


Photoenzymatic Repair Capability in the Freshwater Cladoceran Genus Scapholeberis

Recent decreases in stratospheric ozone have allowed more ultraviolet light to penetrate the

atmosphere than in years past. Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light contains enough energy to damage an

organism’s cell’s DNA, which may lead to cell death or skin cancer. However, some species of

freshwater zooplankton can use ultraviolet-A (UV-A) light for a process called photoenzymatic

repair (PER) to undo damage done by UV-B light. UV-B light causes cyclobutane pyrimidine

dimer lesions in the DNA, but photoenzymatic repair occurs when UV-A light activates a

photoreactivating enzyme, photolyase, in the cell nucleus, which creates a cyclobutane bridge to

heal the lesion. The cladoceran zooplankton genus Scapholeberis has been well-studied in its

usage of protective pigment to shield itself from UV-B light, but its use of PER is not well-

documented. Our experiments studied the UV sensitivity and PER capabilities of Scapholeberis

to survive UV-B radiation, and subsequently recuperate using UV-A radiation. We set up three

different treatments of Scapholeberis. Two received 15 minutes of exposure from a 312 nm UV-

B lamp, followed by either 24 hours of exposure from a 365 nm UV-A lamp (+PRR), or no

subsequent UV exposure (-PRR). These two joined the final treatment (Control) in a darkly

covered box, absent of any UV exposure. Survival was measured every 24 hours for 72 hours.

We ran trials at 15ºC, 25ºC, and 30ºC to determine the effect temperature played in survival

rates. Scapholeberis mortality was highest at 30ºC, while specimens exhibited the greatest PER

rates at 15ºC.

Lauren Haymore*,Melanie Lee-Brown, Michele Malotky

Guilford College

Testing antibiotic properties of plants used in traditional medicine

Traditional folk medicines are often regarded to be ineffective by the medical community

because of limited testing of the efficacy, use and standardization of plant-based supplements. In

many cultures, traditional healers are important members of their communities, often

representing a preferred means of healing or an alternative to a limited available modern

healthcare system. Remedies utilized by healers and alternative medicinal practices often include

ethnobotanical resources unique to that geographic region. In this study, plants from New

Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Madagascar will be screened for their

antimicrobial properties. The plants are minimally processed (dried and ground) and placed in a

diffusion-dependent antimicrobial assay consisting of a layer of plant tissue embedded in

agarose, a 2 μm filter and a nutrient medium. The filter allows for the diffusion of potential

antimicrobials while preventing the movement of any microbes associated with the unprocessed

plant material. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are used as indicator organisms.

Preliminary data will be presented illustrating proof of concept using antibiotics known to have

cidal or static effects on indicator organisms. Initial data testing botanical samples will also be

presented.

Lonzie Hedgepeth*,Conner Sandefur


Representation of protein-DNA binding dynamics via a Gal induction informed

mathematical model

When subjected to environmental stimuli, eukaryotic cells vary genome-wide expression of

genes using transcription factors. These transcription factors represent an array of proteins that

have specific DNA recognition sequences, which upon binding, regulate gene transcription.

Competition chromatin immunoprecipitation (cChIP) measures the displacement between

constitutive and inducible proteins and is utilized to investigate protein-DNA binding kinetics

(dynamics). Current predictions of protein-DNA dissociation (turnover) rates use a simplified

statistical model, which is limited to transcription factors that remain bound to DNA for a longer

period of time. Here we present the development and implementation of a mechanistic

mathematical model, which incorporates the experimentally used gal induction system. Our

model, implemented in the freely available Python 3.4 language, captures the dynamics of the

relative protein levels (induced to constitutive) by incorporating the positive feedback inherent in

the gal induction system. This is a first step towards developing a mechanistic model which can

more accurately capture transcription factors that have a shorter residency time.

Ismael Hernandezvillasuso*, Arshay Grant, Kristen Delaney Nguyen

Fayetteville State University

The generation of an anti-oxidant deficient strain of E. coli

The gspS and ggt genes encode the proteins GspS (glutathionylspermadine synthetase) and GGT

(gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase) in E. coli, respectively. Both are involved in managing

oxidative stress via the glutathione pathway. Previous work revealed that the loss of one of these

genes does not result in increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. Therefore, we tested the

hypothesis that GspS and GGT provides compensatory function when one of these genes

becomes dysfunctional. To this end, we developed a strategy to remove ggt from a gspS

knockout strain (JW2956-1) by replacing ggt with an ampicillin resistance cassette. Repeated

attempts to isolate a ggt gspS double knockout have failed. Thus, our data suggest that E. coli

cannot survive at atmospheric oxygen levels when both of these genes are absent. Results from

this study are consistent with the hypothesis that GGT and GspS have compensatory roles when

one of these genes becomes dysfunctional. Future studies will address whether a ggt gspS

double knockout can be isolated under the reduced oxidative stress of anaerobic growth

conditions.

Audrey Hoffman*, Jay Bolin

Catawba College

VOC interference limits host detection of the parasitic plant Cuscuta gronovii

Parasitic plants are angiosperms that parasitize other plants using a highly modified root called a

haustorium. All parasitic plants use this specialized structure to penetrate host cells and take up

nutrients and water. A major group of economically important parasitic plants is the genus

Cuscuta in the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae), also known as dodders. Cuscuta species

are holoparasitic plants known for causing major crop damage. Notably, Cuscuta species in

North America have caused large infestations in tomato crops in California. Cusucta species use

volatile cues given off by host plants to locate and select its host. One of the volatiles given off

by the tomato plants is d-Limonene. Limonene is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that many

chemical household products include due to its desired odor characteristics. The purpose of this

study is to determine if VOC interference may inhibit the ability of Cuscuta gronovii to find a

suitable host. Cuscuta gronovii is a common species distributed across much of North America

and is very common in North Carolina. This study uses coleus plants as the host and commercial

products that emit VOCs as a source of VOC interference.

Kevin Hoffman*, Giana Gigantino, Nicole Hughes


Physiological comparison of purple, green, and spotted morphotypes of crane-fly orchid,

Tipularia discolor

The crane-fly orchid (Tipularia discolor) is a perennial, terrestrial orchid native to woodlands of

the southeastern United States. In the Piedmont of North Carolina, three different colored

morphotypes occur sympatrically in the forest understory during winter, exhibiting leaves that

are either solid green, solid purple, or green with purple spots. We compared in situ

photosynthetic gas exchange, as well as light response of photosynthesis, photosynthetic

response to CO2, and stomatal density/indices of the three morphotypes during the winter of

2016-2017. Results showed that the morphotypes did not differ in any of the measured

photosynthetic parameters, including quantum yield efficiency, maximum photosynthesis under

saturating irradiance and/or CO2, dark respiration rate, or carboxylation efficiency. We also

found no significant difference in stomatal density or index. From these results we can infer that

differences in color are likely not due to physiological stress, e.g. virus infection, nutrient

limitation, etc., and may instead be genetic in nature.

Elizabeth Howard*, Sue K. Calcagni

Catawba College

Can mosquito larvae serve as an effective biosensor for mercury in aquatic systems?

Developing more efficient practices to detect and quantify mercury (Hg) in ecosystems could

provide useful insight into identifying contaminated systems and prioritizing responses to

contamination. The proposed research will address whether or not mosquito larvae can be useful

biosensors for mercury contamination in aquatic habitats. The larval stages of aquatic insects –

which are easily pinpointed to a single site and are simple to collect – have received little

attention as tools for quantifying mercury contamination in aquatic systems. Mosquito larvae are

plentiful, require little husbandry once captured, and do not require special collection permits.

Because they feed on microorganisms and detritus, and themselves serve as food for many

aquatic predators, they provide opportunities for mercury transfer in the food chain. Combined,

these qualities should make mosquito larvae ideal specimens for quantifying mercury in aquatic

ecosystems. To test this idea, mosquito larvae will be collected in summer 2017 from tepid

surface water and sites of pooled rain water using dipper nets at 5 locations in the Fred Stanback

Jr. Ecological Preserve on the campus of Catawba College. The larvae during this time of year

at these particular breeding sites are suspected to be Psorophora ferox, Aedes vexans, and

Anopheles quadrimaculatus. Water and sediment samples will also be taken for each sample of

mosquito larvae to determine the abiotic levels of Hg at each site. Each site will be sampled five

times. Larvae will be identified and then grouped by an appropriate mass for analysis using a

DMA-80 mercury analyzer. The DMA-80 mercury analyzer enables whole organisms to be

analyzed with little to no sample preparation. This instrument measures total mercury levels.

Data from sediment, water, and larval samples will be analyzed using linear regression analyses

to determine if mosquito larvae are suitable biosensors for mercury contamination.

Jordan Jackson*,Nindo Punturi, Taek You, Jacob Wells

Campbell University

Studies of human CHMP3 gene expression: cloning the promoter region

The Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport (ESCRTs) are protein complexes that

associate with the endosomal membrane inside the cell. These complexes participate in the

formation of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and in protein sorting and recycling of cellular

components. Dysfunctions in autophagy, the recycling process of endosomes inside the cell, is

implicated in many cellular diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s

disease and Parkinson’s disease, and some forms of cancer. The endosomal vesicles formed by

ESCRT complexes participate in the recycling of EGFR (endosomal growth factor receptor),

which is overexpressed in some cancers. CHMP3 (Charged multi-vesicular body protein 3) is a

protein in the core of ESCRT-III, indicating its importance in this recycling process. The

CHMP3 gene in humans can be upregulated by the activity of the p53 tumor suppressor gene. In

order to study and define the function of CHMP3 in the recycling process and its role in cancer,

the promoter region of the CHMP3 gene is cloned and expressed to analyze the activity of

endosomal recycling. By cloning the promoter region of the CHMP3 gene and up-regulating p53

gene expression, we are going to study the expression of the CHMP3 protein and its effect on

activities in the cell.

Michele A. Johnson*1, Jamie K. Schnuck1, Lacey M. Gould1, Nicholas P. Gannon2, Roger A.

Vaughan1

1High Point University and 2Medical College of Wisconsin

Capsaicin induces metabolic gene expression in myotubes

Capsaicinoids possess thermic effects resulting in increased energy expenditure, leading some to

consume concentrated capsaicin supplements for weight loss. This study investigated the effects

of capsaicin on metabolic gene expression in skeletal muscle. METHODS: C2C12 myotubes

were treated with either DMSO control or capsaicin at 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 2 micromolar for 24

hours. Gene expression of several regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative

metabolism were measured via qRT-PCR. Mitochondrial content was quantified via fluorescence

which was confirmed visually using fluorescent microscopy. Lipid content was determined by

oil red o colorimetric staining. RESULTS: Initial gene expression experiments identified

capsaicin at 0.5 micromolar to be an optimal concentration for inducing myotube mitochondrial

biogenesis. Specifically, capsaicin at 0.5 micromolar significantly elevated PGC-1alpha (18.6

fold +/-14.5), NRF1 (4.6 fold +/-1.7), and TFAM (5.0 fold +/-2.3) gene expression following 24-

hour treatment. Cells treated with capsaicin at 0.5 micromolar also exhibited significantly greater

mitochondrial staining (7.5% +/-4.5%). Moreover, capsaicin induced the expression of several

related metabolic genes such as Foxo1 and Sirt3. Lastly despite unaltered peroxisome

proliferator-activated receptor gamma expression, capsaicin-treated cells exhibited significantly

reduced lipid content suggesting lipid oxidation may be enhanced following capsaicin treatment.

CONCLUSION: Capsaicin appears to stimulate several genes which govern mitochondrial

biogenesis and cellular energetics. Together these findings suggest capsaicin may provide

metabolic benefits, however, these data require verification at the protein and functional level.

Cheryl P. Jones*, Whitney Bell, Jasmine Williams, Nina Milliken, Karthik Aghoram

Meredith College

Redesigning a Biochemistry Lab Course by Incorporating Multiple Stakeholders

Laboratory instruction has traditionally been taught in an expository style, designed so that a

large number of students can perform simultaneous activities and achieve a predetermined result.

However, studies suggest that little meaningful learning takes place using this approach because

students focus more on obtaining the correct result than contemplating experimental design

(Domin, 1999). To counteract this deficiency, educators now advocate for alternatives such as

hypothesis-driven, guided-inquiry approaches to improve scientific reasoning skills (Casotti et

al., 2008). But how do you effectively redesign a laboratory course to integrate a new

instructional approach? There are multiple constraints to consider including cost, time, and

feasibility. In addition, there are design questions: How do I balance content knowledge,

experimental design, and physical manipulation of experiments? How much guidance should be

provided? What type of assessment should be used? I set out to redesign an ‘Introduction to

Biochemistry’ course to consist of a hypothesis-driven, guided-inquiry approach focused on a

protein of interest. Instead of undertaking this task alone, I created a stakeholder team of five

individuals to provide input from various perspectives. This team consists of: an adjunct lab

instructor, undergraduate student taking the course for credit, teaching assistant that provides set-

up support, volunteer post-baccalaureate research student, and tenured professor responsible for

the accompanying lecture course. Input is gathered on experimental approach, feasibility, prior

student knowledge, student interest, misconceptions, and assessment. Not only is each

stakeholder involved in the educational component, but also the students participate in the short-

term project necessary to generate materials for the future course. Students have a clear goal to

accomplish with this short-term research project that blends educational objectives into a unique

course redesign experience.

Ashlyn Karre*

Lenoir-Rhyme University

Exploring the Antimicrobial Properties of Common Herbs on Gram Positive and Gram

Negative Bacterium

According to the World Health Organization over 80% of the world’s population use herbal

products as part of their primary health care (Huynh, 2007). The usage of spices and herbs in

medicine is ancient, well established, and widely acknowledged to be safe and effective. The

United States Food and Drug Administration, the European Union Standards, Codex

Alimentarius, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India all recognize the use of

herbs and spices for medicinal purposes as a safe practice (Dhiman, 2016). Studies also suggest

herbal medicine may be an important immune system booster (WHO, 2000). Though some herbs

have been extensively studied, there is little information on the medicinal properties of cilantro,

basil, chives, and dill. In this study, methanolic extracts of cilantro, basil, chives, and dill were

used with both positive and negative controls against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella

pnumoniae, Clostridium difficle and Escherichia coli to investigate zones of bacterial inhibition.

In this study no inhibition of bacterial growth was measured. Interestingly, in most cases

cilantro, basil, chives, and dill extracts promoted the growth of transient microbes.

Kim Raehyun*, Hannah Jonas, Karen Guzman

Campbell University

Interleukin-6 Expression is Modulated by Lipopolysaccharide and the Scavenger Receptor

Class A Ligand, Fucoidan, in the Mouse Myoblast Cell Line, C2C12

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in human health, so understanding the mediators involved in

this process is an important step towards treatment. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) operates as a pro-

inflammatory cytokine when released by T cells and macrophages and as an anti-inflammatory

myokine when released into the bloodstream by skeletal muscles after prolonged exercise.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are endotoxins known to elicit an immune response and can be used

to analyze the signaling pathways of cells involved in inflammation. Receptors such as scavenger

receptor Class A (SR-A) play an indirect role in regulating inflammatory activity by binding with

LPS and modulating cytokine production. The purpose of this experiment was to determine if the

SR-A ligand, fucoidan, has an impact on IL-6 production in muscle cells. C2C12 cells were

grown to 70% confluence to determine the response of undifferentiated myoblasts to the

following treatments: fucodian, LPS, a combination of LPS and fucoidan or regular media. RNA

was isolated after a three-hour exposure. Expression of IL-6 and SR-A was determined using

end-point RT-PCR and GAPDH was included for normalization. IL-6 was increased by LPS, but

decreased by fucoidan. SRA was not detected in these pre-confluent cultures, even though it has

been detected in post-confluent cultures in our lab previously. Our next step is to examine the

effects of these inflammatory mediators on IL-6 expression after differentiation of C2C12 cells

into myotubes.

Jessica Knisley*

Meredith College

Cyanobacteria Versus Our Waters

Microcystis is a type of cyanobacteria that has been causing toxic algal blooms in lakes of North

Carolina. These toxic algal blooms cause oxygen depletion affecting other freshwater organisms

such as mollusks and fish. Toxins of Microcystis have also been linked to prostate and breast

cancers in humans. Various treatments have been tried to reduce Microcystis in freshwater. The

hypothesis of this work was that water hyacinth and aluminum sulfate would reduce Microcystis.

500 mL cultures of Microcystis were treated with aluminum sulfate or addition of a water

hyacinth plant. After two weeks of growth, chlorophyll a was measured as an indicator of

microcystis growth. Results indicated significant decrease in populations of microcystis in both

the aluminum and water hyacinth treatments. Further research on the effects of aluminum

sulfate indicated concentrations as low as 50 ppm significantly decreased Microcystis

populations. The goal of this project is to have cleaner and safer water in the surrounding lakes

by depleting the amount of cyanobacteria. For future research, the long-term effects of aluminum

sulfate will be examined, along with proper control techniques for water hyacinth.

Leigh LaFond*, Sandra Cooke


Photoenzymatic repair against UV radiation in Daphnia lumholtzi

Photoenzymatic repair (PER) is a process used by some organisms when DNA is exposed to UV

radiation and damaged. A photoreactivating enzyme attaches to the DNA at the sites of

pyrimidine dimers (a type of DNA damage). Once the enzyme is exposed to and absorbs light,

the enzyme can be released from the DNA leaving the DNA restored to its native state. Our

study focused on the ability of Daphnia lumholtzi, an exotic freshwater zooplankton species, to

perform PER. In particular, we looked at UV sensitivity and PER at different temperatures. The

experiments examined D. lumholtzi survival when exposed to photorepair radiation (PRR) in the

form of visible light after UV radiation exposure (+PRR treatment), without light after UV

radiation exposure (-PRR treatment), and without UV or PRR-exposure (a dark control). Those

that we place straight in the dark after UV exposure (-PRR) had a much lower survival rate than

those exposed to visible light (+PRR), indicating that D. lumholtzi use PER. Looking at our

results thus far, the colder temperatures prove to be more successful in that these temperatures

show the greatest survival rates with PER.

Ho Young Lee*1,Halley Shah1, Robert Y. Li,2 , Zhenquan Jia1

1University of North Carolina at Greensboro and 2Campbell University

Doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity in rat myocardial h9c2 cells: the roles of reactive oxygen

species and redox balance

Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most effective anticancer drugs. The downside associated with

the use of DOX in the clinic is the high risk of irreversible cardiomyopathy and cardiotoxicity.

However, the precise mechanisms remain to be defined. Following treatment of rat H9c2

cardiomyocytes with clinically-relevant concentrations of DOX, we examined the expressions of

various genes involved in anti-oxidant response (NQO1, GCLC, GST) as well as observing the

presence of reactive oxygen species (H2O2). Our results showed that DOX, at clinically relevant

plasma concentrations, brought significant change in the expression of genes relevant in anti-

oxidant response in rat H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Further, DOX treatment significantly decreased

ROS presence, while stimulating ROS detoxifying mechanisms resulting in an imbalance in redox

state of H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. These results provide the direct evidence that the expression of

adhesion molecules and redox imbalance could be critical modulators of DOX-induced

cardiotoxicity and cardiomyopathy.

Hannah Lee*, John Tomkiel-Dean


Cytological and genetic characterization and mapping of a male meiotic mutation (Z20756)

in Drosophila melanogaster

Studying meiosis is important for learning how to prevent aneuploidy – the state of having too

few or too many chromosomes- which is the basis for human genetic symptoms, such as Trisomy

21, Tuner’s syndrome or Klinefelter syndrome. Using Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) as a

model system, a gene important to male meiotic chromosome segregation was characterized.

Genetic crosses with visibly marked chromosomes were performed to show that this mutant

affects sex and fourth chromosome segregation in meiosis I. Chromosomes are segregated at

random from their homologs. Preliminary results indicate that the segregation of the major

autosomes is also disrupted. Cytological examination by using confocal microscopy revealed

anaphase bridges at meiosis I, indicating failures in homolog separation. The mutation was

localized using recombination and deletion mapping to a small region on the second

chromosome, between the genes cinnabar and sternal plural. This region was further narrowed

down using a bioinformatics approach. The mutant line was sequenced and one hundred and fifty

genes with unique polymorphisms were identified by comparison to a bank of approximately 200

wildtype reference genomes. Filtering by expression pattern and location in promoters or codons

identified ten candidate polymorphisms. These are currently being tested by complementation

with known deletions to identify the causative polymorphism. None of these ten genes have been

previously implicated in meiotic chromosome segregation, indicating that this mutation identifies

a new genetic pathway.

Cheyenne Lee*, Conner Sandefur


Antimicrobial Effects of St. John the Worker Plant Based Native American Tea

Patients with obesity and type II diabetes are characterized by an altered gut microbiome.

Antimicrobial agents may be a possible avenue to restore normal gut microbiota. This

experiment was designed to test Hypericum hypericoides or St. John the Worker, a traditional

medicine of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, for antimicrobial properties on thirteen different

bodily bacteria. The bacteria were streaked over thirteen plates, and each plate was divided into

six sections. The tea was brewed with approximate concentrations of 100% and 75% with 1g of

plant to 1mL of water and 0.75g of plant to 1mL of water respectively and the tea extract was

taken from the plant matter to be plated separately. The extracts and plant matter took up four

slots of the plate while the other two slots contained distilled water as a negative control and

70% isopropanol as a positive control. The results suggest growth inhibition of seven of the

thirteen studied species: Neisseria sicca, Corynebacterium xerosis, Staphylococcus epidermidis,

Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, and Enterococcus faecalis (slight

inhibition). These data suggest a possible avenue of therapy by using traditional medicines to

target altered microbiomes in obesity and type II diabetes.

Meagen Lee*, Stephen Cartier, Dana Emmert, Robert Eckstein, and Liesl Erb


Comparative antioxidant levels in popular dog food brands

In the field of antioxidant research there are few studies that have focused on the antioxidant

capacity of dog foods. In this study, I investigated the variability of antioxidant capacity among

three brands of dog foods and between lots within each brand of dog food. This study utilized the

Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) Assay to test three popular brands of dog food

(Blue Buffalo, Purina Beneful, and Ol’ Roy) for antioxidant levels. With the associated health

benefits of feeding pets a diet rich in antioxidants and the lax regulations on dog food

manufacturers, the TEAC assay is an inexpensive method for determining the validity of the dog

food manufacturers claims. This study was designed to determine if the price of the dog food

reflects the level of antioxidants found within the food. Our results indicate that there is a

statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the antioxidant capacity of Blue Buffalo

compared to both Purina Beneful and Ol’ Roy and that between lots within brands there is no

statistically significant difference.

Nathan Lee*

Guilford College

The effect of a recombinant hydrolytic enzyme on hybrid biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus

and Candida albicans

Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans are pathogens that frequently cause nosocomial

infections often involving the formation of biofilms on implanted medical devices such as

catheters. In addition to monospecies biofilms, these organisms have been reported to form

multispecies biofilms in which S. aureus cells attach to C. albicans hyphal filaments to create a

more robust structure. The hydrolytic enzyme Dispersin B has been shown to inhibit the

formation of the S. aureus monospecies biofilms by degrading poly-N-acetylglucosamine

(PNAG), a polysaccharide component of the S. aureus biofilm matrix. A recombinant enzyme

with similar activity, β-N-Acetylhexosaminidasef, was used to assess the ability of PNAG

degradation to inhibit multispecies biofilm formation. Monocultures and mixed cultures of S.

aureus and C. albicans were grown for 48 hours at 37C in the presence or absence of the

enzyme. Multispecies biofilms were created by culturing C. albicans in a monoculture for 24

hours before inoculating with S. aureus. This allowed C. albicans to establish and form hyphal

filaments without inter-species competition. Wells were washed with PBS to remove planktonic

cells, and biofilm thickness for each culture was determined by optical absorbance. β-N-

Acetylhexosaminidasef and Dispersin B are members of glycoside hydrolase family 20, which

also includes the human beta-hexosaminidases Hex A and Hex B. Dispersin B and β-N-

Acetylhexosaminidasef catalyze the hydrolysis of β(1,6)-linked N-acetylglucosamine, whereas

Hex A and Hex B catalyze the hydrolysis of β(1,4)-linked N-acetylglucosamine. How this

functional difference might arise from structural differences between the aforementioned

enzymes was investigated using molecular modeling techniques.

Emily Lehman*, Paul Steimle


Analysis of the effects of the natural product, sulforaphane, on Dictyostelium cell

proliferation, viability and development

Sulforaphane is a natural isothiocyanate compound found in many cruciferous vegetables.

Sulforaphane has been studied for its potential anticancer properties working through antioxidant

and anti-inflammatory pathways. Our studies of the cellular effects of sulforaphane on

Dictyostelium discoideum cells (strain AX2) revealed that this compound slows cell proliferation

that this decrease in proliferation is not associated with either a reduction in cell viability or an

increase in multinuclearity. Moreover, cells recovered to normal rates of growth upon removal

of sulforaphane from the culture medium. Exposure of cells to sulforaphane also led to delays in

multicellular development, with the production of fruiting bodies with shorter stalks than fruiting

bodies from untreated cells. Interestingly, development of sulforaphane-treated cells sometimes

resulted in the formation of multicellular intermediate structures that are donut shaped. The cells

within these structures actively migrated in a directional manner within the circle. The observed

effects of sulforaphane on growth and development were specific, with little or no effect on these

processes in cells treated with structurally-related isothiocyanate organosulfur compounds.

Further investigations are in progress to identify the specific mechanisms by which sulforaphane

exerts its effects on cells, with the goal of gaining insight into the potential for this compound (or

derivatives) to be used in cancer prevention or treatment.

Susanna Lenz*, Amina Alvarez-Barkane, Michelle Thomas

Campbell University

Identification of four bacterial isolates with possible pyrethroid degradation abilities

Pyrethroid insecticides are widely used for lawn maintenance in residential, agricultural, and

commercial settings throughout the piedmont of North Carolina. Environmental microorganisms

that degrade pyrethroids may be significant for environmental reasons and for a possible role in

bioremediation. Soil samples taken from Keith Hills golf course in Buies Creek, NC yielded

four bacterial isolates designated as JEG-RB, JEG-H2O, JEG-yellow, and JEG-pink. The aim of

this project is to identify the genus and species, determine general growth characteristics, and to

determine whether these organisms can utilize Bifenthrin as the sole carbon source. Ribosomal

RNA analysis was used to phylogenetically place the isolates. Chromosomal DNA was

extracted, and the RNA gene was amplified using universal rDNA primers in PCR. The products

were examined by agarose gel electrophoresis, purified, and sequenced. Sequence analysis was

performed using the following programs: DNA Baser, Bioedit, and MEGA7. Sequences were

compared to prokaryotic 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences by using nucleotide BLAST.

Results demonstrate JEG-yellow and JEG-pink isolates are from the genus Pseudochrobactrum,

JEG-RB is from the genus Klebsiella, and JEG-H2O is from the genus Curtobacterium. To

discern growth temperature preferences, bacteria were grown on LB agarose plates at 10°C,

22°C, 30°C,and 35°C. All the isolates grew at all temperatures tested. Experiments are currently

being performed to further characterize the phenotypic growth characteristics of the species and

to confirm that the bacteria utilize bifenthrin as a carbon source. Future studies will examine the

isolates’ ability to degrade pyrethroids to discern their potential future use for bioremediation.

Cassidy Levy*, Amanda Chunco

Elon University

Correlates of Dung Beetle Introduction to Australia

Exotic species are a major problem in conservation ecology, but a lack of data on the process of

species introductions makes them difficult to study on a multispecies scale. One exception to this

is the purposeful introduction of 43 species of dung beetles to Australia between 1968 and 1984,

of which 23 species established exotic populations. The goal of our research was to model the

native and exotic Australian niche for 9 of these introduced dung beetle species to assess whether

each species’ ecological niche affected its ability to establish exotic populations in Australia.

Specifically, we examined if the degree of similarity between the native and exotic niches

predicts a species’ success in establishing populations where introduced. We used species

records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and iDigBio online databases,

environmental data from Worldclim and the Global Harmonized Soil Database to model the

native niche for each species using Maxent software, and compare this to where the beetles were

introduced. The similarity between the native and exotic niches was examined using Principal

Components Analysis in R. Preliminary model results suggest introduced niche conservatism is

consistent with our hypothesis that species with more similar niches had higher establishment

success. These results may help explain how species’ niches can influence introduction success,

which could aid conservation efforts by helping identify regions at risk of future invasions and

areas where purposeful introductions might succeed.

Elizabeth A. Lewis*2, Henri Vega-Bernal1 , David A. Beamer1 1 Nash Community College and 2East Carolina University

Phylogeographic structure and speciation in Seepage salamanders (Desmognathus aeneus)

Desmognathus aeneus is one of the smallest vertebrates with concomitant home ranges (<1 m2).

They are distributed from the Appalachian mountains of extreme western North Carolina

southwestward into Alabama. Across this distribution populations are often disjunct and isolated

in pockets of ideal habitat. Taken together, these life history characteristics suggest that seepage

salamanders populations should be demonstrate strong phylogeographic structuring. We sampled

~85 populations from across the entire range extent and sequenced two mitochondrial genes,

ND2 and COX1 (~2,000 bp), and three independent nuclear loci (~1500 bp) for each population.

We aligned the sequence data and then estimated models of nucleotide substitution for both

individual gene and concatenated datasets. We estimated phylogenies with both Bayesian and

likelihood optimality criteria and tested for the presence of multiple species within seepage

salamanders.

Emma Lightsey*, Dana Emmert, Bob Eckstein, Langdon Martin


Detection of Rabies Antibodies in Wolf-Dog Hybrid Sera

The aim of this thesis was to test for rabies-specific antibodies in wolf-dog hybrids to discover

whether the canine rabies vaccine truly immunizes wolf-dog hybrids as effectively as it

immunizes dogs, using an ELISA test. Currently no rabies vaccines are licensed for use on wild

animals or hybrids because the efficacy of parenteral rabies vaccination on these populations has

not been established (Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2011). To

evaluate the efficiency of the rabies vaccine in wolf-dog hybrids, we determined their rabies-

specific immunity using an ELISA test. We gathered sera from nine vaccinated wolf-dogs,

eleven vaccinated dogs, and four dogs that were presumed to be unvaccinated, and ran the

ELISA on these samples. There was no statistical evidence that either of these groups’ rabies-

specific immunity differed from one another. This study addresses the lack of data on the rabies

vaccine’s effectiveness on wolf-dogs, and provides initial evidence for the rabies vaccine to be

licensed for wolf-dogs to protect them from unnecessary euthanasia as well as the virus itself.

Allison Lindsey*, Laura Hudson Reichenberg

Pfeiffer University

Postmortem protein degradation as a tool for estimating time of death in forensic cases

Forensic determination of time of death relies on a diverse array of approaches including

decomposition, rigor, body core temperature, and forensic entomology. Each of these

approaches are most effective only within a certain window of time leading to practical

limitations or insufficient results under certain circumstances. Due to these limitations there is a

need for an accurate way to determine time of death. One approach that may provide a more

accurate portrayal of time of death is to focus on the protein degradation processes in human

muscle. Our goal is to define the degradation pattern of the muscle protein Desmin over time

and to determine a distinct association of this degradation with time of death. We have

developed a protocol to determine the optimal conditions to detect the Desmin protein using

chicken muscle as a model and have been able to detect the Desmin protein on an immunoblot

using an anti-Desmin antibody. We have begun to develop a 9 day time course of Desmin

degradation at 4°C, 23°C, and 37°C in chicken muscle. Future studies will provide information

on Desmin as a degradation marker for certain periods of time postmortem and will consider

influencing factors that need to be considered in future application of this method.

Daniel A. Lough*1,Russell C. Van Horn2, Miles R. Silman1 1Wake Forest University and 2San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research

Revisions of mammal and bird ranges in Manu National Park: results of a multiyear

camera trapping study across a 3.2km elevation gradient

Understanding current species distributions is crucial for biodiversity conservation and

predicting future community responses to climate change. Here we present our findings from two

camera surveys; one in 2013 and one in 2016. In 2013, 53 camera traps were installed to identify

both mammal and bird species along two parallel elevational transects composed of tropical

montane cloud forest (TMCF) within Manu National Park. In 2016, we replicated and extended

the survey along one of the transects, setting up 80 cameras from 3500m down to 500m,

encompassing not only the entire TMCF but also sub montane and lowland rainforest. Here we

use these data in conjunction with existing range hypotheses to (1) update elevational range

estimates for mammal and bird species, (2) see if there is a pattern in these range estimates

among guilds for species with a distribution change of ≥100m, and (3) show how diversity across

the elevational gradient has changed with these range estimates. Of the 79 taxa of identifiable

birds, only 18% need to have their distributions increased by ≥100m and belong to no specific

guild. Of the 49 taxa of mammals detected, 41% need to have their distributions extended by

≥100m, with the largest being among seed dispersers and nocturnal mammals. This had a large

effect on the mammal community composition in the sub montane rainforest (500-1500m).

These findings are crucial for expanding our understanding of how tropical communities will

shift in response to climate change and the TMCF’s role in global biodiversity.

Luke Lynch*, Jeff Haswell, Frank Slack


Exploiting synthetic lethal relationships within the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling

complex via miRNAs

Mutations in SWI/SNF subunits have been implicated in a variety of diseases, and synthetic

lethal relationships between mutually exclusive subunits have shown promise as potential

therapeutics. A recent study has shown that the subunit ARID1B is a synthetic lethal target via

knockdown by transduced shRNAs in ARID1A mutant cell lines. However, the reverse

relationship has not been shown, so this project sought to elucidate whether the synthetic

lethality works both ways. Furthermore, miRNAs have emerged as key regulators of cellular

activity and are showing promise in clinical trials. They have even been shown to regulate

subunit incorporation into the SWI/SNF complex in the context of murine neuron development.

Therefore, we expanded upon the exploitation of these synthetic lethal relationships above by

determining whether they could be mediated via miRNA transfection in ARID1A/B mutants.

OVISE and TOV21G cells lines were used for ARID1A mutants (the same lines from the

aforementioned paper) and HS936T and HCT15 were used for ARID1B mutants. The goal of

this aspect of the project was to determine whether synthetic lethal relationships in

ARID1A/ARID1B mutants could be exploited via knockdown with miRNA mimics that are

either confirmed or highly predicted to target the 3’ UTR of of these subunits mRNA. Cellular

proliferation was measured over the course of 9 days via MTT assays and plates stained with

crystal violet. Knockdown of SWI/SNF subunits was measured at the mRNA level with

RTqPCR and at the protein level by Western blot. Additionally we compared the robustness of

any knockdown to that of two different positive control siRNAs. Successful knockdown by an

siRNA positive control in the ARID1A mutants without a decrease in cell proliferation indicated

that stable RNAi over a longer timeframe may be necessary to demonstrate a phenotypic effect.

Jenny Marshall*, Andrew James Wommack


Extending the substrate scope of the Chan-Lam cross-coupling reaction using photoredox

catalysis

Aryl boronic acids and arylamines were oxidatively cross-coupled through copper-catalysis in

the presence of a Ru-photoredox cocatalyst to produce reasonable yields throughout an expanded

substrate scope under aerobic conditions. Using low Ru-photoredox cocatalyst loadings, this

modified C-N cross-coupling reaction allows the incorporation of unactviated alkylamines to

both electron poor- and electron-rich boronic acids. Initial results demonstrate adequate coupling

efficiency with improved substrate scope. However, additional research is required to further

improve yields. Further mechanistic investigations are proposed in order to aid methodology

development and to clarify the role of the Ru-photoredox catalyst in the copper catalytic cycle.

Sherese Mann*, Lititia Stephens, Telah Wingate, Phyllis A. Ford-Booker, Rosalyn Lang-Walker,

Kelsie M. Bernot

North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University

Improving Alzheimer’s literacy in STEM college students through service learning

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) causes memory loss and the disability of some daily intellectual tasks.

The number of individuals affected by AD is expected to increase by 2050 because of the aging

baby boomers. It will be the responsibility of the youth to become caregivers for those that are

mentally impaired by the disease. This research project was developed to investigate the

knowledge of AD among STEM college students and to test the efficacy of service-learning

projects in improving AD literacy. STEM students (n=38) participated in an outside of the

classroom service-learning project, in which each student could choice from 3 different projects:

AD service-learning (SL) project (AD walk, AD caregivers conference), Non-AD SL project

(Breast Cancer Walk, Blood Drive) or a Non-AD/Non-SL project. Students were assessed with

the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) before and after participating in the projects.

After participating in the AD service-learning project, the students’ scores on the ADKS

improved more than the Non-AD SL or the NonAD/NonSL students’ scores. (ADSL: Pre-ADKS

mean= 62.7% +/- 2.01% and Post-ADKS mean=77% +/- 3.11%; NonADSL: Pre ADKS mean =

63.3% +/- 2.9% and Post-ADKS mean = 62.7% +/- 2.79%; NonAD-NonSL: Pre-ADKS mean =

64% +/- 3.83% and Post-ADKS mean = 71.7% +/- 4.47% ) Overall without the AD SL project,

students lack knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease. Suggested from the results, AD service-

learning projects can be a way to increase the knowledge of AD among STEM college students.

Taylor Mckee*


The effects of tetracycline and erythromycin on mitochondria activity as demonstrated by

regeneration rate in Lumbriculus variegatus

Bacterial antibiotics can inhibit the function of mitochondria. It was hypothesized that an energy

costly process, such as segmented regeneration in Lumbriculus variegatus, would be

significantly diminished by this interaction. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects

of various concentrations of erythromycin and tetracycline on regeneration in L. variegatus.

Fifty-four worms were split into groups of six and assigned to nine different concentration

treatments: control, erythromycin 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1 µg/ml, and tetracycline 0.005, 0.01, 0.05,

0.1 µg/ml. Each worm was bisected and then treated with the designated concentration. Blind

measurements of regeneration were taken over a period of 14 days and compared to the control

using an independent-sample T-test. A significant difference was found between regeneration

rates of worms exposed to either tetracycline 0.1 µg/ml or erythromycin 0.1 µg/ml (P<0.001).

These results indicate that higher concentrations of both tetracycline and erythromycin affect

regeneration rates in L. variegatus. In a follow-up investigation, alterations of mitochondrial

activity were quantified by Alamar blue assay in bisected and whole worms treated with

tetracycline 0.1 µg/ml and erythromycin 0.1 µg/ml, as compared to untreated controls.

Carmen Mesa*, Christine T. Richard, Evan Poag

Guilford College

Eastern Bluebird Nest Sanitation

Nestling songbirds produce membrane-bound feces that help with nest sanitation. For some

songbird species, parents consume the fecal sacs when nestlings are young and then transport

them away from the nest as the nestlings mature. Investigating whether microbial communities

influence this songbird behavior has recently prompted a cross-discipline collaboration between

Microbiologists and Ornithologists at Guilford College. We, as a team, have hypothesized that

Eastern Bluebird parents stop ingesting the fecal sacs because the microbial community of the

fecal sac changes as the nestlings age and becomes harmful to the parents. During the 2016

nesting season, our research team continued fecal sac research with an aim to increase our

sample size. Along with recording parent-nestling interactions from nestling age zero to twelve,

we also gathered fecal sac samples for microbial characterization. As our research team makes

observations by going through each video, the parent Eastern Bluebirds are displaying similar

behaviors as they did last season, specifically in the transitioning from nestling fecal sac

consumption to transportation outside of the nest. This study will build off last year’s research

and continue to investigate if the parental nest sanitation behaviors are mediated by the microbial

community within the fecal sacs.

Katelyn Miller*, Amy Adamson


Effects of organophosphate pesticides on Epstein-Barr virus life cycle and the promotion of

EBV related lymphomas

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common human herpesviruses worldwide. Although

EBV is best known to cause infectious mononucleosis, the virus is also a known oncovirus.

Examples of EBV associated cancers and lymphomas include gastric cancer, nasopharyngeal

carcinoma, Burkitt’s lymphoma, other non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Pesticide use is a common practice both with large scale farming and at a residential level.

Currently, there are conflicting reports if exposure to certain pesticides, like organophosphates,

create a higher risk for cancer formation, especially with non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. EBV

infected cell lines are treated with two types of organophosphates (chlorpyrifos or malathion) to

observe how EBV and host cell proteins are altered. This study investigates the effects of

organophosphate pesticide exposure on the life cycle of EBV to further promote the formation of

lymphomas. The study also investigates the type(s) of damage that occurs to EBV infected cells

when exposed to organophosphates. Current results indicate expression of important viral

proteins are altered when EBV infected cells are exposed to chlorpyrifos or malathion. Future

results will determine if pesticide induced damage in EBV infected cells alters important

mechanisms like cell cycle regulation and regulation of cellular signaling pathways like

PI3K/Akt. Furthermore, this study will provide further insight to viral-host relationships and

interactions with environmental factors like pesticides.

Lauren A. Miller*, Bea Balajonda*, Jen Hame

Elon University

Potential effects of habitat and host plant use on opportunity for hybridization between two

insect species

Matings between individuals of different species, or hybridization, commonly occurs when

closely related species that have been separated come back into contact. Recent research suggests

that ecological factors such as habitat preferences can affect how frequently hybridization

occurs. Two closely related insect species, Anasa andresii and A. tristis, are in secondary contact

in northern Florida, mate with one another in the field, and can produce hybrid offspring under

laboratory conditions. Anasa feed, mate, and lay eggs on two plant species (Cucurbita pepo and

C. moschata). To examine how habitat and host plant use affect opportunity for hybridization,

we measured insect presence, abundance, sex, life stage, host plant species, and habitat

orientation (vertical or horizontal) at sites where all host plant and insect species occur in close

proximity. Abundance of A. tristis and A. andresii differed according to host plant species (chi-

square, P < 0.0001). Adult A. tristis were three times as abundant on C. pepo as on C. moschata,

and adult A. andresii were twice as abundant on C. moschata as on C. pepo. These differences

were consistent between sexes (males and females) and copulating pairs (chi-square, P < 0.0001

for males, females, and copulating pairs). In contrast, juvenile abundance on C. pepo vs. C.

moschata did not differ according to insect species (chi-square, P = 0.883). Juveniles of both

insect species were four times as abundant on C. pepo as on C. moschata, suggesting that A.

andresii move from C. pepo to C. moschata upon adulthood, or that female A. andresii move

from C. moschata to C. pepo to lay eggs. We suggest that host plant and habitat use may limit

hybridization between these insect species in the field, and that Anasa spp. represent an

experimental system for studying how ecological factors affect hybridization in nature and the

laboratory.

Micah Morgan*, Sandra Cooke


Photo enzymatic repair effectiveness of Moina exposed to UV-B radiation

Moina are considered to be one of the most robust species found in the order Cladocera. They are

capable of surviving extreme environments including low oxygen conditions as well as high

salinity. However, there is little research available regarding Moina and UV-B tolerance

specifically how temperature affects the mechanism of photoenzymatic repair (PER) on UV-

induced DNA damage. The purpose of this study was to remedy this, and provide a baseline

study of this organism and UV-B tolerance to compare it to other more studied organisms of the

same order. The experiment consisted of three treatments: a dark control group, a group exposed

to photo repair radiation (PRR+), and a group not exposed photo repair radiation negative (PRR-

) group. Each group consisted of four technical replicates each containing 10 biological

replicates consisting of random distribution of female Moina. The control group was placed in a

dark box with no exposure from UV A or B radiation. Both PRR groups were placed under a

UV-B (312 nm) lamp for 15 minutes. The PRR+ group was then exposed to visible light for 24

hours, while the PRR- group was placed in the dark box with no visible light exposure. Survival

data was collected at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours after initial PRR exposure. All experiments were

conducted in an incubator at 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 degrees Celsius accordingly. Results indicated

that Moina do use PER, but there was no significant difference of PER at different temperatures.

However, results did indicate that dark repair was more effective at cooler temperatures. These

results provide useful information as to how well Moina respond to UV-B radiation damage at

varying temperatures.

Cary Mundell*, Morgan Pait, Heather Romine, Ben Bahr


Study of a positive lysosomal modulator for treating age related brain dysfunction.

Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that is distinguished by the abnormal accumulation of

Amyloid-

novel method for the therapeutic treatment of these accumulation events is currently undergoing

experimentation. The pathway being investigated is the upregulation of a lysosomal enzyme,

Cathepsin B. Previous studies have shown that Cathepsin B is responsible for the reduction in

formation rate of Amyloid- the amount of intercellular protein

accumulation. The CatB enhancing agent Z-phe-ala-diazomethylketone (PADK) is being tested

as a potential treatment. Previous investigation has shown PADK has the ability to upregulate

enzymatic activity in the brain. While intraperitoneal injection’s effectiveness of PADK has been

tested in mice, oral dosing has not. To ascertain potential behavioral improvements due to PADK

oral dosing, exploratory habituation was performed. Mice were placed in an open box that had a

grid overlaid upon it. The number of times that the mouse crossed specific boundaries was

measured over a time of 5 minutes. In order to assess habituation to a new area, a percentage

change in the number of crossings was measured between the 5th minute and the 1st minute.

Habituation can be considered established if the mice have a significant decrease in movement

over the period of the experiment. Analysis of this data shows that there is an age effect and a

potential drug effect. This was established by comparing 9-month wild type mice habituation

values with the 22-month aged mice habituation values. The resulting effect would suggest

PADK improves memory in aged mice, thus this avenue may be able to treat age related memory

dysfunction like Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Rashmi Muthukkumar*, Paul Steimle


Subcellular Localization of Myosin II Heavy Chain Kinase D in Aggregation-Competent

Dictyostelium discoideum Cells Undergoing Migration

Dictyostelium discoideum is a eukaryotic organism used as a research tool due to its simple

genome with many genes that are similar to those found in human cells. Four different Myosin II

Heavy Chain Kinases (MHCK) are expressed. MHCK A,B, and C all localize in various parts of

the cell during movement, but MHCKD is only expressed during development. It is hypothesized

that MHCKD will also accumulate in the cell cortex during random migration. In this

experiment, the subcellular localization of MHCKD was visualized using fluorescence

microscopy. Dictyostelium cells were transformed with plasmids coding for green fluorescent

protein tagged MHCKD and G418 antibiotic resistance was used to select for cell expressing

fluorescent tagged MHCKD. Images of cells show MHCKD localization during random

movement as well as during movement towards a chemoattractant. Fluorescence microscopy

allows for time-lapse imaging to visualize these changes in living cells. Immunostaining will be

used to visualize localizations of MHCKD in fixed cells using an antibody for the MHCKD

protein. Understanding the localization of MHCKD will provide valuable insight into the

regulation of Myosin II mediated changes in cell shape that occur during Dictyostelium

discoideum development as well as supplement the growing knowledge base of myosin II

mediated locomotion in non-muscle cells of higher eukaryotes.

Dawson Nance*, Jen Hamel

Elon University

Examining the effects of parasitism on female mate choice and copulation duration

In many species, individuals are selective about prospective mates, with preferences for traits

that increase the quality or number of offspring produced. Parasitoids, or parasites that kill their

hosts, may influence these mate preferences by reducing an individual’s reproductive

opportunity. Although interactions with parasites are ubiquitous in animal populations, little is

known about how parasitoids affect mate preferences. In North Carolina, the squash bug (Anasa

tristis) is parasitized by a fly (Trichopoda pennipes) that causes death within ~14 days. In the

field, parasitized female squash bugs are more frequently found copulating than unparasitized

females (logistic regression, n = 215, P < 0.05). To explain this observation, we hypothesized

that parasitized females are less choosy than unparasitized females, because their lifespan and

reproductive opportunity are reduced. An alternate hypothesis is that parasitized female squash

bugs may copulate for longer than unparasitized females. To determine how parasitism affects

the likelihood and duration of copulation, we manipulated parasitism of female A. tristis and

paired females with male A. tristis. We scored male mating attempts, copulations, and copulation

durations. We found that unparasitized and parasitized females are equally likely to accept male

mating attempts (Fisher’s exact test: n = 74 , P = 1.0), and that if a female is parasitized, this

does not affect male mating effort (Wilcoxon rank-sum test: n = 57, P = 0.97). Additionally, our

data suggest that parasitized females may copulate for longer than unparasitized females (mean ±

SD: 515.50 ± 208.56 min and 344.84 ± 189.02 min, respectively), although this difference was

not significant (two-sample t-test: n = 21, t = 1.97, d.f. = 19, P = 0.06). We suggest additional

comparisons of copulation duration between parasitized and unparasitized females, and

evaluation of whether extended copulations benefit parasite or host.

Christina Offor*, Phyllis Ford-Booker, Tanya Pinder, Angela White, Kelsie Bernot


Anxiety levels of college students before and after exams

The number of students with significant psychological problems is a growing concern in

counseling centers on college campuses around the country, according to the latest Association for

University and College Counseling Center Directors survey. Anxiety ranks as the top presenting

concern among college students. The state-trait inventory was given to students (n=205) in the

Concepts in Biology I class in order to assess their anxiety levels before and after taking three

different exams. The survey is a self-report that indicates the intensity of feelings of state anxiety

(a temporary condition experienced in specific situations) and trait anxiety (a general tendency to

perceive situations as threatening) with scores ranging from 20-80. The higher score indicates

higher anxiety; 39 and above suggesting clinically significant symptoms for the state anxiety scale.

The first exam evaluated showed significant reduction in state anxiety from the pre to post-test

(51.091 vs. 48.05, respectively; P<0.05.) The second exam showed no significant change in

anxiety levels from the pre and post-tests. The final exam had the highest difference from pre to

post anxiety levels (47.95 vs 41.20; P<0.001.) The results suggest that overall, student anxiety

levels do change significantly after taking an exam. Though the level decreases after an exam the

average state anxiety levels for these students remains significantly high. Future studies could

focus on how to alleviate stress in order to improve exam scores not only for biology classes but

for every college class.

Radmila Petric*, Matina Kalcounis-Rueppell

University of North Carolina in Greensboro

Effects of Broadband Anthropogenic Noise on Behavior of Free-Living Deer Mice

(Peromyscus maniculatus)

Anthropogenic (man-made) noise is a pervasive global pollutant that emanates from human

infrastructure and activities. Animals rely on acoustic signals to mediate a myriad of daily

activities and anthropogenic noise can interfere with production and propagation of signals,

which influence animal behavior, physiology and survival. In general, noise negatively affects

acoustic signals in two ways, by: 1) masking acoustic signals, and 2) eliciting energetically

costly anti-predator behaviors. Noise is pervasive in the audible range but it also extends into the

ultrasonic range and there is a knowledge gap on how animals perceive and respond to

broadband anthropogenic noise. Our hypothesis is that broadband anthropogenic noise alters

important behaviors in animals. In summer of 2016, we live-trapped deer mice (Peromyscus

maniculatus) in Nantahala National Forest, NC and outfitted 4 mice with radio transmitters. We

deployed three remote sensing systems: microphone array, stationary telemetry and thermal

imaging for six nights. The first three nights we monitored behaviors without introducing noise

(control) and nights four to six, we broadcasted anthropogenic noise from a road generator

(treatment). We recorded vocalizations, monitored movements and foraging activity. We

predicted that mice exposed to noise will produce fewer vocalizations and decrease movement

and foraging activity. Furthermore, if mice vocalize during noise exposure, we predicted a shift

in spectral characteristics of vocalizations (frequency, duration and amplitude). By studying

effects of anthropogenic noise on mouse behavior, data from this project can be incorporated in

policy decision making and wilderness management plans to set standards and quantify

allowable limits for sound levels.

Zack Petrie*, JJ Apodaca, Jeff Holmes, David Coffey


Effect of Powerlines on Magnetoreception in Notophthalmus viridescens

The Eastern Red-Spotted Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) uses its ability to detect and

interpret the Earth’s magnetic field as a method of orientation and navigation to migrate within

its home range. This ability is called magnetoreception. Disruptions within the Earth’s magnetic

field, caused by magnetic fields generated by human infrastructure, can disorient N. viridescens.

Powerlines, which frequently cut through wilderness habitats, are one such source of magnetic

field disruption. This experiment aimed to prove that powerlines disorient N. viridescens by

generating a magnetic field that interrupts N. viridescens’ detection of the Earth’s magnetic field.

With a simple and inexpensive experimental design, a comparison of navigation attempts was

done between newts in an aquarium exposed to a powerline simulation and newts in an aquarium

without a powerline simulation. This comparison showed that powerlines do disorient N.

viridescens, rendering them unable to effectively utilize their magnetoreceptive abilities.

Trina P. Phan*, Alan M. Babineau, David A. Beamer


Using mtDNA to Accurately Describe Diversity within the Northern Dusky Salamander

Species Complex

Abstract: The Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) is a widely distributed

species complex ranging from Quebec to Georgia. The populations within this range are

currently recognized as a single species, but recent work in our lab suggests the presence of

multiple cryptic lineages. We collected ~70 samples of Northern Duskies along the Blue Ridge

Escarpment and adjacent Piedmont. For each of these samples, we extracted DNA, amplified,

and sequenced ~650 bp of the mtDNA gene COX1. We aligned the edited sequences,

partitioned this dataset by codon position, and then selected an appropriate model of nucleotide

substitution for each codon. Finally, we analyzed this partitioned dataset in a Bayesian

phylogenetic framework. This phylogenetic reconstruction recovers seven monophyletic

mitochondrial lineages. Here we focus on distributional patterns in a region of contact between

these lineages.

Shay Poteat*, Taylor Sferrazza, Cecilia Moya, Caroline Bergstrom

William Peace University

The scouring effect of flooding from hurricane Matthew on community structure in lotic

ecosystems

The original objective of this study was to determine seasonal fluctuations in invertebrate

community structure within Crabtree Creek (Wake County, NC). However, typical seasonal

variations were overshadowed by a severe scouring event caused by hurricane Matthew, which

struck the Raleigh area in October 2016. Water levels in the creek rose from 3 feet to 22 feet within

a 24 hour period. Consequently we were able to document community composition, species

diversity, and resilience in benthic macroinvertebrate densities before the flood and recolonization

patterns after the event. Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected for 3 man-hours from pool,

run, bedrock, undercut banks and riffle habitats in the main channel of the creek to test whether

specific habitats provided flow refugia to the biota. Physicochemical parameters (including stream

depth, width, velocity, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia-nitrogen, nitrates, phosphates, and

chlorine) were measured in addition to bacterial colonies and a number of biotic indices such as

species diversity, abundance, taxa richness and tolerance values for invertebrate taxa. Overall,

flood waters reduced macroinvertebrate densities dramatically across all habitat types except for a

few resilent species whose numbers spiked dramatically following the hurricane event. We

detected species-specific patterns of recolonization for pioneering taxa, which lead to community

stabilization.

Rohini Rajnarayanan*, Melanie Lee-Brown, Martin Kang

Guilford College

CRISPR/Cas9 gene modification of the FMN riboswitch in Klebsiella pneumoniae

Antibiotic resistance is a growing health problem because of misuse and overuse in medicine and

agriculture. New antibiotics with alternative targets must be discovered to maintain control of

pathogenic organisms and prevent further development of resistance. Riboswitches, bacterial

RNAs that regulate downstream gene expression, are being explored as possible antimicrobial

targets. These genetic switches can turn downstream gene expression “on” or “off” based on

alternative secondary structures influenced by metabolite concentration or other cellular

molecules. The Flavin MonoNucleotide (FMN) riboswitch is a potential antimicrobial target

because it is highly conserved in bacteria, and should be essential for growth in the absence of

exogenous riboflavin (vitamin B12), but is not present in eukaryotes. FMN is a derivative of

riboflavin, and is a cofactor required for cellular oxidation/reduction reactions. It is a non-

essential metabolite for most bacteria, i.e. they can synthesize it themselves and do not need to

acquire it from their environment. In this study, I will use Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short

Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), paired with the Cas9 enzyme, as a gene modifying system.

CRISPR/Cas9 alters expression by specifically cleaving DNA based on targeting by engineered

guide RNAs. Klebsiella pneumoniae, an important nosocomial pathogen with a high resistance to

mainstream antibiotics, will be used as the model target pathogen. I will verify the genotype of a

fatal FMN mutant construct and test the potential of using this riboswitch to deactivate FMN

biosynthetic genes and inhibit growth of the pathogen. This will assess whether the FMN

riboswitch is a good candidate target for novel antimicrobials.

Elizabeth Reardon*1, Haw Chuan Lim2, Ehsan Kayal2, Michael Braun2 1High Point University and 2Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History

Phylogeographic analysis of mitogenomes of five tropical Asian birds

Abstract: Phylogeography is a subdiscipline of evolutionary biology that takes into account how

space and time affect the population divergence history of a species. We used a phylogeographic

approach to study five tropical rainforest bird species from Asia: Arachnothera longirostra (Little

spiderhunter), Irena puella (Asian fairy-bluebird), Niltava grandis (Large Niltava), Pycnonotus

atriceps (Black-headed bulbul), Stachyris nigriceps (Grey-throated babbler). Individual members

of these species can be found in museum collections throughout the world, with collection dates

going as far back as the 1800s. The mtDNA of specimens were used to analyze the intra-species

phylogentic relationships through next-gen sequencing, with a further evaluation of the

geographic localities and the organization of the phylogenetic trees. A comparative

phylogeographic analysis revealed commonalities and discrepancies among the five study

species, with individuals from peripheral islands consistently demonstrating divergent taxa.

Historic geographic formation of landmasses did not appear to have contributed to extensive

gene flow, though further analysis and expansion is required to account for degradation

occurring in mitochondrial DNA and to understand specific synonymous and non-synomous

changes in the mtDNA.

Katherine Rentschler*R.T. Long, K. Smith, K. Farrizato, M.C. Pait, L. Elliot, C. Mundell,

H.Romine, B.A Bahr


Ongoing Assessments of the Cathepsin B Enhancing Agent PADK in Hippocampal Slice

Cultures, Models of Mild Cognitive Impairment and in Aged and 3xtg-AD Mouse Models

of Alzheimer's Disease

One of the major pathological events associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the

accumulation of extracellular and intracellular proteins, such as Aβ42 and hyperphosphorylated

tau, which can lead to the formation of paired helical filaments (PHF) and neurofibrillary tangles

(NFTs). AD causes synaptic decline in the hippocampus, frontal cortex and mesencephalon. The

compound Z-Phe-Ala-diazomethylketone (PADK) enhances the active form of the lysosomal

enzyme cathepsin B (CatB), which degrades Aβ42, and promotes clearance of PHF-tau. Synaptic

compromise and impaired cognitive functioning associated with AD may alter appetite

regulation, feeding behavior, and the ability to perform daily activities. Oral dosing studies and

hippocampal slice culture analyses are used to assess the efficacy of PADK regarding

physiological and behavioral aspects of Alzheimer’s pathology. Oral Dosing studies in the past

have been conducted on aged mice, 3xtg-AD mouse models, and Fischer rat models of MCI;

whereas hippocampal slices from rat pups are used to study baseline effects of PADK on

synaptic integrity and CatB expression. Wildtype mice were treated with Z-Phenylalanine (ZFA)

and used as a healthy control for experiments involving aged or 3xtg-AD mice. This study is a

comparative analysis of past and present oral dosing experiments to gain a holistic perspective

regarding the effectiveness of PADK. Spontaneous Alternation Behavior (SAB) and Exploratory

Habituation behavioral tests were used to analyze cognitive performance and to screen for

possible behavioral side effects. Weight changes and feeding behavior were also monitored to

assess whether PADK had an effect on appetite regulation. In addition, ALT and BUN analyses

were performed to analyze kidney and liver function after treatment with PADK. Synaptic

markers such as GIT2, Synaptophysin, GluR1, and GluR2/3, were also used on cortical tissues to

assess the efficacy of PADK on neurological and neuroendocrine functioning in aged and

transgenic mice. The results indicated that there were no observable adverse side effects from the

parameters investigated. In addition, there was significant upregulation of GluR1, GluR2/3, and

Synaptophysin in the mesencephalon, frontal cortex, and hippocampus of aged mice.

Additionally, CatB, GluR1 and Synaptophysin were upregulated in rat hippocampal slice

cultures. Behavioral testing yielded positive results, with PADK treated aged and transgenic

mice performing at or above the level of the wildtype mice. By investigating the effects of

PADK on behavior, synaptic recovery, and physiological side effects, we were able to conclude

that PADK enhances synaptic recovery without evidence of altered behavioral and physiological

functioning.

Gabrielle E. Resh*, Dave Gammon

Elon University

Do mockingbirds normally copy their mimetic song directly from model species, or from

other mockingbirds?

Many studies have investigated the function of avian vocal mimicry, but few have investigated

its development on an individual level. Researchers generally assume mimics copy

heterospecific models directly, but mimics could also copy the mimicry already produced by

conspecifics. This study tested these two developmental hypotheses using the northern

mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) as the mimic and the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

and tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) as models. By comparing usage frequencies of

different song types by the models and the mimics, it was found that mockingbird usage

frequencies of cardinal song were predicted by cardinal usage frequencies, but mockingbird

usage frequencies of titmouse song differed dramatically from titmouse usage frequencies. It is

therefore likely that mockingbirds normally copy each other when developing titmouse song, but

more research is needed to determine who is copied when mockingbirds develop cardinal song.

Larissa Robinov*, Robert Hastings, Alisa Hove, Stephen Cartier


The Efficacy of Red Clover in Bioaccumulating Arsenic in Three Different Soil Types

Three soil types (fine grained, predominantly sand and predominantly organic) were selected to

xamine the efficacy of red clover in bioaccumulating arsenic. Along with examining the effect of

different soil types on phytoremediation, this study looked at where in the plant the accumulated

arsenic was stored (roots vs. shoots). The arsenate species was dissolved in water and mixed

through the soils. Red clover was grown and harvested after ten weeks. The above ground biomass

(the shoots) was separated from the below ground biomass (the roots). The samples were analyzed

using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP). The concentration of arsenic found in the

shoots grown in the contaminated soils was not different from the concentration found in the

controls. The arsenic concentration in the roots, however, showed a statistical difference between

treatments (control vs arsenic), as well as between soil type (treatment*soil type). Results show the

importance of knowing a site and its properties before prescribing a phytoremedial application.

Rashad Robinson*, Lei Zhang

Winston Salem State University

Effect of TiO2 nanoparticle on rheological behavior and structure of poly (vinyl alcohol)

In recent years, adding nanoparticles to polymers has been used as a way of modifying

rheological properties and changing optical properties and polymer structure. In this project ZnO

nanoparticles were mixed with aqueous composite Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) via sonication.

Rheological behavior of mixed solution with different concentrations of ZnO nanoparticle was

investigated. UV-Vis showed the UV spectrum absorption of the mixed PVA, and X-ray

diffraction indicted changing of the mixed PVA structure.

Luis Alejandro Royo Romero*1, Yvonne Kinsella2, W. Christopher Hughes2, Xiaofeng (Harry)

Hu2, Brian H. Augustine1

High Point University1 and James Madison University2

Functionality of chloroform treatment to improve adhesion of deposited au thin films on

PMMA

The deposition of Au thin films onto polymer surfaces is a crucial step in the fabrication of a

variety of microfabricated devices including displays, microelectronics, biomedical and

microfluidic devices. Au is characterized by having high electrical and thermal conductivity

making it a good choice for micro-electrodes. However, due to its relative chemical inertness, it

is difficult to fabricate on polymeric substrates due to the low adhesion to polymer’s surface.

Previous experiments have studied various methods to improve the adhesion of vapor-deposited

Au thin films onto poly (methylmethacrylate) (PMMA). In this study, we deposit 14 nm of Au

onto 1.50 mm thick PMMA via magnetron sputter deposition and exposed the samples to a

chloroform vapor in a chamber at 70°C using a hot plate. The force required to remove the Au

thin film is quantified as a function of the polishing force and the transmittance acquired using

UV-VIS spectroscopy. Conducive of data confirming the effectiveness of chloroform post-

treatment, we conducted a study on selective pattering by isolating regions using PDMS masks

and attaining quantitative data by pixel counting using a Matlab script. Both methods

demonstrate a similar inverse relation, the reduction of Au on the PMMA as incremental of

applied force, displaying the potency of chloroform exposure.

Priyanka S. Ruparelia*, Dennis LaJeunesse, San Jin Lee, Shyam Aravamudhan


Biomimetic Self-Mineralizing Polysaccharide Material as a scaffold for Regenerative

Medicine Treatments

The application of biomaterials as a scaffold offers a solution to treat degenerated tissues. The

goal of my study is to determine the potential that a Biomimetic Self-Mineralizing

Polysaccharide (BSMP) material which I have generated from bacterial nanocellulose has as a

scaffold to restore or replace damaged tissue. I have characterized the morphology, topography,

elemental information and thermal properties of the BSMP material using Scanning Electron

Microscope, Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-Ray

Diffraction, Thermogravimetric Analysis, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. BSMP is a

biocompatible and bone mimicking material that enables proper cell adhesion, proliferation, and

extracellular matrix deposition. My work demonstrates the biocompatibility of BSMP as a cell-

scaffold interaction by observing the assembly of cytoskeleton components using NIH/3T3

Fibroblasts cells on the material over a period of seven days. Further, to quantify the presence of

extracellular matrix proteins, I performed a Biocinchoninic acid assay to determine the

concentration of collagen, laminin and fibronectin and have found that the BSMP induces greater

expression of these extracellular proteins. The potential of BSMP as a scaffold for bone growth

and replacement will also be presented and I will show a preliminary study of osteoblastic

differentiation and the presence of calcified deposition by bone-marrow derived mesenchymal

stem cells on the BSMP.

Miguel Sanchez*, Nicole Flanagan, Todd Steck

Lenoir-Rhyne University and University of North Carolina Charlotte

Collateral sensitivity: identification of Burkholderia multivorans bacterial mutants through

PCR and gel electrophoresis

Acquired resistance of pathogens to antimicrobial agents causes many deaths globally. One

contemporary strategy is drug-combination therapy, which is a method of administering several

drugs at one time with the objective of reducing the emergence of resistance. The problem with

drug-combination treatments is the debilitating side effects. A modified strategy is drug-cycling

therapy, in which drugs are administered one at a time with periodic switching. A phenomenon

called collateral sensitivity (CS) has been observed in some drug combinations for Escherichia

coli: development of resistance to the second drug can confer greater sensitivity to the first drug.

CS offers a latent mechanism whereby alternating between two antibiotics cyclically may deal

successfully with the antibiotic resistance problem. To study CS networks in other bacterial

species, resistance to an individual antibiotic type must be induced in the selected strain, and

then resistance to other antibiotics is induced sequentially while changes in overall resistance

profile are monitored.

The Steck lab at University of North Carolina – Charlotte has established hundreds of

Burkholderia multivorans mutant strains by this technique. The repeated laboratory

manipulations required for their development enhances the risk for potential sample

contamination, so my role in this project was to verify that these mutant strains are truly B.

multivorans. DNA was extracted using a Bactozol™ bacterial DNA isolation kit, and its

concentration determined by spectrophotometer. Using Burkholderia-specific primers in

amplification by PCR, a band of expected size (333 bp) was observed by gel electrophoresis.

Because DNA extraction is time-intensive, an alternative cost and time efficient method was

tested in comparison to the original method. Amplicon products from heat-lysed cells produced

equivalent results to those obtained by BactozolTM kit. After processing 117 samples, all were

established to be B. multivorans by the signature band of 333 bp previously identified.

Sarah Schimpp*, Han Li, Matina Kalcounis-Rueppell


Effectiveness of a shortened NABat protocol for sampling bats in urban areas

The North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) uses mobile acoustic surveys for long

term monitoring, along transects that are approximately 25 to 48 kilometers long within 100 km2

grid cells. Monitoring changes in bat diversity and behavior associated with the conversion of

natural habitats is important, but sampling using NABat transects is difficult in urban areas.

Shorter transects could be used to alleviate sampling issues, but an adjusted protocol may be less

effective at sampling some bat species. The objective of this study was to determine whether a

modified mobile acoustic monitoring protocol with reduced transect lengths is effective

compared to the original NABat protocol. We recorded bat echolocation calls using Anabat

acoustic detectors while driving transects at four sites (two urban and two non-urban) located in

the Piedmont region of north-central North Carolina from May through August 2016. Two

lengths of driving transects were sampled in each site: one “long” transect (about 25 km long,

using NABat protocol) and 6 “short” transects (about 3.2 km long, using modified protocol).

Recorded echolocation call sequences were analyzed manually using AnalookW and

automatically using Bat Call Identification and Echoclass software. Shannon diversity indices

showed that long transects in both urban sites and one non-urban site had a greater diversity than

short transects. Model comparison using PRESENCE software showed that single short transects

were not as effective as long transects to sample any species and multiple short transects were

needed to match the detection probability on long transects. Fewer short transects were needed

for sampling Eptesicus fuscus, Lasiurus borealis, and Perimyotis subflavus, while more short

transects were needed for sampling Lasionycteris noctivagans, Nycticeius humeralis, and

Tadarida brasiliensis. While short transects can be used to effectively sample some species,

NABat transects are more effective than short transects for mobile acoustic bat monitoring.

Adam Slaght*


The regenerative growth effects of growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF-11), myostatin,

and follistatin on Lumbriculus variegatus (California blackworm)

Growth Differentiation Factor 11 (GDF-11) and myostatin are members of the Transforming

Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) superfamily, a group of regulatory protein factors that oversee

fundamental aspects of cell proliferation and differentiation in animals, specifically through the

activation of SMAD receptors on target cells. While genes for TGF-β proteins have been

identified in invertebrate species their effects are not as well understood as in vertebrates. The

purpose of this study was to determine whether exogenous GDF-11 or myostatin would affect

regeneration rates of bisected L.variegatus, and whether the TGF-β inhibitor follistatin would

counter these effects. Sixty blackworms were bisected and individual segments were isolated in

wells of 6-well plates. They were assigned to a control group (n=24 segments) or one of two

experimental groups, 0.002 ng/mL [GDF-11] (n=48), or 0.0002 ng/mL [GDF-11] (n=48), in 2.5

mL of pH buffered spring water. Growth was tracked over a period of 14 days. Using a Mann

Whitney rank sums test, it was determined that the regenerative growth in the 0.002 ng/mL

treated group was significantly greater than both the control group (p=0.049) and the 0.0002

ng/mL treatment group (p=0.016), but there was no significant difference between the 0.0002

ng/mL group and the control. Next, regeneration in the presence of GDF-11 or myostatin was

monitored with and without the addition of follistatin. GDF-11 growth was significantly greater

than controls (p=0.00145), however, in the presence of follistatin growth rate was returned to

control-like levels (p=0.494). Myostatin with (p=0.732) and without (p=0.607) follistatin had no

significant growth effects. These results suggest that the aquatic annelid L. variegatus is

responsive to exogenously administered TGF-β growth regulators and thus, may express SMAD

receptors. It may serve as a practical and useful model organism for studying molecular aspects

behind the regulation of growth and differentiation in animal tissues.

Ryan Smith*, Jason Andrus

Meredith College

Isolation and insertion of Lactococcus lactis nisA gene into Escherchia coli

The Gram-positive lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis is typically utilized in the production

and preservation of fermented milk products by rapidly converting lactose into lactic acid. The

beneficial role of L. lactis as a food preservative is facilitated by producing the bacteriocin nisin.

Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides that inhibit or destroy bacterial strains, while not

affecting the source strain due to the production of specific immunity proteins. A cluster of 11

genes nisABTCIPRKFEG encodes the biosynthesis of nisin. The gene nisA encodes the nisin

precursor, while the other genes in the operon direct protein synthesis to modify, process, and

translocate nisin (nisB and nisC, nisP, and nisT respectively) as well as modulate nisin immunity

(nisI and nisFEG) and regulate gene expression (nisR and nisK). In this work, we describe the

initial steps of cloning the nisA gene from L. lactis into Escherchia coli. Primers for the nisA

gene were designed and used in PCR amplification of the nisA gene from L. lactis. The PCR

product was subcloned into the pGEMT-Easy vector (Promega) and was transformed into E. coli

cells; PCR and gel electrophoresis verified successful cloning. Future work will utilize a similar

construct to clone the nisA gene into Pinpoint X expression vector in order to express and purify

the NisA protein for study.

Abbi L. Stacherski*


Investigating the effects of gibberellic acid on cell growth in pumpkins (C.pepo)

Gibberellins are a group of biosynthesized plant growth hormones functioning in aspects of plant

growth and development including, but not limited to, stimulating germination, cell maturation,

fruit growth, flower production, and grain development. Application of exogenous gibberellic

acid (GA) is widely used on various economically important crops, but little research has been

done on its effects on the Cucurbitaceae species. The purpose of this study was to observe the

effects of different concentrations of GA on fruit circumference and stem length of cucurbits

pepo, commonly known as jack-be-little pumpkins. To test effects on circumference and stem

length, three groups of increasing concentrations of GA were tested against a control group.

Every three weeks GA was directly applied to fruit and measurements were taken. Plants that

died during the experiment were not included in data analysis. Statistical analysis by T-test

revealed a significant difference between control and 0.1 ppm GA treated plants in fruit size

(p=0.005), but not in stem length. These results indicate that exogenous GA application at

0.1ppm was effective in producing larger fruit size. No further significant differences were found

in stems treated (p>0.05). DNA was extracted from six different varieties of three species of

pumpkin, C. pepo (amish pie), C. moschata (fairytale) and C. maxima (atlantic giant, big max,

grow monster and jack o’ lantern), and PCR was conducted to verify the presence of three genes,

Cma_00414, Cma_00415 and Cma_00416, that code for enzymes of the GA biosynthesis

pathway.

Erin Stiers*, Mark McCallum

Pfeiffer University

Isolation of bacteriophage strains using a microplate reader

Screening of multiple soil rhizosphere samples for the presence of bacteriophage can be time

consuming and inefficient. To expedite the processing of soil samples, a kinetic microplate

reader protocol is being optimized for screening multiple samples for the presence of lytic

bacteriophage. Using microplate reader Bio-Rad Model 680, a procedure to isolate bacteriophage

that can infect Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia has been

developed. Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium that attaches

itself to the roots of eudicots and causes Crown Gall Disease. A feature of A. tumefaciens is the

Ti plasmid which useful in genetic engineering as it has the ability to transduce DNA into its

host. Potentially, any isolated phage could be used to eliminate the bacterial cells after DNA has

been transferred into a plant in a laboratory setting. Currently, antibiotics are used to kill

bacterial cells after transduction. S. maltophilia soil bacterium but is also a common nosocomial

pathogen that is frequently resistant to antibiotics. Because bacteriophage target specific bacterial

cells, they are less likely to damage host cells. Using a vertical pathlength photometer that

measures absorbance of each well in 96-well microtitration plate, multiple samples are processed

simultaneously. Screening of multiple samples should increase the potential of discovering phage

than with traditional methods.

Elissa Teran*,Sara Rincon*, Karthik Aghoram,

Meredith College

Utilizing the Special Ability of Unknown Pudgy, Microscopic Animals’ Special Drought

tolerance Ability to improve Agriculture

Tardigrades, commonly referred to as water bears are water-dwelling segmented micro-animals.

Tardigrades are found everywhere, from mountain tops, the deep sea, tropical rain forests, and

the Antarctic; the most common place to find them is in lichen or mosses. Tardigrades are can

withstand extreme conditions, they are the hardiest animals known. Tardigrades are one of the

few groups of species that are capable of reversibly suspending their metabolism and going into

a state of cryptobiosis. During this state metabolism lowers to 0.01% and water content in the

body decreases to less than 1%. Their ability to remain desiccated for such long periods is

largely dependent on the high levels of non-reducing sugar trehalose, which protects their

membranes. Many species can survive in a dehydrated state up to five years or longer. Due to

their extreme resistance to stress, these organisms are considered key in genetics.

Our experiment will test if the drought resistance genes from the class Eutardigrada can be

expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana and increase drought resistance of the transgenic plant.

Agrobacterium transformation is an established method for expressing foreign genes of an

organism into a plant. The tardigrade drought resistance genes will be cloned into the Ti plasmid

pISM24 and will be transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The transformed

Agrobacterium cultures will then be applied to the plant via floral dip method, and transgenic

seeds will be collected and planted. The mature transgenic plants will then be tested with a

drought assay to determine if the drought resistance genes from the tardigrade enhance drought

resistance properties of the Arabidopsis plants.

Olivia Tornow*, Andrew Wommack


Towards Further Understanding of Kinase Activity During Oxidative Stress: Synthesis of

the Highly Active ERK2 Substrates Sub-D and Sub-F

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) is a member of the mitogen-activated protein

kinase family and is involved in the regulation of cell development, growth, and differentiation.

The current project focus is to further study ERK2 activity in response to cellular oxidative stress.

ERK2 has two ligand recruitment sites, the D-recruitment site (DRS) and the F-recruitment site

(FRS), to which peptide and protein substrates bind and become phosphorylated. In a previous

computational study of small molecule binding interactions, two novel peptides, Sub-D and Sub-

F, were modeled in binding to the DRS and FRS within ERK2, respectively. The N-terminus of

Sub-D consists of the highly polar amino acid sequence FQRKTLQRRNLKGLNLNL to facilitate

DRS docking. A flexible hydrophobic linker, made up of three 6-aminohexanoic acids, connects

this polar docking sequence to the consensus, serine-containing phosphorylation site on the C-

terminus, TGPLSPGPF. The N-terminus of Sub-F includes the consensus, threonine-containing

phosphorylation site YAEPLTP. The Sub-F phosphorylation sequence is connected to

RILAKWEWPA, which contains important aromatic residues for docking at the FRS. Using a

semi-automated, flow chemistry approach, peptides Sub-D and Sub-F were successfully

synthesized using Fmoc-based solid-phase peptide synthesis. The identity and purity of these

peptides were confirmed through HPLC purification and mass spectrometry data. In collaboration

with the Poole Lab at Wake Forest School of Medicine, initial data indicates synthetic Sub-D and

Sub-F are highly active ligands for ERK2.

Rebecca Ulrich*, Margot Behrens, Meghan S. Blackledge


Small molecule modulation of virulence behaviors in staphylococcus epidermidis

Staphylococcus epidermidis is found on the surface of human skin as part of the commensal skin

flora. However, S. epidermidis is also the leading cause of contamination on indwelling medical

devices and results in pathogenic, antibiotic-resistant biofilms. As a member of the commensal

skin flora, S. epidermidis also excels at evading the host immune system, further complicating

treatment. Compounds that can target S. epidermidis and inhibit biofilm formation would have

excellent potential as antimicrobials or adjuvant therapies in conjunction with current antibiotics.

We have identified a class of structurally related FDA-approved drugs that inhibit S. epidermidis

biofilm formation and lower the MIC of common b-lactam antibiotics via a non-toxic

mechanism. We have constructed a preliminary structure-activity profile for this compound class

and prepared an initial analog library based on these results. Synthetic and biological results for

these analogs will be presented along with initial mechanistic studies.

Sarina Veale*, Kayla Mayes, Sherese Mann, Vung Ksor, H’Lois Mlo, Lek Siu, Gustavo Smith,

Mesha Guinyard, Maura Nsonwu, Andrew Young, Melanie Lee-Brown, Michele Malotky,

Kelsie Bernot

North Carolina A&T State University and Guilford College

Student Learning Gains in a Health Disparities Research Course

Conducting independent research is effective for providing in depth learning experiences for

students. However, universities do not have the capacity to support every student in faculty-led

research laboratories. By engaging students in course-based undergraduate research experiences

(CUREs), we hope to improve our capacity to sustain STEM majors with the tools needed for

success in this field. We developed a CURE in which students conduct research on hypertension

within our local Montagnard immigrant/refugee community. By providing these experiences

through community-based participatory research, students not only gain experience with hands-

on research but also develop cultural competency, inspired by student-community relationships.

To evaluate the student’s learning gains from the research experience, we conducted a pre and

post test of scientific literacy. With an average 10 point jump between the pretest and posttest for

the second year within this trial it is safe to conclude that the CURE increased the knowledge of

the material. We also collected indirect evidence from the Student Assessment of Learning

Gains (SALG) survey. Our findings suggest that there was a notable increase in student’s ability

to communicate findings, skill in reading and interpreting scientific literature, and interest in

future community engagement. This data supports future expansion and scale-up of the course.

Liane Ventura*, Jeffrey Holmes


Seasonal variation of phyllosphere bacteria

Microbial colonization of the phyllosphere varies between plant host species, geographic

locations, and seasons. However, the phyllosphere is studied in limited bioregions worldwide.

The aim of this study was to record patterns of bacterial abundance within the phyllosphere of

Rhododendron maximum between two seasons in the temperate region of Western North

Carolina. We used culture dependent methods to assess the abundance of bacterial colony

forming units (CFU) on individual leaves of R. maximum in early spring and in summer. We

found a significant difference in the abundance of bacterial CFU between seasons, with a higher

mean in the summer. Leaf characteristics that we tested include: leaf age, leaf water content, leaf

surface area, specific leaf area, and nitrogen content to determine if any of these traits positively

correlates to the abundance of bacterial CFU. Bivariate fit analysis shows that leaf age in early

spring positively correlates to bacterial abundance on the leaves (p = 0.007, r2 = 0.438). The

other variables that we tested did not result in positive correlation to bacterial abundance for

either season. Nitrogen content and leaf water content are not limiting to bacterial colonies.

Furthermore, there is no difference in leaf chemical characteristics between seasons on the leaves

of R. maximum. We did not test ultraviolet exposure of the leaves, which may change between

seasons due to increased foliar coverage of the understory in the summer. Finally, we consider

the role of bacterial community composition in further explaining the difference in bacterial

abundance between seasons.

Aaron Wagoner*, Radmila Petric, Han Li, and Matina Kalcounis-Ruppell


Monitoring wildlife biodiversity at wetland restoration sites on the University of North

Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) campus

Wetlands located inside or surrounding urbans areas historically have been degraded and

converted into land for other uses, resulting in a complete loss of the wetland ecosystem and its

ecological services. The valuable ecological services that wetlands provide include mitigating

pollution and storm-water runoff, which benefits the surrounding streams. Wetlands also provide

a habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Species that benefit from wetlands are insects, amphibians,

bats and other mammals. Many insects and amphibians require water for breeding, while

mammals are attracted to the water for consumption. Furthermore the numerous insects could be

a food source for bats. As a whole, amphibians face the greatest threat of extinction due to

habitat loss and pollution. Various species of bats numbers are declining due to the White Nose

Syndrome. At UNCG, two wetlands will be restored in March 2017. We are using acoustic

recorders and camera traps to monitor the wildlife diversity at two wetland restoration sites and

two corresponding control sites. We hypothesize that the wildlife activity and diversity at the

restoration sites will increase compared to the control due to the new wetlands. We will present

the preliminary diversity and abundance results prior to the wetland restoration. This work was

part of a larger effort known as the UNCG Wetlands and we acknowledge the support of the

Duke Energy Water Resources Fund, the UNCG Green Fund, Provost Dana Dunn, and the

UNCG Wetlands committee.

Tyler D. Walston*

East Carolina University

The Fundulus diaphanus species complex: convergent evolution?

Similar morphologies can arise in nature through common descent or convergent evolution.

Distinguishing the two is important both to understand natural selection and to manage

biodiversity. The Fundulus diaphanus (banded killifish) species complex of Eastern North

Carolina streams and Carolina bays provides a possible case study of convergent evolution with

important conservation implications. It was originally believed that the Fundulus in Lake Phelps

were Fundulus waccamensis that had been introduced from Lake Waccamaw—a very distinctive

recent descendant of F. diaphanus and a federal species of concern and state endangered species.

It is now hypothesized that these two species/populations independently evolved shallow, terete

body shapes due to similar environmental and selection pressures. The specific aim in this study

is to test the hypothesis that the terete F. diaphanus (in Lake Phelps) and F. waccamensis (in

Lake Waccamaw) are independently derived from ancestral stream F. diaphanus, with their

similar forms a result of convergent evolution. This is being done by sampling the two lake

populations and a stream population adjacent to each, extracting DNA from fin clips and/or

livers, and sequencing the resulting DNA using a pooled approach. These sequences are being

analyzed and an evolutionary tree (phylogeny) generated for the four populations.

Understanding the status of the Fundulus diaphanus complex could have a critical impact on the

conservation status of members of the complex.

Waite R. Warren*, Dennis R. LaJeunesse


Green synthesis of copper oxide nanofeathers grown on a bacterial nanocellulose substrate

Previously, Copper(II)Hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) has been shown to self-assemble into crystalline

nanowires and bundles which undergo a dehydration reaction to form Copper(II)Oxide (CuO).

These reactions have been performed with various copper salts in an alkaline solution. Recently,

it has also been shown that the addition of amines in solution with the copper salts alters the

morphology of CuO nanostructures. Given nanoscale CuO’s potential use in catalysis, solar

cells, batteries, super capacitors, and sensors; a controlled manufacturing method which produces

a physical product is necessary. In this research, we have found a means of growing crystalline

CuO nanofeathers with bacterial cellulose as a substrate. The crystalline nature of bacterial

cellulose directs Cu(OH)2 and CuO crystal formation in a manner that plant cellulose cannot. The

embedded CuO nanofeathers were found to be 500nm by 50-100nm wide with a very high aspect

ratio, and appear to be composed of many aligned CuO nanowires. Bacterial cellulose and CuO

nanofeather composite were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier

transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray

spectroscopy (EDX). These techniques, combined with the inhibition of nanofeather formation

by surface modification of bacterial cellulose, give insight into the mechanism of CuO

nanofeather formation.

David Q. Watts*

NC State University

Who’s That? Can Nocturnal Aye-Ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis) Determine Who is

Talking?

Communication is the hallmark of human and other animal societies. Animals use varying

communication methods to broadcast their location, reproductive status, reassure group

members, etc. Communication of nocturnal species potentially contain more information. Aye-

ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis) are a nocturnal lemur (Family: Lemuridae). Aye-ayes

have a total of six vocalizations (Stanger & Macedonia, 1994). The vocalizations can convey

individual location, aggression, and converse with potential mates (Saint-Hilaire et al., 2004).

However, much is still not known about aye-aye vocalizations, including whether or not

identifying information is transmitted in vocal calls. Therefore, in this study, the vocalizations of

captive aye-ayes at the Duke Lemur Center were examined to see whether or not they contain

information about the identity of the caller.

Aye-ayes were presented with a wrench as a novel object for five minutes. The same procedures

were followed with a human serving as a novel object. The vocal responses of the aye-ayes were

recorded with a Tascam DR-680MKII audio recorder and a Sennheiser ME66 microphone

placed through the ceiling of the cage. The recordings were analyzed with Adobe and Cornell

University software to determine if there were any unique features linked to specific individuals’

vocalizations. A total of forty-five vocalizations from nine individuals (three male, six female)

were recorded. Results indicate that while there were some slight differences between individual

aye-aye vocalizations, they were not significant (p>0.05). One reason for this could be that the

repertoire of captive aye-aye vocalizations has diminished due to their extended time in captivity.

Natasha Wells*


Spectroelectrochemical Urinalysis: A Kinetic Assay for Uric Acid

Spectroelectrochemistry (SEC) refers to measurements involving the simultaneous application of

spectral and electrochemical techniques. First reported in the early 1960s, SEC methods have

become well established tools for fundamental studies of redox chemistry. In the more recent

past, increased attention has been given to the use of SEC techniques for purely analytical

applications, i.e., as the basis for quantitative assays. Research in our laboratory has been

focused on the development of SEC-based assays for various small molecules of biomedical

significance. Potential benefits of the SEC approach relative to existing assays include decreased

cost due to the elimination of expensive reagents; increased sample throughput due to the

relatively short analysis time; and the possibility of simultaneous multi-analyte determinations

due to the selective control of electrolysis potential and measurement wavelength. Our group

utilized a novel kinetic SEC assay for determination of uric acid in human urine. The relatively

slow post-electrolysis decomposition of the uric acid electro-oxidation product permits

discrimination of its signal from that of common interfering species, for example, ascorbic acid.

We found that the kinetic SEC assay exhibited a sensitivity and precision comparable to standard

clinical assays, and it effectively eliminated interference from ascorbic acid at clinically relevant

concentrations. Preliminary results of split urine samples analyzed by both the kinetic SEC assay

and a standard, colorimetric, assay confirmed that concentrations within the clinical range were

consistently detected. Recent research efforts investigated potential negative bias in results. The

analysis method was modified to prevent possible interference due to specimen matrix effect.

Correlation results of novel kinetic SEC assay and standard assay, will confirm the suitability of

our SEC approach for clinical applications.

Kiara Whitaker*, Telah Wingate, Kelsie M. Bernot


Turning boring topics into engaging concepts through real-world case studies

Case studies have been used as a teaching tool for hundreds of years, most notably in business

and medical professions. With the development of the National Center for Case Study Teaching

in Science, the repository for case studies for the sciences has grown exponentially. Students

routinely cite case studies as one of their favorite - as well as most helpful - resources for

learning introductory science. However, students sometimes appear less interested in cases that

are clearly artificial scenarios with artificial dialogue. In an effort to provide a real, real-world

experience for students, we created a case study on breast cancer to teach students about cell

signaling, mitosis, and health disparities. Here students analyze a real pathology report, read

excerpts from an actual blog from a breast cancer survivor and analyze global health disparities

data. Comparison of student performance on a pretest and final exam showed that they more

than doubled their knowledge of mitosis and cell signaling (N=29, p<0.001). Of the seven cases

covered, students rated this case as the most helpful to their learning (N=105). These data

suggest that the case study was not only interesting to students, but also positively impacted their

learning.

Jonah Winkler*, Michael Todd Knippenburg


Utilization of Molecular Dynamics to Examine the Physical Properties of Different

Hydrocarbons for Alternative Fuels

The discovery of new alternative fuels has become a growing interest in recent years due to

massive fuel consumption. The main objective of this project begins with comparing known

experimental values of physical properties, such as density, to results from computer simulations.

If these results are acceptable, then it might be possible to explore fuels that have not been tested

experimentally yet. Molecular Dynamic simulations are used in this study based on the AIREBO

(adaptive intermolecular reactive empirical bond order) potential, which is used to calculate the

inter- and intra-molecular interactions between the atoms in a system. The AIREBO potential

was used to simulate different hydrocarbon mixers in hopes to accurately predict their densities

at temperatures ranging from 293.15K to 373.15K. Multiple trials for each system at each

different temperature were simulated using molecular dynamics and it was found that the results

at standard room temperature were in good agreement with the experimental densities for each

corresponding mixture.

Spencer Winspear*, Brooke Culbreth*, Alisha Weinhofer, Rasheda Boachie, Caroline Carew,

Philip Oji, Sarah Wood, Sarah Bogan, Alex Rains, Heather Sandridge, Levi Weatherly, Elizabeth

Blue, Sarah Goforth

Campbell University

Optimization of an electrophilic bromination of vanillin to be used as a pedagogical

experiment

An important skill for second semester organic students is predicting regiochemistry in

electrophilic aromatic substitutions. A common green experiment to aid in this skill is iodination

of vanillin using NaI and bleach in EtOH, and this project seeks to optimize the analogous

bromination reaction utilizing the less expensive NaBr reagent. Optimization studies for purity,

yield, and total required time were based on variation of solvent, oxidant, rate of oxidant

addition, and reaction temperature. Replacing NaI with NaBr under standard conditions yields a

mixture of the expected 5-bromovanillin with a small amount of 6-bromovanillin providing

students with an opportunity to analyze ratios of major and minor products. Substituting ethanol

with solvents that are immiscible in water aids in separation of salts from the product mixtures.

Using oxone as the oxidizing agent mimics the original iodination reaction by producing only

pure 5-bromovanillin, but the reagent is easier to handle and hazards, time, and number of

needed reagents are decreased.

Fawna Wyatt*, Mallory Norris, Anthony Cleator, Thomas Hancock

Middle Georgia State University

Adaptive strategies of Hydrocotyle bonariensis growing on southeastern (USA) barrier

islands

Barrier islands of the southeastern United States are considered a physically controlled, harsh

environment. Only a small, select suite of plants have traditionally been able to tolerate these

extreme conditions. Within this small suite, plants exhibit a variety of functional groups or

forms. An interesting species that can be found in several habitats within the barrier island

ecosystem is Hydrocotyle bonariensis. Hydrocotyle bonariensis is a C3 perennial that almost

exclusively grows via runners although it does produce copious amounts of flowers in the

summer and tiny seeds in fall. Past researchers have demonstrated that H. bonariensis seeds

only germinate in the swale area of the barrier island ecosystem where water and nutrients are

more plentiful. The traditional hypothesis is that from this foothold, H. bonariensis seedlings

will asexually expand into harsher areas (backdune, dune and foredune) and that this represents

an adaptive strategy. The present study was conducted along an eight-mile stretch of

uninhabited barrier island at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area in NC (USA). The purpose of the

study was to determine presence of H. bonariensis within different barrier island habitats and

allocation of carbon and biomass to root, shoot, leaf and reproductive structures between habitats

and across seasons. This information was used to develop a model of H. bonariensis life history

strategy and to test the traditional adaptive strategy hypothesis.

Zack Zapatero*, Gregory Swan, Sophia Sarafova

Davidson College

Deciding To Be A Helper: Exploring The In Vivo Function Of The Cd4 Enhancer NCE

CD4+ T-helper cells are responsible for coordination of the adaptive immune system. Without

proper regulation and expression of the Cd4 gene thymocytes will fail to develop and function

properly. Previous literature characterizes the function of the Cd4 promoter, a two enhancers,

and a silencer, which have been used to explain how the Cd4 gene is turned on in CD4+ T-helper

cells and off in CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. However, the currently characterized cis-acting elements

fail to explain the varying levels of CD4 expression during thymocyte development and

selection. In order for accurate lineage determination to occur the proper modulation of cell

surface CD4 level is necessary. Previous Sarafova lab members have identified a new cis-acting

transcriptional regulatory element (NCE) in intron 1 of the Cd4 locus, which functions as a

developmental stage specific enhancer in vitro. In this presentation, I present my research that

identifies key transcription factor binding regions necessary for enhancer function and provides

in vivo evidence that that NCE does not function as an enhancer in double positive thymocytes.

Breann Zeches*, Zachary Flaccavento, Michael Ogletree, Taek You, Gregory Buhrman, and

Robert Rose

North Carolina State University

Binding Study of Chimeric Pbx-1 and Pdx-1 Fusion Protein to Human Somatostatin

Promoter

Evolutionarily-conserved and highly-regulated, Hox genes clusters are responsible for the spatial

and temporal development of an embryo. ParaHox homedomain proteins, Pre-β-cell leukemia

homeobox 1 (Pbx-1) and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx-1), are tissue-specific

transcription factors vital to pancreatogenesis and cellular differentiation. The maturation of

endocrine and exocrine cells of the embryonic gut is dependent on the regulatory cascade

initiated by these proteins. Thereby, their absence arrests pancreatic bud development. Due to the

cellular differentiation capabilities of Pbx-1 and Pdx-1, current research has investigated their

potential clinicopathologic role in undifferentiated cell types, such as cancer. Patients suffering

from more aggressive forms of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which accounts for 95% of all

diagnosed pancreatic cancers, had significantly higher levels of Pdx-1 indicating its possible use

as a biomarker to detect these tumors .Moreover, Somatostatin (SST), a neuropeptide which

affects metabolic processes of the body, inhibits pancreatic α and β-cell products, glucagon and

insulin respectively, via heterotrimeric G-protein coupled receptors. Investigation has observed

anti-proliferative properties of the hormone and its receptor, somatostatin subtype 2 (sst2)

through G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Thereby, this mechanism could suppress both primary and

metastatic tumor growth characteristic of pancreatic cancers. SST can be transactivated by Pdx-1

utilizing a cofactor, Pbx-1. Pbx-1 and Pdx-1 bind heterodimerically to the TSE-I and TSE-II

regions of the somatostatin promoter found in pancreatic δ-cells in order to enhance

transcription. In this research, we analyzed the binding of a chimeric Pbx1-Pdx1 fusion protein to

DNA molecules containing either the native TSE-II promoter sequence or mutated sequences.

DNA binding was assessed by gel mobility shift assays and analytical ultracentrifugation.

Analytical ultracentrifugation techniques will provide additional information on the

conformational shape of its DNA binding, providing a more accurate account of how the

molecule behaves in an internal environment.

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