tn academy of science western collegiate divisionfacstaff.cbu.edu/aross/biodept/tas2015/the 2015...

[Tn Academy of Science Western Collegiate Division] April 11, 2015

The 2015 Western Collegiate Division Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Sciences

Hosted by The University of Memphis Department of Biological Sciences in Memphis.Ellington Hall, 3700 Walker Avenue. Memphis

Saturday, April 11, 2015.8:00 Registration. Free parking at Zach Curling parking Garage; Poster setup in H loopy8:30 Welcome Remarks from Dean Thomas J. Nenon, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Memphis (EH 100)8:35 Keynote Speaker Professor Jennifer Mandel (EH 100)Title “Conservation Genetics of the Endangered Whorled Sunflower, Helianthus verticillatus”

Oral presentationTime Section 1 (EH 105) Section 2 (EH 131)9:05-9:20 Andrew Aristorenas Taylor C. Rosa-Ramon9:20-9:35 Anqi Zheng Alisha Hetal Patel9:35-9:50 Brent McGlaughlin Austyn Harriman9:50-10:05 Charlene Patino Chelsie Clark10:05-10:15 Break. Please visit the posters10:15-10:30 Danny Vu Cao Colton Terhune10:30-10:45 Shannon Brooke Joyce Daniel Schenck10:45-11:00 Solomon Amiri Deanna Long11:00- 11:15 Toni A. Patrick Erika A. Odigie11:15-11:30 Whitney Kierra Stepter Heather Huff11:30-11:45 Emily Hayward Madeline Carwile11:45-12:00 Alexandra Bickenbach Rebecca Butler

12:00-1:30 pmLuncheon at RTG Rose Entertainment Lobby (extra ticket ($10) available at Registration Table)

Poster presentationBroad # Name

1 Alyssa Tews2 Catherine Kendall Major3 Matthew Tom4 Sara B. Brauninger5 Yoonkeong Chi

See map below for various locations

1


2


The 2015 Western Collegiate Division Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Sciences

The University of MemphisDepartment of Biological Sciences

Saturday, April 11, 2015.

Keynote SpeakerJennifer R. Mandel Ph.D. University of Memphis

Dr. Jennifer Mandel is an Assistant Professor at the University of Memphis. Her lab studies evolutionary and ecological genetics in a number of plant species. Current projects in the lab include the application of targeted gene sequencing for phylogenomic applications, population genetics of crop-wild relatives, and conservation genetics of natural plant populations. She received a BA from Carson Newman University in 2003, her PhD from Vanderbilt University in 2008, and completed a post-doc in Plant Biology at the University of Georgia before coming to the UofM in January 2014. Her presentation to the Meeting is:

“Conservation Genetics of the Endangered Whorled Sunflower, Helianthus verticillatus”

The talk will address biodiversity and conservation genetics in an endangered sunflower, Helianthus verticillatus, which is native to West Tennessee. Dr. Mandel will discuss population genetic approaches for assessing levels and patterns of standing genetic variation in H. verticillatus. The talk will discuss how conservation genetics is an important component of evaluating rare species and determining and directing appropriate conservation strategies.

3


PosterAlyssa TewsMonitoring thermoregulation in captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus) at the Memphis Zoo. Alyssa C. Tews* and Katrina Knott, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee, and Memphis Zoo, Memphis, Tennessee. Polar bears are evolutionarily adapted for the Arctic biome, but captive bears often live in unnaturally hot climates and need methods to lose excess heat. The objective of this study was to determine whether polar bears modify their body posture in response to ambient temperature (Ta). An ethogram was developed to determine which body postures were most frequently observed and how these behaviors correlated to: sex, activity level, and sun exposure. Camera observations via scan sampling at 2 minute intervals were collected from September to October 2014. Our data showed that Haley rested more frequently (0.60) than Payton and that she spent majority of her observed time indoors (0.79). In contrast, Payton showed more active behaviors (0.83) and spent more than half (0.59) of his observed time outdoors. Overall, our study revealed how captive bears monitor their levels of thermoregulation by activity and sun exposure levels.

Catherine Kendall MajorComparison of germination rates of crop and wild agricultural species. Catherine K. Major*, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. Many of the agricultural crops consumed by humans were domesticated from crop-wild relatives. In order to provide an outreach tool for the Memphis community; I compared germination between crops and their wild relatives (sunflower, corn, tomato, pepper, lettuce, and carrot). My hypothesis is that the crops will have more uniform germination rates than their wild relatives and germinate more rapidly. The wild varieties will be planted in the domestication garden at the University of Memphis to educate individuals on the ancestral origin of their foo

Matthew TomExamination of mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA genetic variation in carrot, Daucus carota. Matthew Tom*, Rob Coleman, and Jennifer R. Mandel, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. Mitochondrial DNA is thought to be maternally inherited, but previous research in some plant species has found evidence of recombination and paternal leakage. Evidence of reassociation between mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA may provide evidence of paternal leakage. Following extraction of DNA from Daucus carota, PCR amplification of the DNA using mitochondrial and chloroplast markers was performed. PCR markers of known size variation were examined using gel electrophoresis and used to ascertain individual haplotypes. Evidence of four distinct combinations of the marker variations would yield indirect evidence of paternal leakage and support research related to paternal leakage and heteroplasmy.

Sarah B. BrauningerMeasuring Clonal Diversity in Stands of Bamboo at Shelby Farms for Memphis Zoo Pandas. Sara B. Brauninger*, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee.

4


Bamboo serves as an important food source for pandas and has many medicinal and commercial applications. The Memphis Zoo grows a large bamboo farm located in Shelby Farms to feed their two pandas and the pandas in Toronto Zoo, Canada. We studied the genetic variation present in one of the bamboo species, Phyllostachys bissetii, from Shelby Farms using Simple Sequence Repeat genetic markers. The study will provide valuable information for the Memphis Zoo and establishes methodology for identifying clonal diversity and genetic variation within other species of bamboo in natural stands located in China.

Yoonkeong ChiOutside spatial movement and social behavioral observations of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in captivity. Conner Bradley*, Yoonkeong Chi*, Annie Giarla*, and Maraia Tremarelli*, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee. The purpose of this project is to quantify agonistic behavior and physical interactions that occur between the three elephants at the Memphis Zoo to quantify the social interactions and dynamics among the three elephants. We collected behavioral and spatial data using scan sampling at 2-minute intervals and determined an activity budget for each elephant by observing their social behaviors. With the activity budget, we quantified the proportion of time each elephant engaged in social behavior. We then examined the spatial component by looking at the grid number for each animal at each interval and determined the distance between each of the elephants. The findings from our study are important for quantifying the social relationship between Gina and Asali and determining in the future how this relationship may change as Tyranza ages.

Oral Section 1Andrew AristorenasDiabetes attenuates metabolic oscillations regulated by circadian clock rhythms. Andrew Aristorenas* and Martin E. Young, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee, and University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama. Diabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The cardiomyocyte circadian clock regulates myocardial functions in a time-of-day-dependent manner; our laboratory identified Dgat2, Nampt, and Pik3r1 as direct clock output genes. This transcriptionally-based molecular mechanism is altered in rat hearts during streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. We hypothesize circadian clock output is disrupted in the heart during diabetes. STZ was administered to 8-week old mice; 16 weeks later, hearts were isolated at 4 hour intervals. Cardiomyocyte-specific CLOCK mutant (CCM) mice were utilized as a positive control. RT-PCR and Cosinor analysis were completed. Results showed STZ treatment significantly decreased circulating insulin levels, and concomitantly increased circulating glucose levels. dgat2, nampt, and pik3r1 expression oscillated in control hearts and was attenuated in CCM hearts. Oscillations in these clock output genes were absent in STZ-induced diabetic mouse hearts. Conclusions: Diabetes diminishes cardiomyocyte circadian clock-dependent rhythms, which could contribute towards cardiovascular disease. Supported by UAB SIBS.

Anqi Zheng

5


Correlation between adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol expressions in young children. Anqi Zheng*, Cynthia R. Rovnaghi and Kanjalweet Anand, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (AZ), and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (CRR and KA). Noting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis feedback mechanisms, our goal was to establish the correlation between the stress hormones cortisol and ACTH in African American and Caucasian children. As cortisol's upstream regulator hormone, ACTH has not been previously evaluated in saliva. Diurnal salivary levels of ACTH and cortisol were determined in 41 children (1-4 yrs, 3 samples per child per day) enrolled in a magetoencephalography (MEG) study. Quantification of ACTH and cortisol concluded that African-Americans sustained a higher cortisol level throughout the day (p=0.0066, median=16.77, 25%tile=8.11, 75%tile=22.35 ). Morning ACTH levels for African-American is also higher (p=0.0416,median=1.9, 25%tile=0.21, 75%tile=3.6), potentially indicating a disruption of HPA axis. We propose that partnering measures of stress hormones with brain activity mapping may distinguish physiological brain changes of the (HPA) axis in response to varying exposures to stress.

Brent McGlaughlinEffects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Cell Cycle Induction in a Hepatocellular Model Brent T. McGlaughlin*, Timothy J. Howze, Peihong Guan, Richard A. Helms, Emma M. Tillman Departments of Clinical Pharmacy and Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Children’s Foundation Research Institute at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee. When administered long term parenteral nutrition (PN), many patients develop what is known as (PN) associated liver disease (PNALD). The effects of this disease, which have proven to be life threatening, have recently shown to be attenuated with the administration of fish oil containing omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3PUFA). Though ω3PUFA shows anti-apoptotic effects in a hepatocellular model, its use to prevent cellular apoptosis and its effects on cell proliferation have not been studied. This study was performed to examine if higher concentrations of ω3PUFA further contributed to bile acid-induced apoptosis as well as its effects on cell proliferation. Results indicated there was no further increase with high concentrations of ω3PUFA and cell proliferation was increased in the 5μM and 500μM amounts. In conclusion, bile acid-induced hepatocellular apoptosis was not further increased at higher concentrations of ω3PUFA and some concentrations did induce proliferation.

Charlene PatinoEffect of potential DAMPs on inflammatory cytokine secretion in particle exposed macrophages. Charlene Patino*, Karina Chavez*, Charlie L. Xie, Pammi Cheema, William M. Mihalko, and Richard A. Smith, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (CLX, PC, WMM, RAS), and Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (CP, KC). The number of total joint replacements performed each year continues to rise. However, the rate of revision surgery required to correct failed implants is rising at an even faster rate. The mechanisms that lead to osteolysis and aseptic loosening are not well understood and the role of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in wear-debris induced inflammation and macrophage activation has not yet been shown. This research studied the affects of selected DAMPs on inflammatory cytokine secretion from macrophages in vitro. Vitronectin, hyaluronic

6


acid, and HMG-1 did not show DAMP properties in these experiments, as there was no increase in the pro-inflammatory TNF- or IL-6 release in macrophages exposed to these molecules compared with the negative controls. The results indicate that more studies need to be performed to explore how and if these DAMPs function and determine the role of other molecules in mediating inflammation in the presence of implant wear particles.

Danny Vu CaoReal Time-qPCR Analysis of Gene Expression Levels in Oral Cancer Cells. Danny V. Cao*, Yanhui Zhang, Franklin Garcia-Godoy, and Qian Zheng, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (DC), and University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, Memphis, Tennessee (YZ,FG, QZ). Oral Cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world. The objective of this study was to use qRT-PCR to analyze the expression levels of target genes in a cancer human cell line SCC-25 and compare them to a normal human cell line GN-23. The target genes were TP53, CD82, CD81, CD9, and IGSF8. These genes can function as tumor suppressors. However, their functions in oral cancer are still unknown. Results showed that CD81A and P53 were significantly down regulated in the cancer cell line SCC-25. Both IGSF8A and IGSF8B were significantly upregulated in the cancer cell line. In conclusion, genes with significant up or down regulation may play a role in oral cancer. Furthermore, these data can help support future studies concerning protein expression levels and functions in oral cancer. This research was supported by UTHSC College of Dentistry Alumni Endowment Fund and the Tennessee Dental Association Foundation.

Shannon Brooke JoyceAn examination of tight junction protein expression in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMEC) in the presence of conditioned media from medulloblastoma subtypes. Brooke Joyce*, Megan Jacus, Stacy Throm, and Clinton Stewart, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (BJ), and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee (MJ, ST, CS). The increased survival rate of WNT subtype medulloblastoma MB patients compared to patients with SHH, Group 3 or Group 4 MB may be related to increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) surrounding the tumor. . We sought to determine increased permeability of WNT tumors by examining whether tumor secreted factors affect tight junction protein expression in brain endothelial cells. Expression of ZO-1 and occludin were measured in human brain microvascular endothelial (hBMEC) cells cultured in conditioned media from WNT, SHH, and group 3 MB tumor cells. ZO-1 and occludin expression in hBMEC cells cultured in conditioned media was not significantly different from control (p<0.05). These results suggest ZO-1 and occludin are not the primary proteins influencing WNT MB permeability. Further studies examining other proteins and their involvement in WNT tumor permeability are warranted.

Solomon AmiriInhibition of Arginine-Gingipain by the Cysteine Protease Inhibitor E64. Solomon J Amiri*, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee.

7


The experiment was performed in order to find out if the protease inhibitor E64 was able to inhibit the actions of the proteases (gingipains) of the periodontal disease causing dental bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg). Pg produces two protease types- Arginine specific (Rgp) and Lysine specific (Kgp). The experiment tested the E64 antibacterial activity against Pg in vitro, and if E64 can inhibit the gingipains at low concentrations without killing the Pg. Killing Pg would select for resistant mutants. R and K protease activity and bactericidal activity were measured by fluorescent assays after the inhibitor E64 was added to Pg cultures. The Rgps were slightly inhibited, while the Kpgs were not inhibited at all by E64. The results were compared to a known inhibitor of the proteases, which showed the E64 was not effective enough be used. Supported by the Alumni Endowment Fund of College of Dentistry.

Toni A. PatrickBlood chemistry in neonatal acute kidney injury. Toni A. Patrick* and Adebowale Adebiyi. Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (TAP), and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis Tennessee (AA). Adequate kidney function is very critical to maintaining body homeostasis. Although organogenesis occurs in the first trimester, newborn kidneys are still structurally and functionally immature. Hence, infants are more vulnerable to renal dysfunction, especially when blood circulation in the kidney is altered. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a condition in which kidney function is abruptly disrupted. An important cause of AKI is renal ischemia-reperfusion. Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury is defined as the temporary depletion of blood flow to kidneys with a sudden return to tissues. In this study, blood chemistry changes during short-term renal ischemia-reperfusion were analyzed in newborn pigs subjected to 30 minutes ischemia and 3 hours of reperfusion. The levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, glucose, and total protein did not show significant alterations following 180 minutes of reperfusion. By contrast, serum creatinine, sodium, and potassium were significantly elevated. These findings highlight blood chemistry changes in neonatal AKI.

Whitney Kierra StepterEffects of Human Traits vs. Motor Vehicle Elements on Whiplash Recovery. Whitney K Stepter* and Bobby Myers, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee, and James Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, Cordova, Tennessee. The purpose of this research was to determine if a correlation existed between patients’ activity level, prior to car accident, and recovery time after whiplash injury. Chiropractic assessment and patients’ perception of pain/range of motion was the determining factor on recovery. Independent variables included: age, weight, activity level, while dependent variables were: vehicle type, time/speed/damage, seatbelt status, or airbag deployment. Statistical analysis showed a correlation (p<0.05) with a patients’ physical ability prior to accident and recovery time. If an individual was active, regardless of age, they recovered faster. Further analysis showed that the passenger within a vehicle had a longer recovery time than a driver in same type accident. Vehicle type showed that the larger the vehicle the less likelihood of an injury, when compared with compact cars. These results support activity as a deterrent to injury at any age, and the need for increased safety standards for small vehicles.

Emily Hayward

8


Expression and purification of active Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) for potential use as a novel anticancer therapeutic agent. Emily Hayward*, Krystal Herline, Steve Finckbeiner, Cristina Guibao, Jie Zheng, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee (EH), and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee (EH, KH, SF, CG, JZ). Although Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) was originally noted for its ability to induce bone formation and repair, recent research has discovered that both under-expression and overexpression of BMP4 can lead to cancer. For the cancers in which BMP4 is under-expressed, the protein itself may be a promising treatment. However, BMP4 is expensive and does not exist in a highly pure and stable form that can be used in human medicine without severe side effects. Current work in the Zheng Lab utilizes the cost effective and easily accessible model organism Escherichia coli (E. coli) to overexpress BMP4. Various purification methods, including affinity column chromatography, were then implemented to develop a purer, more stable form of BMP4. Assays in eukaryotic cell lines have recently confirmed the successful production of active BMP4 from E. coli inclusion bodies, and this protein will be investigated further as a potentially novel anticancer therapeutic agent.

Alexandra BickenbachEthanol Effects on Diameter of Arteries That Irrigate Different Cerebral Territories. Alexandra Bickenbach*, Anna Bukiya, Alex Dopico, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee, and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee. Moderate-heavy episodic alcohol intake, such as during binge drinking, is associated with increased risk for cerebrovascular spasm and stroke. Ethanol-induced cerebral artery constriction is caused by inhibition of smooth muscle ion currents of the BK type. In the present work we used rat cerebral artery in vitro pressurization and selective pharmacological tools to determine: 1) whether cerebral arteries that irrigate different areas of the brain have differential susceptibility to Ethanol- induced constriction and 2) possible role of primary targets of Ethanol action in the vascular smooth muscle- BK channels- in the differential sensitivity of cerebral arteries (anterior, posterior, middle, basilar) to Ethanol. Arteries from the different cerebral territories showed differing sensitivity to ethanol, with the basilar artery constricting the most and the anterior artery cerebral artery constricting the least. This study has identified the cerebral arteries that are most affected by ethanol.

Oral Section 2Taylor C. Rosa-RamonEvaluation of Clearing Methods for Light Microscopy. Taylor C. Rosa-Ramon*, Victoria Frohlich, and Cliff Guy, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (TR) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee (VF, CG). Various tissue clearing methods were evaluated to determine which would provide the most effective fluorescence detection for light microscopy imaging by reducing tissue opacity. Whole brains and lymph nodes were cleared with 3DISCO, Scale, Clear T2, and BABB respectively. Tissue clearing was performed at 4°C and the total clearing time was relative to the volume of tissue. Initial evaluations of clearing were made visually and the depth of imaging penetration was evaluated by confocal imaging. It was hypothesized that 3DISCO, an organic solvent based

9


method, would provide the fastest and most reliable preparation method. The depth of imaging penetration by confocal microscopy was inadequate in BABB and Clear T2. Tissue cleared with either Scale or 3DISCO had reduced light scattering properties; however, depth of penetration for Scale was also inadequate. The 3DISCO clearing method resulted in the best depth of penetration, clarity, and time required for tissue preparation.

Alisha Hetal PatelMorphological characterization of hemoparasites from small mammals living in forest fragments in Paraguay. Alisha Patel*, Aubrey Howard*, Monali Lipman*, Patrick Leavey III*, Katharine Goebel*, Pastor Pérez-Estigarribia, Noé de la Sancha, Sarah Boyle, Laura E. Luque, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee (AP, AH, ML, PL, KG, SB, LL), Centro Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Asuncion, Paraguay (PP), Chicago State University, Chicago, Illinois (NL). Forest fragmentation can affect the distribution and types of parasites among resident mammalian populations. The purpose of this study was to characterize the hemoparasites of small mammals living in six forest fragments (2 to 1200ha) in the Tapytá Private Reserve, Paraguay. We collected blood samples from 134 individuals representing the genera: Oligoryzomys (63.2 % of all small mammals sampled), Akodon (28.6 % of individuals sampled), Gracilinanus (6.0 % of individuals sampled), and Marmosa (2.2 % of individuals sampled). Blood smears were analyzed via light microscopy. Hemoparasite infection was present in all four genera of small mammals captured and in all six forest fragments. The two most common hemoparasites were protozoa belonging to the Aconoidasia and Kinetoplastida classes. Bacterial infections were also present. The identification of these hemoparasites will allow us to understand the relationship between forest fragmentation and disease ecology to ultimately improve conservation management plans.

Austin HarrimanSampling of fish diversity as an indicator of stream health at Cypress Creek. Austyn Harriman*, Cheryl Goudie, and Lynda Miller, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (AH, LM) and University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee (CG). An EPA wadeable streams assessment was used to evaluate Cypress Creek, a tributary to the Loosahatchie River. Ten transects were established at 10 meter intervals along each of three sections and Habitat variables were measured and recorded. Fish were collected from each site using seines and a backpack electroshocker. The fish were counted and identified on site, and unidentifiable fish were taken to the lab and keyed out. The data from the fish collection was used to compile an index of biotic integrity for each site as well as an overall IBI for the entire creek. The IBI metrics were summed, resulting in values of 38, 44, and 36 for the individual sites and 44 for the creek as a whole. A Simpson’s diversity index was also calculated, giving vales of 0.65, 0.82, and 0.61 for the individual sites and 0.86 for the total. These analyses indicate poor stream health.

Chelsie ClarkPost Approval Study of the TS (Threshold Suspend) Feature with a Sensor-Augmented Pump System. Chelsie Clark, Shazia Chatha, and Dr. Kashif Latif, AM Diabetes & Endocrinology Center.

10


Many studies have been implemented to test the technical and therapeutic efficacy insulin pumps for patients diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus type 1 and 2. Medtronic MiniMed has manufactured and acquired FDA approval for an insulin pump called 530G that can sense a patient’s blood glucose via a sensor inserted subcutaneously that will start or end insulin delivery accordingly. This is known as the Threshold Suspend (TS) feature. Researchers conducted a study to investigate the TS feature of the 530G pump to assess its relationship with glycemic deterioration, as measured by a significant increase or decrease in A1C or the average blood sugar level over a 3 month period. The study aimed to observe the TS feature in patients 16 and older with insulin-requiring diabetes and record the change in A1C from a baseline visit over a period of one year with 4 visits, one every 3 months. The study objective was to demonstrate that home use of TS feature is not associated with severe hypo- and hyperglycemia as supported by A1C.

Colton TerhuneUnderstanding the Population Dynamics of Trillium recurvatum in Western Tennessee. Colton A Terhune*, James E Moore, Jennifer R Mandel Christian Brothers University Memphis, Tennessee (CT, JM), University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee (JRM). For vegetation ecologists, an understanding of the performance and ecological success of genets and ramets can provide valuable insights into population dynamics. For this project, we developed a simple sequence library using microsatellite enrichment and next – gen sequencing and optimized a set of polymorphic loci to determine genetic and clonal diversity in the self-incompatible Trillium recurvatum. We specifically address the extent of clonality and spatial patterns of genetic diversity in this population. We calculated the probability that each cluster was a single genet and that identical genotypes were not obtained by chance. In many cases, we found multiple genotypes per quadrat, yet the number within each quadrat varied. Juvenile and non-flowering adults have been shown to dominate this population, which may indicate that there are substantial fitness tradeoffs between clonality and self-incompatibility, since insect pollinations that occur between genetically identical individuals, i.e., ramets, may not produce viable seeds.

Daniel SchenckTesting of Stream Health of the Loosahatchie River Using Macroinvertebrates. Daniel Schenck*, Cheryl Goudie, Lynda Miller. Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (DS, LM) University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee (CG). Aquatic macroinvertebrates are organisms that are found in substrates like gravel, silt, and sand. They are affected by the level of pollution in the waters that they inhabit and they are considered to be bioindicators of stream health. This study examined three sections of a stream that flow into the Loosahatchie River in Southwest Tennessee. Macroinvertebrates were collected at each of the three sites and identified to genus in the lab. A Benthic-IBI was calculated. Many different species with a high tolerance of pollution were found in the stream but the Chironomidae family was found in the greatest abundance. Based on our data it was determined that the three stream was of poor health.

Deanna Long

11


Relationships of tick and host among small mammals in western Tennessee. Deanna L. Long*, Rebecca Butler*, Dave Paulsen*, Rebecca Trout Fryxell, Allan E. Houston, and Michael L. Kennedy. The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee (DL, RB, and MK), The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (DP, RT), and The Ames Plantation, Grand Junction, Tennessee (AH). We examined host-tick associations for small mammals in three habitats types (field, hardwood forest, and pine forest) during the years 2013 and 2014. The study was conducted at the Ames Plantation in Fayette and Hardeman counties in western Tennessee. Small mammals were collected using Sherman live traps baited with rolled oats and identified to species. Collectively, eight species of small mammals were captured, with Sigmodon hispidus and Peromyscus leucopus being the most abundant. Dermacentor variabilis was the most abundant of four species of ticks collected from host. Greatest numbers of ticks were found on hosts from field habitat. Based on catch per unit effort for small mammals and numbers of ticks recorded from hosts, populations of small mammals and ticks were numerous on the site.

Erika A. OdigieImpact of Surgical or Trans catheter device closure on weight gain in children with VSD, ASD or PDA. Erika A. Odigie*, Michael Perez, Rana Khaznadar, Shyam Sathanandam. Christian Brothers University, Memphis, TNBackground: Patients with ventricular septal defects (VSD), atrial septal defects (ASD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) are known to develop congestive heart failure leading to poor growth.Objectives: The goal of this study is to evaluate the impact of repairing isolated VSD, ASD, and PDA on growth velocity. We hypothesize that patients who undergo repair will demonstrate an increase in growth velocity.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts from 2007-2014 of all patients with isolated VSD, ASD, PDA who underwent surgical or trans-catheter repair at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, excluding those with comorbidities. Height and weight velocities before and after intervention were collected.Results: 12 patients were included: 5 PDA, 5 ASD, and 2 VSD. There was a decrease in weight velocity of 24 grams/month and a decrease in height velocity of 0.25 cm/month following intervention.Conclusions: This study is ongoing and no conclusions can yet be made.

Heather HuffDrug Screening of Candida albicans in Amphotericin B. Heather E. Huff* Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee. P. D. Rogers, Sarah G. Whaley University of Tennessee Health and Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee. The goal of this research was to determine if the growth of transcription factor deletion mutants of the fungus Candida albicans is inhibited by the antifungal drug Amphotericin B (AmB). 165 mutants, along with the wild type parent were grown in a RPMI medium containing increasing concentrations of Amphotericin B (0-1 mg/µl). The minimum inhibitory concentration of AmB was determined for each strain and measured at 24 and 48 hours. Strains deleted for three transcription factors (TUP1, RIM101, STP2) showed increased susceptibility to AmB. These

12


results suggest that components of the transcription pathways regulated by these transcription factors might be exploited for the enhancement of AmB activity.

Madeline CarwileSexual behaviors of a female Sumatran tiger at the Memphis Zoo following Deslorelin implant Madeline E. Carwile* and Beth Roberts, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee and the Memphis Zoo, Memphis, Tennessee. Rahtu is a female Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) housed with a male at the Memphis Zoo. From 2007-2009, she was not recommended for breeding, and was implanted yearly with the birth control Deslorelin, a type of GNrH analogue implant. Initial testing of Deslorelin on wild and captive felids showed it to be effective and reversible in 12-18 months. Rahtu was expected to return to sexual receptivity in 2010, but has not reproduced. This study correlated sexual behaviors and urinary steroid hormones to determine if Rahtu is cycling and sexually receptive. The study found that while Rahtu exhibits cyclic sexual behaviors, her urinary estrogen is not correlated to the events, and mounting attempts by the male are not successful. The results suggest that there are residual effects from the Deslorelin implant which are not removed between doses. Our recommendation is to attempt surgical removal and GnRH challenge.

Rebecca ButlerDifferential occurrence of ticks on Sigmodon hispidus and Peromyscusleucopus based on age and sex. Rebecca Butler*, Deanna L. Long, Dave Paulsen, RebeccaTrout-Fryxell, Allan E. Houston, and Michael L. Kennedy, The University of Memphis, Memphis,Tennessee (RB, DLL, and MLK), The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (DP, RT), and TheAmes Plantation, Grand Junction, Tennessee (AH). Differential occurrence of ticks on the hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) and the white-footed deer mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) was assessed at the Ames Plantation in Fayette and Hardeman counties in western Tennessee. Specimens were live-trapped in multiple habitats using Sherman live traps were baited with rolled oats. Upon capture, animals were examined and separated by age (adult, sub adult, or juvenile) and sex was determined. The presence or absence of ticks was determined based upon visual examination. For P. leucopus, the greatest number of ticks was found on adult males with the least number on juvenile males and juvenile females. A similar pattern was observed for S. hispidus with the greatest number of ticks occurring on adult males and the least number on juvenile females. Overall, the greatest number of ticks occurred on hispid cotton rats. Males of both species were most likely to harbor ticks.

13

tn academy of science western collegiate divisionfacstaff.cbu.edu/aross/biodept/tas2015/the 2015...

Documents