Effects of the Ras-GEF inhibitor, BAY-293, on Mitotic Rate, Cyclin Levels, and Promoter Activity in Tetrahymena speciesby Kathryn Butler (Undergraduate), Nathan Calahan (Undergraduate), Jennifer Dekoninck (Undergraduate), Elizabeth Eidsmoe (Undergraduate), Clara Halsey (Undergraduate), Peter Henrichsen (Undergraduate), Josiah Hilton (Undergraduate), Abigail Lun (Undergraduate), Julia Mehl (Undergraduate), Emily O'Neal (Undergraduate), Colin Parsons (Undergraduate), Dr. Heather Kuruvilla (Faculty) Cancer is a complex disease characterized by uncontrolled growth resulting from genetic and epigenetic mutations. Receptor tyrosine kinases are a class of growth factor receptors whose signaling pathways are often dysregulated in cancer. The Ras GTPase plays a key transduction step in conveying the growth signal to the downstream kinases in the growth pathway, ultimately resulting in the phosphorylation of a number of enzymes and transcription factors which help push the cell into S phase. Cyclin D1, a key cyclin responsible for the G1/S transition, is among the genes which are expressed in response to Ras signaling. Until recently, Ras was considered “undruggable”; however, a number of drugs targeting Ras activity have been designed and are in various stages of clinical testing. BAY-293 is a preclinical cancer drug that disrupts the communication of Ras with its activating guanine exchange factor (GEF), a protein commonly known as Sos. Tetrahymena thermophila are free-living protists that express homologs of Ras proteins. Our previous studies have shown that BAY-293 reduces mitotic rate in these organisms. Our current study aims to determine the effects of BAY-293 on cyclin D production, promoter activity as determined by H3K27ac levels, MAPK substrate phosphorylation, and metabolic activity as determined by enolase levels. |
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Oh Deer... Optimal Foraging Theory!by Kit Lason (Undergraduate), Emma Dillon (Undergraduate) The objective of this study was to observe optimal foraging theory in Ohio wildlife in an agricultural environment. Optimal foraging theory predicts how individuals weigh handling time and safety with the energy gained from food. This was tested by presenting food with varying safety and accessibility to monitor preferences. Feeding stations were monitored by trail cameras to measure time spent at each location. The animals were offered the choice of feeding in an open field or edge forest habitat, as well as the choice between easily accessible food left in the open, and harder to access food stuffed in a PVC pipe. We found that the animals of the community followed optimal foraging patterns based on food accessibility. Deer, the most prevalent species throughout this study, were studied independently and did not show adherence to predicted accessibility foraging patterns. Contrary to our hypothesis, neither group showed a preference for the edge forest, instead preferring to forage in the field. |
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Effects of Freezing on Insulin Regulation of Intracellular Solute Concentrations in the Freeze-Tolerant Spring Peeperby Elias Ng (Undergraduate), Dr. Heather Kuruvilla (Faculty), Dr. Michael Mendel (Faculty), Dr. Robert Paris (Faculty) Man’s exploration of harsh environments has often been informed by phenomena observed in animals. A prime example is the cryobiology (the study of life in cold, harsh conditions) of certain North American frog species. In this case, scientists have observed members of the frog genera Dryophytes, Pseudacris, and Rana, among others, which survive harsh North American winters. In the winter, these frogs undergo a frozen state, during which their body tissues and fluids freeze. Once spring arrives with warmer temperatures, these frogs are then able to re-emerge apparently unharmed by the process. Various studies have been conducted to explain the molecular pathways that lead to this amazing ability. This study seeks to analyze the presence of the insulin signaling pathway in species of genus Pseudacris. To accomplish this, specimens of freeze-tolerant Pseudacris species were incubated, euthanized at different stages of entering into their frozen state, and preserved at -80 C so that their proteins could later be extracted and analyzed. Specimens from non-freeze tolerant species were also prepared in similar fashion, so that their proteins could be compared to the freeze-tolerant species. The proteins extracted from these specimens were then analyzed using ELISA and western blot testing to characterize the proteins and compare insulin content between the extracts from these frogs. |
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Strange Sets: A Look at the Role of Scale in Mathematicsby Eden Cook (Undergraduate) In Mathematics, graphs are a useful tool to help us understand the behavior of functions. In this poster, we will look at a special type of graph called Strange Figures. These are graphs of sinusoidal functions over different sets of integers which demonstrate the role that scale plays in visual pattern recognition, as well as explore patterns produced by rational approximations of multiples of 2π. We will also include examples showing how adjusting the periodicity of the function and the sampling set impacts the patterns produced in the Strange Figures. |
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Solar Energy Potential for Cedarville University Infrastructureby Beckett DeBusk (Undergraduate) The United States has dramatically increased use of solar energy in an effort to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and to harness naturally occurring energy. Given the occasionally extensive cost of installation, solar power is not a practical solution in all situations and should be assessed based on several criteria in order to determine practicality and cost effectiveness of installation. This project will provide the basis for a cost-benefit analysis of solar expansion at Cedarville University using a GIS-based analysis of solar panel installation, energy capture potential and the associated costs. The methods by which this cost analysis will be performed is through utilizing existing Greene County LiDAR data to digitally map Cedarville University’s campus in ArcGIS Pro. Using this digital model, roof areas of existing building infrastructure will be assessed for feasibility on criteria such as slope, shadow coverage, and access to year-round sunlight—amongst others. Using these criteria, available area for solar panels will be compiled, and potential for cost savings will be compared to cost of standard installation based. The final product of this project will be estimates of feasibility, costs, and savings for Cedarville University for the coming decades. |
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Visualizing the Correlation Between Lymphoma Cancer Rates and Land Use Types in Ohioby Emma Fitzpatrick (Undergraduate) Research has found that there is a correlation between areas where pesticides are used and increased rates of cancer. Certain studies have found that individuals who live in agricultural lands have increased rates of cancer lymphoma. Lymphoma Cancer is cancer of the lymphatic system and farmers who use the pesticide round-up have been found to have increased levels. The objective of this project is to visualize the correlation between lymphoma cancer rates and four different land use types in Ohio. The objective is to find and collect data on rates of lymphoma cancer in Ohio. The next step will be to find land use type data for Ohio. The land use types will then be classified into 4 categories as follows: Rural land without agriculture, rural lands with agriculture, urban lands that are nonadjacent to agriculture, and urban lands that are adjacent to agriculture. The successful completion of this project will include four different maps that represent the four different land use types and their corresponding lymphoma cancer rates. |
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Geospatial Approaches to Assess Green Space Development Potential in the Greater Dayton Areaby Anna Check (Undergraduate) Green Spaces, such as urban agricultural land, pollinator gardens, and scenic parks, are crucial for city infrastructure. Both the surrounding community and the environment benefit from the implementation of these designated spaces. Green spaces can serve the community by creating an outlet for mental and physical health and provide opportunities for fresh produce production in low access communities. Green spaces are also important for the environment by acting as air purification, attractions to natural pollinators and animals, habitat corridors to prevent intercity fragmentation, and serve as riparian zones preventing runoff and water damage to cement foundations. Due to Dayton’s high population concentration and distribution of food deserts, the goal of this geospatial analysis is to determine optimal sites for green space implementation based on Dayton demographic and parcel data. Data such as grocery store walking distance, sidewalk networks, air quality, appraised buildings, and percent impermeable surfaces will be extracted from data sources such as Esri Data Hub, USGS, and local government data sources. Utilizing geospatial analysis tools and methods in ArcGIS Pro (Esri, Inc. Redlands, CA) to generate potential sites. These locations will be further optimized by conducting a networking analysis to determine the reach of the sites. The method and identified areas/parcels will be shared with the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission for their consideration. |
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Creating a Heat Island Map for Dayton, Ohio Using Land-Surface Temperatures and Geospatial Analysis.by Hannah Weirick (Undergraduate) Urban heat island maps are necessary for cities to use and understand when protecting the health and welfare of the citizens. These maps aid in the identification of areas dealing with extreme heat from the “urban heat island effect.” The “urban heat island effect” comes from excessive gain and retention of heat by urban infrastructure such as: concrete, asphalt, buildings and roads. Compared to adjacent rural areas, or urban green spaces these areas will have increases in energy consumption and costs, discomfort, potential health risks and poor health outcomes. There are many cities that can therefore benefit from the use and creation of heat island maps, including Dayton, Ohio. This study aims to create a heat island map for Dayton to use to navigate and address problems that can arise in the city due to excessive heat, by identifying the locations that would benefit from green spaces and vegetation to decrease energy consumption and costs, discomfort, and heat related illnesses. With Digital Elevation Models, CIR-image raster data, concrete vector layers, and meteorological data, calculations will be made to determine land surface temperature (LST) for a 2D environment. It combines the results of all surface to atmosphere activities and energy fluxes from the ground to the atmosphere. Data from the Midwestern Regional Climate Center will be used to collect raw climate data for the LST equation for the variability in the heat map. Using ArcGIS Pro geoprocessing, layers will be used to identify green space possibilities. Through the creation of this map, Dayton will be able to better serve its visitors, citizens, and wildlife. |
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eDNA and Southwestern Ohio Freshwater Fishby Emma Dillon (Undergraduate), Jack Kinsey (Undergraduate), Connor Cavey (Undergraduate), Dr. Mark Gathany (Faculty) Throughout the course of this project, we developed a protocol for environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling and analysis for further use studying fish species in Ohio freshwater streams. eDNA is composed of trace DNA samples left behind by organisms. By sampling, purifying, and analyzing this DNA, researchers can get a picture of the species diversity in an area. Sampling eDNA is significantly less invasive than traditional surveying methods, leading to better conservation of delicate habitats and also superior results when looking for elusive species, such as the Eastern Hellbender. In this project, water samples were collected and filtered in the field. The filters were then brought back from the lab, the DNA extracted and then amplified using a primer set for the 12s mitochondrial region of bony fish. From there, the samples are sequenced. To further develop the protocol, projected tests are using in-situ samples with known fish species as positive controls, as well as transitioning to using better sequencing and analysis techniques. We hope that our protocol will now be suitable for use on a wider and repeatable scale. Specifically, it can be used in undergraduate labs to teach this newly emerging technique to students, giving them a competitive advantage in the workforce. Further work includes using the protocol to effectively monitor and research southwest Ohio freshwater fish communities. Moreover, this protocol will be reevaluated and improved upon into the future. |
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Developing a Digital Twin of Cedarville University, CedarBlock Universityby Caleb Miller (Undergraduate) Minecraft is a widely popular video game that can create large maps of whatever the player wants. In recent years, technological advances like LiDAR have made capturing the heights of buildings easier than ever before. I want to combine LiDAR data with Minecraft’s capabilities to incorporate Cedarville University into Minecraft. I collected USGS LiDAR data of Cedarville University and converted that data into a raster file after converting the .LAZ files into .LAS format. This was converted to a raster and exported as a .TIFF file using ArcGIS Pro. I used a third-party program, World Painter, in Minecraft. At the time of writing, I had successfully imported the raster into Minecraft and begun scaling the campus and buildings for a realistic, 3-D appearance, though further work is needed. The resulting product will allow people to explore Cedarville University’s digital twin, CedarBlock University, from the comfort of their own homes and their favorite video game. |
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PhenoCam Feasibility: A Proposal to Fill a Regional Data Gap with the Cedarville Prairieby Kaitlyn Sensenig (Undergraduate), Dr. Mark Gathany (Faculty) Phenology is the study of the timing and sequence of biological phenomena. Particular attention is often given to documenting plant and animal natural history as it relates to their life history. Plant phenology observations focus on the development of photosynthetic capacity and “leaf out” as well as flower and fruit production. In 2008 there was a concerted effort to develop a globally distributed network of cameras that continuously monitor and document phenological change. Upon investigating the PhenoCam network we discovered that there are only two sites in Ohio, both in the far northeast corner of the state. This presented an opportunity for us to evaluate the feasibility of filling a data gap in this network as well as to assess expected phenology trends based our proposed site’s location relative to other sites at similar latitude and longitude. We identified a series of six sites within one-degree latitude stretching across the Great Plains and terminating at the Prairie Restoration Site at Cedarville University that is the eastern extent of the Prairie Peninsula. Additionally, we identified a series of five sites within one-degree longitude with the proposed site being in the center of this north-south transect. By utilizing data collected from these sites, we were able to approximate the potential dates that the Cedarville Prairie will reach 10%, 25%, and 50% of the greenness curve for both increasing and decreasing levels. The Prairie would be expected to reach 10% between days 102 and 105, 25% between 111 and 113, and 50% between 120 and 122 for period of increasing greenness. For decreasing greenness, anticipated days would be 10% between days 289 and 299, 25% between 279 to 293, and 50% between 264 to 283. Each of these ranges are estimated using data compared from locations of similar latitude and longitude. We look forward to deploying a PhenoCam to validate these predictions and fill this data gap. |
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Estimating Aboveground Net Primary Productivity (NPP) and Environmental Controls in the Cedarville University Prairie Restoration (2008 - 2024)by Dr. Mark Gathany (Faculty) Net primary production, annual plant growth, establishes the base of both the consumer and detrital food chains. It is known to respond strongly to numerous environmental conditions with particular factors being more or less significant depending upon the plant community. The Great Plains of the United States have some of the most fertile soil in the world. Historical records and field validation led us to understand that there was once a great Prairie Peninsula that extended to the east across Illinois and Indiana and reaching into western Ohio. In 1999, Dr. John Silivius seeded prairie grass on what had been a fallow row-crop field on Cedarville University's campus. Each fall since 2009 students in advanced ecology courses have collected samples and estimated the NPP of our restored prairie and sought to assess what environmental factors were controlling the productivity. Averaging over all years, plots, and treatments the prairie has a mean (+/- SE) NPP = 741 +/- 18.1 g m-2 yr-1. Initial analysis revealed a positive response to increased mean annual precipitation and a weak negative response to increased mean annual temperatures. Ongoing analyses will assess the response to lagged climatic effects and response to prescribed fire treatments. |
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Soil Organic Matter Responses to Prairie Restoration, Conservation Reserve Program, and Active Agriculture in Southwest Ohioby Dr. Mark Gathany (Faculty) Soil stores more carbon than the atmosphere and all biota combined. The active study and management of soil organic matter is of particular due to this fact along with its capacity to increase soil fertility and agricultural yields. The objective of this study was to compare how soil organic matter responded to different types of management. We drew samples from three locations: a restored prairie, a field recently enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, and an active row crop field. We used loss-on-ignition to combust dried, sieved soil samples at 400 degrees C so as to oxidize all the organic matter and calculate the mass loss as %OM. Our results show that the prairie restoration site had a significantly (p < 0.05) greater SOM content than the other sites' samples. We anticipate continued monitoring of these sites as well as to identify other CRP fields from which to make further comparisons and to better understand soil organic matter recovery. |
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Volume of a Potential Ancient Lake in the Colorado Plateau Basinby Andrew Floyd (Undergraduate) The Bidahochi Basin, located in the southern Colorado Plateau, is a structural depression primarily bounded by the Mogollon Rim and Kaibab Uplift, filled with Miocene-Pliocene lacustrine sedimentary strata. These deposits, primarily preserved in the diatremes and maars of the Hopi Buttes volcanic field, were initially interpreted as smaller playa-like lakes (~7000 km³). Recent findings such as tufa deposits and shoreline terraces at 1800-2000 m elevation ~75 km from the Hopi Buttes suggest a much larger lake. Others have estimated this "Hopi Lake" to have a volume up to 30,000 km³. It has been hypothesized that this large lake contributed to the carving of the Grand Canyon by catastrophically overflowing the Kaibab Uplift. To better constrain the volume of the basin, a comprehensive map was created using Google Earth Pro and ArcGIS Pro. The basin outline was initially defined at the 1860 m contour, with subsequent analysis performed on merged raster data from USGS EarthExplorer. Key elevation contours (1600, 1800, 1860, 1950, 2000, and 2100 m) were selected based on prior research, and volume calculations were made using ArcGIS’s “Surface Volume” tool. Geological map units of volcanic and lacustrine deposits were also incorporated. Our analysis suggests that Hopi Lake extended further north than previously thought, reaching from the Grand Canyon's mouth to as far north as Moab, Utah, at every investigated elevation. Using the 1800 m contour, the basin reached the Uinta Mountains. Additional “basins” also appeared in Glen Canyon, Monument Valley, and west of Canyonlands National Park, with a potential outlet opening across the Cockscomb (Kaibab Uplift, Utah). Using the 1860 m contour, the shoreline runs along the Hopi Buttes, and above 2000 m, another potential outlet occurs north of the San Francisco volcanic field. At the 1860 m contour, the lake had a volume of ~40,000 km³. Breaching of much smaller ancient lakes such as Missoula and Bonneville created extensive canyon systems. Field investigations at proposed outlets or shorelines could further clarify Hopi Lake’s extent and geologic history. |
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Intensity of Welding in the Wineglass Welded Tuff, Mount Mazama, Oregon, Determined by XCT Analysisby Micah Beachy (Undergraduate) Welded tuff is a common volcanic rock type. When hot ash and other pyroclastic material builds up around a volcano, it will weld together if the debris is hotter than the glass transition temperature (Tg). Tg varies based on the composition of the source magma but is generally at least 600 °C. At this temperature, ash-sized glass shards begin to cohere, tuff deposit volume and porosity decrease, and deposit interiors become progressively deformed. Any pumice clasts become flattened and are then known as fiamme. Quane and Russell (2005) proposed a 6-tier semi-quantitative classification of welding intensity based on physical characteristics of tuff including petrographic texture, density, porosity, point load strength, uniaxial compressive strength, and fiamme oblateness. Rank I, the lowest, consists of undeformed pumice lapilli in a loosely-packed, unconsolidated matrix, while Rank VI is obsidian-like vitrophyre. The Wineglass Welded Tuff (WWT) is an orange, rhyodacitic (70% SiO2) welded pyroclastic density current (PDC, also known as ash flow) deposit from the single-vent phase of the climactic eruption of Mount Mazama. It is thickest and most intensely welded in paleotopographic lows near the caldera (crater) rim. In many places, the WWT was eroded down to rather densely welded tuff by PDCs from the subsequent ring-vent phase. The more intensely welded it was at that time, the more energy it would have taken for the later PDCs to erode it. Therefore, understanding how intensely welded the WWT was will aid our understanding of the erosive power of PDCs, facilitating better emergency response and planning with regards to modern volcanic hazards. In this project we use Avizo™ software to identify fiamme and measure their oblateness in X-ray computed tomography (XCT) scans of WWT samples. Preliminary oblateness values correspond to a welding intensity of II in the scheme of Quane and Russell (2005). Their definition of Rank II states that deposits are rendered coherent by some intraclast adhesion but pumice lapilli and ash remain undeformed. We interpret this as a minimum rank; examination of hand samples leads us to believe the true rank may be higher. |
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The role of mRNA vaccines post Covid-19by Nathan Spottswood (Undergraduate) I aim to discuss the future of mRNA vaccines, and their applications to different diseases, post their use for Covid-19. I plan to discuss their mode of action, potential use for other ailments such as cancer and HIV, and their implications for outbreak preparedness and epidemiology. |
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Quinoxaline Synthesis for Developing Chemists: An Experiment in Imine Chemistry for Second-Semester Organic Chemistry Studentsby Heather Boyle (Undergraduate), Kari Hovan (Undergraduate), Corbin Maurice (Undergraduate), Sylvia Rice (Undergraduate), Taylor Ross (Undergraduate), Emilie Smith (Undergraduate), Evan Tracy (Undergraduate), Dr. Nina Sekerak (Faculty) Imine reactions are often reversible, presenting a difficulty to an undergraduate organic chemistry experiment. The irreversible synthesis of quinoxalines, however, allows students to isolate the product. This poster describes the development of an undergraduate laboratory procedure that utilizes imine condensation in the synthesis of a quinoxaline derivative. Diketone starting materials were varied as were acid catalysts and solvents. The procedure calls for students to perform fundamental laboratory techniques, monitor reaction progress via thin layer chromatography, and analyze the product by NMR and mass spectra. |
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TMP enhances phagocytosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm associated cellsby Hailey Faulkner (Undergraduate), Dr. Kaleb Pauley (Faculty), Dr. Tracy Collins (Faculty) Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that causes infection in immunocompromised individuals. This organism forms complex communities attached to abiotic and biotic surfaces. Within these biofilms the cells are protected from antibiotics and the immune system. Previous studies have shown that biofilms treated with the porphyrin 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methyl-pyridino)-21H,23H-porphine, tetra-p-tosylate salt (TMP) were more permeable to antibiotics than those treated with antibiotics alone. The current study was conducted to determine if TMP also enhances the ability of macrophages to penetrate P. aeruginosa biofilms. Human THP-1 cells were differentiated into macrophages. Static biofilms were treated with 225µM of TMP without photoactivation for 15 min prior to the addition of macrophages for 5 h. Standard plate count methods were used to determine the cell viability of attached cells. When treated with TMP and macrophages, there was a 2-log10 reduction in cell viability compared to a 1-log10 reduction when biofilms were treated with macrophages only. Additionally, there was a decrease in TNF-α production when P. aeruginosa biofilms are treated with TMP compared to untreated biofilms. These results indicate that treating P. aeruginosa biofilms with TMP may increase biofilm permeability, making cells more susceptible to the host immune system. Furthermore, this treatment also alters the inflammatory response through a reduction in TNF-α. |
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Investigating the effects of miR-145 restoration on cell proliferation in glioblastomaby Hailey Faulkner (Undergraduate), Lauren Miley (Undergraduate), Dr. Kaleb Pauley (Faculty) Glioblastoma is the most common form of malignant brain tumor. It is a rapidly invasive form of cancer that impacts nerve endings in the brain. Its aggressive nature and resistance to therapeutic treatments make it highly lethal. Researchers have focused their studies on identifying the signaling pathways of glioma, and it has been found that glioblastoma presents with lowered expression of miR-145. MicroRNA (miRNA) regulates gene expression and cell proliferation. MicroRNA interacts with the 3’ untranslated region of its target mRNA, thereby stopping translation and initiating mRNA degradation. Studies have shown that a decreased expression of miR-145 can impact cell proliferation. Our goal was to restore miR-145 in various glioblastoma cell lines and compare their cell proliferation rates to those with normal expression of miR-145. We hypothesized that miR-145 restoration would decrease glioblastoma cell proliferation. |
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The Effects of a Cationic Prophyrin on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum-Sensing and Biofilmsby Lilly Campbell (Undergraduate), Robert Larsen (Undergraduate), Sarah Philip (Undergraduate), Rachel Powers (Undergraduate), Sam Randall (Undergraduate), Sophia White (Undergraduate), Katie White (Undergraduate), Dr. Tracy Collins (Faculty) Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that forms complex communities known as biofilms. These biofilms are medically significant forming on abiotic surfaces such as medical devices, implants, and catheters, and biotic surfaces including the skin, urinary tract, and lungs. Within the biofilm, the cells are surrounded by extrapolymeric substances which protect them from antimicrobial agents. Because it is difficult to eradicate biofilms with antibiotics alone, alternative forms of treatment such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been implemented. PDT uses a photosensitizer, light, and oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species that destroy the bacterial cells. Previous studies have shown that treating biofilms with the photosensitizer 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methyl-pyridino)-21H,23H-porphine, tetra-p-tosylate salt (TMP) without photoactivation prior to the addition of tobramycin enhanced killing of biofilm associated cells in comparison to antibiotics alone. In this study, we examined whether TMP enhanced the antimicrobial action of the antibiotic amikacin. Static biofilms were grown for 24 h and then treated with 225 µM of TMP for 15 min. Following pretreatment with TMP, amikacin was added to biofilms for 2 h. Standard plate counts revealed that there was a 2.7-log10 reduction in cell viability when biofilms were treated with TMP and amikacin compared to a 1.7-log10 reduction with amikacin alone. Because biofilm formation is regulated by quorum sensing, the effect of TMP on the expression of lasI (autoinducer synthase gene) was examined. RT-PCR showed that there was a 76% reduction in lasI expression in the presence of 225µM of TMP. These results indicate that TMP may act as a quorum-sensing inhibitor against P. aeruginosa. Additionally, the combination therapy of TMP and antibiotics may be a suitable alternative to treating deep tissue infections not readily accessible by PDT. |
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An Examination of the Mechanism of TMP Quorum Sensing Inhibition in Pseudomonas aeruginosaby Elijah Berryhill (Undergraduate), Ava Chaboya (Undergraduate), Abiya Evangelin (Undergraduate), Claudia Gemmel (Undergraduate), Sarah Philip (Undergraduate), Fernanda Pirez (Undergraduate), Dr. Tracy Collins (Faculty) Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibits cell-to-cell communication known as quorum-sensing. This type of communication is regulated by the production of quorum-sensing molecules (QSM) known as autoinducers. Gram-negative bacteria, such as P. aeruginosa, specifically use acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) as their autoinducers which are produced by enzymes called synthases (eg. LasI). When a particular population density is reached, these AHLs bind to a transcriptional regulator (e.g. LasR) that controls the expression of genes involved in producing virulence factors and biofilms. Because biofilms are difficult to eradicate with antibiotics alone, alternative treatment options have been explored. Among these alternative treatments is using a combination of quorum-sensing inhibitors (QSI) and antibiotics to destroy biofilms. Previous research has shown that 5, 10, 15, 20-tetrakis(1-methyl-pyridino)-21H, 23H-porphine, tetra-p-tosylate salt (TMP) enhances the antimicrobial action of antibiotics against P. aeruginosa biofilm associated cells. In addition, this research indicated that TMP reduced expression of lasI. The current study was conducted to determine the mechanism of this reduction. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to reveal if TMP prevents expression of lasI by binding to the gene. In addition, exogenous AHLs were added to biofilms to see if they prevented TMP from enhancing the antimicrobial activity of gentamicin. If in fact TMP acts as a QSI, it may be a useful compound to treat individuals suffering with P. aeruginosa infections. |
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MicroRNA Expression in Freeze-Tolerant Frogs during the Freeze Responseby Abigail Hall (Undergraduate), Dr. Kaleb Pauley (Faculty) During the winter, the grey tree frog (Dryophytes versicolor) can freeze about half the water in its body and thaw when spring arrives. In this frozen state, it must dramatically slow its metabolism to survive, which means it needs effective methods of regulating energy-expensive pathways such as the cell cycle. miRNA, a species of noncoding RNA, can regulate these pathways by binding to mRNA transcripts and preventing their translation. This study explores the role of microRNA (miRNA) in mediating the freeze response of the grey tree frog. In this study, we harvest the liver tissue from grey tree frogs either before, during, or after freezing and isolate the total miRNA from the tissue. The miRNA is then analyzed to measure the expression of three specific miRNA transcripts: miR-181a, miR-206, and miR-101. So far, the results indicate that there is not a significant change in the expression of miR-181a or miR-101 during the freeze response, but there may be an increase in the expression of miR-206, which may act as a tumor suppressor in humans, during both freezing and thawing. Understanding the role of miRNA in regulating the cell cycle increases our knowledge of the function of miRNA and the cell cycle itself. This has significant medical applications, such cancer research and the use of miRNAs such as miR-206 in cancer therapy. |
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Phage PP7 Prevents Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Formationby Sarah Kinder (Undergraduate), Dr. Jessica Geyer (Faculty), Dr. Tracy Collins (Faculty) Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a disease caused by a mutation of the CFTR gene. Individuals with this disorder have defective chloride channels leading to viscous secretions in the respiratory tract, GI tract, and sweat glands. These viscous secretions provide a nutrient rich breeding ground for opportunistic pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cystic fibrosis patients suffer from persistent infections when P. aeruginosa colonizes the surface of their lungs forming complex communities known as biofilms. In the biofilm, cells are encased in extrapolymeric substance (EPS) that protect the cells from the host immune system and antimicrobial agents. Because it is difficult to eradicate biofilms using antibiotics, alternative forms of treatment such as bacteriophage therapy have been pursued. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and can be classified as either lytic or lysogenic phage. During the lytic cycle, bacteriophage infects the cell, replicates using the host machinery, and destroys the host cell. In this study, we are using the phage PP7 phage that specifically infects P. aeruginosa through Type IV pili. The effects of phage PP7 on P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm formation was assessed by combining equal volumes of bacterial cells to phage and growing them statically in polystyrene for 24 h. Cell viability was determined using standard plate count methods. In the presence of phage PP7, there was a 91% reduction in cell viability compared to untreated cells. These results indicate that phage PP7 can prevent P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm formation. Furthermore, pretreatment of CF patients with phage PP7 may be a useful method to prevent lung infections by P. aeruginosa. |
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L. rhamnosus Extracts Inhibit Pyocyanin Production in P. aeruginosa through Expression of phnzBby Matthew Lacey (Undergraduate), Dr. Tracy Collins (Faculty) Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium which can cause several serious infections such as septicemia, pneumonia or UTIs. They are one of the most common nosocomial infections, affecting those with cancer, cystic fibrosis, HIV, and others that are immunocompromised. P. aeruginosa employs a variety of virulence factors including exotoxin A, proteases, and pyocyanin. Pyocyanin can damage DNA, cause neutrophil apoptosis, and produce harmful reactive oxygen species. A bacterium found in the intestines which helps gut and immune health called Lactobacillus rhamnosus has antimicrobial properties. This study examined the effects of L. rhamnosus extracts on pyocyanin production in P. aeruginosa. In the presence of L. rhamnosus extracts, there was a decrease in pyocyanin production. In addition, the effects of these extracts on phzB expression were determined using RT-PCR. There was a 40% decrease in phzB expression when cells were grown with L. rhamnosus extracts. Utilizing the antimicrobial properties of a natural, friendly bacterium like L. rhamnosus could be helpful by regulating the phzB gene in P. aeruginosa that is involved in pyocyanin production. |
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Advancing Avian Egg Classification: New Dimensionless Shape Descriptors from Image Processing Techniquesby Luke Van Grouw (Undergraduate), Elizabeth Eidsmoe (Undergraduate), Abby Gosselink (Undergraduate), Dr. Robert Paris (Faculty), Dr. Mohan Pereria (Faculty) For over seventy years, the geometry of avian eggs has intrigued scientists from various fields. Although there have been ongoing efforts to develop better analytical formulas to describe the shapes of different types of avian eggs, none have been successful to date. Researchers have also attempted to categorize avian eggs based on their shapes and to correlate these shapes with nesting sites. In this study, we demonstrate the application of modern image processing techniques to introduce several new dimensionless shape descriptors for classifying avian eggs. We analyzed eggs from thirty different species, highlighting significant variations in their shapes and comparing our findings with existing classifications. |
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Effect of Bacteriophage on an Ampicillin Resistant E. coli Strainby Matthew Huffman (Undergraduate), Samuel Clark (Undergraduate), Logan Nigro (Undergraduate), Lydia Jang (Undergraduate), Dr. Jessica Geyer (Faculty) Due to an increasing global crisis of multidrug resistant pathogens, there is a need for alternatives to antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Bacteriophages (also known as phage or Φ) are viruses whose hosts are bacteria and show promise as a therapeutic option. Previous research has suggested that there is a potential tradeoff between bacterial antibiotic resistance and susceptibility to phage infection. We hypothesized that plasmid induced antibiotic-resistant strains of Escherichia coli would have either the same, or increased susceptibility to E. coli specific coliphage. E. coli was induced into competency through a CaCl2 protocol and transformed with a plasmid containing ampicillin resistance. An overnight culture of a wild type strain of E. coli and a plasmid induced ampicillin resistant strain were grown against coliphage for 24 hours. Bacterial cells were centrifuged to remove any bacteriophage present in solution and resuspended with LB broth. Cultures were plated and tested against 10µg/mL of ampicillin for 24 hours and zones of inhibition were measured in millimeters. Exposure to bacteriophage appeared to sensitize bacteria to ampicillin, supporting that there may be a genetic trade off contributing to restoration of antibiotic susceptibility. The ability to reinstate antibiotic sensitivity may allow clinicians the capability to treat once resistant bacterial infections. Further research is needed to confirm these effects and expand the scope of this study. The information discovered in this experiment can be applied to future medical developments toward fighting antibiotic resistant bacteria, creating one possible solution to the antibiotic resistance crisis. |
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Assessing Heavy Metal Contamination from Historic Coal Mining in Nelsonville, OHby Mia Ingram (Undergraduate) Abandoned underground coal mines pose significant risks to local environmental and public health. When left unaddressed, exposed sulfides in coal mine waste can oxidize to produce acidic solutions, primarily sulfuric acid. The sulfuric acid can then leach heavy metals from local rock and allow the metals to be transported through local streams and runoff, leading to heavy metal contamination in water and soil. Such contamination can yield negative effects on plant and wildlife health and may also result in severe health risks for the local population. Southeast Ohio is home to numerous abandoned underground coal mines, including several in Nelsonville, OH. For this project, a study area was selected in Nelsonville along Mine Road, a relatively low-lying area that receives runoff from four mines. A total of nine soil and stream sediment samples were collected throughout the study area, along with one control sample outside the study area. The samples were then prepared and sent to the Research Analytical Laboratory at the University of Minnesota for elemental analysis by ICP-OES. The results of the analysis were then used to determine whether waste from past mining has led to significant heavy metal contamination of local soil and waterways. |
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Can Glioblastoma Cell Proliferation be Slowed by miR-449?by Charles Henry (Undergraduate), Matthew Lacey (Undergraduate), Elijah Mullucey (Undergraduate), Logan Nigro (Undergraduate), Bethany Ziegler (Undergraduate), Dr. Caleb Pauley (Faculty) 1 in 10,000 people are diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme each year and right now it’s a death sentence for 94% of people in under five years. It’s the most malignant type of primary central nervous system tumor and they typically metastasize before they are diagnosed. Earlier diagnosis is critical because it is perhaps the hardest type of brain cancer to treat. Noninvasively testing the irregular expression of a specific microRNA, miR-449 may be the answer. Dysregulation of microRNA has been shown to increase tumor growth, metastasis, tumorigenesis, and decrease apoptosis in many cancers including glioblastoma. Due to the effects miR-449 has on these tumor cells, a down regulation of miR-449 in glioblastoma leads to a rapid growth of these tumors. Various forms of cancer treatment are not feasible for glioblastoma primarily due to the medicine diffusion regulation qualities of the blood brain barrier. Through this literature review it is shown that increasing the amounts of miR-449 leads to a decrease in glioblastoma cell growth. |
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Investigating Heavy Metals as A Pollutant in the Hagar Strawboard Mill Wastewater Pond Sites, Greene County Ohioby Zachary Moorman (Undergraduate) The Hagar Strawboard Mill was located along Massie Creek in central Greene county, Ohio and operated from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. The mill used three settling ponds to dispose of the wastewater from the strawboard and paper manufacturing process. The now dry pond beds show signs of polluted soil, such as flora growth inhibition, low species richness, and bare soil patches in direct sunlight. The process used at the mill required large amounts of sulfur, which almost certainly came from Sicilian volcanic deposits that are known to contain high levels of mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. The following questions drove the study: (1) are heavy metals present in the soil originating from waste materials, and (2) if present, are the concentrations high enough to be a cause of inhibited plant growth? Three samples were taken from each wastewater pond, beginning at the pond’s drainage point and moving 5 meters away with each sample taken. The sampling method involved the use of a slide hammer soil core sampler with a 12” long and 2” diameter cylindrical sampler cup. A control site was chosen along a branch of Massie Creek that has no history of mills using the stream and is at the same stratigraphic layer as the ponds. Samples were processed and then analyzed with ICP-OES by the University of Minnesota Research Analytical Laboratory. Preliminary investigation found that the arboreal species richness of each pond is low, with Populus deltoides (cottonwood) as the sole mature species. In comparison, the control site has a higher arboreal species richness, with mature examples of Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore), Juglans nigra (eastern American black walnut), Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust), Quercus bicolor (swamp white oak), and P. deltoides. This initial finding suggests that the soils of the pond sites are contaminated, as low species richness is an indication of pollution. |
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What Role Did Post-Flood Lakes Play in the Geomorphology of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado Plateau?by Dr. John Whitmore (Faculty) As continents and mountains rose after Noah’s Flood, there was an opportunity for lakes to form in the basins that were created in areas of tectonic uplift. Many modern lakes are commonly found in such areas. It is widely recognized that the Colorado Plateau rose because of the shallow subduction of the eastward moving Farallon Plate under the North American Plate. This produced a variety of tectonic basins in western North America, including the Colorado Plateau, and basins within and surrounding the Plateau. Lake deposits in the vicinity of the Colorado Plateau have been identified using geological criteria and include the San Juan Basin, Fossil Basin, Greater Green River Basin, Uinta Basin, Piceance Creek Basin, Claron Basin, Flagstaff Basin, and the Bidahochi Basin (containing Hopi Lake). The basin fills (lacustrine and fluvial deposits) are approximately Eocene in age, except for the Pliocene to Late Neogene Bidahochi Formation, which may overlie some of the eroded remnants of the earlier basins. Lakes that overtop dams can have a significant role in geomorphology as established by well-recognized failures of ancient Lake Bonneville (Snake River Canyon, Idaho) and Lake Missoula (Channeled Scabland, Washington), which are just outside of the region of interest. Several authors have wondered whether Hopi Lake may have breached an East Kaibab Monocline dam to form the Grand Canyon, an idea that is becoming more plausible among both conventional and creationist geologists. Could Eocene lakes have also played a role in the geomorphology of the Colorado Plateau prior to the filling of Hopi Lake? |
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Points of Interest for Maned Sloth Conservationby Cole McKinney (Undergraduate) The Maned Sloth is a species of three toed sloth. It is split into two subspecies, the Northern Maned Sloth (Bradypus torquatus) and Southern Maned Sloth (Bradypus crinitus). They live in the southern coastal forests of Brazil. The Maned Sloth is listed as a vulnerable species due to its habitat loss and fragmentation. This habitat loss came from heavy logging and continues due to rising urbanization and road construction. This habitat loss is magnified because of the fragmentation of their habitat loss, which makes it more difficult and dangerous to find food or mates. In order to combat this fragmentation and loss of habitat researchers have been finding ways to make sloth safe crossings above roads. These bridges not only help reconnect sloth territories but are beneficial to other species such as monkeys. The objective of this project is to locate points of fragmentation in the habitat in order to create sloth bridges in optimal locations. The analysis will begin by compiling data on the road networks within their range and locate reports on sloths hit by vehicles along these roads. The outcome of this analysis will help to further the conservation of these species. |
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Chironomid Midge Larvae Distribution in Eastern Ohio Streams in Early Springby Allison Claire (Undergraduate), Aaron Jones (Undergraduate), Kit Lason (Undergraduate), Ryan Schmechel (Undergraduate), Dr. Michael Mendel (Faculty) Chironomidae (Diptera) larvae are present in most freshwater bodies throughout Ohio. Collecting and identifying midges to the lowest taxonomic levels possible, however, occurs infrequently because of the high level of expertise required to identify these insects. Midges can act as important biological indicators of water quality because of their prevalence and also the variety of ways in which these taxa respond to pollution. The objective of this study was to determine the Chironomid midge taxa that occur in eastern Ohio during the early spring. Multi-habitat kick and substrate pick sampling were used to collect midge larvae from flowing water in the Western Allegheny Plateau (WAP) ecoregion in eastern Ohio. The sampling occurred between mid-March and mid-April. Mouthparts and other morphological structures were examined under a compound microscope to identify the midge larvae. The locations of the midge species collected were mapped in the WAP using the Geographic Information System. Rarefaction and extrapolation curves (including associated confidence intervals) for midge species richness for the WAP were developed using the software program EstimaeS. Several different diversity indices were used to estimate and compare midge species diversity. |
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Rare Early Spring Midge (Chironomidae: Diptera) Taxa of Eastern Ohioby Abigail Paulding (Undergraduate), Kieran Rayfield (Undergraduate), Leah Sallee (Undergraduate), Carlo Vivenzio (Undergraduate), Dr. Michael Mendel (Faculty) The overall purpose of this survey is to determine which midge taxa occur in Ohio during the spring, as well as where these taxa are located geographically. Midges are difficult to identify to genus and species; a compound microscope must be used to examine mouthparts and other morphological structures. Midges were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible using the most recent dichotomous keys found in the scientific literature. Midges were collected using multi-habitat kick and substrate pick sampling from small to mid-size streams in the Western Allegheny Plateau ecoregion from mid-March to mid-April. For the most part, the collection results for each sampling method were kept separate for each stream to determine the taxa collected with each method. Some taxa were collected infrequently. For example, Paracladius sp. was collected from only one stream, located in Licking County. This genus has previously only been reported from Montana and Wyoming. This species of midge was found in a multi-habitat kick sample which indicates the value of this additional sampling method. This poster discusses the rare midge taxa for eastern Ohio in early spring. |
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Selecting for Rapid Cool-Temperature Germination in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)by Anna Check (Undergraduate), Dawit Mulugeta (Undergraduate), Daniel Ormsbee (Undergraduate), Kaelie Toth (Undergraduate), Hannah Weirick (Undergraduate), Dr. Robert Paris (Faculty) The inheritance of genetic factors involved in the interaction of temperature and germination rates in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is not well understood. Determining if length of germination time is a genetically controlled trait that can be affected through selection has important economic impacts on soybean seed yield. The experiment was designed whereby ten ‘Hutcheson’ soybean seed were rolled up in 46 cm lengths of moistened paper towels and placed in plastic containers to initiate seed germination and maintain a constant moisture level. Half the seed (six rolls) were maintained in at 22°C, while the other half were maintained at 10°C until all of the seed germinated. Within each temperature treatment, the first 20% to germinate were designated as “early-germination”, and the last 20% to germinate were designated as “late-germination.” The early-germination and the late-germination seeds were removed and planted in 3-inch plastic pots containing soilless potting media and placed under grow lights. The seed that germinated between early and late were discarded. The germinated seed, of both early and late germination types, will be grown to maturity, and seed collected for germination analysis. Data analysis will be conducted to determine if there is a correlation between initial seed germination time and F1 seed germination time. These findings could be an important step in identifying a selectable genetic factor that could contribute to increased early-germination in commercial soybean production planted in cool soil temperatures. |
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