18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -i-
Spring 2009
North Carolina State University
Undergraduate Research Symposium
Book of Abstracts
Table of Contents
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
Session 1 ....................................................................................................................... ii
Session 2 .......................................................................................................................xi
ABSTRACTS
Biological Sciences ......................................................................................................... 1
Applied Sciences (Crop, Poultry, Animal, and Horticultural Sciences) ................ 1
Ecology, Environmental, Conservation, Botanical ............................................ 17
Molecular, Biochemical, Genetics, Cell Biology ............................................... 19
Zoology, Physiology, Behavior, Neurobiology ................................................. 36
Design ......................................................................................................................... 43
Engineering and Technology ......................................................................................... 44
Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology ...................................................................... 64
Physical and Mathematical Sciences ............................................................................. 74
EnvironMentors, Garner Magnet High School ............................................................... 84
INDEX ......................................................................................................................... 87
THANKS & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................ 101
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -ii-
Poster Presentations
Session 1
1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Poster # Student Presenter(s) Project Title Faculty Mentor(s)
I, C-23
Evan R. Adamek
Physics
Nanoscale-defined, In-plane
Oriented Molecular Deposition
Hans D. Hallen
Physics
I, A-22
Afreen Allam Biochemistry;
Microbiology
Conjugation of Water Soluble
Carbon Nanotube with Drugs like
Taxol and Gemcitabine
Sabyasachi Sarkar
Chemistry
I, B-13
William C. Andrew
Biological Sciences
Does ATP, Glutamate or NAAG
Affect Glial Cell Number in Rat
Sciatic Nerve?
Robert Grossfeld
Biology
I, B-4
Samantha R. Avery
Zoology
Creating an Alternative to Venom
Gland Excision in Agkistrodon
Contortrix
Harold F. Heatwole
Zoology
Michael K. Stoskopf
Clinical Sciences
I, B-15
Ashton L. Ayers
Nutrition Science
Assessment of First Year College
Students' Nutrition Knowledge and
Eating Behaviors
Stephanie Sobol
Health Promotion
I, A-22
Afreen Allam Biochemistry;
Microbiology
Conjugation of Water Soluble
Carbon Nanotube with Drugs like
Taxol and Gemcitabine
Sabyasachi Sarkar
Chemistry
I, C-15
Sarah Bauer-Nilsen Psychology
A Study of Meta-Analysis
Sharolyn Lane
Psychology
I, B-23
Rachel M. Beard, and
Seth D. McCullen
Biomedical Engineering
Effect of Electrical Stimulation on
the Osteogenic Differentiation of
Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Laura I. Clarke
Physics
Elizabeth G. Loboa
Biology
I, B-24
Aria M. Behrouzi Chemical Engineering
Assessment of Miscanthus Grass for Optimized Bioethanol
Production
Steven Peretti
Chemical Engineering
Ratna Sharma
Biological and
Agricultural Engineering
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -iii-
I, A-2
Emma Buchanan
Animal Science
Follicular Dynamics and Embryo
Field Following Subcutaneous Administration of Follicle
Stimulating Hormone in Holstein
Cows
Peter Farin
Population Health and Pathobiology, College of
Veterinary Medicine
I, A-1
Malissa L. Braxton
Animal Science
Alkanes as Intake Digestibility
Indicators
Gerald B. Huntington
Animal Science
I, C-16
Jordan E. Buck
Sport Management
Collegiate Sport Fans: The Impact
of Socialization on Sport
Consumption
Jonathan M. Casper
Sport Management
I, C-24
Erika E. Burger, Ashley
N. Myers, and Steven G.
Somers
Statistics
Analysis of Water Quality Tests
William F. Hunt, Jr.
Statistics
I, B-25
Andrew B. Butler
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Camless Variable Valve Timing M. K. Ramasubramanian
Mechanical & Aerospace
Engineering
I, B-26
Jacqueline Byrne Biomedical Engineering
Effect of Varying Surfactant Concentrations on Drop Diameter
in Small-Scale Micro Array
Printing
Roger Narayan Biomedical Engineering
I, A-14
Mary T. Burkey
EnvironMentors
An Analysis of Household Carbon
Footprints in the US
Terrie Litzenberger
Forestry and
Environmental Resource
I, A-23
Whitney P. Chrisco
Biological Sciences
Drug A Reduces MMP-9
Expression by Immortalized HCE
Cells
Laura Guogas
Molecular Pharmacology,
Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
I, C-17
John D. Coggin
Communication
The Population Stalemate:
Searching for a Solution after Forty Years of Discourse
William J. Kinsella
Communication
I, A-24
Sara D. Cohen
Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences
Purple Sweet Potato Extract
Enhances Cox-2 Expression and Prostaglandin E2 Formation in
LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells
Gabriel K. Harris
Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -iv-
II, B-16
Kevin M. Daniel Wood and Paper Science
Production of Microfibrillar Cellulose for Use in High Strength
Biocomposites
Richard Venditti Wood and Paper Science
I, B-28
Mark T. Draelos Electrical and Computer
Engineering
Artificial Antenna Tactile Sensor
Edward Grant
Electrical and Computer
Engineering
I, B-29
Kathryn E. Earley and
Kristen E. Roskov
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Electrospinning Nanostructured
Organometallic Polymer Systems
Containing Magnetically-Active Nanoparticles or
Poly(ferrocenylsilanes)
Richard J. Spontak
Chemical and
Biomolecular Engineering
I, A-25
Ginger E. Edwardsen Microbiology
NAD+ Salvage Pathways: NatV
Activity of Phage-Infected Vibrio
parahaemolyticus & Escherichia
coli
Eric S. Miller Microbiology
I, C-18
Brittney Eustache
Parks, Recreation and
Tourism Management
Sport Consumption Interest and
Behaviors of African-American
NASCAR Fans
Michelle Harrolle
Parks, Recreation and
Tourism Management
I, A-15
Donta’ J. Fairey and
Kevin M. Bigsby
Forestry and Environmental Resources
Assessing the Feasibility of Using
Mobile Computing Technology for
Field Data Collection
Stacy A. C. Nelson
Center for Earth
Observation, Forestry and Environmental Resources
I, A-16
Michael B. Gamble
DSA - Durham
Battle of the Hybrids
Matt Todd
NC DENR
I, C-25
Laura K. Gardner
Chemistry
Catalase and Peroxidase Studies of
the KatG Mutants H270C and
H270Y
Reza Ghiladi
Chemistry
I, A-26
R. Kyle Gazdeck and
Plant Biology and Plant
Pathology
Development of an Arabidopsis
thaliana-based Screening Assay for Potential Pathogenicity Impaired
Mutants in Aspergillus flavus
Imara Y. Perera
Plant Biology
Rebecca S. Boston
Plant Biology
Gary A. Payne
Plant Pathology
Andrea L. Dolezal
Plant Pathology
I, A-3
Stephanie L. Gorski Entomology
Evolution of Host Recognition in Pest Moths
Jen Petzold Entomology
Fred Gould
Entomology
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -v-
I, C-26
Jodie Greene Chemistry
Synthesis of G2 Dendrimer
Chris Gorman
Chemistry
I, C-1
Dane A. Grismer
Wood and Paper Science
Characterization of Starch
Microcellular Foam Particle
Formation
Joel J. Pawlak
Wood and Paper Science
I, C-27
Lewis B. Guignard
Physics
Layered Organic Photovoltaics
Harald Ade
Physics
I, A-27
Nadia Hassounah
Zoology
The Effect of Vitamin D on Porcine
Satellite Cell Activity
Chad Stahl
Animal Science
I, C-2
Justin Hicks
In Vitro Biomechanical
Comparison of Internal Spinal
Fixation Techniques on the Canine Lumbosacral Vertebrae
Peter Mente
Biomedical Engineering
I, A-17
Jacob L. Hilton
Plant Biology
Optimization of Seed Germination
in Pyxidanthera barbulata var. brevifolia
Thomas R. Wentworth
Plant Biology
William A. Hoffman
Plant Biology
Wade A. Wall Plant Biology
I, C-19
Samantha L. Hiscock
Psychology
Sustainability, Energy and
Engineering Summer REU: Increasing the Number of
Underrepresented Groups in STEM
Fields
Pamela Martin
Psychology
Avril Smart
Psychology
I, A-28
Kit I. Ho
Molecular and Structural
Biochemistry
Identifying siRNA that Inhibits
Expression of Mouse Follicle
William L. Miller
Molecular and Structural
Biochemistry
I, B-22
Rachael M. Huston
Graphic Design
Designing Performative Science
Materials for Centennial Campus
Middle School
Meredith Davis
Graphic Design
I, B-16
Mangala S. Iyengar
Zoology
Effects of ATP and Glutamate on
Sciatic Nerve Glia
Robert Grossfeld
Biology
Jane L. Lubischer Biology
I, C-20 Brittney Eustache Consumption Behavior of Michelle Gacio Harrolle
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -vi-
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Professional Football Fans in Fan Clubs
Parks Recreation and Tourism Management
I, B-1
Amanda B. Jones
Genetics
PAS Protein Regulation of the
Midline and Tracheal System
Patricia Estes
Genetics
II, C-3
Chris B. Kennedy
Nuclear Engineering
Study of Low Density, Low
Temperature Plasmas Containing
Non-Maxwellian Electron Energy Distribution Functions Using Novel
Langmuir Probe Analysis
Techniques
Steven Shannon
Nuclear Engineering
I, C-28
Samuel G. Kenny
Physics
The Characterization of a Physical
Model of Accretion: SS CYG
John Blondin
Physics
I, B-2
Anthony Kulukulualani Infectious Diseases and
Microbiology
B Lymphocyte Activation Affects the Expression of DC-SIGN and
Co-Stimulatory Molecules
Giovanna Rappocciolo Infectious Diseases and
Microbiology
Mariel Jais Infectious Diseases and
Microbiology
Charles Rinaldo Infectious Diseases and
Microbiology
I, A-18
Devin M. Lancaster EnvironMentors
Carbon Storage in Urban and Rural Loblolly Pine Trees
Shaenfy Greys Environmental
Sciences
Jason Moan
N.C. Forest Service
I, C-21
Janine Largen
College of Management
The Impacts of Consumers’
Internet Information Search
Patterns on Their Purchase Decisions and Welfare
Sangkil Moon
College of Management
I, B-3
Ellen E. Lentz
Plant Biology
Increasing Inositol Lipid Signaling
Alters Starch Metabolism in Plants
Wendy F. Boss
Plant Biology
I, C-4
Nicole M. Lewis
Mechanical and Aerospace
Engineering
Development of an In-situ Video-
Based Monitoring System for Stent Deformation and Migration
Mechanisms
Stefan Seelecke
Mechanical and
Aerospace Engineering
I, C-29
Brandon J. Long Physical and Mathematical
Sciences
UV Resonance Nano-Raman Spectroscopy
Hans D. Hallen Physics
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -vii-
I, C-5
Jacob Majikes
Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Permeability of PET and Recycled
PET Nanocomposites
Richard J. Spontak
Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
I, C-6
Veronica Mbaneme Biological and
Agricultural Engineering
Production of Cellulase Enzymes in Solid Substrate Cultivation for the
Conversion of a Paper Based
Cellulosic Substrate to Fermentable
Sugars
Mari S. Chinn Biological & Agricultural
Engineering
I, B-17
John P. McQuilling and
Seth D. McCullen
Biomedical Engineering; Zoology
Responses of Adult Human
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to
ATP and Electrical Stimulation
Robert Grossfeld
Biology
Jane Lubischer Biology
Elizabeth Loboa
Biomedical Engineering
I, A-4
Heather N. Mendenhall Food, Bioprocessing &
Nutrition Sciences
The Effects of Copper
Concentration on Whey Protein
Isolate Foam Stability
Allen Foegeding
Food, Bioprocessing &
Nutrition Sciences
I, B-4
Robert R. Meyerhoff
Poultry Science
Characterization of Turkey iNOS
and Development of Assays to
Study its Role in Acute Viral Enteritis
Matthew D. Koci
Poultry Science
I, C-7
Tenea M. Miller, Britany
P. Alston, Steven M.
Badawi, and Ruth E.
Brim
Biological and
Agricultural Engineering
Solar Powered Water Heater
Ratna Sharma-Shivappa
Biological and
Agricultural Engineering
I, A-19
Quinn D. Mortell Biology
The Effects of Distance from Habitat Edge and Disturbance on
the Dispersal of the Appalachian
Brown Butterfly
Nick M. Haddad Biology
Laura S. Vogel
Biology
I, B-5
Xiao J. Ni and Stephanie
Bloom
Biochemistry; Molecular
Biomedical Sciences
The Cellular Role of Pitx2 in Left-
Right Asymmetric Gut
Morphogenesis
Mike Dush
Molecular Biomedical
Sciences
Nanette Nascone-Yoder Molecular Biomedical
Sciences
I, A-5
Jessica Nomina Animal Science;
Biological Sciences
Pet Relinquishments at Second Chance Pet Adoptions
Kimberly Ange-van
Heugten
Animal Science
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -viii-
I, C-22
Justine Nomina
Psychology; Business
Management-Marketing
University Responses to Campus
Incidents
Rupert W. Nacoste
Psychology
I, B-18
Hamish S. Patel and
Chandni P. Patel
Zoology
Candidate Axon-Glia Signaling
Agents in Rat Optic Nerve
Robert Grossfeld
Biology
Jane Lubischer Biology
I, B-19
Natalie M. Phillips
Biological Sciences
The Wayne County Food Systems
Initiative: Creating Community Awareness and Sustainable Food
Systems
Sarah L. Ash
Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences
I, A-6
Daniel K. Porter, Isaac
M. Smith, Maureen D.
Matroni-Rakes, Ben R.
Clements, and Weston K.
Vipond
Biological and
Agricultural Engineering
Trailer-Mounted Mixer Design For Combining Hog Lagoon Sludge
and Biomass
J. Mark Rice Biological and
Agricultural Engineering
I, B-20
Jordan S. Pung
Biomedical Engineering;
Biological Sciences
Utility of Insulin-like Growth
Factor-I and RNA:DNA Ratios as
Growth Biomarkers in Fishes
Russell J. Borski
Biological Sciences
I, A-7
Casey Reynolds, Renee
Felice, Heather
Mendenhall, and
Catherine Meng
Food, Bioprocessing, and
Nutrition Sciences
Coffee Flavored, Dairy Based,
Probiotic Beverage
Brian E. Farkas
Food Science
I, A-8
Shahbaz A. Riaz
Biological Sciences, Food
Science
The Effects of Forage Treatments
on Nitrogen Metabolism of Beef
Steers
Gerald Huntington
Animal Science
I, B-6
Whitney L. Richardson
Biological Sciences
Determination of the Effect Genetic
Polymorphisms Have on
Subcellular Localization of the Chicken Mx Protein
Matthew D. Koci
Poultry Science
Rizwanna A. Ali Poultry Science
Chris M. Ashwell
Poultry Science
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -ix-
I, C-8
Kenneth F. Rooks,
Christopher B. Dodd,
Alec S. Happel, and
Christopher B. Kennedy
Nuclear Engineering
Design of an Interrogation System
for Nuclear Proliferation Detection
Hany Abdel-Khalik
Nuclear Engineering
Robin Gardner
Nuclear Engineering
I, B-7
Joseph W. Rose III
Physics
The Effect of Munc18
nSec1 on Syntaxin's Open
Closed States
Keith Weninger
Physics; Biochemistry
I, B-8
Johanna M. Schafer
Microbiology
Construction and Validation of
Mutant Superoxide Reductase to
Serve as a Negative Control in
Genetically Modified Tomato Research
Amy Grunden
Microbiology
I, B-9
Caroline A. Schroeder
Biology
Inhibition of Equine Infectious
Anemia on Feline Cells Treated with Peptide in vitro
Fred J. Fuller
Population Health and Pathobiology
I, A-9
Nikki M. Schweizer
Animal Science
Residual Feed Intake and links
between the Levels of T3, T4, IGF-
I, Progesterone, and Testosterone in
Beef Cattle
Scott Whisnant
Animal Science
I, C-9
Kimberly L. Shearer
Chemical Engineering
Electrospun Nanofibers of
Aliginates for Tissue Scaffolds
Saad Khan
Chemical Engineering
I, A-10
Halli D. Sigal
Animal Science
Coat Shedding Estimation among
Angus Cows and Establishing a
Working Score System
Joe P. Cassady
Animal Science
I, C-10
John C. Sigmon Jr.
Biomedical Engineering
Microfluidic Device for Trapping
and Studying Yeast
Glenn Walker
Biomedical Engineering
I, A-20
Tyler A. Strayhorn Wood and Paper Science
Bioconversion: Analyzing Hardwood and Softwood as
Artificial Soil Matrices
Perry Peralta Wood and Paper Science
I, C-11
Garrett R. Swindlehurst Chemical and
Biomolecular Engineering
Encapsulation of Iron Pyrophosphate Colloids in a
Cellulose Microparticle Matrix
Orlin D. Velev
Chemical and
Biomolecular Engineering
I, B-10
Briana Taylor
Biological Sciences
Characterization of Mutants for
Protein Trafficking Pathways
Marcela Rojas-Pierce
Plant Biology
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -x-
I, A-11
James M. Tyndall and
M. Colter Chitwood Animal Science
Leptin Radioimmunoassay
Validation and Correlation to Body Condition in White Tailed Deer
Shannon Pratt-Philips
Animal Science
Christopher S. DePerno
Fisheries and Wildlife
Sciences
I, B-11
Allison A. Vestal
Plant Biology
Activation Tagging of Gravacin
Hypersensitivity Mutants
Marcela Rojas-Pierce
Plant Biology
I, C-12
Jacob M. Vestal Chemical Engineering;
Nuclear Engineering
Use of Magnetorheological Fluid for Use as a Tunable Mold for
Polymer Processing
Mohamed Bourham
Nuclear Engineering
I, A-12
Andrea G. Watson Animal Science
Diet Digestibility and Efficiency in Beef Cattle
Gerald B. Huntington Animal Science
I, A-21
Abbey L. Williams
EnvironMentors
Land Use and Macroinvertebrates
in Streams
Ann Cutter
General Education: Biology
I, B-12
Stephanie N. Williams
Genetics
Drosophila as a Model for GxE
Iteractions behind Metabolic Syndrome
Laura K. Reed
Genetics
Greg Gibson
Genetics
I, A-13
Benjamin L. Winslow Animal Science
Relationships among Feed Utilization, ADG, Behavior, and
Carcass Ultrasonic Measures in
Angus Heifers
Joseph P. Cassady Animal Science
I, B-21
Lindsey M. Wright
Biological Sciences
Sleeve Gastrectomy in an Obese
Rat Model to Elucidate the
Hormonal Mechanisms behind Obesity
Dana Portenier
Duke University Medical
Center, Department of Surgery
I, C-13
Abdullah Zafar, Curt
Anderson, Maria
Mallner, Chad Morris,
and Nick Stehle
Materials Science and
Engineering
Nitrogen Inductively-coupled
Plasma Source Steven C. Shannon
Plasma Engineering
Mohamed A. Bourham
Plasma & Fusion
Engineering
I, C-14
Katrina L. Zmithrovitch,
Ryan McClellan, and
Raphael Clearfield
Materials Science and
Engineering
Microstructural Control of 7085-T7452 Forgings
Hans Conrad Materials Science and
Engineering
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -xi-
Poster Presentations
Session 2
2:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Poster # Student Presenter(s) Project Title Faculty Mentor(s)
II, B-14
Elizabeth L. Allen, Paul H.
Cameron, David A. Stewart, and
Veronica Mbaneme Biological and Agricultural
Engineering
Residential Green Design
and Development in
Cary, NC
William F. Hunt, III
Biological and
Agricultural Engineering
II, B-1
Anisha R. Anthony and Katelyn
Henderson
Plant Biology
Characterizing the Unfolded Protein
Response in Arabidopsis
Mutants
Imara Perera Plant Biology
Becky Boston
Plant Biology
II, A-1
Britt Austin, Eric Hinson, and
Christopher Moore
Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition
Sciences
Shear Mixer
Homogenization in Ultra-
Pasteurized Whole Milk
Brian Farkas
Food, Bioprocessing, and
Nutrition Sciences
Gary Cartwright
Food, Bioprocessing, and
Nutrition Sciences
II, A-15
Eric J. Ballard
Soil Science, Crop Science,
Agroecology
Soil Fertility
Management in Organic
Cropping Systems
Julie M. Grossman
Soil Science
II, B-15
Ashley G. Brannan, Mark
Sugimoto, Jeremy Nobles, Collen
Madzivanyika, and Riley
Cumberland
Nuclear Engineering
Feasibility of Hydrogen
Production with Nuclear
Energy
Jacob Eapen
Nuclear Engineering
K. L. Murty
Nuclear Engineering
II, D-5
Jennifer L. Cessna Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric
Sciences
Analysis of Summit Plateaus in Western
Mongolia: Uplifted and
Preserved Paleoerosion Surfaces or the
Intersection of
Topography with the
Glacial Buzzsaw?
Karl W. Wegmann Marine, Earth, and
Atmospheric Sciences
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -xii-
II, A-2
Ann C. Coulon-Johnson
Animal Science
Use of Audio Stimulation
to Increase Suckling Piglet Growth and
Survival to Weaning
Joseph P. Cassady
Animal Science
II, A-3
Scott T. Craddock and Lissete
Betancur
Plant Biology
Analyzing Cellulose Synthase (CESA) Gene
Expression and Cell Wall
Thickness in Arabidopsis
Vegetative Trichomes
Candace Haigler Crop Science; Plant
Biology
II, D-6
Rebecca V. Cumbie
Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric
Sciences
A Case Study on Tropical
Cyclone Intensification
Gary M. Lackmann
Marine, Earth, and
Atmospheric Sciences
I, B-16
Roger E. Daniel, Eric J. Jones, and
Jessica L. Sievers Materials Science and Engineering
Inclusion Analysis for
Calcium Treated Grades of Steel
Mike Rigsbee
Materials Engineering;
Keith Dawes
Materials Science and
Engineering
Lew Reynolds
Materials Science and
Engineering
II, C-12
Caitlin R. Daniels Psychology; Biology
Effects of Secondary Tasks on Adaptation
Acquisition, Retention,
and Transfer
Sharolyn A. Lane Psychology
II, B-17
Raleigh L. Davis
Chemical Engineering
Incorporation of Copper
Phthalocyanine
Nanoparticles into Poly(styrene-(ethylene-
co-butylene)-styrene)
(SEBS)
Richard Spontak
Chemical Engineering
II, B-2
Anushri V. Desai and Megan D.
Henley Structural and Molecular
Biochemistry
Regulation of FSHB
Production Using
Doxycycline Gene
Switch
William L. Miller
Structural and Molecular
Biochemistry
II, B-18
Susan Dunn
Civil, Construction, and
Environmental Engineering
Determination of a
Collimated Beam Design
for Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes (UV
LEDs)
Joel Ducoste
Civil, Construction, and
Environmental Engineering
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -xiii-
II, C-1
Kathryn E. Earley, Farshid
Jafarpour, and Corinne E. Rose
Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering
Magnetic Separation in Zero Gravity
Mohamed Bourham
Nuclear Engineering
Lisa Bullard
Chemical and
Biomolecular
Engineering
II, B-3
Christian S. Estes
Poultry Science
Embryo Gene Expression
Profiling during
Developmental Stages Associated with the
Development of
Abnormal Pigmentation
in the Silkie Chicken
Chris M. Ashwell
Poultry Science
Benjamin J. Dorshorst Poultry Science
II, B-4
Kenda T. Freeman Genetics
The Effects of Diet on
Weight in Drosophila
melanogaster: A Genetic and Environmental
Interaction
Laura Reed
Genetics
Owen McMillan Genetics
II, C-13
Joseph P. Gaglione
College of Management
Evaluating the
Effectiveness of Different
Advising Strategies
Al Chen
Accounting
II, B-12
Katherine L. Gleason, and
Samantha L. Frady
Biology
Predation Hazard
Influences Nocturnal
Feeding Activity of
Guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
James F. Gilliam
Biology
Bradley A. Lamphere
Biology
II, D-7
Kristen L. Gore, Nicole J. Bader,
and Marshall G. Gaddis Statistics
Meteorologically-
Adjusted Particulate Matter Trend Analysis
William F. Hunt, Jr.
Statistics
II, C-14
Rashay M. Griggs Psychology
Professional Development and the
Application of Visual
Graphics
Eric N. Wiebe Math, Science and
Technology Education
John Bedward
Math, Science and Technology Education
Lauren Madden
Math, Science and Technology Education
II, A-4
Brandon D. Hall
Animal Science
Digital Infrared Thermal
Imaging and Feed Efficiency in Angus
Bulls
Gerald B. Huntington
Animal Science
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -xiv-
II, D-8
Max M. Hampson Physics
Measuring Aerosol
Optical Thickness via
Diode Laser Extinction
Hans D. Hallen
Physics
C. Russell Philbrick
Physics MEAS
II, A-5
Nicolette M. Harris
Animal Science
Interaction of Host PIAS
Protein with Viral Nsp1
Protein of European Strain PRRS Virus
(PRRSV)
H. C. Sunny
Animal Science
II, B-5
Mallory A. Herbold Biological Sciences
Inhibition of Cytokine Secretion in Human
Monocytes
Emilee H. Fulcher, Research Scientist I,
Molecular
Pharmacology, Inspire Pharmaceuticals
II, D-9
Andrew Hewitt
Physics
Electronic Spectroscopy
of Organic Semiconductors in Planar
Magnetic Junctions
Daniel Dougherty
Physics
II, C-2
David H. Hook, Ryan N. Chan,
Javon Powell, and Patrick Z.
Wong
Materials Science and Engineering
High Temperature, Thin-Film Thermocouples
Keith Dawes
Materials Science and
Engineering
Jon-Paul Maria
Materials Science and
Engineering
II, B-6
Joseph A. Hook
Physics; Biomedical Engineering
Exploration and Analysis
of DNA-elongation
Techniques
Robert Riehn
Physics
Lianne Cartee Biomedical Engineering
II, C-15
Sara S. Hughes
Communication
Acoustic Analysis of
Vowel Productions of Individuals in an
ESL Pronunciation
Program
Daniel A. DeJoy
Communication
II, B-7
Chad M. Hunter
Environmental and Molecular
Toxicology
Identification of
Constitutive and
Inducible Response
Elements in the Human Pregnane X Receptor
(PXR) Gene
Andrew D. Wallace
Toxicology
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -xv-
II, B-13
David A. Hurt Zoology; Biochemistry
The Effect of Size on the Utility of Circulating
Insulin-like Growth
Factor I as a Biomarker for Growth in a Teleost
Fish, the Hybrid Striped
Bass
Russell J. Borski Biology
II, C-3
Lauren C. Jackson, Brian F.
Bender, and Toby V. Tung
Materials Science and Engineering
Reactive Ion Etch
Optimization for
Polysilicon on MEMS Devices
Keith Dawes
Materials Science and
Engineering
George Rozgonyi
Materials Science and
Engineering
II, D-10
Jennifer J. James, Camille A.
Clark, and William J. Rice Statistics
Crustal Matter: Exploring
the Differences between Ambient Air Samples
and Emissions Inventory
William F. Hunt, Jr.
Statistics
II, C-16
Nicole A. Jameson Sport Management
Latino and Non-Latino Consumption Patterns at
a Professional Baseball
Game
Michelle Gacio Harrolle Sport Management
II, D-11
I Wei (Grace) Kan
Chemistry
Correlation of KatG
Mutants to Isoniazid
Resistance in Tuberculosis (TB)
Reza Ghiladi
Chemistry
II, C-4
Carissa L. Lada, Jonathan R.
Pierce, and Joshua S. Harris Materials Science and Engineering
Improving Tracking and
Erosion Resistance Performance of Raysulate
Formula T277
C. Maurice Balik
Materials Science
and Engineering
Keith Dawes
Materials Science
and Engineering
II, A-16
Andrew J. Lawrence Forestry & Environmental
Resources
Evaluation of Crossing Structures for the
Endangered Carolina
Northern Flying Squirrel
Richard Lancia Forestry &
Environmental Resources
II, D-12
Jason T. Leone, Kristen Gore,
and Jamie Pearce
Statistics
Forecasting Wildfires and
Examining the Extent of
Global Climate Change
William F. Hunt, Jr.
Statistics
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -xvi-
II, C-5
John A. Leotaud
Biomedical Engineering
Single Nucleotide
Polymorphism Detection and Characterization
Using Surface Enhanced
Raman Spectroscopy
Gregory S. McCarty
Biomedical Engineering
II, D-13
Adele M. Lichtenberger
Physics
Surfactant Spreading on
Thin Liquid Films
Karen Daniels
Physics
II, C-6
Whitney Lohmeyer
Mechanical and Aerospace
Engineering
New Method for
Calculating Skin Friction
at Transition from Laminar to Turbulent
Boundary Layers
Fred R. DeJarnette
Aerospace Engineering
II, A-6
Madeline M. Markunas Animal Science
The Effects of Small Grain Silage on Lactation
Performance and Milk
Content as an Alternative for Traditional Corn-
based Feeds
Vivek Fellner Animal Science
II, C-17
Maria McDuffie, Latavia Mason,
Curtis Gray, and Gerard
Breaux
Psychology
Qualitative Analysis of Religious Symbolism in
Hip Hop Album Covers
Pamela P. Martin Psychology in the Public
Interest
II, C-7
Suman Medda
Biomedical Engineering
Fabrication of a Middle
Ear Conductance Testing
Apparatus
Roger Narayan
Biomedical Engineering
Shuan Gittard
Biomedical Engineering
II, B-8
Emily G. Medlin Animal Science
Effects of Culture Media and Oxygen Tension on
Cytosine Methylation and
Gene Expression in Preimplantation Mouse
Embryos
Rocio M. Rivera Animal Sciences—
University of Missouri-
Columbia
II, A-17
Jasmine M. Molin Acid Rain
Jennifer Marik Division of Air Quality
II, D-14
Benjamin N. Orbon
Chemistry
AGET ATRP
Polymerization in Microfluidic Device for
Biosensing
Lin He
Analytical Chemistry
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -xvii-
II, B-9
Matthew H. Overton Microbiology, Biochemistry
Characterization of the Murine Immune
Response Against Red
clover necrotic mosaic virus
Steven A. Lommel Plant Pathology
Richard H. Guenther
Plant Pathology
Tim L. Sit
Plant Pathology
Stefan Franzen
Chemistry
II, A-7
Holly E. Parkins
Animal Science
Effectiveness of Heifer
Plus for Gender Preselection of Bovine
Embryos Produced in
Vitro
Charlotte E. Farin
Animal Science
Eric Alexander
Animal Science
Elizabeth C. Compton
Animal Science
II, A-8
Rushil V. Patel
Molecular Biomedical Sciences
Zoonotic Diseases of
Current Importance to
Gujarat, India
Prema Arasu
Molecular Biomedical
Sciences
II, C-18
Emily B. Reass Communication
The Unfair Lady: Lessons about Identity
and Rhetoric in My Fair
Lady
Christina L. Moss Communication
II, A-9
Shahbaz A. Riaz, Jae W. Shin, Jen
Holcomb, and Sarah A. Smathers
Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition
Sciences
Production, Analysis, and
Evaluation of a
Fermented Soy Beverage
Brian E. Farkas
Food, Bioprocessing, and
Nutrition Sciences
II, B-10
Rashid P. Riboul
Biochemistry
Modification of Enzymes
for Use in Organic Solvents by the Amide
Linkage of Succinimidyl
Carbonate Poly(ethylene)glycol
Reza Ghiladi
Chemistry
II, C-8
Garik C. Sadovy
Materials Science and Engineering
Behavioral Analysis of
Oligonucleotides in DNA Multilayer Films
Yaroslava Yingling
Materials Science and
Engineering
II, D-1
Rohil V. Shah Agricultural & Resource Economics
The Growing Inconsistencies of Cost-
Benefit Analysis and the
Impeding Regulatory Crisis
Theodore A. Feitshans Agricultural & Resource
Economics
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -xviii-
II, C-9
Justin Smith Chemical & Biomolecular
Engineering
Predicting the Phase Behavior of Solvated
Triblock Copolymers
Richard Spontak
Chemical Engineering
Kim Rasmussen
Theoretical
Division, Los Alamos
National Laboratory
II, D-15
Steven G. Somers, Ashley N.
Myers, and Erika E. Burger
Statistics
Can Blood Lead Levels
in Children Be Reduced?
William F. Hunt Jr.
Statistics
II, B-11
Elizabeth R. Sommerville
Biomedical Engineering
Characterization of
Serum and Glucocorticoid Induced
Kinases (SGK) in a
Teleost Fish during
Salinity Adapatation
Russell J. Borski
Biology
William M. Johnstone
Biology
II, A-10
R. Allysa Stern
Animal Science
Effect of Dietary Energy
Intake on Digestibility in
Mature Horses
Shannon E. Pratt-
Phillips
Animal Science
II, D-2
Ho Yan Tsuen and Ashley B.
Craig
Psychology
Parents' Socialization of
Children's Gendered
Language: Does the Presence of People in
Conversation Matter?
Amy Halberstadt
Psychology
Julie Thompson School of Nursing (Duke
University)
II, A-11
Stacey M. White Animal Science
Influence of Sampling Method and Plant Part on
Nutritional Analysis of
Corn Stover
Matthew H. Poore Animal Science
II, A-12
Gregory S. Whitener, Jr.
Animal Science
Effect of Wet vs. Dry
Baling on Nutritional
Value of Corn Stover
Matthew H. Poore
Animal Science
II, A-13
Nicholas S. Willams
Forestry and Environmental
Resources
Detecting Allometric
Trends in Differing
Levels of Genetic Control in Juvenile
Loblolly Pine
Bronson P. Bullock
Forestry and
Environmental Resources
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -xix-
II, D-3
Sarah E. Williamson
Communication
Speech Perception and
Speech Production Accuracy Pre- and Post-
Activation of Adult
Cochlear Implant
Recipients
Beth Barnes
Communication
II, C-10
Brandon S. Womack, Thomas W.
Holmes, and Brandon S. Brown
Nuclear Engineering
Rail Shippable Natural
Circulation Boiling
Water Reactor
Paul J. Turinsky
Nuclear Engineering
J. Michael Doster
Nuclear Engineering
II, D-16
Susan M. Woody Chemistry
Genetic Detection of Human Sex
Chromosomes Using
PCR and RAFT Polymerization Reaction
Lin He Chemistry
II, C-11
Jonathan L. Wormald
Nuclear Engineering
Monte Carlo Modeling
and Burnup Assessment for the NCSU PULSTAR
Ayman Hawari
Nuclear Engineering
II, A-14
Shequenta L. Wray
Animal Science
Impact of
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Inflammation in
Porcine IPECJ2 Cells
Sheila K. Jacobi
Animal Science
Jack Odle
Animal Science
II, A-18
Michelle Ye Vermicompost's Effects on Plant Growth
Lauren Wellborn Civil Engineering
II, D-4
James Z. Zuravle
Sport Management
The Decisional Balance,
Commitment, and Self-Efficacy of Past and
Current Exercise Patterns
Jonathan Casper
Sport Management
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -1-
Abstracts
Biological Sciences:
Applied Sciences
Session II, A-1
Shear Mixer Homogenization in Ultra-
Pasteurized Whole Milk
Britt Austin, Eric Hinson, and Christopher
Moore
Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences
Mentors: Brian Farkas/Food, Bioprocessing, and
Nutrition Sciences; Gary Cartwright/Food,
Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences
The efficiency of an in-line shear mixer (ILSM)
on reducing fat globule size was examined in
ultra-pasteurized, homogenized whole milk. The
addition of a shear mixer was proposed to
replace the purchase of an expensive aseptic
homogenizer. Re-agglomeration of fats, also
known as creaming, is a major defect in Ultra
High Temperature (UHT) processed milk
products that drastically reduces the stability and
sensory characteristics of the milk. An ILSM
may reduce the particle size of fat globules and
slow or prevent the creaming process. The goal
of this research was to determine the
effectiveness of an ILSM on reducing the fat
particle size in ultra-pasteurized whole milk. The
shear mixer impeller spins rapidly forcing milk
through very small openings and imparting high
shear; it was hypothesized that this process
should reduce particle size in a similar method
to that of homogenization. Samples were
collected for four consecutive weeks in the
Robert H. Feldmeier Dairy Processing
Laboratory and were tested by comparing
particle size, sensorial and microbial properties
of shear-mixed, ultra-pasteurized processed
whole milk with the experimental control;
homogenized, ultra-pasteurized milk processed
without the addition of an ILSM. Analysis and
testing lasted for six weeks per sample series.
The particle size data thus far has not shown a
consistent trend to make a definitive conclusion
as to whether the ILSM is effectively preventing
creaming.
Session II, A-15
Soil Fertility Management in Organic
Cropping Systems
Eric J. Ballard
Soil Science, Crop Science, Agroecology
Mentor: Julie M. Grossman/Soil Science
Organic farmers are dependent on nitrogen
fixation and use inoculants to ensure that the
proper nitrogen-fixing bacteria (rhizobia) are
available when legume seeds germinate. In
organic fields, soils may or may not possess the
appropriate rhizobia to nodulate specific legume
cover crops. Inoculants must contain a general
number of live rhizobia to ensure adequate
nodulation when using recommended
inoculation procedures. The objective of our
work was to isolate, identify, and quantify live
rhizobia within H (recommended for Lupine), C
(Vetches and Lentils), AB (Alfalfa and Sweet
clover), and R/WR (Crimson and Berseem
clovers) inoculants. We hypothesize that there
may be variability in the viability of inoculant
used in our associated field experiments in
winter 2008. We purified cultures of 30 rhizobia
strains from each inoculant. We then conducted
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using nifH
primers to amplify the gene region for
nitrogenase enzyme production and then
accepted or rejected each strain as rhizobia.
Results showed great variability among H, C,
AB, and R/WR inoculant types. AB inoculant
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -2-
contained more than 3X as many viable rhizobia
than inoculants C and RWR. We found that
25%, 96%, and 0% of C, AB, and R/WR
inoculant contained the nifH gene region,
respectively, meaning that not all the strains we
cultured were actually rhizobia and that some of
the tested inoculant contained very few or no
viable rhizobia. We conclude that proper storage
and handling as well as the age of the given
inoculant are essential to the number of viable
nitrogen fixing rhizobia within the inoculant.
Future studies will use our data to investigate
effectiveness of inoculation in field studies
where native and potentially competitive soil
rhizobia are present.
Session I, A-1
Alkanes as Intake Digestibility Indicators
Malissa L. Braxton
Animal Science
Mentor: Gerald B. Huntington/Animal Science
The objective was to evaluate n-alkanes as
intake markers in either supplement or
controlled release capsule (CRC). Seven
ruminally fistulated beef steers were fed 1 kg
corn grain:soyhulls supplement once daily and
alfalfa or switchgrass twice daily. Each steer
received dotriacontane (C32) in supplement or
intraruminal CRC in a balanced changeover of
16-day periods. Alkane delivery from CRC was
periodically measured with calipers. Fecal grab
samples and total feces were collected during the
last 8 and 5 days of each period, respectively.
Fecal grab samples were divided into aliquots
that were freeze-dried (FD) or oven-dried (OD)
to a constant weight at 60°C. Forage and fecal
alkanes were saponified, extracted with heptane,
and analyzed by gas chromatography. Overall,
predicted intake (PI) (6.12 ±0.55 kg DM/d) did
not differ (P = 0.46) from measured intake (6.01
± .10 kgDM/d). Fecal C31 (1057 ± 33 mg/kg
DM) and C32 (148 ± 10.6 mg/kg DM) did not
differ (P < 0.85) between OD and FD in steers
fed alfalfa. Fecal C31 (124 ± 17 mg/kg DM) and
C32 (112 ± 14 mg/kg DM) did not differ (P <
0.89) between OD and FD in steers fed
switchgrass. PI by fecal grab samples (6.38
kg/d) did not differ (P < 0.51) from PI by 5-day
total fecal collection (6.48 kg/d). PI by
supplement (6.03 ± 1.13 kg DM/d) did not differ
(P < 0.01) from PI by CRC (6.04 ± 1.12 kg
DM/d). Measured CRC delivery was 66 to 89%
of manufacturer’s specifications. In conclusion,
alkanes can be used to predict intake by using
fecal grab samples rather than collecting total
feces. Hay intake can be predicted accurately
with once daily alkane supplementation, and
samples can be OD or FD with no difference in
alkane concentrations.
Session I, A-2
Follicular Dynamics and Embryo Field
Following Subcutaneous Administration of
Follicle Stimulating Hormone in Holstein
Cows
Emma Buchanan
Animal Science
Mentor: Peter Farin, Population Health and
Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is used to
induce multiple ovulations for embryo
production. The objective of this study was to
determine the superovulatory response of dairy
cows to subcutaneous (SC) administration of
FSH using a reduced number of injections in
combination with a progesterone-releasing
device. Eighteen non-lactating Holstein cows
received an intravaginal device (CIDR-B, 1.38
mg progesterone) on Day 0, and an
intramuscular (IM) injection of 100 ug
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone on Day 2.
Cows were randomly assigned to receive 400
mg (20 mL) of FSH (Folltropin-V) either by IM
injection (IM group; n=9 cows) given at 12 hour
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -3-
intervals on Days 4 (60 mg, 60 mg), 5 (55 mg,
55 mg), 6 (45 mg, 45 mg) and 7 (40 mg, 40 mg),
or by SC injection (SC group; n=9 cows) at 24
hour intervals on Days 4 (140 mg), 5 (140 mg)
and 6 (120 mg). CIDR-B inserts were removed
on Day 7 and cows received two IM injections
of 25 mg Prostaglandin F2α 12 hours apart.
Cows were inseminated at 12 and 24 hours after
standing estrus. Ovarian follicles and corpora
lutea (CL) were monitored by ultrasonography.
Embryos were recovered non-surgically on Day
16. Superovulatory response of cows to FSH
did not differ (P>0.05) between the IM (77.8%,
7/9 cows) and SC (88.9%, 8/9 cows) groups.
There was also no difference (P>0.05) between
the IM and SC groups for the number of follicles
after FSH treatment (mean±SEM; 12.4±1.6 vs.
12.7±2.2) or the number of CL at embryo
recovery (6.4±1.5 vs. 10.4±2.1). Similarly, there
was no difference (P>0.05) between the two
groups for total number of ooctyes/embryos
(5.6±2.6 vs. 13.0±4.3) or number of transferable
embryos (3.0±1.4 vs. 6.1±2.9). In conclusion,
subcutaneous administration of FSH in
combination with a progesterone-releasing
device was an effective method for
superovulating Holstein cows.
Session II, A-2
Use of Audio Stimulation to Increase
Suckling Piglet Growth and Survival to
Weaning
Ann C. Coulon-Johnson
Animal Science
Mentor: Joseph P. Cassady/Animal Science
Discovering even minor techniques to better the
efficacy of the swine industry has an impact on
both North Carolina and The United States’
economy. The objective of this study was to
determine if audio stimulation can be utilized to
increase piglet suckling frequency which would
result in decreased preweaning mortality,
increased weaning weights and greater
percentage of superior-quality weaned pigs.
Sixty three litters were placed in 4 farrowing
rooms in which 2 rooms were the control and 2
rooms had audio recordings played every 35
minutes. The audio was of a recorded sow and
piglet vocalizations during piglet suckling which
is expected to increase milk production, piglet
growth, and piglet survival. The model observed
fixed effects of sex, line, and room within
treatments. Pigs in the audio rooms gained 23.6
grams more per day (P < 0.01) from birth to 10
days of age and were also 410 grams heavier at
10 days of age (P < 0.01). Pig weights at 21 days
of age were not different among treatments, but
piglets in the audio treatment rooms gained 11
grams per day more than the controls (P < 0.08)
from birth to 21 days of age. Survival from birth
to 21 days of age was 11% greater in the audio
treatment pigs than controls. Eight video
cameras were also placed to observe 24 litters
suckling activity of which 12 were controls and
12 were audio treated. A technician observed 5
bouts of nursing or 2 hours of video whichever
came first on each litter for each day of the
study. The data was then analyzed using SAS.
Control pigs on average suckled every 35.6
minutes and pigs exposed to the audio
treatments suckled on average 33.5 minutes.
Session II, A-3
Analyzing Cellulose Synthase (CESA) Gene
Expression and Cell Wall Thickness in
Arabidopsis Vegetative Trichomes
Scott T. Craddock and Lissete Betancur
Plant Biology
Mentor: Candace Haigler/Crop Science; Plant
Biology
The cellulose synthase (CesA) gene family is
composed of ten members in Arabidopsis
thaliana, and they can be classified into three
major categories: CesA 1, 3, and 6 which are
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -4-
required for primary wall synthesis (CesA 2 and
5 can replace CesA6 activity), CesA 4, 7, and 8
which are required for secondary wall synthesis
in xylem cells, and CesA 9 and 10 which have
limited expression in the plant. My objective
was to determine which CesA genes were
required for synthesis of secondary walls of
vegetative trichomes and, furthermore, whether
their expression varied with plant growing
environment. Arabidopsis plants transformed
with 9 CesA promoters driving the GUS gene
(CesApromoter:GUS) lines were grown in a
phytotron chamber on soil or in an incubator on
agar in Petri plates (sealed with either parafilm
or paper tape). The plants were grown 14 days
until they had small leaves with trichomes. Both
whole plants and isolated trichomes were
analyzed histologically for GUS enzyme
activity. Then cell wall thickness was analyzed
in the isolated trichomes by use of polarization
microscopy and Image-J software, followed by
statistical analysis of the results using ANOVA.
Results will be reported on which CesA genes
were expressed in trichomes and whether their
expression varied between growing
environments. Results will also be shown to
demonstrate that trichome secondary wall
thickness was greater when plants were grown
on soil in an incubator compared to other
conditions tested. I thank Dr. Bir Singh for
performing the statistical analysis.
Session I, A-3
Evolution of Host Recognition in Pest Moths
Stephanie L. Gorski
Entomology
Mentor: Jen Petzold/Entomology; Fred
Gould/Entomology
Understanding how herbivorous insects choose
their host plants will lead to a better
understanding of insect evolution, speciation,
and diversification, and has practical application
in agricultural pest management as well. Little
is known about the genetic basis for differences
between generalist and specialist herbivore
insects and their ability to recognize host plants.
The moth species Heliothis subflexa is a
specialist that feeds only on plants in the genus
Physalis, while the closely related Heliothis
virescens, a generalist, feeds on over 14 plant
families. The ability to hybridize these two
species in the laboratory and the distinct
differences in their host ranges provide a unique
opportunity to examine the genetic basis of
differences in oviposition behavior between
generalist and specialist insects. H. subflexa and
H. virescens were hybridized, and hybrids were
backcrossed to each of the parent species. This
resulted in backcrossed individuals segregating
for host range genes from both species. These
backcrossed individuals, F1 hybrids, and the two
parent species were released in large outdoor
tents containing tobacco (a host of H. virescens)
and Physalis plants, and oviposition behavior
was recorded. Most moths backcrossed with H.
subflexa oviposited on Physalis while H.
virescens backcrosses oviposited on tobacco.
F1 hybrids, however, strongly preferred tobacco.
These results are not consistent with a simple
dominance pattern of inheritance. Possible
explanations, including multiple genetic loci and
heterozygote disadvantage, will be discussed.
Session II, A-4
Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging and Feed
Efficiency in Angus Bulls
Brandon D. Hall
Animal Science
Mentor: Gerald B. Huntington/Animal Science
The purpose of the study was to determine if
how biologically efficient an Angus bull is at
putting on weight could be predicted by
correlating their surface skin temperature to their
feed efficiency. An animal that eats less feed
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -5-
but gains more weight is more efficient than an
animal that eats more food but doesn't gain as
much. The study separated 69 bulls into separate
pens according to weight, 10-12 bulls per pen.
Total feed consumed was measured daily and
body weight was measured biweekly for each
bull for 84 days. The skin temperature of each
bull was measured using a Fluke™ TI45 camera
capable of digital infrared thermal imaging. The
images from the camera were used to determine
the minimum, maximum, and average
temperature of a specified area of the bull, as
well as the standard deviations for that
temperature data. Three sets of images were
recorded, one in late September, late October,
and early December. This was to determine
whether the ambient temperature would have an
effect on the measurements. In October and
December, hair was clipped on the ribs of each
bull to measure the difference between their
actual skin temperatures and their temperatures
with hair. Average ± standard deviation (oC)
clipped surface temperature, ambient
temperature, rectal temperature and unclipped
surface temperature were (NA), 25.3±0.9,
39.5±0.3, 34.4±1.2 in September, 31.8±1.5,
11.1±0.3, 39.9±0.6, and 26.4±1.6 in October and
31.6±1.4, 7.2±0.6, 39.2±0.5, and 24.3±1.8 in
December. Feed efficiency of each bull was
calculated and compared to the recorded
temperature data. There was no significant
statistical correlation (P < 0.10) between the
measured skin temperature of each bull and their
feed efficiency. In conclusion, the skin
temperature of a bull is not an accurate predictor
of his feed efficiency.
Session II, A-5
Interaction of Host PIAS Protein with Viral
Nsp1 Protein of European Strain PRRS Virus
(PRRSV)
Nicolette M. Harris
Animal Science
Mentor: H. C. Sunny/Animal Science
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory
Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) is an economically
significant disease affecting the swine industry
today, costing US pork producers about $600
million annually. The virus is diverse with
American strains (VR-2332) and European
strains (Lelystad), sharing only ~63% nucleotide
identity. We recently discovered that non-
structural protein 1 (nsp1), which consists of 2
subunits nsp1α and nsp1β, of the American
strain VR-2332 interacts with the host protein
Protein Inhibitor of Activated STAT 1 (PIAS).
This project sought to determine which subunit
of nsp1 is the interacting partner of PIAS.
Additionally, we sought to determine if nsp1 of
an European-like strain (SD-01-08) also
interacts with the PIAS. In order to determine
these interactions between nsp1 and PIAS, a
yeast-2-hybrid approach was employed. This
approach is used to identify protein interactions
by fusing a protein of interest, in this case
nsp1β, to the DNA-binding domain of the
GALA gene, while the prey protein is fused to
the activation domain. If the bait and prey
proteins interact, then the DNA binding domain
and the activation domain are brought together
which then activates the transcription of a
reporter gene, which in this study was β-
galatosidase. Assay of β-galatosidase activity
was employed to confirm the interactions. Our
results suggest that nsp1 of the PRRSV strain
SD-01-08 also interacts with PIAS. More
specifically it appears that the nsp1β subunit of
both strains is the interacting partner of PIAS.
As PIAS is a known inhibitor of the NFΚβ
pathway and the activation of NFΚβ is known to
enhance PRRSV replication, it is possible that
nsp1β binds to PIAS to prevent it from
inhibiting NFΚβ signaling.
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -6-
Session II, A-6
The Effects of Small Grain Silage on
Lactation Performance and Milk Content as
an Alternative for Traditional Corn-based
Feeds
Madeline M. Markunas
Animal Science
Mentor: Vivek Fellner/Animal Science
Due to the volatile economics of corn, finding
alternatives other than corn for ruminants is
essential. The production of ethanol in the US
increased rapidly around 2007 and 2008, thus
increasing the price of corn (Leibtag, 2008).
Despite a projected decrease in ethanol
production in 2008-2009 (Biofuels B. S., 2008),
the price of corn still remains high. Thus, the
current study was designed to determine the use
of small grain silages as an alternative to corn
silage for dairy cows. Twenty four mature
lactating Holstein cows were blocked by days in
milk (DIM), parity, and milk yield and randomly
assigned to one of four dietary treatments. The
dietary treatments were as follows: 1) Control
(Corn Silage); 2) Oat Silage (Hulless); 3) Oat
Silage (Normal) and 4) Wheat Silage. The cows
were milked twice daily and milk samples were
collected on d 0, 30, and 60 for subsequent
analysis of milk fat, protein and lactose. Milk
weights were recorded throughout the
experiment. Body weights were taken on d 0 and
60. Cows were fed their experimental diets in
Calan gates that allowed monitoring feed intakes
on individual cows. Feed offered and feed
refused were recorded daily to obtain daily feed
consumed. Cows fed the control and hulless oat
silage had greater (p < 0.01) feed intakes (24.6
and 23.1 kg, respectively) and milk yields (36.8
and 37.9 kg, respectively) when compared with
wheat (18.2 and 27.2 kg) and normal oats silages
(17.9 and 28.0). Milk composition was not
affected (p 0.10) by dietary treatments. Feed
efficiency was numerically greater for cows fed
the oat silages (hulless and normal) when
compared to either the control or wheat silage.
Our data suggest that hulless oat silage can be a
viable substitute for corn silage in dairy rations.
Data are presented as a comparative assessment
with a previous study in which cows were fed
similar small grain silage diets but at a lower
inclusion rate.
Session I, A-4
The Effects of Copper Concentration on
Whey Protein Isolate Foam Stability
Heather N. Mendenhall
Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences
Mentor: Allen Foegeding/Food, Bioprocessing
& Nutrition Sciences
Foams are important to the appearance,
structure, and texture of a variety of food
products such as cakes and confectioneries.
Transition elements, such as copper, have been
shown to alter the properties of protein foams;
however their mechanisms are still not fully
understood. Our goal was to better understand
the mechanism(s) responsible for increased WPI
foam stability observed in the presence of
copper. Whey protein isolate (WPI) solutions
(pH 7, 10% w/v) containing 0, 5, 10, 15 mM
CuSO4 were whipped into foams. Macroscopic
foam properties of percent overrun, yield stress
and drainage time (an indicator of foam
stability) were measured. Confocal microscopy
was used to visualize bubble distribution.
Interfacial properties of dilatational elasticity
and surface tension were measured for WPI
solutions. Gel electrophoresis was run on
samples to observe differences in beta-
lactoglobulin dimers. As copper concentration
increased, yield stress and drainage time also
increased; however little effect was observed on
percent overrun. Surface tension and elasticity
only slightly increased as copper concentration
increased; suggesting that the interfacial film
was not responsible for increased stability and
yield stress. Electrophoresis showed little to no
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -7-
differences in disulfide bonding among proteins
as copper was varied. As pH decreased from 7
to 6, drainage times for foams with 15 mM
CuSO4 significantly increased in comparison to
other treatments. However, increasing pH to 8
did not result in significant changes to
macroscopic properties. Confocal microscopy
revealed differences in bubble size and
distribution when 0 mM and 15 mM CuSO4
WPI foams were compared at pH 6, 7 and 8:
foams with 15 mM CuSO4 showed decreased
initial bubble size and slower rates of
disproportionation. It was concluded that some
of the differences observed in macroscopic
properties were due to microscopic properties of
the foams; however, the precise mechanism(s)
responsible continue to be enigmatic.
Session I, A-5
Pet Relinquishments at Second Chance Pet
Adoptions
Jessica Nomina
Animal Science; Biological Sciences
Mentor: Kimberly Ange-van Heugten/Animal
Science
Thousands of pets are returned to animal shelters
and rescue facilities each year. While studies
have evaluated animal adoption and return rates,
there is not published data specific to Wake
County, NC. Therefore, we conducted a study
using records from Second Chance Pet
Adoptions (SCPA), a non-profit rescue in
Raleigh, NC. Adoption records were used to
gather information about pets returned to SCPA
after adoption. These records were available for
cats from 2003 though 2008 and from 2000
through 2008 for dogs. About 90% of the dog
and 65% of the cat records contained a
questionnaire completed by the owner
surrendering their animal; thus, providing SCPA
with reasoning in their decision to return the
animal(s). This information can be helpful for
SCPA employees to use in assessing an animals’
future adoptability. In the 6 years studied, 136
cats out of 2364 (6%) adopted were returned.
Total adoptions for dogs are not known for all 9
years, but 23 of 733 (3%) dogs adopted during
the last 5 years were returned. It should be noted
that some adopters may have returned their
animals to other facilities and therefore our
numbers may not include all returns. The most
common reason for dog returns was due to
aggression, territoriality, and/or owner fear
(23%) while asthma and/or allergies was the
most common reason for cat returns (15%). In
close second for dogs was moving (18%) and
improper elimination and litter box issues for
cats (14%). Dog returns averaged 9 ± 6.9 per
year while cats averaged 23 ± 14.2 cats per year.
These results provide valuable information to
assist people adopting pets to make informed
decisions on matching their lifestyles with life-
long pets.
Session II, A-7
Effectiveness of Heifer Plus for Gender
Preselection of Bovine Embryos Produced In
Vitro
Holly E. Parkins
Animal Science
Mentors: Charlotte E. Farin/Animal Science;
Eric Alexander/Animal Science; and Elizabeth
C. Compton/Animal Science
Sex selection of cattle is an important
biotechnology that can improve the economics
of dairy operations. In the 1980s it became
possible to sex semen to allow selection of
offspring gender at the time of breeding. The
major commercial procedure for semen sexing is
Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS).
―Heifer Plus‖ is a semen sexing product that
purports to increase the ratio of female offspring
produced at a cost lower than FACS systems.
The purpose of this project was to determine if
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -8-
Heifer Plus-treated semen used in an in vitro
fertilization system would result in an increase
in the number of female embryos produced
compared to untreated control semen. Female
gametes (COC) were recovered and matured in
culture. After maturation, COC were
inseminated with sperm pretreated with either
Heifer Plus or control procedures. After
fertilization, COC were cultured and the
proportion of embryos developing to the morula
and blastocyst (M+B) stages was assessed. The
sex of these embryos was determined based on
PCR analysis using Y-chromosome specific
primers. Development to the M+B stages was
significantly lower (16%; 19/116) in the Heifer
Plus group compared to controls (27%, 36/133;
P<0.05). There was no difference in the
proportion of female embryos produced in the
Heifer Plus group was (7/10, 70%) compared to
the untreated control group (19/34, 56%;
P>0.05). In conclusion, Heifer Plus treatment of
sperm was detrimental to the development of
embryos in vitro and was not effective in
increasing the proportion of female embryos
produced compared to untreated sperm.
Session II, A-8
Zoonotic Diseases of Current Importance to
Gujarat, India
Rushil V. Patel
Molecular Biomedical Sciences
Mentor: Prema Arasu/Molecular Biomedical
Sciences
Globalization has resulted in greater
interconnectedness with increased air travel as
well as trade in food and other products with the
associated risks of transporting infectious
agents. Climate change, deforestation,
and migration of people from rural to urban
settings have further increased the cross-
exposure of humans with new plants, animals,
and the diseases that plague them. Consequently,
zoonotic diseases (i.e. those
transmitted between humans and animals) now
represent almost 75% of new and
emerging infectious diseases (EID). Recent
epidemiological studies suggest that India is a
hot spot for EID (Jones, K.E., et al. 2009.
―Global trends in emerging
infectious diseases.‖ Nature* *451: 990-994).
The focus of this study was to assess the
available literature and generate a review of the
profile of zoonotic diseases in a representative
state of India, Gujarat, given its relative
progressivesness, public health infrastructure
and access to pidemiological data. The National
Center of Biotechnology Information PubMed
database was searched for scientific papers
relevant to zoonotic disease within the past
ten years. Key words used in the search included
―India,‖ ―Gujarat,‖ ―zoonotic, ―infectious,‖
―diseases,‖ and ―zoonoses.‖ Findings were
also supplemented with epidemiological data
provided by the Gujarat State Department
of Public Health. Factors examined for each
disease included disease profiles, epidemiology
(e.g. transmission, vectors, etc.), and prevalence
in India and specifically in Gujarat. Eight major
diseases are described – plague, leptospirosis,
anthrax, avian influenza, rabies, anthrax,
Japanese encephalitis, and dengue fever. The
dynamic nature of the world today has made it
possible for diseases to jump from areas of
endemicity to regions untouched by them such
that foreign or transboundary diseases are now
of concern for health authorities in all countries,
including the U.S.
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -9-
Session I, A-6
Trailer-Mounted Mixer Design for
Combining Hog Lagoon Sludge and Biomass
Daniel K. Porter, Isaac M. Smith, Maureen D.
Matroni-Rakes, Ben R. Clements, and Weston
K. Vipond
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Mentor: J. Mark Rice/Biological and
Agricultural Engineering
Due to the high environmental impact of the hog
farming industry, waste management practices
are concerns of high priority. Hog waste
disposal is typically carried out through the use
of anaerobic lagoons. Over the life of a hog
lagoon, the dead anaerobic bacteria cells build
up within the lagoons. Hog producers must
monitor and report the sludge accumulation
level in the lagoon on an annual basis. Once
threshold levels get too high a sludge
management plans must be developed.
Previous research has focused on combining this
cell build up, otherwise known as sludge, with
leftover biomass cotton stalks from crop fields in
order to create compost for plant nursery
applications. These methods were proven to be
a highly effective alternative for hog waste
disposal. With high transportation cost and no
guarantee that a cotton field will be located near
the lagoon, more readily available compatible
materials were identified and tested. Coastal
Bermuda hay was chosen as the biomass
material due to its absorptive properties and
because it is readily available at most hog
farming operations in North Carolina. The
current design implements the use of a PTO-
driven, tractor-pulled mixing container. This
design was intended to reduce material
transportation, handling costs and manual labor
necessary for the alternative method of hog
waste disposal. The goal was to reduce the cost
of production with these savings in order to
increase the economic viability of already
proven processes.
Session I, A-7
Coffee Flavored, Dairy Based, Probiotic
Beverage
Casey Reynolds, Renee Felice, Heather
Mendenhall, and Catherine Meng
Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences
Mentor: Brian E. Farkas/Food Science
Probiotics are defined as microorganisms that if
consumed daily at 10^6 CFU/ml or greater have
been shown to exert beneficial health effects,
such as improved gastrointestinal health,
reduced risk of certain cancers, and enhanced
immune system, in the host. Currently,
Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei,
and Bifidobacterium ssp., are the most
commonly used cultures to make probiotic dairy
products. The goal of this research was to
develop a coffee flavored, milk-based beverage,
containing probiotics at a minimum of 10^6
CFU/ml during 21 days of refrigerated storage.
The proposed beverage, Liven Up!, would be a
competitive alternative to current probiotic
containing products such as yogurt and would be
able to be produced at any dairy facility. A
preliminary experiment was conducted by
inoculating currently available beverages similar
to the proposed beverage with Lactobacillus
acidophilus to determine if coffee and milk
based beverages would support survival of the
culture. All beverages had a probiotic count of
10^7 CFU/ml or greater after 21 days. Based on
these results, four test formulations were
developed holding sucrose, carrageenan, and
coffee concentrate amounts constant while
altering the milk-fat and addition of a prebiotic,
fructooligosaccaride. Survival over a 21 day
period of a Lactobacillus acidophilus culture
inoculated at a minimum of 10^6 CFU/ml in
each test formulation was determined, while also
monitoring pH and viscosity. Fourteen days into
the study the only formulation to have plate
replicates with 10^7 CFU/ml or higher was that
containing 3% milkfat and the prebiotic. A 50
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -10-
gallon batch of this formulation was produced in
the NCSU dairy. The product will be used in a
consumer acceptance test to determine overall
consumer likability of the formulation.
Session I, A-8
The Effects of Forage Treatments on
Nitrogen Metabolism of Beef Steers
Shahbaz A. Riaz
Biological Sciences, Food Science
Mentor: Gerald Huntington/Animal Science
The objective of this study was to assess the
effects of forage treatments on Nitrogen (N)
metabolism of beef steers. The treatments were
three different types of tall fescue fed to the
steers, which were endophyte-infected,
ednophyte-free, and novel-endophyte. The urine
was collected from steers that had been infused
with 15,15N urea isotope at a known rate into
the blood stream. Urine samples were collected
from 48 to 56 h after the isotope infusion began.
The samples were diluted to a final volume of 4
mL with deionized water. Then, 15,15 N urea,
15,14 N urea, and 14,14 N was converted into
N2 gas in a helium environment by a
monomolecular, chemical reaction with lithium
hypobromide. Finally, the samples were
analyzed using a mass spectrometer. The
treatments effects were measured in various urea
cycles. We adjusted the samples for N intake in
order to determine if forage factors other than
Nitrogen intake were affecting urea kinetics.
The treatments effects were found in fecal
Nitrogen output, urea entry rate into the body
(UER), the gut entry rate of urea (GER), and
return of urea to Ornithine cycle (ROC).
Compared with endophyte-free or novel-
endophyte, endophyte-infected fescue decreased
N digested (43 vs. 51 g/d, P 0.04), UER (56 vs.
138 mmol N/h, P < 0.06), GER (47 vs. 128
mmol N/h, P < 0.05), and ROC (6.9 vs. 28.3
mmol N/h, P < 0.08). Treatments did not affect
(P < 0.70) urea N excretion in urine or GER
when expressed as a proportion of UER.
Therefore, the novel-endophyte does not
interfere with the metabolism of a steer like a
regular endophyte does while providing the
same benefits toward urea metabolism a regular
endophyte provides. Hence, making the novel-
endophyte a very good substitute in place of
traditional fescue feeds containing endophyte.
Session II, A-9
Production, Analysis, and Evaluation of a
Fermented Soy Beverage
Shahbaz A. Riaz, Jae W. Shin, Jen Holcomb,
and Sarah A. Smathers
Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences
Mentor: Brian E. Farkas/Food, Bioprocessing,
and Nutrition Sciences
According to the United States Department of
Health and Human Services, over 9.2 million
people suffer from cancer, osteoporosis,
menopausal symptoms and inflammation of the
arteries. Some studies have shown that
isoflavones, found almost exclusively in
legumes such as soy, may help reduce the
incidence of these conditions. Additional studies
have shown the bioavailability of isoflavones to
increase when broken down to their subunits
through fermentation. It would be advantageous
to develop a fermented soy beverage to
capitalize on the known health benefits that are
associated with fermented soy. The goal of this
study was to develop a fermented soy beverage,
which contains a higher concentration of
bioavailable isoflavones than soymilk. Variables
in the experimental design for the production of
fermented soymilk included microorganism and
sugar concentration. Soymilk fermentation was
carried out to better understand how these
factors contribute to the breakdown of
isoflavones. The fermentation of soymilk took
one to two days, depending on the
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -11-
microorganism and the growth conditions, such
as temperature and the amount of oxygen
present. Once fermentation was completed, the
isoflavone subunits were measured using high-
performance liquid chromatography.
Development of a fermented soy beverage that is
acceptable to consumers would be of great
interest in the fields of human health and
nutrition. This research will be important to
companies interested in further developing the
technology and marketing of a fermented soy
beverage with greater isoflavone bioavailability
than soymilk to consumers.
Session I, A-9
Residual Feed Intake and links between the
Levels of T3, T4, IGF-I, Progesterone, and
Testosterone in Beef Cattle
Nikki M. Schweizer
Animal Science
Mentor: Scott Whisnant/Animal Science
The largest expense for beef cattle producers is
feed cost; therefore, ways to increase feed
efficiency will greatly impact the profitability of
the beef industry. This study explores how
efficiently certain beef cattle use their feed.
Residual feed intake (RFI) is used, in this study,
to determine efficiency. These animals are then
blood-tested for certain hormones to detect
which hormones may be linked to a higher
efficiency, including T3, T4, testosterone and
progesterone. The main objective is to determine
if any of these hormones can then be
supplemented to produce a more efficient
animal. Blood samples were taken from a group
of bulls and heifers whose RFI was being
collected. The hormone levels were measured by
radioimmunoassays; these results were then
compared to the RFI data. These computations
determined correlations between the level of the
hormones and RFI and other feed efficiency
measures. The results showed that T4 and T3
were also correlated highly with DMI. RFI was
correlated with DMI at a rate of r= 0.65. T4 was
correlated at r= 0.29 with ADG, and was
heritable at 0.51. Progesterone and testosterone
had no correlation. The conclusions reached
based on the results were different than
expected. Rather than finding a way to
supplement to gain efficiency, we found a low-
cost way to calculate RFI. This is a successful
finding because gathering the data of RFI is
costly and time consuming. Other feed
efficiency research will be greatly impacted by
this finding because they can save time and
money; though, we did not find a clear way to
supplement in order to gain efficiency.
Session I, A-10
Coat Shedding Estimation among Angus
Cows and Establishing a Working Score
System
Halli D. Sigal
Animal Science
Mentor: Joe P. Cassady/Animal Science
An adequate scoring system is one that measures
a relevant trait, has an all-encompassing scope,
and is eclectic in its application. The objective of
this study was to estimate variation in hair coat
shedding in cattle and to establish a scoring
method that adequately assesses shedding
efficiency. Data were available from 304
registered Angus cows sired by 41 bulls from
the North Carolina State University Historic
Angus Herd. Cows were grazed on pastures
which were predominantly endophyte infested
fescue. Over two years, hair coats were scored
by two technicians on predetermined dates
beginning in March 2007 and approximately
every 30 days there after until July. Each
animal’s coat shedding status was scored on a
scale from 1 to 5. A score of 1 signified a slick,
short summer coat, while a 5 signified a full
winter coat. A score of 3 indicated that half of
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -12-
the winter coat had been shed, with scores of 4
and 2 as intermediate levels of coat shedding.
Productivity of cattle was assessed in terms of
calf weaning weight (kg) and body condition
score. In March, all cows had a hair coat score
of 5, and weaning occurred in July, indicative of
a sufficient timeframe of study with the trait
measured prior to shedding and after the point of
relevance. Using the mixed procedure of SAS,
calves from dams that began shedding by May
were concluded to be 8.2 ± 3.9 kg heavier at
weaning (P<0.04) than calves from later
shedding cows. Our hair coat scoring system is
important in its application to farmers by
providing a way to evaluate relative future cow
productivity and to scientists by providing a new
variable for study and comparison. Further
collection and analysis of hair shedding data will
be needed to confirm these results.
Session II, A-10
Effect of Dietary Energy Intake on
Digestibility in Mature Horses
R. Allysa Stern
Animal Science
Mentor: Shannon E. Pratt-Phillips/Animal
Science
Several life threatening conditions, such as colic
and laminitis, are associated with high rates of
feed intake in horses. This study was conducted
evaluate the apparent digestibility of dry matter
(DM), crude protein (CP), digestible energy
(DE), and acid-detergent fiber (ADF), when feed
at different rates of energy intake. Eleven
horses were initially fed maintenance diets of
100 percent of their daily energy requirements.
The horses were then assigned diets of 70, 100,
or 130 percent of their daily energy requirements
to collect comparative data on the effects of
varying rates of intake on digestibility. Fecal
collections were performed when all horses were
fed maintenance diets, as well as 10 days after
the different diets were assigned. Total fecal
and urine output was collected for four days by
fitting each of the horses with harnesses and
equine ―diapers.‖ Fecal samples were collected
and weighed every 24 hours for the last three
days. Sub samples collected from each day were
dried at 55 degrees Celsius to constant weights
to determine DM. Homogenized samples were
composed for day 0 and day 10 for analysis of
CP, DE, and ADF. Repeated measurements
ANOVA were used to determine the effects of
treatment (gain, lose, or maintenance) and day (0
vs. 10) on the apparent digestibility of DM, CP,
DE, and ADF. In terms of CP analysis,
ANOVA revealed a significant overall treatment
effect when ignoring time, but no significance
between the different treatment groups when
comparing day 0 to day 10. DE revealed a
significant treatment by time interaction
(P=0.0335) such that the lose group had lower
energy digestibility than both maintenance and
gain (gain vs. lose P<0.001 and maintenance vs.
lose P<0.01). Similar results were seen in DM
and ADF. Additional research would be
required to fully explain the results of this study.
Session I, A-11
Leptin Radioimmunoassay Validation and
Correlation to Body Condition in White
Tailed Deer
James M. Tyndall and M. Colter Chitwood
Animal Science
Mentor: Shannon Pratt-Philips/Animal Science;
Christopher S. DePerno/Fisheries and Wildlife
Sciences
Leptin is an adipose hormone that plays a key
role in regulating energy intake, appetite, and
metabolism and has been found to circulate at
levels proportional to body fat. The objective of
this study was to validate a radioimmunoassay
for leptin in White Tail deer serum and to
determine if a correlation exists between
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -13-
adiposity and leptin concentration. This would
be of importance because nutritional condition
could be assessed from blood samples collected
during field studies, instead of the traditional
methods that are available only from dead
animals. Blood, serum, body condition and
femur score samples from thirty doe and five
bucks were collected in July 2008. The Linco
Multi-Species Leptin RIA Kit was used to
quantitate leptin concentration in the deer serum.
The kit standards were diluted to accommodate
low concentrations found in deer serum. The
immunoassay was validated through
repeatability and serial dilution techniques.
Intraassay variation of leptin concentration was
6.45% and interassay variation was 19.16%.
Serial dilution resulted in a linear curve with a
slope of 0.019 and a Pearson correlation
coefficient of .99. Unpaired t-tests were used to
compare two groups and ANOVA was used to
compare leptin concentrations in more than two
groups. There was no correlation between leptin
and age, condition score, femur score, kidney
score, kidney fat index, or marrow fat index.
There was also no difference in leptin
concentrations between does and bucks, across
condition scores or across kidney scores. It is
likely that the number of animals were too small
to detect significant trends, nor were there
adequate numbers of animals across all
condition scores. There was however, a
significant difference in the amount of serum
leptin between 15 lactating and 15 non-lactating
doe (P=0.22). This is consistent with previous
work, as leptin concentrations have previously
been found to be lower post partum.
Session I, A-12
Diet Digestibility and Efficiency in Beef
Cattle
Andrea G. Watson
Animal Science
Mentor: Gerald B. Huntington/Animal Science
The objective of this study is to predict dry
matter (DM) intake and apparent DM
digestibility (DMD) from near-infrared
reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) of bovine fecal
samples. NIRS can be very useful in examining
bulk samples with little or no preparation. The
technology utilizes the near infrared region of
the electromagnetic spectrum and is based upon
molecular overtone and combination vibrations.
Instrumentation includes a light source, a
detector, and a prism, or other dispersive
element. Fecal samples from 69 Angus bulls fed
a corn silage-based diet were collected over an
84-day period. A digestion trial was conducted
with 12 beef steers to predict dry matter (DM)
intake and apparent DM digestibility (DMD) of
the diet. Fecal samples were dried, ground, and
scanned by NIRS. These spectral data were
added to 2006/2007 data from similar animals
and diet to predict DM intake (percent of body
weight [BW]) and DMD. The bulls' DM intake
in September (2.43±0.22%), was greater (P <
0.01) than intake predicted by the 2006/2007
equation (1.85±0.22% ), and greater (P < .01)
than intake predicted by an equation that
included 2008 data (2.30±0.22 % ). The bulls'
DM intake in November (2.29±0.22 %) was
greater (P < 0.01) than intake predicted by the
2006/2007 equation (2.08±0.13%), but similar
(P <0.48) to intake predicted by an equation that
included 2008 data (2.30± 0.13%). The steers'
DMD was 70.5±3.5 %. Predicted DMD with the
2006/2007 equation (69.3±2.1 %) was lower (P
< 0.01) than measured. Predicted DMD with an
equation that included some 2008 data (69.8±3.3
%) was not different (P < 0.30) from measured.
The potential does exists for accurate prediction
of intake and digestibility by NIRS.
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -14-
Session II, A-11
Influence of Sampling Method and Plant Part
on Nutritional Analysis of Corn Stover
Stacey M. White
Animal Science
Mentor: Matthew H. Poore/Animal Science
In 2007-2008 North Carolina experienced
extreme drought, forcing producers to use
alternative feeds, such as corn stover, to feed
their herds during winter. The purpose of this
work was to determine nutritional value of
different corn plant fractions and to determine if
techniques used to sample hay work on corn
stover. In experiment 1 different sampling
methods were used on stover and hay. Two
different types of commercial hay samplers were
used, and compared to a cross-section cut from
the bale. Crude protein (CP) and NDF both
showed an interaction between forage type and
sampling method. CP and NDF of corn stover
averaged 3.28, 83.7; 3.61, 82.95; and 3.58,
82.96%; and hay averaged 12.47, 52.43; 13.89,
47.83; and 13.81, 47.74%, for cross section,
sampler 1 and sampler 2, respectively.
Experiment 2 was done to determine the amount
and nutritional value of each component of a
mature corn plant. Whole corn plants were
collected from four field replicates and separated
into cobs, husk and silk, grain, upper stalk,
lower stalk, and leaf. Each component was
analyzed for nutritional fractions. Corn plants
were 9.5% cob, 42.7% grain, 6.8% husk, 17.0%
leaf, 18.4% lower stalk, 5.7% upper stalk. Grain
had the highest CP and lowest NDF of all
components (9.0 and 10.6%, respectively). Leaf
was next highest in nutritional value (6.1% CP
and 76.2% NDF) while cobs had the lowest
nutritional value (2.1% CP and 88.0% NDF).
Husk, upper stalk, and lower stalk were
intermediate with 4.2, 3.6, and 4.1% CP and
84.9, 83.1, and 83.1% NDF respectively. Both
commercial probes gave representative samples
of corn stover. All components of the corn plant
were indicative of low quality forage as
compared to grass hay. The data collected from
these experiments may be used for future
analysis of corn stover as an alternative feed.
Session II, A-12
Effect of Wet vs. Dry Baling on Nutritional
Value of Corn Stover
Gregory S. Whitener, Jr.
Animal Science
Mentor: Matthew H. Poore/Animal Science
The summer of 2007 brought about intense
drought conditions all across the state of North
Carolina. During the drought it became evident
that alternative feedstuffs were needed for cattle.
As part of the relief program in coordination
with the NCDA and CS, a research project was
completed to test the effectiveness of corn stover
as an alternative feedstuff. This project tested
the hypothesis that the corn stover when baled
immediately after cutting (wet), would heat,
causing a decrease in nutritive value compared
to stover baled after curing (dry). Twenty-seven
round bales (15 wet and 12 dry), were sampled
the day they were baled and again two and a half
months later to test the effects of storage. The
wet bales (70.9% DM), reached a maximum of
61.9°C 96 hours after baling, while the dry
(89.9% DM), reached a maximum of 42.3°C 24
hours after baling. After storage the % DM
recovered tended to be higher (p=.13) for dry
than wet stover (99.7 vs. 98.5%, respectively).
The NDF was significantly higher (p=.0003) in
wet compared to dry (85.8 vs. 83.8%,
respectively); which made cell content lower
(p=.0003) in wet compared to dry stover (14.2
vs. 16.2%, respectively). The ADF was
significantly higher (p<.0001) in wet compared
to dry stover (54.4 vs. 51.7%), as was the lignin
(p=.008) which was 6.6 vs. 6.3%, respectively.
Hemicellulose was higher (p=.003) for dry
compared to wet stover (32.4 vs. 31.3%).
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -15-
Cellulose was somewhat higher (p=.02) in wet
than dry stover (45.1 vs. 44.0%). The OM and
CP did not change due to moisture level. The
components that differed greatly between the
wet and dry bales were the NDF, cell contents
and ADF. However, compared to hay baled at
these moisture levels, the nutritional value
change of the stover was minimal.
Session II, A-13
Detecting Allometric Trends in Differing
Levels of Genetic Control in Juvenile Loblolly
Pine
Nicholas S. Willams
Forestry and Environmental Resources
Mentor: Bronson P. Bullock/Forestry and
Environmental Resources
A study was conducted on the Loblolly Pine
Genetics x Spacing x Thinning trial on the
Coastal Plain of North Carolina to make
comparisons between genetic families on an
individual-stem and stand-level basis.
Measurements were taken on each level of
genetic control represented in the study to
determine the volume per stem for comparison.
This study seeks to determine if allometric
trends, in differing levels of genetic control in
juvenile loblolly pine, as early as age two, can
be detected. Data collection on elite genetic
loblolly pines at early ages of growth will help
to develop growth rankings at early ages.
Session I, A-13
Relationships among Feed Utilization, ADG,
Behavior, and Carcass Ultrasonic Measures
in Angus Heifers
Benjamin L. Winslow
Animal Science
Mentor: Joseph P. Cassady/Animal Science
The objective of this study was to evaluate
relationships among feed utilization, backfat, rib
eye area, temperament, and frame size in Angus
heifers. Data were collected over 3 yrs (2006-
2008) from females raised at the Upper
Piedmont Research Station in Reidsville, NC.
Heifers (n = 156) began the feeding trial at age
299 2.2 d, weighing 270 3.5 kg. Heifers
were allowed a 2-wk period of adaptation to
Calan® gates and the roughage-based ration
(target gain rate of 1 kg/d). Following
adaptation, heifers began an 84 d test. Feed
offered was recorded daily and body weights
were taken every 14 d. Linear regression of
weight on time was used to estimate ADG.
Residual feed intake (RFI) was calculated with a
model including the dependent variable DMI/d,
year as a fixed effect, and regression covariates
42-d mid-weight and ADG. Means and SE for
ADG and DMI were 0.93 0.014 kg and 6.70
0.107 kg/d, respectively. Average feed
conversion ratio (FCR; DMI/d /ADG) was 7.41
0.157. At the beginning, middle, and end of
the test chute exit velocity (EV), chute
temperament scores (TS; TS = 1 = most docile
to TS = 5 = highly agitated), ultrasound scans,
and hip heights were recorded. Partial
correlation coefficients adjusted for year were
found to be 0.30 (P < 0.01) between RFI and
FCR and 0.40 (P < 0.01) between RFI and
DMI/d. No phenotypic correlations between RFI
and ultrasonic measurements of body
composition, hip height, TS, or exit velocity
were statistically different from zero.
Heritability of RFI, ADG, DMI, and FCR, and
genetic correlations among these traits, were
then estimated.
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -16-
Session II, A-14
Impact of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on
Inflammation in Porcine IPECJ2 Cells
Shequenta L. Wray
Animal Science
Mentors: Sheila K. Jacobi/Animal Science;
Jack Odle/Animal Science
According to the USDA (2006) 83% of all swine
farms surveyed have significant problems with
enteric diseases, there by contributing to
considerable economic loss to the industry.
Dietary intervention is a potential target for
modulating enteric inflammation. In fact, dietary
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are known
to play a role in regulating inflammation.
Therefore, the objective of this study was to
determine if PUFA supplementation to
inflammatory challenged neonatal enterocytes
would alter proinflammatory immune response.
Porcine jejunal epithelial cells (IPECJ2) were
grown on transwell inserts to develop cell
polarization which occurs in intestinal
epithelium. The IPECJ2 cells were
supplemented with 30 uM arachidonic acids
(ARA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) for 96
h to enrich the phospholipid membranes of the
cells with the fatty acids (FA). Following the
enrichment period cells were stimulated with 10
ng/ml bacterial flagellin on the basolateral side
for either 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 or 24h to stimulate
inflammation. At the given time points cells
were harvested for RNA analysis of tumor
necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and
basolateral media were collected to analyze
TNF-alpha secretion. Following the 96 h FA
enrichment period ARA and EPA incorporation
increased from 0.96 to 5.47 and 0.025 to 1.23
percent of FA, respectively (P<0.05).
Additionally, in cells enriched with ARA,
prostaglandin E2 was significantly elevated
(from 15 ng/ml to 80 ng/ml; P<0.05) compared
to cells grown in control media. TNF-alpha
mRNA expression was numerically increased
~2-fold from 0 to 24h, and ARA and EPA
treatment overall increased TNF-alpha mRNA
expression. TNF-alpha protein secretion was
inversely related to the mRNA abundance. There
was decrease in protein secretion from time 0 to
24 h (P<0.05), and ARA numerically decreased
TNF-alpha secretion compared to control
(P=0.08). In conclusion, PUFA have the
potential to modulate proinflammatory immune
response in IPECJ2 cells.
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -17-
Biological Sciences:
Ecology, Environmental,
Conservation, Botanical
Session I, A-15
Assessing the Feasibility of Using Mobile
Computing Technology for Field Data
Collection
Donta’ J. Fairey and Kevin M. Bigsby
Forestry and Environmental Resources
Mentor: Stacy A. C. Nelson/Center for Earth
Observation, Forestry and Environmental
Resources
Paper-based survey has traditionally been used
to collect field data. With the advancement of
mobile computing technology, more researchers
are interested in the benefits of implementing
Web 2.0 technologies. One benefit is that users
can enter collected information directly into the
device. The information is saved on the device
when it can be transferred to another computer,
shared with others or entered into a database.
However, it is not certain if Web 2.0
technologies can reduce the amount of error
inherent in data collection. The objective of our
study was to assess the ease of using a PDA for
field data collection and assess possible
reduction in error. An experiment was designed
comparing within and among user variation in
paper and electronic data collection methods. A
survey was then given to the field researchers to
determine how user friendly the mobile
technology is. The results from the survey were
quantified using a 'Likert' scale.
Session I, A-17
Optimization of Seed Germination in
Pyxidanthera barbulata var. brevifolia
Jacob L. Hilton
Plant Biology
Mentors: Thomas R. Wentworth/Plant Biology;
William A. Hoffman/Plant Biology; and Wade
A. Wall/Plant Biology
Pyxidanthera barbulata var. brevifolia is a
rare, evergreen subshrub endemic to the
Sandhills of North and South Carolina with the
majority of populations isolated to the Fort
Bragg Military Reservation of NC. Previous
studies suggest seeds may not be viable due to
the failure of seeds to germinate under
controlled conditions. Our aims were to
optimize germination in P. barbulata var.
brevifolia by successfully germinating the seeds,
determining the best environmental conditions
suitable for germination, and understanding
germination strategies to aid in restoration
efforts and future research conducted. There
were six total treatments in a complete block
design consisting of three temperature regimes,
low (18/14°C), medium (22/18°C), and high
(26/22°C), as well as two light settings,
complete darkness and daytime light exposure.
The seeds were placed in germination chambers
of the NCSU Phytotron. We ran the experiment
for 13 weeks, recording seeds germinated per
dish for each treatment. We tested for effects of
light and temperature on seed germination
proportions using a generalized linear model
(GLM). Of the seeds that germinated under
light conditions, we tested for differences in
time to germination between the different
temperature treatments using an analysis of
variance (ANOVA). In contrast to previous
studies, we found that P. barbulata var.
brevifolia does produce viable seeds and there is
a significant effect of light and temperature on
germination with highest germination
proportions under low temperatures and high
light conditions. Light-exposed seeds
germinated significantly earlier in cooler
temperatures compared to warmer temperatures.
These results indicate it is feasible to propagate
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -18-
this rare plant, while providing information on
the regeneration niche of this species.
Specifically, seedling establishment of this
species likely occurs in late fall and appears
dependent on adequate light availability to break
dormancy.
Session II, A-16
Evaluation of Crossing Structures for the
Endangered Carolina Northern Flying
Squirrel
Andrew J. Lawrence
Forestry & Environmental Resources
Mentor: Richard Lancia/Forestry &
Environmental Resources
The Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel
(Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus) is a federally
endangered species that is limited to high
elevation forests in the Southern Appalachians.
The species’ optimal habitat is spruce/-fir-
northern hardwood forests that are found above
4000 feet in elevation. The population of
interest, located in the Unicoi Mountains of
Graham County, North Carolina, is one of the
most threatened populations in its range. Along
with its isolation from other populations and
lack of optimal habitat, the Cherohala Skyway, a
scenic highway completed in 1996, has proven
to be an insurmountable barrier that bisects the
Unicoi population. The inability for the Carolina
Northern Flying Squirrel to cross the Skyway in
search of mates increases the risk of low genetic
variability and species’ fitness. The Skyway
also reduces the population’s ability to search
for food sources. In June of 2008, Chris Kelly of
the North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission and Duke Energy installed six
modified power poles in three locations along
the Skyway. The poles were installed in hopes
that they would provide a launch site for the
flying squirrels, reconnecting the populations on
either side of the Skyway. My involvement in
the project included monitoring the crossing
structures with the use of heat sensing cameras
to get photographic evidence of use by the flying
squirrels. The cameras were aimed down the
launch beam at the top of each crossing structure
to capture a photo of the flying squirrel before
they launched. The crossing structures were
found to be effective by comparing the
movements of a radio-collared flying squirrel
and photos captured of that flying squirrel on the
crossing structure.
Session I, A-19
The Effects of Distance from Habitat Edge
and Disturbance on the Dispersal of the
Appalachian Brown Butterfly
Quinn D. Mortell
Biology
Mentors: Nick M. Haddad/Biology; Laura S.
Vogel/Biology
Many butterfly species exhibit a metapopulation
structure in which small, isolated individual
populations are often prone to extinction. The
persistence of a metapopulation is therefore
linked to the ability of individuals to disperse
through the landscape matrix between patches of
suitable habitat. The Appalachian Brown
butterfly (Satyroides appalachia) inhabits
bottomland forests and wetlands along streams
on Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, a fire-dependent
long-leaf pine (Pinus palustrus) ecosystem. We
conducted an experiment to determine whether
distance from a suitable wetland edge and the
level of disturbance within the landscape matrix
affected the dispersal ability of the Appalachian
Brown butterfly. We tested our hypothesis that
as distance from wetland edge increased,
butterflies would be less likely to locate the
wetland habitat from the disturbed habitat by
releasing Appalachian Brown butterflies in three
types of upland forest habitat (unburned, burned,
and recovering burn) at three different distances
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -19-
from the wetland edge. We used a linear
regression to determine whether distance from
the wetland edge affected the proportion of
individuals that returned to the wetland in the
three different types of habitat. We found a
significant effect of distance on the proportion of
individual butterflies that returned to the
preferred wetland habitat in the burned habitat
but not in the recovering burn or unburned
habitat. These results suggest that the further a
butterfly flies into a disturbed habitat, the more
difficult it is to locate the preferred wetland
habitat. A possible habitat management strategy
that could improve the success of butterfly
dispersal would be to conduct controlled burns
at least two months prior to the butterfly
breeding season so the matrix habitat may have
time to recover.
Session I, A-20
Bioconversion: Analyzing Hardwood and
Softwood as Artificial Soil Matrices
Tyler A. Strayhorn
Wood and Paper Science
Mentor: Perry Peralta/Wood and Paper Science
The forest products industry produces tons of
wood byproducts every year that go un-utilized
and un-recycled. In addition, farming industries
in North Carolina also produce massive
quantities of animal and plant waste. This waste
presents very serious health risks in the form of
water and soil contamination. By putting wood
and farm waste together in the right conditions
we can produce energy, neutralize the harmful
components of animal waste, and create an all-
natural fertilizer. By using the wood waste as an
artificial soil matrix for the waste material to
decompose in, it is possible to produce superior
conditions for aerobic decomposition to occur.
By comparing a hardwood and softwood waste
with each other and with a traditional soil
matrix, it can be determined which wood waste
material will hold up best and form the best
reusable substrate for this reaction.
Unfortunately, the decomposition reaction did
not proceed favorably. Several possible factors
for the lack of reaction, including
carbon/nitrogen availability, viability of the
bacteria in the horse piles, and the ratio of horse
feces to soil matrix, were analyzed. This
information will prove valuable in the future
redesign of this experiment.
Biological Sciences:
Molecular, Biochemical, Genetics,
Cell Biology
Session I, A-22
Conjugation of Water Soluble Carbon
Nanotube with Drugs like Taxol and
Gemcitabine
Afreen Allam
Biochemistry; Microbiology
Mentor: Sabyasachi Sarkar/Chemistry
The purpose of this research project is to
conjugate water soluble carbon nanotubes
(wsCNT) with cancer drugs such as Taxol and
Gemcitabine. These cancer drug conjugated
wsCNT have the potential to be used for target
drug delivery. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
are multifunctional. They have applications in
industrial fields as well as in medical fields.
Recently, it has been found that CNTs can be
used as drug delivery mechanisms. WsCNTs
can be functionalized to drugs which contain
NH2 groups. By using several characterization
techniques we were able to find that the wsCNT
was successfully conjugated with the desired
drug (either Taxol or Gemcitabine). The UV
spectrum was used to confirm the conjugation of
the drug to wsCNT. These conjugated wsCNTs
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -20-
can be used later for animal studies to test the
toxicity and potential efficacy of the conjugated
drug in treating cancer patients.
Session II, B-1
Characterizing the Unfolded Protein
Response in Arabidopsis Mutants
Anisha R. Anthony and Katelyn Henderson
Plant Biology
Mentor: Imara Perera/Plant Biology
Becky Boston/Plant Biology
Many secretory proteins are folded or assembled
into their final conformation in the endoplasmic
reticulum (ER). Chaperone proteins help with
protein folding in the ER. If proteins are not
able to fold properly, there is an accumulation of
misfolded proteins which leads to ―the unfolded
protein response‖ (UPR). During UPR, the
transcription of genes encoding chaperone
proteins and their protein levels increase.
Misfolded proteins of the ER may also be
targeted for degradation via the Endoplasmic
Reticulum Associated Protein Degradation
(ERAD) pathway. The major focus of this
research is the characterization of the unfolded
protein response in Arabidopsis. We first
studied the UPR of transgenic Arabidopsis
plants with altered lipid signaling. The
transgenic Arabidopsis plants constitutively
express the human type I inositol polyphosphate
5-phosphatase (InsP 5-ptase), an enzyme that
specifically hydrolyzes the second messenger
InsP3. Previous work from the lab had found
that several genes encoding ER chaperone
proteins are down regulated in the InsP 5-ptase
plants. We also characterized T-DNA insertional
lines for Hrd1, a protein which is part of the
mammalian ERAD machinery but whose
function has not been shown in plants. In
Arabidopsis there are three Hrd1 genes and we
screened T-DNA lines for the three Hrd1 genes
and confirmed the insertion by PCR. To study
UPR we used Tunicamycin (Tm), a drug that
inhibits N-glycosylation resulting in misfolded
or unfolded proteins and activation of the UPR.
We first tested different concentrations of Tm to
determine the optimal concentration that inhibits
plant growth but does not kill the plants. We
next monitored seedling growth following Tm
treatment in wild type and transgenic or mutant
plants. Results from these studies will be
presented.
Session I, A-23
Drug A Reduces MMP-9 Expression by
Immortalized HCE Cells
Whitney P. Chrisco
Biological Sciences
Mentor: Laura Guogas/Molecular
Pharmacology, Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Key mediators of the ocular inflammatory
response include cytokine and chemokine
production, matrix metalloproteinases, and
activation of cell signaling pathways. Matrix
metalloproteinases (MMP) are a large family of
enzymes that are involved in the regulation of
many biological processes such as normal
development, reproduction, and tissue
remodeling. Specifically, matrix
metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been shown to
be secreted from the corneal epithelium and to
be involved in the ocular inflammatory response.
The objective of this study was to develop an in
vitro model system using immortalized human
corneal epithelial (HCE) cells to study the
effects of Drug A on the production of MMP-9.
Decreasing levels of active MMP-9 result in
reduction of cell trafficking which would reduce
inflammation. An in vitro model was
established to mimic an ocular inflammatory
response. Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-
a), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, was used to
yield an inflammatory response amongst the
HCE cells where MMP-9 could be measured
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -21-
within cell supernatant. Assay optimization
experiments were conducted to determine
optimal cell density, TNF-a concentration, and
TNF-a incubation time. Following the assay
optimization, two different assays were
conducted to explore (1) total expression MMP-
9 protein (active and inactive) and (2) the active
form of MMP-9. MMP-9 protein expression
was inhibited by Drug A in a concentration-
dependent manner. This inverse relationship
showed that as more drug was available, less
MMP-9 protein was expressed. Similar results
were observed when the active form of the
MMP-9 protein was studied. These results
suggest that HCE cells are a good model cell
line for studying MMP-9 protein expression as
well as the ratio of active and inactive forms of
MMP-9 stimulated by TNF-a. The use of Drug
A to decrease excessive production of MMP-9
may be beneficial for the treatment of ocular
inflammatory diseases such as blepharitis and
bacterial conjunctivitis.
Session I, A-24
Purple Sweet Potato Extract Enhances Cox-2
Expression and Prostaglandin E2 Formation
in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells
Sara D. Cohen
Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences
Mentor: Gabriel K. Harris/Food, Bioprocessing,
and Nutrition Sciences
Purple sweet potatoes (PSP) are widely
consumed in Asia and are growing in popularity
in the US. Past research has shown that PSP
contain high phenolic content. Though phenolic
compounds are thought to possess mainly anti-
inflammatory activity, there is research
suggesting that phenolic compounds may also
exhibit pro-inflammatory activity. The purple
sweet potato extract (PSPX) was extracted using
freeze dried purple sweet potatoes and an
acidified water-ethanol extract. Determination
of the total phenol concentration of the PSPX
was performed using the Folin-Ciocalteau
method. The PSPX treated cells were tested for
viability using the MTT assay and Trypan Blue
assay. The BCA assay was done to determine
protein concentration for Western Blotting.
Western Blotting tested for the amount of
cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the samples.
ELISA was used to test for PGE2, a downstream
product of the COX-2 enzyme. MTT results
showed similar data to the negative control
except that the highest does (1.0 mg/ml) for
PSPX alone and the 0.5 mg/ml and 1.0 mg/ml
doses in PSPX+LPS showed some toxicity.
ELISA data showed that PSPX causes similar
dose-dependent increases in PGE2
concentrations, with or without LPS.
Preliminary data indicates that, relative to the
LPS-treated positive control, PSPX alone
appeared to suppress Cox-2 expression. In
samples treated with PSPX + LPS, samples and
increase in Cox-2 expression was observed.
These findings indicate that PSPX affects
immune responses in RAW 264.7 cell culture
models. This project was funded by the state of
North Carolina.
Session II, B-2
Regulation of FSHB Production Using
Doxycycline Gene Switch
Anushri V. Desai and Megan D. Henley
Structural and Molecular Biochemistry
Mentor: William L. Miller/Structural and
Molecular Biochemistry
Follicle-stimulating hormone is released by the
anterior pituitary as a regulator of ovarian
follicle maturation and egg production. The beta
subunit controls overall FSH production, which,
in turn, is necessary for egg production in all
vertebrates, including rats and mice. The
purpose of this experiment was to construct and
test an expression construct that produces FSHB,
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -22-
except in the presence of the antibiotic
doxyclycline (Dox). The cloning portion of this
experiment involved sequencing a segment of
DNA that controls the Dox switch, and showed
that this segment contained the correct sequence.
The next step involved cutting this sequence
from one plasmid (used for creating mutations)
and ligating it into another (to change the Dox
switch mechanism). This step has been tried
several times, but only recently seems to have
worked. The final plasmid still needs to be
grown and tested for accuracy using restriction
enzymes; it also needs to be tested for Dox
regulation of FSHB expression. Equally
important is the testing of the original Dox
switch (not mutated) that turns on FSHB
expression with Dox. We have already tested
this in tissue culture to confirm that Dox does, in
fact, increase FSHB mRNA. Ultimately, the
newly cloned construct will be used in mice to
help control FSHB and egg production in
rodents.
Session I, A-25
NAD+ Salvage Pathways: NatV Activity of
Phage-Infected Vibrio parahaemolyticus &
Escherichia coli
Ginger E. Edwardsen
Microbiology
Mentor: Eric S. Miller/Microbiology
The nicotinamide adenine dinucelotide (NAD+)
biosynthetic pathway, which includes NAD+ and
related pyridine compounds, is essential for
supporting cellular redox reactions in living
organisms. Previous research has shown that
KVP40, a lytic bacteriophage that infects Vibrio
species, encodes an apparent pyridine nucleotide
salvage pathway, which had not been previously
seen in any viral system. A key enzyme in the
salvage pathway is NatV, which contains an N-
terminal region that is an NMN
adenylyltransferase (NMN ATase) allowing for
the conversion of NMN to NAD+. Analysis of
NatV activity in infected cells was done using a
coupled-enzyme assay measuring NADH
fluorescence. V. parahaemolyticus cells infected
with phage KVP40 showed optimal activity at
25oC, elevated NMN ATase activity (maximum
rate of 0.396 µmoles NADH/s/µg of protein)
about 15-20 minutes after infection, and
maximum natV mRNA level around 10 minutes
post-infection. These results demonstrated that
the natV gene is expressed and that the KVP40
NatV enzyme is active during infection.
Coliphage RB43, a related phage that infects the
genetically tractable E. coli, also encodes a
predicted salvage pathway. Escherichia coli
cells were infected at an MOI of 7 and samples
were removed at eight time points (0, 5, 10, 15,
20, 25, 30, and 40 minutes) after infection. The
results showed NatV activity for RB43 at an
optimum temperature of 37oC, with a maximum
rate of 0.252 µmoles NADH/s/µg of protein.
Activity was not as high as that observed during
infection with KVP40. Further research will be
needed to determine optimum conditions for
assays of NatV activity encoded by phage RB43
and the role of the pyridine nucleotide salvage
pathway during viral infections.
Session II, B-3
Embryo Gene Expression Profiling during
Developmental Stages Associated with the
Development of Abnormal Pigmentation in
the Silkie Chicken
Christian S. Estes
Poultry Science
Mentors: Chris M. Ashwell/Poultry Science;
Benjamin J. Dorshorst/Poultry Science
Skin pigmentation is caused by the presence of
melanin in the skin and helps protect skin cells
from damage caused by exposure to ultra-violet
light from the sun. The Silkie breed of chicken
is characterized by hyperpigmentation of the
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -23-
dermis of the skin as well as internal connective
tissues. Our unpublished work has suggested
that the genes EDN3 and B4ALT1 may be
associated with the hyperpigmentation
phenotype of the Silkie chicken. Other studies
have shown that differential staining by the
lectin PNA (Peanut Agglutinin) that binds a
similar glycosidic linkage as B4GALT1 defines
migratory routes taken by melanocyte precursors
during embryogenesis in the Silkie.
Overexpression of EDN3 in the mouse embryo
results in excessive proliferation of melanocytes.
Tissue samples of embryonic stages 18-32 were
taken from the unpigmented New Hampshire
breed and hyperpigmented Silkie breed of
chicken. Oligo sequences corresponding to the
primary candidate genes along with a selection
of other genes that have been shown to be a part
of the genetic regulatory network of melanoblast
development were printed onto a microarray.
The objective of this study was to determine if
differential expression of these two primary
candidate genes occurs during the embryonic
stages of development when melanocyte
precursor migration and proliferation are taking
place in the chicken.
Session II, B-4
The Effects of Diet on Weight in Drosophila
melanogaster: A Genetic and Environmental
Interaction
Kenda T. Freeman
Genetics
Mentors: Laura Reed/Genetics;
Owen McMillan/Genetics
Phenotypic variation is not just an effect of
genetics or environment alone, but also by the
interaction between these two factors. By
observing the phenotypic effects and variation of
organisms due to the interaction between genetic
and environmental factors, we can begin to
understand and even advance toward more ideas
within the field of genetics. The examination of
phenotypic variation (weight) across genetically
different lines of Drosophila provided with
different diets was performed. The diets
provided for the fruit flies consisted of three
different fat concentrations, and for each fat
concentration was a correlating sugar
concentration—either glucose or sucrose. The
objective of this experiment was to observe the
association between diet and weight gain on two
genetically different lines of Drosophila—NC2
063 and NC2 081. I hypothesized that there
would be an increase in weight under favorable
conditions, however, there would be a decrease
in weight on excessively high concentrations of
fat and sugar—these phenotypic differences
would reveal an interaction of both genetic and
environmental factors. Following analysis using
the JMP program, results showed that significant
factors that affected weight the most was that of
percent fat concentration, percent sugar
concentration, and genetic line with line effects
being the smallest of the three mentioned. The
type sugar, glucose or sucrose, showed no
significant effects for the variation of phenotype.
Session I, A-26
Development of an Arabidopsis thaliana-based
Screening Assay for Potential Pathogenicity
Impaired Mutants in Aspergillus flavus
R. Kyle Gazdeck
Plant Biology and Plant Pathology
Mentors: Imara Y. Perera/Plant Biology;
Rebecca S. Boston/Plant Biology;
Gary A. Payne/Plant Pathology;
Andrea L. Dolezal/Plant Pathology
Aspergillus flavus is an opportunistic plant
pathogen on maize, peanut, cotton, and tree nuts.
Gene expression studies investigating A. flavus
during infection of maize seeds identified
several hundred potential pathogenicity genes.
Functional analysis of these genes requires
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -24-
testing mutants with gene-specific deletions for
their pathogenicity. However, screening these
mutants on natural hosts for A. flavus is difficult.
The objective of this project was to develop a
rapid and reliable assay for A. flavus
pathogenicity using Arabidopsis thaliana as the
host plant. Placement of agar plugs embedded
with conidia of A. flavus onto A. thaliana leaves
was found to consistently result in lesion
formation. To test the reliability of this assay for
quantifying pathogenicity of A. flavus, we
inoculated A. thaliana leaves with two fungal
deletion mutants known to be impaired in
pathogenicity on maize seeds. Both of these, the
Zn/Cu-superoxide dismutase (SOD) encoding
sodA and the necrosis and ethylene inducing
peptide-like nepA deletion mutants, consistently
produced smaller lesions than the corresponding
controls. Based on the reduced pathogenicity
observed with the sodA deletion mutant, we
hypothesized that a mutant of A. thaliana unable
to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) may
be more susceptible to A. flavus. We tested this
hypothesis by taking advantage of the
availability of well-characterized ROS-deficient
mutant strains of A. thaliana. Lesion size varied
little between ROS-producing and ROS-
deficient lines of A. thaliana. Thus, these
findings suggest that, while ROS appears
important in plant defense, it is ultimately the
capacity of the pathogen to tolerate ROS that
conditions a level of plant susceptibility to the
fungus. These data support sodA and nepA as
pathogenicity factors in A. flavus as well as
demonstrate the validity of an A. thaliana-based
pathogenicity screening of A. flavus mutants.
Session I, A-27
The Effect of Vitamin D on Porcine Satellite
Cell Activity
Nadia Hassounah
Zoology
Mentor: Chad Stahl/Animal Science
Postnatal muscle growth is dependent on
satellite cell activity, and dietary phosphate (P)
deficiency decreases both the rate and efficiency
of lean muscle growth in swine. During P
deficiency, circulating levels of the active form
of vitamin D (1,25 (OH)2D3) are elevated, and
could be the mechanism by which dietary P
deficiency causes reduced muscle growth. The
objective of this study was to investigate the
effect of 1,25 (OH)2D3 on satellite cell activity.
Satellite cells isolated from 2 18-day old piglets
were cultured and assigned to 1 of 3 treatment
groups (control, 2nM 1,25 (OH)2D3(1X VitD),
and 20nM 1,25 (OH)2D3(10X VitD)). Complete
media changes were performed daily over the
course of the 6 day study. Determination of cell
proliferation and gene expression analysis was
conducted on days 1, 3, and 6 of culture. . Cell
proliferation was determined by pulsing the cells
with BrdU for 2 hours and then utilizing an anti-
BrdU primary and an HRP-conjugated
secondary antibody for immunocytochemical
staining. Gene expression analysis was
conducted with semiquantitative real-time PCR,
with a focus on genes that are markers for the
stages of satellite cell proliferation and
differentiation (Pax7, MyoD, myogenin,
CALCR, LPL), and genes whose products are
involved in 1,25 (OH)2D3 signaling (VDR, 24-
hydroxylase). Proliferation greatly decreased (P
< 0.05) over the course of the 6 day study. The
10X VitD treatment significantly reduced (P <
0.05) cell proliferation at day 1 compared to the
other treatments. There were no significant
effects of 1,25 (OH)2D3 treatment on cell
proliferation at any other time point. Changes in
gene expression based on 1,25 (OH)2D3
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treatment were observed. These results are
suggestive of an effect of 1,25 (OH)2D3 on cell
proliferation and gene expression.
Session II, B-5
Inhibition of Cytokine Secretion in Human
Monocytes
Mallory A. Herbold
Biological Sciences
Mentor: Emilee H. Fulcher, Research Scientist I,
Molecular Pharmacology, Inspire
Pharmaceuticals
Recruitment and activation of leukocytes to the
airway contribute to the reduction of airflow and
enhancement of airway reactivity in respiratory
diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD). One of the
principle leukocytes involved in these diseases
are monocytes, which play a central role in
inflammatory processes via secretion of pro-
inflammatory cytokines including IL-1beta, IL-
6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha. The objective of this
study was to determine whether small molecule
inhibitors of Kinase 1 and Kinase 2 were able to
inhibit the secretion of these four key pro-
inflammatory cytokines released from purified
human monocytes, and therefore may be
therapeutically useful as anti-inflammatory
agents. In order to explore the ability of Kinase
1 and 2 inhibitors to block cytokine secretion, an
in vitro model of cytokine secretion from
lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human
monocytes was established. To design a robust
in vitro assay to enable the quantification of
cytokine production, assay optimization
experiments were conducted to determine
optimal cell density, cell purity, LPS
concentration and LPS incubation time for the
four pro-inflammatory cytokines of interest.
Following the assay optimization, two classes of
compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit
cytokine secretion: (1) compounds that inhibit
both Kinase 1 and Kinase 2 and (2) compounds
that inhibit predominately Kinase 2.
Interestingly, the Kinase 2 inhibitors were
unable to inhibit cytokine secretion, while many
of the Kinase 1/2 inhibitors were able to
dramatically reduce cytokine secretion. These
results suggest that Kinase 1 may play a key role
in regulating cytokine secretion processes and is
a potential novel target for therapeutic
intervention. Advances in the development of
Kinase 1 inhibitors that possess anti-
inflammatory activity via suppression of
cytokine secretion may be useful in the
treatment of inflammation in respiratory
diseases.
Session I, A-28
Identifying siRNA that Inhibits Expression of
Mouse Follicle
Kit I. Ho
Molecular and Structural Biochemistry
Mentor: William L. Miller/ Molecular and
Structural Biochemistry
Genetically engineered pests (mosquitoes, flies,
rats, mice) can be used to decrease pest
populations. One way to decrease pest
populations by genetic engineering involves
producing males that are fertile, but pass
infertility genes to their female offspring.
Consequently, the reproductive cycle is stopped.
The ultimate goal of this project is to produce
males that carry genes encoding small
interfering RNAs (siRNA) that destroy mRNA
for follicle stimulating hormone beta subunit
(FSHB). Expression of this gene will destroy
FSHB mRNA and stop or significantly decrease
FSHB translation in female mice making them
infertile or subfertile although male mice will
still have viable sperm. The specific goal of this
study was to identify commercially available
shRNA which can reduce FSHB production by
> 95 %. LβT2 cells were transfected with
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different lentiviral vectors that were thought to
express siRNAs capable of decreasing FSHB
mRNA and their effects on FSHB mRNA were
analyzed using real-time rtPCR. None of the
three vectors decrease FSHB mRNA by 95 %,
but in one experiment vectors 3 and 4 decreased
it by ~ 50 %. Unexpectedly, increasing
transfection concentrations of V3 and V4 by 2x
had no effect on FSHB mRNA. Clearly, there is
more to learn about the effects of siRNAs on
FSHB mRNA levels to explain these unexpected
results. Moreover, the effectiveness of siRNAs
is likely to be dependent on which part of the
FSHB mRNA is targeted (3’UTR, 5’UTR, or
coding region). More studies will be needed to
determine the proper siRNA for effective FSHB
mRNA reduction and the proper level of
expression.
Session II, B-6
Exploration and Analysis of DNA-elongation
Techniques
Joseph A. Hook
Physics; Biomedical Engineering
Mentors: Robert Riehn/Physics;
Lianne Cartee/Biomedical Engineering
While techniques of bulk DNA analysis, such as
gel electrophoresis, are widespread in biological
sciences, they are not suitable for analysis on a
single-cell basis. Due to the polymeric nature of
DNA, molecules consequently form random
coils in solution; hence, elongation techniques
are necessary to determine genomic properties
by optical techniques. Because such techniques
permit visualization of genomes in their entirety
as opposed to conventional bulk methods, higher
resolution and more in-depth analysis can be
achieved, such as epigenetic mapping. The focus
of our study was to design and implement
multiple mechanisms of DNA elongation and
determine their efficiencies. The techniques of
interest include hydrophilic poly-l-lysine surface
stretching, hydrophobic silanized surface
stretching, end-tethered microfluidic elongation,
and flow-stretched microfluidic elongation.
Specifically for microfluidic elongation, a
multiple channel PDMS device was designed,
and a protocol for biomolecule immobilization
within the channel was developed. Results will
be discussed.
Session II, B-7
Identification of Constitutive and Inducible
Response Elements in the Human Pregnane X
Receptor (PXR) Gene
Chad M. Hunter
Environmental and Molecular Toxicology
Mentor: Andrew D. Wallace/Toxicology
The human pregnane X receptor is a ligand-
activated transcription factor whose primary
function is to sense the presence of foreign toxic
substances and in response up regulate the
expression of proteins involved in the
detoxification and clearance of these substance
from the body. Several factors are believed to
effect the expression of PXR and those studied
included hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha
(HNFa) and glucocorticoids, specifically
dexamethasone (Dex). Activating PXR induces
cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4); a key phase I
enzyme that plays a role in the metabolism of
drugs. Treatment of a rat liver cell line with the
taxane drugs paclitaxel or docetaxel, two
chemotherapeutic drugs, revealed that CYP3A4
promoter activity was induced. Increased
induction of CYP3A4 leads to an increased
metabolic rate of taxanes, which inactivates and
removes these drugs from the body. We
hypothesized that magnitude of CYP3A4
induction by taxanes is dependent on the
expression of PXR and may be significantly
higher in the presence of Dex. Treatment of a
rat liver cell line with the GR agonist Dex and
paclitaxel or docetaxel resulted in synergistic
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induction of CYP3A4 promoter activity. The
GR antagonist RU486, or co-transfection of a
dominant negative PXR expression plasmid,
greatly reduced this combination effect. To
determine the key transcription factors
mediating PXR expression, a human PXR
promoter reporter plasmid was used in
transfection studies. In the presence of HNF4α,
human PXR activity was induced 9-fold and in a
dose dependent manner, but no induction was
observed due to Dex. Understanding the
mechanisms of PXR expression and how this
influences the magnitude of CYP3A4 induction
will provide insight into improved treatments for
cancer chemotherapy patients while using
different taxanes. In addition, knowing the
effects of these drugs in combination with
different glucocorticoids will allow for the
greatest positive effect of these cancer drugs.
Session I, B-1
PAS Protein Regulation of the Midline and
Tracheal System
Amanda B. Jones
Genetics
Mentor: Patricia Estes/Genetics
Gene regulation is one of the most important
building blocks of life. Regulation makes the
right genes turn on at the correct time and in the
correct location. Regulation can also inhibit
genes from expressing in the wrong location,
which can lead to major malformations or death.
We are studying genes regulated by the PAS
proteins, Single-minded (Sim) and Trachealess
(Trh). Both of these PAS proteins form
heterodimers with Tango (Tgo), another PAS
protein and then bind to DNA and regulate the
expression of downstream target genes. Trh/Tgo
regulates genes expressed in the tracheal system
of Drosophila melanogaster, whereas Sim/Tgo
regulates genes expressed in central nervous
system midline cells. Some genes are expressed
in both tissues, but most genes are restricted to
one or the other. We are investigating how Sim
and Trh regulate different target genes. For
these experiments, we examine the expression
pattern of reporter genes to determine if they are
expressed in the trachea, midline or both. Next,
we determine the critical sequences needed to
provide expression in the midline and/or trachea.
Our long term goal is to identify additional
factors that work together with Sim and Trh to
restrict gene expression to either the midline or
trachea. These studies will indicate how genes
are differentially regulated in certain tissues
during development.
Session I, B-2
B Lymphocyte Activation Affects the
Expression of DC-SIGN and Co-Stimulatory
Molecules
Anthony Kulukulualani
Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Mentors: Giovanna Rappocciolo/Infectious
Diseases and Microbiology; Mariel
Jais/Infectious Diseases and Microbiology;
Charles Rinaldo/Infectious Diseases and
Microbiology
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)
can be transmitted from antigen-presenting cells
such as dendritic cells (DC) and a subset of B
lymphocytes to CD4+ T cells in trans. It has
been shown that transmission can occur via the
C-type lectin receptor DC-specific ICAM-3
grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN). Some studies
demonstrated that activation of B cells induces
the expression of DC-SIGN; however, others
have shown that high expression levels of DC-
SIGN on some cell lines cannot efficiently
transfer the virus. Thus, it is uncertain whether
DC-SIGN is solely responsible or if co-
stimulatory molecules play a role in the
transmission. The goal of this study is to
measure the expression levels of DC-SIGN and
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co-stimulatory molecules for activated B cells
with CD40L, LPS, and BAFF. We hypothesize
that these activation treatments should induce
the expression of these cell markers. We first
isolated B cells using a gradient separation and
positive magnetic separation (MACS). The cells
were then stained with fluorescence tagged
antibodies to determine the initial level of
expression of the markers. Unstained B cells
were activated for 48 hours with CD40L, LPS,
and BAFF and then stained. We used a flow
cytometer to measure the expression levels of
these stained cells. Our results demonstrated that
upon activation, expression levels of DC-SIGN
and maturation markers were induced. We also
determined initial expression of DC-SIGN on
peripheral B cells. It was observed that BAFF
was the best activation treatment for DC-SIGN
and activation receptors. Results from this study
will help evaluate the role of DC-SIGN and co-
stimulatory molecules in the transfer of HIV-1
from B cells to T cells.
Session I, B-3
Increasing Inositol Lipid Signaling Alters
Starch Metabolism in Plants
Ellen E. Lentz
Plant Biology
Mentor: Wendy F. Boss/Plant Biology
The phosphoinositide (PI) signaling pathway is
present in both plant and animal cells; however,
most animal cells produce much higher levels of
phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate
(PtdInsP2) than plant cells. PtdIns(4,5)P2 is a
key component in PI signaling and a precursor
of the second messenger inositol 1,4,5-
trisphosphate (InsP3). The plant
phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinases (PIPKs)
that synthesize the PtdInsP2 are so much less
active and PIPKs represent a flux-limiting step
in plants (Im et al., 2007). Therefore, Dr. Boss’s
lab generated transgenic plants expressing the
human PIPK that is more active. The transgenic
plants had 2-3 fold more signaling lipid
(PtdInsP2) and 2-2.5 fold more InsP3. The
transgenic seedlings were small and had short
primary roots; yet, unlike wild type plants, the
growth of the transgenic seedlings was not
inhibited by high (3 %) sucrose. Our hypothesis
is that increasing the flux through the PI
signaling pathway affected basal carbon
metabolism by altering starch and sucrose
partitioning. I have monitored changes in starch
and the expression of genes encoding enzymes
involved in starch synthesis (APL3) and
degradation (PHS, DPE and bAM3).
Surprisingly, there was more starch observed in
the morning before the lights came on and less
in the afternoon in the transgenic plants
compared to wild type. This suggests the
diurnal cycle affecting carbon metabolism is
altered in the transgenic plants. We can conclude
that constant flux through the PI pathway
negatively impacts the regulation of starch
metabolism in transgenic plants.
Session II, B-8
Effects of Culture Media and Oxygen Tension
on Cytosine Methylation and Gene
Expression in Preimplantation Mouse
Embryos
Emily G. Medlin
Animal Science
Mentor: Rocio M. Rivera/Animal Sciences—
University of Missouri-Columbia
Imprinting is an epigenetic modification in
which one gene of a pair of alleles is silenced in
a parent-specific way. Imprinting is commonly
controlled by methylation of the C5 position of
cytosines which are located next to guanines in
DNA sequences. CpG methylation usually
confers a silencing signal to genes. Methyl-CpG
Binding proteins, (e.g. MeCP2), have also been
shown to play a role in silencing genes when
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bound to methylated DNA regions. Oxidative
stress has been shown to form 8-hydroxyguanine
lesions on guanine bases which may hinder
MeCP2 binding activity, and therefore hinder
gene silencing. It has been shown that culture of
preimplantation mouse embryos can cause gene
misexpression, including loss of imprinting.
The purpose of this study was to use
immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy
to examine whether culturing preimplantation
mouse embryos in different culture conditions
causes alterations in DNA methylation, binding
of the MeCP2 methyl-CpG binding proteins, and
the formation of 8-oxoguanine lesions on DNA
when compared to in-vivo produced mouse
embryos. Preimplantation mouse embryos were
subjected to four different culture conditions in a
2X2 factorial design using 2 levels of oxygen
tension (5% and 20%) and 2 different media
(KSOM + amino acids, and Whitten’s medium).
Cultured embryos will be compared to two
different in-vivo produced control groups; a)
super-ovulated and b) not super-ovulated. The
super-ovulated in-vivo group embryos were
collected from females 96h post hCG. The
culture groups embryos were collected at the
two-cell stage approximately 44 hours post hCG.
Two-cell embryos were then divided in four
groups and cultured until 108-120h post hCG.
At the completion of each treatment, embryos
were fixed or frozen for immunofluorescence or
real time RT-PCR analyses, respectively.
Results will be discussed.
Session I, B-4
Characterization of Turkey iNOS and
Development of Assays to Study its Role in
Acute Viral Enteritis
Robert R. Meyerhoff
Poultry Science
Mentor: Matthew D. Koci/Poultry Science
Acute viral enteritis is one of the leading causes
of morbidity and mortality in both animals and
humans. However, despite its prevalence, our
understanding of the mucosal immune response
to these enteric pathogens is limited. Of the
numerous viruses known to cause enteritis,
astroviruses are recognized as one of the most
prevalent, and have been estimated to cause
more infections than rotaviruses or Norwalk.
For immunocompromised individuals, the
impact of astrovirus-mediated disease can be
especially significant. Gastrointestinal distress,
abdominal pain, and vomiting are the most
notable clinical symptoms, with some cases
resulting in a chronic infection. In spite of the
prevalence of this virus, very few treatment and
control strategies have been developed. In an
effort to further characterize this host-pathogen
interaction, our laboratory has developed a
model of acute viral disease mediated by turkey
astrovirus type-2 (TAstV-2). In previous
studies, we demonstrated that TAstV-2 infection
induces severe watery diarrhea and growth
depression. However, these clinical signs are
associated with only mild histological changes.
Although there was no evidence of inflammation
or immune response to infection, RNA
expression analysis suggests an increase in the
expression of constituents of the innate immune
system, specifically inducible nitric oxide
synthase (iNOS). Subsequent studies suggest
that expression of iNOS and its virucidal product
(NO) can inhibit TAstV-2 replication. To
further understand the role iNOS plays in the
anti-TAstV-2 response, we sequenced the full-
length turkey iNOS (tkiNOS) cDNA, compared
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it to known iNOS genes, and produced goat-
anti-tkiNOS peptide anti-sera. The results of
this work are the first, to our knowledge, to
describe the full cDNA sequence of the tkiNOS
gene and develop tkiNOS specific reagents.
These new reagents and assays will play a key
role in our ability to determine the effect of
iNOS and NO on TAstV-2-mediated enteritis as
well as other enteric infections.
Session I, B-5
The Cellular Role of Pitx2 in Left-Right
Asymmetric Gut Morphogenesis
Xiao J. Ni and Stephanie Bloom
Biochemistry
Molecular Biomedical Sciences
Mentor: Mike Dush/Molecular Biomedical
Sciences; Nanette Nascone-Yoder/Molecular
Biomedical Sciences
Left-right asymmetric looping and rotation of
the primitive embryonic gut tube is critical for
the development of normal digestive system
anatomy and function. Intestinal malrotation
anomalies, resulting from reversed or
incomplete gut looping and rotation, occur in as
many as 1 in 500 live births and pose life-
threatening complications to neonates, yet the
normal mechanisms of left-right asymmetric gut
morphogenesis are poorly understood. The
Pitx2c transcription factor is expressed
exclusively in the left lateral plate mesoderm of
the prospective gut tube and is required for the
development of left-right asymmetry during gut
looping and rotation. Although Pitx2 isoforms
have been shown to coordinate cell migration,
cell-cell adhesion, and the activation of Rho
GTPases in vitro, the cellular role of Pitx2 in the
developing gut tube has not been elucidated. By
microinjecting gain- and loss-of-function
reagents into the prospective left or right side of
Xenopus laevis frog embryos, we show that
abnormal gut looping and rotation is associated
with abnormal gut cell shape and epithelial
morphogenesis. Ectopic expression of Pitx2c
mRNA on the right side of the gut tube
elongates gut cell shapes and accelerates
epithelialization. In contrast, when an antisense
morpholino olgionucleotide is used to ―knock
down‖ the translation of Pitx2c expression in the
left side of the gut tube, gut cell shapes appear
more rounded and epithelial morphogenesis is
delayed. These results provide insight into the
cellular role of Pitx2 in left-right asymmetric gut
morphogenesis and the cellular etiology of
intestinal malrotation.
Session II, B-9
Characterization of the Murine Immune
Response against Red clover necrotic mosaic
virus
Matthew H. Overton
Microbiology, Biochemistry
Mentor: Steven A. Lommel/Plant Pathology;
Richard H. Guenther/Plant Pathology; Tim L.
Sit/Plant Pathology; and Stefan
Franzen/Chemistry
Selective and specific delivery of cytotoxic
compounds to cancerous cells is the goal for
next generation cancer treatment. One way to
selectively deliver cytotoxic compounds is to
load them in a plant virus nanoparticle that has
been engineered to target only cancerous cells.
Previous studies have shown that the Red clover
necrotic mosaic virus is an effective delivery
platform for cancer treatment drugs. A critical
component of developing this delivery method
comes from understanding the role of the
immune response against RCNMV. A key tool
in advancing this research is obtaining a
validated Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent
Assay, also called ELISA. This research used
monoclonal antibodies as controls to optimize
the performance of the assay using purified virus
as substrate. This research seeks to characterize
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the response of three mouse monoclonal
antibodies, 7H11, 4C6, and 2F10, against
RCNMV as well as the antigenicity of RCNMV
in mice. Characterization studies of these
antibodies show that the 4C6 is a non-specific
antibody, the 7H11 antibody is 25 times more
selective for wtRCNMV binding, whereas 2F10
is 5 times more selective for disrupted coat
protein binding, suggesting that these three
antibodies were produced against different
portions of the viral capsid. Blood experiments
were performed to show that these monoclonal
antibodies can be introduced into and efficiently
extracted from mouse blood—a critical
component for further antibody studies in mice
undergoing treatment with RCNMV. Assays
performed on mouse serum drawn from a mouse
exposed to RCNMV showed that a mild titer of
1:8000 was elicited by day 21 which proves that
wtRCNMV is weakly antigenic in mice with the
first response occurring by day 3. Throughout
testing, a more robust understanding of the
ELISA was developed including aspects such as
microtiter plate suitability, identifying
appropriate substrate and primary antibody
concentrations, and developing familiarity with
protocol.
Session II, B-10
Modification of Enzymes for Use in Organic
Solvents by the Amide Linkage of
Succinimidyl Carbonate Poly(ethylene)glycol
Rashid P. Riboul
Biochemistry
Mentor: Reza Ghiladi/Chemistry
Enzymes are biological catalysts that are
extremely efficient and selective. However,
most enzymes will work only at non-
physiological conditions, i.e. near pH 7.0 and
using water as the solvent, so using the enzyme
at any other pH or in any other media such as an
organic solvent will render the enzyme useless.
However, polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been
known to increase protein solubility in organic
solvents and, in some cases, retain some
catalytic activity when covalently linked to the
protein. The purpose of this research is to
modify enzymes by linking succinimidyl
carbonate polyethylene glycol (SC-PEG) to
primary amines within the protein to retain their
activity in organic solvents. The protein that
will be experimented on is dehaloperoxidase,
which is a hemoglobin (heme-containing
globular protein) that can convert trihalogenated
phenols into dihalogenated quinones. The
experiment called for the production of SC-PEG
from starting materials, testing the content of the
SC-PEG as well as the ―PEGylated‖
dehaloperioxidase using matrix-assisted laser
desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass
spectroscopy, and checking the activity of the
―PEGylated‖ protein in both water and organic
solvents through the use of activity assays, using
the original protein as a control.
Session I, B-6
Determination of the Effect Genetic
Polymorphisms Have on Subcellular
Localization of the Chicken Mx Protein
Whitney L. Richardson
Biological Sciences
Mentors: Matthew D. Koci/Poultry Science;
Rizwanna A. Ali/Poultry Science; and
Chris M. Ashwell/Poultry Science
Acute viral infections are one of the leading
causes of illness and death in humans and
animals worldwide. Identifying and
understanding how host proteins are involved in
protecting cells from viral infection is critical to
our ability to develop novel antiviral therapies.
One host protein known to be directly involved
in inhibiting viral replication is known as Mx;
however the mechanism by which it blocks virus
replication is not well characterized. In
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mammals there are typically two Mx genes, with
the product of one gene found in the nucleus and
the other in the cytoplasm. In mice the nuclear
localized Mx (MxA) has been demonstrated to
inhibit influenza virus. Further analysis of MxA
demonstrated differences in mouse strain
susceptibility to influenza virus were associated
with specific Mx alleles. Mx genes have also
been discovered in non-mammalian species.
Recent reports have identified numerous Mx
alleles in various lines of chickens and related
these to differences in their antiviral activity.
However, it is not currently known how the
different polymorphisms in Mx affects its
function. To characterize how these
polymorphisms affect Mx biology, we have
developed a system to examine the affect amino
acid changes have on the cellular localization of
the Mx protein. One allele of the chicken Mx
gene was cloned into the pEGFP-N1 expression
system to generate a construct which produces
an Mx-enhanced green fluorescent protein
(EGFP) fusion protein. This initial expression
construct provides the platform from which all
other alleles of chicken Mx can be derived.
Through a series of site directed mutagenesis,
transfection, and UV-microscopy assays, we will
determine how changes in the Mx amino acid
sequence affects its subcellular localization.
This system will lead to a better understanding
of how genetic variation in Mx is related to its
function in cells and how these differences are
related antiviral activity.
Session I, B-7
The Effect of Munc18/nSec1 on Syntaxin's
Open/Closed States
Joseph W. Rose III
Physics
Mentor: Keith Weninger/Physics; Biochemistry
The effect of Munc18 on the kinetics of
syntaxin's open/closed transitions outside of the
SNARE complex is still an open question. My
research seeks to measure these kinetics. For the
purposes of this experiment, encapsulated
samples of syntaxin and syntaxin bound to
Munc18 were analyzed using fluorescent
resonance energy transfer (FRET). By placing
dye sites on syntaxin at opposite ends of the
molecule FRET analysis can reveal dynamical
motions of the proteins transitions in and
between open and closed states. Testing showed
that lone syntaxin produced both an open and
closed state while syntaxin bound to Munc18
enhanced the closed state syntaxin. While this
test showed that Munc18 does induce a closed
state in syntaxin, further testing is required to
quantify the kinetics.
Session I, B-8
Construction and Validation of Mutant
Superoxide Reductase to Serve as a Negative
Control in Genetically Modified Tomato
Research
Johanna M. Schafer
Microbiology
Mentor: Amy Grunden/Microbiology
Pyrococcus furious is an anaerobic
hyperthermophilic archaeon that lives in
hydrothermal vent systems at the bottom of the
ocean where it grows at an optimal temperature
of 100°C. In order to deal with any oxygen
exposure, P. furiosus has the ability to utilize a
novel enzyme called superoxide reductase
(SOR). Previous work in the Boss and Grunden
laboratories led to the transformation of the P.
furiosus SOR gene into tomato plants. The
transgenic tomato plants are currently being
evaluated for SOR gene expression and studies
will be done to determine whether the transgenic
tomato plants have the ability to withstand
higher temperatures, excess UV exposure, and
drought conditions as has been shown to be the
case for SOR transformed Arabidopsis plants.
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In order to prove that SOR is the gene
responsible for the enhanced stress resistance in
tomato plants, research had to be conducted to
provide a true negative control for the planned
studies. This was done by introducing an
inactivating mutation by changing the cysteine
at amino acid position 111 to an alanine in the
original SOR gene in the expression plasmid
(SOR in vector plasmid pTrc99A). Mutant SOR
was transformed into Escherichia coli strain
JM105, subjected to a western analysis and
checked for heat stability. A complementation
growth study and a direct SOD/SOR activity
assay of the mutant SOR plasmid were also
conducted. The Cys111Ala-mutation of P.
furiosus SOR was shown to have rendered the
SOR enzyme inactive. The Cys111Ala-SOR
protein can still be expressed properly as well as
retain its characteristic heat stability. Since the
mutagenized SOR gene has been successfully
expressed as an inactive protein, it will be
transformed into tomato plants in order to
provide a valid negative control that will enable
appropriate interpretation of results from the
planned stress tests.
Session I, B-9
Inhibition of Equine Infectious Anemia on
Feline Cells Treated with Peptide in vitro
Caroline A. Schroeder
Biology
Mentor: Fred J. Fuller/Population Health and
Pathobiology
Retroviruses, specifically those belonging to the
lentivirinae genus, are of great interest due to the
large number of people (estimated 35 million)
and animals affected worldwide. Such viruses
include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
that causes acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS), which are currently
incurable. The purpose of the project was to
explore an alternative method to inhibit viral
replication specifically of an HIV-related
lentivirus, equine infectious anemia (EIA).
Inhibitors of EIA virus replication are likely to
inhibit HIV replication as well. We were
interested in determining whether a peptide that
binds to a cellular component required for virus
replication would have anti-viral properties.
Factors tested include toxicity of the peptide,
varying concentrations of added peptide, the
effect of a binding versus non-binding peptide,
and testing the use of syringe loading. The
peptide did not appear toxic to the feline
embryonic adenocarcinoma (FEA) cells;
however, the amount of reverse transcriptase
produced by the cells (indication of virus
replication) did appear sensitive to peptide. Our
results suggest that FEA cells treated with 5uL
of a binding peptide compared to 5uL of a non-
binding peptide yielded the lowest amount of
virus replication of EIA virus in vitro.
Session II, B-11
Characterization of Serum and
Glucocorticoid Induced Kinases (SGK) in a
Teleost Fish during Salinity Adapatation
Elizabeth R. Sommerville
Biomedical Engineering
Mentors: Russell J. Borski/Biology
William M. Johnstone/Biology
Serum and glucocorticoid kinase (SGK) is a
Serine/Threonine kinase belonging to the AGC
[cAMP-dependant protein kinase (PKA), protein
kinase G, protein kinase C (PKC)] kinase
family. SGK is an immediate early response
gene inducible by a plethora of stimuli
including, but not limited to glucocorticoids,
mineralcorticoids, cell shrinkage, cell swelling,
various growth factors, DNA damage, stress,
and p53. Euryhaline fish, including Mozambique
tilapia, have the remarkable ability to adapt to
changes in environmental salinity. The role of
the ―stress‖ SGK system in mediating salinity
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -34-
adaptation or osmotic challenge in fish is poorly
understood, despite fish being an excellent
model for study of epithelial transport
mechanisms. We hypothesize that SGK1 plays a
role in acute salinity adaptation through
regulation of the gill, the key osmoregualtory
organ of fish. Male freshwater (FW) or seawater
(SW, 2/3rd or 24 ppt) tilapia were transferred to
SW or FW for various time periods and gill were
removed for SGK1 mRNA analyses by real-time
quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) using SYBR
Green. We found that plasma osmolality
significantly decreases within 30 minutes
following transfer of fish from SW to FW and
increases during SW transfer. SGK1 mRNA
levels significantly increase within 30 minutes
of SW-to-FW transfer, returning to baseline
levels of sham transferred fish (SW to SW
transfer) by 3 hours. By contrast, we found that
transfer to SW led to a biphasic response,
whereby SGK1 mRNA levels spiked at 30
minutes and then increased again at 24 hours.
The mechanism for this biphasic rise is
uncertain. These data are the first to show that
SGK1 mRNA is upregulated during the initial
phases of both FW and SW challenge, and may
have a prolonged action in controlling SW
adaptation in fish. Collectively these studies
show that SGK may respond to osmotic stress
and osmoregulatory hormones to play a role, in
part, in regulating salt and water balance in fish.
Session I, B-10
Characterization of Mutants for Protein
Trafficking Pathways
Briana Taylor
Biological Sciences
Mentor: Marcela Rojas-Pierce/Plant Biology
The plant vacuole is a vital organ in most plant
cells. It stores chemicals including enzymes,
sugars, storage proteins, and many secondary
chemical metabolites. Proteins in the membrane
surrounding the vacuole, called the tonoplast,
transport most of these compounds in and out of
the vacuole. How are membrane proteins
transported to the tonoplast remains unknown.
Gravacin was identified as an inhibitor of
protein trafficking in the tonoplast using a
chemical genomic approach. Gravacin-
hypersensitive (hs1) mutants show two
important phenotypes when a small
concentration of gravacin is applied: they have
short roots and they exhibit abnormal
localization of a tonoplast marker. The goal of
this research was to identify the mutation
responsible for the hypersensitivity in the hs1
plants. Determining the mutation will inevitably
lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms
and machinery involved in protein trafficking.
Several smaller projects were involved in
achieving the overall goal of the project. The
first was to select and genotype recombinants
from mapping populations that were already
underway, which had placed the mutation
between markers FCA11 and g4539 in
Chromosome 4. The second was to sequence
candidate genes within the mapping region.
Thirty-eight new mutants were selected and
genotyped from the mapping population, but no
recombinants between the two markers were
identified. Three out of eight candidate genes
were sequenced, but no mutations were found.
Therefore, more recombinants must be selected
to increase the chance of finding recombinants,
which will ultimately lead to more information
on the location of the gene involved with
hypersensitivity to gravacin.
Session I, B-11
Activation Tagging of Gravacin
Hypersensitivity Mutants
Allison A. Vestal
Plant Biology
Mentor: Marcela Rojas-Pierce/Plant Biology
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -35-
Plant genes that encode for the endomembrane
system are also essential for survival. In order to
study the loss of function for these genes
without having problems with lethality and
redundancy, a chemical genomic approach can
be used. Chemical genomics uses small
molecules to modify the activity of a protein or
pathway that can be tunable and reversible.
Through this method, Gravacin was identified as
an inhibitor of protein trafficking in Arabidopsis.
The Weigel collection of T-DNA lines in
Arabidopsis thaliana is currently being screened
for hypersensitivity to Gravacin and two mutants
have been identified. The goal of this research is
to characterize the mutations that induce this
hypersensitivity. TAIL-PCR was used to recover
genomic sequences flanking the T-DNA
insertions from transgenic lines. The purified
tertiary TAIL-PCR reaction was ligated into a
vector and transformed into E. coli. The bacteria
were plated and the colonies positive for the
DNA insert were identified by digestion with
EcoRI. Plasmids containing an insert were
purified and sequenced. Insertions in three genes
have been identified in the Gravacin
hypersensitive line 894-1A through sequencing:
AT4G25600, AT5G06820 and AT4G1170. The
presence of T-DNA insertions in these genes is
currently being confirmed by PCR.
Session I, B-12
Drosophila as a Model for GxE Iteractions
behind Metabolic Syndrome
Stephanie N. Williams
Genetics
Mentors: Laura K. Reed/Genetics; Greg
Gibson/Genetics
Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) represents a largely
unexplored complex disease that has been
steadily increasing in prevalence in Westernized
societies. Characterized by insulin resistance,
high blood pressure, and central obesity, MetS
stems from a complex genotype by environment
interaction, as proven by background data
already collected in our study. Common-
Disease Common-Variant, Rare Alleles of
Major Effect, and the Infintesimal model
represent three prevailing theories of the genetic
origin of complex disease. However, in order to
one day achieve proper treatment/diagnosis
methods, it is important to distinguish which of
these theories best explains the development of
MetS because each basis requires a different
approach. In order to elucidate the underlying
genetic architecture, we decided to perform
complete diallele crosses. Because genotype and
environment are hard to control for and
distinguish between in humans and because of
conserved metabolic pathways between the two
species, Drosophila melanogaster was chosen to
perform two crosses. These crosses each
contained 4 genetically-distinct isogenic lines
that were chosen based on extreme phenotypes
exhibited consistently in two previous
screenings. The results of these crosses
predominately indicate additive effects at work,
as well as maternal effects and overdominance.
These results support the infinitesimal model,
which visualizes complex disease a continuum
through the accumulation of deleterious alleles,
each of which contributes a small portion to the
diseased-state.
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Biological Sciences:
Zoology, Physiology, Behavior,
Neurobiology
Session I, B-13
Does ATP, Glutamate or NAAG Affect Glial
Cell Number in Rat Sciatic Nerve?
William C. Andrew
Biological Sciences
Mentor: Robert Grossfeld/Biology
The primary aim of this study is to determine
whether ATP, glutamate or the glutamate-
containing dipeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamate
(NAAG) affects peripheral nerve development
in mammals. They are abundant
neurotransmitters found throughout the
mammalian nervous system. ATP and glutamate
are known intercellular signaling agents that
affect the function, production and
differentiation of neurons and glia in brain.
NAAG released from nerve axons may be a
signaling agent at synapses in brain or a
potential source of glutamate upon hydrolysis to
form glutamate and N-acetylaspartate (NAA);
this reaction is catalyzed by the glial enzyme
glutamate carboxypeptidase II. At high
extracellular concentrations, such as might occur
during pathological conditions when cells are
compromised or die, ATP and glutamate have
toxic effects, but at physiological concentrations
they are essential for normal brain structure and
function. To determine whether ATP, glutamate
or NAAG affects the development of peripheral
nerve fibers in mammals, sciatic nerves of one
week-old rats were exposed in vivo to one of
these substances by implantation of a small
piece of gelfoam soaked in sterile saline
containing the test substance while the other
sciatic nerve was treated with gelfoam soaked
only in saline. Myelination of the nerve fibers
begins at about postnatal day six and continues
for a couple of weeks. One characteristic of that
process is the production of Schwann cells, the
peripheral glia that form myelin around axons.
Therefore, one week after surgery, the nerves
were examined histologically by staining
sections with Hematoxylin, which colors nuclei
blue. Since only the glia have nuclei in the
nerve, the number of nuclei is a measure of the
number of glial cells. Currently, Image Pro
software is being used to quantify the results.
Session I, B-4
Creating an Alternative to Venom Gland
Excision in Agkistrodon Contortrix
Samantha R. Avery
Zoology
Mentors: Harold F. Heatwole/Zoology;
Michael K. Stoskopf/Clinical Sciences
Research into the role of venom in digestion
requires comparing the efficiency with which
envenomated and non-envenomated prey are
digested. One technique for doing this involves
excision of the venom glands. John Tait (1938),
however, found this procedure to be extremely
painful and damaging to snakes and that it could
lead to major complications affecting the
validity of the research. Consequently, the
present study sought an alternative that would be
less invasive and, unlike excision of the gland,
would be reversible. Agkistrodon contortrix
(copperheads) are being used to test whether
occlusion of the fangs satisfies these criteria.
Snakes were anesthetized and dental composites
used to occlude their fangs. They were
monitored post-surgically for any adverse side
effects, such as abnormal behavior and swelling
or injury of the fang sheath. The effects of two
composites, glasionomer and Permaflo Purple,
were compared. No adverse side effects were
observed and each snake had very little, or no,
swelling. Snakes whose fangs were occluded
with glasionomer shed the occluded fang and
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -37-
replaced it with a new fang but those treated
with Permaflo Purple retained the original fang.
Further work is needed on the natural rate of
fang replacement in order to determine whether
shedding of the fangs was coincidental or a
response to the treatment. Both dental
composites effectively blocked venom passage,
except for one that leaked a minute amount of
venom. Therefore, the technique used is
effective in occluding the fang and subsequently
blocking the release of venom.
Session I, B-15
Assessment of First Year College Students'
Nutrition Knowledge and Eating Behaviors
Ashton L. Ayers
Nutrition Science
Mentor: Stephanie Sobol/Health Promotion
The 2008 Statistical Fact Sheet released by the
American Heart Association revealed that in
Americans, age 20 and older, 67-75% of men
and 57-80% of women are currently overweight
or obese (American Heart Association 2008).
With obesity reaching such epidemic
proportions and at such a young age all over the
nation, the need for nutrition-related educational
programs has increased dramatically. The
purpose of this study was to survey and evaluate
the current nutrition-related knowledge and
eating behaviors of a select group of First-Year
College students at North Carolina State
University. In collaboration with the Student
Health Services Department of Health
Promotions, a one-hour long Eating Well Made
Simple program was presented to three
consecutive First Year College seminar classes.
A pre-program and post-program survey was
administered to each of 52 students. The survey
assessed a variety of topics including: their
current eating behaviors (where they dine and
what they eat), their knowledge of the different
macro-nutrients and the amount consumed, and
other questions related to the students’ self-
efficacy to determine their comfort-level in
making healthier choices. The hypothesis was
that comparison of the pre-program survey
(administered 2 weeks before the Eating Well
Made Simple presentation) to the post-program
survey (administered 3 weeks after) would
reveal a positive change in the
students’knowledge of nutrition and/or their
eating behaviors. Final analysis of the surveys
revealed small percentages of change in the
students’choices when filling their plates and in
their understanding of the importance of eating
related to their overall health and well-being.
Although the percentages of change were low,
the data obtained is a very valuable resource for
understanding the eating habits of students on
campus and finding ways to reach them more
effectively.
Session II, B-12
Predation Hazard Influences Nocturnal
Feeding Activity of Guppies (Poecilia
reticulata)
Katherine L. Gleason and Samantha L. Frady
Biology
Mentors: James F. Gilliam/Biology; Bradley A.
Lamphere/Biology
Animals constantly make decisions that involve
fitness tradeoffs. For example, time spent
foraging can expose an animal to increased
predation risk. Traditional thought holds that
guppies, Poecilia reticulata, forage only
diurnally and hide or rest at night because of the
threat from nocturnal predators. We examined
this tradeoff in wild-caught Trinidadian guppies
subjected to differing levels of predation in their
native stream habitats. To assay for flexibility in
daily rhythms of foraging activity, we measured
the growth rates of guppies allowed to forage in
artificial, predator-free pools. Four treatments
were used, with guppies allowed to forage only
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -38-
at night, only during the day, during both day
and night, or not at all. The guppies showed
different feeding strategies that correlated with
the level of predation in their natural habitat.
Guppies collected from low-predation sites fed
readily at night. Guppies from high-predation
sites had less flexibility in their foraging
activity, taking less advantage of night foraging
on average, although the population as a whole
had a wider range of night foraging activity than
the low-predation guppies. These data are
consistent with flexibility in the circadian
foraging activity of guppies; further work is
necessary to characterize the degree to which
circadian rhythms in foraging activity have been
fixed by natural selection.
Session II, B-13
The Effect of Size on the Utility of Circulating
Insulin-like Growth Factor I as a Biomarker
for Growth in a Teleost Fish, the Hybrid
Striped Bass
David A. Hurt
Zoology; Biochemistry
Mentor: Russell J. Borski/Biology
Developing biomarkers that reflect recent
growth rates in fishes is critical for assessing the
status of natural fish populations as well as
aquatic ecosystem health, since growth is
indicative of variable environmental conditions.
Further, growth biomarkers have potential for
optimizing rearing protocols of aquacultured
fishes. Studies in our laboratory have
demonstrated that circulating levels of insulin-
like growth factor-I (IGF-I), a peptide hormone
directly responsible for cell proliferation and
somatic growth, are correlated to growth rates of
several fishes after prolonged (3 week) feeding
treatments. However, it is unknown when
changes in growth first correspond to changes in
IGF-I, and whether body size alters this
relationship. To assess this, two size groups of
hybrid striped bass (HSB; 146 and 251g) were
subjected to three experimental feed regimens:
complete satiation, moderate feed, and complete
starvation for a period of 41 days followed by an
8 day re-feed period. Blood plasma was
sampled for IGF-I at days 0, 7, 14, 27, 41, and
49. The experimental regime rendered graded
levels of catabolism and anabolism by day 7 in
both groups of fish. However, corresponding
changes in plasma IGF-I were not detected until
day 14 in the smaller group and by day 27 in the
large group. Further, although the specific
growth rates of previously starved HSB in both
size groups increased dramatically upon re-
feeding, only in the small fish did circulating
IGF-I mimic the growth response. These results
indicate plasma IGF-I can be used as a growth
biomarker in both small and large HSB, but that
earlier detection and stronger relationships will
be achieved using juvenile rather than adult fish.
This is likely because smaller fish experience
faster rates of growth and are also more sensitive
to temporal restrictions in feed, the latter due to
less total energy stores.
Session I, B-16
The Effect of Size on the Utility of Circulating
Insulin-like Growth Factor I as a Biomarker
for Growth in a Teleost Fish, the Hybrid
Striped Bass
Mangala S. Iyengar
Zoology
Mentors: Robert Grossfeld/Biology; Jane L.
Lubischer/Biology
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glutamate are
considered to be major neurotransmitters by
which neurons and glia, the two main cell types,
communicate with each other in the central and
peripheral nervous systems. The current
consensus is that glutamate acts on glial cells by
stimulating the release of ATP, which then binds
to the relevant receptors to create its effect. We,
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -39-
therefore, would expect that the neural responses
to ATP and glutamate should be similar and that
both should be blocked by antagonists of ATP
receptors. Most glial cells do not generate the
types of electrical responses that characterize
neurons but they do respond to stimulation with
changes in cytoplasmic calcium. We used
optical imaging of calcium responses to study
and quantify the responses of glia to ATP and
glutamate in the developing rat sciatic nerve, a
model peripheral nerve. Sciatic nerves from
neonatal Wistar rats were isolated and incubated
in vitro with the calcium-sensitive dye Fluo3
AM, which is taken up by the glial cells. Light
emission by the cells was measured
microscopically and analyzed as a function of
time with Image Pro software. ATP produced a
consistent and robust response, but application
of glutamate produced little or no response. In
rat optic nerve, a model central nerve studied in
our laboratory, ATP and glutamate also
produced qualitatively different responses.
These results suggest the need to reevaluate the
means by which these substances may mediate
intercellular chemical communication between
neurons and glia in intact nerves.
Session I, B-17
Responses of Adult Human Adipose-Derived
Stem Cells to ATP and Electrical Stimulation
John P. McQuilling and Seth D. McCullen
Biomedical Engineering; Zoology
Mentors: Robert Grossfeld/Biology;
Jane Lubischer/Biology; and
Elizabeth Loboa/Biomedical Engineering
Human Adipose derived Stem Cells (hADSC)
can be induced to differentiate into cartilage or
bone cells with mechanical and/or electrical
stimulation, offering the possibility of repairing
bone or cartilage without concern for immune
rejection. Mesenchymal stem cells are known to
respond to mechanical and electrical stimulation,
in part through release of ATP. Knowing the
precise conditions that are most effective and the
mechanisms that affect the physiology or
differentiation of hADSC will bring us closer to
clinical treatments. The question that is being
addressed is whether the effects of mechanical
shear stress and electric fields on hADSC are
mediated by diffusible signaling agents such as
ATP or glutamate. Previously, these compounds
have been shown to increase intracellular
calcium in hADSC. The cells were loaded with
Red Cell Tracker dye, a vital dye that allows
fluorescence imaging of the cell morphology,
and Fluo-4 AM, a Ca-sensitive dye that emits
light when cytoplasmic Ca levels increase.
Cells were imaged microscopically for changes
in Ca levels in response to ATP, mechanical
shear and electric fields in the absence or
presence of inhibitors of receptors for ATP.
Experiments completed this far indicate that
activation of the hADSC by ATP is dependent
on cell density, number of passages, and
duration in culture, that the response to ATP is
partially blocked by the broad spectrum
purinergic receptor antagonist suramin, and that
the cells are activated by electrical stimulation of
appropriate intensity and frequency. Current
studies are testing whether the response to
electrical stimulation is mediated by ATP.
Session I, B-18
Candidate Axon-Glia Signaling Agents in Rat
Optic Nerve
Hamish S. Patel and Chandni P. Patel
Zoology
Mentors: Robert Grossfeld/Biology; Jane
Lubischer/Biology
Neuroglia supply neurons with nutrients and
regulate nerve development and function. In
brain, ATP and glutamate are diffusible
chemicals that may mediate signaling between
neurons and glia. The current consensus is that
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -40-
glutamate activates a Ca2+ increase in glia by
promoting the release of ATP from the glial
cells. In mammalian optic nerve, antagonists of
ionotropic glutamate receptors do not block the
activation of glial cells during electrical
stimulation of the nerve but antagonists of ATP
receptors do, suggesting that ATP is the primary
mediator of axon-glia signaling in that nerve.
Whether glutamate and/or a glutamate-
containing peptide (N-acetylaspartylglutamate,
NAAG), both of which are abundant in the
nerve, contribute remains uncertain. To test
whether the glia can be activated by these
compounds, optic nerves from 3-15 day old
Wistar rats were isolated, the meninges were
removed and the glia were loaded with the
calcium-sensitive dye Fluo-3AM by incubation
of the nerve. Changes in cytoplasmic calcium in
response to ATP, glutamate or NAAG were
detected microscopically by measuring light
emission from the dye; intensities were digitized
and analyzed. Glutamate and NAAG each
activated the glia. Pre-treatment of the nerve
with cyclothiazide (CTZ) and DL-threo-β-
benzyloxyaspartic acid (DL-TBOA) to block
AMPA NOTE: and DL-threo-beta-
benzyloxyaspartic acid (DL-TBOA) to block
AMPA receptor (an ionotropic glutamate
receptor) desensitization and cellular uptake of
glutamate, respectively, increased the sensitivity
of detection. Treatment with NAAG together
with 2-(phosphonomethyl) pentanedioic acid (2-
PMPA), an inhibitor of NAAG hydrolysis, did
not eliminate the glial cell Ca2+ increase. This
suggests that intact NAAG, as well as glutamate
and ATP, are potential intercellular signaling
agents for activating the glia.
Session I, B-19
The Wayne County Food Systems Initiative:
Creating Community Awareness and
Sustainable Food Systems
Natalie M. Phillips
Biological Sciences
Mentor: Sarah L. Ash/Food, Bioprocessing &
Nutrition Sciences
Wayne County has a very strong agricultural
history and many of its residents have an interest
in the production and consumption of local
sustainably produced foods. However, with
development pressure and economic uncertainty,
family farms are struggling in Wayne County
and across North Carolina. While agriculture is
a way of life in the county, residents do not have
adequate farmers’ markets to directly purchase
locally grown produce from growers. In a
response to this need, the Wayne County Food
Systems Initiative was created to promote the
development of a local, sustainable food system
through community partners and youths in
Wayne County. The initiative uses the resources
already present in the county and provides
mechanisms through which the community can
gain access to local foods, which meets the
needs of both the farmers and the residents.
Community gardens have been established and
mini famers’ markets have been held, but with
the new availability of fresh produce, a need
emerged for educational materials to inform the
community about healthy eating and encourage
the intake of these locally grown foods. Since
residents may not be accustomed to having
access to these foods, they may not be aware of
the many different ways to prepare them or the
nutritional benefits they offer. It is thought that
if the residents introduced to this new
information, they will be more likely to purchase
and consume healthy foods. To accomplish this,
information cards for different herbs in the
community garden were designed, and a poster
was assembled for a local school. It was hoped
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -41-
that the educational materials would fill a need
in the Wayne County Food Systems Initiative,
and would serve the residents of Wayne County
by informing them about healthy eating and by
encouraging them to purchase more foods from
local farmers. Ultimately, the educational
materials provided much-needed nutrition
information to individuals and influenced them
to consume more produce.
Session I, B-20
Utility of Insulin-like Growth Factor-I and
RNA:DNA Ratios as Growth Biomarkers in
Fishes
Jordan S. Pung
Biomedical Engineering; Biological Sciences
Mentor: Russell J. Borski/Biological Sciences
The ability to rapidly and accurately assess
growth rate in vertebrates through reliable
physiological biomarkers has broad scientific,
medical, and commercial appeal. The
development of these biomarkers in fishes not
only provides basic scientific information
regarding vertebrate growth, but can also be
used to optimize rearing parameters for
aquacultured species and to assess population
and aquatic ecosystem health. Plasma levels of
insulin-like growth factor-I, a mitogenic peptide
directly responsible for cell proliferation and
ultimately body growth, has been used as a
growth biomarker in several species of juvenile
and adult fish, while RNA:DNA ratios are a
common means of assessing growth rate in
larval, juvenile and some adult fishes.
Nevertheless, no study has simultaneously
assessed both biomarkers for direct comparison
of their effectiveness. The present study utilized
both feeding and water temperature
manipulations to achieve a broad range of
growth rates (negative, normal and
accelerated/compensatory growth) in juvenile
hybrid striped bass (HSB), a temperate species
of both recreational and commercial importance.
Specifically, treatment groups of HSB were feed
restricted prior to (24º days 0-23) and/or during
(14º days 24-114) a simulated period of cold-
banking and then refed when temperatures were
returned to optimum (24º, days 115-148).
Control fish were fed throughout the entire
experiment. We found that plasma IGF-I levels
changed in concordance with growth rate (R2 =
0.40) in all groups of fish throughout the entire
experiment, whereas no correlation was found
between RNA:DNA and specific growth rate
(R2 = .041). These results suggest that
concentrations of plasma IGF-I have a causal
relationship with growth and that circulating
levels are a more reliable and accurate
biomarker than RNA:DNA ratios in juvenile and
perhaps other fishes.
Session I, B-21
Sleeve Gastrectomy in an Obese Rat Model to
Elucidate the Hormonal Mechanisms behind
Obesity
Lindsey M. Wright
Biological Sciences
Mentor: Dana Portenier/Duke University
Medical Center, Department of Surgery
In the United States today, 1 out of every 3
adults is obese, and approximately 30% of these
adults will develop type 2 diabetes mellitus. At
present, there are multiple bariatric surgeries
used to maintain weight loss and halt or resolve
the co morbidities of obesity. Though, there are
several different types of bariatric surgeries,
little is known about the hormonal mechanisms
behind the weight loss post-surgery. This study
is currently being conducted in order to develop
a successful animal model for sleeve
gastrectomy, a restrictive bariatric surgery, and
also to elucidate the hormonal mechanism
behind obesity and diabetes. Ten Zucker rats
were placed into three experimental groups: the
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -42-
sleeve-gastrectomy operated group (SG,
control), sham-operated ad-lib fed (AL, control),
and the sham-operated pair-fed groups (PF,
control). All the rats underwent surgery, but the
sleeve-gastrectomy group was the only group to
undergo bariatric surgery. The animals’ weight
and glucose levels were monitored on a weekly
basis. In this study it was possible to obtain a
sleeve gastrectomy experimental model and
monitor the effects on the obese rat. As
expected, the SG rats had a lower caloric intake
than both controls. The SG and PF groups both
had similar and sustained weight loss; however,
the SG group had a significantly lower average
glucose level than the PF group. This study is
continuing to be performed in order to elucidate
the hormonal mechanisms behind obesity and
diabetes.
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -43-
Design
Session I, B-22
Designing Performative Science Materials for
Centennial Campus Middle School
Rachael M. Huston
Graphic Design
Mentor: Meredith Davis/Graphic Design
Instructional print materials can physically
model thought processes, promoting more active
learning. In conjunction with classmates'
projects, I am producing a booklet that models
cognitive processes for use in 8th grade science
classes at Centennial Campus Middle School.
This design project will illustrate how utilizing
an experiential metaphor for graphic design
impacts the function of print design. The project
will also illustrate how specific instructional
objectives can be accomplished through print
design. While there is no substitute for a good
teacher, I hope to improve the ability of print
materials to encourage interaction by working
systematically with an experiential conception of
design and using schema theory and dual coding
theory to inform my design process. The study
synthesizes theories of design, psychology and
education and will provide rare insight into how
a particular design of my making affects the
people who use it. A major foundation for our
method of making is an understanding of text
and image relationships: how they are perceived
and constructed by the reader. I have outlined a
type/image typology that explores both the
formal and functional aspects of such
relationships. It gives us insight into how a
reader interacts with printed artifacts and thus
informs our design process, enhancing our
ability to physically model thought processes in
printed materials.
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -44-
Engineering and Technology
Session II, B-14
Residential Green Design and Development
in Cary, NC
Elizabeth L. Allen, Paul H. Cameron, David A.
Stewart, and Veronica Mbaneme
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Mentor: William F. Hunt, III/Biological and
Agricultural Engineering
Poor water quality and watershed contamination
are effects of rising urbanization and exponential
population growth. In efforts to reduce
stormwater surface runoff and treat point source
pollution, stormwater engineering techniques
have been developed to reduce runoff and allow
for contaminant filtration. This project required
various stormwater BMPs to be researched and
designed for a green contractor’s newly
renovated home that will double as a
demonstration home for her business. The
stormwater features were required to account for
the first flush depth of precipitation that falls
onto the property, while correcting ponding and
erosion issues occurring on the property and
fitting the client’s specifications. Permeable
pavement, cisterns, and rain gardens are some of
the most prevailing stormwater treatment
systems that may be utilized in residential areas
and were mainly researched. Numerous site
visits were made to assess design constraints
such as soil type, topography, area, existing
pipes and water/electrical lines, precipitation,
roof size and shape, amount of sunlight, and tree
root location. Client specifications such as
aesthetics, cost, and maintenance requirements
were also taken into consideration. The
components of each BMP were chosen based on
these design constraints and research conducted.
A permeable pavement system, three optional
rain gardens, and two cisterns were designed to
account for the first flush depth of precipitation
that falls onto the property. A cost analysis will
be performed for each design to treat the 75%-
95% storms, which were calculated to range
from approximately 1.0" to 3.1" respectively.
The final design will be discussed and presented
to the client to possess for future installation
plans for the remodeling of her yard. This
project aims to provide the groundwork for a
landscape that will spark community interest in
environmentally conscious residential design.
Session I, B-23
Effect of Electrical Stimulation on the
Osteogenic Differentiation of Human
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Rachel M. Beard and Seth D. McCullen
Biomedical Engineering
Mentors: Laura I. Clarke/Physics; Elizabeth G.
Loboa/Biology
Electrical stimulation is being investigated as an
alternate therapy for bone regeneration at bone
non-union fracture sites. The applications of low
frequency AC electric fields have been shown to
enhance the differentiation of both mesenchymal
and neuronal stem cells by upregulation of
specific tissue markers. Human adipose-derived
adult stem cells (hASCs) are an alternative stem
cell recognized for their multilineage potential
and relative ease of retrieval. The goal of this
study was to evaluate the effect of electrical
stimulation as hASCs underwent osteogenic
differentiation. Human ASCs were seeded
directly onto interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) and
exposed to AC electric fields of 0, 1, 3, 5 V/cm
at 1 Hz for 4 hours per day up to 14 days.
Human ASCs were analyzed on day 7 and day
14 for cellular viability, proliferation, and matrix
mineralization. For all treatments, hASCs were
largely viable as determined through
fluorescence imaging using a live/dead cell
viability kit. Cell proliferation was determined
by quantifying the DNA of the hASCs on the
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IDEs using Hoescht 33258 DNA binding dye.
Cell proliferation did not significantly vary
between treatment groups or between time
points. Matrix mineralization was determined by
quantifying accreted Ca2+ using the Stanbio
calcium kit. It was determined that the 1 V/cm
electric field significantly increased the amount
of mineralized matrix, suggesting that specific
electric field treatments can enhance the
osteogenic process of hASCs compared to static
controls. As hASCs underwent osteogenic
differentiation under electrical stimulation of 1
V/cm at 1 Hz, they produced significant
amounts of bone tissue markers needed for bone
regeneration at non-union fracture sites.
Session I, B-24
Assessment of Miscanthus Grass for
Optimized Bioethanol Production
Aria M. Behrouzi
Chemical Engineering
Mentors: Steven Peretti/Chemical Engineering;
Ratna Sharma/Biological and Agricultural
Engineering
The price volatility of crude oil and our nation’s
dependence on foreign oil are key reasons for
optimizing biofuel production from renewable
sources such as miscanthus, a perennial grass.
Current methods for converting miscanthus into
ethanol can yield approximately 2.5x the amount
produced from corn or switchgrass on a per unit
weight basis. Widely used chemical
pretreatments need to be optimized for
individual feedstocks to maximize lignin and
hemicelluloses solubilization and enhance
subsequent conversion of cellulose to
fermentable glucose. Lignin, which accounts for
a significant portion of the miscanthus
composition, is unusable for the production of
ethanol and is often burned as an energy source.
This study investigated pretreatment methods to
prepare miscanthus for improved enzymatic
digestibility and higher fermentable sugar yields.
Assessed pretreatment methods included NaOH
(0.5%, 1 %, 1.5% w/w) and H2SO4 (0.5%, 1%,
1.5% w/w). All trials were carried out using
feedstock comprised of miscanthus species
grown at the NCSU research farm in
Williamsdale, NC, including Miscanthus
giganteus, a sterile hybrid of M. sinensis, and M.
sacchariflorus, which is commonly found in
Europe. Based on analysis of data for lignin
reduction, solid recovery and sugar availability
in pretreated samples, it was observed that 30
min/0.5% and 60 min/1.5% acid and alkali
pretreatments are promising, however hydrolysis
by enzymatic digestion is necessary to identify
optimal conditions. Further investigation will
focus on employing cellulolytic enzymes such as
cellulase and β-glucosidase to analyze
breakdown of polymeric cellulose chains to
glucose followed by fermentation of sugars to
bioethanol by Saccharomyces cerevisiae or
Zymomonas mobilis. Pretreatments combining
NaOH and H2SO4 for improved conversion will
also be evaluated. The results of this study can
help in establishing a process for sustainable
biofuel production that lessens our dependence
on foreign crude oil.
Session II, B-15
Feasibility of Hydrogen Production with
Nuclear Energy
Ashley G. Brannan, Mark Sugimoto, Jeremy
Nobles, Collen Madzivanyika, and Riley
Cumberland
Nuclear Engineering
Mentors: Jacob Eapen/Nuclear Engineering;
K. L. Murty/Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear energy is considered as a viable source
for the production of hydrogen. There are
several ways of producing hydrogen such as
electrolysis, nuclear-assisted methane cracking
and thermochemical water cracking. It remains a
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challenge however, to optimize the performance
of nuclear reactors while taking into
consideration environmental impact,
sustainability, and safety of hydrogen
production. This project aims to prove the
feasibility by examination of conditions at which
such a system will be able to meet these
challenges. The project will entail a
comparative analysis of current and future
energy needs,water resources and constraints,
hydrogen production techniques, reactor types,
coolant and material selection, thermal-hydraulic
design of core (to meet Generation IV passive
safety requirements), and economics of energy
and hydrogen production. The end result is a
feasibility study followed by design
recommendations.
Session I, B-25
Camless Variable Valve Timing
Andrew B. Butler
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Mentor: M. K. Ramasubramanian / Mechanical
& Aerospace Engineering
Camless variable valve timing is a relatively
new technology so the amount of research and
information pertaining to this topic is fairly
limited. However, from the advancing
technology of Honda’s Variable Valve Timing
and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) and other
mechanical variable valve timing (VVT)
systems, the knowledge needed for camless
VVT can be adapted from these discrete VVT
principles. Honda’s latest variable valve timing
and electronic lift control mechanism, the
iVTEC, has the ability to switch between three
cam profiles depending on the rpm and load on
the engine. This system changes cam profiles
from the use of synchronized pins controlled and
powered by electro-hydraulic pressure.
However, the iVTEC design has limited fuel
economy and experiences optimum engine
performance at only three different engine
speeds. On the other hand, camless VVT allows
an engine to experience maximum engine
performance and fuel efficiency at each and
every rpm while following the same principles
of the iVTEC. Instead of using multiple cam
shafts with synchronizing pins, we have
designed a camless VVT that is electronically
operated by a microcontroller which will control
the electro-mechanical solenoid actuators. In
theory, the greater the speed or loading on an
engine, the more an engine needs to be supplied
with air. To test this theory, we will connect one
solenoid to each intake and exhaust valve that
controls the flow of air through the engine.
Depending on the load and rpm of the engine,
the microcontroller will process the information
given and uses pulse width modulation (PWM)
to actuate the solenoid valves. Various
simulation tools were used to compare the
advantages of this design (camless VVT) versus
VTEC. Through these simulations, we will
determine the PWMs that will be best for each
loading and engine speed pairs to achieve
maximum engine performance and fuel
efficiency for the system. Based on the
simulation results, we will build a simple design
in the future.
Session I, B-26
Effect of Varying Surfactant Concentrations
on Drop Diameter in Small-Scale Micro
Array Printing
Jacqueline Byrne
Biomedical Engineering
Mentor: Roger Narayan/Biomedical Engineering
Micro arrays are a medical technology that
utilizes biological material, such as antibodies or
DNA, to detect certain substances in blood
exposed to the array. Printing protein solution
onto a surface often requires a surfactant to
enable flow from the printer to the surface. The
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size of the drop formed on the surface dictates
the size of the micro arrays. The benefit of
smaller sized micro arrays is increased accuracy
of the reading through elimination of excess
variables. Though previous studies have
researched the affect of glycerol surfactant
concentration on drop diameter on large-scale
drops, small-scales have not been examined. The
goal of this experiment is to study the affect of
glycerol concentration on a pico-liter scale to see
if the governing principles of surfactant apply
for both large and small-scale drops. This study
utilizes the Bioforce NanoEnabler System to
print drops of 5 to 20 micrometers in diameter,
of Donkey Anti-Goat antibodies onto silane
slides. The Donkey Anti-Goat antibodies are in a
solution of 0.15M NaCl, 10mg/mL BSA and
0.01% NaN3. The glycerol concentrations tested
are 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, and 5%. Analysis of the
results is done by AFM, as this device has the
ability to operate in fluids, label-free detection,
single molecule detection capability, and
nanometer spatial resolution.
Session II, B-16
Production of Microfibrillar Cellulose for Use
in High Strength Biocomposites
Kevin M. Daniel
Wood and Paper Science
Mentor: Richard Venditti/Wood and Paper
Science
Cellulose is the most abundant polymer on Earth
and can be utilized to make high strength
biocomposites. These biocomposites can
potentially reduce the amount of non-sustainable
materials used in the U.S. such as polyethylene
and polypropylene, also reducing the US
dependence on foreign oil. Microfibrillated
cellulose has exponentially more surface area
than regular wood pulp fibers, resulting in more
bonding area and higher strength properties. The
production of microfibrillar cellulose using
energy intensive methods can be improved by
selecting specific plant materials that are
advantageous. These materials can then be
subjected to pretreatments to further reduce the
amount of energy required to produce
microfibrillar cellulose. The energy intensive
production of microfibrillar cellulose for use in
high strength biocomposites has not been
examined for pulp types other than fully
delignified fibers. This project examines various
pulp types including bleached and unbleached
fibers, hardwood and softwood fibers, high
lignin mechanical fibers, and fibers that have
been through a harsh drying process. Examining
various pulp types will potentially reveal new
properties of microfibrillar cellulose and aid in
the development of innovative high strength
biocomposites.
Session I, B-16
Inclusion Analysis for Calcium Treated
Grades of Steel
Roger E. Daniel, Eric J. Jones, and Jessica L.
Sievers
Materials Science and Engineering
Mentors: Mike Rigsbee/Materials Engineering;
Keith Dawes/Materials Science and
Engineering; Lew Reynolds/Materials Science
and Engineering
In the manufacturing of steel, cleanliness of the
molten steel is vital to controlling physical
properties. Inclusions in the steel can lead to a
number of problems in every stage of the
manufacturing process. Solid inclusions in the
molten steel can lead to clogging during casting
and can adversely affect physical properties.
Inclusions that form after solidification due to
micro-segregation can lead to problems during
rolling of steel plate due to their often lower
melting temperatures. Clogging during casting
creates several problems and defects. Some of
the major issues related to clogging are loss of
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production for the plant, degraded product
quality, and safety concerns. The goal of this
project is to determine how sulfur levels in the
steel change throughout the process, it will be
important to take many samples over the life of a
heat from melting to casting. This will show
how the inclusions in the steel are affected by
the various cleaning processes or where in the
line of production inclusions are being created.
Six samples have been collected from each run
throughout the melting and casting process.
Samples are characterized using optical and
scanning electron microscopy and electron
dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Control of
inclusion formation may lead to improved
control of chemistry, improved production
process, and most importantly improved final
properties. Nucor’s desulfurization process
appears to be effective, but the stir process
responsible for elimination of hard inclusions
may require improvement.
Session II, B-17
Incorporation of Copper
Phthalocyanine Nanoparticles into
Poly(styrene-(ethylene-co-butylene)-styrene)
(SEBS)
Raleigh L. Davis
Chemical Engineering
Mentor: Richard Spontak/Chemical Engineering
A variety of technological challenges may be
overcome through the creation and study of
thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and their
resulting nanocomposites. TPEs are versatile
co-polymers which possess rubber-like (elastic)
properties, as well as thermoplastic properties,
which allow the polymer to be melted, molded,
and recycled. The focus of this study is on a
particular TPE, poly(styrene-(ethylene-co-
butylene)-styrene) (SEBS) and attempts to
incorporate nanoparticles into the polymer via
electrospinning and polymer casting techniques.
Electrospinning is a technique which utilizes an
electric field to produce a randomly oriented,
fibrous mat of dried polymer, with fiber
diameters ranging from the nanometer to micron
scale. Nanoparticles such as carbon black and
copper phthalocyanine can be dispersed into a
polymer during electrospinning, thus altering the
mechanical and conductive properties of the
polymer and creating a wealth of potentially
advantageous properties in a polymer fiber
system. This study shows that thus far, success
in electrospinning SEBS has been limited due to
the absence of a strong co-solvent candidate, but
through other nanoparticle dispersion
techniques, particularly melt mixing,
nanoparticles can be successfully dispersed in
SEBS. This study discusses the observed affects
of incorporated copper phthalocyanine
nanoparticles on SEBS’s dielectric and
mechanical properties, as well as methods to
improve the electrospinnability of SEBS.
Session I, B-28
Artificial Antenna Tactile Sensor
Mark T. Draelos
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Mentor: Edward Grant/Electrical and Computer
Engineering
Antennae are a common type of sensory
apparatus seen in nature. Insects such as
cockroaches are able to use antennae to infer
much information about their surroundings,
including wind direction and characteristics of
the surface that their antennae contact.
Biomimetic sensors based upon insect antennae
have potential for use in a wide range of
applications and can be built inexpensively.
Following similar techniques described in
literature, antenna tactile sensors were
constructed by gluing a single fiber-optic cable
strand onto the diaphragm of electret
microphones. This construction causes any
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stimulus applied to the antenna to be transmitted
to the diaphragm of the microphone. The
resultant electrical signal produced by the
microphone was then analyzed to extract
encoded information about the antenna stimulus.
Signal features as determined using the discrete
Fourier transform could then be matched to
characteristics of the original stimuli, such as the
stimulus angle in the plane of the diaphragm and
the stimulus force or strength. Asymmetry
inherent in the microphone or introduced by the
gluing of the fiber-optic cable strand gave rise to
signal features from which stimulus angle could
be deduced whereas the power of the signal was
related to the stimulus strength. This
presentation explains the success achieved in
inferring the angle and force characteristics of an
unknown stimulus from the signal produced by
the microphone by matching signal features
against library of signal patterns from known
stimuli.
Session II, B-18
Determination of a Collimated Beam Design
for Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes (UV
LEDs)
Susan Dunn
Civil, Construction, and Environmental
Engineering
Mentor: Joel Ducoste/Civil, Construction, and
Environmental Engineering
Disinfection is an important process in drinking
water treatment for the removal of harmful
microorganisms. Ultraviolet (UV) light is
becoming a popular replacement for the standard
method of chlorine disinfection, as UV is not
known to produce harmful disinfection by-
products and can inactivate chlorine-resistant
organisms. Ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV
LEDs) that emit UV radiation in the required
wavelength for inactivation of microorganisms
have become available. UV LEDs are thought to
have a longer lifespan and consume less energy
than low pressure mercury lamps, the typical
UV disinfection lamp technology. The objective
of this project was to design a bench scale
collimated beam apparatus to determine the
response of microorganisms to UV LEDs. The
collimated beam apparatus was designed for
optimal microbial inactivation by determining
the spatial layout of UV LEDs, distance from
UV LEDs to sample, and number of UV LEDs.
COMSOL Multiphysics, a computer modeling
program, was used to predict the results of a
collimated beam study. Computer simulated
Layouts with four and eight UV LEDs were
analyzed for Petri factor and peak irradiance.
The results show that 6 cm is the minimum
distance that will meet the desired Petri factor of
0.900 for the majority of UV LED layouts. For
a four UV LED system, UV LEDs placed in a
diagonal array in the center of the plane
produced a Petri factor of 0.909 and a peak
irradiance of 0.012 mW/cm2. For an eight UV
LED system, UV LEDs placed in a 4x2 array in
the center of the plane produced a Petri factor of
0.903 and a peak irradiance of 0.025 mW/cm2.
The results of this numerical study will be used
to build a collimated beam and full scale UV
LED reactor for point source disinfection.
Session I, B-29
Electrospinning Nanostructured
Organometallic Polymer Systems Containing
Magnetically-Active Nanoparticles or
Poly(ferrocenylsilanes)
Kathryn E. Early and Kristen E. Roskov
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Mentor: Richard J. Spontak/Chemical and
Biomolecular Engineering
Electrospinning is a useful production method
used to create continuous polymer fibers with
controllable diameters for applications in tissue
engineering, protective clothing, and sensors.
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Once inorganic additives (i.e. carbon nanotubes,
micelles, and nanoparticles) are added to the
polymer system, qualities such as functional
strength, biofunctionality, conductivity, or
magnetism can be enhanced. Organometallic
polymer systems used in this research contained
either magnetically-active nanoparticles or
poly(ferrocenylsilanes) (PFS). These materials
were electrospun in order to investigate the
relationship between solution and processing
parameters on fiber morphology. This research
was intended to provide a better understanding
of how inorganic additives affect fiber
properties. Poly(2-vinyl pyridine) (P2VP) was
tested for its electrospinability in several
solvents (i.e. dimethylformamide (DMF) and
chloroform) at different concentrations. PFS-
containing block copolymers have been shown
to produce micellar morphologies such as
cylinders, tubes, fibers, and tapes. By utilizing a
corona-selective solvent, the micelles can form
morphologies with an iron-rich core of PFS. In
these experiments cylindrical micelles of lengths
greater than one micron were found to form.
These micelles were then blended with P2VP
homopolymer and electrospun. Scanning
electron microscopy (SEM) images supported
the conclusion that these micelles reinforced and
strengthened the polymer fibers and produced
less bead defects. Another research objective
was to expand upon the Spontak groups’
previous investigation of the inclusion of iron
oxide nanoparticles into polymer solutions.
Polymer systems included P2VP,
poly(caprolactone) (PCL), and poly(ethylene
oxide) (PEO) in addition to three different
diameters of iron oxide nanoparticles. Both the
nanoparticle size and polymer to nanoparticle
ratio were systematically varied to determine if
these parameters affect the morphology or
nanoparticle distribution. It was determined that
the distribution of nanoparticles was not
dramatically affected by the loading ratio and
that the inclusion of nanoparticles resulted in
instabilities in the jet which led to
electrospraying in addition to electrospinning.
Session II, C-1
Magnetic Separation in Zero Gravity
Kathryn E. Earley, Farshid Jafarpour, and
Corinne E. Rose
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering;
Nuclear Engineering
Mentors: Mohamed Bourham/Nuclear
Engineering; Lisa Bullard/Chemical and
Biomolecular Engineering
Interest in space exploration and related
technologies is on the rise. Long-term manned
space missions are on the horizon, and as the
range of activities in microgravity diversifies as
expected within the next few decades, engineers
will be faced with new technological challenges.
Virtually hand-in-hand with any manufacturing
process is the need to continuously separate
mixed fluids in pipes, yet all conventional
separation processes depend upon separation by
fluid density whereby lighter fluids separate out
from heavier fluids due to gravity.
Centrifugation is a viable separation solution in
some cases, but this batch process has the
drawback of low throughput and the
development of an angular momentum that can
affect spacecraft trajectory. The NCSU CHE
Zero-G team designed a continuously operating
phase separation process that can function in
reduced gravity or in normal gravitational
environments through the application of a
magnetic field. Initially, the team planned to
test the design in microgravity through NASA’s
Microgravity University program; however, due
to decreased funding, the design was modified
and will be tested on the ground. Two-phase
separation will be accomplished in the magnetic
chamber, a clear pipe surrounded by two copper
coils. The design implements a magnetized
magnetohydrodynamic fluid that is attracted to
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areas where the magnetic field gradient is the
largest within the constructed magnetic mirror.
Thus, the air in the system is forced to the
annular space within the pipe. Collection tubes
are strategically placed around the chamber to
physically separate the immiscible phases.
Optimal process parameters are controlled and
maintained by an air-syringe system through
which air content in the system can be increased
and an iron microparticle trap that will allow
variance in iron microparticle concentration.
Session I, C-1
Characterization of Starch Microcellular
Foam Particle Formation
Dane A. Grismer
Wood and Paper Science
Mentor: Joel J. Pawlak/Wood and Paper Science
Starch is a naturally occurring carbohydrate
made of repeating glucose sugar units. Starch
derived materials have the potential to replace
many non-sustainable materials used in a wide-
range of consumer applications. A procedure
has been developed to consistently produce
starch microcellular foam (SMCF) particles
made with native corn starch. Water was
exchanged out of cooked starch with
incremental additions of ethanol under vigorous
mixing. In order to characterize particle
formation, samples were diluted to a set
percentage of starch solids and tested for
turbidity. Turbidity is a measure of light
scattering caused by the cloudiness of a solution,
or solids suspension, and indicates the presence
of a foam. Turbidity values were plotted against
the ethanol percentage at which they were
tested. Along the curve of increasing ethanol
percentage, turbidity rapidly declined with initial
addition, leveled off around 30 percent ethanol,
and then began to increase near 70 percent
ethanol. This behavior shows that formation of
SMCF particles is not linear with the addition of
ethanol. The turbidity of ethanol-water mixtures
were tested and showed that there was no
turbidity dependence on the percentage of either
ethanol or water in the solution. No significant
time-dependence was shown for turbidity
readings for at least the first two hours after a
sample was taken, though all samples were
measured within 15 minutes of the time they
were taken.
Session I, C-2
In Vitro Biomechanical Comparison of
Internal Spinal Fixation Techniques on the
Canine Lumbosacral Vertebrae
Justin Hicks
Biomedical Engineering
Mentor: Peter Mente/Biomedical Engineering
Spinal fixation is commonly used in small
animal surgery for traumatic injuries to the
canine lumbar vertebrae. In patients with
unstable spinal injuries surgical intervention is
often promptly needed to prevent further
neurologic damage by reestablishing anatomical
alignment, addressing spinal cord compression,
providing rigid stabilization of affected
vertebrae and relieving or moderating pain.
Several surgical techniques have been described,
among those, internal and external fixation. An
optimal configuration or system of fixation has
yet to be determined. The two fixation
techniques that are mostly used and clinically
accepted utilizes: 1) positive profile threaded
pins and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) to
form an internal fixator bridging the unstable
lumbosacral spine segments or 2) bilateral
transarticular screws. A recently developed
SOP™ Locking Plate System offers many
advantages and unique abilities when compared
to the conventional approach in spinal fixation.
The SOP system is intended to allow locking
screw technology using standard orthopedic
screws but since the plate can be contoured to
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any shape, the locking screws can be positioned
in a variety of orientations. The SOP™ system
was designed to be significantly stiffer and
provide more stable fixation of fractured
fragments with compromised bone quality than
comparable compression or locking plates. The
system has a smaller footprint than standard
orthopedic plates and pins/PMMA internal
fixation. The purpose of this canine cadaver
study is to evaluate the biomechanical
characteristics of the canine lumbosacral spine
in flexion and extension via four-point bending
test using three different types of internal
fixation techniques. 1) Basic 6-pin system;
positive profile threaded pins and
polymethylmethacrylate; 2) bilateral
transarticular screws and 3) SOP™ Locking
Plate System.
Session II, C-2
High Temperature, Thin-Film
Thermocouples
David H. Hook, Ryan N. Chan, Javon Powell,
and Patrick Z. Wong
Materials Science and Engineering
Mentors: Keith Dawes/Materials Science and
Engineering; Jon-Paul Maria/Materials Science
and Engineering
This project will attempt to create a thin film
thermocouple from Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) that
operates at high temperatures. A thermocouple is
a temperature sensor which bases readings on a
measured potential difference, based on the
Seebeck principle. The premise of this work is to
use the unique electrical properties of ITO to
create a junction voltage based on a stark tin
concentration difference over an interface. The
samples used for these experiments will be
generated using sol-gel deposition, which is a
wet chemistry technique for creating thin films.
Controlling deposition parameters yielded
marked differences in electrical properties of
produced ITO thin films. Resistivity values of
approximately 7x10^-3 Ω-cm to 7x10^-2 Ω-cm
have been recorded. Difference in resistivities
implies a differnce in Seebeck coefficients, and
interfacially combining two layers of ITO with
different Seebeck coefficients should
theoretically result in a robust, thin-film
thermocouple.
Session II, C-3
Reactive Ion Etch Optimization for
Polysilicon on MEMS Devices
Lauren C. Jackson, Brian F. Bender, and
Toby V. Tung
Materials Science and Engineering
Mentors: Keith Dawes/Materials Science and
Engineering; George Rozgonyi/Materials
Science and Engineering
The primary objective of this project is to
develop an etching and cleaning process that can
be used to reduce the occurrence of etch-related
defects in polysilicon microelectromechanical
(MEMS) devices. MEMS combine electrical and
mechanical components with a length scale
between 1 μm and 1 mm on an integrated circuit
platform. MEMS are incorporated into
numerous applications including biomedical
sensors, microphones in mobile technology, and
actuators for energy harvesting. The industry
standard for producing MEMS includes Reactive
Ion Ethcing (RIE), which is the selective vertical
removal of material. The primary goals of
processing MEMS device trenches are achieving
vertical sidewalls and minimizing micromasking
during etching. Non-vertical sidewalls can
inhibit the ability of subsequent layers to adhere
and limit the mechanical functionality of a
MEMS device. Micromasking from redeposition
of etched material can result in post-etching
debris that can short out MEMS devices and
inhibit mechanical motion. Optimization of the
Bosch RIE process for polysilicon substrates
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will increase the quality of sidewalls, minimize
effects of micromasking, and achieve a desirable
surface smoothness. The Bosch RIE process for
etching polysilicon has been optimized by
varying the ratio of C4F8 to SF6, source power,
and bias power. The combination of parameters
was determined using a Box-Behnkin DOE. The
Alcatel DRIE in the NCSU Nanofabrication
Facility was used to perform the etching. Each
sample was analyzed with SEM analysis for
vertical sidewalls and surface defects. The
processing problem was presented by
MEMSCAP of the Research Triangle Park.
MEMSCAP provides funding for this Materials
Science Senior Design project.
Session II, C-3
Study of Low Density, Low Temperature
Plasmas Containing Non-Maxwellian
Electron Energy Distribution Functions
Using Novel Langmuir Probe Analysis
Techniques
Chris B. Kennedy
Nuclear Engineering
Mentor: Steven Shannon/Nuclear Engineering
Understanding low temperature plasma
chemistry is a vital component for advanced
materials fabrication for energy applications,
computer technology, and other high interest
research fields. Because low temperature
plasmas behave differently from the assumed
Maxwellian electron temperature distribution
and because these distributions determine
plasma chemistry, improved measurement of
these distributions is desirable. Current methods
for resolving the electron energy distribution
function (EEDF) involve taking the second
derivative of raw data with the assumed
Maxwellian shape function. Using novel
Langmuir probe analysis techniques by means of
a generic step function combined with Tikhonov
regularization, an alternative method to the
inverse problem is achievable that greatly
improves the accuracy and range of energies
over which an EEDF can be measured.
Collaboration with the University of Kansas
(KU) provides our theoretical experiment with
raw data from multiple plasma runs for BCl3,
SF6, N2, and He for plasma processes under
development for advanced microelectronic
fabrication technology. The provided data
consists of power and pressure sweeps in BCl3,
and concentration comparisons between BCl3
and both SF6 and N2. The extracted electron
current is run through the developed MATLAB
algorithm to extract EEDF. The resolved EEDF
curves are processed in two manners, first by
comparing the EEDF to the EEDF obtained by
KU, and second by performing a sensitivity
study of the algorithm to changes in the plasma
potential, pressure, and power. Results of the
methodology suggest relative immunity to noise,
sensitivity to the number of raw data points, and
sensitivity to the parameter, a. Future work and
goals would be to reduce method sensitivity and
to convert the algorithm to an automated web-
based application.
Session II, C-4
Improving Tracking and Erosion Resistance
Performance of Raysulate Formula T277
Carissa L. Lada, Jonathan R. Pierce, and
Joshua S. Harris
Materials Science and Engineering
Mentors: C. Maurice Balik/Materials Science
and Engineering; Keith Dawes/Materials
Science and Engineering
The objective of this research was to improve
the performance of a polymer formulation in
high-voltage Tracking and Erosion Resistance
Testing (TERT). The base resins for this
compound are linear low density polyethylene
(LLDPE) and EPDM rubber, which are
combined with additives that improve TERT
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performance, promote radiation crosslinking,
and prevent UV damage. Variations of this
polymer formulation are used as insulating
covers for switchgears, busbars, overhead lines,
substations, etc. The predominant failure
mechanism for these products in the field is
tracking due to dry band arcing. Important
properties considered were thermal conductivity
and hydrophobicity. To control these properties,
additive compositions were manipulated,
including aluminum trihydrate, alumina, and
silicone oil. It was shown that adding 2%
alumina to the current formulation improved
TERT performance, and decreasing the current
composition of aluminum trihydrate from 42%
to 25% improved TERT performance in samples
of the LLDPE and EPDM rubber resin. Due to
the nature of the test, the results for silicone oil
were not considered conclusive.
Session II, C-5
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Detection
and Characterization Using Surface
Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
John A. Leotaud
Biomedical Engineering
Mentor: Gregory S. McCarty/Biomedical
Engineering
All our genetic information is contained in
sequences of DNA nucleotides. Mutation of this
DNA sequence, no matter how small, can cause
very harmful diseases. These diseases include
sickle-cell anemia, cystic fibrosis and
hemophilia. There are current detection schemes
for DNA mutations but these can be extremely
costly, as well as inefficient. Because of this,
scientists all over the world are attempting to
find a novel alternative. Surface Enhanced
Raman Spectroscopy has been used here for the
detection and characterization of single
nucleotide polymorphisms and polymorphic
regions within DNA oligonucleotides. Raman
spectra were collected, analyzed and compared
for differences between DNA helices formed
from complimentary oligonucleotides, those
with 1 mismatched base pair, those with 3
mismatched localized base pairs, and those with
3 mismatched base pairs which are delocalized.
Raman spectra obtained in these experiments
showed differences for the four cases. The
results were assessed in terms of DNA helix or
duplex formation based on the theory that base
mismatches will interfere with proper helix
formation and will result in a decreased
hybridization and decreased Raman intensity.
These spectra differed mostly in intensity but
also in Raman shift. The spectra obtained for the
1 mismatch was significantly higher in intensity
than those for the 3 mismatched. The spectra for
the polymorphic regions with three localized
mismatches were much higher in intensity than
those gotten for the delocalized. The localized
mismatches can form a tighter helix at all other
regions along the chain besides this region of
mismatches known as the polymorphic region
(PR). The delocalized mismatches however have
more points at which the helix or duplex will not
be able to form.
Session I, C-4
Development of an In-situ Video-Based
Monitoring System for Stent Deformation
and Migration Mechanisms
Nicole M. Lewis
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Mentor: Stefan Seelecke/Mechanical and
Aerospace Engineering
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an
extremely dangerous condition that is usually
treated by a stent inserted into the aneurysm
during surgery. Although most of these
operations are initially successful, there are
several problems that may occur post operation,
including leaks, stent migration, and fatigue
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failure (as detected by a CT scan). Doctors are
unsure about the nature of the stent failures since
they cannot be observed on a daily basis. To
determine the mechanism(s) of failure of these
stents, an experimental set up was designed to
continuously study the behavior of a stent inside
an aneurysm over an extended period of time.
The system is built around a transparent AAA
replica made from silicone material with life-
like mechanical properties (collaboration with
Dr. Harrysson, ISE). It contains a pump system
that--using a water/glycerine solution--produces
realistic blood pressure waveforms and stroke
volume for a number of scenarios, e.g, regular
blood pressure or hypertension under rest
conditions or accelerated rates. It is also
equipped with video recording devices that
monitor and record the behavior of the stent
inside the aneurysm. This system will enable
testing of synthetic aneurysms constructed from
actual patient scans as well as a systematic study
of migration mechanisms for varying
geometries, e.g., neck angles and healthy artery
neck length, to establish quantitative failure
criteria. The results from this research project
will help explain to doctors why the stents in the
abdominal aorta shift and fail over time as well
as assist them in their choice of the most suitable
stent type prior to surgery. In the future, reliable
quantitative computer prediction models can be
generated from the results of these experiments.
With such capabilities, it is envisioned that
someday custom-built stents, optimally designed
for a specific patient, will be manufactured just-
in-time.
Session II, C-6
New Method for Calculating Skin Friction at
Transition from Laminar to Turbulent
Boundary Layers
Whitney Lohmeyer
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Mentor: Fred R. DeJarnette/Aerospace
Engineering
Through the analysis of skin friction on a flat
plate in incompressible flow, hot spots are found
to occur when the skin friction at the transition
from laminar to turbulent boundary layers is
calculated to be higher than the value of the
traditional method of calculating skin friction of
the turbulent boundary layer at transition.
Prandtl introduced the traditional method by
assuming the virtual origin of the turbulent
boundary layer existed at the leading edge.
Several authors later introduced a modern
method, which assumes the boundary layer
thickness to be continuous at the transition point
and obtains a virtual origin between the leading
edge and the transition point. By integrating the
integral form of the momentum equation a new
method is formed, and proves that the
momentum thickness of the laminar boundary
layer should be equal to the momentum
thickness of the turbulent boundary at the
transition point, and a new virtual origin for the
turbulent boundary layer is found. Compared to
the modern method, the use of the new method
more accurately predicts heating rates, reducing
the number of hot spots, and therefore eliminates
unwanted cost and weight to in turn improve the
overall performance of the spacecraft.
Session I, C-5
Permeability of PET and Recycled PET
Nanocomposites
Jacob Majikes
Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Mentor: Richard J. Spontak/Chemical and
Biomedical Engineering
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is common
in industry due to its desirable mechanical and
barrier properties. These properties allow it to
be used for many applications ranging from
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plastic bottles, to packaging and various
adhesive tapes. While PET is also one of the
easier thermoplastics to recycle, it's properties
are greatly reduced after moving through the
recycling process, due to accumulated impurities
and defects. Of the properties affected, the
surface chemistry, mechanical properties and
permeation have the most impact on the use of
recycled PET in the bottling industry.
Improving these properties during the recycling
process would increase the cost efficiency of
PET recycling as a whole. To this end, we
created PET/Clay nanocomposites. In the
nanocomposite, the clay should help act as a
barrier for gases, and increase the mechanical
strength of the PET. Virgin PET, recycled PET,
and nanocomposites of both containing 5% by
weight clay were ball milled for time periods
ranging from 2-15hrs, pressed using a hot press,
and tested in a permeation cell for their
permeability values. Helium gas was used at
100 PSI in the permeation cell. We predict that
the permeability will decrease when the clay
nanoparticles are introduced, and that the PET
will have a lower permeability than the recycled
PET.
Session I, C-6
Production of Cellulase Enzymes in Solid
Substrate Cultivation for the Conversion of a
Paper Based Cellulosic Substrate to
Fermentable Sugars
Veronica Mbaneme
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Mentor: Mari S. Chinn/Biological &
Agricultural Engineering
The production of fuels and high value
chemicals from renewable resources is a
significant research area with efforts focused on
reducing US dependency on fossil fuels and
enhancing environmental and economic
sustainability. This project contributes to this
effort through the examination of a paper-based
cellulosic substrate. The substrate in
combination with the solid substrate
fermentation (SSF) technology has the potential
to provide high activity cellulases at low cost,
relative to commercially available enzymes, for
the conversion of biomass to simple sugars and
subsequent fermentation to high value products
like ethanol and amino acids. The objectives of
this research project were to 1) investigate the
extent of digestibility of the substrate at various
substrate (1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% w/v) and
commercial cellulase enzyme loading rates (7.5,
15, 30, and 60 FPU/g air dry substrate of endo,
exo-glucanase, with corresponding beta-
glucosidase at 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 CBU/g air
dry substrate), and time intervals; and 2)
evaluate salt supplementation in SSF of a paper
based substrate on cellulases produced by two
Trichoderma reesei strains. The 60/100
FBU/CBU per gram enzyme loading rate
performed the highest in producing a change in
reducing sugars, giving a range of 61 to 199 mg
glucose/g substrate for 1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%
w/v substrate loading rates at 48 hours.
However, amongst all treatments, more than half
of the available substrate was not converted to
reducing sugars, which may be a result of
inhibition effects. SSF experiments were
conducted utilizing T. reesei MCG77 and T.
reesei QM9414. The need for additional
nutrient sources were evaluated by looking at
differences in cellulase and product formation
between experimental samples with and without
salts included for 9 days. Growth of the fungi
species seemed to improve with the addition of
salts. The enzymes produced in SSF were
extracted and measured using a filter paper
assay. It is anticipated that the activity of
cellulase will be associated with growth.
Moving forward, the effectiveness of SSF
produced enzymes will be compared to the
current commercially available enzymes.
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Session II, C-7
Fabrication of a Middle Ear Conductance
Testing Apparatus
Suman Medda
Biomedical Engineering
Mentors: Roger Narayan/Biomedical
Engineering; Shuan Gittard/Biomedical
Engineering
A testing apparatus was developed to measure
sound conductance in middle ear prostheses.
Dimensions of the apparatus were chosen to
model those of the inner ear canal. Two
membranes compress the prostheses. An audio
speaker provides the stimulation and a touch
microphone combined with an FFT analyzer
were used to obtain conductance data. The
apparatus will be used to compare commercially
and non-commercially available middle ear
prostheses. The device will aid in the
development of novel middle ear prothesis
designs with features to improve function.
Potential future uses of this device are to test
novel patient specific middle ear protheses
fabricated by laser-based rapid prototyping.
Session I, C-7
Solar Powered Water Heater
Tenea M. Miller, Britany P. Alston, Steven M.
Badawi, and Ruth E. Brim
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Mentor: Ratna Sharma-Shivappa/Biological and
Agricultural Engineering
In an effort to use natural resources more
efficiently, solar powered instrumentation
devices are being developed in many different
disciplines. Ideally, solar power is likely to assist
with powering large amounts of the world’s
electrical needs in the future. Additionally, water
from a solar powered heater is generally used in
household applications such as laundering
linens, bathing, washing dishes and cooking. To
address the need of solar water heating using
indigenous materials, an inexpensive and easily
constructed water heating device was designed
and fabricated. The system is expected to
provide domestic low income families with a
cleaner, more efficient and less expensive
heating method to improve the quality of life.
The heating system consists of a solar collector
and a water reservoir. It uses a polypropylene
glycol-water mixture as a means to transfer solar
heat to the water. The solar water collector has
an aluminum case with aluminum c-channel rod
baffles to provide enough residence time for the
water-glycol mix to absorb heat. The system
uses a car radiator as a heat exchanger in the
water reservoir. It is anticipated that this
system, will provide 40-70 percent of a
household’s annual hot water need. Testing the
water heating capacity of the system at various
fluid flow rates can help assess this goal and
evaluate efficiency. The designed system is
expected to be of use not only locally, as a pre-
heater or heater, but as in developing countries
where electricity is not an easily accessible
resource.
Session I, C-8
Design of an Interrogation System for
Nuclear Proliferation Detection
Kenneth F. Rooks, Christopher B. Dodd, Alec S.
Happel, and Christopher B. Kennedy
Nuclear Engineering
Mentors: Hany Abdel-Khalik/Nuclear
Engineering; Robin Gardner/Nuclear
Engineering
In the post-9/11 world, the proliferation and
smuggling of weapons of mass destruction,
particularly nuclear weapons and special nuclear
material (SNM), is of vital importance to the
national security of the United States of
America. As over 80 percent of cargo entering
the United States arrives via seaports, shipped in
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -58-
standardized cargo containers, the potential for
smuggling is always a possibility. A detection
system capable of detecting SNM in such
containers would at worst provide an effective
deterrent to weapons proliferation, and at best
interdict and severely impede the flow of
weapons-grade nuclear material into the country.
The main problem with such a detection system
arises from the capability to shield all radiation
from the isotope to be smuggled to the extent
that any detector is useless. Therefore, a layered
approach is proposed: first, the container is
scanned as it moves through an X-ray booth,
then interrogated by nuclear methods in a
nuclear detection booth and finally by physical
inspection if the system detects a questionable
trace. The nuclear interrogation component
utilizes a 14-MeV pulsed neutron source
underneath the container to induce fission of any
fissile material in the cargo. An array of neutron
and gamma sensitive detectors is employed
above the container as the container travels
through the device. Fission events are detected
primarily through delayed neutrons and prompt
gamma rays. The presence of any delayed
neutrons positively identifies the presence of
SNM, while gamma spectroscopy is used in
order to identify the particular nuclide. Design
constraints of the system include dose limits to
the container contents, cost of the system, and
time required to complete the scan. Analysis of
the method indicate there is a level beyond
which no SNM can be detected, however the
system will provide an effective deterrent,
making smuggling prohibitively difficult and
expensive.
Session II, C-8
Behavioral Analysis of Oligonucleotides in
DNA Multilayer Films
Garik C. Sadovy
Materials Science and Engineering
Mentor: Yaroslava Yingling/Materials Science
and Engineering
DNA thin films are applicable to a variety of
uses, including bio-functionalized sensor
surfaces, diagnostics, and drug delivery vectors.
The stability and formations of these thin films
is a critical part of the development of these
applications, and has been extensively studied1,
though quantitative analysis of the behavior of
these films was previously inaccessible to
examination. Using molecular modeling
simulations, we assessed the probability of
oligonucleotide crossovers and self-
conformation occurring in thin films
incorporating homopolymeric oligonucleotide
diblocks of varying lengths (10, 20, 30, 40, 50,
and 60 mers). It was found that 10mer films
show no crossover behavior, while 60mer films
have a high probability of crossovers. The
behavior of oligonucleotide diblocks in varying
positions relative to other strands (either
Thymine and Thymine or Thymine and Adenine
interactions) was also inspected for probability
of crosslinking and self conformation. This work
holds implications in the formation of these
films for the aforementioned uses as well as in
the stability of these films upon formation of
advanced layers and their exposure to varying
environments. (1) Lillian Lee, Angus P. R.
Johnson, Frank Caruso. Biomacromolecules.
2008, 9, 3070-3078
Session I, C-9
Electrospun Nanofibers of Aliginates for
Tissue Scaffolds
Kimberly L. Shearer
Chemical Engineering
Mentor: Saad Khan/Chemical Engineering
Tissue Scaffolds are used in biochemical
engineering to provide a structure for cells to
adhere to and regenerate damaged tissue.
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -59-
Nanofiber based tissue scaffolds, obtained via
electrospinning, are getting prominence because
of their inherently small size scale that are
conducive to increased cell migration and
accessibility to nutrients. In this project, we are
examining fundamental and technological issues
related to electrospinning alginate, a natural and
biodegradable polymer. Despite the desirable
attributes of alginate, it canot be electrospun into
nanofibers on its own. We are therefore
examining how addition of surfactants and a
second polymer, polyethylene oxide can be used
to modulate to the viscoelasticity, conductivity
and surface tension of the solution to obtain
nanofibers with controlled properties. The
effects of these parameters on fiber morphology
and size, and the underlying mechanisms will be
discussed.
Session I, C-10
Microfluidic Device for Trapping and
Studying Yeast
John C. Sigmon, Jr.
Biomedical Engineering
Mentor: Glenn Walker/Biomedical Engineering
The particle trapping mechanism is located
within a multi-layered microfluidic device made
of a silicon-based polymer, polydimethyl-
siloxane (PDMS). The bottom layer is a glass
cover slip, which is bonded to and lies
underneath a PDMS layer containing the
microfluidic channel. The channel is 100
micrometers wide and approximately 6
micrometers high. Located in the middle of the
device along the channel is the particle trapping
region. Bonded directly above this region is a
thin membrane of PDMS, which is to be
actuated by a pneumatic valve. The top layer is
bonded to this membrane, which contains a
valve that lies congruent with the trapping
region. The particle trapping mechanism is an
effective means of keeping particles stagnant
while simultaneously applying fluidic stimuli.
Thus far, the device works very well with but is
not limited to yeast cells. The means of holding
cells this way and keeping most of their surface
area exposed to stimuli is applicable to a wide
variety of biological experiments. This allows
for close monitoring of individual cells or
particles over a given time period of imaging.
The dimensions for the trapping mechanism can
be modified for trapping particles of various
sizes. The device will trap yeast cells and expose
them to a specific concentration of a synthetic
pheromone called alpha-factor. This will be
administered over varying amounts of time to
promote a morphological mating process called
shmooing. When the yeast cell detects the
pheromone and begins to shmoo, the cell is
theoretically supposed to continue to switch
permanently. Controlling the duration of alpha-
factor impulse injections will allow for defining
how long at what concentration it must take to
cause a cell to switch and if the cell is capable of
switching back when the pheromone is taken
away.
Session II, C-9
Predicting the Phase Behavior of Solvated
Triblock Copolymers
Justin Smith
Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Mentors: Richard Spontak/Chemical
Engineering; Kim Rasmussen/Theoretical
Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Block copolymers are one of the most
ubiquitous classes of polymers due to their
inherent multifunctionality. These materials
consist of two or more homopolymers
covalently linked together and, because of the
covalent linkage, spontaneously microphase-
separate to form nanoscale domains in the same
fashion as small-molecule surfactants. More
specifically, ABA triblock copolymers with
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -60-
glassy A endblocks and a rubbery B midblock
are classified as thermoplastic elastomers due to
their ability to form an elastomeric network
stabilized by physical crosslinks. Addition of a
midblock-selective solvent to such copolymers
induces swelling and, under favorable
conditions, phase transitions. Solvated triblock
copolymers are of commercial interest as
vibration-dampening and shape-memory media,
and have recently been identified as high-
performance electroactive polymers. An
important question that must be addressed
relates to the basic phase behavior of such
multicomponent systems. Due to the large
parameter space available for designing such
systems, we have elected to develop a predictive
methodology for elucidating the role of several
important parameters on the phase behavior of
solvated triblock copolymers: (1) the
thermodynamic incompatibility of the
copolymer, (2) the concentration of solvent, and
(3) the solvent quality. For this purpose, we have
employed a self-consistent field (SCF) model,
which is capable of yielding energy-minimized
morphologies, to discern the order-order
transition from a lamellar to cylindrical
morphology under systematically varied
molecular conditions.
Session I, C-11
Encapsulation of Iron Pyrophosphate
Colloids in a Cellulose Microparticle Matrix
Garrett R. Swindlehurst
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Mentor: Orlin D. Velev/Chemical and
Biomolecular Engineering
Nutraceuticals recently have become a key area
of research interest at the intersection of colloid
and food science. The combination of chemical
nutrients and foods in an effective and appealing
package for consumers is a research priority in
this field. The encapsulation of iron
pyrophosphate nanoparticles in a hypromellose
phthalate (HP-55) matrix using a pH-controlled
precipitation process was investigated. Iron
pyrophosphate colloids and HP-55 solution were
premixed in a dilute aqueous solution and
sheared at 1000 rpm. Dilute HCl solution was
then added to the mixture to bring the pH below
4, and HP-55 precipitated in amorphous
microparticle form to entrap suspended colloids.
The colloids present in the supernatant were then
dissolved in a concentrated acid and
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
solution at pH 1, and the concentration of iron
was quantified using UV-vis spectrophotometry.
The calculated total percentage of iron in the
supernatant was 8.6% by mass, indicating that
89.9% of colloids were encapsulated. Scanning
electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission
electron microscopy (TEM) imaging confirmed
that colloids were entrapped within the HP-55
matrix. Initial energy dispersive x-ray
spectroscopy (EDX) analysis suggested that
encapsulation, by elemental composition, was
100% efficient. These initial results show the
technique to be very promising for efficient
creation of composite nutraceutical delivery
particles. However, further characterization is
required for conclusive results on encapsulation
efficiency. Several theories are currently being
investigated for the formation of ―core-shell‖
colloids consisting of iron pyrophosphate
particles coated in a layer of HP-55. It is hoped
that these core-shell particles will then serve as
nucleation sites for further HP-55 growth in
solution, increasing encapsulation efficiency.
Once fully characterized, these composite
nutraceutical particles will be tailored for
gastrointestinal tract delivery. Their smaller
particle size will increase iron bioavailability for
consumers.
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Session I, C-12
Use of Magnetorheological Fluid for Use as a
Tunable Mold for Polymer Processing
Jacob M. Vestal
Chemical Engineering; Nuclear Engineering
Mentor: Mohamed Bourham/Nuclear
Engineering
Magnetorheological Fluid (MR Fluid) is an
engineered, thermodynamically stable
suspension of paramagnetic microparticles in a
carrier fluid. When subjected to a magnetic
field, the paramagnetic particles form chainlike
structures that result in a dramatic increase in
viscosity. The phase immiscibility between a
glycol-based MR fluid with PDMS precursor is
exploited in this study in a system that utilizes
the MR fluid in conjunction with an applied
magnetic field to change the shape of a drop of
PDMS precursor containing catalyst in a new
kind of dynamic molding process. The Process
is being studied for the continuous production of
six-pointed 'caltrop' shapes, as well as uniformly
hollow fibers. Implications on the fields of
antifouling, membrane-based gas separation, and
airplane wing icing are discussed.
Session II, C-10
Rail Shippable Natural Circulation Boiling
Water Reactor
Brandon S. Womack, Thomas W. Holmes, and
Brandon S. Brown
Nuclear Engineering
Mentors: Paul J. Turinsky/Nuclear Engineering;
J. Michael Doster/Nuclear Engineering
This project is looking into a new reactor design
type that is based off of the current design of the
General Electric-Hitachi Economic Simplified
Boiling Water Reactor (ESBWR) Nuclear Steam
Supply System (NSSS) and its containment.
This entails a design based upon using passive
safety for the NSSS. The innovation of this
design is that the reactor will be in a modular
style and be small enough to fit on a rail car for
shipping purposes. The package that will be
included on the rail car will consist of the reactor
pressure vessel and drywell. This design concept
will mainly be constrained by the weight and
length that a rail car can support. In the design of
the core, various computer codes will be used
for simulations to determine the maximum
reactor power output as constrained by thermal
hydraulic limitations. To determine the core's
power distribution, the Monte Carlo N-Particle
Transport Code (MCNP) will be used to
simulate nuclear processes. The output from
MCNP is then coupled with Cobra-EN to
complete the thermal hydraulic analysis of the
core. Iterations between the two programs will
then give an accurate power distribution and
void faction of the core. To evaluate the passive
safety performance we will use a program,
calculated in MathCAD, which takes into
account the flow loses throughout the NSSS, i.e.
core and the internal packages, which will give
the necessary fuel and reactor vessel heights to
assure an adequate mass flow rate through the
core.
Session II, C-11
Monte Carlo Modeling and Burnup
Assessment for the NCSU PULSTAR
Jonathan L. Wormald
Nuclear Engineering
Mentor: Ayman Hawari/Nuclear Engineering
This project involves performing coupled
MCNP-MONTEBURNS-ORIGEN simulations
of the PULSTAR reactor at NCSU.
MONTEBURNS-ORIGEN simulates the
"burnup" of nuclear fuel. When joined with the
3-D Monte Carlo capabilities of the MCNP
code, accurate simulations can be performed of
nuclear reactor cores during a certain level and
length of operation of the reactor. During
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operation nuclear fuel (U-235) is used up, which
makes the reactor less reactive. Reactivity is a
measure of how much a reactor differs from the
critical state. The excess reactivity is a measure
of the reactivity in a reactor beyond that needed
to make it critical. This project aims at
producing the proper description of reactivity
history for the PULSTAR reactor model so that
simulations result in more accurate results
including the prediction of fuel needs.
Session I, C-13
Nitrogen Inductively-coupled Plasma Source
Abdullah Zafar, Curt Anderson, Maria Mallner,
Chad Morris, and Nick Stehle
Materials Science and Engineering
Mentors: Steven C. Shannon/Plasma
Engineering; Mohamed A. Bourham/Plasma &
Fusion Engineering
This project focuses on the design of a compact
nitrogen-ion plasma source for material
deposition, coupled to a diamond-like carbon
(DLC) Pulsed Laser Ablation Deposition
(PLAD) system to provide a uniform and robust
carbon-nitrogen (CN) coating of the neutron
guide duct of the NCSU Ultra Cold Neutron
(UCN) source. The neutron guide duct is very
important for the UCN system to allow for
neutron guidance without leaking through the
duct walls. In this design, the deposition of DLC
increases extraction efficiency based on the
assumption that depositing a CN films can
increases the efficiency of the guide duct by
20% as opposed to deposition of a pure DLC
film. This design focuses on the construction of
an efficient nitrogen ions plasma independent
from the DLC deposition system. The system
generates a continuous plasma stream using
inductively coupled RF plasma generated inside
of a quartz tube. A pressure differential system
allows for ejection of the atomic nitrogen [N]
onto the target. A matching network couples the
RF source to the plasma and the entire system is
modeled using the Hybrid Plasma Equipment
Model (HPEM) modeling software developed by
Mark Kushner. Actinometry was employed to
characterize the generated plasma, and plasma
was fine tuned by comparing the measurements
to the HPEM and adjusting the necessary input
parameters. It was concluded that it is possible
to generate plasma that would combine with
carbon to provide the CN film needed for
coating the ultra cold neutrons guide duct.
Design features, parameters and results of
measurements will be discussed.
Session I, C-14
Microstructural Control of 7085-T7452
Forgings
Katrina L. Zmithrovitch, Ryan McClellan, and
Raphael Clearfield
Materials Science and Engineering
Mentor: Hans Conrad/Materials Science and
Engineering
Seven-thousand series aluminum alloys have,
for many years, been used in the aircraft
industry. Because an increased solute content in
an aluminum alloy has a strengthening effect,
less material can be used for the same stress load
on a given part. This is an extremely favorable
quality in aerospace applications because the
overall weight and cost of building is reduced.
Aluminum alloy 7085 is a 7000 series alloy that
is used in both the Airbus A-380 and the F-35
fighter. For added strength Mg, Cu, Zn, and Zr
are added to AA7085. The rejection rate of
Alcoa’s AA7085 forgings is unacceptably high.
During solution heat treatment, AA7085
recrystallizes when forged at a temperature
below 730 F. This leads to the rejection of the
alloy by Alcoa because of unacceptably low
fracture toughness. When the forging
temperature is increased to 730 F--830 F voids
form, which also causes the forging to be
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -63-
rejected. The current Alcoa manufacturing
practice consists of homogenizing the AA7085
billet, an initial forging, and a final forging to
the final shape of the product, a solution heat
treatment, and an aging process. A solution heat
treatment and a precipitation heat treatment will
be added between the first and second forging
operations below 730 F to eliminate
recrystallization in the finished AA7085
product.
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Humanities, Social Sciences,
Psychology
Session I, C-15
A Study of Meta-Analysis
Sarah Bauer-Nilsen
Psychology
Mentor: Sharolyn Lane/Psychology
Meta-analysis, a process of combining findings
from studies that explore similar topics or test-
related hypotheses, can provide a more accurate
view of a research hypothesis than a literature
review alone. Studies are found through related-
keyword searches on scholarly journal databases
and the decision for inclusion in the meta-
analysis is based upon how the study conforms
to a coding scheme designed by the researchers.
The coding scheme is designed to create an
inclusion criterion that pinpoints characteristics
within the study that may affect the results of the
meta-analysis. Once studies are found that meet
this criterion, relevant statistics are extracted and
an effect size (the measure of strength of the
relationship between two variables) is
calculated. A meta-analysis incorporates steps of
a traditional literature review, but allows for a
refining of inclusion criteria and the statistical
results gathered from the included studies can be
computed into one larger result. Using a meta-
analysis can also be labor intensive and time
consuming, especially when there are many
databases and thousands of studies to be
searched. In describing meta-analysis, examples
from a pending feedback meta-analysis will be
used to further illustrate the main points of this
article. There are many types of feedback and
many factors can influence its utility, which
makes creating a coding scheme for this topic
difficult. However, feedback within a task can
either help or harm performance, so the
paradoxical nature of feedback makes it an ideal
topic for a meta-analysis. The feedback meta-
analysis should help to identify factors that
determine whether feedback is helpful or
harmful to mastery of a specific type of task.
Session I, C-16
Collegiate Sport Fans: The Impact of
Socialization on Sport Consumption
Jordan E. Buck
Sport Management
Mentor: Jonathan M. Casper/Sport Management
The purpose of this study was to analyze and
determine the influence of various social factors
on sport participation and sport spectatorship
with collegiate sport fans. Comparatively,
current behavior and the perception of
adolescent behavior of respondents were
analyzed. The sample included 141 adults, with
a mean age of 40 (75% male and 25% female).
General findings indicated adolescents to be
more heavily influenced by social factors than
adults. Additionally, sport participation as
adolescents does not always lead to adult
participation in those same sports. For
adolescent participation, the most influential
social factors were peers and father. For adults,
peers and athlete role models were the highest
rated factors. In regards to viewership and
attendance, as well as the number of collegiate
sporting events attended annually, the most
influential factors were school affiliation and
peers. Results from this study may assist in
marketing of sport based on important
influences in adulthood and adolescence.
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Session I, C-17
The Population Stalemate: Searching for a
Solution after Forty Years of Discourse
Communication
John D. Coggin
Mentor: William J. Kinsella/Communication
For four decades a debate has unfolded in the
United States between some advocates of world
population control and conservative Christians.
The fortieth anniversary of the publication of
Paul Ehrlich’s The Population Bomb and Pope
Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vitae marks an
opportunity to examine the evolution of the
public discourse on this topic. This study
analyzes the current state of the debate over
population control and how it has transformed
since 1968. Specifically, the study applies
Pearce and Littlejohn’s theory of moral conflict
and transcendent discourse as a means of
identifying possible areas of reconciliation
between the opposing groups.
Session II, C-12
Effects of Secondary Tasks on Adaptation
Acquisition, Retention, and Transfer
Caitlin R. Daniels
Psychology; Biology
Mentor: Sharolyn A. Lane/Psychology
This research examines whether allocation of a
finite amount of cognitive resources influences
people’s ability to adapt. This experiment
explored the effects of a secondary task on the
acquisition, retention and transfer of
sensorimotor skill under novel circumstances to
which participants must adapt. Participants
performed two types of tasks while wearing
vision-shifting glasses: a pointing task and a
typing task. In the pointing task, participants
pointed to a small rod mounted to a platform,
while in the typing task participants entered
auditorily-presented equations into a computer.
Participants were assigned to either a single or a
dual-task condition. Participants in the single-
task condition completed the pointing task
before or after the typing task. In the dual-task
condition, participants performed both tasks
simultaneously. Retention was measured by
having participants repeat the task condition
they were originally exposed to after completing
a spatial abilities test. Finally, the transfer of the
adaptation was evaluated by having the
participants switch task conditions. For
example, participants previously in the single
task condition performed the dual task. It is
hypothesized that acquisition will occur faster
without the secondary task, and that retention of
the adaptation will be affected by the presence
or absence of a secondary task. It is expected
that adaptation transfers more efficiently and
more accurately from a dual task to two separate
tasks. Preliminary results reveal that means for
the initial task are similar for the dual and
single-task conditions, that retention is higher
for the single-task condition, and that adaptation
transfers better from a dual task to a single task.
This suggests that secondary tasks do not affect
adaptation acquisition, but do affect retention
and transfer. These findings have implications
for strategies used to teach motor skills and for
therapies requiring sensorimotor adaptation,
including stroke rehabilitation and prosthesis
therapy.
Session I, C-18
Sport Consumption Interest and Behaviors of
African-American NASCAR Fans
Brittney Eustache
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Mentor: Michelle Harrolle/Parks, Recreation
and Tourism Management
The National Association of Stock Car Auto
Racing (NASCAR) is the largest body of stock
cars in the United States. Due to a race
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discrimination lawsuit brought against
NASCAR in July of 2008 by a former technical
inspector, NASCAR has sought out to launch
several efforts to change the perception of the
industry. Specifically, NASCAR has sought to
recognize the African American population as a
potential market segment. The purpose of my
study was to examine how media promotions,
types of corporate sponsorships, and geographic
location of events influences consumer interest
and consumption behaviors of potential African-
American NASCAR fans. The participants of
this study were attendees of professional
basketball games and one professional football
game in the Southeast and were comprised of
African Americans (N = 95). The sample
consisted of 38.1% females and 61.9% males.
One Multivariate Analysis of Variance
(MANOVA) test was conducted to compare the
Points of Attachment Indexes and Motivation
Scales on the responses between those
participants who watched NASCAR and those
participants who did not watch NASCAR. A
significant difference [Wilks’ Λ = .788, F (9,
85) = 2.535, .013 = .001, η 2 = .212] existed
between those participants that watched
NASCAR and those participants that did not
watch NASCAR on the factors that influenced
their NASCAR interest and race attendance.
From a practical standpoint, NASCAR
marketing departments should be aware that
many of the African American participants of
this study had a negative perception of
NASCAR and often times associated the sport
with racism and exclusivity. Many of the
participants also saw NASCAR races as boring,
too hard to understand, and too dangerous.
These results indicated that in order for
NASCAR to attract a more African-American
race fans, they need to make the races easier to
understand and include more minority drivers
and sponsors.
Session II, C-13
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Different
Advising Strategies
Joseph P. Gaglione
College of Management
Mentor: Al Chen/Accounting
In today’s college environment moving students
to graduation as quickly as possible is highly
advantageous for both the students and the
college. By making college academic advising
more efficient the college can use its resources
in different ways to improve the quality of the
college. Students gain the benefit of college
costing them less, which is important to the
student themselves and the lending institutions.
The lending institutions can make loans to more
students when students graduate more quickly.
This is especially important with today’s
economy, as it is necessary for people to have a
college degree to get a good job. Time to
graduation is also important as a benchmark
among colleges. This research looks into how
many students believe that academic advising is
largely to blame for increased time spent in
college. How academic advising departments
can reallocate their time spent on certain
activities to improve the ease of information
transfer. By reallocating resources, academic
advising departments can improve the quality of
service they deliver to students. Secondly by
reallocating both time spent on certain advising
activities and funds academic advising
departments can raise their benchmarks to help
them compete with other colleges. I found that
by surveying student’s opinions after an
advising session they can ascertain what
activities the college advising department is
doing well and what they can improve upon.
This will allow the college advising department
to get rid of activities that are ineffective to
move towards activities the students would
value more. Secondly, I found that by moving
information largely online you can reduce costs
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -67-
while providing a more useful medium for
information transfer. Third, by using online
registration you can reduce lost paperwork,
reduce confusion about how credits transfer and
cut advising costs.
Session II, C-14
Professional Development and the
Application of Visual Graphics
Rashay M. Griggs
Psychology
Mentors: Eric N. Wiebe/Math, Science and
Technology Education; John Bedward/Math,
Science and Technology Education; and Lauren
Madden/Math, Science and Technology
Education
Professional development in the Graphic-
Enhanced Elementary Science project is used to
train teachers how to incorporate and encourage
graphics in their teaching plan across pre,
during, and post inquiry stages. Through the use
of graphics, teachers are able to assess students’
conceptual understanding and development
across inquiry stages. This gives the teachers
the opportunity to provide students’ with
feedback in order to allow student growth.
Graphics vary depending on the inquiry stage
that the students are involved in, reflecting how
much they have learned. Visual graphics allow
the students to interact with concepts presented
so that learning material is more easily grasped
and retained. The number of entries before
professional development (n=158) are compared
to those entries after professional development
(n=202). Numbers are then neutralized by
taking the ratio of number of graphics over total
number of entries. It is expected that after
professional development there should be an
increase in more visual graphics in science
notebooks.
Session I, C-19
Sustainability, Energy and Engineering
Summer REU: Increasing the Number of
Underrepresented Groups in STEM Fields
Samantha L. Hiscock
Psychology
Mentors: Pamela Martin/Psychology; Avril
Smart/Psychology
In recent years many universities across the
United States have implemented summer
research programs to enhance undergraduate
education in science, technology, engineering
and mathematics fields respectively. For
example, Hirsch et al (2005) highlight the
importance of practical application and research
experience, noting ―that students can make
meaningful, measurable strides in core
competency mastery by participating actively in
a community of practice without taking formal
classes‖ such as a summer research program.
Most existing programs attempt to increase the
number of women and people of color through
various recruitment mechanisms (i.e.
―geographical, ethnic and gender diversity‖
(Norbet, 2004)) however, statistics consistently
reflect a gap in representation of these groups in
STEM fields. Lopatto (2004) found that ―men
are the majority in the physical sciences, math,
computer science, and engineering‖ but also
14.9% were Asian American, 10% African
American and 4.9% Hispanic, with Caucasian
students still being the ethnic majority in this
undergraduate research program. Despite growth
in the number of summer research programs
from year to year; there are still relatively few
programs that successfully funnel
underrepresented groups through the pipeline
into graduate school in STEM fields. The
Sustainability, Energy and Engineering (SEE)
summer REU takes a unique approach to the
REU experience with its focus on sustainability
and green engineering research. Undergraduates
in SEE are involved in many different important
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -68-
aspects of engineering including ethics
education, faculty-student mentorship and
various aspects of conducting research. By
incorporating these components into the
program, SEE motivates high achieving students
from underrepresented groups to undertake and
successfully complete graduate education and to
engage in future research in sustainable
engineering. This presentation provides an
overview of the progress the SEE REU program
over three summers and discusses each
component of the program’s contribution to
overall success.
Session II, C-15
Acoustic Analysis of Vowel Productions of
Individuals in an ESL Pronunciation
Program
Sara S. Hughes
Communication
Mentor: Daniel A. DeJoy/Communication
In this study, spectrographic and formant history
analyses were used to assess changes in vowel
productions of two individuals who participated
in individual instruction for learning English as a
second language. The analysis demonstrated that
changes in participants’ first (F1) and second
(F2) vowel formant frequencies of /I/, /ӕ/, /e/,
/ɛ/, /i/, /a/, /ɔ/, /ʊ/, and /o/ occurred over the
course of six-weeks of instruction. Analyses of
native English speakers’ productions of the same
vowels were also completed and then compared
to those of the non-native speakers. The analysis
of F1 and F2 frequencies revealed that following
individual instruction, some but not all of the
non-native speakers’ vowels had formant
patterns that more closely approximated the
native-speakers’ patterns relative to pre-
instruction measurements. Furthermore, the
male and female participant differed in the
specific vowels that shifted closer towards
native productions. Overall the study
demonstrates that spectrographic and formant
history analyses can be effective tools to
measure changes in speech production
associated with clinical instruction.
Session I, C-20
Consumption Behavior of Professional
Football Fans in Fan Clubs
Nicole A. Jameson
Parks Recreation and Tourism Management
Mentor: Michelle Gacio Harrolle/Parks
Recreation and Tourism Management
Previous sport management researchers (e.g.,
Trail, Anderson, & Fink, 2005) have found that
if fans BIRG (Bask in Reflected Glory) for their
favorite sports teams and do not CORF (Cut off
Reflected Failure), they will consume (i.e.,
watch games on television, attend games, buy
merchandise) more sport products. There is a
plethora of research on sport fandom, but little to
no research on those fans in unofficial and
official sport clubs (e.g., Patriot Fan Clubs) who
live hundreds of miles away from their favorite
team and the actual sport product (i.e., Patriot
football games). The purpose of our study was to
examine fans who are members of official and
―unofficial‖ fan clubs on how they became fans,
the motives that influence them to watch the
Patriots and their BIRGing and CORFing
behaviors. The participants were comprised of
Official fan clubs members (n= 16) and
Unofficial fan club members (n=4). Using SPSS,
descriptive statistics were conducted on the data.
The average distance to the Patriots’ stadium
was 696 miles. All of the means for the motives
for watching football games were well above the
mid-point (ranging from 5.1 to 6.2). These fans
wanted to BIRG (M = 5.4) and did not want to
CORF (M = 1.4). Overall, the participants’
family members (i.e., spouse, mother, brother,
etc.) were also Patriot fans. Moreover, these fans
were born in the New England area thus
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -69-
contributing to their need to be Patriot’s fans.
Sport managers need to make sure that fans are
given BIRGing opportunities (i.e., signed
autographs by players) in an effort to increase
their identification for the team whether they are
in close proximity to their sport product or not.
Session II, C-16
Latino and Non-Latino Consumption
Patterns at a Professional Baseball Game
Nicole A. Jameson
Sport Management
Mentor: Michelle Gacio Harrolle/Sport
Management
Professional sport organizations have recognized
the Latino population as a potential market
segment and have been actively marketing to
this segment. However, Harrolle and Trail
(2007) have shown that one’s level of ethnic
identity does not necessarily influence sport
consumption behaviors. The purpose of our
study was to compare Latino and Non-Latino
spectators on the factors influencing attendance
(i.e., family, children, friends, spouse, television
advertisements, newspaper, radio, billboards,
promotions, and an Hispanic Heritage
promotion) and sport consumption behaviors
(i.e., attending games, attending away games,
watching games on television, and listening to
games on the radio).The participants were
attendees of a Major League Baseball game in
Florida and were comprised of Latinos (n = 127)
and Non-Latinos (n = 186) and consisted of 54%
males and 46% females. Two separate
Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA)
tests were conducted to compare Latinos and
Non-Latinos. There were no significant
differences [Wilks’ Λ = .991, F(4, 324) = .725, p
= .576, η2 = .009] between Latinos and Non-
Latinos on consumption behaviors. However, a
significant difference [Wilks’ Λ= .892, F(10,
363) = 4.417, p < .001, η2 = .108] existed
between Latinos and Non-Latinos on the factors
that influenced professional baseball game
attendance. Differences existed between Latinos
and Non-Latinos on the opportunity to spend
time with their children (Latinos, M=6.4; Non-
Latinos, M=5.2) and their family (Latinos,
M=6.1; Non-Latinos, M=5.2). Latinos also
indicated that various promotions had more of
an influence on the decision to attend than Non-
Latinos. From a practical stand point, marketing
departments should be aware that family
promotions and children promotions influenced
both Latinos and Non-Latinos. Moreover, sport
managers need to make sure that fans are given
BIRGing opportunities (i.e., signing autographs
by players) in an effort to increase their
identification for the team once they enter into
the stadium.
Session I, C-21
The Impacts of Consumers’ Internet
Information Search Patterns on Their
Purchase Decisions and Welfare
Janine Largen
College of Management
Mentor: Sangkil Moon/College of Management
Ordinary consumers expect to have better deals
from Internet retailers rather than traditional
bricks-and-mortar retailers because they can
access more purchase related information,
including price information, without strenuous
efforts. One can search travel websites (e.g.,
travelocity.com, orbitz.com) to access a number
of alternatives in multiple product categories
(i.e., airline tickets, hotel, rental car, travel
activities). Compared to traditional offline
travel agents, this online approach provides
enormous information available to consumers. A
number of recent research studies found that the
online approach helps consumers find better
deals in terms of product, price, and quality in
most cases. By contrast, some studies
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -70-
(Clemons, Hann and Hitt 2002, Management
Science) reported that too much information can
hinder consumers making the right purchase
decisions and lead them to sub-optimal choices.
This research identifies consumers’ differences
in information search patterns on the Internet.
Internet retailers can provide various types of
product information (e.g., price, flight arrival
and departure times, consumers’ hotel reviews)
differently, which influences the way consumers
search the information. Consumers also search
such information differently in terms of search
time and amount due to their different search
abilities and experiences. Secondly, this
research examines what impacts different search
patterns have on consumers’ choices. I found
that over 90% of participants go directly to an
online travel service website when they have a
travel need and approximately 72% of
participants are extremely price driven above
any other influential factor. The average
consumer does not take any time to read fine
print and trusts the corresponding online service
to a certain degree. The average consumer also
likes to be able to book an entire trip all on one
web page in order to save time and prevent
frustration.
Session II, C-17
Qualitative Analysis of Religious Symbolism
in Hip Hop Album Covers
Maria McDuffie, Latavia Mason,
Curtis Gray, and Gerard Breaux
Psychology
Mentor: Pamela P. Martin/Psychology in the
Public Interest
Throughout history, music has been an
instrumental part of the religious experience in
the lives of African Americans. The Church has
been the primary conduit through which African
Americans have received religious instruction,
guidance and affirmation of religious beliefs.
Through the use of sacred song, religious beliefs
have been confirmed by inclusion of scriptural
references into the musical composition.
Today’s African American youth and young
adults no longer find solace in the sacred song as
it was traditionally developed and delivered. The
music genre in the African American
community has evolved from the Negro spiritual
to the latest genre of rap. The infusion of rap
into the daily living experiences of African
American youth and young adults has created a
distinctly different era of musical variety in
which sacred scriptural references have been
included among lyrics that some religious
leaders and scholars would call blasphemy and
thereby creating a dichotomy within the church
(Powe & Johnson, 1997; West, 1992). The
purpose of this study is to explore, compare, and
distinguish the influence of sacred and secular
rap on mental health outcomes among African
Americans. Using qualitative methodologies,
this research examined the possible religious
themes conveyed on the sacred and secular rap
CD covers. Current research indicates that
sacred and secular music has been associated
with several positive outcomes (e.g.,
achievement and happiness) and encourage
positive psycho-development outcomes such as
gender identity development, self-esteem, and
feelings of competence and independence (Hays
& Minichiello, 2005; Hays, Bright, &
Minichiello, 2002; Hills & Argyle, 1998;
Martin, Adkins, Bowles, Robinson, & Butler-
Barnes, in press). For example, Martin and
colleagues (in press) found that religiously-
engaged adolescents used the messages
conveyed in secular rap music to differentiate
between appropriate religious socialization
messages and activities which they described as
―worldly‖ from the content analysis; several
themes emerged such as persecution,
resurrection/rebirth, and reformation.
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -71-
Session I, C-22
University Responses to Campus Incidents
Justine Nomina
Psychology; Business Management-Marketing
Mentor: Rupert W. Nacoste/Psychology
What factors influence how college students
evaluate a university’s response to a campus
incident? In this study, an incident that occurred
on our college campus and the university’s
response to that incident were described for
participants. Participants read about an incident
connected to flyers indicating there would be a
KKK rally, about and incident connected to the
discovery of a paper noose on campus, or an
incident at an Abortion Rally. For each incident
participants also read about the university’s
response; no-response, a letter from the
Chancellor, or a letter from the Chancellor and a
meeting with students. The hypothesis was that
participants would react more negatively to a
university’s response to a campus disturbance
depending on whether the disturbance is race or
gender related, and the level of the university
administrations responses. There were 166
participants; the average age of the participants
was 18.94. Participants responded to the
Positive and Negative Affective Schedule
(PANAS) and response items designed to assess
their evaluations of the incident and the
university’s response. These data have been
collected and are currently being analyzed using
Pearson correlations and analysis of variance.
Session II, C-18
The Unfair Lady: Lessons about Identity and
Rhetoric in My Fair Lady
Emily B. Reass
Communication
Mentor: Christina L. Moss/Communication
The everlasting popularity of the 1964 musical
My Fair Lady is evident from the multiple
adaptations created from the original play
Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw. Through
conversation and song, the film emphasizes the
importance of voice, especially with the main
character Eliza Doolittle, played by Audrey
Hepburn. Eliza Doolittle’s struggle with words
is indicative of women’s struggle with
traditional rhetoric and voice. As Eliza’s voice
changes and evolves, her identity changes as
well. With an upcoming remake of My Fair
Lady rumored for 2010, it seems appropriate to
revisit the celebrated film not only because of its
popularity, but because the film negotiates
connections of identity, gender and rhetoric. In
order to discuss My Fair Lady’s demonstration
of identity and rhetoric, the connection to voice
is explained by examining Eliza’s
transformation by giving a view of her original
identity and her training in rhetorical style, the
role of class, and the relationship to gender
roles. Eliza’s transformation progresses
through her use of voice, often demonstrating
the difference in men’s and women’s rhetoric.
With her transformation underway, the role of
class is examined through Higgins’ social
experiments and the repercussions they have on
Eliza’s voice. Gender roles become influential
to voice as well, often causing trouble for Eliza
and the reason she seeks Higgins’ help to begin
with. The scholarly works of Cambell, Di Mare,
and Tong showcase the thesis as connections
between identity, rhetoric, and feminism are
made.
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -72-
Session II, D-1
The Growing Inconsistencies of Cost-Benefit
Analysis and the Impeding Regulatory Crisis
Rohil V. Shah
Agricultural & Resource Economics
Mentor: Theodore A. Feitshans/Agricultural &
Resource Economics
Increased interest in evaluating the payback
from costs of proposed environmental
improvements has lead to increased use of cost-
benefit analysis (CBA). CBA is the process of
estimating the total benefits versus total costs to
determine if a proposed project is feasible. This
research focused on three federal agencies: the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the
United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps),
and the United States Forest Service (USFS).
The hypothesis of this research is that these
three agencies use differing forms of CBAs
producing contradictory results because there are
no universal guidelines for CBAs. Examination
of the applicable environmental statutes revealed
that these statutes do not state the procedures for
CBAs. These statutes provide only general
guidance. This research includes an exhaustive
list of variables that agencies use to prepare
CBAs. Variables included in CBAs were
compared and contrasted, both between CBAs of
a single agency and across agencies. The most
important cause of inconsistencies is whether or
not the agency follows their own guideline or
more general federal guidelines, such as those of
the Office of Management and Budget or
Executive Orders. Other sources of
inconsistency include how costs, non-
quantifiable and quantifiable benefits,
alternatives, risk, uncertainty, assumptions,
discounting and compliance are all taken into
account in each of the CBAs. For example, if
the EPA and the Corps conduct CBAs on a
project their results will be different even though
the project is identical. Differing methodologies
will usually result in different results. A prime
example is accounting for risk and uncertainty
where one agency quantifies and another agency
excludes that same risk. Therefore, the
hypothesis of this research is valid and correct,
both for different CBAs within an agency as
well as across agencies.
Session II, D-2
Parents' Socialization of Children's Gendered
Language: Does the Presence of People in
Conversation Matter?
Ho Yan Tsuen and Ashley B.Craig
Psychology
Mentors: Amy Halberstadt/Psychology;
Julie Thompson/School of Nursing (Duke
University)
Based on the belief that gendered language is a
socialized phenomenon and that parents teach
their children about gender through their
language, this study evaluates whether mothers’
use of gendered language with their children
directly influences their children’s use of
gendered language. Although significant
correlations do suggest that maternal use
predicts child use of gendered language, an
alternative hypothesis is that dyads differentially
discuss topics related to people. Thus, the
relationship between maternal and child use of
gendered terms may be the result of the amount
of time talking about people, rather than valid
evidence that children's gendered language is
socialized by parents. To test this alternative
hypothesis, two coders have established
reliability and are independently coding
transcripts for the presence of people-related
conversation. A detailed description of the
coding protocol will be discussed.
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -73-
Session II, D-3
Speech Perception and Speech Production
Accuracy Pre- and Post-Activation of Adult
Cochlear Implant Recipients
Sarah E. Williamson
Communication
Mentor: Beth Barnes/Communication
The aim of this study was to analyze speech
perception and production accuracy of post-
lingually deaf adult cochlear implant recipients
pre- and post-operatively to determine (1) how
long post-operatively different phoneme classes
are acquired and (2) what variables may impact
phoneme acquisition. Speech production
accuracy was measured in 12 post-lingually deaf
adults (ages 30-73 years) prior to activation and
at specific time intervals post-activation using
the consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC)
words/phonemes test. From this data, we
calculated the mean percentages at which speech
production accuracy increased from pre-
activation to post-activation and the time
required for specific phonemes to become
acquired. Before activation, recipients produced
a mean of 1.6% of words correctly and 4.2% of
phonemes correctly. Results one year post-
activation showed improvement, with 54% of
words correct and 64.33% of phonemes correct.
Overall speech perception was significantly
improved one year after activation with most
difficulty perceiving phonemes of higher
frequencies such as stops, fricatives, and
affricates. Participants with the longest duration
of hearing impairment (>30years) showed the
most improvement initially with 50.67% of
words correct at one-month post-activation, but
by one-year post-activation each group averaged
around 54% of words correct. By one-year post-
activation the youngest group of participants
demonstrated the best results on the CNC test.
Session II, D-4
The Decisional Balance, Commitment, and
Self-Efficacy of Past and Current Exercise
Patterns
James Z. Zuravle
Sport Management
Mentor: Jonathan Casper/Sport Management
The purpose of this study was to examine
current and adolescent exercise behavior based
on perceived benefits and costs, commitment
levels, and reported self-efficacy toward
engaging in exercise. The sample included 265
adults (140 female, 125 male) ranging from 18
to 65 years of age, randomly selected from a
health club and a grocery store located in Wake
County, North Carolina. Participants completed
a questionnaire asking how often they currently
exercise, and how frequently they used to
exercise as adolescents. The participants also
rated their levels of commitment, self-efficacy,
benefits, and costs with respect to exercise
behavior. The results found that as exercise
frequency (days per week, duration of exercise,
and years of exercising consistently) increased
both currently and in adolescents, so did the
participant's level of commitment, self-efficacy,
and the benefits associated with exercise. The
study also found a high correlation between
current as past exercise behavior. This research
displays the positive impact past participation in
exercise has on increasing current participation
based on psychological correlates. Exercise has
many health benefits, but a large percentage of
the population is inactive. These findings
support the importance of exercise for
adolescents and may lead to future research
related to prior participation.
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Physical & Mathematical Sciences
Session I, C-23
Nanoscale-defined, In-plane Oriented
Molecular Deposition
Evan R. Adamek
Physics
Mentor: Hans D. Hallen/Physics
The goal of this project is to determine the
efficacy of the use of an NSOM device with a
split-tip probe in the creation of circuits based
upon molecules that oriented in the plane of the
surface and defined to nanoscale dimensions.
To accomplish this, a sample consisting of a thin
film of Poly p-Xylene Tetrahydrothiophenium
Chloride (PPTC) will be created using spin
coating techniques with a thickness of 10 to 20
nm. Then, the near field scanning optical
microscope (NSOM) will be used to orient and
deposit the molecules from the solution. This
will allow for electrical measurements to be
made to ascertain the properties of the molecular
device, particularly the resolution of the
electrical pathways. In this presentation, I will
describe the method of preparation for the
samples that will be used in the NSOM. The
important variables to consider are the dilution
of the PPTC, which determines the thickness of
the film upon spinning, and the lifetime of the
sample as well as what measures must be taken
to extend this lifetime.
Session I, C-24
Analysis of Water Quality Tests
Erika E. Burger, Ashley N. Myers, and Steven
G. Somers
Statistics
Mentor: William F. Hunt, Jr./Statistics
Water quality is currently analyzed through a
serious of benthic tests. These tests report a
stream’s specific conductance, bio-classification
as well as the total and relative numbers of EPT
species living in and around that sample area; a
biotic index that is based on the total and relative
number of EPT species and individuals is also
recorded. EPT species is an acronym for three
pollution sensitive families of insects that live in
the benthic zone. We are testing to see whether
or not toxicity tests done on the water and
sediment of a stream can produce equally valid
results compared to benthic tests. Toxicity tests
are used to determine the toxicity of discharges
to sensitive aquatic species. With our database,
we have divided the data into two sections:
analyses with a numerical result, or analyses
with a qualitative result. We have also mapped
the locations for these tests and divided them
into two regions of North Carolina: Mountains
and Piedmont. Through statistical regression and
histogram analysis we were able to label each
test as ―good,‖ ―okay,‖ ―bad,‖ ―undecided,‖ or
―non-significant.‖ We based these conclusions
on whether the toxicity test results (numerical)
corresponded to the correct benthic results for
that location. If the toxicity test showed a bad
result, we looked at the benthic tests to see if the
water had high specific conductance, low
number of EPT species as well as low EPT
relative abundance. Our conclusions show
varying degrees of usefulness for different
toxicity tests. A few limiting factors, such as
small samples, impeded further in-depth
analysis, but overall some toxicity tests show
great promise as true, reliable indicators of water
quality.
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Session II, D-5
Analysis of Summit Plateaus in Western
Mongolia: Uplifted and Preserved
Paleoerosion Surfaces or the Intersection of
Topography with the Glacial Buzzsaw?
Jennifer L. Cessna
Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences
Mentor: Karl W. Wegmann/Marine, Earth, and
Atmospheric Sciences
Many tectonically active mountain ranges in
western Mongolia have high elevation, low-
relief summit plateaus (LRSP). These surfaces
have classically and recently been interpreted as
fragments of a preserved low-elevation erosion
surface dating to the Mesozoic that has been
elevated by more recent mountain uplift (Jolivet
et al., 2007). The goal of this research is to test
the hypothesis that these surfaces represent an
ancient erosion surface. Alternatively, these flat
surfaces may represent the intersection of
growing mountain topography with the
latitudinally-controlled average Quaternary
glacial equilibrium line altitude (ELA), also
known as the glacial-periglacial buzzsaw. A
SRTM 90 m digital elevation model (DEM) was
used to extract topographic metrics, such as
relief, slope, and surface area along latitude and
longitude transects. A total of 25 individual
ranges were clipped from the DEM between
43.5° N to 51° N latitude and 88.5° E to 103.5°
E longitude. From these, low-relief summit
surfaces were defined by extracting contiguous
areas with slopes ≤ 7° occurring above the mean
elevation of an individual range. The mean
Quaternary ELA decreases from 3350 m at 45°
N to 2250 m at 51.5° N. Across the same north
to south transect the lower periglacial limit
elevation (PLE) decreases from circa 2900 m to
<1000 m. We find a slight northward decrease in
the mean plateau elevation with latitude
(r2=0.18) concomitant with slight south-to-north
increases in maximum summit elevations (r2=
0.10) Ranges with a maximum elevation below
the PLE do not have LRSP. Ranges with a
maximum elevation between the PLE and ELA
contain larger LRSP areas; however the summit
surface size decreases for ranges above the ELA.
Ranges significantly above the Quaternary ELA
experience effective glacial erosion and
subsequent reduction in LRSP areas.
Preliminary results may reflect the interplay of
climate and topography rather than preservation
and uplift of a >100 Ma erosion surface.
Session II, D-6
A Case Study on Tropical Cyclone
Intensification
Rebecca V. Cumbie
Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences
Mentor: Gary M. Lackmann/Marine, Earth, and
Atmospheric Sciences
It is not fully understood how the environmental
variables that interact with a tropical cyclone
(TC) affect its intensification. A case study was
performed analyzing Hurricane (H) Humberto
and Tropical Storm (TS) Grace, two TCs that
occurred in similar environmental conditions.
The purpose of the study was to determine the
environmental factors most important in TC
intensification by determining the cause of the
storms' intensity difference. Emphasis was
placed on the environmental variables sea
surface temperature (SST), ocean heat content
(OHC), and wind shear in the study. Results
indicate that wind shear was responsible for the
difference in intensity. SSTs for TS Grace were
on average 1oC greater than they were for H
Humberto, but SSTs for both storms were
several degrees above the 26.5o threshold
necessary for TC development and
intensification. Before genesis, TS Grace
traveled over waters with significantly more
OHC than H Humberto traveled over. From
genesis to landfall, OHC was greater for TS
Grace than for H Humberto by an average of 10
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KJ/cm2. Shear under 20 knots is considered
favorable for intensification. Wind shear
directly over both storms ranged from
approximately 5 to 14 knots. Shear in excess of
20 knots was present to the immediate east and
west of TS Grace while shear near H Humberto
remained under 20 knots. Wind shear was the
only environmental variable found in the study
to favor intensification of H Humberto over TS
Grace. It was enough to outweigh favorable
SSTs and OHC and limit TS Grace's
intensification. Placing a large emphasis on the
role of wind shear when predicting future TC
intensification may significantly improve
intensity forecasts and help hurricane-prone
areas better prepare.
Session I, C-25
Catalase and Peroxidase Studies of the KatG
Mutants H270C and H270Y
Laura K. Gardner
Chemistry
Mentor: Reza Ghiladi/Chemistry
Treatment of tuberculosis (TB), an infection
caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium
tuberculosis (Mtb), is done with various
antibiotics, the most common being isoniazid
(INH). INH is a pro-drug which is activated
within Mtb by the hemoprotein KatG. Isoniazid
resistant strains of Mtb have become more
widespread in recent years, and though the cause
of antibiotic resistance is not completely clear, it
is thought to be related to the mechanism of
activation of INH. Isoniazid undergoes a series
of significant intermediates before it can form an
adduct with NADH, termed the INH-NADH
adduct, which is believed to be the in vivo
―activated‖ mycobactericidal agent. How the
bifunctional KatG, possessing both catalase and
peroxidase activities, is involved in this reaction
pathway is unclear. Thus, to further understand
how this enzyme is related to drug activation
and possibly drug resistance, comparative
studies of both wild type KatG and mutated
KatGs have been performed. In particular,
spectroscopic studies of the KatG mutants
H270Y and H270C have been undertaken to
determine how mutations located close to the
iron active site affect the catalase and peroxidase
activities of the enzyme. UV-Visible
spectroscopy revealed that the mutation at this
location does change the position of the Soret
peak of the protein as well as its kinetic activity.
Further study of the affect of mutations in this
enzyme will help to elucidate the steps INH
undergoes to form the INH-NADH adduct and
possibly indicators of INH resistance.
Session II, D-7
Meteorologically-Adjusted Particulate Matter
Trend Analysis
Kristen L. Gore, Nicole J. Bader, and Marshall
G. Gaddis
Statistics
Mentor: William F. Hunt, Jr./Statistics
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a complex
mixture of tiny solid and particles suspended in
the air that have an effective aerodynamic
diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. These
particles can impose a variety of harmful health
effects due to their ability to enter the respiratory
and cardiovascular systems. A national ambient
air monitoring program was initiated in 1999 to
monitor PM2.5. In 2001, the EPA implemented
the Nitrogen Oxides State Implementation Call
(NOx-SIP Call) in an effort to mitigate ozone
formation. However, the ability to measure the
true effectiveness of emission control legislation
is complicated by the impact of meteorological
factors on ambient air quality. By creating an
autoregressive linear model which accounted for
meteorological variables, it was determined that
the NOx-SIP Call was successful in reducing
ozone in North Carolina, Maryland, and New
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Jersey [―Meteorologically Adjusted Ozone
Trend Analysis.‖ Antczek, Brown, Gore, et al.
(NCSU) 2007]. Did the NOx-SIP Call reduce
North Carolina’s PM-fine concentrations, as
well? The purpose of this project was to
evaluate the effectiveness of the NOx-SIP Call
in curbing PM concentrations. Exploratory
statistical methods were applied to continuous
hourly PM2.5 and meteorological data, which
were collected at the Raleigh Spring Forest Road
site from November 1998 to January 2007. No
significant change was found in PM2.5 levels
after meteorological factors were removed using
an autoregressive statistical method, despite the
reduction in utility-related NOx emissions.
Session I, C-26
Synthesis of G2 Dendrimer
Jodie Greene
Chemistry
Mentor: Chris Gorman/Chemistry
Iron sulfur proteins are vital to maintaining
homeostasis in the human body, transportation
of electrons in various electron transport chains,
regulation of gene expression, and facilitation of
substrate binding and enzyme activity. The
redox potential of the iron sulfur proteins are
very dependent on the protein environment
around the cluster. Understanding the structural
features of these proteins will provide a better
understanding how environment controls the
redox potential of the iron sulfur cluster. Using
dendrimers, we can isolate the iron sulfur
cluster, which allows us to eliminate the effect
of the solvent environment on the redox
potential of the iron-sulfur cluster. The half
hydrophobic, half hydrophilic nature of these
particular dendrimers is envisioned to
encapsulate the cluster by exhibiting lipid-like
properties and wrapping around the iron sulfur
cluster. The hydrophilic end will allow the iron
sulfur cluster to facilitate electron transport and
dissolve in polar solvents. Thus, it is
hypothesized that this structure will have the
dual role of core protection and water solubility.
Dendrimers are being prepared in different
generations (the number of layers of
hyperbranching). The second generation
dendrimer has been explored to see if the
branching of the dendrimer will protect the iron
sulfur cluster and still allow electron transport to
and from the cluster core. The dendrimer is
synthesized through a series of multistep organic
reactions, and then the electronic properties of
the dendrimer are invested through
electrochemistry.
Session I, C-27
Layered Organic Photovoltaics
Lewis B. Guignard
Physics
Mentor: Harald Ade/Physics
Organic polymers and their applications to
electronics is an exponentially growing field,
showing the promise of cheaper, lighter and
more flexible hardware. The particular focus in
this research is with solar cells, and the
fabrication techniques of polymer layers. The
chemicals used to produce an electrical
difference are P3HT and PCBM, which can
respectively yield a positive and negative
charge. These two don't give up electrons as
easily as a silicone substrate however; the
electrons and 'holes' don't differentiate from
photoexcitons with out a favorable potential
energy difference. The threshhold between
P3HT and PCBM will provide this energy
difference, allowing the electron to escape and
current to be created. Problems arise when
adding these layers of substrate to each other. To
reach the required thickness, they are spun-cast
in a solvent solution. The solvent of any new
layer will dissolve a 'set' layer below it. In at
least three publications, successful methods have
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -78-
been described where the researchers have used
certain temporary buffers and certain solvents to
produce the requisite layers of polymer in the
laboratory. My research focused mainly on
trying to replicate these methods here at NC
State. Although successful in laying layers of the
same material on top of each other, I found that
different materials layered with this technique
proves much less effective and reliable. This
presentation will outline the general usefulness,
operations of, and techniques for synthesizing
organic solar cells, as well as my specific results
in attempting bilayer spin-coating with different
buffers.
Session II, D-8
Measuring Aerosol Optical Thickness via
Diode Laser Extinction
Max M. Hampson
Physics
Mentors: Hans D. Hallen/Physics
C. Russell Philbrick/Physics; MEAS
Detecting the presence of small particulate
matter is vital to quantifying their effect on
health and ecosystems. In this research, an
attempt is made to design and construct a cost
effective method of detecting local aerosol
scatterers. The main contribution to Aerosol
Optical Thickness (AOT) is from scattering by
particles whose size is close to the wavelength
of incident light. Diode lasers transmitting at
three wavelengths are selected: 407.5, 532, and
655 nanometers. These lasers are made collinear
via a system of dichromatic mirrors. The beam is
then expanded in a beam expander and
transmitted onto a distant photodiode detector.
By measuring the intensity at each wavelength
before and after transmission, the extinction can
be quantified and a AOT determined as function
of Rayleigh optical thickness and air mass.
Session II, D-9
Electronic Spectroscopy of Organic
Semiconductors in Planar Magnetic
Junctions
Andrew Hewitt
Physics
Mentor: Daniel Dougherty/Physics
The developmental field of spintronics envisions
the generation, transport, and detection of spin
polarized electrical currents for low power, high
speed device applications. Maintaining spin
polarization allows the intrinsic spin of electrical
carriers to be used as the physically relevant
device parameter rather than their charge as in
traditional devices. This innovation could result
in higher performance devices and also novel
device applications (e.g. quantum computing)
but first new materials must be developed and
characterized for the purpose of coherent spin
transport. Organic semiconductors are promising
candidate materials for spintronic applications.
In order to characterize these materials in solid
state environments, we have designed and
commissioned an apparatus to measure
electronic spectra of organic semiconductors
sandwiched inside ultrathin metal-insulator-
metal tunnel junctions.
Session II, D-10
Crustal Matter: Exploring the Differences
between Ambient Air Samples and Emissions
Inventory
Jennifer J. James, Camille A. Clark, and William
J. Rice
Statistics
Mentor: William F. Hunt, Jr./Statistics
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a complex
mixture of tiny particles in the air. PM2.5
consists of particles that measure 2.5
micrometers in diameter or less, and is
composed of sulfates, metals, crustal matter, and
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -79-
other elements. Crustal matter is simply fugitive
dust or soil originating from the earth’s surface.
This project is concerned with the ratio of
crustal matter to PM2.5. Actual ambient air
samples from 2002 suggest the ratio of crustal to
PM2.5 is 5% to 10% where as the 2002 emission
inventory estimate of the ratio is 27.5%. This
study is being conducted to better understand
this disagreement. Current findings have found
a large source of the discrepancy as a simple
miscommunication. The PM2.5 measured by
ambient monitors is total PM2.5, which includes
both primary and secondary PM2.5, whereas the
emission inventory reports only primary PM2.5.
However, after computing the ratio of crustal
matter to primary PM2.5 for the ambient data, a
discrepancy, although smaller, still exists. This
work will result in recommendations that will
encourage a closer agreement between ambient
samples and the emission inventory, which may
improve the air quality management process. It
is critical to explore this incongruity so the US
EPA, along with other environmental agencies,
will take necessary action to use the most
accurate and useful ratio for their specific
purposes.
Session II, D-11
Correlation of KatG Mutants to Isoniazid
Resistance in Tuberculosis (TB)
I Wei (Grace) Kan
Chemistry
Mentor: Reza Ghiladi/Chemistry
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes
of death due to a single disease, claiming about
two million people annually, primarily in
developing countries. Efforts to control TB
infection have been hampered by the rise of
multiple-drug resistant strains, which include
resistance to isoniazid (INH), the most widely
prescribed antibiotic used to treat TB. 50% of
multiple drug resistant tuberculosis are found in
China and India. While it is now generally
accepted that INH is a pro-drug which is
activated by the catalase-peroxidase KatG, the
specifics of this activation process have to-date
proven to be elusive, and further study is
necessary for rational drug design of antibiotics
to combat TB. KatG, a catalase-peroxidase, is
the protein found in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
that activates INH, and it has been shown that
point mutations in KatG lead to INH-resistant
strains of TB. Most INH-resistant strains lack
the KatG gene or have mutations, deletions, or
insertions. This results in a conformational
change in the protein, preventing the perfect
―lock and key‖ fit most enzymes have with their
substrates. I have designed four KatG mutants,
L148A, L587M, D735N, and N138H, which
have been recombinantly expressed in E. coli,
purified to homogeneity. Peroxidase activity in
terms of reactivity and concentration for L587M
was measured and compared to wild-type
strains’ characterisitics. The next steps are to
characterize the all mutants for catalase and
peroxidase activities along with their INH-
NADH adduct forming ability with peroxide.
Session I, C-28
The Characterization of a Physical Model of
Accretion: SS CYG
Samuel G. Kenny
Physics
Mentor: John Blondin/Physics
For over thirty years, observational studies of SS
Cygni, in the constellation Cygnus, have shown
a pronounced periodic variability in the apparent
luminosity and relative position of the star.
Observations of its spectrum have revealed it to
be an abundant source of UV rays with
occasional outbursts of X-rays. These two
observations are indicative of the existence of a
cataclysmic variable. In this system in particular,
the donor secondary, a K type star of ~0.6 solar
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -80-
masses, transfers mass to a white dwarf primary
of ~0.4 solar masses by means of an accretion
disk. For years, these objects have been studied
according to a mathematically rigorous,
―semianalytical‖ approach. This method
assumes that the disk is in relative equilibrium
and often ignores some other aspects of the
system. In recent years with the advent of
supercomputers, many have begun testing
theories of accretion disks using hydrodynamics
simulations. However, most have neglected the
accretion stream since it was not
computationally feasible with the available
resources at the time. Now these resources are
available. We present a hydrodynamic model of
the SS Cygni binary stellar system using an
isothermic equation of state developed by Dr.
John Blondin. We characterize the system both
qualitatively and quantitatively. First, we
observe the flow out of the L1 region to confirm
Lubow & Shu’s semianalytical result (1975).
Next, we observe how material flows through
the system to understand how angular
momentum is transported through it. Finally we
quantify the aspect ratio of the accretion stream
to observe how it changes with distance from the
donor star. We use a visualization software
package called EnSight for qualitative analysis
and data gathering. We have developed multiple
codes to analyze and reduce the gathered data.
Session II, D-12
Forecasting Wildfires and Examining the
Extent of Global Climate Change
Jason T. Leone, Kristen Gore, and Jamie Pearce
Statistics
Mentor: William F. Hunt, Jr./Statistics
Extending into late November 2008, fires
continued to burn in California causing the
evacuation of homes and the destruction of
property. The western region of the continental
United States continues to see devastating fires.
The United States Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA) is interested in this increase in
wildfires, the possible causes, and the emissions
released from these fires. One important factor
to consider in conjunction with an increase in
wildfires is an increase in temperature. The
Northern Hemisphere has shown an increase in
temperature anomalies steadily over the last
thirty to forty years. Similarly, over the last
forty years there has been a positive trend in
national temperature as well as western and
northwestern regional temperatures. At the
same time, there have been increases in the acres
burned nationally and in the acres burned per
fire on annual average. When compared over
the 24 year period 1983-2007, we have observed
an increase from approximately two million
acres burned per year (or 30 to 40 acres per fire)
in 1983 to eight million acres burned per year
(or over 100 acres per fire) in 2007. During this
period, there has been increase of about 2 to 2.5
degrees Fahrenheit. Because not all regions in
the United States have the same climatic
problems and geological make-up, it is
important to analyze trends in States to develop
more precise models using temperature, relative
humidity, lightening strikes, etc.. It is our goal
to develop a model to forecast wild fires for the
Western United Sates and predict a potential
impact from future global climate change.
Hopefully, the USEPA will be able utilize our
results to improve future State Implementation
Planning for fine particulate matter and increase
our understanding of possible impacts of global
climate change.
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -81-
Session II, D-13
Surfactant Spreading on Thin Liquid Films
Adele M. Lichtenberger
Physics
Mentor: Karen Daniels/Physics
When a surfactant is placed on a thin liquid film,
it will spread radially outward and reduce the
surface tension of the underlying film, causing
the film to thin behind the surfactant front.
While the resulting surface tension gradients can
cause fingering of the spreading front, the
circumstances under which it happens are poorly
understood. Therefore, we have conducted
experiments to understand the controls on this
behavior. We study surfactant spreading on a
thin film of glycerin (~1mm thick) on an
aluminum plate. A drop of fluorescently-tagged
surfactant is placed inside a ring in the center of
the plate, and then the ring is slowly lifted to
allow both fluids to spread outward. We induce
fluorescence of the surfactant with a UV light,
and a laser line gives the height profile of the
film; a camera mounted above the plate allows
us to track both simultaneously. Two
surfactants, phospholipids of different lengths,
have been used, with similar results. We
observe that a uniform spreading front is stable,
and that induced fingers are not sustained.
Session I, C-29
UV Resonance Nano-Raman Spectroscopy
Brandon J. Long
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Mentor: Hans D. Hallen/Physics
Raman Spectroscopy is an invaluable tool for
identifying and characterizing materials, but
often suffers from both weak signal and the need
for better resolution. Nano-Raman measurement
using a Near-field Scanning Optical Microscope
(NSOM) can greatly improve the resolution
independent of the wavelength. The traditional
nano-Raman signal is very small, because of the
small volume (number of molecules) sampled,
making imaging impractical. However, UV
resonance Raman can solve the signal problem.
We have therefore begun construction of an all-
reflective nano-Raman system, that will
incorporate tunable deep UV excitation for
resonance Raman capability. We have
constructed much of the NSOM instrument,
created most of the necessary electronics, and
used micro-Raman to test the spectrometer and
determine what features can be seen in nano-
Raman scans.
Session II, D-14
AGET ATRP Polymerization in Microfluidic
Device for Biosensing
Benjamin N. Orbon
Chemistry
Mentor: Lin He/Analytical Chemistry
A handheld, easy-to-use, genetic DNA testing
device may serve doctors to quickly and
efficiently test patients for genetic diseases such
as Alzheimer’s and even provide a new, non-
invasive method to find the gender of an unborn
baby. This technology may seem complicated,
and distant; But a system built on the concept of
amplification-by-polymerization may help to
create such a device in the near future. Atom
transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) has
become a common controlled-living radical
polymerization used in polymer science due to
its controlled chain growth rate and efficiency.
Our past research has shown that this industry-
based polymerization method can be used for
DNA biosensing to sense genetic mutations. In
this study, activators generated by electron
transfer (AGET) ATRP has been carried out in a
microfluidic device, which provides the first step
to creating such a DNA sensing device and
paves the way for the fabrication of future
home-care DNA biosensor kits. The
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microfluidic channels were fabricated on a
silicon surface. The results suggest channel
fabrication to be most reliable using Norland
Optical Adhesive (NOA 81), rather than a
common polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) method.
Application of (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane
(APS) prior to initiation were conducted by
submersion or reflux. Submersion in a 1%
solution of APS in Methanol provides the most
effective method. Polymer growth can be
increased or decreased by altering initiation
reaction time, or by altering polymerization
time. Together, the data produced provide
understanding in the behavior of AGET ATRP
in microfluidic channels and can give models to
apply to DNA-based reactions. The conclusions
forward our understanding of these reactions and
make handheld DNA biosensors a step closer to
reality.
Session II, D-15
Can Blood Lead Levels in Children Be
Reduced?
Steven G. Somers, Ashley N. Myers, and
Erika E. Burger
Statistics
Mentor: William F. Hunt Jr./Statistics
Lead exposure, whether acute or chronic, is a
serious public concern due to the associated
health hazards. Chronic lead poisoning is more
common among children under the age of six
and can have severe adverse effects on their
cognitive development and behavior. Even low
levels of lead intake, previously thought to be
harmless, have been shown to cause damaging
effects after prolonged exposure. Our objective
is to investigate Elevated Blood Lead Level
(EBLL) rates per 1000 children. We have
compared the 2003 California EBLL data to
another EBLL data set they submitted in 2006
and found the 2003 data to be incorrect. We
have contacted other state officials to validate
the integrity of all the data and have also
contacted states that didn’t submit data to the
CDC in hopes of gaining access to their data.
We are hoping to predict EBLLs as a function of
environmental factors and believe different
regions of the country will have different
significant factors. We have also produced a
map that depicts the concentration of EBLL
rates which highlights the rustbelt as the main
area of concern for our nation. Using
exploratory statistical methods, we hope to
better inform the US EPA of areas with high
EBLL. Our final objectives are to provide a
more accurate data base than the one currently
available for the CDC, provide
recommendations for the US EPA and at home
prevention, and attempt to determine the next
major contributor to the current high EBLL in
children. Exploratory statistical methods will be
used to determine the accuracy of the data
submitted to CDC, provide a better estimate of
the extent of the problem, and possibly highlight
environmental factors causing the problem in
each different region of the continental United
States.
Session II, D-16
Genetic Detection of Human Sex
Chromosomes Using PCR and RAFT
Polymerization Reaction
Susan M. Woody
Chemistry
Mentor: Lin He/Chemistry
Current methods of detecting small portions of
DNA such as the Polymerase Chain Reaction, or
PCR, coupled with gel electrophoresis, often
require sophisticated equipment and visual aids
for detection. However, a new method of DNA
identification known as amplification-by-
polymerization using the Reversible Addition-
Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT)
polymerization reaction has been shown to be
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -83-
able to quickly identify small segments of DNA
with high sensitivity and without the
requirement of a visual aid. The ultimate goal of
my research project was to take this idea even
further, and use RAFT polymerization for
visible detection of the sex chromosomes (X and
Y) in human genomic DNA such that it was
possible to distinguish between male and female
genders in genetic screening. This type of
identification could be used for early-stage non-
invasive pre-natal gender determination because
it only requires a small amount of blood sample
from the mother and thus would limit
disturbance to the fetus. In the first line of my
experiments, unknown samples of isolated
genetic material were amplified by PCR to
provide orthogonal gender determination of
unknown patient samples. Critical experimental
variables during PCR were optimized, including
the selection of the polymerase, the DNA ladder,
and the staining dye for gel analysis. Among 27
unknown samples tested, 7 samples were
positively identified as male, 12 as female, and 8
yielded inconclusive results due to a lack of
starting template. In parallel, the second line of
experiments was conducted to examine the
gender identification of the same samples via the
RAFT polymerization. Concept-proof
experiments to identify complementary short
oligonucleotides were demonstrated. Continuous
work on optimization of genome DNA
hybridization is underway before PCR-free
RAFT screening of gender-specific sequences
can be successfully carried out.
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -84-
EnvironMentors
Advanced Placement students in
Environmental Science,
Garner Magnet High School
Thomas Easley is the program director of
the NCSU chapter of EnvironMentors.
Shaefny Grays is the Coordinator of
EnvironMentors. The NCSU chapter is the
first chapter outside of Washington, DC,
where the program began.
Session I, A-14
An Analysis of Household Carbon Footprints
in the US
Mary T. Burkey
Environmentors, Garner Magnet High School
Mentor: Terrie Litzenberger/Forestry and
Environmental Resource
An examination of carbon footprints around the
world with emphasis on the United States was
conducted using surveys on energy use and
living habits for families. The information
collected was used to calculate carbon footprints
of the family using a web-based program from
Carbonfootprint.com. The results were
compared to averages taken from the
calculations, and the US Census Bureau. Based
on these comparisons, a citizen in the United
States produces an average carbon footprint that
is ten times the value research has shown
necessary to reduce climate change. The U.S.
survey data revealed regional trends that were
complemented by census statistics. Of the six
different sources of emissions that make up the
carbon footprint (household electricity and
utilities, flights, car travel, motorbike travel,
public transportation, and secondary sources) the
major sources for US citizens were car travel,
household electricity/utilities, and secondary
sources. Other countries’ major sources of
carbon emission were secondary rather than car
travel as in the US. The United States currently
emits 21 percent of the total 28 billion metric
tons of carbon that are released each year into
the earth’s atmosphere. With new proposed
regulations on automobile energy usage, the US
could likely reduce its total carbon footprint by
at least 25 percent. Even more could be cut from
household electricity and utilities with the
conversion to renewable energy usage.
Session I, A-16
Battle of the Hybrids
Michael B. Gamble
DSA - Durham
Mentor: Matt Todd/NC DENR
We are going to measure the emissions of a gas-
electric hybrid car and compare to the emissions
of a plug-in electric hybrid car. We will look at
the ―carbon footprint‖ from the tailpipe
emissions of the Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrid
vs. the resulting power-plant emissions from
charging the soon to be released Chevy Volt
plug-in hybrid. We hope to learn which
technology creates less carbon dioxide (CO2),
and as technologies progress, opportunities for
lower emissions. This project will make people
aware of certain things about the more
environmentally friendly cars. The truth will be
revealed as we present this poster and we
explain which car is the best for the environment
- either it’s the hybrid that’s been around for a
while, or the hybrid that is just getting
introduced in the market.
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -85-
Session I, A-18
Carbon Storage in Urban and Rural Loblolly
Pine Trees
Devin M. Lancaster
Environmentors
Mentors: Shaenfy Greys/Environmental
Sciences; Jason Moan/N.C. Forest Service
The effect trees have on this planet as a whole is
immense. We as humans could be negatively
affecting their natural well-being. Trees take in
carbon and then release oxygen, which is one of
the necessities for life. The habitats of trees are
being changed by humans, potentially harming the
ecosystem through increasing carbon levels. Thus,
we hypothesize that carbon storage of loblolly
pine (Pinus taeda) would be higher than in an
urban environment verses a rural environment.
Carbon storage in urban and rural loblolly pine
was tracked by examining tree core samples and
calculating tree diameter at 5, 10, 15, and 20
years. Based on the literature, aboveground
carbon storage can be estimated solely from the
species and the diameter of trees. Our sample sites
in urban and rural environments were identified
by comparing different soil types, slope, and
aspect using the ESRI ArcMap GIS software, and
then located individually with a GPS. Using our
measurements, we calculated the average
aboveground carbon storage for both of the
environments. After comparing the collected data,
we concluded that the urban trees appear to store
more carbon than the rural trees at age 20, though
carbon storage was similar at ages 5, 10, and 15.
Session II, A-17
Acid Rain
Jasmine M. Molin
Mentor: Jennifer Marik/Division of Air Quality
This research targets acid rain and its affects on
plants. The background of acid rain is that it does
not only affect plants, it affects animals too. It is
simply rain with unusual acidity. It is considered
acid rain if it is under a pH of 5.6. Researching
that acid rain is already bad for the environment, it
was decided to go beyond that knowledge and
research the different acids by pH levels to
visually see the different reactions to the
solutions. By conducting an experiment using
Pansies, we mixed different acids individually to
test what pH levels do what to the plant. The
different acids were lemon juice, coffee, and
distilled water; in addition, milk which is on the
borderline of acid and base. Therefore showing
the reactions, individually, of the different pH
leveled acids in the plants. As examining the
different reactions, the lemon juice solution
affected the Pansy plant the most. Its affects came
to be drying of the leaves as well as the soil
unable to hold the solution. The plant died slowly
the more it was fed with the acid, as the others
also died but at an even slower pace. In result, it
showed that the more acidic the worse the affect
on the plant.
Session I, A-21
Land Use and Macroinvertebrates in Streams
Abbey L. Williams
Environmentors
Mentor: Ann Cutter/General Education: Biology
Macroinvertebrates are small organisms that live
in the substrate of bodies of water.
Macroinvertebrates are useful indicators of the
health or condition of wetlands and other bodies
of water. I believe the local streams have been
affected by the recent urbanization, including the
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium -86-
pollution it has contributed. Over the past twenty
years the population of Garner, NC has almost
doubled. To test the water quality, my mentor and
I collected and observed macroinvertebrates found
in Lake Benson. We also collected at streams and
creeks that drain Lake Benson. We chose Lake
Benson because it was a potential source of
drinking water last year during the drought that
the area was facing.
Session II, A-18
Vermicompost's Effects on Plant Growth
Michelle Ye
Mentor: Lauren Wellborn/Civil Engineering
Every year, millions of tons of solid waste are
dumped into landfills in the United States and
around the world. Much of the waste is organic
waste that could easily have been recycled, but
instead winds up as mixed waste, which
decomposes to produce methane and other volatile
substances, as well as leachate, all of which are
harmful to the environment. Vermiculture is one
option to reduce these problems. This method of
composting uses worms to convert organic waste
into nutrient-rich compost. The goal of this
experiment was to determine the effectiveness of
vermicompost (the product of vermiculture) when
applied to soil, to find the vermicompost-to-soil
ratio that best supports plant growth, and to
compare vermicompost with commercial
fertilizers. Two types of plants were grown--
spinach and onion--each in 0%, 15%, 20%, and
25% vermicompost (with the remainder soil), and
also in 0% compost with commercial fertilizers
added. The results were mainly inconclusive
because of time constraints. However, the 15%
vermicompost produced the best results for the
spinach, with the highest individual height (12.3
cm), highest average height (9.9 cm), earliest
sprouting time (day 7), and an overall fastest
growth rate. The onion had no one particular
soil/vermicompost combination that proved
superior. Another experiment with more time
allowed for the plants to grow is necessary to
draw a reliable conclusion.
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium
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Index of Presenters
Poster # Student Presenter(s) Project Title Page
I, C-23
Evan R. Adamek
Physics
Nanoscale-defined, In-plane Oriented
Molecular Deposition
73
I, A-22
Afreen Allam Biochemistry; Microbiology
Conjugation of Water Soluble Carbon
Nanotube with Drugs like Taxol and
Gemcitabine
19
II, B-14
Elizabeth L. Allen, Paul H.
Cameron, David A. Stewart, and
Veronica Mbaneme Biological and Agricultural
Engineering
Residential Green Design and
Development in Cary, NC
43
I, B-13
William C. Andrew Biological Sciences
Does ATP, Glutamate or NAAG Affect Glial Cell Number in Rat Sciatic Nerve?
35
II, B-1
Anisha R. Anthony and Katelyn
Henderson
Plant Biology
Characterizing the Unfolded Protein Response in Arabidopsis Mutants
19
II, A-1
Britt Austin, Eric Hinson, and
Christopher Moore
Shear Mixer Homogenization in Ultra-Pasteurized Whole Milk
1
I, B-4
Samantha R. Avery
Zoology
Creating an Alternative to Venom Gland
Excision in Agkistrodon Contortrix
36
I, B-15
Ashton L. Ayers
Nutrition Science
Assessment of First Year College
Students' Nutrition Knowledge and
Eating Behaviors
36
II, A-15
Eric J. Ballard
Soil Science, Crop Science,
Agroecology
Soil Fertility Management in Organic
Cropping Systems
16
I, C-15
Sarah Bauer-Nilsen Psychology
A Study of Meta-Analysis
63
I, B-23
Rachel M. Beard and Seth D.
McCullen
Biomedical Engineering
Effect of Electrical Stimulation on the
Osteogenic Differentiation of Human
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
43
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium
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I, B-24
Aria M. Behrouzi Chemical Engineering
Assessment of Miscanthus Grass for Optimized Bioethanol Production
44
II, B-15
Ashley G. Brannan, Mark
Sugimoto, Jeremy Nobles, Collen
Madzivanyika, and
Riley Cumberland
Nuclear Engineering
Feasibility of Hydrogen Production with Nuclear Energy
44
I, A-1
Malissa L. Braxton
Animal Science
Alkanes as Intake Digestibility Indicators
1
I, A-2
Emma Buchanan
Animal Science
Follicular Dynamics and Embryo Field
Following Subcutaneous Administration
of Follicle Stimulating Hormone in
Holstein Cows
2
I, C-16
Jordan E. Buck
Sport Management
Collegiate Sport Fans: The Impact of
Socialization on Sport Consumption
63
I, C-24
Erika E. Burger, Ashley N. Myers,
and Steven G. Somers
Statistics
Analysis of Water Quality Tests
73
I, A-14
Mary T. Burkey EnvironMentors
An Analysis of Household Carbon
Footprints in the US
83
I, B-25
Andrew B. Butler
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Camless Variable Valve Timing 45
I, B-26
Jacqueline Byrne Biomedical Engineering
Effect of Varying Surfactant Concentrations on Drop Diameter in
Small-Scale Micro Array Printing
45
II, D-5
Jennifer L. Cessna Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric
Sciences
Analysis of Summit Plateaus in Western Mongolia: Uplifted and Preserved
Paleoerosion Surfaces or the Intersection
of Topography with the Glacial
Buzzsaw?
74
I, A-23
Whitney P. Chrisco
Biological Sciences
Drug A Reduces MMP-9 Expression by
Immortalized HCE Cells
20
I, C-17
John D. Coggin
Communication
The Population Stalemate: Searching for
a Solution after Forty Years of Discourse
64
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium
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I, A-24
Sara D. Cohen
Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences
Purple Sweet Potato Extract Enhances
Cox-2 Expression and Prostaglandin E2 Formation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7
Cells
20
II, A-2
Ann C. Coulon-Johnson Animal Science
Use of Audio Stimulation to Increase Suckling Piglet Growth and Survival to
Weaning
2
II, A-3
Scott T. Craddock and Lissete
Betancur
Plant Biology
Analyzing Cellulose Synthase (CESA) Gene Expression and Cell Wall
Thickness in Arabidopsis Vegetative
Trichomes
3
II, D-6
Rebecca V. Cumbie
Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric
Sciences
A Case Study on Tropical Cyclone
Intensification
74
II, B-16
Kevin M. Daniel
Wood and Paper Science
Production of Microfibrillar Cellulose for
Use in High Strength Biocomposites
46
I, B-16
Roger E. Daniel, Eric J. Jones, and
Jessica L. Sievers
Materials Science and Engineering
Inclusion Analysis for Calcium Treated
Grades of Steel
46
II, C-12
Caitlin R. Daniels
Psychology; Biology
Effects of Secondary Tasks on
Adaptation Acquisition, Retention, and
Transfer
64
II, B-17
Raleigh L. Davis
Chemical Engineering
Incorporation of Copper Phthalocyanine
Nanoparticles into Poly(styrene-
(ethylene-co-butylene)-styrene) (SEBS)
47
II, B-2
Anushri V. Desai and Megan D.
Henley
Structural and Molecular Biochemistry
Regulation of FSHB Production Using
Doxycycline Gene Switch
21
I, B-28
Mark T. Draelos
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Artificial Antenna Tactile Sensor 47
II, B-18
Susan Dunn
Civil, Construction, and
Environmental Engineering
Determination of a Collimated Beam
Design for Ultraviolet Light Emitting
Diodes (UV LEDs)
48
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium
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I, B-29
Kathryn E. Earley and Kristen E.
Roskov Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering
Electrospinning Nanostructured
Organometallic Polymer Systems Containing Magnetically-Active
Nanoparticles or Poly(ferrocenylsilanes)
48
II, C-1
Kathryn E. Earley, Farshid
Jafarpour, and Corinne E. Rose
Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering
Magnetic Separation in Zero Gravity
49
I, A-25
Ginger E. Edwardsen
Microbiology
NAD+ Salvage Pathways: NatV Activity
of Phage-Infected Vibrio parahaemolyticus & Escherichia coli
21
II, B-3
Christian S. Estes
Poultry Science
Embryo Gene Expression Profiling
during Developmental Stages Associated with the Development of Abnormal
Pigmentation in the Silkie Chicken
22
I, C-18
Brittney Eustache Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Management
Sport Consumption Interest and Behaviors of African-American
NASCAR Fans
64
I, A-15
Donta’ J. Fairey and Kevin M.
Bigsby
Forestry and Environmental Resources
Assessing the Feasibility of Using Mobile Computing Technology for Field
Data Collection
16
II, B-4
Kenda T. Freeman Genetics
The Effects of Diet on Weight in
Drosophila melanogaster: A Genetic and
Environmental Interaction
22
II, C-13
Joseph P. Gaglione
College of Management
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Different
Advising Strategies
65
I, A-16
Michael B. Gamble DSA – Durham; EnvironMentors
Battle of the Hybrids
83
I, C-25
Laura K. Gardner
Chemistry
Catalase and Peroxidase Studies of the
KatG Mutants H270C and H270Y
75
I, A-26
R. Kyle Gazdeck and Andrea L.
Dolezal
Plant Biology and Plant Pathology
Development of an Arabidopsis thaliana-
based Screening Assay for Potential
Pathogenicity Impaired Mutants in Aspergillus flavus
23
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium
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II, B-12
Katherine L. Gleason and Samantha
L. Frady Biology
Predation Hazard Influences Nocturnal
Feeding Activity of Guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
37
II, D-7
Kristen L. Gore, Nicole J. Bader, and
Marshall G. Gaddis Statistics
Meteorologically-Adjusted Particulate
Matter Trend Analysis
75
I, A-3
Stephanie L. Gorski Entomology
Evolution of Host Recognition in Pest
Moths
3
I, C-26
Jodie Greene
Chemistry
Synthesis of G2 Dendrimer
76
II, C-14
Rashay M. Griggs Psychology
Professional Development and the
Application of Visual Graphics
66
I, C-1
Dane A. Grismer Wood and Paper Science
Characterization of Starch Microcellular Foam Particle Formation
50
I, C-27
Lewis B. Guignard Physics
Layered Organic Photovoltaics 76
II, A-4
Brandon D. Hall
Animal Science
Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging and
Feed Efficiency in Angus Bulls
4
II, D-8
Max M. Hampson Physics
Measuring Aerosol Optical Thickness
via Diode Laser Extinction
77
II, A-5
Nicolette M. Harris
Animal Science
Interaction of Host PIAS Protein with
Viral Nsp1 Protein of European Strain
PRRS Virus (PRRSV)
4
I, A-27
Nadia Hassounah
Zoology
The Effect of Vitamin D on Porcine
Satellite Cell Activity
24
II, B-5
Mallory A. Herbold
Biological Sciences
Inhibition of Cytokine Secretion in
Human Monocytes
24
II, D-9
Andrew Hewitt Physics
Electronic Spectroscopy of Organic Semiconductors in Planar Magnetic
Junctions
77
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium
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I, C-2
Justin Hicks
Biomedical Engineering
In Vitro Biomechanical Comparison of
Internal Spinal Fixation Techniques on the
Canine Lumbosacral Vertebrae
50
I, A-17
Jacob L. Hilton Plant Biology
Optimization of Seed Germination in Pyxidanthera barbulata var. brevifolia
17
I, C-19
Samantha L. Hiscock
Psychology
Sustainability, Energy and Engineering
Summer REU: Increasing the Number of Underrepresented Groups in STEM Fields
66
I, A-28
Kit I. Ho
Molecular and Structural Biochemistry
Identifying siRNA that Inhibits Expression
of Mouse Follicle
25
II, C-2
David H. Hook, Ryan N. Chan,
Javon Powell, and Patrick Z. Wong Materials Science and Engineering
High Temperature, Thin-Film
Thermocouples
51
II, B-6
Joseph A. Hook
Physics; Biomedical Engineering
Exploration and Analysis of DNA-
elongation Techniques
25
II, C-15
Sara S. Hughes
Communication
Acoustic Analysis of Vowel Productions of
Individuals in an
ESL Pronunciation Program
67
II, B-7
Chad M. Hunter
Environmental and Molecular
Toxicology
Identification of Constitutive and Inducible
Response Elements in the Human
Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) Gene
26
II, B-13
David A. Hurt
Zoology; Biochemistry
The Effect of Size on the Utility of
Circulating Insulin-like Growth Factor I
as a Biomarker for Growth in a Teleost Fish, the Hybrid Striped Bass
37
I, B-22
Rachael M. Huston Graphic Design
Designing Performative Science
Materials for Centennial Campus Middle School
42
I, B-16
Mangala S. Iyengar
Zoology
Effects of ATP and Glutamate on Sciatic
Nerve Glia
38
II, C-3
Lauren C. Jackson, Brian F.
Bender, and Toby V. Tung Materials Science and Engineering
Reactive Ion Etch Optimization for
Polysilicon on MEMS Devices
51
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium
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II, D-10
Jennifer J. James, Camille A.
Clark, and William J. Rice
Statistics
Crustal Matter: Exploring the Differences between Ambient Air Samples and
Emissions Inventory
77
I, C-20
Nicole A. Jameson Parks Recreation and Tourism
Management
Consumption Behavior of Professional Football Fans in Fan Clubs
67
II, C-16
Nicole A. Jameson
Sport Management
Latino and Non-Latino Consumption Patterns at a Professional Baseball Game
70
I, B-1
Amanda B. Jones Genetics
PAS Protein Regulation of the Midline and Tracheal System
26
II, D-11
I Wei (Grace) Kan
Chemistry
Correlation of KatG Mutants to Isoniazid
Resistance in Tuberculosis (TB)
78
II, C-3
Chris B. Kennedy
Nuclear Engineering
Study of Low Density, Low Temperature
Plasmas Containing Non-Maxwellian
Electron Energy Distribution Functions Using Novel Langmuir Probe Analysis
Techniques
52
I, C-28
Samuel G. Kenny
Physics
The Characterization of a Physical Model
of Accretion: SS CYG
78
I, B-2
Anthony Kulukulualani Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
B Lymphocyte Activation Affects the Expression of DC-SIGN and Co-
Stimulatory Molecules
27
II, C-4
Carissa L. Lada, Jonathan R.
Pierce, and Joshua S. Harris
Materials Science and Engineering
Improving Tracking and Erosion Resistance Performance of Raysulate
Formula T277
52
I, A-18
Devin M. Lancaster EnvironMentors
Carbon Storage in Urban and Rural Loblolly Pine Trees
85
I, C-21
Janine Largen
College of Management
The Impacts of Consumers’ Internet
Information Search Patterns on Their Purchase Decisions and Welfare
68
II, A-16
Andrew J. Lawrence
Forestry & Environmental Resources
Evaluation of Crossing Structures for the
Endangered Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel
17
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium
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I, B-3
Ellen E. Lentz
Plant Biology
Increasing Inositol Lipid Signaling
Alters Starch Metabolism in Plants
27
II, D-12
Jason T. Leone, Kristen Gore, and
Jamie Pearce
Statistics
Forecasting Wildfires and Examining the
Extent of Global Climate Change
79
II, C-5
John A. Leotaud
Biomedical Engineering
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism
Detection and Characterization Using
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
53
I, C-4
Nicole M. Lewis
Mechanical and Aerospace
Engineering
Development of an In-situ Video-Based
Monitoring System for Stent
Deformation and Migration Mechanisms
53
II, D-13 Adele M. Lichtenberger
Physics
Surfactant Spreading on Thin Liquid
Films
80
II, C-6
Whitney Lohmeyer Mechanical and Aerospace
Engineering
New Method for Calculating Skin
Friction at Transition from Laminar to
Turbulent Boundary Layers
54
I, C-29
Brandon J. Long
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
UV Resonance Nano-Raman Spectroscopy 80
I, C-5
Jacob Majikes
Chemical and Biomedical
Engineering
Permeability of PET and Recycled PET
Nanocomposites
54
II, A-6
Madeline M. Markunas
Animal Science
The Effects of Small Grain Silage on
Lactation Performance and Milk Content as an Alternative for Traditional Corn-based
Feeds
5
I, C-6
Veronica Mbaneme Biological and Agricultural
Engineering
Production of Cellulase Enzymes in Solid Substrate Cultivation for the Conversion of a
Paper Based Cellulosic Substrate to
Fermentable Sugars
55
II, C-17
Maria McDuffie, Latavia Mason,
Curtis Gray, and Gerard Breaux
Psychology
Qualitative Analysis of Religious
Symbolism in Hip Hop Album Covers
69
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium
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I, B-17
John P. McQuilling and Seth D.
McCullen Biomedical Engineering; Zoology
Responses of Adult Human Adipose-Derived
Stem Cells to ATP and Electrical Stimulation
38
II, C-7
Suman Medda
Biomedical Engineering
Fabrication of a Middle Ear Conductance
Testing Apparatus
56
II, B-8
Emily G. Medlin
Animal Science
Effects of Culture Media and Oxygen
Tension on Cytosine Methylation and Gene
Expression in Preimplantation Mouse Embryos
28
I, A-4
Heather N. Mendenhall
Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences
The Effects of Copper Concentration on
Whey Protein Isolate Foam Stability
6
I, B-4
Robert R. Meyerhoff Poultry Science
Characterization of Turkey iNOS and Development of Assays to Study its Role in
Acute Viral Enteritis
29
I, C-7
Tenea M. Miller, Britany P. Alston,
Steven M. Badawi, and Ruth E.
Brim
Biological and Agricultural
Engineering
Solar Powered Water Heater
56
II, A-17
Jasmine M. Molin
EnvironMentors
Acid Rain
84
I, A-19
Quinn D. Mortell
Biology The Effects of Distance from Habitat Edge
and Disturbance on the Dispersal
of the Appalachian Brown Butterfly
18
I, B-5
Xiao J. Ni and Stephanie
Bloom
Biochemistry; Molecular Biomedical Sciences
The Cellular Role of Pitx2 in Left-Right
Asymmetric Gut Morphogenesis
29
I, A-5
Jessica Nomina
Animal Science; Biological Sciences
Pet Relinquishments at Second Chance Pet
Adoptions
6
I, C-22
Justine Nomina
Psychology; Business Management-
Marketing
University Responses to Campus Incidents
70
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium
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II, D-14
Benjamin N. Orbon Chemistry
AGET ATRP Polymerization in Microfluidic Device for Biosensing
80
II, B-9
Matthew H. Overton Microbiology; Biochemistry
Characterization of the Murine Immune Response Against Red clover necrotic
mosaic virus
30
II, A-7
Holly E. Parkins Animal Science
Effectiveness of Heifer Plus for Gender Preselection of Bovine Embryos Produced In
Vitro
7
I, B-18
Hamish S. Patel and Chandni P.
Patel
Zoology
Candidate Axon-Glia Signaling Agents in Rat Optic Nerve
39
II, A-8
Rushil V. Patel Molecular Biomedical Sciences
Zoonotic Diseases of Current Importance to
Gujarat, India
7
I, B-19
Natalie M. Phillips Biological Sciences
The Wayne County Food Systems Initiative: Creating Community Awareness and
Sustainable Food Systems
40
I, A-6
Daniel K. Porter, Isaac M. Smith,
Maureen D. Matroni-Rakes, Ben R.
Clements, and Weston K. Vipond
Biological and Agricultural
Engineering
Trailer-Mounted Mixer Design For Combining Hog Lagoon Sludge and Biomass
8
I, B-20
Jordan S. Pung
Biomedical Engineering; Biological
Sciences
Utility of Insulin-like Growth Factor-I and
RNA:DNA Ratios as Growth Biomarkers in Fishes
40
II, C-18
Emily B. Reass
Communication
The Unfair Lady: Lessons about Identity and
Rhetoric in My Fair Lady
70
I, A-7
Casey Reynolds, Renee Felice,
Heather Mendenhall, and
Catherine Meng
Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition
Sciences
Coffee Flavored, Dairy Based, Probiotic
Beverage
8
I, A-8
Shahbaz A. Riaz
Biological Sciences, Food Science
The Effects of Forage Treatments on
Nitrogen Metabolism of Beef Steers
9
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium
-97-
II, A-9
Shahbaz A. Riaz, Jae W. Shin, Jen
Holcomb, and Sarah A. Smathers
Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition
Sciences
Production, Analysis, and Evaluation of a Fermented Soy Beverage
10
II, B-10
Rashid P. Riboul
Biochemistry
Modification of Enzymes for Use in Organic
Solvents by the Amide Linkage of
Succinimidyl Carbonate Poly(ethylene)glycol
30
I, B-6
Whitney L. Richardson Biological Sciences
Determination of the Effect Genetic
Polymorphisms Have on Subcellular Localization of the Chicken Mx Protein
31
I, C-8
Kenneth F. Rooks, Christopher B.
Dodd, Alec S. Happel, and
Christopher B. Kennedy
Nuclear Engineering
Design of an Interrogation System for
Nuclear Proliferation Detection
56
I, B-7
Joseph W. Rose III Physics
The Effect of Munc18/nSec1 on Syntaxin's Open/Closed States
31
II, C-8
Garik C. Sadovy
Materials Science and Engineering
Behavioral Analysis of Oligonucleotides in
DNA Multilayer Films
57
I, B-8
Johanna M. Schafer Microbiology
Construction and Validation of Mutant
Superoxide Reductase to Serve as a Negative Control in Genetically Modified
Tomato Research
32
I, B-9
Caroline A. Schroeder Biology
Inhibition of Equine Infectious Anemia on Feline Cells Treated with Peptide in vitro
32
I, A-9
Nikki M. Schweizer Animal Science
Residual Feed Intake and links between the
Levels of T3, T4, IGF-I, Progesterone, and Testosterone in Beef Cattle
10
II, D-1
Rohil V. Shah
Agricultural & Resource Economics
The Growing Inconsistencies of Cost-
Benefit Analysis and the Impeding Regulatory Crisis
71
I, C-9
Kimberly L. Shearer
Chemical Engineering
Electrospun Nanofibers of Aliginates for
Tissue Scaffolds
57
I, A-10 Halli D. Sigal Coat Shedding Estimation among Angus
Cows and Establishing a Working Score
System
11
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium
-98-
I, C-10
John C. Sigmon Jr. Biomedical Engineering
Microfluidic Device for Trapping and
Studying Yeast
58
II, C-9
Justin Smith Chemical & Biomolecular
Engineering
Predicting the Phase Behavior of Solvated
Triblock Copolymers
58
II, D-15
Steven G. Somers, Ashley N.
Myers, and Erika E. Burger
Statistics
Can Blood Lead Levels in Children Be
Reduced?
81
II, B-11
Elizabeth R. Sommerville
Biomedical Engineering
Characterization of Serum and
Glucocorticoid Induced Kinases (SGK) in
a Teleost Fish during Salinity Adapatation
33
II, A-10
R. Allysa Stern
Animal Science
Effect of Dietary Energy Intake on
Digestibility in Mature Horses
11
I, A-20
Tyler A. Strayhorn Wood and Paper Science
Bioconversion: Analyzing Hardwood and Softwood as Artificial Soil Matrices
18
I, C-11
Garrett R. Swindlehurst Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering
Encapsulation of Iron Pyrophosphate
Colloids in a Cellulose Microparticle Matrix
59
I, B-10
Briana Taylor Biological Sciences
Characterization of Mutants for Protein Trafficking Pathways
33
II, D-2
Ho Yan Tsuen and Ashley B. Craig
Psychology
Parents' Socialization of Children's
Gendered Language: Does the Presence of People in Conversation Matter?
71
I, A-11
James M. Tyndall and M. Colter
Chitwood Animal Science
Leptin Radioimmunoassay Validation and
Correlation to Body Condition in White Tailed Deer
12
I, B-11
Allison A. Vestal
Plant Biology
Activation Tagging of Gravacin
Hypersensitivity Mutants
34
I, C-12
Jacob M. Vestal Chemical Engineering; Nuclear
Engineering
Use of Magnetorheological Fluid for Use
as a Tunable Mold for Polymer Processing
60
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium
-99-
I, A-12
Andrea G. Watson Animal Science
Diet Digestibility and Efficiency in Beef Cattle
12
II, A-11
Stacey M. White
Animal Science
Influence of Sampling Method and Plant
Part on Nutritional Analysis of Corn Stover
13
II, A-12
Gregory S. Whitener Jr.
Animal Science
Effect of Wet vs. Dry Baling on
Nutritional Value of Corn Stover
14
I, A-21
Abbey L. Williams
EnvironMentors
Land Use and Macroinvertebrates in
Streams
85
II, A-13
Nicholas S. Willams Forestry and Environmental
Resources
Detecting Allometric Trends in Differing
Levels of Genetic Control in Juvenile
Loblolly Pine
14
I, B-12
Stephanie N. Williams
Genetics
Drosophila as a Model for GxE Iteractions
behind Metabolic Syndrome
34
II, D-3
Sarah E. Williamson Communication
Speech Perception and Speech Production Accuracy Pre- and Post-Activation of
Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients
72
I, A-13
Benjamin L. Winslow Animal Science
Relationships among Feed Utilization, ADG, Behavior, and Carcass Ultrasonic
Measures in Angus Heifers
14
II, C-10
Brandon S. Womack, Thomas W.
Holmes, and Brandon S. Brown
Nuclear Engineering
Rail Shippable Natural Circulation Boiling Water Reactor
60
II, D-16
Susan M. Woody Chemistry
Genetic Detection of Human Sex
Chromosomes Using PCR and RAFT
Polymerization Reaction
83
II, C-11
Jonathan L. Wormald
Nuclear Engineering
Monte Carlo Modeling and Burnup
Assessment for the NCSU PULSTAR
60
II, A-14
Shequenta L. Wray Animal Science
Impact of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Inflammation in Porcine IPECJ2 Cells
15
I, B-21
Lindsey M. Wright Biological Sciences
Sleeve Gastrectomy in an Obese Rat
Model to Elucidate the Hormonal Mechanisms behind Obesity
41
18th Undergraduate Research Symposium
-100-
II, A-18
Michelle Ye
EnvironMentors
Vermicompost's Effects on Plant Growth 86
II, C-13
Abdullah Zafar, Curt Anderson,
Maria Mallner, Chad Morris, and
Nick Stehle
Materials Science and Engineering
Nitrogen Inductively-coupled Plasma Source 61
I, C-14
Katrina L. Zmithrovitch, Ryan
McClellan, and Raphael Clearfield Materials Science and Engineering
Microstructural Control of 7085-T7452
Forgings
61
II, D-4
James Z. Zuravle
Sport Management
The Decisional Balance, Commitment, and
Self-Efficacy of Past and Current Exercise Patterns
72