Publications
Health Science ScholarsMapping Ventromedial Hypothalamic Nucleus Projections in
Wheat Germ Agglutinin Knock-in Mice
Carolyn J. Adamski, Biochemistry
Cohort 13 ~ 2007-2008
The College of St. Scholastica
Deborah Kurrasch, Ph.D.
Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology
University of California - San Francisco
ABSTRACT
The hypothalamus is located in the ventral diencephalon, just above the brain stem, and functions to maintain internal homeostasis. The hypothalamus is comprised of several nuclei that each mediate various physiologies. Our laboratory is focused on the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH), which is known to regulate thermoregulation, reproduction, energy homeostasis, and diurnal glucocorticoid secretion. Although the role of the VMH in these physiologies is well established, how the VMH relays physiological information remains poorly understood. Identifying essential connections between the VMH and other areas of the hypothalamus and the brain will facilitate understanding of the molecular architecture that underlies VMH-mediated signaling. To study this circuitry a knock-in mouse model was generated that expresses the transneuronal marker wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), specifically in VMH neurons. This knock-in model enables us to map primary, secondary, and tertiary order projections from the VMH. Using immunocytochemistry in fresh frozen coronal sections of wild type and WGA heterozygous mice, I am able to demonstrate that WGA protein is indeed expressed and appears to be localized to both the cell body and the synapse. These preliminary data suggest that this model will be a valuable tool to map VMH circuitry. Future studies are aimed at exploring VMH projections in various genetic backgrounds.
Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor-Associated Protein
Expression in Normal and Diseased Lung Tissue
Carolyn J. Adamski, Biochemistry
Cohort 13 ~ 2008-2009
Michael M. Bundesmann, M.D., Mentor
Lynn M. Schnapp, M.D., Mentor
Center for Lung Biology
University of Washington - Seattle
ABSTRACT
The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-associated protein (uPARAP/Endo180) is a transmembrane endocytic receptor of the macrophage mannose receptor protein family that mediates collagen internalization and degradation in mesenchymal cells. Intracellular pathways leading to proteolytic degradation of collagen matrices are incompletely understood. Collagen matrix remodeling plays a crucial step in the pathogenesis of lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis. The specific function of uPARAP under these pathological conditions is unknown. This work focused on defining the expression of uPARAP in the lung using western blot analysis, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Western blot analysis and real-time PCR on whole organ lysates were used to demonstrate that uPARAP is more highly expressed in the lungs than in the liver, kidney, heart and skin. Immunohistochemistry was used to define the spatial expression of uPARAP in human lung cancer and acute lung injury. Immunohistochemistry staining for uPARAP in fixed lung tissue needs to be optimized to match protein levels determined by western blot analysis and real time PCR. Future directions aim to optimize antigen retrieval and immunoreactivity of antibodies on fixed tissues.
Effects of Simulated Herbivory on Tanacetum vulgare
Jacquelyn L. Alvar, Biology
Cohort 13 ~ 2007-2009
Julie Etterson, Ph.D., Mentor
Department of Biology
University of Minnesota - Duluth
ABSTRACT
The introduction of invasive plant species has negatively impacted the fitness and survival of many indigenous plants. One explanation for the proliferation of invasive species is the lack of natural enemies, such as herbivores, that limit population growth in the native range. Herbivory is well documented to have a negative impact on plant fitness causing decreased seed production, decreased flower and fruit production, stunted growth, and even mortality. As of right now there are no known biological control agents in the non-native range for the species that is the focus of this study, Tanacetum vulgare. However, several biocontrol agents are currently being tested and may serve as a positive alternative to chemical control, as it can be employed with a low risk of harm to non-target species or wetlands. The goal of this work was to mimic the damage that might be caused by biocontrol agents in T. vulgare to pide an indication of whether they may offer an effective means of controlling this prolific invasive species. The damage caused in this experiment did not significantly reduce plant fitness. There was some disparity in the findings suggesting genetic variation for adaption to the introduction of the biocontrol agents.
Cloning the Human Transfer RNA m1A Methyltransferase
Joshua Andersland, Biochemistry
Cohort 6 ~ 2000-2001
Paul Stein, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry
The College of St. Scholastica
James Anderson, Ph.D., Department of Biology
University of Marquette, Michigan
ABSTRACT
Transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) interprets the genetic information found in messenger RNA (mRNA) during protein synthesis. Many of the nucleotides in tRNA are post-transcriptionally modified, and these modifications play roles in tRNA structure and function. Thus far, at least 80 different modified nucleosides have been identified with unique enzymes catalyzing most of these. One such modification enzyme, the 1-methyladenosine (m1A) methyltransferase (Mtase), catalyzes the formation of m1A at position 58 of several tRNAs. The m1A Mtase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) is novel among tRNA modification enzymes in that it is composed of two-subunits, Gcd10p and Gcd14p, and each protein is essential for cell viability.
BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) database searches using the Gcd10p and Gcd14p amino acid sequences have revealed the presence of homologues in a variety of eukaryotes, suggesting that the two-subunit structure of this enzyme has been maintained throughout evolution. Notably, the m1A modification has been demonstrated to be an important determinant in the replication of HIV. Therefore, cloning and studying the human m1A Mtase is potentially relevant for drug development in the fight against HIV infection.
Previously, Dr. Anderson cloned the human homologue of the yeast GCD10 gene, HuGCD10, into a plasmid for expression in yeast. To complement those studies, the human homologue of the yeast GCD14 gene, HuGCD14, was to be cloned but was unsuccessful. Several expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from human fetal lung containing HuGCD14 sequences were found during database searches, which led us to believe that fetal lung mRNA would provide an excellent source for the successful cloning of HuGCD14. To expedite the cloning of the HuGCD14 gene, we conducted reverse transcription (RT) using mRNA from human fetal lung. In addition, we used human kidney cell mRNA as another test in our RT experiments when we encountered difficulties using the fetal lung mRNA. After making the first strand cDNA using RT, we attempted to amplify the RT products using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and oligonucleotides specific for HuGCD14.
In addition to cloning HuGCD14, HuGCD10 was cloned into a bacterial vector for expression studies involving the co-expression of HuGcd10p and HuGcd14p. To accomplish this goal, HuGCD10 was obtained by PCR amplification from a plasmid known to contain the gene and inserted into the bacterial expression vector. Further tests were done to determine the inducibility and solubility of the recombinant HuGcd10p.
Streptavidin Displacement from a Biotin-labeled Cross-linked DNA Duplex
by the Hexameric gp41 Helicase.
Joshua Andersland, Biochemistry
Cohort 6 ~ 2000-2001
Kevin D. Raney, Ph.D., Department of Biochemistry
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
ABSTRACT
Helicases are a ubiquitous enzyme responsible for unwinding double-stranded (ds) DNA in various processes such as replication, recombination and transcription. The protein gp41 is the replicative helicase found in the model organism E. coli T4 bacteriophage. Understanding the function of the gp41 will increase understanding of helicases in general, as well as diseases associated with faulty helicases such as xeroderma pigmentosum, Bloom's and Werner's syndrome. Evidence suggests that both strands of dsDNA might pass through the central channel of the hexameric helicase gp41. To test whether this is possible, this study attempted to cross-link a biotinylated duplex and conduct a streptavidin displacement assay on the substrate. However, the cross-linking reaction was not successful.
Testing the Role of Pla2g2a in Azoxymethane-Induced Colon Cancer
Lindsey K. Bade, Chemistry
Cohort 11 ~ 2005-2006
University of Minnesota - Duluth
Robert T. Cormier, Ph.D.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Minnesota, Medical School Duluth
ABSTRACT
Testing the Role of Pla2g2a in Azoxymethane-Induced Colon Cancer, uses mouse models to extend previous work done on the secretory phospholipase Pla2g2a by determining whether Pla2g2a can prevent colon tumors in mice treated with the chemical carcinogen azoxymethane. Previous studies have shown that expression of Pla2g2a can prevent tumor development throughout the intestinal tract of ApcMin/+ mice, especially in the colon. In our study, B6 mice are used as the control group as this inbred strain of mice is the background strain on which the Pla2g2a transgene was created. While it is expected that the azoxymethane treatment will cause colon tumorigenesis in both of the genotypes used, it is hypothesized that those mice with the Pla2g2a gene will show a greater resistance to azoxymethane-induced colon cancer, measured by number, size, and progression of tumors. Significantly, this finding would be demonstrate that Pla2g2a can act via an Apc-independent pathway. This study will be used in collaboration of other projects in the pursuit of understanding how Pla2g2a could be used in cancer therapies. To date, weaned pups have been genotyped and given weekly injections of azoxymethane. Mice are currently being sacrificed according to schedule.
Isolation, Characterization, and Quaternary Structure of
Chitin-Binding American Mistletoe Lectin
Rachel Balder, Biochemistry
Cohort 6 ~ 2000-2001
Paul Stein, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Research was done on chitin-binding American Mistletoe Lectin (cbAML) to compare its properties with commonly studied European Mistletoe lectin (cbML). The molecular weight was observed to be around 46 kDa. This proved immediately that it was not the same protein as found in European mistletoe. Protein cbAML may possibly be the first of a new class of chitin-binding proteins. The lectin's quaternary structure was determined by pH effects on fluorescence and gel filtration columns. The quaternary structure of cbAML is dependant on the pH of its environment. Through Periodic Acid Schiff staining, cbAML was also found to be a glycoprotein. Deglycosylation was attempted but the exact fraction of carbohydrates contained in cbAML was not determined.
The Contribution of Progenitor/Stem Cells to Liver Regeneration
Kristin M. Comstock, Biology
Cohort 14 ~ 2008-2009
Ed Schmidt, PhD., Mentor
VMB, Molecular Biosciences
Montana State University
ABSTRACT
Hepatocytes are unique in that they can replicate and proliferate after differentiation. Most new cells originate from differentiated hepatocytes, but a portion are derived from progenitor stem cells (PSCs). These cells comprise a small percentage of the total liver, and generate differentiated hepatocytes during proliferation. A novel method allows analysis of PSC contribution to total liver regeneration. The system uses a two-color fluorescent marker system to reveal newly differentiated hepatocytes arising from the progenitor stem cells. This research focuses on using the marker system on mice with a thioredoxin reductase-1 deficiency (Arner and Eriksson, 1995), and is compared with wild-type counterparts. This information will potentially be important in future use of stem-cell-based therapies targeting liver disease.
The Effects of Iron Deficiency on Thyroid Hormone
Regulated Brain Development
Aliina K. Charging-Hawk, Chemistry/Native American Studies
Cohort 15 ~ 2009-2010
University of Minnesota - Duluth
Grant Anderson, PhD, Mentor
Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Minnesota - Duluth
ABSTRACT
Micronutrients are critical for normal mammalian brain development. Inadequate dietary levels of micronutrients such as iron (Fe) or iodine during pregnancy and/or infancy leads to severe, permanent impairments in brain function. Interestingly, Fe and iodine deficiencies result in similar defects in late brain development including hypomyelination of axons, aberrant hippocampal structure and function, and altered energy metabolism. These similarities suggest that there may be a common underlying mechanism associated with these deficiencies that contributes to the developmental defects. The main physiological role of iodine is in the production of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and 3, 3', 5-triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid hormone is critical to brain development throughout gestation and during early neonatal life. In many parts of the developing world goitrous, iodine deficient children also suffer from iron deficient anemia (IDA) (1). Several studies have shown that Fe administration improves the efficacy of iodine supplementation programs in these regions. Another recent study in pregnant Swiss women showed that maternal Fe deficiency is correlated with increased circulating TSH levels and decreased circulating T4 levels. Several studies in iron deficient weanling rats showed decreased circulating T4 and T3 levels. Importantly, the effects of Fe deficiencies on thyroidal status of developing mammals have not been assessed. Therefore, we hypothesized that iron deficiencies lead to reduced circulating and brain TH levels during development and that these reductions in brain TH levels contribute to the derangements in brain development observed in iron deficient animals. We found that some, but not all genes regulated by TH in the developing rodent brain are also regulated by Fe deficiency. Interestingly, expression of the T4 transporter organic anion transporting polypeptide 1c1 (Oatp1c1) was increased under both FeD and thyroid hormone deficiency suggesting that increased Oatp1c1-dependent TH transport may help the brain compensate for the reduced circulating TH levels observed in these conditions.
Effects of Simulated Herbivory on
Campanula cervicaria
Daniel Delf, Biology
Cohort 10 ~ 2004-2005
University of Minnesota - Duluth
Julie Etterson, Ph.D.
Department of Biology
University of Minnesota - Duluth
ABSTRACT
Although many plants are damaged by the loss of vegetative biomass due to herbivory, some plants can compensate for the losses, and some plants are stimulated by the losses, or are capable of overcompensation. Recently, it was documented that Campanula cervicaria has been experiencing natural white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) herbivory. Herbivory stimulated the production of lateral branches in an otherwise unbranched stem. We studied natural herbivory at Hawk Ridge, near Duluth, MN, to determine when herbivory typically occurs and to assess the damage imposed on the terminal meristem. This data was used to design an artificial herbivory experiment to test the hypothesis that C. cervicaria overcompensates in response to deer herbivory. Potted plants growing outside were assigned to one of the following treatments in a randomized block design: 1) no herbivory, 2) 7 cm clip, and 3) 17 cm clip. The following traits were measured weekly: date of first flower, plant height, leaf number, flower number, lateral branch number, and total fruit production. Our data suggests that clipped treatments undercompensated for both height and total fruit number. The clipped treatments also overcompensated in the number of branches and leaves produced. Lastly, it was found that clipped treatments had on average a one week delay in date of first flower production.
Function of the DC-STAMP region of spe-42 gene in Caenorhabditis elegans
Kayla M. DeVoll, Biology
Cohort 15 ~ 2009-2010
The College of St. Scholastica
Tim L. Kroft, PhD, Mentor
School of Sciences - Department of Biology
The University of Minnesota - Duluth
ABSTRACT
Fertilization is crucial for the continuation of life. Unfortunately, the molecular interactions that allow sperm and egg to fuse and the function each protein served during this process are still unknown. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is an ideal organism for researching such proteins because of the simplicity of creating mutants and inserting transgenes into their DNA. A screen was used to find sperm proteins essential for fertilization. SPE-42 is such a protein and when mutated, it can cause sterility in C. elegans. Although the sperm look and act no different than those of wild type nematodes, they fail to fertilize oocytes. It is obvious that SPE-42 is essential for fertilization but which domains within the protein are vital for function is yet unknown. The current study focuses on amino acids within the DC-STAMP domain. Specific amino acids have been changed due to their conservation among homologs. The DC-STAMP domain possibly mediates membrane fusion, so it is important to find out which amino acids may be involved. It was found that Proline 540 of the DC-STAMP region may be of some importance to the function of SPE-42.
Observation of the 3/2ths Power Law of Self-Thinning in Zizania palustris
Joshua D. Ditsworth, Biology/ Psychology
Cohort 15, 2009-2010
The College of St. Scholastica
John Pastor, PhD, Mentor
Department of Biology
University of Minnesota - Duluth
ABSTRACT
The 3/2th power law of self-thinning based upon the principle that plants are limited by light, and states that they will self thin at the rate of -3/2 when ln biomass is plotted against ln density. Controversial for narrowly describing density-dependent mortality as light limited, the self-thinning law is repeatedly tested in an effort to prove or disprove it. This goal of this experiment was to test if wild rice, Zizania palustris, follows the 3/2th power law, and whether nutrient limitations play a role in self-thinning. Wild rice was grown in 27 tanks with 17 of the tanks receiving the shoot litter from the previous year of growth to provide nutrients. In the other ten tanks the shoot litter was not replaced. As the experiment revealed, the tanks in which the litter was replaced followed the 3/2th power law, while in the tanks without the litter thinned themselves at a rate other than -3/2 suggesting that nutrient limitation also plays a role in self- thinning. Based on the research conducted, Z. palustris will follow the 3/2th power law when nutrients are not limited.
Characterization of T Cell Repertoire and Cytokines
Important for sHIgM12 Generation of T Cell Response
Joseph Dolence, Biochemistry/Biology
Cohort 11 ~ 2005-2006
Larry Pease, Ph.D.
Department of Immunology
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Mayo Graduate School
Gerald Cizadlo, Ph.D., Advisor
School of Sciences - Biology
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
An IgM antibody found in a Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia patient, sHIgM12, cross-links B7-DC (PD-L2) on the surface of dendritic cells and generates a fast cytolytic T cell response in only six days to numerous tumor cell lines such as B16 melanoma and TUBO. This response is perforin-dependent, a CD8+ T cell mediated response with the features of a classical CTL response. Many cells exist in our T cell repertoire from naïve to memory. The swiftness, strength, and lack of effector cell proliferation of this sHIgM12-generated killing indicates activation of part of the repertoire in the middle of this spectrum. A B16 OVAtk experiment verifies previous work in characterization of this response by stimulating ‘idling' cells through sHIgM12 treatment after enough OVA is recognized due to intentional release of OVA peptide through a 5 d. consecutive GCV treatment. These cells kill EL-4 targets pulsed with SIINFEKL, the CD8+ T cell epitope for OVA. This work also addresses important molecules for this fast response. Many molecules potentially play a role from cytokines to adhesion and signaling molecules. Understanding this response is crucial in understanding sHIgM12s therapeutic potential for cancer patients. A new model is developed to tease out important molecules. The model uses a simple strategy of adoptively transferring sHIgM12 treated KO DCs into a host mouse, and 6 days later, we target endogenous lymphocytes collected from the lymph node against the same adoptively transferred DC population. If killing occurs, the knocked out molecule isn't crucial in the 6 d window. If killing ceases, the knocked out molecule must be necessary for DC-T cell interaction and producing the rapid response. In addition to developing the model, we use a classic strategy to discover answers, genetic knockout mice. Using IL-12 KOs, we show this cytokine is very crucial in the 6 d window. IL-12 KOs failed to produce a CTL response against tumor, while WT BALB/c responded. Current work with B6 C4 complement protein KOs indicates the inability of complement to activate through the classical cascade does not effect the generation of 6 d CTL. Throughout these studies, the goal is to understand sHIgM12's therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action in generating such a fast CTL.
The role of kainate receptors in the off response of the salamander retina
Noelle F. Ekwochi, Biology
Cohort 11 ~ 2005-2006
The College of St. Scholastica
Robert F. Miller, Ph.D.
Department of Neuroscience
The University of Minnesota
ABSTRACT
The retina is a vast network of cellular components designed to transform light stimuli into electrical signals for the brain. Bipolar cells are one of the many types of cells necessary for visual processing in the retina. Although mammalian OFF bipolar cells have been shown to contain kainate receptors, little is known about the function of kainate receptors in the amphibian retina. Electrophysiological techniques were used to determine the role of kainate receptors in response to light stimuli in the Tiger Salamander retina. The application of the kainate-specific blocker, SYM 2081 (Tocris), resulted in a decreased on and off response suggesting that kainate receptors are involved in these signals. However, the addition of the kainate receptor antagonist UBP 301 (Tocris) caused an unexpected increase in both the on and off response.
Stepwise Electrophilic Addition
Hilina Emiru, Biochemistry
Cohort 7 ~ 2001-2002
Ronald Caple, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry
University of Minnesota - Duluth
ABSTRACT
This project studies the reaction of episulfonium ion with silicon and tin nucleophiles as part of a stepwise electrophilic addition, which leads to the synthesis of polyfunctional compounds. It deals directly with reactions of carbocationic intermediates that are stabilized by forming cyclic onium ions with electron rich sulfur atoms. When this complex is tested against various nucleophiles, a new carbon-carbon bond is formed. The new bond is formed via a two-step electrophilic addition. The series of reactions are important because they create a new way for the carbon-carbon bond formation.
Isolation, Identification and Bioactivity of Phytochemicals
from the Bark of Three Species of Eucalyptus
Against Emerging and Reemerging Animal and Plant Pathogens.
Kelelaye Emiru, Pre-Pharmacy
Cohort 8 ~ 2002-2003
University of Minnesota - Duluth
Mentor: Ronald Caple, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry
University of Minnesota - Duluth
ABSTRACT
This research studies two specific species of the Eucalyptus plant. The study focuses on the isolation, identification and bioactivity of phytochemicals from the bark of citriodora and saligna species of Eucalyptus. This research investigates the rich organic chemistry of Eucalyptus plants of a province in Cuba where they are very abundant. The research involves three components: 1) collection, 2) separation and purification, and 3) identification. Emerging and reemerging animal and plant pathogens are becoming resistant to antibiotics and chemical compounds resulting in the need for examining natural compounds to combat these pathogens. The primary objective was to characterize and become familiar with the compounds found within the plant.
Redesigning The College of St. Scholastica Web Site
Scott Erickson, Computer Science
Cohort 1 ~ 1995-1996
Patricia Hagen, Ph.D.
Department of Languages and Literature
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
The World Wide Web has seemingly taken the world by storm. Many colleges and universities now have their own Web sites. As the Web has grown in size, it has also grown in importance as a marketing tool and as an information delivery tool. The College of St. Scholastica (CSS) has undertaken to redesign their Web site to address the marketing and information delivery needs of its members. However, the redesign of a Web site, while seemingly easy, should not be undertaken without careful planning. Issues such as purpose and target audiences of the site, site organization, use of navigational aids and graphics, and page layout all must be considered before the actual page creation is begun.
Analysis of Breast Cancer
Pathology Specimens for Possible
Mutations in GGA1 Proteins
Danielle Fenske, Biology
Cohort 13 ~ 2007-2008
The College of St. Scholastica
Patricia Scott, Ph.D.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Minnesota - Medical School, Duluth
ABSTRACT
Worldwide, the news is flooded with articles and programs about cancer: new carcinogens, new treatment methods, new prevention strategies from avoiding cell phones to eating a certain breakfast cereal. However, the most lasting solution must grow from the root of the problem-molecular biology, the miniscule cellular machinery that malfunctions during oncogenesis. In 2000, a series of new proteins involved in membrane trafficking, the intracellular movement of materials, was discovered simultaneously by three different laboratories, those of Boman, Bonifacino, and Hirst. These Golgi-localized, Gamma-adaptin ear homology, ARF-binding proteins were dubbed GGAs, and it is shown that through their four distinct domains, the VHS, GAT, hinge, and GAE domains, they interact with other cellular operators involved in processes like vesicle formation and signal transduction, linking them to tumor suppression and cellular proliferation. Should proteins such as GGAs suffer potential mutations and fail to function correctly, vesicles and signals may be dysregulated, one consequence being the uncontrolled proliferation of cells, oncogenesis. Previously, Sjöblom et al. discovered a significant amount of mutations in GGA1 genes amongst tumor tissue (2006). This research expands on that clue, taking about 200 breast cancer pathology specimens and analyzing them for possible mutations in the two DNA sites discovered by Sjöblom. Numerous genomic DNA samples are already extracted, amplified, purified, and ready for sequencing. Should 7% of these samples be found to contain mutations, this research will have firmly linked GGA1 mutations to the occurrence of cancer. This research is taking one more step towards a cure.
Characterization of Alicyclobacillus Strains
from Boiling Springs Lake
Danielle M. Fenske, Biology
Cohort 13 ~ 2008-2009
The College of St. Scholastica
Dr. Mark S. Wilson, Ph.D., Biology
Humboldt State University
Dr. Patricia L. Siering, Ph.D., Biology
Humboldt State University
ABSTRACT
Alicyclobacillus is a genus of archaea found worldwide. Isolation from samples from Boiling Springs Lake has yielded four definite strains of Alicyclobacillus (Hamm et. al., 2006) and several more are suspected. This research uses Alicylobacillus as a model to investigate the species concept of prokaryotic organisms, analyzing the correlation between different areas of the organisms' genetic sequence and phenotypical similarities with emphasis on ecotype. During this project, isolated strains of Alicyclobacillus were grown at a wide range of temperatures and pH levels to determine the growth range and optima of each strain. When these and other phenotypical data are compared with genetic data for the same strains, the result might yield some revelation into the relationship between genotype and ecotype in extremophiles. This could make an impact in multiple fields, including evolutionary ecology, microbiology, and microbial ecology.
Formalization of HIPAA and HITECH Act for a Medical Messaging System
Dureeti M. Foge, HIIM/CIS
Cohort 15 ~ 2009-2010
The College of St. Scholastica
John Mitchell, PhD, Mentor
Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Stanford University
ABSTRACT
The US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act are federal regulations that set the standards for protecting the privacy of patients' protected health information. All healthcare providers are required to be HIPAA and HITECH compliant. However the length, complexity and opacity of the laws make it difficult for healthcare professionals to design and implement effective compliance systems. In order to support compliance, we propose to create a HIPAA/HITECH compliance checker. This compliance checker can act as a firewall, filtering messages that violate HIPAA or HITECH from transmitting through the covered entity's electronic system or serve as HIPAA/HITECH advisory.
Visualizing networks using spring embedded
and force directed techniques with community detection
Christine R. Frost, Mathematics
Cohort 13 ~ 2007-2008
The College of St. Scholastica
Peter J. Mucha, Ph.D., and Amanda L. Traud, Graduate Student
Department of Mathematics
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
ABSTRACT
This article focuses on the combined use of community detection methods and optimal node placement algorithms to create visualizations of networks. Specifically, we use of the leading eigenvector method for community detection and Fruchterman-Reingold and Kamada-Kawai algorithms for optimal node and community placements. Our goal is to discuss computationally efficient combinations of these algorithms used together and describe how such combined techniques can be useful when interpreting network data.
Notes on Topological Surface Classification
as it Relates to Non-Orientable Surfaces
Andrea Gapinski, Mathematics
Cohort 1 ~ 1995-1996
Guanshen Ren, Ph.D.
Mathematics Department
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
The research exercises same common topological characteristics: Euler number, chromatic number, rank, boundary components and orientation, and how these apply to the Mobius band, Klein bottle, and variations. Further research might entail uncovering patterns found among these solids, and analyzing possible relationships between the chromatic number and the degree to which a complete graph can be drawn on the surface.
Targeted Drug Delivery via Folic Acid Conjugates for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Jennifer Goodell, Chemistry, Biology & Biochemistry
Cohort 9 ~ 2003-2004
The College of St. Scholastica
Ronald Caple, Ph.D. and Venkatram R. Mereddy, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry
University of Minnesota-Duluth
ABSTRACT
Folic acid is an essential vitamin necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. It plays a central role in the formation of nucleic acid synthesis and cell division and hence the vitamin is consumed in elevated quantities by rapidly proliferating tumor cells. Folate receptor is a tumor marker that is overexpressed on a variety of neoplastic tissues. BNCT is a binary therapy in which the tumor cells are loaded with a high concentration of 10B and later activated by applying a radiation field of low energy neutrons. Neutron capture results in the formation of excited 11B nuclei, which then undergoes fission to produce high linear energy transfer particles triggering cell death. The range of these particles is limited and hence the neighboring cells are spared of any damage. The success of BNCT depends on the selective delivery of boron to the cancer cells and hence it is important to find an accurate way of transferring the required boron concentration to cancer cells. We propose to synthesize several carboranyl-folic acid conjugates as potential agents for BNCT. We hypothesize that these molecules will be selectively taken up by folate receptor over expressing cancer cells and can be used for BNCT of various cancers. We have already prepared various starting materials and are now in the process of coupling these molecules with folic acid.
Characterization of Plasminogen Activator System
and Procoagulant Mechanisms in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines
Amanda L. Hackenmueller+,*, Troy A. McEachron*, and Frank C. Church*
+McNair Scholar, Cohort 6 ~ 2006-2008, The College of St. Scholastica
*REU/SURE Program, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine,
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Summary
Thrombotic events are a known phenotypic characteristic of numerous metastatic cancers. Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN) involved in regulating the Plasminogen Activator (PA) System proteases. Tissue Factor (TF), a receptor that is responsible for initiating the coagulation cascade, is a cell surface protein typically expressed in cells found outside of the bloodstream. In independent studies, PAI-1 and TF have been found to be upregulated in many metastatic cancers and are clinically linked to a poor prognosis for patients. Although PAI-1 and TF have been studied separately, few researchers have studied these systems together in the setting of metastatic cancer. We propose PAI-1 and TF expression synergistically increase the likelihood of thrombotic events in metastatic cancer patients. Therefore, to begin to test this hypothesis, we are characterizing human pancreatic cancer cells for their PA System and procoagulant properties.
Induction of NFPB Binding Activities, but not Activation Function
Following Infection by Herpes Simplex Virus
Julie Hanson, Biochemistry
Cohort 2 ~ 1996-1997
Paul Stein, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry
The College of St. Scholastica
Steve Bachenheimer1,2, Tim McLean1,2, and Jennifer Olgiate,1
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Department of Microbiology and Immunology1
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology2
ABSTRACT
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection regulates a number of cellular events including upregulation of transcription factors. This lab has previously demonstrated how HSV infection effects E2F DNA binding activity. We will now demonstrate how HSV infection increases translocation of the transcription factor NFB into the nucleus. Gel mobility shift assays using antibodies for two NFB subunits (p50 and p65) were used to support the hypothesis that there is both a transient and a delayed sustained induction of NFB after viral infection. We will further show through a variety of different promoter constructs that, although there is an increase of translocation of NFB, there is not an increase in trans-activation function of NFB after viral infection and that there is not an increase in the promoter activity of genes for p105/p50 and p65.
The Effects of Ovaprim (Gonadotrophic Releasing Hormone)
on Sexual Behavior of Female Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Gregory Jonas, Biology
Cohort 8 ~ 2002-2003
Mentor: William Rowland, Ph.D.
Department of Biology
Indiana University
Jane Wattrus, M.S.
Department of Biology
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Ovaprim, an aquaculture drug that contains gonadotrophic releasing hormone (GnRH) used to induce spawning behavior in fish, was used in an attempt to increase sexual arousal in female threespine stickleback. All subjects' responses to two moving dummies, one representing a nuptially colored male and the other a neutrally colored male, were tested. The females were injected intraperitonially with either Ovaprim (experimental group) or a propylene glycol control and retested at 6, 10, 24, 30, and 48 h post-injection. Females were injected a second time, and tested again at 6, 24, and 30 h post-second injection. "Following dummy behavior" decreased from pre- to post-injection in both experimental and control females, and no females directed strong courtship response to either dummy. This weak response suggests that the subjects were out of condition and tested too late in the spawning season to benefit from or show any affect from Ovaprim.
Organizational Response of Mixed Cell Populations
to Printed Patterns of FGF-2 Immobilized on Fibrin.
Tina M. Jonas, Biology
Cohort 9 ~ 2003-2004
The College of St. Scholastica
Phil Campbell, Ph.D.
Institute for Complex Engineered Systems
Molecular and Biosensor Imaging Center
Carnegie Mellon University
Gerald Cizadlo, Ph.D.
Department of Biology
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Immobilized patterns of growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) direct cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Gaining an understanding of how different cells respond to immobilized growth factor patterns will enable us to design more effective therapies for wound healing. The goal of this project was to monitor the responses of multiple cell types to immobilized patterns of FGF-2 created using ink jet printing, and to design a successful protocol for use in further studies. In order to accomplish this I first needed to label the cell types so they could easily be distinguished from each other. This was done using different colored Quantum Dots to label the cytoplasm of each cell type. The experiment was conducted using MG-63 Human preosteoblastic cells and Swiss 3T3 mouse fibroblasts. The proliferative and migratory responses of the cells were monitored using time-lapse microscopy. A response to the patterns was observed; however, much refining is needed in order to gain information that is useful for studying wound healing. The use of a flow sorter was implemented in order to begin refining this process.
Synthetic Approach to Arene Binding Potential
Eddie Kalombo, Chemistry
Cohort 3 ~ 1997-1998
Paul Kiprof, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry
University of Minnesota-Duluth
ABSBRACT
Studies on the interaction between titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4 ) and benzene derivatives (arenes) datr as far back as 1965 when Krauss and coworkers synthesized a compound that was composed of three equivalents of TiCl4 and one equivalent of hexamethylbenzene. This was later characterized by Floriani and coworkers as the titanium d arene complex [(6-C6Me6)TiCl3]+Ti2Cl9-.
High-valent metal arene complexes with high valent titanium compounds are unstable in part because the metal lacks bonding electrons in its valence orbitals. As a result donation is the only type of bonding that can occur. This means that the arene donates binding electrons to a good lewis acid, and it also leads to the formation of titanium arene complexes whose existence is highly dependent upon the electronic structure of the arene and the titanium fragment. It is this property that makes TiCl4 a good Lewis acid, and it also leads to the formation of titanium arene complexes whos existence is highly dependent upon the electronic structure of the arene and the titanium fragment. It is especially important to have arenes with good donor capabilities such as hexamethylbenzene. The low stability of these metal arene complexes challenges any schemes to derive a concise synthetic approach to their isolation, and characterization.
Titanium tetrachloride is extensively used as a Lewis catalyst for many metal-assisted organic reactions. In this research we synthesized new arene and investigated their bonding to titanium tetrachloride. The starting point was pentamethylbenzene, which was brominated in high yield and attempts were made to derivatize it.
Bromo-pentamethylbenzene was also investigated as a potential coupling arene to titanium tetrachloride. It was observed that a read solid formed when bromo-pentamethylbenzene and TiCl4 were added together. This solid is currently under investigation.. In addition, a precursor to another possible type of titanium arene complex was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR and 13C NMR.
Thermoregulation in the Ay/- (Yellow) Obese Mouse
Myra R. Kincade, Biology
Cohort 10 ~ 2004-2005
Gerald Cizadlo Ph.D.
Department of Biology
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Mice heterozygous for the Ay gene become obese at an early age, but do not eat more or exercise less than their non-obese littermates. A possible explanation for their increased metabolic efficiency is a decreased ability to expend calories for body temperature regulation. Yellow obese mice and their non-obese, black littermates were submitted to a temperature of 6 degrees Centigrade for periods of 30, 60, and 120 minutes. At those times, their rectal temperature was measured. Rectal temperature before exposure to the cold environment will be identical in both groups, but, at each interval in the cold, the rectal temperature of yellow obese mice will be significantly different than that of the normal littermates.
Pediatric Inhalation Anesthetic Agents: Halothane Versus Sevoflurane
Kathryn A. Kingsley, Biology
Cohort 10 ~ 2004-2005
The College of St. Scholastica
Jane Killough, P.T., M.A., M.S., G.C.S.
Department of Physical Therapy
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
The anesthetic agents that perform well in pediatrics are different from those that perform well in adult operations because of the physical and physiological differences. General anesthesia is favored in pediatric operations because it renders the patient unconscious. This study was aimed at determining whether halothane or sevoflurane is the best inhalation agent for pediatric general anesthesia through literature review. Halothane dominated pediatric anesthesia for decades before it was even challenged as an inhalation agent. However, the risks associated with halothane use, such as halothane hepatitis, hepatotoxicity, post-operative nausea and vomiting, and cardiac depression, led anesthesiologists to search for an alternative agent.
Sevoflurane is the most popular inhalation anesthetic used in pediatric operations today because it possesses nearly all of the ideal characteristics of an anesthetic. Rapid induction of and emergence from anesthesia along with the absence of toxic side effects make this inhalation agent a necessity in pediatric anesthesiology. It is also associated with a much higher patient satisfaction rate than halothane (77% versus 26% respectively) and patients would choose to use sevoflurane in another operation at a much higher rate than halothane (85% versus 43%).
Student Engagement in Learning Technology Ethics
Timothy L. Klande, Computer Information Systems
Cohort 15 ~ 2009-2010
The College of St. Scholastica
Jennifer Rosato, MISM, Mentor
School of Business & Technology
Department of Computer Information Systems
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
With today's students entering college having access to and comfort with using diverse types of technology, interactive game technologies will engage students more effectively in teaching technology ethics than do current discussion-based methods of teaching ethical case studies. With the use of current, educational tools such as Blackboard and content creation software, we can produce a game that can integrate the uncertainty and ambiguity of an unfolding ethical dilemma while at the same time being able to measure the responses through graded learning objects within the software packages. Coupled with the use of a self-reporting survey we believe we can measure increased student engagement.
Investigating the Immortal Strand Hypothesis in Adult Stem Cells
Pamela Knetter, Biology
Cohort 11 ~ 2005-2006
The College of St. Scholastica
Samuel Boutin, Ph.D., D.V.M., Mentor
James L. Sherley, M.D., Ph.D., Principal Investigator
Department of Biological Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
George M. Church, Ph.D., Mentor
Center for Computational Genetics
Harvard Medical School
Jane Wattrus, M.S., Advisor
School of Sciences - Biology
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
The low occurrence of stem cells in adult tissues compounded with their lack of distinguishing features makes them difficult to identify and isolate. The purpose of this research was to find a way to detect and count adult stem cells. Murine embryo fibroblasts were induced to cycle asymmetrically and symmetrically using a Zinc-activated promoter on the p53 gene. These groups of cells served as an analog to stem cells and non-stem cells, respectively. Molecular markers such as absent phosphodiester bonds (nicks) and single-stranded regions (gaps) in the double-helix form of DNA were tested for with agarose gel electrophoresis and polymerase colony (polony) reactions. Further research is needed to determine if such differences exist in the DNA of the two cell lines.
Marker-Assisted Inbreeding in the Advanced Generations of the Collaborative Cross:
Chromosomes 2, 10 and 13
Sarah J. Koon, Biochemistry & Biology
Cohort 14 ~ 2008-2009
The College of St. Scholastica
Fernando Pardo-Manuel de Villena, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
Department of Genetics, Carolina Center for Genome Sciences,
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Timothy A. Bell, Mentor
Department of Genetics
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
ABSTRACT
For more than 100 years, mouse models have been to study diseases and other conditions that affect humankind. However, these models do not provide a sufficient basis to study such traits. In 2001, the Collaborative Cross (CC) was proposed as a way to supply an immortal, inbred population of mice with high genetic diversity that would simulate the human population. These new mouse models would provide a solid foundation for studying complex human traits. The purpose of this project was to determine which primers were informative in showing heterozygous regions in the mouse genome. This information will be used to decide which siblings should be mated to increase the rate of the inbreeding process. The results showed that of 31 markers tested, 12 were informative for line OR489 and 5 were informative for line OR867.
Mutational Analysis of ARPKD Aids
Evaluation of Mutation Prediction Programs
Sarah J. Koon, Biology
Cohort 14 ~ 2009-2010
The College of St. Scholastica
Peter C. Harris, PhD, Primary Investigator
Sandro Rossetti, MD, Mentor
Department of Nephrology and Hypertension
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
ABSTRACT
ARPKD is a common infantile nephropathy occurring in ~1:20,000 live births and characterized by enlarged kidneys and congenital hepatic fibrosis. Severity of ARPKD varies greatly from neonatal death to survival into adulthood and is caused by mutations in the gene PKHD1 (~470kb; 67 exons) located at 6p12. Approximately 40% of mutations are truncating and 60% missense, which are associated with neonatal survival. PKHD1 encodes the protein fibrocystin (474kD; 4,074 aa). For this project, 24 patients with an ARPKD-like phenotype were screened using Sanger sequencing. PKHD1's 66 coding exons were amplified using PCR and fully sequenced. Analysis of the resulting chromatograms identified the following variants: 50 intronic, 26 missense, 18 synonymous, and 1 truncating. One typical intronic mutation was predicted to affect splicing. Missense variants were difficult to assign as pathogenic or polymorphic because many neutral changes are found in PKHD1/fibrocystin. Hence, manual scoring and the ARPKD database were used to predict the likely pathogenicity of detected changes. Evaluation showed 11 missense mutations to be highly likely pathogenic, 12 to be likely pathogenic, 11 to be indeterminate and 7 to be likely neutral. Overall, 12 patients were found to have 2 likely pathogenic mutations and 1 mutation was confirmed in another 7 patients. For families with just one detected mutation, the second mutation may have been missed or misassigned. For the 5 patients where no mutations were found, ARPKD is likely a misdiagnosis. Overall, these studies have helped characterize this group of patients and provided information on the most useful scoring programs.
A Reference for Spatial-Temporal Access Methods
Kimona S. Kousins
Cohort 14 ~ 2008-2009
Computer Information Systems
The College of St. Scholastica
S. Kami Makki
Department of Computer Science
Lamar University
ABSTRACT
Since the 1980s tracking and indexing moving objects has become increasingly vital as we progress into a technologically advanced world. Many approaches have been developed to facilitate this indexing. These approaches have presented significant findings in this field, enabling continuous development toward ideal moving objects index structure. In this paper we present synopses of spatial-temporal access methods published from 2005-2009 to be used as a reference by researchers and scholars. Index structures designed for multimedia applications are excluded.
Identifying the Needs and Benefits of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) System
through Research, Development and Implementation
Kimona S. Kousins, HIIM/CIS
Cohort 14 ~ 2009-2010
Ritika Jhangiani, CIS, Shinjini Kar, CIS, and Michael Lewis, CIS
The College of St. Scholastica
Arshia Khan, MS, Mentor
School of Business & Technology
Department of Computer Information Systems
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
In Andhra Pradesh, the availability of medical care is limited and the availability of proper data storage of patient information is also limited. This is due in large part to the lack of funds. One organization in Andhra Pradesh that provides medical care to those in poverty is Specialists on Wheels for the Economically Deprived (SOWED). SOWED is in need of a more advanced system than the one in current use for storage and management of patient records. To help SOWED resolve this matter the researchers propose the development and implementation of a Clear-Cut EMR system. According to National Alliance on Health Information Technology (NAHIT) an EMR system is "an electronic record of health-related information on an individual that can be created, gathered, managed, and consulted by authorized clinicians and staff within one healthcare organization"(as cited in LaTour & Eichenwald, 2010). A Clear-Cut EMR system is one developed specifically for that organization which is easy to use and void of unnecessary features and extra steps commonly found in modern EMR systems. This paper represents the first steps in designing a Clear-Cut EMR system for SOWED. Specifically, a database (Microsoft Access), user interface designs (Visual Studio), interface functionality (Visual Basic and SQL) were created to allow SOWED to store and manage the following: patient information; volunteer information; medications, diagnoses, and allergies; and patient visit-specific information.
Synthesis of Zn2[SiW12O40] • bpy • DMF • H2O
Nathaniel Lambert, Biology COHORT
Cohort 10 ~ 2004-2005
The College of St. Scholastica
Bret Johnson, Ph.D.
Department of Biology
The College of St. Scholastica
THESIS
Can a coordination network containing non-coordinating polyoxometalates be successfully synthesized
and can the structure and architecture be predicted?
ABSTRACT
The synthesis of coordination polymers with polyoxometalates as counterions results in non-interpenetrated networks that are chemically functional. In this experiment, transition metal salts of Keggin-type polyoxometalates (M2[SiW12O40] M= Zn2+, Cu2+) were made as precursors for coordination polymers containing polyoxometalates. The coordination polymers are made by linking the transition metal ion with a rigid bidentate ligand (e.g. 4,4' - bipyridine). Synthesis methods include slow diffusion and hydrothermal methods. The precursors and the coordination polymers will be characterized by FT-IR, TGA and X-Ray analysis.
Myasthenia Gravis:
Characterization of Autoimmune Antibodies Using Phage Display Technology
Jennifer Larson, Biochemistry
Cohort 1 ~ 1995-1996
Haiyan Kong, Graduate Student, University of Minnesota-Duluth,
Kathryn McLane, Ph.D., Chemistry Department
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Paul Stein, Ph.D., Chemistry Department
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
This research on Myasthenia Gravis (MG), on autoimmune disease involving the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR), used B cells isolated from two myasthenic patients (RNA expressing the genes for the IgG heavy and light chain was purified). A cDNA library was developed from this mRNA product was isolated by agarose gel electrophoresis and restriction enzymes were used for digestion of the product and of a phagemid vector containing immunoglobulin light chains. This was annealed and ligated to the phagemid vector. The recombinant phagemid was transformed by electroporation into competent E. coli cells. Filamentous phage displaying the recombinant antibody-fusion proteins were isolated. Panning was used to select phage with specific anti-AchR antibody binding sites. Phage that bound to the antigen were selected and their DNA isolated. DNA sequencing was used to characterize the IgG heavy and light chains.
Creating a Culture of Health and Wellness on a College Campus:
A Literature Review
Lindsay Leveille, Biochemistry/Biology
Cohort 11 ~ 2005-2006
The College of St. Scholastica
Tad Sears, M.A., M.S.W., LICSW, Director
Student Center for Health and Well-Being
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
This review of literature investigates the physical, mental, and spiritual health of college faculty and students and how health affects their work and academic performance. Previous studies have shown a strong connection between students' sleeping habits, exercise level, mental state and academic performance. Other related studies have shown that learning capacity and retention depends on the level of a student's health. Studies on college faculty indicate a correlation between work performance and health. The health of both faculty and students is essential for health of a college community as a whole. Students and faculty need to assess their health and well being and take the necessary actions to improve upon it. The findings in the literature contain larger implications related to the assumption that healthy college graduates contribute to society more than unhealthy college graduates contribute.
The Na+/H+ exchanger 1 is found in
synaptic membranes of the striatum.
Lindsay Leveille, Biology
Cohort 11 ~ 2006-2007
The College of St. Scholastica
Lai-Yoong Wong, Marcelo Rocha, and Patricia K. Sonsalla
Neurology Department
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ
ABSTRACT
Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with damage to dopamine-synthesizing neurons located in the nigrostriatal region of the brain. Mitochondrial defects are found in a large percentage of PD patients suggesting a link between energy impairment and neurodegeneration in this disorder. Significant energy is utilized by neurons to maintain ionic gradients across the cell membrane. The sodium hydrogen exchanger-1 (NHE1) is a transmembrane protein that is involved in regulation of intracellular pH and sodium gradients. NHE1 is the most common isoform in the brain and its activation during metabolic stress is thought to play a role in the accumulation of intracellular sodium. We hypothesize that blockade of NHE1 will protect against dopamine neurodegeneration in PD models by reducing Na+ influx into the neurons. The purpose of the present study was to examine the localization of NHE1 in the brain to determine if NHE1 is present in the same location as the dopamine synthesizing neurons. Understanding the role of NHE1 in these neurons may clarify why dopaminergic neurons are more vulnerable to stress than other neurons. Samples of the kidney, liver, heart and brain regions (e.g. striatum, cortex and hippocampus) of mice were dissected, homogenized and subfractionated. NHE1 presence was determined in subfractions by Western Blot analysis. NHE1 was present in the fractions containing synaptic membranes from the striatum. This is the first documentation of NHE1 protein expression in the striatum. Its location in synaptic membranes would suggest that NHE1 may play a role in striatal dopamine function.
Determination of Proteins from a Normal Prostate cDNA Library
That Interact with the Androgen Receptor using a Yeast Two-Hybrid Screen
Sara Lokstad, Biology
Cohort 2 ~ 1996-1997
Paul Stein, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry
The College of St. Scholastica
Nancy Stallings, Dr. Michael J. McPhaul, MD
Department of Internal Medicine
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
ABSTRACT
Due to the potential involvement of androgens in the development of prostate cancer, this investigation focused on the interaction of two proteins using a yeast two-hybrid screen. The two proteins examined in the screen included the androgen receptor and an unknown protein from a normal prostate cDNA library. By understanding the normal interactions of the prostate and androgen receptor, greater insight may be provided into the possible role of androgens in the acquisition of prostate cancer. Numerous proteins which demonstrate an interaction with the androgen receptor have been identified through this initial screen.
Identification of Proteins that Interact with a
Flagellar Anchoring Protein in Vibrio cholerae
Marisa G. Machado, Biology
Cohort 13 ~ 2007-2008
The College of St. Scholastica
Raquel M. Martinez, Brooke A. Jude, Ronald K. Taylor
Department of Microbiology, Dartmouth College
ABSTRACT
Vibrio cholerae is a bacterium that is motile by a single polar flagellum, which is powered by sodium driven motor. Motility is a virulence factor of this bacterium. Previous experiments have shown that the fapA mutant produces a flagellum, but it is not attached to the cell. Transmission electron micrographs showed detached flagella near the cell bodies, furthering us to examine the mechanism in which FapA functions. In order to explore whether the flagellum would remain attached to the cell when flagellar rotation was inhibited, the fapA mutant was treated with phenamil, a drug that specifically inhibits the sodium motor. The flagella remained unattached, thus indicating that the loss of the flagellum is not due to rotation, but possibly a defect in anchoring. Knowing from previous studies that FapA is located in the periplasm, and because fapA is potentially involved in the anchoring of the flagellum to the cell, we next decided to observe whether FapA interacts with known flagellar proteins. Preliminary pull-down data shows that the FapA-His protein is detectable. However, we also observe many other non-specific proteins in the silver stain analysis. We are currently in the process of modifying the pull-down protocol as a means to reduce the amount of non-specific proteins. Since decreased motility has a negative effect on virulence, studying the mechanism by which the flagellum functions will allow us to achieve a better understanding of the relationship between virulence and motility in V. cholerae.
Preparing for a Career in Forensics:
A Summer at the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office
Marisa G. Machado, Biology
Cohort 13 ~ 2008-2009
Kathleen Cargill, Research Advisor
The College of St. Scholastica
The manner in which crime scene evidence is examined and collected has changed as scientific advances allow testing on smaller amounts of biological material found at the scene, on clothes, bodies or in the surrounding areas. These scientific assessments -- DNA testing specifically -- are more reliable than anything that forensic scientists or investigators have previously used. DNA analysis can prove within a fraction of a percent that DNA found at a scene is a suspect's. There is about a 1 in 200 billion chance that two people have the same DNA.
Evaluation of Cancer-Related GGA 1 Mutations
in Human Breast Cancer
Elizabeth Maganzini, Biology
Cohort 11 ~ 2005-2007
Patricia Scott, Ph.D. Mentor
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Minnesota - Medical School, Duluth
ABSTRACT
Oncogenesis (tumor growth) is caused in part by changes in composition of membrane spanning proteins at the cell surface. Membrane spanning proteins enter into correct pathways by mediation of protein sorting complexes. Protein sorting complexes are needed to make sure that membrane spanning proteins get into the right pathway to travel to their right destination in the cell. The GGA (Golgi-localized, Gamma-adaptin ear homology, ARF-binding) family of proteins interacts with these protein sorting complexes. Changes in GGA activity could result in the misrouting of specific membrane spanning proteins and potentially influence whether cancer develops. The goal of this study is to evaluate the affects of altered GGA1 activity in breast cancer patients. This study is following an earlier genomic study conducted by Vogelstein and colleagues which identified two mutations in GGA1 genes which produce amino acid changes G239S and P484A that are likely to contribute to oncogenesis (Vogelstein 2002). The long term goals of this project are to determine whether altered GGA1 activity contributes to oncogenesis and to determine if altered GGA1 activity can be a biomarker in the early stages of breast cancer for further worsened progression of the disease. In order to start this long-term process of discovery, researchers must first determine if G239S and P484A mutations are the predominant cancer-related GGA1 mutations. A current pilot study is being conducted to look for GGA1 mutations in approximately 150 human breast cancer tissue samples. Genomic DNA will be isolated from each sample, amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel purified and analyzed by sequencing techniques.
Investigation of Ascorbic Acid Reduction of 3-Nitrotyrosine in vitro and
NADH Dependent Reductase Activity in Subcellular Rat Liver Fractions
Cecil McIntosh, Chemistry
Cohort 7 ~ 2001-2002
Cecilia Giulivi, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry
University of Minnesota - Duluth
ABSTRACT
Tyrosine is a common protein residue that is subject to nitration, forming 3-nitrotyrosine. Compared to the parent compound, this modified amino acid has considerable changes in its chemical properties Nitrotyrosine is linked to a variety of diseases including Alzheimer's, ALS, and diabetes. Studies show that sodium dithionite (NaS2O3) can reduce 3-nitrotyrosine to aminotyrosine, restoring some of the chemical properties of tyrosine. Current interest is in a biological pathway to reverse or repair this damage. Spectrophotometry was used to investigate a non-enzymatic pathway to reduce nitrotyrosine at 420 nm (max) upon additions of ascorbic acid. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect product(s). Rat liver cell fractions were also analyzed for NADH-dependent reductase activity for 3-nitrotyrosine. The rate of NADH oxidation was measured in the presence of nitrotyrosine and subcellular fractions as enzymatic sources. Ascorbic acid reacted with 3-nitrotyrosine with a second order rate constant of 782 M-1 s-1 and an approximate 1:1 ratio. At a ratio of 2:1 (ascorbic acid : nitrotyrosine), a 22% drop in the nitrotyrosine peak as well as a comparative rise in a product peak was detected by HPLC. By inference, the product is nitrosotyrosine, a compound with similar properties to tyrosine. A negligible effect on the rate of NADH oxidation was observed due to increasing nitrotyrosine concentrations in either cytosolic, mitochondrial, or microsomal cell fractions.
Confidentiality of Patient Identifiable Healthcare Data:
The Need for a Uniform National Standard
Melissa C. Merculief, A.R.T, Health Information Management
Cohort 4 ~ 1998-1999
Kathleen LaTour, M.A., R.R.A
Health Information Management
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Laws to protect the confidentiality of patient identifiable healthcare data need to be passed by Congress to prevent unauthorized access to such data. As databases proliferate, the issue of patient privacy must be balanced against the legitimate need for information. Computerized patient records, like paper-based records, are subject to a number of security threats and the growing public perception of the breach in privacy of patient records poses an increased threat to healthcare. Enactment of comprehensive federal legislation, consistent with the American Health Information Management Association's key principles for health information confidentiality, will protect patient data and begin to solve security issues in a computerized or paper-based format. This qualitative study attempts to identify the crucial need for preemptive federal legislation and the positive effects of such legislation on healthcare as a whole. The need for on-going attention and future research on this topic is addressed.
Gender Differences Associated with Cortisol and Memory
Ashley R. Mott, Biology
Cohort 12 ~ 2006-2007
Andrine Lemieux, Ph.D., LP, Mentor
School of Sciences
Department of Psychology and Sociology
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Cortisol, a commonly used indicator of stress, has numerous effects on the body. Studies have also reported that cortisol interferes with memory, but few have looked into the effects of gender differences in cortisol on this memory interference. This study investigated the effect of gender differences in memory when subjects were both at rest and under stress. Sixty-nine college students from an upper Midwestern college were studied in a quasi-experimental pre/post study. Cortisol was used to gauge stress and a wordlist learning task was used to assess the memory recall. Within this verbal memory task, the emotional valence of list items was varied to include positive, negative, and neutral words. Each student provided a blood sample at both of the time points: one at pre-stress, two weeks into the first semester, and a second at post-stress time point, during final exam week. It is hypothesized that gender differences affects memory performance of emotional (negative and positive) valence words under stress. This research will enhance our understanding of gender differences in verbal memory.
Purification and Characterization of Carbohydrate Oxidase
Ashley R. Mott, Biology
Cohort 13 ~ 2007-2008
Jennifer Maki, Ph.D., Mentor
School of Sciences
Department of Chemistry
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Plants have both structural and biochemical strategies in defense against pathogens. Many plants use AOS, such as hydrogen peroxide, H202 as antimicrobials. Hydrogen peroxide is generated by carbohydrate oxidase (CHOX) in the process of oxidizing a sugar. Several studies have described CHOX in tomato, sunflower, lettuce leaves, and tobacco nectar. In this study, a purification scheme for glucose oxidase from Rabbit's Foot Fern (Polypodium aurem) was developed. Although modest gains have been made it is clear that we need to clone the gene into E. coli for further studies. To achieve this, our work has focused on designing degenerate primers based on several plants in the angiosperm family: tomato, geranium, clover, jade, and Crown of Thorns. Further research will continue to design proper primers to amplify sequences of interest, clone the target sequences into E. coli, and study the recombinant glucose oxidase kinetic properties.
Protein oxidation modifications by hydroxyl radicals in Bovine Serum Albumin
Ashley R. Mott, Biology
Cohort 13 ~ 2008-2009
Lewis K. Pannell, PhD., Mentor, Head, Mitchell Cancer Institute
Julio Turrens, PhD., Mentor, Associate Dean of College of Allied Health Professions
University of South Alabama
ABSTRACT
Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance of reactive oxygen production and a biological system's ability to readily detoxify reactive oxygen species, which damages important biomolecules. Oxidative stress has been related to radiation exposure, UV light, pathological conditions and aging. All amino acids in proteins are potential targets for oxidation by OH• by oxidative modifying proteins. In this study, a metal-catalyzed oxidation reaction was used to create hydroxyl radicals in the presence of bovine serum albumin. The goal of this study was to characterize the amino acid modifications resulting from oxidative stress by using mass spectrometry to determine the sites of oxidation.
The Effects of Androgen Ablation on Vascular Integrity in
Human Prostate Xenografts Measured by Fibrinogen Leakage
Nhat-Anh N. Ngo, Biochemistry and Biology
Cohort 9 ~ 2003-2004
The College of St. Scholastica
Danny R. Gray2, B.S., Howard M. Reisner2, Ph.D., and Gary J. Smith2,3 , Ph.D., Mentors
2Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
and 3Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center,
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
ABSTRACT
Androgen deprivation therapy is used to treat symptomatic advanced prostate cancer, with the tumor vasculature as a secondary target. The objective of this project is to demonstrate that leakiness of prostate vessels increases from pre- to post-androgen ablation therapy, possibly reflecting endothelial cell death, retraction, or other physiological factors. We hypothesized that the number or percent of leaky vessels would increase following such therapy. Androgen deprivation was induced in human prostate xenografts in nu/nu mice by surgical castration and removal of pre-implanted supplemental testosterone pellets. Fibrinogen is a soluble protein found in blood plasma and is essential in the haemostatic pathway. Stained fibrinogen/fibrin in tissue spaces and/or deposited on vessel walls indicates damage of vessels possibly due to the withdrawal of testosterone. The number of blood vessels and fibrin deposition in the xenograft tissue were evaluated through immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. Staining using antibodies specific for endothelial cells and for human fibrinogen was conducted on human xenograft tissue from mock castrated and castrated groups. Xenografts were harvested on days 0, 2, and 7 following surgery. Blood vessels positive for endothelial markers were counted, and compared to those positive for both perivascular fibrinogen and endothelial markers, an indication of leakiness. The analysis of these results will identify the time frame of when prostate vessels start leaking after androgen deprivation. This information will help in the development of new therapies that can target areas of vascular damage.
Job Satisfaction among Physician Assistants in Minnesota
Hieu Nguyen, Biology
Cohort 5 ~ 1999-2000
Gloria Pearson, M.A., R.N.
Department of Nursing
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Physician assistants (PAs) are licensed health care professionals who work with physician supervision to provide care for patients. Since PAs are an important part of the health care team, it is essential to keep them satisfied with their jobs. This study examines physician assistants in Minnesota in an attempt to understand what factors contributed to their job satisfaction. The focus of the study compares gender, degree received as a part of PA training and locale (i.e., rural or urban) in which the participant practices. Independent t-tests were used to analyze the data. Areas of highest satisfaction include: the amount of time spent on-call; physician colleagues; appreciation and respect from patients; relationship with patients; and life in general. The area of lowest satisfaction was the paperwork load involved in the job.
Differentiation In Health Screening Behaviors:
Women with Mental Illness vs. Unafflicted Women In a 16 County Region
Phuong T. Nguyen, Biology
Cohort 6 ~ 2000-2001
Timothy W. Van Wave, P.H.
Department of Family Medicine
University of Minnesota - Duluth
ABSTRACT
The Bridge to Health Survey 2000 was designed to provide a reliable, local, accurate picture of a 16-county region's health status. This study utilizes the results of that survey to describe the prevalence of mental health issues among women residing in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin as well as to explore relationships between mental health issues and health screening behaviors. The relationships are then compared to the women's locales, be they rural or urban communities. The Chi square test of independence was used to analyze the Bridge to Health 2000 data. No association was found between women with mental illnesses and prevalence of health screening behaviors. No association was found between mental illness/screening behaviors and measures of rurality.
The Binding of Fatty Acids, Detergents,
and Antioxidants to Human Serum Albumin
Matt Ostendorf, Biology/Biochemistry
Cohort 9 ~ 2003-2004
The College of St. Scholastica
Paul Stein, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
This research examined the effects different fatty acids, detergents, and antioxidants had on the conformation of serum albumin, the most abundant protein in the blood. The determination of the binding constant, Ka, for each ligand provided a sound basis to understanding of how it bound to the human serum albumin (HSA) molecule. Longer fatty acids had tighter binding to HSA. This reflects the hydrophobic nature of the protein ligand interaction. The detergent SDS caused a larger change in the fluorescence spectrum of HAS, though having a similar binding constant to both stearate and laurate. This suggests that the sulfonate group, found on SDS but not fatty acids, could play a role in how SDS influences the tryptophan fluorescence of HSA. BG (bromcresol green) was found to contain two distinct binding sites. Despite a similar structure to BG, the antioxidant EGCG, appears to bind to a different location on the HSA molecule which is not shared with fatty acid ligands. Further experimentation could be done to determine the crystallographic structure of HSA binding to different ligands.
Endogenous Adenosine Inhibits Synaptic Transmission
within the Superficial Dorsal Horn of the Hamster Spinal Cord
Matthew Ostrander, Biochemistry
Cohort 4 ~ 1998-1999
Tim Grudt, Ph.D., and Edward Perl, M.D.
Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
Larry McGahey, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
The effects of endogenous adenosine on synaptic transmission within the superficial dorsal horn (SDH) of the spinal cord were studied. Tight-seal, whole-cell recordings from neurons in laminae I and II of the SDH were obtained from transverse slices of hamster spinal cord. The adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 1,3,-Dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), was applied to each slice by superfusion. After the application of DPCPX, significant increases in synaptic activity at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses were observed. Responses evoked by electrical stimulation of the dorsal root were also observed to increase. From these findings, it is concluded that endogenous adenosine inhibits synaptic transmission within laminae I and II of the SDH and may play an important regulatory role in nociception.
The Effect of Lower Extremity Strength on
Fall Risk As a Result of a Six-Week Exercise Program
Laura Pollak, Biology
Cohort 8 ~ 2002-2003
Jane Killough, P.T., M.A., M.S., G.C.S., Mentor
Department of Physical Therapy
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Weak lower extremity muscles have been associated with a high risk of falls among the older adult population. The purpose of this research was to determine if a short term, lower extremity strengthening intervention would decrease fall risk among older adults. Methods: Adults of age 65 and older were recruited from 1 assisted and 2 independent senior apartment complexes. The older adults underwent six weeks of the exercise program, which was designed by the primary investigator and a physical therapist to concentrate on lower extremity strength. The participants performed pre- and post-tests to assess strength in lower extremity muscle groups and fall risk. Results: Twelve elderly adults participated in the study. The participants demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in fall risk and increase in dorsiflexor strength. There was not a significant change in strength of other muscles of the lower extremities. Conclusion: The six-week exercise program focusing on lower extremity strength was sufficient to lower fall risk among older adults. This study provides evidence that dorsiflexor strength is related to fall risk.
A Model for the Assessment of Student Challenges from
Health Information Management Graduate Programs
Daniel Pothen, Health Information Management
Cohort 2 ~ 1996-1997
David X. Swenson, Ph.D., Department of Management
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to design a model for assessing the challenges encountered by students enrolled in health information management (HIM) graduate programs. In response to the need for advanced training, master's level programs in HIM have emerged at various institutions across the U.S. These students will indeed struggle with various challenges or barriers as they progress toward obtaining their degree. This study was aimed at proposing a model in questionnaire format that could be used to identify those challenges and provide the students and faculty of each of the programs with useful information necessary to help increase the students' success rate.
- and m- Calpain Alterations During Renal Cell Injury and Death
Juanita J. Rainey, Chemistry
Cohort 5 ~ 1999-200
Larry McGahey, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry
The College of St. Scholastica
Rick G. Schnellmann, Ph.D., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology,
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
ABSTRACT
Calpains, calcium-activated neutral cysteine proteases, play an important role in a number of physiological and pathological processes. There are two ubiquitous isoforms of calpain, m- calpain and m- calpain. The difficulty of measuring m- calpain and m- calpain activity in cellular compartments is one limitation in determining the role of calpains in cell injury and death. One goal of this study was to adapt a Fluoresceine isothiocyanate (FITC)-casein zymogram assay to determine any changes in cytosolic m- and m- calpain activities during renal proximal tubule (RPT) cell injury and death. A second goal of this study was to determine the effect of glycine and calpain inhibitors (SJA 7029 and PD 150606) on RPT calpain activity. RPTs were isolated by collagenase digestion and purified using Percoll and centrifugation. RPTs were treated for 30 minutes with antimycin A (AA) (10 mM) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (vehicle control), in the presence or absence of glycine (2 mM), SJA 7029 (100 mM) or PD 150606 (100 M). RPTs were then fractionated into cytosolic and membrane pools using digitonin and centrifugation. FITC-Casein zymography was used to detect both m- and m- calpain activities in the cytosolic fraction. Release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was used as a marker of cell death. Thirty minutes following AA addition, LDH release was 26% compared to 6% in controls, 7% in AA + glycine, 3% in glycine alone, 8% in AA + SJA 7029, and 5% in AA + PD 15606. Cytosolic m- and m- calpain activities in AA-treated RPT decreased 44% and 34%, respectively, compared to controls. Glycine blocked AA-induced LDH release and improved cytosolic m- and m- calpain activities to 112% and 93% of controls. SJA 7029 and PD 150606 inhibited the activities of m- and m- calpain isoforms and blocked AA-induced LDH release. These data validate that the FITC-casein zymogram is capable of distinguishing m- calpain from m- calpain and show that there is a decrease in cytosolic m- and m- calpain activities following AA exposure. The observation that m- and m- calpain activities decrease to a similar extent and were equivalent to LDH release suggests that the loss of calpain activities is due to cell death. Nevertheless, the decrease in calpain activities and cell death with SJA 7029and PD 150606 further supports our previous data, suggesting that there is an important role for calpain in renal cell injury and death.
Beliefs, Attitudes and Compliance Rates Among Sophomore and Junior Nursing Students
in Relation to BSE and Breast Cancer Knowledge
Nora L. Robinson, Nursing
Cohort 4 ~ 1998-1999
Sr. Beverly Raway, D.M.Sc.
Department of Nursing
Mary Tanner, M.S.N., R.N.
Department of Nursing
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
This comparative study, conducted within a small, private midwestern college, examined the differences between junior nursing students (N = 43) who had received intensive training in breast self-examination (BSE) and general breast cancer education, and sophomore nursing students (N = 34) who did not undergo this training. A modern version of a questionnaire developed by Margot Stillman (1977) was completed by all of the participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Junior nursing students demonstrated a higher level of knowledge and perceived greater benefits from the practice of BSE than did sophomore students. There was a significant correlation between perceived benefits of BSE and increased frequency of BSE; however, there was no correlation between knowledge and frequency of BSE. Junior and sophomore students did not differ in their perceived susceptibility to breast cancer, but those students who did perceive greater susceptibility practiced BSE more frequently than those with lower perception of susceptibility.
Salvia divinorum Epling et Játiva-M. (Labiatae):
An Ethnopharmacological Investigation
Sherry A. Rovinsky, Biology
Cohort 3 ~ 1997-1998
Gerald R. Cizadlo, Ph.D.
Department of Biology
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Salvia divinorum is a vision-inducing and medicinal plant of Mexico. It contains an unidentified acetone-soluble compound(s) which inhibits the growth of rod-shaped bacteria on starch agar. Preliminary testing also indicated that a water-soluble compound(s) in S. divinorum slowed the frequency and increased the duration of phasic contractions in the duodenal smooth muscle of mice.
The Effects of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on the Daily Living Skills
of Persons in a Sixteen County Rural Area in
Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin
Connie Semmelroth, Nursing
Cohort 4 ~ 1998-1999
Judith Stratton, MA, RN
Department of Nursing
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to reveal the self-care deficits of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin and links the need for nursing intervention by using the Orem model for self-care deficit. The random sample consisted of 132 men and 151 women with COPD. Findings indicated a significant deficit in activities of daily living (ADLs) for individuals with COPD in the areas of self-care and self-maintenance. Using the Orem model for self-care deficit, the nurse can then intervene by acting directly or by guiding, supporting, or teaching the individual with COPD or their family member with the ADLs.
Paula J. Snyder, Biology
Cohort 5 ~ 1999-2000
Gerald R. Cizadlo, Ph.D.
Department of Biology
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Implantation of the mammalian embryo is a process not fully understood. However, through research involving immunofluorescent techniques and biomechanics we can learn more about the protein interactions between the embryo and the uterine epithelial cells. After the concentration of proteins and other components are identified, it is possible to observe cell migration and study the forces of contractile proteins and adhesion molecules. The next challenge is to understand how all the components of the mechanism are integrated to cause invasion of the embryo.
Observations and Magnetic Field Modeling of the Solar
Flare/CME Event on 2010 April 8
Vincent Surges, Mathematics
Cohort 15 ~ 2009-2010
The College of St. Scholastica
Yingna Su, Adriaan van Ballegooijen2
Harvard University
INTRODUCTION
The Sun consists nearly entirely of plasma, a highly conductive, ionized gas consisting of ions and electrons. Plasma is known as the fourth state of matter, and as such, has many interesting features that are introduced in this paper. The lowest layer of the solar atmosphere is the photosphere. This layer is the "surface" of the sun, and is the familiar part of the Sun that we are able to see. When we observe sunspots in visible light, we are observing them from the photosphere. Just above the photosphere of the sun lies the chromosphere. Although this layer of the sun has a reddish color, the chromosphere is only visible to the naked eye during a total solar eclipse. The outermost region of the sun, the corona, extends from about 20,000 km above the sun to millions of kilometers into space. However, like the chromosphere, the corona is only visible during a total solar eclipse or with special instruments.
Model-Based Testing of the GMSEC API
Vincent Surges, Mathematics
Cohort 15 ~ 2009-2010
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
Robert Wiegand
Software Engineer, GSFC Ground Software Systems Branch (Code 583)
Software companies are constantly searching for new techniques to test their products. In this paper, a method for utilizing the model-based technique is demonstrated. The proposed method was successfully applied to NASA's GMSEC software product line. This paper explains how yEd graph editor and GraphML are integrated into a computer program to generate countless unit tests. The testing results show that the GMSEC architecture has: 1) two high-priority bugs when the API is misused; and 2) multiple exceptions from different classes of the API. Methods for applying this testing technique to other software systems are also described.
Human vs. Machine Summarization
Katie L. Thaemert, Health Information and Informatics Management
Cohort 13 ~ 2007-2008
Rakesh M. Verma, Ph.D., Mentor
Department of Computer Science
University of Houston
ABSTRACT
This paper demonstrates the usefulness of automatic summarizers to help organize the overload of available data. It is vital to establish the accuracy of automatic summarizers. The goal is to identify regions where automatic summarizers can improve to reach scores similar to human summarizers. Our research determines the accuracy of an automatic summarizer by testing it against human summarization. The human summarizer hand-scored 6 of the 40 healthcare articles that were processed by the automatic summarizer. When summarizing the articles they were scored, they used keywords that matched the abstract sentences to other sentences in the article. Results show that the automatic summarizer is not very accurate and will improve with future work.
Repeating Patterns in Rational Numbers
Larry Tordsen, Mathematics
Cohort 5 ~ 1999-2000
Alice Guckin, Ph.D., Department of Mathematics
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
This paper explores rational numbers that form non-terminating sequences of digits when the number is expressed in decimal form. Investigations of properties of the repetend include the number of digits in the repetend, the particular digits in the repetend, and explorations of representations in number bases other than 10. The author has adapted algorithms in Maple and c++ programming languages for exploring these properties.
Force Generated and Fibroblast Growth upon Expansion of a DNA-Crosslinked
Polyacrylamide Hydrogel
Kevin L. Trout, Biochemistry/Biology
Cohort 15 ~ 2009-2010
The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN
Michelle L. Previtera, Ph.D.
Rene S. Schloss, Ph.D.
Noshir A. Langrana, Ph.D.
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
ABSTRACT
An important aspect of biomaterials engineering is the ability to mimic the natural interactions between cells and their environment. The extracellular environment is dynamic throughout development, aging, and pathological processes. Most biomimetic materials have static properties, but a biomaterial has recently been developed to simulate this dynamic environment. This biomaterial, a DNA-crosslinked polyacrylamide hydrogel, necessitates further research to form a more complete characterization of mechanical properties and cellular interactions. The expansion force generated by a controlled decrease in gel stiffness, via the removal of crosslinks upon DNA delivery, was determined using a calibrated wire deflection force test. GFP fibroblasts were subjected to the hydrogel rigidity alterations. The results compare projection area and polarity of GFP fibroblasts on dynamic DNA gels to their reaction on static DNA gels. This data adds to the understanding of these DNA hydrogels, which aids in the design of biomaterials with dynamically controllable stiffness. The production of these biomaterials has implications in the interpretation of human pathology and the development of various clinical treatments.
Screening for Enhancers/Suppressors of the cic Wing Phenotype
Nichole D. Werner, Biology
Cohort 13 ~ 2007-2008
The College of St. Scholastica
Anne Scherer, Ph.D.
School of Sciences
Department of Biology
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Determination of cell fate is often dependent on different cell-cell signaling events. One signaling pathway, the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway, is involved in many cellular processes, including cell fate determination, proliferation and migration. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, one of the downstream targets of the EGFR signaling pathway is the gene capicua (cic), which is involved in wing development and establishment of the dorsal-ventral (DV) axis in the chorion (egg shell) and embryo. In humans, mutations in the cic gene have been shown to cause Ewing-like sarcomas, a type of nervous system cancer. This study describes a screen that was used to identify mutations that enhance or suppress the cic phenotype in Drosophila. In this study 2 deletions were found that enhance or suppress cic phenotype.
The Affects of Clone 4 on Translation Initiation in Yeast Cells
Kelly Wiesen, Biology
Cohort 8 ~ 2002-2003
Mentor: Katsura Asano, Ph.D.
Department of Biology
Kansas State University
Mentor: Larry Birnbaum, Ph.D.
Department of Exercise Physiology,
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Translation initiation factor 5 (eIF5) stimulates hydrolysis of the GTP bound to the ternary complex (eIF2/GTP/Met-tRNAiMet) as the AUG codon is recognized. Aromatic and acidic residues in the C-terminal domain of eIF5 allow binding to eIF2 and subsequent hydrolyzation of GTP. The C-terminal domain of clone 4 is homologous to that of eIF5.
Thus, in cells with a tif5-7A mutation that weakens the binding ability of eIF5, clone 4 may competitively inhibit eIF5 and bind to eIF2 in place of eIF5. It is then expected that the translation initiation process will be interfered with, and the result will be slowed cellular growth. Using spot assays and Western blots of yeast transformants containing the clone 4 plasmid, it was found that a 20-fold expression of clone 4 in the cells did not significantly slow cell growth.
Purification and Characterization of Wound Induced Protein (WIN)
from Solanum Tuberosum
Robert L. Wroblewski, Biology
Cohort 2 ~ 1996-1998
Paul Stein, Ph.D.
Department of Chemistry
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
A 21,000 MW chitin-binding protein from potato tubers (Solanum Tuberosum) has been purified and is believed to be Wound Induced Protein(WIN) (1). It is purified using a combination of gel column chromatography and chitin affinity column techniques. It appears to exist in monomeric form and has low affinity to the carbohydrate chitin. This 21,000 MW protein has been shown to agglutinate red blood cells and exist in larger amounts in young tubers.
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