19th Denman Undergraduate Research Forum (2014)

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Investigation of Vaporizing Foil Actuator Welding Between Dissimilar Metals
(Metallurgical Transactions, 2014-03-26) Benzing, Jake; He, Mei; Vivek, Anupam; Daehn, Glenn; Mills, Mike
This work aims to study the effect of microstructure of the weld between aluminum alloy AA6061 and commercially pure copper, Cu 110, on its mechanical properties. AA6061-T6 and T4 aluminum sheets of 1 mm thickness were launched towards copper targets using the Vaporizing Foil Actuator (VFA) tool operating at 8 kJ input energy level. Flyer plate velocities, measured via photonic Doppler velocimetry (PDV), were observed to be approximately 800 m/s. All the welded samples were subjected to instrumented peel testing, microhardness testing, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and SEM. The welded joints had cracks which ran through the continuous intermetallic layers and stopped upon encountering a ductile metallic wave. The welds created with T6 temper flyer sheets were found to have smaller regions with wavy interfaces free of intermetallics as compared to those created with T4 temper flyer sheets. Peel strength tests of the two types of welds resulted in failure along the interface in case of the T6 flyer welds, while the failure generally occurred in the parent aluminum in the case of the T4 flyer welds. Half of the T4 flyer welds were subjected to aging for 18 hours at 160 °C to convert the aluminum sheet back to T6 condition. Although the flyer material did not attain the hardness of the original T6 material, it was found to be significantly stronger than the T4 material. These welds retained their strengths after the aging process and diffusion across the interface was insignificant.
Analysis of Rotationally Excited States of Deuterated CH5+ Using Diffusion Monte Carlo
(2014-03-26) Ford, Jason E.; McCoy, Anne B.
The chemistry that occurs in space is very different from that on Earth, but it is necessary to understand these differences in order to comprehend many astronomical processes. In order to study the astrochemistry that is taking place, radioastronomy can be used to observe transitions between rotational energy levels of the molecules and ions. The resulting information, the spectrum, acts as a molecular fingerprint and can be utilized to determine some of the properties of the molecules and ions that are present. Understanding and predicting spectra is quite difficult for floppy molecules, those that exhibit large amplitude vibrational motions in their ground state. Diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) is a statistical approach to solving the Schrödinger equation which has been successfully used in the past to describe floppy systems. The McCoy research group and I have recently extended the DMC methodology to simultaneously treat the ground state and multiple rotationally excited states of floppy molecules. This newly developed technique has been applied to the deuterated isotopologues of CH5+ to determine rotational energies and similarities in structure.
Examining the short term effects of restoration plantings on emerald ash borer infested flood plains
(2014-03-26) Hefflinger, Rachel; Knight, Kathleen
Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) has been identified as present in Ohio since 2003. Since then this small Asian beetle has been devastating to floodplain areas throughout Ohio, killing almost the entire population (99%) of ash trees. In many of these ecosystems, ash was the dominant species in the canopy. The question now remains as how to best repair these areas. In 2011, restoration plots were planted in Clinton Conservation Area (Clinton, Ohio), Oak Openings Metropark (Toledo, OH) and Sharon Woods Metropark (Columbus, OH), representing a gradient of infestation duration and ash mortality. Three different species were planted randomly throughout the plots, including: pin oak (Quercus palustris), American elm (Ulmus americana), and sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). The American elms used in the study were generated from a cross between two Dutch elm disease-tolerant American elms. Also, different treatments of deer protection and original planting sizes were used to examine potential differences in survival. The goal of this study is to examine techniques for restoration of damaged flood plains.
Using Biosensors to Measure Behavioral and Milk Compositional Changes During Bovine Mastitis
(2014-03-26) Kester, Hannah; Hogan, Joseph
Automated bio-sensors were used to compare milk constituents and physical activity measures of cows experimentally infected with Streptococcus uberis mastitis with those of uninfected cows. Twelve late lactation Holsteins cows were placed into 6 pairs based upon milk production and parity. One cow in each pair was experimentally infected into the right front mammary gland with Steptococcus uberis, while the remaining cow in each pair served as an uninfected control. The automated bio-sensor system provided real-time analysis of milk fat, protein, and lactose at each milking. Pedometers were placed on the left front leg of all cows and activity was measured as number of steps taken, bouts of rest, and amount of time resting. Milk compositional data were analyzed as weighted daily averages and activity data were daily totals. Intramammary infections with Streptococcus uberis reduced milk yield in experimental cows by approximately 1.6 kg/day compared with control cows the first week after challenge. Lactose percentage in milk was significantly reduced by day three of infection in treatment cows compared with controls, and persisted the next three days. Percentages of fat and protein in milk did not differ between infected and uninfected cows the week after infections were induced. Total steps per day were reduced and minutes resting per day were increased in infected cows compared with control cows the week after experimental challenge. The number of resting bouts did not differ between infected and uninfected cows. These data indicated that the decreased activity in cows with mastitis was due to longer bouts of rest the first week of infection, but the number of times cows rested was comparable between infected and uninfected cows. The use of automated bio-sensors detected changes in milk components and animal activity caused by experimentally induced Streptococcus uberis mastitis.
Overexpression of miR-3151 leads to direct deregulation of the TP53 pathway and is associated with BRAF mutations in malignant melanoma
(2014-03-26) Lankenau, Malori; de la Chapelle, Albert
The BRAF gene is the most frequently mutated gene in malignant melanoma (MM). When mutated, it is associated with a more aggressive disease phenotype. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that downregulate the expression of their target genes by binding to their 3′-UTR. Recently, microRNA miR-3151 was identified in intron 1 of BAALC, the most upregulated gene in BRAF mutated melanoma. In acute myeloid leukemia, both high miR-3151 and high BAALC are associated with poor survival. In addition, miR-3151 has leukemogenic activity via direct deregulation of TP53. To begin to decipher miR-3151’s role in MM carcinogenesis, miR-3151 and TP53 expression levels were determined in MM patients (n=20). Indeed, patients with high miR-3151 had lower TP53 expression. To prove direct downregulation of TP53 by miR-3151, we stably expressed miR-3151 and antagomiR-3151 in MM cell lines. RT-PCR and Western blots confirmed that miR-3151 upregulated and antagomiR-3151 downregulated TP53. Increased levels of miR-3151 led to increased cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis (cell death), whereas antagomiR-3151 reduced cell growth and increased apoptosis. Next, we determined the BRAF mutation status and miR-3151 expression in the set of 20 MM patients. BRAF mutated (BRAFmut) patients had a 5-fold higher miR-3151 expression compared to BRAF wild-type (BRAFwt) patients. To test whether BRAF mutations directly influence miR-3151 expression, we silenced BRAF in BRAFmut cell lines (A375, Mel-39) and introduced the BRAF mutation into a BRAFwt cell line (MeWo). Silencing BRAF decreased miR-3151 expression and increased TP53 expression, while introducing the BRAF mutation increased miR-3151 expression and decreased TP53 when compared to scramble control. In conclusion, miR-3151 downregulated TP53 in MM cell lines, thereby increasing the cell proliferation and decreasing apoptosis. AntagomiR-3151 reduced MM cell growth and increased apoptosis. High miR-3151 expression is associated with the presence of BRAF mutations in MM patients. BRAFmut can directly increase miR-3151 expression.
Dance, Design, and Neuroscience: Interdisciplinary Strategies to Promote Sustainability and Vitality in the Creative Sector
(2014-03-26) Bedal, Lauren; Covey, Dave
With the oversaturation of marketing and advertising in today’s world, the biggest challenge in the performing arts industry lies in encouraging consumers to leave the comfort of their homes to engage in a live cultural experience. Marketing and advertising for these organizations has called for innovative brand direction shifting from traditional market research to explore the psychological and neurological implications behind brand perception. In this study, I investigated how design theory and neuroscience, when included in branding and marketing strategies, can increase brand awareness and loyalty for the performing arts, specifically focusing on dance organizations. Today, the concept of branding is viewed as a holistic entity, referring to how an individual experiences and relates to a product or service. I began asking the questions, “How do we create successful branding solutions for dance organizations?” as well as, “How can research from outside fields, such as neuroscience, inform my process as a designer?” To explore these ideas, three contemporary dance companies (one local, one regional, and one international) agreed to participate in this study. Primary research regarding the performing arts industry, consumer psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and design theory was conducted along with in-depth marketing and branding analysis via interviews and surveys. From this information, a new branding direction for each company was then created. To inform the design process, neuro-imaging techniques, such as eye tracking, were used to test how visual elements were perceived and which of those methods had the greatest effect on the viewer. Effective methods were compiled to create a branding framework, specifically directed toward dance organizations. With this research, my goal is to create the opportunity for further discussion as to how design theory and neuroscience can aid in brand direction and thus help to create visually striking, memorable brands, capable of attracting and retaining consumers.
Oncolytic HSV-mediated Regulation of the Host Hypoxia Response
(2014-03-26) Hurwitz, Brian; Yoo, Ji Young; Kaur, Balveen
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and deadly primary brain tumor, accounting for over 10,000 new cancer diagnoses in the United States each year. The poor prognosis for GBM patients necessitates novel biological treatments. One such approach is the use of oncolytic herpes simplex virus 1 (oHSV). Like many novel treatments, oHSV therapy causes side effects that are not yet well understood. Our lab has demonstrated that oHSV treatment increases the vascularity of brain tumors. The goal of this study is to determine the mechanism by which oHSV treatment increases the vascularity of brain tumors. We have determined that the hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1α) is activated in cells infected with oHSV, even in normal oxygen conditions. HIF1α is a transcription factor which activates a variety of genes in response to a lack of oxygen. We believe that HIF1α activation may be responsible for the increased vascularity of oHSV treated brain tumors. A screen of targetscan.org for herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) miRNAs and their predicted target genes revealed multiple miRNAs predicted to target a protein called, factor inhibiting HIF1α (FIH). This protein functionally inhibits HIF1α activation by preventing the binding of HIF1α to DNA. We hypothesized that FIH would be negatively regulated in GBM cells infected with oHSV, thus allowing HIF1α activation. In this study, we demonstrate that HSV-1 expresses two miRNA molecules, which target and down regulate FIH. Transfection of miRNA inhibitors (antagomirs) was able to successfully abrogate the virus' ability to downregulate FIH as demonstrated by quantitative PCR and western blot. Moreover, transfection of HSV-1 miRNA mimics in the absence of virus was able to downregulate FIH protein levels (western blot) and activate the expression of a variety of HIF1α driven genes, including VEGF and CCN1 (quantitative PCR). Our future aim is to determine if HSV-1 encodes for miRNA capable of binding to the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of FIH. For this study we will employ an FIH-3' UTR luciferase reporter vector. This experiment will demonstrate if the miRNA expressed by oHSV directly binds to the 3' UTR of FIH, thus inhibiting FIH gene expression, and activating HIF1α.
The Identification of New Genes Critical for Proper Epidermal Cell Division through Comparative Genetics of Caenorhabditis elegans and Caenorhabditis briggsae
(2014-03-26) Fillis, Cambree; Chamberlin, Helen; Chamberlin, Helen
The evolutionary conservation of genes within the EGF/Ras signaling pathway among biological systems exemplifies the pathway’s significance in proper organismal development. Even slight deviation from the normal function of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes within the pathway commonly results in abnormal cell proliferation and the formation of malignant growths. In order to identify and better understand these genes, we are continuing to investigate the role of genetic differences within the EGF/Ras signaling pathway and their influence on epidermal cell division by studying the relationship of vulva development between the nematode worm species, C. elegans and C. briggsae. A genetic screen conducted in both species has allowed us to identify 4 novel genes that are specific to C. briggsae and are capable of mutating to a multivulval phenotype, characterized by excessive epidermal cell division. These data suggest that the underlying network between the two species is evidently different, addressing the topic of species variability. We have been able to map each of these mutations to specific regions of chromosomes, which has allowed us to sequence various candidate genes. Using this method we have identified one of the genes as cbr-lin-1. Another candidate has undergone a whole genome sequence based off of its perspective map data. Whole genome sequencing has supplied us with 5 hits, of which we have been able to narrow down to 2. Further research utilizing similar mapping methods, gene cloning, and gene sequencing will allow us to identify the remaining genes responsible for vulva growth in C. briggsae, as well as several suppressor genes throughout the pathway- starting with the sequencing of let-23, the pathway’s receptor. Additionally, by addressing the topic of species variability and understanding the functionality of various genetic compositions between similar species, our findings can provide insight for the development of tailored drug therapies.
Effects of Regional Dialect on Word-Final Consonant Voicing
(2014-03-26) Royer, Adam; Clopper, Cynthia
In English word-final consonants, the voicing feature is signaled by temporal cues, including the duration of the preceding vowel and the consonant itself (House, 1961; Klatt, 1976) and by non-temporal cues, including voicing during the consonant (Fowler, 1991). Purnell et al.'s (2012) research found that regional dialects of English vary in how they signal word-final consonant voicing. The goal of this study is to examine the use of temporal and non-temporal cues to phonological voicing as a function of regional American English dialect and consonant type. Monosyllabic words ending in either a stop (e.g. p, t, k, b, d, g) or a fricative (e.g. s, z) were selected from interview speech produced by five male and five female speakers each from the Northern, Southern, and Western dialects of American English. For each token, the vowel to consonant duration ratio (V/C duration ratio) and the percentage of voicing during the word-final consonant were measured. Results for the non-temporal cue data showed that the contrast between voiced and voiceless consonants was maintained across consonant types and dialects. The Southern talkers appeared to have a smaller contrast though for consonants followed by silences or phonetically voiceless sounds. Results for the temporal cue data showed that the contrast between voiced and voiceless consonants was also maintained across consonant types and dialects. The Northern talkers had a smaller contrast for fricatives than other dialects. These results confirm previous results about contrasts being maintained but also suggest that there is some dialectal variation in the extent to which these contrasts are maintained across consonant types.
Mind and Motion: Merging Words with Action through Choreography and Improvisation
(2014-03-26) Sauma, Kathryn; Miller, Beryl
Last Spring I designed and performed a solo in Berlin, Germany in which I established a theory of improvisation based on the interplay of metaphysics and metaphor as revealed through a fluid alternation of text and movement. Text depicts metaphysical descriptions of present situations as experienced by the dancers, whereas abstract movement creates a metaphorical visual portrayal of relationship and symbolism. As an emerging contemporary dance artist at The Ohio State University I have become increasingly intrigued by the boundaries of theater and the roles of performer and audience in experiencing live art that intermixes choreography and structured improvisation, movement and text, by accessing the uninhibited mind of each individual dancer’s subconscious state of existence. If basic communication is an exchange of language, particularly verbal and physical, how can speech enhance movement to illuminate the essence of “being” in an abstract form? How, as a director, does one establish a common understanding and methodology in pairing choreographic research pertaining to the present moment and situation with the unique combination of personalities in the process in which the performance derives meaning? In my theory of improvisation, I emphasize a heightened awareness of the emotional self and the atmosphere of the surrounding environment. I then base teaching, directing, and choreographing on these ideas to draw attention to the state of existence and occurrence in the space through metaphysical and metaphorical explanation. The nature of the work is heavily inspired by Surrealist approaches to art as a vector of inhibiting the mind and the subconscious. A development from this process is the question: How far can a performer push a viewer’s comfort and understanding of reality whilst playing on familiar relationships or situations? I have been directing a company of seven undergraduate dancers since August 2013, devising exercises involving philosophical and interpersonal content in order to create an eight-minute dance choreographed and improvised from my theory. Multiple bodies, minds, and voices introduce a new layer of individual approach and the necessary steps to working together in the process with a goal of integrating the space of performer and audience.
Health Information in the Digital Age: Online Federal Resources for Secondary Health Conditions Common in Adults with Developmental Disabilities
(2014-03-26) Monteleone, Rebecca; Shuman, Amy
According to the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Improve the Health and Wellness of Persons with Disabilities (2007), there is a public health crisis occurring among Americans who identify as disabled. In particular, the intellectually and developmentally disabled population (I/DD)—which currently accounts for nearly 4 million Americans—has both a significantly increased risk of secondary health conditions such as heart disease, oral health issues and obesity, and decreased access to health promotion and education programs. Currently, there are many resources available online for preventable health conditions, often produced and distributed by national non-profit networks. The accessibility of these resources for individuals with I/DD is not well studied, and therefore these organizations may be entirely missing a huge population in need of their support. In short, this study reviewed the current literature in order to identify the top five preventable conditions occurring in adults with I/DD, and then chose a popular resource readily available online providing information or programming regarding each condition. These resources were systematically analyzed using a means-tested accessibility survey to rate reading level, ease of site navigation, and several other characteristics. Finally, the sites were qualitatively analyzed for inclusivity—namely, investigating the occurrence of photos of individuals with disabilities, the use of inclusive language, and specific mention of disability. Were these resources to increase in accessibility, they may be utilized more readily by individuals with disabilities, thus potentially limiting many of the secondary conditions that shorten lifespan and decrease quality of life for these individuals.
Turbulence Intensity Study at Inlet of 80- by 120-Foot Wind Tunnel Caused by Upwind Blockage
(2014-03-26) Yuricich, Jillian; Wadcock, Alan
The National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex 80- by 120-Foot Wind Tunnel (80 x 120) at NASA Ames Research Center has operated as the world’s largest wind tunnel since the facility’s inception. Because the 80 x 120 inlet draws in air from the environment, precautions were taken during its design to reduce the effects of turbulence from ambient air by including inlet guide vanes, splitters, and screens. The effect of upwind buildings is unknown, and with the construction of a new Google building complex approximately 1200 feet upwind from the 80 x 120 inlet, it is necessary to investigate the consequences of such structures. A 1/50th-scale model of the 80 x 120 was tested to provide quantitative measurements for the increase in turbulence caused by a generic two-dimensional blockage located directly in front of the inlet. Tests were conducted at various blockage distances ahead of the inlet to identify when the effects of such an obstruction were no longer detected by a probe mounted at the centerline of the inlet. The resulting method necessitated splitting each two-minute data point into ten-second segments for analysis. Using this method, turbulence measurements showed better repeatability and indicated a negligible increase in 80 x 120 inlet turbulence for a building height of 50 feet located more than 1000 feet upwind during quiescent atmospheric conditions. Because the Google complex falls outside of that limit, NASA is confident that the construction will have little effect on the fidelity of the full-scale 80 x 120 during quiescent atmospheric conditions. The two-dimensional blockage measurements were part of a larger study to provide data on the 80 x 120 turbulence from specific upwind architecture including current buildings and the Google complex under both quiescent atmospheric conditions and non-zero atmospheric wind.
The Role of Indirect PAR1 Activation in Tissue Repair after SCI
(2014-03-26) Milich, Lindsay; McTigue, Dana
PAR1 (Protease-Activated Receptor 1) is a G protein-coupled receptor present on many different CNS (Central Nervous System) cell types. When cleaved by serine proteases, PAR1 initiates several signaling cascades associated with tissue repair. After spinal cord injury (SCI), PAR1 is upregulated within the damaged tissue. We hypothesized that PAR1 activation would promote the proliferation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC’s), which are known to play a role in repair after SCI. Indeed, activation of PAR1 within the spinal cord via microinjection of a PAR1 agonist promoted an increase in OPC proliferation, accompanied by an acculumation of microglia surrounding the microinjection site. However, when pure OPC cultures were treated with the same agonist, PAR1 activation had no effect. This suggests that other cells in the in vivo microenvironment may indirectly promote the OPC response. Our goal is to determine if the activation of PAR1 on microglia or astrocytes promotes proliferation of OPC’s in vitro. OPC’s will be co-cultured with microglia and astrocytes, followed by activation of glial cells by PAR1 agonist. Through quantificaiton of these mixed glial cultures, we hope to determine if there is indeed a relationship between PAR1 activated microglia/astrocytes and the proliferation of these progenitor cells. This data may help elucidate the role of PAR1 in the regeneration of damaged spinal tissue and therefore repair after SCI.
Preconditioning with lipopolysaccharide activates spinal cord microglia without causing neuropathology
(2014-03-26) Sweet, David; Popovich, Phillip
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), normally provide sentinel functions in intact CNS but once activated by injury or disease, microglia can exacerbate CNS pathology. However, not all forms of microglia activation are injurious. Injecting sub-lethal doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), activates microglia but without causing damage. This “preconditioning” can be neuroprotective in the brain; however, it is not known if spinal cord microglia also can be preconditioned with LPS. To test whether LPS can condition spinal cord microglia, mice were injected intraperitoneally daily for four consecutive days with LPS (1mg/kg). The next day, spinal cords were processed and microglia morphology and phenotype were documented using light and fluorescent microscopy. LPS caused visible changes in microglia morphology throughout spinal cord white and gray matter, with microglia occupying more than 2x the surface area in gray matter compared with white matter as compared with comparable measures in saline-injected mice. These effects were most evident in cervical spinal cord as compared with thoracic and lumbar spinal levels. Inflammatory markers including CD16/32, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and galectin-3 were increased in LPS-activated microglia but without obvious neuron pathology or cell-death. Activated microglia were often associated with blood vessels suggesting that i.p. LPS might activate microglia across the blood-spinal cord barrier. Ependymal cells lining the central canal also appeared to be proliferating in mice injected with LPS. This response might be harnessed for CNS repair. Indeed, ependyma have stem-like properties and can support axon growth. While LPS usually activates immune cells to be inflammatory and detrimental to surrounding tissues, the current data indicate that preconditioning can prime microglia without eliciting injurious effector functions. By understanding how LPS preconditioning affects microglial phenotype and function, new therapies might be developed to treat CNS trauma and disease.
Assessing changing water quality in Peru due to glacial recession
(2014-03-26) Battista, Robert; Mark, Bryan; Fernandez, Alfonso; Guittard, Alexandre; Mark, Bryan
As concerns over future access to fresh water are beginning to spread in the United States, other more vulnerable regions like western-draining Andean watersheds in Peru are already feeling the effects of climate change on drinking water. Here, the glaciated peaks of the Andes buffer seasonal contrasts in stream runoff. However, these glaciers are now receding faster than ever before, and scientists have already recorded significant reductions in the water they supply to rivers. Furthermore, certain streams have also been found to have adversely high acidity and potentially toxic concentrations of certain heavy metals. Many such streams are used in agricultural irrigation. To test the extent and source(s) of river water contamination in Peruvian glacier-fed streams, surveys were undertaken during three consecutive dry seasons (June- July), 2011-13, to analyze the concentrations of various dissolved metals and isotopes along the Santa River draining the Cordillera Blanca to the Pacific coast. I joined the sampling survey during three weeks of June-July 2013, and I am now measuring dissolved concentrations of 32 different metals from over 60 sample locations the in Santa River watershed. Other researchers in our group are measuring the metal concentrations contained within the suspended sediments, and at the bottom of the river bed. These results will be compiled and compared against two previous surveys (2011, 2012), with a focus on certain toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic that are dangerous to human health if found above levels set by the World Health Organization. The goal of this research is to note any trends occurring in the concentrations of these metals. I hypothesize that the change in concentrations of metals will be correlated to their reactivity's and their atomic weights.
Variants in Hdac9 Intronic Enhancer as Candidates for Skin Tumor Susceptibility Locus
(2014-03-26) Siekmann, Tyler; Toland, Amanda
Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are the most common forms of cancer in the world accounting for nearly half of all cancer diagnoses. Rates of NMSC are on the rise with an over 300% increase in diagnosis of these cancers in the last 20 years. While environmental risk factors for skin cancers are well understood, little is known about genetic risk factors for these cancers. Mouse linkage studies have identified several loci housing skin cancer susceptibility genes. Human tumors show evidence of preferential allelic imbalance for polymorphisms in Hdac9, a gene mapping to one of the linkage regions, Skts5. One intron in the Hdac9 gene between exons 8 and 9 contains an enhancer for Twist1, affecting limb development and phenotypes in the skin. Twist1 is a known regulator of skin differentiation and has a documented role in cancer. The hypothesis of this study is that this enhancer locus plays a role in the differential risk for NMSC between the cancer susceptible NIH/Ola and cancer resistant Spretus/EiJ mice. Sequence analyses identified several polymorphisms between these strains in this intron which are predicted by in silico methods to disrupt transcription factor binding. To investigate in vitro effects of these variants, intron fragments from both NIH/Ola and Spret/EiJ murine DNA were cloned into an enhancer reporting PGL3 vector and transfected into both normal keratinocyte C5N and squamous cell carcinoma A5 cells. Luciferase assay and real-time PCR data suggest these variants are responsible for changes in gene expression, specifically in the Twist1 gene. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation studies are being performed to test whether transcription factors, Oct1 and Gata3 that are predicted to differentially bind the NIH/Ola and Spret/EiJ enhancer , are involved in the differential Twist1 expression. This project has the potential implication of discovering the role a specific gene locus, Skts5, plays in NMSC risk.
Executive Function: Generational and Environmental Influences
(2014-03-26) Hanna, Nathan; Feng, Xin
A link between the executive function (EF) of children and their mothers is a topic of psychology seldom explored, but could be of paramount importance. Limited empirical evidence suggests a connection in EF between parents and offspring. Familial factors, such as SES and maternal stress, have also been linked with the development of EF. Since forms of psychopathology involve deficits in EF, recognizing a predictive relationship between mother-child EF could lead to early identification of psychological conditions in their children. The current study explores how maternal EF and familial environment affects the development of child EF. Participants included 90 mother-child dyads (aged 3-3.5 years). Mothers’ executive function was assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Two aspects of child executive function, attention shifting and inhibitory control, were assessed in laboratory settings. Children’s attention shifting was tested using the Dimensional Change Card Sort Task and inhibitory control using the Bear and Dragon Task, Day and Night task, and the Shape Task. Mothers’ depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. Mothers also reported family income, used as a proxy of family SES. Child age and gender were also included as covariates. Mothers’ EF was negatively associated with children’s inhibitory control in the Shape Task (β = -.24, p = .02) and the Bear and Dragon Task (β = -.31, p = .01). Additionally, family income (β = .24, p = .02) and child age (β = .39, p < .001) were associated with child inhibitory control in the Shape task, and maternal depressive symptoms were associated with child inhibitory control in the Day/Night task (β = -.29, p = .02). These data suggest that children from low-income families, mothers who are depressed, or mothers with deficits in EF may be at risk for problems in the development of EF
Assessing Rigor in Social Work Education from the Perspective of Students and Instructors
(2014-03-26) Pever, Jessica; Bronson, Denise
For social work students to develop the competencies and skills required for successful social work practice a rigorous curriculum must be available to them. While it is generally accepted that a “rigorous” curriculum leads to better learning outcomes, the actual meaning of rigor and the key components of a rigorous curriculum are not well defined. This study seeks to better understand the concept of rigor as it relates to social work education. The goals of this study are to analyze the perception of rigor collectively held by students and instructors currently engaged in the Ohio State University undergraduate social work curriculum and to examine the differing perceptions held by these two groups. To evaluate these perceptions, the concept of rigor has been broken down into three primary categories that previous studies indicated as essential components of rigor: course relevance, individual student effort, and course context. A survey was developed to capture the perceptions held by those active in the program regarding specific items that fall within each of these categories. There were 143 students and 21 instructors who responded to the survey. It is anticipated that the two groups will hold similar perceptions of certain measured components while having differing perceptions of others. The results of this study will provide possible considerations and next steps for the College of Social Work’s undergraduate core curriculum development and help to better define the components of a rigorous curriculum.
Sensory Perceptions of Nicotine Replacement Therapy Between Menthol and Nonmenthol Cigarette Smokers
(2014-03-26) Vigil, Anna; Ahijevych, Karen
Although recent research has shown that smoking menthol cigarettes negatively impacts smoking cessation among adults, there are still over 10 million menthol smokers in the U.S., the highest populations being represented by Non-Hispanic Black smokers and young adult smokers. The research questions were: 1) Were menthol cigarette users more likely to quit than nonmenthol cigarette users during nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in a two week study? 2) What is the relationship between cigarette smoking and NRT usage regarding sensory perceptions of liking, satisfaction and sensation strength? and 3) Is there a difference in sensory perceptions of liking, satisfaction and sensation strength between menthol and nonmenthol cigarette smokers? This was a secondary data analysis of a cross over design with randomized order of NRT treatment type, nicotine lozenge or nicotine inhaler, for 1 week each. Data were collected from 120 cigarette users who had been smoking > one year, and at least ten cigarettes/day. 1) Among those who quit smoking after week 1, there were more nonmenthol smokers (61%) compared to menthol smokers (39%). After week 2, there were similar results. 2) With an increased liking of lozenges there was a decrease in cigarettes per day and an increase in the amount of lozenges used per day. 3) Menthol smokers had a significant increased sensory response to the NRT lozenge compared to nonmenthol smokers. Use of NRT lozenge and inhaler is a useful method to promote smoking cessation in menthol smokers, but usage should approach recommended 9 nicotine lozenges or inhalers per day to influence cessation long term, while the average NRT usage in this study was 4/day. Trial and error use of NRT can be discouraging and lead to rejection, yet menthol smoker’s greater sensory response may suggest potential for success if appropriate levels of NRT usage are utilized.
Dairy Plant Water Conservation by CIP System Redesign and Loadout of Cow Drinkable High BOD Water
(2014-03-26) Schroder, Emmy; Peterson, Amanda; Ameser, Anna; Rhoads, Robert
Snowville Creamery is a sustainable dairy processing plant which prides itself on providing products that are as close to natural as possible. As production quantities grow, so does the plant’s water usage and waste. All drained wastewater is spray irrigated to the pastures, and since the farm raises exclusively grass fed cattle, it is essential to minimize the quantity of the wastewater as well as its biological oxygen demand (BOD) and concentration of suspended solids. Previously, all cleaning processes utilized fresh city water with no reuse. The goal of this study was to discover and implement methods of water reuse and repurposing for dairy plants. By benchmarking water usage at various points, it was possible to quantify and analyze required water volumes in each process. First, a recirculation system was established for the milk separator. Additionally, a high BOD segregation collection system was designed to capture the established “Clean in Place” (CIP) pre-rinse water, as well as usable water from the pasteurizer and Nanofiltration CIP systems to be used as a nutritious drinking source for the cows. The remaining CIP steps were also redesigned to reduce water usage from 8 to 2.6 times the circuit volume of a given processing component. The total projected water savings from all sources are 23,500 gallons per week for a savings of $8,070 per year. Along with the implementation and programming of these systems with PLC automation, full autoCAD documentation of the Creamery P&ID and schematic was designed and updated. These water conservation methods can be applied to other dairy or food processing plants for water conservation and savings.

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