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Mate Choice in Neolamprologus multifasciatis: Testing the Polygony Threshold Model
Kellie Persons
Beta Chapter
McKendree College
Neolamprologus multifasciatus is a dwarf cichlid fish native to Lake Tanganyika in Africa, and is known for living in complex social colonies consisting of multiple reproductive males and females. These fish also settle in areas containing multiple empty Neothauma shells which is where breeding occurs. Females are particular about choosing mates, and factors such as mate size, territory quality, and mate behavior play a significant role in their decision. Since N. mulitfasciatus is a polygynous species with the females choosing the males, a set of experiments were preformed to test a theory that corresponds with their mating habits known as the Polygyny Threshold Model. The PTM suggests females will choose a male based on the breeding situation quality (BSQ) the male offers. The BSQ refers to the male's territory and it's resources, and if the BSQ is great, then the female will settle there. However, there is some question as to if the number of females already in that territory affects a female's decision to settle there even if the BSQ is high. A series of observations involving video recordings were performed to test this issue to see if there is a significant correlation between the number of females already in a territory and another fish's decision to settle there. The expected observation is that in a territory with equal BSQ's, a fish will choose to settle in an area with fewer fish already present.
Surfactant Protein B and Surfactant Protein C Characterization and Expression in Xenopus laevis
Natalie Johnson
Beta Iota Chapter
Bethel University
Surfactant Protein B (SP-B) and Surfactant Protein C (SP-C) are molecules expressed exclusively in lung tissue. They are expressed early on in lung development and continue to be expressed in the adult lung. Previously these two genes had only been sequenced in mammals. The internal gestation of mammals has made it difficult to research the early development of lungs, however. Xenopus laevis was therefore examined as a possible model for allowing easier access to, and manipulation of, the embryo during lung development. Sequence analysis of the coding regions of Xenopus SP-C and SP-B determined that they have high homology with the human and mouse gene sequences. RT-PCR and in situ hybridization techniques showed that the expression of these genes in Xenopus laevis was located exclusively in the lung tissue and was also seen in the early stages of lung development. The expression patterns of SP-C and SP-B in Xenopus laevis are consistent with those seen in mammalian subjects. In light of these similarities it is believed that Xenopus laevis would be a good model for further study of SP-B and SP-C and may also be a good subject for further studies on lung development.
A Linux Cluster that Serves as a Windows Computer Lab
Tyler Sondag
Beta Chapter
McKendree College
Cluster computing allows computationally intense problems to be solved using inexpensive, commodity hardware rather than expensive, custom-built hardware. Clusters generally consist of a connected, dedicated group of computers. Clusters have a wide range of uses in several areas of study, some of which include: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Medicine, Mathematics, and Computer Science. The goal in this project was to create a Linux cluster from a student computer lab currently running Windows XP (single hard drive). The lab needed to run Windows XP and connect to the campus network during the day. The cluster was to be completely invisible to all students, both while in Windows XP and during the boot process. This was all to be accomplished with no additional hardware or software costs. This paper will explain the process of installing the operating system on the master node, configuring the master node (including the custom partitioning scheme), installing new compute nodes, creating boot disks, creating the windows partition, and installing Windows XP all in a way that allows them to co-exist on the same machine without conflicting with each other. Also, some basic information about getting started with programming for a cluster will be discussed, as well as some of the work currently in progress on the McKendree College CSI Department Cluster.
The Development of Method
Aaron Rogier
Beta Chapter
McKendree College
The idea of a scientific method as a means of discovery is fairly recent conception having first really been used by Charles Darwin in his principal work, On the Origin of Species. In developing the work, Darwin used a logical structure of discovery that had not yet been applied to biology, and can be contrasted with the technique of proof in geometry and mathematics in general. Understanding the epistemologic limits of knowledge illustrates the importance of using a logically valid method of exploration in the life sciences as opposed to an attempt at proof using only limited empirical knowledge.
A Knowledge Space for the C++ Programming Language
Alicia Crow
Beta Chapter
McKendree College
Knowledge space theory is a psychometric theory that uses mathematics to model human knowledge in a subject. Some concepts associated with knowledge space theory are knowledge states and knowledge structures. A knowledge state is a set of questions in the domain that the student is capable of answering. A knowledge structure is the collection of all knowledge states. A knowledge space is a special type of a knowledge structure that is closed under union.
In this paper, a knowledge space is developed for part of the C++ programming language. A BNF (Backus-Naur Form) is chosen as a reference because, as opposed to questioning students or experts, it is an accurate source without human error. In this original research, it is hypothesized that a knowledge space can be built for part of the C++ programming language using a BNF. Considering topics that a student would typically learn in a first semester programming class, the BNF is reduced to a subset of the language and trees are formed from the BNF. Learning paths are then created for items that a student would learn. It is concluded that a knowledge space can be formed using this process.
Sequence and Expression of the FGF-10 Gene in Xenopus laevis Lung Development
Brett Einerson
Beta Iota Chapter
Bethel University
During lung bud morphogenesis, reciprocal interactions between the epithelial endoderm and the mesenchyme surrounding it lead to early branching of the pulmonary system. Members of the Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, along with their receptors, have been shown to play an integral part in mediating these interactions. FGF-10 specifically has been shown to be an essential regulator in lung formation. The FGF-10 gene was isolated from Xenopus laevis, and its expression during lung development was examined. Xenopus laevis serves as an effective model organism for this study. Gathering information about gene sequence and expression in this organism expands our understanding of pulmonary development.
The Effects of Carbohydrate Consumption on Cognitive Functioning in Rats
Sara Rubenacker
Beta Chapter
McKendree College
What we eat has a bigger impact on us than just satiating hunger and providing us with energy. Dietary components have an effect on the functioning of our brains. This study focused on the role of carbohydrates on memory in rats. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups; the control group was fed a regular diet of laboratory chow (60% carbohydrate, 20% protein, 20% fat), while the experimental group was fed a low carbohydrate chow (30% carbohydrate, 50% protein, 20% fat). Cognitive learning was assessed by using a Morris-type water maze task consisting of three training days and one test day. Comparisons were made for time taken to reach platform (latency), number of crossings, and time spent in target quadrant. Learning occurred in both groups during the training period. While no difference between groups was found for the tasks of latency or number of crossings, statistical analysis for time spent in target quadrant found that a difference existed between the groups for this task. These findings indicate the possible role of carbohydrate consumption on memory modulation.
Serotonin Clearance by the GABA Transporter
Andrew Martinez
Sigma Chapter
Our Lady of the Lake University
The serotonin transporter is an important target for many antidepressants and common drugs of abuse. Previous studies have shown that ethanol-induced inhibition of serotonin clearance in the rat is brain region-dependent. Ethanol does not inhibit serotonin clearance proportional to serotonin transport density. Another study was done using serotonin knock out mice. Even with the respective transporter knocked out, an inhibition of serotonin was observed, suggesting that ethanol inhibits serotonin clearance by means other than having a direct effect on the serotonin transporter. Our study was done to determine if the GABA transporter takes up serotonin. Nepacotic acid was used as the antagonist inhibiting the uptake of serotonin by the GABA transporter. The data from this study shows that the GABA transporter and the serotonin transporter both take up serotonin at the region of interest.
In vivo Correction of Complement Regulatory Protein Deficiency with an Inhibitor Targeting the Red Blood Cell Membrane
Jesse Gibbs
Beta Chapter
McKendree College
Because of the complement system's involvement in many human diseases and potential complications associated with its systemic blockade, site-specific regulation of this effector system is an attractive concept. We report on further developments of such an approach using a single-chain antibody (Ab) fragment as a vehicle to deliver complement regulatory proteins to a defined cell type. In a model system in which red blood cells (RBCs) deficient in complement receptor 1-related gene/protein y (Crry) are rapidly cleared after injection into wild-type animals by a complement-dependent mechanism, we selectively reconstituted these cells with N- and C-terminally targeted recombinant forms of Crry. Transfusion of Crry-coated knockout RBCs into C57BL/6 mice extended their in vivo half-life from <5 min to approximately 2 days. Maintenance of protective levels of Crry (by a combined treatment of donor and recipient RBCs) led to nearly normal RBC survival. Uniform in vitro and in vivo coating of the RBCs and the more efficient complement inhibitory capacity of C-terminally tagged Crry were other interesting features of this experimental system. These results suggest the possibility of using the single-chain Ab fragment-mediated targeting concept of complement regulatory proteins to restrict complement inhibition to the site of its excessive activation.
Telomeres, Telomerase, and Cellular Fusions
Jessica Brown
Rho Chapter
University of Indianapolis
Telomeres are the protective end caps of chromosomes that help maintain genomic stability by preventing end-to-end fusions. Throughout the life span of the cell, telomeres shorten due to an end replication problem. When the telomeres are too short, they are seen as damaged DNA and enter senescence. In some cells, telomeres do not shorten but are maintained by the enzyme telomerase. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein that adds TTAGG repeats onto the end of the DNA strand. This essentially makes the cell immortal, because it does not enter senescence. Typically telomerase is only found in cancerous cells, stem cells, and cord cells. Previous studies have shown that a fusion between an immortal cell and a mortal cell results in a mortal cell. This indicates that telomerase control is negative and that in normal cells telomerase is turned off. The purpose of this experiment was to use cellular fusions between telomerase positive cells and telomerase negative cells to study the control of telomerase. A TRAP (telomeric repeat amplification protocol) was used to assess the level of telomerase present in the fused cells. Endothelial stem cells, or progenitor cells, were used as the telomerase positive cells and were fused with mortal cells. If telomerase could be regulated, these stem cells could be used in vasculature repair for victims of heart attacks or older adults who have had damage to their vasculature system.
The Effects of Opioid Antagonist Naltrexone in Animals Motivated to Eat by Taste
Munyaradzi Chimukangara
Beta Iota Chapter
Bethel University
It is well known that the opioid system plays a significant role in the regulation of palatable food intake. Generally speaking, opioid agonists increase feeding while opioid antagonists decrease feeding in non-food restricted animals. These drugs however have a substantially reduced effect in food-deprived animals. This data is predominantly based on studies performed on the peripheral opioid system. Not much is known about the effects of these drugs when administered into the opioid receptors of the central nervous system. However there is data suggesting that food intake regulation is also dependent on brain sites in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is known to have nuclei associated with energy and reward related feeding. In this study I was therefore trying to find out if the administration of Naltrexone in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) would decrease food intake more effectively in a food restricted (energy needs related) model than in a non-food restricted (reward related) model. My results suggest that Naltrexone more effectively decreases intake of food in the food-restricted model than in the non-food restricted model. The data also suggests that the PVN is primarily involved in energy needs driven food intake in comparison to reward driven food intake.
Genetic Diversity of African Lions
Vesna Pulko
Alpha Psi Chapter
Hillsdale College
Due to reduction in geographic range and decline in number of free-ranging lions (Panthera leo), the species is now listed as a vulnerable on IUCN Red list. Despite known needs for conservation initiatives, species protection plan cannot be constructed until questionable taxonomic statuses between and within current subspecies are clear. Recent taxonomic studies, supporting distinction between African lion subspecies (Panthera leo leo) and Asiatic lion subspecies (Panthera leo persicus), do not encompass Northern African or Western African lions. To clarify their status, we analyzed mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences obtained from samples of 66 lions from various locations throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, Morocco, Senegal, Chad, and India. Phylogenetic analysis infers a more recent common ancestry of Northern African, Western African, and Asiatic lions. IBD analyses indicate a closer correspondence between geographic and genetic distances when geographic distance of Asiatic lions is reduced. This may be a result of artificial translocations dating back to early Greek and Roman trade with India.
A Comparison of Cellulose Acetate Electrophoresis and Morphological Measurements for Identification of Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) and White-footed Mice (P. leucopus) in Eastern Kentucky and Northwestern Minnesota
Bridgette Thacker
Beta Xi Chapter
Pikeville College
Cellulose acetate electrophoresis was used in comparison to external morphological measurements to determine the presence of Peromyscus species in eastern Kentucky and northwestern Minnesota. Peromyscus maniculatus, the deer mouse, and Peromyscus leucopus, the white-footed mouse, are two of the most widely distributed species of small mammals. The two are so similar morphologically, especially under syntopic conditions, that in-field classification of these mice is often unreliable. Most commonly, the two are classified by comparing external measurements of the mouse’s hind foot, ear, tail, and mass to standard measurements. In this study, saliva samples were used to detect unique allozymes of each species through electrophoresis to provide a more useful and reliable non-lethal way of positively identifying species of Peromyscus. One hundred eleven saliva samples were collected from various sites in eastern Kentucky and 136 samples from northwestern Minnesota. Of those giving usable data (from both states combined) 88 were identified as P. maniculatus and 130 as P. leucopus through the electrophoresis method. Using classification by external measurements, 32 would have been identified as P. maniculatus and 68 as P. leucopus. Seventy-nine of the mice had considerable overlapping of measurements, so identification based on external morphology could not be accurately determined. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis can be used quickly and reliably to properly assess the presence and distribution of both species of Peromyscus through the use of salivary amylase collected in the field from individual mice.
Identification and Status of Allegheny Woodrat (Neotoma magister) Populations and Associated Populations of Small Mammals in Eastern Kentucky
Ashley Justice
Beta Xi Chapter
Pikeville College
Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister) populations are considered stable in Kentucky, however, there is not much documentation from field studies to support this conclusion. The Allegheny woodrat is usually found associated with rock outcrops, cliffs, talus slopes, and caves. The species was formerly distributed from southeast New York to northern Alabama and west across the mid-Ohio River Valley. Threats such as the introduction of predators, disease, loss of connectivity among subpopulations, and habitat loss may explain the population decline in recent years. Although Pike county and the counties immediately surrounding it have appropriate woodrat habitat, no populations have been documented in the past. In a study conducted during spring and summer of 2005, various locations throughout eastern Kentucky, specifically in Pike, Floyd, and Johnson counties, were live trapped for the Allegheny woodrat as well as other small mammals that might use these rocky habitats. The purpose of this study was to identify previously undocumented Allegheny woodrat populations and to gain a better understanding of their population status in eastern Kentucky. Additionally, we wanted to document the small mammal community associated with these rocky habitats to determine if there were differences in the composition of communities depending on the presence or absence of woodrats. During the course of sampling, only one location, in Jenny Wiley State Park, Floyd County, resulted in the capture of woodrats. The only other small mammals encountered were white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus), eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus), and one cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus sp.). We recommend further study to better determine the status of the population in Floyd County and continued search for populations in surrounding counties in eastern Kentucky.