Program of Academic Abstracts

This event is hosted by the Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates (ICRU), which promotes undergraduate involvement in research and creative projects at the University of Iowa, serving students, staff, and faculty. The Spring Undergraduate Research Festival is proud to showcase poster presentations given by the University of Iowa’s student researchers. These students work in over 40 different departments and represent each of the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes.

Students will stand by their posters for either the first or second hour and are free to visit fellow presenters’ posters during the other hour. Odd numbered posters will present from 4:30-5:30PM Even numbered posters will present from 5:30-6:30PM *Please note that at 5:30, all of the boards will be turned around to show the even numbering and the second hour presenters’ posters* We hope that you enjoy talking with these outstanding students and will see you again in Fall 2016 for the 7th Annual Fall Undergraduate Research Festival! Many thanks to the over 100 graduate and professional students and postdoctoral fellows who have volunteered their time to serve as poster judges for this event. Their commitment to the undergraduate research community at the University of Iowa is largely what makes these festivals so successful.

ICRU Director

ICRU Associate Director

www.uiowa.edu/icru

Bob Kirby

Lindsay Marshall

319-335-8336

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Patrick

Adrian

Ashley

Gilbert

Ryan

Lee

Ryan

Shellady

Maya

Amjadi

Haviland

Gilbert

Zesen

Lin

Lara

Shema

Preston

Anderson

Haviland

Gilbert

Danny

Linggonegoro

Sarah

Small

Kayleigh

Applegate

Callie

Ginapp

Lu

Liu

Tatiana

Smith

Terryl

Bandy

Ashley

Goll

Jessica

Macaluso

Jamie

Smuskiewicz

Dena

Baughman

Lisa

Gordon

Brooke

Marshall

Matthew

Sodoma

Carl

Beranek

Anuradha

Gore

Ross

McCurdy

Emily

Solsrud

Asher

Bergman

Bailey

Hadnott

Skylar

McSorley

Robert

Specht

Lauren

Boncosky

Sangwoo

Han

Amy

Meehleder

Sarah

Splittgerber

Claire

Castaneda

Amanda

Hart

Alyssa

Mendenhall

Richard

Su

Jennifer

Chavez-Rivera

Tanner

Hartsock

Victoria

Mendoza

Maja

Sunleaf

Wanhua

Chen

SHIQIN

HE

Alexis

Miller

Victoria

Utter

Yiwen

Chu

Kathryn

Heffner

Astrid

Montuclard

Spencer

Van Dorn

Kathryn

Classon

Melody

Hines

Adam

Moritz

Brigitte

Waldier

Erica

Cole

Madison

Hunke

Logan

Muckenhirn

Xiao

Wang

Rae Ann

Corrigan

Hannah

Infelt

Laura

Mueldener

Yaqiong

Wang

Daniel

Coulthard

Casey

Inman

Nick

Mullen

Laura

Wang

Ari

Craven

Josh

James

Sungha

Nielsen

Lauren

Werner

Chloe

Daniel

Nathaniel

Johnson

Shane

Nielsen

Conner

Wharff

Daniel

Davies

Brandon

Johnson

Nicole

Nitschke

Katelyn

Wheeldon

Devon

Dawson

Jenny

Juehring

Maureen

O'Connor

Kelsey

Willardson

Frank

De Stefano

Tamar

Kavlashvili

Ben

Olson

Breanna

Williams

Patrick

Dey

Michael

Kegel

Neel

Patel

Jenny

Winberg

David

Donovan

Clarice

Kelling

Madalyn

Rasor

Jason

Wong

Nick

Eginoire

David

Kessler

Charlie

Rupp

Ziling

Xia

Stephen

Estelle

Zehra

Khan

Eric

Ruttenberg

Jiawen

Xu

Megan

Farlow

Kathleen

Kiesewetter

Chelsea

Ryan

Hepeng

Ye

Xavier

Ferrer

Alexis

Koch

John

Sagar

Hang

Yin

Kelli

Fowler

Nicholas

Koehn

Matthew

Salzburg

Kasra

Zarei

Michaella

Fowler

Stephen

Kruse

Monisa

Saravanan

Anthony

Zhang

Timothy

Fuqua

Kayla

Ladd

Kaitlin

Schlotfelt

Angela

Zhang

Sarah

Gardner

Hannah

Langenfeld

Matthew

Schoenberger

Noah

Gavin

Brian

Leal

Maria

Seltz

First Hour Presenters 4:30-5:30PM (odd numbers only) 1. Preston Anderson Major(s): Biochemistry, Human Physiology Mentor(s): John Engelhardt (Anatomy and Cell Biology), Kalpaj Parekh (Cardiothoracic Surgery) Lef-1 is Required for Regeneration of Myoepithelial Stem Cells Following Injury 

Airway submucosal glands (SMGs) produce mucous and serous fluids that aid in airway clearance and innate immunity. SMGs also harbor epithelial stem/progenitor cells that regenerate the airway epithelium following injury. Myoepithelial cells (MEC) are contractile cells found in the SMGs and assist in secreting glandular fluids to the surface airway epithelium (SAE). ME cells are marked by alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression. Interestingly, ME cells are also positive for CK14, which is a shared phenotype of a highly proliferative subset of basal cells. In this experiment we sought to determine if glandular ME cells are reparative stem cells for the SAE following airway injury. Using a ROSA-flx-Tomato-STOP-flx-eGFP transgene and an αSMA promoter-driven and inducible CreERT2, we found that αSMA positive cells contribute to repair of the SAE and SMG following injury. We also investigated the effects of lymphoid enhancing binding factor (Lef-1), plays on SMG and SAE regeneration. Our preliminary findings suggest that ME cells regulate Lef-1 to regenerate the SAE and SMG following injury. This study informs our understanding of reparative processes of the airways and lung and challenges the existing paradigm that SAE basal cells are the sole contributors to regeneration after airway injury.

3. Terryl Bandy Major(s): Geoscience Mentor(s): Brad Cramer (Earth and Environmental Sciences) Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) as a field tool for high-resolution global biogeochemical studies 

When studying global biogeochemical events in the stratigraphic record it is frequently difficult to pin point areas where higher resolution data analysis needs to be done. Identifying the position of events in any given outcrop or core is critical to determine the number and position of samples to collect while in the field. Many biogeochemical perturbations in the rock record are preceded by significant variations in redox sensitive elemental abundances (e.g. Mo, V, Cr, etc.), and recognizing these variations can be used to help determine the rough position of events in the stratigraphic record. The availability of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) provides the opportunity for rapid and inexpensive determinations of these redox-sensitive trace metal abundances in the field or core repository. To test this methodology we utilized pXRF to obtain

elemental abundances from Silurian strata in the Schlamer #1 core drilled by the Illinois State Geological Survey from SW Illinois. The first step in this proof-of-concept approach is to demonstrate the reliability of pXRF data by comparing IC-PMS data from identical sample horizons. Preliminary results demonstrate that the pXRF is a useful tool to help determine where higher resolution data analysis should be done

5. Carl Beranek Major(s): Biomedical Engineering Mentor(s): William Hedgcock (Marketing) Skin Conductance Response and Gambling Behavior 

Human decision making has been seen to be influenced by such factors as emotion and logic. Some situations are better handled with decisions based on emotion and others better handled with decisions based on logic. Physiological responses have been used to estimate levels of emotional arousal. In our lab, electrodermal activity (EDA)/skin conductance responses (SCR) are being used measure emotional arousal and its connection with decision making behaviors. / Skin conductance responses were analyzed by bandpass filtering (0.05 Hz-2Hz) tonic EDA signal to create a phasic EDA signal. SCR responses were determined to be peaks above 0.03 microsiemens. If a peak is in the range of 0.5 seconds to 6 seconds after a stimulation event, it is deemed event related. This analysis will give evidence to emotional arousal during decision making. / This data was then compared to the decision making behavior subjects made while participating in a 50/50 gambling task in which the reward was 50% greater than the risk. Preliminary analysis has indicated that when more emotionally aroused, people tend to be more risk adverse. Results such as these may provide valuable insight into human decision making.

7. Lauren Boncosky Major(s): Speech and Hearing Science Mentor(s): Elizabeth Delsandro (Speech and Hearing Science) Dyadic Mother-Child Book Sharing: Preschool Age Children with Autism 

Past research has indicated the importance of shared book reading for positive future language development in children. When a mother and child read together, their experiences enhance as the mother models vocabulary, points to pictures, expands on the story, sits in close proximity, and joint attends to the book with her child. In populations where sustaining attention remains challenging, such as autism, it would be beneficial to examine shared book-reading behaviors between mothers and children. This pilot study was designed to gather data regarding interactions of mothers and their children. Mothers of children with autism were interviewed concerning their child’s functional communication skills and emergent literacy skills by phone interview or in person. The mother and child dyads were also videotaped while engaging in a

shared book reading session. This study identifies the presence and non-presence of targeted interaction behaviors between mothers and children with autism during shared book reading.

9. Jennifer Chavez-Rivera Major(s): Political Science and Ethics Public Policy Mentor(s): Rene Rocha (Political Science) Immigration in the United States: The Effects of Attitudes and Migrant Behavior on Enforcement of Immigration Policy 

How much does the single word “immigration” encompass in the contemporary United States? Is it simply a matter of categorizing an individual legal or otherwise, while enforcement agencies apprehend and deport? Our research focuses on various factors that affect immigration enforcement in the United States. We have looked at data to determine the extent, if any, to which legal resident attitudes regarding immigration policy affect the actual enforcement of these policies. Another focus pint has been analyzing how differing amounts of resource allocation to the U.S.-Mexican border may or may not affect migrant behavior and the initial decision to migrate. This data and related findings are extremely significant as they could yield valuable information to be applied to designing a national policy that attempts to improve upon the immigration system working in our country today.

11. Yiwen Chu Major(s): 3D design Mentor(s): Monica Correia (School of Art and Art History) Designing Packaging for Products Using CNC Machines 

Every product needs packaging when it enters the market. To design a proper packaging for a designer’s lamp that can be disassembled, we use Auto CAD to draw the blue print of the package, and then we use the CNC laser machine to cut out the material we want for the lamp package and test the model. Because the thickness of each lamp pieces is 0.25”, we uses doublefluted card board as the nesting material to match the thickness of the piece while we still use single-fluted card board to make the box of the lamp. We started with quarter-sized model to test the arrangement and the sequence of the lamp pieces in the box and then we go full size to understand how much tolerance we need between the lamp pieces and the nesting material of the packaging. We are having a hard time to design a way to place the lamp pieces in the order of assembling them and fully using the space of the box at the same time, and that is our next goal.

13. Erica Cole

Major(s): Chemistry Mentor(s): Tori Forbes (Chemistry) Cu(II) Cation Assists in Increasing Dimensionality of Uranyl Malate Structures 

The secondary building units (SBU) in uranyl compounds are difficult to control due to their susceptibility to complex packing resulting from variability in coordination geometry, hydrolysis, and ligand chelation flexibility. Although these structures are often further complicated upon the introduction of transition metals, uranyl materials often gain dimensionality from this addition, and can be transformed from chains and 2-D sheets to 3-D frameworks. In this study, five novel uranyl structures were synthesized using malic acid as a ligand. Upon characterization through single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, it was found that all five compounds contained an identical uranyl malate SBU. Upon the addition of the Cu(II) cation, chain and sheet structures gained dimensionality. In the future, the Cu(II) cation could be a consideration for creating dimensional frameworks with uranyl building units.

15. Daniel Coulthard Major(s): Geoscience, Environmental Science Mentor(s): David Peate (Earth and Environmental Science) Using Clinopyroxene Compositions to Infer Depths of Crystallization Beneath an Off-Axis Icelandic Volcano 

Búðahraun is an alkaline basalt flow located ~100 km away from the main rift zone in western Iceland. It has a primitive composition (8-12% MgO) and was erupted from a point source (cinder cone) rather than a fissure which is the more common style of eruption in the rift zone. The pre-eruptive histories of alkaline flank zone magmas are not well understood as compared to the voluminous tholeiitic lavas of the main rift zone. The rock is porphyritic with macrocryst phases of olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase feldspar making up ~30% of the mass and has a microcrystalline groundmass consisting of ol, cpx, plag and Fe-Ti Oxides in thin section. / / We have analyzed clinopyroxene macrocrysts and have used the compositions to determine the depth at which cores and rims began to crystallize. Crystal cores and most rims crystallized at depths of 21-24 km. This depth is close to the Moho (crust-mantle boundary) as determined from geophysical data (Darbyshire et al. 2000). A sector zoned clinopyroxene was also analyzed in order to determine how non-equilibrium growth affects the calculated depths. Analysis of zones in chemical disequilibrium with the core produced depth estimates that were 6-7 km shallower than zones in equilibrium.

17. Devon Dawson Conner Wharff Major(s): Psychology; Spanish Mentor(s): Michelle Voss (Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences)

Cardiorespiratory Fitness is Associated with Learning Rate of Executive Function Tasks in Older Adults 

Aging comes with declines in cognitive abilities known as executive functions (EFs), which include inhibitory control, working memory, and task switching. This presents a public health challenge because our aging population continues to increase and EFs are important for functional independence. However, some studies support that greater cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with maintained EF in older adults. While this is promising because CRF can be increased with physical activity, the results overall are mixed. One reason for these mixed findings may be that previous research has focused primarily on the outcomes of learning rather than learning rate (LR). A robust effect of exercise on the brain processes supporting LR has been shown in animal models, so we predict CRF is also related to LR of EFs in human populations. To test this prediction, we examined the relationship between CRF and LR on a battery of neurocognitive tasks measuring EFs. We hypothesized that greater CRF would be related to greater LR in each task, and that this would be distinct from the relation with overall performance. This research is important in promoting the development of non-pharmacological behavioral interventions for older adults to preserve cognitive abilities as they age.

19. Frank De Stefano Major(s): Biochemistry Mentor(s): Jessica Sieren (Radiology & Biomedical Engineering), Eric Hoffman (Radiology & Biomedical Engineering) Developing a Clinical Database to Improve Medical Imaging Protocols for Neurofibromatosis Type-1 Patients 

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is a progressive, autosomal disorder with a large degree of variability and severity of manifestations including neurofibromas. The majority of these nerve sheath tumors are benign, however, transformation into malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) occurs in 10% of neurofibromas. While some imaging biomarkers such as size, shape, and heterogeneity have been correlated with MPNST, early diagnosis and optimization of treatment strategies for MPNST remain significant clinical challenges. We sought to collect retrospective data from patients diagnosed with NF1 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) to further explore imaging biomarkers. Data collection was facilitated by electronic health records (Epic Systems, Verona, WI) in order to construct demographic, diagnostic, and prognostic information. 41 patients (34 benign, 7 malignant) were identified, with a total of 1141 clinical imaging studies conducted between, 1998-2015. Our cohort consisted of primarily Caucasians (80.4%) of equal gender with an average age of 26±5.5 years. Patients underwent an average of 11±12 magnetic resonance imaging, 1±2 positron emission tomography-computed tomography, 5±9 computed tomography, and 1±2 ultrasound studies. This database lays the foundation for future extraction of image based features that will help improve imaging acquisition and diagnostic procedures for NF1-related cases. /

21. David Donovan Logan Muckenhirn Major(s): Biomedical Engineering Major(s): Biomedical Engineering Mentor(s): Scott Shaw (Chemistry) NANOSCALE SURFACE MODIFICATION AND IT’S EFFECT ON BIOFILM FORMATION AND PROPOGATION 

Biofilms contribute to more than 80% of all healthcare-associated infections (HAI’S). Our research focuses on the nanoscale chemistry of surfaces where infections occur, and aims to slow or prevent bacterial attachment to the surface. To do this, we have developed a model system consisting of a quartz crystal with attached Texin polymer layer. We examine this substrate in the presence of bovine serum albumin while controlling the hydrophobicity, surface charge, and surface morphology. We report data from vibrational spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance, ellipsometry, and contact angle measurements. The experimental apparatus is custom tailored for these measurements by our group. The rate of mass uptake is found to range between 1.9 ng/cm2 and 5.26 ng/cm2. This rate is used to gauge the effectiveness of our surface modification strategies as a proxy for bacterial adhesion. Ultimately, our results show a reduced rate of adsorption that correlates with hydrophilicity and surface morphology. Our conclusion is that ‘structured’ water is favorably displaced on hydrophobic surfaces promoting protein adsorption more readily than hydrophilic surfaces. This agrees with prior reports for other systems, but provides a simple, quantitative approach to monitoring the effectiveness of a particular surface for resisting adhesion. Future work in this project aims to develop new materials and morphologies to further reduce or eliminate microbial adhesion and biofilm colonization.

23. Nick Eginoire Major(s): Biology Mentor(s): Anna Malkova (Biology) Effects of Break-Induced Replication in G1 phase of the cell cycle 

DNA is damaged frequently by both internal and external events. If the damage is left unrepaired it can have harmful effects on the cell. Over time organisms have evolved DNA repair pathways that repair this damage. There are conservative and detrimental repair pathways. One particular type of damage that can occur is a “Double Stranded Break” (DSB), in which both strands of DNA get “cut”. A pathway of interest that repairs these DSB’s is called “Break Induced Replication” (BIR). Which a broken strand invades a homologous chromosome and replicates its DNA to repair the break. This process is highly mutagenic and can lead to different genetic diseases including cancer. BIR has been highly studied in G2 of the cell cycle, but I’m studying it in G1. This carries importance being in G1, since this is where many human somatic cells spend

most of their life. With the deployment of different Genetic techniques, I’m elucidating what is occurring in G1 to better understand how BIR is functioning.

25. Megan Farlow Major(s): Art and Art History Mentor(s): Brenda Longfellow (Art History) The Reuse of Sculpture in Imperial and Late Antique Building Projects 

Augustus implemented both domestic and public iconographical programs throughout the Roman Empire. In synthesizing various publications and other media we are able to isolate the domestic from the public and identify which of these objects have been displaced or reused in some way. The collected data is entered into our comprehensive database that will be used in the future to create an effective case study. The study is made up of images, measurements, primary/ancient sources, object information, and bibliographies. Although the main focus of our research is Augustan reuse, the reuse and allocation of objects by other emperors and generals is included. Currently our database is made up of 530 objects and growing. In addition to this exploration of public items, I also spend time building a bibliography about his domestic spaces, mainly focusing on the House of Augustus and the Villa Farnesina to craft a future case study of domestic spaces. Both houses are credible examples of Augustus’s domestic iconographical program dealing largely with his affiliation with Apollo and his defeat of Cleopatra and Marc Antony at the Battle of Actium, bringing egyptianizing motifs into the domestic sphere.

27. Kelli Fowler Major(s): Psychology Mentor(s): Catherine Chenard (Internal Medicine) Construction, Validation, and Assessment of Dietary Compliance Scores for the Wahls Elimination™ and Swank Diets 

People with Multiple Sclerosis look to diets, such as the Wahls Elimination™ and Swank, to relieve symptoms of the disease. The Wahls Elimination™ omits grains, dairy, legumes, and eggs while the Swank restricts fats. Due to the elimination of comfort foods, compliance was a concern, so scores were constructed and validated to determine individual participant compliance. Each diet had separate equations for food groups that were required, encouraged, not encouraged, and allowed in moderation. Complete compliance is 40 points for Wahls and 80 for Swank, with no compliance at 0 points. Seven-day sample menus constructed for each diet were used to determine equation accuracy. Menus had close to perfect scores, with a Wahls mean(SD) score of 39.7(0.8);99% compliant and 72.1(3.9);90% for Swank. Two 7-day food records were kept by one individual for each diet, one before the diets began and one after. They were then used to determine whether the equations identified changes in dietary intake. The scores were higher while on the diets, Wahls 11.4(6.32);29% before and 32.0(3.1);80% after,

and Swank 22.6(10.0);28% before and 53.4(14.6);67% after. Based on these results, the compliance equations were determined to be suitable to calculate individual participant compliance. 29. Michaella Fowler Major(s): Human Physiology, BS Mentor(s): Catherine Chenard (Internal Medicine) Nutritional Intake of Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis following the WahlsTM and Wahls Paleo PlusTM Diets. 

Many individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (iwMS) turn to diet, including the WahlsTM (modified paleo) and Wahls Paleo PlusTM (modified ketogenic) diets, to alleviate symptoms. Both diets include high levels of nutrient-dense vegetables and organ meats but eliminate gluten, eggs, and dairy. The Wahls Paleo Plus TM also restricts high carbohydrate fruits/vegetables. To determine the effect of these dietary modifications on nutrient intake, dietary data was collected. Two dietary recalls and four food records were analyzed for fifteen subjects at baseline (usual diet) and after randomization to the Wahls™, Wahls Paleo Plus™, or control group. The mean(SD) mean adequacy ratio (MAR) and healthy eating index 2010 (HEI2010), indicators of diet quality, increased in the WahlsTM group [MAR: +0.05 (0.06), p=0.08; HEI2010: +14.8 (17.3) p=0.09]. Scores for Wahls Paleo PlusTM [MAR: +0.04 (0.13) p=0.54; HEI2010: +4.3 (10.4) p=0.41] and control [MAR: 0.0 (0.07) p=0.99; HEI2010 +3.5 (5.9) p=0.32] groups were unchanged. A significantly higher MAR [p=0.013] was seen on WahlsTM [0.93 (0.08)] compared to control diets [0.81 (0.05)]. No differences were seen in HEI2010 among diets. Despite food restrictions, iwMS utilizing the WahlsTM diet consumed higher nutrient levels, while Wahls Paleo PlusTM diet followers consumed nutrient levels similar to their usual diet.

31. Timothy Fuqua Major(s): Biology Mentor(s): Albert Erives (Biology), Elizabeth Stroebele (Biology) Decoding gene regulation using a novel hedgehog enhancer in Drosophila melanogaster 

Gene regulation is essential for eukaryotic growth, development, and homeostasis. Cells incorporate many different techniques to regulate gene expression, and one regulatory method utilizes enhancers. Enhancers are non-coding sequences of DNA located throughout the genome, and contain binding sites for trans-factors downstream of various signaling pathways. Binding of these “transcription factors” establishes a scaffolding unit which can interact with the polymerase or other chromatin factors to activate or repress gene expression. Enhancers, however, incorporate a very complex set of logic behind this transcriptional regulation, and a lot of it is poorly understood. Our lab focuses on transcriptional enhancers downstream of the Notch and Decapentaplegic (Dpp) signaling pathways to understand the logic encoded behind this class of target enhancers. Using Drosophila melanogaster, we characterized a novel larval

enhancer at the hedgehog locus which incorporates transcription factors from both the Notch and Dpp signaling pathways. This enhancer recapitulates the Hedgehog expression pattern better than previously characterized hedgehog enhancers, and incorporates transcription factors from genes established by hedgehog itself. Our findings suggest the enhancer contributes to fine-tuning the Hedgehog gradient. From these data, we hope to further characterize the logic behind Dpp and Notch-target enhancers and understand the regulatory circuitry behind hedgehog expression.

33. Sarah Gardner Major(s): Biochemistry Mentor(s): Sheila Baker (Biochemistry) Restoration of Vision in a Mouse Model of Congenital Stationary Night Blindness 

Cav1.4 is a voltage-gated ion channel found in photoreceptor synapses. It is / responsible for allowing Ca2+ into the synapse and neurotransmitter release across the / synapse, and it is also crucial to the development and organization of the / synapse. Without Cav1.4, people are typically diagnosed with Congenital Stationary / Night Blindness (CSNB) or Cone-Rod Dystrophy. The purpose of this project was to / evaluate the use of a behavioral assay to measure visual function in a mouse model. / The rods of Cav1.4 KO mice were transfected using sub-retinal injection of / plasmid DNA followed by an in vivo electroporation. Their vision was assessed using a / modified Morris water maze, in which mice are trained to escape to a visible platform. / Each mouse completed 30 trials (5/day/animal), where we measured the amount of time / that it took them to escape to the platform. Every mouse was trained for four days before the trials began. WT mice and mice with transfected with different variants of Cav1.4 were tested in this behavioral assay. Retinas were collected and flatmounted / to measure the size and location of the transfected patch in each / animal. There was a positive correlation between transfection efficiency and improved / visual behavior. We have validated an assay able to measure vision dependent / behavior. Future studies could use this assay to test vision of Cav1.4 KO mice treated / with Cav1.4 KO variants to determine how this channel promotes synaptogenesis

35. Ashley Gilbert Major(s): Chemistry Mentor(s): Betsy Stone (Chemistry) Particulate Matter Analysis in Kathmandu, Nepal 

Due to increased populations and vehicle ownership, air quality in the Kathmandu, Nepal has been decreasing rapidly. The focus of this research project was determining levels and chemical composition of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere. Particulate matter less than 2.5 and 10 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5 and PM10) were collected in eleven hour increments twice a

day (one day and one night sample) from April 11 to April 24, 2015. The average total PM2.5 and PM10 mass for these 11 hour periods were 67.6 and 119.7 µg m-3 respectively. This is 3 times higher than the WHO guidelines for a 24 hour period. Elemental carbon and organic matter were the dominant components contributing approximately 14% and 41% of the total PM2.5 mass respectively. An additional 30% of the total mass was due to water soluble inorganic ions (Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg+, Ca2+, SO42-, NO3-, F-, and Cl-). Ions help identify the major sources of pollution in the area. For example, secondary ions like SO42- , NO3-, and NH4+, indicate pollution formed from gaseous precursors. SO42- showed the highest individual concentration with an average of 9.9±1.0 µg m-3 for PM2.5 and 11.0±1.1 µg m-3 for PM10. High Ca2+ concentrations suggest pollution from re-suspended dust. Identifying and quantifying the sources of pollution will aid in improving air quality in the region.

37. Haviland Gilbert Major(s): Music Performance Mentor(s): Erin Wehr (Teaching and Learning) The Studio Orchestra as Culturally Relevant Music Education 

Culturally relevant music education is a current topic of interest as demonstrated by Doyle’s recent review of literature (2014). Researchers have found that students can be discouraged from joining music programs that are based on traditional large ensembles when they perceive the music as irrelevant to their interests and/or culture (Abril, 2009; Bradley, 2007; Doyle, 2014). Researchers also suggest that classical music is not culturally relevant to all populations (Abril, 2006; Albert, 2006b; Bradley, 2007; Doyle, 2014, Miralis, 2006), and that effective music instruction including nontraditional musical experiences based on students’ diverse cultures can provide a more meaningful experience for students (Abril, 2009; Albert, 2006; Doyle, 2014; Shields, 2001). Support for culturally relevant music education appears to be accompanied often by suggestions for meeting the needs of individuals with diverse backgrounds by teaching nontraditional musical ensembles and music outside of the Western tradition. Our findings support the possibility of teaching studio orchestra as a way of finding a common culture of interest through teaching, learning, and performing the music of broadly accepted and culturally relevant media, in contrast to focusing on divisive cultural interests and isolating musical activities.

39. Callie Ginapp Major(s): Biology (Neurobiology) Mentor(s): Gordon Buchanan (Neurology) 5HT2A receptor-mediated mechanisms in CO2-induced arousal. 

Arousal from sleep in response to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) is a vital protective mechanism relevant to diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea. Previous work from our lab indicates that chemosensitive serotonin (5-HT) neurons in the midbrain dorsal raphe nucleus

(DRN) are necessary for arousal to inspired CO2 and can cause arousal when directly stimulated with acidosis. CO2-inudced arousal occurs through a 5-HT2A receptor mechanism. The purpose of the current study was to begin to locate the site of 5-HT2A receptor activation that leads to arousal in response to acidosis. Our hypothesis is that such 5-HT2A receptor activation occurs at a downstream target site, such as the prefrontal cortex. Adult male Lmx1bf/f (phenotypically wild-type) and Lmx1bf/f/p (5-HT neuron deficient) mice were implanted with EEG/EMG electrodes and microdialysis cannulae into the DRN. Dialysis of the 5-HT2A receptor agonists, DOI and TCB-2, to the DRN induced arousal from sleep in either genotype. Dialysis of 5-HT2A receptor antagonist MDL 11,939 into the DRN along with acidosis was not sufficient prevent arousal from sleep in either genotype. These data suggest activation of serotonin neurons in the DRN is sufficient to cause arousal, but activation elsewhere is required for arousal to CO2.

41. Lisa Gordon Shane Nielsen Major(s): Communication Sciences and Disorders Major(s): Communication Sciences and Disorders Mentor(s): Melissa Duff (Communication Sciences and Disorders) Cognitive aging and learning: The effect of age on statistical learning 

Statistical learning refers to the ability to learn about the environment by extracting statistical regularities from it. The neural correlates of statistical learning are unclear. Previous studies demonstrated that statistical learning is associated with the hippocampus. If statistical learning abilities do rely on the hippocampus, then these abilities should be negatively affected by the decrease in mass and activation of the hippocampus that occurs with age. This study examined the effect age has on the performance of an auditory perceptual task that measures the statistical learning of adjacent dependencies. 20 individuals aged 21 to 26 years and 20 individuals aged 75 to 81 years participated in the study. All participants had completed exactly 16 years of school and were screened for any sensory or cognitive impairments. We predict that the younger cohort will perform significantly better than older cohort on the statistical learning task. Data collection is ongoing. If our prediction is correct, this study will be among the first to connect statistical learning abilities with age. Such a finding would provide us with insight as to how the elderly learn new information.

43. Bailey Hadnott Major(s): Environmental Engineering Mentor(s): Keri Hornbuckle (CEE), Andres Martinez (CEE) Study of Airborne PCBs in and around New Bedford Harbor 

New Bedford Harbor (NBH) is an 18,000-acre urban estuary with sediment contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Concerns have been raised about NBH and its surrounding residential and commercial areas due to contamination. EPA Region I has been monitoring air in

this area since 1999 and has found elevated PCB air concentrations. The goal of this project is to develop a MATLAB program that will determine PCB emissions from NBH water at any given point in time based on meteorological conditions and known physical-chemical properties of PCB congeners. Predictions from the model that uses the properties previously mentioned will then be compared to measured data to determine the model's validity and predictive applications. / This project is a collaborative effort between: Iowa Superfund Research Program (ISRP), Boston University Superfund Research Program (BUSRP) Community Engagement and Research Translation Cores and their partners Alternatives for Community & Environment (ACE) and Toxics Action Center (TAC). /

45. Amanda Hart Major(s): Art History Mentor(s): Robert Bork (Art and Art History) The Architectural Patronage of Emperor Charles V in Spain, 1519-1556 

During a reign that lasted from 1520 until his abdication in 1556 and saw the rise of the Reformation, the Renaissance and royalty, Charles V presided over a global collection of kingdoms inherited from his Hapsburg predecessors. The striking diversity of architectural production associated with the patronage of Emperor Charles V in Spain suggests both the cultural complexity of the kingdom during his reign, and the competing interests and agendas that builders working for the Emperor had to consider. The distinctive formal elements of the Gothic, Mudejar, and Renaissance style architectural monuments and their corresponding political connotations are discussed in this analysis, which will also examine Charles V’s advisors, including the humanist Imperial Chancellor Mercurino di Gattinara, Hapsburg family members such as Margaret of Austria and Mary of Hungary, and the Mendoza family in Spain. Combining previous scholarship and a fresh perspective, Charles V’s disputed burial plans and decisions regarding his palace, the Royal Chapel, and the Cathedral in Granada will be explored.

47. SHIQIN HE Major(s): chemical Engineering Mentor(s): Julie Jessop (Chemical Engineering) Let’s Get Started: Comparing Electron-Beam- and Light-Initiated Polymerizations 

Electron beam (EB) polymerization is difficult to characterize due to the fast line speeds and ionizing radiation. In contrast, light-initiated polymerization is well understood. Both EB- and light-initiated polymerization reactions are types of radiation polymerization that differ only in their respective initiation mechanisms. This project aims to better understand the EB-initiation mechanism by comparing the properties of EB- and UV-cured polymer films. A protocol was established to estimate equal initiation energies, and polymer conversion was calculated using Raman spectroscopy.

49. Kathryn Heffner Major(s): English Mentor(s): Amy Chen (Special Collections) A Zine of Her Own: Female Editors of Science Fiction Fanzines 

Women editors of 20th century science fiction fanzines shaped and directed the dialogue of fandom within their communities. The creation and editorial work of their respective fanzines become a site of resistance against patriarchal science fiction communities while creating a space for their voices. The historical and cultural significance of women’s editorship in sf fanzines is attended to through an examination of three fanzines edited and created by women. My research attends closely to identifying the significance of these independent publishing endeavors, and how fanzines were used as a feminine material object of resistance to limiting publishing venues.

51. Melody Hines Major(s): Anthropology Mentor(s): James Enloe (Anthropology) Identification and Analysis of Faunal Assemblage Present at JH13202 

Faunal remains were recovered from archaeological site JH13202, known as Woodpecker Cave, in the form of artifacts, esquilles and screened items. Remains are in the process of being identified by element and species, with NISP already calculated. Analysis includes weighing and measuring the maximum dimension of the artifact, siding of the element, and determining the amount of alterations caused by outside forces, such as butchering, weathering, burning, gnawing, etc. Analysis of the bones will result in a determination of the minimum number of individuals of each species. Age of the animals at the time of their death, especially Odocoileus virginianus, as well as the presence of any migratory species, will be used to determine seasonality of site occupation.

53. Hannah Infelt Major(s): Mechanical Engineering Mentor(s): Jessica Goetz (Orthopedics and Rehabilitation) The Effects of Fractionated Irradiation on Bone Morphology and Strength 

Irradiation is a critical component in the treatment of tumors and cancerous cells. However, irradiation is also known to decrease bone strength and effect bone structure. Studies of irradiation induced bone strength typically deliver radiation in a single large dose, whereas

clinically radiation is given in many small doses totaling to a large dose. In this work, the effects of dose fractioning versus single treatments were studied in mice. There were four radiation dosing regimens (1x 5Gy, 5x 5Gy, 1x 25 Gy, and 5x 5Gy) studied at a 2 week survival time and a 12 week survival time. There were 4-5 mice per group. The femur and tibia of the mice were micro CT-scanned in order to obtain bone structural measurements such as trabecular thickness, trabecular spacing, bone mineral density, closed porosity etc. The bones were mechanically tested by applying torque until failure with an electronic mechanical tester. The force and displacement of the bone were then used to calculate the rotational stiffness, shear stress and modulus of rigidity for each bone. The results from the changes in morphology and mechanical testing will be compared with the irradiation. The goal of this study is to correlate the mechanical strength and morphology of a bone as well as determine if there is a difference in either behaviors with the radiation dosing. These results would allow an analysis of the effects of irradiation on bones in a clinical simulation.

55. Josh James Major(s): Neurobiology (B.S.) Mentor(s): Joshua Weiner (Biology) Identification of Protocadherin and other neuronal genes expressed in the choroid plexus 

The choroid plexus (CP), an epithelial tissue located in the four ventricles of the vertebrate brain, is responsible for the production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plays a critical role in the maintenance of homeostasis and normal brain physiology. The CP also, more recently, has been implicated as a gatekeeper of the immune responses within the brain, but the molecular mechanisms underlying many CP functions remain incompletely understood. Our research pursues two aims: identification of genes that may underlie the critical functions of the CP in neuronal development, and evaluation of the 22 gamma-protocadherins as interacting partners in the CSF entry of lymphocytes. Utilizing RT-PCR we have identified numerous previously uncharacterized protocadherins, classical cadherins, and other neuronal and synaptic genes present within the CP. These genes have not previously been shown to be expressed in the CP, and suggest a previously-unrecognized role for neuronal gene expression patterns in this brain epith -protocadherins are present at the CP-CSF junction and we hypothesize they -protocadherins are indeed expressed by T-lymphocytes. This lays the groundwork for testing a role f protocadherins in T-cell entry to the brain.

57. Tamar Kavlashvili Major(s): Biology Mentor(s): Shujie Yang (OB/Gyn), Kimberly Leslie (OB/Gyn) Inverse Relationship between Progesterone Receptor and Myc in Endometrial Cancer



Endometrial cancer is a hormonally-regulated disease where response to progestin therapy positively correlates with progesterone receptor (PR) expression. Many advanced tumors lose PR expression. We recently reported that the efficacy of progestin therapy can be significantly enhanced by combining progestin with epigenetic modulators, which we term “molecularly enhanced progestin therapy.”What remained unclear was the mechanism of action and if estrogen receptor α (ERα) is necessary to restore functional expression of PR via molecularly enhanced progestin therapy. Therefore, we used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to delete ERα at the genomic level and mimic advanced endometrial cancer. Our data demonstrate that treatment with HDACi was sufficient to restore functional PR expression and also resulted in marked downregulation of the oncogene Myc. We established that PR is a negative transcriptional regulator of Myc in endometrial cancer in the presence or absence of ERα, which is in contrast to studies in breast cancer cells. Analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database of endometrial tumors identified an inverse correlation between PR and Myc mRNA levels, with a corresponding inverse correlation between PR and Myc downstream transcriptional targets SRD5A1, CDK2 and CCNB1. Together, these data reveal a previously unanticipated inverse relationship between the tumor suppressor PR and the oncogene Myc in endometrial cancer.

59. Clarice Kelling Major(s): Theatre Arts and Elementary Education Mentor(s): Katie Hassman (University of Iowa Libraries) Student Engagement through the Design of Pop-Up Library Events 

Time is a valuable resource for most people, but it isit is especially with so for college students. They value time and must dispense use it wisely. University departments and units seek ing to Universities seek to use some time to engage students to further their knowledge and literacy outside of the classroom need to keep students’ busy schedules in mind. To engage students and in the library setting we designed spaces for pop-up events. We conducted a literature review of pop-up libraries and read a case study of a museum exhibit to get a sense of how similar spaces are designed and how people interact with them. Using my theatrical design experience we then created a pop-up experience called the Break from Busyness in the Main Library Learning Commons in the late Fall 2015 semester. We conducted group and individual interviews as well as surveys provided at the events to see how and why participants moved around and engaged with the space. With this information we designed another space in the same location for our themed spring semester titled Just Livingevents designed to spark important conversations on various topics. We continue our research by partnering up with the College of Education to provide a pop-up library in the Lindquist Center to engage education students and bring our knowledge of spatial design to a new place.

61. David Kessler Major(s): Speech and Hearing Science Mentor(s): Elizabeth Walker (Communication Sciences and Disorders)

Does sentence predictability influence word identification in school-age children? 

Speech recognition is a complex operation that requires coordination of multiple processes, including perception of acoustic and phonetic cues, working memory skills, and semantic/syntactic knowledge. There is a paucity of research regarding how these interactive processes affect speech recognition for children who are hard of hearing (CHH). The current study tested 40 CHH and 24 children with normal hearing (CNH) in 1st or 3rd grade on a gated speech recognition task. Our research aims addressed the following questions: 1) Do CHH require more acoustic information on a gated speech recognition task than CNH?, 2) Do CHH use sentence predictability to facilitate performance?, and 3) Do vocabulary size, grammar skills, and working memory span influence survival time (i.e., amount of acoustic information needed for recognition) on the gating task for CHH? Our results indicated that CHH needed more acoustic information than CNH at 3rd grade, but had the same survival time as CNH at 1st grade. Results also suggested that sentence predictability facilitated speech recognition for both CNH and CHH. Lastly, vocabulary size was the only variable that had a significant relationship with survival time. These data suggest that interventions that focus on vocabulary may best enhance speech understanding in children.

63. Nicholas Koehn Major(s): Human Physiology Mentor(s): Jessica Sieren (Department of Radiology) Longitudinal Analysis and Comparison of Four Mathematical Prediction Models Evaluating Solitary Pulmonary Nodules Imaged on CT 

Numerous Mathematical Prediction Models (MPMs) have been created to allow clinicians an objective assessment in their diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) found on computed tomography (CT) imaging. These independently developed MPMs utilize demographic information and radiological features to predict the probability of malignancy in SPNs. In the present study, we retrospectively compared the diagnostic performance of four MPMs (Mayo, VA, PU, and Brock) in 50 individuals found to have a SPN on CT imaging. Fortyseven of 50 SPNs were pathologically confirmed as benign or malignant through needle biopsy or surgical resection; the remaining 3 were shown to be stable for >2 years resulting in 25 benign and 25 malignant SPNs. Each CT scan from detection to diagnosis was considered a new time point with the malignancy probability calculated by each MPM for each scan. Results were assessed to determine the performance and limitations of each MPM in reducing false positives. For example, the Mayo model demonstrated specificity of 0% for SPNs ≥10mm, spiculated SPNs, and SPNs in upper lobes. When considering the time point closest to diagnosis, the Brock model- sensitivity, specificity (100%, 48%)- accurately assessed all malignant SPNs and greatly reduced the frequency of false positive predictions.

65. Kayla Ladd

Major(s): Biochemistry Mentor(s): John Kirby (Microbiology) Restored Motility in the Absence of an Essential Regulator in Myxococcus xanthus 

Myxococcus xanthus is a gram-negative, environmental bacterium with a complex lifecycle that includes predation, fruiting body development, and sporulation. M. xanthus has two distinct types of motility and one of these, known as social (S)-motility, is particularly important for efficient predation and development. S-motility absolutely requires type IV-pili (T4P). Expression of the T4P monomer pilA requires PilSR, a two-component signaling system. PilS is a wellconserved histidine sensor kinase (HK) and PilR is a NtrC-like response regulator (RR). -motility due to lack of T4P. In this study, we demonstrate that suppressor mutations restoring PilA production and motility in the absence of number of these suppressor mutants were phenotypically characterized, and have several restored motility-related phenotypes. Whole genome sequencing of these suppressor mutants revealed unique SNPs in two genes within a single locus, encoding a different HK and RR. We hypothesize that the SNPs in these genes are responsible for the restored production of PilA and are investigating the mechanism behind the restored motility in the absence of the previously necessary RR PilR.

67. Brian Leal Major(s): Health and Human Physiology Mentor(s): Jason Ulloa (Community and Behavioral Health) Latino Men's Health: Comprehensive Literature Review 

Background: Latino men are twice as likely to suffer from depression and substance abuse. In additions, Latino MSM are at increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. / Methods: Using a systematic literature review approach, a search phrase was developed to extract all articles related to Latino men’s behavioral health in PubMed. Consequent waves were designed to identify articles focused on Latino men’s health behavior, 80% Latino men, carried out in the US, and not surveillance articles. Articles related to biological factors related to health were excluded. / Results: Out of 1732 articles initially identified, 11 met the selection criteria after reviewing only the title and abstract. Of the 11 articles two more were eliminated from the pool because one was not a research study and in the other all the participants were women. 6 were regarding (MSM) health behaviors and the remaining 3 were about Latinos men’s health behaviors. / Conclusion: The literature review highlights a disparity in the literature regarding Latino men’s health behaviors. Cultural ideas regarding masculinity, gender roles, and acculturation consistently proved to have an influence in AIDS/HIV contraction, depression, and substance abuse. Work is needed to further understand the cultural influences on Latino men’s health. /

69. Ryan Lee Major(s): Biology Mentor(s): Kelly Messingham (Dermatology), Janet Fairley (Dermatology) Decreased presence of Langerhan’s cells and Tregs in biopsies from Bullous Pemphigoid patients 

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoantibody-mediated blistering disease targeting epidermal attachment proteins. BP lesions are exhibited exclusively in the skin, despite the fact that the target protein, collagen XVII, is expressed in a variety of other tissues. Regulatory T cells (Treg) are known for their capacity to down-regulate both autoimmune and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, Langerhan’s cells (LC) selectively and specifically induce the activation and proliferation of skin resident Treg cells in normal skin. Thus, this study evaluated the distribution of LC and Treg cell populations in skin biopsies obtained from BP patients (n = 13) and matched controls (n = 12) using immunofluorescent staining, confocal microscopy and quantitation with NIH ImageJ software. Compared to control samples, the number of LC (p