Ascidians are invertebrate chordates that live in the ocean and have an interesting life history. Normally, a tailed chordate larva hatches from the embryo, swims, becomes competent, and then responds to settlement cues, which initiate metamorphosis. Metamorphosis triggers apoptosis and tail loss. The notochord is lost as the tail reabsorbs and the juvenile settles to a substrate. In the ascidian family Molgulidae, species have evolved tailless larval development at least four times independently from a tailed ancestor. Using next generation sequencing techniques, we sequenced transcriptomes of a tailed and tailless species and their hybrid through development. We examined genes that have been shown to be expressed during metamorphosis in other ascidians and saw earlier expression of genes critical for metamorphosis in the tailless species. The number of transcripts were quantitated and we have cloned many of the genes. We show that there is early expression of metamorphosis genes in Molgulidae, including genes involved in the Mannose Binding Lectin (MBL) Complement pathway, such as MBL and MASP. We hypothesize that the maturation of the immune system early in tailless larvae could be a progression to competency and trigger to metamorphosis. We further hypothesize that a heterochrony in metamorphosis is responsible for the early activation of programmed cell death in the tailless ascidian larvae. In situ hybridizations were used to examine the localization of expression of these genes and quantitative PCR was used to independently validate RNA counts from our transcriptome data. Our ultimate goal is to elucidate the ascidian molecular trigger for metamorphosis and uncover whether heterochrony of metamorphosis leads to tailless ascidians.

The study of capital punishment ultimately comes down to matters of life or death, and this fundamental concept is reflected by the ferocity of the debate over its legality. With the high stakes of this debate, national polls dating back to the 1930s have been quantitatively tracking public opinion on this issue. National poll data on capital punishment provides an excellent opportunity to examine the important relationship between state policies and public opinion over time. Currently, the vast body of research has been concentrated on identifying national demographic variables associated with support for capital punishment, and the influence of opinion on policy. However, there has been little research considering these variables at the state-level of analysis. Furthermore, few studies have researched the directional influence of policies on opinion. The objective of this study is to determine how state variables and policies including: violent crime rates, number of executions, and number of exonerations explain fluctuations in public opinion over time. The findings suggest a positive relationship between violent crime rates and support for capital punishment over time. There also appears to be a positive relationship between the number of executions and support for capital punishment; in other words, as the number of executions increases so does the support for capital punishment. Lastly, the support for capital punishment was found to decrease over time with increasing number of exonerations. The narrower focus of this state level analysis is important to examine underlying trends in public opinion, which may not be captured with nation wide studies.

Do cultural norms and expectations affect the purpose and value of an educational system? For my research, I traveled to Tahiti and observed the educational system at the University of French Polynesia. Employing ethnographic research methods, I conducted informal interviews with professors and students of different educational levels about their views on higher education, and the importance of their culture in their educational experience. As a comparison, I interviewed those who did not attend higher education. For the other half of the multisided research project, I conducted similar interviews in the United States at universities such as the University of Washington, Seattle Pacific University, and Highline Community College, and compared my findings. I found that in French Polynesia many Tahitians believe that higher education is not the only way to attain their dreams, while Americans typically agree that higher education is the best way to become successful. A key factor in these opposing views is best seen through the differences of cultures and the meaning of education. My research determines that it is essential to recognize that culture and education are closely linked to one another, in order to better understand education on an international level.

Historically, if an individual entered the U.S. without authorization it was not considered a criminal offense. Today the term “illegal immigrant” is commonplace; with many simply assuming this is how it has always been. "Crimmigration”refers to the phenomenon of increasing overlap between criminal and immigration law, procedures, and enforcement mechanisms.Using newspaper articles, this research identifies the percentage share of crimmigration discussion in several major news outlets as a proxy for the climate of public opinion.This study analyzes the changing rhetoric of immigration since WWII. Through an investigation of newspaper articles, this research examines whether economic downturns have contributed to the criminalization of immigration debates in the public sphere. I expect to find that economic factors are important predictors of the prevalance of crimmigration-related articles, after controlling for the other explanations suggested by past research, such as changes in immigration law.

Washington State is home to unique prairie ecosystems that have been invaded and degraded over the last several decades. A habitat restoration study is underway at 4 research sites in Western Washington. Areas at each site were prepared with solarization, burning, or herbicide, and plots were seeded with a diverse mixture of native species following site preparation. I am researching the effect of these treatments on the physiological profile of soil microbial communities and on available nitrogen (N) mineralization. Soil samples were collected from 5 locations at each site: the site preparation treatments, an unseeded herbicide area, and an untreated area. The samples were either inoculated into a Biolog EcoPlateTM containing 31 carbon sources and 3 water well controls, or used to extract a KCl solution for N mineralization amounts. The wells of the EcoPlatesTM contain tetrazolium, which changes color in response to microbial activity. The color development was recorded when plates were first inoculated using a micro-plate reader at a wavelength of 590nm, and were then incubated for 24 hours. Readings were then taken every 12 hours for 96 hours. The normalized data are analyzed using PCA and PERMANOVA.N Mineralization rates are obtained by subtracting the results of time 0 from time 1. PVC tubes were inserted into the 5 treatment plots on day 1 and removed to collect samples for mineralization. To obtain the second sample PVC tubes were left in the 5 treatments plots and collected after 40 days. Samples were mixed with a 2M KCl solution to extract NO3 and NH4 amounts. The resulting amounts of NO3 and NO4 from day 1 will be subtracted from day 40 to obtain mineralization rates. This research is important to the larger restoration project because it is examining how strongly the restoration treatments affect the soil microbial community.

Public policy affects nearly every aspect of life in the United States. These policies are set largely by legislatures and originate in the policy ideas proposed by individual members. In studies of how policy ideas become law, the archetypical unit of study is the bill. However bills are imperfect indicators of the progress of policy ideas—individual policy ideas may progress even when the original bill does not. This paper uses computational methods to isolate policy ideas in the over 114,000 bills proposed since 1993 before tracing the progress of those ideas through the legislative process. The success of members in pushing individual bills is often equated with their efficacy in the legislative machine. I anticipate that a study of the progress of policy ideas, rather than bills, will demonstrate that policy influence is more widespread in Congress than existing research suggests. The results of this initial study will serve as the foundation for broader research projects examining agenda setting and representation in Congress.

Curiously, Black Cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) thrives on the rocky riverbanks of Washington under nutrient-poor conditions few other species dare tolerate. Their prosperous lives could be the result of nitrogen-fixing bacteria that inhabit the tree's stems and roots. It is the hypothesis that these endophytic bacteria provide trees with organic nitrogen throughout their lives, where the river side substrate fails to provide sufficient nitrogen for the Poplar to otherwise live. Wild Black Cottonwood seeds were collected from Three Forks Park along the Snoqualmie River in Washington then grown in greenhouses. Endophytes were isolated from these trees and tested for the presence of the nitrogenase gene (nifH) using PCR. The nitrogenase proteins equip bacteria to fix atmospheric nitrogen into forms plants can readily use. Understanding the life cycles, inoculation techniques and genetic make-ups of these bacteria enable us not only to grasp a little better the diversity of life, but to think beyond Black Cottonwoods, to how these bacteria could be recruited to be used on crops and degraded fields. Nitrogen is necessary for plants and often a growth limiting factor; harnessing these nitrogen-providers may help reduce our dependency of energy-intensive industrial ammonia.

The problem of real-time gesture from videos is explored, using techniques of dimension reduction to approach this by using methods analogous to those developed for detecting objects in images and voices in sound data. A variety of innovative pre-processing techniques significantly downsize the total video data. This makes the use of the relatively computationally expensive Higher-Order Singular Value Decomposition (HOSVD) for the classification process feasible. The HOSVD transforms the data into a mathematical space where the classification process becomes much simpler. Once the input video of a gesture is transformed, it is tested against a training set that was created a priori and specially indexed to optimize the search. This process is a refined extension of the ‘eigenfaces’ technique developed for face recognition. The performance is compared to other contemporary methods and its feasibility for larger gesture databases discussed. It is our pre-processing which makes SVD feature selection possible and makes our method robust to variations in translation, rotation, and scale of the gesture in the video. The primary difficulties with scale include both temporal and spatial variations, specifically the rate of the gesture over the video length and the size of the hands performing the gesture. It is shown that our pre-processing steps sufficiently handle the aforementioned challenges except for the variations in time. Comparisons are made between various methods and a balance between computational load and accuracy is discussed. Minimizing the computations is essential for real-time recognition and we intend to release our core code to be incorporated into other computer vision projects.

Foreign aid can be used to positively change the economic, environmental, and security realities of an individual country or region. However, the complex nature of global systems means that foreign aid can also have unintended consequences. This paper focuses on the unintended consequences of Plan Colombia for the Latin American drug trade. Plan Colombia was initiated in 1999 with the intent to disrupt the Colombian drug cartels and decrease Colombian drug production. From 2001 to 2009 drug-related killings in Mexico increased from 1,080 per year to a staggering 6,587. From 2002 to 2006, homicides in Colombia declined by 40% and kidnappings decreased by an astounding 80%. . During a similar time period, from 2001 to 2009, drug-related killings in Mexico increased from 1,080 per year to a staggering 6,587. The apparent inverse relationship of violence indicators in Colombia and Mexico suggests that a common event could have caused the change in both countries. The literature on the subject posits that Plan Colombia catalyzed the unintended shift of drug related violence from Colombia to Mexico, however these claims have not been quantitatively investigated and warrant further investigation. In my investigation of this question I analyze patterns of drug production and violence over time to test alternative hypotheses for this shift. Increased understanding of how international aid influences global systems far removed from a target country or region will enable the United States to more effectively accomplish its foreign policy goals.

Emotion is a human universal but interpretation of facial expressions and the prescribed meaning may differ across cultures. In Faces and Feelings we attempt to examine this cultural variation by testing East Asian and European American participants’ responses to various stories presented with photos of facial expressions. Recent research has indicated that European Americans judge faces primarily using features of the face, whereas East Asian participants judge faces inferring from the person’s social situation. Expanding on this, we predict different factors such as interdependence and dialectical thinking will influence interpretation of facial expressions cross-culturally. Participants are asked to complete a computer-based experiment consisting of essay responses, multiple choice questions and demographic information. We will then perform qualitative analyses on the data collected. We expect our results from this ongoing study to yield similar results to the earlier pilot studies which supported the hypotheses. While people in every culture express their feeling on their faces, there may be differences in what those expressions communicate and in how they reflect what a person is feeling. Knowledge of these differences may help diverse cultures understand and relate to each other in positive and more productive ways.

Plants sense and respond to changes in their environment. For example, elongation of the embryonic stem ensures seedlings reach light after they germinate. This critical stage in a plant’s life is highly regulated by hormones, including gibberellic acid (GA) and brassinosteroids (BRs). Using the model system Arabidopsis thaliana, we discovered GA and BRs interact to control stem elongation during early development. We found that treating seedlings with both hormones resulted in a synergistic growth response during some phases of development but not others. We are exploring the genetic basis of this response using seedlings mutant in different aspects of their GA and BR pathways. For example, DWF4ox seedlings over-express a gene that encodes a BR biosynthetic enzyme. These seedlings make more BRs and have an enhanced growth response. DELLAs (RGA and GAI) repress growth and are degraded by GA. Seedlings that have reduced DELLA (rga gai) function also have enhanced growth. We are testing the growth responses of the DWF4ox rga gai triple mutant looking at hypocotyl elongation rates. By using these and other mutants that have compromised GA and BR pathways we hope to better understand the molecular mechanism of the interaction between these two hormones.

Chronic inflammation is a silent killer, contributing to death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other chronic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity. Although the specific molecular pathways linking inflammation contribute to CKD pathogenesis still remain unclear, interleukin-6 (IL-6), the prototypic inflammatory biomarker and a potential mediator, is believed to be able to help us understand the mechanism that leads to CKD. We have been investigating the role of IL-6 family of genes using different animal models, such as the Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction (UUO), to induce interstitial fibrosis. The results from our studies have demonstrated that IL-6 and gp130 are profibrotic molecules. Therefore, our goal was to understand the mechanisms of IL-6 in myofibroblasts, the major contributors of collagen during fibrosis. For these studies, we used wild-type mice, IL6 (+/+), IL6 (-/-) and αSMA-Cre-IL-6(fl/fl), in the UUO model of interstitial fibrosis. We hypothesized that IL-6 regulates the crosslinking of collagen by regulating the lysyl-oxidase gene. Therefore, we assessed the Extracellular matrix expansion and collagen accumulation by measuring the changes in gene expression of Col-1, 3, and 4, IL-6, Lysyl-oxidase, Fli-1 and Hells at different time points during renal fibrogenesis. We consider that the change in collagen crosslinking is an important factor in the turnover rate of collagen and it changes its stability to be degraded/accumulated. The examination of the role of IL-6 could potentially provide a new therapeutic breakthrough for treatment and better detection/assessment of renal fibrosis.

Recovery after severe skeletal muscle crush injury is a major research focus, especially for the armed forces and after major natural disasters. Evaluation of statistics in major American wars displays astonishing numbers of severely injured soldiers, many of them undergoing amputations of major limbs. Much of the research has focused on recovery from exercise-induced muscle injury but little is known about crush injury-induced recovery pattern. Cytokines such as interleukins and tumor-necrosis factors recruit immune cells to the site of injury to clear cell debris, repair cell injury, and stimulate the growth of satellite cells. The time course for the expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha is not well characterized in injured skeletal muscle of mice. The purpose of our investigation is to develop a crush injury animal model to study the expression pattern of these proinflammatory cytokines in the recovery process following crush injury. In our experiments, RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed into cDNA from the right gastrocnemius of injured mice for qPCR to determine the expression levels of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha at 0, 4, 8, 24, 48 and 72 hours post injury. From preliminary data, we see a linear increase in TNF-alpha expression from 0 to 24 hours, and a rapid increase in IL-1beta and IL-6 with a linear decrease over the following 4-24 hour time points. Analysis of later time points is ongoing. This work provides a baseline in preparation of treatment trials to study the healing process and related cytokine production following injury. By understanding the time course and functions of these cytokines and how they interact, we can contribute to the scientific foundation for evaluating the effectiveness of therapies used in managing wounded soldiers.

It is estimated that an average of 1 in every 110 children in the United States is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This makes Autism currently one of the most prevalent childhood disorders facing the nation. As such, Autism impacts not only the child, but the families, friends and others involved. This research focuses on the siblings of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, often labeled as “typically developing” siblings. One of the longest lasting relationships that an individual with Autism may have is with their sibling(s). Therefore, it is important to understand in more detail the perceptions and experiences of these “typically developing” siblings. This research addresses the question: How do individuals with autistic siblings feel Autism Spectrum Disorder impacts their lives and social relationships? Research methods included interviews with siblings, parents and health care specialist involved with individuals with autism to learn about their personal experiences. In addition,  participant oberservation was accomplished by attending support groups for siblings of individuals with disabilities including, Autism Spectrum Disorder. There is an ample amount of research focusing on the causes and cures of Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, this project atttempts to shift the focus to the social relationships impacted by the disorder. Ultimately, this research explored some of the under researched social implications in an effort to highlight the hidden impacts of Autism. 

‘Gaydar’ is the phenomenon by which people are able to determine a person’s sexual orientation based on mere observation. Recent research has shown that people can judge sexual orientation with above-chance accuracy from facial photographs. The present research investigated if smiling is a cue that impacts judgments of men’s sexual orientation. Smiling is associated with femininity, and as gay men are generally stereotyped as feminine, we hypothesized that a man smiling would be rated as appearing more gay (vs. straight) than a man who was not smiling. We also predicted that because smiling, a femininity cue, may be less expected on more masculine faces, the impact of smiling will be greater in straight (vs. gay) men’s faces. Participants judged the sexual orientation of a total of 64 gay and straight men’s faces with smiles or neutral facial expressions (using a scale of 1=very gay to 7=very straight). As expected, men were judged as looking more gay when smiling (vs. neutral), and this effect was greater among straight (vs. gay) men’s faces. The findings of this research suggest that subtle gender cues can be conveyed by emotional facial expressions and influence perceptions of sexual orientation.

Why are urban forests not replacing themselves?  For example, recent surveys demonstrate that adult trees are dying faster than new saplings are recruiting in Seattle (Washington), implying that the health of local coniferous forests is in decline.  Extensive resources are spent planting trees to combat this problem, but the underlying causes of this "lost generation" of trees remains unknown.  We investigate factors limiting seedling establishment of native conifers (Thuja plicata, Tsuga heterophylla) in Seattle, and use results to suggest strategies resource managers can use to address the "lost generation" problem.  We examine the effect of removing non-native English Ivy (Hedera helix) and adding mulch to understand what is limiting conifer regeneration, and to explore possible management techniques for improving growth and survival of transplanted seedlings.  We measured survival, general health (visually assessed), and height as response variables to the two treatments.  As of yet, no studies have empirically tested both of these factors.  We observed the highest transplant survival rates in areas where mulch was added, for both focal species.  Surviving transplants in the mulch treatment were also healthier than the transplants with no mulch added.  Ivy presence did not affect health or survival of either species, but it did affect growth of Tsuga heterophylla.  Treatments affected growth of the two species differently.  Growth of Thuja plicata was not affected by either treatment.  For Tsuga heterophylla, however, growth was highest in the ivy-removed treatment, but was not significantly affected by the presence of mulch.  Our results suggest that seedling survival is limited by a lack of mulch and that competition with invasive understory plants may limit growth for some species.  Our recommendations for park management are therefore that restoration transplants should be paired with mulch addition, as well as Hedera helix removal for Tsuga heterophylla, to maximize survival and growth.

Smokeless tobacco use, 90% of which occurs among males, typically begins in adolescence and significantly ceases by the end of young adulthood. This study tested the hypothesis that psychological factors consistent with the Theory of Triadic Influence (TTI) longitudinally predict male SLT acquisition and cessation. This is the first known study to test these predictions. TTI psychological risk factors (parental noncompliance, friend compliance, rebelliousness, and thrill-seeking) were assessed in a cohort of Washington State males participating in a 40 school district tobacco study. To predict acquisition of daily use, never SLT users had their risk factors assessed at age 12. Their SLT use was assessed at age 18 (N = 2,468; 94.8% 5-year retention). To predict cessation, all daily SLT users had their risk factors assessed at age 18. Their SLT cessation status was assessed at ages 20 and 28 (N = 182; 86.9% 10-year retention). All models were tested with logistic regressions adjusting for experimental condition, team sport participation, parental education, and clustering among participants in the same school district. Scoring high on the following psychological factors at age 12 increased the odds of daily SLT use at age 18: 156% increased odds for friend compliance (OR = 2.56; p <.001), 116% for rebelliousness (OR = 2.16; p <.001), and 133% for thrill seeking (OR = 2.33; p <.001). Parent noncompliance was not a significant predictor (p =.33) of SLT acquisition. None of the psychological factors at age 18 predicted SLT cessation at ages 20 or 28 (p value range: .13 to .94). This study provides the first evidence that friend compliance, rebelliousness, and thrill-seeking strongly predict SLT acquisition among males. However, there was no evidence that the psychological factors predicted SLT cessation. Targeting these psychological predictors early may help prevent SLT use among males.

Tickle-Degnen and Rosenthal identified coordination as signaling a strong interpersonal connection between two people (also known as dyadic rapport). This coordination, termed behavioral synchrony in past research, can be conceptually defined as the unintentional mirroring of another’s behavior. Investigations on the relationship between rapport and synchrony in educational (Bernieri; LaFrance) and clinical (Ramseyer & Tschacher) settings provide evidence validating this rapport-synchrony interaction. Situational conditions may impact dyadic rapport, including perceptions of authority (Dunbar; Grahe & Sherman). Focus on the dyad’s gender-makeup is also salient to power theory as gender roles can be associated with dominance (Dunbar). The present study examined these phenomena using a research design drawn from a project proposal by Dr. Fabian Ramseyer for the Collective Undergraduate Research Project. Alongside his proposal, Dr. Ramseyer generously provided access to the Motion Energy Analysis (Rokesby & Ramseyer), an innovative tool designed to evaluate synchronous behavior. This computerized program translated video footage of a dyadic interaction into quantitative measures of synchrony, thereby eliminating the need for researchers to subjectively code the videos. In the experiment, participants (Ndyad = 34) first responded to a short pre-test measuring empathy and interpersonal behavior intentions. Dyads then completed a dyadic task developing a six-course menu for a party in a 2 (Gender Specificity: Superbowl vs. Baby Shower) X 2 (Partition of Responsibility: Equal or Individual) X 3 (Dyad Makeup: Male-Male, Mixed, Female-Female) between-S design. After the interaction, they completed post-test measures of mood and relationship quality. Results from this research can be extended to both clinical and non-clinical settings, acting as guidelines for the construction of dyadic partnerships in a way that encourages effective rapport-building.

Recent advances in genome sequencing have allowed for the study of metagenomes, genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples. This has produced an enormous number of enzyme sequences without efficient methods for characterization. Since it is unknown whether a characterized enzyme is the best catalyst for a specific reaction, uncharacterized, natural enzymes in the metagenome may be better candidates for catalyzing the specific reaction. Thus, I am developing methods to search for and computationally characterize metagenomic enzymes with the same function as enzymes of therapeutic and commercial interest. By utilizing the Rosetta Software Suite to produce highly accurate models of enzyme structures, this method will evaluate an enzyme sequence’s potential for catalysis directly from a gene sequence. In order to validate my computational techniques, I will experimentally determine catalytic rates of enzyme candidates. As the method for an efficient metagenome search is still unknown, I am working to determine proper parameters for a homology search by using visual and statistical analysis of enzyme structure models in order to produce a diverse set of genes for experimental characterization.

Genetic and molecular analysis is important to understand the evolutionary trends and relationships between chordates and hemichordates. Hemichordates share significant characteristics with chordates, including pharyngeal gill slits, a worm-like body plan and a post-anal tail. We have been studying the development of the central nervous system (CNS) in hemichordates to compare development to chordates. During early development in chordates, Shh and BMP play major roles in neural tube formation and dorsal ventral CNS specification. Elav has been used as a neuronal marker in chordates and is expressed within neural plate during early neurulation. We looked for expression of Shh, BMP and Elav in hemichordates to compare the development of the CNS in each group. We cloned and sequenced Shh, BMP and ELAV in S. bromophenolosus and P. flava, using primers designed from S. kowalevskii. Our purpose is to examine the expression of Shh, BMP, and Elav in the developing neural tube in S. bromophenolosus and P. flava by in-situ hybridizations. We see expression of Elav in the CNS of S. bromophenolosus, and expect to see Shh expression in the hemichordate endoderm. BMP expression has already been reported in the dorsal ectoderm and neural tube of S. kowalevskii, but those results were interpreted as a dorsal-version in chordates. We suggest instead that this hemichordate expression pattern is identical to that of chordates during neurulation. These results suggest that hemichordate and chordate central nervous system develop by similar genetic pathways.

 A Plasma Pencil Atmospheric Mass Spectrometer (PPAMS) is a new surface analysis device which allows mass spectrometry (MS) to be conducted on samples under normal atmospheric conditions. This enables surface analysis on samples that could previously not be analyzed under the current standard vacuum-based techniques, broadening the field of surface analysis. However, characterization of this method of surface analysis needs to be done in order to maximize the benefits of the PPAMS device and to determine the extent to which the traditional vacuum-based methods can be replaced. This process of characterization involves determining the ionization rate of the plasma pencil probe, performing various experiments while changing parameters (i.e. sample concentration, thickness, and gas type), and comparing results to established methods. Our current investigation is focused on the determination of the ionization rate of the PPAMS device. Initial experiments were performed on polyurethane-based samples dissolved in dimethyl acetamide and spun-coated onto a gold-coated silicon wafer. These samples were then probed by the PPAMS over controlled time intervals. A multivariate statistical method, Principal Components Analysis (PCA), was used to evaluate whether the MS signals obtained varied as a function of exposure time. We hypothesized that the signal would resemble our bare gold background once all of the polyurethane had been ionized. Instead, the MS signal was found to stay constant over a 15 minute exposure time implying a longer exposure time is needed. Current work is focused on evaluating the effect of PPAMS exposure to polymer thickness as a secondary means of evaluating ionization. Future work will center on investigating the changes to the ionization rate under different experimental conditions. The results of our device characterization will provide valuable insight into the limits of the PPAMS device that will enable improved experimental design.

Asian Americans respond negatively to being the target of a positive stereotype (e.g., Asians are smart) even though these stereotypes are often attempts at praising their group (Siy & Cheryan, under review). The current work focuses on how responses to positive stereotypes vary depending on the race of the person stating the positive stereotype. We hypothesize that Asian Americans will respond more positively to other Asians who state positive stereotypes about their race than Whites who state positive stereotypes about Asians, because Asians are assumed to have "cultural credentials" about their own race. In this case, cultural credentials are defined as the perception that a person has sufficient knowledge about a group to enable them to make comments about that group that outsiders cannot. In this study, Asian American participants imagined a situation in which they were positively stereotyped by either a White classmate or an Asian classmate. Results showed that participants responded more positively to the positive stereotype when the stereotyper was Asian, compared to when the stereotyper was White. Positive responses to Asians who state positive stereotypes about their own race were explained by the belief that Asian stereotypers had stronger cultural credentials. This study shows that taking the time to establish cultural credentials may be a useful strategy for times when one desires to praise a group for their accomplishments.

The Greek sovereign debt crisis has required controversial bailouts, austerity measures that have caused Greek citizens to riot in the streets, and tense political negotiating in the Eurozone. However, it is only one part of a larger problem of economic stability and political unity facing the European Union (EU) today. My research, then, seeks to answer three main questions: (1) what were the causes of the Greek sovereign debt crisis, (2) what are the potential policy solutions to the Greek debt problem, and (3) what are the implications of these policy proposals on the future of the European Union as a whole? Using an institutionalist approach, which emphasizes the role of institutions in determining the rational decisions of political actors, I analyze both the policies of the EU (in bailing out and financially strengthening Greece) and the institutional defects of the Eurozone (i.e., the European Central Bank has limited power and banking regulations are still national). I evaluate proposed solutions according to which would present the greatest benefits for the fewest costs, in terms of democratic legitimacy, economic competitiveness and efficiency, and political feasibility. My research finds that the Greek debt crisis was caused largely by incentives created by the European political environment and by the institutional structure of the EU’s Economic Monetary Union. Thus, to move forward, the EU must take an active role in restructuring its institutions to promote both economic and political convergence. Correspondingly, it must develop strong political leadership, a polity that identifies with the European project, and a democratic process that provides democratic legitimacy without forgoing its technocratic efficiency.

Quorum sensing is cell density-dependent communication that regulates many functions in bacteria. Signal synthases (I) produce acyl-homoserine lactones, which diffuse into the environment and activate signal receptors (R) when they reach a critical concentration. Synthases and receptors often form cognate pairs. The soil bacterium Burkholderia thailandensis encodes three I-R pairs. The I-R1 system controls cell-cell aggregation and activates many putative aggregation factors including the bce genes that likely encode an exopolysaccharide. The I-R2 system controls antibiotic production. The antibiotics are members of the bactobolin family and are effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Both aggregation and antibiotics are believed to promote competitiveness in the diverse soil communities where B. thailandensis is found. We have developed genetic screens to learn more about quorum-controlled antibiotics and aggregation in B. thailandensis. The first screen identified bactobolin-resistant isolates of the soil bacterium Bacillis subtilis, which is normally sensitive to bactobolin. We submitted these mutants for whole genome sequencing to investigate the mutations that confer resistance, and with our results we hope to gain insight into how bactobolin acts on target cells. The second screen was designed to isolate variants that overproduce aggregation factors. Quorum sensing mutants do not wrinkle but variants arise that produce aggregation factors by other means. We are isolating such variants and identifying the underlying mutations to understand how they compensate for the loss of quorum sensing regulation. This may reveal the elements involved in regulating aggregation. These variants will also be useful to learn about the advantages of aggregation in different contexts. Through our two screens we hope to better understand quorum-controlled aggregation and antibiotic phenotypes. Our findings will be useful in further studies of the importance of each of these in competition.

Women who are targets of a positive stereotype (i.e., women are nurturing) assume that the stereotyper also holds negative stereotypes about them (e.g., women are bad at math). The present research investigates whether being the target of a positive stereotype leads women to underperform on a math test because they fear confirming assumed negative perceptions of their group. In this study, female participants were randomly assigned to either the positive stereotype condition (i.e., “why women are generally more nurturing than men”) or the no positive stereotype condition (i.e., “why some men and women are generally more nurturing than others”). Participants then proceeded to take a math test. Results showed that women in the positive stereotype condition underperformed on the math test compared to women in the no positive stereotype condition. This study suggests that praise in the form of a positive stereotype may be counterproductive, resulting in negative consequences for people who are targets of a positive stereotype. Moreover, targets of a positive stereotype may perceive negative stereotypes as being implicitly imposed onto them. Therefore, positive stereotypes may lead women to not only underperform on a math test but also accept associated negative perceptions of their group.

Gluten intolerance disorders such as Celiac sprue elicit a painful immunological response in the intestines of patients who consume gluten. Gluten is a polypeptide found in wheat, barley, and rye, and contains repeating Pro-Gln-Leu-Pro (PQLP) motifs. Currently the only treatment for gluten intolerance is elimination of gluten from the diet. Our goal is to design an enzyme therapeutic that can be taken as a drug therapeutic in pill form. The engineered enzyme will break down the immunogenic PQLP motifs before gluten reaches the small intestine and can elicit an inflammatory response. Kumamolisin-As, a protein isolated from Alicyclobacillus sendaiensis, demonstrates promising proteolysis on PQ residues, and works in the low pH of the stomach. Using the protein-engineering program “FoldIt,” we designed novel mutations to Kumamolisin to improve its activity on PQLP. Our best version of the enzyme, dubbed KumaMax, degrades gluten over 700 times faster at pH 4 than SC-PEP, an enzyme currently in clinical trials. After further protein characterization, we hope to start clinical trials on KumaMax with the future goal of creating an effective treatment for gluten intolerance.

Many occurrences of glomerulonephritis present recurrent acute inflammation episodes. With time these conditions often lead to progressive fibrosis and chronic renal failure. My project studies the role of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), one of the most proinflammatory cytokines, using the nephrotoxic serum (NTS) nephritis mouse model. The ubiquitous expression of IL-6 makes it a challenge to study this interleukin. We have genetically engineered mice with ablated IL-6 in the F4/80+ macrophages and the Ytgax (CD11c+) dendritic cells. We hypothesize a greater level of glomerular damage and disease in the wild type mice compared to the IL-6 depleted mice. IL-6 +/+ (IL6WT) and -/- mice (IL6KO) were injected with NTS in the tail vein and placed in metabolic cages for seven days. Urine was collected to measure renal failure and progression of the disease. Mice were sacrificed at 7 days after the injection and both kidneys harvested and sectioned. Extraction, quantification and quality analysis (RNA integrity number) from the IL6WT and IL6KO frozen kidney samples were conducted and later cDNA synthesized. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) reactions were carried out to analyze gene expression of IL-6 family genes and pathological analysis of frozen or paraffin embedded tissue was done to assess glomerular and interstitial damage. Preliminary results from histopathology analysis and qPCR suggest a significant role played by IL-6 in glomerular damage. IL6WT diseased mice show upregulated expression of IL-6 and greater degree of disease relative to the IL6KO. We plan to continue gene expression quantifications and perform immunostaining to compile more data and validate our results. These findings will help to establish the efficacy of IL-6 neutralization as a therapeutic option for kidney disease.

Mast cells regulate both inflammatory responses and tissue repair in human diseases but there are conflicting reports on the role of these cells in the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an interleukin that acts as both a pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine. From our preliminary studies we have demonstrated that IL-6 and its receptor gp130 are pro-fibrotic in renal fibrogenesis. Here we measure mast cell function in unilateral urethral obstruction, a well-characterized model of renal fibrosis, using mice in which Cre recombinase is expressed under the control of a segment of the carboxypeptidase A3 (Cpa3) promoter bred to IL-6 flox/flox mice. Mast cells from the C57BL/6 Cpa3-IL-6 (fl/fl) mice do not express IL-6. We have groups of 10 for each of the following strains: control1; Cpa3-Cre, control2; IL-6fl/fl and experimental mice; Cpa3-IL-6. Mice under general anesthesia had the ureter ligated at 2 sites distally from the kidney and sacrificed after 14d. We measured the level of fibrosis by measuring hydroxyproline colorimetrically and by measuring area of Picro Sirius red in stained kidney sections, and quantified by pixel analysis. Our preliminary results indicate that the absence of IL-6 in mast cells is important in renal fibrosis. When IL-6 was ablated from mast cells the level of fibrosis measured by collagen and the expansion of extracellular matrix was reduced. These preliminary results suggest that mast cell-derived IL-6 promotes renal fibrosis after unilateral urethral obstruction.

Pain is a complicated sensory experience involving several neural circuits and structures. Previous research has examined the neural activity associated with processing and perceiving pain. One study examined the relationship between the average self-reported pain ratings and the average electrophysiological brain activity of Spinal Cord Injury Participants with chronic pain, as measured by electroencephalography (EEG). Significant relationships between pain perception and alpha wave activity around the sensory integration areas of the brain (electrode sites T3 and T4) were found. This study aims to further explore the relationship between expression and perception of pain and corresponding EEG measurements. Waveform analysis of the raw EEG data recorded just before and after the reporting of each pain rating will allow us to examine pain-related neural activity in more detail surrounding the time the participant consciously perceived and rated their pain.  Independent Component Analysis (ICA) allows us to isolate and examine the specific contribution of each frequency at each electrode.  Main effects of each wavelength and how they may interact will also be explored. Analysis software will help us graphically visualize and model the data, creating a preliminary visual representation of the neural activity measured. Further use of neuroimaging analysis software will help to better understand neural pain pathways. With further analysis, it may be possible to utilize computer programs to create a model that can imitate and test these indicated circuits. This analysis will provide us with a more dynamic understanding of the “chronic pain brain” and  will provide a baseline against which to compare brain activity after treatments.

Healthy pregnancies and optimal fetal development are crucial to ensure a healthy future for not only the mother and child but for our society as a whole. In addition to personal health behaviors and genetic factors, environmental toxins can pose significant risks to the pregnant woman and her developing fetus. A recently initiated longitudinal study of children in Ramsey County, Minnesota seeks to investigate the long term health consequence of exposure to environmental pollutants including radiation and selected chemicals. Prenatal education, including avoidance of environmental contaminants, for pregnant women can help reduce these risks and complications by informing pregnant woman about the impact of environmental factors. The purpose of this research was to determine prospective mothers’ awareness and knowledge of environmental impacts upon pregnancy and fetal development. Data were collected by written survey from pregnant women attending selected prenatal education classes in both rural and urban Minnesota cities.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (a.k.a., PTSD) is prevalent among military veterans. Due to the ghastly nature of war, veterans have witnessed violent and disturbing events that affect them for the rest of their lives. Upon returning from duty, these veterans often have difficulty making the transition from the battlefield to civilian life. Veterans’ experiences in the battlefield often results in years of emotional, behavioral, sexual and social issues. This lingers for a lifetime, unless these veterans are helped. To identify ways to assist veterans with PTSD, this study will focus on male veterans who served in the Afghanistan War from 2001 to 2011. During the research process, this study will focus on the following questions: 1) what is the scope of depression among this population? 2) How does depression cause barriers to civilian life? The purpose of this research is to enhance understanding of depression related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for military veterans. Many families have veterans who go through difficulties, and this study may assist them in addressing PTSD and related depression issues. The research will be done by analyzing literature written about military veterans, and literature written by veterans themselves. Through greater understanding of the factors that contribute to stress and other mental health issues of Afghanistan War, veterans returning to civilian life, may better prevent and alleviate much of their suffering.

Animals must strive for a balance between foraging for food and avoiding danger in their daily environments. The amygdala has been shown to be a key brain structure involved in mediating both innate and learned fear responses in order to optimize the organism’s survival. Previous research using Pavlovian fear conditioning has shown that animals without an amygdala have deficits associating a conditioned stimulus (CS) with an aversive unconditioned stimulus (US). A Closed Economy is a semi-naturalistic paradigm in which all nutritional needs are met by completing a cost of procurement. Male Long-Evans rats were housed in the Closed Economy chambers for 24 hours under aversive stimulation in the form of foot-shocks (US) preceded by a light CS in the foraging area. I investigated whether the amygdala’s role in the modulation of foraging strategies is affected by the predictability of fear. Electrolytic lesions to the basal lateral amygdala (BLA) and central amygdala (CeA) were given to the experimental group, while controls were given sham surgeries. The animals were shaped to a chained fixed ratio 50-continuous reinforcement schedule, by which they were able to control their meal frequency and average meal size. After stable meal patterns were obtained, the rats went through seven day periods of baseline, shock, and extinction. Animals with lesions to the BLA and CeA initially exhibited deficits in the light-shock pairing, but over time, learned to avoid the shock in the foraging area. These results question whether the amygdala is necessary in associative fear learning and suggests possible compensatory mechanisms that could mediate long term fear learning in an environment with a chronic exposure to an aversive stimulus.

 The effect of viral evolution on the duration of latency in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) infection has been studied extensively in men. The asymptomatic latency period, after HIV-1 infection and before the onset of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), is characterized by high viral variability. In many cases, a viral phenotype that utilizes CXCR4 and/or CCR5 receptors on target host cells to advance HIV-1 infection progress also emerges during this period. Despite known sex-dependent variation in the progression of HIV-1, the effect of viral evolution and CXCR4/CCR5 utilizing virus (X4 virus) prevalence on HIV-1 latency has not yet been studied in women. I am investigating trends in viral evolution in 9 women from seroconversion until initiation of antiretroviral therapy. I will then compare my results to previously studied male viral evolutionary trends. Ultimately, a total of 72 blood plasma samples, an average of 8 samples from each woman collected progressively during the course of infection, will be used to generate 25-30 HIV-1 sequences per time point. These sequences will then be evaluated through 1) viral divergence from a founder strain 2) viral population diversity and 3) emergence and prevalence of X4 viruses. I will then analyze the relationship between viral evolutionary trends and X4 virus prevalence, and the duration of HIV-1 infection before the onset of AIDS. Ultimately, a comparison between the sexes will be made. Furthering the scientific communities’ knowledge of sex-related HIV-1 infection variation could lead to more effective sex-specific treatment and vaccine development. The important biological question of whether sex can influence HIV-1’s evolutionary path will be addressed. This project is currently in the preliminary stage of sequence generation. Trend analysis and conclusions will take place in Fall 2012.

The composition and abundance of lipids preserved in lake sediments provides information on the past environment, and changes in this geochemical signal through time may be driven by climate. To understand precipitation changes in the Pacific over the last few thousand years, sediment cores have been collected from lakes on multiple islands, including Poza de Los Diablos and Pozas Verdes on Isabela Island in the Galapagos. Lipids from these sediment cores were solvent-extracted, individual compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and abundances of these compounds were quantified using a gas chromatograph-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Poza de Los Diablos data reveal elevated concentrations of both middle and long chain-length n-alkanes from approximately 1450 to 1850 AD, and indicate an enhanced contribution of material from both aquatic and terrestrial plants during this interval, which may be caused by shifting hydrologic patterns. However, these changes might also reflect a local event such as an altered flow path for surface water due to river or wave erosion. To improve our understanding of paleoenvironmental changes indicated by the Poza de los Diablos data, lipids from cores taken from nearby Pozas Verdes were also extracted and analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. Due to their close proximity (<1 km), any climate event that affected Posa de Los Diablo would have also affected Pozas Verdes, but with significantly different modern salinity (Diablos = 10, Verdes = 40) and ecology, each lake is likely to have responded quite differently to changing precipitation patters. By analyzing both records together we seek to improve our interpretation of the past environment.

The concept of "inclusion" is a class placement method for children who have special needs; this involves integration into a classroom with traditional student group populations. Previous research states to the extent possible, and deemed appropriate, students with special needs have been known to benefit simply by being surrounded in a learning environment with diverse peers. While the focus is usually on the particular child(ren) with special needs, research mainly analyzes cognitive development. There may be various positive impacts placed upon the other students on social and emotional levels of development. This literature review examines whether classroom inclusion enhances a typically developing student's sense of empathy, acceptance, and equity for non-traditional student (including students with special needs) population groups among the developing traditional four year old students. This research project anticipates that there will be "enriched" development and a higher sense of empathy, acceptance and equity for the general population groups. These inquiries will be addressed through a literature review to synthesize what we currently understand about the effect of inclusion on typically developing children. The review will investigate work related to empirical studies on preschoolers' experiences in inclusive classrooms. Additional investigation will include foundational perspectives as presented by leading scholars and organizations in the field of early childhood special education. Based upon future findings, the examination of further research of behavioral patterns amongst both populations will be implicated.

The vestibular system, a complex system involving the inner ear, is responsible for maintaining eye stability and posture during head movements.  Rotational and linear accelerations of the head are sensed by the end organs of the vestibular labyrinth, and are used to initiate and modulate reflexes.  Dysfunction of the vestibular system can produce symptoms ranging from mild dizziness to debilitating attacks of vertigo.  Our group has developed a vestibular prosthesis to replace vestibular function through the use of electrical stimulation. The device has three electrodes which are surgically implanted into the three semicircular canals of vestibular labyrinth to allow for direct electrical stimulation of the end organ. Our ultimate goal is to artificially restore vestibular function in patients, in part to accurately control eye movements.  To do this, we need to understand the relationship between eye position and eye movements during stimulation with the prosthesis. Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that transient eye velocities elicited by short stimulation are linearly related to the initial position of the eye in the orbit.  We need to understand if during prolonged stimulation eye position also has a significant effect on eye velocity. In this study, we characterize the effects of eye position on the maintained velocities elicited by a long stimulus train. These observations will allow us to more accurately control eye movements to stabilize the eye with electrical stimulation of varying durations, or at different frequencies of head rotation. We have trained one rhesus monkey to track a moving visual target.  A long duration stimulus was administered to each of the three semicircular canals in that animal.  All visual stimuli were removed during the stimulations.  Preliminary results suggest that there is a relationship between eye position and eye velocity elicited by long duration stimuli.

This study looked at whether multicultural students, specifically Latinos and Asian Americans, perceived discrimination in their classrooms, workplace, or on campus in general.  Participants consisted of Latino and Asian American students who filled out an online survey with questions on these areas. Four hypotheses were created and tested which were 1) Latinos would perceive discrimination more than Asian Americans, 2) males would perceive discrimination more than females, 3) multicultural Greek members would perceive discrimination more than non-Greeks, and 4) upper classmen would perceive discrimination more than lower classmen.  The results from the survey responses supported only one of the four hypotheses where multicultural Greeks perceived discrimination more than non-Greeks. This area of perceived discrimination among multicultural students is something that should have more research conducted on.

The Short-tailed Albatross (Phoebastria albatrus) is listed as endangered under the US Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to small population size, and limited breeding range. The Short-tailed Albatross (STAL) breeds on Torishima and Minami-kojima Islands off Japan and migrates to Alaskan waters during the summer. The NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Observer Program, in collaboration with the USFWS, instructs observers to carry out seabird monitoring activities in addition to their recording of bycatch during fishing operations. Using Observer Program seabird sightings and vessel-bird interaction data from 1993-2009, we examined potential vessel interaction threats to the recovery of the population, as well as the frequency and geographic expansion of Short-tailed Albatross sightings. Our data indicate that Short-tailed Albatross sightings increased more than the Short-tailed Albatross population during this time period (6.5% population growth per year), with observer days remaining relatively stable. We also found that incidences of discard feeding and/or vessel following are not increasing disproportionately to population size as the population continues to grow, thus it is unlikely that vessel interactions threaten the STAL population recovery. Lastly, we found that the sightings of Short-tailed Albatross show an eastward expansion since 1993, thus suggesting an expansion of this species within their historic range.

 Myocardial infarction, heart failure, and congenitive heart disease are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, current cell therapies remain inadequate in addressing this clear medical need. One of the primary obstacles limiting the success of cell therapies is that stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (SCDCM’s) tend to be functionally immature, providing only a small fraction of the force generation of their matured counterparts. Thus, the work here focuses on developing a growth platform which incorporates topographical and mechanical properties in order to rapidly and thoroughly mature SCDCM’s. The field of tissue engineering is becoming increasingly aware of the roll that the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays in driving cellular differentiation and behavior, and the importance this has on the design of biomimetic scaffolds and growth platforms. A study of the native cardiac environment has revealed that the presence of aligned nanoscale matrix fibers plays a key role in establishing organization within the myocardium. This insight has allowed us to construct polymeric scaffolds which mimic the in vivo ECM, greatly improving cardiac culture techniques. There exists an optimal feature size and configuration at which nanogrooved topography is successful in promoting anisotropic alignment and elongation of cardiomyocytes, an increased action potential conduction velocity, and the substantial expression of cell-cell coupling proteins. Our current focus rests on understanding the way in which mechanical and chemical variations to the growth substrate can affect cell morphology and contractile properties when manipulated in conjunction with nanoscale topographical stimulation. This research will provide a strong foothold towards the development of a cardiac patch, which, implanted directly onto the infarct surface of the heart, could reduce scar tissue formation, promote healing and angiogenesis, and provide crucial contractile and mechanical strength.

Approximately 1 million Americans live with a lower-limb amputation and this number is increasing. During both the postoperative recovery period (up to 18 months) and the subsequent period patients undergo substantial changes in the volume and shape of their residual limb. Therefore, both the fit and comfort of their prosthetic are compromised. Edema, gait instability and skin irritation are often severe consequences. Patients often use socks, pads and fluid-filled bladders to compensate for these changes in volume. I am currently investigating the fluctuations in the volume of the residual limb of below-the-knee (trans-tibital) amputees. The goal is to identify patterns in the volume fluctuations over the course of the day. We have created sock logs on which patients record the changes in their sock ply during the day. Our goal is to provide practitioners, patients, and industry with insight into how often and when patients change their sock ply. We hope, with this knowledge, to propose more automated solutions for patients to manage their residual limb volume. Automation is needed because many patients elect not to change sock ply even though they need to so as to maintain a proper prosthetic fit. Similarly, our research is also focused on investigating the correlation between limb volume changes and the need for a new socket. With this data, we hope to establish a relationship between the changes in sock ply and the time at which a new prosthetic socket is needed. We predict that we will be able to foresee when a patient requires a new socket based on changes in their sock ply. With this knowledge, the information will be shared with practitioners with an expectation that it will allow them to change their daily practices to recognize the need for a new socket.

A modern computer control system contains mainly four parts, a process (e.g., a water tank where the water temperature is adjustable), an actuator (e.g., a heater to warm up the water), a sensor (e.g., the thermometer to get the real temperature of the water), and the controller. The controller compares the set-point of the interested signal (e.g., the water temperature) with the real measurement from the sensor, hence closed control loop; it also computes the adjustment signal and sends it to the process actuator so that the process will generate an output as close as possible to the set-point. Traditional computer control systems use wired sensors and actuators and have served well in the past century. With the development of wireless sensors and wireless communication technologies, there is a trend to make wireless a viable replacement for hard-wired control, due to low cost, mobility and ability to operate in a harsh or ultra clean environment. However, challenging issues arise; one of them is reliability, which will be investigated in our research. We use a water tank temperature control system as the test-bed; the controller is the MCF52233DEMO ColdFire board with a Real Time Operating System (RTOS) kernel; the control algorithm is the widely applied Proportional Integral Derivative (PID); and the wireless standard is the IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi). By comparing the performance between the hard-wired control system and the wireless control system using the same PID controller, we expect to see poor performance of the wireless control system due to wireless network issues such as packet loss, time delays, and so on. We will modify the classical PID algorithm for wireless control so that similar performance to hard-wired control could be achieved. In the future, we will investigate the co-design of communication protocols and control strategies for wireless control systems.

This study focuses on how the global efforts of a politically active and increasingly visible movement of adult autistic activists are challenging the common framing of autism and shifting the contemporary autism debate. Common representations throughout the autism field contextualize the autistic experience through diagnostic categories of difference, constructed primarily by psychologists, neurologists, educators, and service providers. These characterizations are determined through observational criteria such as delayed communication, repetitive physical behaviors, and marked deficits in social skills. While the deficit mindset dominates the media and the public perception of autism, there is a lack of attention and research on how the social impact of these ‘perspectives from the outside’ influence the lived experience of autistic adults. This work counters the hegemonic deficit interpretation by investigating the multiple meanings of autism, and studying whether politicized tensions over autistic representations—and misrepresentations— influence public conversations surrounding service delivery, treatment design, and provisions of care. Drawing on qualitative cultural research methods including narrative, textual and image analysis, as well as ethnographic field notes, this study critically analyzes the lived experience of adult autistics and their efforts to re-humanize public assumptions about autism while living in a society, they suggest, that stigmatizes their experience as emotionally isolated, socially deficient, and mentally diseased. I analyze the socio-political discourse of autism and the conflicting representations put forth by medical professionals, mainstream media, institutions, scholars, and—autistics. These contradictory interpretations produce a cultural system of difference engaged in debate over autistic autonomy, self-determination, and justice. To critically engage this ‘culture war’ this inquiry considers who has the right to speak for the autistic community? Whose values are characterized as authentic by the public? Finally, this investigation asks, can autistics redefine autism and how will this definition reframe their position in political discussions about them? 

 The vestibular system is composed of the semicircular canal system, which detects rotational movements, and the otolith organ system, which senses linear accelerations and tilt with respect to gravity. The two systems can interact in a complex way during movement. The vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) stabilizes a retinal image during head movement by commanding the eyes to move in a direction opposite to that of the head movement. Under some conditions, both the otolith organs and the semicircular canals contribute to the VOR. Unilateral or bilateral loss of vestibular function often results in vertigo and oscillopsia, which are debilitating and could be life-threatening because they result in falls or injury. In principle, a vestibular prosthesis could treat a functional loss of inner ear vestibular function by sending electrical stimulation into the three semicircular canals via electrodes to help maintain balance and stable vision. However, if the otolith organs are still functional, the signals from the prosthesis might be interpreted incorrectly in different head orientations, limiting the efficacy of the treatment. The interaction between the output from the otolith organs and artificial electrical stimulations from the implant is not known. In this experiment, we oriented a head-fixed rhesus monkey in different static positions along either of the roll and pitch axes prior to electrically inducing a VOR using the implanted vestibular prosthesis. Results showed that stimulation in the posterior canal induced a higher eye velocity in backward-tilted position than in the upright position, while stimulation in the anterior canal induced a slower eye velocity in the forward position than in the upright position. This project demonstrates that the performance of the implant changes under different body orientations. The prosthesis provides a unique experimental tool allowing us to disambiguate canal and otolith inputs in the intact organism.

Fear conditioning is a form of classical conditioning where an initially neutral conditioned stimulus (CS) is paired with an inherently aversive unconditioned stimulus (US). After multiple CS-US pairings, CS alone produces conditioned fear responses. The amygdala has long been considered the key brain structure where fear learning-related plasticity primarily occurs. However, it has not been well studied how the US directs CS-US association in the amygdala. We recently found that stimulation of the dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) could serve as a US in tone fear conditioning, indicating the dPAG may be a key structure in relaying US information to the amygdala during fear conditioning. In this study, we investigated the role of the amygdala in auditory fear conditioning where dPAG stimulation acted as the US. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were bilaterally implanted with stimulating electrodes in their dPAG and with guide cannulae in their amygdala. Prior to training, muscimol (0.3 µg/0.3 µL per side) was infused into the amygdala using infusion cannula and a microsyringe pump. For training, a tone (2.9 kHz, 85 dB, 20 sec) was used as a CS, and electrical stimulation (0.1-ms width, 100 Hz, 2 sec) of the dPAG as a US which co-terminated with the CS. Next day, an 8-min tone was presented continuously in a novel chamber as a tone testing, and the following day, 8-min exposure to the training chamber was given to the rats as a context testing. While the muscimol-injected animals displayed comparable level of freezing to the control animals during training, their freezing to the tone and context was disrupted during the testing, indicating fear conditioning was blocked by the amygdalar inactivation. These results suggest that the amygdala is critical for dPAG stimulation fear conditioning and may be the center of dPAG-directed US and tone CS convergence and plasticity.

I conducted a five month field experiment, from October 17th, 2011 to February 17th 2012, with the purpose of exploring the effects of prairie plant density on survival rates. I performed the experiment at the Pierce Oakwood prairie location utilizing the Mima Mounds preserve as a reference. My hypothesis was plants in moderate density will have a better success rate than those in low and high density. The methods for this design were established by plotting three polygons of 2m x 2m each. I divided each polygon divided into three sections, each containing low, moderate, and high density and plants randomly planted. Plot spatial arrangements were random at each polygon. Each plot contained the same species with an increasing number from low to high density. Prairie plants consisted of plants commonly found throughout Washington State. Each polygon contained Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape), Achillea milefolium (White Yarrow), Holodiscus discolor (Ocean Spray), Castilleja miniata (Scarlet Paintbrush), and Aruncus dioicus (Giant Goats Beard). The following variables were measured and recorded biweekly: height, width, temperature delta, human foot traffic, and faunal foraging patterns. Mahonia aquifolium, Castilleja miniata, and Achillea milefolium had high survival rates in low, moderate, and high densities. Aruncus dioicus had high survival rates in high density, and Holodiscus discolor was most successful in low density. My results highlight the need to better understand optimal planting densities of individual species in prairie restoration planning.

Populations of P. menziesii on islands should exhibit reduced genetic diversity and canopy coverage, lower population age, increased reproductive succession and reduced understory species richness with respect to Mainland populations. Populations sampling within the same region and elavation should exhibit similar patterns. Seedling density as well as distribution of trees in multiple size classes and their diameter to height ratios were presented for each site. Species richness represented plant community structure and constituted of understory plants and percent coverage for each species within the plots. Genetic analysis consisted of laboratory analysis for selected individuals within the sites. Despite the vulnerability of small trees in establishment due to predation and greater sensitivity to environmental factors, high energetic costs to maintain large support structures of older trees create an additional unexpected source of vulnerability within the population. As genetic variation is component of successful reproductive succession and establishment, reduced variation in populations could result in greater sensitivity to more extreme environmental conditions as might be expected with climate change.

Illustrations of the Irish dating from the Victorian era were often layered with political commentary, making it important to differentiate between the art of caricature and that of cartoons. A defining characteristic of caricature is the emphasis on the grotesque, whereas in cartoons it is associated with comedic content. This research will examine the hidden nature of British political cartoons that demeaned the character of the Irish by veiling caricature under the guise of comedy. Through analysis of political caricatures from the mid to late-nineteenth century British publication Punch magazine, I will trace the emergence of the use of crude simian imagery to portray the Irish. The horrific appearance of such caricature had its basis in political suppression and was implemented in order to rationalize British sovereignty over Ireland. The art of caricature was a common tool for cartoonists, such as John Tenniel, to promote stereotypes and false sciences regarding the Irish. These caricatures also have far reaching implications, which went beyond the confines of the United Kingdom. Emigrating along with Irish immigrants, who fled their nation during the Great Famine, the stereotypical depictions of the Irish extended into the United States and even impacted the Kennedy administration. Caricature in America perpetuated the second-class status of Irish immigrants and created obstacles on the path toward assimilation.

Research on resilience (ability to overcome obstacles in life) has shown that early childhood socio-emotional competence is a strong predictor of future resilience as an adolescent and adult. Research shows that resilience is not a stable quality of individuals, but rather a changeable, dynamic pattern of functioning that is influenced by protective factors such as positive relationships, strong attachment bonds, and self-regulation skills. Early childhood intervention programs have been found to make lasting effects on the functioning of individuals into adulthood. Children who have attended preschool programs are less likely to be incarcerated, drop out of school, and placed into special education programs. (Barnett, 2002) However, research on preschool intervention has focused mostly on cognitive and adult outcomes, rather than socio-emotional competence in childhood. This study seeks to learn if preschool programs targeting disadvantaged children, is related to outcomes of protective factors and behavioral concerns, as measured the the DECA-C, an assessment tool becoming widely used to study resilient functioning in children ages 2 to 5 years. The design of this study involves two full-day, demographically-similar preschool classrooms. In addition to comparing children’s scores on the DECA instrument, teachers were audio-taped and observed for 20 hours to identify the quality of teacher-child relationships, a factor known to be very influential to child self-efficacy. It is hypothesized that children that participate in high-quality preschool intervention programs will show higher DECA scores measured over the course of one year. This research has implications for teacher-training, curriculum design, and family programs that have a stronger emphasis on socio-emotional development in low-income early childhood classrooms. This research is also specifically interested in how early childhood intervention can promote resilience to future adverse life experiences for underprivileged children.

Neurons contain two highly specialized compartments: the dendrite, which receives synaptic or sensory inputs, and the axon, which relays these signals to other cells. Different types of neurons often have unique, type-specific dendrite morphologies and proper dendrite patterning is important for normal neuronal function. Underscoring the importance of dendrite morphology to neuronal function, defects in dendrite patterning likely contribute to numerous neurological disease states and the cognitive decline that accompanies normal aging. However, the many genes that contribute to the complex dendrite patterns remain largely uncharacterized. To identify genes involved in this process, we conducted a genetic screen for mutants that alter the patterning of sensory neuron dendrites that innervate the body wall of fruit fly larvae. Briefly, we mutagenized fruit flies with EMS, a chemical mutagen, and screened for late-larval stage lethal mutations that perturb dendrite patterning using a fluorescent protein that allowed us to visualize a single functional class of sensory neurons in living larvae. Here, we report our analysis of a novel mutant, messi. Using live cell imaging and quantitative analysis, we found that messi leads to exuberant dendrite branching and intermingling of dendrites in sensory neurons. This latter defect is of particular interest since “self-avoidance” may represent a general mechanism for organizing sensory dendrites and little is known about the genetic basis for this phenomenon. Using time-lapse microscopy, we found that messi causes progressive dendrite defects: the dendrite patterning of messi mutants is indistinguishable from wild type early in development, but becomes abnormal later in development. Similarly, dendrite defects in many neurological disorders are progressive, therefore further analysis of messi may contribute to our understanding of how dendrite maintenance is deregulated in diseased states. Currently, we are working towards identifying the gene affected in messi mutants and determining whether messi affects dendrite patterning in other functional classes of sensory neurons.

Cemeteries allow us to connect with our past and better understand our heritage on an emotional level. In the case of the Kennecott Cemetery, the historic landscape provides a valuable resource to interpret the social history of a mining community that has ceased to exist. From 1908 until 1938, Kennecott was a thriving copper mining town. Hundreds of men worked in the mines and many of those who lost their lives in work-related accidents are buried in the cemetery. When mining operations were terminated in 1938, the entire workforce departed and Kennecott became a desolate ghost town. The cemetery is the only landscape that provides physical evidence of religious influences being present at Kennecott and further reinforces such activities taking place throughout the entire period of the town’s settlement. To date, Kennecott is located within the boundaries of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska, and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. As an intern for the National Park Service, I partook in conducting an analysis and evaluation of the historic features present at the Kennecott Cemetery. This research contributed to producing a Cultural Landscape Report and Interpretive Plan which will provide planning, management and treatment recommendations for the cemetery. Overall, these documents will be a vital resource to improve the ability of Park managers to identify and protect existing resources and interpret the significance of the landscape to an expansive audience.

In the aftermath of the Cold War an evolving international economy brought about many changes for countries with transitioning economies. The difficult work of properly guiding transitioning economies through the radical changes required of shifting from command to market economies is not easily undertaken and many mistakes are made throughout that process. By untangling the nexus of political and economic reforms that transitioning economies go through we can achieve more accurate understandings of how transitions occur and can in turn attempt to avoid some of the mistakes made in the past. This paper hypothesizes that the greater the liberalization speed of a transitioning economy the more corrupt the economy and associated political system will be. Contrary to prior examinations of corruption, this paper contends that the nature of transition determines to a greater extent the causes of corruption than does historical or institutional factors about the state itself. The guiding theory behind my hypothesis is that reforms implemented over a short period of time are more susceptible to politically turbulent conditions which will cause elites to attempt to consolidate power via illegal means out of fear that they may lose their position of power in the near future. By comparing the speed of liberalization in several transitioning economies to the rates of corruption in those economies I attempt to demonstrate a causal link between the rate of liberalization and corruption.  

Since 1986, Bolivia has experienced a wave of International Monetary Fund imposed privatization. The breaking point occurred during the Cochabamba Water War. Over a period of months, citizens of Cochabamba took to the streets to protest the sale of their state water utility, SEMAPA, to international consortium Aguas del Tunari, and the resulting 150-300% rate hikes. This research asks this question: to what degree has indigenous culture helped to shape such anti-privatization movements in Bolivia? This research argues that the anti-water privatization movement fostered a reclamation of indigenous identities by Bolivian indigenous peoples who felt detached from their traditional roots. Indigenous groups such as the Aymara and Quechua historically have been socially, politically, and economically excluded from the Bolivian nation, which has been dominated by a white/Mestizo elite. While Bolivian social movements in the past have been formed along union lines, contemporary movements have seen indigenous groups rally around their unique indigenous identities. This research shows how cultural elements such as collective memory and dance have been used as rallying points for protestors who feel denied full citizenship, giving scholars a better understanding of how social movements achieve success. In Cochabamba, the tradition of the Fiesta, practiced annually by the city's indigenous inhabitants, served as a focal point for collective action which united participants under their own definition of "Bolivian" culture. Bolivian indigenous social movements additionally serve as a model for further reversals of IMF imposed economic policies. Such movements indicate a desire for increased representation of the indigenous majority, as well as alternatives to the capitalist system of economic development. This study is based on analysis of primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include: published interviews with activists, media coverage of their actions, and economic reports regarding privatization plans. Secondary sources include multidisciplinary analyses of the movement in question.

M dwarf stars, which are smaller, dimmer, and redder than our Sun, are the most common type of star in our galaxy. Like our Sun, these stars exhibit activity due to inherently strong magnetic fields at their surfaces. In M dwarfs, this activity is often classified by the emission line strength of the first transition of the hydrogen Balmer series (H alpha). We examine a sample of five equal-mass M dwarf wide binaries; these “twin” stars should have nearly identical stellar properties and therefore have very similar spectral features. We hypothesize that these stars should exhibit nearly identical properties in H alpha. If our hypothesis proves false, it means there are unexpected dynamics present in the binary system. In initial observations to classify these objects, we found that the M dwarfs in each binary, which were twins in every other way, showed very different levels of H alpha emission. To examine the range of H alpha line strengths we obtained a time series of optical spectra using the Astrophysical Research Consortium’s 3.5-meter telescope at Apache Point Observatory in New Mexico. In each binary, the slightly less massive star exhibits stronger mean H alpha, consistent with large survey results. Using data from 70 hours over 14 nights, we determined our stars have a characteristic variability timescale of around 2 hours; indicating our sample is active on shorter timescales than the typical rotational period.

When massive stars reach the end of their lives, they erupt in enormous explosions known as supernovae, leaving behind clouds of shocked gas and dust known as supernova remnants (SNR). The primary technique to measure the mass of the progenitor star requires waiting for the star to explode and examining pre-explosion Hubble Space Telescope archival images of the site, which may or may not exist. This technique is constrained by rarity of supernovae, and as such only ~25 progenitors have any mass constraint whatsoever in the literature. We employ an alternative technique in which we examine color-magnitude diagrams of the regions surrounding known supernovae to measure their star formation history. We then use this star formation history to assign an age to the progenitor star.  By employing stellar evolution models, we convert this age to a mass. Because we do not rely on identification of the specific progenitor star in the images, we are free to apply our technique to cataloged SNR, drastically increasing the number of available targets. We apply our method to ~135 cataloged remnants in the nearby spiral galaxies M31 and M33, representing a dramatic increase in the number of currently known masses. We examine the distribution of these derived masses and comment on implications for supernova physics.

The inferior olive is heavily involved in implicit timing, the unconscious encoding of timing of sensory or motor events. Performance of these tasks relies on synchronous output from ensembles of neurons in the inferior olive, which are electrotonically coupled to one another via gap junctions. Previous attempts to understand coupling properties in the inferior olive have relied on technically challenging dual whole-cell recordings. Here, I demonstrate an optogenetic approach which provides rapid evaluation of electrotonic coupling in the inferior olive using femtosecond pulsed infrared stimulation of olivary cells expressing the light-activated cation channel channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2 H134R). Targeted expression of ChR2 in olivary neurons was achieved through the Ai32 mouse line engineered at the Allen Institute for Brain Science, which were crossed with mice expressing Cre-recombinase targeted to the pancreatic transcription factor 1a (Ptf1a) locus. Parasagittal brainstem slices were prepared from young (P20-P40) Ptf1a-Ai32 positive mice. Electrodes were guided under IR-DIC for whole-cell recording of a single olivary neuron. Neighboring cells were stimulated using 920 nm light (<1 mW/µm² average power), in which a single infrared beam was split into 64 beamlets and distributed evenly over the neighboring cell's cross sectional area (100-400 µm²). Coupling properties determined by optogenetic stimulation of neighboring cells replicated previous results produced by dual whole-cell recordings (CC=1-10%). Furthermore, optogenetic evaluation of coupling following pharmacological manipulation of olivary neurons were consistent with previous findings. This optogenetic approach will provide a rapid and efficient method for future exploration of coupling properties in the inferior olive, which may accelerate the study of their involvement in pathologies such alcoholism, autism and sudden infant death syndrome.

Parkinson’s disease is a motor disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, and inability to initiate movement. One therapy for non-drug responsive cases is high amplitude, high frequency stimulation to the basal ganglia’s subthalamic nucleus (STN), via surgically implanted electrodes. While the mechanisms of how this therapy restores proper motor function remains under debate, one hypothesis is that the currents disrupt rhythmic, synchronous firing patterns present in basal ganglia structures of people with Parkinson’s disease. Our goal is to explore the effects of low amplitude, low frequency stimulation to the basal ganglia nucleus globus pallidus externus (Gpe), specifically whether this type of stimulation can disrupt pathological firing synchrony in GPe and STN. We use a conductance-based model of individual neurons in multicellular networks with varying patterns of short, depolarizing currents to mimic deep brain stimulation. Through this work we hope to discover novel patterns of deep-brain stimulation with the potential to eliminate pathological firing patterns of cells in the basal ganglia.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, and its precise cause is still unknown. Mutations in the two Presenilin (PS) genes, Presenilin 1 and Presenilin 2 (PS2), cause AD. Understanding how AD mutations impact PS function may help us understand AD pathogenesis. One function of PS involves calcium (Ca2+) transfer between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. Presenilin 2 (PS2) and mutant PS2 (mtPS2) in particular have been shown to increase this transfer, possibly causing mitochondrial Ca2+ overload. This could lead to metabolic dysfunction, which has been suggested as a key pathogenic mechanism in AD. Establishing a link between PS mutations and mitochondrial dysfunction would support this hypothesis. One symptom of mitochondrial dysfunction is changes in mitochondrial fragmentation and localization. "Fragmented," rather than interconnected, "branchlike" mitochondrial networks are associated with increased ER-mitochondria Ca2+-transfer and apoptosis. Furthermore, while healthy mitochondria move towards energy-demanding neuronal processes, mitochondria with reduced ATP production stay near the nucleus. To determine the effects of PS2 and mtPS2 on mitochondrial fragmentation and localization, wild-type (wt) and mtPS2 (N141I) transgenic mouse cortical neurons were infected with a lentiviral vector expressing mitochondrial targeted red fluorescent protein (DsRed). Fixed cultures were imaged using confocal microscopy and analyzed using Huygens software. Currently, we have plated, infected, and analyzed sample preparations for mitochondrial length, sphericity, and other characteristics associated with fragmentation, as well as mitochondrial volume as a function of distance from the soma. Using this paradigm, we will also challenge cultured wt and mtPS2 neurons with camptothecin and staurosporine, inducers of mitochondrial fission and fusion, respectively. If mtPS2 induces mitochondrial dysfunction, mtPS2-expressing neurons should exhibit more mitochondrial fragmentation and mitochondria localized nearer to the soma. This would provide evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction in AD, supporting further research into mitochondrial changes in AD and a better understanding of AD’s etiology.

The process of cellular reproduction is dependent upon precise timing and coordination of regulatory events. Oscillations in cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) activities drive the cell cycle by regulating changes in the phosphorylation states of protein substrates. This dynamic and intricate signaling network of protein phosphorylation is a central component of the cell-cycle control system and enables the cell to modulate cellular functions and processes. Despite extraordinary advances in depth of coverage, phosphoproteomics experiments have struggled to expand in breadth, often comparing thousands of phosphorylation sites between only two moments in time. Such snapshots provide a biased view of the highly dynamic phosphoproteome and ignore important contextual information. To meet this challenge, we are developing robust and reproducible phosphoproteomic methodologies and utilizing mass spectrometry to study the changes in S. cerevisiae phosphoproteome over the course of the cell cycle. I first analyzed the reproducibility of the sample preparation techniques and data acquisition methodologies, which are key factors in the ability to distinguish true differences between different samples. Repeat analyses of 10 identical samples consisting of the entire yeast phosphoproteome were conducted, and preliminary results show that about 70% of the total identified phosphoproteins and 37% of the total identified phosphorylation sites were detected in all 10 repeat analyses with a variance in quantitation of less than 5%, indicating an accurate measurement of changes across the runs. I am now collecting global measurements of relative phosphorylation and protein changes in 5-minute intervals over the entirety of the cell cycle in a synchronously growing population to identify and quantify the proteins present at each time point of the cell cycle. This research will provide a wealth of information on the dynamics of proteome and phosphoproteome regulation throughout the cell cycle and unlock new insights into the biology of defective checkpoints in cancer.

Ubiquitin is a small post-translational signaling molecule. Its roles in repairing damaged DNA, apoptosis and protein degradation make it critical for tumor suppression. Genetic mutations affecting proteins in the ubiquitination pathway have been implicated in multiple inherited human cancers. The ubiquitination pathway attaches the protein ubiquitin (Ub) onto a substrate molecule with the help of three enzymes, ubiquitin activating enzyme (E1), ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (E2), and ubiquitin ligase (E3). Transfer of Ub onto the substrate requires the formation of a thioester bond between Ub and E2, denoted as E2~Ub. A catalytically active E3 ligase which can bind E2~Ub, but never directly binds Ub, is also necessary. E3’s catalytic mechanism is not fully understood. One function of E3 is to bring E2~Ub and substrate in close enough proximity to facilitate a reaction. However, E3 enhances the release of Ub from E2~Ub in the absence of substrate molecules. This suggests E3 plays a role in priming E2~Ub for transfer of Ub. Using site directed mutagenesis and protein-protein interaction assays visualized through western blotting, I have investigated what electrostatic properties of Ub are important for E3’s catalytic activity. Informative Ub mutations don’t stop formation of E2~Ub, but disrupt the catalytic activity of E3. I propose that polar/charged Ub residues in the contact region between Ub and E2 affect E2~Ub binding modes, promoting inhabitance of E2~Ub conformations favorable to Ub transfer upon binding of E3.

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent, or able to differentiate into all cell types of a developing embryo. They can be used to engineer human tissue, but are prone to immune rejection when used in medical treatment. Similar to hESCs but derived from the reprogramming of adult somatic cells, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) were developed that have the potential for use in regenerative therapy with less risk of rejection. However, hiPSC research faces its own challenges, such as inefficient reprogramming rates and variation in observed pluripotency. Previous research has shown that methylation patterns of hESCs can be distinguished from hiPSCs at both the DNA and histone level, suggesting less pluripotency in hiPSCs than in hESCs. While exhibiting greater overall methylation on DNA but less on histones, many of the hypermethylated DNA regions of hESCs are adjacent to these differentially methylated histones. The location of the hypermethylated regions suggests that erasing specific histone methylation marks may improve hiPSC reprogramming rates by creating a more open chromatin landscape, and may create a cascade effect that allows for additional methylation of the genome. This experiment investigates the correlation between histone methylation and hiPSC reprogramming efficiency and accuracy. We reprogrammed human fibroblast cells with lentiviruses expressing various demethylases and transcription factors in order to compare resultant hiPSC methylomes to traditional hiPSC and hESC lines. Opening of the chromatin is expected to improve reprogramming rates and allow for proper methylation of the genome, creating an hiPSC closer in phenotype to hESCs and more useful for clinical therapies.

Haruki Murakami’s Kafka on the Shore is a novel that tells the story of two protagonists who never meet, Kafka and Nakata. They are on a journey across Japan in order to escape an Oedipal curse and elude the authorities for a murder that they both are connected to yet have no recollection. I am drawn to this story because it proposes the significance of self-awareness for the sake of cohesive understanding of oneself and, as a result, to those perceived as alien. My presentation takes the form of a nine minute solo performance of an inspired original enactment of Kafka’s clash with his conscious inner self, Crow, on the topic of the socially constructed reasons that motivate Kafka to return to Tokyo in order to clear matters with authorities as opposed to simply rejecting the arbitrary constructs that perpetuate the idea of duty. The narrative applies the theories of Michel Foucault’s Discipline and Punishment, supplemented by research into ideology and discourse, in order to establish the relevancy of discourse, a particular way of talking or thinking, which ideology, a system that maintains and reproduces the social relations of the prevailing social order which imposes on individuals a conception of themselves, is ingrained in, as a constructed condition. Because discourse is in language, a mode of communication, and ideology is ingrained in discourse, art, a series of coded signs manipulated to communicate a message, must also have associated ideology. Through the creative process of composition, the experiment attempts to fuse different modes of artistic disciplines in order to expose both the resonant and dissonant qualities of multiple ideologies colliding. The result of the experiment serves to evaluate the effectiveness of specific compositional tools in developing material based on the clarity and effectiveness of the delivery of the performance’s key concepts.

   The stereoscopic image has risen and fallen in commercial popularity since its concepton in the late 19th century, but recent advances in computing and image technology have extended the medium's accessibility and popularity once more. At the UW, in the DXARTS department, I have spent the last year and a half examining the technical and aesthetic properties in stereoscopic pictures. My research and experiments have approached issues in projection surfaces, methods of compositing, graphics, and editing, and technical solutions for live-action stereo-photography. In addition to these practical issues, I also aim to fit my practice into a longer lineage of art-tradition, citing artists who have found the medium to be a fertile ground of expression. Today, my own efforts culminate into a single project as I plan a new work in stereo, and I hope to share video and still images of my experiments and completed works with the students at the University.

"...And earlier today she had us dancing!" enthused a young teen, who had previously been sullen and uncooperative.  Now she reassured the new-comer that the Secure Crisis Residential Center (SCRC) they now inhabited, was not really that bad.  While working as a counselor at this SCRC, I came to suspect that teaching dance led to improving the attitudes of its residents.  An SCRC is not an incarceration facility.   Police or case workers bring teens to the centers when there are no charges against them, but they are nonetheless unable to return home for whatever reason, i.e. no adult is home or accessible, they are homeless/run-away, they have been kicked out of their parental, group, or foster home etc.  The facility provides safe, temporary transitional room and board for up to 15 days. It also offers residents services addressing housing, educational, family, health, legal, and other needs.  This facility's ability to deliver services depends directly upon cooperation between residents and staff.  Multiple studies have demonstrated dance programs' benefits in inner city school rooms.  This study addresses the question: does providing dance classes in this SCRC, reduce the number of reported incidents and/or improve cooperation?  The study consists of teaching two classes per week for ten weeks.  I will compile data from both the facility's current measures regarding the number and severity of incidents, and also from brief questionnaires of staff members about levels of cooperation experienced on their shift.  Data will be compared between dancing and non-dancing days.  I hope and anticipate that my research will generate much needed support for the survival and expansion of dance programms in faclilities like this one, thereby strengthening benefits delivered to the at-risk youth they serve.

We are focusing our study on mushrooms in the genus Cortinarius that have a symbiotic association with the roots of trees. Our specimens are from an Oregon White Oak forest located in the Columbia River Gorge, Washington. The Cortinarius species associated with Oregon White Oak form a unique combination of species in comparison to those in conifer forests from the Pacific Northwest. Cortinarius species from Oregon White Oak strands do not reproduce every year, consequently the data we have from Oregon White Oak strands collected over a period of three years provides a special opportunity to study these unique species. We have multiple collections of a large number of species, and it is likely that many of them will be new to science. DNA sequences of the ITS-28S gene regions are being used to determine species diversity and the relationships among species. Molecular analyses provide an excellent tool for studying relationships among mushroom species and will allow us to catalogue the diversity of the oak associated species in the Pacific Northwest. This project is part of a larger study of Cortinarius in the Northern Hemisphere.

The purpose of this research is to gain insight into prosthetic sock thickness trends of multiple sock stacks. For amputee patients, stacked sock combinations are necessary to accommodate volume change of the residual limb in the short and long term. The thickness of these stacks is quantified by the total number of ply. For example, a 1-Ply sock and a 3-Ply sock make a 4-Ply “stack.” However, with this method of measurement, total sock thickness depends on how many socks are worn. The focus of this test is to evaluate existing standards by comparing the thickness of multiple socks to a single sock of the same total ply. The results from this research should provide useful information to prosthetists fitting patients with prosthetic limbs. As the residual limb matures after amputation and swelling decreases, there is a reduction in volume and a change in shape. From the first prosthesis, the practitioner optimizes the fit with the expectation of the residual limb size decreasing. The practitioner advises the patient to add socks to take up space when the residual limb feels loose in the socket. By adding socks, the patient can maintain a proper fit, and the practitioner can track limb change and socket modifications so as to appropriately time fabrication of a new socket. The present research brings quantitative information about sock thickness, both for single socks and for stacks of socks, to clinical care. This quantification should help the practitioner determine just how much larger the socket is than the patient’s residual limb, and should help guide design of a new socket. This research collected in the present study may also facilitate documentation to justify the need for a new socket.

In recent years, electronic sensors, database technologies, and digital devices have been successful in improving the automated collection of personal activity data in a pervasive manner. Through these developments and advancements in mobile computing, the ability to accurately record and maintain complex health records has been realized. Yet, although an instrumental tool in preventative medicine, dietary assessment still lacks automated and objective means of data collection and analysis. Current methods of clinical dietary assessment are paper-based, burdensome, costly, and subject to bias, especially in terms of the estimation of food volume intake. To improve upon these deficiencies, we have developed the Dietary Data Recording System (DDRS). The DDRS incorporates a client-server architecture to efficiently collect, process, and store dietary data. The client is a mobile sensor package that is used for data collection, and the server runs image processing algorithms and maintains a database where organized and processed intake information can be accessed by clinicians through a specialized interface. The foundation of the sensor package is a Mobile Structured Light System (MSLS), which uses a laser to project patterns on viewed food and a mobile phone camera to capture video. The distinctive feature of the DDRS is the use of the MSLS and image processing techniques to determine the volume of food from recorded video without the aid of scale-identifying fiducial markers. Preliminary results prove the feasibility of this approach for assessing dietary intake with the DDRS, and future work will focus on automating and integrating the entire processing pipeline. The automated diet intake tracking resulting from this future development could provide clinicians with an invaluable tool in definitively correlating the long term intake of certain foods to cancer, heart-disease, diabetes, and various health disorders.

A proto-planetary disk is a disk of gas and dust that surrounds a star that is still in the early stages of evolution. This disk contains the gas that accretes onto the proto-star and also contains the dust and gas from which planets form. Unfortunately the star is a much brighter than the disk and so direct imaging of the disk is difficult and time consuming, but can be accomplished using a coronagraph. To help interpret coronagraphic imagery of the protoplanetary disk system AB Aur, we created 3D models of the system using the Monte Carlo code of Whitney et al. 2002. We compared the observed the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the system, compiled from observed data reported by Robitaille et al. 2006, with predictions from our Monte Carlo model. An SED is a plot of the brightness versus wavelength of a star. We tested other variables like the composition of the disk, and the percentage of the disk that is composed of small grains and large grains, etc. We discuss how changing each of these variables influenced the resultant SED and model image of the AB Aur system; and hence influences our ability to study the process of planet formation around young stars.

Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) techniques make it possible to observe interactions on clean, ordered surfaces without the complexity of realistic systems.  Final construction and testing of an improved UHV adsorption microcalorimeter capable of measuring the heat of adsorption of metals on single crystalline surfaces have recently been completed.  This calorimeter is the first of its kind to employ an electron beam evaporator to create a high, stable flux of metal atoms with low source radiation, which is then pulsed onto the thin single crystalline sample. Due to the properties of the electron beam evaporator, metals with high heats of sublimation such as Pd, Pt, and Au can be evaporated while maintaining the base pressures necessary for maintaining ideal surface conditions.  The new chamber is also equipped with a sample preparation chamber in which metal oxide surfaces can be grown on single crystalline samples.  Absolute calibration of the microcalorimeter was achieved by measuring the heat of formation of Cu multilayers on a Pt(111) surface, indicating that the theory behind our electron beam evaporator is correct, and will allow for the first direct measurements of the heats of adsorption of catalytically important metals such as Pt, Pd, and Au on any surface.

The alginate polymer is a promising material emerging in the field of controlled release. Alginate is a naturally occurring anionic polysaccharide derived from the cell walls of green and brown algae. Alginate can be crossed-linked using divalent cations to create a hydrogel. Using a double emulsion process, the alginate can be formed into microparticles and loaded with a desired therapeutic such as protein, DNA, RNA, drugs, or other agents. However, under physiological conditions, ionically cross-linked alginate degrades rapidly, resulting in the burst release of the particle’s contents, leading to higher initial drug delivery and reduction in the effective lifetime of the delivery system. Previous research in the Bryers lab de3monstrated that the reaction of alginate with methacrylic anhydride results in a methacrylated alginate, which can then be covalently cross-linked via free radical polymerization to form a more stable alginate hydrogel. It has been suggested the methacrylated alginate polymers may degrade at a slow, consistent rate and are therefore hypothesized to allow for a prolonged, linear release of therapeutic agents. This project has tested this hypothesis by creating protein-loaded microparticles from methacrylated alginate as well as microparticles from ionically cross-linked alginate, which were subsequently coated with a methacrylated alginate shell. This investigation used bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a protein to model antibody delivery in vitro. The successfully release of BSA could lead to a novel vaccine delivery system. The implication of this research is broad, but may have the deepest impact in clinical studies, including less frequent administration of desired therapeutic leading to better patient compliance and increased convenience, reduced side effects due to the delivery of the effective concentration, less of therapeutic per patient and therefore lower cost per patient.

The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mitoUPR) is a protective mechanism that is activated when the mitochondria experience stress. mitoUPR signaling has been linked to systemic inflammation and the innate immune response in multicellular organisms as well as being an important factor involved in the etiology and progression of many diseases, especially mitochondrial diseases such as Leigh Syndrome, and in aging. We are using HSP60 and HSP6 GFP reporter expressing Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), which express green fluorescent protein when the mitoUPR is activated. By specifically inhibiting and altering mitochondrial function with different drugs, we hope to identify the signaling components of the mitochondria that induce (or inhibit) the protective mechanism. In addition, we are constructing HSP6 and HSP60 expressing plasmids to be taken up by the bacteria that the C. elegans eat. By feeding HSP6 and HSP60 to the worms we can determine if the mitoUPR can be induced through exogenous heat shock protein uptake in the gut. We are also feeding the C. elegans different strains of bacteria to observe the effect of how different bacterial proteins can affect the strength of mitoUPR induction and whether the innate immune response can induce the mitoUPR. From this data we hope to gain a better understanding of the mitoUPR, and configure a model on how this mechanism is expressed.

Between 1875 and 1918, the German Social Democratic Party grew from an isolated and persecuted sect to become one of the largest, most well-organized, and most prestigious socialist parties in the world. The party's theoretical foundation was Marxism. Its leaders, intellectuals, and many of its rank-and-file members espoused a doctrine that prophesied the inevitable collapse of capitalism and the global transformation of society through socialism. However, on August 4, 1914, the party's representatives in the Reichstag  stood side by side with their conservative and liberal opponents in voting to provide funding for the war that had recently broken out in Europe. Furthermore, in defiance of the party's ideology and tradition of intransigence, a number of influential writers and intellectuals within the party had begun to articulate theories that attempted to harmonize German imperialism and Marxism. Contrary to the principles of the international solidarity of the working class, these thinkers argued that the acquisition of overseas colonies was essential to secure Germany's continued prosperity and the well-being of German workers. Many equated the so-called noble and civilizing values of German culture with socialism. The triumph of German imperialism thus laid the foundation for the coming socialist order. My research concerns a critical reading of primary source documents from prominent socialist newspapers and treatises of the period in light of the relevant secondary source literature to reconstruct the party's transformation from intransigence to imperialism. I seek to analyze these theories of socialist imperialism within the context of the party's growth and bureaucratization, the rise of powerful trade unions, and the emergence of theories that challenged orthodox Marxism. Ultimately, these theories of socialist imperialism discredited the party following the war with the disastrous consequence of making its leaders and members unprepared to contest the rise of Nazism in the 1930s.

AB Aur is a protostar with a surrounding protoplanetary disk. By taking coronagraphic images of AB Aur using an occulting mask to block out the star in order to get a more detailed look at the young circumstellar disk we are able to analyze the potential formation of any extrasolar planets. Because it is unclear where the exact center of the star is behind the occulting mask, we simulated the effects of mis-centered stars by shifting 24 individual images of the disk 4 times at different pixel shifts. Using 14 areas of interest we were able to compare the intensity changes for each final shifted image. Any significant variations in the intensity graph indicated the region was not an actual structure. We concluded there was a spiral arm forming on the right side of the disk and the gap above the star was real and not strongly affected by any mis-centering of the central star behind the corongraphic mask.

 Postcards, as the modern Western world knows them, function as tools for communication, providing evidence of a supposedly successful touristic experience. Acting as an essentialized idea of a location, postcards are bought as an artifact by tourists to qualify their experience yet are inherently misleading in not only their apparent sense of direct contact with the peoples of a different location but with their supposed depiction of photographic reality.By extensively analyzing modern literature regarding postcards, anthropological literature on tourist motivations,and hundreds of individual postcards, this research examines how the work of 20th century British photographer John Hinde depicts Ireland as a fantasy, thereby transcending the nature of the already illusory postcard to altogether loftier heights of deception. By making deliberate, significant enhancements and manipulations in composition, color, and subject, Hinde created postcards of an idyllic Ireland that amplified the unreal in the name of both economy and pleasure. Hinde’s postcards were especially problematic because of the ultimate illusion they constructed. This imagined fantasy as constructed by Hinde further disconnects the tourist from the reality of the place they are visiting, allowing their use of the false images as evidence, ultimately reflecting the inevitable failure of the tourist: to really understand the place they are visiting. The significance of this research lies in examining the futility of being a tourist and how visual representation can further complicate cross-cultural experiences. It is important for all people, tourists in particular, to question and become aware of how images can influence their perceptions and motivations.

The concept of dynamically causing physical distortion of molecular frameworks to influence reactivity offers an intriguing opportunity for synthetic polymer chemists and materials scientists. Strained rings have been shown to undergo chemical transformations under different stimuli but their mechanochemical behavior is a relatively newer field of study. We postulate that directing a reaction pathway mechanochemically may be a viable means to increasing the selectivity in the ring opening event. Before the mechanochemistry is investigated, the polymeric materials containing these ring systems must be designed and synthesized. The development of our strained ring system is multi-step synthesis starting from a commercially available small molecule. Once the strained ring small molecule is created, the final step of the synthesis is to incorporate it in the middle portion of a polymer. After the molecular framework has been built, its mechanochemical reactivity is studied via solution-based experiments using an ultrasound probe and processor (20 kHz) of variable power output (up to 750 watts). This approach will facilitate product characterization, mechanistic inquiries, and reactivity profiles. Collectively, the ambitious research objectives provide a fundamental basis of how mechanical forces may be used to guide and control reaction profiles.

Ozone in surface air is toxic to both humans and plants, and has negative implications to human health and crop yields. Surface ozone is enhanced by anthropogenic emissions of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons, which are a direct result of fuel combustion and other industrial activities. Yet, the highest concentrations of ozone in California are often observed in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, some 50-100 kilometers from the urban plumes of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. How anthropogenic emissions affect ozone in areas strongly influenced by biogenic emissions remains a critical question in our understanding of air quality, with implications for control strategies. To examine these issues we are using data from two multi-year atmospheric chemistry field measurement campaigns: CALNEX SJV and BEARPEX. CALNEX SJV took place in 2010 near Bakersfield, CA, an area heavily influenced by urban and agricultural emissions. The BEARPEX 2007 and 2009 campaigns took place in Blodgett Forest, CA, a rural forested area primarily influenced by biogenic emissions. We are quantifying the extent to which anthropogenic emissions of hydrocarbons affect ozone production in these two regimes by performing a statistical analysis of a unique set of chemical indicators, acyl peroxynitrates, or APN. APN are produced in the atmosphere during the photochemical degredation of hydrocarbons that leads to ozone production. APN carry a fingerprint of an anthropogenic or biogenic hydrocarbon precursor. Through linear combination modeling of ozone using various APN compounds and trend analysis along independent axes such as temperature and day of week, we estimate the relative importance of anthropogenic and biogenic hydrocarbons. Moreover, by comparing data from these two sites, we provide a much broader understanding of such effects in both rural and urban areas.

Recent advances in remote-controlled multi-rotor helicopters have propelled them to become a uniquely capable means of aerial cinematography. The video camera can now chart paths never before possible, weaving around and over objects, and bringing us along as it moves quickly through a space. The implications for art are largely unexplored. I will investigate ways this camera movement’s affect on our sense of space in film, and how these techniques, when used over a large area, may refigure our understanding of the city. My research requires constructing an experimental remote-controlled helicopter, building off the most current research this a dynamically evolving field. I will then employ my system to explore and capture footage the suburban environment, from which I will compose a non-narrative short film. The goal of this project is to see what compositional structures follow from these new techniques, and ultimately to see how they might lead to a reimagining of neighborhoods. Portions of this film and documentation of the process involved will be presented.

A spherical domed ceiling has been a proven artistic space since the era of Antonio da Correggio’s famous dome fresco, The Assumption of the Virgin. Mix that together with the University of Washington’s planetarium and an extremely fertile space for artistic collaboration and exploration is revealed. Today, brand-new digital projection technology at University of Washington’s planetarium provides a unique space for digital artwork in comparison to more classical, non-digital domes. However, because of a planetarium’s contextual history, a significantly greater amount of time has been spent continuing planetarium-like experiences rather than attempting more artistic and experimental explorations. Over the past year, I have worked in collaboration with the Astronomy and DXARTS departments to create a fully immersive and experimental film for fulldome projection. Through research, development, and testing, I have also produced a robust framework for future artists to create their own works in fulldome spaces, especially at the University of Washington. As Correggio has shown, being creative with illusionistic perspective on a dome can lead to impressive results. Even in the 21st century, his techniques can be applied towards scientific and artistic experiences as well as open up other unique avenues of exploration within a fulldome space.

The geographic ranges of species are strongly influenced by climate. As temperatures increase, species are expected to shift poleward in latitude and upward in elevation, a prediction supported by observations of range shifts in recent decades. Species interactions also play a crucial role in setting geographic ranges of global biomes, and could be critical in determining the response of species to climate change. Due to limited data on interspecific competition in the boreal biome, Earth's largest land biome, it is largely unclear how climate change will affect the range limits of the individual tree species that occupy it. In recent decades, spruce trees (Picea engelmannii) have increased in abundance at high elevation locations formerly dominated by larch trees (Larix lyallii). This change is thought to result from improved climatic conditions for spruce establishment but has not been tested. I hypothesize that spruce have higher establishment rates than larch where the two co-occur when temperatures are high. To test this hypothesis, I will harvest 120 stems of each species at locations in the North Cascade Mountains in the summer of 2012. I will then count the number of annual growth rings for each sapling to determine establishment year. Next, I will model the relationship between establishment rates and climate in different decades of the last ~100 years for each species. Finally, I will compare the establishment-climate relationships of the two species to infer how the relative abundances of the species might shift with warming. These results have large-scale implications for changes we should expect to see in global biomes as warming continues. In particular, this hypothesis suggests that spruce will replace larch as climate change progresses.

Many neurological diseases that are prevalent in our society, as well as serious addictions, affect one’s ability to make optimal decisions. In order to provide further insight on these conditions, the underlying mechanisms and processes of decision-making must first be determined. Previous research shows that the inactivation of amygdala during bouts of stress blocks any stress effects on later decision-making performance. This study aims to answer how this occurs by determining the necessary brain structures for the decision-making task. Because prefrontal cortex lesions have not disrupted decision making on the task in earlier studies, lesions of subcortical regions should negatively affect decision making. Specifically, we lesion the central and basolateral nuclei of the amygdala, or the dorsomedial striatum of several rats, two subcortical regions known to be strongly associated with reward-related behavior. Decision making is assessed through a series of baseline and bias tests on a figure-8 maze. The rats run through a series of equal-reward baseline sessions on the maze, then switch to bias testing for three days (unequal reward), and finally are tested on reverse bias (unequal reward, larger side switched). It is suspected that significant decision-making impairments will be seen after either the amygdala or the dorsomedial striatum is lesioned.

 Extraterrestrial regolith can be utilized for a variety of in-situ resource utilization applications including the production of oxygen and slurry materials. These capabilities are crucial for the success of long-term missions to both the Moon and Mars. However, the value of the regolith often depends on extracting a specific particle size. Therefore, our objective is to develop a regolith sifting system for integration into extraterrestrial surface systems. Furthermore, this system will be designed to operate independent of gravitational forces in order to offer flexibility by maintaining the same degree of reliability and efficiency in terrestrial, lunar, martian, asteroidal, and orbital environments. To accomplish this task, a centrifuge design was adopted. A container fitted with two sets of sifting screens is rapidly spun so that the centripetal forces cause the particles to pass through the screens. At high speeds the effects of gravity and particle cohesion become negligible. The design was carried through several stages of development where parameters such as geometry, induced agitation, sample size, rotation speed, and test duration were optimized to give accurate sorting results with minimal energy input. Data collected from ground testing will be compared to data collected on NASA’s low-gravity aircraft in June. The low-gravity testing introduces more challenges to the design, such as automated gates that keep the particles from self-sorting in between low-gravity flight parabolas, and integration into a air-tight glove-box for safety. For future research, techniques for autonomous and continuous operation will be crucial for adoption into extraterrestrial surface systems.

As carriers of globally prevalent diseases such as Malaria and Dengue Fever, mosquitoes are an important model for research in vector biology. Previous studies have shown that many mosquito species are capable of changing their host-seeking behavior to match environmental shifts in host availability. However, the sensory mechanisms that mediate the shifts in hosts remain unknown. Because many other insect species are capable of learning novel associations throughout their lives, we hypothesized that this behavioral shift in mosquitoes was an indication of a similar capacity for learning. This study examines the degree, speed, and accuracy with which female Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes respond to Pavlovian conditioning. We paired seven different odors with a blood reward to gauge the change in the insects’ reactions to these scents over time. We found that mosquitoes were capable of Pavlovian learning, but not when stimulated with odors known to be naturally repellent to mosquitoes. Moreover, compared to other insects, mosquitoes quickly learned the association between the reward and the novel odor. They also demonstrated selectivity towards the odors they were trained on, and showed little response to odors that were similar to the trained odor, suggesting that their learning process is highly odor-specific. These findings suggest that learning behaviors may be an important factor to mosquito survival in natural conditions. Pavlovian learning in mosquitoes has never before been shown, and further research into the neural mechanisms mediating the shift in host preferences could very well lead to advancements in the prevention of mosquito-borne pathogenic infections.

There is a high need for transitional housing in areas affected by natural disasters, particularly transitional housing that is permanent, high performing, economical, and sustainable. Current solutions, predominantly large tents, do not provide a satisfactory living state for the tens of thousands of people displaced by these natural disasters. Alternate housing options have been developed and implemented, but the response of these alternatives under seismic loading has not been sufficiently studied. A promising alternative is the use of strategically stacked earthbags in combination with frictional material between the bags, strapping, and render for aesthetic purposes. The placement and configuration of these materials impacts the flexural and shear response of the entire housing system. Through modeling force versus deflection of various models, we can predict the response of the earthbag structure. Using strategic bag placements and placement of restraining components, the goal is to quantify the response of the structure. We anticipate that weaving strapping throughout the bags will provide more resistance to buckling and failure in the configurations discussed throughout this paper. By quantifying the relationship of materials and response, we can design an economical and viable transitional housing solution to respond more predictably under earthquake loading. The design of this structure can provide an economical, accessible, and easily constructible housing alternative.

Our goal is to use human adenovirus to investigate how human defensins interact with viral capsids to neutralize infection. Defensins are small antimicrobial peptides of the innate immune system that prevent bacteria and viruses from infecting their host, but the mechanisms by which defensins neutralize viruses are not yet well known. For human adenovirus (HAdV), we have shown that infection by serotype 5 (HAdV-5) is completely sensitive to defensins while that of HAdV-19c is resistant. Adenovirus is a non-enveloped DNA virus with an icosahedral capsid comprised primarily of the hexon protein. Fiber proteins attached to penton base proteins at the icosahedral vertices interact with host cells during cell entry. Previous studies showed that penton base and fiber proteins contain specific sequences important for conferring sensitivity to defensins. In order to identify these sequences in the HAdV-5 penton base protein, we constructed a number of chimeric viruses in which parts of the HAdV-5 penton base are replaced with the HAdV-19c penton base. Replacing the last half of HAdV-5 penton base, but not just the third or fourth quarters, with the corresponding sequence from the HAdV-19c penton base resulted in significant resistance to defensins. Based on these results, we created new chimeras by replacing the entire third quarter in combination with specific residues in the fourth quarter of the HAdV-5 penton base in order to determine exactly which residues confer resistance to defensins. After identifying these residues, we will create new chimeras by replacing the fourth quarter and mutating specific residues in the third quarter of the penton base. Together with quantitative binding studies to measure the impact of these changes on the defensin-adenovirus interaction, these studies will provide insight into the molecular mechanism of defensin-mediated neutralization of adenovirus that may be generalized to other non-enveloped viruses that are sensitive to defensins.

The fossil record in western Montana and central Oregon of the late Oligocene-early Miocene period, about 20-30 million years ago, presents a rich fauna of gophers (Geomyidae) of the subfamily Entoptychinae. These burrowing creatures may represent up to 25% of the mammalian fauna of certain fossil assemblages. Understanding the ecology of this large population is thus important for interpreting community-wide ecological changes. Prior to investigating their ecology, it is necessary to understand the taxonomic and morphological diversity of these fossil gophers. Previous attempts have been made to differentiate these gophers by using cranial and dental material. However, skulls and dentaries of such small rodents are rarely preserved. Isolated teeth are sometimes the only material available for identification. As a consequence of their abrasive diet, geomyids wear down their teeth over time, erasing potentially diagnostic features of the occlusal surface of the tooth. Therefore, several authors have suggested that differences in the shape of the teeth could be used as a means of species differentiation. This hypothesis has yet to be quantitatively tested. Geometric morphometrics allows such analysis of shape independently of size. This method involves the statistical comparison of geometric coordinates of landmarks placed on an object of interest. I will apply this method to the enamel band of the last premolar and last molar of 140 fossil geomyids. The goal of this study is to test the hypothesis that the shape of Entoptychine teeth can be used as a tool for species differentiation. Preliminary results of the analysis of M3s reveal statistically significant differences between genera. More specifically, the angles of the tooth (tilted anteriorly or posteriorly), its shape (rectangular versus square), and the proximity of its two lophs, appear taxonomically diagnostic. This analysis will allow me to distinguish between gopher taxa, and allow the investigation of their ecology and potential roles in the community.

Membranes are used frequently in water filtration to remove bacteria and contaminants from fresh water. Natural organic matter (NOM) collects inside the permeable membrane, and causes resistance against the water flow. As NOM collects, more force is required to move water through the membrane, and the energy required to continue the process increases. When the pressure required to move water through the membrane has increased, the membrane has fouled. This project examines the filtration and adsorption of NOM in fresh water obtained from Lake Washington. Heated aluminum oxide particles (HAOPs) act as an adsorbent layer, trapping NOM and protecting the membrane from fouling. The HAOPs protect the membrane by collecting and removing NOM through deposition and backwash cycles. During deposition, twenty grams per meters squared (g/m²) of HAOPs are pumped inside a plastic, tubular membrane with a pore size of 2-3 microns. Lake water is then pumped through the membrane at a flux rate of 200 liters per meters squared per hour (lmh), and trans-membrane pressures are measured within the system. Trans-membrane pressure is measured to calculate the amount of pressure necessary to move water through the membrane. Samples are collected periodically throughout a 20 hour run time and analyzed for UV absorbance. UV absorbance measures the amount of light able to transmit through a sample of lake water; the amount of light that travels through the water correlates with the amount of contaminants or NOM that remain in the water. HAOPs successfully remove NOM molecules and protect the membrane, preventing it from fouling quickly. 

Populus tremuloides, quaking aspen, is the most widespread tree species in North America and one of the most important. Because of its valuable ecological role, aspen is considered to be a keystone species, crucial to maintaining the structure of an ecosystem. Aspen populations have been steadily declining throughout the country, particularly in California. In response, Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California has implemented a mapping and assessment program to evaluate the health of aspen stands within the park. Forty-eight stands of aspen were mapped and assessed for risk during 2004-2007, 2009, and 2011. I hypothesize that a majority of the stands are at high risk of disappearing and that the decline can be tied to the influence of one or more features of the stand’s environment. I assigned a risk rating to each stand based on a rating system developed by the Aspen Delineation Project and used by the US Forest Service and National Park Service. Using a geographic information system, I looked for associations between the relative risk rating and environmental features such as proximity to roads, proximity to streams, fire history, and elevation. The results of this study will assist in the development of a strategy to prevent aspen loss in Lassen Volcanic National Park. In addition, the results of this study may help inform the management of aspen in other similar environments in the United States and will lead to a better understanding of the drivers of aspen decline.

The volume of glaciers and ice sheets controls global sea level and plays a major role in climate change. However, it is difficult to reconstruct the history of glaciers and ice sheets from their deposits because these deposits are commonly overrun and re-worked in each successive glaciation. An alternative approach is to measure cosmic-ray-produced nuclides, such as isotopes Beryllium-10, Aluminium-26, and Chlorine-36 (in order of decreasing half-life) in bedrock. These nuclide concentrations build-up due to cosmic ray exposure during interglacial periods when glaciers are at their smallest extent. The present day concentrations are the cumulative result of exposure during ice-free periods and radioactive decay during periods of ice cover. By working with nuclides of different half-lives, we can obtain information about the long-term glacial history. We are measuring these nuclides in samples from elevation transects on mountains beside Scott Glacier and Beardmore Glacier in Antarctica. Concentrations of all three increase with elevation. Summit samples have Be-10 and Al-26 concentrations close to saturation levels, but lower Cl-36 concentrations. This suggests that ice cover during glacial periods was thicker and more prolonged in the last 0.5 – 1 Myr than the 2-5 Myr average. In contrast, samples from the base of these mountains have lower and more uniform concentrations of the three nuclides, which is consistent with glacial erosion of the surfaces. Measuring depth profiles in the Beardmore Glacier samples will allow us to test this interpretation.

The study of chronological and replicative aging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae has provided both post-mitotic and mitotic aging models in this single-celled organism. In chronological aging, lifespan is determined by the length of time a yeast cell can survive in a non-dividing state, whereas in replicative aging, the lifespan is determined by the number of daughter cells produced by a mother cell prior to irreversible cell cycle arrest. The primary goals of this study were to observe how the chronological aging of yeast cells influences replicative lifespan (RLS) and to determine whether changes in the extracellular environment that influence chronological lifespan (CLS) would also influence subsequent RLS. By buffering the pH of the medium to 6.0 or reducing the concentration of available glucose (dietary restriction), we show that these manipulations were able to suppress the reduction in RLS associated with chronological aging, when compared with cells aged in synthetic complete medium with 2% glucose. The production of ethanol and acetic acid due to yeast fermentation may be responsible for cellular damage leading to reduced RLS, and it can be inferred that by buffering the pH to 6.0 or dietary restricting the cells, this damage is attenuated and replicative capacity is increased following chronological aging.

Plants use hormone-signaling pathways to regulate growth and development. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are critical plant hormones that regulate growth such as the elongation of the embryonic stem. We study the specific mechanism of this process by testing the hormone-induced growth responses of both wild type and mutant Arabidopsis seedlings. We are testing whether growth repressor SPATULA is involved in BR growth response. We hypothesized that the growth repressor SPATULA is downstream of the BR pathway. To test this hypothesis, we acquired mutants that lack SPATULA function. After confirming the genotype of the mutants by PCR, we used a high-resolution camera to observe growth throughout early development in response to hormone treatments. Data is recorded by the camera over the course of 132 hours. The images are then analyzed and growth rates are calculated. Using these data, we determined if SPATULA is involved in the BR growth response.

Essentially all growth and developmental processes in plants require action of the hormone auxin. Auxin regulates gene expression by mediating the degradation of repressor proteins called Aux/IAAs. At low concentrations of auxin, these IAA proteins repress auxin-responsive genes by binding to auxin response factor (ARF) activating transcription factors. A subset of ARF and IAA proteins are involved in the initiation of new lateral roots, which are important for overall root architecture and function. Mutant phenotypes in these ARFs and IAAs fall into two separate classes. Based on this evidence, we hypothesize that the structural properties of specific ARF and IAA proteins cause them to have specific binding preferences. For example, we predict that ARF5 has stronger binding preference for IAA12 than IAA14, while ARF7 has stronger preference for IAA14. To test interactions between these proteins, we are expressing them in the yeast, S. cerevisiae. This allows us to look at individual protein interactions at single cell resolution, which is not possible using a plant based system due to the ubiquity of auxin responses and the presence of multiple IAAs and ARFs. We are using a bimolecular fluorescence complementation approach, in which two complementary halves of fluorescent proteins are fused to two interacting proteins of interest. Specifically, we have fused halves of different fluorescent proteins to IAAs and ARFs, such that each specific IAA-ARF complex exhibits a different color of fluorescence. Using this system, we will compete two different IAA proteins for binding of a single ARF. This approach will allow us to analyze the binding preferences of proteins through quantitative comparison of fluorescence of protein complexes. The results of my research may explain some of the specificities between ARF and IAA mutant phenotypes found in Arabidopsis and how distinct protein properties lead to differences in gene expression and development.

Phase Change Memory (PCM) exploits the difference in resistivity between the amorphous and crystalline solid phases of chalcogenide alloys. With easier scalability, faster write speeds, and higher switch endurances, PCM is set to replace Flash Memory and lead the way to greater functionality of our everyday electronic devices. The major obstacle preventing development of this technology is the power required to transition between the two solid states. In order to switch between phases, the material must first be melted and at greater cell densities, it becomes uncertain if the memory access device can supply enough current for resistive heating. A solution for the high power consumption is to adopt a nanowire (NW) structure whose geometry lowers the melting temperature of the phase change material. Our research was focused on improving simulation codes written by Ph.D. student Jie Liu for Nanowire Phase Change Memory (NW-PCM). As the code was based on macroscopic electro-thermal equations, a significant part of the research became to determine how accurately macroscopic physics could describe the operations of NW-PCM cells with mesoscopic dimensions - where quantum mechanics is known to cause fluctuations from classical results. By simulating published experiments on NW-PCM and comparing the results, we concluded that NW-PCM with dimensions ranging from 5nm – 200nm can be adequately described by classical physics within an error margin. The conformity of results for NW-PCM dimensions as low as 5nm was unexpected as devices with dimensions smaller than 10nm have been experimentally observed to undergo ballistic electron transport. The anomaly piqued interests in the published experiment that caused it and the data analysis from our research as a whole went towards identifying how the simulation should be improved.

          Disproportionate collapse is a phenomenon in which the localized failure of a small portion of a structure triggers the failure of adjoining members, resulting in damage disproportionate to the original cause. In Steel Gravity Framing Systems (SGFSs), connections between members are designed solely to support nominal gravity loading in shear, exemplifying a system which may be particularly vulnerable to collapse if subjected to unanticipated loading.  If unanticipated loading compromises a column’s ability to resist gravity loading in a SGFS, demands on the shear connections become significantly more complex. Under this scenario, gravity loading initially induces primarily shear and bending moment on the connections, which are resisted through friction and clamping forces and later through horizontal bearing forces at the bolt holes when the friction is overcome. As the beams rotate, the gravity loading becomes resolvable into components perpendicular and parallel to the beam axes, generating large tension forces in the connections. Thus, connections originally designed only to resist shear are subjected to a complex combination of bending moment, shear, and tension forces.  This research experimentally investigates the behavior of steel gravity framing connection subassemblages under loading consistent with a column losing its load carrying capacity in order to evaluate connection performance and system-level integrity of existing SGFSs. Furthermore, once the demands on the connections are adequately characterized, practical solutions to improve connection robustness and SGFS integrity can be developed.

In the aftermath of the 1916 Everett Massacre, the Industrial Workers of the World (I.W.W.), the City of Everett, and local newspapers struggled to control the story of this armed confrontation, and the ensuing trial of I.W.W. member Thomas Tracy. There has been a great deal written about the Massacre and trial, but limited research on the attempts of labor, political parties, industrialists, and the local community to control the story. To research this topic, I have examined a number of books, along with the Seattle Daily Times, the Everett Daily Herald, and various regional labor publications. I have also to conducted archival research in various documentary sites, as well as conducting informal interviews with archivists, and people in Everett. I argue that the rhetoric used by the attorneys at the trial, the I. W. W. literature, along with coverage in the local periodicals, provides an example of the larger battle waged for the control of the production of stories and historical memories. This paper uses the depictions of the massacre by various groups to raise broader questions about how memory is produced, and the lengths to which people will go to further their cause, and to have their views elevated to the story of history.

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system. Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a mouse model used to study MS. Previous studies have shown that EAE can be induced by helper T cells of both the Th17 (IL-17 producing) and Th1 (IFNg-producing) lineages. In classic EAE induced by Th1 cells, inflammation is observed predominantly in the spinal cord, however in our model of atypical EAE, induced by transfer of Th17-skewed cells, inflammation is observed in both the brain and spinal cord. This atypical model is closer to the disease course of MS in humans, because only rarely do MS patients have spinal cord inflammation without accompanying brain inflammation. Using mice that lack IL-17RA, a protein required for IL-17 signal transduction, we can study the mechanism of IL-17-induced inflammation in the brain versus the spinal cord. In our model we have shown that IL-17 promotes neutrophil recruitment to the brain, but is not required for neutrophil recruitment to the spinal cord. The presence of neutrophils in the spinal cord in IL-17 receptor knockout mice suggests some other mechanism must be used to recruit neutrophils in the spinal cord. Using RT-PCR we have been looking at the role of other factors (IFN-g, CXCL5, CXCL2, CXCL1, GMCFS, and IL-1b) in recruiting neutrophils in spinal cord independent of IL-17.

Over the past few decades the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has emerged as a prominent model for aging research. One method for measuring aging in yeast is to determine the replicative life span (RLS) of mother cells, defined as the number of daughter cells produced prior to irreversible cell cycle arrest. The Kaeberlein Lab Dissection Team has measured RLS for hundreds of thousands of yeast mother cells over the past few years. In addition to RLS, we have also recently began recording the budding pattern at end of life as an additional phenotype of interest since these mutations have been known to lead to irregular cell cycle regulation. 4 different categories are used to define the terminal morphology of yeast cells: unbudded (U), small bud (S), long bud (L), and clumped (C). From the data gathered thus far, a positive correlation has been made between the terminal budding pattern of cells with reduced RLS compared to their unbudded counterparts. Meaning contructs that stop replicating mid cell cycle (S, L, or C) live shorter lives. We speculate that genomic instability contributes to terminal arrest in the budded state, but further research needs to be conducted to confirm this theory. It will also be of interest to determine how specific genetic defects lead to altered frequencies of the 4 different terminal morphologies and their relationship to replicative life span.

The reduction of CO₂ has become a global priority as the concerns of climate change and the adverse effects of atmospheric carbon dioxide on the environment continue to rise. One method of reducing CO₂ emissions is through conversion and utilization as a chemical feedstock. CO₂ is cheap, nontoxic, and can be recycled to produce valuable new products, making it an attractive feedstock. The increasing importance of CO₂ utilization processes requires a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of its conversion. The industrial conversion of CO₂ is typically achieved using a heterogeneous catalyst, usually consisting of small transition metal particles supported on a high surface area metal oxide. Our project focuses on elucidating the mechanism of the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction on platinum, an extensively studied catalyst with a highly active surface. Our goals are (1) to quantitatively measure the RWGS rate under conditions of low H coverage and (2) to compare the measured rate to the rate of CO₂ dissociation (the rate-limiting step according to the surface redox mechanism) and to the theoretical rate calculated using a micro-kinetic model based on the associative mechanism. The information we gather from the investigation will clarify whether the RWGS reaction proceeds on platinum via the surface redox mechanism or the associative mechanism.

Steel Plate Shear Walls (SPSWs) are structures used to mitigate damage to a building due to lateral forces caused by earthquakes. A literature review is being conducted on SPSWs to create a unified database that will be made public on the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation Website. The database will include information on Steel Plate Shear Wall tests, such as wall properties and information on drift levels for various repair states. Drift is a measurement of lateral displacement divided by total wall height. Repair states correspond to the values of drift at which a certain type of repair of the wall is required. Drift levels will be organized by their associated repair state to create fragility functions. Fragility functions are cumulative distribution functions that tell the probability of a SPSW reaching a specific damage state at a specific drift level. These functions can help engineers design SPSWs and predict what level of damage or repair is expected under a certain level of earthquake shaking.

The 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens caused the bathymetry of Spirit Lake to change drastically resulting in an increase in surface area and a decrease in average depth. Subsequently, Spirit Lake is experiencing an increase in productivity. This study measures concentrations of nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus in sediments and aquatic plants in order to understand the source of the lake’s increasing productivity. Over the summer of 2010, we collected surface sediment samples and a short sediment core. The results of these analyses, together with aquatic plant data obtained by Bellarmine High School students and Portland State University, will be used to estimate the role of sediments in nutrient cycling in Spirit Lake.

Congenital heart defects are the most common form of birth defect, affecting about one out of every 100 newborns in the US. Ten percent of these afflicted newborns will experience a narrowing of their aorta, formally called coarctation of the aorta. Coarctation can result in extreme hypoxia in tissues that do not receive sufficient blood supply, and can eventually lead to congestive heart failure; surgical repair is required for the infant to regain normal circulation. The etiology of coarctation has been linked in many cases to migration of cells from the ductus arteriosus into the aorta. The ductus arteriosus is a fetal vessel that must close at birth, and does so by constriction of its smooth muscle cells until its lumen is occluded. If these contractile cells migrate into the aorta, they can constrict, narrowing the aortic lumen. Preliminary data from experiments on the region where the ductus inserts into the aorta show a differential expression of chemorepulsive signaling proteins from the Slit and Robo families in ductal versus aortic tissue, suggesting that a distinct tissue boundary forms in this region. This is supported by previous studies in lineage mapping, which demonstrated a distinct somite-neural crest smooth muscle lineage boundary in the aortic arch. In order to elucidate the role that Slit and Robo proteins play in determining the ductus-aorta boundary, I use reverse transcription PCR analysis to examine the expression of Slit-Robo ligand and receptor proteins in perinatal ductal and aortic tissue. By comparing expression in normal samples with samples from patients with coarctation, more insight into the influence of Slit-Robo chemorepulsive signaling on boundary formation will be gained. Characterization of the ductus-aorta boundary by identification of differential ligand-receptor expression is critical to understanding the role that abnormal boundary formation plays in coarctation of the aorta.

The Cordilleran Ice Sheet filled Puget Sound during the last ice age. Its maximum extent is defined by glacial deposits, including large "erratic" boulders, near Olympia in the southern Puget Lowland. The age of maximum glaciation can be determined using the build-up of cosmic ray produced nuclides in these rocks. We sampled two large granite erratics and separated quartz for analysis of cosmic ray produced Be-10. After dissolution, beryllium was extracted and purified, and the Be-10/Be-9 ratio measured by accelerator mass spectrometry. The Be-10 concentrations (approximately 75,000 atom/g) are used to calculate the time the boulders have been exposed to cosmic rays, and thus date the retreat of the Puget Lobe of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet from its maximum extent.

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is a robust neuroprotective phenomenon in which a brief period of ischemia leads to tolerance to subsequent ischemic attacks. Characterizing the mechanisms of IPC is a major focus in stroke basic research. Prior IPC investigations focused primarily on gray matter – infarct volume reduction in rodents following a surgical stroke model, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). IPC reduces infarct volume by greater than 50%. This effect has been shown to be dependent on immune cell receptor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). However, human brains have a far greater percentage of WM than rodents and WM injury is a major component in human stroke. Preliminary studies from our laboratory have shown that IPC in vivo can protect optic nerve (a pure WM structure) from subsequent prolonged ischemic injury in vitro. This effect is also TLR4-dependent. We hypothesize here that specific IPC-induced changes in optic nerve gene and protein expression are responsible for WM protection. Based on prior work from our laboratory, we hypothesize that two sets of genes in particular: (i) AMPA class glutamate receptors and (ii) Interferon stimulated genes play a role in IPC-induced WM protection. To test this hypothesis, we are using our standard model of WM IPC (15 minute common carotid artery ligation) to generate preconditioned (ipsilateral) and control (contralateral) optic nerves. Three days later, the optic nerves are dissected out and homogenized. We then isolate either total RNA or total protein. We then use targeted PCR arrays and immune- (Western) blotting techniques to quantify expression of the AMPA glutamate receptors and interferon-stimulated genes. We anticipate that IPC will induce selective down regulation of the former and broad-based, TLR4-dependent up-regulation of the latter. Based on our results we hope to identify novel molecular pathways for therapeutic intervention in WM injury following either stroke or ischemic optic neuropathy.

Vervet (Chloebus pygerythms) and Sykes (Cercopithecus albogulans) monkeys are both primarily arboreal monkeys living in overlapping habitats in Eastern Africa and exhibiting different patterns of social organization.  Vervet troops are comprised of multiple males and multiple females, while sykes troops have strictly one male amongst multiple females.  Species, such as sykes, which show no male cooperation and are in competition with surrounding troops benefit from having close members. Affiliative behavior increases cooperation and binds individuals to the group.  This more cohesive unit serves as a barrier against opposing troops. Monkey species, such as vervets, that have some degree of male cooperation and are less threatened by surrounding troops are able to separate in the warm climate.  We hypothesize that higher rates of affiliative behavior will be exhibited in Sykes, who show no male-male cooperation, than in vervets. While studying abroad in Kenya, we compared the affiliative behavior of Sykes and vervet females by conducting longitudinal focal animal sampling.  Females were studied because males have different roles in each species and the sex of juveniles was difficult to identify. Affiliative behavior was defined as instances of contact, embrace, groom, hold, huddle, muzzle or touch and the number of instances per hour per female was recorded.  Preliminary data indicates Sykes females display significantly higher rates of affiliative behavior per hour than vervets (two-tailed, unpaired t-test, p=.0034).  Our results support the hypothesis that affiliative behavior is more frequent in uni-male Sykes troops than multi-male vervets.  We suggest that social organization lies at the root of these behavioral differences, but more research is needed to verify these findings.

In any niche occupied by multiple species, competition is inevitable; whether through killing opponents, or depleting resources first. Ecological theory posits the existence of r- and K-selected competitors. r-selected organisms colonize well and reproduce quickly (often at the expense of individual survival). K-selected organisms succeed in stable, dense environments and are typically larger and live longer; typically investing in self defense mechanisms. This observed quantity vs quality competition is the foundation for the r/K selection theory. One limitation of existing r and K models is that factors causing organisms to be either r or K selected are not clearly defined. Release of toxic substances (i.e., interference competition) is an example of a factor that could allow for a species to be good at excluding others near the carrying capacity. To study this, we created a bacterial warfare model with two antibiotic producing bacteria, Chromobacterium violaceum (Cv) and Burkholderia thailandensis (Bt). These species were competed in at a 1:1 ratio and were disturbed (re-plated via coring) at varying intervals. Both bacteria produce their antibiotics when cell density is high. Cv behaves like an r-selected organism in that it grows quickly but has a weak antibiotic. Bt shows characteristics of K-selected organisms, growing slower, but creating antibiotics that rapidly kill Cv. Our initial observations show that Cv succeeds in frequently disturbed environments by not allowing Bt to effectively reach quorum, while Bt wins in more static environments where its ability to produce potent antibiotics to pay off. Also, controls indicate while Cv's antibiotic provides an edge, its growth rate appears to be the determining factor for success. These results provide evidence that disturbance frequency acts as a primary selective force in the antibiotic mediated competition, and may provide parallels and contrasts to other systems where r and K selected organisms compete.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is an important modulator in the pathophysiology of acute ischemic stroke (AIS).  Specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in TLR4 alter the immune cell responsiveness to bacterial lipopolysaccharide and various endogenous activators, such as heat shock protein (HSP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and nitric oxide (NO).  This project utilized data generated from patients presenting with AIS to University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) and Harborview Medical Center (HMC) between September 2005 and May 2009.  DNA was first extracted from patient serum samples collected at regular intervals following AIS.  The DNA was then analyzed using Direct-PCR for the presence of various TLR4 SNPs, such as 1063 A/G (Asp299Gly) and 1363 C/T (Thr399Ile).  In an analysis adjusted for both initial stroke severity and age, the presence of either TLR4 SNP was associated with an increased rate of infection and a decreased likelihood of favorable outcome at 3 months following stroke.  In addition to pointing to a functionally and clinically significant genetic variation in TLR4 SNPs for AIS patients, these results suggest a direct connection between TLR4 function and stroke pathophysiology.  

More than 3000 landslides have been identified as occurring as a direct result of the March 11, 2011, Tohuko Earthquake, using Google Earth disaster satellite imagery (1 m resolution). Landslides were categorized into 5 types: disrupted, lateral spread, flow, rock fall, and block slides. These types were analyzed using ArcMap, a type of Geographical Information System (GIS) to map spatial patterns of landslides in relation to surficial geology, peak ground acceleration (PGA), distance to epicenter, and topography. The areal size versus frequency of the Japan landslides was also compared to distributions of landslides inventoried in previous studies. The Japan distribution was found to follow an inverse power law function; this is an extremely useful relationship because it allows us to “fill in” an incomplete inventory, and can have predictive value for landslides in areas that were not covered by the disaster imagery. In knowing how many landslides and where the susceptible areas are likely to occur, potential damage and injury can be avoided. Landslides can be dangerous and the disruption they cause in distribution of supplies especially aid after an event, this research can strengthen the ability for governments to plan for and find ways to diminish problems associated with such blockages. Further work can be done to determine how roadway systems and infrastructure can be safeguarded against failures to ensure life and property damage does not occur.

Motivated by recent interest in developing compact, inexpensive, and reliable eye-safe lasers, the effect of quantum confinement on a saturable absorber material, cobalt-doped zinc selenide (Co²⁺:ZnSe), was explored in colloidal quantum dots. Co²⁺:ZnSe diluted magnetic semiconductor quantum dots (DMS-QDs) are semiconducting nanocrystals with structural lattices that include substitutional magnetic ions in addition to the primary metal cations. While previous work has been conducted on the saturability of optical absorption in bulk Co²⁺:ZnSe, the research presented here focuses entirely on quantum-confined colloidal DMS-QDs. The ability of these particular DMS-QDs to behave as saturable absorbers was explored in depth. This property is directly related to the long lived ⁴T₂(F) excited state of the Co²⁺ dopants, which gives rise to bleaching of the Co²⁺ ligand field transitions, leading to increased transmission of light upon irradiation at high powers. Specifically, absorbance features associated with excitation of ground-state electrons localized in the d-orbitals of the dopants are lost. To examine the saturable absorber behavior of Co²⁺:ZnSe, we looked at the optical transmittance of the quantum dots as a function of photoexcitation power. This was done by slowly increasing the power of a pump laser exciting the sample and observing changes in the absorbance spectrum at characteristic Co²⁺ ligand-field transition features. The bleaching of the ligand field Co²⁺:ZnSe in its nanocrystal form demonstrates that these colloidal materials are candidates for saturable absorbers in Q-switched eye-safe lasers. From this point, it should also be possible to explore excitation of the electrons from the first excited state (⁴T₂(F)) into higher energy states (excited-state absorption).

The glass transition temperature is a feature of polymer systems that dictates the transition between glassy and molten-like states in amorphous solids. Glassy polymers have many advantageous properties and are highly desirable for commercial and industrial uses. However, the conditions that lead to glass formation are usually well above room temperature, making implementation of most polymer glasses unfeasible. In a recent discovery, ultra-stable poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) glasses were formed using a technique known as matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE). These results showed a significant decrease in the polymer’s density, while maintaining chemical stability under normal conditions. The exciting experimental discoveries hold great promise for future technological developments. However, there is much to understand about the underling atomic scale features that arise from MAPLE deposited glassy polymer films. To help answer some of these questions, molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulations were used to understand the mechanisms behind the ultra-stable polymer formation. Previous studies include observing the collapse of the polymer PMMA from an extended to a globular-like state under various solvent and temperature conditions. This poster will show how we track formation of the globular state using different order parameters (e.g., radius of gyration) and also show our generalized strategy for quickly building new polymer simulations. Understanding the fundamentals behind ultra-stable glass formation can unlock discoveries in the development and implementation of new materials.

"The S.P.O.T.", which stands for Students in Partnership for Organizing Transformation, began constructing a physical space on the University of Washington Bothell (UWB) campus in the fall of 2011. This space is meant to serve as a multipurpose room for recognized student organizations (RSO) to collaborate in creating a campus culture inclusive of diversity, representation and open dialogue. The purpose of this study is to critically analyze how The S.P.O.T. exists as a site of struggle, produce by the complex interplay of passionate and influential social actors including The Office of Student Life, RSO leaders, and dedicated faculty. I also document how RSO leaders negotiate public space on campus in an effort to mobilize the wants and needs of their organization. I have conducted a series of in-depth interviews with RSO leaders, participated in several UWB Club and Innovation Forums, and spent months directly observing how students attempt to understand public space on campus. Through this research I argue that The S.P.O.T., designed with the purpose of igniting social change, has itself become a powerful social actor in shaping students understanding of UWB initiatives and policies. RSO leaders must continually employ a series of strategies to maintain visibility and legitimacy in a constantly shifing sociopolitical landscape. By unraveling the unseen forces behind the creation of student spaces, such as The S.P.O.T., and exposing the limitation, as well as the potential, we can better understand how students make sense of complex social issues. This research is necessary if students, RSO leaders, and faculty are committed to increasing awareness, respect, and understanding by transforming physical space on campus.

Synthetic biology holds great promise regarding the production of important compounds, and the degradation of harmful ones. Last summer, we harnessed the power of synthetic biology to meet the world’s needs for fuel and medicine. We constructed a strain of Escherichia coli that produces a variety of alkanes, the main constituents of diesel fuel, by introducing a pair of genes recently shown convert fatty acid synthesis intermediates into alkanes. Using this method, we were able to produce on average 160 mg of alkanes per liter. Also, we identified a protease with gluten-degradation potential, and then reengineered it to have 100 times increased gluten-degrading activity, allowing for the breakdown of gluten in the digestive track when taken in pill form. Finally, to enable next-generation cloning of standard biological parts, BioBrick vectors optimized for Gibson assembly, an emerging DNA cloning technique, were constructed and used to construct the Magnetosome Toolkit: genes for biofabrication of magnetic particles.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), the parasite responsible for human Toxoplasmosis, has previously been shown to be inhibited by Bumped Kinase Inhibitors (BKIs) via inhibition of Calcium Dependent Protein Kinase 1 (CDPK1) in vivo. While BKIs inhibit T. gondii very well with high selectivity for parasite and not human functions, and have low toxicity, CDPK1 itself is significantly less inhibited by the compounds in vitro, suggesting that the observed inhibition may in part be due to other enzymes. Using genomic data, we selected three T. gondii kinases with similar gatekeeper regions to CDPK1 that could be structurally vulnerable to BKIs as well. In an effort to identify and understand these Off-target enzymes, two ongoing experiments were conducted. The first aim was to purify the suspected Off-target enzymes and assay them in vitro against the same BKI compounds that were so effective against CDPK1. The second aim was to genetically manipulate the protein structure of the Off-targets in the gatekeeper region of the enzyme to match that of the known CDPK1 enzyme, to verify the mechanism of action of the BKIs. The likely enzymes to be Off-targets were difficult to purify, and the project is in progress. Future work depends on new methods to purify the Off-targets, in order to make progress toward completing the goals of the project. CDPK1 is an attractive target for therapeutic development for Toxoplasmosis, and further knowledge of Off-target enzymes that are vulnerable in the same way in T. gondii can lead to much-needed low resistance therapeutics.

Clean water reserves have become difficult to obtain for much of the world’s population, due to drought as well as heavy use by certain industries in some regions. There are multiple solutions to this issue but they all require high costs that are only affordable to large corporate institutions. Therefore this project proposes a solution that attempts to be financially accessible and environmentally conscientious utilizing the analysis and critique of previous work. Building on the previous work my research suggest that the sun and seawater can work together to produce a purified form of water by using a magnifying glass to evaporate seawater and condense it into a container. I think that the availability and simplicity of this device would make it financially accessible and environmentally conscientious.

The Fourteenth Amendment attributes citizenship to all those born within the “jurisdiction” of the United States. However, the acquisitions of the Philippines and Puerto Rico by the United States challenges conceptions of citizenship, as both colonies’ inhabitants were neither entitled to citizenship nor were able to stake claims on American identity upon annexation. Through a legalize investigation centering on Supreme Court cases and legislations, I will show the manipulation of citizenship to politically disenfranchised colonies while promoting empire. The Insular Cases amplify the complexity of territorial citizenship, by stating that the Philippines and Puerto Rico are “foreign to the United States in a domestic sense”- a paradoxical relationship where the Philippines and Puerto Rico are prohibited from establishing independence, yet alienated within the United States. However, the Jones Act (1917) administers U.S. citizenship over Puerto Rico, inferring a preferential treatment towards Puerto Ricans over Filipinos. In actuality, transcripts of Congressional hearings and committee debates pontificate different tactics of U.S. policymakers to remedy resistance and independence movements within the Philippines and Puerto Rico. Economic incentives, evidence of Americanization, but most importantly, the racial conception between the two parties justifies the granting of citizenship for Puerto Ricans over Filipinos. The varying racialization coupled with the intimate connection between citizenship and American identity influenced not only politicians but national sentiment as to who is and is not an American. The examination of U.S. citizenship between Filipinos and Puerto Ricans ends with the enactment of the Tydings-McDuffie Act (1934), granting the Philippines independence and self-government after a period of time. In retrospect and comparison to contemporary issue, the idea of citizenship is subject to change and is closely linked to national identity. Nonetheless, the administration of citizenship defines and denies power and privilege among groups of people.

Despite an increasing US-born population, Asian-Americans are often regarded as perpetual foreigners and unrecognized as ‘American.’ The present research examines whether Asian-Americans that are heavier, a stereotype commonly associated with Americans, are perceived as more American than normal weight Asian-Americans. Sixty-eight students were randomly assigned to see a photo of one of three Asian-American women. The same three women were used in both conditions and photos were edited to reflect a change in weight (the weights estimated by participants differed on average by 46 pounds between conditions). Results showed that heavier Asian-Americans were rated as more likely to have been born in the US and rated as worse at math than normal weight Asian-Americans. This research suggests that weight may reduce the extent to which Asian-Americans are perceived as foreigners and increase acknowledgement of their American identity. 

The Community Action Research and Empowerment Project (CARE), launched in September of 2010, is a participatory action research project where elders and youth work together to assess the strengths and needs of the Vietnamese community in Seattle, and develop a long-term plan to address those needs and advance the community. Data from 16 focus groups, 85 interviews, and 316 surveys were collected. We learned that the Vietnamese community members have a broad range of concerns, such as youth and education, housing, jobs, health and social services. During Phase 2 (2011-2012), a strategic action plan will be created with extensive input from community members to address the issues identified—thereby creating a shared vision for the Vietnamese community.

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a large protein complex utilized by bacteria to transport proteins into other cells. Initially implicated in virulence, the T6SS also participates in interbacterial interactions. A T6SS found in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the hemolysin coregulated protein secretion island I T6SS (H1-T6SS), has been found to deliver a set of toxins to other bacteria. This provides P. aeruginosa a fitness advantage over competing bacteria. The H1-T6SS can target neighboring P. aeruginosa, which protects itself with cognate immunity proteins. Deleting these immunity proteins leaves P. aeruginosa susceptible to self-attack. However, the H1-T6SS as well as other T6SSs can target other bacteria, specifically they only target certain species. One of the goals of this project is determine the nature of such specificity. These findings would implicate new functions for the H1-T6SS. To further this, I am seeking to extend the scope in which the T6SS is viewed, both mechanistically and genetically. In doing so I am searching for new genetic loci that participate in T6SS-dependent interactions. Taken together, this work provides insights into a new aspect of type VI secretion and may change the genetic composition of T6SSs.

 A small percentage of the HIV infected population remains asymptomatic for years to decades. Some of these persons, termed late progressors (LP), eventually progress to symptomatic infection, characterized by rapidly rising viral RNA levels and dramatic decreases in CD4+ cells, the main targets of HIV infection. This transition suggests significant changes in the virus-host relationship allowing viral replication to occur. To assess three possible hypotheses as to why the transition to progressive infection may occur, we examined blood plasma samples from four LPs, taken at multiple time points preceding the onset of disease progression. The gag and env genes of HIV isolates were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequenced, and analyzed for viral population characteristics typical of either 1) superinfection with a second (less controllable) virus strain, 2) a change in the co-receptor used by the virus to infect CD4+ cells, or 3) viral escape, a phenomenon in which HIV-specific immune responses can no longer recognize, neutralize, or prevent replication of virus. Identification of superinfection consisted of locating subsets of virus exhibiting extreme levels of evolutionary divergence from the total virus population. Analysis for co-receptor usage focused on the env gene sequences, while viral escape was indicated by mutations at highly conserved amino acid sites and/or neighboring regions previously targetable by the host immune response. Any of these three hypotheses could potentially result in the sudden enhanced viral replication and disease progression observed in LPs. Examination of this data may clarify patterns of viral evolution in response to immune pressure, adding significantly to the understanding of late progression, viral escape and fitness, and overall HIV-host interactions. Thus, this study may potentially inform both timing of antiretroviral therapy for predicted late progressors and design of drugs and vaccines specific to identified critical regions of the HIV genome.

Chronic infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa are a significant cause of deterioration of lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and have substantial clinical importance due to their marked resistance to treatment with antibiotics. Furthermore, existing laboratory methods for testing bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics are poor indicators of clinical response to therapy, which further increase the difficulty associated with treating these infections. Current research shows that phenotypically diverse P. aeruginosa subpopulations evolve within a single patient during prolonged infection, and that clinical antibiotic therapy causes some of these subpopulations to change significantly in relative abundance. Observed changes in abundance following antibiotic treatment signify varying degrees of antibiotic susceptibility within each patient’s P. aeruginosa population as a whole, with an increase in a particular subpopulation abundance indicating resistance, and a decrease in a particular subpopulation abundance indicating sensitivity. As previous studies have only evaluated P. aeruginosa antibiotic sensitivity prior to antibiotic treatment, we attempted to demonstrate the correlation between an increase subpopulation abundance following clinical treatment and the degree of resistance to antibiotics in laboratory testing. This was done by evaluating the antibiotic minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of a range of isolates collected from CF patients who had undergone antibiotic therapy, using antibiotics which had been given to each patient in clinical treatment. Our results demonstrate a marked lack of correlation between relative subpopulation abundance and antibiotic MIC, with clinically resistant subpopulations showing the same or lower MIC than subpopulations which were clinically sensitive treatment. We conclude that isolates resisting treatment do not have a different MIC than isolates responding to treatment, suggesting that mechanisms other than classic antibiotic resistance are responsible for treatment resistance in the CF lung. Further studies to evaluate these mechanisms, such as biofilm formation and formation of persister cells, are currently under way.

 “The Right to Recover Their Roots: Women, Memory and Identity in Postdictatorship Argentina and Chile” investigates the gendered division of memory and the ways women survivors of repressive governments construct a collective memory and identity. The Pinochet dictatorship in Chile (1973-1990), and the Dirty War in Argentina (1976-1983) were responsible for hundreds of thousands of victims subjected to detainment, torture, death, disappearance, and exile. Additionally, these regimes severely limited, if not altogether destroyed artistic freedom in both nations. The post-dictatorship era (beginning in Argentina in 1983 and Chile in 1990) allowed for, and in some cases encouraged the documentation of memories conveyed through cultural production. However, lingering fears of censorship and contradictions with institutionalized narratives of the past oftentimes prevented the effective creation and communication of these traumatic memories. This paper examines theories on collective memory, history, identity, and gender with particular attention to the ways in which they intersect, influence, and depend on one another. Recovering identity is particularly difficult while a populace seeks to rebuild civil society, and becomes even more laborious when identities are located within memories that contradict the dominant narratives of history. I argue that women, who were excluded from civil society long before the state implemented terror, assume crucial roles in defining personal, political, familial, and national identities while narrating their memories of trauma and loss. Further, because women’s memories rely on collective rather than self-identification, they are able to articulate a collective memory. Research for this paper is based on the analysis of primary sources, including: novels, letters, documentaries, films, memorials, parks, street art, and blogs. These testimonials are analyzed through a gendered lens, arguing that memory is a gendered process operating to serve innumerable cultural, political, and social purposes.

In 2011, a 3 week research cruise on board the R/V Atlantis was undertaken to the Endeavor segment of the Juan de Fuca spreading ridge. The main purpose of this expedition was to determine conductive heat flow from lightly sedimented sea floor within the axial valley of the spreading center (in close proximity to an isolated hydrothermal vent system). During a series of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) dives to the seafloor, hundreds of heat flow time series were measured by the deployment of 13 “thermal blanket” heat flow instruments, which will enable researchers to better constrain the spatial extent of the hydrothermal fluid recharge zone. Throughout each dive, continuous video footage was recorded from several cameras on-board the ROV, along with the geographic position, altitude, heading and three dimensional orientation of the vehicle. A geological map of the sea floor across the vent field will be created using geo-referenced and orthorectified frame grabs (“flattened” onto the topography) from ROV video. The primary goal of this project is to provide a means of quantitatively measuring the porosity of spreading ridge seafloor basalt in this area of active hydrothermal venting, through the application of a technique that has never before been attempted at this scale.  A series of trigonometric algorithms were developed to use this reference information as a means of translating a still video image from ROV footage into a series of geo-referenced images.  Geographic Informatics System (GIS) software is being used to create a mosaic-like map of volcanic, biological and geological features from the sea floor near this hydrothermal vent system from these images.  An additional data layer will be produced simultaneously to provide additional information concerning the spatial extent and distribution of geologic features on the seafloor to assist in understanding the results of the heat flow study. 

Storm water pollution is a growing problem for the people of the Puget Sound. When contaminants are released into our environment they collect in storm drains and, for the most part, flow untreated into our precious streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Contaminants like copper from brake dust, nutrients from fertilizers, and detergents from washing cars, can cause adverse problems to the aquatic life in these water bodies. “Low Impact Development” designs like rain gardens and bio-retention systems are a viable option to reduce harmful effects, by filtering out many of the pollutants before they enter our aquatic systems. In order to improve the performance of rain gardens we propose adding various waste products from other treatment processes which have the potential to remove common storm water contaminants. In this research, we compared various soil mixes commonly used in systems with various amendments such as “Lodge Pole Pine and Water Treatment Residual (WTR)” to determine their ability to capture heavy metals and nutrients. To test the amended soil mixes we designed a series of columns packed with these mixes, saturated the columns with synthetic storm water, and monitored the concentrations of pollutants in the influent and effluent to determine contaminant removal capabilities. The constituents tested in this experiment include hydrologic conductivity, forms of Nitrogen and Phosphorus along with metals such as Aluminum, Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Nickel and Zinc. Our preliminary results have been very promising, with our WTR amendments showing an improvement of up to approximately 20% reduction in both total and dissolved forms of phosphorus and up to a 10% reduction in metals over standard soil mixes.

Renaissance poet George Herbert is known as an innovator in poetic style and construction, but conservative or traditional in his content and subjects. This research explores an alternative interpretation that argues instead that his poems are actually radical innovations in structure that express and reveal the substance – function reflecting form. Herbert’s poems “Paradise” and “Easter Wings”, demonstrate this subversive and subtle, even subliminal, messaging. This methodology reveals his revolutionary attitude toward both poetic structures and content. By embedding alternative readings and perspectives into his poems, Herbert simultaneously explored the malleability of interpretations of both form and content, while subtly subverting and redefining traditional interpretations of his topics. Style and textual shapes are his tools for melding the cyclical elements of his topical inspiration with the outward appearance of the pieces. When read “in the round,” these poems reveal Herbert viewing cycles in life and text through slightly different perspectives and elements, creating duality and continuity. Both forwards and backwards, the content and form echo the other, as the circular readability contributes to and reflects the cyclical nature of the topic and content of the two poems. In this way, Herbert radically experimented in redefining the boundaries between form and focus.

My research examines the ways that the traditional conception of Foucault’s panopticon takes on new meaning in the music video "No Matter What You Do" by Benny Banassi. "No Matter What You Do" allows for the panopticon to be reconceptualized, as no stable locus of power can be located. This new power dynamic allows the objects of the male gaze to both reclaim power and deconstruct a seemingly stable power structure that is reified and sustained through the male gaze. I examine gendered expectations within the video and explore the ways static gender binaries and heteronormativity can be disrupted. I contend that Banassi's video shows a new power dynamic that has yet to be explored via the panopticon, as it creates several unstable loci of power. Characters denied power in the music video’s prison-like setting are able to work within the power structure to dismantle it.

Conversation analysis has shown that certain linguistic factors (avoidance of pronouns, increased negative words, e.g.) are affected by the act of deception. Studies have proven that the act of deception increases cognitive load and results in behavioral and linguistic indicators. Little research has been done on the potential cognitive strain that could result from speaking in a second language and none has been done to explore the effect that deception and second language production would have when done simultaneously. Second language discourse has also been proven to increase cognitive load. Therefore we expect that the added cognitive strain resulting from the use of a second language while participating in an act of deception will further exaggerate the well known linguistic indicators of deception. We believe our findings will show that the increased cognitive effort caused by a speaker using a second language while participating in deception will exaggerate the linguistic factors affected by deception, making it easier to identify in discourse analysis.

Temperament has been studied extensively in humans, but a growing and controversial body of work is emerging on the subject of temperament in animals. This is critical research in understanding both the fundamental aspects, and the evolution, of temperament. When studying either humans or animals, research is complicated by the difficulty in quantifying and analyzing aspects of temperament. The goal of my research is to investigate the practicality and efficacy of using a Q-sort technique in the assessment of temperament in infant pigtail macaque monkeys. A Q-sort is an ethogram, a complete and exhaustive vocabulary with which to describe a construct such as temperament. The person performing the Q-sort obtains data by ranking concrete behavioral descriptors in terms of their contribution to temperament, with the behaviors most uncharacteristic of an animal being ranked, as well as those most characteristic. The Q-sorts are performed by individuals of diverse backgrounds, levels of experience, and types of interaction with the infants, e.g. researchers vs. veterinary staff. I expect results to be correlated between tester groups, but more strongly correlated within the tester groups. The results will illustrate, one way or the other, the influence that interaction with the subject, and the level and type of training has on a temperament assessment process. Furthermore, the consistency and speed with which the data are acquired will determine whether broad implementation of the Q-sort technique is practical in non-human primate temperament research. Ultimately, the flexibility and scope of the process will help to isolate and characterize key aspects of temperament in pigtail macaques, and will be applicable to other species of animals.

The amygdala is a central structure studied in investigations of fear and anxiety because of its crucial role in acquisition, retention and expression of conditioned fear responses.  Lesions of the amygdala before and after training have abolished conditioned defensive fear responses such as freezing, potentiated startle, and 22-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations.  However, pre-training and post-training lesions of the amygdala have not abolished inhibitory (passive) avoidance learning.  The learning of this particular defensive strategy without the amygdala has caused debate amongst investigators.  Our study uses a 2-food lever closed economy (continuous, long-term, semi-naturalistic environment) behavioral paradigm.  Rats have free choice of levers dispensing rat chow closer or farther from the nesting area.  After a baseline of lever-preferences stabilized, 2 footshocks on average were introduced randomly each hour in the foraging area.  Animals could avoid the shock by remaining in the nesting area. Lesions were performed on the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and central amygdala (CeA).  Whereas the introduction of shock in control animals destabilized initial lever preferences, lesioned animals showed an absence of the destabilizing effect and maintenance of initial lever preferences.  Additionally, both amygdalar-lesioned and control rats decreased their time spent in the foraging area , exhibiting learning of passive avoidance behavior . However, only amygdala lesionsed animals showed deficits in a standard Pavlovian fear conditioning task.  Our results demonstrate that in an environment of long-term, unpredictable danger, the amydala is able to modulate defensive behaviors such as optimal foraging behaviors but not inhibitory, passive avoidance response to danger.  Investigation of the amygdala’s role with regard to behavior under unpredictable threats over a long period of time can help us understand various human pathologies involving chronic exposure to unpredictable environmental stress.

Touchscreen technology has progressed considerably with the continued innovation of touchscreen devices, yet the development of interaction techniques has largely stagnated. If touchscreen devices are going to become more than just a novelty, new interaction techniques that allow users to be more efficient are necessary. This study examines three input techniques of 'right clicking' on touchscreens: (1) a long press, (2) a double tap, and (3) a two-touch. To test these three input techniques we introduced a new method of data collection, consisting of incorporating research that might be done as a lab experiment into a publicly available video game. Our method features the deployment of an Android game that records the accuracy and speed of a user, and is specifically designed to challenge the user’s precision and interaction with their device. The input techniques are measured quantitatively by speed and accuracy for each trial. Qualitative data is collected by a survey, which is proposed to the player after a considerable amount of play time. A statistical evaluation of our results show that the double tap input technique was more accurate and faster than the other techniques (Paccuracy=X, Pspeed=Y). Our research concludes with a set of design implications for touchscreen interactions as well as comments on the validity of our public-oriented research method based on the findings presented.

A growing number of applications seek to use electrostatic effects in non-polar media. However, the science behind particle charging in such systems is not fully understood. Previous work has suggested that the presence of surface hydroxyl groups, when combined with certain surfactants, can induce charging on particles. These surfactants also serve to prevent particle aggregation through steric stabilization. However, dispersing these particles typically requires extended sonication or some other dispersive technique. One possible solution for decreasing the dispersion time is to first hydrophobically surface-treat the particles. Unfortunately, this process has the potential to remove the hydroxyl groups necessary for particle charging. Therefore, our group has investigated the effects of surface modification on particle hydrophobicity and chargeability. Silica particles on the micron and submicron scale were surface treated with tri-methoxy(octyl)silane and methoxy(dimethyl)octylsilane in order to create hydrophobic silica particles with varying amounts of hydroxide groups on their surfaces. The resulting surface energy and acid/base characteristics of these particles were then tested using Inverse Gas Chromatography, with the intent of comparing these properties to the particles' chargeability. This was assessed by measuring their electrophoretic mobilities using a Zeta Potential Analyzer. Our results indicated that particles could both be made hydrophobic and chargeable after surface treatments. However, further investigation is required in order to better understand the mechanism behind this charging. If the surface modification of these particles can preserve their chargeability while adding a steric barrier, this process could be used to reduce dispersion time for charged particles in non-polar media.

Solar cells, through their ability to convert energy from light directly into electricity, pose a promising alternative for supplying our world’s growing demand for clean affordable energy. Many factors governing the efficiency of these photovoltaic devices are still being explored and improved upon through methods aimed at boosting photo-voltages, improving energy-conversion efficiency, and finding materials accessible for large-scale production and implementation. Here, I investigate the potential of a new type of solar cell that utilizes electron-impurity Auger de-excitation. I will discuss the effect of Auger de-excitation observed in Mn doped CdS quantum dots and explore the potential for boosting the photo-voltage via the harvesting of hot electrons. I will explain the processes involved in both synthesizing Mn:CdS quantum dots and fabricating quantum dot-based solid-state devices. I will show preliminary results from photoluminescence quenching measurements used to quantify Auger de-excitation in fabricated solid-state devices as well as device properties and characterization measurements. In the future, full-cell PV devices will be constructed and tested against the efficiencies of today’s leading solar cells.

The Social Network Index (SNI) (Berkman & Syme, 1979) has been used to demonstrate that people who are more involved with their networks have lower levels of negative emotional effects, such as depression and stress, and fewer occurrences of physical ailments, such as flare-ups of diseases. Demoralization (Dohrenwend, Shrout, Egri, & Mendelsohn, 1980) measures the general physical and mental response of stress. The college age group is underrepresented in SNI research, which added some difficulty interpreting the results. There were four hypotheses: 1- Is SNI related to demoralization experienced by college students? 2- Does the first generation student population have a different average on SNI, demoralization, life satisfaction, and depression than non-first generation students do? 3- Is SNI related to levels of life satisfaction? 4- IS SNI related to self-reported levels of depression? Participants took an online survey for class credit, N=969 usable. Ages ranged from 16 to 47, mean= 21. There were 341 males and 628 females, and 42.5% were first generation college students. We found that those with higher values on the SNI had lower levels of depression(r=-.24) and demoralization (r=-.27), and had higher levels of life satisfaction(r=.32). When comparing the first generation population to the non-first generation student population, we found that only SNI differed significantly, although this small effect is of little practical importance.

Orbital spectroscopy allows for the analysis of surface composition on the planet Mars, and is providing evidence for the presence of liquid water throughout the planet’s history. We use hyperspectral images from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) to identify a variety of compositions on the planet. These compositions can provide information about the conditions present at the time of their formation. In many cases, as where carbonates are identified, these compositions are clear evidence for the presence of liquid water in the martian past. We identify minerals by their unique absorptions at specific wavelengths through the examination of CRISM surface reflectance data across 438 wavelengths from 1.0 to 3.9 microns. For identification, the CRISM spectra are matched to spectra of laboratory samples from Earth. However, there are differences between these spectra that give some new insight into the combination of minerals present and their formation process. By applying factor analysis to the CRISM dataset where the spectral signature of the mineral components vary independently from one another, the measurements can be expressed as a linear sum of the components. We have applied this target transformation and factor analysis technique to CRISM spectra to identify and isolate the various mineral components present, even under circumstances where the mineral components are only present in minor abundances and mixed with other spectral signatures. Because the entire dataset is used to retrieve mineral spectral signatures, this analysis greatly reduces instrumental error to provide well-defined CRISM spectra. Ultimately, by applying our data analysis technique to the global CRISM dataset, we will have a stronger and more detailed understanding of surface composition and aqueous processes on Mars. Based on these processes we can then invoke different conditions conducive for the development of life on Mars.

 Data visualizations are representations of data that reveal multivariate relationships of local and global health structures, where other visual tools have limited analytical capabilities and/or require expert research practices. I am working to start a digital initiative to create such an emerging tool to be used by social scientists, students and journalists through the Knowledge Network of World Events (KNOW) interactive website. This project involves the development of a data visualization that facilitates a deeper understanding of health disparities of the epidemic crisis of malaria in Uganda while providing insight into overlooked distribution patterns and treatments that will be summarized in a Global Fund proposal. Using international data bases such as World Health Organization (WHO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and country reports, I identify various visual tools, social determinant factors, and news stories to be compiled into an annotated library that is structured into a framework on the KNOW project website. The expected result is a means for Jackson School educators to structure a curriculum around contextualizing news stories, for students with little knowledge in advanced research methods and finding diverse sources, and for journalists reporting global health issues.

Aging in humans is often characterized by an accumulation of various multifocal degenerative pathologies whose distribution is relatively random within a particular anatomical site. The result is that no two people, not even identical twins, age in exactly the same way. Our hypothesis is that variegated gene expression may be an evolutionary adaptable mechanism which, via epigenetic drift, progresses to develop into age-related cellular degeneration. Our belief is that there exist genetic loci capable of diversifying the degree of gene expression over a range of different proteins. Using Ethyl Methane Sulfonate, we introduced a host of point mutations into cultured fibroblast clone cells. We followed this mutagenesis by a double-selection protocol with Cadmium and 6-Thioguanine. In order for the fibroblast cells to survive this selection, they must simultaneously down regulate the expression of a transferase enzyme while up regulating the expression of metallothionein proteins. We have successfully isolated an extreme class of mutant fibroblast cells which, compared to the parent cell line, show a high degree of variegation in protein expression. These preliminary studies suggest that individual cells can be induced to epigenetically regulate their gene expression. While this epigenetic gambling is adaptive under the selection conditions, once it is initiated, it can progress on its own towards deleterious consequences. It is possible that such epigenetic gambling can escape selection in aging humans and be responsible for a host of age-related diseases, including various neoplasms as well as Alzheimer's dementia.

Beginning with the industrial revolution, levels of pCO₂ in the oceans have increased which in turn decreases the pH of waters and creates a chemical change known as ocean acidification. There are many potential impacts that ocean acidification may have on marine ecosystems and biodiversity, yet little research has been conducted on the effects of low pH levels on fish, particularly temperate species. In this study, we evaluated how different pCO₂ levels affect the survivorship and behavior of larval lingcod (Ophiodon elongates) under starvation conditions. To accomplish this task, we reared lingcod eggs that we obtained from the Manchester NOAA hatchery and the resulting larvae under three different pCO₂ levels that correspond to mean present day (~550 ppm) and possible moderate and high future pCO₂ levels (1050 and 2159 ppm, respectively) in Puget Sound. For the survivorship experiments, we recorded daily mortalities, which allowed comparisons of the cumulative mortality curves and mean survival times among treatments. For the behavioral experiments, we scored several different behaviors to assess activity levels and group cohesion. Five fish were taken from each container in each treatment and placed in a 4cm tall enclosure where they were filmed for ten minutes. Initial results indicate that mortalities were highest under present day conditions (550 ppm) and lowest under predicted high future pCO₂ levels (2159 ppm). These findings suggest that low pH, high pCO₂ levels benefit some species of fish larvae, which is the opposite effect demonstrated in most published larval fish studies to date. We discuss our findings in the context of Puget Sound’s dynamic pH environment and highlight areas of future research on this important yet understudied topic.

Different species within the bacterial genus Francisella are pathogenic in mammals. Recently, an emerging pathogen in fish, F. noatunensis, has been causing significant mortalities in tilapia and Atlantic cod. The Francisella Pathogenicity Island (FPI) is a gene dense region on the Francisella chromosome that encodes essential virulence factors for the mammalian pathogens F. tularensis and novicida. To determine if the functionality of virulence factors has been conserved for the genus, a gene knockout for the pathogenicity determinant protein A (pdpA) gene in the F. noatunensis FPI was generated as a potential vaccine candidate. PdpA has been shown to be essential for the ability of Francisella to cause disease for the human pathogen. The F. noatunensis knockout was generated via homologous recombination using a suicide vector containing an antibiotic cassette flanked by portions of pdpA. Since polarity can be an issue for knockouts in gene dense regions, two different pdpA mutants were generated in opposing polarity. It has recently been shown that F. noatunensis infection in zebrafish closely mimics Francisella infection in mammals implying conserved virulence strategies for the genus. Therefore, zebrafish were used to assess the level of attenuation for the F. noatunensis pdpA knockouts generated in our laboratory. In addition, iglC is another gene found in the FPI that results in attenuation after it has been inactivated in the human pathogen. Our laboratory has acquired an iglC mutant for F. noatunensis from a collaborator that has reduced virulence in tilapia and will serve as a reference for our pdpA knockout infections in zebrafish. The results from this study will show the physiological similarities within the genus relative to their phylogenetic relationships.

Synechococcus is a unicellular cyanobacterium about 1µm in diameter. It is an abundant photosynthetic microorganism and a great contributor to the primary productivity of the Earth’s oceans. Synechococcus communities are composed of different phylogenetic clades that are believed to represent physiologically and genetically diverse populations. Previous data has shown two phylogenetically distinct populations of Synechococcus, clade I and clade IV, to be dominant in Puget Sound, with fluctuations in these populations during different seasons and regions. For my research, I will attempt to identify a clade IV strain. In an attempt to enhance conditions where clade IV will be most competitive, I have varied the culturing parameters such as using multiple media types. Filtered whole water samples containing mixed assemblages of Synechococcus were collected from Puget Sound and were initially cultured in natural Puget Sound seawater. These cultures were poured onto agar plates with sterilized natural Puget Sound water as well as plates with artificial seawater with different concentrations of AMP1 nutrients. The 16S rDNA of the isolates identified as clade IV will be sequenced by the use of PCR using primer sets that target specifically Synechococcus clade I or clade IV. The success, or failure, of amplification will indicate whether the Synechococcus DNA template was Synechococcus clade I or Synechococcus clade IV. Any Synechococcus DNA that results in a successful amplification using the Synechococcus clade IV primer set, I will send off to be sequenced. We have nutrient and physical measurements for these samples to help explain the environmental parameters that control distribution of these populations. With this information and ITS sequences I can compare Synechococcus clade IV populations within Puget Sound, and compare these with coastal populations that have been previously isolated. We seek to understand how these populations fluctuate seasonally and throughout different regions of the Sound.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a halophilic Gram-negative bacterium indigenous to estuarine and marine environments worldwide. A minority of strains are responsible for causing severe gastroenteritis in humans, often associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked molluscan bivalves, especially oysters. Pathogenic strains are normally detected by screening environmental samples for the presence of the virulence-associated thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh). In Washington State, the utility of tdh is questionable given the prevalence of tdh+ strains (25/28, 89.3%) among environmental multilocus sequence types and the recent emergence of two tdh- clinical sequence types. In light of this public health challenge, we are currently validating the utility of new candidate virulence markers, which were discovered via comparative genomic analysis of 13 clinical and 6 environmental strains. We identified a unique α-hemolysin (605 amino acids) in the two emergent tdh- sequence types having homology (83% identity) to the hlyA of the RTX toxin cluster in the uropathogenic E. coli 536. To investigate the utility of this α-hemolysin as a new virulence marker, PCR primers targeting this gene were validated against a collection of clinical and environmental strains isolated from WA State. To date, 11/97 (11.3%) of the strains tested harbored this gene. Notably, this gene was present in 5/5 (100%) of the strains representing the two tdh- clinical sequence types. Current efforts are focused on the validation of this candidate virulence marker against a larger strain collection as well as the investigation of additional candidate virulence markers. Future efforts will focus on whether this hemolysin represents a newly described mechanism of V. parahaemolyticus pathogenesis.

Retrotransposons exist as genetic elements within chromosomal DNA that can replicate themselves and move to new locations within a genome, using a process involving an RNA intermediate. They are a widespread class of transposable elements, abundant in plants, fungi, mammals and yeast. One type of retrotransposon is a Long Interspersed Nuclear Element (LINE). Unlike most retrotransposons, LINEs have no long terminal repeats (LTR) and they possess a poly A tail which defines the 3’ terminus of the element. They are several kilobases long and contain two open reading frames (ORFs) encoding a gag protein (ORF1) and endonuclease and reverse transcriptase domains (ORF 2) conferring the element’s ability for retrotransposition. Due to incomplete insertion attempts, many 5' truncated copies of LINE elements are present in the Rhododendron genome. A family of LINE elements called RLINE and several related 5’ truncation fragments have been discovered in Rhododendron williamsianum. I used PCR primers to amplify the regions of the genome in R. williamsianum where truncated RLINE insertions were found. The amplified DNA was then sequenced by Sanger sequencing. I am analyzing ten 5’ truncation fragments ranging from 692- 2918 base pairs. By phylogenetic analysis of aligned sequences common to the various full-length and deleted RLINES, I will endeavor to determine the evolutionary relationships of the truncated fragments to the full length RLINE and to one another. So far, I have sequenced and compared 8 different RLINE fragments of Rhododendron williamsianum, and will continue characterizing RLINE insertions.

Flight control in dynamic environments is a complicated task that many animals accomplish with ease. It requires rapid integration of sensory input as well as balancing long-term planning with reflexive behaviors. The giant hawk moth Manduca sexta is a useful model organism for studying flight control because its physiology is well understood and it is easy to rear in captivity and work with experimentally. In order to make flight control adjustments, Manduca constantly integrates information from slow-sensing visual sensors and fast-sensing mechanosensory organs. Both visual motion and mechanical rotation elicit strong abdominal reflexes in Manduca during tethered flight, however the exact role of the abdomen in flight is unclear. Previous work has suggested that abdominal reflexes help maintain flight stability, but it has not been shown that the abdomen is actively used for control. The goal of my research is to determine if Manduca can actively use their abdomen to stabilize the visual field. To answer this question, I have created a virtual flight arena composed of a projection system, magnetic tether, and IR sensor. The visual stimulus is projected onto an acrylic dome within which the moth is suspended by the tether. The experiment consists of a system where the moth controls the velocity of a horizontal bar displayed on the dome with its abdominal position. The bar has an initial velocity that the moth counteracts by moving its abdomen in order to stabilize the visual field. The precision of the moth’s abdominal control capabilities can then be tested by differing the initial velocities of the bar and varying the way that abdominal position controls the bar’s velocity. In addition to answering my research question, this project provides a framework to study the general multi-input multi-output problem in neural control.

Cooperation is a fascinating paradox of evolution. Why would an organism incur a cost to itself in order to benefit another individual? The Achilles’ heel of cooperation is that it can be exploited by cheaters. Cheaters reap the benefits of cooperation, but do not incur the same costs as the cooperators. Cheating is therefore considered a major problem in the evolution of cooperation. One possible way of reducing the vulnerability of cooperating organisms to cheating is through communication. Communication allows individuals to cooperate only when the conditions are favorable. My research involves a form of bacterial communication called quorum sensing, which allows bacteria to accomplish cooperative tasks that require a collective action. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen that causes severe infections in immuno-compromised individuals and patients with cystic fibrosis, uses quorum sensing to regulate the production of toxins and enzymes. We used a wild-type cooperating strain of P. aeruginosa and several non-cooperating cheater strains to investigate the relationship between cooperators and cheaters. We predicted that the cheater strains would benefit when grown together with cooperators in a well-mixed environment, but suffer in a structured environment. We tested this prediction through competition assays in both a shaken liquid environment (unstructured) and a soft-agar environment (structured). Combined with further research, our results may suggest that communication helps a cooperating population avoid collapse when faced with cheaters.

Deuterostome adult body plans greatly differ between echinoderms, chordates and hemichordates. Genetic analysis has helped to understand the evolution of deuterostomes and the relationships between species. In this project, we have sequenced the Hox genes in Ptychodera flava, an indirect developer of the hemichordates, which has larvae that are morphologically similar to echinoderms. This information, along with gene expression data, gives insight to the similarities in developmental patterns between phyla as well as insight to their evolution. Once the genomic organization of Ptychodera flava Hox genes and Hox gene expression is complete, we can begin to deduce the developmental pattern of the common ancestor of hemichordates and echinoderms. Since the Hemichordate phyla contains both indirect and direct developers that are equally related to echinoderms, which are indirect developing, a deep comparison between gene expression and genomic organization will help us understand their common ancestor. We approached this by sequencing Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes (BACs) that contain the P. flava Hox complex and by examining gene expression via in situ hybridization. We are specifically interested in whether the Hox complex is rearranged, as in echinoderms, or co-linear, as in chordates and where the genes are expressed during different stages of development. Results show that P. flava Hox 5 through Hox 11/13c are collinear on the chromosome, but the arrangement of Hox 1 through Hox 4 is still unknown.

The American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is believed to practice facial discrimination and incorporate past experiences in its reaction to individuals. To test this neural integration of perception and memory, a pilot study performed by Dr. Marzluff and his colleagues used PET imaging methods in conjunction with an avian MRI to create a global map of the bird’s brain after performing a visual, analytical task. The initial results suggest that individual crows incorporate memory and activate distinct brain regions while evaluating different stimuli, specifically familiar human faces previously associated with either capture (dangerous mask) or feeding (caring mask). Regions of high activity were correlated with high 18F-FDG intake, a radioactively labeled glucose injected into the bird prior to a conducting the scan. These experiments are now being expanded to determine if there are different pathways for fear responses between threats such as humans and natural predators. I have exposed crows to a natural danger stimulus, a taxidermy mount of a common predator, the Red-tailed Hawk. My hypothesis is that the hawk treatment should prompt more of an innate reaction instead of the processing of contextual information; therefore more activity should be centered in the midbrain instead of the striatum and nidopallium. The second objective of this study was to find a difference in brain activity between memory storage and memory retrieval. To accomplish this, I have exposed crows to a novel person and a novel person holding a taxidermy mounted “dead” crow. The brains maps of differential activity from these treatments should highlight the fear learning pathway. My data can help distinguish the facial neural processing from that of a broader perception of danger and promote translational research by allowing parallel analyses of physiological and operative processes of the human and animal brain.

Lithium batteries have been used in electronics and increasingly in hybrid and all electrical vehicles due to their lightweight and improved electrochemical performance. However, there are still several limitations with these batteries including slow charging rate, incomplete discharge and cyclic degradation in performance. Most of these problems have been related to the performance of the cathode. This project is focused on optimizing the microstructure of the porous cathode. We are investigating LiMnPO₄, which has a high theoretical capacity (171 mAh g-1) and better electrochemical stability compared to other lithium-based metal oxide cathode materials. Unfortunately LiMnPO₄ has a low electrical conductivity, which is improved by mixing it with carbon.  LiMnPO₄ powder is synthesized using the polyol process. This produces extremely fine high surface area particles. By using directional freeze casting with different weight percentages of solids and freezing rates, it is possible to create aligned pores throughout the structure, which have the potential to increase the energy density and reduce the transport distances. We are making cathodes with a broad range of microstructures and investigating their electrochemical performance.  Another process to enhance the performance is through partial sintering to make cathodes with uniform porous microstructures. By controlling the sintering temperature between 500 º-700º C, cathodes with a range of uniform isotropic porosity are being made. Structural and physical characterization will be conducted for both types of cathodes to evaluate the microstructure. The electrochemical performance of the two types of cathodes at different densities will be compared in order to optimize the microstructure.

Gene therapy is the treatment of disease by inserting genes or altering them in a subject’s cells and tissues. The Pun lab develops cationic polymer-based delivery vehicles. Our agenda was to determine the intracellular fate of drug delivery vehicles carrying the therapeutic genes in order to better understand cellular barriers that limit efficient delivery. For this project, we applied two methods to study the intracellular trafficking of polyplexes (polymer-DNA complexes). The first approach is a quantitative method using subcellular fractionation to separate organelles and determine the distribution of polyplexes in various cellular compartments after internalization. We hypothesized that by using methods of centrifugation, organelle-specific enzyme assays, and radiolabeling, polyplex distribution could be quantitatively analyzed. We demonstrated successful separation and quantification of organelles using a combination of differential and density-gradient centrifugation. The polyplex distribution in each fraction was determined through radiolabeling. In this way, a quantitative “snapshot” was taken of the distribution of polyplexes inside the cell, and yielded information for the identification of potential bottlenecks in trafficking to the nucleus. Our second approach is to study the intracellular trafficking of drug delivery vehicles by time-lapse fluorescence imaging combined with single-particle tracking. This complementary approach reveals both the time-course and behavior of particles as they are trafficked within the cell. By fluorescently -labeling the polymer and applying the polyplexes to cells, we successfully observed their motion within a single cell. We further optimized the quantity of polyplexes delivered and the image capture techniques to robustly track polyplexes within a single cell. Our work therefore provides improved methods for determining the mechanism and efficacy of gene delivery systems and potentially any particle-based drug delivery system. For future work, we plan to investigate the process of unpackaging of the polyplexes inside cells.

All solid materials have a stress limit beyond which cracks and ultimately fractures will develop; we are analyzing the possibility of uneven solar heating as a process that causes cracking. Research at the Universities of New Mexico and North Carolina drew attention to patterns of near vertical cracks in desert rocks, which known weathering processes cannot sufficiently explain. To investigate, temperature and strain data as well as cracking events were recorded using an instrumented boulder. We created a 3D-Finite-Element-simulation of the boulder incorporating thermal radiation, heat conduction, and thermo-mechanical stress analysis. Simulation provides the link between insolation and stresses, allowing us to assess size and shape effects on tensile stresses. We are validating our model by comparing measured and simulated temperature and strain data. As an example, we are calculating the maximum and minimum strain for each surface collection point and validating them against provided data. We expect to find that uneven heating from the diurnal cycle of the sun creates tensile stresses sufficient to cause cracking in these rocks. Future research will include a comprehensive data analysis concerning stress distribution and orientation within spherical boulders of various sizes, and an assessment of potential crack growth rates and crack orientation.

Routine ingestion of, and contact with, myriad chemical compounds in our environment impacts all aspects of human health, from psychiatric to oncological to acute and chronic toxicities. However, health outcomes resulting from exposure events are strongly influenced by genetic variability present in genes underlying pertinent metabolic pathways. There are four genes that have been identified in the literature as playing crucial roles in multiple and interrelated biochemical pathways, and which may have broad implications for human health. These genes include DRD4, which codes for the dopamine D4 receptor and has been linked to numerous neurological conditions including addictions, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Parkinson’s disease; 5-HTTLPR, the serotonin-transporter-linked region that codes for the serotonin receptor and may be involved in a host of behaviors including affective disorders and addictions; CYP2E1, a member of the cytochrome P450 family involved with the metabolism of many endogenous and exogenous chemicals including ethanol; and GSTT1, which is involved with the metabolism of toxic compounds including many carcinogens. In order to offer an accessible advanced preventative health screening tool to patients addressing numerous potential conditions, we attempted to implement a multiplexed polymerase chain reaction that would allow us to simultaneously assay these four genetic variants. We were able to combine the GSTT1 and CYP2E1 assays into a single reaction, however we were unable to find compatible reaction conditions for 5-HTTLPR and DRD4 either together or with GSTT1 and CYP2E1.

Stellar flares are the explosive release of energy caused by the reconnection of magnetic fields on stars. Flares release large amounts of UV and X-ray radiation, and may affect the possibility of life on exoplanets, planets orbiting stars other than our own Sun. A star's mass and age greatly affect the frequency, duration, and energy of flares. Therefore, it is important to understand these aspects for a variety of masses and ages. The age of a star is related to the rate of its rotation as well as the rate at which it flares; older stars spin much more slowly and also flare less frequently than younger stars. M dwarfs, stars less than half the mass of the Sun, are commonly used in stellar flare research because they make up the majority of stars in the Milky Way galaxy. To conduct our research, we used two months of data from the NASA Kepler spacecraft to study the light curves of one young and three old M dwarfs. We were able to identify flares in these light curves and measured their durations and energies. We found that the vast majority of flares on all four stars have a short rise time and a long decay time. We also found that flares with long durations have larger total energies, and that older stars have fewer large energy flares compared to younger stars. Through using the light curves, larger, more prominent flares were easily detectable in comparison to smaller flares. Further research would concentrate on more accurate ways toward detecting such small flares.

In eukaryotic organisms, ubiquitin is a small protein modifier that is attached to proteins and targets them for proteasomal degradation. In an analogous fashion, in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the prokaryotic ubiquitin-like protein (Pup) is conjugated to lysine side-chains of substrate proteins and targets them for degradation by the Mtb 20S proteasome. This pathway has been shown to be essential for Mtb infection in mice, and is a potential target for theraputic reseach. The enzyme PafA is responsible for attaching Pup to its substrates and has previously been shown to be essential for lethal infections by Mtb in mice. We have developed a fluorescent activity-based probe to monitor PafA activity in vitro by conjugating Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) to free lysine, a known substrate of PafA. FITC-Lys demonstrates a high degree of specificity for PafA, even in the presence of cell lysates. This probe was employed to visualize PafA activity by in-gel fluorescence. It has allowed us to identify a minimal sequence of Pup, the C-terminal 26 amino acids, that is recognized by PafA. Alanine mutants of the 25th and 26th C-terminal residues demonstrate that leucines at these positions are critical for PafA interaction.

There are numerous applications of porous ceramics, including electrodes for solid oxide fuel cell, membranes and filters, and thermal insulation.  Most of these applications utilize uniform isotropic porous ceramics. Directional freeze-casting offers a novel way to make porous ceramics with tailored microstructures. Using this process, followed by partial sintering, we are able to fabricate ceramics with directionally aligned and hierarchical porosity. Freeze-casting involves directional freezing of a liquid suspension and then sublimation of the solvent by freeze drying in order to achieve uni-directional pores. Overall porosity and pore size and alignment can be controlled by several variables including: solvent to powder ratio, freezing rate, and sintering temperature. Our research focuses on two different applications of anisotropic porous zirconia ceramics. One project focuses on creating filters for catalytic hydrogen peroxide decomposition. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is an undesirable byproduct and hindrance of a new process to produce chlorine using solar radiation. Porous ceramics provide the means of developing a filter with sufficient surface area and structure for photochemical reactor solutions to be continuously scrubbed of H₂O₂; thereby enabling unhindered chlorine production by this photochemical process at levels sufficient for water purification. The other project focuses on developing a glass-infiltrated reusable ablative ceramic surface for high temperature aeronautical applications. Porous yttrium stabilized zirconia is used as a substrate through which glass can be both initially infiltrated and subsequently drawn to a high temperature surface through capillary action for ablative purposes. At high use temperatures, the glass rises in the capillaries reaching the hot surface where it is ablated. The heating required for ablation reduces the surface temperature of the system.

Previous studies have found that certain lipids in mangrove leaves can be useful indicators for the presence and abundance of mangroves in the geologic past. Certain lipids found in mangroves have the potential to be excellent biomarkers (i.e. molecular fossils) for paleoclimate reconstructions. These reconstructions based on sediment cores are important in determining past sea level changes and local climactic conditions. Although certain sterols and triterpenols can be good biomarkers of mangroves, it is often unclear what function they serve. In this study, I investigated how salinity of surrounding water influences lipid distributions in different species of mangroves. To achieve these goals, I created an artificial tidal cycle in four tubs of differing salinities. Within each tub I cultivated four species of mangrove propagules (Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa, and Avicennia germinans). The mangroves were grown to a harvest size of ten leaves and then processed to analyze lipid distributions within leaves and stems of each plant via gas chromatography techniques. These mangroves cope with living in saline conditions with different mechanisms (i.e. secreting, excluding). By comparing the differences of lipid distributions of mangroves with different salt management strategies, I will determine if there is a correlation between these two factors.

 Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina concolor) are widely distributed across the North Atlantic and the North Pacific oceans.   Foraging opportunistically on seasonally abundant species, much of what is known about pinniped diet has been determined from analyzing stomach and intestinal contents. The use of fish otoliths recovered from pinniped fecal material (scat) has proven an effective tool to understand foraging habits Because fish otoliths (fish ear bones) are species-distinct and do not completely erode in the digestive tract, frequency of particular prey species can be identified through scat collection and subsequent identification of recovered otoliths. Within Great Bay, New Jersey a population of habor seals has been steadily increasing since observations began in 1994. In the winter of 2011 58 scat samples were obtained and 270 otoliths were recovered, photographed, identified, and measured. Fishes from the order Clupeiformes (herring) dominated recovered otoliths (32%), followed by Gadiformes (cod) (21%) and Pleuronectiformes (flat fish) (12%). Dominant species included Brevortia tyrannus (bunker), Clupea harengus (american herring), Urophycis sp. (red and spotted hake), and Ammodytes americanus (sandlance). Foraging preference varied monthly as indicated by temporal shifts in determined fish orders. This monthly variation in foraging preferences is consistent with annual fish migrations and food availability. Based on back-calculated prey lengths, these harbor seals likely feed both inside and outside the estuary. By understanding the foraging patterns and preferences of harbor seals within a dynamic ecosystem can assist in understanding their ecological significance. These frequencies can be compared between geographic locations, and across years and seasons.

Polymer-derived SiC and Si₃N₄ ceramics exhibit excellent high temperature properties and thermal shock resistance. Using polymeric precursors is attractive from a processing point of view since a wide variety of components can be produced. Finally, this approach allows the composition to be tailored at the molecular level. In this poster, we present our results on the use of this approach to make ceramics for two specific applications. Volumetric thermal absorbers are an integral component of the emerging field solar thermal energy conversion. The goal of the research is to work on developing the most efficient material for use as a volumetric thermal absorber. The most efficient absorbers typically have high permeability, high cell density, high porosity, good radial heat transport, and high absorption. Materials typically used are advanced fiber mesh cellular ceramics, SiC catalysts, and SiC foams. We are exploring the use of Si-based polymers (e.g. siloxanes) to make SiOC foams and investigating their thermal and optical properties for this application. The second project is on the processing and properties of Si₃N₄ – SiC composites for high temperature applications. In our project we are starting with polycarbosilane (SMP-10) which is a precursor for SiC. By heat treating it in ammonia, we are able to molecularly incorporate nitrogen. By controlling the heat treatment temperature and atmosphere we are able to produce a precursor that can make a wide spectrum of composites in the Si₃N₄ – SiC systems. Results on the effect of heat treatment temperature and atmosphere on the composition of the resultant composites will be presented.

The fact that hydrogen isotope deuterium/protium (D/H) ratios in algal lipids co-vary with their surrounding water D/H ratios is well established. Paleoclimatologists have taken advantage of this relationship in their compound-specific D/H analyses, but little is known about the individual environmental parameters, such as temperature, salinity, light levels, and nutrient concentrations that influence D/H fractionation. Laboratory experiments conducted with batch cultured green algae, Eudorina unicocca and Volvox aureus, grown at temperatures of 15°C and 25°C suggest that there is increased fractionation with increased temperature. The work presented here aims to elucidate the magnitude of D/H fractionation in a natural population of algae where temperature is the primary environmental variable. We hypothesize that D/H fractionation will also increase with rising temperatures under natural conditions and that D/H fractionation will be greatest during the summer months. To test this relationship, surface water is sampled from Lake Washington Ship Canal once a month for one year, with a surface temperature range from ~8°C in February to ~24°C in August. Phytoplankton are filtered from the water, and lipids are extracted and analyzed by gas-chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-IRMS) to determine the extent of D/H fractionation. To date, samples have been collected and analyzed for three out of twelve months. The results from this research, as well as the results of similar experiments with other environmental parameters, will give paleoclimatologists accurate modern-day calibrations to apply to the analysis of lipids extracted from sediment cores in order to reveal climatic variations for the past.

 The research conducted by the Kaeberlein Lab is focused on identifying conserved longevity genes in evolutionarily divergent model organisms. The research methods discussed here concentrate particularly on the mechanism of aging in budding yeast. Aging in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was described more than fifty years ago with the observation that mother cells produce a finite number of daughter cells and then cease replication. Our poster describes the method utilized in our lab for quantifying replicative lifespan. In short, individual yeast cells are grown on solid media and monitored from their initial undivided state until they undergo senescence. Mother cells that produce more daughter cells are defined as having a longer replicative lifespan. Over the past several years, we have measured replicative lifespan on several hundred thousand mother cells, resulting in the identification of dozens of genes that modulate aging in yeast.  By identifying these genes and determining their mechanism of action it may be possible to one day develop therapies that delay the onset of aging and age-related disorders in people. 

The heritability of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has been documented by previous studies looking at the diagnostic concordance for autism in dizygotic (DZ) and monozygotic (MZ) twins. However, literature examining the genetic etiology of specific characteristics within the three symptom domains of ASD is scarce. Pragmatic (social) language ability, a kind of communication that relies on verbal (e.g., intent and appropriateness of utterances) and nonverbal (e.g., gaze maintenance, facial expressions) skills is a core deficit in the language and communication domain. This study will look at the heritability of pragmatic language in verbally fluent individuals with ASD. MZ and DZ twin pairs both concordant and disconcordrant for ASD will participate in the study. The Pragmatic Rating Scale-Modified will be used to rate pragmatic language ability based on an interview with participants. This study has two aims: First, an analysis will be conducted to confirm that there is a significant difference in pragmatic language ability between individuals with ASD and individuals with typical development. Second, analyses will be carried out to determine if the pattern of heritability for pragmatic language is the same for twins with ASD versus typically developing twins. This will be the first study to quantify the concordance of pragmatic language.

The secretion of signals or toxins is a vital aspect of bacterial communication with its environment. We recently found that type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) in Gram-negative bacteria mediate interbacterial interactions by translocating protein effectors into neighboring bacterial cells, providing a large fitness advantage. One protein exported by the T6SS is a type VI-exported (Tse) cell wall amidase that degrades peptidoglycan, and secretion of this effector, Tse1, results in target cell lysis. Bacteria can also self-intoxicate by T6S, potentially posing a problem for the survival of a given species. However, bacteria encode cognate immunity (Tsi) proteins that bind and inactivate their Tse partners. As we identify more T6 effectors, it is becoming clear that Tse–Tsi pairs are part of a widespread protein–protein recognition network underlying bacterial diversity and community structure. This study sheds light on how this network influences interbacterial interactions by uncovering the mechanism of Tsi1-dependent inhibition of Tse1 and defining the molecular determinants of this recognition. I have reconstituted the complex in vitro by using recombinant proteins to probe for direct interaction. Then, by mapping conserved residues onto the recently solved structure of Tse1, I have identified and mutationally analyzed candidate surface residues that may be involved in Tsi1 recognition. Further understanding the determinants of this interaction may allow us to predict which bacterial species are vulnerable to Tse1 or provide a template for the design of novel effector-immunity complexes that escape recognition in naturally occurring bacteria as an antibacterial strategy.

Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) frequently suffer from severe sleep difficulties of unknown origins. Sleep irregularities have been noticed as early as infancy and may serve as an early indication of increased risk for autism. Additional studies indicate that sleep difficulties in children with an intellectual disability can be a source of stress for families, particularly those with a child with ASD. Infant sleep problems can have an effect on parental mental health and consequently have strong correlations to postnatal depression. The infant sleep and maternal depression duality is important, not only because of its high prevalence, but also because of the potential to lead to further psychological distress for the primary care provider. This study investigates the relationship between infant sleep patterns and parental postnatal depression at 6 and 12 months. Participants were primary caregivers of infants at low and high risk (infants with siblings diagnosed with ASD) for autism. At both time points, primary caregivers reported their infant’s sleep patterns using the Sleep and Settle Questionnaire, and their own psychological symptoms on the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), which assesses depression and psychological distress. Based on previous findings, we hypothesize that infants at high risk for autism compared to those at low risk would have more sleep disruption, and would be related to a higher prevalence of self-assessed depression in their primary care givers/ parents (Quine, 1991). We also hypothesize that sleep disruptions and parental depression will increase with infant age. If these correlations are found, this information could expand understanding of how infant sleep and parental depression relate to early markers for autism, as well as inform resources to alleviate parent stress due to irregularities in infant sleep habits.

Previous studies have found deficits in visual attention and socio-communicative behavior to be characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (van der Geest, Kemner, Camfferman, Verbaten, & Van Engeland, 2001). Recently, researchers have investigated these deficits in young infants with the likelihood of a later autism diagnosis. One study indicates that infants at high risk for ASD will exhibit an atypical profile for visual disengagement (Elsabbagh et al., 2009). Our research aims to replicate these results by administering the ‘gap-overlap’ task to participants 12 months of age, separated into two categories: ‘high risk’, or those that have an older sibling with an ASD diagnosis, or ‘low risk,’ indicating no familial risk of ASD. The ‘gap-overlap’ task, a 5-10 minute measure consisting of 36 total trials, assesses infant ability to transfer visual attention from a central stimulus to a peripheral target. The infant views a random sequence of three trial types: 1) baseline, in which a central stimulus is immediately replaced by a peripheral target; 2) overlap, where the target appears peripherally while the stimulus remains in the center; and 3) gap, in which the central stimulus’ disappearance and the peripheral target’s appearance are separated by an interval of time. We measured the latency period, or the amount of time between the appearance of the peripheral stimulus and the infant’s saccade toward the target. Based on previous studies’ results, we hypothesize that the high-risk infants will exhibit longer latency periods in the gap and overlap trial types (Elsabbagh et al., 2009). This reduced ability to transfer visual attention may be a predictor for a later autism diagnosis. It is hoped that by identifying these early markers, new opportunities will be created for effective treatment and intervention.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by atypical social development, decreased verbal and non-verbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. Infants with siblings who have been diagnosed with ASD are considered at high-risk for also developing ASD. Previous findings suggest that high-risk infants show deficits in attention regulation, which may indicate future social and communication impairments. To evaluate visual attention performance in this population, we studied high-risk infants at 6 and 12 month time points. Participants were administered the “gap overlap” task, in which they were seated in front of a screen and introduced to three conditions, each of which showed a central visual stimulus (sun) and a peripheral visual target (balloon): 1) baseline, in which the stimulus disappeared as the target appeared, 2) gap, in which the stimulus disappeared before the target appeared, 3) overlap, during where the stimulus remained on the screen when the target appeared. We measured the latency for the infant to disengage from the stimulus and saccade toward the target. By studying participants at two time points, we were able to measure changes in visual attention performance over time. Data analysis is ongoing. Based on previous findings, we expect those at high-risk for ASD to exhibit a significant difference in latency between the overlap and baseline conditions, thus exhibiting a reduced efficiency in disengagement. We also expect to see increased variation in overlap and baseline latency at 12 months compared to data collected at 6 months. The results of this study could aid in early identification of ASD, which could lead to early diagnosis and intervention.

Effective social communication requires the ability to interpret social cues, communicate internal thoughts, and is necessary for participation in appropriate social exchanges and emotional interactions (Constantino, 2003). Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often impaired in this domain. The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) is one measure that can be used to examine social communication skills (Constantino, 2003). This questionnaire allows parent or teacher to report about the child. This is ideal because researchers can acquire perspectives about the child’s social communication in different contexts. However, research has yielded conflicting data regarding parent/teacher agreement in reporting communication abilities. Some research suggests there is a disparity in parent/teacher reporting, especially when the child suffers from a developmental disorder like ASD (Tassé and Lecavalier, 2000; Murray, Ruble, Willis, and Molloy, 2009). The Pragmatic Rating Scale - Modified (PRS-M) (Russer et al., 2007) circumvents the issue of reporting bias, as it provides an experimental measure of an individual’s pragmatic (social) language skills. Participants are rated by unbiased coders on a number of pragmatic language skills including eye contact, emotional language usage, and ability to stay on topic. In this study individuals with and without ASD between the ages of 7 and 18 completed a short interview which was coded using the PRS-M. We will compare scores on PRS-M with parent and teacher reports of social communication on the SRS. We expect the teacher report SRS will more closely predict performance on the PRS-M than parent report due to parental bias. Identifying differences in reporting can inform researchers about the accuracy of questionnaire data being collected about social communication.

The mu rhythm is a continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) component that is typically suppressed when executing actions and observing the actions of others. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), an impairment in social understanding and ability, show EEG mu suppression to self-movement but not when observing the movement of others. Inability to perceive and understand the actions of others may lead to disruptions in social development and is hypothesized as one of the core disruptions in individuals with ASD. The purpose of this study is to examine the relation between EEG mu rhythm and the degree of social impairment in individuals with ASD. Participants in the study will include children and adolescents with ASD and typical development. Degree of social impairment for the subjects with autism was assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), a 65-item parent report questionnaire. To record mu rhythm, EEG was recorded while the participant was at-rest and during the observation of biological and non-biological motion. We hypothesize that greater social impairment, indicated by higher scores on the SRS, will be associated with decreased mu suppression during observation of biological motion; social impairment will not be related to mu suppression during observation of non-biological motion. Results from this study may help in understanding the relation between mu rhythm, biological motion, and social understanding.

The development of satellite technology has enabled scientists to develop a greater understanding of the movement patterns of various animals. Specifically, the movement of polar bears in Greenland is of ecological interest due to sea ice loss in the Arctic. Researchers tag polar bears with satellite collars and collect various samples and measurements such as age, sex, body mass, and body condition. Bears are tracked using polar-orbiting satellites and the data are collected and transmitted by Advanced Research and Global Observation Satellite (ARGOS). The large volumes of data are reported in coded text files that are difficult to analyze and contain error. I developed a program to extract data from ARGOS written using the statistical programming language R. This program allows for covariates on individual bears to be merged with satellite location data. I created two error checked databases (filtered and unfiltered) on movement of polar bears in Greenland. This program will facilitate data analysis of the movement patterns of polar bears.

Diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) technology combines the properties of a semiconductor with ferromagnetism. Nanoparticles doped with magnetic elements such as Manganese offer a prime example of this type of material. Our specific task was to analyze the effects of p-type doping with nitrogen in ZnO quantum dots (QD) of 2.4 nm in diameter. p-type doping in this material involves the replacement of an O^2- ion with an N^2- ion, which has one less electron resulting in a hole due to an empty N^2- p-orbital. We hypothesize that when p-type doping is combined with paramagnetic Mn²⁺ doping, the unpaired 3d electrons of two Mn²⁺ ions separated by an N^2- ion will adopt a ferromagnetic orientation as opposed to their traditional antiferromagnetic state. Testing for this experiment was done with the development version of Gaussian. Energy calculations within this program and further data analysis reveal information such as the total energy of each state of the system, molecular orbital data, and energy diagrams concerning the semiconductor properties of these materials. Results show that the lowest energy state occurs when the Mn²⁺ ions adopt a ferromagnetic arrangement with the N^2- hole sharing this alignment. The potential for this QD and others with similar properties is extreme as many semiconductor applications could be revolutionized by DMS's. New applications such as solar cells made of DMS's are also under consideration.

This study investigates the impact of success or failure of a university’s marquee sports programs on student academic success. I analyzed data from schools in four National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I athletic conferences each having both of the money-generating sports programs, football and men's basketball. I am interested in determining whether the success or failure of a school’s teams affects student performance, both among student athletes and among the general student body. Anecdotal evidence and some prior studies indicate that student performance can suffer when a school team does well, but this effect is short-term. This study looks at short-term as well as more long-term measures of academic success as measured by overall graduation rates for undergraduates and graduation measures used by the NCAA and the US federal government, to track student athlete academic success. I also consider associations with other covariates such as school size (number of enrolled undergraduate students), school location, public vs. private institutions, racial make-up of the school and regional location, on the afore mentioned relationships. I expect these relationships to be different for small schools than for large schools. My hypothesis is that student-athletes as a group have higher graduation rates than the general student population and in larger schools student-athletes are less affected by athletic results than the general student body.

The field of gene therapy relies on vehicles that can introduce exogenous genetic material into target cells in order to affect the production of a desired therapeutic protein. Viruses have long been used as delivery vehicles, but concerns over immunogenicity have fueled efforts to develop alternative nonviral delivery vehicles. Current polycationic polymers used in gene delivery methods generally exhibit poor transfection efficiencies and also dose-dependent cell toxicity. This project seeks to address these parameters through the synthesis of a novel copolymer of 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) and a methacryated oligoarginine peptide (MaAhxR10). In phase one, the HPMA-oligoarginine copolymer was synthesized and tested for basic functionality. Transfections of HeLa cell populations demonstrated that the transfection capabilities of this polymer were comparable to those of the oligolysine standard, but the toxicity was significantly enhanced. Phase two consisted of modifying the peptide with neutral amino acid residues (such as glycine) to reduce the charge density of the polycationic peptides. Further, a more efficient approach to preparing arginine peptides was developed by chemically guanidinylating lysine residues. This approach was used to generate a lysine and a homoarginine version of each polymer. The resulting copolymers were tested for transfection efficiency and cell toxicity in cultured mammalian cells. Copolymers made from the resulting ‘spaced’ peptides (MaAhx(GK)5 and MaAhx(GhR)5) demonstrated reduced cytotoxicity compared the MaAhxR10 and PEI standards, but were still comparable in transfection efficiency to the oligolysine standard. While the delivery vehicle has not performed as expected, the project may have revealed a relationship between charge density (and therefore accessibility of charge) and cytotoxicity. The next step will be to generate another panel of polymers, this time with even more spacing between positive charge residues. This will allow for the identification of a correlation between charge density and cytotoxicity.

Intramuscular injection of Botulinum toxin(BTX) is a common approach to reduce muscular mass for cosmetic effect and to relieve symptoms of muscle spasm and pain through the mechanism of paralysing nerve-muscle junctions of the target muscle. However, the consequences of this neuromuscular blockage in masticatory muscles have not been evaluated. The goal of my research is to investigate the short- and long-term effect of the use of BTX on masseter muscles by evaluating evoked electromyography (EMG) in a rabbit model. Of 22 rabbits, 10 were injected once with 10 units of BTX in one masseter and examined 4 and 12 weeks after the injection (5 each); 7 were injected 3 times at 0, 12 and 24 weeks and examined 36 weeks after the first injection; and 5 were intact animals. My work is to assess masseter EMG signals evoked by electric stimulations of ipsilateral masseteric nerve, and to evaluate the regional effects of neuromuscular blockage based on a wire-electrode array placed on the masseter across various time points with single or multiple BTX injections. I use both time- and frequency-domain methods to analyze these signals and to compare their amplitude, timing, and frequency between injected and non-injected sides, single and multiple injections, and injected and intact animals. The study design also allows me to elucidate the recovery effects over time. The preliminary results indicate that a single BTX application significantly affected the responses of injected muscles to nerve stimulations, presented as an ~80% reduction in EMG amplitude at 4 weeks, and ~65% reduction at 12 weeks. At 36 weeks, the sides differed little if at all, suggesting partial recovery had occurred even though multiple injections were applied. My work is continuing to find out whether the masseter’s neural transduction (timing) and firing (frequency) are affected by BTX application.

Food desert research is filling journals across academic disciplines. Food deserts refer to urban and rural areas, which lack easy and affordable access to healthy, nutritious foods. These studies emphasize the influence of inequality in relation to poor access to healthy food as well as the political and social processes that limit the diet of low-income areas. Food desert research has not explored the importance of age on food choice or how and if college campuses can and should be defined as food deserts. Poor diet habits cemented in the emerging adult phase, age 18-25, are indicative of future adult decisions. The habits of this age group should therefore be identified in order to understand and create programs that insure healthy habits among this age group. This approach will reduce unhealthy lifelong habits that contribute to rising obesity rates and chronic disease. My research examines available food choices on college campuses. My research reveals that food choices are severely limited, and the students are vulnerable to forging non-nutritious diet patterns. Students responding to a survey administered in a sample of the University of Washington's cafés, dining halls, and markets provide the basis for my findings.

Self-assembling silver nanoparticles have been of great interest to the scientific community due to their unique optical properties and potential use in areas such as cancer therapy and semiconductors. This research explores using a simple one-pot technique to produce self-assembling silver nanoparticles with controllable geometries based on steric interactions. The core advantage of this method is that it employs a bottom-up approach using commonly available and relatively inexpensive materials. Successive doping of long hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains followed by a short hydrophobic alkane-thiol renders the nanoparticles amphiphilic. Clusters of different sizes self-assemble depending on the concentration of PEG added to the silver dispersion. As PEG concentration increases, the extent of clustering decreases as the long chained PEG molecules create a corona around the silver particles and inhibit functionalization with alkane-thiol. This synthesis method is analyzed with Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). While the samples follow the expected clustering size trends, data indicates that monodisperse silver is critical to the reproducibility of the technique.

Genus Rhododendron consists of over 1000 species of woody plants.  While the overall phylogeny of the genus is known, the relationships between species are not.  My research focuses on a small and unusual retrotransposon, Cassandra, and its possible use for evolutionary studies.  Retrotransposons are sequences that are able to move to new DNA chromosomal locations via mechanisms simlar to retroviral DNA replication.  Transposition involves transcription of an integrated DNA copy through an RNA product that acts as a template for reverse transcription, and finally integration of the resulting DNA at new sites in the plant genome.  Like other retrotransposons, Cassandra has no mechanism for complete excision from a site it has occupied.  Thus, once the element is inserted into a genomic site, all or part of it is retained at this position as a stable marker.  Consequently, a Cassandra insertion at a given site is a shared derived trait, suitable for evolutionary tree-building.  Ultimately, knowing these sequences of transposition may shed light on the pattern of evolutionary divergence of Rhododendron and Ericaceae plants.  Based on one insertion site, my data suggests that thus far, only a solo LTR version of the Cassandra element is found in most species of the subgenus Hymenanthes (primarily in East Asia), with an empty site found in the subsection Pontica (more geographically diverse).  Interestingly, for a few species within Hymenanthes that lack the element, another conserved insertion (approx. 450 bp) is found in the DNA instead.  Moving forward, I will look at additional insertion sites, to gain further information on Rhododendron phylogeny.

Evolutionary biology studies how populations change over time. For evolution to occur, there must be genetic variation, ultimately from mutation. Any mutation in a given environment may have a positive, negative, or neutral effect on fitness. Evolving populations tend to increase in fitness. A metaphoric “fitness landscape” is useful for visualizing this, with genotypes linked by mutations and elevation being their fitness. Fitness “peaks” denote genotypes from which all mutations are deleterious (downhill). If the landscape is smooth (possessing only one peak) then populations will always converge there by natural selection. However, if the landscape is rugged (multi-peaked), populations might get stuck on a low-fitness peak. This population must cross the “valley” between peaks to reach the higher peak. We are studying how migration patterns between subpopulations of Escherichia coli influence adaptation. Structured populations only allowed migration between nearby subpopulations of bacteria, while unstructured migrations occurred between any of the 95 other subpopulations of bacteria. We found that structured populations reached a higher fitness than unstructured ones. My project is investigating the genetic mechanisms behind these results. Using Illumina technology, I have completed whole genome sequencing and targeted sequencing on these populations. I am using these results to determine the type and frequency of mutations acquired in structured vs. unstructured populations. We have two hypotheses explaining structure’s effect on adaptation: the Mutational Distance Hypothesis and the Diversity Hypothesis. The Mutational Distance Hypothesis predicts that there will be more mutations accumulated in the structured populations than the unstructured, whereas the Diversity Hypothesis predicts that structured populations will have greater genetic diversity than unstructured populations. This work will lead to a greater understanding of adaptation and may have medical implications concerning the understanding bacterial evolution.

Electric vehicle infrastructure is the support network that allows electric vehicles (EVs) to travel farther than battery capabilities currently make possible. The infrastructure includes privately and publicly owned charging stations, upgraded electrical utilities capable of handling the output demanded by charging stations, and the internet technologies that give drivers the latest information on charging station locations and availability. This research investigated and developed a process to install a charging station on a roadway project in order to encourage expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure. This process could be recognized as a potential sustainable activity in the Greenroads Rating System. The rating system assigns points for completion of a number of sustainable activities on a roadway project that contribute to creating a "greener" road. Laying out such a process is especially challenging because it must remain applicable to many types of roadways in diverse environments, even with future advancements in electric vehicles, charging stations, and battery technologies. Two types of roadway projects were studied as cases: projects that have already installed charging stations and others that were considering installing charging stations. Through communication with professional design engineers on these projects and exploring numerous government EV infrastructure documents, preliminary findings determined that location characteristics, local markets for EVs, and local rules and regulations were the three key components to establishing EV infrastructure. Using these components, a short rubric was created, that allows project engineers to evaluate the feasibility of installing a charging station on a road project.

Cancer vaccines offer a promising method of manipulating the immune system to seek and destroy malignant cells. However, there have been many limitations on their ability to enhance stimulation and persistence of CD4+ Type 1 helper (Th1) and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) necessary to promote adequate tumor regression. The long-term goal of this research is to use polymeric carriers to deliver antigens and immunomodulatory siRNA to antigen presenting cells (APCs), in order to promote anti-tumor cellular immunity. We have designed pH-responsive, endosomolytic, “smart” polymers that are capable of being conjugated to antigens and complexed to siRNA. Also, we have demonstrated the ability of these polymers to enhance class I antigen presentation by APCs. In addition, we have shown that polymeric delivery of siRNA promotes knock down of a model gene, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, in dendritic cells. We plan to demonstrate similar results with other immune cells, both immortalized and primary, and genes of interest, as well as extend this technology to relevant tumor-associated antigens. These data point to the modular nature of our polymeric delivery systems, as they provide a promising way of approaching challenges in cancer immunotherapy through multiple delivery modalities.

Cues from predation can have strong effects on prey behavior and development, but antipredator responses can reduce fitness in other ways. Costly responses to predators should be, and often are, proportional to the level of risk (i.e., threat-sensitive); however, the mechanisms by which prey assess risk are not fully understood. In mesocosm experiments, red-eyed treefrogs (Agalychnis callidryas) show threat-sensitive growth reduction in response to predation cues from giant water bugs (Belostoma) and dragonfly naiads (Anax). We reared A. callidryas tadpoles from hatching in individual 400 ml microcosms in an open-air laboratory in Panama to assess their growth responses to variation in water-borne chemical cues from predation on conspecifics. In an experiment manipulating cue concentration, cues from predation by both Anax and Belostoma elicited a similar, dose-dependent reduction in growth. We then investigated effects of the frequency of chemical cueing by holding the total cue amount constant across treatments, but delivering it in fewer larger doses or more frequent smaller doses. We found a strong negative correlation between tadpole growth and the frequency of cue events. These results suggest that the frequency of predation cue events is more important than the biomass of prey consumed, or amount of cue delivered per event, for assessment of predation risk. This is consistent with results from mesocosm experiments wherein tadpoles responded more strongly to predation on small tadpoles, via multiple predation events, than they did to predation of an equivalent biomass of larger tadpoles.

 The ability to resist nonspecific protein adsorption, low fouling, is an essential surface property necessary for medical implants and biosensors. Mixed-charge surfaces with net neutral uniformly distributed charged amino acid residues have been shown experimentally to highly resistant to nonspecific protein adsorption, and thus have become a new field for biomaterial design. These mixed-charge surfaces have analogues in nature: The interior surfaces, or cavities, of molecular chaperone protein complexes. In addition to assisting hundreds of proteins folding through nonspecific interaction, the cavities usually show transition between a more charged residues state when assisting protein folding and a less charged residues state when actively unfolding proteins. Thus if these interior cavities are well studied, they can be mimicked to create new surface designs. In this study, GroEL-GroES, one of the most well characterized chaperon complexes, is used along with 528 substrate proteins found in Escherichia coli (E.coli). We hypothesized that the interior surface of GroEL-GroES will interact nonspecifically and assist the substrate proteins in folding by lowering their folding free energy. In order to quantitatively calculate these values, we have extended entropic models by introducing a new enthalpy term derived from the knowledge of the residues on the cavity surface. The model not only includes entropic confinement effects but also accounts for energetic interactions between residues found on GroEL-GroES and the substrate protein. Applied to the substrate proteins, our model presents results that match the experimentally observed changes in folding free energies. Furthermore, the optimization of the surface residues distribution of the cavity suggested by this model shows which residues contribute most to stabilized folding. This study provides a better understanding of GroEL-GroES’s ability to nonspecifically assist protein folding. Finally, it also gives insight into the mixed-charge surface design projects where low fouling materials are used as medical devices or sensors.

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are a promising low-cost option in developing renewable energies. OPVs are solar cells made from organic semiconductors instead of the more traditionally used inorganic semiconductors such as silicon. OPVs have several advantages including: low cost, ease of processing, physical flexibility, and highly tunable properties. Therefore, if the efficiency of OPVs can be increased, they could become a major, inexpensive renewable energy source. Electron-accepting materials used in OPVs have traditionally been fullerene-based due to their high electron mobility. However, fullerenes contribute little to light harvesting in an OPV as they have negligible absorption in the solar spectrum. Thus, our goal was to develop new electron-accepting materials for OPVs that absorb significantly in the solar spectrum as a means to increase light harvesting and therefore OPV efficiency. A series of novel oligomers with an oligothiophene-naphthalene diimide (NDI) structure was synthesized. All oligomers exhibited absorption in the visible region with band gaps ranging from 1.39 eV to 2.06 eV, and could therefore contribute to light harvesting in an OPV. Solution-processed solar cells using the new oligomers as the electron-acceptors showed power conversion efficiencies up to 1.5%. Overall, these new materials exhibited that non-fullerenes can function as the electron-accepting material in OPVs while contributing to light harvesting. This approach therefore shows promise for increasing OPV efficiency to make OPVs a viable, cost-effective renewable energy source.

The spinal cord represents a key site of convergence for sensory feedback and cortical commands, but determining how each contributes to movement has not been uncovered.  Understanding how spinal circuits are structured and utilized to generate complex movements will be necessary to understand how the nervous system processes multiple inputs.  One approach to understanding motor circuits is to know how the output effects of neurons change between tasks.  Here we investigate the state of the spinal cord by stimulating at specific sites in the cord and recording electromyographic activity (EMG) in the forelimb muscles of a non-human primate.  By comparing the output effects of stimulation between two behaviors, a flexion/extension wrist task and a reaching task, we hope to understand the effects of cortical and sensory interactions in shaping motor output.  In addition, by creating a spinal map of stimulus triggered EMG activity, we hope to reveal the functional organization of spinal outputs during the behaviors.  In this experiment, we compare the effects of stimulus triggered averages of EMG between these two tasks at various sties in the cord.  Our results show a change in the effects on EMG activity dependent on the behavior performed in roughly 2/3 of sites.  Indicating that the configuration of the circuit that our electrode stimulates is dependent on the task performed.  When the non-human primate performs a wrist task, cortical input and sensory feedback recruit specific spinal pathways to activity certain muscles in order to perform the task.  When the task is altered, different cortical inputs and sensory feedback may inhibit or further excite that circuit, changing EMG activity.  Understanding the circuits responsible for the control of arm movements and how these circuits change with varying tasks, may allow us to utilize and exploit these spinal circuits to treat patients with spinal cord injury.