Student Summer Scholars

Germline Clone Analysis of the PKN gene in Drosophila

Sarah VanOeveren et al. — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 06:48:30 PST

The delorean (a gain-‐of-‐function mutation) in Drosophila melanogaster is caused by a transposon insertion in the first intron of the Protein kinase N (pkn) gene (Sass, unpublished). Previous studies have established pkn as an evolutionary, conserved essential protein in Drosophila development (Lu and Settleman, 1999, Betson and Settleman, 2007). Here, we study the role of pkn in oogenesis. Using the Dominant Female Sterile – Flipase Recombinant Technique (DFS-‐FRT) germline clones where generated to quantify the maternal-‐effect phenotype in germline cells. We establish pkn as a maternal-‐effect phenotype where females exhibit a significant reduction in egg production and effective sterility. The few eggs produced by delorean females are either not fertilizable or if fertilized, generate embryos that typically fail to complete embryogenesis.

The Effectiveness of Constructed Wetlands

Jessica L. Franks et al. — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 13:02:06 PST

Wetland construction represents a vital tool to increase the number and extent of wetlands in the United States. However, there is uncertainty as to how effective constructed wetlands actually are and if they continue to function efficiently as they age. This study’s objective was to evaluate the constructed wetlands on Grand Valley State University’s Allendale campus. The wetlands studied were constructed in both 2009 (n=3) and 2011 (n=5), not specifically to mitigate for wetland loss; rather they are a proactive attempt to reduce erosion from excessive stormwater runoff in the GVSU ravines. We compared these to wetlands constructed in the mid 1980’s (n=3) located at the near-by Bass River Recreation Area. Specifically, aquatic macroinvertebrates were sampled throughout May 2012, following rapid bioassessment protocols used by the Michigan DNR, while water chemistry parameters (specific conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity, riparian coverage, chloride, and total dissolved solids) were measured bi-weekly throughout the summer. The macroinvertebrate Family richness and diversity were significantly different (p<0.05, ANOVA) and values for each metric ranged from 21.3, 20.67, and 6.6 and 2.31, 2.13, and 1.01 between 1980’s, 2009, and 2011 sites, respectively. These differences in the insect community assemblages were evident in a multivariate test as well (NMDS). Thus, at a community level there was a rapid improvement in the aquatic insects in just three years suggesting these constructed wetlands will rapidly develop into healthier communities.

Using Artificial Breeding of Eurasian and Northern Watermilfoils to Study the Evolutionary Ecology of Herbicide Resistance

Danielle Grimm — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:18:49 PST

Don’t Spray the Wasps! Using Polistes Paper Wasps for Pest Management in the Home Garden

Laura Goldsmith et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:30 PST

Pest control poses a challenge to all gardeners, especially those wishing to use organic practices. We examined the potential use of Polistes paper wasps as a bio-control agent in the organic backyard garden. Polistes are important predatory insects which may potentially consume thousands of soft bodied pest insects per season. We planted 8 garden plots with leaf lettuce, cabbage, pole beans and tomatoes. In 4 experimental plots, we established 8 Polistes dominulus nests, while in the remaining control plots we did not establish wasp nests. We measured the abundance of pest insects, the extent of damage from insect pests, and the weight of the plants at harvest. We did not observe any statistically significant differences between the experimental and control plots, however, we did find that cabbage plants from plots with more wasps had less insect damage than plants from plots with fewer wasps. Although our study appears to demonstrate that Polistes wasps were not effective in controlling pests, the observation that wasp number influenced damage levels in cabbage suggests that, at least for that crop, there is a density of wasps that can be effective.

The Sincerity of Reform: Henry Ford's Five-Dollar Day and the Ideological Underpinnings of Progressive Era Reform

Eric Baumgarten et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:29 PST

The Ford Motor Company's Five-Dollar Day labor program led to a multifaceted array of philanthropic initiatives that ran between 1914 and 1921. An impetus of reform found its genesis in the Five-Dollar Day. The progressive spirit within the company led many executives to initiate programs influenced by their own connection to intellectual discourses within the public discussion of social concerns. Often, historians have sought to analyze the entire history of the company or Henry Ford himself, especially with concern for a production orientation. Contrary to this focus, this research shows that between 1914 and 1921 the Ford Motor Company utilized massive financial resources to implement intellectually motivated reforms within their employment base and the City of Detroit. Though diverse, the reforms shared a common focus in direct and immediate action. The financial capacity to employ wide and powerful reforms, coupled with a production oriented attitude demanding quick results, made these programs dangerously effective in yielding results. Through this study, a brief and intense example of welfare capitalism illustrates the implications of broad corporate reach.

Food Webs and Rivers: Importance of Contiguous Habitat Interactions

Noah Jansen-Yee et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:28 PST

In recent years, ecological research in the study of trophic interactions between contiguous ecosystems and microhabitats has begun to develop; however, this topic remains not entirely understood. These interactions are important because they contribute to healthy ecosystem structure and function. The focus of this project was to more fully understand and document the dynamic interactions and flow of energy between stream and riparian zones in wetland, cedar (Cedrus spp.), and alder (Alnus spp.) dominated reaches. We hypothesized the base of the aquatic food web would be autotrophic in the wetlands with energy derived mainly from in-stream processes; whereas the cedar and alder dominated reaches would be more heterotrophic due to riparian shading and limited sunlight. In these reaches, energy that sustains the food web should be largely derived from riparian leaf litter inputs. Because leaf litter enters the stream in the fall, there is a time delay (termed a reciprocal subsidy) such that energy transfers between stream and riparian zones are asynchronous. We predicted that there would be a stronger energy flux in the cedar and alder reach due to the increased area conferred by the larger and more complex tree structure relative to the wetlands. We used stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen to measure food web structure and to estimate energy transfer rates. In addition, we measured organic matter content of various trophic levels, the physical and chemical habitat between reaches, and an assessment of aquatic macrophytes, macroinvertebrates, and fish communities, with an emphasis on the latter two. Habitat comparison and characterization show that many of the chemical characteristics of each reach (pH, conductivity, temperature , etc.) are fairly uniform throughout each reach and the entire stream. The increased riparian canopy and terrestrial vegetation of the alder and cedar reaches, however, acts to increase both allochthonous input and in-stream OM. Amongst all three sites, strong relationships as indicated by stable isotope analysis showed trophic interactions between organic matter to terrestrial macroinvertebrates and then to fish populations. Isotopic signatures from algae were not measured. However, inferences from typical algae isotope signatures in similar streams, along with data on aquatic macroinvertebrates, suggested significant trophic interaction from algae up through aquatic macroinvertebrates to fish. Although our results did not support our initial hypotheses concerning the differences between study reaches, we did find evidence of strong interactions between the aquatic and terrestrial riparian zone. Specifically, fish populations in all three reaches were feeding on a mixture of terrestrial and aquatic insects. Terrestrial insects were indirectly receiving energy from in-stream organic matter. Thus the link between aquatic and terrestrial energy sources was shown to be quite strong in all three reaches, including the wetland-dominated reach. Management implications include the importance of protecting and restoring both in-stream and riparian habitat. The two are inextricably linked by the exchange of organisms and energy.

Modified Chromenes as Precursors to TAAR Regulators

Jonathan Lehmann et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:26 PST

200 million people worldwide are living with a thyroid disorder related to a hormonal imbalance. Symptoms of this imbalance include deviations from normal heart rates and metabolic rates. A chemical messenger known as T3 has been shown to raise cardiac and metabolic rates, but this takes place on a timescale of hours. However, recent discoveries have revealed that a different thyroid hormone known as T1AM is capable of affecting some of these same physiological conditions in a matter of minutes. T1AM is a potent, selective agonist for the Trace Amine Associated Receptor (TAAR). Several studies have probed the structural basis of T1AM activation, but these studies have not yet provided a complete picture. Based on these findings, we have developed a new molecular scaffold that incorporates key structural features in a conformationally-restricted arrangement. For example, the incorporation of a six carbon ring in our target compounds will confine the location of the amine and even create multiple stereocenters. Furthermore, several chiral locations on this scaffold will have structural variability. To date, our research has focused on optimizing the reactions that produce 3-nitro-2H-chromenes, the chemical precursors to these target compounds. The successful production of a panel of these chromenes has set the stage for subsequent reactions that will allow us to generate many T1AM analogues. By understanding the regulation of TAAR we may gain a greater understanding of its role in biology and human physiology.

Understanding Archimedes' heuristics in the Method, proposition 14

Drake Parker et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:25 PST

Study over the past decade by the Archimedes Palimpsest Project of the Method of Mechanical Theorems, recovered in 1998, has produced evidence that the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes may have made informal use of actual infinity in his method of discovering geometric theorems. This runs contrary to the Greek tradition of rigorous proof which allows only for the use of potential infinity. We will examine the relevant argument, Proposition 14, compare it with the more traditional Greek infinitary argument known as the method of exhaustion, and consider the questions arising about the Greek attitude toward infinity.

The Electric Bass: Its Origins and Influence on the Evolution of Jazz and the Development of Contemporary Music

Megan DeKievit et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:24 PST

The electric bass was an idea born of the late 1940's, a time when jazz bands were getting larger and it was becoming more difficult to hear an upright bass over other instruments. The first commercially produced electric bass was developed by Fender and available for distribution in 1951. Also starting in the 1950s, the world of jazz was changing—it was becoming an intellectual endeavor, more about musicians, and less about dancers. After the introduction of the electric bass, the position that the bass held within an ensemble began to change as well. Before the 60's and 70's the primary function of the bass instrument in jazz was to keep time and lay down the harmony of the chord progression. It was mainly a background, supporting instrument, for other members of the ensemble. After the 70's, solo bass and especially solo electric bass, had become more acceptable, and jazz diverged even more with new innovations and styles that continued to push boundaries—even to the point where people hesitated to still call it jazz. Other forms of music, such as R&B, funk, and soul also emerged, which are similar to jazz, and often times created by jazz musicians, but characterized by different bass lines. Today the electric bass is a solo instrument and has been used for wide varieties of music. This presentation shows how the perspective of the bass has changed since the introduction of the electric bass guitar, and how this change was facilitated by differences between it and its predecessor, the stand-up, acoustic bass. It uses interviews, research, and recordings to contrast bass lines from before and after the introduction of the electric to jazz ensembles and show the difference that this instrument has made in modern jazz music.

Por la Patria y la Revolución: Sifting Guatemala Military Archival Materials

Heidi Fegel et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:23 PST

What explains the Guatemalan military’s intervention in politics and its eventual take over of the government in 1963? One answer is ideology, and if ideology matters, than it would make sense to look at the education of interventionist officers in Guatemala. To find the link between education and militarism, we spent two months sifting through recently declassified military documents in the Archivo Central de Centroamérica in Guatemala City. The following is a survey of a sample of the documents along with a look into how they address the ideology held by military officers.

Do You Speak Chemistry? Assessing the Degree of Inconsistency Between Expert and Novice Interpretations of Exam questions

Eliscia Fought et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:22 PST

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 catalyzed the institutionalization of standardized testing in public schools. As many college and university faculty resist using standardized tests, their students continue to be assessed via measures created by instructors with little or no training in educational measurement. Although instructor-developed questions and course content are generally congruent, a class of students will occasionally perform poorly on a conceptually simple question. To better understand this phenomenon, we interviewed GVSU students and faculty about characteristics of general chemistry exam questions that cause them to be difficult, confusing, or both. A secondary goal of this research was to compare faculty and student perspectives of clarity and difficulty.

Bone Densities of the Frontal and Maxillary Sinuses, Determined by CT Scans to Aid in Limiting Complications of Endonasal Sinus Surgery (ESS)

Megan Glazier et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:21 PST

Endonasal sinus surgery (ESS) is a common surgical procedure that is used to relieve chronic, problematic conditions associated with the paranasal sinuses of the cranium. One possible complication that can arise during ESS is damage to the bone surrounding the sinus. Complications due to this damage can include blindness, penetration into the eye orbit, periorbital injury, and dural lesions. In order to limit these complications, the least-dense portion of the bony sinus wall should be avoided. Previous research on plastinated specimens has shown that x-rays can be used to determine the areas of the sinus wall to avoid during ESS. A more accurate means of determining areas of bone to avoid during ESS is to use computerized tomography (CT), which images the body based on tissue density. Here, we present the results of an examination of 36 cranial CT scans provided by Saint Mary's, representing all age groups and both sexes. Using analytical software (Amira 3.5), the density of bone surrounding the maxillary and frontal sinuses were examined and the least-dense portion of the sinus walls were determined using Hounsfield Units (HU's). By determining the density of bone by an absolute measure (HU's), the area of bone to avoid during ESS can be delineated with accuracy.

Identification of the LEA Gene Family in the Orchidaceae

Timothy Godfrey et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:20 PST

With over 25,000 species, Orchidaceae represents one of the largest and most diverse families of flowering plants. In addition to the unique aspects of developmental reproductive biology and the specialized pollination and ecological strategies of orchids, development of new hybrids is economically important to floricultural industries. Wild orchids are especially susceptible to increasing anthropogenic disturbances, and all members of this family are threatened or endangered in their wild state. Like other threatened plant species, long-term seed storage in seed banks is crucial for the preservation of this family. Unfortunately, such storage will not be successful until the complex seed biology of orchids is understood. Our aim is to contribute to the understanding of orchid seed biology and hence the design of seed banking protocols for this family. Plant seeds are divided into two large groups. So-called orthodox seeds dry out as a natural part of development to as low as 5% (fresh weight basis) water at the end of maturation. Orthodox seeds require low water contents and temperatures for storage. On the other hand, recalcitrant seeds can not be dried without compromising their internal structural integrity and storage at low water contents would be deadly for these seeds. At present, it is unclear whether orchid seeds are orthodox or recalcitrant. While their exact role in embryogenesis is ambiguous, the accumulation of late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins often has been implicated with the acquisition of desiccation tolerance in orthodox seeds. In hopes of better understanding the acquisition of desiccation tolerance in orchid seeds our short term goal was to identify members of the LEA protein gene family. Hybrids of the genus Phalaenopsis are among the top-traded blooming potted plants worldwide. However, despite the unique aspects of this species, relatively few molecular studies have focused on them. Using the limited genomic orchid resources available, we were able to design primers to successfully isolate cDNA clones of representatives of four unique LEA protein genes from hybrid Phalaenopsis plants. Using the sequences obtained from this work, we hope to utilize quantitative-PCR to monitor the expression of these 4 LEA gene transcripts at varying stages of seed development and drying conditions. This work will hopefully help to elucidate the function of LEA proteins in orchid embryogenesis and contribute to the construction of a successful seed banking protocol for orchids.

Using Crayfish to Control Zebra Mussel Populations

Paige Goote et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:18 PST

The expansion of zebra mussel distribution into inland waterways of North America has created significant abiotic and biotic challenges. Zebra mussels foul a wide array of submerged substrates including rock surfaces, plants, native bivalves, dock walls, and watercraft. Fouling of water intake pipes and associated installations can severely impair water delivery to hydroelectric, municipal and industrial users making proactive or reactive control measures necessary. Mussels increase water clarity by removing suspended clay, silt, bacteria, phytoplankton, and small zooplankton. This focuses nutrients into the bottom of lakes away from much of the food chain and also causes increases in cyanobacterial toxins due to increased growth of blue-green algae. However, mussels are exploited by a host of predators, most notably waterfowl, fish, and crayfish. They can return some of the nutrients to the food chain, but unfortunately even with predation much of the nutrients remain at the bottoms of lakes. We have tested one crayfish species (Orconectes propinquus) for feeding responses when given an opportunity to interact with zebra mussels (5 consecutive days). Crayfish did ingest zebra mussels and males ate more than females. Moreover, all crayfish selected smaller zebra mussels as a preferential prey item.

Regulation of the Scaffolding Protein Mid1 in Fission Yeast Cell Division

Justin Hackett et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:17 PST

Cell division is an integral process in all biological organisms for growth and reproduction. Yet this process is shrouded in mystery because of its complex and poorly understood mechanisms. Discovering the secrets of these processes will lead to a greater understanding of the unregulated cell division characteristic of cancer and even possible treatments for this disease. Many of the genes that are involved in human cell division are conserved in many other organisms and offer a simpler way to observe and learn about the cell division process. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe provides an excellent model organism for such research. The conserved anillin homolog, Mid1, is shown to be a key regulator in cell division and mutants of Mid1 show many cytokinesis defects. For example, in mid1D cells, the septa that forms the new cell wall between dividing cells is often malformed or angled, which causes unequal division of the daughter cells. Both of these phenotypes are caused by misplacement of the contractile ring because Mid1 acts as a scaffold to anchor the structure at the center of the cell. Previous research also shows that Mid1 regulation depends on several enzymatic proteins. The goal of the current research is to examine the interaction between Mid1 and an essential mitotic enzyme, polo kinase, and examine the cytokinesis phenotypes associated with this interaction.

Comparing Two Common Methods of Estimating Stream Fish Abundance

Brandon Harris et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:16 PST

Unbiased estimates of stream fish abundance are critical for sound fisheries management. Most studies investigating bias associated with stream fish population estimates primarily focus on salmonines, yet non-game fishes often comprise a major portion of stream fish assemblages. We evaluated mark-recapture and removal methods for estimating the abundance of mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdii), a common non-game fish found in streams. Specific objectives were to: (1) compare abundance estimates using mark-recapture and removal methods, (2) assess potential removal method bias by comparing estimated abundance to known abundance, and (3) evaluate assumption that the population is closed (i.e., no additions or deletions during sampling). Fish were sampled via backpack electrofishing at eight streams, and each stream was sampled over a 2-day period. On day one, fish were batch marked in three sections of a 90-m reach in each stream. On day two, fish were captured and temporarily removed from the stream during four electrofishing passes, and the number and marking status was recorded during each pass. Individuals from each stream were then held in cages overnight to assess survival and loss of marks. We found removal estimates generated with program CAPTURE were significantly lower (22%-58%) compared to mark-recapture abundance estimates. Removal methods also consistently underestimated (38%-59%) known (i.e., number of marked fish in the study reach) mottled sculpin abundances. Minimal movement of marked fish (mean=11.5%; range=0.0%- 42.0%) was observed in all but one of our study streams. Survival of mottled sculpin 1 day after capture (i.e., individuals held in cages) was 100% (n = 405 fish), and no marks were lost among fish held overnight. Our preliminary results suggest that the closed-population assumption was valid for all but one stream and the removal method yielded negatively biased estimates of mottled sculpin abundances in small streams. Consequently, we recommend that fisheries managers use mark-recapture methods to estimate abundance of small, non-game fishes.

Identification of Tissue-Specific mRNA Expression from the Hdc gene of Drosophila melanogaster

Amy Jenkins et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:15 PST

The Histidine decarboxylase (Hdc) gene of Drosophila melanogaster is responsible for the synthesis of histamine in both the brain and peripheral tissues. Recently, two mRNA isoforms of the Hdc gene were identified, which differ at either end of the mRNA molecule. The goal of this project is to determine whetherHdc mRNA isoform expression is tissue-specific, potentially reflecting the difference in histamine distribution in the adult fly. For this project, two regions of the Hdcgene are being used for anti-sense riboprobe synthesis: one probe should bind to all Hdc mRNAs, and the other probe should bind specifically to a unique mRNA isoform. Using PCR, we amplified a 230 base pair fragment from the Hdc gene that is unique to only one mRNA isoform and used TA cloning to insert this fragment into the pGEM-T Easy vector. Then, the DNA from the transformant cells was isolated, sequenced, and linearized using specific restriction endonucleases. The linearized DNA template was subsequently used with the Invitrogen FISH Tag RNA kit to synthesize an amine-modified RNA that should bind to all Hdc mRNAs. Then, the amine-modified RNA was labeled with the fluorescent dye Alexa fluor 488. We are currently synthesizing the 230 bp isoform-specific riboprobe with Alexa fluor 594, so that double labeling experiments with both mRNA probes may be accomplished. To complete this project, both RNA probes will be hybridized to adult Drosophila tissue sections and the resultant signals can be detected using fluorescence microscopy. Results are expected to demonstrate that one mRNA isoform is solely expressed by histaminergic neurons in the CNS, while the other is only expressed in the peripheral tissues, such as photoreceptors. In the future, we plan to expand this project by using tissue sections of flies at different developmental stages.

Mapping the Floorplate Region in the Chick Midbrain

Elizabeth King et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:14 PST

Markers expressed in the developing embryo can distinguish different areas of the nervous system. Specific areas can be associated with neural progenitors that give rise to specific types of neural cells including GABAergic or dopamineric neurons. These markers have been used to map the midbrain of the developing mouse, however the midbrain of the chick embryo has not been mapped in detail. In order to identify markers associated with dopamine neurogenesis in their endogenous locations, we used in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence techniques. We identified the normal expression pattern of Nurr1, Nkx6.1, and Nato3 in chick midbrain after 5 days of development. We then compared expression of these markers after 6 and 7 days in order to identify changes in their expression at different developmental time points. These data suggest that many markers for dopamine neurogenesis are consistent between the chick and mouse embryos. Using overexpression studies of neurogenic genes we were able to observe effects on markers for dopamine neurogenesis.

Resonance and the Carbon - Silicon Double Bond

Greg Kortman et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:13 PST

The allyl anion is a primary carbanion attached to a carbon-carbon double bond. It has fundamental significance, because it is the smallest organic molecule that displays resonance between two possible Lewis structures which gives the molecule added stability. The allyl anion is also of practical interest because of its similarity to the intermediate in anionic butadiene polymerization, which is important in the production of rubber. One measure of the extra stability due to resonance for the allyl anion is its rotational barrier, which has been found to be 10.7 kcal/mol for allyllithium.

The silaallyl anion is what is formed if one replaces a carbon atom of the allyl anion with a silicon atom. Like the allyl anion, the silaallyl anion has both practical and theoretical significance. Practically, the silaallyl anion could be useful as a ligand on transition metals or as an intermediate in the formation of new polymers. Once the silaallyl anion has been synthesized the rotational barrier can be measured in a manner similar to that for the allyl anion, which will be useful for determining the significance of the resonance structure of the silaallyl anion.

The steps that lead to the silaallyl anion have been optimized and a convenient method for modifying the substituents at silicon has been developed. Previously chlorodiphenyl(vinyl)silane was reacted with lithium which should form the anion through a radical pathway, but the diphenyl system proved to not be sterically hindered enough to inhibit polymerization so larger protecting groups needed to be explored. We are investigating the use of the chlorodimesitylvinyl silane as one route to the silaallyl anion. A second route we have studied involved synthesizing 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyl-2-vinyltrisilane and then studying its reaction with tert-butyllithium. We observed a color change which is indicative of the formation of the silallyl anion, but because prior steps lead to products that are difficult to isolate, we did not have enough anion to fully characterize it. Currently the 1,3-di-tertbutyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-2-vinyltrisilane system is being synthesized which should solve the issues involved in the synthesis of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyl-2-vinyltrisilane and give us more of the product anion to study.

Bobo Stenson’s Song of Ruth

Kája Lill et al. — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 06:10:11 PST

Jazz is a musical genre which historically has thrived on the evolution of music by challenging and changing normative musical practices. However, the later half of the of the 20th century saw a development within the musical community of the jazz conservative, as represented today by Jazz at the Lincoln Center, who maintain a tradition of performing jazz in a style developed prior to the 1960’s. This presentation will illustrate what these traditions are, in context to rhythm, melody, harmony, form, improvisation, and song selection, and how artists, such as those of theECM record label, continue to evolve and break these traditions. The intent is not to display that there exists in jazz a strict schism between an american and european tradition, but that their is a continuum along two extremes in which most artists lie closer to the center.