ICUR2014
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BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY
WEDNESDAY JULY 30, 2014
7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Networking Breakfast
Lookout Room, Student Union Building
8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. “Drug Discovery with a Focus
on Antibiotic Drug Development”
Dr. Rajesh Nagarajan, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry,
Boise State University
Lookout Room, Student Union Building
Dear Students,
Welcome to the Idaho Conference on
Undergraduate Research and to the campus of
Boise State University, where undergraduates
play a key role in the world-changing research
we do every day.
As Boise State has transformed into the
metropolitan research university of distinction
that it is today, the university has remained
true to the focus it began with more than 80
years ago: to develop undergraduate students
into creative and innovative leaders and
thinkers, and today research plays a major role
in that development.
Many faculty members at Boise State have
tapped into the energy, inspiration and talent
of our undergraduate students to improve their
own research endeavors, and others spend
countless hours finding ways to enhance and
expand undergraduate research opportunities
and projects — for their own students and
those from institutions across the country.
During this two-day window on the research
and creative activities of our nation’s
undergraduate students, I encourage you to
enjoy the innovative workshops for teachers
provided by our excellent faculty, the Boise
River Greenbelt that runs through campus,
the cultural and entertainment opportunities
of our downtown neighbors, and the beauty
and relative quiet of our campus in the
summertime.
I think you will quickly see that the innovation
and creativity behind Boise State’s success
goes far beyond the blue. Once again, welcome
to Boise and to Boise State University.
And Go Broncos!
– DR. BOB KUSTRA, PRESIDENT
9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Coffee Break
10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. “Microorganisms as Disease Agents
and as a Solution to a Problem”
Dr. Kevin Feris and Dr. Juliette Tinker, Department of Biological
Sciences, Boise State University
Lookout Room, Student Union Building
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ICUR Lunch Networking/Conference
Registration
Lookout Room, Student Union Building
1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. PLENARY TALK
“Integrating Teaching, Research
and Service” – The Boise Language
Project
Dr. Michal Temkin Martínez, English Department, Boise State
University
Lookout Room, Student Union Building
2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
“Humanities + Technology =
Student Engagement”
Dr. Elisa Barney-­Smith, Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dr. Steve Olsen-­Smith,
English Department and Dr. Leslie Madsen-­Brooks, Department of
History, Boise State University
Lookout Room, Student Union Building
3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Coffee Break
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. “DNA Computing”
Dr. Marion Scheepers, Department
of Mathematics, Boise State University
Lookout Room, Student Union Building
THURSDAY JULY 31, 2014
7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Conference Registration/
Networking Breakfast
Alexander Room, Student Union Building
The Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research (ICUR),
the first of its kind in the state of Idaho, is a celebration
showcasing the leading edge in all disciplines. A multifaceted,
multicultural event every summer, the ICUR makes research
accessible, interactive and exciting. The conference includes
presentations by undergraduate students from all academic
disciplines, workshops for educators and students, and
includes invited guests.
8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. “Community-School-Campus
Partnerships”
Dr. Lisa Bostaph, Department of
Criminal Justice, Boise State University
Trueblood Room, Student Union Building
9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Coffee Break
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. “Research Skills for New Researchers”
Dr. Eric Landrum, Department of
Psychology, Boise State University
Alexander Room, Student Union Building
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
“How to Involve Students in Research
through Teaching”
Dr. Andy Goodman, Associate Director
of the Center for Teaching & Learning, Boise State University
Trueblood Room, Student Union Building
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Graduate Panel Discussion
Moderator: Gregory Martinez, Director of the McNair Scholars
Program, Boise State University
Special Events Center, Student Union Building
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Research Experience for Teachers (RET)
Panel Discussion
Moderators: Dr. Rick Ubic, Department of Materials Science and
Patricia Pyke, Director of the STEM Station, Boise State University
Trueblood Room, Student Union Building
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ICUR RECEPTION
Jordan Ballroom, Student Union Building
1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. PLENARY TALK
“Encryption in Business”
J.R. Tietsort, Micron Technology, Inc.
Jordan Ballroom, Student Union Building
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Undergraduate Research
Poster Session
Jordan Ballroom and Lobby, Student Union Building
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Dinner
Boise River Cafe, Student Union Building
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. PLENARY TALK
“Space Exploration“
Wendy Lawrence, NASA astronaut
Skaggs Hall, Micron Business and Economics Building
Greetings,
I am pleased to welcome you to the first statewide
Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research
(ICUR). If you join us from out of town I wish you
a most enjoyable visit to our beautiful city and
university. Located in Idaho’s center of government
and industry Boise State University conducts
research across a wide array of disciplines
and with a full spectrum of participants, from
undergraduate students to veteran professors.
Participants of ICUR join a distinguished group
of undergraduate students, educators and
researchers as they showcase their research
designed to improve quality of life through inquiry
and understanding of fundamental principles that
govern the world in which we live. For those who
are presenting at ICUR this is your opportunity to
celebrate and disseminate your achievements in
this noble endeavor. ICUR also offers workshops
for high school teachers with the purpose of
instilling, through them, a culture and habit of
inquiry throughout our educational system.
ICUR is made possible through the efforts of
a dedicated faculty who have been awarded
grant support from a variety of federal and
state agencies, including the National Science
Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration,
Boise State University, and the Idaho State
Department of Education, among others. ICUR also
benefits from the support of local corporations for
its plenary presentations.
Please join me in congratulating our undergraduate
students on their impressive accomplishments as
you attend the poster session or one of the many
other inspiring events offered at this year’s ICUR.
Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research
1910 University Drive, Boise, Idaho 83725
Phone (208) 426-2896
academics.boisestate.edu/icur | [email protected]
– DR. MARTIN SCHIMPF, PROVOST AND VICE
PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
B O I S E S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
RESEARCH
Boise State’s Division of Research and Economic Development is
committed to fostering an environment where research and creative activity thrive.
We provide comprehensive support for faculty during all phases of the research
endeavor; manage the university’s intellectual property portfolio; facilitate
relationships with industry for research and commercialization collaboration; and
lead outreach aimed at fostering economic development in Boise and the region.
Boise State University is Idaho’s fastest-growing research institution, educating
more than 22,000 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students from the heart
of the state’s hub of business, politics, arts, health care, industry and technology.
We are proud of our commitment to our community and region and dedicated
to building tomorrow’s leaders and thinkers through academic excellence, public
engagement, a vibrant campus culture and exceptional research.
ICUR 2014
research.boisestate.edu
4
Effects of Geothermal Water on
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Jeremy Kestle and Dr. Jan Simpkin (Faculty Mentor)
College of Southern Idaho
Benthic macroinvertebrates are prime indicators of water
quality. As global temperatures increase, it is vital to understand
how geothermal waters affect macroinvertebrate biodiversity.
The Perrine Coulee was a key area to study these affects due
to direct discharge of geothermal water into the Coulee. This
study showed a change in benthic macroinvertebrate diversity
after the inflow of geothermal water. These changes may be
a result of change in water quality, including temperature and
pH. This research was supported by the National Institutes of
Health - Idaho INBRE Program and College of Southern Idaho.
Nick La Combe, Brett Ward, Richard Livingston and Dr.
Elton Graugnard (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Finding and measuring the correlation between optical
microscopy (OM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) is emerging
practice. Using software to analyze OM and AFM images of the
same area can yield information correlating optical contrast
to topography. This correlation could reduce the time it takes
to characterize atomically layered materials by reducing or
eliminating the need for AFM. Image J image processing software
can analyze the optical contrast between different layers in an
OM image which can be compared to topographic data to relate
contrast to step height. In this poster we will demonstrate the
practice of creating a method to phenomenologically relate
optical and atomic force microscopy of atomic layered materials
through qualitative data. We show that Image J software can be
used to analyze optical images, which can in turn minimize the
need for AFM. Perfecting this method can drastically reduce the
time it takes to characterize atomically layered materials. This
research was supported by Boise State University.
Politics, Painting and Presentation:
Velázquez’s Equestrian Portraits for
the Hall of Realms at Buen Retiro
Kristina M. Gray and Dr. Janice Neri (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
In Spain during the Baroque era it was the duty of the pintor
principal (court painter) to uphold an image of royalty and
power through their painting. During the years that Velázquez
occupied the post as pintor principal, the images he created
of his sovereigns were exhibited so that members at court as
well as visiting sovereigns and dignitaries could view these
representations of strength as a reflection of the kingdom of
Spain. The clearness of the political and dynastic presentation
of King Philip IV and his family was vital in continuing with
Welcome to Boise State University
and the inaugural Idaho Conference on Undergraduate
Research. We are excited for this opportunity to
showcase the innovative work of Idaho researchers who
are charged with finding new solutions to the real world
problems that vex our planet.
This also is a unique opportunity to share with all of
you the important work that’s being done here at Boise
State University, Idaho’s metropolitan research university.
Boise State is proud to foster an environment where
research and creativity thrive. During the course of this
conference, you’ll hear from several of our sharpest
minds about how to engage our K-12 and undergraduate
students in research that both challenges and enlightens.
You’ll see and hear presentations ranging from avian
ecology to information security, and from nuclear
energy to the use of nanomaterials in materials science.
We hope that this conference will further enhance our
student presenters’ research experiences and serve
as a professional development opportunity toward a
career in research.
At Boise State, we believe that participating in research
as an undergraduate student provides excellent
preparation for graduate study, and that having those
opportunities as a high school student can ignite a
lifelong passion for inquiry and exploration.
We especially appreciate the support of our sponsors
as well as our plenary speakers: Boise State English
professor Michal Martinez, Micron Technology director of
IT governance JR Tietsort, and former NASA astronaut
Wendy Lawrence. All three of these individuals are
excellent examples of innovative thinking and dedication
to the role of research in education.
So take advantage of all the conference offers and enjoy
the beauty of the Boise State campus. We’re glad to have
you here.
the tradition of demonstrating the royal family’s power
through the medium of art. This research seeks to understand
the professional role that Spanish Baroque painter Diego
– DR. MARK RUDIN, VICE PRESIDENT FOR
RESEARCH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ICUR 2014
Correlated Optical and Atomic Force
Microscopy Characterization of
Atomic Layered Materials Synthesized
by Solvent Exfoliation
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COLLEGE
of
ARTS & SCIENCES
The College of Arts and Sciences improves the individual and collective quality of life
for everyone we reach by enhancing the scientific and cultural foundation of our society
through education, creative activity, and community engagement. As the “academic heart”
of Boise State University, the College of Arts and Sciences’ eleven departments provide
foundational coursework to every undergraduate student on campus and jointly offer thirty five
baccalaureate degrees, twenty masters degrees, and five terminal degrees. Students work sideby-side with world-class faculty in the classroom, field, laboratory, and studio to discover and
disseminate new knowledge, preserve and advance diverse cultures, master and analyze artistic
expression, and engage and enrich our communities from the local to the global. We provide
ICUR 2014
the highest quality academic experiences for all students in order to guarantee our graduates
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the most potent blend of technical proficiency and acuity of mind.
coas.boisestate.edu
Velázquez occupied and what influences at court, specifically
that of the Count-Duke Olivares and his political agenda,
affected his artistic creations. By way of analyzing Velázquez’s
five equestrian portraits of the royal family completed as
decoration for the Hall of Realms, during the years 1634-1636,
and how they illustrate the king’s favorite, the Count-Duke
Olivares, impact on Velázquez as a painter. This research was
supported by Boise State University McNair Scholars Program.
Medication Management of Autism
Supported by Asynchronous Telehealth
Technology
Tiffany Worthington and Dr. Uwe Reischl (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental
disorder that affects approximately 1 in 68 children in the
US. It carries lifelong physical, emotional, and behavioral
consequences. Direct observation of a child’s behavior is
fundamental to the diagnosis and on-going medication
management of a child with ASD. Observing behavior in
the natural environment such as the home is crucial to a
comprehensive understanding of ASD. A new platform has
been developed using store-and-forward technology allowing
parents to capture a child’s behavior at home and share the
video data with their doctor remotely, and allows the doctor
to manage the patient’s medication based on the information
observed. An evaluation was conducted to determine ease of
use of the smartphone application by two doctors and three
caregivers of patients with autism. The results showed that the
new application will be able to assist the doctor in monitoring
patients with ASD more accurately than when only using
subjective reports provided by caregivers during office visits.
The smartphone application technology promises to help both
caregivers and doctors in improving medication management
for their ASD patients. This research was conducted
collaboratively between Boise State University and Behavioral
Imaging Solutions, Inc and supported by AutismSpeaks.Org.
Signing Statements: A President’s
Guide to Avoiding a Legislative
Override
Tayler Bingham and Dr. Matthew Miles (Faculty Mentor)
Brigham Young University - Idaho
Presidential signing statements are hotly debated in the realm of
Greetings,
and welcome to the Idaho Conference on
Undergraduate Research! This conference, which
is unique in the state of Idaho, supports the
dissemination of
research conducted
by more than one
hundred undergraduate
students hailing
from twenty-one
institutions from
across the country.
These researchers
represent some of
the best young minds
from all disciplines
within the academy,
and the competition
to secure positions in
the program was quite
fierce.
A new and exciting
aspect of the conference is a set of workshops
designed specifically for high school educators.
We’re delighted to partner in this way with our
colleagues in high schools.
It’s a privilege and a pleasure to host so many
students, educators, and community leaders on
our campus. This event would not be possible
were it not for the tireless efforts of our
dedicated faculty and staff. As you’re talking to
the presenters about their research, be sure to
ask about their mentoring faculty. The level of
enthusiasm and admiration that you’ll hear in
response is an indication of an important truth:
the next generation of innovators in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics need
not only intrinsically interesting challenges, but
also supportive, passionate mentors to be as
successful as these students clearly are.
political science. Their types, function, and constitutionality have
been well debated. In this article, we argue signing statements
are the result of an old practice reworked into a new policy tool
to avoid embarrassment of a legislative override. Every statement
On behalf of Boise State University and all of the
researchers presenting their work, thank you for
your interest and support.
is analyzed and assigned the presidential and congressional
popularity present during the time the statement occurred.
We argue, however, the difference between the congressional
and presidential popularity when tested against the type of the
– DR. TONY ROARK, DEAN OF THE
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
bill - either rhetorical or constitutional - shows when signing
statements generally occur. We argue when the difference
between congressional popularity and presidential popularity
statement is likely. We propose the reasoning behind this is that
when the President and Congress have nearly equivalent approval,
the likelihood of a legislative override increases, and, since it does
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decreases and equalizes, the likelihood of a constitutional signing
7
increase, presidents have found a way to use signing statements to
– Idaho INBRE Program, Hilda D. Elliot Fellowship Program and
channel their constitutional objections and save their administration
Boise State University Student Research Initiative (SRI) Program
from harm a legislative override could cause. This research was
supported by Brigham Young University-Idaho.
The Hot Hand in Number Matching
Lottery Games
Mintaek Lee and 2Dr. Partha Mukherjee (Faculty Mentor)
University of Minnesota 1 and Boise State
University 2
1
Moment Arms in the Hind Limb of Desert
Kangaroo Rats
Kelsey Doney and Dr. Craig P. McGowan (Faculty Mentor)
University of Idaho
The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of
the biomechanics of the hind limb of the desert kangaroo rat
(Dipodymys deserti), which is a bipedal hopper. A modified
This project examines how respondents are influenced by the Hot
version of the tendon-travel method was used to determine
Hand Fallacy and Law of Small Numbers when playing a lottery
individual muscle moment arms in the hind limb of 3 specimens
game. Three sets of previous winning numbers for a game were
of D. deserti. Data was collected from 13 muscles throughout
provided to participants and they were asked to estimate the
the range of motion of the hip, knee and ankle. We found that
likelihood of each number for the next drawing. Responses from
the moment arms varied in some muscles, while in others the
people with less mathematical background were more distorted
muscle produced the same moment arm throughout the range
from the actual probability than ones with more background. A
of motion. In the muscles with varied moment arms, the greatest
majority of the responses were sufficient to verify the hypothesis.
moment arms were generally produced near maximum extension
This research was supported by Boise State University.
and/or maximum flexion. Our findings provide insight into the
The Unfolded Protein Response as
a Mechanism in COL11A1- Related
Chondrodystrophies
Alexandria Hughes and Dr. Julia Oxford (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Chondrodysplasias are skeletal diseases resulting from disruptions
in the process of endochondral ossification that may result in short
stature, ear and vision defects, and early- onset osteoarthritis.
Stickler syndrome, Marshall syndrome and fibrochondrogenesis
may all arise from mutations in the gene COL11A1, but the
relationship between limb anatomy and the force producing
capacity of individual muscles during locomotion. These results
have implications in the future design of actuated prosthetic
limbs. This research was supported by the National Institutes of
Health - Idaho INBRE Program and University of Idaho.
The Utilization of DNA Barcodes in the
Phylogenetic Analysis of the Genus
Delosperma
Brent Conrad and Dr. Ronald Strohmeyer (Faculty Mentor)
Northwest Nazarene University
mechanisms responsible for these disease phenotypes remain
Of the estimated 170 members of the plant genus Delosperma very
incompletely characterized. To understand how COL11A1 mutations
few have been characterized genetically such that the phylogenetic
may elicit a chondrodysplasia phenotype, siRNA-mediated
relationships of these species remain undetermined. The focus of
knockdown of COL11A1 was performed under the hypothesis that
this project was to use DNA barcoding to develop a phylogenetic
unfolded extracellular matrix proteins would aggregate within the
hypothesis of the evolutionary relationships of the Delosperma
ER and induce an unfolded protein response (UPR) in the C28/
genus (commonly known as ice plants) native to South Africa. Plant
I2 immortalized human chondrocyte cell line. The expression of
DNA barcoding uses the genes RbcL and MatK, which code for the
signaling proteins of the UPR, including PERK, ATF6, ATF4, and
large subunit of the RuBisCo enzyme and Maturase K respectively.
XBP-1S, as well as resident chaperone proteins of the ER, such as
Delosperma gene sequences were aligned and a phylogenetic
GRP78, were assessed by qPCR and western blot following siRNA
tree hypothesis generated using both Neighbor Joining (NJ) and
treatment. Additionally, BrdU incorporation, propidium iodide
Maximum Likelihood (ML) methods in MEGA6 software. The collected
staining, and immunostaining for annexin V were performed to
sequences were also submitted to the Barcode of Life Database
determine whether apoptosis is initiated following a sustained UPR.
(BOLD). This research was supported by the National Institutes of
This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health
Health - Idaho INBRE Program and Northwest Nazarene University.
Increasing Bioavailability of Drugs by Slowing Their Metabolism
Landon Browning, 2Lauren James, 3Carolyn Dadabay and 1Dr. Jennifer S. Forbey (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University 1, Lewis-Clark State College 2 and College of Idaho 3
1
Many drugs taken orally, such as chemotherapeutics, suffer from low bioavailability due to poor absorption or rapid metabolism in the
liver. By slowing down the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, drugs have greater systemic exposure in the body, increasing
their therapeutic potential. Certain natural compounds such as polyphenols found in sagebrush are candidate chemicals that may inhibit
metabolizing enzymes, increasing systemic exposure of a co-administered drug. We predicted that polyphenols found in sagebrush would
inhibit metabolizing enzymes in vitro. A commercially available Glo Assay was used to measure the inhibition of metabolism with increasing
concentrations of polyphenols from sagebrush. The assay uses a substrate specific for the CYP3A4 metabolizing enzyme that glows when
ICUR 2014
it is converted into its metabolite. Polyphenols showed dose-dependent inhibition of CYP3A4 metabolism. Results suggest that compounds
8
from sagebrush may show promise for co-administration with drugs that suffer from low bioavailability to increase drug exposure.
Future research will investigate how these polyphenols inhibit the metabolism of drugs with known low-bioavailability. This research was
supported by Boise State University.
Extremophilic Chemolithotrophs as Biocatalyst in Microbial Fuel Cell
1
Zachary Beaman, 2David Demers and 1Dr. James Boberly (Faculty Mentor)
University of Idaho 1 and North Idaho College 2
Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) are attractive because of their ability to produce energy, clean water, and chemical products from dilute waste
streams and waste products. However, reduced sulfur compounds generated by anaerobic respiration and contained in the anodic chamber
of an MFC can quickly poison the anode, reducing its efficiency. Chemoautolithotrophic bacterium, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans can utilize
reduced sulfur compounds as an energy source. Combining these acidiphilic, thermophilic bacteria in a MFC may enable the co-generation
of power and simultaneous removal of reduced sulfur compounds. Additionally, the increased temperature and reduced pH in which these
organisms thrive may improve the current generation and kinetics of the MFC system. Initial characterization of the growth behavior of this
organism under MFC conditions is essential to developing a sulfur-tolerant MFC. At ferrooxidans are not capable of utilizing hydrogen sulfide
directly under aerobic conditions, but are capable of growing anaerobically off of hydrogen and elemental sulfur. This preliminary work
demonstrates that At ferrooxidans may successfully be integrated into a sulfur-tolerant MFC. This research was supported by the National
Institutes of Health - Idaho INBRE Program, University of Idaho and North Idaho College.
Purifying the Staphylococcus Aureus
Antigen ClfA Using pBAD18
Plasmid
1
I N I T I AT I V E P R O G R A M
The Student Research Initiative (SRI) Program
provides funded opportunities for Boise State
Staphylococcus aureus is a grampositive pathogenic bacterium that can
cause symptoms as severe as sepsis, or
endocarditis. Antibiotic resistant strains of
S. aureus, including Methicillin resistant S.
aureus (MRSA), were once only a concern for
nosocomial (hospital acquired) infections, however,
certain strains of MRSA are now community acquired
as well. This emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of S.
aureus represents the need for an effective anti-Staphylococcal
University students to pursue independent academic
vaccine. In this experimental study, we prepared and purified
and creative work and engage in research and
a recombinant surface protein, ClfA of S. aureus by inducing
scholarship under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
Through research the program equips traditional
and non-­traditional students with skills supporting
life-­long learning, enabling them to successfully
a plasmid into E. coli TE1 cells under the control of a pBAD18
promoter. This protein will be used to evaluate the immune
response of cows vaccinated with ClfA/CtB in the future, via
ELISA to characterize how much natural immunity to ClfA the
cows express. It is important that research to develop more
compete in a changing 21st Century world. The
successful vaccines against Staphylococcus continues so that
program also provides students with the opportunity
in the future preventative measures can be taken to prevent
for funding to assist in presenting research results
or perform productions at national conferences or
meetings. The goals of the program are to foster and
expand student research at Boise State University by
increasing the number of students from all disciplines
that participate in research, to increase the number
of publications and presentations from research, and
to ensure content and skill mastery while promoting
interdisciplinary socialization.
The SRI Program is sponsored
by Boise State University.
academics.boisestate.
edu/undergraduate
infections in those exposed to this dangerous pathogen. This
research was supported by The Mountain States Tumor Institute
(MSTI) of St. Luke’s, College of Idaho and Boise State University.
3D Printed Space Modules and Flexible
Electronics for Upper Atmosphere Data
Reconnaissance
Andrew Johnson, Lukas Rieke, Jaron Hush, Brenton Peck
and Dr. Dan Lawrence (Faculty Mentor)
Northwest Nazarene University
In order to acquire wide data patterns of planets and
extraterrestrial bodies, 3D printed airfoils will be deployed from
a sounding rocket at 100 miles above sea level. The structure
of each airfoil was meticulously designed to induce a stable
orientation after deployment and reduce falling speed in
order to prevent melting in the atmosphere. The airfoils
contained various flexible electronic sensors to obtain
optical measurements after deployment. A payload with
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STUDENT
RESEARCH
Macey Horch and 2Dr. Juliette Tinker
(Faculty Mentor)
College of Idaho 1 and Boise State
University 2
9
CO L L E G E
of
SOCIAL SCIENCES
& PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs mission is educating students for
engaged citizenship. Addressing local problems from a global perspective, and learning
from our past to inform our future. The educational offerings in the College of Social
Sciences and Public Affairs are an essential part of the academic offerings at Boise State. With 10 schools or departments and over 4,690 declared majors, the College of Social
Sciences and Public Affairs is the University’s largest and most diverse academic unit,
providing an education of uncommon depth and breadth. Created in 1984 to fulfill the
institution’s state-wide mission in public policy, public administration, urban studies, urban
and regional planning, SSPA currently offers nearly 30 undergraduate and 10 masters’ level
degrees and celebrates the largest number of graduates at Boise State year in and year out.
sspa.boisestate.edu
a rotating assembly was designed to safely carry the airfoils
captured owls lying on the ground with wings outstretched
through the 25+ g launch until apogee. At apogee, the rotating
and flat. We only observed this behavior during daylight
assembly gently deploys the airfoils into the frigid, ultra-high
hours, although cameras were active for 24 h/day. Sunbathing
vacuum region of space where a high resolution camera records
in birds is often associated with ectoparasite reduction,
orientation video and a low resolution camera downlinks smaller
although sunning has not previously been examined in relation
still images. An on-board microcontroller will read, parse, and
to flea infestation. During 2014 we conducted an experiment
save sensor data from the airfoils, relayed via XBEE Pro 2 RF
that included fumigation of some nests with an insecticide
modules, and will downlink the data over supplied parallel
capable of removing fleas and examined the prediction that
telemetry lines. The launch is scheduled for early August. This
sunbathing would occur more frequently in control nests where
research was supported by Northwest Nazarene University, NASA
ectoparasites remained. We summarized results in relation to
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Idaho Space Grant Consortium and
the sunning hypothesis and alternatives. This research was
American Semiconductor Inc.
supported by the National Science Foundation - REU Program
ICUR 2014
Examination of Potentially EctoparasiteDriven Behavior in Burrowing Owls:
Tests of Alternative Hypotheses
10
in Raptor Research and Boise State University.
Targeted Crop Health Analysis via UAV
Photography
1
Skyler Wysocki, 2Jamie Wade, 2Sara Pourzamani, 2Dr. Jim
Belthoff (Faculty Mentor)
Heather Skovgard, John Lonai, Darrell Leber, Paulo Salvador
and Dr. Duke M. Bulanon (Faculty Mentor)
Paul Smith’s College 1 and Boise State University 2
Northwest Nazarene University
Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia) and their nests harbor at
The uniform distribution of water and nutrients to fields of
least 39 species of arthropods from 21 different families. Among
crops neglects the needs and health of individual plants,
the ectoparasites are fleas, which are primarily Pulex irritans
often resulting in waste. A system that can easily analyze and
(Family Pulicidae), the human flea. We hypothesized that flea
address the differing needs of each plant can help farmers
infestation has shaped Burrowing Owl behavior to avoid the
save resources and produce healthier crops. The purpose of
costs of ectoparasitism. As part of experiments using infrared
this research is to develop engineering technologies that will
trail cameras deployed at Burrowing Owl nests in southern
improve crop production efficiency. The Crop Monitoring and
Idaho during 2012-2013, we noticed apparent sunning behavior
Assessment Platform (C-MAP) proposed in this research utilizes
in both adult and nestling Burrowing Owls. Camera images
a multispectral camera attached to an unmanned aerial vehicle
(UAV) designed to collect pictures of entire fields from a bird’s-
structures. We have designed RNA constructs to use as control
eye view. An image processing algorithm based on vegetation
sequences to detect activity, and are using these sequences to
indices is used in post processing to analyze these pictures
optimize our reaction conditions. Next, we plan to test around
and look for correlation between plant health and image color
a million distinct sequences for both cleavage and ligation
bands. One of the most promising correlations results from the
activities using deep sequencing. These types of dual-function
Enhanced Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (ENDVI),
sequences can provide a route for the evolution of new enzyme
which has helped detect variances in crop water and nitrogen
activities. This research was supported by the National Institutes
levels. In the future this platform will help farmers decrease
of Health - Idaho INBRE Program.
was supported by Northwest Nazarene University, the NASAIdaho Space Grant Consortium, the Watson Fellowship Program,
Idaho Department of Agriculture and University of Idaho.
Osprey Habitat Suitability and Breeding
Success in West-Central Idaho
1
Michael Eastman, 2Dusty N. Perkins, 3Robert M. Miller and
Dr. Marc J. Bechard (Faculty Mentor)
3
University of Idaho 1, College of Western Idaho 2
and Boise State University 3
Extra-Pair Fertilization and Conspecific
Brood Parasitism in the Western
Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia
hypugaea)
Jarod Armenta, 2Dr. James Smith, 3Dr. Muhammad Arshad
and 2Dr. Jim Belthoff (Faculty Mentor)
1
Cornell College 1, Boise State University 2 and
University of Sargodha 3
Social monogamy is a common reproductive strategy in birds
and present in Western Burrowing Owls. However, disagreements
Osprey (Pandion hailaetus) populations have been a focal point
between behaviorally observed and genetically determined
of conservation and study since their extensive decline during
parent-offspring relationships are noted in many socially
the 1950-1970s. While osprey populations in most regions of
monogamous species. Genetic mismatches between nestlings
the USA appear to have recovered, the density of breeding
and caregivers arise in at least two ways: extra-pair fertilization
ospreys in many areas appears highly variable; with many
(EPF) and conspecific brood parasitism (CBP). CBP is expected
areas unoccupied despite the apparent existence of quality
to occur in species nesting in high density, where nesting sites
habitat. Factors related to environmental, water and habitat
are limited, and host nests are available for extended periods of
characteristics as well as prey availability, human disturbance
time. Indeed, Burrowing Owls fit these criteria. Previous studies
and contaminants, are known to affect osprey occupancy
of parentage (e.g., Johnson 1997) in a declining California
and productivity. Since the 1970s the human population of
population of Burrowing Owls report that EPF resulted in 5-10%
Valley County, ID has increased by 164 percent and has been
of offspring and that CBP possibly occurred as well. We aimed
accompanied by changes in land use and fisheries management
to determine parentage patterns in a Burrowing Owl population
practices. During this same time, the breeding osprey population
of southern Idaho and to compare our results with Johnson’s
in Long Valley, ID has grown from about 50 nesting pairs to over
(1997). We isolated DNA from blood and used microsatellite
100, yet the distribution of occupied nests has greatly changed.
regions to detect genetic mismatches between nestlings and
To assess how combinations of habitat, foraging and human
their caregivers. Our poster reports initial results and discusses
disturbance affect osprey breeding success, we characterized
ecological correlates of EPC and CBP in southern Idaho
osprey habitat, prey availability and human disturbance at
Burrowing Owls. This research was supported by the National
105 osprey nests in Long Valley, ID and evaluated 14 predictor
variables to assess nest-success models. This research was
supported by the National Science Foundation - REU Program in
Raptor Research and Boise State University.
Science Foundation – REU Program in Raptor Research and Boise
State University.
Drug Metabolism by Cytochrome P450
Enzymes in Wild and Domestic Species
Exploring the HDV-Ligase Landscape:
A Search for Intersecting Sequences
1
Lauren James, 2Landon Browning, 3Carolyn Dadaby and 2Dr.
Jennifer Forbey (Faculty Mentor)
James Collet and Dr. Eric J Hayden (Faculty Mentor)
Lewis-Clark State College 1, Boise State University 2
Boise State University
and College of Idaho 3
Life requires enzymes to accelerate (catalyze) its essential
Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) are a broad class of enzymes largely
reactions. This research project explores how new enzymes
responsible for drug metabolism. Preclinical drug discovery
evolve. Our approach uses RNA enzymes (ribozymes). These
programs monitor drug metabolism by CYPs in a variety of
enzymes are easily manipulated and replicated, and may have
model species to ensure that drugs are circulating at safe
been the only enzymes present in early life on Earth. Ribozyme
and therapeutic levels. Individual species, however, possess
function is dictated by the way it folds, which in turn is dictated
variable CYPs and therefore metabolize drugs differently. This
by its sequence. Our study uses two ribozyme structures: the
is a potential problem for translating data from preclinical
hepatitis delta virus (HDV) self-cleaving ribozyme and the class
studies to human clinical trials. The aim of this study was to
III ligase ribozyme. The HDV ribozyme folds such that a portion
compare the activity of CYPs in multiple species using both
of the ribozyme is broken off. The ligase ribozyme does the
known CYP substrates and natural products from sagebrush. We
opposite: It attaches a substrate sequence to its end. Currently,
hypothesized that different species would have different rates
we are developing assays to detect these ribozymes’ functions,
of metabolism due to varying CYP composition and affinity for
so we can identify individual sequences that can fold into both
substrates. We used gas chromatography to measure the general
ICUR 2014
nutrient waste and cost while increasing crop yield. This research
11
rate of loss of volatile substrates and a bioluminescence assay to
we found that our four samples were of the same species,
measure two specific CYPs in different species. We will compare
Aporrectodea caliginosa. This research was supported by
the rate of substrate loss or metabolite formation among species
Northwest Nazarene University Summer Scholars Program.
using an ANOVA. This study will provide important information
on the varying metabolism rates among species and can be
applied to translate data from animal studies to human drug
trials. This research was supported by the National Institutes of
Health - Idaho INBRE Program, Lewis-Clark State College and
Boise State University.
Western Idaho 2
Sexual Violence in India: The Historical
Resistance of Women
There are over 35,000 species of spiders in the world and 3,000
Renae Sullivan and Dr. Reshmi Mukherjee (Faculty Mentor)
of this research was to learn and use DNA barcoding to identify
Boise State University
species of spiders in homes and on campus. Barcoding was
This research seeks to recontextualize the understanding of
attempted on three spiders but only one spider yielded a PCR
the ways women resist sexual violence and agitate for change
product that was successfully sequenced. Bioinformatics analysis
of socio-cultural and political practices in India. Modern Indian
identified the spider as a Steatoda Grossa species. Insect
women’s social movements were revitalized in the 1970s with the
mammal primers were used in this DNA barcoding experiment
Mathura rape case in Maharastra. The historical context of this
and may not have been ideal for Arachnid species. Alternatively,
activism is framed through analysis of four pivotal rape cases
the use of the entire spider, including the gut material, may have
– Mathura, Bhavwari Devi, Imrana and Jyoti Pandey, otherwise
hindered the PCR reaction. This research was supported by the
known as the Delhi gang rape case. The assertive and innovative
National Institutes of Health - Idaho INBRE Program.
of them are currently residing in the United States. The purpose
actions of Indian women continue to generate public awareness,
Replicated Mistreatment: Applying a
Historical Lens to Contemporary LGBTQ
Issues in the State of Idaho
spawn alterations of national laws, and advance the examination
KayCee Babb and Dr. Manda Hicks (Faculty Mentor)
of patriarchal and hegemonic male centric social systems. Based
Boise State University
marches, rallies, candle light vigils, street theatre, presentations,
ad campaigns, freeze mobs, and social media. The assertive
upon the scholarship of Radha Kumar, Mangala Subramaniam,
Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Himika Bhattacharya and Misri
Deepti, this research aims to reframe the understanding of the
ways women resisted sexual violence within recent history.
This research was supported by Boise State University McNair
Scholars Program.
Davianne Astley, 1Aliona Chernish and 2Dr. Ron Strohmeyer
(Faculty Mentor)
1
College of Western Idaho and Northwest
1
Nazarene University
Research surrounding LGBTQ issues in the state of Idaho is
strikingly absent. As international, national, and state level
policies concerning sexual orientations gain public scrutiny,
significant knowledge gaps hinder societal progression. The
purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between
historical events and possible modern implications of LGBTQ
Using DNA Barcoding to Study
Earthworm Diversity
2
issues in Idaho. This comparative historical analysis examined
first and second person accounts of the 1950s Boys of Boise
Scandal, along with more modern events of subject interest
including the Add the Words campaign and transgender
identification laws. Through this, a better understanding of
constants in government, civilian, and media levels can be had,
along with distinct variances. Utilizing a methodology of the
This study was designed to teach us the process of DNA
four stages of systematic qualitative comparative historical
barcoding by applying it to species identification of earthworms.
studies, this study focused on seemingly important differences
Every organism has its own unique set of DNA sequences
– such as governmental and civil developments – and how these
that differentiates it from other organisms and these unique
differences had little impact in the overall scheme of events.
sequences can be used to identify it. In animals, the gene
The results of this analysis point to several ingrained constants,
segment used for DNA barcoding is the cytochrome c oxidase
including conservative political ideologies and theological
subunit 1 (CO1) gene found on mitochondrial DNA. This gene
influence. This research was supported by Boise State University
sequence can be used to identify a species by querying
the Bar Code of Life Database (BOLD). Earthworm species,
specifically, are difficult to distinguish just by their phenotypic
characteristics. DNA can be extracted from earthworms and
run through the process of electrophoresis, PCR and through
sequencing software to identify different species. Six samples of
earthworms were collected and run through the DNA extraction
process and then through electrophoresis. Four samples yielded
ICUR 2014
Carli Shaul, 2Marisa Yoder, 1JB Bermudez-Koch and 1Dr. Ron
Strohmeyer (Faculty Mentor)
1
Northwest Nazarene University 1 and College of
resistance of women includes such tactics as sit-down protests,
12
Arachnophobia and the Perils of DNA
Extraction
Student Research Initiative Program.
Foraging Behavior in Pogonomyrmex
Salinus When Colonies Overlap in Their
Ranges
Brett Howell and Dr. Ian Robertson (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
DNA that was used in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to
Exclusionary behavior, where one group dominates another for a
amplify the DNA with the aid of COI DNA primer. After receiving
resource, is common in many competitive species. Such may be
our results and running the sequences through select software,
the case in the Owyhee harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
F O R U N D E R G R A D UAT E S I N
M AT H E M AT I C S
The Complexity Across Disciplines (CAD) Program
• Develops multidisciplinary approaches to scientific problems
• Produces intellectually independent young researchers whose
work and vision transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries
• Builds intellectual infrastructure focusing on the pervasive
themes of computing and complexity in daily life
• Invests intellectual and professional resources in engaging
K-­1 2 students in scientific inquiry
math.boisestate.edu/reu
DMS 1359425 / NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
ICUR 2014
• Establish long lasting professional relationships and
collaboration among participants
13
salinus, a granivorous (seed-eating) ant found throughout
As wine ages the methanol can oxidize to two metabolites,
sagebrush-steppe of southern Idaho. These ants forage within
formaldehyde and formic acid, which are also harmful. The
a 20 m radius of their nest, and in many cases nests are packed
EPA lists an oral reference dose (RfD) for methanol of 0.5 mg/
tightly enough on the landscape to create areas of overlap
kg/day. Use of a gas chromatography mass spectrometer can
in potential foraging ranges. I will conduct an experiment to
quantitatively indicate the amount of methanol in a wine sample.
determine whether ants from one colony exclude ants from
Higher amounts of methanol indicate increased fruit content
another colony from foraging within areas of overlap. After
within the wine. Exposure to oxidation or the natural aging
mapping the foraging boundaries used by ants from one colony,
process may result in lower or absent methanol levels, indicating
I will erect plastic barriers to impede the ants’ use of these
testing for methanol’s oxidation products. Amounts of pectin
areas. I will then conduct observations to determine whether
in grapes vary by variety, also altering the level of methanol.
ants from nearby colonies subsequently move into the area to
From a food science standpoint, it is beneficial for the public
forage. Such an occurrence would be evidence that the ants of
to be informed on what they consume. Awareness of methanol
nearby colonies had previously been excluded from the area. The
concentration in wine and what factors affect the levels allows
results of this experiment will help delineate the rules by which
for more control and manipulation, and promotes quality
harvester ants forage, and may provide insight into how colonies
assurance in the wine industry. This research was supported by
are spaced around resources. This research was supported by
the National Institutes of Health - Idaho INBRE Program.
Boise State University McNair Scholars Program.
Assessment of Anthropogenic
Development on Predator and
Scavenger Visits to Burrowing Owl Nests
in the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds
of Prey National Conservation Area
(NCA), Idaho
Idaho Social Structure Towards LGBT
inclusion: The Paradox of Idaho’s
Political and Social Structure
Megyn Rodriguez and Dr. Rosie Conley-Estrada (Faculty
Mentor)
Boise State University
This study investigates the paradox of Idaho towards LGBT
Sara M. Pourzamani, 1Jamie L. Wade, 2Skyler Wysocki, 3Jill
Holderman and 1Dr. Jim Belthoff (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University 1, Paul Smiths College 2 and
Bureau of Land Management 3
policy debates in which its political structure disfavors LGBT
Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia) nest in subterranean
was the previous home to the infamous Aryan Nation compound
burrows typically dug by other animals and are susceptible
during the 1990s. The significance of this study is that Idaho is
to predation by a suite of mammalian, avian, and reptilian
much more complicated and strongly divided on LGBT issues
predators. Anthropogenic development such as roads, power
upon closer examination. I argue that the presence of the Aryan
transmission lines, and irrigated agriculture may alter the
Nations is one contributor to the creation of a social structure
composition of potential predators and thus the likelihood of
that is supportive to LGBT civil rights in Idaho, even when the
nest predation. We investigated the potential effects of these
political structure is not. I utilize a content analysis to better
factors on rates of predator visits to Burrowing Owl nests and
understand the rhetoric used by Idaho LGBT supporters during
their outcomes in the NCA. During 2012-2014 we used motion-
key policy debates, how they established themselves, developed
triggered infrared trail cameras placed at 54 Burrowing Owl
over time and continue to push for LGBT civil rights in Idaho
nests to record the timing, frequency, duration, inter-visit
today. This research was supported by Boise State University
interval, and outcome of predator and scavenger visits. We
McNair Scholars Program.
1
policy change and its social structure is more divided. Idaho is
often painted as politically conservative and intolerant state due
to its slow implementation to human rights policy changes and
obtained and analyzed more than 300,000 camera images.
Frequent visitors to Burrowing Owl nests were coyotes, badgers,
Common Ravens, Ferruginous Hawks, Great Horned Owls, and
Prairie Falcons. Common Ravens were recurrent scavengers of
prey remains at entrances to owl nests. We also recorded for
the first apparent time instances of Common Raven predation
on Burrowing Owl nestlings. We discuss these results in relation
to land use change within the NCA. This research was supported
by the National Science Foundation – REU Program in Raptor
ICUR 2014
Connor Badten, 2Erin Pikcilingis, 3Steven Hanser, 4Jeremy
Thompson and 2Dr. Jim Belthoff (Faculty Mentor)
1
College of Western Idaho 1, Boise State
University 2, USGS Forest and Rangeland
Ecosystem Science Center 3 and Borah High
Research and Boise State University.
School 4
Analysis of Methanol Levels In Wine
Using Gas Chromatography Mass
Spectrometry
Roadway collisions directly kill billions of animals each year
Addie Turner and Dr. Rhena Cooper (Faculty Mentor)
North Idaho College
14
Relationships Between Prey Abundance
and Barn Owl-Vehicle Collisions Along
Interstate 84 in Southern Idaho
and affect many vertebrate and invertebrate taxa. Among
birds, vehicular collisions are particularly likely to kill Barn Owls
(Tyto alba). One of the world’s highest roadway mortality rates
for Barn Owls occurs in southern Idaho, where extraordinary
numbers die along I-84. Little is known about small mammal
Methanol, present in fruit pectin, may be found in finished wines.
abundance along the I-84 corridor, so it is unclear if Barn Owls
In large enough concentration, methanol consumption can
are killed in areas with high prey abundance in which they were
cause adverse health effects including headache and blindness.
attracted to hunt or if prey are equally abundant in low Barn Owl
I DA H O I N B R E
I D e A N et w ork of biomedical
research excellence
A $16.5 million grant program with the express purpose to increase
Idaho’s competitiveness for federal biomedical research funding.
The Idaho INBRE Program
• Builds infrastructure
• Generates public engagement
• Provides student opportunities
INBRE Program Network
• Fosters faculty development
BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY
INBRE is providing every interested
BYU IDAHO
and capable Idaho student and faculty
COLLEGE OF WESTERN IDAHO
the opportunity to pursue biomedical
COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO
research or education.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY
LEWIS-CLARK STATE COLLEGE
NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE
NORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
inbre.uidaho.edu
P20 GM103408 / NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
ICUR 2014
THE COLLEGE OF IDAHO
15
mortality areas. Our objectives were to (1) model small mammal
abundance, and (2) spatially project small mammal abundance
along the interstate to compare with Barn Owl mortality
locations. We surveyed small mammals during winter/summer
at more than120 locations along I-84 using a combination of
track and camera traps and sought to determine if areas with
the highest small mammal abundance correlated with areas
of high barn owl mortality. Our results will help guide future
mitigation to reduce Barn Owl deaths along the focal interstate.
This research was supported by Idaho EPSCoR and Idaho
Transportation Department.
Novel Mechanism of Action of PPAR γ
Agonist Pioglitazone
Shelby Siddall, Prabha S. Awale and Dr. Mark C. Austin
(Faculty Mentor)
Idaho State University
University of Arkansas 1, University of WisconsinStout 2 and Boise State University 3
Sodium-ion batteries provide a low-cost sustainable alternative
to lithium-ion batteries due to the wide availability and
abundance of sodium precursors. One of the biggest challenges
of sodium-ion batteries is optimizing the intercalation of
sodium ions into the anode material. Nanotubes made from
amorphous titanium dioxide (titania, TiO2) have attracted
interest as anode materials for both Li-ion and Na-ion batteries.
Titania nanotubes (TNTs) offer performance advantages
through increased electrochemical activity and potentially
enhanced capacity. In order to understand the roles of
nanoscale size and surface energy and improve the battery
involved in disease states such as cancer, obesity, ischemia and
capacity and cycling stability of TNT anodes, we used atomic
neuropsychiatric conditions. The effect of the neuroprotective
layer deposition (ALD) to deposit ultra-thin titania coatings
agent pioglitazone, a PPAR γ agonist, on SIRT6 expression in Cobalt
on TNT anodes synthesized by electrochemical anodization.
Chloride (CoCl2) induced hypoxia is not known. The SHSY5Y
Decreases in surface energy are expected to facilitate sodium
neuronal cell line was cultured and treated with CoCl2 at different
ion intercalation and improve battery capacity. After titania
concentrations (50 µM - 200 µM) and at different time points (1
coating, the TNT anodes were used in coin-cell batteries, and
hr- 24 hrs). Additionally, the cells were pretreated with the PPAR
their capacities measured and compared to uncoated samples.
γ agonist/antagonists, pioglitazone/T0070907 for 1 hour and then
Here, we report preliminary results relating TNT wall thickness
exposed to CoCl2 for 24 hours. The protein expression of SIRT6 and
to Na-ion capacity. This research was supported by the National
HIF1 alpha was determined by immunoblot. We observed that CoCl2
Science Foundation – REU Program in Materials for Energy and
decreased the expression of SIRT6 and increased the expression
Sustainability and Boise State University.
Pretreatment with pioglitazone for one hour followed by exposure
to CoCl2 for 24 hours inhibited not only CoCl2 induced decrease
of SIRT6 but also decreased CoCl2 induced increase of HIF1 alpha.
We conclude that pioglitazone protects SHSY5Y cells against CoCl2
An Advanced Silica Nanospring Dental
Composite with Enhanced Durability and
Function
induced hypoxia and this could be partly due to up regulation of
Rachel Peterson, 2L. Giancarlo Corti and 1Dr. David McIlroy
(Faculty Mentor)
SIRT6. This research was supported by the National Institutes of
University of Idaho 1 and Washington State
Health - Idaho INBRE Program and Idaho State University.
University 2
What’s in a Meat? Bologna Revealed
With the development of polymer materials, the quality of
Adrieanna Lynch, Hanna Hartley and Dr. Ron Strohmeyer
(Faculty Mentor)
Northwest Nazarene University
ICUR 2014
Michael Reinisch, 2Aaron Forde, 3Steven Letourneau, 3Hui
(Claire) Xiong and 3Dr. Elton Graugnard (Faculty Mentor)
1
Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is a NAD+ - dependent deacetylase known to be
of HIF1 alpha protein at concentrations of 150 µM and above.
16
Atomic Layer Deposition on Titania
Nanotube Electrodes for Sodium-Ion
Batteries
1
dental composites has experienced significant improvement.
However, better composites are needed. According to the
National Institutes of Health, the average fail rate of dental
composites is about eight years. Modern composites are
Utilizing DNA barcoding, a project was conceived to test the
complex mixtures of polymers and fillers. With the advent of
accuracy of the protein ingredients listed on a few popular large scale
advanced nanomaterials, there is the opportunity to build upon
production processed meat products within the United States. DNA
the success of existing composites to produce new composites
was extracted from multiple samples of six different meat products
with increased durability and superior antibacterial properties.
and the presence of genomic DNA confirmed through PCR and
Here, the shear bond strength and thermal properties of a
gel electrophoresis. PCR reactions were then run using both plant
commercial composite are compared to one incorporating UIs
and animal primers to amplify the COI gene and the rbcL genes.
patent pending silica nanosprings as a filler. The hypothesis
Once amplified, the products were then sent to be sequenced. The
is that NS will act as a linking agent in the polymer matrix
Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) as well as DNA subway and BLAST
reducing polymer shrinkage. Differential scanning calorimetry
databases were then utilized to identify and classify the species of
has been used to perform a thermal analysis of the NS
organism found in each meat product sampled. Eleven samples were
composite to understand the effects of NS on polymerization.
sequenced, yielding successful identification of beef and chicken
A universal testing machine is being used to determine the
products but unsuccessful in plant identification. It was found that
shear bond strength of the composite to extracted Canine
packaging contents labels were accurate in claiming the type of
teeth. The goal is to demonstrate that dental composite with
meat used but not in the source of it. This research was supported
NS filler has superior bond strength to the tooth. This research
by the National Institutes of Health - Idaho INBRE Program and
was supported by the National Institutes of Health - Idaho INBRE
Northwest Nazarene University.
Program and University of Idaho.
B O I S E S TAT E
CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT
FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Providing a university experience and credits to high school students.
Boise State University’s Concurrent Enrollment Program provides our region’s
capable students the opportunity to take college-level courses while still in high
school or before they complete a high school equivalent program.
concurrentenrollment.boisestate.edu
Kristin Araki, Hannah Brown, Robert Spaul, Monica Hubbard
and Dr. Julie Heath (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Determining an Electropolish Procedure
for Ni₂MnGa Alloys
Anneliese E. Laskowski, 2Nikole J. Kucza, 2Paul Lindquist
and 2Dr. Peter Müllner (Faculty Mentor)
1
University of Wisconsin Eau Claire 1 and Boise
State University 2
Ni2MnGa is a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy (FSMA) that
can strain up to 10% in an applied magnetic field. This high strain
The use of off-highway-vehicles (OHV) and other forms of
is only achievable when the magnetic field is applied in the [100]
recreation on public lands has increased greatly, especially
direction of a single crystal with high twin boundary mobility.
in areas near cities and towns with rapid population growth.
The purpose of this research is to establish an electropolishing
Outdoor recreation is the second leading cause for the decline
procedure to decrease surface roughness of Ni₂MnGa specimens,
of federally threatened and endangered species on public lands
induced by cutting and hand polishing, to a mirror like polish (i.e.
and natural resource managers are increasingly concerned about
< 10 nm). The electropolishing procedure unpins twin boundaries
impacts of recreation on wildlife. The purpose of this study was
and decreasing surface stresses. Several Ni₂MnGa specimens
to understand how recreationists perceive the environmental
were hand polished using 1200 grit silicon carbide (SiC) paper
impact of motorized and non-motorized recreation, and whether
and electropolished in 70 wt.% phosphoric acid, 10 wt.% sulfuric
perceptions depended on group membership. We hypothesized
acid, and 20 wt.% deionized water bath. The specimens were
that recreationists would not consider their own activities as
then characterized for surface roughness before and after
harmful, but may recognize activities of other groups as causing
electropolishing using an optical microscope qualitatively
harm. We asked recreationists using a series of eleven trail heads
and an optical prolifometer quantitatively. A current density
along the Owyhee Front to complete a survey on the type of
of 0.0085 A/mm² produced a smooth surface with minimal
recreation that they participate in and their opinion about how
pitting in a time range of 45-60 seconds leading to a decrease
recreation impacts various aspects of the area. The results of
in surface roughness from ~150 to 95 nm. This electropolishing
this study showed the perception of each groups regarding their
procedure has successfully decreased surface roughness in
own impact on the environment as well as the impact of others
Ni₂MnGa specimens. This research was supported by the National
along with the preferred management practices of recreation
Science Foundation – REU Program in Materials for Energy and
groups. This research was supported by Boise State University.
Sustainability and Boise State University.
ICUR 2014
How Does Group Membership
Influence the Perception of Recreation
Impact on Shrub-steppe Ecosystems?
Environmental Impact as Perceived by
Competing Recreation Groups
17
HONORS COLLEGE AT BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY
The Honors College community at Boise State
is a vibrant mix of students from all areas of
study, connected by their drive and desire for
academic excellence. Our mission is to support this
community of outstanding students and challenge
them to become more effective thinkers, writers,
and leaders as they prepare for lives of meaningful
work, public engagement, and life-long learning.
ST U D E N T S P OT L I G H TS
Sophomore chemistry major Sarah Rehn has just received a prestigious Barry Goldwater
national scholarship and is only the fifth Boise State student to ever be awarded this honor.
The Goldwater is aimed at encouraging students in the STEM disciplines to continue with a
career in research by helping fund their undergraduate work. Sarah’s current research involves
a detection system that would allow for earlier identification of many widespread diseases,
including cancer. Sarah began her research independently as a senior in high school and is
an active member of the Honors College, where she has assisted with a number of events
including a recruiting event for high school students where she delivered a message about
opportunities to study science.
Chris Bower, a fifth year Political Science and Social Work student in the Honors College, chose
to combine study abroad with a service experience in a three week Intersession course. While
there, he had the opportunity to hear the Dalai Lama speak on the topic of peace and ethics,
claiming that war is an outdated method. He allowed three questions from the audience, and Bower
was the final person selected. His question about how he could convince the U.S. to view war as an
outdated method generated spontaneous applause from the audience and a thoughtful reply from
the Dalai Lama that presented compassion as logical and kindness as rational. When the speech
was over they met again in the aisle where the Dalai Lama touched his head to Bower’s. Bower
later learned the gesture symbolized that in the eyes of the Dalai Lama the two are equals. It was a
moving moment that Bower says will impact his future in a powerful way.
To learn more about the Honors College and our remarkable students, please visit
honors.boisestate.edu
Beliefs and Behaviors of Anglers in the Treasure Valley: Love of Fishing More
Important Than Travel Costs
Nychele Haskell, Erika Ramirez and Dr. Kathryn Demps (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
To analyze the interactions between fishing behavior and ecosystem services, we measured three criteria regarding travel to and
time spent at fishing sites: the distance that anglers are willing to travel to-and-from fishing sites, how much time they spend
fishing at each site, and whether they fish to catch-and-release or to obtain food. We utilized several collection techniques including
observation, semi-formal interviews, and structured questionnaires. Over the course of three weeks, we sampled 80 adult anglers at
fishing sites throughout the Treasure Valley, including Boise, Meridian, Eagle and Nampa. We hypothesized that anglers spend less
time fishing at sites close to home, more time fishing far from home, and that they choose to fish predominantly for food. Contrarily,
ICUR 2014
our results indicate that many fishers spend an equal amount of time at fishing sites, regardless of the travel distance, and that most
18
are choosing to catch-and-release instead of obtain food. Within the Treasure Valley, anglers do not seem to care about the cost
of time or distance to go fishing. We conclude that values toward fishing can be strong motivating factors for human-landscape
interactions. This research was supported by the National Science Foundation - Idaho EPSCoR MILES Program.
Kevin Field, Spencer Hassman and Dr. Ronald Strohmeyer
(Faculty Mentor)
Northwest Nazarene University
The intent of this project was to educate and familiarize us with
the processes involved in DNA barcoding. This technique can be
used to determine the species of a plant by sequencing a section
of the Rbc Large subunit of an unknown sample and comparing
it to the current Barcoding Of Life Database. We aimed to use
the DNA barcoding technique as an accurate, efficient, and
low-cost way of confirming the species of various commercially
sold raw and processed coffee beans. Analysis of our results
confirmed the presence of the stated coffee species in our
commercially selected samples, but also suggested the presence
of foreign organic matter. Further research may confirm
these findings and determine their source. This research was
supported by the National Institutes of Health - Idaho INBRE
Program and Northwest Nazarene University.
RFB cluster. We identified these genes in their annotated genomes
through comparison with the clusters from known pathogenic
E. coli (eg., O157). Gene identity was confirmed by BLAST, and
phylogenetic trees were constructed to identify the closest
O-serotype. E. coli ONT:H25s RFB constitutes 16 genes, with only
insignificant mutations relative to other E. coli serovars. Phylogeny
for the ONT: H25 strains shows that the organization of the RFB
cluster and the sequence of each of the genes is nearly identical
to O177. If so, these E. coli ONT strains may be new strains of the
pathogenic O177. This research was supported by the National
Institutes of Health - Idaho INBRE Program.
Graphs, Probability and Separating
Families
Daniel Condon, 2Luke Serafin, 3Cody Stockdale and 4Dr.
Samuel Coskey (Faculty Mentor)
1
Georgia Institute of Technology 1, Carnegie
Mellon University 2, Bucknell University 3 and
Boise State University 4
Suppose we have a herd of cows, one of which has an illness that
Exploring the Effects of Hydrogen
Bonding on the Activation of
Heterocumulenes by Carbonic
Anhydrase Using a Synthetic Modeling
Approach
can be detected by means of a blood test. We want to determine
Jeff Barlow, Ian Shaw and Dr. Eric Brown (Faculty Mentor)
to digital fingerprinting, cryptanalysis, coding theory, and related
Boise State University
which cow is sick using as few simultaneous tests as possible; this
is an example of a combinatorial search problem. We can solve
our problem by ensuring each cow goes through a unique series
of tests, using separating families. In addition to combinatorial
search, separating families and related concepts have applications
fields. Our project focuses on generalizations of separating
Carbonic Anhydrase (CA) is a well-known metalloenzyme present
families. In particular, we define the concept of an n-separating
in all organisms whose function is the reversible hydration of
family, which simultaneously separates all gluten-free collections
carbon dioxide (CO2). However, CA is also responsible for the
of n pairs provided the collection is in fact separable. As part
activation of carbonyl sulfide (COS) and carbon disulfide (CS2) to
of this definition, we give a graph-theoretic characterization of
produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is a vital source of sulfur
separability. We use the non-constructive probabilistic method
for many plant and lichen species. Limited research has been done
to compute bounds on the minimal size of such families. This
to investigate the mechanism of COS and CS2 activation by CA
research was supported by the National Science Foundation –
and, from these limited studies, the results have been somewhat
REU Program in Mathematics and Boise State University.
inconclusive. As such, we have prepared a synthetic model
primary and secondary coordination sphere present in the active
A Look Into Cyanobacterial Blooms of
Fernan Lake
site of CA. The reactivity of our synthetic model compound with
Eric Cliff and Dr. Kayla Sedlacek (Faculty Mentor)
COS, CS2 and H2S has been studied and comparisons to previously
North Idaho College
compound containing a hydrogen bond donor, which mimics the
prepared model systems and to native CA will be presented. This
research was supported by the National Institutes of Health Idaho INBRE Program and Boise State University.
From 2011-2014 Fernan Lake, located in North Idaho, has
experienced dangerous annual algae blooms resulting in the
closure of the lake to recreational activity. In 2013, two blooms
Characterization of the O-antigen Gene
Cluster in Novel E. coli ONT: H25 str. 1-3
of toxic cyanobacteria occurred: Gloeotrichia echinulata and
Anthony S. McDonald, Taylor L. Widener and Dr. Jennifer R.
Chase (Faculty Mentor)
Environmental Quality, subsequently resulting in public health
Northwest Nazarene University
Anabaena circinali. Routine water sampling revealed cell counts
exceeding the 100,000/ml limit set by the Department of
advisories. Studying these events is essential to gain a better
understanding of the conditions that promote the algal blooms.
Rapid identification of E. coli strains is used to pinpoint sources
Nitrate, phosphate and temperature have been monitored both
of disease outbreaks. Serotyping is an agglutination test used to
leading up to the summer bloom and during the bloom, in conjunction
distinguish E. coli strains by identifying the O-antigen, a variable
with monitoring dissolved oxygen and pH levels. Data collected will
surface carbohydrate and virulence factor. Northwest-isolated E.
provide information regarding the hypothesis that dissolved nitrate
coli serotype ONT: H25 strains SH1-3, are probable pathogens for
levels result in increased phosphate levels, potentially triggering toxic
which the O-antigen is currently untypable via serotyping. Because
algal blooms. Defining environmental conditions that support the
these strains could go undetected in outbreaks, there is a critical
annual algae blooms may help to prevent these dangerous conditions
need to determine what O-antigen it possesses by characterizing
in the future. This research was supported by the National
the genes responsible for synthesizing the O-antigen, the variable
Institutes of Health - Idaho INBRE Program.
ICUR 2014
DNA Barcoding of Processed and
Unprocessed Coffee Beans
19
The Impact of Fuel Reduction
Treatments on Carbon and Nitrogen
Mineralization Processes in a Degraded
Semi-arid Ecosystem
Billy Bringman and Dr. Marie-Anne de Graaff (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Harrier is a diurnal raptor of conservation concern globally,
currently in decline that utilizes asymmetrical ears to locate
and capture small mammals. Little is known about harrier
foraging biology. Using a high definition video camera we
will film foraging behavior and simultaneously collect data
on surrounding background sound levels. We will design and
that contributes to degradation of native sage-steppe
implement methods to calculate the location and distance of
ecosystems by increasing fuel loads and the occurrence of
birds from video footage. Ultimately we aim to determine if
wild fires, and by decreasing soil nutrients and moisture. The
noise levels have an effect on the strike rate, capture success,
USGS (United States Geological Survey) and BLM (Bureau
foraging elevation and foraging site selection of northern
of Land Management) have established a manipulative
harriers. This research was supported by the National
field experiment that assesses how fuel load reduction
Science Foundation – REU Program in Raptor Research and
treatments (i.e. grazing, herbicide applications and mowing)
Boise State University.
we assess how the fuel reduction treatments affect soil
nutrient availability. We collected soil from each one of
the fuel reduction treatments, and incubated subsamples
under controlled laboratory conditions (60% water holding
capacity and ~20 o C) for 60 days Carbon decomposition
rates are measured on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, 30, and 60 and
nitrogen mineralization on days 0, 7, 15, 30, and 60 during the
incubation. Any treatment induced changes in soil carbon or
nitrogen mineralization will affect reestablishment of native
plant species. This research was supported by the National
Science Foundation - IDoTeach/Noyce Program and Boise
State University.
Cold Fever: A Screenplay
Kelsey Crow and Dr. Jon Schneider (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Discovery and Genomic Analysis of a
Novel Mycobacteriophage Isolated at
the College of Idaho
Shandee J. Tachick and Dr. Richard L. Daniels (Faculty Mentor)
The College of Idaho
Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria. With a
population of 10^31 particles, they are the single most
abundant biological entity in the biosphere. As part of the
HHMI SEA-PHAGES program, we isolated 12 bacteriophages
that infect Mycobacterium smegmatis. Electron microscopy
indicated that all were siphoviridae. One of these newlyisolated mycobacteriophages (Bipolar) was selected for
sequencing and genomic analysis. We found that the Bipolar
genome is 59.0kb in length and contains 107 predicted
protein-coding genes, with a nucleotide sequence consistent
with the F1 mycobacteriophage subcluster. Bioinformatic
My experiences studying abroad at University of St Andrews
analyses yielded gene function predictions and identification
in Scotland exposed me to the nuances and neuroses of
of transcriptional promoters. Lastly, we investigated whether
high-end British education and its underworld of alcoholism,
taxonomic relationships among mycobacteriophages are
physical and mental breakdown, and crippling pressure. I am
evident based on analysis of single genes. We tested this
writing a fictionalized screenplay based on my experiences
hypothesis using the highly conserved Tape Measure Protein
and observations at St Andrews and developing a film concept
and Lysin A. Our results show that single genes can predict
around it. I have adopted the research methodology of
these relationships with up to 97.5% accuracy. Together, our
acclaimed director Sofia Coppola, compiling a collection of
results aid in understanding the diversity of bacteriophages
photos demonstrating my artistic vision for the film, which
that infect M. smegmatis and related pathogens such as
is about a young American whose nervous breakdown at a
M. leprae, M. tuberculosis, and M. bovis. This research was
premier university in Britain lands her back in her Seattle
supported by Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science
hometown for the summer where she is forced to examine her
Education Alliance and College of Idaho.
past and repair her relationship with her father. For poster
display, I have the photo collection, a beat sheet (outline)
and the first ten pages of the screenplay. My presentation will
also contextualize the creative project within the tradition of
films written by young people about young people, like “Good
Will Hunting” and “Garden State,” which explore Millennial
concerns like making peace with one’s past and future. This
The Viability of Floating Wetlands on
Freshwater Ecosystems
Travis Stephens and Dr. Julie Van Middlesworth (Faculty Mentor)
North Idaho College
Nutrient over enrichment is an ever expanding problem for
research was supported by Boise State University.
freshwater ecosystems and is a danger to aquatic life. Extensive
The Effects of Anthropogenic Noise on
Northern Harrier Foraging Behavior
Lake, Idaho watershed have led to excessive phosphorous levels
1
ICUR 2014
that rely on auditory cues to locate prey items. The Northern
Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is an invasive plant species
affect reestablishment of native vegetation. With this study,
20
ecosystem, but can be especially detrimental to predators
Patrick Niedermeyer and 2Dr. Jesse Barber (Faculty Mentor)
Pitzer College 1 and Boise State University 2
agricultural practices and other human activities in the Hayden
in Hayden Lake. In an effort to absorb nutrients and support
periphyton communities, floating wetlands and aeration systems
have been installed in both Hayden Lake and a private pond
within the watershed. The pond has a history of annual algae
Anthropogenic noise is a major pollutant that threatens
blooms which have had adverse impacts to fish life. Hayden Lake
wide ranges of natural habitats. It affects many levels of the
has prior documented harmful algal blooms and also shows signs
R E S E A R C H E X P E R I E N C E F O R U N D E R G R A D U AT E S I N
R A P TO R R E S E A R C H
The juxtaposition of Boise State
participate in a 10-week research
University’s Raptor Research Center and
experience under the mentorship of Boise
Department of Biological Sciences, The
State University professors, NGO scientists,
Peregrine Fund, Inc., Intermountain
Bird Observatory, and the Morley
Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey
and government biologists. Birds of prey
are attractive subjects for students and
provide a basis for investigating basic and
National Conservation Area
applied research questions in biological
has made Boise, Idaho a hub of
fields including avian behavior and habitat
raptor research for decades.
use, climate change effects, and sensory
Boise State University is also
home to the nation’s only graduate
program in Raptor Biology. Our
and molecular ecology.
In addition to mentored research, student
participants attend weekly journal clubs,
Research Experiences for Undergraduates
experience workshops on the biology
(REU-Raptor Research) Site builds on
of diurnal and nocturnal raptors and
this scientific infrastructure to provide
endangered species restoration, and
opportunities for undergraduate research
undergo professional development
focused on hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles
focused on responsible conduct of
(raptors). Each summer undergraduates
research, applying to graduate school, and
from schools across the United States
communicating science.
biology.boisestate.edu/reu
DBI-1263167 / National Science Foundation
of eutrophication in some shallow bays, yet is able to support an
genome is an encrypted version of the macronuclear genome. As
abundant and diverse aquatic habitat. This study monitors nitrate,
part of genome maintenance ciliates replace their macronuclei by
phosphate, oxygen, turbidity, temperature, and conductivity
decrypting their micronuclei. Decryption is performed through
levels to determine phosphorous attenuation and whether or
permutation sorting that uses Context Directed Reversals (CDR)
not the private pond is yet capable of supporting fish life. If
and Context Directed Block Swaps (CDS). Repeated application
phosphorus levels continue to increase it could have adverse
of CDR or CDS results in permutations called fixed points.
effects on aquatic life as well as recreational activities in and
These cannot be sorted further by CDR or CDS. Aspects of the
around the Hayden Lake area. The media assessed in this study as
dynamics of ciliate permutation sorting can be modeled by two-
well as source control programs may help to prevent these issues.
player games. In these games some fixed points are assigned to
This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health
one player, and the rest to the other. Call the players ONE and
- Idaho INBRE Program.
TWO. The players alternately use CDR and/or CDS operations
on a permutation until a fixed point is reached. ONE wins if this
Games and Genomes
fixed point was assigned to ONE, else, TWO wins. Using newly
2
3
4
Ciliates have a macronucleus and a micronucleus. The micronuclear
developed graph theoretic tools we prove a strict bound for when
a player has a winning strategy in CDS based games. Our findings
also include that some signed permutations, which are ubiquitous
in certain ciliate species, are optimized for CDR sorting. This
research was supported by the National Science Foundation –
REU Program in Mathematics and Boise State University.
ICUR 2014
Caroline Jansen, Samuel Simon, Elizabeth Tatum and Dr.
Marion Scheepers (Faculty Mentor)
University of Notre Dame 1, Carnegie Mellon
University 2, Rutgers University 3 and
Boise State University 4
1
21
Doing RE
Learning
by
Understanding Hyporheic Flow in the
Treasure Valley Through the Use of
Modeling Software
Alejandro Montoya, Clementina Arriaga, Kevin Tan and Dr.
Jairo Hernandez (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Groundwater is the largest source of usable fresh water in the
world and is one of the most important natural resources in
Idaho due to our heavy reliance on agriculture. Groundwater
can discharge into the streams and rivers and streams and rivers
can recharge aquifers. This process is known as hyporheic flow,
which affects the quantification of this resource. Interactions
between water resources both under and on the surface are not
fully understood and quite complex. Quantifying the available
groundwater is key for assessing availability and sustainability of
resource, which is impacted by growing population and climate
change. We can account hyporheic flow through the use of
computer software that would produce valuable information.
Data from the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) and
the United States Geological Survey (USGS) will be used in the
modeling effort to research the interactions between groundwater
and surface water in the Treasure Valley. ArcGIS will be used to
process and organize data from which different geospatial files
can be created. The geospatial files will be inputted into computer
software called Visual MODFLOW Flex to create a model. This
research was supported by the National Science Foundation
- Idaho EPSCoR Program, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority
Concentrations of all transition metals (Fe, Co, Mn, Cr, Ni) in these
samples were below ppb level, suggesting the observed magnetism
is not due to random inclusions of any spurious magnetic
impurities and cannot be explained by the existing models of
magnetic exchange. This research was supported by Boise State
University McNair Scholars Program.
Evolution of Multidrug-Resistance
Plasmids in Naive Proteobacterial Hosts
Katie McTighe, 1Wesley Loftie-Eaton, 2Jose M. Ponciano and
Dr. Eva M. Top (Faculty Mentor)
University of Idaho 1 and University of Florida 2
1
1
As bacteria develop broader antibiotic resistance (ABR) arsenals,
common infections become life-threatening. Spread of ABR
genes is often attributed to transfer of plasmids between diverse
hosts. Although successful transfer doesn’t assume a stable
host-plasmid relationship, under selection, unstable combinations
can evolve to coexist long-term. However, it is unknown which
mechanisms of plasmid stability (segregation, plasmid cost, or
transfer frequency) are more likely to evolve. Through evolution
of the same plasmid in different hosts, we aim to identify patterns
of stability increase. Here, the ABR plasmid RP4 was evolved
with Pseudomonas moraviensis for 600 generations (gen.)
under antibiotic selection. Samples taken each 100 gen. were
analyzed to determine the change in stability and mechanisms
of improvement. Statistical models were used to compare
Novel Magnetic and Optical Properties
of Sn1-xZnxO2 Nanoparticles
putida. Preliminary analysis showed that, as in P. putida, stability
In this work, we report on the effects of doping SnO2 nanoparticles
with Zn2+ ions. A series of ~2- 3nm Sn1-xZnxO2 crystallite samples
with x=0-0.18 were synthesized using a forced hydrolysis method.
Increasing dopant concentration caused systematic changes in
dynamics to those ascertained when RP4 was evolved with P.
rapidly improved within 300 gen. due to changes in segregation.
Molecular analysis of mutations will provide insights into patterns
of stability improvement, aiding in understanding and prevention
of ABR. This research was supported by the National Institutes
of Health – Idaho INBRE Program.
Across the Desert: How Kangaroo Rats
Achieve Speed Increases over Uneven
Terrain
gap of SnO2 nanoparticles. X-ray Diffraction studies confirmed
Kami Cole and Dr. Craig McGowan (Faculty Mentor)
University of Idaho
the absence of any impurity phases. Magnetic measurements at
The natural terrain of kangaroo rats is comprised of sparse scrub
the lattice parameters, crystallite size, visible emission and band
room temperature using a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer have
shown a weak ferromagnetic behavior characterized by an open
ICUR 2014
looking for traces of any magnetic elements in the samples.
Participation Program and Boise State University.
Nevil A. Franco, K.M. Reddy, Josh Exienberger, Dr. Dmitri A.
Tenne, Dr. Charles B. Hannah and Dr. Alex Punnoose (Faculty
Mentor)
Boise State University
22
analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer,
hysteresis loop (coercivity Hc ~ 125 Gauss), and magnetization
Ms increasing gradually, eventually saturating at ~1.5 memu/g for
Zn concentration ≥ 6.3%. Samples showing high Ms values were
across an uneven desert. It is believed that these animals hop
from scrub to scrub, requiring the ability to quickly accelerate
while moving across uneven ground. Previous preliminary studies
have suggested that kangaroo rats navigate inclined terrain by a
ESEARCH
combination of increasing foot contact time and force production;
spaces or become adsorbed to soil grains. Soil contamination
and increase their speed through a sequential method of increasing
can occur through direct spillage or burial at the contaminated
first contact length, then stride frequency, and finally force
area or migrate from a source that has occurred elsewhere. This
production. Kangaroo rats were recorded while hopping on a
study investigates the electromagnetic (EM) induced transport
treadmill at set speed increments over three different inclines. Their
of a nonhazardous dye (used as contamination simulant). The
gait was then analyzed to determine the methods used to achieve
preliminary medium in this study is aqueous to aid in visualization
speed increases and inclined terrain. We believe that our results
of the dye transport. First, the dye transport is observed out of
will be a reflection of those from the preliminary studies. This
two injection cups placed within the same aqueous medium, one
sequential method of speed increase has also been seen in humans,
filled with dye, the other filled with glass beads and dye. This is to
and could provide insightful correlations between human and
investigate the effect of glass beads on the injection. Afterward,
kangaroo rat gaits. These correlations could then be used in the
the aqueous medium is replaced with a saturated glass-bead
generation of artificial limbs designed to either freely navigate or
medium simulating granular soils, in which both injection cups
assist humans in locomotion, with the ability to adapt to different
are filled with glass beads. EM waves are then launched into the
terrains. This research was supported by the National Institutes of
glass-bead media at proper frequencies to induce a controlled
Health – Idaho INBRE Program and University of Idaho.
dye transport. The main goal of this research is to understand the
Amy Weidner, Nikki Fennimore, Austin Adams, Hunter Covert
and Dr. Cheryl Jorcyk (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
underlying mechanism of EM-induced multiphase flow as well as
the EM-wave effect on desorption of the dye off glass beads. This
research was supported the National Science Foundation - Idaho
STEP Program and Boise State University.
usually treatable when detected early, but patient prognosis is
Analysis of Matrix Gla Protein’s
Activation Cascade and Polymorphisms
of the MGP Promoter
reduced once the tumor becomes metastatic. CD44 is protein
Jacob Crow and Dr. Allan Albig (Faculty Mentor)
known to be important in the metastatic process, where cancer
Boise State University
Currently, in the United States, 1 in 8 women are at risk of
developing breast cancer within their lifetime. Breast cancer is
cells leave the primary tumor, travel through the circulatory or
lymphatic systems, and invade into other tissues. The purpose
of this research is to study the effects of inflammatory cytokines
on CD44 expression in breast cancer. For our model system, we
utilized two different human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and
T47D, both estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor positive
(ER+, PR+). The cells were treated with inflammatory cytokines
and CD44 levels were measured by reverse-transcriptase
polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results will be presented
in our poster. Many different cytokines are involved during
metastasis, and understanding CD44 expression in breast cancer
helps move us towards our goal of elucidating the metastatic
process in breast cancer. This research was supported by Boise
State University.
Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) is involved in the prevention of
calcification of arteries, which is a process directly related
to cardiovascular diseases. Transcriptional control of MGP
is poorly understood, but evidence suggests that several
signaling pathways (BMP and Notch) and point mutations in
the MGP promoter regulate MGP expression. The goal of this
work is to dissect how BMP, Notch, and these mutations affect
MGP promoter activity. To accomplish this we cloned the
MGP promoter into a luciferase reporter construct to enable
convenient promoter analysis. Results thus far have shown
that BMP does not affect MGP promoter activity while Notch
decreases promoter activity. Promoter mutations increase
promoter activity, does not alter promoter sensitivity to BMP,
but may be synergistic with Notch suppression. To give another
Electromagnetically Induced
Contaminant Removal
perspective on this data we are incorporating RT-PCR techniques
Madeleine Elyea, Vahab Bolvardi and Dr. Arvin Farid (Faculty
Mentor)
Collectively, this data suggests that MGP expression is checked
Boise State University
which monitor endogenous promoter activity and EMSAs which
examine MGP promoter and transcription factor associations.
by a feedback loop involving Notch, but not BMP, and that
promoter mutations increase MGP transcription. This research
Soil/groundwater contamination is a great risk to the
was supported by the National Institutes of Health – Idaho
environment. Contaminants in soil can be trapped within pore
INBRE Program and Boise State University.
ICUR 2014
The expression of CD44 in breast cancer
23
Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
Genetic Diversity and Connectivity
among the Naturally Fragmented Forests
of the Northern Great Basin, USA
Stephanie J. Szarmach, 2Robert A. Miller, 2Gregory S.
Kaltenecker, 3Muhammad Arshad and 3Dr. Robert A. Miller
(Faculty Mentor)
1
Oberlin College 1, Intermountain Bird Observatory 2
and Boise State University 3
Forest fragmentation limits movement of individuals, and even
highly mobile species, like birds, can fail to disperse across such
landscapes. The naturally fragmented forests of the northern
Great Basin are thought to have led to the evolution of unique
species, such as Christ’s paintbrush and South Hills Crossbill.
Other species in these forests may also exhibit unique genetic
diversity. The Northern Goshawk, a species occupying these
forests, has shown low integration between geographically
dispersed populations elsewhere in its range. We evaluated genetic
diversity and connectivity of the goshawks in the northern Great
Basin by searching for signs of inbreeding depression, estimating
effective population size, and placing the birds in bio-geographical
context of other populations in the West. We utilized blood and
feather samples from nestling and adult birds from five forest
islands in south-central Idaho to compare microsatellite loci
and mitochondrial DNA sequences among individuals. Our work
provides a foundation for understanding the genetic ecology of
goshawks in the northern Great Basin, and the genetic health and
integration of these birds compared with other populations. This
research was supported the National Science Foundation – REU
Program in Raptor Research, Intermountain Bird Observatory and
Boise State University.
Application of Passive Stormwater
Filtration Systems in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Lauren Merlino and Dr. Julie Van Middlesworth
North Idaho College
Damage associated with nutrient loading from urban stormwater
and human activity often result in depletion or complete loss of
Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
(NSF-EPSCoR) project is designed to advance
the understanding of feedbacks between social
and ecological systems and ecosystem services
in mid-sized cities in the face of climate change
and urban growth. The program builds Idaho’s
quality needed to maintain fish and wildlife populations. Passive
capacity to study complex social-ecological
stormwater filtration systems are needed to mitigate nutrient
processes, especially those associated with water
loading and thus help maintain functioning ecosystem services.
demand and valuation of ecosystem services. This
watershed is increasingly necessary due to rapid population growth.
The Coeur d’Alene watershed has additional concerns regarding
metal contaminants being released into the water column due to
research characterizes patterns and identifies
social drivers of urban growth and ecological
change, including valuable ecosystem services.
changes in redox conditions caused by nutrient loading. Depleted
Outcomes will include an integrated modeling
oxygen levels of the hypolimnion are correlated with an increase
framework and visualization tools. REU students
in solubility of certain metals. The goal of this project is to design
participate is a variety of projects across a suite
and implement a passive water filtration system to treat both
of disciplines including biology, engineering,
stormwater and greywater at the North Idaho College Gathering
Garden site. The system will be used to educate the public about
these pressing impacts on ecosystem services while also serving
as an example of a feasible solution for industry to keep their
environmental impact in check. This research was supported by the
ICUR 2014
The National Science Foundation Experimental
important ecosystem services including recreation and water
Application of these systems throughout the Coeur d’Alene
24
IDAHO
EPSCoR
National Science Foundation - Idaho EPSCoR Program, National
Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE Program, North Idaho College
and University of Idaho.
computer science, public policy, anthropology,
and sociology.
idahoepscor.org
earth.boisestate.edu
IIA1301792 / National Science Foundation
1
Martin Garcia and 2Dr. Eric Brown (Faculty Mentor)
Manchester University 1 and Boise State
University 2
as only certain drugs are effective. With a thorough regimen of
treatments, the infection can be kept at bay and often eliminated.
MRSA, already expressing antibiotic resistant traits, can more
easily become resistant to other antibiotics. When exposed to
sub-inhibitory levels of antibiotics, published data show that
the cell surface as well as cell size of different bacteria change.
A morphological change in the bacterial cell surface could alter
Metalloenzymes play a critical role in the daily life of humans,
the interaction between the bacteria and human immune cells,
animals, and plants. An example of this type of enzymes is
thereby altering the immune response to the bacteria. This project
carbonic anhydrase (CA), which is present in all living organisms.
focuses on treating MRSA with low-doses of clindamycin and
The main function of CA is the reversible hydration of CO2 to form
assessing the human monocyte cytokine response to both treated
bicarbonate, which it performs at a very high catalytic activity.
and untreated MRSA through PCR analysis of cytokine transcripts.
Additionally, recent studies have determined that CA is the enzyme
This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health
in plants that reacts with atmospheric carbonyl disulfide (CS2)
– Idaho INBRE Program and Northwest Nazarene University.
and carbonyl sulfide (COS). The focus of this research is to gain
insight into how carbonyl disulfide activation occurs at the zinc
protein site through a synthetic modeling approach; where low
molecular complexes are designed to mimic the active site and the
reactivity of the enzyme. One of the most intriguing mechanistic
questions concerning the catalytic cycle for COS activation by
CA is the desulfurization of the zinc hydrosulfide that is formed.
Our hypothesis is that the secondary amino acid residues (those
that do not directly bind to the zinc center) play a key role by
making the SH a better leaving group. Details of the reactivity
and characterization of model complexes relevant to the catalytic
cycle of CA will be presented. This research was supported by
the National Science Foundation – REU Program in Materials for
Energy and Sustainability and Boise State University.
DNA Extraction of Tea Leaves
Lexi Sarver, Madeline Owen, Rebecca Holland and Dr. Ron
Strohmeyer (Faculty Mentor)
Northwest Nazarene University
Effect of ZnO Morphology on the
Photodegradation of Malachite Green
Oxalate
Stephen Bryant, Kevin Laughlin and Dr. Jerry Harris (Faculty
Mentor)
Northwest Nazarene University
Zinc oxide (ZnO) has received a lot of attention in recent years; it
is an environmentally friendly alternative to other semiconductors
that is relatively inexpensive and easy to prepare. The purpose of
this research was to prepare and characterize ZnO nanoparticles
to determine how size, shape, and synthesis influenced its
reactivity and the effects caused by ZnO exposures. ZnO was
synthesized by a sol-gel method, using aqueous solutions of zinc
acetate and various amines, and precipitated with the addition of
NaOH. ZnO nanomaterials were also synthesized using aqueous
solutions of ZnCl2, ZnSO4 and Zn(NO3)2 without amines. Each
material’s photochemical reactivity was evaluated by using them to
photochemically degrade the organic dye malachite green oxalate
Tea remedies have been used for centuries for many medicinal
in aqueous solutions under UVA irradiation. In general, it was
purposes due to its numerous containing compounds. The
found that for a given morphology, smaller particles yielded faster
purpose of this experiment was to use DNA bar coding to identify
decomposition rates than larger particles. Particle size was controlled
tea leaves in various assortments of tea, as well as to understand
by temperature of the sol-gel reaction and rate of NaOH addition.
DNA bar coding and bioinformatic processes. Methods included
Additionally, morphologies with a high surface area-to-volume
extracting DNA, using PCR with RbcL primers to amplify the
ratio, such as rod or needle shaped crystals, appear to increase the
target bar coding DNA, confirmation by gel electrophoresis, and
photocatalytic effectiveness. This research was supported by the
DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Results showed
National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE Program.
cucumber, sycamore, and juniper were three different plant leaves
not mentioned in the tea brand ingredients that appeared to
be present in our tea samples. This is important because these
compounds may have undesirable effects for some consumers.
This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health
– Idaho INBRE Program.
Analysis of TNF-α and Cytokine
Production in Human Monocytes
Stimulated with Low Dose ClindamycinTreated MRSA
Boone Rhinehart and Dr. Jamee Nixon (Faculty Mentor)
Northwestern Nazarene University
Inhibition of Human Carbonyl
Reductase in Conjunction with
Cancer Chemotherapy Treatments
with Anthracycline Drugs: The Study
of the Biological Properties of
Chlorophenylcyanooximes
Oluwatobi Sanya and Dr. Henry Charlier (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Anthracycline drugs are used in cancer chemotherapy
treatments and are associated with a potentially lethal
cardiotoxicity. The enzyme human carbonyl reductase (HCBR)
has been linked to the cardiotoxic side effect observed
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are
for anthracycline treatment. Given its presumed role in
on the rise, causing both minor and life-threatening infections.
cardiotoxicity, HCBR is a therapeutic target for preventing the
These infections are exhibited by both hospitalized patients,
side effect. Toward this end, several compounds have been
especially those with weakened immune systems, and those in the
investigated as potential inhibitors of HCBR. Among these are
healthy community. Treatment for MRSA infections can be difficult
a class of compounds known as chlorophenyl cyano oximes.
ICUR 2014
Synthesis of Model Compounds that Mimic
the Primary and Secondary Coordination
Sphere of Carbonic Anhydrase
25
Specifically, 2,4-dichlorophenylcyanoxime was found to be a
measure authophagic flux through the presence of LC3 (a protein
good HCBR inhibitor while other dichlorocyano oximes were
that binds to autophagosomes) in cellular cultures of mutant
found to be poor inhibitors. Due to the difference in reactivity
VPS35 and wild-type VPS35-expressing neurons. In doing so we
observed with disubstituted positions, mono-substituted
have observed the mutant exerting a profound and deleterious
cyano oximes are being studied. The biological properties of
effect on the process of autophagy. Future work will focus
2-chlorophenylcyanooxime (Na (2-Cl-PhCO)) were studied.
on determining the effect of autophagy repression by VPS35
Na (2-Cl-PhCO) was found to be an inhibitor with comparable
D620N on neuronal survival. This research was supported by the
potency to 2,4-dichlorophenylcyanoxime with an IC50 of
National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE Program.
approximately 4 μM. An inhibition study of the mono-substituted
cyanooxime was performed varying its concentration as well as
the menadione substrate to determine the biological enzymesubstrate inhibition mechanism. This research was supported by
Boise State University.
Mechanical Properties of Silicon Carbide
Micro-Fibers
Alexander J. Wirtz, 2Brian J. Jaques and 2Dr. Darryl P. Butt
(Faculty Mentor)
1
The College of Idaho 1 and Boise State University 2
Boise State University
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common
neurodegenerative disorder and most common motor
disease. The motor symptoms of PD result from the death of
dopamine-generating cells in the substantia nigra brain region.
The histological hallmark of PD is aggregation of the alphasynuclein protein in neurons. The accumulation of protein
as a low density, high elastic modulus, high thermal conductivity,
aggregates suggests defective autophagy, a cellular process
and has shown to have a high temperature mechanical
ensuring the breakdown and recycling of damaged proteins
strength. Such properties make these fibers desirable for many
and organelles. Previous work tentatively linked VPS35 (a
applications in engineering such as aerospace heat-resistant
protein in the retromer complex) to autophagy by association
tiles, fiber optics for high speed communications, semiconductor
with autophagosomes, but no thorough investigation has been
electronics, and much more. Various processing speeds to
reported. Our study aims to characterize the role of VPS35 and
convert carbon fibers to silicon carbide were investigated.
the retromer complex in PD pathology with focus on autophagy.
Laser diffraction was used to measure the diameter of each
We hypothesize that VPS35 regulates autophagy through
fiber prior to mechanical testing to accurately determine the
retromer complex function. Our findings indicate that VPS35
mechanical properties of the processed fibers. Fractography
knockdown leads to inhibition of autophagy in a neuronal cell
was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and
line. Additionally, we found that inhibition of retromer function
phase analysis to evaluate the conversion process was assessed
independent of VPS35 knockdown represses autophagy. Future
with x-ray diffraction (XRD). Fracture strength and modulus of
work will focus on studying this phenomenon in mouse cortical
elasticity were taken from the results of the mechanical testing
neurons, a neuronal population affected by PD. This research
and evaluated using Weibull statistics relative to processing
was supported by Boise State University.
parameters’ relationship to the diameter, fracture strength,
Weibull statistics, and fractography will be discussed. This
research was supported by the National Science Foundation
The Pitfalls of Courtship: Is There SexBias in Viral Transmission?
– REU Program in Materials for Energy and Sustainability and
Elisa Wilson, 2Justin Anast, 2Luann Scott, and 2Dr. Holly A.
Wichman (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University.
Gonzaga University 1 and University of Idaho 2
The Effect of VPS35 Mutation (D620N)
on Autophagy
To better understand viral dynamics in host populations, we are
Brandon Wagner, Iva Stojkovska and Dr. Brad Morrison
(Faculty Mentor)
this model, we are evaluating transmission of DXV, a member of
Boise State University
ICUR 2014
Iva Stojkovska, Brandon M. Wagner and Dr. Brad Morrison
(Faculty Mentor)
Silicon carbide (SiC) fibers have many notable properties such
parameters of the fibers. Details concerning the processing
26
Repression of Autophagy by VPS35 and
the Retromer Complex
1
developing a new model system using Drosophila melanogaster
(fruit flies) and its native viruses. As a first step in developing
the Birnaviridae family. Here we evaluate the role of sex-specific
interactions in viral transmission. Because there are high levels
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily
of interaction between male and female flies during courtship
effects movement and motor control in adults. There are over
and mating, we hypothesize that there will be a male-to-female
five hundred thousand people suffering from Parkinson’s in the
bias in viral transmission. Orally infected flies were combined
United States alone and that number is determined to be growing
with uninfected flies in a full factorial design with a mixed-sex
by fifty thousand cases a year. One of the distinct hallmarks of
control and sampled at designated time points. Transmission
Parkinson’s is protein agregates in neuronal cells known as “Lewy
to uninfected flies was evaluated via a PCR-based assay. Sex-
Bodies”. These aggregates are believed to be cleared, in part, by
specific groups are compared to mixed-sex groups to determine
the cellular process known as autophagy. Recent research has
if there is a sex bias in DXV transmission. These data will provide
linked a rare familial autosomal dominant form of Parkinson’s to
parameters for a mathematical model to predict population
a mutation of VPS35 (D620N) – a component of the retromer
dynamics of viral infection. This research was supported by the
complex. We hypothesize that this mutation results in repression
National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE and Howard Hughes
of autophagy. Utilizing western blot analysis we have been able to
Medical Institute through Gonzaga University.
Characteristics of Reproductive Habitat
for Harpy Eagles in Darién Province,
Panamá
The Effect of Interactions on the Growth
Dynamics of Vaginal Lactobacillus
Species
Jilma Rachel Guinea, 2Christopher J. W. McClure, 2José
de Jesus Vargas and 2F. Hernán Vargas and 2Dr. David L.
Anderson (Faculty Mentor)
Lewis-Clark State College 1 and University of
Tucker Jeppson, 2Helena Mendes-Soares and 2Dr. Larry J.
Forney (Faculty Mentor)
1
Humboldt State University 1 and The Peregrine
Idaho 2
Fund 2
The human body is home to diverse microbes that are thought
Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja), largest raptor of the Americas,
to be involved in the maintenance of health of their host. Among
is globally near threatened and regionally critically
these are several that belong to the genus Lactobacillus and
endangered. Their reproductive cycle is distinctive amongst
are key contributors to the maintenance of vaginal health.
all raptors and can take up to three years to successfully
They produce lactic acid, which acidifies the environment and
rear juveniles. Therefore, obtaining detailed knowledge
prevents the invasion by, or establishment of, pathogens. There
of their reproductive habitat would assist in creating new
are four main species of lactobacilli that are commonly found in
management policies and conservation guidelines. We
the human vagina. However, co-dominance is not frequent. This
measured variables describing forest characteristics within
may result from interactions among the lactobacilli where one
five 0.5-ha plots around each of ten nesting and control trees
species outcompetes the other. In order to test if this is the case
in the Pacific region of Darién Province, Panamá. Variables
we performed interaction experiments in vitro. We co-inoculated
measured were: tree family richness; tree density, height,
the different species at equal frequencies in growth media and
and diameter; shrub density; and coverage of understory and
measured the effects of the interaction on the total community
canopy foliage. We used Akaike’s Information Criterion to
in terms of co-culture growth rate, cell density, and relative
compare a series of models specified a priori to assess the
frequency of each interacting species after a 30-hour period
importance of forest characteristics. Results indicated that
of growth. The results from this experiment will help scientists
Harpy Eagles nested in forests having high heterogeneity
and physicians alike come to a better understanding of what
represented by high tree richness, variability in tree height
the community dynamics of the vaginal microbiome are and
and forest openings. Findings improve our understanding of
how these are involved in maintaining health. This research was
suitable reproductive habitat and provide greater ability to
sponsored by the National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE
conserve their environment to ensure the population growth.
Program, University of Idaho and Lewis-Clark State College.
This research was supported by Boise State University and
The Peregrine Fund.
The Fundamental Interactions of 2D
Nanomaterial Powders and Surfactants
Engineering Acetylcholine Binding
Protein Chimeras as Tools for Structure
Guided Drug Design
Danielle Ranko, 1Janet Bobango, 1Martina Wilson, 2Nicole
Frank and 1Dr. Todd T Talley (Faculty Mentor)
1
Curtis Heishman, Richard Livingston, Dale Brown and Dr.
David Estrada (Faculty Mentor)
Idaho State University 1 and College of Western
Boise State University
Idaho 2
High yield and affordable production of graphene and
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated
other two-dimensional (2D) crystals has been a topic
ion channels with subtypes that share considerable structural
of considerable research in multiple disciplines. Liquid
identity with each other and related receptors. The similarity
exfoliation utilizing ionic surfactants has proven to be an
of these receptors presents the issue of off-target interactions
effective way to create 2D materials with potential uses
when developing new therapeutic compounds. The acetylcholine
such as lithium ion battery electrodes, printable electronics,
binding proteins (AChBPs) share considerable homology
and thermal interface materials. The focus of this research
with human nAChRs and demonstrate a ligand binding profile
is the examination of the relationship between surfactants
of that is similar to that observed for wild type receptors.
used in the exfoliation process and the quality of the
They have been used as structural surrogates of the nAChRs
resultant 2D nanoflakes of graphene and transition metal
in drug development. To improve the utility of the AChBPs,
dicalchogenides (TMDs). To do this we first create MoSe2,
we have used molecular biology techniques to modify the
MoS2, WS2, WSe2, and graphene suspended flakes via liquid
primary amino acid sequence of the proteins making them
exfoliation in an aqueous solution of ionic surfactant. We
more human-like in the ligand binding domain. The resulting
then create dry powders of randomly stacked 2D crystals
chimeric AChBP DNA was transfected into human cells for
for further use in device applications by freeze drying the
protein expression. The expressed proteins were purified from
solutions. Finally we perform DOSY NMR Spectroscopy, IR
the medium, characterized, and then co-crystallized in complex
Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric
with compounds of interest. Once crystals were obtained they
Analysis, and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission
were used to generate X-ray structures showing the molecular
Spectroscopy to elucidate the fundamental interactions
interactions of the compounds with the AChBPs. These
of surfactants with our 2D crystals. This research was
structures provide critical information for the design of new
supported by the National Science Foundation – REU
drugs. This research was supported by the National Institutes
Program in Materials for Energy and Sustainability and
of Health – Idaho INBRE Program, Idaho State University and
Boise State University.
College of Western Idaho.
ICUR 2014
1
27
Investigation of a Common DNA
Extraction Method for Environmental
Samples
Michael Lee, 2Eva Top and 2Dr. Thibault Stalder (Faculty
Mentor)
University of Nevada-Reno 1 and The University
of Idaho 2
1
Antibiotic resistance is a public health issue. Beyond
clinical and veterinary context, animal waste disposal, such
as utilization of manure as fertilizer, has been shown to
contribute to antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) spread into
the environment. These newly introduced genes may reach
groundwater via soil leaching. The overall goal of this project
is to get insight in the fate of ARGs from the manure to the
soil and leaching waters. Indeed, ARGs will be detected and
quantified from the total DNA directly extracted from the
samples. However, due to the complexity of environmental
sample, the range of total DNA extraction methods are often
limited to few environmental matrices. The aim of this project
is to determine the most suitable DNA extraction method that
extracts and purifies DNA from manure, soil and water. Five
allows for greater surface interaction with the electrolyte when
compared to layered materials, such as graphite. Compared to
other polymorphs of titanium dioxide the amorphous structure
of the nanotubes allow insertion of sodium-ions while other
structures, such as anatase and rutile, have not been shown to
intercalate sodium-ions well enough for functional use. In this
research we have tried to optimize the amorphous titanium
dioxide nanotubes for sodium-ion battery systems by varying the
physical parameters of the nanotubes. Primarily we are looking at
how the inner tube diameter and wall thickness of the nanotubes
affect battery functionality. This research was supported by the
National Science Foundation – REU Program in Materials for
Energy and Sustainability and Boise State University.
Progress Towards the Development
of Novel, Early Transition State MTNSpecific Inhibitors to Interrupt Bacterial
Signaling Processes
Patrick Erstad, Adrian Richey and Dr. John Thurston (Faculty
Mentor)
The College of Idaho
commercial DNA extraction kits have been tested on each
Infectious disease accounts for approximately one-third of
sample. To define the most effective method, the quantity and
the annual worldwide mortality. In the past two decades,
quality of the total extracted DNA have been assessed in term
increasing rates of drug resistant, and multiple-drug resistant
of DNA yield, integrity and purity. Analysis of these results will
microbial infections underscore the urgent need to develop new
determine the most appropriate method to use for this project.
antibiotics that are selective and safe. One potential target for
This research was supported by the National Institutes of
novel antibiotics is the microbe specific 5’ Methylthioadenosine
Health – Idaho INBRE Program and University of Idaho.
/S-adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase (MTN), an enzyme with
a central role in nutrient salvage and synthesis of bacterial
Synthesis of Amorphous Titanium
Dioxide Nanotubes as Electrode for
Sodium-Ion Batteries
Aaron Forde, 2Michael Reinisch, 3Riley Parrish and 3Dr. Hui
Xiong (Faculty Mentor)
University of Wisconsin-Stout 1, University of
Arkansas 2 and Boise State University 3
1
Amorphous titanium dioxide nanotubes show promise as a
next generation electrode material for sodium ion batteries.
Their desirable characteristics are high surface area to volume
ratio, intercalation ability with sodium ions, low environmental
impact, and relative ease of synthesizing by electrochemical
methods. The high surface area to volume ratio of the nanotubes
quorum sensing signals that govern processes such as drug
resistance, biofilm formation, and the expression of virulence.
As part of this work we have investigated the formation of
novel non-hydrolysable nucleoside analogs to serve as MTN
inhibitors. The compounds that are being developed as part
of this project bear direct C-C connectivity between the
ribose scaffold and the base component of the nucleoside
molecule. This structural feature allows these molecules to
mimic the early portion of the transition state found in the MTN
catalyzed reaction pathway. The ultimate goal of this project
will be to develop compounds that show both a high affinity
and specificity for the bacterial enzyme. This research was
supported by the National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE
Program and The College of Idaho.
Generalized AES-based Hash Functions
1
Joshua Keller, 2Bridget Schreiner, 3Jeffrey Schreiner-McGraw, 4Kevin Stubbs and 5Dr. Liljana Babinkostova (Faculty Mentor)
Worcester Polytechnic Institute 1, Wellesley College 2, Willamette University 3, University of Maryland 4
and Boise State University 5
For the last three decades, hash functions have been an essential element of the cryptography that is used for securing computers and
electronic communications. Their use is vital and the need to understand them in depth is crucial. The Advanced Encryption Standard
(AES), established by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology in 2001, is the current encryption standard and has
widespread use in industry and government, from internet banking and wireless communications to data on hard drives. Several hash
functions have been developed to use modified versions of AES internally. Our research has centered on determining the algebraic
ICUR 2014
structure of the sets of encryption functions of AES-based ciphers used in these hash functions, and has focused specifically on
28
investigating certain mathematical properties which have been proven to imply significant security weaknesses. Extending known results,
we provide some classification of the generalized AES-based ciphers. This research was supported by the National Science Foundation
– REU Program in Mathematics and Boise State University.
Cytokine Production by Human
Monocytes Following Activation with
Antibiotic Treated MRSA
Taylor Simmons, Savanah Edwards and Dr. Jamee C. Nixon
(Faculty Mentor)
Northwest Nazarene University
Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacteria found on skin and
in the nose of ~30% of the population. S. aureus is easily treated
if an infection develops. Due to the overuse of antibiotics,
incorrect dosages, and the result of genetic transformations,
strains of S. aureus have acquired drug resistant genes. With
limited treatment options, methicillin-resistant S. aureus
(MRSA) can result in dangerous and life-threatening infections.
Treatment of bacteria, including S. aureus, with incorrect
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
FOR UNDERGRADUATES
AND TEACHERS IN
MATERIALS FOR
ENERGY AND
SUSTAINABLILITY
Boise State is home to one of the most productive
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) programs
in the Pacific Northwest. We offer innovative
undergraduate and graduate programs that facilitate
interdisciplinary research with Physics, Chemistry,
Biology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and
Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering.
antibiotics as well as incorrect dosages has been shown to alter
the surface of the bacteria cells (published data). The surface is
critical in stimulating the human immune response to begin to
fight an infection. The initiation of an immune response can be
monitored by levels of cytokines secreted by human monoctyes.
The overall purpose of this research is to determine if MRSA
treated with sub-inhibitory levels of nafcillin and clindamycin
would result in different levels of cytokines being produced
by human monocyte cells. While this can be accomplished in
various ways, the focus of this research is to analyze cytokine
production by using ELISA techniques. This research was
supported by the National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE
Program and Northwest Nazarene University.
Characterization and Expression of
Acetycholinesterase, Metallothioneins
and Total Elemental Mercury in Signal
Crayfish, Pacifasticus lenisculus,
inhabiting the Boise River in
Southwestern Idaho
Our faculty members are nationally and
Laura L. Holden, Juan Carlos Cervantes Reyes, Connor
Lineberger, Collin H. Clovis and Dr. Mark P. Gunderson
(Faculty Mentor)
internationally recognized in the areas of novel
The College of Idaho
materials, biological sciences, and nanotechnology.
In this study, the signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus, was
We promote close student collaboration with
used as a model organism to study the effects of environmental
our faculty on funded research in areas such
as semiconductor device reliability, nanoscale
fabrication, microelectronics packaging, shape
memory alloys, DNA nanotechnology, energy,
contamination on aquatic biota. Acetycholinesterase (AChE)
activity and metallothionein (MT) concentrations of signal crayfish
exposed to the organophosphate dimethoate and the metals zinc
chloride and mercuric chloride was examined. The same endpoints
were characterized in animals collected from sites along the Boise
biomaterials, materials characterization, and
River with varying land use practices. Total mercury was measured
materials modeling.
in order to correlate a known AChE inhibitor and MT inducer to
Our program has developed strong community
response to dimethoate and HgCl2; while not inhibited by ZnCl2.
support including a nearly $13 million contribution
AChE activity was lower in sites located downstream of urban
from the Micron Foundation dedicated solely to
our Ph.D. program. This level of support allows us
to foster many opportunities to make significant
scientific contributions to cutting edge research.
values in the field. AChE activity was significantly inhibited in
and agricultural areas. We predicted that mercury concentrations
would follow a similar pattern. MT activity was significantly
induced in response to HgCl2. Neither dimethoate nor ZnCl2 led to
an induction of MT levels. MT levels were higher in sites associated
with certain bridges. Overall, this study demonstrates the use of
coen.boisestate.edu/mse-reu
in signal crayfish. This research was supported by the National
DMR-1359344 / NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Charitable Trust and J.A. & Katherine Albertson Foundation.
Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE Program, M.J. Murdock
ICUR 2014
AChE and MT as biological markers for contaminant exposure
29
Validation of Total Superoxide Dismutase
Activity in Signal Crayfish, Pacifastacus
leniusculus, as a Model for Contaminant
Exposure in Southwestern Idaho
Jessica J. Hansen Clovis and Dr. Mark P. Gunderson (Faculty
Mentor)
The College of Idaho
This project presents an approach to measuring oxidative
stress in signal crayfish using a total SOD assay. The signal
crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), native to Southwestern
Idaho rivers, is a keystone species and an ideal model for
studying the effect of environmental toxins in aquatic systems.
Elevated levels of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD)
indicate oxidative stress and have been shown to correlate
with environmental pollutants in aquatic animals. SOD is an
endogenous antioxidant that catalyzes superoxide radicals,
which induce cellular damage. The goal of this project was
to validate a SOD assay in signal crayfish and determine
whether or not it is a sensitive bioindicator of environmental
conditions. In this study, we examined total SOD activity levels
in the hepatopancreas of signal crayfish collected from sites
in Southwestern Idaho with varying land uses, and in signal
crayfish exposed to mercuric chloride. Future studies could
address the effect of heavy metals and organic pollutants on
SOD levels through in vivo treatments; as well as comparing
SOD activity in field samples from sites with a variety of land
uses. This research was supported by the National Institutes
of Health – Idaho INBRE Program, M.J. Murdock Charitable
ICUR 2014
Trust and J.A. & Katherine Albertson Foundation.
30
Utilizing Gold Nanoparticles for
Colorimentric Sensing
Samantha Ward, Herbert Huttanus, Dr. William L. Hughes, Dr.
William B. Knowlton, Dr. Bernard Yurke and Dr. Jeunghoon
Lee (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
The Catalytic Hairpin Assembly (CHA) system possesses
the ability to enhance detection sensitivity of a specific
target sequence by employing a DNA circuit functionalized
to gold nanoparticles. This system could be utilized to
detect genetic disorders and pathogens without the need
for high-cost medical equipment, because detection is
reported through red-to-blue colorimetric change which is
visible to the naked eye. The enhancement is achieved when
the DNA circuit hybridizes the two hairpins, bringing the
nanoparticles closer together while regenerating the target
strand. We have developed a two-step process in which the
Target and Hairpin strands are permitted to react before
the product is hybridized to gold nanoparticles. To bind the
circuit to nanoparticles, the hairpins hybridize with tether
strands already present on the particles. This approach
lessens the steric hindrance that would be present if the
hairpins were attached to the particles’ surfaces before the
start of the reaction. It has been found that even employing
the tether method with one hairpin improves the system’s
detection limit over a direct attachment method. This
research was supported by the W. M. Keck Foundation and
Boise State University.
Exploring a Transgenic Approach to
Understand Brainstem Neural Circuits
that Control Breathing Behaviors
Progress Toward the Development
of Novel, Late Transition State MTNSpecific Inhibitors to Interrupt Bacterial
Signaling Processes
Forrest Quick, Marc Benson, Vern Winston and Dr. Jason
Pilarski (Faculty Mentor)
Rainier Barrett, Lacey Wayment and Dr. John Thurston
(Faculty Mentor)
Idaho State University
The College of Idaho
In the U.S. the leading cause of death in newborn infants
Infectious disease accounts for approximately one-third of
less than 1 year of age is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
the annual worldwide mortality. In the past two decades,
(SIDS). While the exact nature of SIDS is unknown, death is
increasing rates of drug resistant, and multiple-drug
characteristically due to the failure of the cardiorespiratory
resistant microbial infections underscore the urgent need
system to recover from altercations in gas exchange.
to develop new antibiotics that are selective and safe.
Research has therefore focused on brainstem neural
One potential target for novel antibiotics is the microbe
circuits that dynamically regulate both breathing and
specific 5’ Methylthioadenosine /S-adenosylhomocysteine
cardiovascular function. We tested our hypothesis that
nucleosidase (MTN), an enzyme with a central role in
avian cardiorespiratory brainstem circuits are susceptible
nutrient salvage and synthesis of bacterial quorum sensing
to manipulation by a retrovirus that produces a fluorescent
signals that govern processes such as drug resistance,
protein (eGFP), as a first step in our overall goal to study
biofilm formation, and the expression of virulence. As
the neural circuits that control breathing. Results indicate
part of this work we have investigated the formation of
that compared to control animals, embryos infected with the
novel non-hydrolysable nucleoside analogs to serve as
retroviral construct showed fluorescently labeled neurons
MTN inhibitors. The compounds that are being developed
in regions associated with circuits that control breathing,
as part of this project bear one or more methylene units
suggesting successful viral uptake and propagation.
between the ribose scaffold and the base component of the
Future studies will use more specific neurotoxin constructs
nucleoside molecule. This structural feature allows these
incorporated into retroviral vectors enabling targeting
molecules to mimic the later portion of the transition state
deletions of specific neurotransmitter systems and clearer
found in the MTN catalyzed reaction pathway. The ultimate
understanding of the maturation of breathing-related neural
goal of this project will be to develop compounds that show
circuits. This research was supported by the National
both a high binding affinity and specificity for the bacteria.
Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE Program and Idaho State
This research was supported by the National Institutes of
University.
Heath – Idaho INBRE Program and The College of Idaho.
B O I S E S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
M c nair
Postbaccalaureate
Achievement Program
The Boise State McNair Scholars, a U.S. Department of Education sponsored TRiO
program, serves undergraduate students from groups underrepresented in graduate
education and first generation college students from low-income backgrounds. The
program prepares these scholars to successfully pursue graduate studies, the Ph.D.
program, and careers in university teaching and research through academic enrichment,
involvement in research, and other scholarly activities.
The McNair program aims to diversify institutions of higher learning and research by increasing
the number of low-income, first generation and ethnic minority college students pursuing
graduate studies.
education.boisestate.edu/mcnair
P217A120308 / US Department of Education
R. Blaine Kempe and Dr. Michele R. Brumley (Faculty
Mentor)
Idaho State University
The purpose of this experiment was to examine the
Effects of Elevated Lipomobilization on
Polymorphonucleocyte Gene Expression
of Inflammatory Markers in Early
Lactating Dairy Cows
C. E. Watt, Z. M. Amiri, C. Scholte, C. Y. Tsai and Dr. P.
Rezamand (Faculty Mentor)
effect of treadmill speed on stepping behavior in P1
University of Idaho
rats. Stepping was induced with the serotonergic
Massive lipid mobilization occurs as the body attempts to
receptor agonist quipazine. There were four treadmill
compensate for deficit in energy intake, and alters blood
speed conditions: fast, medium, slow, and non-moving
fatty acid (FA), which may change FA profile, cell membrane
(control). The medium speed (2.5 cm/s) was calculated by
composition, and cell function. The objective was to study the
measuring the average speed of a P1 rat’s limb movements
mRNA expression of Interleukin-8 receptor (IL-8R), Caspase-1
following treatment with quipazine. The slow speed was
(CASP-1) and L-Selectin (SELL) in polymorphonucleocytes
30% slower and the fast speed was 30% faster than the
(PMNs) as these are active during proinflammatory responses.
medium speed, respectively. During a 30-min test period,
Thirty-four cows were blocked by parity, and received two
subjects were suspended over a treadmill belt following
rations from d -28 to d +21. Treatment ration contained basal
injection (IP) of quipazine (3.0 mg/kg, 50 microliters).
diet plus an additional 10 kg of corn/day, and the control group
Subjects showed treadmill speed-dependent differences
received no additional corn but added 400 mg monensin;
in stepping: subjects stepping on a faster moving belt
treatment cows were fasted for 8 h on d +3. Real-time q-PCR
showed significantly more alternated forelimb steps than
was performed on circulating PMNs obtained at d -28, +3, +12,
subjects stepping on a slower moving belt. Subjects in
and +21. Dietary treatment had no detectable effect on mRNA
the fast speed condition showed the highest number of
expression of CASP-1, IL-8R, and SELL (P > 0.05). However,
steps, whereas subjects in the control condition showed
expression of genes tested was changed over time (P < 0.001).
the least amount. This is the earliest demonstration of
Expression of IL-8R and SELL tended to also differ by parity (P
treadmill speed affecting locomotion in mammals. These
< 0.09). Further research is needed to mechanistically explain
findings suggest that sensory feedback influences the
the effect of excess adipose stores on PMN responses to both
neurobehavioral development of locomotor circuits. This
immunologically challenged and un-challenged states. This
research was supported by the National Institutes of
research was supported by the National Institutes of Health –
Health – Idaho INBRE Program and Idaho State University.
Idaho INBRE Program and University of Idaho.
ICUR 2014
Treadmill Speed Alters Forelimb
Stepping In Neonatal Rats
31
ARTS AND
HUMANITIES
I N ST I T U T E
The Arts and Humanities Institute at Boise State sustains and champions the work of artists and humanists. Its
mission is to bridge the arts and the humanities in transformative ways by promoting creative and humanistic
collaborations across all areas of inquiry; embodying and advancing the cultural, ethical, and aesthetic values
necessary to flourishing democratic societies; and exemplifying engaged, life-long learning for our students,
our faculty, the community and the region. The AHI brings together disciplines that differ in their modes of
expression but share common interests and methods of inquiry: the fine and performing arts, letters, languages,
history, and philosophy. It benefits scholars, artists, and practitioners in all disciplines, as well as students and
community members of diverse interests and backgrounds, by funding activities related to the collaborative
mission of the AHI; providing programs that fulfill the mission of the AHI for local and visiting scholars and
artists, students, and community members; and serving as an administrative hub for mission-related grant
facilitation and management, exhibits, research and creative activities, performances, lectures, publicity, and
community outreach activities.
ahi.boisestate.edu
Differences In Prey Items Within
Sagebrush and Agricultural Hunting
Territories of American Kestrels
Establishment of a Protocol to Assess
Fitness of Plasmids Evolved in Biofilms
Versus Liquid Cultures
1
Lauren Kruger, 2Shawn Smith, 2Michael Henderson and 2Dr.
Julie Heath (Faculty Mentor)
Bethel Kohler, Thibault Staulder and Dr. Eva Top (Faculty
Mentor)
Humboldt State University 1 and Boise State
University of Idaho
ICUR 2014
University 2
32
Antibiotic resistance is a major public health issue. Antibiotic
Several wildlife species thrive in both wild and rural areas;
resistance genes are often acquired through horizontally
however, the trade-offs associated with living in wild or
transferred plasmids. Plasmids can impose a fitness cost on
cultivated areas may differ. In this study, we analyzed the
bacterial hosts when antibiotic pressure is removed; however, it
diet of breeding American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) in
has been shown that when coevolved under antibiotic selection
Southwestern Idaho to evaluate the importance and effects
plasmids can become more persistent in an evolved population.
of nesting habitat on foraging habits and diets. Kestrels are
These observations were made under conventional, well-mixed
known to be non-specialist hunters and consume various prey
liquid culture conditions though. In the environment bacteria
species such as grasshoppers, voles, mice and small birds. We
usually grow in biofilms, which may affect the outcome of plasmid-
expected an abundance of rodents in territories to correlate
host coevolution. The project’s aim is to test if plasmids will
positively with an increase of mammals being brought to
reach a higher fitness in the structured environment provided by
the nest and that this may depend on habitat type. We used
biofilms. The plasmid pBP136:Gm was coevolved within Shewanella
infrared motion-sensing cameras installed in several artificial
oneidensis MR1 under selection for the plasmid in liquid cultures
nests boxes; either sagebrush (n = 3) and or agricultural
and biofilms. To assess the relative fitness of the evolved vs
territory (n = 2), to record specific prey items brought into the
ancestral plasmids, competition assays, mixing ancestral and
nests and quantified the animals through observation. We then
evolved plasmids within the same ancestral host population, have
compared these observations to small mammal population
been set up. By quantifying evolved and ancestral plasmids at
data collected via track plates for the same nest site. The prey
the beginning and end of the competition assay with qPCR, we
data was analyzed to determine the abundance of mammals at
can calculate the increase in fitness of the evolved plasmids. This
the time of rearing of nestlings. This research was supported
research was supported by the National Institutes of Health –
by Boise State University.
Idaho INBRE Program and University of Idaho.
Are Two Really Better than One? A
Comparison of Single Viral Infections
with Co-infections
Roxanne L. Ko, Rebecca McKenzie, Christine E. Parent, Holly
A. Wichman and Dr. Tanya A. Miura (Faculty Mentor)
targeting this enzyme for a new and novel antibiotic possible.
The production of methylthioadenosine analogs starting with
the common sugar Ribose and adjusting the 1’ aryl group and
2’ positively charged substituent was the goal of the project.
β-D-Ribofuranose 1,2,3,5-tetraacetate was subjected to several
University of Idaho
reactions to vary the aryl ring at the 1’ position and vary the
Viral co-infections are believed to be commonplace in natural
substituents have the ability for a range of inhibitors to be
populations; however, they remain relatively understudied at
the population level. The co-infection relationship involves
a complex anti-viral host response as well as inter-viral
interactions, yet the fluctuations in virulence between single
and co-infections are unclear. To better understand the
effects of viral co-infection, a new model system was used: a
host, Drosophila melanogaster, and two fruit-fly specific RNA
viruses, DCV and DXV. The viruses were fed to flies orally,
replicating a natural infection route, and were observed for
changes in mortality rate, viral persistence, and reproductive
rate. We hypothesized viral co-infection would increase
mortality rate, cause a prolonged viral persistence, and
increase the reproductive rate relative to single infections.
The results from this experiment will not only provide
specific analysis of DCV and DXV co-infections, but also shed
light on the effects of viral co-infections in a host population.
This research was supported by the National Institutes of
Health – Idaho INBRE Program and University of Idaho.
positively charge substituent at the 2’ position. These different
synthesized for higher affinity to MTN. For further work, these
compounds will be further reacted to match the 5’ position.
This variety of inhibitors will be tested to determine the
overall affect of inhibition against MTN. This research was
supported by the National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE
Program and Boise State University.
Image Analysis: Tree Segmentation In
Aerial Orchard Photographs
Peter Oxley, Duke Bulanon and Dr. Barry Myers (Faculty
Mentor)
Northwest Nazarene University
Automation and crop optimization are becoming increasingly
important considerations in agriculture. Recent advancements
in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and photography technology
make aerial crop surveys a viable next-step in this process. In
order for information collected by this method to be useful
to the agricultural professional, accurate analysis of the
Progress Towards the Development
of Novel C-Nucleosides to Inhibit the
Bacterial Enzyme MTN and Interrupt
Signaling Processes
photographs must be performed. In the case of orchards,
Hank Dossett, 2John Thurston and 1Dr. Ken Cornell (Faculty
Mentor)
consistent shapes and patterns in tree crowns, and by the
1
Boise State University 1 and College of Idaho 2
near infra-red (NIR) images are captured from near-nadir
perspective and evaluated for tree health and input efficiency.
A preliminary step in this process is separating and identifying
individual trees. This task is complicated by the lack of
tendency of orchard trees to be touching or overlapping. The
goal of this project was to understand the various methods
The World Health Organization reported this year that a
which have been used to accomplish similar object detection
growing rise in antibiotic resistance has reached global
tasks and to combine and implement those which apply to
recognition. New classes of antibiotics haven’t been FDA
orchard survey images. Several necessary image pre-processing
approved since 1987 making new novel antibiotics a need for
steps have been identified and automated, and existing tree
antibiotic resistance microbes. An inhibitor to the enzyme
identification and isolation strategies have been refined. This
Methylthioadenosine nucleosidase (MTN), a salvage pathway
research was supported by the National Institutes of Health –
for many important metabolism functions in microbes, makes
Idaho INBRE Program and Northwest Nazarene University.
Characterization of Aspartate Residues in the β2 Subunit of α3β2 Nicotinic
Acetylcholine Receptors
Rosey Whiting and Dr. James R. Groome (Faculty Mentor)
Idaho State University
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchRs) are ligand-gated ion channels implicated in Parkinson’s disease and nicotine addiction1.
Because of their possible applications in medicine, research into characterizing the specific residues that bind acetylcholine and
initiate ion flow is of particular interest. This study investigated the importance of aspartate residues in the β2 subunit of the α3β2
nAchR by designing charge substituting, reversing, and neutralizing primers to be used in site directed mutagenesis. In-vitro RNA
was successfully synthesized for the mutation β2 D193A and was co-expressed with α3 in Xenopus oocytes. Two-electrode voltage
clamp of the oocytes recorded ion flow as current when doses of acetylcholine were injected into the recording chamber. From
research is to characterize their function in binding acetylcholine. This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health
– Idaho INBRE Program and Idaho State University.
ICUR 2014
these experiments, a dose response curve was generated for wild-type α3β2 and recordings for the charge neutralizing mutation
D193A have begun. Due to the potential of β2 D192 and D193 to be therapeutic targets in cholinergic disorders, the goal of this
33
following features of the participants’ language production were
analyzed: number of turns taken in the conversation, length of
utterances (in words), number of target vocabulary words used,
and accuracy of present progressive forms. The presentation will
describe the learning gains made by the participants and will
offer recommendations for the use of communication tasks in
elder refugee education. This research was supported by Boise
State University Student Research Initiative Program.
An Observational Study Among Refugee
Students Over 60 Years Old
Rina Rajbahak and Dr. Sarah Toevs (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Refugees who come to the United States of America are culturally
The Role of Hyaloid Vasculature in the
Early Development of the Zebrafish
Retina
Megan Batty, 2Susov Dhakal, 2Dr. Deborah Stenkamp
(Faculty Mentor)
Gonzaga University 1 and University of Idaho 2
1
The human neural retina undergoes neurogenesis at a
developmental time that coincides with the formation of the
intraocular hyaloid vasculature. Interestingly, little is known
about possible developmental regulatory interactions between
the ocular vasculature and retinal progenitors. Here we used
the zebrafish (Danio rerio), in which the retina undergoes
neurogenesis between 24-72 hours post fertilization (hpf),
corresponding with the time of ocular vascular development.
The embryonic zebrafish eye is not dependent upon vascular
oxygen delivery, making it ideal for pursuing non-metabolic
developmental interactions. We utilized specific transgenic fish to
selectively ablate vascular endothelial cells in embryos, and then
examined the effects of this condition on retinal neurogenesis. In
true for older adults. The English Language Center (ELC) and
the SHINE program at Boise State University provide a platform
for older adult refugees to learn and overcome the challenges
of adapting to a new place. The observational study is going
on among refugees over 60 with the help of Center of Aging,
Boise State University. The purpose of this observational study
is to gather information about the experiences of refugees over
the age of 60 in the language classes from social and health
perspectives. Preliminary findings indicate that the challenges
include hearing and vision problems, difficulty in understanding
and learning English and lack of social interaction. Additionally,
due to language barriers between the teachers, volunteers
and students the transition process has not been as smooth as
expected. This research was supported by Boise State University.
Synthetic Studies Toward StructureActivity Relationship Evaluation of
Veranamine
observed abnormal synapses, and reduced numbers of ganglion
cells, rod and cone photoreceptors, and Müller glia in embryos
This poster describes the synthesis of structural analogs of a
lacking endothelial cells. Our results suggest that local signals
marine natural product called Veranamine. In 2008, Veranamine
from vascular endothelial cells may be important for early
was isolated from the marine sponge V. Rigida and is identified as a
retinal development. This research was supported by Gonzaga
potential anti-depressant via mouse assay. In 2013 Dr. Magolan and
University and University of Idaho.
co-workers completed the first synthesis of Veranamine. This work
histology at both 48hpf and 72hpf. Using specific markers we
Task-Based Language Learning in Elder
Refugee Education
1
is focused on preparation of Veranamine analogs for the purpose
of a structure-activity-relationship study in order to further
advance this structural scaffold as a potential anti-depressant lead
Chelsea Jordan and Dr. Casey Keck (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
compound. This research was supported by the National Institutes
Although a considerable amount of research in the field of
Law-Abiding Anglers of the Treasure
Valley
applied linguistics has focused on the effectiveness of oral
communication tasks in university foreign language classes, no
of Health – Idaho INBRE Program and University of Idaho.
in the context of elder refugee language education. To address
Nychele Haskell and Dr. Kathryn Demps (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
this gap, the present study investigates the use of communication
Laws and regulations can affect our values and use of ecosystem
tasks in an English language class for recently relocated elder
services as public resources. Recreational activities, such as fishing,
refugees. Participants completed a series of tasks targeting
prove to not be the exception since a careful balance must exist
present progressive verb forms (e.g., is walking, are watching): (1)
between being able to fish and the preservation of landscapes and
an oral pre-test, (2) three collaborative tasks with classmates, and
ecosystems. We examined fishing behavior and compared it to
(3) an oral post-test. Task sessions were audio recorded, and the
local regulations obtained through the Idaho Fish & Game website.
studies to date have investigated the effectiveness of these tasks
ICUR 2014
new languages are always a challenge and this is particularly
Jeffrey Crawford and 2Dr. Jakob Magolan (Faculty Mentor)
Brigham Young University-Idaho 1 and University
of Idaho 2
the absence of endothelial cells the retina displayed disorganized
34
and linguistically diverse. Adopting a new culture and learning
in the Treasure Valley regarding their knowledge of the regulations
at their current fishing site, their observations of others neglecting
regulations in the past, and self-reports of their adherence to
fishing regulations. Preliminary results indicate that 86% of anglers
believe that others always adhere to local regulations; as a follow
up, 45% of those surveyed were unable to correctly answer a
question regarding general regulations. A majority (86%) were
in favor of having rule and regulation signs posted at all popular
fishing sites in the Treasure Valley. We discuss how posting rules
at popular fishing sites could promote better understanding of
the rules and lead to a more efficient use of the ecological service
of fishing. This research was supported by the National Science
Foundation – EPSCoR MURI Program and Boise State University.
New Oxidations Using DMSO and Visible
Light
1
Jacob Wimpenny, 2Megha Karki and 2Dr. Jakob Magolan
(Faculty Mentor)
Lewis-Clark State College1 and University of Idaho2
Oxidations are among the most common organic reactions
utilized in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery programs.
This work aims to develop new oxidation reactions that utilize
dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as a terminal oxidant under visible light
photoredox catalysis conditions. DMSO is preferred over most
other oxidants because it is inexpensive, environmentally benign,
and non-toxic. Visible light photoredox catalysis has recently
emerged as a mild and straightforward method to achieve
reactivity of various functionalities via single electron transfer
Do Resident American Kestrels (Falco
Sparverius) Maintain Territories and Pair
Bonds Year-Round
pathways. This poster will describe our preliminary reaction
Michael Henderson, Elizabeth H. Urban, Alexandra M.
Anderson and Dr. Julie A. Heath (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
of Health – Idaho INBRE Program, Lewis-Clark State College and
In partially migratory populations, remaining a resident on
breeding grounds may be affected by anthropogenic changes
such as: warmer winters, changes in land use, and availability of
supplemental food. Residents that maintain territories or pairbonds throughout the year may have the advantage of nesting
earlier. We tested the hypothesis that resident American kestrels
(Falco sparverius) nest earlier because they maintain year-round
territories and pair-bonds. Also, we examined whether yearround territoriality depended on habitat type. From 2011-2014,
we captured, marked, and resighted American kestrels during
the non-breeding season, and then captured birds in nest boxes
during the breeding season. We calculated distances between
wintering locations and nesting sites considering 1 km as its
territory. We observed 41 (n = 22 females, 19 males, n=8 pairs)
kestrels in both breeding and non-breeding seasons. There was
evidence that residents remained within 1 km of their nest site
during the winter (p<0.01), regardless of habitat type (p=0.72)
and sex (p=0.87). Results from the study will contribute to our
understanding of how anthropogenic impacts affect the migratory
strategies. This research was supported by the National Science
Foundation – Idaho EPSCoR Program and Boise State University.
discovery and optimization efforts toward new and unique
oxidations of various substrates including alcohols, sulfides, and
amines. This research was supported by the National Institutes
University of Idaho.
DNA Barcoding of Physidae: Searching
for a Species
J. Tyrell Styhl, 1M. Aaron Steele, and 2Dr. Ronald Strohmeyer
(Faculty Mentor)
College of Western Idaho 1 and Northwest
Nazarene University 2
1
Physidae is a family of freshwater snails that are distributed in the
Holarctic with occurrences in Central and South America. Genera
within Physidae are sinistral, making genus identification relatively
simple. However due to the close relatedness of species within
Physidae, shell morphology alone will not identify the species of a
specimen. Current methods used to identify species within Physidae
are laborious and require molluscan anatomical knowledge. This
study attempted to identify species belonging to Physidae using DNA
Barcoding methods. Seven specimens collected during a previous
study, and identified using dichotomous keys as belonging to the
genus Physa, were used for DNA Barcoding. DNA was extracted
from each specimen and cytochrome oxidase I specific primers
were used to amplify mitochondrial DNA. Due to the degradation of
samples, which were collected during winter months and assumed
to be deceased upon collection, successful Physidae DNA extraction
Synthesis of MF-438, an Inhibitor of
Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase with Potential
Anti-lung Cancer Activity
proved not to be possible. Bioinformatics analysis of DNA sequences
Kyle Clark and Dr. Jakob Magolan (Faculty Mentor)
University of Idaho
Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE Program, Northwest Nazarene
This poster describes our synthesis of a small molecule inhibitor
of Stereoyl CoA Desaturase 1 (SCD1) for use by our collaborator
Prof. Gennaro Ciliberto at the National Tumor Institute in Italy
who is investigating the role of SCD1 in lung cancer. Recent
evidence suggests that SCD1 is strongly up regulated in lung
cancer stem cells (CSCs) and thus therapeutic targeting of SCD1
may potentially lead to a new class of therapeutics in this field.
Our synthetic work provides a valuable compound that is critical
for further biological studies in this area by our collaborators. This
research was supported by the National Institutes of Health –
Idaho INBRE Program and University of Idaho.
showed each sample was contaminated with Pseudomonas bacteria
and that the COI primers used, amplified a cytochrome oxidase gene
within this bacteria. This research was supported by the National
University and College of Western Idaho.
Possible effects of LINE-1 Elements
on the Genes Responsible for Celiac
Disease
Timothy McDonald and Dr. Barry Myers (Faculty Mentor)
Northwest Nazarene University
Celiac disease is an auto immune disease which is a form of gluten
sensitivity. This disease can occur when two genes located in the
MHC (Major histocompatibility complex), HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1,
are certain types of alleles. Mice do not have Celiac disease, though
ICUR 2014
A sample size of 80 adults were surveyed from various fishing sites
35
they have two genes, H2-Aa and H2-Ab1, homologous to the Celiac
of guest atoms inside the cage-frame structure of the
disease-causing genes in humans. LINE-1’s (Long Interspersed
skutterudite. Using the computational modeling software
Elements) can have various effects on both gene expression and on
Vienna Ab-initio Simulation Package (VASP), we have
the allele of a gene, depending on their placement in and around a
optimized a series of structures of Co4Sb12-2x(TexGex)
gene. The average placements of L1 elements in and around the genes
compounds. Computational results provide detailed insight
listed above were examined by running Repeat Masker on 8 human
into structural features, which are crucial for the design and
and 8 mouse genetic sequences to locate L1’s. Using this data L1
synthesis of the materials. We have also calculated density
locations and their proximity to the genes’ exons were examined via
of states to predict the effect of guest atoms on electrical
graphs. The overall percentage of L1’s was larger in human sequences
conductivity. Computational prediction agrees well with
than in mouse sequences by approximately 17% to 3%. L1’s were found
experiment. This research was supported by the National
in HLA-DQA1 and H2-Ab, but not in their equivalent genes H2-Aa and
Science Foundation – REU Program in Materials for Energy
HLA-DQB1. No L1’s were found inside of exons in any of the genes
and Sustainability and Boise State University.
examined. This research was supported by the National Institutes of
Health – Idaho INBRE Program and Northwest Nazarene University.
Applying RAD Sequencing for
Conservation Genomics: Two Case
Studies
Boise State University
Poly(vinyledenefluoride-co-triflouroethylene) or P(VDF-TrFE)
Restriction-site-associated DNA (RAD) sequencing has
in response to electric fields, or generate charge when
make inferences about behavior, disease and gene transfer
in populations. Two case studies were analyzed using this
exhibits piezoelectric properties. It will deform mechanically
mechanically strained. The objective is to coat thin wire
strands with P(VDF-TrFE), then with another conductive
metal. Actuation can be achieved by applying voltage pulses
process. First, 72 samples of DNA from various populations of
between the center wire and metal coating, creating an effect
Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) were sequenced, and
similar to artificial muscles. Coiling the coated cord will allow
further analysis of the data will determine what role genes play
expansion and contraction in a different dimension, amplifying
in the transmissible facial tumor disease that is threatening
the actuation when voltage is applied. Poling the material can
the species’ extinction. This data could also be important for
be accomplished in a similar manner by using a high constant
further research into other cancers. Second, using a basic
voltage. This will create the necessary molecular alignment
local alignment search tool combined with data from a gene
for the piezoelectric polymer to expand and contract. These
ontology database, functional information on candidate
strands could also be used to fabricate something like an array
selected loci was analyzed in two species of trout: rainbow
of follicles that sense pressure or fluid flow. The actuation
trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) and westslope cutthroat trout
can be controlled with an artificial neural network and sensor
(Onchorhynchus lewisi). If these loci code for genes that have
arrays could also send information to one. The outcome of
similar functions, it would further confirm that the persistence
this project will be development of fabrication protocols as
of the genetically pure westslope cutthroat population is being
well as characterization of a piezoelectric coil specifically for
threatened by the invasion of rainbow trout. Overall, results
biologically-inspired architecture. This research was supported
from these two studies will show the significance of applying
by Boise State University Student Research Initiative Program.
RAD sequencing in conservation genomics. This research was
supported by the National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE
Program and University of Idaho.
Structures and Thermoelectric
Properties of Skutterudite Co4Sb122xTexGex
Logan Her and 2Dr. Lan Li (Faculty Mentor)
Cosumnes River College 1 and Boise State
University 2
1
ICUR 2014
Catherine A. Walker and Dr. Kurtis D. Cantley (Faculty
Mentor)
Mickinzie Johnson, and Dr. Paul Hohenlohe (Faculty Mentor)
University of Idaho
provided a way to gather information about species and
36
Investigating the Piezoelectric Response
of P(VDF-TrFE) Copolymer Strands
Identification of Staphylococcus Aureus
and Escherichia Coli, Two Common
Causative Agents of Nosocomial
Infection
Morgan Sower and Dr. Rhena Cooper (Faculty Mentor)
North Idaho College
Nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections present a problem in the
health care field. Patients with wounds, surgical sites, or weakened
immune systems may become infected with bacteria from the
To improve energy efficiency and reduce global warming, a
hospital environment and suffer serious complications. Even usually
promising solution is to develop high-performance, cost-
harmless flora may pose a threat to immunocompromised patients;
effective, and environmentally friendly thermoelectric
known pathogens are more concerning, and pathogens which have
materials, which can effectively convert waste heat
over time grown resistant to antimicrobial therapies and agents
into electric power. We have employed computational
are of the utmost concern. Microbes potentially responsible for
approaches to study the structure and electronic properties
nosocomial infections may be identified in the Microbiology lab
of skutterudite compound, Co4Sb12-2x(TexGex), where
after being collected from inanimate surfaces; an excellent starting
x= 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3. The compound has good electrical
point is chocolate agar, which provides a thorough picture of surface
conductivity properties. Its thermal conductivity can also be
contamination by enabling the growth of a wide range of organisms.
minimized by coordinating different type and concentration
Chocolate agar is composed of blood cells which have been opened
by heat, thereby exposing all of the previously enveloped
nutrients for easy access by all bacteria. For example,
Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, two of the
most common agents of nosocomial infection, may
begin on chocolate agar plates and next undergo
a series of steps for official identification outlined
in this study. This research was supported by
the National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE
Program and North Idaho College.
Millipede and Isopod GutDwelling Endosymbionts:
What’s in Your Backyard?
Sierra Hollar and Dr. Merlin White (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
LSAMP
The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority
Participation (LSAMP) is designed to support
students and give them the tools they need
Trichomycetes are currently recognized as an ecological
group of gut dwelling microorganisms associated with
various arthropods. One of the four orders of this traditional
class of Fungi, Eccrinales, is now recognized as a clade of
protists included within the Mesomycetozoea. Individual
Eccrinids are generally found as unbranched thalli attached
to the chitinous gut lining by a cement-fastened holdfast.
They release asexual sporangiospores that can be uni- to
multinucleate, which are used for host-to-host transfer
or to increase infestation within the same gut. Two hosts
known to regularly contain Eccrinids are Diplopoda and
Isopoda. Backyard millipedes and pill bugs were collected
to succeed with their academic and career
from Idaho, Michigan, Ohio and Washington. Gut linings and
goals. Some of the highlights that the LSAMP
any attached thalli mounted on slides were imaged with a
program offers are sponsorships to conferences,
mentoring programs, career building and
life skill seminars, informational sessions on
graduate school, LSAMP community events,
microscope. This contributes to ongoing collections of hosts
and trichomycete samples from different regions within
the United States and worldwide. The ancient symbiotic
relationship between Eccrinids and their hosts has led to
widespread occurrences of genera and species. Preliminary
socials, dinners, talks, retreats, and the paid
morphometric data will be used to delineate species,
summer Undergraduate Research Experience
where possible, or for comparison with known species. This
(LSAMP UREs). The aim is to increase the
number of degrees earned by under-represented
minority (URM) students in Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) majors.
stem.boisestate.edu/lsamp
HRD 0901996 / NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
research was supported by Boise State University Student
Research Initiative Program.
Computational Analysis of Ligament
Microstructure
Roshani Lamichhane and Dr. Trevor Lujan (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
The mechanical function of ligament is primarily supported
by a network of collagen fibers. The distribution and
orientation of these fiber networks are predictive of
the functional behavior of the tissue, and therefore
these structural features serve as an important outcome
measure for clinical treatments. The purpose of this study
is to develop an application to find fiber orientation and
distribution in ligaments from confocal images. A MATLAB
program has been created to automatically and accurately
process confocal images to acquire these parameters using
Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) method. It also calculates kӨ
and Ө¬p where kӨ is the fiber distribution coefficient and
Ө¬p is the preferred or average fiber angle. The program
was successful in determining the known kӨ and Ө¬p values
from a manufactured test pattern. This MATLAB program
is being ported into a user-friendly Java application to
ICUR 2014
LO U I S STO K E S A L L I A N C E F O R
M I N O R I T Y PA R T I C I PAT I O N
37
disseminate this technology to other research groups. The
invade into nearby circulatory or lymphatic systems. A protein
application will be helpful in understanding the structural
known to be important in this process is CD44. CD44 is known
features that influence the ligament’s strength and stability,
to be involved with both cell attachment and cell signaling. The
and will aid efforts to develop effective treatment strategies
induction of CD44 expression by inflammatory cytokines in four
that restore the function of injured ligament. This research
prostate cancer cell lines, Du145, PC3, PC3+STAT3, and LNCaP,
was supported by the National Institutes of Health – Idaho
was examined by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
INBRE Program and Boise State University.
(RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. A functional assay to evaluate
Developing a Tree-Ring Chronology for
Reconstructing Past Climate Conditions,
Coral Pink Sand Dunes, UT
Amy Cutter and Dr. David Wilkins (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
The Coral Pink Sand Dunes (CPSD) is one of the largest aeolian
dune fields in the Colorado Plateau. Dune fields provide a harsh
environment for vegetation and trees to survive because of
mobility of the soil and limited soil moisture, yet a large, disjunct
population of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) seemingly
thrives within the active dune field. Using the record of
growth patterns preserved in the tree rings, we may be able to
reconstruct past climate and dune field activity by correlating
measured ring-widths with climate variables. Cores were collected
from live ponderosas growing within the active dune fields at
Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Core samples were mounted, sanded
using progressively finer sandpaper and micro-finishing film for
optimal visibility of individual cell walls. Ring widths for each core
samples were measured, and the composite measured series were
statistically assessed yielding a series intercorrelation of 0.662.
The standardized chronology will provide a basis in understanding
past climate conditions and dune field activity as the study
continues to progress. This research was supported by Boise
the role of CD44-induced migration in prostate cancer cells will
be performed, and these results will be presented in our poster.
Investigating the importance of CD44 expression in prostate
cancer may increase the knowledge base needed to develop a
novel therapy for the prevention of metastatic prostate cancer.
This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health
– Idaho INBRE Program, Susan G. Komen Foundation, NASA,
American Cancer Society, M. J. Murdock Foundation, Mountain
States Tumor Institute, the Birt Family and Boise State University.
Investigations into Aziridinomitosene
DNA-Protein Crosslinking in Human
Cancer Cells
Cody Roell, Chris Mallory and Dr. Don Warner (Faculty
Mentor)
Boise State University
Aziridinomitosenes (AZMs) are organic molecules with high structural
similarity to mitomycin C (MC), a natural anti-tumor/antibiotic
that has been used for treatment of several types of cancers.
The formation of DNA-DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICL) are the
main source of MC-induced cytotoxicity. Investigations within our
laboratory have shown that AZMs are capable of forming ICLs with
similar or increased frequency than MC in Jurkat and HeLa cell lines.
In addition, preliminary studies suggest that AZMs are capable of
State University McNair Scholars Program.
forming DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs). Here we attempt to study
CD44 Expression in Metastatic Prostate
Cancer
this, we will conduct a modified alkaline COMET assay to test for any
Hannah Scott, Hunter Covert, Ken Tawara, Danielle Hedeen,
Steve Pekovich and Dr. Cheryl Jorcyk (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related
deaths in American men. When tumor cells spread (metastasize)
to other tissues, patient prognosis becomes unfavorable. For
metastasis to occur, tumor cells must leave the primary tumor and
the formation of DPCs in AZM-treated Jurkat and HeLa cells. To do
DPCs. Also, DNA from Jurkat and HeLa cells incubated with AZMs will
be isolated and labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). After
labeling, the FITC-labeled protein will be enzymatically cleaved and
the fluorescence prior to and after cleavage will be used to confirm
the presence of DPCs. These experiments will provide evidence that
DPCs are forming, solidifying the preliminary studies suggesting
that AZMs are able to covalently link protein to DNA. This research
was supported by the National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE
Program and Boise State University.
Biochemical Enrichment of the Mammalian Protein that Activates the Pseudomonas
Aeruginosa Toxin, ExoY
Peter T. Ferrero V and Dr. Marc A. Benson (Faculty Mentor)
Idaho State University
ExoY (Exoenzyme Y) is a secreted nucleotidyl cyclase toxin produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a nosocomial bacterium known to
infect patients with impaired immune systems, cystic fibrosis, and severe burns. Although how ExoY contributes to infection is poorly
understood, it is known that ExoY is only active in the presence of an unknown host protein activator. Our study uses anion-exchange
chromatography to enrich for the activator from A549 human lung carcinoma cells. Fractionated lysate proteins were examined for
their ability to activate ExoY and protein profiles visualized using silver stain. Our results indicate that the eukaryotic activator is an
acidic protein as the chromatographic fraction that activated ExoY the most required high salt concentrations (> 500 mM NaCl) for
ICUR 2014
elution. The protein profile of this fraction revealed a unique protein band at ~31 kD. Future directions include additional enrichment
38
via isoelectric focusing and hydroxyapatite chromatography, followed by identification of the host protein activator candidate(s) using
mass spectrometry. Identifying the host activator will clarify how ExoY contributes to pathogenesis. This research was supported by the
National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE Program and Idaho State University.
Synthesis and Polymerization of Novel
Doubly-Polymerizable Thiophenes and
Thiophene Substitued-Norbornenyl
Monomers for Their Use in Photovoltaic
Cells
Cores were collected from live ponderosas growing within the active
Kareha Agesa, 2Pete Barnes and 2Dr. Don Warner (Faculty
Mentor)
standardized chronology will provide a basis in understanding past
1
Denison University 1 and Boise State University 2
Polythiophenes are effective organic semiconductors because they
dune fields at Coral Pink Sand Dunes. Core samples were mounted,
sanded using progressively finer sandpaper and micro-finishing film
for optimal visibility of individual cell walls. Ring widths for each core
samples were measured, and the composite measured series were
statistically assessed yielding a series intercorrelation of 0.662. The
climate conditions and dune field activity as the study continues to
progress. This research was supported by Boise State University
McNair Scholars Program.
are non-corrosive, easily synthesized, conveniently modified, and
cells. Doubly-polymerizable thiophene monomers are preferred to
traditional polythiophenes because they avoid synthetic challenges
Atomic Layer Deposition of Alumina on
Magnesium Alloys
that lead to negative impacts in electrochemical properties. The
Griffith Allen, Steven Letourneau, Michael F. Hurley and Dr.
Elton Graugnard (Faculty Mentor)
synthesis of novel doubly-polymerizable thiophene monomers
Boise State University
will lead to a variety of conducting organic polymers. Thus far,
a 3-carboxylic-terthiophene monomer has been synthesized,
and an esterification has resulted in a norbornenyl substituted
2,5-dibromothiophene. Polythiophene formation techniques will
include more traditional chemical and electrochemical methods,
specifically utilizing Grignard Metathesis Method and cyclic
voltammetry. Then, ring-opening metathesis polymerization with
a Grubbs’ ruthenium catalyst will lead to a thiophene substituted
poly-norbornylene. These methods will work toward uncovering
the reliability of organic polymers with a thiophene framework in
the production and use of photovoltaic cells. This research was
supported by the National Science Foundation – REU Program in
Materials for Energy and Sustainability and Boise State University.
Green Stormwater Management
1
Dustin Wentworth and 2Liz Paul (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University 1 and Idaho Rivers United 2
This research will identify the factors to demonstrate the need to
implement Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) strategies in the
Boise metropolitan area. This Geographical Information System (GIS)
analysis will determine what percent of the landscape is impervious
in Boise and describe storm water management and water pollution
problems that result. Urban growth will increase the amount of
impervious surfaces, but GIS tools will be used to illustrate the
potential green strategies and the resulting benefits. GSI strategies
including tree planting, bioswales, permeable pavers eliminate
polluted runoff from discharging directly into the Boise River. This
research was supported by the National Science Foundation –
Magnesium alloys are integrated into many performance consumer
products because of their high strength to weight ratio. However, one
of the major engineering hurdles of these materials is the corrosion of
magnesium. As a consequence, the surfaces of these alloys must be
coated to prevent oxidation of the underlying metal. While chemical
and physical vapor deposition techniques have been used to coat
Mg alloys, little work has been done using atomic layer deposition
(ALD). ALD is a self-limiting chemical deposition technique that
allows for single or multiple, thin, pin-hole-free layers to be deposited
on various substrates. Using ALD, aluminum oxide (alumina, Al2O3)
coatings were applied to various magnesium alloy substrates in an
attempt to improve corrosion resistivity. Using electron microscopy,
X-ray diffraction, mechanical testing and corrosion experiments the
Al2O3 thin films grown by ALD were characterized for their use as a
protective coating on various magnesium alloys. This research was
supported by Boise State University.
Protein Glycation is Enhanced by
Physiological Anions that Facilitates
Mutarotation of Glucose in the Initial
Non-Covalent Step
Bomina Park, RW Holman, Hannah Roy, Margaret Murdock,
Allia Hoisington and Dr. Kenneth J. Rodnick (Faculty Mentor)
Idaho State University
Interactions between sugars and proteins can result in a multi-step
process leading to nonenzymatic glycation. It involves initial noncovalent binding followed by multiple covalent steps. We hypothesize
EPSCoR MURI Program and Idaho Rivers United.
that the rate determining step may involve non-covalent processes.
Developing a Tree-Ring Chronology for
Reconstructing Past Climate Conditions,
Coral Pink Sand Dunes, UT
isomers non-selectively bind protein and mutarotate while bound
Amy Cutter and Dr. David Wilkins (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Results from our computational modeling suggest that glucose
and this ring opened sugar reacts with amino acid residues. NMR
spectroscopy was used to assess the kinetic effect of physiological
anions on mutarotation of different sugars. The incubation of bovine
albumin with physiological anions and sugars was used to assess the
effects of these anions on overall protein glycation. Affinity columns
The Coral Pink Sand Dunes (CPSD) is one of the largest aeolian
utilizing a dihydroxyboryl group were used to separate glycated from
dune fields in the Colorado Plateau. Dune fields provide a harsh
non-glycated fractions. We found that certain physiological anions
environment for vegetation and trees to survive because of mobility
that facilitate ring opening of sugars facilitated the overall glycation.
of the soil and limited soil moisture, yet a large, disjunct population of
Additionally, mechanisms involving these facilitating reagents and
ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) seemingly thrives within the active
the extent of protein glycation varied depending on the identity of
dune field. Using the record of growth patterns preserved in the
reagents, and pH of the environment. This research was supported
tree rings, we may be able to reconstruct past climate and dune field
by the National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE Program and
activity by correlating measured ring-widths with climate variables.
Idaho State University.
ICUR 2014
have lower manufacturing costs compared to silicon-based solar
39
Thank you for supporting
undergraduate research
at Boise State University
and the
Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research!
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
coas.boisestate.edu
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
cobe.boisestate.edu
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
coed.boisestate.edu
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
coen.boisestate.edu
COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
hs.boisestate.edu
ICUR 2014
GRADUATE COLLEGE
graduatecollege.boisestate.edu
40
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
sspa.boisestate.edu
Psychoactive Pharmaceuticals at
Environmental Concentration Alter in
vitro Protein/Gene Expression Profiles
Associated with Autism Spectrum
Disorders
Yu Xia, 2Gaurav Kaushik, 2Luobin Yang and 2Dr. Michael
Thomas (Faculty Mentor)
1
University of Montana 1 and Idaho State
University 2
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have increased dramatically
with a current rate of 1 in 50 children in the United States.
However, genetic factors are responsible for only 1-2%
cases, suggesting the role of environmental contaminants in
triggering ASD. Therefore, our lab investigates unmetabolized
that enter the human body via drinking water. Here, we
hypothesize that UPPs would alter 1) autism-associated
synaptic protein expression; 2) gene expression profiles
similar to those of ASD or other neurological disorders. We
treated human neuroblastoma cells with a mixture of UPPs at
Validation and Characterization
of Glutathione as a Biomarker in
Hepatopancreas of Signal Crayfish,
Pacifastacus Leniusculus
environmental dosage followed by protein analysis. Also, we
John M. T. French, Laura L. Holden, Brandon T. Nguyen and
Dr. Mark P. Gunderson (Faculty Mentor)
sequenced the complete transcriptome of the same cell line
College of Idaho
following Valproate treatment as positive control and compared
it to that of UPP mixture treatment (previously done in our
lab). We have found oxytocin receptor expression decreased in
treatment groups, and that of NMDAR, a glutamate receptor,
increased. We are working on analyzing other synaptic protein
expression and RNA-seq data. This study is important because
it sheds light on the potential role of UPPs in the etiology
of idiopathic Autism. This research was supported by the
National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE Program and Idaho
State University.
To observe the effects of environmental contamination on
aquatic biota our lab is currently utilizing the signal crayfish,
Pacifastacus leniusculus. Crayfish are an ideal model organism
for ecotoxicological studies because they are a keystone species
and aquatic engineers of their ecosystem, meaning crayfish are
representative of what is occurring in Southwestern Idaho’s
aquatic environments. The focus of this study was to validate
and characterize glutathione (GSH) concentrations in crayfish
that were exposed to historic pollutants in Southwestern Idaho;
also to examine GSH concentrations in crayfish collected from
Analysis of Ah Receptor-Regulated Gene
Expression During Experimental Liver
Fibrosis
the Boise River. GSH is a non-protein thiol-compound whose
Daniel Perkins, Cheri Lamb and Dr. Kristen Mitchell (Faculty
Mentor)
DTNB to form a colorimetrical complex measured at 415 nm on
Boise State University
primary role is to reduce oxidative cellular stress, which can
be generated by exposure to pollutants. Glutathione extracts
were prepared from hepatopancreas tissues and then added to
a spectrophotometer. We hope to determine whether GSH is a
sensitive biomarker for contaminant exposure in signal crayfish
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated
and whether its variation is associated with land use practices
transcription factor involved in numerous physiological processes,
that lead to the release of complex contaminant mixtures into
such as apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and development.
the environment. This research was supported by the National
We recently established that activation of the AhR by the
Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE Program, M.J. Murdock
potent exogenous agonist 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
Charitable Trust, J.A. & Katherine Albertson Foundation and
(TCDD) exacerbates liver damage and fibrogenesis in two
College of Idaho.
murine models of experimental liver fibrosis. We hypothesize
that AhR-mediated changes in gene expression underlie the
exacerbation of fibrosis in TCDD-treated mice. The goal of
this project was to use a commercially available PCR array to
profile the expression of 84 key genes involved in the three
phases of wound healing: inflammation, granulation, and tissue
Synthesis of Pyrroles and Pyrrolidines
via an Oxazolim Salt Cycloaddtion
Samuel Wolfe and Dr. Don Warner (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
remodeling. Data were analyzed to compare gene expression in
Pyrroles and pyrrolidines are heterocyclic compounds that are,
the liver of TCDD-treated, CCl4-treated, and control mice. Genes
particularly useful for medicinal purposes. They can be found
that experienced differential expression were evaluated for the
in an assortment of biological contexts, such as cofactors
presence of a dioxin response element (DRE) upstream of the
and secondary metabolites, and are present in a range of
gene sequence to further support the theory that these genes
drugs that treat everything from cardiovascular disease to
are under expressional control of the Ah receptor. This research
cancer. This emphasizes the importance of engineering such
was supported by the National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE
compounds with great variability and precision. These ring
Program and Boise State University.
structures can be synthesized a multitude of ways, but a
ICUR 2014
psychoactive pharmaceuticals (UPPs) as potential contaminants
41
1,3-dipolar [3+2] cycloaddition may prove to be beneficial in
affinity between the molecules. By solving the equations, we
producing lucrative pyrroles or pyrrolidines. This research aims
then test our model against previously published data on homo/
to investigate the cycloaddition via azomethine ylide formation
heterodimer formation of the transcription factors estrogen
through a nucleophile mediated opening of an oxazolium
receptor alpha and beta as an example. This research was
salt. Formation of the azomethine ylide in this manner is
supported Boise State University.
milder, allowing sensitive functional groups to be preserved.
Currently, the oxazole precursor has been prepared from
1,4-butanediol. From here, the compound will be subjected to
an intramolecular cyclization to form the oxazole. A tethered
alkyne, the dipolarophile, will be added to the oxazole complex,
Ashley Van Orden, Eric Trejo and Dr. Caryn Evilia (Faculty
Mentor)
then subjected to [3+2] cycloaddition conditions to form the
Idaho State University
final pyrroles and pyrrolidines. This research was supported by
Boise State University.
tRNA, which is the substrate for the protein synthesis machinery
in the cell. Because these enzymes catalyze such an important
Taylor Enos and Dr. Jairo Hernandez (Faculty Mentor)
the tRNA synthetases from Prevotella intermedia, an organism
Boise State University
that, with other bacteria, causes the disease Noma, an oral
A computer model was created to display the results of applying
cavity flesh-eating disease. We believe that P. intermedia might
The computer model uses an accuracy-based learning classifier
system, genetic algorithms, and a hydraulic simulation model.
Physical and historical hydraulic data of Idaho’s Treasure Valley
was retrieved from the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation Boise Project
and used as input into the computer model. The purpose of
this research was to analyze the results of the program and
confirm its production of optimal gate operations for the openchannel conveyance and distribution for a chosen Treasure Valley
irrigation system. The classifier system randomly generates
potential gate operations and applies these selections to the
unsteady flow hydraulic simulation model. The hydraulic model
performs hydraulic simulations using the gate operations chosen
by the classifier system and determines the new water level
and conserved function in the cell, they are an excellent drug
target for otherwise resistant organisms. We are working with
have tRNA synthetases that are dissimilar enough from their
human counterpart to make an effective drug target. While we
have the arginyl- and cysteinyl- tRNA synthetases expressed
and purified, we need the tRNAs in order to test the enzymes
activity and inhibition from drugs. We have cloned the cysteine
tRNAs and arginine tRNAs into a vector for in vitro transcription
using PCR to amplify overlapping primers. We are working out
assay conditions, so the enzyme activity can be tested. We hope
to confirm activity of the tRNA synthetases and experiment
with different compounds that may inhibit their activity, thus
preventing them from performing their function in an organism.
This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health –
Idaho INBRE Program and Idaho State University.
operations. The computer model creates thousands of iterations
Social Networks and Development of
Religious Behavior in a Southern Idaho
Congregation
for optimizing hydraulic operation of canal structures. This
Haley Myers and Dr. John Ziker (Faculty Mentor)
research was supported by the National Science Foundation –
Boise State University
deviations for the current controls. The classifier system analyzes
these results and assigns a reward or penalty for the chosen gate
Idaho EPSCoR MURI Program and Boise State University.
Many religious studies focus on beliefs, which are internal to the
Biochemistry In Living Cells Using
Fluorescence Fluctuation Spectroscopy
mind and difficult to verify. By focusing on the communication
Kolby Overstreet and Dr. Matthew L. Ferguson (Faculty
Mentor)
claims are being accepted and to whom the claims are being
Boise State University
ICUR 2014
tRNA synthetases are enzymes that attach the amino acid to its
Modeling Canal Structure Automation in
Idaho’s Treasure Valley
various gate operations throughout an irrigation canal network.
42
Cloning and Transcribing tTNAs for
Assaying tRNA Synthetases
and acceptance of supernatural claims, which are metaphors
whose metaphorical status is denied, it is possible to learn what
further communicated. This was done by conducting interviews
with individuals eleven years old and older at Twin Falls Reformed
Biological organisms are teeming with many different molecules
Church (TFRC). The interviewees were told a religious statement
and molecular machines. By labeling a particular molecule with
obtained from sermons and asked whether or not they had heard
a fluorescent marker, one can locate that molecule within the
the statement before, from whom, their feelings, and to whom
mixture. Fluctuations in fluorescence intensity can be used
they communicated the statement. There is a general consensus
to measure molecular concentrations of a diffusing molecule
of agreement with statements relating to the familial nature of
because each fluctuation is caused by a single molecule exiting or
Christianity, particularly in regards to living believers. There is a
entering the volume of observation (e.g. as defined by a focused
variation of acceptance among claims that relate to the involvement
laser beam). One can measure the extent of complex formation
of deceased believers in the lives of living believers and statements
between molecules labeled with spectrally distinct fluorophores,
relating to the difference of goodness between believers and
but so far there has been no general method for interpreting
non-believers. This indicates that those at TFRC are more willing
two-color measurements to extract oligomerization states and
to cooperate with those they perceive to be family in an effort to
binding. Here we introduce the equations for oligomerization in
further encourage cooperation. This research was supported by
the presence of different concentrations of fluorescently labeled
Boise State University Student Research Initiative Program.
molecules of two colors. Then we introduce a differential binding
Efforts Towards the Synthesis of C6methyl, C7-methyl and C6/C7-Dimethyl
Aziridinomitosene Analogs
Riley Olsen, Savannah Irving, Ryan Reeves and Dr. Don
Warner (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Aziridinomitosenes (AZM) are structurally and functionally similar to
mitomycin C (MC), a clinically used anti-cancer drug. Both alkylate
DNA to form inter-strand cross-links (ICLs) that result in cell death.
Unlike MC, AZMs do not require reductive activation prior to forming
adducts. Also, the C6 and C7 electrophilic centers on the quinone
ring of AZMs have a role in DNA alkylation. Prior work demonstrates
that a methyl group at C7 increases the potency 140 fold over MC
in HL-60 cells. In order to understand this effect, several analogs
containing alkyl substituents at the C6/C7 positions need to be
synthesized. To accomplish this, C6-methyl, C7-methyl, and C6/
distributed computing. Hosting databases in the cloud
C7-dimethyl AZM analogs are being prepared using a 25 step
(Databases-as-a-Service) allows data management applications
linear approach. Key steps include the incorporation of an aziridine
to benefit from SaaS. One of the main benefits and challenges
ring at C1, the synthesis of a tetracyclic core, and the addition of a
of SaaS is the scalability it offers, allowing customers to “pay as
carbonate at C10. Starting from commercially available materials,
they go” while receiving service according to their Service Level
the precursor to the C1 aziridine has been completed. Compounds
Agreement. However, for cloud databases, determining resource
prepared en route include appropriately substituted esters, oxazoles,
consumption and performance per user is complex and merits
and a serine-derived aldehyde. These results and the accompanying
research to understand how to best provision cloud resources.
efforts to optimize each completed step are presented herein. This
To research provisioning of Databases-as-a-Service, a cloud
research was supported by Boise State University.
infrastructure was created consisting of back end databases
exposed as a service through a web application. As the next step
in this project, the performance of the system will be profiled as
many user interactions and queries are simulated. From these
experiments, data will be derived that shows the cost of each user
query or operation. The data gathered from the simulations will
Sheenah Bryant and Dr. Matthew L. Ferguson (Faculty
Mentor)
show how to provision cloud resources according to the runtime
Boise State University
provide more effective models for maintaining Databases-as-a-
The synthesis of pre-mRNA and the splicing of that pre-mRNA to
form completed transcripts requires coordination between two large
cost of each user request. This research topic is complex and will
Service. This research was supported by Boise State University.
multi-subunit complexes (the transcription elongation complex and the
Status Adjustment
spliceosome). Using dual-color single molecule RNA imaging in living
Mariana Gutierrez and Dr. Kate Walker (Faculty Mentor)
human cells, we previously observed kinetic competition during the
Boise State University
transcription cycle which resulted in both co- and post- transcriptional
The research focuses on current immigration policy through the
splicing of pre-mRNA. By combining transcription site fluctuation
analysis and single RNA imaging we construct a model of RNA
synthesis and processing. We see that the majority of pre-mRNAs are
spliced after release, while diffusing away from the site of transcription.
By single particle tracking and Raster Image Correlation Spectroscopy
(RICS), we determine that pre-mRNA is spliced within 5 seconds of
cleavage from the transcription site. These results suggest that intron
removal is more efficient after cleavage and release of nascent RNA.
We further investigate the efficacy of both two photon imaging and 3D
orbital tracking for monitoring transcription site intensity, increasing
temporal resolution and reducing of photo-bleaching during long term
time lapse experiments. This research was supported by the National
Cancer Institute and Boise State University.
Databases as a Service
Michael Page, Axel Magnuson and Dr. Vijay Dialani (Faculty
Mentor)
Boise State University
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provides for more efficient
perspective of families with mixed immigration status members.
Part of the research involves understanding of how this process
manifest itself through an individual’s domestic life. Going
through the U.S. Immigration system for 6 years has given me an
inside perspective into the way this system works. Memorable
parts of this process have been a medical exam, fingerprint
archive/check, and the repetition of writing my name, date of
birth, and nationality. This lead me to question the effects the
Immigration process has had on others. Are their experiences
similar or different than mine? The project will include oneon-one documentation using audio/video of those telling their
experiences. Questions asked include: How is the immigration
process finding it’s way into personal domestic living? What are
enduring parts of the process for you? Results will be compiled
into a 20-25 minute documentary style art film. The film will be
exhibited for public viewing with a series of small watercolor
series visually documenting my research. This research was
supported by Boise State University Student Research Initiative
Program and Idaho Watercolor Society.
ICUR 2014
Application of 3D Orbital Tracking and
Two Photon Imaging to in Vivo Single
Molecule Imaging of Transcription and
Splicing
43
Nanostructured Bulk High-Temperature
Thermoelectric Generators for Efficient
Automotive Waste Heat Recovery
Nick Kempf, 1Luke Schoensee, 2Martin Cleary, 2Xiaowei Wang
and 1Dr. Yanliang Zhang (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University 1 and GMZ Energy 2
1
Idaho Science and
Aerospace Scholars
The thermoelectric generator (TEG) is a promising technology for
automotive waste heat recovery due to its solid-state and compact
nature. We designed and fabricated a high-temperature TEG using
our nanostructured bulk half-Heusler thermoelectric materials of
significantly enhanced thermoelectric figure of merit. In the core of
our TEGs is a thermoelectric module of unique device-packaging
architecture that enables device operation with temperature
A NASA-based Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) educational program for high
school juniors in Idaho
differences up to 500oC and 10% heat-to-electricity conversion
efficiency. Using a multi-physics model, both the heat exchanger
and the thermoelectric module were optimized to obtain maximum
power while minimizing pressure drop and thermal stress. Our initial
thermoelectric generator prototype produced 200 W at the given
Idaho State Department of Education and NASA
Aerospace Scholars with the support of NASA
exhaust temperature and mass flow rate of a light-duty passenger
and Idaho business, industry, and education
vehicle. The average pressure drop across the heat exchanger and
partners, have teamed up to provide this exciting
temperature difference across the TE modules were 1.8 kPa and 350oC,
opportunity for Idaho high school juniors.
respectively, which are in good agreement with the results predicted
from simulation. Working with automotive OEMs, our current work is
ISAS is a competitive program that allows high
focused on system-level integration of TEGs into vehicles. This research
school juniors to take an interactive online course
was supported by GMZ Energy, Inc. and Boise State University.
Down the Writing Center Rabbit-Hole: A
Narrative Inquiry Exploring the Creative
Aspects of Writing Apprehension
Allison King and Dr. Bruce Ballenger (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Narrative research has increased in studies of educational practice
with NASA developed curriculum related to space
exploration that teaches
a broad range of STEM
skills aligned with Idaho
Content Standards. The
students also participate
in a seven day summer
and experience, chiefly because teachers are storytellers who lead
residential academy at
storied lives (Connelly & Clandinin, 1990). This research seeks to
Boise State University
illustrate the validity of narrative study from the vantage point of a
and NASA Ames
peer writing tutor. Inspired by Wendy Bishop’s (1995) argument that,
Research Center in
“peer writing tutors must first understand their own writing processes
and…the creative aspects of writing apprehension,” this research
California.
explores the ways in which creative/expressive writing practice in the
writing center session may impact tutor efficaciousness. Many assume
writing tutors are immune to writing apprehension. The truth is, writing
apprehension due to low perceived capability attacks regardless of
skill. Building on Bishop’s scholarship, this study explores the effects
of poetic/expressive discourse incorporated into writing center praxis,
specifically concerning writing apprehension. Although teacher
narratives are on the rise, the exigence of this research relies on the
lack of “tutor narratives” as a form of research scholarship and hopes
to serve as a meditation on the benefit of reflective practice in the
writing center. This research was supported by Boise State University
McNair Scholars Program.
The Testing of Anthracyclines for their
Antibacterial Properties
Alia Elkhalili, 2Ryan Carfi, 2Reece Knipple, 2Don Warner and
Dr. Ken Cornell (Faculty Mentor)
Del Mar College 1 and Boise State University 2
1
ICUR 2014
2
44
The frequent use of antibiotics in medicine has prompted bacterial
adaptation, leading to an increase in antibiotic resistance. The
sde.idaho.gov/
site/science/isas
NASA NNX10AD32A
increase in ineffective antibiotics calls for the formulation and
solid-state and compact nature. In the core of our TEGs is a
testing of new chemical compounds that are essential for the
thermoelectric module of unique device-packaging architecture
future of medicine and common health. Chemotherapeutic
that enables device operation at 500oC temperature differences
compounds, used for the treatment of cancer, also show potential
with 10% heat-to-electricity conversion efficiency. Goals of the
to be a viable treatment for antibiotic resistant bacterial
system were to maximize thermal efficiency and electric power
infections. In this study, several chemotherapeutic drugs were
output while minimizing pressure drop and thermal stress across
tested for their antibiotic potential against gram negative and
the system. The TEG was installed on the heat exchanger interior
positive bacteria, with known pathogenicity toward humans.
of a 30KW residential boiler in order to utilize the temperature
Doxorubicin (DOX), Pyrrolinodoxorubicin (P-DOX), GPX, PGPX,
differences between the water and combustion flame. We
and Mitomycin C were tested for their antibacterial properties.
were able to convert a portion of the heat into electricity with
Out of all five, DOX seemed the least effective. Two methods
the remaining heat contributing to water heating. Our initial
were used to test the compounds; Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and
thermoelectric generator prototype shows the electric power
96-well plate assays. Both the disk diffusion and 96-well plate
output of about 95 W, with the boiler at mid-level operating
assays showed DOX was ineffective and not a viable option.
conditions. This research was supported by GMZ Energy, Inc.
However, the other drugs had effective results, showing a better
decrease in bacterial growth. Future direction for this project will
test Aziridinomitosenes (AZM’s) against bacterial infections. This
research was supported by the National Institutes of Health –
Idaho INBRE Program and Boise State University.
Differential Gene Expression Underlying
Forelimb and Hindlimb Disparity in Bats
Kara Bonham, 2Richard R. Behringer, 3Karen E. Sears, 4Sheng
Zhong and 5Dr. Chris J. Cretekos (Faculty Mentor)
University of Nevada - Reno 1, University of Texas
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center 2, University of
Illinois at Champaign-Urbana 3, University of
California, San Diego 4 and Idaho State University 5
1
DSCAM Mediates Dendrite Lamination
Pattern in the Mouse Retina in a DoseDependent Manner by Restricting the
Stratum in which Neurites Arborize
Ethan J. Hansen, Joshua M. Sukeena and Dr. Peter G. Fuerst
(Faculty Mentor)
University of Idaho
The retina is a tissue structure comprised of seven layers
of neurons by which visual information is processed. Visual
information is received first by the optic fiber layer and then
relayed to the ganglion cell layer. Ganglion cells synapse with
amacrine and bipolar cells in the Inner Plexiform Layer (IPL),
which is divided into five strata, with S5 nearest the Ganglion
Mammals have forelimbs and hindlimbs that are morphologically
Cell Layer. The organization of the IPL is achieved with the help
different, and variation in gene expression during embryonic
of cell adhesion molecules that guide dendrites and axons into
development is hypothesized to underlie these differences. Bats
place. Use of a transgenic mouse strain that expresses Green
are an intriguing model for studying gene expression in limbs
Fluorescent Protein (GFP) in a population of amacrine cells
because their forelimbs are modified for powered flight. We
enabled us to track IPL development. To test the hypothesis
conducted RNAseq on cDNA derived from limbuds of Carollia
that the Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (Dscam)
perspicillata (Seba’s short-tailed fruit bat) embryos at stage 14.
gene regulates stratification of this cell type, we used GFP
Analysis of RNAseq data produced a list of genes that appear
transgenic mice with a loss of function Dscam mutation to assay
to be two-fold higher or lower in expression level in either the
development from postnatal day 1 to adulthood. Compared to
forelimb or hindlimb. We chose six genes of these genes to
wild type mice, loss of function mice showed increased overall
investigate further: T-box 4; T-box 5; Islet 1; Nephroblastoma
cell number and ectopic dendritic adhesion: we observed the
overexpressed gene; Dickkopf 2; Fibroblast growth factor 7. We
arborization of dendrites into S3 in addition to the normally
have created probes for each of these genes and are investigating
observed S1, suggesting that Dscam acts to limit the stratum
their expression patterns by RNA in situ hybridization. We expect
in which dendrites arborize. This research was supported by
to observe a significant difference in each gene’s expression
the National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE Program and
pattern between the forelimb and hindlimb. We hope that
University of Idaho.
our work will lead to a better understanding of the molecular
research was supported by the National Institutes of Health –
Idaho INBRE Program and Idaho State University.
Nanostructured High-Temperature Bulk
Thermoelectric Generator for Micro
Combined Heat and Power Boiler
Cipher Based Hash Functions
Brandon Barker, Catherine Henry, Dr. Liljana Babinkostova
and Dr. Marion Scheepers (Faculty Mentors)
Boise State University
Secure cryptosystems and hash functions are fundamental to
continued personal and economic success in the emerging
Digital Information Age. Accelerating technological
Luke Schoensee, 1Nick Kempf, 2Xiaowei Wang, 2Martin Cleary,
2
Jian Yang and 1Dr. Yanliang Zhang (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University 1 and GMZ Energy, Inc. 2
innovation continues to increase the challenge of assuring
Research focuses on developing the world’s first cost-effective
MicroWorks is meant to secure data and assure authorized
combined heat and power (CHP) boilers using high-efficiency
use of software. The implementation of these functions of
thermoelectric generators (TEGs). TEGs are especially attractive
the SmartDongle is based on a cryptographic authentication
for micro combined heat and power generation due to its
protocol between the device and an authorized computer.
1
the integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality of user data
and intellectual property. The SmartDongle flash drive by
ICUR 2014
mechanisms underlying limb differences in mammals. This
45
Currently, about 232,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer will
be diagnosed in women and about 40,000 women will die this
year from breast cancer. Early detection is important to improve
the chances for successful treatment because once the tumor
becomes metastatic patient prognosis is significantly reduced.
When a tumor becomes metastatic, cancer cells leave the primary
tumor and travel through the body invading other tissues. The
protein CD44 is known to play a key role in the metastasis of
cancerous tumors. The purpose of this research is to examine the
effects of inflammatory cytokines on CD44 expression in various
breast cancer cells. Four different human breast cancer cell lines
were used for the model system, MCF-7, T47D, MDA-MB-231,
and MDA-MB-468. These cells were treated with inflammatory
cytokines and CD44 levels were measured by reverse-transcriptase
polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Looking at cytokineThis authentication protocol is a direct target of modern
cyber attacks. In this project we investigate the security
profile of a proposed cryptographic technique to cure a
demonstrated vulnerability in the current implementation of
the SmartDongle’s authentication protocol. Our methods are
based on comprehensive analyses of the algebraic structure
of mini prototypes of the Data Encryption Standard and the
Advanced Encryption Standard, and extensive computational
experimentation. Our analysis produced a wide range of
of reducing breast cancer’s impact on our society. This research
was supported by the National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE
Program and Boise State University.
Preparation of Aldehydes and Ketones
for Variations at the C6/C7 Positions of
Aziridinomitosenes
Frank Gigray and Dr. Don Warner (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
research was supported by the National Science Foundation –
Aziridinomitosenes (AZMs), functionally and structurally
Idaho STEP Program and Boise State University.
Characterization of Novel Synaptic
Terminal in Mouse Retina
Joe Mitchell and Dr. Peter Fuerst (Faculty Mentor)
North Idaho College
The majority of rod photoreceptors project an axon to the
outer plexiform layer (OPL) where they make multi-synapse
connections, called rod spherules. However, a layer of rod
photoreceptors lie on the border of the OPL which lack an
axon and whose complex synaptic terminals lie immediately
against the cell body. Using 3D reconstructive software, we
are assaying these terminals and the associated invaginating
synapses for shape and volume and comparing them to the
rod spherules which have an axon and lie at a distance from
the cell body. Additionally we are assaying these synaptic
connections in mouse retinas lacking Down Syndrome Cell
adhesion molecule (Dscam) and comparing them to wild type
controls. The comparison between the synaptic terminals on
the rod photoreceptors which are at a distance from the cell
body and those immediately beside it may have implications
for differences in normal cell function between the two
types. Comparison between the genetically various types
may have implications on the role of Dscam in the retina.
This research was supported by the National Institutes of
Health – Idaho INBRE Program and North Idaho College.
Expression of CD44 in Non-Metastatic
and Metastatic Breast Cancer
ICUR 2014
contribute knowledge on the metastatic process with the final goal
cryptographic cure can make the SmartDongle smarter. This
conjectures, including the conjecture that the proposed
46
induced CD44 expression in these four breast cancer cell lines will
Austin Adams, Amy Weidner, Danielle Hedeen, Hunter Covert
and Dr. Cheryl Jorcyk (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
similar tetracyclines to the clinical anti-cancer agent
Mitomycin C, have been shown to form interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) with DNA that triggers apoptosis in cells. The
ability of AZMs to form ICLs is impacted by modifications
of the substituents at the C6/C7 positions, which renders
these electrophilic sites important for further experimental
scrutiny. However, the current linear synthesis is long and
egregious, necessitating a convergent route that is more
conducive towards the creation of C6/C7 variants that can
be assayed for their anti-tumor properties. Currently, the
focus of this project is upon the creation of the C6-methyl
and C7-methoxy AZM, as well as a C6/C7-dimethyl AZM. To
date, the doubly protected D-mannitol has been synthesized,
albeit in low yield, which will be used to prepare the
precursor of the C6-methyl and C7-methoxy AZM. In addition,
2-methylbutane-1,3-diol has been successfully reduced from
ethyl 2-methylacetoacetate. It will then be formed into the
protected ketone for incorporation into a C6/C7 dimethyl
AZM. This and related work will be presented. This research
was supported by American Chemical Society Project SEED
and Boise State University.
Characterization of Phase I and Phase II
Enzymes in Hepatopancreas of Crayfish,
Pacifastacus leniusculus
Brandon Nguyen, Jessica Hansen, Laura Holden, Juan Carlos
Cervantes Reyes and Dr. Mark Gunderson (Faculty Mentor)
College of Idaho
Environmental damage to aquatic ecosystems due to chemical
contaminants is a growing concern. Biological endpoints (biomarkers)
are useful indicators of contaminant exposure. The phase I enzymes
ethyoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and methyoxyresorufin
O-deethylase (MROD) are induced by chemicals that include
PCBs, PAHs, and dioxins. The phase II enzyme glutathioneS-transferase (GST) is induced by compounds such as
PCBs, PAHs, and organophosphates while inhibited by
metals. We examined EROD, MROD, and GST activities
in signal crayfish using fluorometric and colorimetric
assays. Our goal was to determine if these
endpoints are sensitive indicators of environmental
contaminant exposure in crayfish through
dimethoate, ZnCl2, and HgCl2 treatments. We also
examined enzymatic variation in crayfish collected
from sites along the Boise River with varying land use
practices, and collated enzyme activity with mercury
tissue concentrations. Although historical data is limited,
we predict that EROD and MROD will show little variation
due to the lack of PCBs, PAHs, and dioxins in the environment
STEM
STATION
The STEM Station fosters community among
while GST will vary based on organophosphates and metals likely
to be present in the Boise River. This research was supported by
the National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE Program and The
College of Idaho.
Kinetic Constants of the β2β2 Isoform
of Alcohol Dehydrogenase
Rachel Bryant and Dr. Jennifer Chase (Faculty Mentor)
Northwest Nazarene University
Carrying the ADH1B2 vs. ADH1B1 gene decreases the risk of
developing alcohol related diseases like cancer. It is thought that this
is because β2β2 form of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) is faster at
metabolizing alcohol. However, most kinetic studies in the literature
collaborators from science, technology,
were performed 25oC, not 37oC and with only one substrate, not two.
engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
It is necessary to re-evaluate the kinetics of β2β2 ADH to test the
The program provides resources, such as the
hypothesized protective mechanism. Our preliminary data suggests
Summer Research Community, to engage faculty
and students in learner-centered experiences
that facilitate successful navigation through
the ping-pong kinetic mechanism with the substrates acetaldehyde
and NADH, instead of the traditional ordered bi-bi mechanism.
Because these results were obtained with impure enzyme, these
studies must be replicated with pure enzyme. Thus, β2β2 ADH was
critical junctures in their educational and
purified from E. coli using ion exchange column chromatography.
professional careers.
Purity was assessed using gel electrophoresis. Assays at 25oC and
37oC with varying amounts of ethanol/NAD+ and acetaldehyde/
NADH revealed the kinetic mechanism. These corrected kinetics
will be used in computer models of ethanol oxidation by the forms
DUE 0963659/National Science Foundation
of b-ADH to assess the protective mechanism. This research was
supported by the National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE
Program and Northwest Nazarene University.
Investigation on Instruments and
Measurement Techniques for the
Thermoelectric Properties of Materials
Dwencel John M. Mamayson, 2Tony V. Varghese, 2Andrew
Wilson and 2Dr. Yanliang Zhang (Faculty Mentor)
Cosumnes River College 1 and Boise State
University 2
1
High-efficiency low-cost instruments for measuring the
thermoelectric properties of new synthesized materials
and the measurement techniques are important key but a
challenge in the research area of thermoelectricity. In this
research, the specialized instruments and measurement
techniques for measuring the thermoelectric properties of
materials were studied, used, and analyzed to learn their
ICUR 2014
stem.boisestate.edu
47
principles and determine their efficiency. Using the LabVIEW
inhibitor; the Hh pathway is significant in the pathogenesis of over
programming, Data Acquisition/Switch Unit, Triple Output
twenty types of cancers, developmental biology, and stem cell
DC Power Supply and specialized instruments Seebeck
differentiation. Cyclopamine was originally extracted with benzene
coefficient, thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity
from the root and rhizome of the plant. Subsequent research in our
of the materials were measured. These measurement
lab has led to increased extraction of cyclopamine from the root and
techniques are applicable for bulk materials, thick films
rhizome by changing the extraction solvent, and optimizing the pH
and also for thin films size ranging from 3mm to 60nm in
and extraction time. The extracted cyclopamine was evaluated for
thickness. In this research, the accuracy of the instrument
bioactivity using a standard luciferase cell-based assay with a JHU-
have further improved by minimizing the thermal losses
068 cell line obtained from Johns Hopkins University. In addition,
and contact losses with the material. These instruments
detection of less bioactive isomers of cyclopamine was determined
and techniques will help to measure the thermoelectric
by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The findings presented
properties of new materials in room temperature and also
here provide a correlation between extraction efficiency and
use for evaluation before measuring these new materials in
bioactivity for cyclopamine from Veratrum californicum. This research
more environmental controlled conditions. This research
was supported by Mountain States Tumor Institute.
was supported by the National Science Foundation – REU
Program in Materials for Energy and Sustainability and
Boise State University.
Inflammatory Cytokine-Induced pSTAT3
Levels in Multiple Cancer Types
Katie Neal, Danielle Hedeen and Dr. Cheryl Jorcyk (Faculty
Mentor)
Boise State University
Over one-and-a-half million people in the United States
will be diagnosed with cancer in 2014. The propensity
for cancer cells to metastasize leads to a poor prognosis
for these patients. Previous data has shown that
inflammatory cytokines increase the metastatic potential
of various cancer types by inducing various signal
transduction pathways. One important signaling pathway
induced by inflammatory cytokines is the JAK/STAT
pathway. Activation of the transcription factor STAT3 by
phosphorylation at 705 can be measured in tumor cells
upon treatment with inflammatory cytokines. In these
studies, we investigated pSTAT3 levels in multiple tumor
cell types including MDA-MB-468, MCF-7, and T47D breast
cancer cells, DU145 and LNCaP prostate cancer cells, HeLa
cervical cancer cells, and A549 lung cancer cells using an
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Induction of
pSTAT3 was also confirmed by Western blot analysis, and
our results will be presented in our poster. Currently, there
are limited therapies available for treating patients with
metastatic cancer, and these studies contribute information
necessary for the development of novel therapeutics.
This research was supported by the National Science
Foundation – Idaho STEP Program, American Cancer
Society, Susan G. Komen Foundation, National Institutes
of Health – Idaho INBRE Program, Mountain States Tumor
ICUR 2014
Ryan Carfi and Dr. Ken Cornell (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
The parasitic protozoan Giardia intestinalis, responsible for the
condition known as giardiasis, is a diarrheal disease causing up
to 100,000 deaths annually and having infected 33% of people
in developing countries at some point in time. More recently,
the emergence of chronic infections and emerging strains of
Giardia being resistant to treatment calls for the development
of novel anti-parasitics with new targets. One such target is 5’
Methylthioadesosine Nucleosidase (MTN), a parasite specific
enzyme responsible for purine salvage, a class of molecules
the parasite cannot synthesize on it’s own and without leads to
cellular death. In this study inhibitors of MTN, called transition
state analogs, previously tested against Giardia in vitro are
orally given to mice with an active Giardia infection. Mice are
then sacrificed, their intestine removed and viable trophozoites
are counted to assess drug effectiveness. This research was
supported by Mountain States Tumor Institute.
Optimization of IntercalatorFunctionalized DNA Probe Architecture
for Double-Stranded DNA Recognition
Philip Vukelich, Dale Guenther and Dr. Patrick Hrdlicka
(Faculty Mentor)
University of Idaho
Probes capable of sequence-specific recognition of double-stranded
DNA (dsDNA) in biological systems have broad use as tools in
fundamental research, diagnostic applications, and therapeutic
drugs. Invader probes chemically modified DNA duplexes containing
pyrene-functionalized nucleotides have been shown to recognize
Institute, Birt Family and Boise State University.
complementary dsDNA targets in physiological-like conditions. To
Extraction Optimization and
Identification of Bioactive Alkaloids
from Veratrum californicum
alternative probe architectures were explored. Architectures of
Roberto Cruz Romero, Jared Mattos, Nic Baughman, Petr
Malek and Dr. Owen McDougal (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
48
Transition State Analogs Tested in vivo
against Giardia Intestinalis
Idaho corn lily (Veratrum californicum) grows in mountain
meadows at 7000 Ft. elevation, and produces the steroidal alkaloid
cyclopamine. Cyclopamine is a potent Hedgehog (Hh) pathway
optimize the kinetics and binding affinity of the recognition process,
probe duplexes with varying degrees of modification and length
of 5’ overhangs were synthesized and their recognition efficiencies
were characterized using a PAGE mobility shift assay. This research
was supported by the National Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE
Program and University of Idaho.
Raising Arrowrock: Benefits and Costs
Richard Martinez and Dr. Todd Shallat (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
The fear of flooding and availability of irrigation water deeply
influence the economics through which federal agencies used
to justify the building of dams. The U.S. Reclamation Service
completed the Arrrowock Dam in 1915 to encourage more
settlement in the valley. The dam continues to stimulate economic
and social benefits for the citizens down the Boise River. In
2008, the U.S. Congress identified the Arrowrock Dam as an
aging federal structure of concern. Currently, the US Army Corps
of Engineers (Corps) evaluate construction alternatives for the
dam. A uniquely complex situation presents itself as policy,
public, and private interests converge. Major policies such as
the National Environmental Protection Act, Endangered Species
Act, and changes in the Principles and Guidelines for federal
water resource planning now play a role in the decision making
process. The aim of the research is to observe the opposing views
between the Corps justification for either raising the height of the
Arrowrock Dam or building a new facility and that of the public
advocacy group Idaho Rivers United. This research was supported
by Boise State University.
iron oxide structures could intercalate the sodium ions and the
manganese is partially substituted to improve the stability of
the structure. Na(Ni-Fe-Mn)O2 could be a promising sustainable
cathode material for Na-ion batteries because sodium, nickel,
Toxicology of Thoroughly Characterized
Nanomaterials
iron, and manganese are all earth abundant elements. This
Doug Walker, Jean Pfau, Jon Gilmer and Dr. Joshua Pak
(Faculty Mentor)
Idaho State University
were fabricated by heat treating five Na(Ni-Fe-Mn)O2 powders
study examines Na(Ni-Fe-Mn)O2 as a cathode material, and in
particular, the effect of the concentration of iron. The cathodes
with different iron concentrations, forming slurries out of the
powders, and then laminating them onto aluminum foil. The
Nanotechnology is a new and quickly expanding field. An
electrodes were then tested in coin cell batteries by cycling
increasing variety of nanoparticles are being utilized in
them over different potential windows. This research was
research, industrial products, and technology for consumer
supported by the National Science Foundation – Idaho STEP
products, from application in smart phones to biomedicine.
Program and Boise State University.
However, current studies on nanotoxicity are inconclusive. We
be explained and remedied with in-depth characterization of
the nanoparticles utilized. Due to the nature of nanomaterials
and their size-dependent properties, small variations in the
size, shape, or phase of nanoparticles may result in a large
variation in physical and, by extension, toxic properties.
Various semiconductor nanoparticles, such as TiO2, CdSe,
CuInS2, etc., were synthesized by several synthetic methods.
The nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized by XRD, UVvis, ICP, TGA, AFM, SEM, and TEM to determine their exact
nature, composition, and size. Through close collaboration
between the Chemistry and Biology departments at ISU,
these nanomaterials were then tested to determine their
toxic effects on biological systems via cell response and
gene expression upon exposure to these nanoparticles. This
research was supported by the National Institutes of Health
– Idaho INBRE Program and Idaho State University.
Na(Ni-Fe-Mn)O2 as a Cathode Material
Jayson Mok and Dr. Claire Xiong (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Sub-Inhibitory Concentrations of
Antibiotics Select for High Resistance in
Biofilms
1
Olivia Chavez, 2Michael France and 2Dr. Larry Forney
(Faculty Mentor)
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology 1
and University of Idaho 2
Biofilms are communities of bacteria that stick together by forming
structures from extracellular polymers, and are present on almost all
living and non-living surfaces including wounds, surfaces of surgical
devices and implantations. Systematic treatment of infections from
biofilms proves problematic because of the shared absorption of
antibiotic from the entire body, not just the biofilm; which results
in the exposure of the infection to sub-inhibitory concentrations
of antibiotic. We asked whether exposure to subinhibitory
concentrations of antibiotic could select for highly resistant bacteria,
and if this exposure allowed for greater diversity within the resistant
mutants. We grew and treated replicates of Escherichia coli biofilms
at concentrations of either high (30) or low (3) of the antibiotic
rifampicin. After fifteen days of treatment the biofilms were plated
on varying concentrations of antibiotic. Following treatment, the
Lithium ion batteries have become the leaders in rechargeable
frequency of highly resistant cells from both groups was compared
battery technology. However, due to industrial demands for
to a control having no antibiotic treatment. We randomly selected
sustainable and inexpensive energy storage technologies,
resistant clones, and compared diversity in growth parameters across
sodium ion batteries have received a great deal of attention.
the antibiotic treatments. The results will give insight on the effect of
Sodium is a promising replacement for lithium due to the fact
subinhibitory concentration of antibiotics in biofilms and how strong
they possess similar chemical characteristics with the benefits
the resistance is after exposure to those concentrations. This research
of low-cost and high earth abundance. Na(Ni-Fe-Mn)O2 was
was supported by the National Institute of Health – Idaho INBRE
chosen because previous studies have shown that nickel and
Program.
ICUR 2014
hypothesize that the discrepancies seen in these studies can
49
different iron concentrations, forming slurries out of the powders, and
then laminating them onto aluminum foil. The electrodes were then
tested in coin cell batteries by cycling them over different potential
window. This research was supported by Boise State University.
Optical, Electrical and Thermal
Properties of 2-Dimensional Nanoflake
Composites Created via Co-solvent
Exfoliation
Richard Livingston, Dale Brown, Tony Valayil, Yanliang Zhang
and Dr. David Estrada (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Layered two-dimensional (2D) materials offer a wide range of
applications due to their unique electrical, optical, and thermal
properties. These properties can be further engineered by tuning
Evaluating Restoration Ecology: Two
Projects in North Idaho
Mary R. Murray and Dr. Julie Van Middlesworth (Faculty
Mentor)
North Idaho College
Many years of human interference in a freshwater ecosystem
often results in loss of ecosystem services and lack of
biodiversity. When restoring these ecosystems to a less
marginal state, success or failure is frequently hard to
quantify over a short period, due to the number of variables
present in the field and the lack of a true control. This study
focuses on two restoration ecology projects undertaken this
summer— the rehabilitation of a patch of land at the NIC
the composition of 2D nanoflakes in hybrid dispersions. We use
liquid-based exfoliation techniques to produce 2D nanoflakes from
layered bulk crystals and create hybrid nanocomposite of graphene
and transition metal dichalcogenides. Graphene, MoSe2, and WS2
nanoflakes were prepared by adding bulk powders at a 2 mg/mL ratio
to 30% by weight Isopropanol solution. The individual solutions were
probe-tip sonicated and centrifuged to create solutions of suspended
2D nanoflakes. Each solution was vacuum filtrated at 30 mL volumes
to create mono dispersed films. A 1:1 solution of graphene to
MoSe2 and graphene to WS2 were mixed before forming a hybrid
nanocomposite film via vacuum filtration. Films were then transferred
to arbitrary substrates for further characterization. This research
was supported by the National Science Foundation – Idaho STEP
Program and Micron Technology Foundation.
Gathering Garden and the restoration of a portion of Sheep
Creek, a tributary of Hangman Creek located on the Coeur
d’Alene Tribal Reservation, to its relic channel. The primary
aim is to provide a baseline of site conditions as a foundation
for future study. In order to do this, nutrient concentrations
were monitored at both sites and water levels were
monitored during the critical summer months in the Hangman
Creek watershed to establish whether restoration efforts
have affected the connectivity between shallow groundwater
In their natural environment, kangaroo rats must cover terrain
National Institute of Health – Idaho INBRE Program.
which can vary greatly in its topography. Kangaroo rats are capable
Jayson Mok and Dr. Claire Xiong (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Lithium ion batteries have become the leaders in rechargeable
battery technology. However, due to industrial demands for
sustainable and inexpensive energy storage technologies, sodium
ion batteries have received a great deal of attention. Sodium is a
promising replacement for lithium due to the fact they possess similar
chemical characteristics with the benefits of low-cost and high earth
abundance. Na(Ni-Fe-Mn)O2 was chosen because previous studies
have shown that nickel and iron oxide structures could intercalate
the sodium ions and the manganese is partially substituted to
improve the stability of the structure. Na(Ni-Fe-Mn)O2 could be a
promising sustainable cathode material for Na-ion batteries because
sodium, nickel, iron, and manganese are all earth abundant elements.
ICUR 2014
1
Jack Dotson and 2Dr. Craig McGowan
Lewis-Clark State College 1 and University of
Idaho 2
levels and stream levels. This research was supported by the
Na(Ni-Fe-Mn)O2 as a Cathode Material
50
Modulation of Proximal and Distal
Muscle Function During Level vs Incline
Hopping in Desert Kangaroo Rats
(Dipodomys Deserti)
This study examines Na(Ni-Fe-Mn)O2 as a cathode material, and
in particular, the effect of the concentration of iron. The cathodes
were fabricated by heat treating five Na(Ni-Fe-Mn)O2 powders with
of producing very high levels of power and mechanical work
which is required in cases when quick acceleration and jumping is
needed. In this experiment, sonomicrometry and electromyography
were used to determine the function of both proximal and distal
muscles of the kangaroo rat while hopping in various slopes (level
10°and 20°). Step cycle times and duty cycle did not significantly
differ among the different slopes (P>0.05). Muscle activation
increased in duration as well as onset timing when an incline was
present. There was also a significant change of hip extension
and knee flexion as the slope increased (hip extension increased
while knee flexion decreased, P<0.05). In general, vastus fascicles
were stretched over the entire stance period and only contracted
during the swing phase. The average muscle strain was 0.21, 0.17,
and 0.10 for level, ten degrees, and twenty degrees respectively.
These results indicate that the modulation of muscle activation and
strain play a role in the kangaroo rat’s ability to traverse terrain
with various grades. This research was supported by the National
Institutes of Health – Idaho INBRE Program, Lewis-Clark State
College and University of Idaho.
Genetic Diversity Within and Among
Taeniatherum Caput-Medusae (Poaceae)
Populations From Eastern Washington:
Reconstructing Invasion at a Local
Spatial Scale
Carly Prior and Dr. Stephen Novak (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Multiple introductions during biological invasions are now
considered to be the rule, rather than the exception. Previous
genetic analysis of invasive populations of Taeniatherum
caput-medusae (Poaceae) reported five multilocus genotypes
(MLGs) among six populations from eastern Washington. To
more accurately reconstruct the pattern of introduction and
range expansion of T. caput-medusae in eastern Washington,
we analyzed 59 additional populations from this relatively
small geographic region using enzyme electrophoresis. One
additional MLG (Rattlesnake Station) was detected in this
analysis, and its occurrence is likely due to long-distance
dispersal. Two genotypes occurred at high frequency: the
“Roseburg” MLG (24 of 59 populations) predominated in the
southern portion of the study area and the “Steptoe Butte”
MLG (23 of 59 populations) was predominant in the central
portion of the study area. The other three MLGs we identified
had more restricted distributions (e.g., the “Malloy Prairie”
MLG was detected in only five populations in the northern
portion of the study area). Although multiple introductions
appear to have occurred in this region, range expansion
appears to be limited because only eight populations
contained two or more MLGs. These results illustrate how
intensive population sampling and genetic analysis can
provide insights into the invasion process. This research
was supported by Boise State University McNair Scholars
Program.
Videographic Analysis of Bat-Scorpion
Interactions
Adam Keener and Dr. Jesse Barber (Faculty Mentor)
Boise State University
Gleaning bats, which hunt prey off substrates, are exposed
to seemingly dangerous prey such as scorpions. Past work
on bat-scorpion interactions has provided evidence that
bats appear to not avoid possible harm by scorpions, and
are indifferent to being stung. However, these experiments
have not examined potential subtle behavioral changes
such as changes in handling, flight velocity, and angle of
approach. Using 3-dimensional videographic techniques, we
will investigate how the gleaning bat (Antrozous pallidus)
approaches and handles scorpions in comparison to crickets,
Greetings,
On behalf of the Office of Undergraduate
Studies, I extend my congratulations to the
students who are presenting their research at
the 2014 Idaho Conference on Undergraduate
Research. Your diligence and hard work are to
be commended.
I would also like
to extend special
acknowledgements
to the faculty
taking part in
this celebration
including those
presenting their
works and those
who, through
mentoring,
introduce students
to the exciting
world of academic
research. Your
participation in
the conference
and in future
student research efforts strengthen the
opportunities for students to build a better
world for tomorrow.
At Boise State University we are proud of the
growth in our student research programs.
They provide funding and mentorship, offer
professional development and training, and
build a community of scholars across multiple
disciplines.
Finally, I would like to thank all those
whose efforts were critical to bring about
this celebration of student discovery and
creativity. Your time and dedication are
greatly appreciated.
On behalf of the University, may I extend a
formal invitation to celebrate the student
accomplishments and excellence at next
year ’s ICUR that will be held on July 30-31 at
Boise State University.
a less dangerous prey. This research was supported by Boise
State University McNair Scholars Program.
– DR. SHARON MCGUIRE,
VICE PROVOST FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
Any opinions, findings and conclusions or
material are those of the authors and do
not necessarily reflect the views of the
sponsoring agencies.
ICUR 2014
recommendations expressed in this CONFERENCE
51
ICUR2014 is sponsored by the National Science Foundation DMS 1062857, National Institutes of Health -­P20 GM103408, U.S. Department
of Education - P21 7A120308, Idaho State Department of Education and
Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars Program, and Boise State University
through the Office of Research and Economic Development, College of Arts
and Sciences, Honors College, College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs,
Concurrent Enrollment, and Arts and Humanities Institute.