Category: Poster Presentation

Utilizing a Fusion Protein for Sequence Specific Nucleosome Shifting in Chromatin

Presenter(s): William Reed-dustin − Biology, Human Physiology

Faculty Mentor(s): Jeffrey McKnight

Poster 81

Research Area: Natural/Physical Science (Molecular Biology)

Chromatin refers to the organization of DNA in eukaryotic organisms. Chromatin is organized such that DNA wraps around protein groups called histones. The units of histones wrapped in DNA are called nucleosomes, nucleosomes are connected by short stretches of linker DNA. DNA in nucleosomes is relatively inaccessible to RNA polymerase and transcription factors and thus, is effectively turned off. The goal of this research was to move nucleosomes onto specific DNA sequences by producing a fusion protein that would combine the binding domain from a specific transcription factor, XBP1, and the active domain from a known chromatin remodeler protein, CHD1. A procedure originally developed by Dr. Jeffrey McKnight was used to produce a plasmid that coded for a protein with the binding domain of XBP1 and the active domain of CHD1. This plasmid was then transformed into yeast. The cells’ DNA was then digested into mono-nucleosomes which were sequenced and compared to yeast without the plasmid inserted. This was done to see if the fusion protein had altered the nucleosomes’ locations.
The goal of this research is to show that the strategy for fusion protein production can be applied to diverse transcription factors across the yeast genome. Ultimately, this strategy could be useful in cancer treatment, silencing oncogenes by moving nucleosomes onto their binding sites.

Effects Of Histamine-Receptor Blockade And Exercise On Blood-Glucose Concentration

Presenter(s): Sabrina Raqueno-Angel − Human Physiology

Faculty Mentor(s): John Halliwill, Matt Ely

Poster 23

Research Area: Natural Science

Funding: OURS Program, the Oregon Undergraduate Researchers in SPUR (Summer Program for Undergraduate Research in Life Sciences)

Histamine is a molecular transducer released from mast cells during exercise, and its role during the exercise period is unknown. The experiment’s purpose was to determine if H1/H2 histamine receptor blockades would decrease blood-glucose concentrations during exercise. It was hypothesized that histamine receptor blockade would decrease blood-glucose concentrations during exercise. Subjects were chosen if ages 18-40, had a BMI of ≤ 25 kg/m2, experience riding/racing bikes, and can perform 3 hours of continuous exercise. The independent variable was the pill taken (antihistamine or placebo), and the dependent was blood-glucose concentration. After a screening and two familiarization visits, the subject completed four study visits, in which they performed a 120-minute cycling exercise at 50% VO2 max on a stationary bike in a temperature and humidity-controlled room. Before each study visit, the subject was randomly given a placebo pill or antihistamine and rested for two hours. Measurements were taken from the earlobe pre-exercise and three times during exercise at 15, 60, and 120 minutes. Repeated-measures two-way ANOVA (RM ANOVA, Group X Time) was used for statistical analysis. No differences were found between placebo and antihistamine groups (p = 0.801), and no Group X Time Interaction was determined (p = 0.881). Blood glucose levels at 15, 60, and 105 minutes were lower than the pre-exercise levels (p<0.001). No significant differences in blood-glucose concentrations were found between placebo and antihistamine groups. This research provides valuable information regarding histamine’s role in the cardiovascular system’s physiological pathways, which is important for forming cardiovascular disease prevention.

The Effect of Large Circumstellar Disks on the Formation of Short Orbital Period Binary Star Systems

Presenter(s): Carl Ranney − Physics

Faculty Mentor(s): James Imamura

Poster 36

Research Area: Physical Science

The purpose of this research is to determine the validity of the fission model of short orbital period binary star formation. The fission model describes the process in which a protostar with large angular velocities splits into two bodies in orbit around a common center of mass. The fission model is one of the three major models currently under investigation by the wider astrophysical community as possible sources for the formation of short orbital period binary star systems. While fission has not received much attention in the last two decades due to results found in large scale numerical simulations, the advances in computational power now available allow much more complex simulations that show promise in solving this problem. Rather than looking at single stars, we are simulating the evolution of a rotating protostar with a large circumstellar disk that is approaching a reverse Roche limit, where the mass of the disk starts to pull the protostar apart. By including this large disk in our calculations, we find that the prospects for fission is greatly enhanced. We are using the computer code Chymera in Aciss and Talapas, the University of Oregon high-performance computing clusters in our study to simulate the fluid dynamics of this system. Chymera includes many nonlinear instabilities which were not widely known or where undiscovered during the period when the last major simulations of the fission model were attempted. With the combination of these two factors, our research has provided valuable insight into previously unexplored aspects of the complex system.

Participant Observational Research Looking At Changes In Traditional Nutrition In Putre, Chile That Includes An Examination Of The Gap Between Programmatic Goals And Practical Realities In Global Health Nutrition

Presenter(s): Paige Plaskoff − International Studies

Faculty Mentor(s): Kristen Yarris

Poster 92

Research Area: Public Health and Traditional Medicine

Global health nutrition is a priority for achieving overall population health and preventing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and even death (WHO). Healthy nutrition is related to a number of causes of morbidity and overall mortality. In Chile, the Ministry of Health has established a comprehensive plan for the nutritional health of its people by promoting healthy lifestyle campaigns and creating informative nutritional guides. However, there are barriers to achieving the guidelines set out in this plan. This project looks at the divide between nutritional goals and realities of modern day families, using the case study of a nutritionist working at CESFAM (Centro de Salud Familiar), a family health center in Putre, a small town in Northern Chile. The research included participant observation at the health center alongside the nutritionist, interviews with the nutritionist and traditional healers, and participant observation in the agricultural fields of Putre. The project asks: What changes are occurring from traditional to contemporary dietary patterns and practices, and how are these changes linked to changing agricultural practices? I respond to this question in part by analyzing nutritional differences between the large city of Arica and the town of Putre. The project foregrounds the obstacles that the Chilean population must overcome in order to move towards nutritional health, including cultural values placed on different types of food and availability of food for rural v. urban residents. Finally, I examine the recent change in Chile’s public health junk food legislation as a case study for global health nutrition.

Cranial Morphometric Analysis on Pygathrix nemaeus and Pygrathrix cinerea

Presenter(s): Carly Pate − Anthropology

Faculty Mentor(s): Larry Ulibarri, Frances White, Stephen Frost

Poster 137

Research Area: Anthropology

This study analyzes cranial morphometric distinction between Pygathrix species. Endangered Pygathrix nemaeus and Critically Endangered Pygathrix cinerea are endemic to Southeast Asia. They are threatened with extinction due to hunting and habitat fragmentation. While generally understudied, osteological analysis on these species are also uncommon due to lack of specimen collections or accessibility. Although their ranges partially overlap, it is possible to distinguish species based on genotypic and phenotypic pelage differences. However, distinctions of skeletal morphology have not been quantified. Pygathrix phylogeny has been debated, with a recent cranial morphometric analysis showing no distinction between species detected through linear measures. Using 3D photogrammetric methods and linear measures, cranial data was collected on an osteological collection of confiscated and captive red-shanked doucs, P. nemaeus, (n=43) and grey-shanked doucs, P. cinerea, (n=23), from the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam. Five linear cranial measures indicate no sexual dimorphism between P. cinerea males and females, (n=24, n=19) or between P. nemaeus males and females, (n=17, n=6). One linear measure, anterior foramen magnum to the superior most point on sagittal suture, allowed distinction between species among males, (F 4.37, P<0.05) and among females, (F 10.06, P <0.05). These results indicate a cranial morphometric variation among species. Further 3D shape analysis will continue to explore this distinguishability. Intra- and interspecies variation analyzed morphometrically by 3D photogrammetry can aid in understanding the impacts of species- specific factors such as social structure and feeding ecology on cranial morphological variation.

Utility Value Interventions: A Key Instrument in Student Motivation and Learning

Presenter(s): Anna O’boyle − Educational Foundations

Faculty Mentor(s): Jenefer Husman

Poster 113

Research Area: Motivation

Many educators are interested in the ways in which students’ motivation and learning can be enhanced. We have explored utility value interventions in the classroom used in prior research in order to demonstrate the value of intervention studies guided by psychological theories. This research was conducted by searching the key terms “college,” “course,” “connections,” “introductory,” “prompt,” “utility value intervention,” and “young adult.” We investigated prior research cited by Hulleman and Kosovich (2016) in order to demonstrate that the utility value intervention, which influenced whether students established connections between the course material and their lives, increased both the interest and performance of young adult students in a course. This research suggests a positive correlation between students establishing connections and expecting to do well in the course, valuing course content, and continuing interest in the field. The results from the various studies were organized into a table by their reference, population, intervention details, and outcome variable. This review of the replications and extensions of utility value interventions in the classroom suggests that social-psychological interventions enhance students’ motivation and performance. Due to the ambiguity of supporting students’ motivation and learning, this research informs methodology in the future by which educators can design utility value interventions that support students’ abilities to establish connections between the course material and their lives. Consistent with prior research, the design and implementation of targeted psychological interventions can significantly influence student learning and development.

Controls on glacial retreat in the West Antarctic Peninsula

Presenter(s): Ryan Obermeyer − Math, Spatial Data Science And Technology

Faculty Mentor(s): David Sutherland, Kiya Riverman

Poster 52

Research Area: Physical Science

Funding: NSF grant no. 1543012

The West Antarctic Peninsula has over 300 glaciers, all with unique environmental conditions. The peninsula is losing ice, but it is not fully understood what drives retreat rates for individual glaciers. The Antarctic Peninsula is rich in available data, but comparatively little analysis of glacial environmental controls has been performed. We used a Landsat-7 and laser altimetry derived grounding line, infrared temperature data, bathymetry swath data, Regional Ocean Modeling runs, and calculated retreat rates to find correlations between retreat and environment. Previous work has shown that glaciers in the region are sensitive to ocean temperatures. Glaciers in the northern portion of the peninsula interact with cooler ocean currents and have lower retreat rates than the glaciers in the south. We found a latitudinal cut off, north of which floating glaciers rarely exist. Warmer air temperatures in the northern portion of the peninsula may limit the prevalence of floating glaciers. In contrast, the south with cooler air and warmer water allows glaciers to interact with the ocean. Model runs of Circumpolar Deep Water flow highlight which glaciers are in contact with warmer water. There is correlation between glacial retreat and contact with Circumpolar Deep Water. These findings allow us to predict that as air temperatures in Antarctica continue to rise, the latitudinal cut off for floating glaciers could move south, and less ice will be interacting with the ocean. This means that there is potential for retreat rates to temporarily decline as glaciers will be less affected by ocean temperatures.

Strain-Dependent Differences in Mouse Norovirus Capsid Determine Cell Death and Inflammation

Presenter(s): Ruth Vanelle Nouboussi − Human Physiology

Faculty Mentor(s): Sierra Dawson

Poster 39

Research Area: Natural/Physical Science

The Murine Norovirus is a common virus used in mice experiments in many research facilities. The virus alters the cellular morphology in hematopoietic cells and it is transmitted through fecal or oral routes. This study focuses on CW3 & CR6 strains of the mouse norovirus. The purpose of this experiment was to determine if the strains that use the CW3 capsid produces more IL-1α (cytokine released as a measure of the degree of inflammation) and cell death compared to the CR6 capsid. We performed a Mouse IL-1α Elisa on virally infected BMDCs (Bone Marrow-derived Dendritic Cells), a virus-mediated cytotoxicity assay performed on BV2 cells (mice microglia cell line) using CW3, CR6, CW3-VP1^CR6 (CW3 virus strain with the CR6 capsid; VP! shows that there was a capsid swap) and CR6-VP1^CW3 chimeric viruses to determine the necessity for VP1^CW3 in IL-1α secretion and cytotoxicity. Using two-way ANOVA testing, we found that there was more LDH (Lactate DeHydrogenase) released in the supernatant of cells infected with strains that use the CW3 capsid compared to CR6 capsid at MOI (Multiplicity Of Infections) 10, 1 and 0.1, and there was less LDH present in the supernatant of cells infected with strains that use the CR6 capsid compared to the CW3 capsid. We also found significantly more IL-1α in the supernatant from cells infected with strains that use CW3 compared to wild type and CR6 (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that the CW3 capsid produced more IL-1α and also caused more cell death compared to CR6.

Calcium Imaging of Mice Brains Injected with Glutamate-Sensing Fluorescent Reporter (GluSnFr)

Presenter(s): Nelly Nouboussi − Biology, Human Physiology

Faculty Mentor(s): Matt Smear, Teresa Findley

Poster 63

Research Area: Natural science

One of the most important tasks a sensory system performs is locating the source of a stimulus. However, very little is known about how the olfactory systems localizes odors. The goal of this project is to develop a technique that will allow us to image the glomeruli, the area in the brain where neurons from the brain and the nose connect. We will image using superfolder intensity-based glutamate-sensing fluorescent reporter (referred to as GluSnFR), which localizes to the extracellular surface of neurons and can thus report concentrations of the neurotransmitter glutamate at synapses. A virus carrying the GluSnFr gene will be injected in the brain during survival surgeries. The first step in this project is to confirm that GluSnFr is expressed by the cells of interest, which will be accomplished by sectioning samples of mice brains 2 weeks after injection, and looking for expression using a microscope. Once it is established that GluSnFr is expressed, we will perform glutamate imaging to obtain images of olfactory bulb activity. We predict that GluSnFr will indicate when neurons are firing, and this will be illustrated in the images taken. This is significant because this technique will ultimately be used to image the glomeruli of mice performing olfactory search tasks, in order to establish a correlation between the activity of neurons and the behavior of the animals.

Framing of Genetically Modified Food in U.S. National Newspapers

Framing of Genetically Modified Food in U.S. National Newspapers

Brittany Norton − Journalism, Media Studies

Faculty Mentor(s): Dean Mundy, Mark Blaine

Poster 109

Research Area: Humanities

There are many science topics at the center of debate and contention. One of these is genetically modified food. Many questions arise about whether these crops are safe for human consumption, and how they will impact the environment over time. According to a Pew Research Center study, there is a sharp contrast in the way scientists view genetically modified (GM) foods and the way the general public views GM foods. The study found that 88 percent of scientists at the American Association for the Advancement of Science say GM foods are generally safe to consume, while only 37 percent of the public agree. This project explores the framing of GM foods used by two national U.S. newspapers to explain the concept and implications to the general public, and considers how this could impact public perception.I analyze print articles from The Washington Post and The New York Times at peak periods of coverage from 2000 to present day. This allows me to examine how coverage changes over time as genetically modified foods become more prominent in U.S. society. The coverage is separated into common themes, or frames, and analyzed. My research also includes interviews with biologists at the University of Oregon to gather their opinion on coverage of science news in mainstream media. While there has been a multitude of research conducted on science communication, little of it incorporates views from scientists themselves. My research examines how scientists and journalists can work together to communicate science more effectively.