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Abstracts

Author Department Professor Title Year
Catherine E. Wiesner Biology David Kass Expression Levels of Non-autonomous Retrotransposons in Germ-line Rodent Tissues
SINEs (short interspersed DNA elements) are families of non-coding regions of DNA that amplify within genomes via an RNA intermediate and are referred to as retrotransposons. These elements mobilize using machinery from other retrotransposons and therefore are non-autonomous. It has been demonstrated that both nucleotide sequence and the 3' A-tail are important contributors for successful amplification. We propose that the level of germ-line transcription of SINE 'master genes' is a primary factor in their successful mobility and vertical transmission. By RT-PCR, the GPIDL SINE family appears to be active in the guinea pig germ-line. Since copy numbers of different SINE families are known to be highly variable in genomes of various rodent species, a relationship in germ-line SINE expression levels, determined by real-time PCR, would support our hypothesis. Additionally, this analysis may provide insights as to whether inherited SINE integrations are more likely to occur in oogenesis or spermatogenesis.
2010
Cody T. Williams Biology Steven Francoeur Nutrient Limitations of Lyngbya wollei in the Western Basin of Lake Erie
Filamentous cyanobacteria have caused ecological problems in the southern United States. One species of particular concern is the filamentous Lyngbya wollei, which has recently been observed in Lake Erie. Some problems arising from invasion by Lyngbya include alteration of natural communities and skin lesions in mammals. Unless an effective management strategy can be developed, there may be consequences for Lake Erie. Therefore, the reason Lyngbya wollei has taken hold in Lake Erie must be ascertained. The purpose of this study was to determine if Lyngbya is nutrient-limited in Lake Erie. Nutrient-diffusing substrata were used to establish whether Lyngbya is nutrient-limited. We hypothesized that Lyngbya wollei has been nutrient-limited in Lake Erie and that historical data will show a shift towards conditions conducive to the growth of Lyngbya. Preliminary results suggest that Lyngbya wollei is nitrogen-limited in Lake Erie.
2010
Nadine C. El-Ayache Chemistry Cory Emal Design and Synthesis of Bis-arylsulfonamides and Aryl Sulfonimides as Inactivators of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)
PAI-1 is a naturally occurring serine protease inhibitor involved in the inhibition of urokinase- and tissue-type plasminogen activators. At physiological levels, PAI-1 takes part in many processes, such as cell migration, fibrinolysis, angiogenesis, and wound healing. At pathological levels, PAI-1 has been linked to renal disease, obesity, deep vein thrombosis, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and pulmonary disease. Therefore, synthesis of potent and specific PAI-1 inhibitors is of great importance. A variety of aryl sulfonamides and aryl sulfonimides were synthesized, and their potencies as PAI-1 inhibitors were determined. Based on the data collected, a structure-activity relationship model has been developed.
2010
Reshma Kankanala Chemistry Hedeel Evans Characterizing the Oligomeric Structure of the Dihydroorotase and Aspartate Transcarbamoylase from the Bacterium Bacillus anthracis
Bacteremia is the bacterial invasion of the blood. Bacterial proliferation in the blood requires that the organism adapt its metabolism to available nutrients. Nucleotides precursors that could be used are present at very low levels in the blood, and thus the invading bacteria must rely on de novo nucleotide biosynthesis for survival. The dihydroorotase domain is a key enzyme in pyrimidine biosynthesis and catalyzes the third step in the pathway. It was recently shown to be a promising drug target since defects in this enzyme caused an approximate 1000-fold decrease of viable cells in the blood. We cloned the genes encoding the dihydroorotase and aspartate transcarbamoylase from the bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, and expressed them in Escherichia coli. The proteins were purified by affinity chromatography and their oligomeric structures determined by gel filtration and cross-linking methods. The oligomeric structures were determined in the presence and absence of substrates.
2010
Mahalakshmi Kotichukkala Chemistry Hedeel Evans Interaction of Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase with Other Components of the Pyrimidine Pathway in Aquifex Aeolicus
Aquifex aeolicus, an extreme hyperthermophile, encodes proteins that are homologous to the major carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (CPSase) domains found in mesophilic organisms. The CPS.A and CPS.B homologs from A. aeolicus were overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography. Previously, it was found that a stable 124-kDa complex could be reconstituted from stoichiometric amounts of CPS.A and CPS.B proteins that synthesized carbamoyl phosphate from ATP, bicarbonate, and ammonia. In this study, the purified carbamoyl phosphate synthetase components were tested for their binding and interaction with the aspartate transcarbamoylase and dihydroorotase domains, the enzymes that catalyze the next reactions in the pathway. The interaction was tested in the absence and presence of the substrates and at different temperatures. Enzymatic assays to determine the outcome of protein-protein interaction on the catalytic activity of each component were also carried out to investigate putative functional linkages.
2010
Ran Li Chemistry Ruth Ann Armitage Characterization of the Binders in the Rock Art of Cueva La Conga, Nicaragua
Archaeologists want to know if the paintings in Cueva La Conga, the only recorded painted cave in Nicaragua, were influenced by the Maya, Caribbean cultures, or were a purely indigenous development. Using radiocarbon dating to determine the age of the paintings will help to understand the possible cultural relationships between known cultures and the rock art. The prerequisite for radiocarbon dating using accelerator mass spectrometry is that an organic binder must be present in the painting samples and is extracted and dated later. We are using thermally assisted hydrolysis/methylation-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (THM-GC-MS) to study the composition of the paints to determine if any binder material remains. Comparing the compositions of the paint and unpainted limestone will allow us to determine if a reliable date is likely to be obtained. We will describe the inherent difficulties of reconciling good analyses with preservation of these irreplaceable and at-risk cultural materials.
2010
Rajani Maddi Chemistry Steven John Pernecky GC/MS Characterization of Short Chain Fatty Acids in in vitro Microbial Culture Systems
Butyrate and lactate are naturally occurring short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by probiotic bacteria that reside in the human gut. These chemicals play a vital role in the maintenance of colonic health. In vitro cultures of probiotic bacteria containing single and combined cultures producing lactate and butyrate provide an opportunity to determine how bacterial interaction affects butyrate and lactate production. To conduct our studies, anaerobically cultured probiotic bacterial samples were obtained from Dr. Clemans (Eastern Michigan University). The cultures were subjected to C-18 column extraction followed by ether extraction. Quantitative measurement of lactate and butyrate was performed on the extracts after chemical derivatization and analysis by GC/MS. Our experimental results revealed that the combined cultures of probiotic bacteria produced a measurable amount of butyrate compared to single cultures. Detection limits were such that butyrate levels in biological samples could appropriately be determined.
2010
Mace R. Mattieson Chemistry Heather Holmes On-Trap Derivatization of Short-Chain Fatty Acids
It has recently been hypothesized that gastrointestinal microbiota modulate immune response by the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). There is a need for rapid, selective analytical methodology capable of trace analysis of SCFAs in complex biological matrices. Preconcentration of SCFAs has been demonstrated with gas and liquid chromatography using multibed-sorbent traps, solid phase microextraction (SPME), and on-fiber derivatization with SPME. This project incorporates the use of 1-pyrenyldiazomethane (PDAM) as a derivatizing agent immobilized on graphitized carbon beds in a multi-bed sorbent trap. The goal is to achieve low ppb-range detection limits for SCFAs using headspace-gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Isobutyric acid at a concentration of 100 ppb has been detected without derivatization at this point in time.
2010
JoLisa McDay Chemistry Heather Holmes Ecological Method Development for Detecting N-Nitrosodimethylamine in Water Using HPLC-PDAD
Using ethanol, a sustainable reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method with photo-diode array detection (HPLC-PDAD) was investigated to detect sub-parts per billion concentrations of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in drinking water and environmental water samples. This presents a practical and 'green' option to analytical methods that require laborious derivatization, expensive detectors, and unecological solvents. Mobile phase characteristics, instrument operating parameters, and sample preparation were investigated. Selectivity for NDMA was evaluated using three different C18 columns. Optimal peak resolution and detection were achieved at 231 nm. The limit of detection and quantitation for NDMA was 0.29 _g/mL and 0.96 _g/mL, respectively, with an ethanol modifier and 5-?m column. A sustainable solid-phase extraction method was also investigated. Using ethanol for cartridge conditioning and extraction, recovery of NDMA was low (10%).
2010
Sarika Pamarthy Chemistry Deborah Heyl-Clegg Simulation of Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (hIAPP) and Pancreatic Beta Cell Membrane Interactions: Experimental Analysis and Possible Implications in the Etiology and Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus type II
Pancreatic beta cells secrete insulin, an endocrine hormone that regulates blood glucose levels and maintains normal physiological activity in humans and animals. Diabetes mellitus type II is a consequence of the gradual destruction of these important cells, likely by human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) that is co-secreted along with insulin. Increasing health care costs, coupled with the World Health Organization's prediction of a worldwide diabetic epidemic by year 2030, make experimental diabetes research a crucial prologue to future clinical trials in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Diabetes mellitus type II. Our experimental set-up simulates hIAPP and pancreatic beta cell membrane interactions in order to uncover factors that initiate and promote progression of beta cell death. Results from our study establish the potential role of various fragments of hIAPP in the disease process and explore the molecular mechanisms involved in pancreatic damage.
2010
Karen L. Sanders and Hasina Saraha Chemistry Cory Emal Structure-Activity Relationships of Inhibitory Molecules for Plasminogen Activator-Inhibitor-1
The inhibition of plasminogen activator-inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is anticipated to increase our understanding of various human ailments including diabetes, stroke, and atherosclerosis, with which high levels of PAI-1 have been associated. Previous accounts have reported the synthesis of inhibitors that bind to PAI-1 with a low affinity and fail to inhibit PAI-1 when vitronectin, a cofactor of PAI-1, is present. Therefore, the synthesis of small-molecule inhibitors of PAI-1 that improve upon these properties has been the main goal of this research. The refinement of one of these synthesized moieties into a selective and highly active inhibitory species has been achieved. IC50 values of our synthetic inhibitors were determined in an ex vivo plasma inhibition assay.
2010
David J. Sitar Chemistry Larry Kolopajlo E-volving Student Learning in the Sciences using Technology
Bringing new technologies into classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, and online tutorials are ongoing projects in today's curricula. Although studies have questioned the efficacy of using technology to promote content learning, technology does pave the way in making some subject matter more interesting to students. The objective of our work was to design and produce different forms of media that could be made available to students during chemistry courses. Technologies that were investigated, used, and integrated pedagogically were flip videos, online calculator tutorials, podcasts, and animations. These tools were then made accessible to students outside the classroom to heighten their learning process and enjoy ability of science.
2010
Brian A. Golden Communication, Media, and Theatre Arts Jeannette Kindred Leader Member Exchange and Deception: Building a Bridge to Nowhere
Leadership in corporate America has been experiencing a transformation over the last two decades as traditional leadership methods have progressed into inclusive, high-quality exchange supervisor/subordinate relationships, with the goal of increasing productivity and lowering employee turnover. Trust between supervisors and subordinates is a key component in the successful operation of an organization. The purpose of this study was to investigate and focus on the high exchange or in-group member dynamic of Leader Member Exchange (LMX) literature and deception literature in hopes of gaining a greater understanding of the effects supervisor deception has on subordinates involved in high-exchange subordinate relationships. Furthermore this study examined low-quality exchange (out-group members), LMX as transactional and transformational leadership, and perceptions of organizational justice due to supervisor deception.
2010
Diviin J. Huff Communication, Media, and Theatre Arts Jessica Alexander Fear Behind Moonlit Steps
This is a prose piece written for a storytelling class. The story is shaved from Chapter Fourteen of the book "Trouble Don't Last" by Shelley Pearsall. I decided to cut the description of the terribly scarred riverman to focus on the most important thing, which was overcoming for the boy. The man's face was described briefly later and there was a short reference to the man's slave master, too; that description proved to be enough. The piece was shaved down to a moment where the boy recalls a made-up memory of his mother, like a dream state. The idea that he now must walk to seem free frightens the boy to no end, but he must not let fear paralyze him. The performance of walking is one that will either set him aside as free or hold him back to possible re-enslavement. He is deciding to let freedom become him.
2010
Kenton Jones Communication, Media, and Theatre Arts Jessica Alexander Who is Speaking in Neil Gaiman's "Danse Macabre"?
Choosing a narrative voice is vital in the oral performance of fiction. Otherwise, a story is simply being read aloud. An omniscient narrator, being emotionally uninvolved in the story, literally has no character and is thus not very interesting. Dickens' speaker in "David Copperfield" readily reveals himself in the title of the first chapter, "I am Born." Other books are less clear, the plot and action moving the proceedings forward with the assumption that the narrator is the person telling the story. In Neil Gaiman's "The Graveyard Book," an omniscient, unidentified narrator describes past events. In this presentation I will share through performance how and why I chose to place the story in the present with the young boy narrating. The challenge in this oral interpretation is in justifying the use of third person narration when the third person is the first person. As a performer, I place myself in the Now of the story, telling it to an audience as if I were remembering events while they are unfolding. Ultimately, these choices challenge the time/space continuum, requiring total commitment from the storyteller.
2010
Sarah L. Mark and Mark Wartell Communication, Media, and Theatre Arts Dennis Patrick A Textual Analysis on Truth Telling Themes found in Children's Books
Parents, educators, and other adults often use narratives and story telling as a way of socializing and guiding the moral development of children. This presentation is an examination of approximately 10 children's books that focus on truth telling and deception. Two examples of themes covered include 1) Lies do not go away on their own and 2) If you tell the truth, you will not experience consequences.
2010
Callie McKee and Sandra Baughman Communication, Media, and Theatre Arts Susan Badger Booth Low Profit Liability: Supporting Arts and Culture
This presentation will explore the new business model the Low Profit Limited Liability Company (L3C) and its potential to serve arts and cultural organizations. An outgrowth the LLC (Limited Liability Corporation), the L3C addresses the economic viability of for-profit organizations whose mission is to further the social good. In Michigan, one of the few states nationwide to pass L3C legislation, the L3C model has the potential to help non-profit arts and cultural organizations expand services through for-profit branches, encourage collaboration between organizations and businesses working for social good, provide new opportunities for entrepreneurs, and help motivate an expansive creative economy in the state. We will also explore how the L3C impacts foundation giving, look at examples of L3Cs in other states, and discuss the critiques of this new model.
2010
Emily D. Patton Communication, Media, and Theatre Arts Jessica Alexander Brace: Creating and Performing a Personal Myth
Personal mythmaking is the art of creating an autobiographical tale focusing on universal truths. The process begins with a personal anecdote in which the author looks for interconnections, significant themes, and metaphors. A personal myth is written for oral performance and focuses on rhythm, pace, and language patterns within delivery. There is less focus on literal truth, as fabricated plot may be necessary to piece a memory together and, ultimately, connect with audiences. Personal myths can be a weaving of stories within one theme, often under the frame of separation, initiation, and return.
2010
Adam M. Sheaffer Communication, Media, and Theatre Arts Lee Stille ciphers to this great accompt': Globe Performativity, Actor Training, and the Production of Shakespeare
My current research considers the artistic, pedagogical, and phenomenological shifts which original staging rehearses and produces and considers how the actor's process might benefit from these shifts. Drawing on Research Bulletins from the first six seasons at Shakespeare's Globe, I will consider the production process in light of established Shakespearean dramaturgy and pedagogy, performance theory, and academic and artistic accounts/research of Globe practitioners and scholars. The Globe project, since its construction and more than a decade of production and research, remains a lightning rod for various and often competing artistic and academic interests and investments. I wish to take a step back and ask what implications the conventions employed at the Globe, universal lighting, direct address, 'scene change' in full view of the audience, and many others, might have on the evolving ways Shakespearean 'characters' are constructed.
2010
Thomas Basil Simon Communication, Media, and Theatre Arts Lee Stille The Persuasive Tactic of Agreement: A Study of the Performances of Improvisation, Comedy, and Politics and How these Topics Offer an Insight into the Ability to Influence
This research begins to explore the ability to persuade in a live dialogue. To evoke laughter is a persuasion in which the performer has influenced the spectator to respond. Therefore, the skills of improvisation, which have been championed by the business community, may offer lessons to the endeavors of political activists, specifically at the grassroots level. During an improvisatory interaction, if the actor is trained in the skills of agreement, he or she will be agreeing with the other person in order to move the conversation forward. Improvisation and liminality may provide the balance of freedom and equality that allows a community (which may only be as big as two people) to create an outcome that is reciprocally advantageous. As a result, if a trained improviser is able to use his or her skill to direct the interaction, therein rests the potential to persuade.
2010

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