Western Collegiate Division Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Sciences

Western Collegiate Division Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Sciences

Hosted By:

Christian Brothers University & The University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Schedule of Events

Tennessee Academy of Science

April 6, 2013

Christian Brothers University

Registration (Assisi Hall Foyer)8:30

Welcome and Introduction8:55

Introduction of Keynote Speaker9:00

Keynote AddressAH 153

Dr. Duane McKenna, Assistant Professor, The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee

“Genes and Genomes Reveal New Insights into the Evolution of Insect Megadiversity”

Sessions 1- 6 Oral Presentations9:45

Posters PresentationsAssisi Foyer12:00 – 1:00

Lunch Sabbatini Lounge Thomas Center1:00 – 2:00

Closing:

Announcement of Best Paper Awards

Business Meeting

Session One: Botany AH 155

9:45 – 11:00

Moderator: Garrett Burton, Christian Brothers University

Session Two: Zoology AH 155

11:00 – 12:30

Moderator: Garrett Burton, Christian Brothers University

Session Three: Health and Medical Science I AH 153

9:45 – 12:15

Moderator: Elton Banks, Christian Brothers University

Session Four: Health and Medical Science II AH 151

9:45 – 12:15

Moderator: Eric Joe, Christian Brothers University

Session Five: Engineering AH 007

9:45 – 10:45

Moderator: Dr. L. Yu Lin, Christian Brothers University

Session Six: Mathematics AH 007

11:00 – 12:00

Moderator: Dr. Ted Clark, Christian Brothers University

Poster Presentations: Assisi Hall Foyer

12:00 – 1:00

Moderator: Br. Edward Salgado, Christian Brothers University

Judges

Session One: Botany

Dr. Michael Schiebout – Union University

Dr. Martha Brown – The University of Memphis

Session Two: Zoology

Dr. Cheryl Goudie – The University of Memphis

Dr. Bill Simco – The University of Memphis

Session Three: Health and Medical Science I

Dr. Laura Luque de Johnson – Rhodes College

Dr. David Wing – Union University

Dr. Rachel Salmon – Freed-Hardeman University

Session Four: Health and Medical Science II

Dr. Harmon Dunathan

Dr. Oliver Sturm – Rhodes College

Dr. John Mason – St. Jude

Session Five: Engineering

Dr. Bashir Morshed – University of Memphis

Dr. Ted Clark – Christian Brothers University

Session Six: Mathematics

Dr. Bashir Morshed – University of Memphis

Dr. Ted Clark – Christian Brothers University

Posters

Dr. Bill Simco – The University of Memphis

Dr. Cheryl Goudie – The University of Memphis

Dr. Duane McKenna, PhD

Assistant Professor

Associate, Program in Bioinformatics

Associate, W. Harry Feinstone Center for Genomic Research

The University of Memphis

Keynote Speaker

B.S. in Biology/Chemistry Western Michigan University

M.S. Entomology University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign

Ph.D. and Postdoctoral Training Harvard University

Current Activities:

U of M IT Research Advisory Committee

U of M Standing Committee on Biological Safety

U of M High Performance Computing Committee

U of M Department of Biological Sciences Strategic Planning Committee

Founder and Faculty Advisor for Biological Sciences Graduate Student Association

Memphis Research Consortium Genomics Subcommittee

Associate Editor: European Journal of Entomology

Editor: Zookeys (International Journal of Biodiversity)

Session One: Botany

Moderator: Garrett Burton

The effects of the invasive Ailanthus altissima on root morphology and rhizobial infection of Albizia julibrissin. Austin Johnson*, James E. Moore, and Sandra Thompson-Jaeger, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (AJ, JEM, STJ).

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals by Lichens in Overton Park, Memphis, Tennessee. Louis J. Varriano*, Lynda R. Miller, and Thomas J. Sullivan, White Station High School, Memphis, Tennessee (LV) and Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (LM, TS).

Growth responses of different aged individuals of Xanthium strumarium L. in flooded conditions. John D. Wolfe*, Scott B. Franklin, and James E. Moore, Christian Brothers University (JW, JM), Memphis, Tennessee, The University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado (SF).

Interactions between Albizia julibrissin and Ailanthus altissima: two co-occurring invasive trees. Daniel C. Stewart* and James E. Moore,Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (DCS, JEM).

Diversity and Distribution of Lichens in Overton Park, Memphis, Tennessee. Katleyn A. Frierott, Louis J. Varriano, Lynda R. Miller, and Thomas J. Sullivan. St. Benedict at Auburndale High School, Memphis, Tennessee (KF), White Station High School, Memphis, Tennessee (LV) and Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (LM, TS).

Session Two: Zoology

Moderator: Garrett Burton

Aggression, altruism, and sexual behavior in the captive vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) at the Memphis Zoo. Allison Julien*, Matthew Roberts, and Sarah Boyle, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee (AJ, MR, SB).

Foraging patterns of eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). James R. Dowdy*, Lauren A. Madeira, and Michael L. Kennedy, Christian Brothers University (JD) and The University of Memphis (LM, MK).

Determining the age of wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri), a premiere sport and food fish in the Gulf of Mexico: An assessment of sagittal otoliths as wahoo ageing structures. Patrick M. Graham*, James S. Franks, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (PG) and The University of Southern Mississippi: Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi (JF).

Parasitemia of dogs in the Memphis area as reflected in fecal samples collected from three dog parks. Lee A. Curbo*, Stanley S. Eisen, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee(LC, SE).

Assessment of flooring changes on African Elephant behavior. Margaret R. Blake*, Stephen E. Leavelle*, Jennifer J. Marshall*, Brittany Pope*, Sarah A. Boyle, Beth Roberts, Andrew Smith, Amanda Hadicke, Fields Falcone, Katrina Knott, and Andrew J. Kouba,Department of Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee (MRB, SEL, JJM, BP, SAB) and Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, Tennessee (BR, AS, AH, FF, KK, AJK).

Infrared thermography: a noninvasive measure of mouse and rat body temperature.

Cameron Volpe*, Ryan Sullivan, and David Hamilton, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (CV) and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (RS, DH).

Session Three: Health and Medical Science I

Moderator: Elton Banks

Is 24R, 25- dihydroxyvitamin D_3 an active form of vitaminD_3? Sherita Granderson*, Zhahong Yin, and Mitchell Watsky,Christian Brothers University (SG), and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (ZY, MW).

Investigation of behavioral and motor deficits in DJ-1 knockout mice: An animal model for Parkinson’s disease, Jessica E. Schneider* and Michael McDonald,Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (JS), and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (MM).

Effects of tick saliva on musculoskeletal inflammatory molecules. C. Bahniuk*,

L. Coons, N. Poole, J. Cole, R. Smith, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (CB), The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee (LC, NP, JC), and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (RS).Research performed at University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN.

Effects of alcohol and caffeine on middle cerebral artery diameter. Jessica Dunn*, Kuihuan Jian, and Alex Dopico, Christian Brothers University (JD), and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (KJ, AD).

Neuroprotective treatment for blast-induced vision loss. Lauren D’Surney*, Brendan Lunn; Courtney Bricker-Anthony; Jessica Hines-Beard; and Tonia S. Rex. Christian Brothers University (LD'S) University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis Tennessee (BL, LD'S) and Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (CB-A, JH-B, TSR).

Halting the effects of cocaine sensitization after withdrawal. Jeremiah Mooney* and Jeff Steketee. Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (JS).

Effects of developmental alcohol exposure on sleep: wake parameters and related behaviors in mice. Danielle Frazier*, Candis Dubois, and Kristin Hamre,Christian Brothers University (DF) and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (CD, KH).

Comparison of light and electron microscopic analysis of nitroblue tetrazolium staining with alkaline phosphatase to identify mouse retinal neurons. Velita M. Thornton*, Sharon Frase, Dianna A. Johnson, and Fara F. Sudlow, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (VT), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee (SF, FS), and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (DJ).

Molecular cloning and expression of cDNAs encoding type 2 ryanodine receptors. Krystyna Clark*, Maria T. Asuncion-Chin, Aditya K. Singh, and Alex M. Dopico, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (KC), and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (MA-C, AS, AD).

Session Four: Health and Medical Science II

Moderator: Eric Joe

Surface swelling of resin-modified glass-ionomer in saliva, saliva-like solution and water. Michael Drake*, Michael James, Phylicia Combest, Ashanti Braxton, Daranee Tantbirojn, and Antheunis Versluis, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (MD), and University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, Memphis, Tennessee (MJ, PC, AB, DT, AV).

The effect of surface treatment and novel adhesive on strength of composite repair.

Christini Fernando*, Daranee Tantbirojn, and Antheunis Versluis, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (CF), and University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, Memphis, Tennessee (DT, AV).

Conditioned olfactory aversion increases olfactory sensitivity in mice,Lydia N. Hyatt*, Max Fletcher, and Mounir Bendahmane, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (LH), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (MF, MB).

The Effects of Dube3a on the Neuromuscular Junction of Drosophila Larvae. Colleen Valdez*, and Lawrence T. Reiter,Christian Brothers University (CV) and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee (LR).

Determination of axonal loss and optic nerve head degeneration in glaucomatous eyes.

Lauryn Murphy*, Steven Hart, XiangDi Wang, Eldon Geisert,Christian Brothers University (LM) and University of Tennessee Hamilton Eye Institute, Memphis, Tennessee (SH, XW, EG).

Genes in addition to Tyrp1 & Gpnmb gene mutations may contribute to pigmentary glaucoma. Indiana Y Soliman*, Ebony Talbert.* and Monica M. Jablonski, Christian Brothers University (IYS, ET), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis Tennessee (MMJ).

Vehicle Accident Preparedness. Ashia N. Rallings* and Bobby Myers, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (AR), James Chiropractic Rehabilitation Office, Memphis, Tennessee, (BM).

Vergence facility: Test performance variability and relationship to symptoms and phoric posture. Angela J. Williams* and Marc B. Taub, Christian Brothers University (AW) and Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, TN (MT).

Corticospinal tract damage accompanies motor dysfunction in a mouse model of closed-head mild traumatic brain injury. Jessica M. Ferrell*, Rhonda Williams, Josh Rogers, Nobel Del Mar, Andrea J. Elberger, Tonia Rex, Marcia Honig, and Anton Reiner, Christian Brothers University (JMF) and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Memphis Tennessee (RW, JR, NDM, AJE, TR, MH, and AR).

Session Five: Engineering

Moderator: Dr. L. Yu Lin, Christian Brothers University

RFID Door Tracking System for Mid-South Marking Systems, Memphis Tennessee. Justin E. Johnson*, Christian Brothers University, Memphis Tennessee.

Wind Energy. Nicholaus Smith,Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee.

Solar Panel Analysis. Hunter Coulston, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee.

Session Six: Mathematics

Moderator: Dr. Ted Clark

Rainbow colorings of some geometrically defined uniform hypergraphs in the plane. Brent Holmes*, Peter Johnson Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (BH) and Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama (PJ).

A Nonlinear Regression with Risk Factors and Stock Return, Xin Shu*, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee.

A Set Partition Analog of the Erdös-Szekeres Theorem. Rui Liu*,Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee.

Posters

Moderator: Br. Edward Salgado

Pack hierarchy of captive wolves utilizing behavior and spatial analysis. Kimber Jones*, Phillip Lyons*, Sarah Boyle, and Andy Kouba, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee (KJ, PL, SB) and Memphis Zoo, Memphis, Tennessee (SB, AK).

Differential metal accumulation and deposition in the fish Micropterus punctulatus. Daniel Davis* and Lynda R. Miller,Arlington High School (DD) and Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (LM).

The extent to which shows influence behavior of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus)Madison K. Marullo*, Roberta J.H. Moore*, and Sarah A. Boyle,Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee.

The Effect of Metaphor versus Declarative Narrative on the Reduction of Negative Affect and Stress Caused by Moderate Trauma. Ariel Kingsley*and Dr. Elizabeth Nelson,Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (AK, EN).

Aggressive and mating interactions of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) at the Memphis Zoo. Amelia D Phelps*, Sarah Boyle, Jason Bankston, and Carolyn Horton, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee (AP, SB), and Memphis Zoo and Aquarium, Memphis, Tennessee (JB, CH).

Evaluation of salidroside analogs as potential anticancer therapeutic agents. Margaret Cupit*, Adaris Rodríguez-Cortés, Taotao Ling, and Fatima Rivas, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee (MC) andSt. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,Memphis, Tennessee (AR-C, TL, FR).

Terrestrial Natural Products: A Promising Avenue for Anti-Malarial Therapeutic Agents. Megan Hotard*, Yandira G. Salinas, Michele Connelly, Taotao Ling, and Fatima Rivas, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee (MH), and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee (YS, MC, TL, FR).

ABSTRACTS

Botany

Session One

Moderator: Garrett Burton

9:45 Interactions between Albizia julibrissin and Ailanthus altissima: two co-occurring invasive trees. Daniel C. Stewart* and James E. Moore, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee.

In order to understand the facilitative interactions of co-occurring invasive trees, we measured the nodule production and growth of a leguminous invasive species, Albizia julibrissin, grown with the allelopath producing invasive species, Ailanthus altissima. We hypothesized Albizia would produce more nodules in the presence of Ailanthus compared to grown with con-specifics or grown solitary. We also hypothesized that when grown with Albizia, Ailanthus would have greater biomass measures due to presumed increases in nitrogen fixation. Results indicated that Albizia did produce significantly more nodules when grown with Ailanthus and allocated more resources to belowground biomass. Ailanthus allocated more resources to aboveground biomass and produced greater total biomass. Albizia’s neighbor status did not significantly influence height or diameter. Results indicated that indeed there is a positive interaction for nodule production for these two species further illustrating the need to understand positive interactions among invasive tree species.

10:00Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals by Lichens in Overton Park, Memphis, Tennessee. Louis J. Varriano*, Lynda R. Miller, and Thomas J. Sullivan. White Station High School, Memphis, Tennessee (LV) and Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (LM, TS).

The bioaccumulation of heavy metals has been well-documented in epiphytic lichens. We collected lichens from Overton Park, an urban old growth forest, to determine the types and patterns of pollution. The lichens in Overton Park were sampled and analyzed in order to compare the populations from the interior of the park with those near its exterior. Lichen specimens were analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to determine the elemental composition of spots known to contain high-density particles, as seen under a back-scattered electron detector in an environmental scanning electron microscope. The proportions of these lichens containing heavy metals or other elements were then statistically evaluated to determine whether a significant difference in contamination existed between different areas of the park. Lichens in the interior understory were shown to accumulate fewer heavy metals as compared to lichens in the exterior understory. No significant difference was shown to exist between the accumulation of canopy lichens and understory lichens

10:15 Growth responses of different aged individuals of Xanthium strumarium L. in flooded conditions. John D. Wolfe*, Scott B. Franklin, and James E. Moore,Christian Brothers University (JW, JM), Memphis, Tennessee, and The University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado (SF).

In order to assess the effects of age on flooding tolerance, we conducted an experiment in which biomass accumulations and stem height/diameter were examined for two age cohorts of Xanthium strumarium. We hypothesized that under flooded conditions change in biomass would be greater for younger individuals. We further hypothesized that the older individuals would be more impacted by the stress of flooding; i.e., the younger cohort would grow based on stressor, thus the effects of flooding would be masked. Results show that the older individuals experienced a greater change in biomass for all parameters (root and shoot biomass, increase in total biomass, and root shoot ratio). According to height repeated measures, older individuals actually decreased in height as the number of floods increased (not the case for diameter repeated measures). Our study indicates that younger individuals become acclimated to a stressful environment more quickly and out perform their older cohorts.

10:30 Interactions between Albizia julibrissin and Ailanthus altissima: two co-occurring invasive trees. Daniel C. Stewart* and James E. Moore, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee.

In order to understand the facilitative interactions of co-occurring invasive trees, we measured the nodule production and growth of a leguminous invasive species, Albizia julibrissin, grown with the allelopath producing invasive species, Ailanthus altissima. We hypothesized Albizia would produce more nodules in the presence of Ailanthus compared to grown with con-specifics or grown solitary. We also hypothesized that when grown with Albizia, Ailanthus would have greater biomass measures due to presumed increases in nitrogen fixation. Results indicated that Albizia did produce significantly more nodules when grown with Ailanthus and allocated more resources to belowground biomass. Ailanthus allocated more resources to aboveground biomass and produced greater total biomass. Albizia’s neighbor status did not significantly influence height or diameter. Results indicated that indeed there is a positive interaction for nodule production for these two species further illustrating the need to understand positive interactions among invasive tree species.

10:45 Diversity and Distribution of Lichens in Overton Park, Memphis, Tennessee. Katleyn A. Frierott, Louis J. Varriano, Lynda R. Miller, and Thomas J. Sullivan. St. Benedict at Auburndale High School, Memphis, Tennessee (KF), White Station High School, Memphis, Tennessee (LV) and Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tennessee (LM, TS).

Thirty-eight (38) taxa representing twenty-two (22 ) genera of lichens are reported in this floristic study of the lichens of Overton Park, Memphis, TN, an old growth forest converted into an urban park. Over two hundred (200) collections were made from thirty-eight (38) different localities and were grouped together based on location within the park. Differences were found to exist between the type of lichens that dominated the canopy versus those collected on the tree trunks. No significant difference existed between those found on the perimeter of the park versus those found in the interior paths.

Zoology

Session II

Moderator: Garrett Burton

11:00 Aggression, altruism, and sexual behavior in the captive vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) at the Memphis Zoo. Allison Julien, Matthew Roberts, and Sarah Boyle, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee.