Senior Research 2008

	Kyle Abbott The Role of Antioxidant Vitamin Supplements A, C, and E in Cancer Treatment and Prevention This paper will review the basic health considerations involved with the intake of antioxidant vitamin supplements focusing specifically on cancer prevention and treatment. The biochemical role of vitamins A, C, and E within the body will be examined in attempt to better understand their role in body systems and ultimately in the function and vitality of the body as a whole. The primary molecular mechanism in which these compounds are thought to act is through the offset of free radicals, which have been shown to cause mutations in DNA. The indirect roles of these vitamins in preventing and treating cancer include the relationship between antioxidant vitamins and body systems such as the immune system. Both of these roles will be examined thoroughly in attempt to explain any beneficial or detrimental effects these vitamins have in the body. Recent experimental and clinical evidence will also be used to reveal general considerations in regard to vitamin supplementation.
	Autumn Adkins The Effect of Chocolate Milk and One Percent Milk on the Endurance and Activity Levels of Mice (Mus musculus) In the past, electrolytes like sodium and potassium have been the major source of supplements used to encourage endurance and activity level increases under the body’s increased exertion, which often occurs during exercise. Other forms of exercise supplements, vitamins, and enhancers have been researched and tested in hopes of discovering more sources for endurance aid, increased activity levels, and post-exercise recovery aid with a goal of improving overall performance and reducing exercise fatigue. Most recently, a major topic of discussion has been chocolate milk, which contains important carbohydrates, and calcium, which supply and replace the body’s stores with necessary ions to function more efficiently. Previous studies on chocolate milk have claimed chocolate milk to be just as effective as other fluid replacement drinks as a post-exercise recovery aid, though there has been minimal known research on the effectiveness of regular milk. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is variation between the chocolate milk and 1% milk and to determine which, or if, there’s variation in the amount of activity and longevity of activity. In summary, this research looks at the effect of milk and chocolate milk on activity and endurance levels of mice (mus musculus).
	Adam Ahlquist The Effects of Cinnamon on Blood Glucose Levels in Alloxan-induced Type II Diabetic Mus Musculus The effects of cinnamon from the tropical evergreen tree Cinnamomum zeylanicum were tested for one month to determine whether it had an anti-diabetic effect on mus musculus (house mouse) blood glucose levels. The mice were induced with the chemical alloxan to show blood glucose management capabilities similar to those shown by type II diabetic mice. The cinnamon was administered orally via the mice’s drinking water at a concentration of 0.133 milliliters (mL) cinnamon extract/100 mL drinking water, and the diabetic induction was accomplished by intraperitoneal injection of a solution of 3.0 milligrams (mg) powdered alloxan/0.1 mL sterile saline, so that each animal received 0.1 mg alloxan/gram body mass. The cinnamon water was changed whenever the water level was low, and blood glucose levels were taken via lateral tail bleeding every other day. Upon conclusion of the study, it was found that cinnamon significantly reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic mice when compared to diabetic mice that had not received cinnamon (P<0.001). It was also found that non-diabetic mice that received cinnamon had lower blood glucose levels than non-diabetic mice that had not received cinnamon (P<0.001). These results suggest cinnamon plays a role in blood glucose regulation and may be a candidate for helping treat type II diabetes.
	Brent Bauman The effect of Leishmania donovani on phagocytosis and MHC protein expression in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages Macrophages, a major cellular mediator of innate immunity, have two key functions: phagocytosis and major histocompatibility complex II expression. Macrophage expression of MHC II is crucial for the Macrophage’s ability to perform antigen presentation to cells of adaptive immunity. Another key set of molecules important for Macrophage function are cytokines. One specific cytokine, Interferon gamma (IFNγ), is important for Macrophage activation to perform both of its key functions at the optimal level. Leishmania donovani is a parasite that has the unique ability to evade host immune intervention by inhibiting both of the macrophage’s key functions (phagocytosis and antigen presentation). Currently, there is a large body of research that attributes the specific ability of Leishmania to evade the macrophage to the Leishmania cell surface molecule lippophosphoglycan; however, more research needs to be conducted to establish more conclusive data concerning the inhibitory function of LPG on the macrophage. This study attempted to determine whether macrophage function inhibition is due to the presence of LPG or whole parasites by measuring the degree of macrophage activation under four different conditions: IFNγ, LPG, IFNγ and LPG, and unstimulated.
	Amy Beitzel Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology, Treatment and Prevention Alzheimer’s disease is a complicated, debilitating and tragic disease. Due to increasing life expectancy it is only becoming more prevalent and more people are becoming at risk. Alzheimer’s disease currently accounts for 60-80 % of all dementia and is now the fourth leading cause of death in the western world. Alzheimer’s disease affects one’s cognitive function and produces symptoms such as forgetfulness, confusion, trouble organizing or expressing thoughts, as well as personality and behavior changes. The two main pathologies that indicate Alzheimer’s disease are neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic plaques. These two main pathologies are interconnected with numerous other conditions within the brain. Treatment is symptomatic and there is currently no cure. Preventative measures mainly include a healthy diet as well as attention to consumption or accidental ingestion of metals. This paper explores the connections between pathology, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
	Ben Curtis The Impact of Collagen Wound Dressings in the Prevention of Alveolar Osteitis After Complete Bony Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery In this study, we compared the incidence of alveolar osteitis (AO) in patients treated with CollaCote®; an absorbable collagen wound dressing. The purpose of this study was to determine whether CollaCote® was a substantial treatment in the prevention of alveolar osteitis. 42 patients, 21 male and 21 female, classified with complete bony impacted mandibular third molars, were included in this study. During surgery CollaCote® was placed in one of the two vacant sockets in the mandible, the other socket that did not receive CollaCote® acted as a control group for our study. The same surgeon treated all patients. Results show that 31.0% (13 of 42 patients) of the patients developed AO in one or both sockets following treatment. Of the 31.0% with AO, 92.3% (12 of 13 patients) of AO developed in the socket treated with CollaCote®, while only 76.9% (10 of 13 patients) of AO developed in the socket left untreated (control). There was also not enough significance between male and female patients (P value= .1587) to suggest that the development of AO was gender related, in this research. These results suggest that CollaCote® does not significantly impact the prevention of AO after third molar surgery and that further research in this experimental study is needed.
	Mark Domaas The Effect of Gatorade and Monster Energy Drink on Mus Musculus Energy Levels Through Voluntary Ingestion Energy drinks have become a large part of our society today. Some offer promises of faster recovery post-workout, while others include mental alertness and physical energy as well. Caffeine has been shown in previous studies to improve physical performance. This study was assigned to determine if a formulated sports drink (Gatorade), an energy drink with caffeine (Monster), or plain water provide significantly different amounts of energy to mice. The final results showed that Gatorade had a significantly higher amount of energy compared with Gatorade, but did not have a significant increased amount of energy compared to water.
	Thomas Finn Chemical signaling in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms This work is a review of the current knowledge of quorum sensing and molecular communication between organisms. Prokaryotic organisms are investigated first, in the form of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Additional information regarding quorum sensing between single celled organisms in general follows. A look at the biological warfare that ensues using these chemical signals on the level of prokaryotes and eukaryotes is followed by a glimpse at how this chemical signaling is present in symbiotic relationships.
	David Gibbons A correlative study between supplemental L-ascorbic acid and hydrocortisone, and their effect on white blood cell counts in mus musculus Americans today have higher stress levels than ever before. One compound the body releases as a product of stress is cortisol, which is an anti-inflammatory that breaks down white blood cells, and, thereby weakening the body’s immune response to infection. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is known to help prevent sickness by stopping cortisol production by turning off the 11-hydroxylase mechanism of cortisol production and eliminating free radicals by acting as an antioxidant. Many companies rely on this fact when marketing vitamin supplements such as Emergen-C. But does ascorbic acid really stop cortisol production, and, therefore, increase the number of white blood cells available to fight infection? Mus musculus serves as an effective model organism for the study of this mechanism. In order to further examine the mechanism, supplemental hydrocortisone, the active form of cortisol in mice, was injected into the mice subcutaneously. Additionally, L-ascorbic acid at two levels, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, were added to the diets of the selected mice.
	Isaac Hamilton Use of Barley Straw for Algae Remediation in Urban Lakes In the environment, levels of algae in lakes in streams are typically found in relatively low numbers due to limiting factors such as nutrient availability. An increase in the use of products such as lawn care and industrial fertilizers, which often contain high levels of nitrates and phosphates, has led to a surplus of these normally limiting nutrients in some areas. Algal blooms (large growths of algae) are most often found in metro area lakes and streams as a result of high nutrient levels. These blooms are not only unpleasant to look at, smell, or swim around, but they can also be toxic as well. Certain genera of algae have the ability to produce toxins which, if in large enough quantity, can cause those who may drink the water to become ill and in some cases have been known to be fatal. Results pertaining to Barley straw as an effective way to reduce the number of certain genera of algae were inconclusive. In this research I used two genera: Anabaena and Pediastrum. The process by which Barley straw could possibly reduce algae growth is not currently well understood, however some theories have been formulated and are currently being tested. This research deals with the application of Barley straw rather than the process by which Barley straw effects algae.
	Timothy A. Hammer Mutagenic effects of the anti-depressant Imipramine on Human Lymphoctyte cells observed using Sister Chromatid Exchange analysis. Imipramine is a common drug prescribed to patients suffering from depression. As an anti-depressant, Imipramine can often be overdosed by patients who desire a greater effect. This possibility combined with previous research indicating Imipramine may cause birth defects, provides the basis for this research. In this research, human lymphocyte cells were treated with various doses of Imipramine and analyzed for mutagenic effects using sister chromatid exchange analysis. Preliminary results suggest that increased dosages of Imipramine have an effect on the mutagenic rate in the lymphocyte cells assessed using mitotic index and sister chromatid exchange.
	Austin L. Hanlin North Minneapolis Residents’ Awareness of Environmental Justice Issues This study examined the awareness that North Minneapolis residents’ have of environmental justice issues, specifically issues in the Harrison neighborhood, and examined how the community can be better educated on environmental justice. The research hypothesis was that the members of the Harrison neighborhood will have a low awareness and a low understanding of environmental justice issues. To determine the accuracy of this hypothesis, surveys were administered in three church congregations in the Harrison neighborhood of North Minneapolis. Interviews were also conducted with members of the congregations and with members of two community organizations. The data collected was analyzed and the results indicate that environmental education programming is vital to increase awareness of environmental justice issues in the Harrison neighborhood. Community organizations and the surveyed churches will be provided with the results in order to appropriately implement environmental programming for the neighborhood. Educating the Harrison neighborhood about environmental justice issues is important because these issues impact many facets of life, such as food and health. The community must unite to become educated on these topics and to fight for the environmental protection of their neighborhood.
	Crista Johnson Secretion of nitric oxide by lipophosphoglycan-stimulated murine macrophages The disfiguring and life threatening disease Leishmaniasis is caused by parasites in the genus Leishmania, and is transmitted through the bite of sand flies. Leishmania are unicellular parasites that live and replicate inside vertebrate white blood cells, specifically macrophages, and are thereby protected from host immune responses. Lipophosphoglycan (LPG) is one of the main cell surface components of Leishmania and has been shown to stimulate macrophages to produce an immune response in the same way that the parasite does, and is therefore used to model the activity of Leishmania in this experiment. Nitric oxide is produced when macrophages are activated by pathogens or their derivatives (such as LPG), and its presence is a good indicator of the level of macrophage activation. RAW264.7 cells are macrophage-like cells derived from tumors induced in mice that were used to allow in vitro study. The two questions addressed were; (i) whether LPG-stimulated RAW264.7 cells exhibited a significant antimicrobial response, and (ii) whether LPG stimulation alters the ability of RAW264.7 cells to respond to interferon-gamma (IFNγ), which is a central component of anti-parasite immunity. To address these questions, RAW264.7 cells were stimulated in culture by LPG, IFNγ, or a combination of these, and assayed for nitric oxide production using the Griess Reagent System. LPG stimulation did not induce nitric oxide production either alone or in combination with IFNγ, indicating that LPG is not a strong activator of immunity in RAW264.7 cells.
	Graham Johnson The Effect of Leishmania donovani Lipophosphoglycan (LPG) on Interferon-γ-Inducible Gene Expression of MHC Class I Pathway Genes in Murine Macrophages Protozoa of the genus Leishmania are flagellated parasites that enter into the human body through sand fly transmission and cause diseases broadly known as leishmaniasis. Upon entering the body, Leishmania are phagocytized by macrophages. Although macrophages are critical cellular mediators of innate immunity, Leishmania parasites survive within them. Lipophosphoglycan (LPG) is abundant on the cell surface of Leishmania and is known to have an effect on the uptake of the parasite into the macrophage. Interferon-γ (IFNγ) is secreted by T-lymphocytes and is a known activator of macrophage function including antigen presentation by major histocompatability complex (MHC) proteins, which is necessary for efficient elimination of Leishmania infections. Therefore, we tested expression of genes of the MHC Class I pathway by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in macrophages treated with IFNγ, LPG, or a combination of both. The genes were tested on three separate strains of mice macrophage cells: RAW 264.7 and BALB/c, which typically exhibit a progressive infection, and C57BL/6, which exhibit protective immunity. Results showed that LPG and IFNγ do not influence the levels of expression of the MHC Class I-associated genes calnexin, calreticulin, and tapasin in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Preliminary data suggest this is also the case in the BALB/c derived macrophages as well. Results for the expression of the C57BL/6 derived macrophages proved inconclusive.
	Grant Johnson Atenolol mutagenicity on Human Lymphocytes analyzed through Sister Chromatid Exchange Atenolol is a beta blocker drug used by many seniors in the United States for heart conditions. Because Atenolol is taken by a large population and commonly in tandem with other drugs, its action on DNA may contribute to the high occurrence of cancer in today’s aging population. In this study, Atenolol was analyzed for potential mutagenic affects on cultures of human lymphocytes using sister chromatid exchange techniques. Cell cultures were treated with a series of clinical Atenolol doses, harvested, stained and analyzed under fluorescence for DNA point mutations. From statistics tests on SCE counts and mitotic indices, no statistically significant correlation between the presence of Atenolol and DNA point mutations was seen.
	Neil Johnson Sequence of Xenopous laevis Surfactant Protein D Gene Lab mice have been the typical experimental animals. However, research has more recently been done on Xenopous laevis to see if the presence of certain Surfactant Protein genes can found. A recent study found lung developmental expression of SP-C and SP-B of Xenopous laevis. This finding presents a model that can be studied before the onset of endodermal differentiation. Here, Xenopous laevis is the model that is being used to find the sequence of the SP-D gene The result are used to compare the sequence of Xenopous SP-D gene to the sequence of human SP-D gene.
	Benjamin D. Jorgensen Characterization of Neuregulin/ErbB Receptors in Neonatal Rat (Rattus norvegicus) Diaphragm Muscle Neuregulin (NRG) is a nerve-derived trophic factor that has several functions in muscle signal transduction. NRG regulates cellular pathways through the binding of four ErbB receptors: EGFR (ErbB-1), ErbB-2, ErbB-3, and ErbB-4. NRG increases protein synthesis in C2C12 mouse myotubes and rat diaphragm in a PI3K manner which implicates NRG as a potentially important regulator. This study characterizes the presence of each of four ErbB receptors in neonatal rat diaphragm muscle (DIAm) to direct further research in determining the signaling pathways of NRG in the developing neonate. Rat DIAm at ages P0, P7, and P28 was analyzed for each ErbB receptor via Western analysis. We compared the relative amounts of each receptor and observed a trend with the greatest expression for all receptors at P0 and decreased expression through P28. This data suggests a major role for NRG in stages of early development and differentiation.
	Shauna Kaitz The Biological Background and Novel Therapeutic Techniques for Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is an exceptionally complex mental disorder that can often be greatly misunderstood within society. This report is a review of the biological basis and innovative clinical treatments of the mental illness. The study of the biological background examines abnormalities in the areas of genetic, neurotransmitter, and physical abnormalities. Although there have been numerous genes found to perhaps be linked with the disorder, this paper will specifically examine DISC1, DTNBP1, NRG1, and GAD1 genes. With this background, innovative treatments, such as Aripiprazole, Bifeprunox, LY2140023, and Paliperidone will be reviewed. A clearer understanding of the neurological processes affected by this disorder will hopefully aid in battling stigma.
	Scott Kiel Effects of drought stress on growth and gas exchange in Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Drought stress has been shown to have significant effects upon the growth of plants as well as their ability to exchange gases. This paper looks at how these features are influenced in Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) by exposing series of plants to various intensities of drought for a period of time. Several growth characteristics were measured after two weeks and again after a month under drought conditions. Gas exchange rates were measured after a month. Only leaf water potential (ψw) was shown to display any significant differences after two weeks. However after a month shoot masses showed significant differences and differences leaf water potential also remained significant. Also after a month under growth conditions both photosynthesis rates and transpiration rates were shown to be significantly influenced by drought stress.
	Kendra Lindahl A Comparison of Epileptic Treatments: A Literature Review A literature review and evaluation on various epileptic treatments has been done. Part I focuses on the drug therapies that are used in epileptic treatments. Part II focuses on various surgical treatments, including temporal lobectomies, lesion resection, and gamma knife surgery. Part III focuses on alternative treatments that do not fit into the prior categories. Included in that group are vagal nerve stimulation, a ketogenic diet, and neuronal network interruption. Each part discusses the pros and cons of each treatment, as well as which method is particularly effective for specific types of epilepsy.
	Michael Lutterman 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase and its Suspected Role in Malignancy 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) is one of several important enzymes that regulate and catalyze biological activity of steroid hormones at the pre-receptor level (Adamski and Jakod, 2001, Feix et. al., 2001, Möller et. al., 1999). These enzymes are present in many phylogenetic classes including but not limited to protists (Marcus et al., 1965), invertebrates, and vertebrates. 17β-HSDs are found to have wide range multifunctionality in controlling concentrations of steroids, fatty acids, and bile acids. A breakdown in the function of these enzymes can result in various maladies and is suspected to have a link in the pathogenesis of cancer cells. This review will present the current knowledge on the biochemistry, medical implications, and current and future research on 17β-HSD.
	Marcus Miller Allelopathic foliage effect of native, woody plant extracts on root mass and total biomass of Rhamnus cathartica (Common Buckthorn) in St. Paul, Minnesota. A preliminary sampling of six proximal trees—three Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and three Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)—for Buckthorn shrubs along a five foot radius yielded differing results in mean buckthorn stem length (Sugar Maple mean=77.67cm, Silver Maple mean=187.42cm; P value one-tail t-test=1.22*10^-9). Less convincing evidence was found for differing total mass of Buckthorn from the same sample (Sugar Maple mean=201.5g, Silver Maple mean=1960.57g; P value one-tail t-test=0.051082). Foliage from six native, woody plant species—Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple), Pinus resinosa (Red Pine), Quercus macrocarpa (Bur Oak), Quercus alba (White Oak), Populus sargentii (Plains Cottonwood), and Corylus avellana (Common Hazel)—were collected to investigate possible allelopathic foliage effects against the germination, root mass, and biomass of Buckthorn. After 61 days of growth, all six treatments yielded greater mean biomass and mean root mass than a control group, though none of the data were considered statistically significant. From this study, no recommendation for replanting efforts to curb the spread of Buckthorn is submitted, although further research is required to significantly determine the effect of foliage extracts of these six species.
	Laura Naig A review of the sex-determining region on the Y chromosome (SRY) and its involvement in gonadal dysgenesis and hermaphroditism The sex-determining region on the Y chromosome (SRY) is the small, intronless gene responsible for the development, or lack thereof, of testes and a male phenotype. Its discovery and function was aided by the research of the mouse equivalent, Sry. While both the Sry and SRY genes share 89% of their amino acid identity in a region known as the HMG box, they are not interchangeable. Study of the mouse Sry gene has brought forth the hypothesis that there is a protein, made from the Z gene, that is naturally a negative-regulator to male development. The normal translation of the SRY gene then creates the SRY protein which inhibits the Z protein’s function, thereby allowing testicular formation to carry out. Along with mutations within the gene sequence, de novo and frameshift, DNA methylation and cAMP down regulation have also been shown through experimental research to suppress the expression of the SRY gene and, therefore, cause gonadal dysgenesis and/or hermaphroditism. This outcome is because the normal cascade of events that brings about testicular development is disrupted, and one of the genes is mutated or ineffective. A look at specific examples of 46,XX males and 46,XY females, along with sexually-reversed mouse experiments, help show the direct influence of the SRY gene on gonadal dysgenesis and the importance of karyotyping individuals who show classic signs of mixed-gendered appearance and behavior.
	Bethany Ricks Sediment Accumulation on Coral Reefs and Soil Erosion in Mangrove Mangals due to Mangrove Removal at Turneffe Atoll, Belize Mangrove forests, or mangals, serve important roles in tropical marine ecosystems. One of the roles most commonly referenced is that of island building, or sediment accumulation, and the related role of reducing sedimentation on nearby coral reefs. In this study, sediment traps were placed on coral reefs corresponding to cut and intact areas of onshore mangals. In addition, erosion or accretion was measured through use of PVC poles placed upright in the soil within the cut and intact mangals; the average change in height of these poles over time was taken as the average soil erosion or accretion. The use of both of these methods allowed researchers to observe correlation between mangrove soil erosion and coral reef sedimentation at the same research site, as well as between cut and intact areas of mangroves within each method. Collection of data occurred at three month intervals after set up in January 2007 (April, July, and November 2007). This study failed to find correlation of coral reef sedimentation and mangrove erosion with mangrove removal was negligible. However, significant errors in the methodology likely contributed to this conclusion, rendering the results inconclusive.
	Katherine Sievert A Vicious Cycle: The Inflammatory Relationship between Diabetes and Periodontal Disease This review evaluates the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has been found to be more prevalent in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes. Furthermore, studies have suggested that periodontal disease may have adverse affects on the control of diabetes. The specific mechanisms in diabetic periodontitis are not yet clear, but involve an exaggerated immune response to oral bacteria and the impaired ability to resolve inflammation. Further research is needed in this area, but there is enough evidence to encourage collaboration between dentists and health professionals in caring for patients with or at risk for diabetes.
	Michael Manoles Smith The ApoA-I, ApoC-III, and ApoA-IV Gene Cluster and Coronary Heart Disease Major studies have confirmed the importance of the ApoA-I, ApoC-III, and ApoA-IV genes in regulation of atherosclerosis plaques in prevention of Heart disease, specifically Coronary Heart disease. The genes of interest are responsible for the formation of apolipoprotiens that are apart of high density lipoproteins, low density lipoproteins and Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and are also apart of reverse cholesterol transport.
	Heidi Tveitbakk The Biological Basis of Sleep and the Neurological Sleep Disorder of Narcolepsy By recognizing that sleep is an active daily cycle and that physiological changes occur in the body during this process, we can begin to understand just how important sleep is to our well being. In instances where the brain is not functioning properly, people can experience lifelong devastating affects from neurological disorders, such as narcolepsy. Recent studies have found that a mutation within the hypocretin peptide system is the probable cause for human narcolepsy. Furthermore, research using animal models has shown that a mutation in the hypocretin receptor 2 (Hcrtr2) gene is linked to narcolepsy in canines. It is with our advancements in medicine and the development of the latest innovative treatments that are saving lives which otherwise would be cut short by these illnesses of the brain. New drugs, like Modafinil, are giving people the chance to live a normal life and regain the independence they once had. On going experimentation in the field of neurology is brightening the horizon not only for patients suffering from sleep disorders, but it is also beneficial for scientists as they increase their knowledge of how sleep, the brain, and the body are connected.
	Erin Ulrich Quantitative Analysis of Interferon-γ-stimulated Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Expression in RAW 264.7 Macrophages Protozoa in the genus Leishmania are parasites that cause Leishmaniases. Leishmaniasis occurs in tropical and subtropical regions including India, Africa, and South America. The most common form of the disease is a cutaneous skin infection but it also manifests itself as a potentially deadly visceral infection. Paradoxically, Leishmania invade the macrophages of the host organism; these cells are a key component to the immune response. Macrophages that are producing nitric oxide are less susceptible to Leishmania infection. Production of nitric oxide is enhanced by the expression of gene inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). iNOS expression has been observed in macrophages with and without the Leishmania infection. IFNγ is used to stimulate macrophages because it is the most potent host-derived activator of macrophages. IFNγ knock-out mice succumb to Leishmania infection. Analysis of the macrophage RNA by reverse transcription, PCR, and gel electrophoresis shows the presence of the iNOS gene. In order to measure the amount of iNOS expression in both stimulated and unstimulated macrophages Real Time-PCR can be used to quantify the amount of gene expression. The iNOS gene has been amplified using PCR under the conditions needed to perform Real Time-PCR. iNOS expression has been observed using gel electrophoresis. iNOS gene expression is enhanced in presence of IFNγ; preliminary attempts to quantify this expression have been unsuccessful.
	Kelsey Walker Effect of High Impact Mechanical Stress on Bone Mineral Density in ovariectomized Rattus norvegicus Femur with or without Estrogen Supplement. Osteoporosis is an increasing problem primarily among postmenopausal women who have reduced estrogen levels. The purpose of this study was to access bone mineral density (BMD) in stimulated post-menopausal rats to determine if increased levels of mechanical stress increases BMD. 12 week old female rats were divided into three group’s control, ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX supplemented with injections of estradiol. The experiment duration was five weeks of either mechanical stress on a reciprocating platform, injections of estradiol, or basic control procedures. After five weeks the animals were sacrificed and both their right and left femurs were removed for study. No significant difference was found between the rats in any of the groups; control, OVX, or OVX with estradiol.
	Matthew Williams Identification and Characterization of Procollagen Type IV Gene in Developmental Stages of Xenopus Laevis We first identified the XM_214400 gene, already identified in Rattus norvegicus in relation to procollagen type IV development. A similar gene was identified in Xenopus Lavis using the NCBI database, and the respective EST sequence was obtained in the form of a bacterial plasmid vector. The ETS sequence was then determined by isolating RNA, developing primers, and having the sample set out for sequencing. This process was repeated in order to sequence the entire gene. Various stages of Xenopus Lavis development were then tested for the presence of this sequence, using primers built from the original XM_214400 sequence. RNA from each stage was isolated, and then transcribed into cDNA, which was then cloned in PCR reactions. The presence of the gene was shown using gel electrophoresis for each developmental stage. This identification however remains un-complete due to un-foreseen complications with the cloning process.
	Elliott Wise Urbanization Factors Affecting Minnesota/St. Paul Wetland Water Quality and Biological Integrity This research presents a comparison of urban and rural wetlands based on chemical and biological data gathered in St. Paul and the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area as a function of urbanization. The study design included 2 urban wetlands and 2 rural wetlands and samples were taken in July 2007. Urban wetlands had significantly higher pH, water temperature, dissolved O2, and conductivity. Urban wetlands also had significantly lower nitrate composition. Rural wetlands had significantly higher species richness while urban wetlands had a significantly higher %EPT. The chemical or biological variables showing significantly higher data correlated highly with the GIS variables building cover and pavement cover. The overall pattern of the data shows that the rural wetlands are chemically impaired compared to rural wetlands. However, the urban wetlands still show a high %EPT which is a strong indicator that despite the chemical disadvantage, pollution intolerant macroinvertebrates are thriving in the urban environment. Further studies using more data points are certainly in order if the full impact of urbanization is to be completely understood within the context of the valuable wetland habitat.
	Aurore Yang Studies on the Role of Ampullae of Lorenzini in Electroreception of Elasmobranches Living creatures continually emit a source of bioelectric field when moving or breathing. Elasmobranches are able to detect this signal and utilize it in prey detection through means of the ampullae of Lorenzini. The ampullae of Lorenzini is a complex organ being utilized by elasmobranches in many different forms for the past 500 million years. Though the ampullary organs have long been known to contribute to electroreception, the science of how it is able to transmit electrical signals into neurological signals is still in its infancy. This paper reviews the main components of the ampuallary organ in detail to include its anatomy and physiology, canal lengths, cell receptors, possible gel function, and the impacts the ampullae has on elasmobranch behavior.