Blockade of ß-Adrenoceptors in the Basolateral
Amygdala Prevents the Impairing Effects of Glucocorticoids Administered
to the Hippocampus on Memory Retrieval
Emily Hahn
Mentor: Dr. James McGaugh
Previous
findings indicate that stress- and glucocorticoid-induced memory retrieval
impairments depend on glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activation in the
hippocampus. Lesions of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) prevent memory
retrieval impairments induced by intra-hippocampal infusions of the
GR agonist RU 28362, suggesting that the BLA enables glucocorticoid
effects on memory retrieval. The present study examined whether blockade
of ß-adrenoceptors in the BLA, administered shortly before retention
testing, prevented the effects of intra-hippocampal GR agonist infusions
on memory retrieval impairment. Male Sprague Dawley rats, bilateral
cannula in the BLA and with the hippocampus, were trained for three
consecutive days on a water-maze spatial task. A 60-s free-swim probe
trial retention test was given 24 h after completion of training. The
GR agonist RU 28362 (15 ng in 0.5 ml) administered into the hippocampus
1 h before retention testing impaired memory retrieval as indicated
by longer initial latencies to cross the platform location and less
time spent in the quadrant that contained the platform during training.
The b-adrenoceptor antagonist atenolol (1.0 mg in 0.2 ml) infused concurrently
into the BLA did not affect performance, but blocked the RU 28362-induced
memory retrieval impairment. These findings indicate that noradrenergic
neurotransmission in the BLA is essential in enabling glucocorticoid
effects on memory retrieval.
Characterization of Signaling Mechanisms of EGFR in PC12 Cells
Yousuke Hamai
Mentor: Dr. Ralph Bradshaw
Neutrophic
growth factor (NGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) have alternate
effects on the neuron-like PC12 cells. Whereas, NGF causes differentiation,
EGF induces proliferation. Interestingly, overexpression of the epidermal
growth factor receptor (EGFR) allows EGF to induce differentiation.
To better understand this we generated a chimeric receptor consisting
of the ligand-binding domain of platelet derived growth factor receptor
(PDGFR), which is not present on PC12 cells, fused in-frame with the
transmembrane and intracellular domains of EGFR allowing for the specific
activation of these receptors by platelet derived growth factor (PDGF).
Mutating all of the tyrosines within the C-terminus, which have previously
been shown to be important for coupling the receptor to numerous adaptor
and effector proteins and even complete deletion of the C-terminus
of this chimeric receptor did not prevent PDGF-induced differentiation
of PC12 cells. Here we show that further mutation of two tyrosines
located in the kinase domain, when mutated to phenylalanine, also fail
to prevent ligand-induced PC12 cell differentiation. Stable clones
of PC12 cells expressing these mutants were isolated, and surprisingly,
one clone was still able to differentiate PC12 cells when treated with
PDGF. PC12 cells that differentiated in response to PDGF expressed
significantly higher level of receptors than non-differentiating clones,
suggesting a threshold level of expression is required to induce PC12
cell differentiation. Furthermore, cells expressing higher levels of
receptor demonstrated sustained activation of Erk while the others
do not, in agreement with previous reports showing a correlation with
prolonged activation of Erk with PC12 cell differentiation.
Optimization of Wavefront Reconstruction for Adaptive Optics
Nathaniel Hamlin
Mentor: Dr. Gary Chanan
The
goal is to reconstruct a wavefront with optimum accuracy from information
about the wavefront gradient. The reconstruction takes place over an
aperture that is subdivided into square cells. The input is a vector "b" containing
the x and y-components of the cell-averaged wavefront gradients. The
object is to compute the reconstructed wavefront at each cell vertex.
These values are stored in a vector "z". From equations relating
the wavefront values and gradients, a matrix "A" is formed
such that Az=b. Singular value decom-position is used to solve for "z",
the reconstructed wavefront. The first goal is to accurately reconstruct
a "test" wavefront that obeys a known functional form from
which the gradients can be computed directly. Reconstruction algorithms
were built for both square and circular apertures and tested with individual
Zernike polynomials and various products of Legendre polynomials. Both
algorithms were fairly accurate, with fractional rms errors between
actual and reconstructed wavefronts averaging around 10^-3. The next
stage is to reconstruct a wavefront that does not have a well-defined
functional form. Such wavefronts can be defined by specifying the values
of various atmospheric parameters (air density, temperature, etc.).
The current strategy is to expand the wavefronts in a series of Zernike
polynomials, and test the expanded wavefronts with the reconstruction
algorithm for a circular aperture. As the final stage of the research,
this algorithm will be revised in order to optimize the accuracy with
which these atmospheric wavefronts are reconstructed.
Evaluation of an Enzyme Immunoassay Using Peptides Representing
the Major Outer Membrane Protein Variable Domains of Chlamydia
pneumoniae
Kathi Hamor
Mentor: Dr. Ellena Peterson
Chlamydia
pneumoniae, a common cause of human respiratory infections, has
recently been associated with several chronic diseases, including
coronary artery disease and multiple sclerosis. To evaluate the role
of C. pneumoniae in these diseases there is a need for a standard
diagnosis other than the present "gold standard," the microimmunofluorescense
(MIF) test, which suffers from low reproducibility. As an initial
step to develop an alternate assay, Western blots (WBs) were performed
with 13 MIF positive and 10 MIF negative human sera samples in order
to identify immunodominant proteins. The major outer membrane protein
(MOMP) was recognized by a majority of positive sera, and was therefore
used to develop a peptide enzyme immunoassay (EIA). For this, peptides
representing the four variable domains (VD1 through VD4) of the protein
were used. The peptides were used to coat 96-well microtiter plates
that were then probed with 128 human sera samples representing a
wide spectrum of MIF values ranging from negative to a high titer
of 512. Data used to establish the background of the assay indicated
that any value with an optical density reading of >0.300 was considered
positive. Using these criteria, the sensitivity and specificity of
the VD peptides were as follows: 50% and 54% for VD-1; 58% and 48%
for VD-2; 42% and 63% for VD-3; 29% and 74% for VD-4. Based on the
low sensitivity and specificity values for the C. pneumoniae MOMP
VD peptide EIA, it cannot be recommended at this time to replace
the current MIF assay.
Effects of Exercise on Judgement of Life Domain Satisfaction
Mary Hargett
Mentor: Dr. Eunkook Suh
The
focus of this study is to examine the effects of exercise on mood and
perceptions of life domain satisfaction. Seventy-five subjects completed
a survey before and after working out at the Anteater Recreation Center.
The survey included questions about current mood, satisfaction with
seven specific domains, and items related with self-concept. Data analysis
is in progress. Thus far, it has been found that mood and evaluations
of various life domains change positively after exercise. Upcoming
analyses will examine the people's purpose for exercising, their choice
of exercise activities, and their exercise frequency and duration patterns
in relation to personality factors (happiness, self concept, and self
esteem). Also, the questions of whether ethnicity, exercising with
or without company, and age has an influence on participants' subjective
evaluations will be asked.
Study of the Optimal Configuration of the Early IceCube Construction
Misato Hayashida
Mentor: Dr. Steven Barwick
Since
the first experimental evidence in 1956, neutrinos have provided physicists
with many mysteries. Of all the high-energy particles neutrinos are
the only messenger to carry astrophysical information from the edge
of the Universe, as they are not affected by either strong or electromagnetic
interactions, only by weak interactions. Over the last few decades
many neutrino detectors have been built to detect cosmic rays, one
of which is AMANDA (Antarctic Muon and Neutrino Detector Array). AMANDA,
constructed at a depth of one mile below the South Pole ice surface,
consists of 670 optical modules on 19 strings. IceCube is a logical
extension of the AMANDA detector, expanding the observatory to a one-kilometer
class telescope by adding additional strings of optical modules. For
a period of 2 years, following the beginning of the IceCube's construction
next year, it is of importance to understand the relationship between
sensitivity and geometry of the first 16 strings to be added in order
to determine how the arrays are to be configured to exhibit the most
effective results. I will be presenting the result from my simulation
in which I have examined the performance of dense and widely spaced
16-arrays with AMANDA. I will also present how the point-source analyses,
such as Gamma Ray Bursts analysis and the extremely high-energy sources
analysis, affect the effectiveness of the deployment.
Azotobacter vinelandii: Analysis of Overexpressed Proteins
Due to an Oxidative Stress Response from Deletion of fdxA Gene,
and Addition of Methyl Viologen
Jason Hebard
Mentor: Dr. Barbara Burgess
In Azotobacter
vinelandii, deletion of the fdxA gene that encodes the
seven-iron ferredoxin I protein (FdI) is known to lead to overexpression
of the FdI redox partner. Previous studies have established that
this is an oxidative stress response, which the fpr gene is transcriptionally
activated to the same extent in response the either addition of paraquat
(methyl viologen), or to fdxA gene deletion - when grown under
N2-fixing conditions. In both cases, the activation occurs through
a specific DNA sequence located upstream in the promoter region of
the fpr gene. Azotobacter vinelandii ferredoxin I (AvFdI)
controls the expression of another protein that was originally designated
Protein X, which is a NADPH-specific flavoprotein that binds specifically
to FdI. The Azotobacter vinelandii strain in which the fdxA gene
is disrupted (FdI-), designated LM100, is revealed by two-dimensional
gel electrophoresis to dramatically overproduce Protein X; compared
to the wild-type strain that normally synthesizes only exceedingly
small quantities of the NADPH: ferredoxin reductase. This protein
was later characterized and named FPR. Previous research involving
overexpression of proteins via oxidative stress responses in Azotobacter leads
to the following individual objectives for my project: (1) to identify
all over expressed proteins in LM100, (2) to compare LM100 to wild-type,
which has been grown in the presence of the superoxide propagator
paraquat (methyl viologen), using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis
as an assay, and (3) to isolate, purify, characterize, and sequence
any over expressed proteins of Azotobacter vinelandii.
Ritual and Musical Theater
Lindsay Hendrickson
Mentor: Dr. Keith Fowler
There
are many forms of ritual in musical theater. The goal of the project
titled "Ritual and Musical Theater is to discover all of these
traditions and not only see if they are applicable to modern theater
but to see how I can adapt them. This research project is a continuation
of the UROP funded project "Ritual and Theater." Musical
theater is easily the most popular and commercial form of theater.
In most venues, theater companies perform the original Broadway staging
of musicals; there is little variation or new ideas brought into the
production. The point of this is to pull an audience. What happens
when you break the ritual of a well-known musical? The goal is to find
out if the audience would accept this change, or if it would even work.
After graduation, I plan to start my own theater company and this project
is a preliminary step to find out more about audiences and the types
of theater that they want to see. The medium for this project is the
show Little Shop of Horrors by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. The show
took place in January in the Little Theater in the Humanities Hall.
Dynamic and Stochastic Fleet Management: Modeling, Algorithm,
Development and Simulation Based Analysis
Jiri Herrmann
Mentor: Dr. Amelia Regan
Freight
and fleet management is increasingly dominated by operations which
require that decisions be made in real-time, as changes in customer
demands, traffic network conditions, and the availability of resources
(vehicles, drivers, repair equipment, etc.) occur. The rapid development
of advanced information technologies suitable for use in real-time
operations has outpaced the development of algorithms and implementable
systems to support dynamic fleet management. This research involves
algorithm development aimed specifically at time-constrained and stochastic
fleet and freight management systems coupled with modeling efforts
which focus on the representation of freight transportation networks
with a sufficient degree of operational realism in order to draw reasonable
inferences into the likelihood of successful implementation of the
algorithms developed. This research also involves simulation-based
analyses of deterministic solutions to stochastic problems. Applications
include trucking operations, (long haul truckload, less-than-truckload
and intermodal drayage between maritime ports, railheads and air freight
terminals), local package pickup and delivery operations and urban
service fleets. This work is squarely at the intersection of transportation
systems engineering, operations research and computer science. We are
focusing on variants of a classical optimization problem the traveling
salesman problem. In this problem, an optimal route must be developed
for a mobile server, providing service to customers in a service region.
Algorithms are explored in a simulation environment. Variants examined
include the probabilistic traveling salesman problem, the dynamic traveling
salesman problem, the dynamic traveling repair problem and the multiple
traveling salesman problems with time windows.
Computer Crime and the Law: An Analysis of Student Attitudes
Gigi Hoang
Mentor: Dr. Henry Pontell
With
new technological innovations, such as Compact Disk Recorders, which
can copy large amounts of information on a small disk, software piracy
has proliferated. Software piracy is the practice of making unauthorized
copies. Estimates found that 25 percent of software in the United States
is illegally copied. The Business Software Alliance also revealed that
software piracy losses approached over $11.8 million last year. Previous
studies propose that there are certain characteristics in student attitudes
that lead to software piracy. However, results remain inconsistent.
This current study takes their lead and seeks to examine software piracy
rates with respect to demographic and attitudinal characteristics of
college students. I argue that student characteristics, attitudes,
and perceptions are related to their engaging in forms of software
piracy. This study seeks to determine the proportion of pirated software
use, reasons for use, factors that affect software copying, perceptions
regarding the law, and beliefs on the probability of detection. A questionnaire
given to 110 college students examines variables, such as sex/gender,
school major, computer knowledge, peer influence, political outlook,
socio-economic status, legal attitudes, beliefs about the computer
user, and attitudes towards the publisher/software industry. The economic
losses due to piracy create an incentive for software industries to
develop policies to curb losses. The study also provides policy-makers
with statistics on the seriousness of software piracy, as well as insights
regarding factors that affect such behavior. Policy-makers can utilize
this information and develop better strategies and legislation to effectively
deal with piracy.
Effect of BSO
on Ovarian GSH Synthesis in Rats After Twenty-Four Hours
Yvonne Hoang
Mentor: Dr. Ulrike Luderer
Glutathione
(GSH), an antioxidant tripeptide found in high levels in the ovary
and all other organs, is important in removing free radicals and reactive
oxygen species from the body. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a known
inhibitor of GSH synthesis, was used to deplete the levels of ovarian
GSH. Blockade of the active site of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL),
the rate-limiting enzyme in GSH synthesis, is the mechanism by which
BSO lowers GSH levels. It was hypothesized that the levels of GCL subunit
mRNA synthesis and protein translation would increase due to the negative
feedback inhibition on GSH synthesis. In this experiment, 12 adult
female cycling Sprague-Dawley rats were given either 2 BSO (5mmol/kg)
dissolved in saline or 2 saline intraperitoneal injections 12 hours
apart on pro-estrous morning and evening. The rats were then sacrificed
24 hours following the first injection, on estrous morning, and the
ovaries were removed for analysis. Using a GSH assay, it was found
that the mean concentration of GSH in rats given BSO injections, 1.7
nmol/mg, was approximately half of that from rats injected with saline
which was 3.45 nmol/mg. This difference was statistically significant
(p= 0.003 by t-test). Additional t-tests showed that BSO did not have
a significant effect on ovarian, uterine, and body weights (p>0.005).
Further analysis using Northern and Western blots are being performed
in order to determine whether GCL mRNA and protein levels were affected
by BSO treatment.
Cyberterrorism: Does a Threat Exist?
Jarrett Hoffman
Mentor: Dr. Henry Pontell
The
unknown impact of cyberterrorism threatens our way of life. As the
real and cyber worlds become interwoven, there is a higher chance cyberterrorists
will use alternate methods to infiltrate critical infrastructure, to
cause fear, panic, and unrest in America on a global scale. Studies
of cyberterrorism on critical infrastructure in America and abroad
illustrate a significant economic and human safety risk need to be
addressed. To maintain national security, economic safety, and human
life, cyberterrorism must be displayed to the public as a significant
potential and realistic threat. Our current society continues to unite
itself with technology in the form of computers and the internet to
ease our lives but it also opens the door to cyberterrorism. Documenting
previous analyses of simulated and real field data on potential and
real economic effects of cyberterrorism highlight the serious harm
accomplished using a computer. The recent terrorist attacks illustrate
many groups, organizations, nation-states, and countries are not pleased
with American practices, ideals, and foreign policies. The awareness
of current vulnerabilities in technology and weak security in our critical
infrastructure is a proactive step to fight cyberterrorism. Through
analysis of available data, the potential economic damage that cyberterrorism
may have on the critical infrastructure would severely disrupt our
economy and produce a ripple effect worldwide. The findings of this
study hope to increase a better understanding of the potential economic
threats of cyberterrorism.
Oxytocin and Autistics
Sarah Holguin
Mentor: Dr. Moyra Smith
The
purpose of this study was to compare the DNA sequence of the oxytocin
(OT) gene in autistic subjects and controls. Interest in the OT gene
analysis was based on published studies that revealed alterations in
the levels of OT and OT extended peptide in autistic subjects relative
to controls. The OT gene in controls, autistic children, and their
parents were sequenced and compared to the known OT sequence via a
BLAST search. Studies carried out in our laboratory demonstrated that
single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) occur in introns 1 and 2. Analysis
carried out in our laboratory indicated that in the oxytocin DNA sequence,
intron 2 represents a potential open reading frame. The alteration
found in intron 2 of test subjects disrupts the open reading frame,
suggesting a possible contributing cause to the autistic phenotype.
Results of my experiment revealed that oxytocin SNP's are inherited
as Mendelian traits.
Bloodsucking Lawyers, Pious Professionals, and the Modern Attorney:
The Juris Doctor's View of Ethical Standards in Law
Rachel Holland
Mentor: Dr. Joseph DiMento
The
lawyer of today is held up in society as a model of unethical behavior.
Save lawyers and law professors, academics have largely ignored the
question explored in this study, "What do lawyers think, when
they think about legal ethics?" This project was designed around
qualitative analysis of subjective data gathered from attorney interactions
observed in public online forums as well as from journal articles and
books penned by respected legal scholars and attorneys. Interpretation
of this data revealed two general conclusions with regard to lawyers
and their views. First, it was concluded that there are three main
categories into which legal scholars fall in their view on the adequacy
of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct as the ethical standard:
those who approve of them for allowing lawyers to police themselves,
those who disapprove of them for being too vague to be of use, and
those who disapprove of them for standing in conflict with the lawyer's
primary duty as advocate. Each of the authors fell squarely into one
of these categories, leading to the suggestion that a survey would
likely yield a similarly small number of categories, allowing for a
majority view to be identified. The second conclusion was based on
attorney interaction in virtual forums. A phenomena of concealment
and dismissal of incidents of legal malpractice and ethical violation
was observed in each of the forums leading to the conclusion that a
golden wall of silence exists within the profession, characteristically
similar to law enforcement's blue wall.
The Impact of SAAS on the Retention of First-Generation Low-Income Students
at University of California, Irvine
Lindsay Huber
Mentor: Dr. Caesar Sereseres & Mr. J. Adam Maestas
This
quantitative study will examine first-generation, low-income freshman
students who entered the University of California, Irvine in fall quarter
of 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and actively utilized Student Academic
Advancement Services (SAAS) on the UCI campus. Student Academic Advancement
Services is a federally funded program designed to provide academic
support and services exclusively to first-generation and low-income
students. Student academic progress and success is measured by: (1)
attrition in the first, second, and final year as an enrolled student
at UC Irvine, (2) units earned and cumulative GPA, and (3) attainment
of a degree from the UC Irvine campus. All three measures are used
to determine the retention rate of students included in the study.
A random sample of first-generation, low-income freshman students who
did not utilize academic support from Student Academic Advancement
Services (SAAS) will serve as a comparison group to students regularly
utilizing SAAS services. An additional random sample from non first-generation,
non low-income freshman is taken from 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997
will be compared with active and non-active eligible SAAS students.
Projected findings for this study are that active SAAS students will
perform better than non-active students and active SAAS students will
perform similar to the non first-generation, non low-income students.
The Self-Rated Health and Wellness Survey: The Rand SF-36 and
Network
May Huong
Mentor: Dr. Tonya Shuster
The
purpose of this study was to compare the Rand-36 to the Self-Rated
Health and Wellness survey as instruments measuring aspects of health
and wellness in a population of alternative medicine users. The study
has two objectives; firstly, to assess the appropriateness of each
survey for the population and second, to examine reported changes in
the survey dimensions over time. METHODS: Data for this study were
from a longitudinal survey conducted at thirty randomly selected clinics
in the U.S. practicing Network Spinal Analysis. A total of 610 patients
were recruited and followed up between May 1997 and March 1998. Questionnaires
were administered to patients who remained in care at two, four, six,
nine, and twelve months. The socio-demographics showed a mean age of
41 years (SD = +13.15, Range = 18-95 years). Sixty-eight percent were
women. Forty-two percent were married. Ninety percent were Caucasian.
The average years of college were 4.5 (SD =+ 2.3) and 55 percent had
white-collar occupations. FINDINGS: The Chronbach's Alpha reliability
statistics indicated 0.70 or greater for all dimensions indicating
that both the Rand-36 and the SRHW are reliable measures for this population.
Paired t-tests showed significant changes in the dimensions across
time in both the Rand-36 and the SRHW. Changes in the functional health
dimensions of the Rand-36 showed significant improvement in the earlier
stages of care, then leveled off. In contrast, the SRHW continued to
reflect changes in wellness, life-enjoyment and mental-emotional state
scores. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that while the Rand-36
and the SRHW may both be reliable measures for this population, they
may measure distinctly different dimensions of health. The SRHW includes
dimensions that move beyond functional fitness to measure broader dimensions
of psychological and social well being, which may be reflective of
long-term, wellness-oriented health care objectives.
The Mobilizing Function of the Vietnamese American Media
Hoa Huynh
Mentor: Dr. Caesar Seresers
The
purpose of this study is to examine the role of the Vietnamese-language
print media in mobilizing Vietnamese American communities. The investigation
is a two-fold process. Initially, a random sample of news articles
and editorials about homeland-related issues are examined. Then, in-depth
content analysis of home-land-related news articles from Nguoi Viet
Daily News from 1994 to 1996 is conducted. Nguoi Viet Daily News, the
largest Vietnamese-language newspaper in the United States, is read
regularly by more than fifty five percent of political activists in
Vietnamese American communities. The time frame from 1994 to 1996 was
chosen because during this three-year period, the Clinton Administration
lifted the trade embargo, announced the normalization of relations
with Vietnam, and established an embassy in Hanoi. The principal homeland-related
issues for Vietnamese-language print media are human rights, freedom
of religion, anti-communism, and democratization. The ethnic media
traditionally receives very little attention in studies even though
it is an important vehicle in communicating or advocating certain focus
or points of view. American immigrant groups with large numbers of
first and second-generation immigrants tend to rely heavily on their
own ethnic media as a source of news and information. The media is
an important piece of the puzzle that needs to be analyzed and studied
before we can fully understand ethnic minority communities. This study
adds to our knowledge of the Vietnamese-language media, specifically
its mobilizing function in Vietnamese American communities.
Gender Based Differences in Emotional Detailed Memory
Do Quyen Huynh
Mentor: Dr. Larry Cahill
Recent
PET studies have suggested a gender-based lateralization of amygdala
function for emotional memory. However, little is known about what
may prompt these gender differences in amygdala activation. The present
study investigates the possible gender differences that may exist in
emotional detail memory. Subjects viewed emotionally arousing and emotionally
neutral films wherein a surprise memory test was given two weeks later.
The results indicate males outperforming females in emotional recognition
assessments. Furthermore, males showed an improvement for central and
verbal detail for arousing stimuli. These preliminary findings suggest
possible differences in detail memory that may be responsible for the
observed gender-based lateralization in amygdala activation, pending
further investigation. This study was supported by NIMH-COR grant 1T34
MH20043-02.
The Dependence of Beam-driven Instabilities on the Beam Distribution
Function in the DIII-D Tokamak
Ben Hyun
Mentor: Dr. William W. Heidbrink
Currently
magnetic fusion energy, through plasmas (hot partially ionized gases),
is being pursued as a possible clean alternative energy source. It
is believed when the triple product of confinement time, plasma density,
and temperature is greater than one we have a regime where fusion is
possible. One possible magnetic fusion device is the tokamak. Many
problems impede the path to fusion; one in particular is instability.
Instabilities can prevent good confinement and can disrupt the plasma
enough to damage the fusion device. Understanding what drives these
instabilities is key to attaining fusion. One way plasmas in the D3D
tokamak are heated is through neutral beam injection. Plasma instabilities
are driven or quenched in the D3D tokamak when the injected neutral
beam parameters are varied. The experimental data from these variations
are processed to give an experimental distribution function and are
then compared to a "bump on tail" theoretical model, via
the computer code HINST. Comparisons between the theoretical predictions
and experimental results will test the validity of the theoretical
model.
Top
A Content Analysis of the Portrayal of Women in
Popular Men and Women Leisure Magazine Advertisements
Wenli Jen
Mentor: Dr. Michael Scavio
Since
the 1970s, consistent research has been conducted to explore the media
influence on gender roles. Research has concentrated on gender portrayals
in magazines, specifically focusing on the social construction of femininity.
This study explores the portrayal of women in popular men and women
leisure magazines in the contemporary 21st century. Although women
are portrayed in television, movies and newspapers, magazine advertisements
are pertinent because they also correspond to the current social trends
and perceptions of a woman's role. Magazine and magazine advertisements
convey societal messages that shape and mold our perceptions and actions.
This research attempts to uncover implicit, key messages conveyed through
magazine advertisements. The results of survey data administered to
50 participants from the University of California, Irvine campus are
used to determine the selected magazines used for content analysis.
Cosmopolitan and Maxim magazines are used in content analyses to explore
any perceptual similarities and differences between popular men and
women magazines. Data analysis is still in progress. The study will
include issues of feminism, sex and gender roles, and media impact
on society in order to increase public awareness about developing,
transforming and defined relationships in society as affected by print
media.
Determination of the Diversity of Natural Viruses in an Alkiline, Hypersaline
Lake - Mono Lake, California
Peter Joe
Mentor: Dr. Sunny Jiang
Viral
diversity in the extremely saline and alkaline conditions of Mono Lake,
California has yet to be determined. Determining the viral composition
of the lake is important because classification of the viral community
from these extreme conditions may lead to a deeper understanding of
the viral and host interactions in all environments. Thirty-eight viral
isolates infecting 9 indigenous bacterial hosts from Mono Lake were
investigated. Each viral isolate was grown on its original host using
top agar overlay method. Phage DNA were extracted using a Promega DNA
purification kit, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)
was employed to determine the diversity of viral isolates. Two restriction
enzymes, Acc1 and Hpa1, were used. Fragments were visualized and analyzed
through gel electrophoresis. Of the 36 phage isolates analyzed, 28
were found to have distinctly different banding patterns. Results from
this study indicate there is a highly diverse viral community in Mono
Lake.
The Neurobiological Basis for the Effect of Movement on the Voice:
The Key to Singing Effectively
Ben Johns
Mentor: Dr. Joseph Huszti
The
use of movement while singing is deeply engrained in the practice of
vocal music. The ancient Greeks saw music and dance as one in the same
thing, practically inseparable in performance. During the Baroque era
we have accounts of a stylized movement that was employed while singing
opera. In today's opera and solo performances, singing virtuosos (i.e.
Placido Domingo) regularly incorporate certain gestures. Even if these
gestures are dramatically related, the point of interest is how, if
at all, the movement affects the sound that comes out. There seems
to be at least a technical utility to these gestures, if not an expressive
utility. In a study conducted by Dr. Richard Chagnan, he found that
singers who incorporated movement with singing believed that they could
memorize the music faster than when they did not use movement. In what
ways does movement affect the voice? How can these vocal-kinetic effects
be explained from a physiological, neurobiological, and philosophical
basis?
Novel Compound for Skin Penetration Enhancement
Sherry Jung
Mentor: Dr. Jerry McCullough
Although
the role of the skin is to provide a barrier to the external environment,
the intrinsic nature of the integument provides for limited absorption
of therapeutic drugs, including corticosteroids. Preliminary testing
incorporating fatty acids (Linoleic Acid) into structurally configured
polymers has been shown to act as penetration enhancers, which modify
the barrier properties of the stratum corneum, and therefore migration
of radiolabeled drugs (cortisol) through human skin. Previous unpublished
studies using an amine compound (Polyoxyalkyleneamines D 400) have
suggested the use of this amine to enhance skin penetration. The objective
of this study is to evaluate the permeability of topical corticosteroid
solutions supplemented with novel polymers in order to improve the
penetration of therapeutic drugs. Sets of unique polymers, synthesized
in our laboratory, were selected for initial assessment of penetration
enhancement, which were tested using the in vitro Franz diffusion model.
The retention/penetration of the cortisol into the skin layers was
determined by measuring radiolabeled drug levels at the experimental
endpoints by liquid scintillation counting. Percent drug retention
was calculated for each compartment. Experimental results showed that
one of the Linoleic Acid + Polyoxyalkyleneamines D 400 polymer achieved
higher penetration through the skin (6.2% total mean concentration
of applied dose) when compared to the commercial standard (4.2%) or
the vehicle control (2.3%). Concentration of drug in the upper layer
(stratum corneum) was also increased with one of the polymers (Linoleic
Acid), achieving 1.7% of applied dose.
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Demo
CD for Musical Theater
Jenna Kantor
Mentor: Dr. Myrona Delaney
I
have created a demo c.d. I intend to use it when there are summer stock
auditions. The c.d. contains cuts of three songs that show a variety
of styles and tempos in musical theater. Each song has either a comic
or dramatic content, thus giving the listener a chance to hear my ability
to attack a large variety of roles. My range is from a comic alto to
a lyrical soprano. This demo c.d. will benefit me in future auditions
and help me to become a more professional musical theater actor.
Distribution of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecules (DD-106) Positive
Cells in the Adult Rodent Hippocampus
Gituma Karimi
Mentor: Dr. James H. Fallon
In
the adult, stem cells, known for their proliferative and self-renewal
capabilities are targeted as one of the key elements in developing
regenerative therapies for a myriad of degenerative and malignant disorders.
There is significant evidence to suggest that a "generic" stem
cell may exist, with, among others, hematopoietic stem cells as its
progeny. In addition, overlapping gene expression between hematopoietic
stem cells (HSCs) and neuronal stem cells (NSCs) and events in early
embryogenesis and organogenesis led support to the 'generic stem cell'
theory. In this study, we used histological and immunocytochemical
staining of adult rodent brain sections to examine the distribution
of CD106, an antigen for Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule (VCAM-1) specific
to endothelial cells, in the adult rodent hippocampus in an attempt
to further elucidate the nature of the relationship between NSCs and
vascular endothelial cells. We observed CD106 amtogen-positive (CD106+)
cells distributed throughout the hippocampal formation. Antigen staining
was particularly prominent in the sub-granular zone, moderate in the
molecular layer and faint in the granular layer. CD106+ cells also
exhibited differences in morphology ranging from small fusiform shaped
cells (8-10mm) to faintly stained cells with large globular soma (15-20m).
Our findings raise questions on the role of endothelial-derived cells
in hippocampal cellular regeneration, and implicate their probable
involvement in cell proliferation and differentiation. In addition,
these observations may lend credence to the "generic stem cell" theory.
An Early Screening Procedure for the in vitro-Nodulation of Lotus
Roots
Jamie Kaya
Mentor: Dr. Franz Hoffman
Lotus
corniculatus, a small legume forage plant, has the ability to undergo
nodulation. This critical process takes place when a bacterium from
Rhizobium loti strain 2037 infects a root hair of Lotus corniculatus.
Over time, a symbiotic relationship between the bacterium and the plant
results in a root nodule where nitrogen fixation occurs. An effort
has been made to successfully nodulate Lotus corniculatus in vitro
via two methods. First, a technique with proven success has been reestablished.
The procedure involves sandwiching the roots of Lotus corniculatus
between two pieces of filter paper. The roots are then placed in a
tube containing MS media with Rhizobium loti strain 2037. The nitrogen
and sucrose in the MS media have been removed in order to promote nodulation
and inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. The bottom of the tube is
wrapped in foil to keep the roots in darkness and the shoots are grown
under a photoperiod of 16 hours. A second technique applies several
modifications to the filter paper method. The roots of Lotus corniculatus
are sandwiched between a glass slide and filter paper and wrapped in
foil so that the roots may grow in complete darkness. The roots are
then placed in a culture box with MS media and bacteria. These two
methods work by allowing the bacteria and the nutrients from the MS
media to be transferred to the root via the absorbent filter paper.
When a bacterium infects a root hair and a root nodule develops, successful
nodulation has occurred.
Anatomic Location of Malignant Melanoma
Ritika Khandpur
Mentor: Dr. Kenneth Linden
Malignant
melanoma, the most serious common form of skin cancer, is increasing
in incidence at a more rapid rate than any other type of cancer. There
is evidence that melanoma development may be linked to sun exposure.
A study conducted in Massachusetts (1976) by Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick
examined the overall anatomic distribution of melanomas. He found that
the anatomical incidence of melanoma on the heavily sun-exposed areas
of the face and hands was identical in men and women, but the incidence
on the intermittently exposed torso-leg area was higher in females
than in males. Our study builds upon the previous work in evaluating
the anatomical location of melanoma in men and women, and also strives
to examine the relationship between patients' geographical location
of residence and the location of melanoma on their bodies. Furthermore,
the frequency of solar exposure is evaluated to determine its correlation
with anatomic location of melanoma. A questionnaire is administered
to patients with a history of melanoma in which the variables of age,
sex, location of residence, amount of sun exposure, and melanoma-related
family history is recorded and location of melanoma is mapped on a
2-D human diagram. The anatomic distribution of melanoma will be analyzed
in relation to other variables. Our study complements the prior studies,
extending examination of results to the population of the Western United
States. The anatomic distribution of melanoma, as determined in this
study, might result in further hypotheses or understanding of the causal
factors for the rapid increase in incidence for this serious form of
cancer. The data is currently being analyzed.
Large Oscillations in Simple Pendulums: A Comparison of Taylor's Method and
Runge-Kutta Method in Fourth Order
Mitchell Khong
Mentor: Dr. Roger McWilliams
In
first-year physics classes, students confine their study of simple
pendulums to small oscillations. More specifically, students assume
that x, the maximum angle achieved in oscillation, is sufficiently
small such that sin(x) approximately equals x. Approximating sin(x)
allows students to find an analytic solution to a differential equation
that models the pendulum's motion even when damping due to air friction
occurs; much insight into pendulum motion can be gained with the aforementioned
approximation. However, the truncation error from this approximation
becomes quite apparent in large oscillations or long periods of time
where errors can accumulate and propagate. By applying numerical techniques,
a more accurate representation of pendulous motion can be obtained
and tested.
The Progression of Alzheimer's Disease in Down Syndrome: Canine
Comparative Neuropsychology
Cindy Khuu
Mentor: Dr. Linda Nelson
Down
Syndrome (DS) is the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormality
and affects 17% of individuals classified as mentally handicapped (Mann,
1987). DS occurs due to nondisjunction of chromo-some 21 during meiosis
and results in "trisomy 21." As a result, the b-amyloid (Ab)
precursor gene (located on chromosome 21) becomes triplicated, causing
an overproduction of Ab in senile plaques (SP). SP accumulation is
exemplified by early onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with characteristic
dementia, in DS-a condition not localized to humans. Other studies
on SP deposits have been done on canines and nonhuman primates as models,
with a correlation between the site of Ab accumulation and decreased
functioning on cognitive tasks (Head et al., 1998). These models can
be applied to humans due to shared brain and behavior associations
between animals (canines) and humans (Head et al., in press). The aim
of this study is to utilize the canine model, apply the various cognitive
tasks to humans, characterize the development of Alzheimer's disease
in DS subjects (n=21), and compare and contrast our findings with that
of the canine model. Data analysis is currently underway. The study
will investigate whether a correlation exists between age and error
rate on cognitive tasks. In addition, a t-test will compare and contrast
differences between successful agers with low error rates and individuals
with high error rates in terms of results obtained from informant questionnaires.
The results are expected to assist in determining timing of interventions
designed to slow the progression of AD in DS.
Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive 2001
Kurt Kikuchi
Mentor: Dr. Isreal Gabriel
For
an aspiring professional dancer the course of study is so crucial to
the development of a successful career. In order to achieve that development
the dancer must undergo long hours of professional study. By attending
dance classes in various techniques the dancer can become more familiar
and prepared for the strenuous work that professional dancers encounter.
Another important factor for the professional dancer's career is being
located in a place where the arts are appreciated. It needs to be a
place where the dancer will be challenged and continue with their artistic
and personal growth and a place where the dancer can mature as a performing
artist. For a college student this is sometimes a difficult task to
be reached during the academic school year, for this reason many dancers
at a college will use the summer months to supplement their current
academic dance studies. By attending the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive
this past summer I was able to experience and improve my dance technique
and also live in a city where the arts are a major part of the culture,
New York City. The amount of knowledge that I incurred while I was
in the city will help my professional dance career immensely. Not only
did I improve as a technical dancer, but also I learned about what
it was like to live in a city where the dance culture is so strong
and supportive. For an aspiring professional dancer nothing could be
better than spending time in New York City training with a professional
dance company.
Correlation Between Acculturation and Mental Health Service Perception in Korean
Americans
Daniel Kim
Mentor: Dr. Jeanett Castellanos
Korean
Americans hold an unfavorable attitude towards psychotherapy primarily
due to cultural factors. Korean culture is collective in nature while
psychotherapy is individualistic in nature because it purports expression
outside one's indigenous group. Limited studies have examined the effect
of acculturation on Asian American College students (Gloria, 2001).
More specifically, an even smaller number of studies have focused on
the effects of acculturation and help-seeking attitudes by Korean American
College students. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship
between acculturation, and mental health service perception of Korean
American College students. Two hundred undergraduate Korean American
students from the University of California, Irvine will be measured
by a questionnaire that investigates acculturation, and mental health
service perception. The Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation
Scale and the Asian Values Scale will measure acculturation. The Attitudes
Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale will measure
Korean American's attitudes toward psychological counseling. The University
Environment Scale and the Cultural Congruity Scale will be implemented
to better put into context the observed population. Multivariate analysis
of variance, hierarchical regression and correlation statistical tests
will be utilized to analyze the data. Expected results are that higher
acculturation rate will lead to a more positive perception of mental
health services.
The Silence of the Other: Revisiting Friday in J.M. Coetzee's
Foe as the Absolute Other
Immanuel Kim
Mentor: Dr. J. Hillis Miller
Is
translation possible when the Other remains silent? The active role
of the Subject to decode the secrets of the Other and to subjugate
the Other into the hegemonic valence of the Subject's world is seen
as an imperial, colonial effort. Defoe's Robinson Crusoe illustrates
the idea of imperialism as the Occident's responsibility to "civilise" the
Other-one who is barbarous, mystical, and erotic. Said's Orientalism,
explicitly explains the construction of the Other designed by the Western
world. Said questions the validity and attempts of the Western domination
over the (un)civilised countries. In Coetzee's Foe, Susan Barton tries
to teach Friday her language and her culture in order for Friday to "speak" of
the history on the island. Barton's attempt at decoding or translating
Friday into a substantial source of truth utterly fails. Barton fails
to understand that Friday is the Absolute Other, one who is irreducible,
irreplaceable, inaccessible, and untranslatable. Barton fails to understand
that Friday remains silent not only because he cannot speak, but because
Friday does not want to be subjected by Barton's world; not to be assimilated
with the imposing hegemony; and finally because Friday simply "would
prefer not to" speak at all. I will juxtapose Coetzee's post-colonial
discourse with Derrida's concept of the Absolute Other to explicate
the silence of the other. This research will examine critically the
idea of the Absolute Other in light of Derrida's Gift of Death, further
assessing the possibility of the impossible, the accessibility of the
inaccessible.
Assessing Properties of the Dorsal Stream: Comparing Luminance Sensitivity
with Sensitivity to Green
Peter Kim
Mentor: Dr. Charles Wright
Recent
studies regarding visual perception suggest that visual processes do
not create a single representation of the external world, as previously
thought (Milner & Goodale, 1995; Ungerleider & Mishkin, 1982).
Rather, studies suggest that dual visual systems are responsible for
visual processing, in that processing occurs in distinct streams within
the human visual cortex. Specifically, the ventral stream is responsible
for recognizing objects and the dorsal stream is responsible for visually
controlling motor interactions with things. Neuroanatomical and electrophysiological
results suggest that relative to the ventral stream, the dorsal stream
may be more sensitive to luminance intensity and less sensitive to
chromaticity relative to the ventral stream. In the present study,
8 participants performed two tasks. In one task, participants were
required to identify which of 4 possible figures was presented. In
the other task, participants were to touch a target presented in 1
of 4 locations using a stylus. In both tasks, stimuli consisted of
an isosceles triangle pointing in 1 of 4 directions; stimuli were either
gray, with differing degrees of luminance, or green, with differing
degrees of saturation. As hypothesized, movements to targets defined
by green stimuli were slower and less accurate than those to targets
defined by gray stimuli, even though the green/gray stimulus pairs
were equivalent in the identification task.
The Behavioral Manifestations of Polymorphisms of the Dopamine Receptor D4
(DRD4) Gene
Lisa Kleinsasser
Mentor: Dr. Chuansheng Chen
Few
studies have sought to find a genetic link to creativity. To explore
an area of research currently underrepresented in the creativity literature,
this study examines the possible connection between creativity and
the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene. This particular gene shows a
number of polymorphisms based on the number of 48-base-pair tandem
repeats on DRD4's exon III. In other words, a segment of genetic material
common to all human DNA is repeated a variable amount of times in different
people. The repeated alleles range from 2 through 10, and these polymorphisms
may be related to certain behavioral manifestations. Specifically,
the 4-repeat and 7-repeat alleles of DRD4 are the most common, and
the 7-repeat allele has shown a connection to certain traits such as
Novelty Seeking and Openness to Experience in a number of studies.
Although studies of DRD4 have indicated a link to these traits, there
has not been a study to date investigating DRD4 and creativity. Past
research connecting creativity and Novelty Seeking, however, makes
a link between DRD4 and creativity seem plausible. This study employs
both genetic and creativity data collected from 200 undergraduate student
subjects. Genetic data was collected from cheek cell samples using
a soft brush technique, and creativity data from two drawing tasks
and a writing task called "Just Suppose" was analyzed by
multiple judges. The data analysis from these subjects represents the
first attempt to find a possible genetic link to creativity with the
polymorphisms on this dopamine receptor gene.
Functional Mapping of the Serotonergic System in Aplysia californica
Kristine Kolkman
Mentor: Dr. Thomas Carew
The
defensive withdrawal reflexes of the marine mollusk Aplysia californica exhibit
several simple forms of learning and memory. For example, these reflexes
can be strengthed by a noxious stimulus such as mild electrical shock
on the tail, which gives rise to a form of memory called sensitization.
Previous studies suggest that the neuromodulator serotonin is responsible
for the induction of sensitization, but no complete characterization
of the serotonergic neurons in Aplysia has yet been made. The purpose
of my study was to first locate all of the serotonergic neurons in
the central nervous system (CNS), and second, to record their electrical
activity during the induction of sensitization. To locate serotonergic
neurons, I injected a drug (5,7-dihydroxytryptamine) into the animal
that, after several weeks, produces a dark-brown pigmentation in serotonergic
neurons. This allowed me to identify serotonergic neurons in the living
animal, and then generate a map of the serotonergic system. In subsequent
experiments in the dissected CNS, I recorded the electrical activity
of these visually identified neurons with intracellular electrodes
before and after tail nerve stimulation. I found that most of them
increased their electrical activity in response to sensitizing tail
nerve shock. Thus my data strengthens the hypothesis that serotonin
plays a role in sensitization. Moreover, this map of the serotonergic
system will now enable us to examine the role of individual serotonergic
neurons in memory formation.
The Influence of Art on Academic Performance: An Examination of
K-5 Art Education and Academic Performance Index Values in a Public
School District
Esther Komanapalli
Mentor: Dr. Joan Bissell
According
to the California Department of Education, the visual and performing
arts are a vital component of a well-rounded educational program for
all students. Nevertheless, art programs continue to be cut from school
budgets due to lack of funds. In 1997, the Arts Work grant was developed
by the state to help schools provide students with comprehensive, sequential
art programs. This study examines the impact of improved art education
on the Academic Performance Index of schools within a public school
district. The Academic Performance Index base summarizes a school's
performance based on the scores of individual pupils on all content
areas of the Stanford 9 as measured through national percentile rankings
and on the California Standard Test for English Language Arts as measured
through performance levels. The API values of elementary schools within
a randomly selected school district were studied before and after the
receiving an Arts Work grant. The API data from 2000 and 2001 were
analyzed (median2000= 759; n2000=27, standard deviation2000= 120.7;
minimum2000=530; maximum2000= 883; 1st quartile2000= 610; 3rd quartile2000=843;
median2001= 763; n2001=27; standard deviation2001= 109.3; minimum2001=566;
maximum2001= 863; 1st quartile2001=630; 3rd quartile2001=846). Analysis
of the API data revealed that the schools mean API value increased
by 2% (mean2000=734.1; mean2001=746.0). Results from this study suggest
that there may be a positive correlation between academic performance
and art education.
Who's the Daddy?: Developing a Method to Test for Assortative Mating in Plants
Tanya Kossler
Mentor: Dr. Arthur Weis
The
central assumption behind most evolutionary models is that organisms
mate randomly. However, recent models developed by Dr. Arthur E. Weis,
at the University of California Irvine, show that non-random mating
may be very important and common in plant evolution. One specific cause
of non-random mating is variation in flowering time of plants. Flowering
time determines when a plant can and cannot mate. Within a species,
there should be a tendency for early-flowering individuals to mate
with other early flowers, while late-flowering individuals mate with
other late individuals. This is a potential example of assortative
mating, which occurs when the phenotypes, such as flowering time, of
mates are correlated. The purpose of this research project is to estimate
the potential for assortative mating by measuring the correlation between
parental flowering times in wild mustard. To determine if assortative
mating actually occurs in plants, a comparison of flowering time of
offspring to that of their parents must be made. Data was taken for
the exact flowering time of the mother and offspring. However, determining
the flowering time of the plant that might have fathered any one seed
cannot be known exactly. An estimation of the average flowering time
of all the fathers in bloom that could have possibly donated pollen
to the specific mother was made. A correlation between the flowering
time of potential fathering plants and that of their offspring will
show if assortative mating is occurring in plants.
The Dating Networks of Widows
Catherine Kravitz
Mentor: Dr. Samuel Gilmore
There
are over 11 million widows in the United States. In prior years widowhood
meant that ones family took them in and they stayed within their protected
wall. Today, however, widows are living along and navigating and creating
an independent life. Dating and new relationships for widows negates
our perception of the stereotypical widow. Research conducted by Danielle
S. Schneider, M.D., Paul a. Sledge, Ph.D., Stephen R. Shuchter, M.D.,
and Sidney Zisook, M.D., and published in the Annals of Clinical Psychiatry,
l996 looked at the dating and remarriage patterns of recent widows
and widowers. This current study will compliment their work. Where
as surveys were used in the prior research in-depth interviews will
be conducted. The semi-structured interviews will cover dating experiences
before marriage and social activities during the marriage. In addition,
the widows will asked to describe their dating experiences after the
death. The research will focus on how the widows navigated issues of
social integration and variable that effect their experiences. The
aim of this study is to examine ways in which widows obtain their dates
with a view to promote more effective adjustment to widowhood.
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Effects of Estrogen on Cycooxygenase-1 (cox-1)
and Prostacyclin-Synthase (PGI-S) Protein in Rat Middle Cerebral
Artery
Clint Lagbas
Mentor: Dr. Diana Krause
Epidemiological
studies have shown gender differences in the incidence of stroke, with
women having lower risk of stroke than age-matched men. These studies
suggest that estrogen may have cardiovascular protective effects, but
the mechanism in which it is mediated is unclear. A growing body of
evidence has indicated that the protective effects of estrogen are
mediated, in part, through the production of a vasodilator, prostacyclin
(PGI2). This study sought to investigate: 1) the effects of different
concentrations of estrogen on PGI2 synthesis; 2) the effects of estrogen
or estrogen metabolites on protein levels of enzymes involved in PGI2
synthesis, namely prostacyclin-synthase (PGI-S) and cyclooxygenase-1
(COX-1). Middle cerebral arteries from ovariectomized (OVX) rats were
incubated with different concentrations of estrogen and examined for
PGI2 synthesis by ELISA as well as protein levels of COX-1 and PGI-S
by immunoblot analysis. Furthermore, OVX middle cerebral arteries were
incubated with estrogen or estrogen metabolites and examined for protein
levels of COX-1 and PGI-S. We report that estrogen increased PGI2 synthesis,
COX-1 and PGI-S in a concentration-dependent manner. Incubation with
estrogen or estrogen metabolites showed 2-methoxyestrone, 2-methydroxyestradiol,
16a-hydroxyestrone, 17ß-estradiol, and estrone causes increased
expression of COX-1. The findings of this study show that estrogen
increases PGI2 production via up-regulation of COX-1 and PGI-S. The
results presented may help elucidate mechanism underlying epidemiological
studies concerning gender differences in the incidence of stroke between
men and women, and may provide insight on clinical use of hormone replacement
therapy.
Experimental Study of Foams Under Shear With a Two-Dimensional
Model
John Lauridsen
Mentor: Dr. Michael Dennin
Foams
are composed of liquids and gases that hold their shape similar to
elastic solids. However, when subjected to large applied shear, they
flow like a viscous fluid. It is believed that foam's unique mechanical
properties are due to the packing and interactions between the bubbles.
Yet, direct studies of any bubble dynamics are difficult because they
are typically opaque due to the bubble sizes. Therefore, a two-dimensional
model system is very useful. One such theoretical model is the bubble
model that was first introduced by D. J. Durian. This model approximates
the complex interactions in foams by two simple forces: a spring force
and a viscous force between bubbles. We test the approximation by comparing
the prediction of the bubble model with bubble raft experiments. The
raft consists of bubbles with average radius ranging from 1-5mm placed
on the surface of water within a couette viscometer. The viscometer
consists of a fixed circular dish with a circular barrier that can
be rotated to generate two-dimensional flow. The outer barrier also
can be compressed and expanded to allow us to control the density of
the bubbles on the surface. The inner cylinder is a Teflon knife-edged
disk suspended by a thin wire. The wire also contains a rectangular
coil carrying a direct current to measure the angle of displacement.
The disk is placed in contact with this flow over a wide range of shear
raters and measures the total stress on the system as well as bubble
rearrangements.
The Effect of Glutathione (GSH) Depletion on Apoptosis in Cultured
Human Granulosa Cells
Jennifer Lavorin
Mentor: Dr. Ulrike Luderer
Glutathione
(GSH) is a nonprotein sulphydryl antioxidant that is expressed in most
mammalian cells. In the ovary, GSH protects developing follicles from
harmful endogenous and exogenous toxicants. Loss of such detoxifying
mechanism can be lethal to preimplantation embryos or lead to oocyte
damage resulting in permanent infertility. Ovarian follicles undergo
a form of apoptotic cell death, atresia, which can be initiated by
exposure to several chemical agents. Previous studies have shown that
ovarian GSH concentrations change as a result of changes in mRNA and
protein expression of its rate-limiting enzyme, glutamate cysteine
ligase, GLCL, during the rat estrous cycle. Localization of GLCL subunits
mRNA levels have been found in specific ovarian structures with GLCL-regulatory
subunit (GLCL-r) mRNA highly expressed and localized in granulosa cells
and oocytes of nonatretic growing follicles. We hypothesize that GSH
prevents developing follicles from undergoing apoptosis and therefore
a depletion of GSH should result in an increase in apoptotic follicles.
Using an immortalized human granulosa cell line, COV434, we can examine
the possible role of GSH depletion on granulosa cell apoptosis. Cultured
granulosa cells will be incubated for 24 hours in treatment media with
or without Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) in dosages 100, 250, 500, and
1000mM. BSO is an irreversible inhibitor of GLCL and is used here to
deplete GSH in cultured granulosa cells. GSH concentrations will be
measured by enzymatic assay, and apoptosis will be detected using agarose
gel electrophoresis to evaluate oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation
(DNA laddering) and TUNEL staining (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase
mediated dUTP nick-end labeling).
The Role of Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC) in Normal Neurogenesis in the Hippocampus
of the Adult Rat Brain
Steven Le
Mentor: Dr. James Fallon
Recent
studies have shown the migration of transplanted Hematopoietic stem
cells (HSC) into widespread tissues including the brain. We explored
the possibility that HSC are recruited in normal neurogenesis that
occurs in the hippocampus of the adult rat brain. HSC are shown to
express markers for antigens of CD34. We have determined the distribution
and morphology of CD34+ cells in the hippocampus of the adult rat brain.
We report from our study the presence of CD34+ cells with morphological
feature of differentiated neurons. Our study raises the possibility
that HSC are recruited in normal neurogenesis.
Enhanced Long-Term Memory for Emotionally Arousing Material Following
Endogenous Increases in Corisol in Humans
Kathryn Le
Mentor: Dr. Larry Cahill
Contemporary
work has shown that stress-induced increases in cortisol in rats and
exogenously increased levels of cortisol in humans enhance emotionally
arousing memory; the current study builds upon this work by demonstrating
that endogenous increases in cortisol enhance emotionally arousing
memory in humans as well. Fifty-five subjects were exposed to a slideshow
and had their left arms immersed in either ice water (0-3 ºC;
experimental group) or warm water (37-40 ºC; control group) for
up to 3 minutes to induce a cortisol increase in the experimental group;
one week later, a surprise recall test of the slideshow was administered.
Subjects in the experimental group recalled significantly more arousing
slides than subjects in the control group. These data support the hypothesis
that stress-induced endogenous increases in cortisol enhance emotionally
arousing memory in humans. This research was supported by NIMH-COR
grant 1 T34 MH20043-02.
Geometric Isomerism and Osmophoric (Functional) Group of Floral Odorants: Are
They Factors in Olfactory Coding?
Kaman Lee
Mentor: Dr. Michael Leon
There
is evidence that the mechanism of olfactory coding involves identification
of the chemical features of odorants. A contribution of geometric (cis/trans)
isomerism to the coding of floral odorants has been hypothesized, but
rarely addressed in the literature. In this experiment, rats were exposed
to one of four different odorants, geraniol, geranyl acetate, nerol,
and neryl acetate. This odorant panel affords a systematic variation
in geometric isomerism and functional group, which allows the contributions
from each of the two factors to be evaluated. A 2-DG method previously
used to map spatial and intensity information about glomerular layer
activation was employed. The patterns of activity were highly reproducible
across different rats, and the patterns evoked by the four odorants
also were very similar to one another. Such pattern similarities are
inconsistent with distinct odor perception in humans, suggesting possible
inter-species difference. Although no quantitative result was statistically
significant, there was some indication of functional group specificity
in anterior, dorsal regions, and some geometric isomerism specificity
in the ventral regions.
Interaction of Tamoxifen with GABAA Receptor
Tamara Lee
Mentor: Dr. Kelvin Gee
g-Aminobutyric
acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian
central nervous system. The action of GABA can be allosterically enhanced
or inhibited by a wide variety of chemical substances which interact
with distinct binding sites at the GABAA receptor complex
(GRC). Diethylstilbestrol, a synthetic estrogen, was discovered to
weakly modulate the GRC while examining structure activity relationships
of estrogen and related derivatives. Examination of estrogen and derivatives
was carried out because estrogen is related in structure to neuroactive
steroids, which have been convincingly demonstrated to modulate the
GRC. This experiment focused on tamoxifen, a non-steroidal, selective
estrogen receptor modulator, to see whether it could functionally modulate
the GRC like diethylstilbestrol. [35S]t-butylbicyclo-phosphorothionate
(TBPS) binding assays were used to determine whether tamoxifen modulates
the GRC using human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells that express specific
GABAA receptor subtypes. The [35S]TBPS binding assay is
a pharmacologically relevant measure of the efficacy of GABA modulation
by agents that act on the GRC. 36Cl¯ uptake assays were performed
to confirm the functional activity of tamoxifen. The 36Cl¯ uptake
assay is a rapid measurement of the ability of GABA modulators to affect
the GRC by measuring the amount of "uptake" of 36Cl¯ through
GABA gated Cl¯ ion channels in HEK cells. The preliminary findings
in this study show that tamoxifen does functionally modulate the GRC.
Further studies may provide a better understanding of how tamoxifen
and related compounds interact with the GRC.
Development of a Micro Inductor
Wang Ho Lee
Mentor: Dr. Richard Nelson
Most
communication products nowadays are operating at microwave frequency.
For consumer applications, size is an importance. Inductors are typically
large and not easily integrated into small systems. Thus, an inductor
of micrometer range would be an ultimate advantage to develop such
compact consumer systems. This project is currently researching materials
and methods to build such inductors. We have found Mn and Mg ferrites
that have profound performance in microwave range. We hope to discover
the best thin film deposition technique in the current scientific community
that can develop the inductors with the sputtering technology provided
in the INRF of UCI. And in summer, we look forward to fabricate such
devices in the lab.
Masculinity and Contemporary Media
Candice Lehman
Mentor: Dr. Akira Lippit
Formulations
of gender within a society are dictated by a variety of factors. The
media has become, especially in the United States, one of the primary
sites for gender identification and formulation. In film, television
and radio ideas about gender are brought forth, explored and even manipulated.
Looking at these media as authoritative sources of clear and unbiased
information is not uncommon, especially among those people who have
not been exposed to the study of media. There are current formulations
of masculinity within the media that are being accepted as truth, when
in fact, they are based upon the theories of evolutionary psychology,
a branch of science that is at best, controversial. The theories set
forth by evolutionary psychology have been translated into layman's
terms and injected into popular film and television. The findings of
this study of contemporary masculinity in the media show that there
are widespread ideas concerning the biological, evolution-based role
of men that are being taken as fact when they are, in reality, questionable.
This study will lay out some of the basic theories of evolutionary
psychology as they relate to masculinity and explore the ways these
theories have been presented in examples from film, television and
radio.
Effects of Light and Temperature on Methyl Halide Emissions from
Rice
Celeste Ruby Lim
Mentor: Dr. Ralph Cicerone
Methyl
halide (methyl chloride, methyl bromide, and methyl iodide) gases are
sources of inorganic radicals in the stratosphere. Methyl halide gases
released into the troposphere (lower atmosphere) are destroyed by reaction
with hydroxyl (OH) radicals. Although the majority of the methyl halide
molecules are destroyed in the process, a few manage to escape up to
the stratosphere, where they absorb ultraviolet radiation. The reaction
results in inorganic halide radical formation and, eventually, ozone
destruction. Methyl bromide and methyl iodide gases contribute 55%
and 25% of the stratospheric inorganic bromide and iodide, respectively.
The Cicerone lab at UCI has also reported that rice fields contribute
1% methyl bromide and 4% methyl iodide to the atmosphere. Greenhouse
experiments were performed to determine whether changes in temperature
or light affect methyl halide gas emissions from rice plants. Gas emissions
were measured over a range of temperature (20-35 °C) and light
intensity (4´1015 - 3´1017 quanta/sec/cm2). Methyl halide
emissions were observed to increase with temperature but not with light
intensity.
Self-Reinitiation: A New Perspective on the Descent Motif in Modernist
Writings
Linda Lin
Mentor: Dr. Alexander Gelley
In
Joyce's The Dead and Sartre's Nausea, the protagonists embody a pronounced
characteristic of the modern consciousness, namely, the dissolution
of identity. Their alienation finds expression in their own disjointed
perspectives when confronting pre-existing ideologies, in which they
cannot simply choose to participate. Gabriel Conroy's frustration arises
from constructing a problematic identity in order to distance himself
from a culture that he finds inescapable. Antoine Roquentin's sense
of estrangement from society calls for his re-evaluating consequences
of self-determined actions in constituting a meaningful life. As Northrop
Frye argues, a successful quest-cycle is accomplished by the return
of the hero, transformed and renewed. Both Joyce and Sartre adopt the
mythic motif of the descent journey as a metaphorical embarkation,
indicating in this way that the redemption of a modern individual lies
in a process of self-reinitiation. In the same vein, confronted by
changes in cultural and philosophical perspectives of the modern psyche,
the modern writer faces a similar task to that of a modern individual.
As a part of my discussion, the variations in style and content of
the descent motif will illuminate a writer's response to literary topoi
in which the notion of cultural identity is preserved. On a broader
scope, the modern writer's departure from, or return to, the concept
of tradition in turn interrogates the significance of continuity in
culture, defined by Vyacheslav Ivanov as "a memory of ancestral
initiations."
Spectral Characterization of Specific Oral Pathologies
Dorothy Lin
Mentor: Dr. Petra Wilder-Smith
Early
recognition of oral malignancy is problematic because of the inability
to perform accurate screening in populations and also due to the frequent
lack of gross signs and symptoms usually overlooked by poor visual
access. Thus, a new modality is needed for non-invasive early detection
and diagnosis of oral dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma. The objective
of this study was to determine the related changes in intensity and
spectral characteristics for healthy and dysplastic samples by using
laser induced fluorescence. DMBA carcinogenesis was applied to the
left cheek pouch for 4 Syrian golden hamsters for 8 weeks to produce
dysplasia. The right cheek pouches served as control. Excised cheek
pouches were sectioned and excited using 366, 405, 440, 470nm wavelengths.
Significant spectra differences were seen between the two groups. Dysplastic
tissue in most cases had more fluorescence intensity than healthy tissues.
Moreover, these differences were most marked at an excitation wavelength
of 440nm, where both the fluorescence and detection wavelengths were
more pronounced.
Serial Sarcomeregenesis May Not Require the Activation of Satellite
Cells
Jamie Lin
Mentor: Dr. Vincent Caiozzo
This
study attempts to determine the role of satellite cells during longitudinal
soleus muscle growth by assessing muscle weight and cross sectional
areas in animals with inactivated satellite cells and their nascent
myonuceli activities. Data were collected from 48 Sprague-Dawly rats
randomly assigned to different time point (16 day and 32 day) and experimental
groups (NC, FC, DIST, IRRAD). Illizarov distraction technique was employed
to stretch left hindleg muscles and thus induced serial sarcomeregenesis
in DIST and IRRAD groups. Furthermore, IRRAD groups were irradiated
to eradicate existing satellite cells. Muscle tissues were then extracted
and examined using the standard H&E staining and BRDU antibody
staining. Unexpectedly, little correlation was seen between satellite
cell activation and serial sarcomeregenesis. No significant difference
in muscle weight and fiber cross sectional area between DIST and IRRAD
was observed (P>0.05), animals with inactivated satellite cells
seem to undergo longitudinal muscle growth similar to those with functional
satellite cells. In addition, histochemical staining revealed indiscernible
nascent nuclei incorporation. Conse-quently, Serial sarcomeregenesis
does not necessarily require the activation of satellite cells, which
results in the intracellular incorporation of nascent myonuclei.
Activation of Both Type 1 and Type 2 Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptors in the
Basolateral Amygdala are Required During Memory Enhancement
Anna Litmanovich
Mentor: Dr. James McGaugh
The
basolateral amygdala (BLA) is the putative site for integration of
neuronal and hormonal signals for emotional learning and memory. The
present study explored the mechanisms by which the critical cholinergic
activation in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) during memory modulating
processes is mediated, i.e. through which muscarinic receptor type(s):
M1, M2, or both. Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with bilateral
cannulae aimed at the BLA and trained on an inhibitory avoidance (IA)
task. To selectively activate each receptor type, selective antagonists,
methoctramine or telenzipine (50 nmol per side), were co-infused with
a general muscarinic receptor agonist, oxotremorine, to stimulate M1,
or M2, receptors respectively. Oxotremorine (50 nmol per side) was
infused alone to stimulate both receptor types. A single trial IA task
was used in combination with immediate post-training drug treatments
so that the consolidation phase of memory could be selectively manipulated.
The mean retention latency of oxotremorine-only group on the 48 hr
retention test was significantly higher than the mean retention latencies
of the groups that received co-infusion of telenzipine or methoctramine
with the oxotremorine. These findings indicate that both receptor types
need to be activated for memory enhancement to occur.
Social Factors
Affecting Juvenile Delinquency
Erica Lomeli
Mentor: Dr. Rodolfo Torres
Juvenile
delinquency is on the rise in America. It is a serious problem that
local governments are facing and efforts are being put forth to minimize
these behaviors. Numerous variables have been identified to effect
juvenile delinquency, yet here are a selected group of social factors
that most influence the phenomena. Through qualitative design, this
research project will examine the influence of family, community, peers
and school risk factors on juvenile delinquency. Previous research
in juvenile delinquency show that children of low socioeconomic status
face greater threats in falling into juvenile delinquency in comparison
to upper middle and higher social class children. Also, based on literature
review it is presumed that family will be the most influential factor
affecting juvenile delinquency. Data collection is at this time in
progress by conducting observations, interviews, and field notes at
the Youth and Family Resource Center in Orange County, California.
Moreover, the conclusions of this study are expected to demonstrate
that the social factor of family has the most powerful influence on
delinquency, especially among Hispanic adolescent and other minorities,
than in the more mainstream American youth.
Effects of Cyclophosphamide on Glutathione Synthesis in Rat Ovaries
Sarah Lopez
Mentor: Dr. Ulrike Luderer
This
current study will examine cyclophosphamide's (CPA) toxicity on rat
ovaries. This chemotherapeutic drug has been used in treating patients
with cancer for some time, yet it has been seen to cause many women
to become sterile or enter into early menopause. The reason why CPA
causes various degrees of ovarian dysfunction in women is still not
fully known. It is believed that glutathione (GSH) in the ovaries plays
an important role in protecting ovarian follicles from damage by exogenous
toxicants like CPA. Glutathione, a tripeptide, has a detoxifying property
throughout the body enabling it to protect cells. This tripeptide is
maintained by two tightly coupled enzymatic processes involving a rate-limiting
step, catalyzed by glutamate cysteine ligase (GLCL) to form gamma-glutamylcysteine,
followed by addition of glycine to make glutathione. Other studies
have noted that CPA depletes glutathione levels in other organs, such
as the liver (DeLeve, et al. 1996), after treatment with the drug.
The causes of follicle degeneration, or atresia, are not well understood,
but it is believed that the GSH found in the follicles is an important
factor in preventing follicular atresia (Luderer, 2000). Therefore,
I hypothesize that administration of CPA will reduce ovarian GSH levels
and cause a compensatory increase in GLCL subunit mRNA transcription.
It is expected that the higher the dose of CPA administered, the greater
the effects will be on GSH levels. At 24 hours after cyclophosphamide
injections we expect to see lowered levels of GSH and high levels of
GLCL regulatory and catalytic subunit mRNA levels in the ovary.
The Psychosocial Factors Influencing Latino College Student Retention in Higher
Education
Ambrocia Lopez
Mentor: Dr. Jeannett Castellanos
Previous
research shows that Latino college students have a record low retention
in higher education resulting in a disproportionate under-representation
within and graduating from institutions of higher education as compared
to their demographic representation in the U.S. Over 50 percent of
Latino students who enroll in college do not graduate (Baltimore, 1995).
Therefore, this study will focus on psychosocial factors contributing
to the high levels of attrition among Latino undergraduates. The purpose
of this study is to determine to what extent university environment,
cultural congruency, perceived discrimination, college stress, and
self-efficacy predict persistence attitudes amongst Latino undergraduates.
A questionnaire packet consisting of a demographic sheet and seven
instruments was created to assess the constructs under investigation-
comfort in the university environment, cultural congruency, perceived
discrimination, college stress, self-efficacy and persistence attitudes.
The questionnaire was distributed to 150 Latino undergraduates attending
the University of California, Irvine. Data analysis is currently underway.
A series of two-step hierarchical regressions will be conducted to
assess the influence of the five independent variables: university
comfort, cultural congruity, perceived discrimination, college stress
and self-efficacy to the dependent variable academic persistence. Academic
persistence is defined as the perception or the likelihood that the
respondent would graduate from their college or university based on
the Persistence/Voluntary Dropout Decisions Scale. It is hypothesized
that higher levels of comfort in the university environment and self-beliefs
will be associated with more positive academic persistence decisions
of Latino undergraduates students in four year universities.
Vietnam Veterans' Response to September 11th
Mabel Lung
Mentor: Dr. Charles Wheeler
The
September 11th terrorist attack has altered the lives of, not only
Americans but also the entire global community. Terrorism is a worldwide
issue because it is prevalent in many countries around the globe. As
the world struggles to find ways to comprehend, defeat, and prevent
terrorist acts from reoccurring, this study contributes to this process
by adding a new dimension that have been neglected or overlooked. The
underlying base for this study draws on the many parallels between
the War on Terrorism and the Vietnam War. While President Bush, leaders
of foreign countries and the American public have expressed their responses
to the 9-11 terrorist act, Vietnam veterans have been conspicuously
left out of public dialogue. The current study then, conducts in-depth
interviews with ten Vietnam veterans and asks them to reflect on their
feelings and perspectives of United States' foreign policies during
three different periods in their lives. The first period is their point
of entrance into the Vietnam conflict. The second spans between the
period after their involvement in the Vietnam War but prior to the
events of September 11th. The third period is from September 11th to
the present day. The findings of this study seeks to provide greater
insights and possible avenues that are not discussed in popular discourse
but which may help avoid past mistakes and more effectively fulfill
the objective of the present conflict.
Top
Atmospheric Gasses Caught by Organic Films: A
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Odette Ma
Mentor: Dr. Douglas Tobias
Organic
aerosols and lung surfactants have one thing in common, their organic
film. These films contain carbon-carbon double bonds that are potential
targets for potent oxidants such as ozone (O3), which exists in the
troposphere due to man-made pollution. However, relatively little is
known about this heterogeneous ozone reaction. From experimental data,
it was determined that there was an enhancement in reactivity relative
to homogeneous gas phase reactions with ozone. We have conducted molecular
dynamics simulations of a phospholipid monolayer at the air/water interface,
which serves as a model for both lung surfactants and organic aerosols,
to study the reactivity of this heterogeneous ozone reactivity. We
have used different types of gas molecules, which vary in shape, size,
and van der Waals intermolecular interaction strength, in order to
study the degree of enhancement each of them undergo. From our molecular
dynamics simulations, we have confirmed that all of these factors do
contribute to the reactivity of atmospheric gases. We found that these
factors also dictate the longevity in contact time of gas molecules
to the double bonded carbons in the phospholipid monolayer.
Multiple Forms of Estrogen Receptor Alpha in Cerebral Blood Vessels:
Regulation by Estrogen and the 26S Proteasome
Anabel Martinez
Mentor: Dr. Diana Krause
We
have recently demonstrated that estrogen receptor alpha (ERa) mediates
the effect of estrogen to increase endothelial nitric oxide synthase
(eNOS) protein levels in the cerebral vasculature. Therefore, we sought
to define the presence, localization and regulation of this receptor
in rat cerebral vessels. In cerebral arteries, confocal microscopy
revealed strong colocalization of ERa with eNOS immunofluorescence,
indicating the presence of ERa in the endothelium. ERa was also detected
in smooth muscle. Using immunoblot analysis, both C and N-terminal
ERa antibodies detected multiple immunoreactive bands, ranging from
110-45 kDa. These bands were eliminated after blocking peptide-treated
antibodies were used. Chronic estrogen treatment elevated ERa immunoreactivity
in all bands. Intraperitoneal injection of the 26S proteasome inhibitor,
lactacystin, increased immunoreactivity in highter, possibly ubiquitinated
molecular weight bands, suggesting ERa is degraded by the 26S proteasome
in cerebral blood vessels. One prominent immunoreactive band detected
ran at ~50 kDA. This band was detected by a C-terminal antibody against
the first 185 amino acids of the N-terminus of ERa. However, the ~50
kDa band was not detected when an antibody against the first 21 N-terminal
amino acids were used, indicating the entire A/B domain of ERa is likely
deleted in this band. The presence of protease inhibitors and proteasomal
inhibition had no effect on the level of immunoreactivity of the ~50
kDa band, indicating this band is not a proteolysis product of full-length
ERa but may in fact represent and A/B domain-deleted splice variant
of ERa recently described in the literature.
The Effects of Domestic Violence on Latino Children's Social Interactions:
A Qualitative Study
Jaime Mayo
Mentor: Dr. Jeannett Castellanos
Approximately
one of every six women are abused by a partner (Rodriquez, 1999). This
number is slightly higher for Latinas because emotional and physical
abuse are an unfortunate aspect of the Latino culture (Perilla, 1994).
Exposure to domestic violence in childhood is associated with long-term
psychological consequences (Maker et al, 1998). Through detailed observations
of children who have been exposed to domestic violence and in-depth
interviews with their mothers, this qualitative study examined how
children are effected by domestic violence. More specifically, the
study investigates the children's social interactions with regards
to the parent/child relationship, school behavior and peer interactions.
Data analysis is currently underway. Findings will increase the understanding
of how children's social interactions are effected by their exposure
to domestic violence.
International Educational Exchange: The Historical Implications and Future
Possibilities in an Era of Globalization
Rick Mbiad
Mentor: Dr. Cecelia Lynch
Since
the tribal migrations and encounters of prehistoric times, there has
been a global exchange of ideas and values. In recent times this exchange
has taken many forms, but one of the more interesting and structured
of these involves what we call international education exchange. The
most recent statistics show over 1.5 million students worldwide are
sent to foreign schools each year, the majority of which are enrolled
at higher academic levels. This system is actually quite young, having
been established only after World War II. Since then, there has been
a steady increase in the international exchange of students. However,
there is a fascinating and important unevenness and variation within
this process, which can be attributed to the culture, politics, and
economics of the areas involved. As we move into the 21st century,
student exchange continues to be affected by these dynamics. Moreover,
a new set of imperatives for educational exchange is emerging as a
result of globalization. In the long term, I believe that educational
exchange is a non-violent means, which may foster and improve international
security, solidarity and cooperation. However, in order for this process
to be most effective there should be equitable international participation.
This thesis will present disparities that exist in the process, attempt
to attribute causal factors explaining this imbalance, and subsequently
outline recommendations for improvement. Furthermore, it will examine
whether the phenomenon of globalization is assisting or constraining
the balance in student exchange between nations that differ in culture,
wealth and/or political ideologies.
The Social Impacts of Endangered Species Protection: The Case of the Western
Snowy Plover
Wendy McIntosh
Mentor: Dr. Sharon Stern
The
overall disposition of the United States toward species protection
can be judged as positive, given the existence of strong legislature
such as the Endangered Species Act of 1973. However, this general approval
often dramatically differs from the local reaction to the application
of this protection. The case of Western Snowy Plover protection on
Vandenberg Air Force Base near Lompoc, California provides an example
of this dilemma. The community is pitted against the national government
for the right to use its local beaches. The findings of this project's
random opinion survey of Lompoc area residents reflect a considerable
amount of disapproval for the current recovery plan, which requires
the closure of the local coastal areas during the prime summer months.
The nature of many of the negative responses also indicated a feeling
of being ignored or overrun by the environmental agenda of the federal
government. Additionally, it was discovered that this issue was not
only well known and emotionally charged, but was generally well understood
by the public. This understanding signifies sincere and developed interest
on the part of the community and provides an impetus for finding a
solution that will look to the needs of both the human and plover communities.
The information gathered by the project survey serves as a basis for
the design of an alternate recovery plan that seeks the involvement
and capitalizes on the interest of the people it impacts.
The Calcineurin-NFAT Pathway Does Not Decisively Control Skeletal Muscle Hyperthrophy
Neda Mehr
Mentor: Dr. Vincent Caiozzo
Growth
of skeletal muscle contractile protein genes are under control of several
putative factors, each of which may transduce electrical or mechanical
activity to influence muscle fiber growth. We examined the role of
the calcium/calmodulin-sensitive Calcineurin (Cn)-NFAT transcriptional
pathway in rodent skeletal muscle. Previous studies have both implicated
and rejected the importance of the Cn-NFAT pathway in controlling muscle
fiber growth. We addressed this issue by utilizing compensatory overload
to induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy after 4 and 16 days, and attempted
to block hypertrophy through administration of a known calcineurin
inhibitor, cyclosporin A. We measured the mRNA levels of genes encoding
proteins integral to the pathway: Calcineurin A and B, the regulatory
and catalytic subunits of the enzyme, and the Cn-dependent transcription
factors NFATc1 and NFATc3. We also measured the relative expression
of genes from an alternative pathway, Akt/mTOR, which purportedly downregulated
in skeletal muscle hypertrophy. We report significant decreased in
Cn and NFAT mRNA levels following 4 days of hypertrophy, contrary to
previous studies that suggest the Cn-NFAT elements were essential to
muscle growth. We also find decreases in MFBX and MURF messages, as
expected in this crucial component of the mTOR pathway. However, by
16 days, all mRNA levels were indistinguishable among all groups, except
for MFBX, whose downregulation persists. These results refute previous
studies stressing the importance of the Cn-NFAT pathway to hypertrophy.
Protecting the Rainforest: A Brazilian Case Study
Mariana Mello
Mentor: Dr. Joseph DiMento
Rainforests
are disappearing at a higher rate than ever before as a result of the
dramatic human modification of the natural environment. A significant
percentage of the remaining tropical forest cover is found in Brazil,
where fauna and flora destruction constantly escalates. It is imperative
that deforestation is stopped in Third World countries such as Brazil
before the full effects of development, industrialization and population
growth are felt, and the last patches of tropical forest are eliminated
from the planet. This project analyzes methods for curbing forest destruction
in Third World nations using Brazil as a case study and offers suggestions
for reform. What are the legal and extralegal tools available to halt
deforestation in developing nations? How are these tools used in Brazil
and what is their impact on forest protection? Brazilian environmental
law is the primary data source. Secondary analysis is based on works
of prominent scholars in the field of law and environmental protection
in Brazil and North America. Research results suggest that a multilateral
partnership, such as the international Pilot Program to Conserve the
Brazilian Rain Forest, is the optimal answer to forest conservation
in Brazil. Recommendations focus on the search for harmony between
the sustainable use of forests and economic development in the Third
World. The conclusions this research will draw aim to assist in the
global battle against destruction of worldwide rainforests.
Expression in E. coli of a Fusion Protein Between Maltose Binding Protein
and GABA r1 Receptor
Larry Mendez
Mentor: Dr. Ataulfo Martinez-Torres
Studies
on a fragment of a human r-aminobutyric
acid receptor GABAC r1, which is responsible
for inhibiting neurotransmission of the central nervous system, were
conducted. We overproduced in E. coli a fusion protein made
up of the Maltose Binding Protein and a fragment of the rho1 receptor.
The Maltose Binding Protein was used in order to aid in the isolation
of the rho1 receptor during the purification process. E. coli were
transformed, their DNA extracted and digested, and then analyzed on
a 1% agarose gel. Expression of the transformed cells was also resolved
and evaluated by SDS-PAGE. The purified protein has been isolated and
to pave the way for the future expression of antigens to produce antibodies
specific to GABA r1 receptors. These undergoing
studies are important in order to gain a better understanding of the
functionality of the r1 fragment and of
the complete GABA r1 receptor in the CNS.
Fast Ion Transport Studies on NSTX Using Beam Blips
Mahmood Miah
Mentor: Dr. William Heidbrink
Three
millisecond pulses of deuterium beam ions accelerated to 80 keV are
injected into the NSTX (National Spherical Torus eXperiment) reactor.
The neutron emission from the plasma is then measured. The increase
in emission from the plasma is then used to calculate how well the
beams are confined in the plasma on a 10 ms timescale. This allows
us to compare what the predicted beam ion confinement is for this kind
of reactor with what the actual measured value is for the reactor.
All our data so far shows that the experimental evidence supports the
current theory in this reactor. The dependence on the toroidal magnetic
field and the angle at which the beams are fired is studied. The effect
of catastrophic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) events, or large fluctuations
in the magnetic field and current flowing through the plasma, are also
studied. To within experimental error, the theory fits the experimental
data.
Compliance of
Porcine Coronary Arteries Under Negative Transmural Pressures
Ayesha Mian
Mentor: Dr. Ghassan Kassab
The
myocardium provides tethering to the coronary arteries and it is believed
that the extent of tethering/ support provided by the cardiac muscle
determines whether or not vessels will collapse under negative transmural
pressures. The vessels experience negative transmural pressures during
contraction of cardiac muscle, where the muscle compresses the vessels;
however, the vessels do not collapse due to tethering. The goal of
this study was to determine the pressure - cross sectional area (CSA)
relationship of coronary arteries under negative transmural pressures.
X-ray imaging was used to obtain coronary arteriograms and data on
the CSA of blood vessels in the transmural range of -150 mm Hg to 150
mm Hg. The results of the experiments show that cardiac muscle does
indeed provide tethering to the coronary vessels. Thus, vessels do
not collapse under negative transmural pressures. However, in rare
cases, where the vessels are less tethered by the myocardium, collapse
may occur. In general, vessels that penetrate well into the muscle
do not collapse under negative pressures, whereas those that don't
penetrate as much do collapse. Therefore, the results of my experiment
support the hypothesis that the myocardium provides tethering to the
coronary vessels. Area of the vessels that collapse is usually the
proximal region and that is due to the fact that it is found more towards
the surface of the heart in comparison to the distal region (or the
side branches). Analysis of the relationship of volume vs. pressure
can be supplemented to further support this study.
Walt Whitman & Allen Ginsberg: The American Ideal in Poetry
Michael Miller
Mentor: Dr. Alice Fahs
In
the last year, many of us have asked ourselves again what it means
to be an " American." We can find a partial answer by looking
at the works of the definitive American poet of each of the last two
centuries. In 1855, Walt Whitman revolutionized both poetry and philosophy
with Leaves of Grass, which imagined the country as a grand communion
in which all citizens were connected by an unbreakable tie to nature.
Exactly one hundred years later, after three major wars and numerous
social conflicts, Allen Ginsberg's Howl and Other Poems, written in
Whitman style, presented "American" as a far more uncertain
definition. Both poets share several common beliefs: that the consciousness
of one person can supersede the individual, that the physical and the
spiritual are inextricably linked, and that knowledge of the outside
world equals knowledge of the self. However, due largely to their different
time periods, the writers disagree on many points. Whitman wrote at
a time when America's future was hopeful yet vague; he celebrated technology
and immigration without foreseeing the violent effects that each would
have. In addition, his view of human nature was extraordinarily positive.
Ginsberg, who was a homosexual and a bohemian at a time of strict Cold
War conformity, saw his society as more dangerous and unforgiving,
and lamented the darker sides of human nature which he believed had
destroyed his countrymen's original innocence. Despite the ongoing
popularity of Whitman, Ginsberg's worldview seems timelier today.
The Social Impact of the Los Angeles Repatriation Program on the
Mexican Community During the Depression
Celida Miramontes
Mentor: Dr. Alice Fahs
The
Los Angeles repatriation program of the 1930s was part of a national
campaign to deport illegal immigrants and encourage immigrants in general
to return to their native countries. The Los Angeles repatriation program
targeted Mexican immigrants; under the leadership of Charles P. Visel,
Chief of the Los Angeles Committee for Coordination of Unemployment
Relief, police officers and immigration officials carried out dragnets
on public meeting places and the country paid for the transportation
of immigrants back to Mexico. The repatriation program forced Mexican
immigrants to evaluate their identities as Americans. Anglo American
perceptions of Mexican immigrants were reflected as highly racist and
stereotypical articles were published during the 1930s. Surprisingly,
many Mexican immigrants agreed with the Anglo American perception of
Mexican immigrants as foreigners that could not become American. However,
Mexican immigrants that remained in the United States firmly established
roots in this country, and those that returned to Mexico soon discovered
how Americanized they had become. The repatriation program illustrates
the ongoing question of what it means to be American.
Case Study: Psychological
Well-Being and Family Structure of Chinese Parachute Kids
Daisy Mo
Mentor: Dr. Michael Scavio
It
has been said that every parent wants the best for their children.
However, to what extremes are parents willing to go in order to accomplish
this goal? The Asian culture seems to have a different approach to
insure the future of their offspring. "Parachute kids" are
students, between the ages of 8 and 17, who come to the United States
in hope of getting a better education. Yet, what makes these students
unique is that most of them are left in the states without adequate
parental supervision. In a study conducted by University of California,
Los Angeles, it was estimated that about 40,000 Taiwanese "parachute
kids" live in the United States; while "smaller numbers from
Hong Kong and South Korea" (LA Times, 1993). Currently, there
is a lack of research concerning "parachute kids"; however,
this does not mean that this study is not important. Research in this
area is greatly needed because different family arrangements can produce
extra stress, not to mention the difficulty of social integration into
the new country. All these factors can result in mental and physical
illness. The lack of an adult role model may hinder a child's personal
development. Their social life and educational achievement may be heavily
influenced. Family arrangement may be the cause of the child's problem.
By studying this phenomenon, health and education professionals will
gain a better understanding on the struggles these children face.
Possible Interactions
Between IDGF3 and Heparin in Drosophila
Amir Moarefi
Mentor: Dr. Peter Bryant
Growth
factors are known to facilitate a cell to grow or proliferate. One
of these growth factors found in Drosophila and is known as
Imaginal Disc Growth Factors (IDGF). It is also known that growth factors
interact with the gylcosaminogylcan heparin. In this experiment demonstrate
that IDGF3 binds to Heparin in HiTrap affinity columns and confirm
that it is the correct protein with the use of a western blot. The
results show that there were bands seen in the Camguk westerns in the
flowthrough at 50KD and nonspecific bands at 50KD in the elution lanes.
The IDGF-3 also contained bands in the elutions at 45, 50 and 55KD.
This experiment should be redone using lower salt concentrations with
a better control.
Synthesis of Oxochlorin Cofactors
Sarah Mutch
Mentor: Dr. Patrick Farmer
Our
research interests lie in understanding the mechanistic detail of the
catalysis by heme proteins. By applying photochemistry and electrochemistry
we can successfully analyze the electron transfer to heme proteins
and follow the catalysis. Myoglobin, a small heme protein, is used
as the biocatalysist for my project. Although myoglobin does not perform
enzymatic functions in vivo, catalytically active analogues
of myoglobin can be synthesized via the modification of a heme group
with one of several redox- or photoactive pendant arms. Reconstitution
of these into apomyoglobin forms the model for the catalytically active
heme proteins. We also study the binding affinity of different ligands
to the metal center of the heme group. This study of binding affinity
is done with both the native heme and the modified heme. The different
affinities are both measured and thus compared.
Development
of an Animal Model for Neurotrophic Keratitis
Arash Nafissi
Mentor: Dr. Edward Wong
With
the amazing onset of LASIK procedures becoming one of the most preformed
surgeries in America, so are its side effects that it entails. One
of the major and of the most serious is neurotrophic keratitis, which
will result in visual impairment. There is not much known of this disorder
that causes the loss of neither corneal sensation nor a full proof
cure. There are methods of treatment, but none of them are complete.
NGF (nerve growth factor) has been used in other studies to spur up
growth of cells in precise areas. The idea of this study is to provide
a rat model with the disorder, neurotrophic keratitis, then use NGF
treatment on the patients with the disease and see if these patients
can salvage their corneal sensation and vision. The intent of this
study is through the use of electrical devices, neurotrophic keratitis
will be imposed in the eye and then treated with NGF and observe the
plausible results.
Second Harmonic Generation in the Cornea
Nader Nassif
Mentor: Dr. Bruce J. Tromberg
Imaging
the extracellular matrix (ECM) in bulk tissue is a critical tool for
studying development and disease but it is difficult to perform ECM
imaging in tissue without sectioning and staining. Using optical methods,
however, allows for non-invasive, non-destructive means to observe
changes in the extracellular matrix. The cornea, a collagen-rich system,
was examined using Multi Photon Microscopy (MPM). Due to the abundance
of collagen in the cornea, a strong Second Harmonic signal is produced
as a result of the non-centrosymmetric geometry of these chiral structures.
Rabbit corneas obtained from freshly sacrificed animals were enucleated
and imaged using MPM. Second Harmonic signals were detected from the
extracellular matrix. The polarization state of the excitation light
was varied and differences in Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) were
observed. The alignment of the collagen fibers in the cornea and the
coherent process of second harmonic generation resulted in the selective
imaging of fibers along different orientations in the imaging plane.
The data collected demonstrated that SHG microscopy provides an effective
way to view the extracellular matrix without sectioning and staining.
Polarization-sensitive SHG microscopy allows for the selective imaging
of preferred fiber orientations that lie along the axis of polarization
of the incident light thereby enhancing contrast.
Race Relations and "The South" as Literary Subject Matter
and the Historical Context for the Short Fiction of Flannery O' Connor
Dana Nguyen
Mentor: Dr. John Rowe
Flannery
O'Connor is often referred to as a "Southern" writer, and
it is in this framework that I analyze her fiction-the historical and
social context of her short stories, particularly the race relations
between blacks and whites in the American South of the 1950s and 60s.
I study these topics as both a historical fact situation and as a literary
thematic idea to discover to what extent they exist as realities in
her fiction and to what extent they operate as vehicles for social
constructions. In exploring how race relations and "The South" function
as both literary subject matter in her stories and the historical context
of her stories, I've developed a thesis on the relationship between
identity and geography in three stories: "Everything that Rises
Must Converge," "The Artificial N-ger", and "The
Displaced Person." Distance is represented in both location-between
city and country, rich neighborhood and poor neighborhood-and identity,
as the gap between black and white, the moral and immoral, and the
rich and poor. Location confers constructed status and social identity,
and intrinsic identity and perceived status in relation to other characters
in turn positions the character morally. The characters in the stories
represent the gap that exists between the perceived and the real, underscoring
the social construction of race and status that must be deconstructed.
And absent an act of true grace, this gap in perception and the distance
the characters create between themselves represent the true divisions
between the races that O'Connor's fiction so devastatingly highlights.
Effects of 1L-1b and FGF on Nerve Growth Factor
(TVGF) Expression in Astrocytes
Bich Chau Nguyen
Mentor: Dr. Alvin Glasky
Research
in Alzheimer's disease and its treatment has indicated the importance
of neurotrophic factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), in suppression
of apoptosis in neurons and effective promotion of neuronal growth
in both central and peripheral nervous systems. Previous studies have
shown that NGF expression is induced by activation of astrocytes through
1L-1b, an inflammatory cytokine that increases
and stabilizes NGF mRNA and secretion in primary astrocytes cultures
(Carman-Krazan et al., 1991). Astrocyte production of NGF may also
be affected by another neurotrophin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF),
receptors for which are found on neural stem cells, oligodendrocytes
and astrocytes. FGF increases the proliferation of neuronal and glial
stem cells but decreases the number of differentiated neurons (Reimers
et al., 2001). The current study aims to confirm the inductive effects
of 1L-1b on NGF and investigates whether
FGF can also increase NGF expression in astrocytes. Primary cultures
of embryonic cortical rat astrocytes were treated with either 1L-1b
or FGF. RNA samples were subsequently extracted for analysis by quantitative
polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). qPCR employs a particular fluorescent
dye that has high affinity for double strand DNA, thus allowing the
detection of DNA amplification in real-time. Given constant primer
concentrations, the rate at which DNA amplifies directly depends on
amount of mRNA template. qPCR thus allows measurement of cellular mRNA
and detection of any changes in mRNA due to 1L-1b and
FGF treatments. Using the above technique, we find that 1L-1b does
increase NGF mRNA expression in embryonic rat astrocytes. FGF, however,
does not show a significant impact on NGF expression and thus may have
a different mechanism of promoting neuronal growth.
The Impact of Vietnamese-Americans in U.S. Vietnam Relations
Ha Nguyen
Mentor: Dr. Caesar Sereseres
The
fall of Saigon in 1975 triggered a significant immigration flow of
Vietnamese to the United States. In 1980 and 1992, two other "waves" brought
thousands of Vietnamese refugees. These immigrants resettled and formed
communities in places such as Orange County, Houston, San Jose, and
the Washington, D.C. area. Today, Vietnamese have increasingly become
part of American society. However, they tend to be weary of politics.
There is one exception: Vietnamese-Americans unify when dealing with
the specific issue of U.S. policy toward Vietnam. National level politics
is difficult because local politics is usually absent or ineffective.
In recent years, as the U.S. government has attempted to normalize
relations with Vietnam, Vietnamese-Americans have been visible and
have pushed for human rights and religious freedom. They are relentless
in their quest toward ameliorated living conditions in their motherland
and a more democratic Vietnam. Research on Vietnamese-Americans as
a local, national, and international political actor helps explain
Vietnamese-American organization, leadership, and the communication
of needs and beliefs. The core question I seek to answer: How effective
has the Vietnamese-American community been in pursuing its political
agenda to influence and shape U.S.-Vietnam relations. Research indicates
that Vietnamese-Americans have been ineffective in influencing U.S.
policy. A comparison can also be drawn between Vietnamese-Americans
and Cuban-Americans. Both ethnic groups are considered political refugees.
Cuban-Americans, however, have been much more effective in influencing
policy than have Vietnamese-Americans. The research will observe the
similarities and differences between the two ethnic groups. This will
provide further explanations as to the behavior of Vietnamese-Americans
regarding U.S. domestic politics and U.S. foreign policy.
A Jurisprudential Analysis of the Rehnquist Court's Devolutionary
Federalism: A Case Study
Dana Nguyen
Mentor: Dr. Carl Schwarz
The
post-New Deal Supreme Court since 1937 had steadily moved away from
an ideology of dual federalism to a new constitutional order of expansive
federal regulatory power in both economics and civil rights law. However,
within the impacted time frame of 1992-2002, the Supreme Court under
the stewardship of Chief Justice William Rehnquist has devolved much
of that federal power under the commerce clause in favor of "state
sovereignty." This rapid shift to state-centered federalism, remarkable
in how it has constrained federal, judicial and legislative powers,
signifies an ideological shift that I have analyzed in jurisprudential
terms. I analyze the Court's shift in the vocabulary of legal philosophy
to discover how this devolutionary federalism can be explained as an
interpretive shift that is not always consistent. Though there exists
a voting bloc on the Court in favor of state powers (usually comprised
of Chief Justice Rehnquist and Justices O'Connor, Scalia, Thomas and
Kennedy), there exists no common theory of federalism-each justice
seems to have his or her own interpretive method for arriving at a
decision that devolves federal power. And such interpretations do not
always lend themselves to consistency even when examining the legal
reasoning of one justice-Justice Rehnquist himself adopts a Positivist
jurisprudence when examining cases concerning federal economic regulatory
power, and a Law and Economics school of jurisprudence when considering
cases concerning civil or gender rights. Thus, this constitutional
shift, remarkable in its effects but problematic in its ideological
inconsistency, reflects the interpretive maneuvering the Court engages
in to arrive at their desired goal of state-centered power without
establishing a common or consistent federalism jurisprudence.
The Distribution of CD-34 in Adult Rodent Rostral Forebrain
Gemi Nguyen
Mentor: Dr. James Fallon
Ongoing
neurogenesis has been demonstrated in normal adult rodent brain, mainly
in the hippocampus and olfactory bulb. Cells forming neurons in the
hippocampus are known to originate from the dentate gyrus and those
in the olfactory bulb arise from the subventricular zone (SVZ). People
have shown that artificially introduced primitive pluripotent stem
cells can enter the brain and differentiate into neurons. It has not
been known whether neurogenesis in these regions normally involves
the recruitment of hemopoeitic stem cells (hsc). To determine the possibility
that primitive hsc are involved in normal ongoing neurogenesis, we
have investigated the presence, morphology, and distribution of the
expression of an antigen, CD-34, normally expressed by hsc in the adult
rodent forebrain, areas not usually associated with ongoing neurogenesis.
We report the presence of CD-34 positive cells in diverse area of the
rostral forebrain, including singulet cortex, parietal cortex, striatum,
and septum. CD-34 showed morphological features of well-differentiated
neurons. It is not presently clear whether this reflects on developmental
origin of these neurons from hsc or whether these antigens are coincidentally
expressed in both neurons and hsc.
Localization of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in the Ventral
Tegmental Area and Substantia Nigra Following Repeated Amphetamine
Administration
Thuy Nguyen
Mentor: Dr. John Marshall
Repeated
administration of psychostimulant drugs such as cocaine and amphetamine
induce long lasting changes in both their neurochemical and behavioral
effects. Stimulant drugs exert their effect on the midbrain dopaminergic
neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the substantia nigra
pars compacta (SNc). The long lasting changes may be a result of structural
modifications of the VTA and SNc, possibly involving neurotrophic factors.
This study examines the ex-pression of a neurotrophic factor, basic
fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the VTA and SNc of the rat brain
after repeated amphetamine administration (3.0mg.kg, ip; three injections,
separated by 48 hours). A significant increase in bFGF immunoreactivity
in the SNc was found 24 hours after the last injection.
The Metabolic Rates of AX and AUC Populations
Kieu Ngoc Nguyen
Mentor: Dr. Laurence Mueller
Previous
observations have shown that there are genetically based differences
between Drosophila larvae selected for ammonia tolerance and
their controls. Larvae that are tolerant of high levels of ammonia
tend to feed more slowly and travel shorter distances than their controls.
The AX populations are five independent populations that have been
cultured in food with high levels of ammonia. Whereas the AUC populations
are the control populations that have been raised under normal food.
This experiment was design to further investigate the genetic differences
of the AX and AUC populations by measuring their metabolic rates. We
hypothesized that 1) the AX populations would have lower energy spent
per unit time than the AUC populations while feeding, and 2) the energy
saved by the AX populations would be spent detoxifying high levels
of ammonia. The experiment will proceed by measuring oxygen consumption
of feeding larvae. This experiment is still in progress so we do not
have results at this time.
Ab initio Molecular Dynamics Study of Halide-Water Clusters
Que-Huong Nguyen
Mentor: Dr. Douglas Tobias
Small
halide-ion water clusters are a subject of current research as a model
for studying fundamental aspects of ion-water hydrogen bonding in interfacial
settings, which is relevant to the heterogeneous atmospheric chemistry
of sea salt aerosols. Given the small number of degrees of freedom,
the comparison of high-resolution experimental results with accurate ab
initio studies is now feasible. Here, X * H2O clusters, whereby
X= F-, Cl-, are investigated and compared through the use ab initio centroid
molecular dynamics simulation where the forces are calculated from
the electronic structure with the incorporation of quantum dynamics
through Feynman's path integral formalism. From our simulation, calculations
of photodetachment energies and IR spectra are performed and compared
to experimental results. Last, we looked into the degree of nuclear
quantum effects on the structure and dynamics of the small halide-water
clusters at low temperature.
Stimulation of Chonfrocyte Proliferation Following Photothermal,
Thermal, and Mechanical Injury in ex vivo Cartilage Grafts
Pandhoh Nidhi
Mentor: Dr. Brian Wong
Laser
irradiation may stimulate chondrocytes porliferation in the peripheral
region surrounding a photothermally-heated area in rabbit nasal septal
cartilage. In this study, ex vivo rabbit nasal septal cartilages
maintained in culture were irradiated with an Nd:YAG laser (l=1.32m,
4-16 sec, 10-45 W/cm2) to examine the relationship between the diameter
of replicating cells and irradiation time. Also, this study investigated
whether proliferation occurs following heating (by immersion in hot
saline baths, with a heated metal rod, and a soldering iron) and mechanical
modification (crushing with a metal stamp and scoring with a scalpel).
Replicating chondrocytes sere identified using Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)
double antibody detection system in whole mount tissue. Light microscopy
was used to confirm the presence of BrdU stained chondrocytes. The
mechanical and thermal stressors used failed to produce a proliferative
response in chondrocytes as previously seen with laser irradiation.
We suspect that chondrocyte proliferation may be induced as a response
to alteration in matrix structure produced by photothermal, thermal,
or mechanical modification of the matrix. Heat generated by a laser
to stimulate chondrocyte proliferation may lead to new treatment options
for degenerative articular diseases and disorders. Laser technology
can be adapted for use with minimally invasive surgical instrumentation
to deliver light into otherwise inaccessible regions of the body.
Isolation and Characterization of a Gene Encoding a Cathepsin-B
Like Protein in the Vector Mosquito, Anopheles gambiae
Seak Nip
Mentor: Dr. Anthony James
Mosquitoes
are vectors for transmission of many diseases such as malaria, yellow
fever, encephalitis, and dengue fever that pose a health threat to
humans. Only female mosquitoes feed on blood and therefore transmit
the diseases. It is through the feeding process that pathogens transfer
from the female mosquito salivary glands to the host. Studying the
genetic make-up of the insect may provide a means to prevent transmission
by interfering with the development of the parasite in the mosquito.
In order to accomplish this, techniques must be developed for the interference
of parasite development in the insect. One method that has been proposed
is to construct synthetic genes that express anti-parasitic effector
molecules and use these in transgenic experiments to produce parasite-resistant
mosquitoes. These synthetic genes will require promoter fragments from
endogenous genes to control the expression of the effector molecules.
In the current study, Anopheles gambiae fat bodies were used
to generate a cDNA library and from which we recovered a cDNA corresponding
to a gene encoding Cathepsin-B like protein (AgCath-B). Northern analysis
demonstrated that the AgCath-B gene is expressed specifically in adult
female mosquitoes. The size of the gene was determined to be approximately
2.8 kb. Genomic clones were isolated and a region corresponding to
putative promoter was identified. Work is in progress to demonstrate
the proper functioning of promoter in transgenic mosquitoes.
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