doc2013 ACES Program Book (in PDF) - The University of Texas at
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2013 ACES Program Book (in PDF) - The University of Texas at
ACES 2013 Keynote Speaker Dr. Ashanti Johnson, Executive Director of the Institute for Broadening Participation Keynote Address Wednesday, March 27, 2013 6:00 p.m., Rio Grande Ballroom Dr. Ashanti Johnson is the Executive Director of the Institute for Broadening Participation. Dr. Johnson received her B.S. (1993) in Marine Science from Texas A&M University-Galveston (TAMUG) and her Ph.D. (1999) in Oceanography from Texas A&M University (TAMU). She was the first African-American student body president at TAMUG. She is also one of the first female African-American chemical oceanographers in the country, and the first African-American to earn a doctoral degree in oceanography from TAMU. She has served as a faculty member for the Georgia Institute of Technology School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, the Savannah State University Marine Science Program, the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, and most recently the University of Texas at Arlington Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Her areas of research specialization include: 1) aquatic radiogeochemistry, 2) professional development of students, and 3) science and engineering diversityfocused initiatives.She currently serves as the director of one of four NASA One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI) Broker-Facilitator Corps, as well as the director for the NASA and NSF-funded Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth System Science Initiative. She is also the PI of the NSF-funded Pathways to Ocean Science Project and Co-PI of the NSF-funded Pathways to Engineering Project. Dr. Johnson has received numerous honors and awards and has published in many scientific and education journals. In January 2010, she received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring at the White House in recognition of her professional development and diversity-related activities. On February 1, 2010, she was recognized by TheGrio.com, an NBC product, as one of 100 History Makers in The Making and more recently she was profiled in the Black Enterprise Magazine March 2011 Issue's "Women In STEM" feature story. Dr. Johnson's activities have been highlighted in numerous newspapers, on several websites, and by Fox and ABC television affiliates. Dr. Johnson also enjoys her role as wife and mother, and is active in her church, sorority (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) and local community. . Graduate and Undergraduate Scholarly Activities March 27, 2013 Acknowledgments ACES is sponsored by the Office of Graduate Studies. Additional financial support was provided by College of Business, College of Liberal Arts, College of Engineering, College of Science, College of Nursing, College of Education and Health Professions, School of Architecture, and the School of Urban and Public Affairs. Members of the ACES 2013 Steering Committee Lisa Berry, Coordinator, Office of Graduate Studies Oschuwa Coleman, Student Development Specialist, Office of Graduate Studies Dana Dunn, Associate Professor, Sociology Frank Foss, Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry Ashley Horn, Student Development Specialist, Office of Graduate Studies Rebekah Karth, Graduate Student Senate Representative Daniel Levine, Professor, Psychology Laura Mydlarz, Assistant Professor, Biology Jennifer Hawthorne, Senior Associate Director of University Development Jennifer Knight, Executive Assistant to the Dean, Office of Graduate Studies Joslyn Krismer, Associate Director, Office of Graduate Studies Mark LaVelle, Assistant Vice President, Office of Development James Perry, Coordinator, Honors College, ACES Webmaster ACES Additional Support Dr. Ashanti Johnson, Executive Director of the Institute for Broadening Participation Tina Gil, Aramark Catering Stephen “Bear” Lunce, II, Conference Coordinator, E. H. Hereford University Center UT Arlington Facilities Management Graduate Student Senate Phi Kappa Phi President’s Sustainability Committee Desiree Henderson, Women’s and Gender Studies Raymond L. Jackson, Associate Dean, Office of Graduate Studies David Silva, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies Office of Graduate Studies Staff Faculty, Alumni, and University Judges DAVID J. SILVA, PH.D., VICE PROVOST FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND INTERIM DEAN OF GRADUATE STUDIES CORDIALLY INVITES ACES PRESENTERS, THEIR FRIENDS, AND FACULTY MENTORS TO THE ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE BY STUDENTS (ACES) IN THE E. H. HEREFORD UNIVERSITY CENTER MARCH 27, 2013 WELCOME! On behalf of President Jim Spaniolo, Provost Ronald Elsenbaumer, and Vice President for Research Carolyn Cason, I welcome you to UT Arlington's ninth Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students (ACES). Given that research and creative activity are matters of the highest importance to all of us here at UT Arlington, ACES was established not only to highlight the sorts of research and creative projects in which our students are involved, but also to celebrate the institution’s collaborative spirit. A dedicated team of faculty and staff work for months to prepare for this major campus event. Students work with faculty mentors to prepare original research and creative activity in the form of oral or poster presentations. Faculty members, alumni, and other important community members judge all the presentations. On “the big day,” a team of staff members – many of whom are affiliated with the Office of Graduate Studies – convene to ensure that ACES runs as smoothly possible. Through the work of many emerges this single (and singular) event that celebrates the creativity, the drive, and the commitment required to create new knowledge in a broad range of academic disciplines. I trust you will enjoy the day and learn much about the interesting and exciting work going on in UT Arlington's many undergraduate and graduate programs. I also hope you will agree with me that our students are some of today’s best young scholars. I want to express my gratitude to the faculty mentors, both on and off campus, who have enriched the educational experiences of our students and have helped prepare the ACES participants for today's symposium. The time and attention that you have devoted to involve students in your research programs and creative endeavors have shaped the scholars of tomorrow. I also want to thank my colleague Dr. Raymond Jackson, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, for his workshop on enhancing poster and presentations as well as Joslyn Krismer, Associate Director for Enrolled Student Services and Special Projects, for her tireless efforts as the chair of the ACES steering committee; Joslyn keeps the planning of the event on track, thereby ensuring that when today arrived, UT Arlington is prepared to showcase its best and brightest for the community. Finally, I gratefully acknowledge the many efforts of the members of the ACES Steering Committee, the Office of Graduate Studies staff, our faculty and alumni judges, and our student moderators from Graduate Student Senate. I know that all of them have worked hard to make the ninth Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students a memorable one. For more information about this year’s ACES event or to read about past ACES events and winners, please visit our website at www.uta.edu/aces. Oral Presentation Schedule (Morning sessions) Concho Red River Palo Pinto Pedernales Neches San Saba Guadalupe San Jacinto Undergraduate Undergraduate 8:20 K. Abayan CHEM M. Alam BIOL S. Asih PSYC M. Al Ameen CSE S. Anand BME T. M. Barnett SOCW G. Escobedo ANTH Logan Grimes BIOL 8:40 K. Adiraju CHEM A. Asmus BIOL E. M. Bradford PSYC A.A. Naee CSE G. Bendale BME K. Chigbu SOCW L. Vu ANTH Dianna Nguyen BIOL 9:00 J. Barnes CHEM J. Chaudhuri BIOL C. Jenney PSYC M. Das CSE M. Holden BME A. Crow SOCW B. Mistry CSE Darrelle Colinot BIOL 9:20 S. Bhawal CHEM W. Mann BIOL H. Pellosmaa PSYC S. Datta CSE H. Homayoni BME P. H. Bowers SOCW S.V. Moeller ENGL R.. Landrith BIOL 9:40 BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK 10:00 D. Carlton CHEM M. Moseley BIOL J. Swanson PSYC S.M.T. Haque CSE B. Johnston BME A. Maleku SOCW Nicolas Miranda MUSI Catherine Greene BIOL 10:20 E. Narh CHEM N. Obulareddy BIOL J. Willis PSYC K. Aman MATH Martinez-Avila BME K. V. Shashoua SOCW Taryn Denton MUSI Jessica Azzinnari BIOL 10:40 S. Chand CHEM S. Panchal BIOL J. Dunning COMM L. Owens MATH J. Menon BME M. Deliz HIST Katelyn Richardson MUSI Heather Bass BIOL 11:00 J. Das CHEM M. Parihar BIOL R. Karth COMM J. Sutton MATH G. M. Ravi EE B. Garrett HIST Meghan Zavitz ART Khanh Vu BIOL 11:20 M.S. Hossain CHEM BREAK D. Pirkle COMM F. Proma IE B. Shrestha EE J. Omana LING BREAK BREAK 11:40 LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH Oral Presentation Schedule (Afternoon Sessions) Concho Red River Palo Pinto Pedernales Neches San Saba Guadalupe San Jacinto Undergraduate Undergraduate 1:00 S. Hughes CHEM J. Pharr BIOL A. Nazi CSE L. Feremenga PHYS R. Broun CE B. Carroll ENGL E. Lynch HIST W. Walters BIOL 1:20 Li Li CHEM E. Prince BIOL G. Puerto-Souza CSE M. G. Ramirez PHYS M. Hedayati CE C. Hicks ENGL J. Roberson KINE W. R. Scaggs BIOL 1:40 H. Liao CHEM D. Roy BIOL M. Raj CSE P. Joglekar PHYS M.S. Khan CE M. Marchi ENGL J. Reed MODL John Perish BIOL 2:00 D. Lopez CHEM M. Steffenson BIOL J. Sankey CSE T. Lamichhane PHYS S.B. Pulipati CE K. Morgan ENGL A. Lyons SOCW R. Kharadi BIOL 2:20 BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK 2:40 H. Fan CHEM A. Palanki MAE S. Srinivasan CSE C. Mayfield PHYS A.R. Nasab CE J. Morrow ENGL Y. W. Y. Ng PHYS Amanda Dark CHEM 3:00 M. Mwania CHEM Rajagopalan MAE T. Hughlett GEOL P. Sarker PHYS H. Riazi CE Christopherson MODL Amit Bashyal PHYS Robert Rayford CHEM 3:20 A. Pramanik CHEM M. Saharia CE V. Ellison ANTH Jordan Williams PHYS J. Nshimiyimana CHEM 3:40 C. Shelor CHEM S. Samir CE Keith Gray PHYS John Gurak CHEM 4:00 B. Stamos CHEM R. Siddique CE J. Bourbeau PHYS Y. Monica Hew MAE 4:20 A. Thomas CHEM Blake Watson PHYS S. Lacombe MAE Graduate Student Posters (Page 1 of 2) Poster No. 20 55 39 19 21 4 58 40 29 60 49 14 18 38 8 9 16 62 32 17 28 35 12 3 27 42 11 44 43 26 36 54 50 Last Name Ahuja Alatrash Alex Allen Bhan Boberg Brush Butts Cockerham Dasmahapatra Davis Deo Dickensheets Elliott Feagans Friedman Gandy Gatz Govindaraju Graves Grimes Hamby Hartzell Henry Jadeja Kaur Khelm Kibria Krnjajic Kuriakose First Name Pooja Nagham Raichel Dustin Arunoday John Zachary Cory Deborah Atreyi Tiffany Ketaki Tony Kathy Carl Aaron Kellen Charles Aruna Shannon Ka Tyler Meredith M. Danielle Parth Damanpreet Iya Golam Davor Aneetta Department CHEM CHEM BME KINE CHEM LEAD MAE KINE EDCI CHEM PSYC KINE SOCW EDCI ANTH PSYC PSYC CSE BIOL SOCW EDCI PSYC PSYC KINE BME BME LING CE KINE BME Lalloobhai Lawal Le Amit Wasiu Cuong MAE GEOL CHEM Graduate Student Posters (Page 2 of 2) Poster No. 10 5 2 47 45 64 41 56 30 48 6 31 23 1 53 57 22 37 34 46 63 52 24 25 51 33 61 7 13 15 59 Last Name Leal-Arizpe Lee Li Machiraju Mahbub Memarian Neeper Nimmo Osen Osumah Papangelis Perry Punnakitikashem Rahman Rahman Ravi Robinson Rohr Sanford Sharp Spann Stricklin Sundaresan Tambe Tebbe Thaweethawakorn Trask Wallace Wang White Wilson First Name Fernando Antonio Anna Ailing Karthik Mst Arezoo Michael A. JP Angela Tijani Alexandros Tracy Primana Shammi Ziaur Manikandan Rebecca L. Jessica Brianna Nicole Catherine Brittany Varsha Pranjali Daniel Anchana Cynthia Cara Evelyn Michelle M. Paul Department PSYC KINE PSYC BME BIOL CE PSYC CHEM GEOL BME CSE EDCI BME CE CE BME PSYC LING EDCI PSYC PSYC BIOL BME BME PSYC BIOL EDCI SOCW CHEM PSYC IE Undergraduate Student Posters Poster No. 92 89 88 109 91 94 83 104 108 81 90 82 98 86 93 102 111 101 84 112 99 87 105 110 95 96 107 113 80 85 106 103 97 Last Name Aymond Barfoot Bateson Berlin Blaiszik Calderon Carter Cawthorne Denobrega George Ghanem Gupte Hardee Hor Hua Hussein Irvin Kadjo Leone Ludwig Newsome Nguyen Nguyen Patel Ramirez Romero Salcido Sumdani Torres Tran Tran Le Varona Wadud First Name Angel Ryan Christine Adam Elizabeth Andrea Ashley Alexandra Aliza Caleb Norma Gaurang Sarah Elijah Alvin Sarah M Jordan T. Akinde Florence Alicia Courtney Elledge Marcus Hiep Jessica Prajay Sabra Michael Celina Hasan Mark Martin Nam Emmanuel Sara Department ANTH KINE BIOL BIOL MAE BIOL BIOL BIOL PSYC ENGL MATH BIOL BIOL CHEM CHEM MAE PSYC CHEM PSYC BIOL CHEM CHEM CHEM CHEM CHEM KINE BIOL BIOL BIOL BIOL CHEM CHEM BIOL Presentations Organized by Subject ANTHROPOLOGY Animal Services in Arlington, Texas: An Evaluation and Recommendation for Improvements Angel Aymond A Voice of One's Own: Women's History in American Media Veronika Ellison Sacred arts or Black Belt Factories? The globalization of martial arts in North Texas. Gabriel Escobedo Sex, gender, and identity represented through anthropomorphic figurines of the Neolithic. Carl Feagans The Impact of the Women's and Gender Studies Discipline Lanchi Vu ART & ART HISTORY Mathematics in the Arts: A View on Perspective Meghan Zavitz BIOLOGY In vitro activity of Flavonoids against Staphylococcus aureus. MD Alam Living fast above the Arctic Circle: tundra arthropod assemblages under severe seasonal constraints Ashley Asmus Life History Trade-offs of Vaejovis Scorpions in Response to Environment Disturbances Jessica Azzinnari Seed Dispersal in Alaskan Tundra and Its Role in the Greening of the Arctic Heather Bass Sexual identity through olfactory stimuli experienced by the mother Christine Bateson C-H Functionalization Study Adam Berlin Mating Systems and Behavior Variability Andrea Calderon Competing Microbial Species in a Biological System Ashley Carter Exploring the Seasonal Rise and Fall of Immunity in Diseased Caribbean Corals Alexandra Cawthorne Selfers reduce mating and live longer Jyotiska Chaudhuri Geographical Mapping in Texas of Medea, a Selfish Parasitic Genetic Element of Tribolium castaneum Darrelle Colinot The functional analyses of a conserved helix motif in site specific non-LTR retrotransposons Aruna Govindaraju Population Seasonal Growth Dynamics of the Invasive Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in Lake Texoma, Texas Catherine E. Greene Staphylococcus aureus and its Small Colony Variant Logan Grimes Morphine But Not Formalin Administration Affects Local Field Potentials in the Ventral Tegmental Area Gaurang Gupte The Progression of Learning Assessments: The Next Step in Learning Outcomes-Based Assessment of the Emerging Scholars Program in Freshman Chemistry Sarah Hardee Identification of Arabidopsis Genes Involved in Stomatal Immunity. Roshni Kharadi Phenotypic Effects of RUNX2 Mutations on Knock-In Mice Courtney Elledge Structure-function of site specific non-LTR retrotransposons: generating and testing point mutants in R2bm Mst Mahbub Impacts of Climate Change on Immunity of the Caribbean Sea Fan Coral Whitney Mann Molecular Phylogeography of the four-lined skink, Plestiodon tetragrammus Matthew A. Moseley Neuronal Subtype Specific Stimulation Using Optogenetics in a Regenerative Nerve Model Dianna Nguyen Toward understanding transcriptional regulation of biotic stress response in guard cells of Arabidopsis Nisita Obulareddy Regulation of plant immunity by air humidity Shweta Panchal Low proportion of males in cross-progeny of nematode Rhabditis sp. SB347: Is nature programming to eliminate males? Manish Parihar Anxiety vulnerability and conditioned morphine reward John Perish Impact of Soil Microbial Communities on Mutualistic Symbioses in an Agricultural Context James Pharr The genetic basis of convergent evolution in humans and dogs Eldon Prince Understanding differential plant defense mechanism against different human pathogens Debanjana Roy Investigating the significance of multiple cortical regions to the neural processing of pain Celina Salcido Rhodium Catalyzed Regio- and Stereocontrol of Homoallylic Silyl Ethers William Rush Scaggs Autotomy and its foraging costs in the wolf spider Rabidosa santrita Matthew Steffenson Analyzing the Relationship of Urban Birds and Land Cover Characteristics in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex Brittany Stricklin Protists and Bacteria in an Aquatic Environment Hasan Sumdani Characterization of Bradyrhizobium japonicum Extracytoplasmic Function oFactor Involved in Oxidative Stress. Anchana Thaweethawakorn Kinetic Study of 2-Imidazolone Oxidation Mechanism by UV-Vis Spectroscopy Mark Torres Functional and Behavioral Analysis in Different Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Model Martin Tran Development of Novel Biodegradable and Multi-Functional Nanoparticles for Melanoma Treatment and Diagnostic Khanh Vu Easily Injectable Polymer Cushions to Prevent Thin Tissue Perforation: An Innovative Submucosal Injection Material Sara Wadud Behavioral and Metabolic Aspects of Salinity Tolerance Relative to Zonation in Gulf of Mexico Intertidal Gastropods Wesley Walters BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING Concurrent Variations of Cerebral Blood Flow and Arterial Blood Pressure during Obstructive Sleep Apnea Raichel Alex Modality Specific Interfacing with the Peripheral Nervous System Sanjay Anand Analyzing the placebo effect on human psychology- a comparative study Geetanjali Bendale Optimization of novel multifunctional nanoscaffolds for re-endothelialization in situ Micah Holden Synthesis of Folic aicd and Protoporphyrin IX Conjugated Persistent luminescence nanoparticles as a New drug Carrier for Photodynamic Therapy Homa Homayoni Thermo sensitive fluorescent polymeric theranostic nanoparticles for cancer treatment. Parth Jadeja Nerve conduit design for controlled regeneration of nervous tissue following peripheral nerve injury Benjamin Johnston Biodegradable Multi-functional Nanoparticles for Cancer Damanpreet Kaur Porous Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres for In Vitro Drug Screening and Tissue Engineering Applications Aneetta Kuriakose Quantification of Pressure and Flow Characteristic of Intrauterine Fetal Blood Transfusion Karthik Machiraju A Two Year Evaluation of the Arlington Undergraduate Research-based Achievement for STEM (AURAS) Program for Engineers in Chemistry Priscila Martinez-Avila Feasibility study of Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid-based nanoparticles for pulmonary protein and DNA delivery Jyothi Menon Kinetic Investigation of the Hydride Transfer Dynamics in F420-cofactor Dependent Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis Tijani Osumah Antibacterial Nanofibrous Mesh- A Wound Healing Device for Complex Wound Treatment Primana Punnakitikashem Wavelet Denoising of Real and Simulated Peripheral Nerve Signal Manikandan Ravi Cancer-specific dual-responsive polymer-coated iron oxide nanoparticles Varsha Sundaresan Nanocomposite Hydrogel System For Skin Cancer Treatment and Subsequent Wound Healing Pranjali Tambe CHEMISTRY & BIOCHEMISTRY An Investigative Look Into How Students Learn Stoichiometry Using E-Learning Tools Kenneth Abayan Anticancer Activity of New molecules with and without Silver Metal Kiran Adiraju Investigation of the Biological Activity of Rhenium(I) Polypyridyl Complexes Pooja Ahuja Chemotherapy with Metals: Biological Activity of Lipophilic Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Nagham Alatrash Characterization of Flavonoid Degradation and Reactivity Using Online Continuous Flow Kinetic Measurements and Mass Spectorometry Jeremy Barnes Antisense Transcript Long Noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HOTAIR is Transcriptionally Induced by Estradiol Arunoday Bhan Intervention of Thiamin biosynthetic pathway - A possibility for development of novel Anti-infective agents Sumit Bhawal "It is the man who drinks the first bottle of sakéand finally it is the sakéthat drinks the man.”: Development of Advanced Analytical Methods for Speciation of Quality Components in Japanese Saké Doug D. Carlton Jr. Importance of Biooxidation Reactions in Human Health Subhash Chand Synthetic optimization of adenosine analogues for the characterization of tRNA modifying MiaE Amanda Dark Total Syntheses and Anti-Cancer Activity of Kealiinines A-C, Kealiiquinone and 2-Deoxy-2-aminokealiiquinone Jayanta Das Structure and Thermochemistry of Borosilicate Glass Atreyi Dasmahapatra Outlook on Treatment of Traumatic Brian Injury -- Ultra-trace Estrogen Detection in Cerebrospinal Fluid to facilitate Neuroprotection Studies Hui Fan Benzimidazole Synthesis by Organocatalytic Oxidation: Bio-inspired Oxidation of Pre-aromatic Heterocycles John Gurak Synergistic Effects on Axonal Growth and Length from Postnatal Mice Spinal Cord and Dorsal Root Ganglion Explants by Combinatorial Treatment of Neurotrophins and Pleiotrophin Elijah Hor Importance of chemical space study to design flavin-mimic organocatalyst Mohammad Shawkat Hossain Biomimicking of Flavins Alvin Hua Characterization of cuticular lipids from Anopheles gambia mosquitoes with MALDI-IT-TOF-MS as a potential means for malaria risk assessment Sarah Hughes Chromatography Simulation using Microsoft Excel Akinde Florence Kadjo Preliminary Studies on an Essential Methanogenic Enzyme: F420H2: NADP+ Oxidoreductase Cuong Le An Ambient Ionization Technique that Combines Separation Science and Mass Spectrometry to Perform Previously Untenable Tasks LI Li Anion Composition of AÁaÌ Extracts Hongzhu Liao Vitamin B1 Pathway, A Distinct Source for Novel Antibiotic Development Diego Lopez A novel and simple method to synthesize Silicon Carbide Quantum Dots Munuve Mwania Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase by Promising Anti-Cancer Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Eugenia S. Narh Determining the Trapping Efficiency of Internal Reversed-Phase Restricted Access Media Marcus Newsome Ligand-controlled Regio- and Stereoselective Intramolecular Hydrosilylation of Homoallyl Silyl Ethers: Selective Formation of 1,3-anti-Diol. Hiep Nguyen Synthesis of HMP-Kinase Analogs, Advancing the Field of Antibiotics Jessica Nguyen Computational Investigation into the Relationship Between Bond Angles and NMR Spectra JP Nimmo Biologically Relevant Metal Ions on Fluorinated Scorpionates Jean-Luc Nshimiyimana Transformation Paths in Boron Nitride: from Soft to Hard Materials Prajay Patel Carbon Dioxide Activation with Homogeneous Transition Metal Catalysts to Face up Global Warming Abhijit Pramanik Synthesis and Characterization of Sulfur-Containing Aliphatic Photoluminescent Polymers Sabra Ramirez Investigation of Enantioselective Tetraamide Macrocycles through Collisional Threshold Dissociation Robert Rayford Breastfed Infants Metabolize Perchlorate Charles Shelor A new contactless conductivity detector for capillary scale measurements Brian Stamos Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Tungsten-based Oxide Nanoparticles. Abegayl Thomas Surface Modification of SiC nanoparticles Nam Tran A Cumulative Learning-Outcomes Based Assessment of the Arlington Undergraduate Research-based Achievement for STEM (AURAS) Program on the Performance of Engineering Students in Chemistry Emmanuel Varona Multi-Dimensional Ion Fragmentation and Degradation Studies of Prymnesin Toxins from Golden Alga (Prymnesium parvum) Evelyn Wang CIVIL & ENVIRONMENT ENGR Feasibility of Landfill Mining: An emerging approach towards sustainable waste management Reza Broun Real-Time Modeling of Swelling in Expansive Subgrades Mahsa Hedayati Sustainable Slope Stabilization using Recycled Plastic Pin Mohammad Sadik Khan Investigation of Geotechnical Properties Affecting Electrical Resistivity of Clayey Soil Golam Kibria An analysis of the rebound of employment after great recession of 2008 Arezoo Memarian A Delphi survey to obtain experts’ opinion on the criteria for evaluation of transportation funding alternatives Sasanka Bhushan Pulipati Evaluation of the NWS Distributed Hydrologic Model over the Trinity River Basin in Texas Arezoo Rafieei Nasab Devlop a MVDA-PLS for Predicting and Simultaneouly Corelating Vinasse Parameters from Bioreactors Shammi Rahman Dvelopment of a Freeway Incident Rating System Based on Multicriteria Decision Alalysis and Fuzzy Logic Approach Ziaur Rahman Improving water quality prediction using real time data simulation Hamideh Riazi Ensemble Streamflow Forecasting for the Upper Trinity River Manabendra Saharia Feasibility of Landfill Mining and Reclamation in a Closed Landfill Sonia Samir Improving analysis of heavy to extreme precipitation with conditional bias penalized optimal estimation Ridwan Siddique COMMUNICATION Negotiating Identity Creation Through Personal Narrative in a Christian Recovery Group James Dunning Change: The Evolution of Advertisements and the Portrayal of Richard M. Nixon from 1952-1972 Rebekah Karth Using Narratives To Change College Student’s Attitudes About Binge Drinking Donna Pirkle COMPUTER SCIENCE ENGR Persea: A Sybil-Resistant Social DHT Mahdi Nasrullah Al Ameen Academic Paper Suggestion Using the Citation Graph Abolfazl Asudeh Naee Exploratpry Mining of Collaborative Social Content Mahashweta Das Performance Analysis of Video-conferencing in Wi-Fi Networks Sajib Datta Seeking support: identifying spammers in Twitter by their support network Charles Gatz Psychometric scale for measuring the convenience of constructing strong passwords. S M Taiabul Haque Fast and energy-efficient technique for detecting jamming in wireless sensor networks Bhavin Mistry Robust Deployment of Wireless Sensor Networks using Gene Regulatory Networks. Azade Nazi Achieving Complex Behaviour in Adaptive Dialogue Systems Alexandros Papangelis Improved Surgical Precision with Accurate and Long-Term Overlay of Radiological Data onto Live Surgical Video Gustavo A. Puerto-Souza Energy Aware Virtual Network Embedding for the Cloud Mayank Raj Dovetail: An Internet routing protocol that doesn't reveal your identity Jody Sankey Towards Modeling the Behavior of Physical Intruders in a Region Monitored by a Wireless Sensor Network Sriram Srinivasan EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SCI Reconstruction of Atlantic meridional overturning circulation during the Younger Dryas with implementation of a carbon cycle model. Taylor Hughlett Integrated Heterogeneous Decomposition of Perfluorooctanoic Acid by Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron Wasiu Lawal Late Permian climate sensitivity to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and precession cycles: implications for the mass extinction Angela Osen ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING Embedded and Wireless Neural Stimulator for Treating Parkinson’s Disease Guru Moorthy Ravi Evaluation of High Power Energy Storage Devices Biju Shrestha ENGLISH Clear Coverings of Meaning: Viral Transparency in Whitman's "Out from behind The Mask." Brian Carroll The Xenophobic Horror of Dracula Caleb George Coryat's Nation: The Construction of National Identity in "Coryat's Crudities" Charles Hicks Y no se lo trago' la tierra, a corrido without music Monica Marchi Multiplicity, Duality, and Dichotomy: Navigating Loving in the War Years’ Puta/Virgen Binary Kate Morgan Puppets of the Press: The Role of Print Media in Valdez's Zoot Suit. Joel Morrow Code Switching: The Evolution of English through Spanish Speakers Salvador Valdes Moeller HISTORY Why the Antillean Revolution Failed: The Problem of Radicalization in the Spanish-colonial Caribbean of the 1860's. Michael Deliz Between Empire and Nation: the Transatlantic Syrian-Lebanese Communities and the Modern State Bryan Garrett (Mis)Understanding the Indulgence: Conceptual Notions of Hell in the Middle Ages and Their Importance in the Crusading Movement Erin S. Lynch I E & MANF SYS ENGR Evaluation of Hand and Finger Contact Pressures while Handling Containers: Implications for Ergonomic Design Farhana Proma Eutectic diffusion brazing process for joining aluminum laminae devices with meso- and micro-scale features Paul Wilson KINESIOLOGY The Effect of Type II Diabetes Mellitus on Oxygen Uptake Kinetics during Heavy Exercise Dustin Allen Effects of Backward Walking on Gair in Orlder Adults: A Case Study Ryan Barfoot The effects of creatine loading on oxygen uptake kinetics during heavy exercise Cory Butts Exploring the feasibility of an assessment for Center of Pressure sway in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Ketaki Deo Children with DCD show typical performance in mental imagery tasks Danielle Henry Carotid Baroreflex Control of Heart Rate is Enhanced during Whole-body Heat Stress Davor Krnjajic The Effects of a Nintendo®Wii Exercise Intervention on Gait in Older Adults Anna Lee Aging in Movement Representations for Sequential Finger Movements: A Comparison between Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults Jerroed Roberson Young children with Developmental Coordination Disorder have difficulties estimating reach space with tools Michael Romero LINGUISTICS Form Interference Effects During Silent Reading Iya Khelm (Sustos and Tall Tales: Magical Realist Elements and the Validation of Mexican American Immigrant Narrative in John Phillip Santos' Memoir Places Left Unfinished at the Time of Creation Jennifer Omañ Training naive learners to identify Chinese tone: An inductive approach Jessica Rohr MASTER ED CURRIC & INSTR Visual processing of face and body emotional cues in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: an EEG study Deborah Cockerham The Effects of Particular Verbiage on Cognitive Processing During Assessments Kathy Elliott Autism at Museums: A Complex Adaptive Systems Theory Perspective Ka Grimes Improving Comprehension of Sentences Through Working Memory Training Tracy Perry Learning Vocabulary Through an Experience-Based Intervention and Its Effects on Standardized Test Scores Brianna Sanford Kagan Cooperative Learning & Achievement in Statewide Testing Scores Cynthia Trask MATHEMATICS Meeting Mobile Data Demands Kelly Aman Exact solutions to the Langmuir lattice equation Norma Ghanem Modeling Cell Populations to Address Post Implant Healing by Using Differential Equations Larrissa Owens Recognizing Effective Solutions to Calculus Exam Questions: A Study of Student Work in First Semester Calculus Julie Skinner Sutton MECHANICAL & AEROSPACE Three-Dimensional Instabilites Downstream of a Detonation Wave Elizabeth Blaiszik Design and Control of a Smart Hospital Bed for Pressure Ulcer Prevention Zachary Brush Wireless Strain Sensing System for Structural Health Monitoring in Space Yayu Monica Hew Examination of Favre Averaging Applied to Detonation-Turbulence Interaction Sarah M Hussein Long-Term Stability of the Gas Electron Multiplier Radiation Detector with a Digital Readout System Samantha Lacombe The Samara Spacecraft: Exploring Near-Space by Mimicking Nature Amit Lalloobhai Theoretical Approach to Screen the Endocrine Disruptive Chemicals for Breast Cancer Anudeep Palanki Hot Aisle versus Cold Aisle Containment system: Pumping Power Consideration. Kasturi Rajagopalan MED ED LEAD & POL STUDIES Principal Transformational Leadership and Teacher's Extra Effort: The Mediating Role of Teacher's Self-Efficacy Beliefs John Boberg MODERN LANGUAGES Defining a Nation Devoted to the Virgin: A Comparative Study of Gonzalo de Berceo's Milagros de Nuestra SeÒora and Alfonso X's Cantigas de Santa MarÌa Kari Christopherson Afro-Dominicanidad: Black Identity in Poems by Afro-Dominican Blas Jiméez John Reed MUSIC Sonata No. 1 for Unaccompanied Viola by Paul Hindemith: A Glimpse Into The Mind Of A Developing Composer Taryn Denton The Legend of Quetzalcoatl. Nicolas Miranda Sibelius Violin Concerto: a Semiotic Analysis Katelyn Richardson PHYSICS Investigation of Electric Sparks on the Failure of GEM Radiation Detector Prototype Amit Bashyal ATLAS Forward Proton Detector CERN Testbeam Results James Bourbeau Electron Identification Studies for the Level 1 Trigger Upgrade Last Feremenga Dark Matter Signals from Active Galactic Nuclei Miguel Gomez Ramirez Examination of the outgassing spectrum on several generations of micro-channel plate photomultiplier tubes Keith Gray Background free spectrum measurement for studying the surfaces of Cu (100) and Ag (100) using Auger Photoelectron coincidence spectroscopy Prasad Joglekar Enhancement in photo and X-ray Luminescence of Gold Nanoparticles using Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Tej Lamichhane Study of Noble Metal Doped Silicon Nanocrystals from First Principles Cedric Mayfield Study of Long Term Stability of Gas Electron Multiplier Radiation Detector Ying Wun Yvo Ng Predicting new materials suitable for photocatalysts to produce hydrogen and determination of its structural, electronic and optical properties by density functional theory Pranab Sarker Detector Design Studies for High Precision Particle Physics Experiment Blake Watson Timing Comparisons of a PMT at Different Lengths using the Speed of Light Jordan Williams PSYCHOLOGY Does Insomnia in Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders Resolve Through Functional Restoration? Sali Asih HEAD Injuries in a Chronic Disabling Occupational Muskuloskeletal Disorder Population E. McKenna Bradford A Meta-analysis on Social Dominance Orientation and Racism Tiffany Davis Estrogen Modulates Conditioned Cocaine Reward Aliza Denobrega Employee Engagement and Intent to Turnover: A Meta-Analytic Review Aaron Friedman Formalin Increases Neuronal Excitability in the Medial Septum Division Kellen Gandy Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure Invalidating Childhood Environments Tyler Hamby Somatization as a predictor of outcomes following functional restoration of Chronic Disabling Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders (CDOMD) patients Meredith M. Hartzell Does Controlling Your Weight Really Make You More Satisfied? Jordan T. Irvin The Influence of Previous Experience on Exergame Use in College Undergraduates Colin Jenney, MS, ACSM-CPT Was it Brandon or Bryan? The role of the hippocampus in the brain. Fernando Antonio Leal-Arizpe Does Cyber Victimization Uniquely Contribute to Physical and Psychological Health? Alicia Leone Stimulation of the ventral tegmental area inhibits spinal cord dorsal horn neuronal activity Ailing LI The measurement of individual workload: Do we know what is best and how to apply it? Michael A. Neeper Predictors of Care Seeking Behavior: Emotions and Types of Symptoms Hollie Pellosmaa Differences in the Magnitude and Effects of Cognitive Dissonance in Embedded Versus Isolated Attitudes Rebecca L. Robinson The Individual Approach to Contact: How Personality Predicts Intergroup Contact Behavior Nicole Sharp The Effects of Parents’ Neuroticism on Toddlers’ Temperament Catherine Spann Meta-Analysis of the Health Effects of Toxic Exposure Jeffrey Swanson Open Vs. Focused Meditation: Similar or Differing States? Daniel Tebbe The Use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis Michelle M. White Reliability and Validity of the UTA Intergroup Compromise Inventory in Democratic, Republican, and Independent Samples Jarryd Willis SOCIAL WORK Knowledge is (Not) Power: Barriers to Physical Activity in African American Women Tracey M. Barnett Causes and Trajectories of Organized Violence: Lessons from a Victimized Nigerian Community Kingsley Chigbu Survivors of Suicide: What are their struggles and how do they heal? Amy Crow Differnces in Depression Symptom Endorsement between Rural Mexican Americans and Non Hispanic Whites Tony Dickensheets On the Meaning of Life: A Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis on the Lived Experience of Life Without Parole Shannon Graves The Ableist Privilege Activity: An Active Learning Classroom Exercise Pam Hancock Bowers Abstract for Acceptance into Aces: Abused Mothers Raising Abused Children Audria Lyons Does Female Literacy reduce Maternal Mortality? Findings from a Latent Growth Curve Analysis Arati Maleku Modern Gaming for Mental Health Kimberly Vered Shashoua End-of-life care in nursing homes: A qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis (QIMS) Cara Wallace Presentations Organized by Presenter’s Last Name A Kenneth Abayan - Chemistry & Biochemistry An Investigative Look Into How Students Learn Stoichiometry Using E-Learning Tools Room: Concho at 8:20 am Kiran Adiraju - Chemistry & Biochemistry Anticancer Activity of New molecules with and without Silver Metal Room: Concho at 8:40 am Pooja Ahuja - Chemistry & Biochemistry Investigation of the Biological Activity of Rhenium(I) Polypyridyl Complexes Poster: 20 Mahdi Nasrullah Al Ameen - Computer Science Engr Persea: A Sybil-Resistant Social DHT Room: Pedernales at 8:20 am MD Alam - Biology In vitro activity of Flavonoids against Staphylococcus aureus. Room: Red River at 8:20 am Nagham Alatrash - Chemistry & Biochemistry Chemotherapy with Metals: Biological Activity of Lipophilic Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Poster: 55 Raichel Alex - Biomedical Engineering Concurrent Variations of Cerebral Blood Flow and Arterial Blood Pressure during Obstructive Sleep Apnea Poster: 39 Dustin Allen - Kinesiology The Effect of Type II Diabetes Mellitus on Oxygen Uptake Kinetics during Heavy Exercise Poster: 19 Kelly Aman - Mathematics Meeting Mobile Data Demands Room: Pedernales at 10:20 am Sanjay Anand - Biomedical Engineering Modality Specific Interfacing with the Peripheral Nervous System Room: Neches at 8:20 am Sali Asih - Psychology Does Insomnia in Chronic Musculoskeletal Discorders Resolve Through Funchtional Resorations? Room: Palo Pinto at 8:20 am Ashley Asmus - Biology Living fast above the Arctic Circle: tundra arthropod assemblages under severe seasonal constraints Room: Red River at 8:40 am Abolfazl Asudeh Naee - Computer Science Engr Academic Paper Suggestion Using the Citation Graph Room: Pedernales at 8:40 am Angel Aymond - Anthropology Animal Services in Arlington, Texas: An Evaluation and Recommendation for Improvements Poster: 92 Jessica Azzinnari - Biology Life History Trade-offs of Vaejovis Scorpions in Response to Environment Disturbances Room: San Jacinto at 10:20 am B Ryan Barfoot - Kinesiology Effects of Bakward Walking on Gait in Older Aults: A Case Study Poster: 89 Jeremy Barnes - Chemistry & Biochemistry Characterization of Flavonoid Degradation and Reactivity Using Online Continuous Flow Kinetic Measurements and Mass Spectrometry Room: Concho at 9:00 am Tracey M. Barnett - Social Work Knowledge is (Not) Power: Barriers to Physical Activity in African American Women Room: San Saba at 8:20 am Amit Bashyal - Physics Investigation of Electric Sparks on the Failure of GEM Radiation Detector Prototype Room: Guadalupe at 3:00 pm Heather Bass - Biology Seed Dispersal in Alaskan Tundra and Its Role in the Greening of the Arctic Room: San Jacinto at 10:40 am Christine Bateson - Biology Sexual identity through olfactory stimuli experienced by the mother Poster: 88 Geetanjali Bendale - Biomedical Engineering Analyzing the placebo effect on human psychology- a comparative study Room: Neches at 8:40 am Adam Berlin - Biology C-H Functionalization Study Poster: 109 Arunoday Bhan - Chemistry & Biochemistry Antisense Transcript Long Noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HOTAIR is Transcriptionally Induced by Estradiol Poster: 21 Sumit Bhawal - Chemistry & Biochemistry Intervention of Thiamin biosynthetic pathway - A possibility for development of novel Anti-infective agents Room: Concho at 9:20 am Elizabeth Blaiszik - Mechanical & Aerospace Three-Dimensional Instabilites Downstream of a Detonation Wave Poster: 91 John Boberg - Med Ed Lead & Pol Studies Principal Transformational Leadership and Teacher's Extra Effort: The Mediating Role of Teacher's Self-Efficacy Beliefs Poster: 4 James Bourbeau - Physics ATLAS Forward Proton Detector CERN Testbeam Results Room: Guadalupe at 4:00 pm E. McKenna Bradford - Psychology Head Injuries in a Chronic Disabling Occupational Muskuloskeletal Disorder Population Room: Palo Pinto at 8:40 am Reza Broun - Civil & Environment Engr Feasibility of Landfill Mining: An emerging approach towards sustainable waste management Room: Neches at 1:00 pm Zachary Brush - Mechanical & Aerospace Design and Control of a Smart Hospital Bed for Pressure Ulcer Prevention Poster: 58 Cory Butts - Kinesiology The effects of creatine loading on oxygen uptake kinetics during heavy exercise Poster: 40 C Andrea Calderon - Biology Mating Systems and Behavior Variability Poster: 94 Doug D. Carlton Jr. - Chemistry & Biochemistry "It is the man who drinks the first bottle of sakéand finally it is the sakéthat drinks the man.”: Development of Advanced Analytical Methods for Speciation of Quality Components in Japanese Saké Room: Concho at 10:00 am Brian Carroll - English Clear Coverings of Meaning: Viral Transparency in Whitman's "Out from behind The Mask." Room: San Saba at 1:00 pm Ashley Carter - Biology Competing Microbial Species in a Biological System Poster: 83 Alexandra Cawthorne - Biology Exploring the Seasonal Rise and Fall of Immunity in Diseased Caribbean Corals Poster: 104 Subhash Chand - Chemistry & Biochemistry Importance of Biooxidation Reactions in Human Health Room: Concho at 10:40 am Jyotiska Chaudhuri - Biology Selfers reduce mating and live longer Room: Red River at 9:00 am Kingsley Chigbu - Social Work Causes and Trajectories of Organized Violence: Lessons from a Victimized Nigerian Community Room: San Saba at 8:40 am Kari Christopherson - Modern Languages Defining a Nation Devoted to the Virgin: A Comparative Study of Gonzalo de Berceo's Milagros de Nuestra SeÒora and Alfonso X's Cantigas de Santa MarÌa Room: San Saba at 3:00 pm Deborah Cockerham - Master Ed Curric & Instr Visual processing of face and body emotional cues in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: an EEG study Poster: 29 Darrelle Colinot - Biology Geographical Mapping in Texas of Medea, a Selfish Parasitic Genetic Element of Tribolium castaneum Room: San Jacinto at 9:00 am Amy Crow - Social Work Survivors of Suicide: What are their struggles and how do they heal? Room: San Saba at 9:00 am D Amanda Dark - Chemistry & Biochemistry Synthetic optimization of adenosine analogues for the characterization of tRNA modifying MiaE Room: San Jacinto at 2:40 pm Jayanta Das - Chemistry & Biochemistry Total Syntheses and Anti-Cancer Activity of Kealiinines A-C, Kealiiquinone and 2-Deoxy-2-aminokealiiquinone Room: Concho at 11:00 am Mahashweta Das - Computer Science Engr EXPLORATORY MINING OF COLLABORATIVE SOCIAL CONTENT Room: Pedernales at 9:00 am Atreyi Dasmahapatra - Chemistry & Biochemistry Structure and Thermochemistry of Borosilicate Glass Poster: 60 Sajib Datta - Computer Science Engr Performance Analysis of Video-conferencing in Wi-Fi Networks Room: Pedernales at 9:20 am Tiffany Davis - Psychology A Meta-analysis on Social Dominance Orientation and Racism Poster: 49 Michael Deliz - History Why the Antillean Revolution Failed: The Problem of Radicalization in the Spanish-colonial Caribbean of the 1860's. Room: San Saba at 10:40 am Aliza Denobrega - Psychology Estrogen Modulates Conditioned Cocaine Reward Poster: 108 Taryn Denton - Music Sonata No. 1 for Unaccompanied Viola by Paul Hindemith: A Glimpse Into The Mind Of A Developing Composer Room: Guadalupe at 10:20 am Ketaki Deo - Kinesiology Exploring the feasibility of an assessment for Center of Pressure sway in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Poster: 14 Tony Dickensheets - Social Work Differnces in Depression Symptom Endorsement between Rural Mexican Americans and Non Hispanic Whites Poster: 18 James Dunning - Communication Negotiating Identity Creation Through Personal Narrative in a Christian Recovery Group Room: Palo Pinto at 10:40 am E Kathy Elliott - Master Ed Curric & Instr The Effects of Particular Verbiage on Cognitive Processing During Assessments Poster: 38 Veronika Ellison - Anthropology A Voice of One's Own: Women's History in American Media Room: San Saba at 3:20 pm Gabriel Escobedo - Anthropology Sacred arts or Black Belt Factories? The globalization of martial arts in North Texas. Room: Guadalupe at 8:20 am F Hui Fan - Chemistry & Biochemistry Outlook on Treatment of Traumatic Brian Injury -- Ultra-trace Estrogen Detection in Cerebrospinal Fluid to facilitate Neuroprotection Studies Room: Concho at 2:40 pm Carl Feagans - Anthropology Sex, gender, and identity represented through anthropomorphic figurines of the Neolithic. Poster: 8 Last Feremenga - Physics Electron Identification Studies for the Level 1 Trigger Upgrade Room: Pedernales at 1:00 pm Aaron Friedman - Psychology Employee Engagement and Intent to Turnover: A Meta-Analytic Review Poster: 9 G Kellen Gandy - Psychology Formalin Increases Neuronal Excitability in the Medial Septum Division Poster: 16 Bryan Garrett - History Between Empire and Nation: the Transatlantic Syrian-Lebanese Communities and the Modern State Room: San Saba at 11:00 am Charles Gatz - Computer Science Engr Seeking support: identifying spammers in Twitter by their support network Poster: 62 Caleb George - English The Xenophobic Horror of Dracula Poster: 81 Norma Ghanem - Mathematics Exact solutions to the Langmuir lattice equation Poster: 90 Miguel Gomez Ramirez - Physics Dark Matter Signals from Active Galactic Nuclei Room: Pedernales at 1:20 pm Aruna Govindaraju - Biology The functional analyses of a conserved helix motif in site specific non-LTR retrotransposons Poster: 32 Shannon Graves - Social Work On the Meaning of Life: A Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis on the Lived Experience of Life Without Parole Poster: 17 Keith Gray - Physics Examination of the outgassing spectrum on several generations of micro-channel plate photomultiplier tubes Room: Guadalupe at 3:40 pm Catherine E. Greene - Biology Population Seasonal Growth Dynamics of the Invasive Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in Lake Texoma, Texas Room: San Jacinto at 10:00 am Ka Grimes - Master Ed Curric & Instr Autism at Museums: A Complex Adaptive Systems Theory Perspective Poster: 28 Logan Grimes - Biology Staphylococcus aureus and its Small Colony Variant Room: San Jacinto at 8:20 am Gaurang Gupte - Biology Morphine But Not Formalin Administration Affects Local Field Potentials in the Ventral Tegmental Area Poster: 82 John Gurak - Chemistry & Biochemistry Benzimidazole Synthesis by Organocatalytic Oxidation: Bio-inspired Oxidation of Pre-aromatic Heterocycles Room: San Jacinto at 3:40 pm H Tyler Hamby - Psychology Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure Invalidating Childhood Environments Poster: 35 Pam Hancock Bowers - Social Work The Ableist Privilege Activity: An Active Learning Classroom Exercise Room: San Saba at 9:20 am S M Taiabul Haque - Computer Science Engr Psychometric scale for measuring the convenience of constructing strong passwords. Room: Pedernales at 10:00 am Sarah Hardee - Biology The Progression of Learning Assessments: The Next Step in Learning Outcomes-Based Assessment of the Emerging Scholars Program in Freshman Chemistry Poster: 98 Meredith M. Hartzell - Psychology Somatization as a predictor of outcomes following functional restoration of Chronic Disabling Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders (CDOMD) patients Poster: 12 Mahsa Hedayati - Civil & Environment Engr Real-Time Modeling of Swelling in Expansive Subgrades Room: Neches at 1:20 pm Danielle Henry - Kinesiology Children with DCD show typical performance in mental imagery tasks Poster: 3 Yayu Monica Hew - Mechanical & Aerospace Wireless Strain Sensing System for Structural Health Monitoring in Space Room: San Jacinto at 4:00 pm Charles Hicks - English Coryat's Nation: The Construction of National Identity in "Coryat's Crudities" Room: San Saba at 1:20 pm Micah Holden - Biomedical Engineering Optimization of novel multifunctional nanoscaffolds for re-endothelialization in situ Room: Neches at 9:00 am Homa Homayoni - Biomedical Engineering Synthesis of Folic aicd and Protoporphyrin IX Conjugated Persistent luminescence nanoparticles as a New drug Carrier for Photodynamic Therapy Room: Neches at 9:20 am Elijah Hor - Chemistry & Biochemistry Synergistic Effects on Axonal Growth and Length from Postnatal Mice Spinal Cord and Dorsal Root Ganglion Explants by Combinatorial Treatment of Neurotrophins and Pleiotrophin Poster: 86 Mohammad Shawkat Hossain - Chemistry & Biochemistry Importance of chemical space study to design flavin-mimic organocatalyst Room: Concho at 11:20 am Alvin Hua - Chemistry & Biochemistry Biomimicking of Flavins Poster: 93 Sarah Hughes - Chemistry & Biochemistry Characterization of cuticular lipids from Anopheles gambia mosquitoes with MALDI-IT-TOF-MS as a potential means for malaria risk assessment Room: Concho at 1:00 pm Taylor Hughlett - Earth & Environmental Sci Reconstruction of Atlantic meridional overturning circulation during the Younger Dryas with implementation of a carbon cycle model. Room: Palo Pinto at 3:00 pm Sarah M Hussein - Mechanical & Aerospace Examination of Favre Averaging Applied to Detonation-Turbulence Interaction Poster: 102 I Jordan T. Irvin - Psychology Does Controlling Your Weight Really Make You More Satisfied? Poster: 111 J Parth Jadeja - Biomedical Engineering Thermo sensitive fluorescent polymeric theranostic nanoparticles for cancer treatment. Poster: 27 Colin Jenney, MS, ACSM-CPT - Psychology The Influence of Previous Experience on Exergame Use in College Undergraduates Room: Palo Pinto at 9:00 am Prasad Joglekar - Physics Background free spectrum measurement for studying the surfaces of Cu (100) and Ag (100) using Auger Photoelectron coincidence spectroscopy Room: Pedernales at 1:40 pm Benjamin Johnston - Biomedical Engineering Nerve conduit design for controlled regeneration of nervous tissue following peripheral nerve injury Room: Neches at 10:00 am K Akinde Florence Kadjo - Chemistry & Biochemistry Chromatography Simulation using Microsoft Excel Poster: 101 Rebekah Karth - Communication Change: The Evolution of Advertisements and the Portrayal of Richard M. Nixon from 1952-1972 Room: Palo Pinto at 11:00 am Damanpreet Kaur - Biomedical Engineering Biodegradable Multi-functional Nanoparticles for Cancer Poster: 42 Mohammad Sadik Khan - Civil & Environment Engr Sustainable Slope Stabilization using Recycled Plastic Pin Room: Neches at 1:40 pm Roshni Kharadi - Biology Identification of Arabidopsis Genes Involved in Stomatal Immunity. Room: San Jacinto at 2:00 pm Iya Khelm - Linguistics Form Interference Effects During Silent Reading Poster: 11 Golam Kibria - Civil & Environment Engr Investigation of Geotechnical Properties Affecting Electrical Resistivity of Clayey Soil Poster: 44 Davor Krnjajic - Kinesiology Carotid Baroreflex Control of Heart Rate is Enhanced during Whole-body Heat Stress Poster: 43 Aneetta Kuriakose - Biomedical Engineering Porous Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres for In Vitro Drug Screening and Tissue Engineering Applications Poster: 26 L Samantha Lacombe - Mechanical & Aerospace Long-Term Stability of the Gas Electron Multiplier Radiation Detector with a Digital Readout System Room: San Jacinto at 4:20 pm Amit Lalloobhai - Mechanical & Aerospace The Samara Spacecraft: Exploring Near-Space by Mimicking Nature Poster: 36 Tej Lamichhane - Physics Enhancement in photo and X-ray Luminescence of Gold Nanoparticles using Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Room: Pedernales at 2:00 pm Wasiu Lawal - Earth & Environmental Sci Integrated Heterogeneous Decomposition of Perfluorooctanoic Acid by Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron Poster: 54 Cuong Le - Chemistry & Biochemistry Preliminary Studies on an Essential Methanogenic Enzyme: F420H2: NADP+ Oxidoreductase Poster: 50 Fernando Antonio Leal-Arizpe - Psychology Was it Brandon or Bryan? The role of the hippocampus in the brain. Poster: 10 Anna Lee - Kinesiology The Effects of a Nintendo®Wii Exercise Intervention on Gait in Older Adults Poster: 5 Alicia Leone - Psychology Does Cyber Victimization Uniquely Contribute to Physical and Psychological Health? Poster: 84 Ailing LI - Psychology Stimulation of the ventral tegmental area inhibits spinal cord dorsal horn neuronal activity Poster: 2 LI Li - Chemistry & Biochemistry An Ambient Ionization Technique that Combines Separation Science and Mass Spectrometry to Perform Previously Untenable Tasks Room: Concho at 1:20 pm Hongzhu Liao - Chemistry & Biochemistry Anion Composition of AÁaÌ Extracts Room: Concho at 1:40 pm Diego Lopez - Chemistry & Biochemistry Vitamin B1 Pathway, A Distinct Source for Novel Antibiotic Development Room: Concho at 2:00 pm Courtney Elledge - Biology Phenotypic Effects of RUNX2 Mutations on Knock-In Mice Poster: 112 Erin S. Lynch - History (Mis)Understanding the Indulgence: Conceptual Notions of Hell in the Middle Ages and Their Importance in the Crusading Movement Room: Guadalupe at 1:00 pm Audria Lyons - Social Work Abstract for Acceptance into Aces: Abused Mothers Raising Abused Children Room: Guadalupe at 2:00 pm M Karthik Machiraju - Biomedical Engineering Quantification of Pressure and Flow Characteristic of Intrauterine Fetal Blood Transfusion Poster: 47 Mst Mahbub - Biology Structure-function of site specific non-LTR retrotransposons: generating and testing point mutants in R2bm Poster: 45 Arati Maleku - Social Work Does Female Literacy reduce Maternal Mortality? Findings from a Latent Growth Curve Analysis Room: San Saba at 10:00 am Whitney Mann - Biology Impacts of Climate Change on Immunity of the Caribbean Sea Fan Coral Room: Red River at 9:20 am Monica Marchi - English Y no se lo trago' la tierra, a corrido without music Room: San Saba at 1:40 pm Priscila Martinez-Avila - Biomedical Engineering A Two Year Evaluation of the Arlington Undergraduate Research-based Achievement for STEM (AURAS) Program for Engineers in Chemistry Room: Neches at 10:20 am Cedric Mayfield - Physics Study of Noble Metal Doped Silicon Nanocrystals from First Principles Room: Pedernales at 2:40 pm Arezoo Memarian - Civil & Environment Engr An analysis of the rebound of employment after great recession of 2008 Poster: 64 Jyothi Menon - Biomedical Engineering Feasibility study of Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid-based nanoparticles for pulmonary protein and DNA delivery Room: Neches at 10:40 am Nicolas Miranda - Music The Legend of Quetzalcoatl. Room: Guadalupe at 10:00 am Bhavin Mistry - Computer Science Engr Fast and energy-efficient technique for detecting jamming in wireless sensor networks Room: Guadalupe at 9:00 am Kate Morgan - English Multiplicity, Duality, and Dichotomy: Navigating Loving in the War Years’ Puta/Virgen Binary Room: San Saba at 2:00 pm Joel Morrow - English Puppets of the Press: The Role of Print Media in Valdez's Zoot Suit. Room: San Saba at 2:40 pm Matthew A. Moseley - Biology Molecular Phylogeography of the four-lined skink, Plestiodon tetragrammus Room: Red River at 10:00 am Munuve Mwania - Chemistry & Biochemistry A novel and simple method to synthesize Silicon Carbide Quantum Dots Room: Concho at 3:00 pm N Eugenia S. Narh - Chemistry & Biochemistry Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase by Promising Anti-Cancer Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Room: Concho at 10:20 am Azade Nazi - Computer Science Engr Robust Deployment of Wireless Sensor Networks using Gene Regulatory Networks. Room: Palo Pinto at 1:00 pm Michael A. Neeper - Psychology The measurement of individual workload: Do we know what is best and how to apply it? Poster: 41 Marcus Newsome - Chemistry & Biochemistry Determining the Trapping Efficiency of Internal Reversed-Phase Restricted Access Media Poster: 99 Ying Wun Yvo Ng - Physics Study of Long Term Stability of Gas Electron Multiplier Radiation Detector Room: Guadalupe at 2:40 pm Dianna Nguyen - Biology Neuronal Subtype Specific Stimulation Using Optogenetics in a Regenerative Nerve Model Room: San Jacinto at 8:40 am Hiep Nguyen - Chemistry & Biochemistry Ligand-controlled Regio- and Stereoselective Intramolecular Hydrosilylation of Homoallyl Silyl Ethers: Selective Formation of 1,3-anti-Diol. Poster: 87 Jessica Nguyen - Chemistry & Biochemistry Synthesis of HMP-Kinase Analogs, Advancing the Field of Antibiotics Poster: 105 JP Nimmo - Chemistry & Biochemistry Computational Investigation into the Relationship Between Bond Angles and NMR Spectra Poster: 56 Jean-Luc Nshimiyimana - Chemistry & Biochemistry Biologically Relevant Metal Ions on Fluorinated Scorpionates Room: San Jacinto at 3:20 pm O Nisita Obulareddy - Biology Toward understanding transcriptional regulation of biotic stress response in guard cells of Arabidopsis Room: Red River at 10:20 am Jennifer Omañ - Linguistics (Sustos and Tall Tales: Magical Realist Elements and the Validation of Mexican American Immigrant Narrative in John Phillip Santos' Memoir Places Left Unfinished at the Time of Creation Room: San Saba at 11:20 am Angela Osen - Earth & Environmental Sci Late Permian climate sensitivity to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and precession cycles: implications for the mass extinction Poster: 30 Tijani Osumah - Biomedical Engineering Kinetic Investigation of the Hydride Transfer Dynamics in F420-cofactor Dependent Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis Poster: 48 Larrissa Owens - Mathematics Modeling Cell Populations to Address Post Implant Healing by Using Differential Equations Room: Pedernales at 10:40 am P Anudeep Palanki - Mechanical & Aerospace Theoretical Approach to Screen the Endocrine Disruptive Chemicals for Breast Cancer Room: Red River at 2:40 pm Shweta Panchal - Biology Regulation of plant immunity by air humidity Room: Red River at 10:40 am Alexandros Papangelis - Computer Science Engr Achieving Complex Behaviour in Adaptive Dialogue Systems Poster: 6 Manish Parihar - Biology Low proportion of males in cross-progeny of nematode Rhabditis sp. SB347: Is nature programming to eliminate males? Room: Red River at 11:00 am Prajay Patel - Chemistry & Biochemistry Transformation Paths in Boron Nitride: from Soft to Hard Materials Poster: 110 Hollie Pellosmaa - Psychology Predictors of Care Seeking Behavior: Emotions and Types of Symptoms Room: Palo Pinto at 9:20 am John Perish - Biology Anxiety vulnerability and conditioned morphine reward Room: San Jacinto at 1:40 pm Tracy Perry - Master Ed Curric & Instr Improving Comprehension of Sentences Through Working Memory Training Poster: 31 James Pharr - Biology Impact of Soil Microbial Communities on Mutualistic Symbioses in an Agricultural Context Room: Red River at 1:00 pm Donna Pirkle - Communication Using Narratives To Change College Student’s Attitudes About Binge Drinking Room: Palo Pinto at 11:20 am Abhijit Pramanik - Chemistry & Biochemistry Carbon Dioxide Activation with Homogeneous Transition Metal Catalysts to Face up Global Warming Room: Concho at 3:20 pm Eldon Prince - Biology The genetic basis of convergent evolution in humans and dogs Room: Red River at 1:20 pm Farhana Proma - I E & Manf Sys Engr Evaluation of Hand and Finger Contact Pressures while Handling Containers: Implications for Ergonomic Design Room: Pedernales at 11:20 am Gustavo A. Puerto-Souza - Computer Science Engr Improved Surgical Precision with Accurate and Long-Term Overlay of Radiological Data onto Live Surgical Video Room: Palo Pinto at 1:20 pm Sasanka Bhushan Pulipati - Civil & Environment Engr A Delphi survey to obtain experts’ opinion on the criteria for evaluation of transportation funding alternatives Room: Neches at 2:00 pm Primana Punnakitikashem - Biomedical Engineering Antibacterial Nanofibrous Mesh- A Wound Healing Device for Complex Wound Treatment Poster: 23 R Arezoo Rafieei Nasab - Civil & Environment Engr Evaluation of the NWS Distributed Hydrologic Model over the Trinity River Basin in Texas Room: Neches at 2:40 pm Shammi Rahman - Civil & Environment Engr Develop a MVDA-PLS Model for Predicting and Simultaneously Corelating Vinasse Parameters From Bioreactors Poster: 1 Ziaur Rahman - Civil & Environment Engr Devlopment of a Freeway Incident Rating System Based on Multicriteria Decision Analysis and Fuzzy Logic Approach Poster: 53 Mayank Raj - Computer Science Engr Energy Aware Virtual Network Embedding for the Cloud Room: Palo Pinto at 1:40 pm Kasturi Rajagopalan - Mechanical & Aerospace Hot Aisle versus Cold Aisle Containment system: Pumping Power Consideration. Room: Red River at 3:00 pm Sabra Ramirez - Chemistry & Biochemistry Synthesis and Characterization of Sulfur-Containing Aliphatic Photoluminescent Polymers Poster: 95 Guru Moorthy Ravi - Electrical Engineering Embedded and Wireless Neural Stimulator for Treating Parkinson’s Disease Room: Neches at 11:00 am Manikandan Ravi - Biomedical Engineering Wavelet Denoising of Real and Simulated Peripheral Nerve Signal Poster: 57 Robert Rayford - Chemistry & Biochemistry Investigation of Enantioselective Tetraamide Macrocycles through Collisional Threshold Dissociation Room: San Jacinto at 3:00 pm John Reed - Modern Languages Afro-Dominicanidad: Black Identity in Poems by Afro-Dominican Blas Jiméez Room: Guadalupe at 1:40 pm Hamideh Riazi - Civil & Environment Engr Improving water quality prediction using real time data simulation Room: Neches at 3:00 pm Katelyn Richardson - Music Sibelius Violin Concerto: a Semiotic Analysis Room: Guadalupe at 10:40 am Jerroed Roberson - Kinesiology Aging in Movement Representations for Sequential Finger Movements: A Comparison between Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults Room: Guadalupe at 1:20 pm Rebecca L. Robinson - Psychology Differences in the Magnitude and Effects of Cognitive Dissonance in Embedded Versus Isolated Attitudes Poster: 22 Jessica Rohr - Linguistics Training naive learners to identify Chinese tone: An inductive approach Poster: 37 Michael Romero - Kinesiology Young children with Developmental Coordination Disorder have difficulties estimating reach space with tools Poster: 96 Debanjana Roy - Biology Understanding differential plant defense mechanism against different human pathogens Room: Red River at 1:40 pm S Manabendra Saharia - Civil & Environment Engr Ensemble Streamflow Forecasting for the Upper Trinity River Room: Neches at 3:20 pm Celina Salcido - Biology Investigating the significance of multiple cortical regions to the neural processing of pain Poster: 107 Sonia Samir - Civil & Environment Engr Feasibility of Landfill Mining and Reclamation in a Closed Landfill Room: Neches at 3:40 pm Brianna Sanford - Master Ed Curric & Instr Learning Vocabulary Through an Experience-Based Intervention and Its Effects on Standardized Test Scores Poster: 34 Jody Sankey - Computer Science Engr Dovetail: An Internet routing protocol that doesn't reveal your identity Room: Palo Pinto at 2:00 pm Pranab Sarker - Physics Predicting new materials suitable for photocatalysts to produce hydrogen and determination of its structural, electronic and optical properties by density functional theory Room: Pedernales at 3:00 pm William Rush Scaggs - Biology Rhodium Catalyzed Regio- and Stereocontrol of Homoallylic Silyl Ethers Room: San Jacinto at 1:20 pm Nicole Sharp - Psychology The Individual Approach to Contact: How Personality Predicts Intergroup Contact Behavior Poster: 46 Kimberly Vered Shashoua - Social Work Modern Gaming for Mental Health Room: San Saba at 10:20 am Charles Shelor - Chemistry & Biochemistry Breastfed Infants Metabolize Perchlorate Room: Concho at 3:40 pm Biju Shrestha - Electrical Engineering Evaluation of High Power Energy Storage Devices Room: Neches at 11:20 am Ridwan Siddique - Civil & Environment Engr Improving analysis of heavy to extreme precipitation with conditional bias penalized optimal estimation Room: Neches at 4:00 pm Julie Skinner Sutton - Mathematics Recognizing Effective Solutions to Calculus Exam Questions: A Study of Student Work in First Semester Calculus Room: Pedernales at 11:00 am Catherine Spann - Psychology The Effects of Parents’ Neuroticism on Toddlers’ Temperament Poster: 63 Sriram Srinivasan - Computer Science Engr Towards Modelling the Behaviour of Physical Intrudors in a Region Monitored by a Wireless Sensor Network Room: Palo Pinto at 2:40 pm Brian Stamos - Chemistry & Biochemistry A new contactless conductivity detector for capillary scale measurements Room: Concho at 4:00 pm Matthew Steffenson - Biology Autotomy and its foraging costs in the wolf spider Rabidosa santrita Room: Red River at 2:00 pm Brittany Stricklin - Biology Analyzing the Relationship of Urban Birds and Land Cover Characteristics in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex Poster: 52 Hasan Sumdani - Biology Protists and Bacteria in an Aquatic Environment Poster: 113 Varsha Sundaresan - Biomedical Engineering Cancer-specific dual-responsive polymer-coated iron oxide nanoparticles Poster: 24 Jeffrey Swanson - Psychology Meta-Analysis of the Health Effects of Toxic Exposure Room: Palo Pinto at 10:00 am T Pranjali Tambe - Biomedical Engineering Nanocomposite Hydrogel System for Skin Cancer Treatment and Subsequent Wound Healing Poster: 25 Daniel Tebbe - Psychology Open Vs. Focused Meditation: Similar or Differing States? Poster: 51 Anchana Thaweethawakorn - Biology Characterization of Bradyrhizobium japonicum Extracytoplasmic Function σFactor Involved in Oxidative Stress. Poster: 33 Abegayl Thomas - Chemistry & Biochemistry Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Tungsten-based Oxide Nanoparticles. Room: Concho at 4:20 pm Mark Torres - Biology Kinetic Study of 2-Imidazolone Oxidation Mechanism by UV-Vis Spectroscopy Poster: 80 Nam Tran - Chemistry & Biochemistry Surface Modification of SiC nanoparticles Poster: 106 Martin Tran - Biology Functional and Behavioral Analysis in Different Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Model Poster: 85 Cynthia Trask - Master Ed Curric & Instr Kagan Cooperative Learning & Achievement in Statewide Testing Scores Poster: 61 V Salvador Valdes Moeller - English Code Switching: The Evolution of English through Spanish Speakers Room: Guadalupe at 9:20 am Emmanuel Varona - Chemistry & Biochemistry A Cumulative Learning-Outcomes Based Assessment of the Arlington Undergraduate Research-based Achievement for STEM (AURAS) Program on the Performance of Engineering Students in Chemistry Poster: 103 Khanh Vu - Biology Development of Novel Biodegradable and Multi-Functional Nanoparticles for Melanoma Treatment and Diagnostic Room: San Jacinto at 11:00 am Lanchi Vu - Anthropology The Impact of the Women's and Gender Studies Discipline Room: Guadalupe at 8:40 am W Sara Wadud - Biology Easily Injectable Polymer Cushions to Prevent Thin Tissue Perforation: An Innovative Submucosal Injection Material Poster: 97 Cara Wallace - Social Work End-of-life care in nursing homes: A qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis (QIMS) Poster: 7 Wesley Walters - Biology Behavioral and Metabolic Aspects of Salinity Tolerance Relative to Zonation in Gulf of Mexico Intertidal Gastropods Room: San Jacinto at 1:00 pm Evelyn Wang - Chemistry & Biochemistry Multi-Dimensional Ion Fragmentation and Degradation Studies of Prymnesin Toxins from Golden Alga (Prymnesium parvum) Poster: 13 Blake Watson - Physics Detector Design Studies for High Precision Particle Physics Experiment Room: Guadalupe at 4:20 pm Michelle M. White - Psychology The Use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis Poster: 15 Jordan Williams - Physics Timing Comparisons of a PMT at Different Lengths using the Speed of Light Room: Guadalupe at 3:20 pm Jarryd Willis - Psychology Reliability and Validity of the UTA Intergroup Compromise Inventory in Democratic, Republican, and Independent Samples Room: Palo Pinto at 10:20 am Paul Wilson - I E & Manf Sys Engr Eutectic diffusion brazing process for joining aluminum laminae devices with meso- and micro-scale features Poster: 59 Z Meghan Zavitz - Art & Art History Mathematics in the Arts: A View on Perspective Room: Guadalupe at 11:00 am Abstracts Organized by Presenter’s Last Name An Investigative Look into How Students Learn Stoichiometry Using E-Learning Tools Presenter: Kenneth Abayan, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Kevin Schug Group members: Dr. Kevin J. White 8:20 am, Concho Abstract: Stoichiometry is often taught in a traditional lecture setting, where students passively take in information provided by the instructor. Often, it is up to the student to combine the various pieces of disconnected information needed to solve a typical stoichiometry problem. Unfortunately, when students are asked to perform, they are unable to take the appropriate steps. Cognitive research has shown that meaningful learning takes place when the student is actively engaged in the material. New knowledge is continually being constructed and incorporated into their psyche; at the same time, less useful information becomes deconstructed. Research has shown that using e-learning tools have the promise of providing engaging supplemental instruction by having visually engaging interactive material, if constructed properly. The current study examines the effectiveness of several methodologies for teaching stoichiometry using e-learning tools. The on-line experiment was conducted in a randomized fashion using a treatment-control model. Data collected through 3 semesters has shown that, there was a greater frequency of novice students (N=34) incorporating and correctly applying the information contained in the operational method learning module. Qualitative feedback revealed that 80% of these students agree or highly agree that the problem solving techniques in the modules were not only easy to follow, but also the operational method made learning stoichiometry easier. This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation Anticancer Activity of New molecules with and without Silver Metal Presenter: Kiran Adiraju, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Rasika Dias 8:40 am, Concho Abstract: New molecules with silver metal and without silver metal compounds were prepared and evaluated for their anticancer activity. These new molecules were resulted from the novel reaction route. Perhaps, this reaction mechanism can be accessed to make other derivatives of similar molecules. Solid state silver polymeric complex was obtained when this new molecule and silver precursor were reacted. Furthermore the obtained silver polymer was found to be reactive species and can be used to make other non-polymeric complexes as well. All the three compounds namely silver metal free molecules, silver polymer and silver containing non-polymers were found to be toxic for cancer cells in human breast. In comparison, silver polymer was found to be the most active than silver free compounds and Cisplatin, which is a commercial chemotherapy drug given to treat cancers. The results obtained in this research imply that, metal free and silver metal containing compounds warrants further investigation in mice. Investigation of the Biological Activity of Rhenium(I) Polypyridyl Complexes Presenter: Pooja Ahuja, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Frederick M Macdonnell (Chemistry and Biochemistry) Poster board: 20 Abstract: The development of safe and effective drugs for treating cancer remains an ongoing challenge. Even the utility of much familiar drug cisplatin, cis-(NH3)2PtCl2, is limited due to its significant side effects and inherent toxicity. Our lab has recently developed a dinuclear ruthenium(II) complex containing a redox-active TATPP ligand which demonstrates promising in vivo and in vitro antitumor activity and relatively low toxicity. This paper explores the substitution of the Ru(II) ion with an isoelectronic rhenium(I) ion to make Re based complexes with lower overall charge and potentially less toxicity. This paper will present our progress towards the synthesis and characterization of rhenium(I) TATPP analogues and preliminary data on their anticancer activity. Persea: A Sybil-Resistant Social DHT Presenter: Mahdi Nasrullah Al Ameen, Computer Science Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Matthew Wright 8:20 am, Pedernales Abstract: In Peer-to-peer (P2P) network, each computer works as either client or server, allowing shared access to various resources. DHT (distributed hash table) is a class of decentralized distributed system that provides lookup service similar to a hash table: (key,value) pairs are stored in DHT, where any node can retrieve the value associated with a give key through lookup operation. P2P systems are highly susceptible to Sybil attacks, in which an attacker creates a large number of pseudonymous entities and uses them to gain a disproportionately large influence over the system. A malicious node may present multiple identities to a P2P system that appear and function as distinct nodes. By becoming part of the P2P system, the Sybil attackers can then collude to launch further attacks, such as taking over resources and disrupting connectivity, to subvert the system ºs operation. We propose Persea, a novel P2P system that derives its Sybil resistance by assigning IDs through a bootstrap tree, the graph of how nodes have joined the system through invitations. A node joins Persea when it gets an invitation from an existing node in the system. The inviting node assigns a node ID to the joining node and gives it a chunk of node IDs for further distribution. For each chunk of ID space, the attacker needs to socially engineer a connection to another node already in the system. The hierarchical distribution of node IDs confines a large number of attackers to a considerably smaller region of the ID space than in a normal P2P system. We then build upon this hierarchical ID space to make a distributed hash table (DHT). The Persea DHT uses a replication mechanism in which each (key,value) pair is stored in nodes that are evenly spaced over the network. Thus, even if a given region is occupied by attackers, the desired (key,value) pair can be retrieved from other regions. We evaluate Persea in simulations with seven social network datasets and show that it provides better lookup success rates than prior work with modest overheads. Our experimental results show that when the ratio of attack edges (link between an honest node and an attacker) to honest nodes is one, the lookup success rate is 100% in catster, the largest network in our evaluations with 149700 nodes. Our results for lookup overhead show that the average hop-count per lookup in any network of our simulation is no greater than 3.70. In vitro activity of Flavonoids against Staphylococcus aureus. Presenter: MD Alam, Biology Graduate Mentor(s): Julian G. Hurdle 8:20 am, Red River Abstract: Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus that are resistant to multiple antibiotics is a major therapeutic challenge. In particular infections associated with non-dividing cells that persistent and are inherently refractory to most antibiotics. Recently we hypothesize that compounds disrupting the bacterial membrane might be effective treatments for persistent staphylococcal infections. Herein we characterized whether plant-derived flavonoids that may target the membrane could be suitable agents for controlling S. aureus. Method: Killing kinetics of flavonoids were determined against logarithmic cultures of S. aureus Newman at 1X and 4XMIC. For the determination of membrane potential Flow cytometry was done at 4XMIC using the dye DiOC3. The effects of compounds on Protein, DNA and RNA synthesis were monitored by measuring the incorporation of radiolabelled (3H-Leucine, 3H-Thymidine, 3H-Uridine) precursors. Mutation frequencies were determined at 1X and 4X of MIC and compared to the controls Vancomycin and Mupirocin. Results: Flavonoids (Sun-189 and Sun 196) demonstrated potent bactericidal activities against S. aureus, causing killing of 99.9% (i.e. >3 Logs) of cells in less than 30 min. Sun-189 disrupted the membrane potential within 10 minutes of treatment and caused nonspecific inhibition of several macromolecular biosynthetic pathways (DNA, RNA and protein) in S. aureus. The mutation frequency to flavonoid in S. aureus (sun 189 and sun 196) was less than 10-9 at both 1X and 4X of MIC. Chemotherapy with Metals: Biological Activity of Lipophilic Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Presenter: Nagham Alatrash, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Frederick M. MacDonnell Poster board: 55 Abstract: The ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complex, [(phen)2Ru(tatpp)Ru(phen)2]Cl4 (P), shows good antitumor activity in mice and is currently in preclinical studies as a promising chemotherapeutic agent. While P shows good cytotoxicity against many cancer cell lines, it can be neurotoxic at higher doses, which appears to be related to its peak blood concentration. This paper presents the development of several closely related analogues of P which are dsigned to be more lipophilic, thereby reducing their peal blood concentration. These derivatives, PPh2, PMe4, MPPh2, MPMe4 have been prepared, characterized, and lipophilicity measured via partition coefficient experiments. DNA cleavage assays show that these complexes retain the DNA cleaving properties of the parent complex P. Animal (mouse) toxicity studies reveal that these derivatives are less toxic as predicted and preliminary cytotoxicity studies with the H358 cell line reveal that the derivatives have similar performance to P. Concurrent Variations of Cerebral Blood Flow and Arterial Blood Pressure during Obstructive Sleep Apnea Presenter: Raichel Alex, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Poster board: 39 Mentor(s): Khosrow Behbehani (Bioengineering) Group members: Gauri Bhave, Mohammad Al-Abed, Aditya Bashaboyina, Swathi Iyer, Donald E. Watenpaugh, Rong Zhang Abstract: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a major sleep disorder characterized by complete cessation or decline in breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep, affects 18 million US adult population. OSA plays major role in the development of hypertension, heart failure, stroke and is also responsible for poor performance in everyday activities due to lack of proper sleep. During OSA, repetitive episodes of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) followed by re-oxygenation can lead to profound rise and drop in blood pressure. These dynamic changes along with hypercapnia (rise in CO2 due to breathing cessation) can result in impaired cerebral autoregulation mediating frequent oscillations in cerebral blood flow (CBF) which can result in brain damage. This study investigated OSA induced concurrent rise in cerebral blood flow velocity and blood pressure in 5 OSA subjects (Age: 53.6 ± 7.4 years; BMI: 33.7±7.3 kg/m2) undergoing 8-hour nocturnal sleep study in an accredited sleep laboratory. Beat-to-beat blood pressure was recorded continuously using Nexfin Monitor from the left hand of the subjects and CBF was measured from middle cerebral artery (MCA) using transcranial Doppler (TCD). Percentage rise in blood pressure and cerebral blood flow velocity were calculated during normal breathing and apnea episodes and average Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r) was calculated. Results obtained indicated relatively high correlation between rise in blood pressure and rise in cerebral blood flow velocity during apnea episodes (r=0.61±0.16) compared to normal breathing (r=0.28±0.26) suggesting that cerebral autoregulation may be less effective during apnea episodes. The Effect of Type II Diabetes Mellitus on Oxygen Uptake Kinetics during Heavy Exercise Presenter: Dustin Allen, Kinesiology Graduate Poster board: 19 Mentor(s): Paul McDonough Group members: CORY BUTTS, DAVOR KRNJAJIC, DAVID KELLER, AND PAUL MCDONOUGH Abstract: The kinetics of oxygen uptake (Vo2) during the rest to exercise transition are thought to be modulated by intracellular metabolic processes. Diabetes has been shown to slow Vo2 kinetics, likely due to the impact of diabetes upon microvascular oxygen exchange (Padilla et al, 2007). However, to date, recovery from exercise has yet to be studied in these patients. Thus, the purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the existence of diabetes would hamper Vo2 kinetics during transitions to and from heavy leg cycling (H: Supra-LT). Nine subjects (4 control, 5 diabetic) completed three separate H exercise bouts. Vo2 was measured continuously at the mouth during exercise and recovery for each bout. During the on-transient, the total amplitude was decreased (Atot: Control 2.16±0.29 vs Diabetic 1.33±0.42 L/min, p=0.01). In an attempt to correct for differences in Atot, the rate of change in Vo2 (A1/T1 ) was calculated. This variable was significant reduced in diabetics during both the on-(A1/T1: Control 0.059±0.03 vs Diabetic 0.016±0.01, p=0.02), and off-transients (Control -0.10±0.10 vs Diabetic 0.035±0.012, p=0.09). In addition, the time constant during the on-transition was greatly slowed in diabetes (Tau: Control 24.07±8.39 vs Diabetic 76.76±37.94 sec, p=0.03). These findings suggest strongly that diabetes and it’s sequelae lead to impairments in oxidative metabolism during both exercise and recovery, which would serve to cause a faster rate of fatigue and a longer temporal course of recovery. Meeting Mobile Data Demands Presenter: Kelly Aman, Mathematics Graduate Mentor(s): Minerva Cordero-Epperson 10:20 am, Pedernales Abstract: Do you remember when cell phone providers started talking about 3G? Now it's 4G and LTE. What's changed? A key part of these different cell phone networks is the way they encode data, which relies on mathematical structures known as finite fields. As the complexity and power of smart phones increases, so does the amount of data that they send and receive. More efficient methods for coding are needed, and a possible way of creating better coding algorithms is through the use of finite semifields in place of finite fields. The distinguishing property of a finite semifield is that it possesses a multiplicative operation which is not associative. This means that a(bc) and (ab)c might not be equal. This property could be very useful, but it also makes semifields difficult to study. Currently, the only method for discovering and defining all possible semifields involves the use of three-dimensional cubical arrays of numbers that define the multiplication. This makes discussing semifields rather difficult. I will present a method of simplifying the cubical array into a two dimensional matrix which retains all of the necessary information, and can actually be used as a multiplication table for the semifield. Modality Specific Interfacing with the Peripheral Nervous System Presenter: Sanjay Anand, Biomedical Engineering Graduate 8:20 am, Neches Mentor(s): Mario Romero-Ortega Group members: Vidhi Desai, Aswini Kanneganti, Srikanth Vasudevan, Martin Tran, Joanthan Cheng, Edward Keefer and Mario Romero-Ortega Abstract: Modern robotic prosthetics provides multiple degrees of freedom closely mimicking the human hand. However current users rely on visual guidance as they lack sensory feedback information. Current peripheral neural interface electrodes do not discriminate between sensory and motor stimuli. We have previously reported a regenerative multielectrode-interface (REMI) that can record from mixed motor and sensory nerves in the peripheral nervous system. Here we compare that activity from naturally segregated sensory (sural) and motor (tibial) nerves. To that end we modified our previously reported REMI interface into a dual design that enables quantification of functional regeneration of individual modality using electrophysiology as well as gait and kinematic analysis. Adult Lewis rats received REMI implants in the sciatic nerve and distally into the sural and tibial branches. Neural recording with correlated EMG activity were obtained from rats performing bipedal locomotion. In addition, Gait and kinematic analysis were used to quantify locomotive recovery to measure the changes in the hind limb function. Electrophysiological recordings were obtained from the motor tibial nerve with single spike activity of 70-80µV peak-to-peak amplitude. Gait and kinematic analysis after 30 and 60 days post implantation show steady functional recovery. Failure to record from the sural nerve, we custom designed the REMI to feed the sural nerve based on anatomical evaluation. In conclusion, we successfully interfaced the segregated nerves as evidence by recording the single spike activity in the tibial and sural nerve to allow the direct comparison of interface activity between segregated and naturally unsegregated nerve. This work was sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Microsystems Technology Office (MTO), under the auspices of Dr. Jack W. Judy ([email protected]) as part of the Reliable Neural Technology Program, through the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) Systems Center (SSC) Pacific grant No. N66001-11-C-4168. Does Insomnia in Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders Resolve through Functioanl Restorations? Presenter: Sali Asih, Psychology Graduate 8:20 am, Palo Pinto Mentor(s): Robert J Gatchel, Ph.D Group members: Randy Neblett, M.A., L.P.C., BCB; Tom G. Mayer, M.D; Robert J. Gatchel, Ph.D., ABPP Abstract: INTRODUCTION Insomnia is commonly reported by chronic spinal pain patients. Various interventions targeting insomnia in chronic pain have been developed. They appeared to be modestly effective in treating insomnia in this population, however sample sizes were small (Tang, Goodchild & Salkovskis, 2012; Jungquist, et.al, 2010). AIMS AND METHODS This study aims to examine the responsiveness of insomnia in a chronic musculoskeletal disorders population to interdisciplinary functional restoration (FR) program, and the relationship between post-treatment insomnia, pain, depressive symptoms, medication, and work outcomes. Measures in this study were the Insomnia Severity Index, the Pain Intensity Visual Analog Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Three groups, clinical insomnia (CI), sub-threshold insomnia (STI), and no-insomnia (NI) were created using a total ISI cut-off score. The medications were sedatives and opioids. Work status outcomes were collected one year post-program. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION There were 222 participants. The mean ISI scores improved (p<.01) from pre-treatment (M=17.5, SD=6.5) to post-treatment (M=12.8, SD=7.2). Also, 35% of patients moved to a less severe insomnia while 55% of patients continued to report CI post-treatment. Compared to STI and NI patients, CI patients were more likely to report severe pain (p<.01), severe depressive symptoms (p<.01), and to use sedatives (p<.01) or opioids (p<.01) post-treatment. One year after FR, 85-91% in the NI and STI groups had retained work compared to 67% in the CI group (p=.024). This study suggests that the administration of more rigorous medical and behavioral interventions for insomnia during and after FR may improve outcomes. Living fast above the Arctic Circle: tundra arthropod assemblages under severe seasonal constraints Presenter: Ashley Asmus, Biology Graduate Mentor(s): Laura Gough 8:40 am, Red River Abstract: Although typically a harsh environment, the arctic tundra undergoes a dramatic transformation during the summer growing season. From mid-May to August, snow-free conditions and 24-hour daylight trigger a sudden, short-lived boom of plant production and animal activity. Climate change has led to increasing temperatures on the arctic tundra, which may melt snow earlier and lengthen this constrained growing season. Additionally, increasing thaw depth of the permafrost (permanently frozen ground) may facilitate the growth and expansion of woody shrubs into an otherwise short-stature tundra plant community. While a significant body of literature explores the seasonal phenology (timing of life history events) of plants, data examining the seasonal trends of tundra terrestrial invertebrate assemblages are scarcer. Results from one growing season (2012) in northern Alaska show predators dominate the assemblage of ground-dwelling arthropods, both numerically and in biomass. The presence of herbivores, pollinators, decomposers and other groups are correlated with plant phenology and weather patterns. Arthropod assemblage composition and phenology differs between shrub-dominant and short-stature habitats, possibly due to a substantial subsidy of arthropod biomass from aquatic areas in shrub-dominant areas. I discuss further possible reasons for these patterns drawing on studies of other communities with severe resource and growing season constraints, and discuss the ramifications of climate change for this arthropod assemblage. Academic Paper Suggestion Using the Citation Graph Presenter: Abolfazl Asudeh Naee, Computer Science Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Gergely V. Z·ruba Group members: Chengkai Li 8:40 am, Pedernales Abstract: Hundreds of conferences and journals are held every year and thousands of papers are published all over the world by thousands of authors. One of the daily challenges of the researchers is finding good articles related to the field they want to study. One way to find the relevant papers is to start from a basic paper and doing forward/backward search. The recent papers that are cited more or are published in more famous conferences may be more important. In this project we focus on the problem of finding the best match paper(s) for a specific query (paper) using the citation graph analysis. We utilize a DLBP data set that contains computer science publications for creating the citation graph. Using the idea of page-rank algorithm, a ranking function is introduced in this project to estimate the importance of the nodes in the graph. The top-k papers related to the user query are sent to the software engine and it does forward/backward search in the citation graph to find the papers related to the initial set of papers and then uses the papers ranks to finds the top-k' papers to suggest the users. Since there are millions of nodes and links in the citation graph, we introduced an algorithm that takes O(1) for doing the search. The evaluations show that 40.1% of the suggestions were very good and 25.3% of them were almost relevant to the initial query(paper). Animal Services in Arlington, Texas: An Evaluation and Recommendation for Improvements Presenter: Angel Aymond, Anthropology Senior Mentor(s): Josephine Caldwell Ryan Poster board: 92 Abstract: As society moves towards a world that emphasizes environmental conscience, people must not forget about our pets we share the world with. Canines are the number one household pet in the United States, but there is an overpopulation problem that persists despite special adoption events and various services offered. If the city of Arlington, Texas wishes to accomplish its Comprehensive Plan to provide a better life for its citizens, it should also consider its non-human counterparts. Adoption programs and procedures by Arlington Animal Services are striving to reduce the euthanasia rate, but need adjustments in order to successfully make Arlington a no-kill city. Surveys were conducted on the public opinion of euthanasia, in addition to observation hours of volunteer work at the Arlington shelter. Survey respondents recognize the need for more aggressive spay and neuter programs, and public education on pet care. Survey results also revealed that people are more likely to adopt from an establishment if it is “no-kill”. The city of Arlington animal shelter can become no-kill if it maximizes its resources by creating a phase plan, in order to focus on one aspect of reform at a time. Life History Trade-offs of Vaejovis Scorpions in Response to Environment Disturbances Presenter: Jessica Azzinnari, Biology Senior Mentor(s): Daniel Formanowicz (BIOL) Group members: Matthew Steffenson (Graduate mentor) 10:20 am, San Jacinto Abstract: Life history traits exemplify alternative strategies of organisms used to maximize fitness. Environmental disturbances can cause an organism to change these strategies, resulting in trade-offs. Vaejovis cashi, a scorpion species in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona, was recently affected by the massive Horseshoe 2 Fire in 2011. This species acquires its reproductive energy the year prior to giving birth and so individuals collected the year after the fire acquired their energy reserves for reproduction the year of the fire. Gravid females were collected from three regions of the affected area and were curated until they gave birth and their offspring dispersed. The females and offspring were weighed and measured to determine if any life history trade-offs between litter size, offspring mass and size, or female size occurred. By comparing the data from these individuals to previous data collected over the last decade, it was determined that female size was significantly different in all sites, and there was a trend of trade-offs that differed between them. The trend of the least affected site was that litter size and total litter mass was reduced after the fire. In the moderately affected site, there was an increase in litter size and total litter mass, indicating that the offspring were smaller but there were enough of them to exceed the total litter mass of unaffected years. As seen in this study, it is apparent that organisms will change their life-history strategies in order to maximize their fitness in uncertain environments. Effets of Backward Walking Gait in Older Adults: A Case Study. Presenter: Ryan Barfoot, Kinesiology Senior Poster board: 89 Mentor(s): Christopher Ray Group members: John Biggan PhD Abstract: Background: Current literature links the gait parameter of Swing Time Coefficient of Variation (CV) to fall risk prediction in older adults. A study has shown a 10% increase in Swing Time (CV) significantly increases fall risk. Backward walking has long been used as a rehabilitative gait modality. However to our knowledge, the effects of backward walking on Swing Time (CV) have not been researched. Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effects of backward treadmill walking (BTW) on Swing Time (CV). Method: 12 older adults (M = 76.2 +- 3.3 years) were placed into age and gender matched exercise-only control (n = 6) or BTW groups (n = 6). Over 12-weeks, both groups participated in the same exercise classes, with the experimental group performing 10-mintues of BTW. Pre- and post-intervention gait measures were gathered using GAITRiteÆ and analyzed for Time (pre v. post) and Group (control vs. experimental) differences. Results: Results were deemed significant at p ≤ 0.10. A significant interaction (TimeXGroup) was found for Swing Time (CV) due to an improvement in Swing Time (CV) for the BTW (Pre: 42.19 +- 3.62; Post: 40.83 +- 1.57) and a decline of Swing Time (CV) for the exercise-only group (Pre: 39.09 +- 1.35; Post: 40.01 +- 1.42). Conclusion: Both groups showed improvement in gait parameters related to fall risk following the 12 weeks. The BTW group showed additional improvements in Swing Time (CV). Characterization of Flavonoid Degradaton and Reactivity using Online Continuous Kinetic Flow Measurements and Mass Spectrometry Presenter: Jeremy Barnes, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Kevin Schug 9:00 am, Concho Abstract: Flavonoids are a group of chemical compounds found in plants. They possess an antioxidant characteristic, which is believed to contribute to the beneficial nutritional effects of eating fruits and vegetables. This ability to neutralize free radicals has prompted further study into how these chemicals degrade and react with oxidative food additives and other chemicals. Traditional testing methods characterize the bulk antioxidant character, but do not offer insight into the degradation mechanism of individual compounds. In this work, a special device was developed which allows for a novel in-depth study of individual flavonoid degradation rates and mechanisms. The device allows for variable mixing times (2-20 min) providing continuous flow kinetic measurements and can be interfaced to a mass spectrometer which provides mass spectral information for structural characterization of reaction products. A common flavonoid, quercetin, was mixed with various oxidative solutions such as hydrogen peroxide, aqueous solutions of metals, as well as solutions with varying acidity and basicity. When mixed with oxidants, the degradation rate of quercetin was thermally accelerated by submerging the device in a water bath controlled in a range of 20 ∞C to 85 ∞C. Without oxidants, in acidic and neutral conditions, the analytes showed good stability for greater than 20 minutes at 85 C. In general, common degradation products were observed for many conditions, but careful control experiments are being pursued to understand the effect of device design. Overall, these results bring a new understanding of natural antioxidants reactivity and a novel technique for studying flavonoid degradation. Knowledge is (Not) Power: Barriers to Physical Activity in African American Women Presenter: Tracey M. Barnett, Social Work Graduate Mentor(s): Alexa-Smith-Osborne (Social Work) Group members: Dr. Regina T. P. Aguirre (Social Work) 8:20 am, San Saba Abstract: Introduction: African American (AAW)women are more likely to be overweight/obese when compared to other ethnic groups in the US (Office of Minority Health, 2012). Obesity can lead to heart disease and oftentimes heart failure. The Center for Disease Control (2012) report that heart disease is the leading cause of death in AAW. The American Heart Association (2012) recommends 150 minutes of moderate physical activity (PA) or 75 minutes of vigorous PA per week to prevent heart disease. The purpose of this study is to understand the barriers to PA in AAW. Method: Qualitative Interpretive Meta Synthesis (QIMS) is a method of synthesizing qualitative studies to arrive at a synergistic understanding of a phenomenon. The QIMS included 12 peer-reviewed qualitative studies from nutrition, nursing, and public health. Results: Four barriers were identified: a) lack of support; b) lack of behavior modifications; c) lack of resources and; d) family practices. There is a plethora of knowledge on AAW, heart disease and PA, but it is obvious that knowledge has not transformed into behavior change because four of five AAW are still overweight/obese. Implications and Recommendations: One key factor in helping AAW reduce this deadly disparity is to first understand their numerous roles in life. Social Workers can use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help AAW identify specific behaviors that prevent them from being PA. More training should be done to make health professionals abreast of numerous culturally sensitive techniques that may help AAW reduce this deadly epidemic. Investigation of Electric Sparks on the Failure of GEM Radiation Detector Prototype Presenter: Amit Bashyal, Physics Junior Mentor(s): Jaehoon Yu 3:00 pm, Guadalupe Abstract: High energy physics (HEP) looks for the fundamental particles of the universe and the forces between these particles. HEP often uses high energy particle accelerators and massive detectors for these. Experiments in the future particle accelerator, precision measurement of clusters of particles is very important. UTA High Energy Physics (HEP) group has been working on the development and testing of Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) based calorimeter, an energy measuring device for the past several years. Several prototypes up to 30cmx30cm have been built and exposed to particle beams and cosmic rays. During data taking, however, several electronics channels stopped functioning. Electric discharges in the prototype detector were suspected to be the most probable cause. Understanding the behavior of spark is essential for the reliability of this technology and help mitigating future damage to expensive electronics. In this talk, I will present results from data analysis using statistical methods to understand the behavior of the high voltage sparks in the prototype and the impact to the neighboring channels. Seed Dispersal in Alaskan Tundra and Its Role in the Greening of the Arctic Presenter: Heather Bass, Biology Senior Mentor(s): Laura Gough (BIOL) 10:40 am, San Jacinto Abstract: Many of Earth’s ecosystems have begun to change as a result of global climate change. The Arctic is warming at a faster rate than lower latitudes. This increase in temperature is producing a change in tundra plant communities that has been termed the ’Greening of the Arctic’ because of the expansion of deciduous shrubs. This study attempted to figure out what role seed dispersal may play in the transition of tundra plant communities in a warming climate. We examined how the identity (which species) and abundance of dispersed seeds were affected by experimentally increased soil nutrients in Alaskan tundra for 5 and 22 years, and focused on seed dispersal of Betula nana, a deciduous shrub that is expanding in these plant communities. Total seed abundance, total deciduous shrub seed abundance, and proportion of deciduous shrub seeds were greater adjacent to plots fertilized for 22 years. These results were driven by a greater total abundance of Betula seeds reflecting the fact that Betula plants dramatically increased in abundance in these plots. There was no change in seed dispersal adjacent to plots fertilized for 5 years compared with plots that received no additional nutrients. Therefore, if there is space available for germination, Betula nana is well equipped to spread via seed dispersal, making this mechanism a potentially important factor in the shift in tundra plant communities that is the ’Greening of the Arctic’. Sexual identity through olfactory stimuli experienced by the mother Presenter: Christine Bateson, Biology Senior Mentor(s): Andre Pires da Silva Group members: Vikas Kache, Stephan von Reuss, Frank Schroeder, Andre Pires da Silva Poster board: 88 Abstract: Much of the heritable variation is usually attributed as consequence of differences in the DNA nucleotide sequence. However, epigenetic inheritance seems to be relatively widespread in living organisms and is well documented in plants. It is currently unclear whether epigenetic inheritance is a directed mechanism for adaptive evolution in animals. Here we report a case of cross-generational phenotypic plasticity of a nematode in which the gender of the progeny depends on environmental cues experienced by the mother. When the mother senses chemicals named ascarosides, she produces mostly migratory dauer larvae that develop into selfing adults. If the chemosensory neurons of the mother are ablated, or when the mother is not exposed to crowd cues, she generates mostly non-migratory female progeny. Our results provide experimental support for the role of epigenetics in the regulation of reproduction, the major determinant factor for adaptive evolution. Analyzing the placebo effect on human psychology- a comparative study Presenter: Geetanjali Bendale, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Mario I. Romero-Ortega (BE) Group members: Ginikachi C Ojinnaka 8:40 am, Neches Abstract: The placebo effect is related to the perception and expectations of the recipient. Irving hypothesized that placebo effects are produced by the self-fulfilling effects of response expectancies, in which the belief that one feels different leads a person to actually feel different. For this research, we tried to verify how effective the placebo is on producing the desired result in an experiment. The placebo effect was compared to a control effect and the comparison was in terms of the EOG activity and the EEG activity. Voluntary participants were gathered from various disciplines from UTA within a fixed age group with equal number of males and females, to maintain uniformity. Grape juice and 5-hour EnergyÆ drink were used as the experimental drug. The experiment was divided into three segments: positive control(open label trial), negative control(open label trial) and placebo group(single blinded trial). Each groups was given different conditions before solving mathematical problems and mazes. We hypothesized that the retinal potential and the beta activity will increase in the placebo group as compared to the control groups. The recordings showed significant difference in the control groups and the placebo group. This showed that the placebo works on what the patient is told, rather than the actual effect of the drug. We are optimistic that this study, on a large scale, will encourage medical practitioners to incorporate the placebo effect in treating patients as it will reduce the use of real drugs which may otherwise have adverse effects. C-H Functionalization Study Presenter: Adam Berlin, Biology Senior Mentor(s): Junha Jeon Poster board: 109 Abstract: Often the synthesis of novel, bio-medically active compounds is impeded by the inability to install a chemically reactive entity (i.e functionality) in a desired location along a molecular backbone. Contemporary methodologies dictate the need for existing functional groups, which one may manipulate and expand upon in order to yield the desired result. This precludes the full synthesis of a wide subset of biomimetic compounds, and necessitates the use of naturally derived precursors in the synthesis of many of today's most important drugs. This has serious implications regarding the supply of natural compounds for pharmacological use. For example, the standard anti-malaria drug, Artemisinin, is derived from the plant Artemisia annua, the shortage of which has lead to decreased availability of the life saving drug, resulting in many unnecessary deaths. Toward this end, we have initiated to study a C-H activation strategy, which holds the potential to circumvent the need for existing functionality in the development of biologically active molecules. We have developed a strategy using a custom tailored, novel catalyst, which installs new functionality through manipulation of the typically unreactive C-H bond, which are ubiquitous in all organic compounds. We have already proven the efficacy of this model; continuing research will expand the range of compounds to which C-H activation may be applied. Our approach shows significant promise toward the development of new fully synthetic, biomimetic compounds, which have the potential to ease the stress on the supply of natural compounds. Antisense Transcript Long Noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HOTAIR is Transcriptionally Induced by Estradiol Presenter: Arunoday Bhan, Chemistry Graduate Poster board: 21 Mentor(s): Subhrangsu Mandal Group members: Dr. Khairul Ansari, Dr. Imran Hussain, Dr. Sahba Kasiri, Aarti bashyal, Paromita Deb Abstract: HOTAIR (HOX antisense intergenic RNA) is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that is transcribed from the antisense strand of homeobox C gene locus in chromosome 12. HOTAIR coordinates with chromatin modifying enzymes and regulates gene silencing. It is overexpressed in various carcinomas including breast cancer. Herein, we demonstrated that HOTAIR is crucial for cell growth and viability and its knockdown induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells. We also demonstrated that HOTAIR is transcriptionally induced by estradiol (E2). Its promoter contains multiple functional estrogen response elements (EREs). Estrogen receptors (ERs) along with various ER coregulators such as histone methylases MLL1 (mixed lineage leukemia 1) and MLL3 and CREB-binding protein/p300 bind to the promoter of HOTAIR in an E2dependent manner. Level of histone H3 lysine-4 trimethylation, histone acetylation, and RNA polymerase II recruitment is enriched at the HOTAIR promoter in the presence of E2. Knockdown of ERs and MLLs downregulated the E2 induced HOTAIR expression. Thus, similar to protein-coding gene transcription, E2-induced transcription of antisense transcript HOTAIR is coordinated via ERs and ER coregulators, and this mechanism of HOTAIR overexpression potentially contributes towards breast cancer progression. National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and the American Heart Association Intervention of Thiamin biosynthetic pathway - A possibility for development of novel Anti-infective agents Presenter: Sumit Bhawal, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Frank W. Foss Jr. Group members: Diego Lopez, Jessica Nguyen, Dr.Foss Jr. 9:20 am, Concho Abstract: The effectiveness of antibiotic agents in current use is compromised by the prevalence of drug resistance. Additionally, discovery efforts have diminished in pharmaceutical companies due to the cost, high incidence of failure, and limited number of new biological targets for antibiotic development. Discovering novel antibiotic targets has the potential to address the deficiencies of existing antibiotics. The current work is an effort to target the enzymes of thiamin biosynthesis. Specifically, the bacterial enzyme Hydroxymethyl pyrimidine kinase, a previously unexploited target, is responsible for catalysis of two separate reactions of thiamin biosynthesis, by providing two binding modes for a phosphate group within the same enzyme binding domain. Only HMP kinase performs the phosphorylation of HMP-P to HMP-PP in bacteria, and is therefore a critical enzyme for bacterial growth and survival. In addition, targeting enzymes of thiamin biosynthesis could lead to novel therapeutics without posing direct effect on human physiology. HMP kinase is a druggable target as shown by the toxicity of bacimethrin at low concentrations. So, there exists the likelihood of being able to modulate a target with a small-molecule drug. Analogues of HMP were being designed to target the first or the second phosphorylation step. The first generation compounds investigated the chemical space in close proximity to the reaction site where the C-5 hydroxyl group of HMP is mono-phosphorylated and defines the substrate scope of related HMP analogues. The effect of chain branching, conformational restriction, homologation, functional group tolerance, synthesis of anionic mimics are being looked at. Three-Dimensional Instabilites Downstream of a Detonation Wave Presenter: Elizabeth Blaiszik, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Senior Mentor(s): Frank Lu Group members: Sarah Hussein Poster board: 91 Abstract: It is known that a detonation wave is inherently unstable. The instability has been observed previously in two-dimensional computational simulations to form diamond-shaped cellular patterns downstream. A recent three-dimensional Euler solution by Dou et al. (2008) showed that the cellular structure is absent, raising the possibility that the cellular pattern is a “footprint” or an integrated impression of the threedimensional field. The present study examines the data from a direct numerical simulation which captures all physical length and time scales with no simplifying assumptions. This work reveals the presence of three-dimensional instabilities throughout the entire downstream domain. The presence of random disturbances when integrated appears to form cellular structures. Further work is needed to determine the nature of these disturbances and how they evolve. Principal Transformational Leadership and Teacher's Extra Effort: The Mediating Role of Teacher's SelfEfficacy Beliefs Presenter: John Boberg, Leadership Graduate Mentor(s): Barbara Tobolowsky Poster board: 4 Abstract: Drawing upon transformational leadership (TL) theory, this study sought to explain how principals' TL behaviors contribute to their teachers' extra effort. Specifically, this study analyzed the relationship between teachers' perceptions of their principals' leadership behaviors and their self-reported organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs), treating teacher self-efficacy as a possible mediator of the relationship. A handful of school-based studies suggests that TL behaviors are best suited for increasing teacher commitment and capacity during reform. 272 elementary, middle-school, and high school teachers from one suburban school district in Texas responded to an online questionnaire. Bivariate correlation analysis revealed that the TL, teacher self-efficacy, and OCBs were significantly and positively correlated. Moreover, TL behaviors and teacher self-efficacy explained 11% of the variance in teacher extra effort, with TL accounting for 8.9% of the variance (p< .001). However, the Sobel mediation test revealed that self-efficacy did not mediate the relationship. The findings of this study suggest that teacher self-efficacy is not a prime candidate for the psychological mechanism that brings about increased effort. Where extra effort is needed to bring about sustained change, principals may be misguided if they focus solely on content mastery and professional development to promote self-efficacy. Further research should investigate potential intervening variables, such as collective efficacy and empowerment, that may promote shared values and collaboration. Additionally, confirmatory factor analysis of Bass's Multi-factor Leadership Questionnaire did not support the traditional 5 sub-scales recognized in most non-school contexts, suggesting that the TL instrument needs to be adapted for school-based contexts. ATLAS Forward Proton Detector CERN Testbeam Results Presenter: James Bourbeau, Physics Senior Mentor(s): Andrew Brandt (PHYS) Group members: Keith Gray, Jordan Williams, Tim Hoffman, Ray Jordan 4:00 pm, Guadalupe Abstract: Currently, our group at UTA is developing the most accurate time of flight (TOF) detector in a collider experiment, with a timing resolution on the scale of 10 picoseconds. In conjunction with several other universities, we have been approved to install a fast timing system as part of a proton detector upgrade to the main ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Geneva, Switzerland. Precise measurement of the timing of proton tracks will allow the rejection of background events to the physics processes of interest, which include Higgs Boson production. Laser-based tests here at UTA enable us to replicate the affects of a proton beam. This allows us to measure the response of our detector’s electronics including constant fraction discriminators, amplifiers, high performance time to digital converters (HPTDC), and most importantly the microchannel plate photomultiplier tubes, which are at the heart of this fast-timing system. By isolating individual components of the electronics, we can entirely characterize each device’s response. Currently, I am involved with ongoing data analysis using the CERN analysis package ROOT. By examining performance characteristics (pulse height, time difference distributions, etc.) we are be able to understand the performance of the detectors and electronics to better equip ourselves for future test beams and, ultimately, full scale installation and operation. I will present the most recent test results from data I have analyzed from a recent testbeam at CERN (The European Organization for Nuclear Research) in October 2012. Head Injuries in Chronic Disabling Occupational Muskuloskeletal Distorder Population Presenter: E. McKenna Bradford, Psychology Graduate 8:40 am, Palo Pinto Mentor(s): Robert Gatchel (Psychology) Group members: Tom G. Mayer, M.D.; Randy Neblett, M.A., L.P.C., BCB; Meredith Hartzell, M S., Ph.D. Candidate; Robert J. Gatchel, Ph.D., ABPP Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Injuries to the head often cause problems in multiple domains, including cognitive functioning, emotion regulation, memory recall, and reaction time. Head injuries are often highly debilitating and cause patients to have a difficult and lengthy recovery process. No research has yet been done to examine head injury patient responsiveness to interdisciplinary functional restoration (FR) rehabilitation. AIMS AND METHODS: To examine the effect of FR on head injury patients (n= 154) in comparison to lumbar only patients (N=338) out of a subset of Chronic Disabling Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders (CDOMD) patients. Patients participated in FR, consisting of quantitatively-directed exercise progression and multi-modal disability management, and were administered measures of psychosocial distress at pre and post-treatment. Additionally, demographic and occupational variables were collected at pre-treatment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: At pre-treatment, head injury patients presented higher self-reported depressive symptoms (p ≤ .01), and disability (p ≤ .02), and were more likely to have settled their workers’ compensation case (p = .01). Despite participating in FR, post-treatment results found that head injury patients had significantly higher depressive symptoms (p ≤ .02) and pain intensity (p = .04), and significantly lower quality of life (both mental and physical) (p ≤ .02 for both). This was surprising, given the typically high recovery rates of CDOMD patients through FR. These results indicate not only that head injury patients differ from the typical lumbar only patient treated with FR, but also that further rehabilitation and/or specialized treatment is needed to improve head injury patient outcomes. Feasibility of Landfill Mining: An emerging approach towards sustainable waste management Presenter: Reza Broun, Civil Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): MD. Sahadat Hossain 1:00 pm, Neches Abstract: In recent years, numerous attempts have been made to conduct solid waste management activities in line with sustainable development targets. Although capturing energy is currently the main focus of sustainability in Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) practices, economic viability of Landfill mining process is gaining importance in absolute and percentage terms, as energy capturing from a landfill is dramatically reduced after a while. Landfill mining (LFM) is a process whereby landfilled solid wastes from closed sections of the landfills are excavated and processed using conventional surface mining technology to recover valuable recyclable materials, soil and most importantly, landfill space. The purpose of the current study is to understand the process and technology of landfill mining and economic feasibility. The study provides an environmental life cycle assessment and a detailed economy analysis of costs (mining costs, re-dumping costs and removing costs of non recyclables) and benefits associated with landfill mining. The results indicated that LFM projects have a substantial positive economic potential and are overall environmentally friendly practice due to increasing the recyclable potential of excavated waste materials and re-utilization the same landfill space after mining. The results also showed that private investment analysis of LFM projects have a clear private economic potential when adequate regulation and support policies are in place. An economy analysis and associated environmental impacts of LFM projects can highlight opportunities for introducing a sustainable and financially viable method to motivate engineers and policy makers to conduct landfill mining extensively, leading to more sustainable solid waste management. This work is supported in part by the city of Denton's landfill. Design and Control of a Smart Hospital Bed for Pressure Ulcer Prevention Presenter: Zachary Brush, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Alan Bowling Poster board: 58 Abstract: Pressure ulcers, also known as decubitus ulcers or bed sores, are localized areas of damage to skin and adjacent tissues caused by long exposure to contact pressure causing a lack of blood flow to affected areas. These sores are usually found in bed and chair bound patients and are painful, expensive to treat, and commonly a source of bacterial infection. This work details the design, simulation, and experimental testing of a pneumatically and mechanically actuated smart hospital bed, or smartbed, designed to prevent pressure ulcers by performing the turning process normally carried out by health care workers. The smartbed will accomplish this task without any effort from the caregiver, reducing the work load of health care professionals and ensuring that patients are turned consistently. First, dynamic models of the mechanical and pneumatic actuating mechanisms are created to determine desired part specifications. Due to this analysis, the previously designed gear ratio is shown to be excessive, allowing the mechanism’s speed to be increased by 53 times while maintaining adequate torque. Next, these models are utilized to create control systems for the mechanical and pneumatic structures utilizing the torque-control method and trapezoidal velocities. The control systems are modeled for a variety of motions in operational space, and the viability of the method is confirmed in simulation. Finally, the actuation of one constructed unit of the multi-unit bed platform is tested with an open-loop user interface. The effects of creatine loading on oxygen uptake kinetics during heavy exercise Presenter: Cory Butts, Kinesiology Graduate Mentor(s): Paul McDonough Group members: Dustin Allen, Heather Adamus, David M Keller, Paul McDonough Poster board: 40 Abstract: The dynamic nature of oxygen uptake in mammals is typically thought to be modulated almost exclusively by events within the mitochondria. Indeed, evidence suggests that phosphocreatine stores may impact the kinetics of VO2, namely, slowing kinetics due to the now increased ATP buffering capacity. In addition, as the creatine kinase reaction (PCr + ADP + H+ ATP + Cr) indicates, a fall in intracellular pH will slow VO2 kinetics during recovery, a heretofore unstudied phenomenon. Thus, the purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that creatine monohydrate supplementation (Jones et. al., 2002) would induce slowed VO2 kinetics during and following heavy leg cycling (supra lactate threshold). Four (N=4) subjects completed three separate exercise bouts of heavy (supra lactate threshold) exercise both prior to and following a creatine loading regimen. VO2 was measured continuously at the mouth during exercise and recovery for each bout. During the on kinetics the total amplitude was reduced following creatine loading (Atot: Control 1.69±0.56 vs Creatine 1.53±0.68, p = 0.047). The time constant during the off transition was also slower during the creatine trials (Tau: Control 34.13±14.1 vs Creatine 50.70±7.1 sec, p = 0.031). These findings suggest that creatine monohydrate supplementation increases the reliance upon non-aerobic metabolism, slowing the recovery of VO2. This is an important consideration given the interval nature of most athletics. Mating Systems and Behavior Variability Presenter: Andrea Calderon, Biology Senior Mentor(s): Andre Pires da Silva Group members: Vikas Kache Poster board: 94 Abstract: In uni-parental nematode species, each individual bears offspring. Although a uni-parental mating system gives a short term advantage, many species maintain the use of a male/female reproductive strategy. The purpose of this experiment is to further investigate each mating system and to find a behavior variability among the different environments. We carried out two separate experiments: One involved a species which has three sexes, male, female, and hermaphrodite which allowed us to examine growth characteristics and the comparisons of biparental and uni-parental growth rates within the same species. The second experiment consisted of collecting worms from manure samples. Each experiment was completed so that a difference could be found among the behaviors and the mating systems in each environment. What we find is the dominance of bi-parental mating in these environments. Colonies of each mating system of nematodes were grown in controlled environments of Serratia marcescens bacteria. Behavior patterns were observed as well as crowding patterns between male/female and hermaphrodites. We find that the manure offers a distinct island environment to better study movement of nematode worms. Here we use the Maynard-Smith mathematical model of cost of males to demonstrate the effect of pathogenic bacteria on growth rates in a uni-parental versus bi-parental system. By researching the mating systems of the nematode SB372 colonies in horse manure and soil samples from north Texas, it will allow for the practical applications for the understanding of why there are more male and female compared to hermaphroditic species. This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation. "It is the man who drinks the first bottle of saké and finally it is the saké that drinks the man.”: Development of Advanced Analytical Methods for Speciation of Quality Components in Japanese Sakés Presenter: Doug D. Carlton Jr., Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Kevin A. Schug 10:00 am, Concho Abstract: Japanese rice wine, more commonly known as saké, has been a prized symbol of the Japanese culture since before the coming of Christ. Over the ages, saké has evolved into a complex system of flavors, sweetness, and quality, which have been only profiled to a limited extent. The available saké selection is so diverse that at times, at least four measured scales of a saké's character can be found on the label, including rice polishing degree, sweetness, acidity, and body. Seven Japanese sakés of Japan from the three sub-grades of "premium" saké along with two Japanese sakés produced in the USA have been selected to identify the similarity and differences between the flavors, subgrades and possibly, regional origin. Analytical separation with mass spectrometry detection allowed for the first dimension of ingredient identification in each saké. Confirmatory analyses based upon compound retention and type (e.g., sugar, acid, or amino acid) was used to corroborate the initial identification. Statistical analysis was applied to the separation data to identify similarities and differences between the nine sakés as a whole and by grade, brewing region, sweetness, body, and other identifiers. Having the ability to profile the fine nuances of each saké allows for identification of counterfeit or adulterated sakés by investigators and tighter quality control measures by producers. The information of uniqueness would also be quite welcomed by wine connoisseurs with finely tuned palates interested in proper food pairings and trying new sakés. Clear Coverings of Meaning: Viral Transparency in Whitman's "Out from behind The Mask." Presenter: Brian Carroll, English Graduate Mentor(s): Penelope Ingram 1:00 pm, San Saba Abstract: Jean Baudrillard's notion of a "copy without an original" aligns itself with a proliferation characteristic of the “viral image,” that is, an image that replicates itself indefinitely. Walt Whitman's poem "Out from behind The Mask (To Confront a Portrait)" represents a 19th century poetic example of this 20th century visual theory. In lyrical language that examines a face, the poem speaks to the difficultly of "a look" in everexpansive self-images. I argue that when we peer through the poem's layers of photographic simulation, it represents an early example of the viral self-image, anticipating electronic visual forms by a century. I also consider how the poem's presence within the "Autumn Rivulets" section of Leaves of Grass offers additional insight into viewing the early nature of (image) virality as biological necessity. Whitman's poetry is acknowledged for its anticipatory keenness and my paper continues this tradition while fastening the propagation of visual imagery inherent to today’s viral schemas. From a biographical standpoint, Whitman's interest in self-portraits informs the poet's trade in the self-viral. The image(s) within "Out from behind The Mask," however, embody a different medium upon each representation, thus problematizing fully Baudrillardian readings. So, in gazing at the poem through the lens of other 20th century visual theorists like Roland Barthes and Susan Sontag, I conclude that a translucency arises from Whitman's many-layered poem. My interpretation of the poem concludes that the disseminated, duplicitous portraits of Whitman's "Mask" signify a nascence for the viral image. Competing Microbial Species in a Biological System Presenter: Ashley Carter, Biology Junior Poster board: 83 Mentor(s): James Grover (BIOL) Group members: Hristo Kojouharov (MATH); Aileen Toja (BIOL); Omomayowa Olawoyin (MATH); Joana Gonzalez (MATH) Abstract: In order to better predict the path that infections may take in humans and other hosts, special attention must be paid to the dynamics of microbial infections. In many systems, more than one infectious species is present, so this study focuses on the type of competition that might take place in a complex microbial infection involving two species. The competition between the two microbial infections can be considered complex because the two species consume the same nutrient resource (iron) in the host body, and also differ in how strongly they elicit phagocytes, which attach the two infectious species with differing effectiveness. We created a mathematical model using differential equations to represent these dynamics, and explored the effect of manipulating our model parameters on the outcome of the system. Bacterial species have various degrees of fitness, where some have more severe effects on their host, so we created various scenarios using different parameter values to reflect these competing species. Using numerical simulations we identified outcomes in which both infectious species persisted, or under which one was eliminated and the other persisted. Some of these parameters represent conditions such as anemia (which reduces availability of iron to infections), or leukemia (which reduces the phagocytes that fight infection). Although these two conditions do put the host at a lower fitness, our results show an anemic host hinders the microbial species as well. The conclusions of this model could be used to our advantage when battling common human infections. This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation. Exploring the Seasonal Rise and Fall of Immunity in Diseased Caribbean Corals Presenter: Alexandra Cawthorne, Biology Senior Mentor(s): Laura Mydlarz (biology) Poster board: 104 Abstract: Coral reefs are one of the most biologically productive ecosystems on earth, and provide a stable habitat for several marine organisms. Climate change and diseases can have a major impact on their species, hindering their integrity as ecosystems. One disease linked with increased ocean temperature is Yellow Band Disease (YDB) that is a bacterial infection that affects the symbiotic algae that live in the coral. The effects of this disease are a discolored/yellow band that moves along the coral. We monitored different colonies of a reef-building coral, Montastraea faveolata, over an eleven month period in Puerto Rico. All the coral colonies were infected with YBD. We measure two assays within the melanin synthesis pathway to detect corals response to YBD. Using the prophenoloxidase cascade, infected corals build up melanin as a barrier to pathogens to prevent spreading. Our data show that both the protein prophenoloxidase and melanin are higher in diseased colonies. Our data also show temporal variation in these responses that may correspond with seasonal temperature changes. For example, we see an effect of season on coral immunity; in the summer months, coral immunity actually increases. This data set can help tease apart the effects of disease and temperature changes on coral immunity and explore the factors that may make them more susceptible to diseases such as YBD. Importance of Biooxidation Reactions in Human Health Presenter: Subhash Chand, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Roshan Perera Group members: Dr. S Ray, Dr. K. Rajeshwar 10:40 am, Concho Abstract: Insertion of oxygen in hydrocarbons by means of biological enzymes like proteins is known as bio-oxidation. Due to immense industrialization and fossil fuel usage the variety and quantity of pollutants has been largely increased. These pollutants get dissolve in human fat (lipid) and cause variety of health problems including cancer. Additionally use of different variety of drugs and their side effects have caused many health problems including liver damage and kidney failure. Cytochrome P450 (CYP), a protein found in almost all living organism, also found in human liver, and is capable of bio-oxidation. It also cleans the toxic substances left in body after the drug consumption. It makes pollutants more water soluble, hence less toxic. Although CYP is capable of drug degradation and hydrocarbons oxidation, however it is very unstable outside of lipid environment and in few cases unable to clean drugs efficiently, which causes liver damage. To address these problems, in this study we have engineered myoglobin (Mb) mutant proteins containing unnatural amino acids. These proteins can mimic CYP and are stable even in the presence of high concentration of hydrogen peroxide (25 mM). Significant increase (9-fold to 81-fold) in oxygen insertion have been observed in thioanisole and benzaldehyde by these mutants. This study offers an insight into the oxygen insertion mechanism of heme proteins. These proteins can be used for cleaning the pollutants and as a tool to test a drug before it get approved for human consumption which is presently based on CYP tasting. Selfers reduce mating and live longer Presenter: Jyotiska Chaudhuri, Biology Graduate 9:00 am, Red River Mentor(s): DR. ANDRE PIRES DA SILVA (BIOLOGY) Group members: Stephan H. von Reuss,Vikas Kache, Frank C. Schroeder, Andre Pires-da Silva Abstract: Sexual reproduction in animals can shorten lifespan, because of mechanical injury and/or transmission of diseases. A prediction based on this observation is that organisms that evolved the ability to reproduce by self-fertilization should have a longer lifespan than ancestral females because they can evade the risks associated with mating. Consistent with this evolutionary theory of aging, parasites tend to live longer because of experiencing less extrinsic mortality within the protected environment of a host. Here we describe a species of free-living nematode that allows to directly test this prediction because of its unusual mating system. We show that females produce attractants with physiological and chemical characteristics identical to sex pheromones that attract males for mating and mating shortens lifespan. In contrast, hermaphrodites delay the production of sex pheromones, resulting in higher reproductive output of hermaphrodites due to lower mortality rates at younger ages. Consequently, unmated hermaphrodites have longer lifespan than virgin females, although they are morphologically and genetically identical. These results suggest that hermaphrodites evolved a longer lifespan by postponing the costs of mating. Causes and Trajectories of Organized Violence: Lessons from a Victimized Nigerian Community Presenter: Kingsley Chigbu, Social Work Graduate Mentor(s): Beverly Black (SOCW) 8:40 am, San Saba Abstract: Background: Organized violence remains an ambiguous epidemiological problem with large socio-economical and environmental consequences. Despite that meaningful preventive and interventional programs against organized violence should reflect empirically-guided research that uncovers its constructs, causes and trajectories, studies focusing on this careful preliminary scientific foundation as a criterion for evidence-based peace research with respect to the Nigerian community are significantly lacking. Methodology: This qualitative study explored the construct of organized violence, its causes and trajectories in a sample of Nigerian adults (N = 21, Mean age = 40 years), using the content analysis and grounded theory approaches. Data was collected through an online and face-to face survey administration, and was analyzed for proper codes and themes identification, imputation and analysis, using the NviVo software application for qualitative data analysis. Findings and Implications: Findings show that organized violence represents a diverse negative construct (including terrorism, armed robbery/extortion, kidnapping, rape and corruption). Likewise, causes of organized violence encompass socio-economic factors, educational factors, political factors, religious factors and family/individual factors. Perpetrators of organized violence are mostly young and unemployed men with the support of an established aberrant authority or network. Prospects and implications for evidence-based peace research, practice, education and intervention are discussed. Defining a Nation Devoted to the Virgin: A Comparative Study of Gonzalo de Berceo's Milagros de Nuestra SeÒora and Alfonso X's Cantigas de Santa MarÌa Presenter: Kari Christopherson, Modern Languages Graduate Mentor(s): Amy Austin (Modern Languages) 3:00 pm, San Saba Abstract: Gonzalo de Berceo's Milagros de Nuestra SeÒora and Alfonso X's Cantigas de Santa MarÌa, two required texts for any Spanish-language graduate student, not only mark the beginning of a written Spanish literary tradition but also reveal the significance of devotion to the Virgin Mary in the 13th century region of what we now know as Spain. Both works claim to praise the Virgin with a variety of stories that tell of her wonders in poetic form. However, why would a priest (Berceo) and a king (Alfonso) write such seemingly similar works? Through a close study of the intended audiences, the authors' proposed purposes and the historical contexts of both texts, the researcher hoped to explore how the possible purposes of each text made them essential for their time and what these works tell the modern day reader about the pre-nation state of Spain. The research concludes that while Berceo wrote his work with the principal purpose of teaching a personal religion based in a relationship with the holy virgin, Alfonso wrote with the purpose of teaching unity to his new nation by encouraging devotion to the same holy lady. Not only do the works shed light on the impact of the 13th century European Cult of Mary on Spain but Alfonso's appropriation of the Virgin Mary for political gain also illuminates the role of religious discourse in the formation of the Empire that engendered a large majority of the New World. Visual processing of face and body emotional cues in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: an EEG study Presenter: Deborah Cockerham, Education and Curriculum Instruction Graduate Mentor(s): Evie Malaia Group members: Katherine Rublein Poster board: 29 Abstract: Communication deficits encountered in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may be related to inefficient interpretation of emotional cues. Emotions can be conveyed visually through either facial expressions or body language, but these sources are normally presented and processed together. Studies of temporal processing in ASD children suggest that they may process various aspects of faces differently than typically developing (TD) children (Gepner, Laine, and Tardif, 2005). Previous electroencephalographic (EEG) studies of face perception have connected a common neural marker, the N170, with visual processing of faces (Bentin, Allison, Puce, Perez, and McCarthy, 1996) and perception of human bodies (Stekelenburg and de Gelder, 2004). Our study investigated how ASD and TD children combine visual information from faces and bodies for interpreting emotional cues. Participants viewed emotionally charged facial expressions and body postures both as independent pictures and in matched/mismatched combinations. Analysis indicates that, while TD children relied primarily on facial cues during perceptual integration of facial expression and body language, ASD subjects preferred body language cues to identify emotion. The N170 EEG component peaked significantly later for the ASD group when viewing compound stimuli than for TD participants who used facial cues. These results suggest that ASD children exhibit altered early visual processing of emotional cues, which could impact social interaction skills through inefficient emotional interpretation. As psychologists and educators work to strengthen ASD communication skills, the insights provided by this research will be important in understanding, diagnosing, and intervening in autism spectrum disorders. Geographical Mapping in Texas of Medea, a Selfish Parasitic Genetic Element of Tribolium castaneum Presenter: Darrelle Colinot, Biology Senior Mentor(s): Jeffery Demuth 9:00 am, San Jacinto Abstract: We investigated the geographical distributions of the Maternal Affect Dominant Embryonic Arrest (Medea) genetic factors M1 and M4 in Tribolium castaneum populations in Texas. The Medea phenotype has two parts, maternal kill and zygotic rescue. Medea bearing mothers will poison and kill their offspring unless the offspring inherit the same M factor antidote from either parent. Medea acts as an autosomal dominant parasitic genetic element, inherited in simple Mendelian fashion. Because wild type alleles are disproportionally lost in offspring of Medea carrying mothers, Medea inevitably gets fixed in populations. Medea had been relatively absent from the southern states due to hypothesized biotypes preventing gene flow from north to south. M1 had not been observed in any part of the United States, and never in the absence of M4 in nature. We found evidence of M1/M4 and M1 only populations in Texas. Our results seem to confirm barriers to gene flow. We hypothesize two Medea introductions into the United States, M4 in the north and M1/M4 in the south. Additionally, either a recombination event occurred allowing M1 to stand alone, or an M1 only beetle migrated from an undocumented region. Most T. castaneum populations in the United States is now Medea positive. Survivors of Suicide: What are their struggles and how do they heal? Presenter: Amy Crow, Social Work Graduate Mentor(s): Regina T. P. Aguirre (SOCW) 9:00 am, San Saba Abstract: Background: Andriessen (2009) states that a survivor is "a person who has lost a significant other (or a loved one) by suicide, and whose life is changed because of the loss" (p. 43). While survivors may have some similarities in bereavement of other sudden, traumatic deaths, a survivor's bereavement can consist of guilt, isolation, stigmatization, self-blame, wondering "why," and developing mental health issues such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety (Jordan, 2008). There is research to support that some survivors acquire suicide risk once they become survivors and that they develop post-traumatic stress disorder while others experience post-traumatic growth. Understanding the bereavement of survivors may give some insight as to why the survivor is at an increased risk of suicide. This nationwide survey of survivors attempts to gather data related to these long-held assumptions about the survivor experience to better inform service creation and provision for suicide survivors. Research Aims: The purpose of this study was to answer five questions: 1) what are the coping strategies of suicide survivors?; 2) what percentage of survivors have post-traumatic stress?; 3) what percentage of survivors are at risk of suicide?; 4) what percentage of survivors experience posttraumatic growth?; and 5) what are the relationships among these variable? Method: Four standardized assessments on suicide risk, post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth were administered along with a questionnaire covering demographics and coping strategies. Results and Conclusions: Data on 215 participants are currently being analyzed. Full results and conclusions by the date of ACES. Synthetic optimization of adenosine analogues for the characterization of tRNA modifying MiaE Presenter: Amanda Dark, Chemistry Senior Mentor(s): Frank W. Foss Jr. (CHEM) Group members: Andra L. Carter, Dr. Brad S. Pierce 2:40 pm, San Jacinto Abstract: The search for new antibiotics is a major goal for improving human health. MiaE is a novel enzyme that may be important for bacterial growth and replication under aerobic conditions. Small organic molecules that resemble MiaE's natural substrate, modified-adenosine residues of bacterial transfer-RNA (tRNA), can be prepared to study MiaE in order to gain a better understanding of how the enzyme functions chemically and to develop potential antibiotics. A series of small molecules were made; however, their initial syntheses resulted in low yields of material, about 5%, which slows discovery and raises the cost of chemical synthesis. In this work, two pathways were developed using a variety of synthetic techniques including oxidation, reduction, and olefination in order to find the most effective way to synthesize the small bioactive molecules. A pathway was found that could be used to synthesize the molecules of interest more efficiently, increasing the overall yield to 14%. With these increased yields, a series of molecules was successfully prepared. Small molecule interactions with MiaE confirmed the three dimensional structure of MiaE-modified tRNA and provided the first insight into electronic effects that control MiaE-tRNA binding. This improved synthetic protocol will enable the development of new biologically active small molecules as probes of MiaE and potential inhibitors of bacterial growth and survival. This work was supported in part by the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. Total Syntheses and Anti-Cancer Activity of Kealiinines A-C, Kealiiquinone and 2-Deoxy-2aminokealiiquinone Presenter: Jayanta Das, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Carl J. Lovely 11:00 am, Concho Abstract: Marine Sponges are excellent sources of architecturally interesting and potentially relevant natural products. However, there are oftentimes issues with obtaining large quantities of these naturally occurring materials from the producing organism. One solution to the supply issue can be through total chemical synthesis of the "natural" materials, along with synthetic analogs. These synthetic analogs may aid in the design of second generation materials with improved properties.\We will describe our novel biomimetically-guided total syntheses of the Leucettaderived alkaloids; kealiinines A-C have been accomplished using an intramolecular Friedel-Crafts-dehydration sequence of a bis benzylic alcohol. The precursor diol was obtained through a series of position specific Grignard reactions from 1-methyl-4, 5-diiodoimidazole. Two additional alkaloids, kealiiquinone and 2-deoxy-2-aminokealiiquinone, were obtained from a late stage kealiinine C intermediate by oxidation. We will report on the previously unknown anti-cancer activity of these synthetic molecules. This work was supported in part by NIH and Welch Foundation. Exploratory Mining of Collaborative Social Content Presenter: Mahashweta Das, Computer Science Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Gautam Das 9:00 am, Pedernales Abstract: The widespread use and growing popularity of online collaborative content sites (e.g., IMDB, Yelp, Amazon) has created rich resources for users to consult in order to make purchasing decisions on various items such as movies, restaurants, e-commerce products, etc. It has also created new opportunities for producers of such items to improve business by designing better products, composing interesting advertisement snippets, and building smarter recommendation systems. My research concerns developing novel data mining algorithms for mining user feedback on items in collaborative content sites in order to benefit experience and decision making of both content producers and consumers. The key challenges exist in the form of information explosion and overload, besides user-item interaction intractability. For example, a popular restaurant listed in Yelp can receive thousands of ratings and reviews, resulting in an overwhelming amount of information (information explosion) that users may find difficult to cope with (information explosion). My research builds a framework for aggregate analytics of user feedback on items that help content consumers make more informed judgment (e.g., if a user will enjoy eating at the restaurant) as well as content producers conduct better business (e.g., a re-designed menu to draw more people). We model the correlation between user feedback and user-item features as an optimization task and design principled algorithms to solve the problems efficiently. Performance evaluation over real data crawled from Amazon, IMDB and CNET shows that our algorithms significantly outperform brute-force techniques, while generating good quality interesting and interpretable results. The work is partially supported by NSF grants 0812601, 0915834, 1018865, a NHARP grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and grants from Microsoft Research and Nokia Research. Structure and Thermochemistry of Borosilicate Glass Presenter: Atreyi Dasmahapatra, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Peter Kroll Poster board: 60 Abstract: Studied since more than 100 years, ternary borosilicate glasses, mixtures of boria (B2O3) and silica (SiO2) glass, are materials with many applications in optical industry. Moreover these glasses are of great importance as oxidation products of ultra-high temperature ceramics used in hypersonic flight vehicles. Many questions are still open, in particular with respect to the mixing of the two glasses and the quest for a crystalline Si-B-O structure. In this study, we investigate borosilicate glasses using accurate quantum chemical calculations. We study structure and compute the enthalpy of formation to gain insight into the mechanisms of glass formation and crystallization. Our results of structure simulations indicate that all structures exhibit trigonal planar BO3 units and tetrahedral SiO4 units, and thus ternary glasses appear as simple mixtures of boria (B2O3) and silica (SiO2). While the computed enthalpy of mixing of SiBO glasses resembles closely the available experimental data, we identify a particular composition (Si2B2O7) with negative enthalpy of mixing. This indicates a highly favorable conformation of borosilicate glass. A crystal structure search then yielded two possible crystal structures of Si2B2O7 with vanishing enthalpy of formation with respect to the crystal structures of α-boria and α-quartz. Hence, we find strong indication for a very favorable composition of borosilicate glasses and propose that it might be feasible to experimentally crystallize the first ternary SiBO compound for the composition Si2B2O7. Performance Analysis of Video-conferencing in Wi-Fi Networks Presenter: Sajib Datta, Computer Science Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Sajal K. Das 9:20 am, Pedernales Abstract: Due to the deployment flexibility, usage and mobility support, Wi-Fi networks have gained wide acceptance and have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, it is quite difficult to model Wi-Fi networks, where network traffic is functioning in real-time due to the convoluted architecture of the MAC layer and so, unlike VoIP, there exists very limited research on performance analysis of videoconferencing or video-telephony over Wi-Fi. This necessitates the development of a detailed and precise throughput and capacity model that can be used for performance analysis of video-conferencing over Wi-Fi networks so as to maintain the QoS. In this work we propose a simple two-dimensional Markov model to analyze the performance of Wi-Fi networks carrying real-time video traffic; here state is defined as the number of nonempty queues having any packet to transmit. The proposed model derive the service rate of wireless access point, throughput, capacity (number of simultaneous users), and bandwidth utilization in Wi-Fi networks with 95% accuracy and with 30% less computational overhead; because, unlike most of the existing approaches, our two-dimensional approach is simpler and more efficient as it reduces the number of total Markov states in the system. Hence, this approach yields an energy efficient modeling and new insights about how network performance is affected due to the changes in the queue size of client nodes. Our results support that the proposed approach is highly useful and could have broad impact in the sustainable design, deployment, bandwidth management, and capacity planning of Wi-Fi networks. This work is partially supported by NSF grants CNS-1150192 and IIS-1064460. A Meta-analysis on Social Dominance Orientation and Racism Presenter: Tiffany Davis, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): Shannon Scielzo Poster board: 49 Abstract: Social dominance orientation is defined as the extent to which an individual desires his or her ingroup to be dominant over other groups. Social dominance orientation (SDO) is used to predict a variety of attitudes, and one of the most studied attitudes is racism. Several metaanalyses have been conducted on SDO but none looking strictly at its relationship with racism. This meta-analysis sought to fill that gap and took several other factors into consideration that could impact the strength of this relationship. The data were examined using Schmidt and Hunter’s random effects model. Overall, a strong and significant relationship between racism and social dominance orientation was found, r = .53. There were found to be no significant differences between the effect sizes of American and non-American samples, effect sizes were also not impacted by the length of the SDO scale used, and there was no difference between the effect sizes of the different kinds of racism assessed. Although the meta-analysis did suffer from limitations, it was still able to provide a rough estimate of the size of the correlation between racism and SDO and add to the evidence that these two constructs are entwined with each other. This study may serve as a guideline or a springboard for future experiments or meta-analyses. Why the Antillean Revolution Failed: The Problem of Radicalization in the Spanish-colonial Caribbean of the 1860's. Presenter: Michael Deliz, History Graduate Mentor(s): John Garrigus 10:40 am, San Saba Abstract: This study questions why antillanismo, the ideology commonly held by the revolutionary generation of the Spanish-colonial Caribbean, failed to realize its stated goal of a unified colonial rebellion against Spanish rule in the mid-to-late nineteenth century. The purpose of the investigation is to understand the disconnect between the idealized revolution versus its actual manifestation. Research into this was conducted through a documentary-based historical analysis which included revolutionary proclamations, public discourses, newspapers, and official government records. Throughout this investigation I sought to recreate the pre-existing conditions within the colonial societies of Santo Domingo, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, which could simultaneously generate the radical revolutionary ideology as well as its apparent failure. The outcome of the investigation suggests that the goal of an Antillean Revolution, though commonly expressed by each colony‚Äôs revolutionary leadership, was made impossible by a set of insurmountable factors which came to regulate the paths to mass radicalization in each island. Specifically, that the nature of Spanish colonial policies, their cultural domination, and practical strength, account for a divergence in the achievement of national-liberation, thus creating ultimately three nations rather than the idealized one. Estrogen Modulates Conditioned Cocaine Reward Presenter: Aliza Denobrega, Psychology Senior Poster board: 108 Mentor(s): Linda Perrotti Group members: Samara A. Morris Bobzean, Alexandra Schiller, Aspen Samuel, Torry S. Dennis, Linda I. Perrotti Abstract: Women and female rodents are more responsive to environmental stimuli associated with drug reward than males. The literature supports a role for estradiol as a mechanism underlying sex differences in the behavioral response to drugs of abuse. Surprisingly, few studies have directly examined the influence of estradiol on the conditioned rewarding properties of cocaine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of an acute increase in estradiol (EB) on the expression of cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP); a well established measure of conditioned drug reward. Adult ovariectomized (OVX) Long Evans rats were randomly assigned to one of two visually and tactically distinct saline-cocaine conditioning environments for six days. On alternating days animals received an injection of saline and were confined to the saline-paired chamber or received an injection of one of three doses of cocaine hydrochloride (2.5, 5, or 10mg/kg) and were confined to the drug-paired chamber for 30 minutes. On the day of the Preference Test animals were pretreated with either EB or peanut oil (PO), and were allowed to freely explore both chambers. Time spent in each chamber was compared to determine significant chamber preference. PO treated animals demonstrated significant preference for the cocaine-paired chamber at all three doses of cocaine, whereas EB treated animals demonstrated preference for the cocaine-paired chamber only at the highest dose of cocaine tested. These findings demonstrate that acute elevations in estradiol may facilitate or inhibit conditioned responses to cocaine’s secondary rewards. Sonata No. 1 for Unaccompanied Viola by Paul Hindemith: A Glimpse Into The Mind Of A Developing Composer Presenter: Taryn Denton, Music Senior Mentor(s): Sean Atkinson (MUSI) 10:20 am, Guadalupe Abstract: Composers often develop a distinct “sound:” a compositional style that allows their pieces to be identified quickly upon a first hearing. But how do composers find this sound? Such a distinguishing feature is the product of many years of compositional experimentation, inspiration from other composers, and ongoing musical traditions. This paper examines an important development in the compositional process of twentieth-century German composer Paul Hindemith, focusing specifically on his Sonata No. 1 for Unaccompanied Viola. A previous study by Joel Christian Haney has shown strong connections between the fourth movement of Hindemith’s sonata and the second movement of BÈla BartÛk’s second String Quartet. However, Haney’s work focuses primarily on the inspiration provided by Bartok’s music to Hindemith’s developing style, never fully addressing Hindemith’s active role in modifying several key aspects of BartÛk’s composition. This presentation will provide a more comprehensive analysis by detailing specifically how the pieces are different. A cursory examination reveals the similarities between the pieces, confirming that Hindemith intentionally mimicked BartÛk’s work. But more importantly, the differences between the two will be identified and discussed in light of Hindemith’s developing compositional style. To guide the discussion, the connections between the two movements are broken down into four categories: historical implications, non-melodic defining characteristics, upper register interruptions and the treatment of the moment of climax. Comparing and contrasting these four aspects allows a glimpse into the mind of a developing composer. Exploring the feasibility of an assessment for Center of Pressure sway in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Presenter: Ketaki Deo, Kinesiology Graduate Mentor(s): Priscila Caçola Group members: Mark Ricard, PhD Poster board: 14 Abstract: Children with DCD face difficulties in everyday activities requiring application of postural control and balance. The gold standard assessment for postural control is the Neurocom Balance Master System, however; this assessment can be overwhelming for children with balance problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using a force plate technique developed in our lab to measure Centre of Pressure (COP) sway, which can be used to quantify balance abilities. Five males (Mean age 8.34 yrs) diagnosed with DCD and with significant balance problems (all scored below the 1st percentile on the balance component of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children) participated in this experiment. Subjects performed the Neurocom (measures equilibrium scores - ES; ES quantifies the Centre of Gravity sway or Postural Stability during 6 different sensory conflicting situations) and the AMTI force plate technique (measures amplitude of a sway of COP- AS and velocity of a sway of COP - VS) in a counterbalanced order. Only two conditions from the two assessments were analyzed (C1 = Standing with eyes open, C2 = Standing with eyes closed). Relationship results show moderate relationships for C1 and strong relationships for C2, values are: ES - AS (C1: -0.698, C2: -0.974) and ES - VS (C1: -0.698, C2: -0.974). We conclude that variations in COP during a 10 sec stance were similarly measured by the Neurocom and the new COP sway assessment, which can be an effective and short substitute for balance assessment of children with DCD. Differnces in Depression Symptom Endorsement between Rural Mexican Americans and Non Hispanic Whites Presenter: Tony Dickensheets, Social Work Graduate Mentor(s): Katherine Sanchez Poster board: 18 Abstract: Background: Depression in the elderly is a growing problem in the United States, with over 20% reporting symptoms. Previous research has suggested that Mexican Americans experience depression differently from non Hispanics; however, little research has examined which symptoms are most commonly endorsed by this group. The goal of this study was to examine the differences in symptom endorsement and create specific symptom profiles for a sample of Mexican American and non Hispanic white elders. Methods: Archival analysis data collected from 559 participants (329 Non Hispanic white and 230 Mexican Americans)enrolled in Project FRONTIER (Facing Rural Obstacles Now Through Intervention, Education and Research), an epidemiological study of rural aging. Depression was assessed via the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30). Chi-squared analyses were used to examine differnces in symptom endorsement between Mexican Americans and Non Hispanic whites. Results: Results indicated significant differences in symptom endorsement by ethnicity. Mexican Americans more frequently endorsed the following symptoms: helplessness, restlessness, blues,worthlessness, worrying, trouble starting new projects, hopelessness,upset over little things, crying, inability to concentrate, avoiding social situations, dissatisfaction with life, emptiness, boredom, can't get thoughts out of their heads, and feeling bad, as compared to non Hispanic Whites. No differences were found among the other symptoms. Discussion: The results suggest that Mexican Americans endorse certain GDS items at greater rates than their non Hispanic counterparts. Past research has suggested that the construct of depression is different among ethnic groups and that this difference is important for diagnosis and treatment. Negotiating Identity Creation Through Personal Narrative in a Christian Recovery Group Presenter: James Dunning, Communications Graduate Mentor(s): Andrew Clark 10:40 am, Palo Pinto Abstract: Alcohol and substance abuse affects millions of Americans each year and many seek treatment through mutual help groups and rehabilitation centers. Similar to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a mutual help recovery group with an emphasis on Christian identity. This study will build on previous research surrounding AA and examine how group members within CR utilize personal narrative to establish and cultivate their individual identity. Historically, Twelve Step programs such as AA and CR enable individuals to foster a new identity as members admit wrongdoings and trust in their higher power to repair their character flaws. Group members take turns sharing their stories, offering their past experiences and current struggles to others who may find similarities in their own stories. Central to these programs is the idea that offering evaluative, personal narratives in front of the group will initiate and build upon an individual’s recovery process. This research is unique as few scholars reviewing mutual help groups have had open access to individuals in CR. Utilizing personal interviews with CR group members, this study examines the ways in which individuals utilize their personal narrative to create or bolster an identity within the group as well has how those narratives reinforce the group’s recovery messages. The Effects of Particular Verbiage on Cognitive Processing During Assessments Presenter: Kathy Elliott, Education and Curriculum Instruction Graduate Mentor(s): Evguenia Malaia Poster board: 38 Abstract: Students who fail on tests often lose heart and stop trying. Those who receive positive results tend to work harder. Priming effect ‚Ä“ unconscious exposure to affective stimuli to influence behavior ‚Ä“ has been shown before in a limited subset of domains (Bargh et al., 1996; Doyen et al., 2012). In this study, we investigate use of priming to promote feeling of control and success in students. We propose to use words with high affective dominance in Affective Norms for English Words (ANEW, Bradley & Lang, 1999) in normal classroom tests to engender positive relationships with assessment tools. \82 high school science students will take a total of ten (10) assessments, each receiving a primed test one-half of the time. Each test will include at least one word with high affective dominance (average ANEW value 6.25 +). Quizzes will be given periodically, each student alternating between a primed and a non-primed quiz. A priori power analysis indicates a minimum of 54 subjects necessary in each of the two groups to have 80% power for detecting a medium sized effect when employing the traditional 0.05 criterion of statistical significance. \We hypothesize that priming students to feel more in control during the test will lessen their testing anxiety and promote success, ultimately giving them confidence in their learning capabilities. 3-test preliminary data indicates that priming decreases grade variability (non-primed grades, excess kurtosis k=0.247; primed, k=-0.418). We interpret the switch from leptokurtic to platykurtic grade distribution as possible indication of decrease in test-taker anxiety. A Voice of One's Own: Women's History in American Media Presenter: Veronika Ellison, Anthropology Graduate Mentor(s): Ben Agger 3:20 pm, San Saba Abstract: I plan to present research from my paper that looks at the way mainstream American historical publications showcase women's history and historical figures. I analyze the amount of coverage female subjects and stories receive, the way in which gender stereotypical language is utilized, and how the layout of the article differs from the male-focused articles within the same publication. In my analysis I find a clear difference in the amount of male versus female historical subjects and there exists gender stereotypical language chosen in portraying the women figures and the graphic layout of these articles. My findings show that feminist theory and cultural studies still have areas of mainstream media to analyze in the pursuit of breaking down gender stereotypes. Sacred arts or Black Belt Factories? The globalization of martial arts in North Texas. Presenter: Gabriel Escobedo, Anthropology Senior Mentor(s): Josephine Caldwell-Ryan 8:20 am, Guadalupe Abstract: Globalization is the spread of communication technologies and networks within a paradigm of rising deregulation of "social and cultural life" (Green 2010). Included in this global exchange is the transfer of ideas and knowledge across borders. Examples of this cultural globalization are the growing world of martial arts through film, militarism, and migration. Studies of martial arts have shown a global cultural exchange, which have been directly caused by military efforts and migration. I studied the migration of martial arts, such as Taekwondo (TKD) and Karate, from their origins in Asia to the United States. I asked a variety of questions to find out the impact this cultural exchange had in North Texas. How has globalization of martial arts spread to North Texas? Did the art change since its arrival in the United States? If so, how? During the spring of 2012 I studied the martial arts community in Dallas/Fort Worth using methods, such as semi-structured and structured interviews, surveys, participant observation, and historical observation. In Texas, knowledge of TKD spread as a result of Korean martial artists’ immigration and exposure of American soldiers to martial arts training in military environments. The findings revealed an Americanization of the Korean forms of TKD, leading to distinct communities of martial artists associated with either "pure" or Americanized forms. These Americanized schools are perceived by many to be "Black Belt Factories" and not representative of the culture from which it originated, but through diffusion has created a distinct American martial arts culture. Outlook on Treatment of Traumatic Brian Injury -- Ultra-trace Estrogen Detection in Cerebrospinal Fluid to facilitate Neuroprotection Studies Presenter: Hui Fan, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Kevin A Schug Group members: Barbora Papouökov·, Jane G. Wigginton, Karel Lemr 2:40 pm, Concho Abstract: Resulting in approximately 15,800 deaths annually, Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths in the United States. Recently, estrogen as a potential therapeutic agent is becoming the focal point in many brain injury and neurological disorder research institutes towards finding a better treatment of TBI. The neuroprotective effect of estrogen was first introduced in 1991. Later, more reports showed estrogen in global cerebral ischemia to be correlated with significant improvements in recognition, working memory and spatial memory. However, the clinical use of estrogen remains controversial in postmenopausal women age 65 years or older. One of the challenges is that estrogen exists in trace level concentration (down to low pg/mL range) in postmenopausal women. Sensitive quantitative methods for detecting trace level estrogen in human bodily fluids are necessary to support estrogen neuroprotection studies. A prior liquid chromatography mass spectrometric method for quantifying trace level native estrogens in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been reported[J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 2011, 54, 830]. However, this method is time-consuming and features a complex instrument hardware set-up. A new ultra-trace quantification method with minimal sample preparation and higher throughput analysis using restricted access media (RAM) technology has been developed. An estimated detection limit of 20 pg/mL was determined for four native estrogens. Full validation of the method is currently being performed. Sex, gender, and identity represented through anthropomorphic figurines of the Neolithic. Presenter: Carl Feagans, Anthropology Graduate Mentor(s): Karl Petruso (Anthropology) Poster board: 8 Abstract: Anthropomorphic figurines have long captured the attentions and imaginations of those investigating our prehistoric ancestors: from the earliest antiquarians to archaeologists of today. One of the earliest trends discovered among figurines of the late Stone Age (ca. 9000-3000 BCE) in Southwest Asia and Southeastern Europe, was the overwhelming number that appeared to be female. This trend was also the source of some controversy in the last several decades with the “mother goddess” movement of popular culture and some modern feminists appealing to the ancients in order to justify their beliefs or positions. This study explores sex and gender within a corpus of 403 figurines of the Neolithic period in Southwest Asia and Southeastern Europe. Data were collected from figurines that were published either academically or in museum catalogs and websites, compiled in a relational database, then analyzed using SPSS and GNU PSPP, both statistical software packages favored by social scientists. The results show that, while female figurines greatly out number their male counterparts, there is a near equal quantity in which the sex or gender of the figurine is completely unknown to the modern observer. Clearly there is a component of gender identity associated with figurines that are clearly male or female, but perhaps less clear are the representations of identity in figurines in which the maker carefully chose not to assign sex or gender. It is in this direction I seek raise new questions regarding identity in the Neolithic. Electron Identification Studies for the Level 1 Trigger Upgrade Presenter: Last Feremenga, Physics Graduate Mentor(s): Jaehoon Yu Group members: Marc-Andre Pleier, Francesco Lanni 1:00 pm, Pedernales Abstract: High Energy Physics (HEP) is the study of the fundamental building blocks of matter and the forces between them. To accomplish this, powerful particle accelerators and complex detectors are needed. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva has been running since 2010 and in 2012 discovered a new particle that seems to be the Higgs particle, the particle responsible for giving mass to all matter. The LHC will undergo an upgrade to reach higher energies and a larger particle flux. In this talk I will describe a feasibility study for catching interesting events in this complex high energy, high flux environment for a possible detector upgrade options. Employee Engagement and Intent to Turnover: A Meta-Analytic Review Presenter: Aaron Friedman, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): Shannon Scielzo Group members: William English, Matthew York Poster board: 9 Abstract: Work engagement refers to the extent to which employees are involved in, committed to, and passionate about their work and has been shown to have an impact on a number of organizational outcomes, including employee turnover. Employee self-report intent to turnover has been identified as the best predictor of actual future employee turnover. The effects of turnover are pervasive - including but not limited to direct costs (e.g., training, recruiting), reducing the talent pool, and creating a negative culture (e.g., lack of cohesiveness with transient employees). However, the results to date are mixed on the actual impact - the current study sought to meet this call. Specifically, the current study meta-analytically examined the relationship between employee engagement and turnover intentions, answering two calls for future research: linking engagement to a specific work outcome aside from burnout, and examining outcomes of work engagement in non-student samples. Using the Hunter and Schmidt (1992) meta-analytic approach, a significant inverse relationship (ρ = -.42) was found. Moreover, it was found that job satisfaction mediated the relationship. Implications and results will be further discussed. Formalin Increases Neuronal Excitability in the Medial Septum Division Presenter: Kellen Gandy, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): Yuan Bo Peng (PSYC) Group members: Ai-ling Li, J-C Chaio Poster board: 16 Abstract: Pain is a major clinical problem for the health care industry. Along the neuroanatomical pathways, there are ascending nociceptive and descending inhibitory systems that can be modulated and targeted for pain relief. The medial septum division is an integrated part of the limbic system and has been shown to play a role in a variety of physiological and behavioral processes related to higher cognitive functions, emotion, autonomic regulation, and pain modulation. To assess this brain regions’ involvement in modulating pain behavior, formalin, a noxious inflammatory agent, was injected in the contralateral hind paw of four rats while the field potential was recorded by a wireless module simultaneously to measure the neuronal excitability of the medial septum division. The purpose of this project was to determine whether formalin induced nociception would increase the neuronal excitability within the medial septum division, indicating that this region is highly influenced by the ascending nociceptive system. The preliminary results revealed a general trend in support of our hypothesis but there was no significant difference in neuronal excitability across delta, theta, alpha, mu, beta and gamma brain waves in the medial septum division (p > .05). A small sample size (n = 4) may account for the non-significant results and further data collection is needed for an accurate assessment of the medial septums’ involvement in pain processing. These findings are important because they provide further insight on the role of the septum in modulating the ascending nociceptive and descending inhibitory systems. Between Empire and Nation: the Transatlantic Syrian-Lebanese Communities and the Modern State Presenter: Bryan Garrett, History Graduate Mentor(s): Kenyon Zimmer 11:00 am, San Saba Abstract: My paper explores how individuals and groups construct national identities within the interstices of empires and emerging states. Transatlantic Syrian-Lebanese communities represent just how complex and plastic such identity formation and national loyalties developed. Both as residents of the eastern Mediterranean region - the bilād al-shām (consisting of the present-day states of Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Israel) - and as global transnational migrants, these diverse ethnic and religious groups fabricated intricate and sometimes contradictory expressions of loyalty and identity. Additionally, imperial authorities outside these communities fabricated and projected racial and national identities for these variegated ethno-religious groups. Evidence drawn from research at the British National Archives at Kew underpins the arguments proposed in this paper. Specifically, official communications between British administrative agents from London and the numerous British possessions in the Caribbean, Latin America and the Middle East directly confront the issues surrounding fluid notions of nationality and citizenship and how those categories changed in relation to Syrian-Lebanese migrations both between and across constructed national and imperial boundaries. My study builds on the notion that nation-states develop within a discursive frame as “imagined communities” by suggesting the same qualities for imperial regimes. Nation-states are not the natural product of progressive history, nor are they consequent emanations of empires. Nation-states and empires existed, and continue to exist, coevally if not coterminously. By categorizing identity with documentation that subsequently could control movement, imperial regimes helped define national communities throughout and across empires. Seeking support: identifying spammers in Twitter by their support network Presenter: Charles Gatz, Computer Science Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Matthew Wright (CSE) Poster board: 62 Abstract: The ubiquity of online social networks and the amount of information they contain make them valuable targets for criminal activity. One of the oldest means to this end is still one of the most common: spamming. In particular, Twitter makes this relatively easy by conditioning users to shortened URLs and terse descriptions, so traditional detection methods may fail to work as expected. Our dataset is a relatively small sample of all Twitter users (with their tweets) which contains spammers identified by experts. In previous studies, this knowledge of the criminal network was used to form an inference algorithm – a way of automatically identifying such spammers. Our algorithm does not look for the spammers directly, instead classifying their network of supporters. This classification can be described as roles within a bee colony: queens reciprocate all following relationships, workers following them and "re-tweeting" the queens' messages to the outside (normal users), and drones who are quietly following either a queen or a worker – presumably to act as reinforcements should the others get banned. After running this algorithm on our Twitter dataset, we verify our classification with the information provided by experts. We find that our approach successfully discriminates between supporters and a significant fraction of other (normal) users. This additional classification power should be helpful when combined with other sources of information to identify and ultimately block spammers in social networks. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under CAREER Grant No. 0954133. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. The Xenophobic Horror of Dracula Presenter: Caleb George, English Junior Mentor(s): Kim Sasser Poster board: 81 Abstract: This study is meant to provide an example of how the tools that an author uses to make an audience frightened by a work of horror may be rooted in the author’s cultural assumptions, specifically in regards to Dracula by Bram Stoker. For instance, the portrayal of Transylvania and its inhabitants, including Count Dracula himself and the gypsies he commands, paints the region as being a superstitious and savage land. In contrast, the Western protagonists are portrayed as a group of modern, civilized professionals, particularly their leader, Abraham Van Helsing, who is a man of many trades. Also, Stoker makes a point of not only keeping Dracula’s perspective unexpressed in order to make him an object of inhuman evil, but also invoking racial stereotypes in Dracula’s portrayal in order to make him a personification of the fear that Victorians felt towards the peoples that Britain had conquered and controlled. Ironically, the study also looks at how Stoker expressed a prejudiced view of Eastern Europeans in the novel in order to compensate for his own status as a man born and raised in Ireland and thus not an example of a purebred Englishman whose ethnic status would be idealized in a Britain obsessed with racial purity. In conclusion, Dracula shows how Bram Stoker’s prejudiced views against the East in favor of England and the West influenced the composition of the novel. Exact solutions to the Langmuir lattice equation Presenter: Norma Ghanem, Mathematics Senior Mentor(s): Tuncay Aktosun (Dept. of Mathematics) Poster board: 90 Abstract: Our primary goal is to develop a large class of exact solutions to the integrable nonlinear partial differential-difference equation, known as the Langmuir lattice equation (also known as the Volterra lattice equation). This equation has important applications in electromagnetic wave propagation in plasmas (ionized gases) and in one dimensional crystals, where the nearest neighbors interact with forces that depend on the difference of their displacements. Using a recently developed general approach, we construct a formula for exact solutions for certain wave solutions to the Langmuir lattice equation. Our formula uses three matrices as input and contains so-called matrix exponentials. Such solutions represent solitary waves (solitons) with particle-like behavior. We use the software Mathematica to investigate the relationship between the parameters appearing in our solution formula and the physical properties of waves represented by our solutions. In particular, we analyze the relationship between the velocities of the individual solitons in our solutions and the eigenvalues of one of the input matrices. NSF, ED, LSAMP, McNair, I-Engage Dark Matter Signals from Active Galactic Nuclei Presenter: Miguel Gomez Ramirez, Physics Graduate Mentor(s): Christopher Jackson (PHYS) 1:20 pm, Pedernales Abstract: It is common knowledge that eighty percent of the matter in our Universe consists of a mysterious substance called “dark matter” which has only been detected through its gravitational interactions. The “Standard Model” of particle physics, despite its extremely impressive successes, does not have a good candidate particle to fit the dark matter requirements. If dark matter is made up of a particle which interacts weakly and it has a mass on the same scale as other standard model particles, it should be detectable either here on Earth or in space When a particle and an anti-particle come into contact in space, the result could be a spectacular signal in the form of radiation (photons). The Fermi Gamma Ray Telescope is currently searching for signals of this form and, within the past several months, has released some very interesting (and tantalizing) results. In this work we investigate another possibility: a weakly-interacting particle can be detected when a high density of particles and enough energy is present. These conditions are met by objects called “active galactic nuclei.” Active galactic nuclei are the extremely violent central regions of very large galaxies, and in these regions highly-energetic “jets” of particles are accelerated. We investigate the possibility that the jet particles interact with the surrounding dark matter producing photons with very distinctive characteristics. We compare our predictions with current data and show that the prospects for detecting dark matter in this way may be promising in the next few years. The functional analyses of a conserved helix motif in site specific non-LTR retrotransposons Presenter: Aruna Govindaraju, Biology Graduate Mentor(s): Shawn Christensen (Biology) Poster board: 32 Abstract: Retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements that contribute to and shape the genomic landscape of many eukaryotes. Non-long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposons are an ancient and important class of retrotransposons. Non-LTR retrotransposons replicate by reverse transcribing their RNA at element generated chromosomal nicks: a process termed target-primed reverse transcription (TPRT). R2 is a clade of site specific non-LTR retrotransposons that target 28s rRNA gene. R2 RNA is cotranscribed with host rRNA and is translated to yield a multifunctional protein that interacts with its own RNA, binds target DNA, and performs DNA cleavage and TPRT. Although first half of the TPRT mechanism is fairly well understood, there are conserved motifs in the R2 protein whose functions remain uncharacterized, including determining which motifs bind element RNA and target DNA. This study aims at understanding the functional role of a conserved helix (ending sequence-HINALP) located in the carboxyl-terminal domain of R2 elements. Site directed mutagenesis was used to create H/AIN/AALP double point mutant in the R2 element from Bombyx mori. The mutant protein was expressed and purified by affinity chromatography. We analyzed the binding and cleavage properties of mutant protein against wild type protein in the presence of target DNA and R2 RNA using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and denaturing urea gels. Our data indicate that although H/AIN/AALP mutant is able to bind DNA, the protein appears to not form the correct RNA-Protein conformers in the presence of RNA. Accordingly, DNA cleavage specificity and TPRT initiation functions are impaired. On the Meaning of Life: A Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis on the Lived Experience of Life Without Parole Presenter: Shannon Graves, Social Work Graduate Mentor(s): Rebecca Hegar Poster board: 17 Abstract: As the number of Americans entering the criminal justice system continues to increase, issues affecting the way that we prosecute and sentence crimes are becoming a growing field for social work inquiry. One of the most controversial criminal sanctions, the sentence of life without parole (LWOP), has more than doubled since 1982. Today, one in 35 prisoners in the United States is serving a life sentence with no option for release. The purpose of this study is to understand the personal, social, and ethical implications of LWOP sentencing. The lived experience of serving a LWOP sentence is explored using Qualitative Interpretive Meta Synthesis (QIMS), a method that synthesizes the findings of prior studies of this population, maintaining the integrity of the original findings while mapping new connections which emerge when the phenomenon is viewed across multiple studies. Findings indicate that the experience of LWOP prisoners is characterized by gradual adjustment to intense loss which mimics the response to the death of a loved one - in this case, their own selves. Prisoners reach an eventual acceptance of life behind bars; however, not without lingering feelings of depression, anger, bitterness, and grief. Prisoner adjustment is facilitated by coping strategies that include forging meaningful connections with others, finding a sense of purpose, and developing a self-transcendent outlook. These findings have important implications for policymakers and practitioners, namely, consideration of the ethical consequences of life imprisonment as well as the incredible human capacity for adaptation, resilience, transformation, and spiritual transcendence within inescapable circumstances. Examination of the outgassing spectrum on several generations of micro-channel plate photomultiplier tubes Presenter: Keith Gray, Physics Senior Mentor(s): Andrew Brandt Group members: Ian Howley, James Bourbeau, Jordan Williams 3:40 pm, Guadalupe Abstract: Micro-channel plate photomultiplier tubes (MCP-PMT) are used in many fields, from high energy physics to medical detectors, such as flow cytometers, and night vision goggles. They consist of a photocathode, which converts photons to electrons, a micro-channel plate to increase the electron shower, and an anode to collect the charge. Each time an incident electron creates an electron shower there is a chance that a positively charged ion is created which then impacts the photocathode. Eventually enough ions are attached to the cathode that its performance begins to degrade. I tested several generations of MCP-PMT’s to determine the rate and spectrum of positive ions produced by each tube. Each tube had modifications made to the MCP in an effort to increase the secondary electron shower. By looking at the spectrum of positive ions produced by the tube we can estimate the effectiveness of each modification on the production of ions. By increasing the expected lifetime of the tubes we can increase the length of time that they are effective, and therefore decrease the overall cost. The best tube is going to be used in the new forward proton detector, which is scheduled to be installed at the Large Hadron Collider. However advances in tube design can increase the effectiveness of MCP-PMT’s in all their applications. Population Seasonal Growth Dynamics of the Invasive Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in Lake Texoma, Texas Presenter: Catherine E. Greene, Biology Senior Mentor(s): Robert F. McMahon 10:00 am, San Jacinto Abstract: Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are an ecologically and economically damaging invasive species. After initial introduction to the Great Lakes from Europe in 1986, it has since spread throughout United States and southern Canada watersheds east of the Rocky Mountains, reaching its southernmost limit in Lake Texoma (LT) (Texas and Oklahoma) in 2009. In LT, mussels survive water temperatures ≥30∞C, 2∞C above its recognized 28∞C long-term upper thermal limit suggesting adaptation to the lake’s elevated temperatures. I studied mussel growth dynamics in LT, relative to that recorded in Europe and NA. Mussel samples were periodically collected from brick substrata suspended at 2.5m depth in LT. Bricks were deployed during June 2011 and April 2012 to allow mussel settlement and growth after subsequent spawning periods. Mussel shell lengths (SL) were measured (nearest 0.1 mm) with digital calipers or a dissecting scope stage micrometer, analyzed for distinct generations (i.e., Spring 2011 and 2012) and mean SL’s plotted against sidereal collection day to estimate growth rates. Mussels in LT attained a mean SL of 23 mm after a 400-day (1.01 year) life span, compared to European and NA populations where similar SL’s are attained after 3-4 year life spans. Rapid growth and short life spans account for rapid development of dense mussel populations in LT after initial discovery in 2009 and will also allow mussels in Texas to rapidly establish in other lakes and quickly foul power stations, water treatment plants, and raw-water systems. Autism at Museums: A Complex Adaptive Systems Theory Perspective Presenter: Ka Grimes, Education and Curriculum Instruction Graduate Mentor(s): Evguenia Malaia Group members: Deborah Cockerham Poster board: 28 Abstract: Museums offer opportunities for informal learning in complex social settings. For many families of children with autism, the social nature of museums prevents them from taking advantage of these learning opportunities. While museums are eager to serve the needs of those with disabilities, the autistic community’s needs are unique. The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to uncover common elements in museum programs for the autistic community. We designed a pilot program for the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History to investigate how a museum might begin a program for the autistic community from conception through implementation. Additionally, we solicited feedback from national and international museums through an online questionnaire, first person observations, and semi-structured interviews. Complex Adaptive Systems Theory provides the lens for interpreting results. This study suggests that museums with successful autism programs rely on interaction and feedback from visitors, staff, and consultants to continually adapt and create solutions that define the programs unique to each museum. Here we find that families of children with autism embrace the opportunity to visit museums during periods closed to the general public because they often feel stigmatized in social settings. Museum professionals desire to include and accommodate these families, but need reassurance and advice from professionals who work specifically with the autistic community. This study helps researchers and museum professionals better understand the complex relationship between museums and the autistic community and provides strategies for museums to consider to support the needs of the autistic community. Staphylococcus aureus and its Small Colony Variant Presenter: Logan Grimes, Biology Junior Mentor(s): James Grover (BIOL) Group members: Hall, Whitney, Roche, Kevin, and Dhillon, Amitphal 8:20 am, San Jacinto Abstract: [%iStaphylococcus aureus%i], known as golden staph, is a Gram-positive bacterium that exists in two forms: a wild type and a Small-Colony Variant (SCV) which grows at a slower rate. [%iS. aureus%i] is a very prevalent bacterium in the human body, as is another species, [%iPseudomonas aeruginosa%i], which produces a signal molecule that causes S. aureus to transition from wild type to SCV. The SCV phenotype is resistant to standard antibiotics, therefore likely to cause recurring infection. A mathematical model is presented for the transition between the wild type and SCV [%iS. aureus%i] in a chemostat culture with a nutrient medium that provides [%iS. aureus%i] with the signal molecule. The corresponding system of differential equations represents the population dynamics of these two variants. Analysis of this system yields two equilibria, one of which is the trivial- a condition in which neither population persists. The stability of the equilibria varies, depending on the supply of the critical nutrient, iron, and the dilution rate of the chemostat. When the nontrivial equilibrium represents a meaningful (positive) population, the population persists at this equilibrium. When the nontrivial equilibrium is negative, the population does not persist. All theoretical results are supported by a set of numerical simulations. This research is part of an undergraduate research training program at UT Arlington (UTTER, http://www.uta.edu/math/utter/), supported by an NSF UBM-Institutional grant DUE#0827136. Morphine But Not Formalin Administration Affects Local Field Potentials in the Ventral Tegmental Area Presenter: Gaurang Gupte, Biology Junior Mentor(s): Yuan Bo Peng (PSYC) Group members: Ruben Najera, Jiny E Sibi, Kellen Gandy, Ai-Ling Li, J-C Chiao, Yuan B Peng Poster board: 82 Abstract: With chronic pain costing the US alone about $600 billion a year, more must be done to address it. To this extent, the Ventral-TegmentalArea (VTA), which has been shown to elicit analgesia in the formalin inflammation test, was investigated for its role in chronic pain. Additionally, a previous study in our lab demonstrated that VTA stimulation could also elicit an analgesic effect on inflammatory carrageenan injection by an increase in mechanical and thermal pain thresholds. In this experiment, we explored local field potential (LFP) activity within the VTA in response to formalin and morphine injections. Subcutaneous noxious formalin injection in rats was hypothesized to increase LFP activity, while a morphine one would decrease activity. Wireless-recording-stimulators developed by our group recorded LFPs at a 5000Hz sampling rate via an implanted stainless-steel electrode, with location confirmed via histology. Rats were recorded under isoflurane anesthesia, awake, and after the injection with either formalin or morphine. Spike2-Version-7 was used for Power Spectrum analysis, and SPSS was used for a one-way ANOVA. The results show that morphine injection significantly decreases neuronal excitability for the delta, theta, alpha, mu brain waves as compared to the awake condition; no significant difference was found for the beta and gamma brain waves; and formalin injection does not induce significant changes in delta, theta, mu, alpha, beta, and gamma waves as compared to awake state. It may be concluded that the VTA might not be involved in the ascending nociceptive process, but may contribute to morphine-induced antinociceptive role. Texas Norman Hackerman Advanced Research Program (003656-0071-2009) Benzimidazole Synthesis by Organocatalytic Oxidation: Bio-inspired Oxidation of Pre-aromatic Heterocycles Presenter: John Gurak, Chemistry Senior Mentor(s): Frank Foss (CHEM) Group members: Shuai Chen 3:40 pm, San Jacinto Abstract: Heterocycles (ring compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and either nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur) are essential chemical structures found in DNA, vitamins, and many biologically-active synthetic molecules, including antibiotics. Benzimidazoles are a class of nitrogencontaining heterocycles with a wide array of therapeutic properties including antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer activities. Present synthetic pathways of benzimidazoles are costly and detrimental to the environment. Current methods use halogenated solvents, potent oxidants, strong acids, metal catalysts, and/or high temperatures. As a result, the need to develop more environment-friendly synthetic methods is being subjected to rigorous investigation. Flavins, naturally occurring organic catalysts involved in numerous chemical oxidations of biological metabolites, were synthesized and investigated as oxidation catalysts for the sustainable and cost effective preparation of benzimidazoles from common starting materials. The data show the first flavin-catalyzed preparation of benzimidazoles using oxygen (O2) as the terminal and ubiquitous oxidant. The current scope of this biologically-inspired chemical process is described. Optimization strategies that follow the tenets of Green Chemistry were employed to improve the cost and impact of benzimidazole synthesis. Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure Invalidating Childhood Environments Presenter: Tyler Hamby, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): Shannon A. Scielzo (PSYC) Poster board: 35 Abstract: Marsha Linehan (1993) developed a theory that growing up in "invalidating environments" has negative outcomes for children, including an increased vulnerability to developing Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The little research that has been done in the area has been severely limited by the fact that there is not a definitive scale for measuring the construct; the scales that have been employed for this research often measure similar but distinct constructs or were developed with questionable methodology. A well validated scale, with strong reliability, could then be used to test some of Linehan's theories, and we sought to create this scale. We developed the 11-item Invalidating Environments Questionnaire (IEQ), which has a maternal and a paternal subscale. Numerous steps were conducted, including thorough examination of the literature, subject matter expert card sort analysis, and extensive analysis and selection of items in two different sets of data. Indicators of internal consistency and factor structure suggested one underlying dimension. We further examined convergent and discriminant validity using other conceptually related or meaningful constructs, and found that the IEQ demonstrated predictive validity above and beyond the currently accepted scale to assess invalidating environments. Moreover, this study formally tested several of Linehan's theories about consequences of invalidating environments in the process of validation. Our results supported most of the theories that we tested, particularly when tested with the maternal subscale of the IEQ. The results of our study have implications for Linehan's theory, and they suggest future avenues of research. The Ableist Privilege Activity: An Active Learning Classroom Exercise Presenter: Pam Hancock Bowers, Social Work Graduate Mentor(s): Diane Mitschke Group members: Javier Boyas 9:20 am, San Saba Abstract: Educators are at the forefront of providing experiential learning opportunities for student preparation and accreditation standards underscore the need for social work students to be culturally competent practitioners. Offering active learning opportunities for social work students on issues of privilege helps them to understand their personal connection to the issues from a broader context. As technological advances result in the proliferation of online teaching modalities, active learning strategies must also be relevant for students in courses that do not meet in traditional face-to-face classrooms. This paper analyzes statements from an active learning exercise, “The Ableist Privilege Activity.” Data was analyzed through NVivo qualitative software using a phenomenological method. Following the identification of themes from the data, a similar process was used to identify and apply the six levels of cognition from Bloom’s Taxonomy to the students’ statements. 176 MSW students from two online and four face-to-face classes participated in the activity. The following three broad themes were generated from student statements: Physical, Cognitive & Intellectual Privilege, Aha Moments and Empathy. The first two themes had several sub-themes more specific to the social environment. Results indicate a dearth of higher order thinking as evidenced in student statements, few of which addressed the intersections of privilege. Practical implications indicate a need for educators to spend time deepening critical thinking skills of their students through continued dialogue and application exercises. The activity can be a useful tool for educators who wish to begin building upon students’ critical thinking skills related to ableist privilege. Psychometric scale for measuring the convenience of constructing strong passwords. Presenter: S M Taiabul Haque, Computer Science Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Matthew Wright Group members: Shannon Scielzo 10:00 am, Pedernales Abstract: In this work, we present a psychometric scale for measuring the convenience of constructing strong passwords in computer keyboards and different smart phone keypad layouts. First, from the results of a between group experiment among 40 UTA students, we observed that passwords that are created by using keyboards are significantly stronger than passwords that are created by smart phone touchscreen keypads. This primarily suggested that, the strength of a password is strongly associated with the keyboard/keypad layout through which the password is constructed. This hypothesis was confirmed by a second experiment, where a custom designed mobile keypad layout resulted in creation of relatively stronger passwords by the participants. All of these findings confirmed that, “convenience of typing” is a strong factor for creating a strong password, especially in case of smart phones. Therefore, by following the standard methodology of psychometric theory, we also develop and test a usability scale that measures the convenience of constructing strong passwords. We believe that, our work paves the way for applying psychometric theory in measuring various constructs that are associated with usable privacy and security. The Progression of Learning Assessments: The Next Step in Learning Outcomes-Based Assessment of the Emerging Scholars Program in Freshman Chemistry Presenter: Sarah Hardee, Biology Senior Mentor(s): Kevin A. Schug Group members: Kenneth Abayan; Julie L. Tran; Cody Fults Poster board: 98 Abstract: General Chemistry is often the first difficult step towards a degree for many STEM students. Arlington Undergraduate Research-based Achievement for STEM (AURAS), an NSF-funded program, includes an Emerging Scholar Program (ESP) to provide supplemental instruction for the regular General Chemistry lecture and laboratory course. In ESP, a learning outcomes-based assessment was developed that allows for individual students’ progress to be tracked over the course of a semester. The learning outcomes are based off the different segments of the course and allow the instructors to modify the course as needed to match and track the material and individual students’ learning patterns. Since the AURAS program has completed five semesters of supplemental instruction and student tracking, one of the major contributors to ESP student success is consistent attendance. Students that attended more then 70% of the AURAS sessions had a final average of 83% in the course. The students that attended the supplemental instruction less then 70% only had a final average of 69%. The final course average for those not enrolled in ESP ranges between 50-60%. This is evidence that the continued, regular attendance increased the material retention within these AURAS students. In addition, students received structured quizzes, which cover old, current, and future material, and were coded to the learning outcomes. The addition of structured quizzes and regular attendance, to the previously implemented AURAS sessions, indicate an increase in the effectiveness of the instruction while maintaining higher course grades and retention rates that have been demonstrated in the past. This work was funded and supported by the National Science Foundation. Somatization as a predictor of outcomes following functional restoration of Chronic Disabling Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders (CDOMD) patients Presenter: Meredith M. Hartzell, Psychology Graduate Poster board: 12 Mentor(s): Robert J. Gatchel Group members: Yunhee Choi, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate; Randy Neblett, M.A., LPC, BCB; Mark Williams, Ph.D.; Tom G. Mayer, M.D.; Robert J. Gatchel, Ph.D., ABPP Abstract: Chronic disabling occupational musculoskeletal disorders (CDOMDs) result from both psychosocial and physical factors, and CDOMD patients often have comorbid psychiatric conditions, such as somatization (when symptoms such as pain, dizziness, or nausea are medically unexplained). In a prospective cohort study, 1458 CDOMD patients from 2003-2010 with scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire Somatization Subscale (PHQ-15) completed functional restoration, consisting of quantitatively-directed exercise progression and multi-modal disability management. Patients were divided into 3 categories based upon cluster analysis of pre-treatment PHQ-15 scores: low somatization (n = 501), moderate somatization (n=817), and high somatization (n=140). Somatization groups were compared on demographic, psychosocial, and one-year socioeconomic outcomes such as work return and work retention. The PHQ-15 was highly responsive to treatment, with a 45% decrease in the number of high somatizers, an 18% decrease in moderate somatizer numbers, and a 42% increase in mild somatizer numbers at post-treatment (indicating improvement). Patients with moderate or high levels of somatization at pre-treatment were more likely to be female, and to have longer disability and multiple injuries. Moderate or high somatizers also had worse psychosocial outcomes: at pre and post-treatment, they exhibited more depressive symptoms, self-reported disability and pain intensity, and lower health-related quality of life (p ≤ .02). One-year after discharge, those with high somatization at posttreatment had lower work retention rates and higher health care utilization and surgery rates (p ≤ .05). These results suggest that the PHQ-15 acts as a “red flag” for patients who exhibit worse outcomes and require additional treatment. Real-Time Modeling of Swelling in Expansive Subgrades Presenter: Mahsa Hedayati, Civil Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Sahadat Hossain 1:20 pm, Neches Abstract: Deformation of the pavements due to swelling of expansive subgrade creates extreme discomfort in quality of riding and increase the maintenance cost. Therefore, it is required to be considered as part of TxDOT pavement design procedure. An attempt has been made to model the deformation of the pavement due to subgrade volume change in real time. A Farm-to-Market road with hot mix asphalt (HMA) cover was chosen to be monitored for moisture variation and deformation. The subgrade was heavily instrumented with moisture sensors to record data on hourly basis. Pavement deformation was also monitored with surveying. Furthermore, the distribution of moisture in the subgrade was modeled using a finite element software and the consequent volume change was determined. Moisture change in the subgrade was detected up to 15 feet deep which were in form of sudden peaks after each rainfall event. Changes of the water content were limited below the groundwater table and were most visible in the unsaturated zone. The upward and downward movements of the pavement occur in the range of ±2.5” following wet and dry periods. The deformation initiated severe cracking and increased the roughness of the surface with time. The measured movement was confirmed by FE modeling. The model and readings proved the HMA cover to be permeable. Therefore it is suggested that the surface contribution to subgrade moisture variation be taken into account. The moisture variation outputs of the FE model are confirmed with insitu monitoring and it could be used in future design procedures. This work was supported in part by the Texas Department of Transportation. Children with DCD show typical performance in mental imagery tasks Presenter: Danielle Henry, Kinesiology Graduate Mentor(s): Priscila Caçola Group members: Dr. George Kondraske Poster board: 3 Abstract: Visual and motor imagery are components of mental imagery. Typically, the capacity to use those components depends on a specific level of cognitive and/or motor abilities. Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) have marked impairments in fine motor skills, balance, and visuomotor skills despite of average or higher cognitive ability. It has been suggested that children with DCD are less accurate and more variable in tasks that require components of visual and motor imagery, so here we used a visual and a motor imagery task to compare performances of 7- to 11-year-old typically developing (TD) children (n = 7) and children with DCD (n = 7). Visual imagery was assessed with a grid task, where participants needed to memorize a grid with shaded squares and later match it to a grid with two letter X’s in it. Motor imagery was assessed with a finger tapping task, consisting of both imagined and executed conditions and having three levels of complexity. Results indicated no significant differences for the groups in speed or accuracy of responses in both mental imagery tasks. It seems the cognitive performance resources in most children with DCD were sufficient to drive acceptable task performance, even in the case of motor imagery. Future studies using the General Systems Performance theory may shed light into performance resources that either limit or support the desired level of success in functional activities in children with DCD. Wireless Strain Sensing System for Structural Health Monitoring in Space Presenter: Yayu Monica Hew, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Senior Mentor(s): Haiying Huang 4:00 pm, San Jacinto Abstract: The ongoing demand of the integrated space Vehicle Health Monitoring Systems (VHMS) has been boosted by the increasing global interests in space exploration. Specifically, the wireless sensor has the benefit of reducing the payload and the launch costs. Thus, lots of researchers monitor the fundamental structural physical indicators - strain to study the spacecraft mechanical performance. For spacecrafts, the Wireless Strain Sensor (WSS) will reveal the impact of acoustics and vibration on vehicle or equipment during launching/ ground test. In the Rocket Acoustics Program, NASA used WSN to monitor the structure strength of the Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel (COPV). This presentation presents the implementation and characterization of a wireless strain measurement system that is powered by solar energy. This system includes a wireless strain sensor that consumes about 6 mW, a wireless solar energy harvesting unit, and a frequency modulation/demodulation unit. To achieve such an ultra-low power operation, a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) is used to convert the direct-current (DC) strain signal to a high frequency oscillatory signal. This oscillatory signal is then transmitted by an unpowered wireless transponder. The sensor is powered by solar-based energy harvester. The frequency demodulation will be implemented as a frequency counter implemented in a microcontroller board (Arduino) and acquired using a PC-based MATLAB program. The system demonstrates highly linear/repeatable structural static measurement, and is able to measure structural vibration. The application of WSS in space is promising and bears the potential in cost reduction and payloads with great scalability and sensor flexibility. Coryat's Nation: The Construction of National Identity in "Coryat's Crudities" Presenter: Charles Hicks, English Graduate Mentor(s): Penny Ingram 1:20 pm, San Saba Abstract: This essay suggests that, despite the fact that it has been historically seen as a narrative of little consequence, Thomas Coryat’s Coryat’s Crudities is a response to the crises of identity in Early Modern England regarding national consciousness and that Coryat’s travelogue serves as a text that contributes to the conceptual framework of English nationhood. Coryat fashions himself as the subject of his continental exploration, which places English identity in conjunction with other European bodies and allows Coryat to construct and produce an English identity in contrast to the foreign rituals, architecture, and subjects that he describes. The following will use Benedict Anderson’s concept of the nation as an “imagined community” to illustrate how Coryat’s text creates a community based on a singular knowledge of the topography and social mores of places such as Venice. For example, Coryat uses encounters with Venetian courtesans to emphasize the importance and infallibility of English chastity and construct and “Englishness” in contrast to a foreign culture. This essay looks at the way that Coryat’s descriptions of architecture, namely the Clock of Strasbourg, take part in a cultural appropriation of historical icons in order to position the English nation and identity amidst a global context and legitimize it by giving it “calendrical” status. My reading of this travelogue works not only to bring a new perspective to a consistently overlooked text, but also illustrate how it marks the emergence of modern ways of “thinking” the nation. Optimization of novel multifunctional nanoscaffolds for re-endothelialization in situ Presenter: Micah Holden, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Kytai Nguyen Group members: Lee-Chun Su, Dr. Balabhaskar Prabhakarpandian, Dr. Kytai T. Nguyen 9:00 am, Neches Abstract: Angioplasty and stenting are common treatments for clogged arteries, resulting in damage to the arterial wall. Denudation of endothelial tissue allows deposition of von Willebrand factor (vWF). Binding to vWF activates platelets and subsequently results in thrombosis and restenosis. A novel multifunctional nanoscaffold system for in situ re-endothelialization has been developed. The nanoscaffolds were conjugated with dual ligands (GP1b and anti-CD34). The particles target the sub-endothelial tissue and prevent platelet deposition via GP1b, and recruit endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) from the blood stream via anti-CD34. The goal of this research is to optimize the functionality of this nanoscaffold system. Several factors were manipulated and studied including: particle size (<200 nm and >5 μm), ligand concentration, monolayer deposition and EPC capturing efficacy in order to achieve optimal performance of the particle functionalities. Synthetic microvascular networks (SMN) are microfluidic chambers modeled after native vascular structures. SMN which mimics physiological flow conditions will be used to examine the particle adhesion/deposition. From our results we have concluded the optimal ligand density, based on 200 nm particles to be 50 μg ligand/mg particles. To achieve monolayer coverage, various sizes of particles were incubated with vWF coated substrates. We found that binding of microparticles results in higher surface area coverage as compared to nanoparticles. Preliminary results indicate that microparticles show lower binding per area than nanoparticles. Future work focuses on studying the effect of particle sizes to vascular injury targeting at various shear rates and at different vascular structures using the SMN. Synthesis of Folic aicd and Protoporphyrin IX Conjugated Persistent luminescence nanoparticles as a New drug Carrier for Photodynamic Therapy Presenter: Homa Homayoni, Biomedical Engineering Graduate 9:20 am, Neches Mentor(s): Wei Chen Group members: Homayoni. H (BIOE), Rohani. P (BME), Jiang. K (PHYS), Hossu. M (PHYS), Zou. X (PHYS), Chen. W (PHYS) Abstract: The most challenging limitation of currently approved drugs for photodynamic therapy (PDT) is their absorption band, typically located in the visible light region, where the majority of the activating light is absorbed by surrounding tissues. This situation gives weak penetration and limits PDT efficiency. In addition, poor water dispersion of the drugs is an obstacle preventing sufficient generation of singlet oxygen, which is an essential key for killing cancer cells. The focus of this study is to eliminate external visible light needed for PpIX activation by introducing a new source provided by synthesized nanoparticles (NPs). A second solution sought during this study is conjugation of PpIX to the NPs to improve water dispersion of the photosynthesizer. To provide a proper activating light source for PpIX, injectable persistent luminescence nanoparticles which respond to both ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray were synthesized. Then, activated PpIX was conjugated to the NPs with APTES. Finally, folic acid (FA) was covalently bonded to PpIX-conjugated NPs to improve their water dispersion and tumor targeting abilities. SEM confirmed NPs shape and size; Raman and dynamic light scattering demonstrated successful conjugation of PpIX and FA to the NPs. Spectroscopy results revealed successful energy transfer between NPs and PpIX, and greater than 5 times enhanced intensity of conjugated PpIX. Cell studies confirmed better biocompatibility for ultimate NPs. Cell imaging showed emitted red light from ultimate NPs was dramatically improved in comparison to free PpIX. These preliminary results introduce a very promising new light source and solution for enhanced-efficiency PDT. Synergistic Effects on Axonal Growth and Length from Postnatal Mice Spinal Cord and Dorsal Root Ganglion Explants by Combinatorial Treatment of Neurotrophins and Pleiotrophin Presenter: Elijah Hor, Chemistry Junior Poster board: 86 Mentor(s): Nesreen Alsmadi (BE) Group members: Nesreen Zoghoul Alsmadi, Parisa Lotfi, Tarik Shihabeddin, Swarup Dash, Mario Romero. Abstract: The lack of spontaneous regeneration in the adult spinal cord often results in permanent sensory motor impairments after injury. Techniques of applying of neurotropic factors are known to elicit some axonal regeneration across the injured spinal cord. Several growth factors such as brain-derived growth factor (BDNF), glial-derived nerve factor (GDNF) and pleiotrophin (PTN) have been demonstrated to induce axonal growth in the injured spinal cord. In dorsal root ganglion, combinatorial and synergistic effects of neurotrophins, such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT3), and PTN have been shown to have a role in axonal density and length respectively. However, whether these factors have differential neurotropic potency, or whether their combinatorial treatment would confer a regenerative advantage, remains to be determined. In the experiments performed, we systematically evaluated the differential effects of growth factors with respect to their ability to induce axonal regeneration in postnatal spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion explant cultures. The results of the former indicate that PTN induces 50% increase in axonal length and is more effective than BDNF or GDNF. Furthermore, a combination of PTN/BDNF/GDNF increased axonal growth in the spinal cord explants to approximately 300%. In terms of axonal length, our results indicate that PTN alone is sufficient for an optimal increase. In contrast, it was apparent that axonal density is optimized in the presence of multiple growth factors. Our results may contribute towards the elucidation of the most effective trophic support needed to entice nerve regeneration in the injured spinal cord. Importance of chemical space study to design flavin-mimic organocatalyst Presenter: Mohammad Shawkat Hossain, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Frank W. Foss Jr. Group members: Shuai Chen, Alvin Hua 11:20 am, Concho Abstract: Nature performs critical chemical reactions using small organic cofactors located within the catalytic site of enzymes. Riboflavin is a cofactor responsible for hundreds of oxidation and reduction reactions. Study of riboflavin’s structure and the chemical space around this catalyst is crucial to understanding the reaction mechanism as well as designing more active catalysts for chemical synthesis. 1,3,5-trialkyl substituted alloxazines and 3,5,10-trisubstituted isoalloxazines are robust classes of biomimetic riboflavins, which are able to mimic bio-oxidation reactions. Recently, we showed that structural modifications at the 7 and 8 positions altered inductive and resonance electronic effects of the alloxazine catalyst and greatly influenced the initial rate of the oxidation of benzaldehydes to phenols (Dakin oxidation). Electron-withdrawing substitutions at these positions increased the rate of the reactions and electron-donating substituents slowed the rate of reaction. Similarly, the 1 and 3 positions of the catalyst might also play an important rule in regulating biomimetic redox reactions. This study investigates the modification of substituents at 1 and 3 positions of the alloxazine based on other physical properties like hydrogen bonding, ionic interactions, and spatial arrangement of the groups. Also a HPLC based initial rate study of a range of catalyzed reactions will be used to determine the effects of new substituents at these positions. The University of Texas at Arlington, UTA Research Enhancement Program (147488), and NSF CRIF:MU program (CHE-0840509). Biomimicking of Flavins Presenter: Alvin Hua, Chemistry Senior Mentor(s): Frank Foss (Chemistry) Group members: Mohammad Hossain Poster board: 93 Abstract: Flavins are commonly found in the body and are well known electron carriers. The most well known is FAD/FADH2 which is used in photosynthesis. Flavins can also be used as catalysts in certain reactions, to speed up the reaction process. By changing a piece of the molecule, also referred to as functional group, the effects of the flavin on the certain reaction that is under observation can drastically change. In essence, changing a part of the flavin can either speed up, slow down, or have no effect at all on the rate of the reaction. For the project, the flavin under observation was synthesized with different functional groups (-COOH, -CH3, etc.) and was used in catalysis of salicylaldehyde (2hydroxybenzaldehyde) to catechol (1,2-benzediol). The reaction was monitored under HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography) for each different flavin catalyst. From the current results, the methylated flavin (flavin with a -CH3 functional group attached) showed a significant increase in reaction rate. Characterization of cuticular lipids from Anopheles gambia mosquitoes with MALDI-IT-TOF-MS as a potential means for malaria risk assessment Presenter: Sarah Hughes, Chemistry Graduate 1:00 pm, Concho Mentor(s): Kevin Schug (CHEM) Group members: Sheheli Islam, Hui Fan, VladimÌr HavlÌček, Jaroslaw Krzywinski, Seoung Bum Kim, Kevin A. Schug Abstract: Malaria infects millions of people annually, often resulting in hospitalization or death, through the bites of infected older female Anopheles mosquitoes. The ability to characterize a mosquito population and identify the proportion of the mosquitoes capable of conferring the parasite is key in assessing the risk of infection for a given community. Such advancement would allow control campaigns to be focused on those high risk areas to maximize impact. Due to this pressing need for a reliable risk assessment procedure, we have used mass spectrometry to examine the outermost waxy layer of A. gambia mosquitoes with the aim to classify them by sex, age, and mating status from their respective spectra. Previously, our group analyzed mosquitoes and showed that with multivariable statistical analysis it was possible to classify mosquitoes based on these extracted cuticular components. The method, which utilized silver as a key reagent, produced complicated spectra and fragment spectra that prevented peak identification. This hurdle was overcome with a new instrument and method, including the elimination of silver, which resulted in simple and high quality spectra. While this new knowledge should help researchers develop better control strategies, it was found that those peaks were not the unique spectral features that previously allowed for mosquito classification through the old method. Therefore, current work is focused on generating spectra that display additional molecular features from the mosquito epicuticle, and to use the new instrumentation for their unequivocal identification. Reconstruction of Atlantic meridional overturning circulation during the Younger Dryas with implementation of a carbon cycle model. Presenter: Taylor Hughlett, Geology Graduate Mentor(s): Arne Winguth (GEOL) 3:00 pm, Palo Pinto Abstract: The Younger Dryas (YD) cooling event (ca. 12,900 ka) is considered to be the last event of its kind in the geological record and is famous for its considerably short duration in geological time. Though several hypotheses have been proposed, the exact cause for the dramatic cooling has not been resolved. The most widely accepted hypothesis suggests input of meltwater into the Northern Atlantic ocean may have shut down the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. The melting of the Laurentide Ice Sheet and drainage of Lake Agassiz during the BollingAllerod event just prior to the YD, may have triggered climatic change. Using the National Center for Atmospheric Research's Community Climate System Model version 3.0 (CCSM3), simulations have been created to investigate the effects freshwater input as well as the carbon cycle on the North Atlantic. Results are to be compared to geochemical proxies found in the geological record. Model results suggest the inclusion of the carbon cycle may provide a more detailed representation of ocean circulation during the YD. Compared to simulations without a carbon cycle, a decrease in oceanic circulation by approximately 3 Sverdrups is shown, and ocean temperatures were approximately 3.85°C warmer on average. Inclusion of the carbon cycle and other factors could explain this warming. As present day global temperatures rise due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations, melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet could alter deep-sea circulation. Should the meltwater discharge into the Northern Atlantic, another event similar to the Younger Dryas could be possible. Examination of Favre Averaging Applied to Detonation-Turbulence Interaction Presenter: Sarah M Hussein, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Senior Mentor(s): Frank Lu (MAE) Group members: Elizabeth Blaiszik Poster board: 102 Abstract: Compressibility becomes important when the Mach number M, the ratio of the flow speed to the speed of sound, exceeds 0.3. Compressibility influences the design of high-speed aircraft in the supersonic and hypersonic range, where M > 5. For practical reasons, the flow is usually turbulent with small fluctuations in velocity among other properties. Even at high mean flow Mach numbers exceeding 5, it is postulated that the fluctuations remain small so that the fluctuating Mach number, the ratio of the velocity fluctuations to the speed of sound, is less than 0.3. This is known as Morkovin‚Äôs hypothesis which simplifies the Navier-Stokes governing equations of motion. One way of solving these equations is to invoke density averaging also known as Favre averaging, which ignores compressibility on presumably small fluctuations.\However, the hypothesis is counterintuitive since the fluctuations are expected to grow as the flow speed increases. With present computational capabilities, the validity of Morkovin's hypothesis and Favre averaging at high speeds can be assessed by obtaining solutions via direct numerical simulation. We use data from either a shock or detonation wave interacting with a compressible, homogeneous, isotropic turbulent field. The wave is traveling at a sufficiently high Mach number of 5.5. The preliminary examination reported here shows that the streamwise velocity component includes a coupled velocity fluctuation and density fluctuation term that has been previously ignored. Improved understanding of compressibility effects on turbulence will yield breakthroughs with applications in hypersonic vehicle design, industrial safety and related subjects such as astrophysics. Does Controlling Your Weight Really Make You More Satisfied? Presenter: Jordan T. Irvin, Psychology Senior Mentor(s): Lauri Jensen-Campbell Group members: Maria E. Guarneri-White Poster board: 111 Abstract: Research has shown that eating disturbances have high comorbidity with low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction (O’Dea & Abraham, 1999) that may relate to low life satisfaction (Lynch, Everingham, Dubitzky, Hartman, & Kasser, 2000). Disordered eating has roots in adolescence (Ackard & Peterson, 1999), at the same time as adolescents are vulnerable to internalizing pressures to be thin (Hermes & Keel, 2002). Although weight control behaviors can be normative, combined with outcomes of internalizing the thin ideal, they are key predictors of disordered eating (Galen, Levine, Smolak & Murnen, 1989). The current study is concerned with the relationship between weight control behaviors and life satisfaction in a female adolescent sample (M = 14.91, SD = .76) taken from the Health Behavior in School-Age Children study (United States Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, 2003). We suggest higher rates of weight control behaviors will negatively relate to life satisfaction, after controlling for body image. We suggest this relationship will be stronger for white females, due to higher prevalence of eating disorders in this ethnic group (Hudson, Hiripi, Pope & Kessler, 2007). As hypothesized, greater rates of weight control behaviors significantly predicted lower life satisfaction, b = .105, SE = .016, t(2508) = -6.67, p < .001, sr2 = .017, even after controlling for body image, b = -.055, SE = .017, t(2497) = -3.22, p = .001, sr2 = .004. This relationship was not moderated by ethnicity; this suggests the wide-sweeping effects of pressures to be thin on adolescent females. Thermo sensitive fluorescent polymeric theranostic nanoparticles for cancer treatment. Presenter: Parth Jadeja, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Kytai Nguyen (BE) Group members: Zhiwei Xie, Jyothi U. Menon, Kytai T. Nguyen Poster board: 27 Abstract: Thermo-responsive or “smart” polymers can be used for various biomedical applications including drug delivery, tissue engineering and biofunctional molecular techniques due to their ability to release loaded therapeutic agents in response to changes in temperature. The objective is to develop novel fluorescent temperature-responsive nanoparticles for drug delivery and imaging applications.Poly(N-vinyl caprolactam) (PNVCL),a thermo-sensitive polymer that has better biodegradability and biocompatibility compared to commonly used nondegradable thermo-responsive polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) was selected. WBPLP (water soluble biodegradable photoluminescent polymer) was used due to its fluorescent stability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. Here, fluorescent thermo-sensitive copolymer PNVCL-WBPLP nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized for both imaging and drug delivery applications for tumor management. Formulated WBPLP-PNVCL nanoparticles have an diameter size of 200nm and surface charge of -26mV. It was also seen that with decrease in PNVCL concentration LCST (Lower Critical Solution Temperature) increased and vice versa, allowing us to efficiently control temperaturedependence of copolymer according to choice of our application. Nanoparticles releasing encapsulated drugs at 45C were optimized for further studies as 45C is an ideal temperature for combining of drug delivery for chemotherapy with hyperthermia therapy. The cytotoxicity results show more than 80% cell viability for up to 500µg/ml concentration of these nanoparticles, suggesting they are biocompatible. About 77% of doxorubicin (an anticancer drug) was released from particles over 21 days. Future work includes in vitro and in vivo studies to investigate fluorescent imaging, biodistribution,and effectiveness of these nanoparticles for cancer diagnosis and therapy The Influence of Previous Experience on Exergame Use in College Undergraduates Presenter: Colin Jenney, MS, ACSM-CPT, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): Liegey Dougall Group members: Jeffrey Swanson, MA 9:00 am, Palo Pinto Abstract: Modern technology has enabled people to reduce their workload, thus reducing the need for physical activity. However, a growing area of research has aimed to use technology to combat America’s lack of physical activity. The use of exercise video games (exergames) has been shown to encourage physical activities but may be influenced by the player’s background experiences. The current study tested the effect of baseline exergame experience on intervention outcomes by providing undergraduate students (n = 35) who did not regularly exercise with introductory training for a new sport through an exergame. Participants played a racquetball exergame for 4 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of playing the sport of racquetball. Assessments at the beginning (T1), middle (T2), and end (T3) of the 8-week training period measured baseline experience with exergames at T1, number of racquetball games played outside of the study at T2 and T3, and enjoyment and physical activity at all assessments. Statistical results supported expectations, as those with low exergame experience reported greater enjoyment at T1 and T2 than those with higher experience. Furthermore, as expected, results found that the less baseline exergame experience participants had, the more racquetball games they played outside of study participation. Unexpectedly, those with higher experience showed increased enjoyment and physical activity over time than those with low experience. These results suggest that players with low experience may enjoy exergame use more and ultimately be influenced to begin future activity, as well as providing fodder to enhance future exergame research. Background free spectrum measurement for studying the surfaces of Cu (100) and Ag (100) using Auger Photoelectron coincidence spectroscopy Presenter: Prasad Joglekar, Physics Graduate Mentor(s): Alex Weiss Group members: Suman Satyal, Karthik Shastry, Dr Steven Hulbert 1:40 pm, Pedernales Abstract: A photon beam is incident on a sample surface knocking out inner shell electrons of surface atoms, these electrons are termed as photoelectrons. The creation of photoelectron causes vacancy in the inner shell thereby leaving an atom in an excited state. This excited atom relaxes by filling the inner shell vacancy with electrons in the outer (valence) shell, this results a vacancy and excess energy in outer shell. The excess energy is then transferred to the neighboring outer (valence) electrons, knocking them out of the atom, these outgoing electrons are known as Auger electrons and this mechanism is called Auger transition. The sample surface properties and behavior can be understood by detecting the Auger electrons (and spectrum). We used Auger photoelectron coincidence spectroscopy (APECS) to study Auger transitions in Ag(100) and Cu(100) sample. The Auger electrons were detected in coincidence with the causal core photoelectron by two detectors, cylindrical mirror analyzers (CMAs), giving us APECS spectrum. This spectrum is important in qualitative and quantitative analysis of the sample surface. In general, APECS spectrum contains background arising from factors other than the Auger transition (background in our case) such as inelastic scattering of outer shell (valence band) electrons. To measure this background contribution we did a series of experimental measurements, from which the background due to inelastic scattering of valence band was estimated. This background was then subtracted yielding a background reduced spectrum containing contributions only from electrons emitted as a result of the Auger transition process. Welch Foundation Y 1100, NSF grant DMR 0907679 Nerve conduit design for controlled regeneration of nervous tissue following peripheral nerve injury Presenter: Benjamin Johnston, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Mario Romero-Ortega Group members: Granja-Vazquez, R., Romero-Ortega, M. 10:00 am, Neches Abstract: Peripheral nerve injuries often occur in traumatic events. While immediate surgical intervention can improve the recovery process, surgical devices that augment the control of regeneration are still needed. A challenge in this clinical scenario is that peripheral nerves will generate neuromas if not treated properly. Neuromas are benign tumors that can cause neuropathic pain. Sadly, every amputee will develop a neuroma in the amputated appendage, and approximately one quarter will experience debilitating pain. For the above reasons, our research has focused on the best combination of biomaterials and trophic signaling to encourage controlled regeneration. Using the Lewis Rat animal model we have data that supports our hypothesis that materials, geometry, and trophic support can control nerve regeneration. I will present the most recent results of a 17 animal in vivo assessment of our hypothesis - that engineered conduits can limit neuroma formation and further limit neuropathic pain. We hypothesized that animals would experience the most pain without a conduit and less when the peripheral nerve was encased within a conduit. The animals were divided into three groups: control (no conduit - 5 animals), hollow conduit (6), and advanced geometry conduit (6). We assessed the pain level of each animal by weekly Von Frey testing and determined neuroma formation by immunohistochemistry. We observed a significantly lower pain score for the animals in the advanced geometry conduit group over the course of an 8-week study period. Although preliminary work, this study reveals a promising approach for the treatment of peripheral neuropathies. This work was partially supported by the National Institues of Health (MRO) Chromatography Simulation using Microsoft Excel Presenter: Akinde Florence Kadjo, Chemistry Senior Mentor(s): Purnendu Dasgupta Poster board: 101 Abstract: We present an application of Microsoft Excel and specifically Excel Macros for the purpose of modeling chromatography, specifically Ion Chromatography. In the model system, chromatography is treated as a series of repeated equilibrations on sequential plates. The sample is endlessly fractionated at each stage and a fixed fraction of the analyte based on the partition coefficient stays in the sorbent and the rest is transported to the mobile phase and moves to the next plate. When modeled in Excel, each cell in a column represents a plate. Each subsequent step can be modeled as a new column, or by using Excel macros the separation may be viewed in time. The model has been extended to not only predict band behavior on a column but also simulate an actual chromatogram. Isocratic flow and elution models are the simplest case for a two component system, but gradient elution for ion chromatography is readily modeled so long as log k' vs log [KOH (eluent)] system is known. A simple case using sulfate and nitrate has been compared to the model with great success using data acquired on a Dionex ICS5000 capillary system. Peak asymmetry factors such as non-linear isotherm, existence of active site and incomplete mobile phase transfer have also been incorporated into the model. The Excel model represents a readily accessible tool for students in analytical chemistry to grasp the concepts of chromatography, and also a tool in spotting and resolving problems encountered in chromatography. This work was supported in part by NASA grant NNX11A066G Change: The Evolution of Advertisements and the Portrayal of Richard M. Nixon from 1952-1972 Presenter: Rebekah Karth, Communications Graduate Mentor(s): Erika Pribanic-Smith 11:00 am, Palo Pinto Abstract: This study examines the themes found in televised presidential campaign advertisements in campaigns involving Richard Nixon, starting with the first television campaign in 1952, and going through the 1972 campaign, which was a prelude to the subsequent investigation of the Watergate scandal that ultimately ended Nixon's career as a politician. The research of these presidential campaign advertisement themes serves as an illustration of how personality can be captured throughout the span of a career as changes occurred in the way that advertisements were made, while at the same time Nixon changed the way he acted and behaved for the cameras. This research can prove useful to communication historians and current advertising professionals alike, giving an understanding of how to shape a more effective campaign where personality may be a factor, due to the changes that have occurred in presidential advertising thanks to the emergence of electronic means of advertising such as radio and television. The results of this study demonstrate how electronic advertising made it possible to change the way that personalities of candidates were portrayed, making personality a greater factor than before. Biodegradable Multi-functional Nanoparticles for Cancer Presenter: Damanpreet Kaur, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Kytai Nguyen Group members: Jyothi U. Menon, Kytai T. Nguyen Poster board: 42 Abstract: Stimuli-sensitive materials which can alter their conformation and properties, in response to changes in physiological variables, are receiving increasing attention as therapeutic devices. Temperature sensitivity is interesting property of stimuli-responsive polymers. Thermo-responsive polymers that undergo reversible phase transitions at a certain temperature show potential for drug delivery systems as they can release loaded drug in response to changes in temperature. These polymers swell below and collapse above lower critical solution temperature (LCST), thereby triggering drug release. In this study, we have developed and characterized biodegradable temperature sensitive core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) for drug delivery applications. The NP core is made of poly(D,L lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) with drug Curcumin inside, whereas NP shell is made a copolymer of N-Isopropyl acrylamide and Methyl Cellulose, containing Doxorubicin drug. These NPs had an average diameter of 290 nm with a zeta potential of -29mV. The NP suspension became cloudy at 41∞C indicating that its LCST is 41∞C. Cytotoxicity study indicates that the nanoparticles are biocompatible up to 500 µg/ml. In addition, the PLGA core shows a sustained release of curcumin over a period of 4 weeks, while the shell releases drug in responding to changes in temperature. Future work will involve with determining the effectiveness of these NPs both in vitro and in vivo. Sustainable Slope Stabilization using Recycled Plastic Pin Presenter: Mohammad Sadik Khan, Civil Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Sahadat Hossain (Department of Civil Engineering) Group members: Golam Kibria, Mahsa Hedayati 1:40 pm, Neches Abstract: The shallow slope failures are predominant in the North Texas area and pose significant maintenance problems for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Typically, TxDOT maintenance team considers the traditional slope stabilization techniques, mainly concrete retaining wall. However, conventional remedial methods can be expensive in some instances and Recycled Plastic Pin (RPP) could be utilized to stabilize the shallow slope failure as a cost effective alternative. RPP are fabricated from recycled plastics and waste materials (i.e. polymars, sawdust, fly ash). It is a lightweight material and less susceptible to chemical and biological degradation compared to alternative reinforcing element. RPP are driven into the slope face that provides an additional resistance along the slip plane and increase the factor of safety. During the current study, a highway slope located over highway US 287 near the St. Paul overpass in Midlothian, Texas was stabilized using RPP. Surficial movement and cracks over the shoulder were observed near the bridge abutment due to rainfall. Two 15.25 m (50 ft) sections of US 287 slope were selected and reinforced using RPP in March 2011. Another 15.25 m (50 ft) section between two reinforced sections was used as a control section. To monitor the performance of the reinforced and control section, instrumented RPP were installed and topographic surveys were conducted in all sections. Based on the performance monitoring data, significant settlement and higher incremental strain was observed at the control section. However, almost no settlement and displacement was observed at the reinforced section. This work was sponsored by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Identification of Arabidopsis Genes Involved in Stomatal Immunity. Presenter: Roshni Kharadi, Biology Sophomore Mentor(s): Maeli Melotto Group members: Samantha T. Trinh, Dr. Maeli Melotto 1:00 pm, San Jacinto Abstract: Stomata are pores present on the surface of leaves that besides facilitating gaseous exchange between the outside environment and the apoplast of the leaf, also serve as a path of entry for bacteria. However, the guard cells that flank the stomata can sense conserved molecules on the bacterial cell surface collectively called PAMPs and change their turgor pressure resulting in the closure of the stomata. This research is geared toward finding the genes responsible for this active innate immunity in stomata. Previously, we have identified 1164 genes that were differentially expressed in response to at least one of the following bacteria: Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SL1344. As stomatal movement is closely associated with leaf surface temperature, we have designed a genetic screening to quickly assess the function of these genes by taking infrared images (Flir System T-300) of knockout mutant plants after bacterial inoculation. We have homozygous T-DNA insertion lines for 464 of those genes. Currently, 48 mutant plants were screened for high deviation of leaf surface temperature (as compared to wild type Col-0) in addition to enumerating the bacterial population in the plant’s apoplast. We found six genes that play potential roles in stomatal immunity and their molecular functions will be discussed. By studying stomatal immunity, we can make strides toward increasing crop productions by eliminating the losses due to diseases, a pivotal issue facing the world today. Form Interference Effects During Silent Reading Presenter: Iya Khelm, Linguistics Graduate Mentor(s): Naoko Witzel (LING) Group members: Jeffrey Witzel (LING) Poster board: 11 Abstract: Although a number of studies have shown that phonological repetition causes reading comprehension difficulties (e.g., Acheson & MacDonald, 2011; Kennison et al., 2003; McCutchen et al., 1991), the nature of these processing costs remains unclear. The present study attempted to shed light on this issue by examining (i) the time-course of form-related interference effects, (ii) the interaction of these effects with syntactic processing difficulty, and (iii) the extent to which these effects relate to phonological or orthographic overlap. Two experiments were conducted in which participants’ eye movements were recorded as they read reduced and unreduced relative clause sentences which contained (i) two phonologically and orthographically overlapping words (infectionÖ injection) or (ii) a control word (infectionÖ medicines). To test that the effects in Experiment 1 were not just due to orthographic similarity, in Experiment 2, these words were phonologically dissimilar but orthographically similar (laughterÖ daughter). The results of the experiments indicated that form similarity causes interference even in the early stages of silent reading. These effects cannot be attributed exclusively to phonological form overlap, as processing difficulty was found for words in both experiments. However, the late interaction of form overlap and syntactic processing effects only for sentences with phonologically similar words suggests that phonology, but not orthography, plays a key role in comprehension processes related to retention and retrieval in working memory. These findings showed how people process sentences during silent reading that is important for research in reading, as well as for studying cases of reading disorders. Investigation of Geotechnical Properties Affecting Electrical Resistivity of Clayey Soil Presenter: Golam Kibria, Civil Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): MD. Sahadat Hossain Poster board: 44 Abstract: The use of resistivity imaging (RI) in subsurface investigation has increased in recent years. RI is a non-destructive method and provides a continuous image of the subsurface. However, only qualitative evaluation of the subsurface can be obtained from RI. The correlations between RI results and geotechnical engineering properties of soils have become important for site investigation using this method. The primary objective of the current study was to determine the geotechnical parameters affecting electrical resistivity of clayey soil. Understanding the influential factors will be helpful in determining the correlations between RI results and geotechnical properties of soil. The effects of moisture content, unit weight, degree of saturation, specific surface area, percentages of pores and ion composition on soil resistivity were investigated. Soil samples used in the study were classified as highly plastic clay (CH) according to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). High energy X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) tests indicated the presence of high percentages of aluminum, silicon and calcium ions in the samples. In addition, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were analyzed to identify clay structure and the distribution of pores. It was determined that the dominant clay mineral in the soil samples was montmorillonite. Soil resistivity tests were conducted in the laboratory at varying moisture contents and unit weights. Based on the experimental results, it was observed that the average reduction in soil resistivity was 13.8 Ohm-m for an increase of moisture content from 10% to 20%. Test results indicated that soil resistivity decreased with the increase in moist unit weight. In addition, soil resistivity increased from 4.3 to 14.2 Ohm-m for an increase of surface area from 69.6 to 107.1 m2/gm at 18% moisture content and 11.8 kN/m3 dry unit weight. Soil with high surface area required more water for the formation of water film and bridging between the particles. This might cause an increase in soil resistivity with an increase of surface area. Moreover, specific surface area also controlled resistivity when soil resistivity was plotted against calcium ions and pore spaces of the soil samples. Therefore, in addition to moisture content and unit weight, specific surface area of soils was identified as an important factor influencing soil resistivity. This work was supported by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Carotid Baroreflex Control of Heart Rate is Enhanced during Whole-body Heat Stress Presenter: Davor Krnjajic, Kinesiology Graduate Mentor(s): David M. Keller (Kinesiology) Group members: Cory L. Butts, Shane W Warren, Mitchel R. Samels, Tyler J Benson Poster board: 43 Abstract: Heat stress has been shown to impair one's ability to maintain blood pressure when in the upright posture, making it more difficult to withstand this body position without fainting. While this is an important area of focus, especially for those exposed to these environmental conditions, such as firefighters, pilots, athletes, etc., as well as others that are more sensitive to heat stress (e.g., the elderly), the precise mechanisms for this phenomenon are unknown. The arterial baroreflex is the primary moment-to-moment regulator of blood pressure. However, the effects of heat stress on arterial baroreflex function (i.e., blood pressure control) are not well-understood. We tested the hypothesis that baroreflex function will be maintained during heat stress. 10 subjects were exposed to "normothermic (i.e., normal body temperature, NT)" and whole body heat stress (Δ internal temp ~1 °C) conditions. During each condition, subsequent "baroreflex stimulation" (i.e., low and high blood pressure stimuli) was performed using the well-established neck-chamber technique to assess each subject‚Äôs baroreflex control of heart rate and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Responses during both thermal conditions were compared using t-tests and 2-way ANOVA (when appropriate). Baroreflex control of HR was enhanced during heat stress compared to NT conditions (p=0.03). In addition, there were no changes observed for baroreflex control of MAP between thermal conditions. In summary, whole body heat stress does not appear to impair baroreflex control of blood pressure and, in fact, may enhance baroreflex function (e.g., the control of HR). These findings indicate that the reduced ability to withstand the upright posture when heat stressed appears unrelated to changes in baroreflex function and further research efforts targeting other responsible mechanisms is warranted. Porous Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres for In Vitro Drug Screening and Tissue Engineering Applications Presenter: Aneetta Kuriakose, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Kytai Nguyen (Biomedical Engineering) Group members: Jyothi Menon, Varsha Sundaresan Poster board: 26 Abstract: Biodegradable microparticles are gaining increasing attention due to their potential use as drug delivery systems, micro-carriers for tissue regeneration, and 3D cell culture models for medical applications. The objective of this work is to develop porous microparticles and use them to establish in vitro 3-D cell culture models for tissue regeneration and screening of anti-cancer drugs. These porous particles would provide sufficient surface areas for cells to attach, grow, and proliferate as well as allow nutrient diffusion and removal of wastes through the porous architecture. In this work, porous poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles were fabricated using sodium-bicarbonate (PLGA-SBC) and gelatin (PLGA-gelatin) as porogens. Initial characterization shows that the particles are uniformly distributed with average diameters ranges from 30-50µm. In addition, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images indicate that the particles are spherical in shape with surface pores of 0.5 - 12µm in diameters. It was also observed that the PLGA-gelatin and PLGA-SBC particles degraded 60% and 40% of their original weight respectively within 4 weeks. The stability study shows that these particles are stable in both water and serum containing media up to 5 days. These results imply that porous PLGA microparticles are stable and can maintain their integrity and strength until the cells adapt to the environment. Future studies will involve studies of cell growth on particles, the subsequent formation of 3D cancer cell culture models, and effectiveness of these models in evaluating of drugs compared to 2D culture models. Long-Term Stability of the Gas Electron Multiplier Radiation Detector with a Digital Readout System Presenter: Samantha Lacombe, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Senior Mentor(s): Jaehoon Yu Group members: Seongtae Park, Amit Bashyal, Blake Watson, Ying Wun Yvo Ng 4:20 pm, San Jacinto Abstract: High Energy Physics (HEP) is the field of physics that investigates the most fundamental particles in the universe using high-energy particle accelerators in an attempt to understand the forces between them. Thus far, the Standard Model describes many of the interactions we have observed; however, it is not a complete theory and there is a significant push to further accurately describe the characteristics of these fundamental particles. Future particle accelerator experiments require very precise measurement equipment. UTA's HEP group has developed and tested Gas Electron Multiplier technology (GEM) as a viable instrument to carry out such precise measurements. GEM detectors provide a high rate of particle detection and can withstand the high radiation environment it would be exposed to. Determining GEM detectors operational behavior and stability over a long time period is critical in order for the technology to be useable. The GEM detectors have been exposed to various radiation sources during testing, but to accurately depict the detectors long-term behavior it is important to consider experiments done only under similar conditions. In this talk, we present a long-term behavioral analysis to understand the stability of the GEM detector using the statistical method on cosmic ray data. The Samara Spacecraft: Exploring Near-Space by Mimicking Nature Presenter: Amit Lalloobhai, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Ben Harris (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering) Group members: Mousumi Ahmed, Tracie Perez Poster board: 36 Abstract: The goal of this research is to use an aerodynamic shape found in some seeds, the samara, to enable extremely small satellites to safely return to Earth from space. Samara-shaped seeds spin up while they drop, creating a lifting force that extends the seed's dispersal range. The samara shape provides the same benefit and others to man-made artificial satellites as they re-enter Earth atmosphere. In addition to slowing descent, the spin keeps the spacecraft oriented as it drops. Furthermore, the spin cools the spacecraft. The net benefit is a spacecraft that can operate continuously as it drops from orbit, from the edge of space, through near space, finally landing upright on the surface. This opens up a new region of the atmosphere for direct observation, higher than weather balloons can reach (40 km) and lower than standard satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) can observe (120 km). Observations in this region benefit both meteorology and climatology. This research also holds the promise to enable the first small satellite to survive atmospheric re-entry. Our poster will prove that the samara shape slows the spacecraft descent and maintains spacecraft orientation despite wind gusts. An analysis of the descent rate has been developed based on the expected aerodynamic forces experienced by the samara-shaped vehicle. A field experiment was conducted using full-scale prototype dropped from a building and these results demonstrate a reduced descent rate as well as stable orientation. If available at the time of the poster session, results from a balloon drop will be displayed and discussed. The prototype will be displayed, which features a low-power internal radio that can be tracked from LEO to the ground. Enhancement in photo and X-ray Luminescence of Gold Nanoparticles using Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Presenter: Tej Lamichhane, Physics Graduate Mentor(s): Wei Chen Group members: Sunil Shahi, Brain Bui, Rayan Hall, Homayani Homa, Zhopang Wang 2:00 pm, Pedernales Abstract: The gold nanoparticles exhibit visible or infrared luminescence depending up on their size, stabilizing functional groups, solvent or host etc. Photoluminescence of most of the gold nanoparticles is not strong enough for commercial applications like radiation detection, chemical and biological sensing, cancer therapy, and imaging. Increasing the luminescence of nanoparticles for commercial purpose is a promising technique in florescence nanotechnology. The enhancement in photoluminescence of acceptor nanoparticles is achieved by forming a nanocomposite with more luminescent semiconductor nanoparticles (quantum dots) called donors. The donor quantum dots should have strong emission spectra which overlap with excitation spectra of acceptor nanoparticles. In our work, we synthesized the colloidal nanocomposite of zinc oxide nanoparticles and gold nanoparticles mediated with bovine serum albumin in which emission spectra of donor zinc oxide nanoparticles overlaps with excitation spectra of acceptor gold nanoparticles. In this nanocomposite, we got significant increase in photoluminescence of gold nanoparticles which can be explained on the basis of florescence resonance energy transfer principle. In this principle, excited electrons from the zinc oxide quantum dots are transferred to gold nanoparticle by radiative pathways if zinc oxide nanoparticles are in close proximity of gold nanoparticles (within the range of 5nm to 10nm). We got 81.5% energy transfer from the zinc oxide quantum dot to gold nanoparticles. However, so formed nanocomposite had no x-ray luminescence. We got x-ray luminescence when nonocomposite was treated with tetraethyl orthosilicate. This new x-ray luminescence can be attributed with increase in photon stopping power of nanocomposite due to silica coating. We would like to acknowledge the support from the startup funds from UTA, the NSF, and DHS joint ARI program (2011-DN-077-ARI053-02, CBET-1039068), DOD DTRA08-005, and the U.S. Army Medical Research acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) under the contract of W81XWH10-1-0279 and W81XWH-10-1-0234. Integrated Heterogeneous Decomposition of Perfluorooctanoic Acid by Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron Presenter: Wasiu Lawal, Geology Graduate Mentor(s): Hyeok Choi Group members: Abolfazl Zakersalehi, Hesam Zamankhan Poster board: 54 Abstract: Contamination of groundwater with perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFACs) widely used in fire retardants is a great concern. PFACs are stable and non-biodegradable which makes them persistent in the environment. We have attempted to develop effective in-situ remediation technologies for PFACs-contaminated groundwater. In order to remove PFACs more efficiently under various aquatic conditions, we have investigated integration of three proven treatment technologies (adsorption, oxidation, and reduction) into an innovative engineering system and explored the associated reaction mechanisms and pathways in the complex system. The integrated treatment of PFACs will be implemented by introducing reactive activated carbon impregnated with various Fe nanoparticles (Fe oxides, zerovalent Fe (ZVI), and palladized ZVI) in the presence of common oxidants. In the presentation, we will discuss about some preliminary results on the heterogeneous decomposition of perfluorooctanoic acid via reductive defluorination and/or advanced oxidation using nanoscale ZVI (nZVI) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, peroxymonosulfate, and persulfate. Results show that while nZVI initially shows no significant decomposition (primarily due to the onset pH of around 10), reducing the pH results in some decomposition. Further decomposition was also seen when each of the aforementioned oxidants were added. Preliminary Studies on an Essential Methanogenic Enzyme: F420H2: NADP+ Oxidoreductase Presenter: Cuong Le, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Johnson-Winters Poster board: 50 Abstract: F420H2: NADP+ Oxidoreductase (Fno) catalyzes a two electron transfer reaction by transferring one hydrogen that contains two electrons (hydride) from a deazaflavin molecule (F420) to a biologically essential molecule, known as Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+). This reaction within the living cell can be represented by equation 1 (below). F420H2 + NADP+ <---> F420 + NADPH. F420 is essential for methane producing (methanogens) and sulfate reducing organisms. Methanogens play a critical role in carbon cycling, catalyzing the production of methane through the reduction of carbon dioxide. Methanogenic bacteria contain the F420 cofactor, which is essential for methanogenesis, a renewable energy source. Our ultimate goal is to find a sustainable and affordable energy from renewable sources such as methane. Here, we will discuss the expression and purification protocol of wild-type Fno, along with preliminary enzyme activity assays. Additionally, we have created and purified three mutants forms of Fno by changing the original isoleucine amino acid into an alanine, glycine and valine amino acids, respectively. Our future research goal is to examine the reaction rate differences between the wildtype Fno and the mutant Fno enzymes by using three experimental methods, which include, kinetics isotope effects, steady-state and presteady state kinetic methods. Was it Brandon or Bryan? The role of the hippocampus in the brain. Presenter: Fernando Antonio Leal-Arizpe, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): Heekyeong Park Group members: Cheryl Abellanoza, Zafina Ahsan, Kara Moore Poster board: 10 Abstract: [Do you remember whether a person you met for the first time was named Brandon or Bryan? Source memory allows us to remember the association of a target item (e.g., person you met) and context (e.g., name of person). Successful source memory enables us to remember specific details associated with an event in daily life. The present fMRI study investigated whether neural activity for source retrieval varies by material type through unitization of the item and context. Participants were presented either a word or a picture in one of four colors and instructed to form an image of the study item in the study color. Later, their source memory was tested, and their brain activity was measured through an MR scanner. Neural activity supporting source memory (i.e., the association of the studied item and corresponding study color) was found in the hippocampus for both words and pictures. Activity for word-specific source memory was found in the left inferior parietal regions, while activity for picture-specific source memory was identified in bilateral temporo-parietal areas and the left posterior hippocampus. The present findings demonstrate that the hippocampus plays a critical role in source memory regardless of material type.] The Effects of a Nintendo® Wii Exercise Intervention on Gait in Older Adults Presenter: Anna Lee, Kinesiology Graduate Mentor(s): Christopher Ray Group members: Ketaki Deo, Dr. John Biggan, Wyn Taylor Poster board: 5 Abstract: Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injury and accidental death in older adults. Exercise interventions have been found to be effective in improving gait and, therefore, reducing fall risk. However, the use of interactive video games to reduce fall risk has not been well explored. The object of this study was to compare spatiotemporal gait changes following an exercise intervention using an interactive video game technology which provides immediate biofeedback (Nintendo Wii®) with a traditional seated group exercise intervention in older adults. Eighty-two older adults were randomly assigned to either a traditional fitness or Wii group. Both 10-week interventions involved 45 minute exercise sessions (3 days/week). Pre- and post-testing gait measurements were taken. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in velocity, stride length and frequency, cadence, swing time and decrease double support time (p<.05). In addition, there was significant difference in gait parameters between two groups (p<.05). Double support time in the Wii Fitness group was significantly lower than Group Fitness, and swing time in Wii Fitness was significantly higher than Group Fitness. However, there was no significant difference in Coefficient of variance (CV) in stride length and CV in swing time (p>.05). In conclusion, our study indicates that an intervention using Nintendo Wii® improved gait parameters resulting in reduced fall risk in older adults and the overall improvements were similar to that of a traditional seated exercise. Therefore, interactive video games offer a promising alternative to traditional group exercise for older adults. Does Cyber Victimization Uniquely Contribute to Physical and Psychological Health? Presenter: Alicia Leone, Psychology Junior Mentor(s): Lauri Jensen-Campbell Group members: Priya Iyer Poster board: 84 Abstract: Traditionally, peer victimization has been assessed via direct and indirect forms of aggression and can encompass relational and physical acts (Underwood, 2003). With the increases in social media, adolescents now have more means by which to be involved in peer aggression. Keeping this in mind, it is important to look at the consequences of cyber aggression. Our results revealed that cyber victimization uniquely predicted self reported overall health β = −139.36, t(219) = -2.56, p = .01 and self reports of abdominal pain β = 70.99, t(210) = 2.12, p = .04. Our study also indicated that cyber victimization did uniquely predict PTSD specifically the subtypes of reliving, β = 122.81, t(212) = -2.56, p = .01, avoiding, β = 121.63, t(212) = 3.15, p = .002, and arousal, β = 114.327, t(216) = 2.61, p = .01 over traditional forms of victimization Based on our results, cyber victimization did uniquely predict self reported overall health and abdominal pain. Our findings also indicated that cyber victimization was a unique predictor of symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress. Our results highlight the continued negative consequences experienced by peer victims. Particularly, our results suggest that cyber victimization may be impacting types of physical and psychological health in unique ways. Our finds may also contribute to the literature suggesting that cyber victimization may fall under a more direct or indirect form of relational victimization depending on the context. Overall, this study finds compelling evidence to add to the literature that peer victims suffer from both negative psychological and physical health outcomes. Stimulation of the ventral tegmental area inhibits spinal cord dorsal horn neuronal activity Presenter: Ailing LI, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): Yuanbo Peng Group members: Chao Zuo, Yang Wang, Xiaofei Yang, J.-C. Chiao, Yuan B. Peng Poster board: 2 Abstract: Ventral tegmental area (VTA) has been well known to be involved in underlying neural substrate for rewarding. During recent decades, the VTA has also been found to be involved in analgesia. Behavioral study of our lab has found electrical stimulation of VTA could increase thresholds of both mechanical and thermal tests after carrageenan injection. In this study, we explored the spinal mechanism of the antinociceptive effect. It was hypothesized that electrical stimulation of VTA can inhibit nociceptive neuronal activity in dorsal horn. The effect of electrical stimulation of VTA on dorsal horn neuronal activity in response to graded mechanical stimuli (brush, pressure and pinch) was investigated. Wide dynamic range spinal cord dorsal horn neurons were identified following laminectomy. Each cell responded to three sets (control, stimulation, and recovery) of mechanical stimuli (brush, pressure, and pinch) with or without electrical stimulation of VTA (200 Hz, 2 V, 1 ms) by using our recently-developed wireless stimulating module. A three (control, stimulation, and recovery) by three (brush, pressure, and pinch) repeated measure ANOVA followed by Bonferroni posthoc test revealed that dorsal horn neuronal response accreted to graded mechanical stimuli (p < 0.05); and electrical stimulation of VTA significantly reduced the responses to pressure and pinch (p < 0.05), but not the response to brush (p > 0.05). It is therefore concluded that electrical stimulation could efficiently inhibit nociceptive neuronal activity in dorsal horn of spinal cord. An Ambient Ionization Technique that Combines Separation Science and Mass Spectrometry to Perform Previously Untenable Tasks Presenter: LI Li, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Kevin A. Schug 1:20 pm, Concho Abstract: Normal phase liquid chromatography (NPLC) is an efficient and powerful method for separation of phospholipids and chiral amines. Phospholipids are major constituents of membranes in plants, animals and microorganisms. In addition to their structural role, some phospholipids also participate in biological processes, such as cell signaling. Chiral amines such as benzylamines, anilines, ephedrines, tryptamines, and azatryptamine are commonly found in drugs or are important intermediate for drug synthesis. However, when using NPLC to separate these compound classes, with the direct use of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detection is hampered because of the compromised ionization efficiency with NPLC eluents. A novel ambient ionization technique, continuous-flow extractive desorption electrospray ionization (CF-EDESI), which introduces the eluents through a hypodermic needle instead of in electrospray has demonstrated its success to address this problem. This work demonstrates the determination of phospholipids (standards and cell extracts) and the separation of chiral amines standards using normal-phase HPLC coupled with CF-EDESI mass spectrometry. As a result, mass spectrometry can now be used in combination with NPLC to obtain the benefit of its enhanced sensitivity and qualitative detection capabilities. Anion Composition of AÁaÌ Extracts Presenter: Hongzhu Liao, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Purnendu K. Dasgupta Group members: C. Phillip Shelor 1:40 pm, Concho Abstract: Many products labeled aÁaÌ are presently marketed as natural supplements with various claimed health benefits. Despite many “aÁaÌ juice” products available on the market, no juice may be pressed from the berry; although the flesh can be extracted or pulped with water. Authentic aÁaÌ is expensive; as a result numerous products labeled as containing aÁaÌ are being sold that actually contain little or no aÁaÌ. We analyzed authentic aÁaÌ samples from Brazil and Florida as well as several reputed aÁaÌ products by suppressed conductometric anion chromatography. Columns with different selectivities were used to obtain a complete separation of all anions. Tandem mass spectrometry was used for confirmation of the less common ions. Quinate, lactate, acetate, formate, galacturonate, chloride, sulfate, malate, oxalate, phosphate, citrate, isocitrate and myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (phytate) were found. Only the Floridian aÁaÌ had detectable levels of hexanoate. No aÁaÌ sample had any detectable levels of tartrate, which is present in abundance in grape juice, the most common adulterant. The highly characteristic anion profile and in particular the absence of tartrate can readily be used to identify authentic aÁaÌ products. AÁaÌ from Florida had 6x greater level of phytate. The present analytical approach for phytate may be superior to extant methods. Vitamin B1 Pathway, A Distinct Source for Novel Antibiotic Development Presenter: Diego Lopez, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Frank W. Foss Group members: Sumit Bhawal, Jessica T. Nguyen, Frank W. Foss* 2:00 pm, Concho Abstract: The 1940s-1970s saw the discovery of multiple classes of antibiotics, and their development into drugs changed the course of humanity; going from a life threatening bacterial infection to a trivial doctor’s visit. This “golden age” of antibiotics was soon overshadowed by the appearance of new bacterial strains resistant to the expected-to-be infallible new medications. Currently, antibiotic resistance has become a worldwide problem resulting in millions of casualties per year and an overburdened health care system. Vitamin pathways offer a promising area for the development of novel antimicrobials. Some of their enzymatic machineries are ubiquitous and specific for major infectious agents, resulting in an ideal target for drug discovery. HMP kinase is an important enzyme of the thiamine (vitamin B1) biosynthetic pathway. HMP-k is in charge of key phosphorylation steps, making it indispensable for microbial survival. Our efforts aim for the synthesis of HMP analogs, development of UV-Vis high throughput assays, and in vivo assays required for the screening of such analogs. HMP-k has been successfully overexpressed, purified, and subject to both substrate scope and inhibition assays. Further exploration and analysis of the enzyme’s active site will lead to the synthesis of the ideal pharmacophore, resulting in the introduction of a novel action mechanism against the fight with antibiotic resistant bacteria. Phenotypic Effects of RUNX2 Mutations on Knock-In Mice Presenter: Courtney Elledge, Biology Senior Mentor(s): John W Fondon III Group members: Edward Stocks, Chad Watkins, Bimal Bhattarai, Kristen Correll, Jeff Laidlaw Poster board: 112 Abstract: RUNX2, or runt-related transcription factor 2, is a gene that codes for transcription factors essential for proper osteoblast differentiation. This autosomal-dominant gene contains tandem repeats coding for stretches of glutamines and alanines, which have been shown to be polymorphic in humans and other species. Large mutations within the run of alanines in this gene caused by slippage are associated with cleidocranial dysplasia, which is characterized by lacking clavicles, scoliosis, delayed closure of the sagittal suture, spina bifidia, and other mild effects. Little focus has been given to modestly sized repeat mutations on morphology. Here, we show the intermediate phenotypic effects of moderately sized repeat mutations in the alanine tract located in RUNX2 by characterizing ten knock-in mice. Introductory observations use micro-CT and clearing and staining techniques to compare knock-in littermates with genotypes of homozygous, or heterozygous for the RUNX2 mutations. While the research is ongoing, these preliminary results have correlated heterozygous mutations with phenotypic differences in skull size and morphology. (Mis)Understanding the Indulgence: Conceptual Notions of Hell in the Middle Ages and Their Importance in the Crusading Movement Presenter: Erin S. Lynch, History Junior Mentor(s): Stephen Reinhardt 1:00 pm, Guadalupe Abstract: Early conceptualities of Hell had an acute influence on the behavior of medieval man, an example of which can be seen in Western European involvement in the crusading movement. The concept of Hell was widespread yet imprecisely defined in the Middle Ages; nonetheless, medieval man sensed the threat of Hell as a reality. What he failed to understand was how exactly he was supposed to avoid the fate of Hell. The complex theological mechanisms of sin, grace, and redemption, were, at this time, undergoing a process of transformation and definition. As a result, these crucial yet murky concepts perplexed the non-elite laity. When, however, in 1095, Pope Urban II issued his call for crusade, these same simple and pious people believed they had finally found their answer. Regardless of the qualified intentions of the papacy, many of the participants in the crusades understood the crusading indulgence granted them for their service in the Levant simply as an escape from a future in Hell. By analyzing primary accounts of the call to crusade, preaching instructions and accounts, as well as the songs of the crusaders themselves, I will demonstrate that, between 1095 and 1198, this reciprocal arrangement between the papacy and laity was the most influential factor in creating an army of penitent pilgrims. Abused Mothers Raising Abused Children Presenter: Audria Lyons, Social Work Senior Mentor(s): Bethany Shaffer 2:00 pm, Guadalupe Abstract: A mother’s foremost priority should be the protection and well-being of her child. If this is so, then why do some mothers choose to stay in relationships with men that are abusive to their children? This work sets out to refute the theory that these women are selfish animals. Instead, a comparison between Dorothy Allison’s Bastard Out of Carolina and Tobias Wolff’s This Boy’s Life, highlight two mothers as products of their environments. This Boy’s Life is a good comparison to Bastard out of Carolina because Rosemary and Anney have been molded by society and circumstance to be dependent on a male counterpart, which caused irrevocable damage to their children’s self-image and well-being. Three main points that support this claim are: their families and society implanted the theology that a woman needs a man to live, and that women are only a compliment to a man; the idea that only a man could provide them financial security; the circumstance of both women being abused by their fathers left them thinking they were in need of a man and his love. Realization that some women who have abandoned their child’s needs to sustain a relationship with their male counterpart are only regurgitating behavior that has been instilled in them from their surroundings can be beneficial within my chosen disciplines. This can possibly result in less judgment and allow for better understanding within the fields of psychology and social work. Quantification of Pressure and Flow Characteristic of Intrauterine Fetal Blood Transfusion Presenter: Karthik Machiraju, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Khosrow Behbehani (BE) Group members: Dr. Issa Panahi Poster board: 47 Abstract: Rhesus disease,condition in which mother’s immune system attacks and destroys fetal blood cells thereby endangering the life of fetus during pregnancy, affects 1 in 1000 births. This leads to anemia, heart failure, brain damage and fetal death. However, intrauterine blood transfusion directly to the fetus during pregnancy can increase newborn survival rate to 70-100%. Nevertheless,blood infusion requires accurate volume of injected blood(20cc-90cc)at steady pressure and precise rate of injection(1cc/Min3cc/Min).Current method of manual blood infusion is cumbersome and lacks machine precision.Hence aim of this project is designing a mechanism which can be used for automated blood transfusion. This preliminary study quantified the optimum pressure and flow rate required for precise blood transfusion via three different syringes(10ml, 20ml, 30ml). Pressure and flow rate were measured using Medfusion3500 syringe pump and interfaced with computer.Features extracted from pressure waveform were baseline pressure, peak pressure, settling pressure, time to peak and settling time. Base pressure (15.73±0.01PSI; 16.77±0.08PSI; 17.47±0.06PSI),Peak pressure (33.68±0.45PSI; 34.3±0.56PSI; 34.43±0.37PSI)and settling time (2.58±0.06s; 3.36±0.16s; 4.39±0.10s)increased with syringe size (10ml, 20ml, 30ml respectively); whereas settling pressure (27.75±0.48PSI; 24.31±0.46PSI; 20.6±0.14PSI) and time to peak (10.02±0.53s; 7.68±0.44s; 7.35±0.15s) decreased, suggesting that 30ml can deliver optimal pressure within short time-span. Structure-function of site specific non-LTR retrotransposons: generating and testing point mutants in R2bm Presenter: Mst Mahbub, Biology Graduate Mentor(s): Shawn M. Christensen (BIOL) Group members: Dr. Kimberly Bowles (BIOL); Dr. Brad Reveal (BIOL) Poster board: 45 Abstract: Target primed (TP) retrotransposons are a major class of mobile genetic elements which replicate through an RNA intermediate and integrate into new chromosomal sites by target primed reverse transcripton (TPRT). TP-retrotransposon activity is responsible for a significant proportion of the DNA content of many eukaryotic genomes. The element from Bombyx mori (R2Bm) is used as a model system because it is site specific and amenable to in vitro studies using purified components. The R2 protein is multifunctional, it must bind R2 RNA, target DNA, cleave DNA, and reverse transcribe the RNA into DNA. The R2 protein-RNA complex adopts specific conformations and roles in the insertion reaction depending on which part of the R2 RNA is bound by the protein. I am introducing point mutations into conserved motifs of the R2 protein in order to study how the element-encoded protein binds nucleic acids and undergoes conformational changes. To date, I have generated six point mutants and have begun functional studies on one of those mutants, the YWR/A mutant. The YWR/A mutant shows aberrant migration pattern in electrophoretic mobility shift gels in the presence of nucleic acids. Additional studies will be carried out to help characterize the aberrant nature of the mutant RNA-protein-DNA complexes. The functional studies of YWR/A, as well as the other mutants I have generated, will help to elucidate the insertion mechanism used by the TP-retrotransposons. The basic mechanism used by R2 is expected to be functionally recapitulated by other elements. This work was generously supported by NSF (Grant # 0950983) Does Female Literacy reduce Maternal Mortality? Findings from a Latent Growth Curve Analysis Presenter: Arati Maleku, Social Work Graduate Mentor(s): Vijayan Pillai, Ph.D. 10:00 am, San Saba Abstract: Background In developing countries, millions of women still die during pregnancy and child birth. Female literacy programs are frequently implemented to reduce maternal mortality in the developing world. It is also one of the key strategies of the millennium development goal of reducing maternal mortality. However, literature is sparse on the relationship of female literacy on maternal mortality, both at the theoretical and methodological levels. Examination of these factors are imperative for the development of broad-based social programs targeted towards lowering maternal mortality levels. This study examines the role of female literacy on maternal mortality in developing countries over a period of thirty years (1970 to 2000) to provide new information with implications for practice and future research. Methods Data used was gathered by the World Bank from 143 developing countries on selected variables such as maternal mortality ratio, female literacy rates, age at marriage, and GDP per capita for three waves. Latent Growth Curve Modeling approach was used to examine the longitudinal effects of female literacy on maternal mortality controlling for ’age at marriage’. Results Results from the study provide evidence of a significant relationship between female literacy and maternal mortality rates. Steady rates of increase in female literacy show declining maternal mortality rates overtime. Significance of findings Findings provide policy implications for the achievement of maternal health outcomes. It also provides empirical evidence for the implementation of female literacy programs towards the achievement of sustainable long term reduction in maternal mortality and methodological implications for future research. Impacts of Climate Change on Immunity of the Caribbean Sea Fan Coral Presenter: Whitney Mann, Biology Graduate Mentor(s): Laura Mydlarz 9:20 am, Red River Abstract: Effects of climate change have been shown to negatively affect a multitude of organisms causing increases in disease prevalence, mortality, and ultimately change to biodiversity and structure of ecosystems. This is especially true for coral reefs. We hypothesize that the effects of climate change, such as elevated sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification are compromising the immunity of corals leading to increased and new disease outbreaks. In this study, we examined the immunocompetence of the Caribbean sea fan coral, Gorgonia ventalina where specimens were exposed several treatments (pathogen, elevated temperature, and acidification). Immune responses were quantified using a suite of biochemical assays examining antioxidant, protease inhibitor and melanization activity of crude protein extracts. Results indicate a significant effect of temperature and pathogen on sea fan immunity but no significance was observed with acidification treatments. These data suggest that climate change is compromising immunity in the sea fan and contributing to disease development. Considering the current model predictions of climate change, where temperatures are expected to continue increasing, incidences of coral disease and mortality rates are likely to continue increasing. It is imperative to continue to look at effects of climate change on corals in order to develop mitigation and management tools for coral reef conservation. This work was funded by the National Science Foundation (OCE-0849799). Y no se lo trago' la tierra, a corrido without music Presenter: Monica Marchi, English Graduate Mentor(s): William Arce 1:40 pm, San Saba Abstract: ...y no se lo tragÛ la tierra begins with a story about time and remembering, and this idea of memory stays with the reader until the end of the book and beyond. This paper will analyze how memory is used by Chicano writer, Tom·s Rivera, as he masterfully wrote about individual memory that becomes collective memory through the use of cultural memory. As a starting point, we will use the early corrido as we posit that Rivera was influenced by its use of memory; in fact, the corrido informs the community about the historical events pertaining to the Mexican experience in the Southwest and its intent is to perpetuate the memory of these events and to mainly raise political awareness. In the corridos, the balladeer sings of the recent past, about historical events that are still relevant and close to the community. Likewise, Rivera’s use of memory does not equate to nostalgically talk about the ancient past of the Aztecs, but, in Tierra, memory aids and supports the creative process, creates political awareness and, consequently, a sense of identity. In this analysis, the Spanish version of Tierra will be used, as the English version lacks the musicality and the rhythm necessary for a parallel reading with the corrido. Ultimately, we will try to demonstrate how Rivera’s creative process was shaped by memory and how, through memory, he was able to create a new literary genre, a hybrid Chicano product, a mix of corrido, prose, and poetry. A Two Year Evaluation of the Arlington Undergraduate Research-based Achievement for STEM (AURAS) Program for Engineers in Chemistry Presenter: Priscila Martinez-Avila, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Kevin A. Schug (CHEM) Group members: Emmanuel Varona, Abegayl Thomas and Kevin A. Schug 10:20 am, Neches Abstract: Arlington Undergraduate Research-based Achievement for STEM (AURAS) is a National Science Foundation-funded program implemented at the university to promote success in general chemistry, and ultimately increase retention and graduation rates of STEM students. It has been implemented using the Treisman-style Emerging Scholars Program (ESP) of supplemental instruction. The program brought successful results during the fall 2011 semester for students enrolled in the Chemistry for Engineers course, a class combining traditional first and second semester general chemistry courses into a one semester course. Students in the program had statistically higher grades in four of the five examinations (p < 0.05). In addition, the ESP group had a higher passing rate (attaining marks of A, B, or C) than the non-ESP group (85% versus 57%). Due to limited enrollment capability, the program only accommodated 25% of the students enrolled in the course. The program was made available to 50% of the class population by creating two separate sessions of supplemental instruction. To make the transition possible, the session time was shortened from four hours to two hours, and the traditional-ESP model was tailored with modified instruction. The primary research question addresses the impact of modifications to the ESP system on the success of the AURAS program. The ESP groups taught with the modified-ESP model showed a shift in letter grade distribution toward the C range when compared to the students taught using the traditional-ESP model. A main part of this research is centered on attendance as a determinant of letter grade attainment. This study was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Study of Noble Metal Doped Silicon Nanocrystals from First Principles Presenter: Cedric Mayfield, Physics Graduate Mentor(s): Muhammad Huda 2:40 pm, Pedernales Abstract: Silicon is a material used in nearly all electronic devices. The physics of this material provides valuable insight into the mechanisms which are responsible for its functional behavior. For example, incorporating extrinsic defects in silicon (doping) increases charge carrier concentrations which modifies the characteristic energy gap. Altering this energy gap modulates the materials conduction properties from semiconducting to insulating or metallic. Manipulating silicon in this way is how the transistor was developed and the physics of the pn-junction was derived. However, with the progression of semiconductor technology devices have become smaller and the internal components have converged to the nanoscale. In this regime the electron is physically confined which results in different behaviors collectively known as quantum confinement effects. In this presentation we will show the results of doping quantum confined silicon structures. The dopants used are the noble metals (Cu, Ag, and Au) which are expected to contribute to the charge carrier concentration as a whole. We find that these dopants indeed alter the conduction properties of nanosilicon which is verified by the existence of electronic states within the energy gap. The implications associated with doping nanosilicon are endless for renewable energy applications. For instance, nanosilicon is known to oxidize water to evolve hydrogen gas at rates much faster than its macroscopic counterpart. From our results, the placement of dopants has significant effects on the thermodynamic stability of the nanosilicon when hydrogen atoms are on its surfaces. This information is necessary for understanding the process and ultimately the optimization of renewable energy applications. An analysis of the rebound of employment after great recession of 2008 Presenter: Arezoo Memarian, Civil Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Sasanka Bhushan Pulipati Group members: Sasanka Bhushan Pulipati Poster board: 64 Abstract: As the growth in Gross Domestic Product dropped below zero, the US encountered the Great Recession in 2008. Employment in most of the states also dropped. Economists are interested to know how the employment grows after the recession. In history sometimes the employment grew sharply after the recession to reach its normal trend. This study investigates whether this phenomenon is true in this case. Monthly employment data for the last ten years is available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This study considers five different states - California, Florida, Iowa, New York and Texas, which have diverse characteristics. The trends of total employment and different types of employment for these states for the period of 2001 to 2012 are analyzed and growth after the recession is compared with that before the recession. The employment trends are visualized using graphical methods. For each state, annual growth in employment, both absolute as well as percentage, is calculated. These metrics are compared for all five states to understand how the employment trend before and after recession varies among the states. The analysis of the employment growth before and after recession is very useful in forecasting the future employment because the forecast depends greatly on whether or not the employment growth returns to its natural trend after the recession. From a transportation perspective a good employment forecast is necessary to forecast the transportation demand with more reliability. A reliable forecast of transportation demand assists in evaluating the transportation projects for better investment for future. Feasibility study of Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid-based nanoparticles for pulmonary protein and DNA delivery Presenter: Jyothi Menon, Biomedical Engineering Graduate 10:40 am, Neches Mentor(s): Kytai T. Nguyen Group members: Priya Ravikumar, Masaya Takahashi, Orson W. Moe, Connie C.W. Hsia, Kytai T. Nguyen Abstract: Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) containing superparamagnetic iron oxide(MNPs) can perform multiple functions such as imaging and drug delivery, and can be accurately targeted to the site of interest using an external magnet. Non-invasive administration of these nanoparticles by inhalation is advantageous as it may facilitate drug adsorption, cellular uptake and release, and minimize systemic toxicity of the drug possible during other routes of administration. In this study, we report the development of PLGA-based nanoparticles as vehicles for pulmonary delivery of biological compounds such as protein and DNA following nebulization. PLGA-MNPs encapsulating different fluorescent compounds such as green fluorescent protein (GFP), plasmid DNA containing yellow fluorescent protein (YFP DNA), near-infrared dye (NIR-797) and rhodamine conjugated bovine serum albumin (BSA-rhodamine) were synthesized. They showed a diameter of 250 +/- 96.6 nm, were highly stable at 37∫C and compatible with alveolar cells up to a concentration of 500 µg/ml. The encapsulated compounds were released in a sustained manner over a period of 3 weeks. Further, the nanoparticles were rapidly taken up by lung cells up to a concentration of 500 µg/ml. Following inhalation, the PLGA-MNPs could be visualized in the lungs of adult rats using various fluorescence imaging techniques. The particles could also be detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to the darkening of areas in the lung by accumulation of our nanoparticles containing MNPs. Our results thus establish the feasibility of pulmonary administration of PLGA-MNPs for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to the lung. This work is supported by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Grants RO1 HL40070 and UO1 HL111146 The Legend of Quetzalcoatl. Presenter: Nicolas Miranda, Music Senior Mentor(s): George Chave 10:00 am, Guadalupe Abstract: Acknowledged by several Mesoamerican cultures (called Kukulkan by the Maya); Quetzalcoatl was arguably one of the most important deities in Pre-Columbian indigenous cultures of ancient Mexico. Amongst numerous myths the Aztec version is most prevalent: Quetzalcoatl was one of the creator gods of the human race. He made the human race out of charred bones from the underworld, introduced man to corn, and taught humanity the arts. He was a fair-skinned benevolent god who ruled over fertility, creativity, knowledge, wisdom and self-reflection. One day Quetzalcoatl was tricked by his rival Tezcatlipoca into getting drunk and copulating with a celibate priestess. When he realized what he had done, he set himself on fire and his heart became Venus (much in the fashion of Aztec rituals). Legend has it that Quetzalcoatl will return one day bringing all of his “children.” This belief and expectation is in part what enabled Hernan Cortez to take over Tenochtitlan so successfully. This piano and cello duet is a musical representation of a fictional meditation and ritual dance that Quetzalcoatl underwent before burning himself in remorse of his actions. The Meditation has almost playfully dark rhythms that contain several insisting melodic and rhythmic ideas. The Ritual Dance is a synthesis of melodic ideas from the Meditation. Exploring a variety of tonalities this dance brings about an impending ominous sensation. In the climax, the tension is resolved in an explosion of energy and color that transcends Quetzalcoatl’s meditation state and completes his ritual. Fast and energy-efficient technique for detecting jamming in wireless sensor networks Presenter: Bhavin Mistry, Computer Science Engineering Senior Mentor(s): Matthew Wright Group members: Nabila Rahman, Donggang Liu 9:00 am, Guadalupe Abstract: Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have great practical importance for surveillance systems to perform monitoring by acquiring and sending information on any intrusion in a secured area. What we want is very little human intervention so there for it is safe and secured for securing large area such as international border. We want to be able to find out about any intrusion or jamming in the area as fast as possible in order to take action. Having sensors in the area and interaction among them help us locate the jamming. This has to be very fast and efficient technique using low powered devices and be able to conserve their resources. Previous method that mapped the jamming network was based on only the sensors and interactions among them. This new technique we came up with is having all the sensors send messages and interact with a base station. Our new method is improved and faster in mapping the jammed region. We created a simulation that can compare the results and what we found out is that interactions among the sensors reduced and jamming can be mapped faster. Our simulation was ran on smaller networks to investigate the efficiency and future goal is to improve the mapping technique. Multiplicity, Duality, and Dichotomy: Navigating Loving in the War Years’ Puta/Virgen Binary Presenter: Kate Morgan, English Graduate Mentor(s): Willima Arce (English) 2:00 pm, San Saba Abstract: CherrÌe Moraga’s Loving in the War Years is full of many passages that shape her unconventional work known for operating outside the boundaries of traditional linear narrative form and function. As Moraga weaves several contiguous symbolic threads which can be traced as she moves seamlessly throughout her textófrom poem to personal narrative and from statements of personal ideology to memoiróit is generally noted and accepted among scholars of Chicano/a literature that Moraga manages to create a holistic and more inclusive picture of Chicana femininity by embracing a complex Malinche figure in her navigation of a lesbian personal and sexual identity. While it is clear both in Moraga’s work and through general observation that is made of Chicana culture that most traditional constructions of Chicana femininity are navigated through familiar archetypes found in the succinctly Western virgin/whore binaryóone that just happens to include a specific cultural and racial twist through the inclusion of Malinche as La Chingadaóa great deal of scholarly treatment pertaining to Moraga’s navigation focuses heavily on Moraga’s treatment of Malinche as the whore, and far less on Moraga’s navigation of the Madonna. In this paper, I argue that this inclusion is vital to full understanding of the text for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which is obtaining a full understanding of borders that are navigated in the creation of Moraga’s multiplistic sense of self. Puppets of the Press: The Role of Print Media in Valdez's Zoot Suit. Presenter: Joel Morrow, English Graduate Mentor(s): William Arce (ENGL) 2:40 pm, San Saba Abstract: Luis Valdez, Chicano playwright, poet, and activist, shows through his works that his aims are political. In Valdez’s 1978 drama Zoot Suit, he combines politically charged theater with one of the most potent forms of communication of its time, print media. In Zoot Suit, the media appears as its own Brechtian character, possessing great influence and the awesome power of information. One of the main struggles of the play is how the protagonist, Henry Reyna, and his gang attempt to resist the negative perception associated with them, and by extension their families, neighborhood, and culture, that is so pervasive in print media. Zoot Suit is the story of Henry, leader of the 38th street gang, and his fellow pachucos in their attempt to maintain both their innocence of the murder and their cultural identity in 1943 Los Angeles. The zealous distribution of negative perceptions and the brutal subversion of justice documented in Zoot Suit demands an answer to the question of the contribution of the media. How do the portrayals of the media affect so much, from the sentiments of millions down to the fate of an individual, and how does Valdez’s play amplify this effect? A discussion of the practices of the media and their effects within the play, as well as the physical staging of the play as described by Valdez, reveals the power of dissemination that is wielded so effectively by sensationalist media. Molecular Phylogeography of the four-lined skink, Plestiodon tetragrammus Presenter: Matthew A. Moseley, Biology Graduate Mentor(s): Paul T. Chippindale (BIOL) Group members: Christian L. Cox 10:00 am, Red River Abstract: Characterizing patterns of biodiversity is important for understanding the mechanisms underlying diversity and has broad applications for conservation (i.e., recognition of distinct lineages or species for conservation) and wildlife management (i.e., identifying areas with large numbers of distinct or different species or places with restricted genetic variation). Understanding the relationships between species is crucial in the characterization of biodiversity. We seek to determine if there is any uncharacterized diversity within the skinks of the Plestiodon tetragrammus species group. This group is currently composed of 3 taxa, P. tetragrammus tetragrammus, P. t. brevilineatus (subspecies), and P. multivirgatus (species). P. multivirgatus is distributed in western Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and northern Mexico with a northern population in Colorado, South Dakota, and Nebraska, while P. t. tetragrammus and P. t. brevilineatus are found in Texas and northern Mexico and are separated by the Balcones Escarpment. We sequenced both mitochondrial and nuclear genes and reconstructed evolutionary relationships using various statistical methods. We found notable genetic variation across the geographic range of the P. tetragrammus species group. All analyses found that this species group is derived from a single common ancestor, and that P. t. tetragrammus and P. t. brevilineatus are genetically divergent and form distinct evolutionary groups. Mitochondrial data suggests that the southern population of P. multivirgatus may be more closely related to P. t. brevilineatus than to P. t. tetragrammus suggesting revision of current names may be needed to give a more accurate understanding of the biodiversity in Texas. A novel and simple method to synthesize Silicon Carbide Quantum Dots Presenter: Munuve Mwania, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Peter Kroll (CHEMISTRY) 3:00 pm, Concho Abstract: Silicon carbide (SiC) is an excellent biocompatible material; its non-toxicity has been established in a variety of recent cell studies. Very small particles of SiC, so called SiC quantum dots (QDs: particles with a size of 1-10 nm, where 1 nm = 1 x 10-9 meters), exhibit useful optical properties in the visible range and their surface can be functionalized with various chemical groups. Consequently, these particles can be used for disease detection (cell imaging) and drug delivery and are better suited than any other inorganic compound for applications in life science.\Despite this enormous potential in applications, it is still a great challenge to prepare bulk quantities of SiC QDs thanks to a number of factors, mainly the materials' chemical inertness. Here, we report the synthesis and optical properties of β-SiC QDs with diameters smaller than 5 nm, via a new, novel and inexpensive method, hence providing an effective and high-yield route. Colloidal suspensions of these ultrasmall QDs are synthesized through systematically reducing the size ('electrochemical shaving') of cheap and commercially available bulk SiC powder. Through electron microscopy, we show that indeed we produce high yields of SiC QDs with sizes < 5nm.\Further, optical spectra of β-SiC QDs – characterizing the color of light that a material can absorbed or emit ‚Ä“ show our particles absorb and emit in the visible range, an important target property for use in electronic devices and biological labels. Our results expand the fundamental understanding of βSiC QDs, necessary to exploit their applications. Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase by Promising Anti-Cancer Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Presenter: Eugenia S. Narh, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Frederick M. MacDonnell (CHEM) 10:20 am, Concho Abstract: Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes (RPCs) show promising cytotoxicity against a number of human cancer cell lines. The RPCs [(phen)2Ru(tatpp)]Cl2 (MP) and [(phen)2Ru(tatpp)Ru(phen)2]Cl4 (P) have shown promising anti-tumor activity in mice. One important aspect concerning any drug development is the toxicity of the drug at the organism-level. RPCs are often neurotoxic due to their inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Toxic doses lead to paralysis, tremors, and death in mice. In this paper, we examine the ability of our lead anti-cancer agents, P and MP, as well as a number of other related derivatives to inhibit AChE using a standard enzymatic assay. We have obtained drug concentration needed for 50% inhibition (IC50) for a total of 12 RPCs and have correlated their inhibitory ability with their structure and lipophilicity as well as their animal toxicity. It was observed that AChE inhibition increased as the size of the complex increased, but this did not correlate with their animal toxicity. In fact, some RPCs with the strongest inhibitory action on AChE were the least toxic towards mice, indicating that another factor is dictating their organism-level toxicity. These studies are crucial to the successful development of these RPCs as anti-cancer drugs. Robust Deployment of Wireless Sensor Networks using Gene Regulatory Networks. Presenter: Azade Nazi, Computer Science Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Sajal K. Das Group members: Mayank Raj 1:00 pm, Palo Pinto Abstract: Azade Nazi, Mayank Raj, Sajal K. Das Center for Research in Wireless Mobility and Networking (CReWMaN) Abstract. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are used in a wide variety of applications, such as environment monitoring, tracking, pervasive security, smart healthcare, as well as in disaster management and recovery to deliver critical information. Sensor nodes in Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) are responsible for sensing the environment and propagating the collected data in the network. The communication between sensor nodes may fail due to different factors, such as hardware failures, energy depletion, temporal variations of the wireless channel and interference. To maximize efficiency, the sensor network deployment must be robust and resilient to such failures. One effective solution to this problem has been inspired by Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs) of living biological systems. Owing to millions of years of evolution, GRNs display intrinsic properties of adaptation and robustness, thus making them suitable for dynamic network environments. In this research project, we exploit graph model of the real biological systems, which represents gene interactions, in order to deploy wireless sensor networks, called bio-inspired WSNs. To this end, we find deployment location of the sensor nodes such that their communication graph follows the gene interactions in GRN. Exhaustive structural analysis of the network and experimental results demonstrate that the topology of bio-inspired WSN is robust, energy efficient, and resilient to node and link failures. This project is supported by National Science Foundation grant CNS-1049652. The measurement of individual workload: Do we know what is best and how to apply it? Presenter: Michael A. Neeper, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): Shannon A. Scielzo Poster board: 41 Abstract: Workload within organizations has been prevalent in the academic arena for over three decades, yet there is no overall consensus on how it should be measured, in what circumstances, nor regarding which scale (if any) should be utilized. The NASA-TLX (Hart & Staveland, 1988) is by far the most widely utilized measure of subjective workload; whereas there are several different measures of objective workload (almost as many measures are there are studies), subjective workload measures could provide more valuable information, which could lead to more accurate data interpretation. This meta-analysis attempts to provide the much-needed support for measuring subjective workload within organizations and how that workload should be measured. Using Hunter and Schmidt’s (1990, 2004) psychometric methodology, primary studies were researched and meta-analytically examined to provide the answers to the research questions within this proposal. It was found that the NASA-TLX weighted and the NASA-TLX unweighted (Raw) have no differences psychometrically and, because of the ease of administering the unweighted version, it is recommended that the Raw NASA-TLX replace the original weighted version. The ease of administering the Raw NASA-TLX will provide organizations with a much more simple way to measure their employees respective workloads. Determining the Trapping Efficiency of Internal Reversed-Phase Restricted Access Media Presenter: Marcus Newsome, Chemistry Senior Mentor(s): Kevin Schug Group members: Evelyn Wang, Dr. Kevin Schug Poster board: 99 Abstract: In chromatography, the goal is to separate one compound from another by their differential interaction between a stationary and a mobile phase. The efficiency of this process is closely related to flow rate. If you have too high of a flow rate, the compound will not have time to achieve efficient binding to the stationary phase. However, if you have too low of a flow rate, processes such as diffusion can contribute to band broadening. With this in mind, recent studies using a specific type of trapping column (an internal reversed-phase MAYI trap) have been carried out to determine the most efficient flow rate. The compound reserpine has been used as the standard of this study due to its common usage and its ease of detection by mass spectrometry. This study is novel since no such study has previously been published and establishing the optimal flow rate is critical for the effective use of the material in on-line sample preparation methods. Preliminary results indicate that 0.2mL/min flow rates of reserpine with a 60:40 methanol:water carrier ratio at 3uL sample injections gives optimal efficiency. These conditions were obtained after several variations of solvent proportions and sample injection volumes. However, further work is still being completed. In the end, this information will be important for the incorporation of the MAYI trap in various research fields so that studies ranging from anticancer agents to water quality improvement can be carried out with more efficiency. Study of Long Term Stability of Gas Electron Multiplier Radiation Detector Presenter: Ying Wun Yvo Ng, Physics Junior 2:40 pm, Guadalupe Mentor(s): Jaehoon Yu (PHYS) Group members: Andy White, Seongtae Park, Amit Bashyal, Samantha Lacombe, Timothy Watson Abstract: High energy particle physics is a field of physics that searches answers for the fundamental building blocks of matter and the forces between them. Ultimate goal of this research is to understand the universe and its inner workings to make our lives better as an integral part of the universe. To do this, high energy physicists use powerful accelerators and complex, massive detectors to study smallest possible scale. The Gaseous electron Multiplier (GEM) technology is one of many radiation detector technology that uses ionization in gaseous medium to detect electrically charged and neutral particles from various radiations. UTA advanced detector group has been working on GEM technology to develop a new, precision detector for future particle accelerator, such as the International Linear Collider. During the course of the past several years, data has been taken continuously to characterize 30cmx30cm prototype detector. Statistical method has been developed to study device‚Äôs long term behavior. The effect of atmospheric pressure to the detector amplification has been compensated by a correction algorithm. In this talk, I will present the final result of the long term stability study of the prototype detector and its ramification to future use. Neuronal Subtype Specific Stimulation Using Optogenetics in a Regenerative Nerve Model Presenter: Dianna Nguyen, Biology Junior 8:40 am, San Jacinto Mentor(s): Mario Romero-Ortega (Bioengineering) Group members: Sanjay Anand, Hector Tejeda, Samarendra Mohanty, Mario Romero-Ortega Abstract: Injury to the central or peripheral nervous system is a leading cause of disability worldwide often resulting in paralysis, limb impairment, or limb loss, estimated to be approximately 1.7 million people in the U.S. alone. Current improvements in neural interfacing and prosthetic devices allow for multiple degrees of freedom, however, even the most advanced prosthesis rely on vibrotactile and electrotactile sensations for surrogate feedback. Previous studies in our lab reported that by using a non-obstructive regenerative multielectrode interface (REMI) and enticing the nerve to grow through the path of the electrode, we were able to detect neural activity without changes to nerve physiology. The stable interfacing of the REMI allowed for neural activity recording of both motor and sensory signal, though mixed signals obtained still pose a formidable challenge for distinguishing signal types. Based on preliminary work, we find that by using neurotrophic factors, specific subtypes of neurons can be separated to allow for more specific signal acquisition. We report a novel approach of using subtype-specific transgenic rats and optogenetic stimulation via implanted optical nerve cuffs to determine the specificity of segregation using neurotrophic factors in obtaining subtype neural activity. The fabricated cuffs were fitted with micro-LEDs and tested for illumination intensity to be between 3-8 mWmm-2 for optimal stimulation. Genotyping and optical stimulation confirmed expression of the channelrhodopsin-Venus transgene of interest. The present method and subsequent findings will allow for improvements in existing interfaces by providing insight into specific sensory feedback mechanism, allowing for reliable peripheral interfaces. Ligand-controlled Regio- and Stereoselective Intramolecular Hydrosilylation of Homoallyl Silyl Ethers: Selective Formation of 1,3-anti-Diol. Presenter: Hiep Nguyen, Chemistry Junior Poster board: 87 Mentor(s): Junha Jeon Group members: Nguyen, Hiep Hoang; Roh, James; Berlin, Adam S; Reyna, Naphtali J; Apparao B; Scaggs, William R; Hua, Yuanda; Gabby Trog; Jung, Seongjeong Abstract: Numerous state-of-the-art synthetic strategies have been developed to efficiently produce biomedically significant drugs by employing artificial catalysts. However, a large gap remains between modern catalytic processes and nature‚Äôs efficient biosynthetic machineries to construct structurally complex biomolecules with exquisite chemical control. Current chemical synthetic technologies often fail to achieve this level of sophistication and efficiency. Therefore, we have initiated to aim to develop highly efficient synthetic methodology utilizing artificial transition-metal catalysts to synthesize silicon-based potential drugs. Most exciting result is that we have identified designer transition-metal catalysts for synthesis of a variety of silicon-based functional molecules. Currently, we have investigated to understand the mechanistic details of this powerful catalytic process and biological meanings. We plan to examine these potential drug molecules for their antitumor and anticancer properties. Synthesis of HMP-Kinase Analogs, Advancing the Field of Antibiotics Presenter: Jessica Nguyen, Chemistry Senior Mentor(s): Frank W. Foss Jr. Group members: Sumit Bhawal, Diego Lopez, Frank W. Foss* Poster board: 105 Abstract: Current bacterial chemotherapy faces reduced effectiveness due to elevated drug resistance resulting in high clinical demands for new antibiotics. Vitamin pathways offer a promising area for antimicrobials due to their function in bacterial metabolism. HMP-Kinase is a key enzyme in the thiamin (Vitamin B1) pathway that plays a vital role in the survival of many antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In nature, the target HMP kinase enzyme interacts with 3 different molecules: alcohols, phosphates, and diphosphates. By manipulating different positions of the HMP molecule, its analogues can be synthesized and tested for inhibition of the Vitamin B1 pathway. We have evaluated approximately 40 analogues, many of which contain an alcohol moiety, as substrates and inhibitors of HMP-Kinase. The specific goal of this work is to convert these alcohols to phosphate groups in order to generate an additional class of potential inhibitors. Various known phosphorylation techniques were analyzed. Two of the methods showed promising results. However, the physical properties, such as solubility of the HMP compound in aqueous and organic solvents, provided added difficulties that will be discussed. The use of organic synthesis and biochemical analysis of HMP-Kinase will aid in the verification of the enzyme as a viable antibiotic target and investigate the efficacy of bioactive molecules as new antibiotics. Computational Investigation into the Relationship Between Bond Angles and NMR Spectra Presenter: JP Nimmo, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Peter Kroll Poster board: 56 Abstract: This work is an investigation into the relationship between structural features of silica and silicon oxycarbide and its properties. Differences in structural connectivity, such as the formation of voids and rings can lead to changes in the way heat is transferred in the material and how it reacts at high temperatures with other chemicals, such as oxygen in the air. This is important when these materials are applied in things such as hypersonic aircraft and spacecraft cockpit glasses, because as the material reacts with the oxygen in the air, the properties of the material will degrade, and the panel must then be replaced. These rings and voids in the structure of the glass were mapped using software aptly named RINGS, and then, using quantum-mechanical modeling methods, we have calculated the silicon-29 and oxygen-17 nuclear mass resonance (NMR) spectra of the glasses. By making the same calculations in crystalline SiO2 polymorphs, such as quartz and cristobalite, we have developed a method similar to the approach used in 2009 by Kroll and Mauri to relate the O-Si-O bond angle to the chemical shift observed in NMR. Using this data, we can compute the effects and signatures of certain structural defects in the amorphous silica glasses, so that they might be detected in the NMR spectrum of real glasses and ultimately alter the composition to reduce such flaws, increasing the durability of the materials and extending their useful life. Biologically Relevant Metal Ions on Fluorinated Scorpionates Presenter: Jean-Luc Nshimiyimana, Chemistry Senior Mentor(s): Rasika Dias (Chemistry and Biochemistry) 3:20 pm, San Jacinto Abstract: Studies based on enzymatic model are very important in the field of bioinorganic chemistry. They provide detailed insight into how the coordination environment around the metal center affects their activities. In the past few years, tris(pyrazolyl)borates (a ligand system commonly designated as scorpionates) have played a prominent role in coordination chemistry and are being extensively used in biomimetic chemistry as "spectator ligands". In addition, the complexes of the scorpionates possess many beneficial properties and can be used as antiinflammatory, disinfectant, insulin-enhancing drugs, and anticancer agents. The uses of fluorinated scorpionates in the enzymatic model studies are not much explored compared to the non-fluorinated counterpart however, my efforts are aimed toward the synthesis of cobalt, zinc, and manganese complexes of fluorinated scorpionates due to their wide applications in chemistry and impact to medical practice. First, it was crucial to explore the necessary steps and appropriate conditions required for the synthesis of Tris(pyrazolyl)borate ligand since it is our main building block for the synthesis of metal complexes. Following the synthesis of the ligand, it was reacted with a metal-salt therefore forming a metal complex. Finally, further studies will be conducted in order to determine the applications of the newly synthesized metal complexes in chemistry field and possibly testing for biological activities. Toward understanding transcriptional regulation of biotic stress response in guard cells of Arabidopsis Presenter: Nisita Obulareddy, Biology Graduate Mentor(s): Maeli Melotto Group members: Maeli Melotto 10:20 am, Red River Abstract: Stomata are the natural openings predominantly present on the aerial parts of plant formed by a pair of cells called guard cells. These particular cells regulate the opening/closing of stoma for gaseous exchange with environment, prevention of water loss due to transpiration, and restriction of pathogen entry into plants. To understand the overall regulation of the guard cell transcriptome, high quality RNA needs to be extracted from pure cell. Pure guard cells are obtained by digesting the cells wall to release individual cell protoplasts. Guard cell protoplasts (GCPs) isolations have been documented in the literature; however information on the quality and quantity of RNA extracted from guard cells is fragmented. Furthermore, the published procedures are not suitable to study guard cell responses to biotic stresses. Therefore, it is crucial to optimize the procedure for guard cell protoplasting to avoid induction of biotic stress-associated genes and extensive RNA decay, and to obtain high quality and quantity of RNA useful for studying the effects of biotic stress on the guard cell metabolic activitiesl. With our optimized protocol, we have met these criteria and were able to perform a high throughput deep sequencing of the guard cell transcriptome (RNA-seq) to serve as baseline for studying gene regulation of stomatal immunity. Sustos and Tall Tales: Magical Realist Elements and the Validation of Mexican American Immigrant Narrative in John Phillip Santos' Memoir Places Left Unfinished at the Time of Creation Presenter: Jennifer Omaña, Linguistics Graduate Mentor(s): William Arce 11:20 am, San Saba Abstract: John Phillip Santos’ memoir Places Left Unfinished at the Time of Creation is a beautiful collection of stories that create history and sense of belonging to a specific time and place for his immigrant grandparents and their Mexican American children and grandchildren. Immigrant narratives have a special role in the representation of the cultural shift that takes place in that moment in time that spans the immigrant’s arrival and the complete assimilation to the new culture over the course of several generations. Santos’ creation of a history to replace the one lost to the immigrantóthat never existed for his childrenóreplicates a traditional dominant-culture history. My investigation draws from the work of Stephen Hart whose theory of cultural bi- and tri-focalism explains how post-colonial hybrid identity demands a means of validating more than one cultural perspective, and the ways in which the elements of magical realism are able to do this. I show how Santos creates a narrative different from that of traditional Mexican American immigrant narratives, in that his use of the technique of magical realism provides a framework within which to write a Mexican American history characterized by hybridity where multiple world views are validated and reconciled. I analyze Santos’ use of three key characteristics of magical realism, and propose a fourth, fundamental in Santos’ memoir and other magical realist texts. This analysis explores Santos use of elements of magical realism to produce a truly mestizo narrative where no one voice is given precedence over others. Late Permian climate sensitivity to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and precession cycles: implications for the mass extinction Presenter: Angela Osen, Geology Graduate Mentor(s): Arne Winguth Poster board: 30 Abstract: The largest mass extinction during the Paleozoic Era occurred near the Permian-Triassic boundary (ca. 252 Ma). The loss of biodiversity within the terrestrial and marine realms coincided with the eruption of the Siberian Flood Basalts as well as wide spread dysoxic, anoxic, and euxinic conditions in the oceans. Despite several studies of the Permian-Triassic mass extinction, the exact mechanism that may have triggered such an extinction event is still controversial. Recent studies suggest extreme volcanism may have increased the CO2 content of the atmosphere resulting in positive feedback loop. To assist with the determination of the overall global climatic conditions that may have contributed to the Permian-Triassic extinction, the combining of climate model simulations with mapping of phytogeographic patterns and climate sensitive sediments could be an invaluable method. Sensitivity experiments conducted with the National Center for Atmospheric Research's (NCAR) Community Climate System Model v. 3 (CCSM3) were performed with variations in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, cloud cover and precessional cycles. The experiments combine the simulation of biomes with the mapping of phytogeographic patterns and climate sensitive sediments for a broader understanding of the end-Permian climate. Initial results suggest shifts in climatic conditions likely contributed to the severe decrease in diversity during the Late Permian. This work has been supported in part by the National Science Foundation EAR 0745817. Kinetic Investigation of the Hydride Transfer Dynamics in F420-cofactor Dependent Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis Presenter: Tijani Osumah, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Kayunta Johnson-Winters (CHEM) Group members: Cuong Q. Le, Mercy A. Oyugi Poster board: 48 Abstract: The Fgd (F420-dependent Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) enzyme is an F420 Cofactor (7,8-didemethyl-8-hydroxy-5-deazariboflavin) dependent enzyme found in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB). TB is still a prominent cause of illness and death worldwide. Because Fgd is not found in humans, this makes it a good target for drug development. By understanding the mechanism of the Fgd hydride transfer reaction in detail, we can aid in the improvement of drug targeting and development for the treatment of TB. Fgd catalyzes the conversion of glucose-6-phosphate to 6-phosphogluconolactone. My project focus is the purification and kinetic characterization of recombinant FGD using steady-state and pre-steady state kinetic methods. A concurrent goal is to probe the functionality of conserved active site residues that are involved in the hydride transfer reaction. Based upon crystallographic data, it is believed that Histidine 140 acts as an active site base, abstracting a proton from the substrate, glucose-6-phosphate, facilitating the hydride transfer from the substrate to the F420 cofactor. A separate active site amino acid, Tryptophan 44 is believed to stabilize an active site intermediate during turnover. We have mutated these conserved residues, making the following FGD variants, H140A, W44F and W44A. Here, we present preliminary data from purification trials and investigation into the hydride transfer dynamics of both wild type and variants of FGD. This work is supported by the National Science Foundation. Modeling Cell Populations to Address Post Implant Healing by Using Differential Equations Presenter: Larrissa Owens, Mathematics Graduate Mentor(s): Jianzhong Su 10:40 am, Pedernales Abstract: The development of bio-medical implants for corrective surgeries has given doctors and patients treatment options in numerous fields including dental repair, heart health, and join replacement. However, the failure of these implants, due to the hyperactivity of certain immune cells is an ongoing challenge. We construct a new mathematical model (a set of differential equations) that describes the cellular interactions involved in the post implant healing process. By analyzing the model we gain insights regarding instigators and regulators of the immune response. Specifically we look at the multiple roles of white blood cells as well as the impact of bone marrow-derived adult stem cells on the intermittent and long-term behavior of the system. Through both analysis methods and computer-assisted methods we are able to magnify the interworking of key components. Most importantly we determine conditions that will increase the likelihood for a patient’s long-term recovery to converge to a healed outcome. This work was supported in part by the NSF grants DMS-0813825, DMS-0908177, as well as GK12-NSF grant DGE #0841400. Theoretical Approach to Screen the Endocrine Disruptive Chemicals for Breast Cancer Presenter: Anudeep Palanki, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Alan Bowling 2:40 pm, Red River Abstract: This work investigates a theoretical screening technique for identifying cancer causing carcinogens. It is predicted that this year, more than 1 million Americans and more than 10 million people worldwide will be diagnosed with cancer. About 90 to 95 percent of all the cancer cases have their roots in the environment. It has been suggested that some chemical compounds have a similar structure and properties as natural hormones produced by the human body. Hence they can trigger the release of growth hormones that lead to unnatural tissue growth, and ultimately the tumors, indicative of cancer. This work proposes a theoretical screening approach to identify and classify these endocrine disruptive chemicals based on new techniques in coarse-graining and multi-scale modeling for small scale molecules. These new techniques will result in a drastic reduction in simulation run time, which will screen more chemical compounds, in less time, for less cost. This work focuses on simulating estrogen binding with its receptor and the resulting conformational change that initiates the process of abnormal tissue or tumor growth in breast cancer. This work lays the foundation for a larger simulation of the entire hormone misfiring process that leads to cancer and other maladies. Regulation of plant immunity by air humidity Presenter: Shweta Panchal, Biology Graduate Mentor(s): Maeli Melotto (BIOL) Group members: Reejana Chitrakar 10:40 am, Red River Abstract: It has long been observed that environmental conditions play crucial roles in modulating immunity and disease in plants and animals. For instance, many bacterial plant disease outbreaks occur after periods of high humidity and rain. A critical step in bacterial infection is entry into the plant interior through wounds or natural openings, such as stomata. Recent studies have shown that stomatal closure is an integral part of the plant immune response to reduce pathogen invasion. In this study, we found that high humidity can effectively compromise stomatal immunity in both common bean and Arabidopsis, which is accompanied by changes in two plant hormonal pathways. Specifically, the salicylic acid pathway is down-regulated and the jasmonic acid pathway is up-regulated within a short period of time after transferring plants to high humidity. Highly humid environment can be conducive for plant infection by weak pathogens. Hence, we conclude that a well-known diseasepromoting environmental condition, high humidity, acts in part by suppressing stomatal immunity and regulating plant hormone signaling pathways. Achieving Complex Behaviour in Adaptive Dialogue Systems Presenter: Alexandros Papangelis, Computer Science Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Fillia Makedon Poster board: 6 Abstract: Adaptive Dialogue Systems (ADS) interact with users in natural and intuitive ways, typically using multimodal input (eg speech, gestures, facial expressions) and output but are still far from facilitating truly natural interaction. Aiming to achieve complex behaviour in ADS we proposed two online methods, one for learning how to achieve subtasks of a complicated problem and combine them to solve it and one for estimating the effects of system actions on the environment and the user. The first method combines basic verbal or physical actions (eg GreetUser, MoveForward), into complex ones (eg FetchWater, BookFlight). Complex tasks usually have subtasks in common, so we can re-use knowledge of how to achieve a subtask and also adapt the way we achieve it depending on the conditions. To achieve the systems goals (eg diagnosePatient, householdHelp), which may be independent, collaborative or competing, we estimate a probability distribution that yields actions’ likely effects on the environment and the user. Goals are mandatory or optional and the system uses the distribution to guide a hierarchical online algorithm towards a dialogue policy that always achieves the mandatory goals and as many optional as possible. These algorithms were evaluated against standard and state of the art algorithms and have outperformed them in all settings. We are now developing an ADS that operates in Assistive Living Environments, acting as companion and coach for rehabilitative exercises. Our algorithms enable us, among others, to perform simple diagnoses (eg depression) by detecting physical and behavioural cues and raise alerts in emergencies. Low proportion of males in cross-progeny of nematode Rhabditis sp. SB347: Is nature programming to eliminate males? Presenter: Manish Parihar, Biology Graduate Mentor(s): Andre Pires da Silva Group members: Sarah J. Smith 11:00 am, Red River Abstract: Sexually reproducing animals where the male genotype is XY/XO and the female is XX are expected to produce an equal proportion of XY/XO and XX progeny after crossing. However, in the free-living soil nematode Rhabditis sp. SB347, the XO males produce <10% males in cross-progeny. This is unusual and previous studies on SB347 have shown that during spermatogenesis in males the essential cytoplasmic components are segregated only to the X-bearing spermatid and thus, the non-X bearing (nullo-X) spermatid becomes incapable of fertilizing the egg. The objective of this research is to understand the genetic mechanism of this developmental abnormality. Our preliminary observation suggested that the nullo-X spermatids may be undergoing programmed cell death called apoptosis, which is usually triggered in response to stress, DNA damage, and to control tissue growth. We tested the expression of known conserved proteins that regulate apoptotic pathway in other related nematodes (CEP-1 and CED-3) and saw that they are expressed only in the nullo-X spermatid. We also generated a mutant that gave higher proportion of males after crossing and showed equal segregation of the cytoplasmic components. Comparison between the mutant and the wild-type SB347 is underway to precisely identify the genes involved. Apoptosis is involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and mutations in the principal genes of the pathway cause cancer. In addition to further understanding apoptosis, this research will also uncover a novel mechanism of regulating sex ratio by selective elimination of male producing sperm. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation. Transformation Paths in Boron Nitride: from Soft to Hard Materials Presenter: Prajay Patel, Chemistry Senior Mentor(s): Peter Kroll (CHEM) Group members: Khanh Le, Khoa Nguyen Poster board: 110 Abstract: Cubic boron nitride, or c-BN, is a hard material second in hardness only to diamond. However, its softer sibling hexagonal boron nitride, or hBN, typically emerges in chemical syntheses at elevated temperatures. We are interested in studying the transformation from h-BN to c-BN in order to elucidate pathways of the conversion from soft to hard materials. The key result of our study is the energy barrier encountered in this transition, which governs the kinetics of the reaction. Using accurate density functional theory calculations, we set out to model the transition between the two structures and compute the energy landscape associated with changing one into the other. From gaining insight into the mechanism of the transformation, optimal conditions for the creation of our desired hard material can be achieved as well as the impacts of pressure and impurities on the energy barrier. Furthermore, we investigate the formation of c-BN nanoparticles from h-BN and the influence of surface chemistry on the thermodynamics and kinetics of this transition. Our study provides, through computational evaluations, a better understanding of materials synthesis, which will lead to new synthetic procedures towards hard cubic boron nitride. Predictors of Care Seeking Behavior: Emotions and Types of Symptoms Presenter: Hollie Pellosmaa, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): Angela Liegey Dougall 9:20 am, Palo Pinto Abstract: Limited empirical research explains how an individual’s feeling towards their illness symptoms affects their care seeking behaviors. The purpose of this study was to determine which episode-linked emotions best predicted care seeking amongst individuals when they first experienced illness symptoms and at their most severe. Interviews from older adults (N = 267, mean age=72 years) living in a retirement community participating in one wave of a longitudinal study were analyzed. Three episode-linked emotions were examined: (1) depression (ELD), (2) anxiety (ELA), and (3) nervousness (ELN). The results partially supported the hypothesis that participants who had higher negative episode-linked emotions would be more likely to seek care. Participants with higher levels of ELA in regards to their symptoms when first noticed were 1.9 times more likely to seek medical care (B = .634, p = .021). However, ELD and ELN were not significant predictors of seeking medical care when symptoms were new. When symptoms were most severe, participants with lower levels of ELD were more likely to seek care (OR = 0.7, B = -.347, p = .040). In contrast, ELA and ELN did not predict care seeking when symptoms were at their worst. Therefore, negative emotions may have either facilitated or deterred health care seeking among older adults depending on the emotion and types of symptoms experienced. Illness-related anxiety may be beneficial when symptoms are first noticed, but depression may be detrimental when symptoms are severe. Future research should further examine these differential relationships and their resultant health outcomes. Anxiety vulnerability and conditioned morphine reward Presenter: John Perish, Biology Senior Mentor(s): Linda Perrotti (PSYC) Group members: Dennis TS, Anderson S, Morris Bobzean SA, Perrotti LI 1:40 pm, San Jacinto Abstract: Stress and anxiety are risk factors for initiation of drug use and relapse to compulsive drug seeking. The Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat has been proposed as a model of anxiety vulnerability as it exhibits behavioral inhibition in novel and social environments, yet displays paradoxical rapid active avoidance learning. The present study was designed to characterize morphine conditioned place preference (CPP) in WKY rats. Adult male WKY and Sprague Dawley (SD; control comparison strain) rats were subjected to a CPP paradigm, which included a preconditioning test, a conditioning phase, and an acquisition test. On six alternating conditioning days, rats were either injected with one of five doses of morphine (0.5, 1.25, 2.5, 5, or 7.5mg/kg) and placed into one of the two visually and tactilely distinct chambers of the CPP apparatus (the drug-paired chamber), or received an injection of saline and placed in the opposite chamber (saline-paired) for one hour. An acquisition test was conducted 24 hours after the last conditioning session during which rats were permitted access to both chambers for 30 minutes. An increase in time spent in the morphine-associated compartment was considered a measure of conditioned preference. SD rats displayed morphine-induced CPP to each of the five doses of morphine tested whereas WKY rats showed aversion at the highest dose. These data indicate that WKY rats have an increased sensitivity to high doses of addictive drugs. The underlying neurobiology of the anxious phenotype of the WKY rat may explain the observed increased sensitivity to drugs of abuse. Improving Comprehension of Sentences Through Working Memory Training Presenter: Tracy Perry, Education and Curriculum Instruction Graduate Mentor(s): Evgenia Malaia Poster board: 31 Abstract: For any complex mental tasks, people rely on working memory. Working memory (WM) capacity is one predictor of success in learning.Historically, attempts to improve werbal WM through training have not been effective. This study will provide elementary students with WM capacity consolidation efficiency training to answer the question, Can reading comprehension be improved by strategic updating of WM and utilization of episodic memory during reading? I will report preliminary data from 16 5th grade students who took 3 pretests measuring each student's 1)ability to comprehend sentences of varying lengths, 2) ability to decode English-like words (Snowling,1986)3)working memory capacity (Weschler, 2008). Half of the participants will receive WM training (2 sessions a week for 4 weeks), when they will be presented with a series of progressively longer sentences and be asked to choose one of two pictures to demonstrate comprehension. All students will take 2 post-tests (alternate versions of the WM capacity and sentence comprehension pretests). The WM and and sentence comprehension data will be analyzed using a one-tailed t-test. A priori power analysis indicated that I need 35 subjects in each group to have 95% power for detecting a large sized effect when employing a p< .05 criterion of statistical significance. I expect that this training will change the strategies elementary readers use to update their WM while reading to understand complex sentences. If successful, this training will dramaticall affect reader's interest and confidence, and can serve as a model for elementary reading programs. Impact of Soil Microbial Communities on Mutualistic Symbioses in an Agricultural Context Presenter: James Pharr, Biology Graduate Mentor(s): Woo-Suk Chang (BIOL) 1:00 pm, Red River Abstract: Bradyrhizobium japonicum is a bacterium that establishes a symbiotic relationship with soybean (Glycine max), resulting in the formation of root nodules where the bacteria take biologically unavailable nitrogen and convert it to a form useable to plants. This allows soybeans to grow with minimal input of nitrogen fertilizer to the soil, limiting the amount of anthropogenic nitrogen leached into waterways that causes environmental issues downstream, and concomitantly reducing the production cost to the farmer. However, this symbiosis evolved in an immensely complex environment where these microsymbionts are affected by abiotic conditions, as well as interactions with other microorganisms, of which very little is known. Since its discovery, B. japonicum has been used extensively as an agricultural inoculant to improve overall crop yield, exemplifying the powerful effect that a single species can have. Because these plants grow in such complex environments with high levels of diversity, local soil microbiota can be hypothesized to affect the ability of B. japonicum to effectively nodulate soybeans. Soil and nodule samples from 14 soybean fields across Nebraska and Oklahoma were collected for physicochemical analysis and phylogenetic classification of microbial communities. Preliminary data show the abiotic conditions to be highly variable among the different locations, and that the soybeans exhibited different levels of nodulation across locations independent of certain abiotic factors. This suggests that the constituents of the microbial community are partially responsible for differences in effective nodulation by B. japonicum. Further study is needed to elucidate the complex interrelationships involved. Using Narratives To Change College Student’s Attitudes About Binge Drinking Presenter: Donna Pirkle, Communications Graduate Mentor(s): Shelley Wigley 11:20 am, Palo Pinto Abstract: Binge drinking by college students was acknowledged in 1992, by the Surgeon General, as the number one health problem affecting college students. A longitudinal study, conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health from 1992 to 2006, determined 44% of students attending a 4-year college, binge drink. Research, to date, confirms that despite multiple efforts, there has been no notable decrease in student binge drinking in over 30 years. This study will examine student binge drinking and then propose using transportation-imagery model (TIM) to determine if attitudes regarding binge drinking can be changed after viewing a persuasive narrative. The theoretical model has been used successfully in health and political communication, litigation, and advertising. Research questions include two hypotheses: Students will have significantly more negative attitudes about binge drinking following exposure to a narrative about binge drinking. Students will report less intent to binge drink following exposure to a narrative about binge drinking. This is a research in progress; however, proposed methodology includes using a convenience sample of college students between the ages of 18 and 24. They will be given a survey that will assess student’s attitudes toward binge drinking. Two weeks later, the students will be asked to view a 5-minute music video about binge drinking. This will be followed immediately by a two-part survey that will begin with the 15-question transportability scale followed by a repeat of the first survey assessing the student’s attitude toward binge drinking. Carbon Dioxide Activation with Homogeneous Transition Metal Catalysts to Face up Global Warming Presenter: Abhijit Pramanik, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Rasika Dias Group members: Animesh Das 3:20 pm, Concho Abstract: The rapid increase of the environmental carbon dioxide concentration causing global warming and climate change is a serious concern in scientific community now. The 2008-2009 global financial crisis has put global carbon dioxide emission back on high growth trajectory. Numerous catalytic routes are being developed for using carbon dioxide as a precursor in organic synthesis to make something useful such as carboxylic acids, esters, and polymers, but its application in industrial scale is still limited. We are working on nickel and copper catalysts to activate carbon dioxide and synthesize useful products. Different ligands supports were tried with nickel and copper to make an efficient catalyst. Our main interest lies in tricoordinating NNN-pincer type ligands. This type of ligands has shown strong catalytic activity with low valent as well as divalent transition metals. We have been able to design and synthesize a new tridentate ligand system and used it to prepare a nickel complex. We are also working on its copper chemistry. We hope to make a significant contribution to carbon dioxide activation and utility. The genetic basis of convergent evolution in humans and dogs Presenter: Eldon Prince, Biology Graduate Mentor(s): John Fondon III 1:20 pm, Red River Abstract: The extent of convergent evolution, the independent evolution of similar features in different lineages, is an indication of the predictability of evolutionary change. Although convergence can be the result of many evolutionary forces, it has traditionally been viewed as the consequence of similarities in selection. This view has been disputed by those who argue that if developmental and genetic patterns limit which variants are produced, convergence could be primarily due to these constraints (Losos 2011). To understand the contributions of selection and constraint to convergent evolution, the genetic bases of convergent traits must first be understood. If the same genes tend to be responsible for instances of convergent evolution in two lineages, this suggests that internal constraints bias the production of variation, thus limiting the options from which natural selection can choose. Convergent traits influenced by the action of many genes allow for a quantitative measure of how many of the same genes influence trait variation in different lineages. Here we compare the genetic basis of height, a trait influenced by many genes, in humans and dogs by combining data leveraged from several large genome-wide association studies. We find a significant proportion of the same genes contribute to height variation in both species, suggesting that constraint on variation contributes to convergent evolution. This work provides important insight on the convergence and predictability of evolution for a trait influenced by many genes. Pressure Mapping of the Palm While Handling Liquid in a Pot Presenter: Farhana Proma, Industrial Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Sheik Imrhan (IMSE) 11:20 am, Pedernales Abstract: Grasping, lifting, and pouring liquids from pots are regular daily tasks performed everywhere. This seemingly non-strenuous task may be a source of strain on the hands in the elderly or in servers at restaurants, who perform the task repetitively. The objective of this study was to quantify the stress experienced on the palm while grasping, lifting, and pouring a liquid from a container. A regular coffee-pot was used as a representative container. The amount of liquid and the height of the working surface were varied over each of the three phases of the task (grasping, lifting and pouring). The stresses at 20 locations of the palm and fingers were measured using 20 pressure sensors from a Nexgen Glove Pressure Mapping System. The pressure patterns obtained were compared across the 3 task variables - amount of liquid, work surface height, and phase of lifting. The results suggested that two fingers, at 2-4 pressure points, experienced the greatest pressure in all variations of the task; and contact pressures were significantly different across the levels of the task variables investigated. The results enhance our understanding of handling liquids in containers and may lead to better design or selection of liquid containers, especially for the elderly. Improved Surgical Precision with Accurate and Long-Term Overlay of Radiological Data onto Live Surgical Video Presenter: Gustavo A. Puerto-Souza, Computer Science Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Gian-Luca Mariotini (CSE) 1:20 pm, Palo Pinto Abstract: The goal of this research is to design innovative algorithms to automatically process and interpret in real time videos from endoscopic cameras during Minimally-Invasive Surgeries (MIS). MIS is replacing traditional open surgery because of the use of small surgical tools and tiny endoscopic cameras, which reduce post-surgical trauma and hospitalization. Despite these advantages, in MIS the surgeon suffers from limited field of view and the loss of depth perception, which increase the risk of hitting high-risk anatomical targets (e.g., blood vessel). We are interested on Augmented Reality (AR) systems, which promise to increase the surgeon’s visual awareness by accurately overlaying radiological organ models onto intra-operative video. Since placing fiducial markers in MIS is unfeasible, next-generation AR systems will rely only on features extracted from the live endoscopic videos. However, several technological challenges need to be addressed to make AR robust to the loss of these visual features in case of occlusions and strong organ deformations. We developed a novel video-processing algorithm that automatically recovers in real time the lost features. We validated the accuracy of our method over large surgical-video sequences extracted from real kidney- and prostate-cancer surgeries. These data was obtained by our collaborators at the Urology Dept. at the UT Southwestern Medical Center. The results of our research have been recently published in the IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging (2013) and in several top robotics and medical-imaging conferences. We implemented a software toolbox and made it freely available for the entire research community. This work was partially supported by UTA REP grant award no.12243 (PI Mariottini, CSE) and by UTSW fellowship (PI, Mariottini, CSE) A Delphi survey to obtain experts’ opinion on the criteria for evaluation of transportation funding alternatives Presenter: Sasanka Bhushan Pulipati, Civil Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Stephen Mattingly 2:00 pm, Neches Abstract: Transportation officials realize that the current level of fuel tax does not provide enough revenue to satisfy the ever rising transportation needs; as a result, many alternative funding approaches have been proposed. The author conducts a fresh evaluation of funding strategies to identify the best funding option using a multi-criteria decision analysis. The two main parts of this analysis are: developing the criteria and their weights; and scoring each funding strategy over the criteria. This presentation describes the first part. To develop the criteria and their weights in this study, the author conducts a Delphi survey of about twenty officials from various organizations with experience in transportation planning and financing. These officials participate in making decisions regarding future transportation funding policy. The Delphi method, developed in 1950s, consists of a structured communication among a group of experts through a moderator. This survey technique allows the panel members situated around Texas to provide their opinion without a need for meeting at a place or a time and it avoids any direct confrontation among the respondents, maintains anonymity and allows them to provide independent opinion. The survey has three or four rounds where the author tries to obtain consensus among the respondents regarding the criteria and their weights. After each round, the respondents are provided with feedback about the group assessment. By comparing the results from the respondent groups, the research helps facilitate consensus building to meet these future needs. The resultant criteria weights are inputs for the evaluation process discussed above. Antibacterial Nanofibrous Mesh- A Wound Healing Device for Complex Wound Treatment Presenter: Primana Punnakitikashem, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Poster board: 23 Mentor(s): Kytai T. Nguyen Group members: Dr. Zhiwei Xie, Christian Paras, Khanh Vu, Dr. Hong Weng, Dr. Liping Tang, Dr. Young-Tae Kim Abstract: The purpose of this study is to fabricate nanofibrous composite scaffolds consisting of nanoparticles loaded with various therapeutic reagents to provide a dual-factor releasing mechanism for wound healing applications. In order to mimic and promote the natural healing procedure, chitosan and poly(ethylene oxide) were electrospun into nanofibrous meshes as mimics of extracellular matrix. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was loaded within nanofibers to promote angiogenesis in short term. In addition, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) encapsulated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles were embedded inside nanofibers to generate a sustained release of PDGF-BB for accelerated tissue regeneration and remodeling phases. After formulation, the nanocomposite meshes were characterized using human dermal fibroblasts and bacteria cultures. Our nanofibrous composites had been shown to deliver VEGF and PDGF-BB in different release manners and supported fibroblast growth. Additionally, in vitro studies demonstrated the success in promoting cell proliferation while providing antibacterial properties. More importantly, the in vivo studies showed accelerated wound healing process observed in skin wounds when using our composite system compared to control samples. Histology of animal wound tissues indicated that our composite system increased the amount of granulation tissue and thickness of epithelial layer more than the open wound control and the commercial product in short term. For later stages of healing, evidences also showed quicker collagen deposition and earlier remodeling of the injured site to achieve a full regeneration of skin. These results suggest that our nanoparticle-in-nanofiber system could provide a promising treatment for normal and chronic wound healing. Evaluation of the NWS Distributed Hydrologic Model over the Trinity River Basin in Texas Presenter: Arezoo Rafieei Nasab, Civil Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Dong-Jun Seo (CE) Group members: Dong-Jun Seo, Robert Corby and Paul McKee 2:40 pm, Neches Abstract: Distributed hydrologic models are a promising tool for producing streamflow and other hydrologic information at high spatial resolution. In ongoing research at the University of Texas at Arlington, the Research Distributed Hydrologic Model (RDHM) developed by the National Weather Service (NWS) Hydrology Laboratory (HL) is being used to model sub-basins within the Trinity River Basin that extends from North Texas to the upper Texas Gulf Coast from 1996 to 2011. The purpose is to evaluate simulation of streamflow and soil moisture at hourly time steps on a 4x4 km2 grid scale to explore possible hydrologic and water resources applications. RDHM uses the heat transfer version of the Sacramento soil moisture accounting model (SAC-HT) to simulate rainfall-runoff and the kinematic-wave hillslope and channel routing models for routing streamflow. For this project, the SAC-HT model was forced using hourly multi-sensor (radar, rain gauge, satellite) precipitation estimates produced by the NWS West Gulf River Forecast Center (WGRFC). Modeling results were evaluated using observed hourly streamflow data from 10 unregulated locations within the basin and soil moisture data from one Soil Climate Analysis Network (SCAN) station. Results showed that uncalibrated RDHM produced reasonable simulations of outlet flow for most of the basins. It also produced soil moisture content that correlates reasonably well with near-surface in-situ observations. These two findings provide confidence that distributed models can account for spatial variability in basin features and precipitation and provide information at interior locations where there is no observation available. Develop a MVDA-PLS Model for Predicting and Simutaneiously Correlating Vinasse Parameters from Bioreactors Presenter: Shammi Rahman, Civil Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Melanie Sattler (Civil Engineering) Group members: Madhu Rani Poster board: 1 Abstract: One of the most prominent biofuels today is ethanol. The production of ethanol from biomass, whether from sugar crops, starch crops, dairy products, or cellulosic materials, results in the production of a high-strength liquid waste called vinasse. Approximately 12 liters of vinasse are produced for every 1 liter of ethanol. Vinasse is high in solids and organic content (BOD ranging from 30 to 40 g/L, Polack et al., 1981), with a low pH, typically from 3-5 (Wilkie et al., 2000). The proposed research will increase our knowledge of anaerobic biological treatment of vinasse. Such treatment reduces the vinasse waste strength and produces stabilized residuals that can be used as fertilizer without creating water pollution problems. Anaerobic biological treatment of vinasse also produces methane, which can be used as a renewable energy resource. The objectives of this research are to develop a MVDA-PLS model for predicting and simultaneously correlating vinasse parameters such as BOD, COD, pH, conductivity, TDS, VFA, ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), phosphorus, sulfur and potassium based on temperature and vinasse composition and also to assess methane generation potential based on the above vinasse parameters.18 6-L glass lab-scale reactors placement in constant-temperature rooms. Methane, vinasse composition, and microbial diversity in each reactor will be monitored as functions of time (daily or weekly, depending on the parameter). Development of a Freeway Incident Rating System Based on Multcriteria Decision Analysis and Fuzzy Logic Approach Presenter: Ziaur Rahman, Civil Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Stephen Mattingly Poster board: 53 Abstract: For reducing or minimizing the impact of incidents on the freeway network, managing agencies must provide the proper response for a given incident; therefore, the agencies need tools that can evaluate and rank incidents based on limited information. During incident clearance, the magnitude of the incidents severity is typically revealed, but at the time of its occurrence, its time to clearance and impact on the transportation network may not be easily determined. This presentation will assess the membership in each rating classification using a fuzzy logic model. Fuzzy Logic Modeling is applied as a Prediction tool. Statistical predictions are limited with parameters and freeway traffic incidents are very uncertain. A hierarchical fuzzy logic system with several inputs and one output is designed in the Matlab software environment using Fuzzy Logic Toolbox which reduces the effect of boundary condition problems for real-time systems like a Freeway. The Objective behind the development of such a rating system is two-fold. First, it offers an efficient and standard way of forming the information about the number of incidents in a freeway network over a time period. A second objective, once some skill has been gained in rating incidents, is to allow traffic management centers to rate incidents at their onsets. Communicating those ratings using a universally understood terminology to all responding agencies could then result in a more synchronized response to an incident. This has potential in accelerating return to normalcy and minimizing adverse impacts such as user delays and secondary accidents. This work is still not funded. Energy Aware Virtual Network Embedding for the Cloud Presenter: Mayank Raj, Computer Science Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Sajal K. Das 1:40 pm, Palo Pinto Abstract: Cloud computing is fast revolutionizing the Internet. It allows service providers access to configurable on-demand storage and computing resources for hosting their services through the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) delivery model. Network virtualization is a key technology enabler in allowing infrastructure owner to share their resource using the IaaS delivery model. Requests from service providers come in the form of virtual networks, which need to be deployed on the physical infrastructure. This problem can be addressed by representing the virtual network and the physical infrastructure as a graph and performing graph embedding. Numerous approaches have been discussed in literature for an efficient embedding of the virtual network based on the principles of load balancing, revenue maximization and cost mitigation. However, they fail to consider the energy consumption and power constraints of the physical hosts. Energy consumption is one of the major contributors to the operational costs of a data center. Hence, an embedding solution without due consideration to energy consumption and power constraints of the individual physical hosts may not only increase the operational costs of the infrastructure provider but also cause performance issues. In this work, we propose an energy aware virtual network embedding algorithm which takes into consideration the limitations on the power each server can draw as well as reduce the overall energy consumption of the data center. Through experiments we show that the proposed algorithm is able to limit the total energy demand at individual servers through efficient resource allocation. Hot Aisle versus Cold Aisle Containment system: Pumping Power Consideration. Presenter: Kasturi Rajagopalan, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Dereje Agonafer 3:20 pm, Red River Abstract: There are many researches that have been conducted to determine whether Hot aisle containment system (HACS) or Cold aisle containment system (CACS) is best suited for modern data-centers. The HACS is claimed to have higher cooling set point than Cold Aisle Containment System CACS. HACS also helps to achieve lower temperature in comparison to CACS for non-racked equipment such as, tape libraries, power supply, etc .On the other hand CACS in datacenter is claimed to support high density loads when compared to HACS system. When both systems seem to be suited for a datacenter environment, the deciding factor known as “pumping power” is taken into consideration for any containment system. By constraining the pumping power optimal containment can be achieved. This study primarily focuses on minimizing the pumping power utilized in cooling the IT equipment and thereby saving the humongous cooling cost spent in the data centers. This paper also focuses on setting new guidelines for the existing CACS and HACS based upon the results. For this study, a Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model of a room was modeled using commercially available software, Flomerics FloVENT. The CFD model contains electronic equipment, Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) units in a raised floor data center. The alternate hot aisle and cold aisle setting is implemented in the data center and the static pressure drop is determined across the CRAC unit. This procedure is repeated until the optimal pressure drop responsible for minimum pumping power is achieved. Synthesis and Characterization of Sulfur-Containing Aliphatic Photoluminescent Polymers Presenter: Sabra Ramirez, Chemistry Senior Mentor(s): Kevin A. Schug Group members: Li Li, Dr. Kevin A. Schug Poster board: 95 Abstract: A major cause of death among a large age range, diverse ethnicity and the least expected athletes is cardiovascular disease. One method of reducing cardiovascular disease is to amend blood vessels. Tissue engineering is a developing tool in the medical field that is less invasive than an implant. The use of aliphatic polymers has become a potential tool in tissue engineering. In the previous literature that inspired this project, 1,8 octanediol and citric acid were combined with amino acids to produce photoluminescent aliphatic polymers. These less toxic polymers are readily absorbed by cells and are detectable by color emission. The synthesis of 3,6-dithia-1,8-octanediol and citric acid polymer with amino acids is expected to have similar properties to octanediol while differing in molecular weight. Thus far, the emission state is exactly the same as the octanediol polymer with cysteine amino acid. With dithia incorporated in polymer, metals could bind within the polymer and change the color emission. Additionally, the octanediol polymer used in the literature produced a variety of fluorescence emission ranges for different amino acids. Consequently, series of concentrations with a combination of amino acids, cysteine and serine, in the octanediol polymer is expected to shift the emission state. The emission state would depend on the concentration of cysteine and serine in a polymer. Once the dithia polymer is established, further potential applications may develop, and the manipulation in emission state based on concentration may be effectively used under a variety of conditions for bioimaging. Embedded and Wireless Neural Stimulator for Treating Parkinson’s Disease Presenter: Guru Moorthy Ravi, Electrical Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): J.-C. Chiao Group members: Dr. Smitha Rao, Dr. Young-Sik Seo 11:00 am, Neches Abstract: Neural stimulation is gaining greater momentum in treating many acute medical conditions. Brain stimulation has been used to treat patients suffering from muscle tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, and partial paralysis, such as those with Parkinson's disease. According to NIH, at least 500,000 people are believed to suffer from Parkinson's disease in the United States, and these figures are expected to increase as the average age of the population increases. Treatment provided through deep brain stimulation can block abnormal nerve signals in the brain to reduce or eliminate neurological movement disorders. The limitations of this conventional treatment method are the cost of the system and the discomfort caused to the patients due to the wired stimulator which consists of electrodes in the brain connected through external wires to the stimulator placed near the spinal cord. The research presented here is targeted towards miniaturization of the circuitry and implementation of a wireless neural stimulator. The challenge from the hardware perspective is to modify the currently available neural stimulators from open-loop into closed-loop. In an open-loop approach stimulators are continuously-operating and are not adaptive. They do not consider continuous neural feedback from the patient. Therefore, they are not always effective, and can give rise to stimulation-induced side effects. The closedloop approach provides higher efficiency by reducing power consumption and will allow longer lifetime of implants. In this work, a wireless neural stimulator for treating Parkinson’s disease is built and tested in a bench-top setup. Wavelet Denoising of Real and Sinulated Peripheral Nerve Signal Presenter: Manikandan Ravi, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Khosrow Behbehani Group members: Mario Romero-ortega, Vidhi Desai Poster board: 57 Abstract: About 1 in 200 people living in the U.S have a limb amputation. Development of neurally controlled artificial limb prosthesis with the ability to finely control motor activity continues to prove difficult for researchers in the field. One approach is to use the signals obtained from the peripheral nerves by placing an intra-fascicular electrodes in the nerve. Since this signal is very noisy, much of the useful information is either lost or buried in the noise even after filtering. Filters designed using the conventional Fourier-analysis-based methods can improve sensing the neural signal, but are not effective in many instances. This paper examines the effect of wavelet denoising using discrete and stationary wavelet transform on signals obtained from the peripheral nerves of rats. Further, it examines the impact of the choice of wavelet and level of decomposition on the quality of denoised signal. Additionally, it compares manual and automated detection of action potentials on denoised signals. An electrode interface called the Regenerative Multi-electrode Interface (REMI) electrode array was surgically implanted in the sciatic nerve of the rat. Electrophysiological recordings were made using Omniplex data acquisition system (Plexon Inc., Dallas, TX). Wavelet denoising and automated detection were carried out using MATLAB (Mathworks Inc., Natick, MA).Wavelet denoising of electrophysiological signals significantly reduces the noise levels and at the same time preserves the desired information in them. Level 5 decomposition with Symlet 7 wavelet performed the best among the different combinations tested and automated detection performed better than manual detection. This work was supported in part by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Investigation of Enantioselective Tetraamide Macrocycles through Collisional Threshold Dissociation Presenter: Robert Rayford, Chemistry Senior Mentor(s): Kevin A. Schug Group members: Claudio Villani 3:00 pm, San Jacinto Abstract: Many drug molecules are chiral, which means there are a right hand form and a left hand form of the compound (non-superimposable mirror images). These forms are often synthesized in a mixture that requires specialized separations because each form can have different biological effects when administered. Chiral selectors are molecules that differentially interact with the forms of a chiral molecule and allow their separation; however, no chiral selector can resolve every chiral mixture. Collisional threshold dissociation (CTD) is a mass spectrometry method that can be utilized to evaluate the performance of chiral selectors. These experiments dissociate complexes formed of the chiral selector with either form of the molecule while in the gas phase in order to measure selectivity of the chiral selector. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the selectivity of novel tetraamide macrocycles (TAM) as chiral selectors for chiral amines through CTD experiments. These experiments were monitored under conditions developed to optimally dissociate the complexes and measure stability. Historically, TAM analogs have shown chiral selectively. Therefore, these novel TAM derivatives will be investigated for increased selectivity and binding affinities for chiral amines, popular drug compounds. The information provided by this study helped better illuminate how binding occurs between the chiral selector and the amines. The importance of this work would be to find a novel TAM derivative that would be a more universal chiral selector than the previous analogs. Such a chiral selector could improve the work flow for drug purification. Afro-Dominicanidad: Black Identity in Poems by Afro-Dominican Blas Jiménez Presenter: John Reed, Modern Languages Senior Mentor(s): Sonja Watson (SPAN) 1:40 pm, Guadalupe Abstract: In the Dominican Republic where 90% of its population is of African heritage, the self-identification with being black is highly taboo. From their involvement with the Slave Trade to their wars with the Haitian people, the Dominican society has been taught to ignore the truth about their African roots. Considered to be one of the first writers to openly write about being black in the Caribbean, Blas Jiménez helps to re-conceptualize African Identity in the Dominican Republic. In his collection of poems titled Caribe Africano en Despertar, Jiménez writes in a way that not only admits to, but openly accepts the African ancestry in the Dominican Republic in a positive and respectful way. Through his sporadic use of the word "African", his descriptions of what the Caribbean people are not, and his comparisons about their shared physical characteristics with the African Race, Jiménez helps the Dominican population realize that to have a true national identity and to advance forward towards the future, they have to accept all of the past blood that has helped to create this new race. In the past they were Taino Indian, Spanish, and African, but now they are Dominican. More specifically, Afro-Dominican. This project offers a new way to view, read, and interpret afro-Caribbean literature that is significant to the studies of literature, African Diaspora, and to Linguistics. Improving water quality prediction using real time data simulation Presenter: Hamideh Riazi, Civil Engineering Graduate 3:00 pm, Neches Mentor(s): Seo Dong-Jun (DJ) (Civil Engineering) Group members: Sunghee Kim, PhD, Consultant; Arezoo Rafieei Nasab, PhD student; Chang-min Shin,PhD, Consultant Abstract: Accurate prediction of water quantity and quality is critically important to human well-being. In this work, a prototype algorithm for data assimilation (DA) with an operational water quality model, i.e., EPA’s HSPF (Hydrologic Simulation Program - Fortran) model, and the accompanying support module for initialization have been developed, tested and evaluated for improved prediction of water quality variables. The algorithm uses maximum likelihood ensemble filter (MLEF) which combines strengths of variational assimilation (VAR) and ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF). Unlike VAR, however, MLEF does not require adjoint code for gradient evaluation. Unlike EnKF, MLEF does not assume that the observation equation is linear. To verify performance, MLEF and EnKF were comparatively evaluated. A Fortran program for the MLEF algorithm has been developed and extensively tested first using hydrologic models of the National Weather Service and subsequently using HSPF, referred to herein as MLEF-HSPF. For evaluation, MLEF-HSPF was run daily for a 2-yr period of 2008 and 2009 for the Kumho River subcatchment in the Nakdong River Basin in the Republic of Korea. The prediction results for the same period show that MLEF-HSPF significantly improves prediction over base simulation for most of the water quality variables. The work reported herein is supported by the National Institute of Environmental Research, the Republic of Korea, under the Agreement of the Cooperative Study between Geosystem Research Corporation, Korea, and The University of Texas at Arlington. This support is gratefully acknowledged. Sibelius Violin Concerto: a Semiotic Analysis Presenter: Katelyn Richardson, Music Senior Mentor(s): Sean Atkinson (Music) 10:40 am, Guadalupe Abstract: Audiences have understandably appreciated the rich emotional depth present in Jean Sibelius’s Violin Concerto, which Alex Ross, music critic of the New Yorker, aptly described as "brilliantly moody." Previous research, such as work by Joseph Kraus, has addressed the emotional content of other Sibelius compositions employing semiotic analysis, yet few scholars have applied similar analytical tools to this specific work. A simple example of semiotics in music, which attempts to connect musical signs and their extra-musical objects, would be a grouping of three beats in a piece in duple meter; a set of three where there should be only two causes tension in the music. In the case of the violin concerto, the two-against-three musical sign points to the extra-musical object of struggle, possibly even longing and regret. Sibelius wrote this concerto during a particularly troublesome time in his life. In addition to the failed fulfillment of his dream to become a virtuoso violinist, he suffered the devastating death of his youngest daughter, with whom he had a strong attachment. This presentation attempts to illustrate a connection between Sibelius’s life and his violin concerto. Such a study benefits not only listeners, but also students and performers of this piece, as a thorough examination provides a rich understanding of the concerto, suggesting various avenues of interpretation. While this instrumental piece contains no lyrics, this research attempts to uncover a hidden emotional language, the discovery of which brings even greater appreciation to this incredible work of art. Aging in Movement Representations for Sequential Finger Movements: A Comparison between Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults Presenter: Jerroed Roberson, Kinesiology Senior Mentor(s): Priscila Caçola (KINE) 1:20 pm, Guadalupe Abstract: To perform skilled motor actions, it is necessary to create an appropriate and effective movement representation used to plan and execute movements. Studies show that as we enter older adulthood (> 64 years), the ability to mentally represent action via use of motor imagery declines. Using time based thought patterns to compare duration of imagined and executed movements, we tested young (18-32 years), middle-aged (40-63 years), and older adults on their ability to perform fine-motor sequential finger movements using a tapping motion. Participants viewed randomized number sequences of 3, 4, and 5 digits (Load) before responding. Corresponding numbers were attached to each finger and number order on the hand was systematically changed to minimize memory location. Participants completed 5 trials per load in each condition. Results indicated no differences between young and middle-age adults, however both performed faster than the older group, p < .01. As expected, movement duration increased significantly as load increased for all age groups. Correlation analysis regarding the association between imagined and executed actions indicated that values for all groups were positive and moderate (r’s .80, .76. .70). The results indicate that whereas older adults were significantly slower in processing actions than their younger counterparts, their ability to mentally represent actions was similar. In addition to novelty of the (fine-motor) task, the inclusion of middle-aged adults adds to this body of information. Additionally, all subjects in this study were physically active, a fact that may have implications for future study. Differences in the Magnitude and Effects of Cognitive Dissonance in Embedded Versus Isolated Attitudes Presenter: Rebecca L. Robinson, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): William Ickes (PSYC) Poster board: 22 Abstract: The present study offers evidence that embedded and isolated attitudes differ in the magnitude and effects of cognitive dissonance using an induced-compliance paradigm that directly compared the two types of attitudes. Individuals who engaged in counterattitudinal advocacy against an embedded attitude (abortion rights) experienced increased negative affect but decreased attitude change compared to those who engaged in counterattitudinal advocacy against an isolated attitude (tuition rate increases). Traditional level-of-choice condition effects were also found to differ between types of attitudes. The participants in the "isolated" low-choice group reported the lowest levels of negative affect, discomfort, and self-directed negative affect, which is expected, as the low-choice group is assumed to experience little dissonance and serves as a baseline condition (Elliot and Devine, 1999). However, participants in the "embedded" low-choice group reported notably high levels of negative affect, discomfort, and self-directed negative affect, indicating a reversal of the typical effects seen with studies involving isolated attitudes. These outcomes suggest that the type of attitude, whether embedded or isolated, may alter the traditional choice effects that have been regularly demonstrated in dissonance studies restricted to isolated attitudes. The majority of dissonance studies have been limited not only to isolated attitudes, but also to participants who fall on just one side of an attitude continuum. It is argued that future studies should consider opening up the spectrum and range of the attitudes that are studied to enable a more complete understanding of the overall effects of cognitive dissonance. Training naive learners to identify Chinese tone: An inductive approach Presenter: Jessica Rohr, Linguistics Graduate Mentor(s): Cynthia Kilpatrick Poster board: 37 Abstract: Tone has traditionally been regarded as one of the most challenging aspects of learning Chinese as a second language (CSL) (Wang et al., 2003; Shen, 1989; Lee & Nesbaum, 1993). Although a growing body of work (Wang et al. 1999; Liu et. al 2011) has laid a groundwork for understanding how CSL learners acquire tone, there is still a lack of research regarding how different types of training bolster tone identification, a gap recognized by Liu et al. and others. To this end, an inductive training method was created and experimentally tested using twelve naïve learners of Chinese. Participants were introduced to tone by first mapping their knowledge of English intonation onto the contours of Chinese tone. In this section of the experiment tones were described solely on the basis of participants' individual perceptions of tone characteristics. After successfully completing training, participants were asked to identify tones based on the traditional numeric identification system, chosen above the iconic system as it is considered less easily mapped (Liu et al. 2011). That is, participants were presented with the mapping expected to be the most difficult to acquire. The results of this study demonstrate a strong correlation between tone feature identification and the success of the participant: participants who identified tone contour were reliably more successful at identification tasks and saw their accuracy improve over time. Further, these findings lend support to the efficacy of inductive instruction as well as shed light on the importance of learner strategies in the CSL classroom. Young children with Developmental Coordination Disorder have difficulties estimating reach space with tools Presenter: Michael Romero, Kinesiology Senior Mentor(s): Priscila Caçola Poster board: 96 Abstract: Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) often have difficulties with generating a precise visuospatial representation of intended actions, however; little is known about how they plan motor actions with tools that extend reach space. In Typically Developing (TD) children, accuracy for hand and tool reach estimations tends to be similar by 6 years of age. The purpose of this study was to compare accuracy of TD and DCD children for reach estimations with tools of 20 and 40cm in length. Five 7-year-old children with DCD and five ageand gender-matched typically developing (TD) controls participated in two experiments using an estimation of reach paradigm with a 20cm (Experiment 1) and 40cm (Experiment 2) tool. The experiments involved reach estimation from a first-person perspective in peripersonal (near) and extrapersonal (far) space. Each participant estimated reach with their Hand, a Tool, and a Switch-Block (SB). Intent of the switchblock condition was to gain insight into estimation accuracy after an abrupt change in conditions. Experiment 1, ANOVA results indicated that DCD children approached significance in being less accurate than their controls when estimating reach with the Tool (p = .06) and were significantly less accurate with the extension SB condition (p < .05). Experiment 2, DCD children were significantly less accurate than their typically developing counterparts in all conditions ( ps < .05). Results hint that: (1) young children with DCD have difficulties incorporating space with a tool to reflect accurate estimations; and (2) tool length influences estimations and accuracy when switching conditions Understanding differential plant defense mechanism against different human pathogens Presenter: Debanjana Roy, Biology Graduate Mentor(s): Maeli Melotto (BIOLOGY) Group members: Shweta Panchal, Maeli Melotto 1:40 pm, Red River Abstract: Foodborne illness is a preventable yet increasing public health challenge that causes an estimated 76 million illnesses and approximately 3,000 deaths each year in the United States. There have been increased concerns of leafy vegetable contamination by human pathogens and food safety. In this study, we assessed plant defense responses induced by the fully pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SL1344 in both Arabidopsis thaliana and lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Unlike SL1344, O157:H7 induced strong plant immunity at both pre-invasion, post-invasion steps of infection. SL1344 instead induced a transient stomatal immunity. We also observed that induction of a defense related marker gene is stronger in O157:H7 challenged Arabidopsis as compared to SL1344 challenged plants. These results suggest that plants may recognize and respond to some human pathogens more effectively than others. Furthermore, stomatal immunity can diminish the penetration of human pathogens through the leaf epidermis resulting in low bacterial titers in the plant apoplast suggesting that additional control measures can be employed to prevent food contamination. The understanding of how plant responses can diminish bacterial contamination is paramount in preventing outbreaks and improving the safety of food’s supplies. Ensemble Streamflow Forecasting for the Upper Trinity River Presenter: Manabendra Saharia, Civil Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Dong-Jun Seo (Civil Engineering) Group members: Robert Corby, Kevin He 3:20 pm, Neches Abstract: To allow risk-based decision making in water resources and emergency management, quantification of predictive uncertainty in streamflow forecasts is necessary. Toward that end, ensemble forecasting is being widely used as the methodology of choice. In this work, we evaluate the quality of short-range streamflow hindcasts (i.e. forecasts generated retrospectively) for five headwater basins in the Upper Trinity River Basin in North Texas toward operationalization of ensemble streamflow forecasting by the National Weather Service (NWS) West Gulf River Forecast Center in Fort Worth, TX. The hindcasts are generated from the Hydrologic Ensemble Forecast System (HEFS) which operates as a part of the Community Hydrologic Prediction System of the NWS. Currently, the HEFS models the input and hydrologic uncertainties. As quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) represents the largest source of input error in streamflow prediction, the skill and lead time of streamflow forecasts are largely dependent on the ability to capture the skill in QPF and to model the uncertainty therein. To verify the ensemble QPF and the resulting ensemble streamflow forecasts, we used the Ensemble Verification System developed by the NWS. The results indicate that for the study basins the ensemble flow forecasts forced by ensemble QPF have greater positive skill over those forced by climatological precipitation ensembles for lead times up to 3 days. Expectedly, the skill decreases with lead time and shows strong seasonal variations. The results suggest that, when deployed operationally, the HEFS will provide more informative hydrologic forecasts for the Texas region compared to the present system for a wide range of users. We describe the hindcasting experiments, summarize the results, and identify issues and challenges. National Weather Service Investigating the significance of multiple cortical regions to the neural processing of pain Presenter: Celina Salcido, Biology Senior Poster board: 107 Mentor(s): Perry Fuchs (PSYC-BIOL) Group members: Christopher T. McNabb, Amber L. Harris, Michelle M. White, Hannah O. Wriston, & Perry N. Fuchs Abstract: Pain sensation and pain affect are two of the major components of the pain experience and are subserved by the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), respectively. Electrolytic brain lesions to these areas have been used to diminish the influence of either sensation or affect from the experience of pain, but not both simultaneously. This study therefore investigated nociceptive behavior following ablation of the S1 and ACC. Animals were randomly assigned to one of four bilateral brain lesion conditions: S1/ACC, S1/ACC-Sham, S1-Sham/ACC, and S1-Sham/ACC-Sham. Inflammatory pain was induced with a subcutaneous injection into the left hindpaw of 0.5 mL of 1% carrageenan followed by testing of sensory pain thresholds and affective pain avoidance using a mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MPWT) test and the Place Escape/Avoidance Paradigm (PEAP). Results showed that carrageenan significantly reduced sensory pain thresholds in each condition (p < .001) and that the S1/Sham lesion dramatically increased avoidance behavior (p < .05). Unexpectedly, ACC lesions did not show less avoidance behavior than the control condition (p > .05, ns). The radical difference in avoidance between the S1/Sham and S1/ACC lesion groups suggests that pain affect does not depend solely on the ACC, as was previously thought, but rather upon interaction between the S1 and the ACC. This study expands upon the understanding of the neural substrates of pain by revealing a more complex interactive relationship between cortical mechanisms. Feasibility of Landfill Mining and Reclamation in a Closed Landfill Presenter: Sonia Samir, Civil Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Sahadat Hossain 3:40 pm, Neches Abstract: Landfill mining and reclamation (LFMR) is a process whereby solid wastes which have previously been landfilled are excavated and processed. Primary initiatives for landfill mining in USA were taken since 1950. However, it has been practiced in limited extent and very few successful projects are reported to date. The major factor in considering the feasibility of landfill mining for material recovery is to understand the state of decomposition of existing landfilled solid waste. The current study investigates the state of decomposition of landfilled organic waste collected from a closed section of City of Denton Landfill. The objectives of the current study are to investigate the state of decomposition of landfilled waste and evaluate the feasibility of landfill mining. MSW samples were collected from two test borings using a 3ft diameter bucket auger sampler at every 10 ft. depth in October 2010. The maximum depth of test borings was 60 ft. The age of the MSW samples varied from 9 to 25 years depending on depth from which MSW samples were collected. Laboratory tests were performed on the collected samples to determine their state of decomposition, physical composition, and volatile solids content. From the volatile solids (VS) tests most of the samples were found at phase I degradation level. Therefore, based on the field and laboratory investigation results, it was determined that the condition of the paper and cardboard fiber was high enough to be recycled which enhanced the economic feasibility of landfill mining at this location. This work was supported by The City of Denton Landfill. Learning Vocabulary Through an Experience-Based Intervention and Its Effects on Standardized Test Scores Presenter: Brianna Sanford, Education and Curriculum Instruction Graduate Mentor(s): Evie Malaia Group members: Angela McDowell Poster board: 34 Abstract: Socioeconomic status (SES) drastically affects performance on standardized test scores among elementary and middle school students. One underestimated factor attributing to this trend is the incidental vocabulary acquired through real-life experiences that low SES children may not receive. We address this question by offering an experience-based intervention for students, focused on play-interaction in learning environments including supermarket, museums, and zoo/farm. This 6 week intervention simulates real-life experiences, such as buying produce and using it in recipes. Each session is comprised of a hands-on portion, a closing discussion, and a short homework assignment that prompts the students to look outside of school for specific aspects of what was learned. The students will take a pre- and post-test with questions similar to recent STAAR released items to determine whether focus on real-world play-experience can aid students during test-taking . A priori power analysis indicated that we need 18 subjects in each of the 2 groups to have 95% power for detecting a large sized effect when employing the traditional .05 criterion of statistical significance. We expect that the intervention will lead to overall higher test scores. Additionally, we expect a more significant increase in test scores for the children from the economically disadvantaged group who participate in the intervention We would like to ensure that these findings are available to educators and parents to emphasize the importance of real-world experiences in daily life. Dovetail: An Internet routing protocol that doesn't reveal your identity Presenter: Jody Sankey, Computer Science Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Matthew Wright (CSE) 2:00 pm, Palo Pinto Abstract: Controlling privacy in today's networked world is a challenging problem that has attracted increasing public attention. Many types of identifying information are exposed when we use the Internet, but one of the most pervasive is a user's IP address, which can both uniquely identify a user and reveal her network location. Anonymous communication systems that allow a user to conceal her IP address have previously been proposed, but most of these build on top of the current Internet, placing inherent limitations on their efficiency and scalability. We propose an IP anonymity solution directly at the Internet routing level. The key elements of our work are the choice of many different paths through the network and the joining of path segments at a dovetail point without needing to trust any single network participant. We have validated the privacy and efficiency of our proposal by simulation using a model of the complete Internet based on data showing the relationships between networks. Experiments in this simulation demonstrate that routing path diversity provides a meaningful improvement in anonymity at a moderate cost, that the protocol allows a source and destination to communicate without knowing each other's network location, and that an eavesdropper is unable to link the source with the destination. This work quantifies the anonymity benefits of diverse routing using techniques that may apply in other networking applications, and it presents a general, yet practical, protocol that we hope will motivate the consideration of anonymity in a next-generation Internet routing protocol. Predicting new materials suitable for photocatalysts to produce hydrogen and determination of its structural, electronic and optical properties by density functional theory Presenter: Pranab Sarker, Physics Graduate Mentor(s): Muhammad N. Huda 3:00 pm, Pedernales Abstract: Our present work represents a comprehensive theoretical and computational research in quest for predicting new materials suitable for photoelectrochemical process (PEC) to produce hydrogen by splitting water. We predict a new photocatalyst, CuBiW2O8 that exhibits some promising features for PEC seemed elusive to date. It is well known that all physical properties are calculated easily once ground state structure is known. However, knowing crystal structure is extremely challenging and was considered unpredictable before the material is synthesized. Here, we present a new, systematic mineral database search method of relevant oxides to predict the accurate crystal structure of a material theoretically. Our density functional theory (DFT) total energy calculation using search results by appropriate descriptors from mineral database of relevant oxides determines the crystal structures of a potentially new photocatalyst, CuBiW2O8 to be triclinic consistent with experimental result. In addition to structure determination, we calculate the electronic and optical properties of CuBiW2O8 for the first time. Our calculated the band gap (1.43 eV) is suitable for solar-to-hydrogen conversion technology through PEC approach. Moreover, density of states (DOS) calculation demonstrates a successful band gap reduction approach where Cu 3d orbital plays a major role in band gap reduction. In addition, it explains why electron transition from valence band to conduction band is possible although both band edges are mostly dominated by d orbital electrons and d-d electron transition is forbidden. Finally, our optical calculation determines this material has a high absorption rate that facilitates hydrogen production through water decomposition. Rhodium Catalyzed Regio- and Stereocontrol of Homoallylic Silyl Ethers Presenter: William Rush Scaggs, Biology Senior Mentor(s): Junha Jeon (CHEM) Group members: Yuanda Hua, Hiep Nguyen 1:20 pm, San Jacinto Abstract: Cancer is a disease that affects humans of all ages. New medicines, which can aid in combating different types of cancer, must be created. There is a need for efficient transformations of essential building blocks of life to ultimately give rise to beneficial molecules. In order to create these molecules we must first identify the structural motifs of compounds that aid in the fight against cancer. It has been shown that a specific motif known as a diol is a promising candidate to help in the fight against cancer. Diols are biologically active motif with a unique function commonly found in numerous molecules fabricated by nature; however, nature‚Äôs supply of these molecules will be exceeded by human demand. Therefore, we must create new synthetic methods in order to preserve the natural order while, at the same time, aiding in the treatment of common and newly emerging cancer. Presented is a new method that generates two different types of diols. They are both directed through the formation of cyclic molecules containing oxygen, silicon and carbon that are subsequently converted to the desired diol. This study shows that by adjusting one part of the process two completely different diols are created. Though the molecules made in the lab are not promising anti-tumor medicines, the methods developed in the laboratory will be applied to the creation of anticancer agents and the creation of new materials. The Individual Approach to Contact: How Personality Predicts Intergroup Contact Behavior Presenter: Nicole Sharp, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): Jared Kenworthy Group members: Asha Jassani and Vivian Ta Poster board: 46 Abstract: Personality has been shown to be associated with prejudice levels and intergroup contact has been shown to reduce negative outgroup attitudes and discrimination, but until now the motivating factors that encourage naturalistic contact have not been examined. The current study examines the influence of personality on freely-chosen intergroup contact behavior and prejudiced attitudes. Participants were recruited from undergraduate introductory psychology courses and partook in a two-part study. During the initial phase of the study, participants completed personality measures (Big Five, Multicultural Personality Questionnaire - MPQ, SDO, RWA) as well as intergroup contact and prejudice scales. In the second phase of the study participants rated and selected potential future interaction partners based on an evaluation of short profiles. Results indicated that the Cultural Empathy subscale of the MPQ was the strongest predictor of prejudice. Outgroup approach behavior was not predicted by the MPQ variables, but positive ingroup evaluations were predicted by Cultural Empathy, Open Mindedness, and Emotional Stability. These results suggest that individuals more prone to understanding others on an affective level will be less prejudiced than others. Modern Gaming for Mental Health Presenter: Kimberly Vered Shashoua, Social Work Graduate Mentor(s): Randall Basham (Social Work) 10:20 am, San Saba Abstract: Video gaming is a massive industry, which many people include as a regular part of their lives. While there is popular debate over whether video games have detrimental effects on their players, this study demonstrates that popular games can facilitate wide-reaching therapeutic benefits. A case study, using the Mass Effect video game trilogy, describes mechanisms used to alter affect, increase social experience level, and improve self-image. Video games, combined with the guidance of a therapist, could serve as a familiar method of acquiring and improving emotional and social skills in the future. Breastfed Infants Metabolize Perchlorate Presenter: Charles Shelor, Chemistry Graduate 3:40 pm, Concho Mentor(s): Purnendu Dasgupta (Chemistry and Biochemistry) Group members: Andrea B. Kirk, Purnendu K. Dasgupta, Matrina Kroll, Catrina A. Campbell, Pankaj K. Choudhary Abstract: Perchlorate is an environmental contaminant with both natural and anthropogenic sources. Perchlorate toxicity is caused by the competitive binding of perchlorate to the sodium-iodide symporter protein which shuttles iodide into the thyroid. Iodine is an essential element required for the production of thyroid hormones necessary for proper metabolism. These hormones are also important for the neurodevelopment of infants. Due to the low iodine capacity of the infant thyroid, infants are most susceptible to perchlorate’s toxic effects. A cohort of 13 breastfeeding mother-infant pairs and 5 formula-fed infants were recruited to study the effects of iodine and perchlorate intake and excretion. Iodine and perchlorate were measured in the milk as well as the infant urine samples (the primary clearance method). Multiple samples were acquired from each subject set to account for temporal variation. Using Iodine as a conservative tracer, the perchlorate levels in the milk and the corresponding infant urine were measured. It was found that the average urinary iodine to milk iodine ratio in the breastfed infants was 2.87 while the corresponding perchlorate ratio was 1.37. The difference is statistically significant. For the formula fed group the same ratios are 1.20 and 1.58. The difference was not significant. Bifidobacteria are known to be the dominant intestinal bacterial species in breastfed infants, but are only present in small amounts in formula-fed infants. These bacteria have long been inferred perchlorate reducers and by culturing perchlorate spiked milk and observing perchlorate reduction, I have conclusively shown that they are. This work was supported primarily by The Gerber Foundation, a nonprofit private foundation that has no connection with any infant food manufacturer. We also thank Kids Doc Pediations, Arlington, TX for encouraging patients to participate in this study. Evaluation of High Power Energy Storage Devices Presenter: Biju Shrestha, Electrical Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): David Wetz 11:20 am, Neches Abstract: Recently, the advancement in electrodes and electrolytes in an electrochemical storage device has greatly increased the power density of cells. The increased power density has made these types of portable energy storage devices more appealing and feasible for use as the prime power source of high, continuous, and pulsed power systems like electromagnetic launcher, micro-grid, electric vehicles, and etc. Those devices has been previously shown to be possible for powering a pulsed power system; however its limitations is not well published and it is unclear how the fundamental aging phenomena that occur inside these types of devices will be affected. We, at UTA have an ongoing research in testing the limitations of these types of devices using our custom build equipment for use in pulsed high current applications. In an ongoing research, a 3Ah Graphite Lithium-Ion cell has been cycled 100s' of times by discharging at pulsed elevated rate of 10 kHz and 50% duty cycle and by recharging at manufacturer suggested rate. The observance of approximately 8% loss in capacity in 100 cycles determines the feasibility of using this technology for powering high power loads that lasts for few minutes, and in which mobility has high priority over lifecycle. This is a work in progress which will be continued until the cell is bad which is determined by a capacity loss of 20%. The results obtained have potential to change the way the batteries can be used in future. Improving analysis of heavy to extreme precipitation with conditional bias penalized optimal estimation Presenter: Ridwan Siddique, Civil Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Dong-Jun Seo Group members: Dong-Jun Seo, Yu Zhang, Dongsoo Kim 4:00 pm, Neches Abstract: Precipitation estimation is a very important topic from the societal perspective as large precipitation can cause flooding from which loss of lives and damage to properties can occur. In current practice, a number of spatial interpolation techniques are used for precipitation estimation using rain gauge data. Most of them are based on minimizing error variance but none of them consider Type II conditional bias. As such, the existing techniques work well in the mid ranges of the distribution and tend to under- and overestimate large and small precipitation amounts, respectively. Conditional Bias Penalized Kriging (CBPK) adds a penalty term for Type II conditional bias in addition to the error variance to improve estimation of large precipitation. CBPK, however, is likely to produce negative estimates in places of very small or no precipitation. This problem is addressed in this work by an extension of CBPK, referred to as Extended Conditional Bias-Penalized Kriging (ECBPK). For comparative evaluation, several real world experiments have been carried out using hourly and daily rain gauge precipitation data. Also, synthetic experiments have been carried out for mean areal precipitation analysis using the Stage IV data as truth and creating synthetic gauge network within Stage IV rainfall field. The cross validation results of ECBPK are compared with those of the Single Optimal Linear Estimator used in the NWS’s Multisensor Precipitation Estimator. Recognizing Effective Solutions to Calculus Exam Questions: A Study of Student Work in First Semester Calculus Presenter: Julie Skinner Sutton, Mathematics Graduate Mentor(s): James A. M. Epperson 11:00 am, Pedernales Abstract: Calculus is widely viewed as a gateway to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields; however, success rates in calculus continue to be a nationwide problem. Students’ ability to produce or recognize correct, well-written, robust solutions to calculus problems directly affect the latter, yet little research exists that examines this. In this study, using sample student work on calculus exam questions, we created an instrument requiring participants to critique and rate the effectiveness of the solutions presented. UT-Arlington offers students pursuing degrees in STEM fields enrolled in first-semester calculus the opportunity to participate in the Arlington Emerging Scholar’s Program (A-ESP). In this intervention program, students work in groups on challenging calculus problems for four hours weekly in addition to regular lectures and labs associated with the course; as a result, these students actively collaborate in the creation of a greater number of worked examples connecting many topics. Research suggests that when students encounter a broad collection of worked examples, they create a personal classification system based on their experiences. Sweller (2006) suggests that this library of worked examples facilitates classification of new problems when encountered. Findings based on the responses of fourteen students participating in A-ESP and 34 nonA-ESP students from the same section of calculus suggest that students participating in A-ESP communicated their views in a more clear, concise manner and demonstrated stronger skills for providing feedback on peer work and correctness of solutions than their non-A-ESP counterparts. The Effects of Parents’ Neuroticism on Toddlers’ Temperament Presenter: Catherine Spann, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): Jeffrey R. Gagne (Psychology) Group members: Jerry C. Prater Poster board: 63 Abstract: Temperament refers to early emerging, individual differences in behavior that develops into adult personality (Goldsmith et al., 1987) and links between early temperamental traits and later personality have become an area of intense study in the field of psychology. Temperament dimensions of anger, sadness, activity level (AL) and inhibitory control (IC) are considered precursors to several important developmental outcomes including problem behavior and child psychopathology (Gagne et al., 2009). Although biologically driven, environment and experience can influence the expression of temperament as children develop. In the present study, we examined the influence of parent personality, assessed through the Big Five Personality Inventory (John et al., 2001; 2008), on four dimensions of child temperament. Child temperament was assessed through parent reports using the Toddler Behavior Assessment Questionnaire (TBAQ; Goldsmith, 1996) as part of a larger study being conducted at the University of Texas at Arlington. The Texas Family Study investigates early child behavior and family variables in local families with siblings or twins between the ages of 2 1/2 and 5 1/2 years old. The current sample includes 66 children (Males = 36) with a mean age of 3.83 (SD = 1.12). Results revealed that increased levels in mother’s neuroticism were significantly associated with greater levels in child anger, activity level, and sadness. Conversely, increased levels in mother’s neuroticism were significantly associated with decreased levels in child inhibitory control. The researchers plan to further investigate these findings, while also including variables of parent affect, depression, and family conflict. Towards Modelling the Behaviour of Physical Intruders in a Region Monitored by a Wireless Sensor Network Presenter: Sriram Srinivasan, Computer Science Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Matthew Wright 2:40 pm, Palo Pinto Abstract: Monitoring intruders at borders is a very important task for homeland security. To accomplish this by continuous physical monitoring is not practical. Low cost wireless sensors have been identified as a useful tool in monitoring with very little human intervention. Ensuring the effectiveness of monitoring against an intelligent intruder is a difficult task, however, as the intruder can search for weaknesses. To better understand the capabilities of such an intruder, we propose a model for an intelligent intruder whose purpose is to find a detection-free path across the border region by which he could cross back and forth without risk of detection. Our intruder model is divided into four agents, each with a specific task: explore, exploit, evade, and policy. The first three agents follow the best course for achieving their named goals. The policy agent is an intelligent agent that learns on different maps whether to explore or exploit or evade given the intruder’s current knowledge about the map. It uses reinforcement learning (RL) to get trained over various maps. In RL, the agent gets a positive reward for doing something right (e.g. moving to a detection-free zone closer to the goal) and negative for doing something wrong (e.g. getting detected a sensor). Our results show that the agent becomes very good at finding a detection-free path across the border region without getting caught by the sentry after getting trained on enough sample maps. A new contactless conductivity detector for capillary scale measurements Presenter: Brian Stamos, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Purnendu K. Dasgupta 4:00 pm, Concho Abstract: Ion chromatography (IC) is used to separate ions in solution. It is widely used in pharmaceutical, environmental, petrochemical, biotechnology, semiconductor, food and beverages, environmental and numerous other application areas. The best way to determine if groundwater is being contaminated by fracking fluids is for example, by IC. The detection technique used in IC involves very precisely measuring the current that flows through the solution when an alternating voltage is applied. Commonly this is done by contacting the solution with a pair of electrodes and measuring the current. Efforts are being made worldwide to shrink the size of separation systems. We have a major effort in our laboratory to reduce IC separation columns from a size of 4 mm in diameter to 1/200th that size with a view of using them in an instrument that will go to Mars. The volumes involved in our extremely small bore columns are too small for an external detector to be used. Measurements must be made directly on the column and preferably without touching the liquid. There are no available conductivity detectors that can do this well. In our laboratory we have made considerable progress towards building a detector that solves this problem. My presentation will address the construction and functioning of such a detector weighing less than 1 kg, consuming less than 1 watt and small enough to fit in the palm. This work was supported in part by NASA. Autotomy and its foraging costs in the wolf spider Rabidosa santrita Presenter: Matthew Steffenson, Biology Graduate Mentor(s): Dan Formanowicz (BIOL) Group members: Dan Formanowicz 2:00 pm, Red River Abstract: Autotomy, or voluntary loss of body parts, has been shown as an effective predator escape mechanism. The autotomy of a limb has the potential benefit of escaping a predator. This defensive mechanism has associated costs: decreased mating success, diminished locomotive proficiency, and reduced territory size. Autotomy has also been hypothesized to negatively affect foraging ability; however few studies have actually tested this theory. The objectives of this study were to identify whether losing specific limbs through autotomy had different effects on foraging success. Rabidosa santrita were captured from a creek bed in the Chiricahua mountains. R. santrita were separated into three groups: control (missing no legs), 1st leg (with one 1st walking leg autotomized), and 4th (with one 4th walking leg autotomized). The running speed of each individual was recorded both pre and post-autotomy. Spiders were introduced to experimental chambers with five prey items (Pardosa valens, another local spider). Spiders were observed for 1 hour and the number of prey items captured was recorded every 15 minutes. Results indicate that the running speed of spiders did not differ when any limb was removed. Additionally, the number of prey items consumed by the predator did not differ significantly, but the rate of prey capture did. Individuals missing a 4th walking leg captured prey at a significantly reduced rate compared to those not missing a leg. While autotomy may result in escaping a predator, it appears to have longterm energy acquisition costs to the individual as well. This work was supported in part by the Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society, the Southwestern Research Station, and the American Museum of Natural History. Analyzing the Relationship of Urban Birds and Land Cover Characteristics in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex Presenter: Brittany Stricklin, Biology Graduate Mentor(s): Laura Gough Poster board: 52 Abstract: In today’s world, there are few areas left untouched by human settlement. Rampant urbanization of natural habitats implies that humans are an integral part of the modern landscape. To this end, I am exploring the effects of urbanization upon birds within the DFW metroplex. The DFW region can be characterized by its overall degree of urbanization and by differentiation among types of urban areas. The Breeding Bird Survey, formed by the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center following songbird declines in the 1960s, has established sampling routes within this area that are surveyed annually by volunteers. This count data, coupled with land cover data for the routes and guild information about each species (such as nesting substrate, feeding habits, etc.) can be used to determine which species can tolerate urban conditions. Some birds are urban adaptors which thrive in urban conditions, while others are urban avoiders, incapable of surviving in urban habitats. A multivariate statistical analysis of bird count data, sites, and land use suggests that different assemblages of bird species appear to associate with urban and rural areas. For example, pigeons, chimney swifts, and European starlings are invasive species in the United States that have historically followed human settlement and these were more commonly found in urbanized areas in DFW. Most of the urban avoider species are dependent upon marshes and grasslands, a habitat type not as commonly found in urbanized areas. Extending this analysis to other urban areas can test whether these patterns are robust across geographical gradients. Protists and Bacteria in an Aquatic Environment Presenter: Hasan Sumdani, Biology Sophomore Mentor(s): James Grover (BIOL) Group members: Matthew Le, Martin Tran, Samuel Frickle, Hristo Kojouharov, James Grover Poster board: 113 Abstract: The purpose of this study is to represent the dynamical patterns of a protist preying on living and deceased bacteria, using a mathematical model. Three differential equations are used to represent the numbers of protists, living bacteria, and deceased bacteria in the system. The model takes into account parameters that affect both the rate at which bacteria and dead bacteria are consumed and how this consumed material aids in the protist’s growth. Parameters in this model include an encounter rate between the prey and predator and the rate of consumption of the prey by the predator. The encounter rate can be derived from the speed that both organisms move. The faster they move, the more likely they are to encounter one another. Another important parameter in this model is the conversion constant which describes how much a protist can reproduce with each bacterium ingested. The results show that changing the different parameters can lead to different, biologically-meaningful scenarios such as an overall decrease in the protist population despite a high consumption rate. The different scenarios that this model can predict show that it is an effective predator/prey model for microbial systems. The simplicity of the model makes it a valid starting point for more complicated predator prey systems. Cancer-specific dual-responsive polymer-coated iron oxide nanoparticles Presenter: Varsha Sundaresan, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Kytai T. Nguyen Group members: Dr. Aniket S. Wadajkar, Dr. Kytai T. Nguyen Poster board: 24 Abstract: Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) has been used for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications due to its temperatureresponsive property. It is hydrophilic at temperature <32∫C (lower critical solution temperature, LCST) and becomes hydrophobic at temperatures larger than 32∫C, collapsing and releasing drug to the environment. Hydrophilic acrylamide (AAm) copolymerized with PNIPAAm increases the LCST above body temperature, allowing controlled drug release following heat application. However, PNIPAAm-AAm is not degradable in vivo. This can be overcome by grafting with a degradable pH-sensitive polymer, chitosan. The aim of this study was to synthesize R11-PNIPAAm-chitosan-magnetic-based nanoparticles (PAC-MNPs) for controlled and targeted drug delivery. Iron oxide was incorporated in this system for magnetic targeting, MRI contrast and hyperthermia. R11 peptides were selected for conjugating onto nanoparticles for targeting to prostate cancer. PAC-MNPs were also loaded with anticancer drug Doxorubicin, enabling dual responsive drug release and hyperthermia for cancer management. Successful formation of polymer coating on MNPs was observed and the coating did not affect superparamagnetic properties. The PAC-MNPs were spherical in shape with average size of 150nm. Fibroblasts and healthy prostate cells showed cell viability greater than 80% when incubated with particles up to a concentration of 500µg/ml for 24 hours. Uptake of particles by prostate cancer cells increased with increasing particle concentration, targeting ligand and magnetic field. These results indicate that PAC-MNPs possess high cytocompatibility and dual responsiveness. Future studies include in vitro and in vivo testing of nanoparticles for their effectiveness to detect and treat prostate cancer. Meta-Analysis of the Health Effects of Toxic Exposure Presenter: Jeffrey Swanson, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): Angela Liegey Dougall 10:00 am, Palo Pinto Abstract: Historically, researchers have predicted that exposure to toxic substances would be particularly detrimental, and that such exposure would produce chronic symptoms. However, no review has systematically investigated the health impact of toxic exposure and this prediction has not matched findings from the broader disaster literature. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine if exposure to toxic substances during a traumatic event produced chronic stress and health symptoms. It was predicted that exposure to toxic substances would produce chronic symptoms, that even worry about exposure would be sufficient to produce symptoms, and that symptom reports would be higher among studies collected shortly after the event and with better research methods. A literature search was conducted to identify studies of the health effects of events involving toxic exposure. Outcomes of event-related stress and physical health symptoms were coded. Combined effect size estimates were computed for level (direct, indirect, and unexposed) as well as type (radiation and chemical) of toxic exposure. Meta-regression analyses were performed to assess time from the event to the study and study quality. As expected, individuals exposed to toxic substances generally reported chronic stress and physical health symptoms. In the case of radiation, symptoms persisted among both individuals with only indirect or unconfirmed exposure and, unexpectedly, symptoms persisted for up to fifteen years. This response pattern, which is different from the existing literature on traumas and disasters, provides strong support for the previous theories that events involving toxic exposure produce more symptoms. Nanocomposite Hydrogel System for Skin Cancer Treatment and Subsequent Wound Healing Presenter: Pranjali Tambe, Biomedical Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): Kytai T. Nguyen Group members: Pranjali P. Tambe, Jyothi U. Menon, Dr. Kytai T. Nguyen. Poster board: 25 Abstract: Melanoma skin cancer is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and the major cause of deaths related to skin cancer worldwide. Conventional treatments are limited by low response rate and patient compliance, severe side effects, and development of drug resistance. The aim of this project is to develop nanocomposite transdermal hydrogel system incorporating stimuli responsive nanoparticles with dual drug release capabilities. This nanocomposite hydrogel system is consisted of biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol maleate citrate) (PEGMC)-based hydrogel embedded with pH-sensitive polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid-carboxymethylchitosan) (PLGA-CMC) nanoparticles for dual-drug releases (a sustained drug release and pH-responsive drug release) to overcome drug resistance and provide the necessary requirements for an ideal wound healing bed. First, pH-responsive PLGA-CMC nanoparticles were formulated and characterized for size, drug release, and degradation. The effects of different formation factors on the different properties of the composite hydrogel were also tested to select the optimal hydrogel for use in our composite system. Our results indicate that PLGA-CMC nanoparticle size was around 180 nm. Various factors, including the amount of polymer, crosslinker, initiator and accelerator, had been shown to play an important role in regulating of our composite hydrogel properties. The time taken by optimized hydrogel to form was around 2-3 minutes. The swelling ratio study for the same combination confirmed that hydrogels had a swelling ratio of 99±0.32. Drug release profile showed burst release for a period of 3 days from hydrogel. The future work includes in-vitro and in vivo testing of this nanocomposite hydrogel. Open Vs. Focused Meditation: Similar or Differing States? Presenter: Daniel Tebbe, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): Angela Dougall (Psychology) Poster board: 51 Abstract: There are many different forms of meditation with a great number having been studied and shown to provide a wide range of benefits. However there has been no comparison between the two categories of meditation, open monitoring and focused attention. Open monitoring involves not focusing on anything particular and observing but not reacting to any thoughts, feelings or experiences that arise. Focused meditation is characterized by the directed and sustained attention on an object and bringing one’s attention back to the object when attention wanders. In order to examine whether the two categories are inherently different, and possibly produce unique benefits, 22 experienced meditators of both the open and focused forms of meditation had their EEG (electroencephalogram) recorded while meditating as well as during a rest session and were compared based on the wavelengths most associated with meditation, alpha and theta. There were significant (p < .005) differences for several regions of the brain (central, temporal, parietal, occipital) with open meditation producing the greatest levels of alpha and theta wavelengths for all regions. Additionally, meditators experienced significantly (p < .005) greater levels of alpha and theta for all brain regions when meditating compared to resting, which suggests an overall slowing of the brain resulting from meditation. These results are significant as they suggest that the source of meditations benefits may be this overall slowing of the brain, and open forms of meditation may produce more benefits compared to focused forms as a result of it inducing significantly greater slowing. Characterization of Bradyrhizobium japonicum Extracytoplasmic Function σ Factor Involved in Oxidative Stress. Presenter: Anchana Thaweethawakorn, Biology Graduate Mentor(s): Woo-Suk Chang Poster board: 33 Abstract: Bradyrhizobium japonicum is a nitrogen-fixing bacterium that can establish a symbiotic relationship with soybean (Glycine max), which is one of the most valuable crop species in the U. S.. The Bradyrhizobium-soybean symbiosis has critical economic, ecological, and humanitarian implications by reducing need for chemical nitrogen fertilizers. However, to be a successful symbiont, B. japonicum must have an effective mechanism to deal with plant defense responses such as an oxidative burst. Our functional genomics study has shown that carQ (bll1028) encoding extracytoplasmic function sigma factor is highly expressed (107.8-fold induction) in response to oxidative stress. Thus, we constructed a carQ mutant to study the role of carQ in the oxidative response of B. japonicum. The mutant exhibited significantly decreased survival at 10 mM H2O2 for 10 min of exposure, compared to the wild type, suggesting that carQ plays a key role in combating oxidative stress when B. japonicum infects soybeans. Nodulation phenotypes of the carQ mutant were distinguishable compared to those of the wild type, including lower numbers of nodules, decreased nodule dry weight, and a decrease in plant dry weight. Taken together, elucidation of molecular mechanisms associated with ROS-response in the symbiotic nitrogen fixation between Bradyrhizobia and soybean will improve the B. japonicum inoculation and competitiveness with other native rhizobia. In addition, our findings will help scientists and farmers to improve the sustainability of U.S. agriculture by extending our knowledge in biology of the symbiotic ROS response associated with soybean production and thereby reducing dependence on nitrogen fertilizers. Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Tungsten-based Oxide Nanoparticles. Presenter: Abegayl Thomas, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Krishnan Rajeshwar Group members: Dr. Norma de Tacconi 4:20 pm, Concho Abstract: The need to divert from non-renewable resources has re-sparked much attention on semiconductor materials to be utilized for solar energy conversion and photocatalytic environmental remediation. There has been an intensive search for alternative materials other than the novel material titanium dioxide (TiO2). The tungstate family seems to be promising based on their absorption capabilities and ability for environmental remediation. CuWO4 and ZnWO4 powders were synthesized for the first time by solution combustion synthesis (SCS) using respective metal precursors, urea (fuel), and two different tungstate precursors. Each materials photocatalytic activity was assessed by their ability to degrade methyl orange (MO) dye. The precursor mixtures were initially analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis and once synthesized the materials were characterized by diffuse reflectance UV-visible spectrophotometry, powder X-ray diffraction/Rietveld analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. Commercially available powders of the desired materials were utilized as a reference benchmark. XRD pattern and Rietveld analysis of the material confirmed the monoclinic and triclinic structure of ZnWO4 and CuWO4 respectively. Different precursors gave rise to varied forms of the materials; also, the optical band gap energy (Eg) of ZnWO4 (3.86 eV) and CuWO4 (2.18 eV) indicated that they absorb in the UV and visible region respectively. Due to the high Eg, under UV light irradiation good photocatalytic activity was observed for the ZnWO4 as 100% of the MO dye was degraded after 80 min. All of the SCS materials out-performed the commercially bought sample. Further work is in progress to synthesize and characterize other tungstate semiconductors. Kinetic Study of 2-Imidazolone Oxidation Mechanism by UV-Vis Spectroscopy Presenter: Mark Torres, Biology Junior Mentor(s): Carl J. Lovely (Chemistry and Biochemistry) Poster board: 80 Abstract: Marine sponges of the Leucetta and Clathrina genus have been discovered to produce 2-imidazolone containing natural products that exhibit anti-cancer activity. One particular 2-imidazolone analog kealiiquinone has been successfully synthesized in good yield in our lab. In the course of these investigations, our group discovered a novel method for oxidizing imidazolium salts. In later steps of the synthesis, the imidazole is methylated to form the corresponding imidazolium salt, which is then subjected to oxidation by household bleach to afford the 2imidazolone. Investigation of the mechanistic details of the new chemical transformations can result in improvement of the current process as well as the invention of new chemistries. The mechanism underpinning the oxidation of the imidazolium salt is currently being studied with UVvisible light spectroscopy. Kinetic data will be obtained from changes in wavelength absorption as the reaction proceeds over time. This work was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Surface Modification of SiC nanoparticles Presenter: Nam Tran, Chemistry Senior Mentor(s): Peter Kroll Group members: Munuve Mwania, Dr. Jennifer Jamison Poster board: 106 Abstract: Silicon carbide (SiC) is a semiconductor that is used in several high-performance electronic and optical devices. With the advent of nanotechnology, SiC nanoparticles are proposed for use in bio applications such as cell labeling or drug delivery. One obstacle to overcome is the general tendency of nanoparticles to agglomerate, thus forming bulky aggregates, which then segregate at the bottom of a suspension. Surface modification is the appropriate tool to inhibit the aggregation process and to stabilize small SiC particles in a suspension for longer periods of time. Here we describe successful routes to modify the surface of SiC nanoparticles with various functional groups such as hydroxyl, amine, and succinic acid. The surface groups are characterized using vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman) as well as optical absorption spectroscopy (UV-VIS) to test the presence of primary amines. Aqueous suspensions of these functionalized nanoparticles are stable for several days; particles modified with amine groups stay up remain unaffected towards agglomeration for longer than one month. This observation is quantified by our measurements of the isoelectric point, the pH environment at which the nanoparticles carry no net electrical charge. With a facile pathway to surface functionalization, SiC nanoparticles are now available for further synthetic procedures which involve the attachment of macromolecules such as proteins or even DNA strands to the surface of SiC nanoparticles. We will follow this route and investigate the transfer of SiC nanoparticles into cells in the future. Functional and Behavioral Analysis in Different Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Model Presenter: Martin Tran, Biology Junior Poster board: 85 Mentor(s): Mario Romero-Ortega Group members: Sanjay Anand, Aswini Kanneganti, Srikanth Vasudevan, Jonathan Cheng, Edward Keefer, Mario RomeroOrtega Abstract: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) comprise of a large percent of cases in the clinic and those who are veterans of war. Patient’s sufferings from PNIs experience functional deficits of both motor output and sensory feedback. Current solutions to nerve injury include the utilization of microsurgery, nerve grafts or conduits to assist in the regeneration of the peripheral nerve. Regardless of the methods used for nerve repair, satisfactory functional recovery of motor and sensory function is minimal due to limited regenerative capacity and misdirection of axonal regeneration. In order to quantify the amount of misdirection in nerve reinnervation and the functional and behavioral recovery, we have considered three different models of regeneration: mixed whole sciatic; segregated tibial and sural; and regenerated Y. Four to five Lewis rats were trained for bipedal locomotion prior to conduit implantation. Functional recovery was assessed using a rodent gait tracking system followed by behavioral tests for mechanical and thermal stimuli. The gait analysis was used to observe any changes of misdirection of muscle reinnervation while the behavioral test would provide detection of deficit in sensory feedback. The automated VonFrey test applied a mechanical stimulus of maximum of 50g of force while the thermal plate test applied a heat of 180 mW/s. Kinematic and behavioral recordings for each group occurred between 0 - 70 days post implantation. These data show the first functional assessment of different regeneration models that will assist in the elucidation of nerve regeneration across a compartmentalized interface for neural prosthetic. This work was sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Microsystems Technology Office (MTO), under the auspices of Dr. Jack W. Judy ([email protected]) as part of the Reliable Neural Technology Program, through the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) Systems Center (SSC) Pacific grant No. N66001-11-C-4168. Kagan Cooperative Learning & Achievement in Statewide Testing Scores Presenter: Cynthia Trask, Education and Curriculum Instruction Graduate Mentor(s): Evguenia Malaia Poster board: 61 Abstract: Texas requires students in grades 3 through 6 to take two or three state mandated tests per year. The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, STAAR, test boasts of increased rigor, which demands a deeper level of understanding in the core content areas. Construction of knowledge is a social process. Implementation of Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures, types of instructional strategies, provide an effective pedagogy for teachers to surmount the rigor required to pass the STAAR tests. Teachers voluntarily filled out a survey answering questions about their cooperative learning professional development sessions and their use of structures in the classroom. The data collected from the survey will be used to compare the use of structures with the increase of test scores when comparing 2012 and 2013 STAAR results. A school similar in size, ethnicity, and SES numbers, not currently using Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures, will serve as a control in this study. Teachers rated the areas of student engagement, increased academic levels, and better cooperation and teamwork at 86% or higher in the 'agree strongly' or 'agree' categories. These findings suggest the use of cooperative learning structures will increase student achievement on the STAAR tests. Cooperative learning structures allow students to interact and develop strong relationships with children of different ethnicities, socioeconomic status, cultural backgrounds, and learning abilities.Through the use of cooperative learning, cognitive gains will empower children to be better communicators and possess the social skills needed to be successful in an increasingly interdependent global community. Code Switching: The Evolution of English through Spanish Speakers Presenter: Salvador Valdes Moeller, English Senior Mentor(s): Jacqueline Stodnick (ENGL) 9:20 am, Guadalupe Abstract: English as a language has played an important role in the history of many nations. This influence led English to become a “status symbol, a power asset, and a boundary asset” (Kheimets and Epstein, 188). In recent years with the influx of Spanish-speaking immigrants to the United States, English has transformed the way in which Spanish is spoken throughout the United States and in Spanish-speaking countries. My research project attempts to predict and analyze how English as the majority language in the United States and around the world (in aspects ranging from technology to politics) has influenced Spanish within the United States and in other parts of the world, leading to the establishment of the variety known as Spanglish. The research also attempts to determine whether technology has played a crucial part in the transformation of Spanish by exposing a larger sector of the Spanish-speaking world to an increasing amount of written and spoken English. There were a total of 32 participants in the research; the average age was 37, with ages ranging from 21-84. In regards to ethnicity, 81.25% (26 participants) of the participants were Hispanic while 18.75% (6 participants) were Caucasian. All of the participants sampled were bilingual English/Spanish speakers. Out of the 32 participants 68.75% (22 participants) were native Spanish speakers, while 31.25% (10 participants) were native English speakers. After analyzing the results and comparing them to published literature I believe that Spanish is following a clear path towards merging with English. A Cumulative Learning-Outcomes Based Assessment of the Arlington Undergraduate Research-based Achievement for STEM (AURAS) Program on the Performance of Engineering Students in Chemistry Presenter: Emmanuel Varona, Chemistry Senior Mentor(s): Kevin A. Schug (CHEM) Group members: Priscila Martinez-Avila, Naphtali Reyna, Doug D. Carlton Jr., Abegayl Thomas Poster board: 103 Abstract: Antecedent studies have shown that students who decide to major in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) have a high drop-out rate from their major. The University of Texas at Arlington has developed a retention program to support STEM students. Arlington Undergraduate Research-based Achievement for STEM (AURAS) (a NSF STEP) program includes an Emerging Scholar Program (ESP) to support students in required chemistry courses. For Engineers, ESP provides an environment of collaboration between students during a two hour supplemental instruction session, in addition to lecture and laboratory requirements. A learning-outcomes based assessment was developed to measure individual progress of students and to reinforce topics with calculated poor performance. The material used at each session was divided into chapter learning-outcomes and subdivided into a more detailed list of learning objectives. At each AURAS session a quiz is administered to assess these topics. Quizzes and exams were aligned with learning outcomes and were used to assess individual mastery of course material throughout the semester. For 16 out of 19 learning-outcomes an average of 10 ± 5.47 % increase is observed, indicating an increase in mastery and retention. However a decreasing trend has been observed in concepts directly dealing with moles, stoichiometry, and gas laws. Leaning-outcomes 3.1, 4.1, and 5.1 on average show 13 ± 2.31 % decrease from the first time tested versus the last time tested, indicating poor retention. National Science Foundation Development of Novel Biodegradable and Multi-Functional Nanoparticles for Melanoma Treatment and Diagnostic Presenter: Khanh Vu, Biology Senior Mentor(s): Kytai Nguyen (BE) Group members: Aniket S. Wadajkar 11:00 am, San Jacinto Abstract: Melanoma remains the deadliest form of skin cancer with over 500,000 patients are afflicted annually in the United States. However, treating cancer cells with minimal side effects to healthy cells remains a challenge. This study offers a new method of targeting, imaging, and treating melanoma by utilizing newly developed biodegradable, biocompatible, photoluminescent polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles (BPLP-MNPs). The synthesis of BPLP-MNPs utilizes single emulsion technique and carbodiimide chemistry to formulate water insoluble (hydrophobic) and water soluble (hydrophilic) nanoparticles, respectively. The dynamic light scattering particle analyzer was used to measure size, polydispersity index, and surface charge on the nanoparticles. Results show that the nanoparticle size was about 200nm with polydispersity index of 0.2. The stable nanoparticles had zeta potential (surface charge) of -30mV to -39mV. These nanoparticles had about 65% of iron mass as determined by iron content assays. Cellular uptake of the nanoparticles studied using melanoma cell lines, A431 and G361 demonstrated a dose-dependent cellular uptake of nanoparticles by skin cancer cells. Interestingly, two different particles that could be used for future targeted cancer therapy were selectively taken up by cancer cells. Future studies include evaluation of magnetic and molecular targeting of these nanoparticles, as well as their in vitro imaging and pharmaceutical efficiency. This work was supported by the McNair Program at the University of Texas at Arlington. The Impact of the Women's and Gender Studies Discipline Presenter: Lanchi Vu, Anthropology Senior Mentor(s): Henderson 8:40 am, Guadalupe Abstract: According to a census conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, the number of women's studies programs offered by institutions of higher learning has increased dramatically in the last 37 years. From the establishment of the field as a discipline at the end of the first-wave of feminism in the 1960s, the number of programs offered has grown from only 276 programs nationwide to approximately 700 as of 2007. Many universities now offer students the choice to either major or minor in the discipline, the University of Texas at Arlington being one of the eighteen in Texas to include it in their curriculum.\As a minor in Women's and Gender Studies myself, I find that fellow students are often surprised to hear that such a discipline exists at this university. They will usually inquire as to what the program offers or what the benefits of minoring in it could be. I hope to answer their questions about the usefulness of such a minor by presenting the results of my research in three areas: I will examine published scholarship on the significance of women's studies programs within institutions of higher learning across the nation. Furthermore, I will analyze the results of a survey on the prevailing attitudes of students from all majors at UTA towards women's studies. The survey, which is currently underway, seeks to ask students whether they feel a department dedicated to women's studies is vital for a comprehensive education. I will examine these results further by breaking the data down by different subcategories. For example, whether there are marked differences in attitudes between men and women, different majors or political leanings. Finally, I will reflect upon my own experiences as a Women's and Gender Studies minor and, in particular, my experience interning with Planned Parenthood through the Women's and Gender Studies department. \From my own experiences in the Women's and Gender studies program along with published work and my own research data, I hope to examine how having a women-inclusive perspective of history and society is necessary in order to have a comprehensive education. Easily Injectable Polymer Cushions to Prevent Thin Tissue Perforation: An Innovative Submucosal Injection Material Presenter: Sara Wadud, Biology Senior Mentor(s): Walter Schargel (BIOL) Group members: Jian Yang, Richard T. Tran, Michael Palmer Poster board: 97 Abstract: Precancerous lesions of the gastrointestinal tract are difficult to biopsy. Endoscopic mucosal resection is a procedure to remove early malignant lesions from the superficial layers of the gastrointestinal tract. These thin tissue layers are easily perforated by the dissection needle during surgery, therefore to improve effectiveness and safety; EMR techniques require the injection of a solution underneath the upper mucosal layer and into the submucosal space. Numerous injection solutions have been proposed and tested. However, each proposed solution has limitations; in the case of saline the solution rapidly disperses within the plane resulting in the need for repeated injections. In order to improve the durations, sodium hyaluronate has been investigated because of its high viscosity, and ability to be longer lasting. However, it has not found popular use because of costs and concerns of tumor stimulation. In our current work we modified the previously published citric acid polymer to improve the inject-ibility. The previous polymer formulation was difficult to inject, so in our present study we added a new monomer to the polymer. The hypothesis of our study is that this new monomer will reduce the viscosity of the polymer solution without interfering with the lift. This device can reduce surgical injury and improve healing in difficult environment. An ideal injection solution should be cost-effective, easily injectable, biocompatible, biodegradable, able to provide prolonged submcosal lift durations, and able to aid in mucosal healing after the resection process to be relevant in the field of study and to be clinically relevant. Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, joint Biomedical Engineering Program, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and The University of Texas at Arlington, and Department of Research, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, End-of-life care in nursing homes: A qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis (QIMS) Presenter: Cara Wallace, Social Work Graduate Mentor(s): Debra Woody (social work) Poster board: 7 Abstract: The number of seniors in the US is growing rapidly. With longer life expectancies and longer periods of disability prior to death, the number of people needing long-term care is also increasing. In 1999, one in five of US deaths occurred in nursing homes (NHs), and for individuals over the age of 85 that number increased to 43% (Wetle et al., 2004). There are two questions driving this research: What type of care is provided for the dying in NHs? What makes the provided care a good (or bad) experience (for patients, staff, or family members)? This paper synthesizes 7 qualitative studies identified through key word searches on Google scholar. A phenomenological perspective is utilized, with attempts to capture the essence of end-of-life care within NHs from multiple perspectives. The 7 identified studies capture the perspective of 56 dying residents, 257 NH staff (of various disciplines), and 85 family members/caregivers across 21 specified NHs. Four overarching themes impacting the end-of-life care experience in NHs were identified, along with subthemes for each. While each of the studies within this QIMS presents useful knowledge, this interpretive meta-synthesis provides a more comprehensive look by considering multiple perspectives and multiple qualitative techniques. Results provide important implications for policy and practice, suggesting that interventions including education, support, and continuity of care in relation to transitions of care are greatly lacking. With the growing population of the aging, the time to address these challenges is upon us. Behavioral and Metabolic Aspects of Salinity Tolerance Relative to Zonation in Gulf of Mexico Intertidal Gastropods Presenter: Wesley Walters, Biology Senior Mentor(s): Robert F. McMahon 1:00 pm, San Jacinto Abstract: Salinity varies in marine intertidal habitats, low-shore species are emersed for short periods during low tides. In contrast, high-shore species are emersed up to two weeks by neap tides. Prolonged emersion generates hypersaline microhabitats and, hyposaline conditions during rain or dewfall. Thus, high-shore species must be better adapted to salinity variation than low-shore species. To examine this hypothesis, I recorded the behavior and oxygen rates (Vo2) of six intertidal Gulf of Mexico gastropods in response to salinity variation. Gastropods were collected from Brownsville, TX, including the low-shore Stramonita haemastoma, mid-shore Cerithidea pliculosa, and highshore Echinolittorina placida, Littoraria nebulosa, and Littoraria angulifera. High-shore Littoraria irrorata specimens came from Corpus Christi, Texas. Species subsamples were immersed in salinities ranging from 0% to 320% seawater. After one hour, behavior was scored: 0) unattached; 1) unattached, foot extended; 2) attached on bottom; 3) attached on side; 4) emersed; and 5) crawling. Vo2 was determined for four individuals in 100% seawater and at key salinity ranges over which behavioral responses changed. Estimated salinities for 50% of snails moving were S. haemastoma (74-121%), C. pliculosa (50-135%), E. placida (76-139%), L. angulifera (20-191%), L. nebulosa (8-234%), and L. irrorata (2-246%), while those for insignificant Vo2 variation from 100% seawater were, respectively, 100% only, 100-150%, 60-150%, 40-180%, 0-180%, and 20-220%. Thus, high-shore species displayed broader salinity tolerance than lowshore species. Extensive salinity tolerance of species within the Littorinidae appeared to reflect their domination of high-shore habitats. Multi-Dimensional Ion Fragmentation and Degradation Studies of Prymnesin Toxins from Golden Alga (Prymnesium parvum) Presenter: Evelyn Wang, Chemistry Graduate Mentor(s): Kevin Schug (CHEM) Group members: Samuel H. Yang; Schonna Manning; John La Claire II; Kevin A. Schug Poster board: 13 Abstract: Golden alga (Prymnesium parvum) is responsible for widespread fish deaths in major bodies of water worldwide. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department estimates the deaths of over 31 million fish can be attributed to golden alga blooms in Texas. The toxic nature of golden alga has raised a great ecological and economic concern. Although the active compounds, prymnesin-1 and prymnesin-2, which are responsible for toxicity in golden alga have been identified in the 1990’s, limited structural and mechanistic information is known about these two toxins, mainly due to difficulties in isolating and stabilizing the toxic compounds. Through a collaborative effort, we have obtained stable cell extracts of the prymnesin toxins and conducted a UV degradation study, as well as a comprehensive structural investigation using multi-order (MSn) collision induced dissociation (CID) fragmentation in a mass spectrometer instrument. Given the complex nature of the molecules, such fragmentation studies are challenging to interpret but yield fundamental information about how such ions fragment. A comparison was made between degradation products and CID fragmentation products, but little overlap existed suggesting independent mechanisms. These experiments still provide useful information about new aspects of P. parvum algal toxins. This structural information will aid the future treatment on this environmental threat. Detector Design Studies for High Precision Particle Physics Experiment Presenter: Blake Watson, Physics Sophomore Mentor(s): Jaehoon Yu (PHYS) Group members: Dr. Jaehoon Yu, Dr. Seongtae Park 4:20 pm, Guadalupe Abstract: High-energy physics is the field of physics utilizing powerful high-energy particle accelerators to probe and understand the fundamental particles of nature and the forces between them. Among the great accomplishments of the field of particle physics is a theoretical model that explains many of the phenomena we see in our universe: the Standard Model. While the Standard Model has been very successful in describing nature, it is necessary to push the limits of this model in an effort to truly understand its predictability. This search for new physics beyond the Standard Model requires the construction of next generation particle detectors capable of extreme high-precision measurements. The ORKA experiment, currently in the proposal stage, will search for rare kaon decays that may contradict Standard Model predictions and presents a paradigm changing new physics. In this talk, I will outline in detail design studies for the range stack, an essential detector component UTA is responsible for use in ORKA incorporating novel components, specifically silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) in place of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and the Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) technology. The Use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis Presenter: Michelle M. White, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): Perry N. Fuchs (PSYC) Group members: Amber L. Harris, Christopher T. McNabb, Judy R. Wilson Poster board: 15 Abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been proposed as a treatment to alleviate the motor deficits associated with MS. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is a well-studied animal model for MS, and can be induced within the central nervous system using myelin basic protein (MBP). The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of HBO in animals injected with MBP. Twenty-one male Lewis rats were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: MBP/HBO, MBP/sea-level oxygen, MBP/no treatment, or a control group. Injections of MBP were administered on Day 1, and animals were allowed a week to recover. Following recovery, animals were administered HBO at 2.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for 60 minutes daily. Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MPWT) testing was conducted to assess for the presence of sensitivity to mechanical stimuli, and behavioral assays were performed twice daily to assess motor function. The results indicated that, relative to Day 8, animals treated with MBP had significantly higher behavioral assay scores than did animals injected with vehicle on Day 15 (p = .029), Day 16 (p = .037), and Day 17 (p = .016), indicating motor impairment. Although HBO treated animals displayed significant motor symptoms, there was also enhanced mechanical sensitivity (p = .410). These results underscore the need for further research in order to determine the parameters of HBO treatment in an animal model of MS. Timing Comparisons of a PMT at Different Lengths using the Speed of Light Presenter: Jordan Williams, Physics Junior Mentor(s): Andrew Brandt Group members: James Bourbeau, Timothy Hoffman 3:20 pm, Guadalupe Abstract: Our research group at UTA is focused on developing an extremely accurate time-of-flight detector as part of an upgrade to the ATLAS detector of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. The LHC accelerates protons and collides them with others going in the opposite direction. Many interactions happen at once, which can be confusing, but we can use the time difference of the outgoing protons to tell if a pair of protons is one we want (for example, if they originated at the center of the detector, or on one side or the other, the time difference would be zero, positive, or negative, respectively). If we can perform the measurement precisely enough, say 10 picoseconds, we can measure this distance to a few millimeters, since even though the speed of light is very fast, a picosecond (one-trillionth of a second) is very short. Accuracies for previous detectors are five to ten times worse than this. In this research, I am testing our approach by using a pulsed laser on our fast phototube (converts light to electricity), and then using a precise linear stage to move the phototube different distances from the laser. The laser is filtered to give the same amount of light that we expect when a proton passes through our quartz detector. The distance between the positions divided by the time we measure should be equal to the speed of light, and how precisely we measure it will tell us the accuracy of our system. Reliability and Validity of the UTA Intergroup Compromise Inventory in Democratic, Republican, and Independent Samples Presenter: Jarryd Willis, Psychology Graduate Mentor(s): William Ickes 10:20 am, Palo Pinto Abstract: Compromise is largely based on being able to sacrifice marginal ingroup inputs and allowing a reconciliation of outgroup offers that produces a unilaterally unobtainable output. Due to the absence of an established Intergroup Compromise measure in the extant political or social Psychology literature, I attempted to develop and psychometrically examine such a scale within the political psychology domain. I collected data from 298 undergraduates who were self-identified Democrats (n = 128), Republicans (n = 64), and Independents (n = 106) (Mage = 20.58). An exploratory factor analysis retained 32 of the initial 49 items to form four stable factors: (a) respondents who score high in Compromise (alpha= .83) see it as more rewarding than loyalty to their party (Independents scored higher than Republicans); (b) those who score high in Distrust (alpha= .87) believe that the opposing party doesn’t value compromise and cannot be taken at their word (Independents scored lower than Democrats); (c) participants scoring high in Perspective-Taking (alpha= .79) express empathic concerns about the other party (Independents scored higher than Republicans); and (d) respondents with high scores in Retrenchment (alpha= .81) are willing to reject their own ideas if people in the opposing party support them (Independents scored lower than Republicans). The Intergroup-Compromise Inventory (ICI) demonstrated construct, criterion-related, and incremental validity with measures included in the nomological network. As social scientists, we should view America's lack of compromise as a social problem. The ICI is an initial attempt at assessing the issue in the realm of political and social psychology. Eutectic diffusion brazing process for joining aluminum laminae devices with meso- and micro-scale features Presenter: Paul Wilson, Industrial Engineering Graduate Mentor(s): John Priest (IMSE) Poster board: 59 Abstract: Eutectic brazing occurs when two materials, such as aluminum and copper, react and diffuse together at a temperature lower than either material would melt separately. Commonly utilized in electronics manufacturing, this joining process forms the basis for a new process of fabricating a laminated device with meso- and micro-scale features. This process conserves surface geometries and avoids warpage, which is common with other higher-temperature joining processes such as welding. Related work suggests that diffused joints are mechanically robust in contrast to the parent materials. This work combined multiple lamina of aluminum alloy 6061 with copper foil interlayers to produce meso-channel heat exchange and reactor devices. The devices contained overlapping coolant and reactant channel systems arranged perpendicularly within each lamina. A laser machining center trimmed the copper foil interlayers and a vacuum furnace press processed the device. A reliable, leak-tight joining of the laminae occurred. Closed-loop argon testing at high operating temperatures verified the seal of the joint. The process repeatedly produced leak-tight, meso-channel heat-exchange and reactor devices. The joining process makes joining complex meso- and micro-scale fluid devices, such as a heat exchange and reactor device, simple. Reliable joining takes place without the utilization of fluxes, metal deposition, hazardous chemicals, or cleanroom support. This process is useful for future research and to the integration of such technologies as arrayed meso-channel heat exchange and reactor devices in industry. These devices enable modular scaling of production capacity, on-demand processing, and higher consistency. Mathematics in the Arts: A View on Perspective Presenter: Meghan Zavitz, Art Senior Mentor(s): Mary Vaccaro (Art History) 11:00 am, Guadalupe Abstract: Piero della Francesca is one of the great painters of the Italian Renaissance in the fifteenth century. His works are identified by their stillness as every detail was painted in meticulous adherence to the rules of perspective and proportion. However, the true genius of Piero was in his three mathematical treatises: The Abacus Treatise, The Short Book on the Five Regular Solids, and On Perspective for Painting. In The Abacus Treatise and The Short Book on the Five Regular Solids Piero revived Euclidian geometry and rediscovered five Archimedean solids. His manuscript, On Perspective for Painting, is truly unique as it delved into perspective with intense mathematical and geometrical precision; no other treatise had done so since Antiquity. Piero's manuscripts were not officially printed until modern times. Nevertheless they influenced Renaissance artists such as DaVinci and Durer and set the standard for writing perspectival treatises. Piero's paintings influenced postimpressionist artists and therefore so did his mathematical treatises as they are linked to his style of painting. Piero is considered to be the "great shadow" that stretches across the arts through time; he provided divine proportion through his treatises but goes largely unaccredited. His work was passed down through his contemporaries and yet this unpublished, overlooked artist managed to change the way artists viewed perspective for generations. In my presentation I will explain the significant influence of Piero della Francesca's On Perspective for Painting on painters and mathematicians as well as show the use of its methodology in correlation with Piero's paintings. ACES NSF GK-12 PROGRAM SPECIAL SESSION UNIVERSITY CENTER - GUADALUPE ROOM University of Texas at Arlington March 27, 2013 TIME SPEAKER TITLE OF TALK 8:30-8:45 CATHERINE ROGERS CHAGAS DISEASE 8:50-9:05 ALICE LUBBE A MATHEMATICAL STUDY OF THE TRANSITION FROM CHAOTIC TO PERIODIC NEURON BURST PATTERNS 9:10-9:25 BEN HILDEBRAND NUMERICAL GRID G ENERATION IN MEDICAL IMAGING 9:30-9:40 BREAK 9:40-9:55 CHARLES NGUYEN MODELING STUDY OF HUMAN ADIPOSITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE 10:0010:15 JASON GILGENBACH JOINT MODELING OF SURVIVAL AND LONGITUDINAL DATA 10:2010:35 SCOTT LACY COLLINEATIONS OF P ROJECTIVE P LANES 10:4010:50 BREAK 10:5011:05 CARL LOONEY NON-LINEAR P ARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 11:1011:25 ANTONIO LOPEZ SOLITONS AND NONLINEAR PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 11:3011:45 DENISE RANGEL TOTALLY REFLEXIVE MODULES ACES Program and Events Wednesday, March 27, 2013 7:15am Registration opens Bluebonnet Ballroom (poster presenters), Sierra Lounge (oral presenters) 7:45am - 11:00am Poster Installation, Bluebonnet Ballroom 8:00am - 12:00pm Graduate and Undergraduate Oral Presentations, Sierra Lounge 12:00pm - 1:30pm Undergraduate Poster presentation, Bluebonnet Ballroom 1:00pm - 4:40pm Graduate and Undergraduate Oral Presentations, Sierra Lounge 2:00pm- 3:30pm Graduate Poster presentations, Bluebonnet Ballroom 5:30pm - 6:00pm Reception, Rio Grande 6:00pm - 7:00pm Keynote address and Presentation of Awards, Rio Grande
