April 7, 2001 Room 205, Prep Hall

List of Participants Abstracts for Oral Presentations Abstracts for Poster Presentations Campus Map Parking Permit  Directions to Campus Symposium Schedule

List of Participants

Amy Anderson    Chatham College    aanderson@chatham.edu    Michelle Ballard    Seton Hill College    dr_lexus02@hotmail.com    Dr. James Barnett    St. Vincent College    jbarnett@stvincent.edu    Julia Bartel    Seton Hill College    julie710@excite.com    Dr. Steven Bassett    Seton Hill College    bassett@setonhill.edu    Mishelle Beercheck    Thiel College    mishelle@thiel.edu    Dr. Bruce Bethke    St. Vincent College    bbethke@stvincent.edu    David Braun    Washington and Jefferson College    Nicholas Bungard    St. Vincent College    nbungard@email.stvincent.edu    Bryan Christensen    St. Vincent College    bchristensen@email.stvincent.edu    Joshua Courtney     Washington and Jefferson College    Dr. Candy S. DeBerry    Washington and Jefferson College    cdeberry@washjeff.edu    Dr. Charles Demoise    St. Vincent College    cdemoise@acad1.stvincent.edu    Gretchen Dickson    St. Vincent College    gretcd@aol.com    Dr. Richard L. Dryden    Washington and Jefferson College    rdryden@washjeff.edu     Andrea Ferraco    Saint Vincent College    aferraco@email.stvincent.edu    Christopher Gisler    Washington and Jefferson College    Dr. Richard Hershberger    Carlow College    rhershberger@carlow.edu    Sister Ann Infanger    Seton Hill College    infanger@setonhill.edu    Adrienne Jones    Slippery Rock University    alj5907@sru.edu

Justin Kontir St. Vincent College jkontir@email.stvincent.edu Dr. Mary Kostalos Chatham College Kostalos@Chatham.edu Ricki Krivijanski St. Vincent College krivijan@acad1.stvincent.edu Dr. Randy Layne Slippery Rock University JRL@sruvm.sru.edu Dr. Vinnedge M. Lawrence Washington and Jefferson College vlawrence@washjeff.edu  Dr. Alice G. Lee Washington and Jefferson College aglee@washjeff.edu Maureen Levri Seton Hill College levri@setonhill.edu Fr. Joel Lieb, Ph.D. St. Vincent College lieb@acad1.stvincent.edu Dr. Catherine Murphy St. Vincent College cmurphy@stvincent.edu Sheetal Patel Seton Hill College Anya Schoss Chatham College Dr. Dennis G. Trelka Washington and Jefferson College dtrelka@washjeff.edu Beth Troy St. Vincent College beth_troy@yahoo.com Dr. Cynthia Walter St. Vincent College cwalter@stvincent.edu Liza Winebrenner Carlow College lizajane78@hotmail.com Maila Wong Chatham College Nicholas Zane Washington and Jefferson College Dianne R. Zoller Chatham College

Abstracts for Oral Presentations

ACIDIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR (FGF-1) EXERTS NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS ON MURINE HIPPOCAMPAL NEURONS. Gretchen M. Dickson. Department of Biology, St. Vincent College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania..

Recent studies have indicated that over-expression of the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-proprionate (AMPA) receptor, a subclass of glutamate receptor, can enhance cognitive function in mice. However, heightened stimulation of this receptor has resulted in increased susceptibility to neurotransmitter induced excitotoxicity. Thus a means to overstimulating the AMPA receptor without concurrently inducing excitotoxic cell death is critical to the further development of mechanisms for learning and memory augmentation. Growth factors, in addition to protease inhibitors and receptor blockers, have been demonstrated to possess such neuroprotective abilities. Acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1), which possesses a unique structure, high receptor affinity, low isoelectric point, as well as natural abundance, was tested for its ability to exert neuroprotective effects on mouse hippocampal neurons exposed to excitotoxic neurotransmitter levels. Primary cultures of embryonic mouse hippocampal neurons were exposed to normal levels of L-aspartate, excess levels of L-aspartate, or excess amounts of L-asparate in the presence of FGF-1.  After a 24 hour exposure, trypan blue exclusion staining indicated that cells treated with excess levels of L-aspartate and FGF-1 experienced significantly less mortality than those treated with excess levels of L-aspartate alone (81% cell viability versus 24%). In fact, cells treated with excess levels of L-aspartate and FGF-1 experienced less cell mortality than cells treated with normal levels of L-aspartate (81% cell viability vs. 58% cell viability). Hence, FGF-1 appears to offer promise as a model neuroprotective molecule. Advances in the understanding of treatment options to prevent excitotoxic cell death not only show promise for artificial augmentation of cognitive function, but also serves to increase treatment options for neurodegenerative diseases including, Alzheimer's, Huntingdon's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia

PHYTOREMEDIATION OF METHYL-TERTIARY-BUTYL-ETHER (MBTE) USING HYDROPONICALLY GROWN SUNFLOWER PLANTS. Amy Anderson. Department of Biology, Chatham College, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Phytoremediation, the direct use of living green plants for in situ risk reduction of contaminated soil and water, was studied using hydroponic sunflower plants (Helianthus asteraceae). Two groups of 1-month-old sunflower plants were grown in a constructed reservoir hydroponic growth system in Hydrosol® water-soluble fertilizer for one month.  The plants were exposed to Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE), a controversial gasoline additive and environmental contaminant, at 200ppm for four days.  Analysis of MTBE removal was determined by use of a Perkin-Elmer Autosystem Gas Chromatograph interfaced with Turbochrom 4 Navigator software. Indications were that the plants had a significant affect on the concentration of MTBE in the water 48 hours later, which continued to increase for the next two days. Physical observations of the plants determined that the presence of MTBE was not toxic to the plants.  Appropriate controls considered the volatility of the compound and ensured that the plants were removing the MTBE from the Hydrosol®.

CONTROL OF THE  GYPSY MOTH WITH A BIOLOGICAL AND A SYNTHIETIC PESTICIDE. Mishelle Beercheck. Department of Biology, Thiel College, Geenville, Pennsylvania.

Two foliar pesticides, Dipel and Tempo, were tested for efficacy against third, fourth, and fifth instar gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) larvae.  The experiment was done in a laboratory at Thiel College in Greenville, PA and in collaboration with TruGreen ChemLawn of Delaware, OH.  Dipel, a biological agent containing Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, was tested for efficacy against larvae beyond the second instar, as this is generally the highest instar the product is known to effectively control.  The synthetic pyrethroid Tempo was used in the experiment for purposes of comparison of biological and synthetic agents.  Larvae were fed treated or untreated river birch leaves in petri dishes and were examined two, four, and seven days after treatment for mortality.  Four repetitions involving four larvae per dish were analyzed.  The percent mortality rates obtained, P ] 0.05, indicate that both Dipel and Tempo can successfully control gypsy moth larvae in the third, fourth, and fifth instars.

CLONING, EXPRESSION AND PURIFICATION OF DNA LIGASE IN THE MALARIA PARASITE Plasmodium falciparum David T. Braun. Department of Biology, Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Pennsylvania.

DNA repair is an important aspect of any creature.  Knowing the constituents of the process and the characteristics of these constituents greatly helps in the effort treat the disease.  Four proteins comprise the major contributors to DNA repair is P. falciparum.  FEN-1 has both endonuclease and exonuclease activity.  AP endonuclease removes the ribose phosphate portion of an apurinic/apyrimidinic nucleotide.  Polymerase delta replaces the gap with the proper nucleotide that matches the template strand base.  DNA ligase I connects the adjacent chains after the proper nucleotide has been inserted.  The enzyme DNA ligase is an important factor in virtually all species that exhibit functional DNA repair.  Ligase is the enzyme that seals DNA back together when a gap has been created in the nucleic acid chain.  This study was conducted with the goals of cloning, expressing and purifying P. falciparum DNA ligase.  The goal of this project was isolating DNA Ligase I and each of the other three active proteins in order to perform in vitro assays to further study the DNA repair mechanisms in P. falciparum.  The ultimate goal of the study will be to examine molecular similarities and differences that could possibly lead to the development of treatments and preventative actions to inhibit the infestation of the malaria parasite in humans.

THE EFFECTS OF EXERCISE AND CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTATION ON BONE INTEGRITY IN YOUNG FEMALE RATS. Bryan E. Christensen, Department of Biology, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

In order to determine the effect of exercise and calcium supplementation on bone integrity (bone mass, bone length, ash weight, and cortical thickness) of the femur, nine 22-26 day-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into two experimental groups and one control group.  The first experimental group received a daily calcium supplementation of 2 mg.  The second experimental group received the calcium supplementation and underwent a weight-bearing exercise regimen consisting of treadmill running.  The hypothesis stated that the calcium supplementation would show an increase in bone growth properties compared to the control.  The coupling of weight-bearing exercise and calcium supplementation would further increase the bone properties.  The calcium supplementation showed slight increases in dry weight, ash weight, and cortical thickness.  However, the calcium-supplemented exercised group showed greater increases in dry weight, length, and ash weight.  Furthermore, the group showed a significant increase in cortical thickness, which is an excellent predictor of bone strength.  The results illustrate that the coupling of calcium supplementation and exercise are important for developing structurally sound bones early in life in order to prevent osteopenia and/or osteoporotic fractures.

THE EFFECT OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR 1 ON PROLIFERATION AND APOPTOSIS OF MCF-7 CELLS IN VITRO. Andrea Ferraco. Biology Department, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

 More than 180,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and 43,000 die. Breast cancer is a disease of unregulated cellular proliferation, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is known to stimulate proliferation of many cell types. The purpose of this study was to determine if IGF-1 stimulates proliferation of MCF-7 cells (infiltrating ductal breast cancer cells) or inhibits MCF-7 cell apoptosis. A secondary purpose was to confirm that MCF-7 cells are estrogen responsive. MCF-7 cells were divided into five treatment groups. The first group was exposed to neither estrogen (E2) nor IGF-1; the second to serum proteins and growth factors; the third to only IGF-1; the fourth to serum proteins and growth factors, and IGF-1; and the final group was exposed to E2 only. Cultures from each group were harvested daily for 15 days. Flow cytometry was used to measure the percentage of cells in the S-phase, an indicator of proliferative activity, and the percentage of cells in the pre-G1 (dead cell) a measure of apoptotic activity. It was concluded that MCF-7 cells are estrogen responsive, and that IGF-1 increases proliferation in the absence of serum proteins and growth factors, but not in their presence. Finally, IGF-1 does not have a significant affect on the apoptotic fraction of the MCF-7 cells. Future studies should investigate the role of IGF-1 in cancer cell proliferation in vivo.

DETECTION OF VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR IN PROSTATE CANCER CELLS. Christopher A. Gisler. Department of Biology, Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Pennsylvania.

The establishment of neovasculature (angiogenesis) is recognized as a critical component of tumorigenesis and is necessary for the progression of many cancers to a lethal stage.  Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor produced by cancer.  Its expression is transcriptionally induced by hypoxia via Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF). HIF transcription factor is a heterodimer consisting of constitutively expressed HIF-1beta and hypoxia-induced HIF-1alpha subunits.  HIF activity is also induced by oncogenic transformation and/or loss of tumor suppressor gene function.  Androgen is recognized as a critical survival/tumor-promoting factor in prostate cancer.  Because androgen is known to induce VEGF, and a major regulator of VEGF is HIF-1alpha, we investigated whether androgen regulates VEGF expression via HIF-1alpha using Northern Blots to detect VEGF mRNA production and Western Blots to detect HIF-1alpha production in LNCaP cells from a prostate cancer patient. Reporter assays were used to detect VEGF expression using Firefly-luciferase. Androgen was found to increase HIF-1alpha protein production, coinciding with increased VEGF mRNA expression.  However, experiments with reporter constructs suggested that VEGF reporter induction is nonspecific in that production of VEGF increases in the presence of androgen whether or not HIF-1alpha binding sites are present.  The response could be a generalized metabolic effect because androgen may express all genes at higher levels, a cryptic androgen response element, or hypoxia-responsive elements may be present.  Additional research should be conducted to support our findings suggesting that VEGF is regulated through HIF-1 alpha.  This research is applicable to clinical treatment of prostate cancer.

REGULATION OF GONADOTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE RECEPTOR GENE EXPRESSION IN THE MOUSE.  Liza Winebrenner, Department of Biology, Carlow College, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The response of pituitary gonadotropes to GnRH correlates directly with the concentration of GnRH receptors (GnRHR) on the cell surface.  This study investigates potential synergy between GnRH and activin A on transcriptional activation of the mGnRHR gene.  GnRH and activin A stimulation of the mGnRHR gene promoter (-765/+62) resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in activity. Activin pretreatment alone had no effect. Further transfection studies using 5'-deletion constructs of the mGnRHR gene promoter identified the region (-387/-308) to be necessary to mediate this effect. Activin A augments GnRH-mediated transcriptional activation of the mGnRHR gene. The region (-387/-308) of the mGnRHR gene promoter appears to be necessary to mediate this effect. This region contains GnRH Receptor Activating Sequence (GRAS), also known as the SMAD-Binding Element (SBE) at position (-331/-324), which has previously been shown to mediate an activin response in the absence of GnRH.
 
 

Abstracts for Poster Presentations

DOES ORAL DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE AFFECT REPRODUCTIVE TISSUES IN AN OLDER POPULATION OF MALE AND FEMALE MICE? Julia Bartel. Department of Biology, Seton Hill College, Greensburg, Pennsylvnaia.

Studies have shown that circulating concentrations of DHEA in humans decline with age.  Some individuals routinely take over the counter DHEA because of its alleged “fountain of youth” effect, as widely advertised on the Internet and by “health food” stores.  DHEA is a hormone produced in the adrenal cortex, functioning as a precursor for the synthesis of either testosterone or estrogen.  It may be problematic for a human to ingest a compound that can be converted into a potent hormone normally found in the opposite sex.  Mice do not have significant circulating levels of endogenous DHEA and thus provide a useful model for the studies of its effects.  The mice were divided into two groups, with each group consisting of equal numbers of males and females.  The experimental group was provided with the sulfated form of DHEA (DHEA-S) dissolved in 3% ethanol in tap water to drink over a period of five months, while the control group drank only the 3% ethanol solution.  All the mice were etherized.  Immediately after death, their reproductive organs and a section of abdominal muscle were removed, and the protein concentrations of these tissues were measured using the Lowry assay.  The conclusions showed that the tissues from the experimental females had higher protein concentrations than did those of the control females, but a similar effect was not observed in males.  These data suggests that oral DHEA-S enhances protein synthesis in tissues of older female mice, yet it is unclear whether this was an estrogenic or androgenic effect.  Further research is needed to measure circulating hormone concentrations in mice treated with DHEA.

THE MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY IN A FIFTH ORDER STREAM BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT FOR ALKALINE MINE DRAINAGE. Nicholas Bungard. Department of Biology, St. Vincent College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

In this research project macroinvertebrates were used to assess the quality of water in the Loyalhanna Creek. The Loyalhanna has good water quality until it reaches Latrobe, where it becomes contaminated with mine drainage. The macroinvertebrates in the upstream (clean) samples were expected to be of every type of pollution sensitivity level. Samples taken below the mine outflow were expected to contain no pollution sensitive macroinvertebrate taxa, only pollution tolerant and intermediate organisms. Sampling was performed weekly from June-September 2000 using D-frame nets of 500 ?m mesh, dragged along the sediment at two sample sites. Results indicate the majority of the macroinvertebrate populations at both sites were pollution sensitive taxa (Ephemeroptera, Tricoptera). There were significantly more pollution sensitive organisms found upstream. However, the distribution of ecological functional groups per sample and the total number of taxa present were similar. The pH of both sample sites was approximately neutral. According to the T-Tests performed there is no statistical difference between the number of taxa at each site. Results indicate that the water quality of the downstream sites of the Loyalhanna Creek had improved during the summer. This may be explained by the fact that an unusually high amount of precipitation fell during the summer months, which increase flow and diluted the mine water. Also, the implementation of the Saint Vincent Wetlands may have improved the water quality of the downstream Loyalhanna site compared to previous years. Continued monitoring in sample areas with normal rainfall will clarify the effects of the mine drainage treatment wetlands.

CHARACTERIZATION OF PATHOGENIC AND NONPATHOGENIC GRANULOCYTIC EHRLICHIA SPECIES. Joshua W. Courtney. Department of Biology, Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Pennsylvania.

Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) is a recently recognized zoonotic disease caused by an obligate intracellular member of the Ehrlichia phagocytophila (EP) genogroup.  These fastidious bacteria are small, pleomorphic coccobacilli maintained in a cycle involving mammalian reservoirs and tick vectors.
Nested PCR amplification has been the preferred method of ehrlichial detection based on its amplification of the 16S rRNA gene.  PCR-based data have shown that granulocytic ehrlichia (GE) are closely related species based on a high degree of homology of the 16S rRNA gene sequence.
Although the incidence of Lyme disease in both Connecticut and Rhode Island has been among the highest in the country for several years, studies indicate a 50-fold difference in the incidence of reported ehrlichiosis between the two states. These data suggest that the HGE-like variants existing in Rhode Island may have a competitive advantage over the disease-causing agent, thus interfering with the maintenance and transmission of human disease.
Closely related GE species have also been discovered in Pennsylvania. Recently, a large number of I. scapularis collected from the Chester Co. PA area were found to be PCR-positive for HGE. Although PA has had a high prevalence of Lyme disease for many years, few cases of HGE have been detected. DNA sequencing has revealed two closely related species of GE that appear to be present in the Chester Co., PA area, the true HGE agent and a GE variant never shown to cause human disease.

FREEZE TOLERANCE IN THE GRAY TREEFROG: CRYOPROTECTANT MOBILIZATION AND ORGAN DEHYDRATION. Adrienne L. Jones and Jack R. Layne, Jr.  Department of Biology, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania.

Freeze tolerance in the frog Rana sylvatica is supported by nonanticipatory mobilization of cryoprotectant (glucose) and redistribution of organ water.  Other freeze-tolerant frogs may manifest these responses but differences exist.  For example, the gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) accumulates mostly glycerol as opposed to glucose.  The current study reports additional novel features about cryoprotection in H. versicolor.  Frogs were acclimated to low temperature for 12 weeks and frozen for 3 days at –2.4^oC.  Some frogs were then thawed at 3^oC for 4 h.  Frozen frogs had 53.9 + 11.1% of their body water in ice.  Plasma glucose was low prior to the onset of freezing (1.1 + 0.9 µmol/ml) and it was 20X higher in postfreeze frogs.  Constituting nearly 30% of plasma solute, glycerol was 117.2 + 13.6 µmol/ml prior to freezing and it remained equally high in postfreeze frogs.  Liver water content was moderately lower in frozen frogs when compared to controls (62.9 + 3.7% vs. 68.6 + 1.7%);  whereas, postfreeze frogs excessively hydrated their livers (75.7 + 2.1%). Hyla versicolor can mobilize glycerol in response to extended cold acclimation, which is unique in comparison to other freeze-tolerant frogs, and it experiences only moderate organ dehydration during freezing.  It conforms with other freeze-tolerant frogs, however, by mobilizing glucose as a direct response to tissue freezing.

THE PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, AND BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF COAL MINE DRAINAGE ON BOYER RUN, SEWICKLEY CREEK WATERSHED, WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. Justin Kontir, Department of Biology, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

Boyer Run, a second order tributary of Sewickley Creek, was monitored from May to September 2000; water chemistry was analyzed, invertebrates were collected using leaf packs and rock scrapings, and fish were captured in minnow traps. Two artesian discharges (sites M08 & M09) enter Boyer Run; their entrance point are approximately 40 meters apart. M09 is highly alkaline (252.04 ppm alkalinity and 28.3 ppm acidity), while M08 is less alkaline (126.87 ppm alkalinity and 28.3 ppm acidity). This arrangement allowed for three in-stream conditions: an unaffected portion (site B1), a portion affected by one discharge (site B2), and a portion affected by both discharges (site B3). It was observed that form site B1 to B3, on average, total iron values increased twenty-fold to 8-10 ppm, sulfates increased three-fold to 200-400 ppm, conductivity increased by 140 ?S, and pH decreased by 1.2 units. A greater diversity of invertebrates was collected from site B1, but an unexpected number of alderflies (Sialidae) and mayflies (Caenidae) were collected at sites B2 and B3 respectively. Fish and crayfish were both collected at sites B1 and B2, but none were collected from site B3. Results show that multiple methods of invertebrate collection are necessary to evaluate stream biota, plus acid mine drainage with intermediate/high alkalinity may be able to support certain invertebrates and fish. The results will also serve to strengthen survey data that has already been collected from other impacted watersheds.

EFFECT OF PETAL COLOR ON REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN Hesperis matronalis. Sheetal Patel and Maureen Levri. Department of Biology, Seton Hill College, Greensburg, Pennsylvania

Petal color has been found to influence pollinator visitation rates and female reproductive success in some species. The objective of this experiment was to test whether pollinator preference and fitness differences among colors could account for the maintenance of the petal color polymorphism in local populations of Hesperis matronalis, an introduced weed.  Local H. matronalis occur in three color morphs:  purple, pink, and white. Purple morphs were preferred by the most prevalent pollinator (snipe flies).  While purple flowers produced the most fruits, they produced fewer seeds per fruit. Purple flowers made the heaviest seeds, however, seeds resulting from white flowers grew the fastest and, controlling for date of germination, resulted in the tallest plants. Further research is planned to pursue whether the weediness of the white morph can account for its maintenance in the population.

A COMPARISON OF NATURAL AND CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA. Anya Schoss. Department of Biology, Chatham College, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

This study attempted to compare replacement wetlands constructed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and naturally occurring wetlands to determine that no significant difference exists between the ‘quality’ of the two groups.  Using records from PennDOT’s wetland monitoring programs, two constructed wetlands were chosen.  The two natural wetlands were chosen using United States Geologic Survey National Wetland Inventory maps.  The sites were chosen according to accessibility, size, age, and location in relation to the other sites, and were assessed monthly from June, 2000 through November, 2000.  Standard water and soil chemistry was monitored, in addition to tests for biomass and primary productivity, focusing on the dominant macrophytic plants at each site.  PennDOT’s protocol for monitoring wetlands was also incorporated into the study.  The data indicated that no significant difference existed between the water or soil chemistry between groups; although factors such as the area of the wetland covered by the dominant macrophytic plant, soil type, and wildlife diversity varied between groups.  Both sites showed similar trends in biomass measures.

THE EFFECTS OF SODIUM FLUORIDE AND JAPANESE GREEN TEA EXTRACT ON THE ADHERENCE AND GROWTH OF TWO STRAINS OF Streptococcus mutans. Beth Troy. Department of Biology, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

Through much research, scientists have linked dental caries formation to Streptococcus mutans and its metabolic by-products.  In the 1930’s, dentists discovered fluoride’s role in reducing the initiation of dental caries, and have since then used it as a tool to prevent cavities.  Fluoride is now widely used, and because of its predominance in many dental hygiene products, some strains of S. mutans have become resistant to fluoride.  Fluoride is found in many food and drink extracts, including Japanese green tea.  Japanese green tea has been consumed for thousands of years, and it may have a secondary usage of preventing dental caries.  In this study, the effect of NaF on the growth and adherence to solid surfaces of wild type and fluoride resistant strains of S. mutans was examined.  The effect of green tea extract on the growth of these strains was also studied.
The experimentation included determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Japanese green tea extract (GTE), based on Otake’s study, for S. mutans 25175, a wild type, fluoride-susceptible strain, and S. mutans NCH105, a fluoride-resistant mutant.  The effect of NaF on the growth and adherence of the two strains was also compared, based upon optical density values.
A trend in the results showed that both growth and adherence decreased in the presence of NaF for both strains; however, the wild type was affected at a lower concentration of NaF than the resistant strain.  The results also suggest that NaF affected growth rather than adhesion.  The effect of green tea extract on growth of S. mutans was not determined due to inconclusive results.

ASSOCIATION STUDY OF GENETICS AND GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE-3 IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE. Maila Wong. Department of Biology, Chatham College, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Determining Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk pre-symptomatically will allow for earlier intervention, and give us information about the disease pathology, which could lead to improved treatments.  Special characteristics of the brain include its high rate of metabolism, exposure to free radicals, and other factors, making it more sensitive to oxidative stress.  These ideas have led me to take part of an ongoing investigation, which is analyzing genotypic data for several genes known to express enzymes involved both in the antioxidant system and in regions of the brain associated with the pathogenesis of AD.  Accordingly, these genes are plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPX3), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD-1), and catalase (CAT).  Herein, I have addressed a possible connection between AD pathogenesis and the GPX3 genotype. Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and restriction-fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) techniques, 317 cases and 134 controls were collected for a single polymorphism (out of two) that are located on the promoter region of GPX3, on chromosome 5 of the human genome.  GPX3 has the potential to be a neuron protector because it’s an antioxidative enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of H2O2.   If there was a decrease in the expression or activity of GPX3, this could explain the accumulation of H2O2 and subsequently, the resulting oxidative damage found in AD pathogenesis.  Genotype data was collected, statistically analyzed, and my results conclude that there is no association between the AD status and the GPX3 polymorphism studied; therefore, further studies are necessary.

MAXIMUM EXPRESSION OF DOMINANT NEGATIVE p85 RNA AND PROTEIN OCCURS AT 24 HOURS AFTER TRANSFECTION. Nicholas A. Zane. Department of Biology, Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Pennsylvania.

Receptor proteins in the membranes of lymphocytes interact with chemical signaling molecules and begin an intracellular cascading pathway that will ultimately lead to the movement of cells along the chemical's concentration gradient.  One such receptor/ chemical signal pair is CD4 with its ligand Interleukin 16 (IL-16). CD4 contains a 37 residue cytosolic src homology (SH) functional domain where it interacts with p56lck, a tyrosine kinase. The p56lck displays SH4, SH3, SH2, and SH1 domains. Under normal conditions, IL-16 induces CD4 dimerization by binding to two CD4 receptors.  This causes p56lck’s kinase activity and ultimately signals the chemotactic migration of the lymphocyte. The next step in the pathway is hypothesized to be the binding of the lipid kinase Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3K) to the SH3 domain of the p56lck.  PI3K is comprised of two subunits the regulatory p85 and the catalytic p110, which are not active until p85 binds to p56lck. A mutated non-functional version of the p85 subunit that binds to an SH3 domain would act as an extremely selective competitive inhibitor.  This would prevent the wild type from binding and cause cellular unresponsiveness. Plasmids containing genes for non-functional p85 mutant proteins were transfected into functional A301 T lymphocytes. To ensure that the transfection had been successful, a time course was established in order to ascertain the time of maximum expression.  It was determined that the highest levels of the non-functional p85 RNA and protein were present at approximately 24 hours after transfection.

HUMAN RELATED CAUSES OF WILD BIRD INJURIES. Dianne R. Zoller. Department of Biology, Chatham College, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

As our population increases, our wildlife habitats are greatly reduced and altered.  Many injuries that occur to wild birds are due to human related causes.  Humans directly affect these birds with the use of chemicals such as pesticides or by collisions with windows or vehicles.  The domestic cat is an example of how humans indirectly affect the survival of wild birds.  This is a two-year study of the wildlife patients that were admitted to the Pennsylvania Wildlife Center.  The patients’ information was encoded and then evaluated using SPSS. Humans affect all wildlife, but my results conclude that wild birds are the species most affected and that cat attacks are the most prevalent human related cause.
 
 

Vehicles should be parked at the science center (highlighted in blue). The attendant at the information booth you pass upon entering campus will provide directions to both Prep hall and the science center complex. Please print out the Temporary Parking Permit presented below and mount in on the dashboard of your vehicle in plain view when you park.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Parking Permit Temporary Parking Permit Saint Vincent College Valid April 7, 2001       This permit is valid only for  registrants of the 21st Annual Undergraduate Biology Symposium for Western Pennsylvania. Authorized by Steve Brown, Director of Safety and Security

 
 
 

If traveling fromPittsburgh, take I-376 east (Parkway East) to Monroeville, and get on thePA Turnpike. Exit at Irwin, exit 7, and follow the directions as per above.

If traveling on U.S. Route 70, travel east on Route 70 to New Stanton. Take Route 66 Toll road north towards Greensburg, and then take U.S. Route 30 east to Latrobe as per above.
 
 

          8:30 AM          REGISTRATION AND POSTER SET-UP  Coffee, Orange Juice, and
                                       Danish (Academic Lounge, 1st floor Prep Hall)
 

               9:10                Welcome and Opening Remarks (Dr. Bruce Bethke, Saint Vincent
                                       College, Room 205 Prep Hall)
 

               9:15                Gretchen Dickson, Saint Vincent College
 

               9:30                Amy Anderson, Chatham College
 

               9:45                Mishelle Beercheck, Thiel College
 

             10:00                David Braun, Washington and Jefferson College
 

             10:15                POSTER SESSION  Coffee, Orange Juice and Danish available
                                       (Academic Lounge, 1st floor Prep Hall)
 

             11:15                Andrea Ferraco, Saint Vincent College
 

             11:30                Christopher Gisler, Washington and Jefferson College
 

             11:45                Liza Winebrenner, Carlow College

             12:00                Bryan Christensen, Saint Vincent College
 

             12:15                LUNCH  (Placid A-1, 1st floor Placid Hall, Menu:Tossed Salad,
                                      Chicken Marseilles, Penne Pasta Agiatto, Oven-Roasted Redskin
                                      Potatoes, Sautéed Vegetables, Assorted Cakes and Pies)
 
 

constructed by Bruce Bethke 2001