13th Annual Research and Creative Activities Symposium

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER

RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES SYMPOSIUM

Friday, April 24, 2009

DDC North Classroom Atrium

10:00 – 10:10 OPENING REMARKS: CU President Bruce Benson

10:15 KEYNOTE ADDRESS 1:

Introduction: Richard J. Traystman, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Research “High Notes”

Eleanor N. Caulkins

Lifetime Honorary Chair of Opera Colorado

11:00 STUDENT PRESENTATIONS

Outstanding Research and Creative Activity Award Winners

11:00: Jamie Carpio: Anthropology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Determining Bone Utility and Effectiveness as Tools: Termite Extraction at Lake Manyara, Tanzania during the Dry Season in Tanzania

11:15: Dustin Neel: Geography-Earth Science, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Isolation and Characterization of Cadmium-Resistant Bacteria

11:30: David Sprunt: Landscape, Architecture & Urban Design, College of Architecture and

Planning

Hybridscape: A Proposal for Wynkoop Street and Denver Union Station

11:45: Francie Hyndman: Cell Biology, Stem Cells, and Development, AMC Graduate School

Misregulation of Dlx5/6 in Hand2 Mutants Leads to Loss of Tongue 12:00 – 2:00 STUDENT EXHIBITS – North Classroom Atrium

Students will present their research and creative projects in an informal setting. Light refreshments will be served

2:00 – 2:30 KEYNOTE ADDRESS 2 – North Classroom 1130

Introduction: Robert Damrauer, PhD, Special Asst. to the Provost “Gene Machines and Opportunities in Science"

Professor Marv Caruthers

University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry 2:30 – 3:00 AWARDS CEREMONY

Chancellor M. Roy Wilson

John Lanning, PhD, Asst. Vice Chancellor Undergraduate Experiences, UROP Chair

• Outstanding Research and Creative Activities Awards Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence • Faculty Award for Outstanding Student Mentoring

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Notes

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

Welcome Letter 4

Committee Members and Sponsors 5

Judges 6

Undergraduate Titles and Authors 7-8

Graduate Titles and Authors 9-12

Undergraduate Abstracts 13-34

Graduate Abstracts 35-69

Local Middle School Award Winners 70

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WELCOME

RESEARCH and CREATIVE ACTIVIES SYMPOSIUM

April 24, 2009

I welcome you to the 12th Annual Research and Creative Activities Symposium (RaCAS). This is the first joint RaCAS between the Downtown Denver and Anschutz Campuses, and we are here to celebrate our student’s accomplishments. Over 140 students are displaying 117 exhibits at this symposium.

Discovery and creativity in learning is critical for the future of our students at the University of

Colorado Denver (UCDenver). The discovery based and creative works on display today are representative examples of the kind of activity we want all UCDenver students to experience. We are also particularly pleased to welcome our speakers today – Ms. Ellie Caulkins, who will share with us her experience in our morning talk called “High Notes”, and Dr. Marv Caruthers, who this afternoon will share with us his insights in a talk entitled “Gene Machines and Opportunities in Science".

Many other individuals have demonstrated strong support for this symposium and are with us today. These include the President of our university, Bruce Benson, the Chancellor Dr. M. Roy Wilson, and the Provost Dr. Rod Nairn. Their leadership and support recognizes the importance of learning by doing.

Enjoy yourself as you recognize the efforts of our undergraduate and graduate students. Stop them and engage them in conversations about their topics. I assure you that they will be thrilled to speak with you about their work.

Finally, I would like to thank all of those whose efforts were critical to bring about this celebration of student discovery and creativity.

Best wishes and have a great time at our symposium.

Richard J. Traystman, Ph.D. Professor

Vice Chancellor for Research University of Colorado Denver

WHAT IS UROP?

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

enhances undergraduate education by funding students

engaged in research, creative, and entrepreneurial activities

in collaboration with faculty at UCDHSC, downtown Denver

campus.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

Students engaged in undergraduate research:

• Integrate academic knowledge with

hands-on experience

• Enhance their creativity, confidence, and

communication

• Develop professional skills sought by

graduates schools and employers

• Sharpen analytical and critical skills

UROP

Conducting research through UROP can be a great way to get to know faculty, researchers, graduate students, and other undergraduates who share similar academic and career interests.

Undergraduate

Research

Opportunities

Program

Undergraduate Research

Increases Confidence

www.cudenver.edu/UROP

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Joy Berrenberg Psychology

Candy Berryman RaCAS Coordinator

Leo Bruederle Biology

Robert Damrauer Office of the Provost

John Freed Graduate School

Jim Hageman Research Administration

Richard Johnston Dean's Office, SOM

Steve Krizman Integrated University Communications Sean McGowan College of Arts and Media

Jeremy Nemeth Urban Design

David Port Cardiology & Pharmacology L. Rafael Sanchez Mechanical Engineering

Deanna Iceman Sands School of Education & Human Development

Karen Sousa School of Nursing

Clark Strickland College of Arts and Media Chris Weible School of Public Affairs

Danielle M. Zieg Integrated University Communications

SPONSORS

Division of Student Affairs

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research

Research Administration

Undergraduate Experiences

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Joy Berrenberg Psychology, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences Roxanne Byrne Math, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences Fred Chambers Geography, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences Laura Cuetara Theater, College of Arts and Media

Micky Engel Biology, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Jana Everett Political Science, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences John Freed Graduate School Administration, Graduate School Mark Gelernter Dean, College of Architecture and Planning Michael Greene Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Jim Hageman Research Administration

Frank Jermance Music, College of Arts and Media Joe Juhasz College of Architecture and Planning Jahangir Karimi Business School

Pam Laird History, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences Carl Pletsch History, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences Timberley Roane Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Stephanie A. Santorico Math & Statistical Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Sheila Shannon School of Education

Candice Shelby Philosophy, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Renseng Su Dean of Engineering, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

David Tracer Health & Behavioral Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Richard J. Traystman Vice Chancellor for Research

MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARD WINNERS

HOSTED BY THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES

Seven of the best and brightest local high school students who placed in the top tier of the junior division categories at the Denver Metropolitan Science and Engineering Fair are showcasing their posters at the Symposium today. More than 270 middle and high school students from the Denver area competed at the fair in February. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) sponsored the first, second, and third place junior division category awards. The student

winners were invited by Dean Daniel J. Howard to have lunch with a few CLAS professors prior to today's proceedings for the opportunity to learn more about what they hope to study in college, as well as discover more about the University of Colorado Denver.

Keely Bachrodt BOOTH # 29 7th Grade, West Jefferson Middle School

Project: (Microbiology) “Are You Sure You Want to Use that Sponge?”

Hailey Davis BOOTH # 34 6th Grade, Stanley British Primary School

Project: (Microbiology) “What is Left in Your Mouth After Swishing?”

Mali Garrett-Mills BOOTH # 6 7th Grade, Smiley Middle School

Project (Medicine and Health Sciences) “The Effects of Various Liquids on Hydroxyapatite Calcium Tablets: An Inadequate Model of Human Tooth Enamel”

Henry Camp BOOTH # 21 7th Grade, Denver School of the Arts

Project: (Engineering) “How a Checkered Chroma Key Background Makes Light Distortion Visible and Measurable”

Luke Summar BOOTH # 13 7th Grade, West Jefferson Middle School Project: (Plant Sciences) “Let-Us Farm”

Diego Ulibarri BOOTH # 40 8th Grade, Holy Trinity Catholic School Project: (Biochemistry) “Scrap to Fuel”

Sophie Wright BOOTH # 55 8th Grade, Stanley British Primary School

Project: (Chemistry) “C What Happens to Your Vitamin C?”

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Nanogel-Modified Dental

Adhesives

Nicholas Wilson, Doctor of Dental Surgery, AMC -

School of Dental Medicine

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jeffrey Stansbury, AMC -

School of Dental Medicine

Activity Type: Graduate Research

Reactive nano-scale polymeric particles (nanogels) have been demonstrated to reduce polymerization shrinkage and stress in dental resins. Objective: Determine potential benefits associated with the use of relatively hydrophobic nanogels as additives in a model dental adhesive material. Methods: Nanogels were prepared by solution photopolymerization of isobornyl methacrylate (IBMA)/urethane

dimethacrylate (UDMA) or IBMA/ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBDMA) (70:30 mole ratio) with mercaptoethanol (15mol%). The inert nanogels were converted to reactive macromers by a subsequent reaction with isocyanatoethyl

methacrylate. The model bonding agent was

composed of BisGMA/HEMA (60:40 mass ratio) and included 12 wt% of ethanol to mimic the residual solvent content of an air-thinned solvated adhesive. A bisacylphosphine oxide initiator (Irgacure 819; 0.2 wt%) was introduced to promote visible light

photopolymerization. The reactive nanogels were incorporated in the adhesive formulation at 25 wt% and degree of conversion, water sorption/solubility as well as wet/dry mechanical properties of the photopolymers were determined. Results: Addition of the either of the reactive nanogels significantly reduced the solubility of the adhesive polymer. For the more hydrophobic IBMA/EBDMA-based nanogel additive, the equilibrium water sorption was 18 % lower than the unmodified control. Both the initial flexural modulus and ultimate strength of the dry polymers were improved significantly with the nanogel additives. Most notably, the wet mechanical properties of the nanogel-containing polymers remained equivalent to their dry strength values whereas the control polymer suffered a dramatic reduction of approximately 50 % in wet strength compared with the dry control. Conclusions: The introduction of reactive, hydrophobic nano-scale polymeric particles in dental does not affect the degree of conversion achieved during

polymerization but it does favorably reduce solubility and potential water uptake. While the nanogel additives raise the mechanical strength of the polymeric adhesive, the critical advantage is the lack of any deterioration in these excellent strength values under aqueous storage conditions. The

prospect of a stronger, more reliable dentin-restorative interface has important clinical implications, especially considering the nanogel technology can be incorporated into existing adhesive materials in a relatively generic manner. Supported by: NIH/NIDCR DE5R21DE018354 and Septodont/Confi-Dental

Atcherley, Christopher

Open Circuit Potential Measurements to Characterize Interfaces 13 93 Bates, Ariel

Natural Stream Flow Estimates for Colorado: Using the NHDPlus Unit

Runoff Method 13 90 Bates, Ryan

Lipid Activation of Src Tyronsine Kinase during Xenopus Sperm Fertilization

and the Acrosome Reaction of Sperm 14 84 Blakley, Scott

Comparing Biophysical Characteristics of Wild Type and Stiff Mutants of

Phycomyces Blakesleeanus 14 86 Blatner, Megan

Characterizing and Ameliorating Cognitive Deficits of TS65Dn Mice – A

Model of Down Syndrome – Using a Computerized Olfactometer 15 85 Bollwerk, Luke

Honesty Goal Priming: Effects on Socially Desirable Responding in Self

Reports about Sexual Behavior 15 7 Brady, Chris

Image Acquisition of 3D Animation 16 42 Carpio, Jamie

Determining Bone Utility and Effectiveness as Tools: Termite Extraction at

Lake Manyara, Tanzania during the Dry Season in Tanzania 16 9 Davis, Briona

Arts Bridge Digital Photography Project 17 117 Davis-Nelson, Denise

Gene Expression during Bioremediation of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons by

Pleurotus Ostreatus 17 79 Deihimi , Sarah

Determination of Doxycycline in Mouse Serum by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: A Correlation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease to

Concentration of Doxycycline in Serum 18 76 Deitrick, Russell

Active Galactic Nuclei Survey at Optical Frequencies 18 77 Dunnet, Gareth

Tuberculosis: The White Death 19 41 Edens, Timmy

Full Dome Content Creation 19 48 Evans, Jerell

Recreate 1908 20 113 Fees, Colby

Research into the Molecular Mechanism of Fertilization: Measuring the

Affinity between Src and PA 20 75 Heimbuch-Maybee, Tiffany

Labor Supply Near Subsistence Income Levels 21 3 Hickey, Molly

Synthesis of GABA Analogues 21 71 Jones, Brittany

Political Subversion in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: The Welsh

Social Imaginary and National Identity in the 14th Century 22 25 Keller, Racheal

Variations in Maternal and Child Nutrition Across Cultures in Mondaña,

Ecuador 22 56

Lathrop, Jason

N-Amino Acid (Ester-Protected) Thiophosphoramidates, A Step in the Preparation of Pseudotripeptides: A research Prototype for Undergraduate

Chemistry Labs 23 63 Levy, Jonathan

Binding of Alcohol to Odorant Binding Protein 23 62

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McAllister, Mary

Intersimple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) Markers and Their Potential for Evolutionary Research on the Rare Colorado Endemic, Penstemon

degeneri 24 38 McKenzie, Alexander

Image Processing Diagnostics: Emphysema 24 61 Metzler, Jennifer

Adult Attachment Styles and Coping Strategies in College Students 25 60 Neel, Dustin

Isolation and Characterization of Cadmium-Resistant Bacteria 25 59 O’Leary, Katy

Heat Sinking in a Helim-3 Cryostat for SQUID Susceptometry 26 18 Pavelko, Christina

Correlation between Responsibility and Stigma in Patients with Lung

Cancer, Type II Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease 26 27 Persichetti, Jason

Bacterial Gene Expression in Response to Toxic Metal Exposure 27 94 Prokopov, Sergei

If I Could, I Would: Ethics and Intervening in the Lives of Addicts 27 95 Rosenberg, Lee

Comparison between Static and Dynamic Scheduling Strategies for

Linear Algebra DAG Based Multicore Algorithms 28 97 Ruff, Adam

Social Network Surveys in Math and Science Education 28 99 Schamberg, Jay

The Effects of Alcohol on Voice 29 32 Schultz, Angela

Pollen-Ovule Ratios as an Indicator of Breeding System in

Penstemon Degeneri, a Rare Colorado Endemic 29 100 Sirivanchai, Sara

Expression Patterns of Male Germline Specific Promoters in

Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassiecaceae) 130 101 Strasser, Derek

Investigation of Peptide Derivatives of 1-carboxyl-4-amino-2-aza-3-

ixi-bicyelo [2.2.2] octane, A Rigid Bicyclic Dipeptide Analog 30 103 Taussig, Matthew

Mutating TCRzeta to Study SLAP-Dependent Ubiquitination 31 104 Teodosijev, Sasa

Path of Valor 31 45 Traktinksiy, Igor

Varicella Zoster Virus DNA Persist in Saliva after Herpes Zoster and

Post-Herpetic Neuralgia 32 105 Truong, Jason

Daily-Round of Activity in Western Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex

occidentalis) Colonies 32 106 Van Anderson, Bradley

Sugar Pine (Pinus lambertiana) seed harvesting behavior of the Clark’s

Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon 33 108 Valdez, Anisetta

Copper Nickel 33 30 Walker, Deandra

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Mechanisms of Injury and Repair in an

Experimental Model of BPD 34 110 Wiltjer, Drew

CAM Records 34 46

Wood, Rebecca

Change as an Innovation in the Denver Elder Community: A Cost/

Benefit Analysis 35 12

2009 Research and Creative Activities Symposium

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Pollination Biology of the Stream

Orchid, Epipactis gigantea, (Dougl.

Ex Hook) at Three Colorado

Elevations

Denise C Wilson, DC - College of Liberal Arts and

Sciences

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Leo P Bruederle, DC -

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Activity Type: Graduate Research

An understanding of a species’ breeding system is essential to the conservation of rare plants. This research characterized the breeding system, visitor guild, and effective pollinators for Epipactis gigantea Dougl. ex Hook (Orchidaceae) at three Colorado sites differing in elevation. Results from a breeding system experiment revealed statistically significant differences in success as measured by fruit set across treatment groups. Epipactis gigantea was observed to be protandrous and self-compatible, with 59% of all self-pollinations setting fruit. Out-crossing was most successful (72%) and differed from hand-pollinations involving donor pollen from another flower on the same plant or geitonogamy (63%) and the control (62%). The visitor guild comprised a variety of ants, flies, beetles, bees, and spiders. Although E. gigantea was visited most often by ants, specifically, Formica neogagates, six species of syrphid flies were found to be effective pollinators, the most frequent being Sphaerophoria philanthus. Time lapse photography further

documented pollination by syrphid flies, which deposit pollen (not entire pollinium) on the stigmas of several flowers along the same raceme.

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Development of Core Competency

for Trauma Nurses in Thailand

Krongdai Unhasuta, Nursing, AMC - College of

Nursing

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Marylou Robinson, AMC -

College of Nursing

Activity Type: Graduate Research

There are no programs to prepare trauma nurses in Thailand. A research plan for identification and development of core competencies was undertaken in three phases. Phase I: A national survey of the critical dimensions of care; Phase II: Development of a 64 item tool; and Phase III: A three year pilot study in hospitals representing Level I, Regional,

Community and Rural facilities. Six dimensions of competency include: cooperation, decision-making, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical knowledge with the content validity index (CVI) of 1.00 and Cronbach’s α of 0.98 ( N= 485 in 29 hospitals). In the first year analysis of pilot study data using a 5 point likert scale ( N = 285 RNs in 16 hospitals); nurses rated themselves as 4.18 (SD = 0.69), their peers at 4.00 (SD = 0.68); while Head Nurse evaluations averaged 3.98 (SD = 0.55). ANOVA demonstrated no statistical significance (p = 0.09) between groups. This demonstrates tool usefulness, but refinement is required prior to national distribution to include a factor analysis.

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals

by Mushrooms Growing Near

Active and Abandoned Mines

Christy Van Campen, Chemistry, DC - College of

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Marc A. Donsky, DC -

Chemistry

Activity Type: Graduate Research

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals by Mushrooms Growing Near Active and Abandoned Mines Dr. Marc A. Donsky and Ms. Christy Van Campen Department of Chemistry. University of Colorado Denver History, Introduction and Abstract The ability of mushrooms to accumulate metals was brought to public attention by the Chernobyl disaster in April 1986. Radioactive fallout contaminated miles of forest around the plant. Testing of mushrooms growing in the area after the accident showed high levels of Cs 134 and 137 as well as other fallout metals. One mushroom, Gomphidius subroseus had accumulations of 10,000x the soil levels of

radioactive Cesium. The popular edible, Boletus edulis, had levels 10x the ambient of Cadmium. In Colorado, collecting wild mushrooms for the kitchen is becoming increasingly popular. Mushrooms are often found growing near mines and mine runoff. Our project involves collecting mushrooms from these sites and testing the soil and mushrooms for metal contamination using ICP-MS as our analytical tool. This project will tell us if it is safe or wise to eat mushrooms collected from these sites. Preliminary results indicate that the mushrooms growing near mines are heavily contaminated and are not safe to eat.

Bannon, Nathanael

The Relationship between Hydrocarbons and Aggression in

T. Caespitum 35 92

Barringer, Lauren

The Relationship between Whitebark Pine Health, Cone Production, and Seed Dispersal by Clark’s Nutcrackers: What is the Potential for

Natural Regeneration? 35 91 Beemer, Brandon

Dynamic Interaction: A Measurement Scale Development and

Empirical Validation 36 88 Bennetts, Nicholas

Importance of the Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factor

Hand2 in Craniofacial Development 36 87 Bird, Kathryn

Physician’s Attitudes and Practices on Overweight/Obesity 37 35 Bishop, Jonathan

A Role for Hand2 in Cell Survival during Facial Development 37 22 Brocker, Chad

ALDH7A1 is a Novel Aldehyde Dehydrogenase with Multiple

Functions Including Protection from Oxidative Stress 38 112 Campbell, Chelsea

Clogging Potential of Pervious Concrete 38 82 Chang, Ya-Wen

Developing a Problem Space for Exploring the Educational Experiences of Immigrant Children from China: Language,

Culture, and Learning 39 115 Checketts, Matt

Induction of Cell Death by Receptor Expressed in Lymphoid

Tissue, a Recently Identified Necrosis Factor Receptor 39 81 Chiang, Simon

Automation of Web Applications and Iterative Searching for

Post-Translational Modifications 40 15 Crites, Katherine

Characterizing Forest Fragmentation in Relation to Coffee

Plantations in Mexico 40 89 Crunk, Amanda

2-Bromoethanamine (BEA) Induces Papillary Necrosis by Impairing Function of TonEBP Under Hypertonic Stress in

Kidney Cells 41 80 Dunn, Jeffrey

Familial Idiopathic Scoliosis in Males: Localization to

Chromosome 22q 41 114 Dundas, Lindsey

The Roles of HIF1 and HIF2 in Head and Neck Cancer 42 14 English, Carol

Annual Variation for Effective Pollination in Penstemon Degeneri Crosswhite (Plantaginaceae), a Rare Colorado

Endemic 42 50

Foltz, Steven

The Presence of a Mixed Use, Livable Development Embraces

the Concept of Social Sustainability 43 74 Frank, Nathan

The Effect of Plasticity in cuticular hydrocarbon profiles on the collective

Decision Making of Pavement Ant (Tetramorium caespitum) Colonies 43 73 Garrison, Aris

Affordable Green Housing 44 52 Glazner, Gregory

Characterizing Optical Properties of Photodynamic Therapy Sensitizers 44 72

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Greenebaum, Hilary

Teacher’s Voices 45 8 Hammerman, Susan

Tracking Changes in miRNA Expression in Melanoma: A Path

Towards Early Diagnosis and Targeted Therapies? 45 23 Hines, Bruce

Resonances in Superconducting Quantum Interference Device Series Array Amplifiers in Feedback Operation and at RF

Frequencies 46 2

Hockin, Matthew

Nuclear Translocation of PKCl in Salivary Acinar Cells 47 9 Hodges, Heather

Lipid-Coated Nanoparticles as Mimics of Biological Membranes

For C-Reactive Protein Detection 48 70 Huang, Yun-Hsiang

Electricity Generation and Treatment of High Strength Animal

Liquid Waste Using Microbial Fuel Cells 48 39 Huss, Sheila M.

The Social Construction of the International Criminal Tribunal for

The Former Yugoslavia 49 53 Hyndman, Francie

Misregulation of Dlx5/6 in Hand2 Leads to Loss of Tongue 49 69 Ivashchenko, Anna

Platelet Gene Expression in Acute Coronary Syndrome 50 4 Johnson, Todd

Detecting Mercury Fluorescence Signature through Two-Photon

Mercury 51 19

Juergens, Jeffery

The Effects on the Modulation of Cav1.2 when AKAP79/150 is

Covalently Linked to Calcineurin 51 68 Kabadi, Sajit

Ensuring Educational Continuity for First Generation College

Students 52 36

Kendrick, Aga

Using Targeted Proteomics to Assess the Sirtuins on Liver

Metabolism in Obesity 52 67 Kester, Matthew

Molecular Profiling of Bacterial Communities Associated with

Mining Sediments 53 65 Kim, Hyo-Jeong

Technology Training of Internal Auditors: Impact of Advanced

Feature Technology 53 66 Kovacs, James

Use of NMR to Define CR22:CRd Interactions in Solution Reveals Dual SCR1-2 Interface with C3d: Confirmation Using a Novel

Ligand-Selective Inhibitory Peptide 54 64 Kronoveter, Karen

Quantitation of Energy Recovery Potential from Food Wastes Using Microbial Fuel Cells and Biochemical Methane Potential

Assays 54 37

Ling, Sarah

Evaluating a Web-based Test Results System at an Urban

STI Clinic 55 51

Luce, Austine

Children’s Worldviews from China, Singapore and the United States: Implications for Research, Teaching and Learning in Science and

Science Education 55 116 Lugliani, Matthew

Motivational Interviewing in Skin Cancer Prevention 56 10

2009 Research and Creative Activities Symposium

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Adaptive-Multilevel BDDC

Bedrich Sousedik, Applied Mathematics, DC -

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jan Mandel, DC - College of

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Activity Type: Graduate Research

The BDDC method proposed in 2003 by Clark R. Dohrmann is the most advanced method from the Balancing family of iterative substructuring methods for the solution of large systems of linear algebraic equations arising from discretization of elliptic boundary value problems. In the case of many substructures, solving the coarse problem exactly becomes a bottleneck. Since the coarse problem in BDDC has the same structure as the original problem, it is straightforward to apply the BDDC method recursively to solve the coarse problem only approximately. We have formulated a new family of abstract Multispace BDDC methods and gave condition number bounds from the abstract additive Schwarz preconditioning theory. The Multilevel BDDC is then treated as a special case of the Multispace BDDC. However, the condition number bounds reveal deteriorating convergence of the method with increasing number of levels that cannot be improved. In another research direction we have developed a method for the adaptive selection of the coarse space for the original, two-level, BDDC method. The method work by adding coarse degrees of freedom constructed from eigenvectors associated with intersections of selected pairs of adjacent substructures. In this contribution we combine the advantages of both approaches to propose a method that preserves both, parallel scalability with increasing number of unknowns and excellent convergence properties. The performance of the method is illustrated by several numerical examples.

Hybridscape: A Proposal for

Wynkoop Street & Denver Union

Station

David Sprunt, Landscape Arch & Urban Design

(dual degree), DC - College of Architecture and Planning

Christine Shine, Landscape Architecture & Urban Design, DC - College of Architecture and Planning

Carrie Kronberg, Architecture & Urban Design, DC

- College of Architecture and Planning

Gary Taipalus, M-Arch/MUD 2008, College of Architecture & Planning

Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Fred Andreas, DC - College

of Architecture and Planning

Activity Type: Graduate Creative Activity

2009 Outstanding Research and Creative Activities Award Winner

Denver Union Station was once the gateway to the city and remains one of the finest examples of a major 19th century transportation hub. Our objective in this studio project is to provide sustainable urban design guidance for the renaissance of Union Station and the Wynkoop Street corridor between Cherry Creek and Coors Field, creating a major public space in the heart of the city. HYBRIDscape is a vision that bridges the gap between the street’s historic past and a sustainable future. Our project envisions a sustainable, walkable, and transit-served urban neighborhood that serves as a gateway to Lower Downtown. As the station once again becomes the region’s major transportation hub, the project transforms parking lots and the historic street in front of the station into a pedestrian-friendly plaza. The design creates a flexible space that handles thousands of daily commuters, special events and sports crowds, and also provides more intimate spaces, manages storm water, generates power for the neighborhood, and highlights native plants, natural processes and local history. The project integrates urbanism with high-performance buildings and high-performance infrastructure as a means to create potential: for architecture, for humanity, and for a sustainable future.

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Social Construction and Policy

Design Framework: Analysis of

Current Applications

Kristin Schumacher, DC - School of Public Affairs Jonathan Pierce, DC - School of Public Affairs Saba Siddiki, DC - School of Public Affairs Andrew Pattison, DC - School of Public Affairs

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Chris Weible, DC - School of

Public Affairs

Activity Type: Graduate Research

One of the leading lenses for understanding the policy process is the social construction framework as developed by Schneider and Ingram (1993, 1997, 2005, 2007). The social construction framework incorporates the social construction of knowledge and/or of target populations in conjunction with classical notions of political power to understand the creation and implications of policy design. The purpose of this paper is to explore existing

applications of the social construction framework. In order to do so, this paper summarizes the results of a systematic review of articles that have used the framework in an empirical inquiry from 1993 through 2008. Coded items include substantive policy domain addressed, method of data collection, cited strengths and weaknesses of the framework, and how key elements of the theory were conceptualized and operationalized. The results indicate that (i) a majority of applications have used qualitative research methods; (ii) authors conceptualize and operationalize central concepts in the theory differently; (iii) the framework is applied mostly to agenda setting and policy design and rarely to other stages of the policy process; and, (iv) to date, the research has yet to generate a series of testable hypotheses. The paper concludes with

recommendations for future research.

Phosphatidic Acid Induced

Membrane Depolarization Via

Activation of Intracellular Calcium

Dependant Chloride Channels in

Xenopus leavis oocytes

Joshua Snyder, Biology, DC - College of Liberal

Arts and Sciences

Shilo Smith, Biology, DC - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Bradley Stith, DC - College of

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Activity Type: Graduate Research

We studied the events of fertilization in Xenopus laevis, specifically, the activation of chloride

channels that cause Xenopus oocytes to depolarize after sperm-egg fusion. Chloride ions are at

relatively low concentrations inside the cell when compared to the extracellular space. This causes a steep inward concentration gradient of Cl- into the cell. However, at resting membrane potential, the sum of the concentration and electrical force results in an outward electrochemical gradient. During fertilization in Xenopus, a calcium release causes chloride channels open allowing chloride ions to move out of the cell, thus depolarizing the

membrane resulting in the fast block to polyspermy. Our method involves insertion of intracellular microelectrode into an oocyte to detect changes in chloride channel activity. We have a two electrode voltage clamp to directly record the amount of current flowing through channels while sustaining a constant membrane potential. Phosphatidic acid’s ability to increase calcium and open chloride channels is inhibited by different tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or IP3 receptor blockers. These results suggest that phosphatidic acid stimulates Src tyrosine kinases which activate phospholipase Cï §, which releases IP3 and calcium. Decreased function of chloride channels causes the disease Cystic Fibrosis, our research may shed light upon this disease.

Manderino, Laurie

Voluntary Environmental and Policy Issues 56 82 Mandt, Bruce

Individual Differences in Cocaine Responsiveness Predict Motivation

to Self-Administer Cocaine in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats 57 78 McPartland, Susan

Analyzing Accessibility to Forest Areas in Mexico 57 16 Mendelsberg, Scott

Bureaucratic Entrepreneurship in Education: Case Study 58 28 Mullin, Katherin

Re-Imaging Healing and Childbirth: Visual Narratives in Complementary

and Alternative Medicine 58 43 Nelson, Christian

Neonatal Resuscitation Capacity in Nepal 59 47 Ngo, Linda

The Power of Words 59 24 Nicosia, Francesca

Dying Wish: A Documentary about Stopping Eating and

Drinking at the End-of-Life 60 20 Nielson, Nieve

Revealing Landscapes: Using Fire as a Design Element in

Landscape Architecture 60 33 Onofrei, Ligia

Long-Term DBS Effects on Parkinson’s Disease Motor Symptoms Support Neuromodulation as the Possible Mechanism of

Action of DBS 61 17 Oviatt, Kate

Natural Disasters and Sustainable Livelihoods: Exploring Local

Capacity in Tarjia, Bolivia 61 58 Palisoc, Alma

Racial/Ethnic and Socioeconomic Differences in Five-Year Cancer

Survival in Colorado, 1999-2002 62 57 Reardon, Lindsay

Divergence between CRT Non-responder Rates Based on the NYHA Class Assessment and 6-minute Hall Walk Distance Criteria: Results

from the Response-HF Trial 63 96 Reck, Jordan

Challenging the Past: Transformation Through Problem Focused

Field Schools 64 11 Rosskamm, Shoshana

A Probabalistic Neural Network using the Haralick Transform to

Segment Ribs in Chest Digital Radiographs 64 98 Schumacher, Kristin

Social Construction and Policy Design Framework: Analysis of

Current Applications 65 1 Snyder, Joshua

Phosphatidic Acid Induced Membrane Depolarization via Activation of Intracellular Calcium Dependent Chloride Channels in Xenopus

leavis Oocytes 65 31 Sousedik, Bedrich

Adaptive-Multilevel BDDC 66 102 Sprunt, David

Hybridscape: A Proposal for Wynkoop Street & Denver Union Station 66 26 Unhasuta, Krongdai

Development of Core Competency for Trauma Nurses in Thailand 67 107 Van Campen, Christy

Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals by Mushrooms Growing Near

Active and Abandoned Mines 67 109

11

12

Wilson, Denise C.

Pollination Biology of the Stream Orchid, Epipactis gigantean,

(Dougl. Ex Hook) at Three Colorado Elevations 68 111 Wilson, Nicholas

Nanogel-Modified Dental Adhesives 69 5

2009 Research and Creative Activities Symposium

₆₅

Challenging the Past:

Transformation Through Problem

Focused Field Schools

Jordan Reck, Anthropology, DC - College of Liberal

Arts and Sciences

Teresa Cochran, Anthropology, DC - College of

Liberal Arts and Sciences

David Schutz, Anthropology, DC - College of Liberal

Arts and Sciences

Drew Zackary, Anthropology, DC - College of

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. John Brett, DC - College of

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Activity Type: Graduate Research

A new paradigm of collaboration, participation and action is emerging in anthropological research. Field work and participation are bedrocks of

anthropological research but new approaches to research methods training challenge standard models of the solitary researcher through field schools. A new emphasis on group experiential learning is at the heart of the UCD Anthropology program in Ecuador. Field school models include instructor-driven, applied anthropology, study-tour, and problem-focused. The UCD anthropology field school conducts original ethnographic research in collaboration with students and faculty at the Yachana Technical High School in the Amazonian community of Mondaña, Ecuador. As student participants in the 2008/2009 field school we advocate for the strength of the problem-focused collaborative model. Its superiority is evidenced in the transformation of student knowledge and awareness through the integration of theory and methods in field-based research as well as the application of broad skill sets not available through classroom experience. The motto at Yachana is “Living Your Education” where academic and technical skills are combined through the curriculum to produce the best educational experience possible. We argue based on our experience that this same goal of academic excellence can be met through the use of problem-focused field schools.

A Probabilistic Neural Network

using the Haralick Transform to

Segment Ribs in Chest Digital

Radiographs

Shoshana Rosskamm, Applied Mathematics, DC -

Graduate School

Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Francis Newman, AMC -

School of Medicine

Activity Type: Graduate Research

We use a probabilistic neural network (PNN) and selected components of the Haralick transform as a feature vector to train our neural network in this segmentation task. A Haralick transform composed of statistical components is employed as a feature vector where the relevance of each component to the particular task is determined using a simple scatter plot analysis. Training sets for rib and non-rib regions are generated by randomly selecting pixels around which a 16 by 16 pixel region of interest (ROI) is constructed. The Haralick transform is applied to this ROI as a feature vector characterizing the region. Once the components from the scatter plot analysis are selected, the Haralick transform is applied. The method is automated in that each pixel in the image is interrogated and classified by the PNN. The PNN performs well with 50 training vectors each from rib and non-rib areas. There are typically 7 relevant Haralick components after scatter plot analysis. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the method with images that show rib segmentation on two different patients using the same Haralick components and PNN. Consequently, the same features and PNN appear to be applicable to different patients’ images.

64

Divergence between CRT

Non-Responder Rates Based on the

NYHA Class Assessment and

6-Minute Hall Walk Distance Criteria:

Results from the Response-HF

Trial

Lindsay Reardon, MD Program, AMC - School of

Medicine

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Michelle Khoo, UCH Cardiac

and Vascular Center - Electrophysiology Lab

Activity Type: Undergraduate Research

Divergence between CRT non-responder rates based on the NYHA class assessment and 6-minute hall walk distance criteria: Results from the

Response-HF trial 1Lindsay Reardon, 1Royce Bargas, DO, 1Elizabeth Coogan, 2Raul Weiss, MD, 3Rajesh Malik, MD, 4Marc Wish, MD, 5Abdul Alawwa, MD, 6Jay Dinerman, MD, 7Kevin Hsu, MD, 8Alan Waggoner, MHS, 9Ashish Oza, MS, 1Michelle Khoo, MD. 1Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 2University of Colorado, Denver, CO, 3PeeDee Cardiology Associates, Florence, SC, 4Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA, 5Cardiology Consultants of East Michigan, Lapeer, MI, 6The Heart Center, Huntsville, AL, 7Presbyterian Hospital, Charlotte, NC, 8Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 9St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA. Introduction: Previous clinical trials have reported a CRT non-responder (NR) rate of 25-30%. However, most studies used only one criterion to classify a NR (either

improvement in NYHA class or exercise capacity). In Response-HF trial, the NR rate to CRT is based on the combined criteria of NYHA class and 6-minute hall walk distance (6-MHWD). The goal of this analysis was to determine the CRT NR rate using these combined criteria. Methods: 403 pts (72% male, age 67 ± 11.3 years, LVEF 24 ± 7.6%) enrolled in the Response-HF trial underwent NYHA class assessment and 6-MHW test. After device implant, the AV delay was optimized and all pts were programmed to simultaneous CRT pacing. At the 3 month follow-up, NYHA class and 6-MHWD were reassessed. A non-responder to CRT was defined as no improvement or worsening NYHA class and <10% increase in the 6-MHWD compared to baseline. Results: 6-MHWT Non-Responder

Responder NYHA class Non-Responder 58 (14.7%) 46 (11.6%) Responder 59 (14.9%) 232 (58.7%) After 3 months of CRT, the NR rate based on the

combined end point of no change in NYHA class or 6-MHWD was 14.7%. When pts were grouped by

either no change in NYHA class or < 10% increase in 6-MHWD, the NR rate was consistent with previous clinical trials. However, there was

discordance of agreement between responder status determined by NYHA class and 6-MHWD in 105 (27%) patients. Conclusion: The NR rate based on the combined end point was lower than that reported in previous CRT trials. The disagreement between the responder statuses based on subjective and objective criterion was high. The response to CRT at early follow-up should include combined assessment of changes in NYHA class and 6-MHWD to

determine functional status that may be important for CRT trials.

2009 Research and Creative Activities Symposium

₁₃

Open Circuit Potential

Measurements to Characterize

Interfaces

Christopher Atcherley, Chemistry, DC - College of

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mark Anderson, DC - College

of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Activity Type: Undergraduate Research

The thermodynamics of a chemically reversible redox half-reaction will establish the potential of a

heterogeneous interface in contact with a solution containing the oxidized and reduced forms of the redox reaction. This relationship is established by the well known Nernst equation: If the redox couple is composed of ions, chemical modification of the heterogeneous interface may potentially impact the local concentration of the oxidized and/or reduced form of the redox couple. The influence of the monolayer on the local concentrations of the redox couple may alter the potential of the interface. Measuring the potential, therefore, provides a simple mechanism for characterizing the interface. In this research, we measure the potential of the Fe(CN)6-3/Fe(CN)6-4 redox couple using the following conditions: an unmodified gold electrode, a gold electrode modified with a monolayer of n-octanethiol, and an electrode modified with a monolayer of 3-mercaptopropanoic acid. The influence of the surface modification of the potential measured is evaluated. For the 3-mercaptopropanoic acid modified interface, the influence of the interfacial charge on the

measured potential is determined as a function of solution pH. In this manner, the interfacial layer can be titrated and the interfacial pKa determined.

Natural Stream Flow Estimates for

Colorado: Using the NHDPlus Unit

Runoff Method

Ariel Bates, Geography, DC - College of Liberal Arts

and Sciences

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Rafael Moreno, DC - College

of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Activity Type: Undergraduate Research

This poster presents the methodology and results of the Nation Hydrography Dataset Plus (NHDPlus) Unit Runoff Method (UROM) calculations for modeling natural streamflow in Colorado. The intent of the poster is to show the characteristics of Colorado's drainage network and how the tributary system converges into larger and larger arteries to form the major rivers that drain the state. The poster does not represent actual streamflow, but rather modeled streamflow based on the UROM model. The USGS streamgages in the Hydro Climatic Data Network (HCDN) were selected for developing the unit runoff values because they represent relatively natural hydrologic conditions and are not influenced by controlled releases from reservoirs. Further, only gages with a drainage area less than the drainage area of the subbasin where the gage is located were selected so that the discharge data represents runoff for only that subbasin. This is important because Colorado has the headwaters of four major rivers contained within the state, by reviewing this drainage pattern it is possible to better understand Colorado's drainage network. This poster is also important because it shows how different tunings applied to rivers can effect the values and thus the suitability of the UROM algorithm.

14

Lipid Activation of Src Tyrosine

Kinase during Xenopus Sperm

Fertilization and the Acrosome

Reaction of Sperm

Ryan Bates, Biology, DC - College of Liberal Arts

and Sciences

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Brad J. Stith, DC - College of

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Activity Type: Undergraduate Research

The current model for Xenopus fertilization finds that sperm somehow activate Src tyrosine kinase which in turn activates PLCgamma (an enzyme central to fertilization). We suggest that sperm activate

phospholipase D1b (PLD1b) to increase phosphatidic acid (PA). My work in Dr. Stith’s lab has shown that PA specifically binds Src (PIP Strips, Echelon Biosci Inc) and its addition activates Src and PLC gamma. A PLD1b inhibitor decreased phosphatidic acid at fertilization, fertilization events (using

videomicroscopy) and Src activation (the inactive derivative had no effect). A second line of my research involves a study of the acrosome reaction (AR) in sperm- an event that is required for

subsequent fertilization. As many recent reports suggest that activation of a tyrosine kinase (like Src) induces the AR, as our other work suggests that PA can activate Src and that there is an increase in PA during the AR, I note that an AR agonist or PA addition to Xenopus sperm increased tyrosine phosphorylation in similar proteins at 54 kDa, 33 kDa, 25kDa, and at 47kDa (Western blotting detection; Anti-Phosphotyrosine antibody 2C8, Calbiochem 525293). Currently, we are examining the protein bands and the proteins exocytosed with mass spectroscopy.

Comparing Biophysical

Characteristics of Wild Type and

Stiff Mutants of Phycomyces

blakesleeanus

Scott Blakley, Mechanical Engineering, DC -

College of Engineering and Applied Science

Cindy Munoz, Mechanical Engineering, DC - College

of Engineering and Applied Science

Jason Truong, Biology, DC - College of Liberal Arts

and Sciences

Elena Ortega, Mathematics, DC - College of Liberal

Arts and Sciences

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Joseph K. E. Ortega, DC -

College of Engineering and Applied Science

Activity Type: Graduate Research

The sporangiophores of Phycomyces blakesleeanus are large cylindrical single fungal cells that grow in length at the fast rate of 30-50 μm/min. Equations have been derived to describe the elongation growth rate in terms of biophysical variables, i.e. the

Augmented Growth Equations. An important biophysical variable is the pressure inside the cell, i.e. the turgor pressure. Importantly, we have constructed a device to measure and control the turgor pressure inside the sporangiophore (pressure probe) which can be used to determine the

biophysical variables within the Augmented Growth Equations. The sporangiophore responds to many sensory stimuli with changes in elongation growth rate, e.g. if the sporangiophore is placed in a

horizontal position, it will grow to a vertical position in approximately 40 min (geotropic response). Mutants have been identified which do not exhibit a geotropic response (stiff mutants). We have conducted

pressure-probe experiments to determine the

magnitude of the relevant biophysical variables in the wild type sporangiophores and the stiff mutants. The biophysical variables of the wild type and stiff

mutants are compared to determine what changes in the underlying biophysical variables accompany the absence of the geotropic response.

2009 Research and Creative Activities Symposium

₆₃

Racial/ethnic and Socioeconomic

Differences in Five-Year Cancer

Survival in Colorado, 1999-2002

Alma Palisoc, Public Health, AMC - Colorado School of Public Health

Faculty Sponsor: Sara Miller, Public Affairs, DC -

School of Public Affairs

Dr. Tim Byers, AMC - Colorado School of Public Health

Activity Type: Graduate Research

Both race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) are important factors leading to later stage cancer diagnosis and poorer outcomes. The purpose of this study is to describe differences in cancer survival in Colorado by both race/ethnicity and SES during the years 1999 to 2002. We examined data from the Colorado Central Cancer Registry in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to compare five-year cancer survival among

Coloradans diagnosed with all cancers combined and cancers of the breast, colon/rectum, lung, or prostate across different racial/ethnic groups and SES. Five-year cancer survival for all cancers combined was lower among Hispanics (58%) and blacks (58%) than among non-Hispanic whites (65%). Lower survival was observed among those from the lowest SES groups than among the higher SES groups (54% vs. 68%). Within each

racial/ethnic group, those from the lowest SES groups were less likely to survive five years after diagnosis than were those from the higher SES groups. Similar findings were seen for specific cancer sites. Surveillance should concentrate on both race/ethnicity and SES as factors defining cancer disparities.

62

Long-term DBS Effects on

Parkinson’s Disease Motor

Symptoms Support

Neuromodulation as the Possible

Mechanism of Action of DBS

Ligia Onofrei, MD, AMC - School of Medicine Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Olga Klepitskaya, AMC -

School of Medicine

Activity Type: Graduate Research

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for motor symptoms associated with Parkinson disease (PD). The mechanism through which DBS works is largely unknown, but most likely includes chronic stimulation of inhibition of downstream signaling that is normally produced by STN. Although a largely symptomatic treatment, chronic DBS stimulation may produce long term adaptation in the basal ganglia- thalamo-cortical pathways, also known as neuromodulation. This effect can potentially change the natural course of PD by slowing down its progression. Several anecdotal observations and case reports illustrate this concept. Objective: To review the literature for DBS outcomes in order to examine the long-term effect of DBS on the progression of PD as measured through UPDRS scores. Methods: PubMed was the primary search engine. UPDRS scores of subjects before treatment and either after treatment without stimulation for any length of time or after treatment and on stimulation after at least 3-5 years post surgery were analyzed. Conclusion: The data obtained indicates that the UPDRS scores have remained stable which is remarkable in this

otherwise progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The stability of the UPDRS scores supports slow disease progression and the hypothesis of

neuromodulation or long-term adaptation produced by chronic STN DBS.

Natural Disasters and Sustainable

Livelihoods: Exploring Local

Capacity in Tarija, Bolivia

Kate Oviatt, Anthropology, DC - College of Liberal

Arts and Sciences

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. John Brett, DC - College of

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Activity Type: Graduate Research

The incorporation of natural hazards research into sustainable livelihood development approaches is essential if such development is to be effective. Rural populations with livelihoods based on

agriculture are extremely vulnerable to the effects of natural hazards. The effects from a single hazardous event can last years, significantly impacting

livelihood strategies and security. The aim of this research is to integrate the fields of natural hazards research and sustainable livelihoods development frameworks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of challenges facing rural

populations. Research was conducted in five rural communities in Tarija, Bolivia from June-August 2008 in partnership with a Bolivian NGO and local governments. Qualitative methods allowed

exploration of local experiences and perceptions of natural hazards, and identified issues of

vulnerability, those factors that increase a

population’s exposure to disaster risk, and capacity, the strengths and resources that increase a

population’s ability to withstand the effects of disaster. Participants discussed their strategies for coping with natural hazard events and the social, economic, and geographic factors that influenced and often limited their ability to cope. Discussions revealed an intimate relationship between

hazardous events and livelihood security, and identified a number of points of articulation between exposure to hazards and sustainable development.

2009 Research and Creative Activities Symposium

₁₅

Characterizing and Ameliorating

Cognitive Deficits of TS65Dn Mice -

A Model of Down Syndrome -Using

A Computerized Olfactometer

Megan Blatner, Biology, DC - College of Liberal Arts

and Sciences

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Diego Restrepo, AMC -

School of Medicine

Activity Type: Undergraduate Research

We tested the learning performance of trisomic TS65Dn mice and disomic littermates in a

computerized go-no go task where mice learned to discriminate between the odors of citral (10% in mineral oil) and mineral oil. We concluded that at least some of the trisomics are able to perform the task, but the disomics require about half the number of trials to reach a learning criterion

(disomic=343±249 trials, trisomic=716±342 trials, n=6, P=0.035, paired student t-test). When we presented a new odor pair (1% propionic acid versus a 1:1 mix of 1% propionic acid and benzaldehyde) the disomic mice performed significantly better than trisomics (F=8.39, P=0.0046, n=6, Anova Two-Way statistic). We also performed an additional odor search test were the animal has to dig to find a petri dish containing peanut butter, and we observe that the disomics find the peanut butter about two times faster than the trisomics (disomic delay=2.39±0.79 min, trisomic delay=4.89±2.08 min, n=6, P=0.037, paired student t-Test). Our hypothesis is that learning deficits of trisomic TS65Dn mice are due to

decreased cholinergic innervation of key brain areas. After finishing characterization of behavioral deficits of the trisomic mice we plan to alleviate the deficits by performing deep brain stimulation in the

cholinergic basal forebrain, and i.p. injections of galantamine to improve performance of synaptic transmission by basal forebrain cholinergic neurons.

Honesty Goal Priming: Effects on

Socially Desirable Responding in

Self Reports About Sexual

Behavior

Luke Bollwerk, Psychology, DC - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Elizabeth Allen, DC - College

of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Activity Type: Undergraduate Research

2008-2009 UROP Award Winner

There is evidence that social desirability bias elicited by sensitive questions reduces the accuracy of self report data. Rasinski et al. (2005) found that the goal of honesty may be implicitly primed using a word search task containing words related to honesty, thereby eliciting reduced socially desirable responding in a subsequent measure containing sensitive questions about alcohol use. The purpose of this study is to reproduce these findings with sensitive items about sexual behavior under the condition of anonymity and increased privacy. In addition, the effect of computerized administration is explored. A 2x2 factorial design was used to

determine the effect of honesty goal priming vs. neutral goal priming and audio computer assisted self interview (ACASI) vs. a pencil and paper self

administered questionnaire (SAQ) on socially

desirable responding. 230 participants were recruited from Auraria campus and were randomly divided into four groups. The hypothesis that there would be reduced socially desirable responding in the honesty primed ACASI group was unsupported by Kruskal-Wallis tests and there were no reliable and significant differences between groups. The results are

discussed along with possible reasons for the unexpected outcome.

16

Image Acquisition for 3D Animation

Chris Brady, Digital Animation, DC - College of Arts

and Media

Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Tripp Vroman, DC - College

of Arts and Media

Activity Type: Undergraduate Research

2008-2009 UROP Award Winner

The use of photography represents a large portion of the visual information that is seen in modern

animation. Photographic processes have been developed primarily for print mediums. These processes are optimal for photographers but inefficient and problematic for animators. This research addresses the pitfalls of the Bayer Sensor method of capturing images, the implications of working with nonlinear image data, and the optimal method of storage for image information. With our research we have developed, and will demonstrate, methods of overcoming the pitfalls of image

acquisition for animation. In compensating for Bayer Sensors, file sizes can be decreased by 75% and final renders maintain higher contrast. Compensating for nonlinear image information can prevent the “washed out” low contrast visuals often associated with animation. This is accomplished through and avoidance repeated anti aliasing and observation of gamma space. Finally the storage of images in a lossless format that is also compressed yields high efficiency and higher image quality. Given the high cost in time and equipment with 3D animation, these methods can save budgets thousands of dollars. In addition to cost and time savings, these methods increase image fidelity. Statistics and visuals will be provided in the presentation.

Determining Bone Utility and

Effectiveness as Tools: Termite

Extraction at Lake Manyara,

Tanzania during the Dry Season in

Tanzania

Jamie Carpio, Anthropology, DC - College of Liberal

Arts and Sciences

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Charles Musiba, DC - College

of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Activity Type: Undergraduate Research

2008-2009 UROP Award Winner

2009 Outstanding Research and Creative Activities Award Winner

Taphonomic evidence of bone surface modification for tool use by early hominins was recently

recognized at Swartkrans in South Africa by Backwell and d’Errico; however, very little taphonomic

research of this type has been conducted in East African Pliocene sites. During the 2008 UCD

Tanzanian field school in anthropology at Laetoli, we conducted experiments to test whether bones recovered from recent death assemblages could be modified and used for termite fishing at mounds near Lake Manyara. Bone tools were modified and used to puncture termite mounds, thus creating a use wear pattern that would be indicative of tool use and compared with fragmented fossil bones found at Laetoli. A scan electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine bone surface modification associated with tool use (polishing and striations) that match those reported from Swartkrans as possible evidence of Australopithecines early bone modification and tool use for termite fishing. We report that to achieve the greatest number of termites, in terms of calorific intake, with the least amount of energy expended most likely occurred shortly after the rain season or at locations where mounds are in close proximity to water sources.

2009 Research and Creative Activities Symposium

₆₁

Dying Wish: A Documentary about

Stopping Eating and Drinking at

the End-of-Life

Francesca Nicosia, Medical Anthropology, DC - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Steven Koester, DC - College

of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Activity Type: Graduate Research

Dying Wish is a documentary that follows a retired surgeon with end-stage cancer who chose to stop eating and drinking at the end of his life in order to hasten his natural dying process. Given the lack of medical or anthropological research on “Voluntary Refusal of Food and Fluids,” this film raises important clinical, ethical and social issues for medicine and palliative care and provides an entry point for anthropological explorations of embodied subjectivities and sociality of pain and suffering and conceptions of “natural” death. As a case study, Dr. Miller’s death exposes structural possibilities and constraints surrounding issues of “choice” at the end of life. Dying Wish is situated at the intersection of medicine, bioethics and culture and is being used as an educational tool by numerous hospices and palliative care organizations, universities and medical schools.

Revealing Landscapes: Using Fire

as a Design Element in Landscape

Architecture

Nieve Nielson, Landscape Architecture, DC -

College of Architecture and Planning

Faculty Sponsor: Austin Allen, DC - College of

Architecture and Planning

Activity Type: Graduate Creative Activity

Fire, as a natural element, can be embraced as a modern cultural means to shape a landscape and give it form, function, familiarity and flux. This concept was explored after an intimate study of an abandoned feral piece of land near the former Stapleton Airport in Denver, CO. A prescribed burn partnered with a mowed green break to contain the fire was proposed to reveal the inherent, embedded qualities of the land. It was predicted that a site implementation of rotating seasonal burns would unveil a variety of reactions, both ecological as well as cultural. Ecologically, the site would regenerate new plant growth lending a food source for grazing animals, nesting areas for a variety of birds, and cover for predatory species. Because the burns would take place during alternating times of the year, a mosaic motif of warm season grasses next to cool season grasses would also emerge. Culturally, this colorful planned patchwork pattern would invite human curiosity, captivation and recognition. The fire itself would attract people allowing for

unorganized and regulated events alike. The spaces left after and before the burns would be inviting for educational outings, recreational purposes, as well as social gatherings.