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Welcome to the 13th Annual Scientific Research Poster Session
Sponsored by
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You may want to browse the author or discipline list in the 2001 Poster Session Home Page to find the abstract number.
See the Poster Location Map to find its location by number.
Stephen Stanford Jones Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
In an attempt to develop a method of teaching thought about polarity in the general chemistry laboratory, the author has considered the application of Sentence Logic to the characterization of pure substances by solubility and conductivity. Many students of general chemistry have difficulty conceptualizing polarity. Experiments which measure solubility and conductivity are intended to clarify the concept of polarity and to provide skills for determining the polarity of a pure substance. This use of Sentence Logic for these experiments raises other possibilities of chemical study, of pedagogical methods, and of "Thinking Across the Curriculum".
Amanda Glover, Department of Mathematics
My research project's objective was to develop an algorithm to calculate exponential polynomials in Bernstein form. The Bernstein form for algebraic polynomials, a special case of exponential polynomials, is used in computer aided graphic design for its shape-preservation and easy calculation. Since the exponential Bernstein form is also shape preserving, an algorithm for its calculation is of interest. Generalizing the known properties of the algebraic case to the exponential case, we defined a Bernstein form for exponential polynomials. Using the properties of the exponential polynomials in Bernstein form we developed formulas for their calculation from which we constructed two algorithms. These algorithms were implemented in MATLAB with a graphical user interface. The algorithms worked satisfactorily in many cases, but numerical evidence suggests that both algorithms are unstable in general. Interestingly, there are situations in which one algorithm is overcome by instability while the other is not and vice versa.
Markus Beamer, Rajah Harris, Pamela Bell, Stephanie Wagner, Charles McCormick, Carrie Anne Todd, and Paul Buhler, Department of Computer Science
Software has changed the way people do business. Today's technological advances allow data to be produced faster and information to be maintained with great precision and little effort. These advances place higher demands on a software development organization. Software needs to be developed faster and with higher quality if a corporation is to maintain its competitive edge. The software industry has long claimed that programmers who work side by side produce higher-quality software in less time. The eXtreme Programming (XP) development methodology, with its emphasis on pair programming, may provide a solution for the dual requirements of software development efficiency and quality.
Lanny Ballard, Randy Chitwood, John Dornisch, Wolfgang Eldmann, and Valerie Sessions, Department of Computer Science
The current shift in software development towards server applications has required new advances in server-side technology. Because the client must now be able to access current information from dynamic web pages there are many new problems for the software developer. One technology that has emerged from these new needs is Java Server Pages. The Java platform allows for the separation of business and presentation logic by harnessing the power of Java servlets for business logic and Java Server Pages for presentation logic. Further, the platform independence of JSP as well as its common acceptance by dominant web server applications makes JSP ideally suited for Web applications. Reusable, cross-platform components such as JavaBeans and Enterprise JavaBeans combined with a capability to integrate with any JDBC or ODBC database technology provides the necessary scalability and flexibility often required by applications that reside on the Internet.
Valerie Sessions and Bill Manaris, Department of Computer Science
Computers have been used extensively in music to aid humans in analysis, composition, and performance. This is facilitated by the use of MIDI - a coding scheme for music.
Zipf's law states that phenomena involving living organisms follow the principle of least effort. If we plot the logarithm of the frequencies of all events in a phenomenon (e.g, words in a book) against the logarithm of the rank of these events, we get a straight line with a slope of approximately negative one (-1). This has been associated with the soothing effect we get from beautiful music or natural scenery.
Our project is applying Zipf's law on musical pieces encoded in MIDI. Our hypothesis is that it will allow us to identify musical pieces that humans find pleasing, beautiful, harmonious. We have identified a set of metrics and implemented them in the programming language CAL. Preliminary results are encouraging.
Nick Moody, Keith Alexis, John Chauvet, Romy Stanislaus, Majdi Amria, and Paul Buhler, Department of Computer Science
When times are turbulent, software organizations need to achieve greater success in product development. The question is: "Where can we look for concrete examples of product development?" A Britsh television show, "JunkYard Wars", offers a refreshing example of product development at its best and worst. The show puts together two teams of 'extraordinary folks' to build a contraption out of useless junk in just one day! The projects can range from an amphibious vehicle to a operational cannon. By varying the background of the teams, i.e. research chemists versus military soldiers, the show offers an excellent microcosm of different product development strategies. Using "Junkyard Wars" as a base, a design strategy comparison with basic software engineering principles offer insight into a both good and bad software development.
Brian Ivey, Yuliya Schmidt, Priyanka Bihani, Sarah Schwuchow, and Paul Buhler, Department of Computer Science
In the Information Age, universal access to data has become critical to the ongoing success of many organizations. For this access to be universal, the presentation of data must be flexible. Technologies have emerged to assist in providing this flexibility. One such technology is the Internet Application Server. The application server runs in unison with both a web server and database server and creates tiered architecture to access data resources. This architecture allows the separation of presentation, business logic, and data into distinct components. Each tier can be changed to allow an increase in an application's portability and scalability. Enhydra is a leading open source Java/XML application server that has all the functionality described above. This Presentation demonstrates how Enhydra uses tiered architecture to pull information from a data source and deliver it as a fully functional web presentation.
Chad M. Kruse and Dr. Leslie Sautter, Department of Geology
Folly Beach County Park is located on the Southeastern edge of Folly Island on the coast of South Carolina. Beach erosion presents a problem to the park officials who wish to keep the beach at its present shape and size. Beach renourishment has been used to counter the erosional processes at the park. This study focuses on the beach erosion processes that have taken place since the most recent renourishment in April of 2000. Photography and beach profiling techniques have been used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative changes in beach morphology that have occurred since April of 2000. The continued effects of wind and wave erosion have resulted in large morphological changes, as well as net loss in sand volume along this section of the Folly Island beach.
Dorothy Chappell, Department of Mathematics
The purpose of this research project is to solve a problem submitted by George E. Andrews to The Mathematical Association of America through its monthly magazine. A program was written to produce output for each level of the problem in order to compare answers for different values of the subset. The resulting cycles of data were compared to see if a pattern could be found, and, in that way, find a solution to the problem. At this point, even though there were patterns observed in several cycles, no definite correlation could be found for all levels of the problem. Therefore, this project is still in the working stages and a solution to the proposed problem is still being sought.
Steffke, A.M., Nusbaum, R.L., and Smailbegovic, A., Department of Geology
We used thermal infrared (TIR) data from the MODIS/ASTER (MASTER) Simulator flown over the Aurora District to map the distribution prominent quartz veins. The Aurora gold-silver deposit, located in the Bodie Hills near the Nevada-California state border, is classified as a quartz-sericite-adularia deposit. Precious metals are found in quartz veins intruding Miocene andesitic rocks ranging from centimeters to several meters in thickness. The veins appear to be structurally controlled, related to district-wide N45-75oE trending right lateral strike slip faults. Quartz spectra were isolated from the remainder of the MASTER data using a cascaded PCA transformation that generated spectral bands free of instrumental noise. Spectrally unique pixels were isolated from mixed pixels and identified as mapping endmembers (e.g., quartz). The resultant map identifies all major quartz veins and several minor veins, many of which are clustered in the Silver Hill area.
Timmons, J.M., and Nusbaum, R.L., Department of Geology
The growth and collapse of silicic lava domes has resulted in thousands of deaths over the last century. Surface vesicularity of silicic lava is correlated with the collapse of lava domes which trigger pyroclastic activity. The ability to remotely monitor vesicularity of active silicic lava domes is valuable because areas exhibiting coarsely vesicular pumice on active domes present the greatest volcanic hazard. We used thermal infrared (TIR) data from the MODIS/ASTER (MASTER) Simulator flown over Medicine Lake Volcano (MLV) in northernmost California to map lava vesicularity. The abundance and geometry of vesicles accounts for the three types of texture and are most readily observed in emissivity spectra at 9.2 microns. Our results are consistent with those from previous research using other sensors with ground-truth data and reinforce the utility of remotely sensed data to mitigate volcanic hazards.
Quattlebaum, T.G., and Nusbaum, R.L., Department of Geology
Clay mineral identification provides useful information regarding sediment provenance and correlation of strata. Commonly, clays are analyzed by x-ray diffraction, which requires expensive instrumentation and significant turnaround time. An alternative method that reduces analytical time without reduction of accuracy is infrared reflectance spectroscopy. This nondestructive analytical technique takes advantage of characteristic absorption and scattering of photons resulting from OH- and H2O vibrational processes. These processes, along with the combination metal-OH- bend plus OH- stretch near 2.2-2.3 microns, are very diagnostic of phyllosilicate mineralogy. We identified clay minerals by analyzing infrared spectra above and below contacts of Paleocene to Pleistocene units in the Cannon Park (CHN-800) core, Charleston, South Carolina. Our results correlate favorably with gamma log data and descriptions of Coastal Plain units and demonstrate the utility of infrared spectroscopy for rapid, nondestructive analysis of clays in Coastal Plain units.
Chasteen, K.R., and Nusbaum, R.L., Department of Geology
Bentonitic mudstones and siltstones of the Triassic-age Petrified Forest Member (PFM) of the Chinle Formation are well known for their colorful sedimentary layers and abundant petrified wood. The smectites in the PFM are the product of weathered volcanic ash which also provided excess silica to petrify buried trees. Fluvial studies indicate a source to the south of the Colorado Plateau despite problems identifying the volcanic source terrane. The distribution of smectites relative to other clays (e.g., kaolinite), however, has provenance implications. Using a portable ASD FieldSpec Pro Spectroradiometer we analyzed 24 samples from 10 locations in southwestern Utah between. This nondestructive, rapid analytical technique takes advantage of absorption and scattering of photons resulting from OH-, H2O, and Al-OH vibrational processes within clay structures. Our results are consistent with a volcanic detritus source south of the Colorado Plateau region, rather than a source to the southwest of the study area.
Paulette Wendell and Robert Nusbaum, Department of Geology
Hyperspectral remote sensing provides a valuable tool to enhance field-based geologic studies. The Virginia City, Nevada area was selected as a test site to examine the effectiveness of ESSI Probe-1 data for mapping hydrothermal mineral assemblages associated with mining activities and surface alteration. Using the ESSI Probe-1 data we identified and mapped minerals associated with hydrothermal alteration including kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite, alunite, calcite, and chlorite. We also analyzed field samples using a spectroradiometer and powder x-ray diffraction to provide ground-truth data. Distinct minerals and alteration assemblages (e.g., propyllitic) were mapped along the Occidental Fault. Overall, the results of this study indicate that ESSI Probe-1 data are valuable for mapping epithermal hydrothermal alteration mineral assemblages, even in areas with complex mixtures of hydrothermal minerals resulting from mining activities. An additional benefit is the ability to monitor the distribution of mercury contaminated, fluvial-transported sediments associated with mining activities.
Auriely Cuvin, Jeff Keenan, John Rein, Jason Smith, Angel Stello, Jason Youmans, and Paul Buhler, Department of Computer Science
Modern project developers have numerous software development tools from which to choose. Integrated development environments (IDEs) have emerged as the predominant instrument in creating software applications. JDeveloper is an IDE created by Oracle to construct scalable internet applications using emerging software technologies. This tool enables the formation of viable internet solutions by providing software developers the versatility to design and reengineer internet applications with tomorrow’s technologies. JDeveloper delivers an IDE designed to simplify and accelerate the deployment of enterprise capable applications.
Kelby Kizer and Pamela Riggs-Gelasco, Department of Chemisty and Biochemistry
Ribonucleotide reductase catalyzes the conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides in all organisms. This conversion is universally important in DNA synthesis, however different organisms utilize enzymatic cofactors with varying compositions. A potentially unique cofactor containing manganese is proposed to exist in Cornyform bacteria. Using the published gene sequence, we have cloned and overexpressed both subunits, R1 and R2, of this enzyme. This allows production of sufficient quantities of the protein for spectroscopic study and for determining the mechanism of substrate reduction. The details of the R1 subunit cloning, overexpression, and isolation are presented in this report.
Mindy Stelling and Pamela Riggs-Gelasco Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Ribonucleotide reductases (RNR) are key enzymes that catalyze the reduction of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides, the monomeric precursors to DNA. The activity of the RNR reaction depends on a metal cofactor and a free radical. Diverse cofactors have evolved for the RNR reactions in different organisms. We have been studying the uncharacterized RNR from C. ammoniagenes because it is reported to have a unique manganese cofactor. The RNR from C. ammoniagenes is proposed to be similar to the diferric cluster of aerobic E. coli RNR, although utilizing Mn instead of iron. We will report our efforts to clone, overexpress, and purify this unique enzyme. In addition, we will present spectroscopic evidence that this enzyme is indeed capable of binding Mn as a cofactor.
Andrew Cornwell, Jennifer Bracey, and Pamela Riggs-Gelasco Departement of Chemistry and Biochemistry
A diverse number of microorganisms have the capability to precipitate, adsorb, or accumulate metals from their environment. One such wetlands organism, Leptothrix discophora, deposits manganese oxides into an extracellular sheath. While the physiological role of this biotic precipitation is not known, it has been established that a protein component oxidizes Mn(II) to Mn oxides (MnOx). Using the recently published gene sequence, we have cloned and overexpressed this protein. It is proposed that this enzyme should bind copper at its catalytic site. We present here our progress in characterization of this protein. Our objective is to understand the molecular details and control of the precipitation reaction so that these organisms may be used for industrial or bioremediation catalysts.
Stephen Fernandez and Laney Mills, Department of Physics and Astronomy
As Saturn's moon Hyperion orbits Saturn, it tumbles about its center in what first seems to be random motion. In a 1984 paper, Jack Wisdom, Stanton Peale, and Francois Mignard showed that the tumbling followed naturally from the usual comparatively simple equations (Euler's equations) that describe the effect of a parent planet on an orbiting satellite. Such seeming random motion resulting from simple equations is called chaos. The tumbling is caused by the three dimensional torque from Saturn's differential gravitational force exerted on Hyperion's shape which is so irregular that it has three different moments of rotational inertia. This poster will present a simplified two dimensional animated model of Hyperion's more complicated full three dimensional motion which, although not capable of showing chaotic motion (three dimensions are required for chaos in a physical system) does show how a driving torque of Saturn's tidal force functions.
Stephen Long and Laney Mills, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Recent estimates by the respected Intergovernmental Panel on Climatic Change estimate that global warming will likely result in a sea level of rise of one meter or more in the next hundred, a rise that would be have serious impact on low lying areas such as the South Carolina coast. The rise is due thermal expansion of the warming ocean and due to the melting of land ice in the form of glaciers and ice sheets. This poster will present a computer model that uses the Stella II modeling program to estimate the likely effect of these two processes. The ocean expansion model follows the conduction of heat from the surface down through the layers of ocean depth and includes the dependence the thermal expansion coefficient of ocean water on the temperature.
Rhonda Crawley and Laney Mills, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Were it not for the significant uptake of carbon dioxide by the ocean, the large amounts of carbon dioxide put into the atmosphere would cause a much more rapid rise in the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide (and thus faster global warming) than we currently have. This poster describes a climate model which follows in some detail the exchange of carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the ocean. Whereas the other greenhouse gases are treated by supplying as input assumed future concentrations of these gases, carbon dioxide is treated by taking as input an assumed future emissions (rather than concentrations) scenario. The model then computes the corresponding future concentration of carbon dioxide as a result of the atmosphere-ocean interaction. Then the resulting evolution of the global temperature is computed using standard relationships between the individual concentrations and the resulting heating effects.
Janet Johnson and Laney Mills, Department of Physics and Astronomy
There are physical systems, described by simple equations, that are capable of motion so complicated as to appear random. It is a common feature of all such so-called chaotic systems that at least one non-linearity appears in the equations of motion. Under proper conditions, a pendulum can exhibit such chaotic motion. When the usual assumption that the motion be kept small is released, the restoring force becomes proportional to the sine of the displacement angle (rather than to the displacement angle itself) and the pendulum becomes a non-linear system. A damped, driven pendulum can exhibit chaotic motion for certain choices of the driving frequency, the driving amplitude, and the damping parameter. The poster will discuss the route to chaos that is characteristic of chaotic pendulums.
Russel Ross and Laney Mills, Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Robert Norton, Department of Mathematics
Competitive wrestlers typically wish to be at the very high end of their weight class. The weighing is done immediately before the competition. Some wrestlers stand on their heads a few moments before stepping (upright) on the scales to be weighed. It is a fact that this head-standing usually does cause a wrestler to weigh measurably less. To show that such weight-loss can actually occur, this poster will explain the operation of a physical system which is capable of weighing less even with no outside forces causing the effect.
Patrick McCarty and Laney Mills, Department of Physics and Astronomy
The term chaos is a technical term used to describe a system of simple construction (and corresponding simple descriptive equations) that is capable of motion so complicated that the slightest difference between the actual initial values and those put into the equations will grow exponentially. The exponent of error growth is called the Lyapunov exponent. Chaotic systems are usually represented by a parametric plot among the dynamical variables. The so-called phase space plot is so complicated that the idea of dimension has been extended to ascribe a fractional dimension to the curve. Indeed, there are several different definitions of "fractal dimension" which have common features. One definition, based on the Lyapunov exponent, is quite distinct from the others. This poster will explain the reasoning behind the Lyapunov Dimension and will present a computation for an example chaotic system.
Adam Krause, Mikhail Agrest, and Laney Mills, Department of Physics and Astronomy
This poster presents the result of an experimental study of the lifting force of airplane wings. Three model airfoils are immersed in an air stream and the lifting force is measured on each. Since different airfoils (wing designs) behave differently in an air stream, the three models are expected to differ under varying angles of attack and wind speed. Angle of attack is the angle between the airflow far in front of the airfoil and the line connecting the leading edge of the airfoil to the trailing edge. The air speed and angle of attack are varied to find the best lift conditions for each airfoil design. The resulting graphical data will be presented along with published data for similar airfoils. Although such studies of airfoil behavior are not uncommon in large wind tunnels, this study is the first of its kind to be done at the College of Charleston.
Ryan Cook and Laney Mills, Department of Physics and Astronomy
This poster addresses the rolling motion of a ship and seeks to determine if a ship can experience chaotic rolling motion. In order for chaos to occur in a physical system, there must be at least three dynamical variables with at least one non-linearity in the equations of motion. In addition, there must be a source of energy and some sort of dissipative force. The action of an assumed sinusoidal wave motion impending on the side of a ship can be considered a driving force of adjustable frequency and amplitude. Both the natural up-righting effect of the hull shape and the rolling damping are usually allowed to have non-linear terms. All the necessary ingredients for chaotic motion are present in the equations. This poster will present the results of a theoretical numerical study of the equations with regard to possible chaotic motion.
Hay, G.L., C. Runyon, R.F. VanDolah, and P.C. Jutte, Department of Geology
Tidal creeks provide fish with refuge, food, and protective habitats. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between tidal creek habitat characteristics and biological assemblages, using a Geographic Information System (GIS). Fish and crustaceans were sampled with trawl nets and were identified to the species level, counted, weighed, and measured. Various characteristics of each tidal creek was measured either using a GIS, fieldwork, or aerial photography. The nine tidal creek habitat characteristics were the width to depth ratio, sinuosity, the number of rivulets, percent residential and uplands, and acreages of water, non-forested marsh, shellfish, and mudflats.
Findings from this project identified that the acreage of mudflats and creek water had the strongest relationships with the biological assemblages. Therefore, the results from this study would hope to increase protection for smaller creeks with high abundance of mudflats in order to increase tidal creek productivity.
Keller Allen and Dr. Jim Neff, Department of Physics and Astronomy
The commercial computer program OrbitMaker, written by Dr. Charles Meegan, was used to conduct a systematic search for stable planetary orbits within binary star systems. Most research revolved around a Sun mass star being orbited by an earth mass planet with a Sun massed binary companion orbiting at varying distances. Preliminary results show that it is possible for Earth mass planets to remain in stable orbits about a Sun mass star if the distance between them is at least 4 times less than the distance between the companion stars, or if the planet is located greater than 4 times farther away than the distance between the binary companions.
Travis Love and Agnes Ayme-Southgate, Department of Biology
Initial models of muscle architecture proposed a third filament to account for elasticity in muscle tissues. The majority of work in describing this third filament was first conducted in vertebrates, and the protein, due to size, was dubbed Titin. Proteins of the same family as Titin have been found in arthropods (Mini-titin), C-elegans (Twitchin), and in Drosophila (Projectin). Analysis of the projectin gene showed an amino acid sequence of two repeated motifs, also found in titin, and the protein is approximately one MgDa in size. It is proposed that projectin functions as a ruler and scaffolding for proper myofibril development. Support is given by projectin homozygous mutants which are embryonic lethal. My results provide reliable evidence for projectin filaments pre-dating those of myosin which later colocalize with projectin. Future work establishing a more precise developmental time shall further elucidate projectin's importance and function.
Ryan D. Fenno, Shelley Nealley, and Kristin D. Krantzman, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
The chemical analysis method of organic secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) has many applications where traditional spectrometry methods fail. Although organic SIMS is widely used, the formation of collision cascades and the mechanism of desorption of secondary ions is not completely understood. We have, thus, applied the method of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to the high-energy bombardment of a molecular solid. The results of these computer simulations have allowed us to offer some mechanistic insight as to how secondary ions of an organic SIMS experiment are ejected.
Mike Carnohan and Dr. Linda Jones, Department of Physics and Astronomy
The field of tissue optics is presenting new means of diagnosing and treating cancer and pre-cancerous cells non-invasively. These techniques are the result of our increasing understandings in the area of spectroscopy as well as advances in optical technology. Spectrophotometery allows for the analysis of tissue constituents by exploiting a property common to many biological molecules: to absorb light in the visible spectrum. By comparing multiple methods of detection using multi-layered tissue phantoms with the spectral properties of human skin, this research seeks to improve reflectance spectroscopy methods used in several medical applications. The focus is to present some practical considerations of the material construction of phantom models as well as to dicuss the scope of use for such models.
Russell W. Lake, Department of Biology, and Krista McFarland and Peter W. Kalivas, Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina
Mark Loringer and Dr. Linda Jones, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Photodynamic tharapy is a cancer treatment that involves the combined effect of a photosensitizing dye, light and molecular oxygen. Fluorescence imaging is an experimental, non-invasive technique for light dosimetry planning. This project is an investigation of the fluorescent properties of photosensitized collagen. The specific goal is to determine the effect of Photofrin (TM) binding to the native collagen fluorescence.
Joseph T. Mingoia, Department of Biology
In this study, eleven deep-sea Bamboo coral specimens were analyzed for distinguishable genetic variation. This was accomplished by extracting, PCR amplifying, and sequencing a portion of the mitochondrial DNA from the COI to the COII gene. Genetic comparisons among these eleven individuals and three other octocoral species determined that the non-coding region between COI and COII may serve as a suitable marker to identify populations that are not sharing the same gene pool.
Sage Faucette and Robert C. Frankis Jr., Biology Department
Pollen germination is an essential feature in the life cycle of pines. This process relies upon the presence of proper concentrations of specific molecules and other environmental factors. We attempted to define the optimal conditions for in vitro Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) pollen germination and tube growth. The effects of varying calcium, sucrose, boric acid and pollen concentrations and temperature were observed. 30C was determined to be the optimal temperature for both pollen germination and tube growth. Varying pollen concentrations showed no effect on germination, but resulted in decreased growth above 0.1g/10mL. Maximum germination was obtained at [Boric Acid] and [Sucrose] of 1mM and 0.3M, respectively, and optimal growth occurred at a [Boric Acid] of 5mM and a [Sucrose] of 0.001M. Calcium was tested in two forms. Both peak germination and growth in CaCl2 were observed at 1mM, whereas [Ca(NO3)2] of 0mM and 5.0mM produced maximum germination and growth, respectively.
Emily A. Novak, Department of Biology
Field experiments using domestic pig carcasses were used to determine the effect of Solenopsis invicta Buren, the red imported fire ant, on arthropod communities on exposed carrion in coastal South Carolina. Collections were also made to examine what insect taxa would be expected on a carcass in this area during spring. We found that on large carcasses, fire ants do not alter the insects' order of succession, nor do they alter the rate of decay. Thus, although they have been found to alter the determination of postmortem interval on small carcasses, fire ants would most likely not affect it on a human body.
Kellie Sims, Environmental Studies Program
A matrix population model for Palaemonetes pugio, grass shrimp, is being developed to predict species abundance in South Carolina tidal creeks throughout the year. The model will incorporate relevant environmental parameters (e.g. water temperature and salinity), recent population sampling data taken by NOAA in North Inlet, S.C., and previous research results of the species life history. Grass shrimp are vital to the tidal marsh ecosystem as they assist in the breakdown of the marsh grass and serve as prey for commercial and recreational fish. The species is well adapted to the rigors of such a dynamic habitat, but are sensitive to common pollutants such as pesticides and PAHs. Thus, the abundance (or lack thereof) of sampled P. pugio when compared to the model value, is proposed as a possible indication of tidal creek health.
Aimee Neeley and Dr. Jack DiTullio, Department of Biology and Mark Geesey, Grice Marine Laboratory
Phytoplankton have the ability to photosynthesize by their possession of light harvesting pigments or chlorophylls. They also contain photoprotective pigments called carotenoids. Today we can use these pigments to determine the species composition of a population of phytoplankton. This can be accomplished by filtering and extracting the pigments of a sample of phytoplankton and running them through the High Performance Liquid Chromatography or HPLC. This device separates the collage of pigments into individual pigments. We then calculate the ratio of each pigment to chlorophyll a and run these numbers through the CHEMTAX, a PC-based computer program. The CHEMTAX determines the identities of each species in the sample by the ratios. My project entailed growing individual species under varying light parameters. I then calculated the pigment ratios for each species. This data may be used in the future to increase the accuracy of the CHEMTAX in determining species composition.
Katherine E. Andrews and Robert J. Dukes, Jr., Department of Physics and Astronomy
In this paper we report on an analysis of the pulsating B star HD1976 which was found to be a variable with a period of 1.06 days by Waelkens, et.al. (1998, Astron. & Astrophys., 330, 215) through an analysis of Hipparcos photometry. It was put on the observing program of the Four College Consortium Automatic Photoelectric Telescope (FCAPT) in late 1999. We have confirmed the Hipparcos period, finding a period of 1.06 days (0.939 c/d) in both the Hipparcos and the FCAPT data. We have also tentatively identified a second term with a period of 2.51 days (0.399 c/d) in both data sets. Finally, we have determined that the 0.93 c/d term is a doublet consisting of the stronger 0.9392 c/d term and a weaker 0.93093 c/d term. Observations are continuing. This work has been supported in part by NSF grants #AST95-28906 and #AST-0071260 to the College of Charleston.
Alexandre Delcant and Agnes Ayme-Southgate, Department of Biology
Projectin is a Drososphila muscle protein which contains a kinase domain and is able to phosphorylate itself. This autophosphorylation occurs on the kinase domain itself and on Core1p, a central part of the protein. Core1p is an important region in the interaction between projectin and myosin. Core1p is 600 amino acid long and is composed of two Ig and four FnIII domains. My project consisted on the more precise identification of Core 1p phosphorylation site(s). I first establish a non-radioactive protocol for the detection of phosphorylation, using an antibody against phosphoSer/phosphoThr. I then initiated a cloning project aimed at making smaller pieces of the Core1p region. When the clones are available, I will use then in the non-radioactive kinase assay to test which of the potential site(s) are phosphorylated.
Meghan Arant, Department of Mathematics
As a circle rolls, we can graph parametrically the path of a point P that is on or inside the circle. We explored the path of point P as the circle rolled along a line with any slope as well as a circle rolling inside and outside a bigger circle. We caculated the coordinates where the path of point P intersected the line or the bigger circle. At these intersection points, we took the derivative to find the slope of the path traced by our point on (or in) the moving circle.
Cynthia Ouzts, Department of Physics and Astronomy
The objective of this project was to determine the radial velocities of each individual star in the HD100213 system by spectral analysis. Using the system's orbital parameters, a velocity curve will be presented. The minimum mass, temperature, and luminosity class of each star was also calculated. All of this data allowed for tomographic separation and determination of the spectral type for the stars.
K. Burnett, S. Iliff and L. Burnett, Grice Marine Laboratory, Department of Biology
Mortality rates of aquacultured shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei injected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus are significantly increased if animals are immediately shifted from well-aerated water to sub-lethal hypoxia (acute hypoxia). Wild or aquacultured shrimp are normally exposed to sub-lethal hypoxia (chronic hypoxia) for longer periods. This study tested whether animals adapt to chronic hypoxia, becoming more disease-resistant. L. vannamei (1.0 g) were maintained under normoxia or exposed to sub-lethal hypoxia (4% O2, 2% CO2 and pH 6.8-7.0). After 4 hours or 7 days animals were injected intramuscularly with an LD50 dose of V. parahaemolyticus, held under sub-lethal hypoxia and monitored for survival over 48 hours. When compared to acute hypoxia, chronic hypoxia did not significantly alter disease susceptibility of L. vannamei. These results leave open the possibility that periodic exposure to hypoxia may be more detrimental to disease resistance in shrimp than any of the regimens tested to date. (USDA CSREES 99-35204-8555)
L. Beaulieu, S. Allen, K. Burnett, and L. Burnett, Grice Marine Laboratory, Department of Biology
The ability of hemocytes from the Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica to kill the bacterium Vibrio parahaemolyticus was measured under conditions mimicking the in vivo hemolymph environment under well aerated conditions (pH 7.6) and during air exposure (pH 6.6). Hemocytes were allowed to engulf and kill Vibrio (1:20 ratio) for three hours. Surviving Vibrio. released by lysing hemocytes with 0.2% Tween, were cultured for two hours and quantified using a colorimetric assay. Killing index was calculated as the percentage of bacteria killed by hemocytes compared to controls in which hemocytes were lysed before adding bacteria. The killing index at pH 7.7 was 49.2 (1.86 SEM; n=4) and lower, but not significantly different, at pH 6.6, 38.8 (1.80 SEM; n=4). Hemocyte viability remained high throughout the assay, (pH 7.6, 83.2-92%; pH 6.6, 86-92%). These results suggest that low pH does not significantly reduce killing activity of oyster hemocytes. NSF-REU DBI-9876926; ODRP NA96RG0488.
Frederick H. Howdy III (Trey), Department of Physics and Astronomy
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria growth in the crevices between teeth. Photosensitization, commonly used to sterilize blood and to fight cancer, may be useful to fight dental bacteria growth. Red light that is applied to initiate a toxic chemical reaction can penetrate below the surface of the skin, killing bacteria efficiently. The purpose of this project was to investigate the photosensitizing potential of several common household solutions that are known to fight halitosis. Bacterial growth was monitored with light scattering measurements. The validity of the light-scattering test was confirmed with known photosensitizers (methylene blue and toludine blue). The other possible photosensitizers (antiseptic mouth rinse, parsley, pistachio, isopropyl alcohol) produced mixed results.
Peko Kauppert, MBGP; Ernie Nelson, Department of Geology; Wendy Perry, MES
BP's Cooper River Plant, located in Wando, South Carolina, has a large land area under its stewardship, some of it containing biodiversity hotspots and sensitive locations. Five habitat types characterize this 6000-acre site: upland pine forest, freshwater ponds, swamp, lowland hardwoods, and salt marshes. Flora and fauna known to inhabit the site include carnivorous plants, wildflowers, waterfowl, red-cockaded woodpeckers, ospreys, least terns, eastern screech owls, otters, bobcats, alligators, white-tailed deer, and eastern wild turkeys.
BP has a policy goal of "no harm to the environment." Forestry and wildlife management, community outreach, and environmental education are of great importance in BP's mission statement.
For our Geographic Information Systems class (GIS) project, our goal was to use the BP site to demonstrate that GIS is an important tool for enhancing forestry and wildlife management projects. Results can be applied to species inventory, wetland restoration/conservation, and identifying sensitive ecosystems of endangered/threatened species.
Faith A. Corbo and F.J. Heldrich, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Predicting the outcome for SN2, SN1, E2 and E1 reactions is one of the major obstacles that students face in introductory organic chemistry. The prediction must be based upon understanding of factors that influence the rate of the four reactions, such as substrate type, leaving group type, reagent reactivity, solvent, temperature and concentrations of starting materials. Complete understanding is virtually impossible as it would require consideration of each of these factors on each of the rate equations for an infinite number of processes. However, using Stella, a computer based modeling program, we are developing a semi-quantitative approach using reasonable assumptions derived from the rate equations that mimic the qualitative determination that students in the introductory course must make. Our progress in developing this model with Stella will be presented.
Jessica Pease and Robert C. Frankis, Jr., Department of Biology
In an attempt to identify some of the proteins that play a role in the process of pollen germination in Pines, a cDNA library was constructed using mRNA extracted from Loblolly Pine pollen germinated in vitro for 48 hrs. Sequence data obtained from one such cDNA clone (p494) shows homology with a previously published, highly repeated sequence from Norway Spruce. While the function of the Spruce gene is unknown, it does show homology with the pol gene of a retrotransposon from the Gypsy family. Since retrotransposons are typically found in multiple copies within the genome, an investigation was initiated to determine whether this was the case for the Loblolly Pine gene represented by p494. In this study, Southern Hybridization was used in an attempt to determine whether p494 mRNA is transcribed from a single copy gene.
Andrew O'Conor, Lauren Fuqua, and Leslie Sautter, Department of Geology
Planktonic foraminifera, a single celled zooplankton, are abundant throughout the sediment record. Therefore, it is imperative that we utilize the peak flux of species to interpret paleoenvironmental conditions. Sediment traps are the method used to collect modern planktonic foraminifera. This study was conducted at 64.5W and 17.5N, off the coast of St.Croix from November 27, 1997 through May 10, 1998. The sediment trap was 75 meters deep and anchored. Foraminifera > than 250 mm were picked wet and then speciated. The sea surface temperatures were found and compared to species peak flux. For instance, G.ruber- pink had a peak flux in late fall when the sea surface temperature was also at its peak. In future studies, a data set collected from an entire year would be more beneficial.
Michael Shealy and Robert C. Frankis, Jr., Department of Biology
In an attempt to identify some of the proteins that play a role in the process of pollen germination in Pines, a cDNA library was constructed using mRNA extracted from Loblolly Pine pollen germinated in vitro for 48 hrs. Sequence data obtained from one such clone (p405) shows extensive homology with an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca++ binding protein known as calreticulin. The amino acid sequence inferred from this cDNA reveals conservation within several calcium binding domains as well as within sequences used for ER retention and nuclear targeting. Northern hybridization analysis reveals that calreticulin mRNA is present in ungerminated pine pollen and is greatly induced during germination. Preliminary western blotting experiments reveal potential candidates for calreticulin protein in both ungerminated
Cynthia P. May, Melanie M. Jacobs, and Jacqueline M. Hartley, Department of Psychology
Source memory, or memory for the context in which information occurs (e.g., who said it), has been shown to decline with age. However, past studies have examined memory for only a few types of sources (e.g., who said it, when it was said). This study examined the hypothesis that the nature of the source task plays a large part in mediating the magnitude of age differences in source memory. Participants viewed the names of medications, which appeared either on the left or right side of a computer screen. Participants were instructed that all medications that appeared on the right were contaminated and fatally toxic, and all medications that appeared on the left were safe. We tested younger and older adults' memory for perceptual details (i.e., location) and for conceptual details (i.e., safety drug vs. danger). Our findings indicate age differences for the perceptual task, but equivalent performance across age groups in the conceptual task.
Cynthia P. May, Jacqueline Hartley, and Catherine Spitz, Department of Psychology
Source memory is memory for the context in which information is presented (e.g., who said it, where is was said). Source memory has been known to decline in older adults (ages 60+), but recent evidence suggests that when sources are meaningful and carry emotional information, older adults perform well. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess whether emotion is an essential component of older adults’ good source performance. We presented items in different colors (red, green), and told participants that red items were economy and green items were luxury. In this way we attempted to make the source (economy vs. luxury) more meaningful without adding any emotion to the source. Results showed that older adults were impaired in source memory for both the typical (color) source task and in the more salient (economy/luxury) source task. We conclude that emotion is essential for heightened source memory in olders.
Ripon DeLeon, Department of Computer Science
Oracle is used by a wide variety of businesses and employers as a database server. In response to a need for software accessible to all users, Oracle Portal was created with the specific intent of allowing easy integration of such databases by using a dynamic and flexible interface. It combines a framework for standardized application access with a set of self-service tools for customizing the portal experience, publishing, and managing information, and accessing data. Connecting employees, partners, and suppliers with the information they need, Oracle Portal gives versatility to adapt the interface to the way they work. Using this software, organizations are able to expose applications to users and provide business critical information in a standard format, while allowing new applications data sources to be added as required.
Jennifer R. Downs, Mildred C. Embree, Sally P. Grant, Emily Choi, James J. Sahn, Jennifer J. Bear, Clyde R. Metz, Jason S. Overby, and Charles F. Beam, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
The Preparation of 5-Isoxazolecarboxamides and Pyrazole-5-carboxamides from the Condensation and Cyclization of Dilithiated Oximes, Phenylhydrazones, or Carboalkoxyhydrazones with Polylithiated Oxamates or Oxanilates.
Several dilithiated C(alpha), O-oximes or C(alpha), N-hydrazones were prepared in excess lithium diisopropylamide and condensed with either dilithiated ethyl oxamate or lithiated ethyl oxanilates to give C-acylated intermediates that could be isolated or occasionally cyclized directly with aqueous acid to afford substituted 5-isoxazolecarboxamides or pyrazole-5-carboxamides.
Essentially every compound targeted and prepared is new because of the difficulty inherent in traditional and other methods, and the syntheses represent another group of reactions where an anionic nucleophile is condensed with an anionic electrophile. Also, related azole carboxamides have been prepared and studied for their potential for biological activity, especially in agriculture.
Jennifer R. Downs, Mildred C. Embree, Sally P. Grant, Emily Choi, James J. Sahn, Jennifer J. Bear, Clyde R. Metz, Jason S. Overby, and Charles F. Beam, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Carboalkoxyhydrazones of 1- and 2-tetralone were dilithiated with excess lithium diisopropylamide, condensed with select esters followed by acid cyclization to new dihydrobenzindazoles. The synthetic procedure has been expanded to also include condensation-cyclization of dilithiated 1-tetralone carbomethoxyhydrazones with lithiated methyl salicylates to afford dihydro-benzindazolo-benzoxazines. In addition to new three or five fused-ring systems, the products result from a stereoselective process, and they usually have the practical advantage of being purified in multi-gram quantities by recrystallization from common solvents.
Jennifer R. Downs, Mildred C. Embree, Sally P. Grant, Emily Choi, James J. Sahn, Jennifer J. Bear, Clyde R. Metz, Jason S. Overby, and Charles F. Beam, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
C(alpha),N-Carbo-tert-butoxyhydrazones were prepared and dilithiated with excess lithium diisopropylamide, and condensed with a variety of aromatic esters to afford C-acylated intermediates that were not isolated. These intermediates were treated with aqueous acid, which hydrolyzed the carbo-tert-butoxy ester, and the resulting N-carboxylic acid underwent decarboxylation to free the hydrazone, which was immediately protonated to the hydrazonium hydrochloride. This new intermediate was then treated with aqueous sodium carbonate to free the hydrazone, which upon heating immediately cyclized to the desired N-H pyrazole. After the preparation of the entry compounds, carbo-tert-butoxyhydrazones, the following multi-step process has the advantage of being a one-pot reaction.
Jennifer R. Downs, Mildred C. Embree, Sally P. Grant, Emily Choi, James J. Sahn, Jennifer J. Bear, Clyde R. Metz, Jason S. Overby, and Charles F. Beam, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
While our mainstream activities have involved the preparations and reactions of the 1,4-dianions of oximes and substituted hydrazones with electrophilic reagents, such as esters and carbonyl compounds, the initial preparation of dihydronaphthisoxazoles from dilithiated 1-tetralone oxime and aromatic esters has not resulted in a routine extension to include dilithiated 1-indanone oximes, but it appears to include 1-benzosuberone hydrazones and oxime. In the case of 1-indanone oxime, the C-acylated oxime has to be isolated and separately cyclized to the desired indene-isoxazole. Also, projects involving the preparation of 5-styryl pyrazoles and 3- or 5-styryl-, dihydroisoxazoles have been completed, but the preparations of additional styryl- pyrazoles and isoxazoles are still in progress.
Jennifer R. Downs, Mildred C. Embree, Sally P. Grant, Emily Choi, James J. Sahn, Jennifer J. Bear, Clyde R. Metz, Jason S. Overby, and Charles F. Beam, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
The initially perceived routine condensation of trilithiated acetoacetanilides with several benzoate esters did not give the anticipated C-acylated or cyclized 4-pyranone product. A 2-pyranone resulting from several rearrangements of the 4-pyranone, was isolated and identified instead [also, X-ray crystal structure on two representative compounds]. Fortunately, several related rearrangements have been reported, which lends support to the mechanistic steps used to explain the formation of the products.
Every compound prepared in the 2-pyranone series was new. This investigation was considered to be quite challenging; in fact, we had to make major modifications of some procedures before we could demonstrate that the 2-pyranone results constituted a viable investigation and not a single chance occurrence.
Adrian Corman, Department of Physics and Astronomy
My project used a computer simulation to model the effects of the perturbation of Jupiter on a spacecraft traveling from the Earth to Mars. For this simulation, I assumed that the planetary orbits were circular and the Sun and Jupiter were the only objects affecting the spacecraft. Two methods were used to determine the amount of perturbation caused by Jupiter. One method assumed that the spacecraft constantly corrected its orbit, while the other method assumed that the spacecraft only corrected it's orbit at the end of it's trajectory. The results of my project will be presented.
Jennifer D. Cruz and Dr. Dellis, Department of Biology
The goal of the project is the development of oligonucleotide-based DNA ligands that might be used to selectively repress expression of oncogenes and other therapeutically relevant genes in cancer cells. Our experimental approach is based on the ability of synthetic oligonucleotides to bind DNA and form a localized triple helix. Triplex forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) can act as artificial gene repressors. Oligonucleotides will be designed to bind in a sequence-specific manner to the promoter of genes, such as c-myc and ets-2, that are known to be frequently activated in cancer cells. Then, we will test the ability of these oligonucleotides to inhibit transcription of the target genes both in cell-free systems and in cancer cells. The techniques that will be employed to do this include: cell culturing and incubating the TFO with the cells of interest, RT-PCR to amplify the gene of interest, and electrophoresis to see the effects of the TFO on the target gene.
Matthew J. Wright and F. J. Heldrich, Department of Chemistry; Gamil A. Guirgis, Bayer Corporation, Bushy Park; James R. Durig, Chemistry Department, University of Kansas City, Missouri
We investigated modifications of the known Cu(I) catalyzed Grignard coupling reaction to prepare 1-hexen-4-yne and 1-pentene-4-yne. The purpose of making these compounds was to provide samples for a vibrational spectroscopy study and to develop a new laboratory experiment for an upper level chemistry course. As expected, the most challenging aspect of the synthesis was separation of the eneynes from the reaction solvent. We overcame that problem in the case of the 1-hexene-4-yne product by use of Decalin as the extraction solvent followed by extensive washing with water and careful fractional distillation. The same procedure applied to 1-pentene-4-yne afforded a 1:1 eneyne:THF distillate which was subsequently washed with additional water, then fractionally distilled. Routine characterization by IR, MS and NMR confirmed the products structures.
T.M. Freismuth, S.B. Holmes, and R.J. Dukes, Department of Physics & Astronomy
We present analysis of two double mode Cepheid variable stars, BQ Serpens and VX Puppis. Observations were obtained using Johnson UVBRI photometry with the Four College Consortium's (FCCAPT) Automatic Photometric Telescope. Performing Fourier expansion, we have refined the fundamental frequency of pulsation for BQ Serpens to be 0.2341 c/d and the first overtone to 0.3320 c/d. For VX Puppis, the fundamental frequency and first overtone are 0.3320 c/d and 0.4674 c/d, respectively. Decomposing the variation to both the fundamental and first overtone exposes non-linear coupling terms. Here, we calculate the distribution of energy among these various modes of interaction based on Pardo and Poretti's analysis of the double mode Cepheid TU CAS.
J. Hakkila, T.M. Freismuth, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Data for the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) was prepared using the Interactive Data Language (IDL). This data will be further analyzed with programming techniques to be included in the BATSE 5B Catalogue.
Prerna Bihani and Thomas Ivey, Department of Mathematics
In multivariable calculus, the behaviour of a function f(x,y) is often understood by studying its level curves---curves in the xy-plane along which f(x,y) is constant. These curves have a concentric or X-shaped pattern near local maxima/minima or saddle points, respectively. These are called nondegenerate critical points (CPs), and are classified using second derivatives of f(x,y).
We consider the question, "How many and what kind of nondegenerate CPs can occur inside a simple closed level curve?" Apparently the only restriction is the fact that the sum of the indices of the CPs must be +1. This coincides with the Euler characteristic of the region inside the level curve. The Euler characteristic is also used to identify the topological type (e.g. sphere, torus, ...) for closed surfaces in three-dimensional space, and there is a similar index restriction for CPs on such surfaces. (Again, these are classified using second derivatives, but on surfaces this must also involve Lagrange multipliers.)
J. Matthew Rhett, Thomas P. Smith, Amy R. Wethington, and Robert T. Dillon, Jr., Department of Biology
Species relationships among populations of the freshwater pulmonate family Physidae have been the source of considerable confusion & speculation worldwide. We performed six outcross experiments and six incross controls involving physids from two continents: P. heterostropha from Charleston and Philadelphia, P. integra from New Harmony (Indiana) and Douglas Lake (Michigan), and P. acuta from France and Ireland. From 10 pairs of each cross we recorded age at first reproduction, 150-day fecundity, F1 viability, and F1 fertility. Highly significant fitness differences were noted among the six controls. Outcross fecundities were generally intermediate, but in no case signficantly worse that the more poorly-performing control. The absence of reproductive isolation suggests that these six populations may belong to a single cosmopolitan species, originally described in Europe as P. acuta.
Shella Patel, Robert C. Frankis, and Robert T. Dillon, Jr., Department of Biology
For many years, the North American pleurocerid snails have served as valuable model organisms for the study of evolutionary processes in isolated populations. But inferences regarding pleurocerid evolution and systematics have recently been based on single-gene sequence divergence, taken from single individuals sampled from single populations. The well-established potential for intraspecific genetic variation among pleurocerid populations has been neglected. We sequenced an approximately 500 bp fragment of the 16s rDNA gene from 8 Goniobasis proxima, sampled from three genetic races (A, B, and C). Two race-A sequences were identical, as were three B sequences and two C. A great deal of divergence was apparent among the four unique sequences, ranging from 93% (A and B) to 80% (A and C4). Such results call into question conclusions offered by previous researchers in pleurocerid evolution.
Robert T. Dillon, Jr. and Andrew J. Reed, Department of Biology
We estimated gene frequencies at eight polymorphic enzyme loci in 12 populations of Goniobasis from Atlantic drainages of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Our sample included four populations of G. proxima from the piedmont, five populations of G. catenaria catenaria, one population of G. catenaria postellii, and two populations of G. catenaria dislocata from the coastal plain. The fit to Hardy-Weinberg expectation was good within all populations of both species (FIS = 0.042 proxima, 0.035 catenaria), while levels of interpopulation divergence were high (FST = 0.461 proxima, 0.564 catenaria). In spite of slightly overlapping geographic distributions, and instances of striking similarity in shell morphology between the two species, G. proxima and G. catenaria were quite distinct genetically (average values of Nei’s D near 1.0) with no evidence of hybridization. So although their ranges are fragmented into numerous isolated and genetically distinct populations, both species remain broadly recognizable across states, drainages, and physiographic regions. The relationship between G. catenaria postellii and seven other nominal species and subspecies of Goniobasis sometime recognized from Atlantic drainages of Georgia is called into question.
Tiffany C. Rush, Richard T. Woofter, Jr, and Jason S. Overby, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Our group is interested in the preparation of organic compounds that may serve as ligands in organometallic complexes. Specifically, we target the synthesis of organic compounds capable of evoking unusual physical properties when coordinated to a transition metal. The physical properties of interest include dictating chiral environments and manipulation of the electronic state of transition metals. To control the geometry around a metal center, we have focused on the synthesis of organic compounds that are capable of "self-assembly" into chiral species upon complexation. Furthermore, the electronic state of a metal may be perturbed through synthetic manipulation of the electronic nature of the organic ligands. Our work concerning these two areas of organic and organometallic synthesis is presented here.
Terry R. Richardson, Department of Physics and Astronomy
High magnification macrophotography (reproductions ratios of 1X up to 15X) with conventional cameras has been in use for decades but the methods have a number of difficultes. Adapting a digital camera to a dissecting microscope overcomes some of these difficulties and provides an easier method of obtaining similar results. Using consumer digital cameras with three to four million megapixels produces publication quality 8x10 prints for halftones. The same techniques can be used in the lab.
One design for adapting a Nikon 990 digital camera to a dissecting microscope will be discussed and sample photographs will be presented. Advantages and limitations of this approach will be detailed.
Scott C. France and Loretta L. Hoover, Department of Biology
In previous studies we analyzed several mitochondrial genes of octocorallians and found abnormally low levels of variation. We hypothesize that the lack of variation may be a result of a mismatch repair gene homologue, mtMSH. We have confirmed the presence of mtMSH in each clade of Octocorallia and feel that it is common to all octocorals. We have sequenced from the 5' region flanking mtMSH as well as 107 bases of this gene for several species representing the phylogenetic diversity of Octocorallia. Analysis of mtMSH shows it to have the highest variation of any coding gene in the mtDNA of Octocorallia. Additionally, we have sequenced the entire mtMSH gene for multiple octocorals and found an open reading frame in all species. If mtMSH is functional and limiting genetic variation, it may explain why finding a genetic marker suitably variable for a population level study in octocorals has proven difficult.
Douglas Henderson, Andrew Cates, Michael Adams, Philip Zaubi, Chrystal Covar, Robert Marshall, and Paul Buhler, Department of Computer Science
Many conflicting opinions exist regarding the public release of program source code. Releasing the source code, to the public, allows the software development community to make modifications and fixes to the program. This openness is characteristic of the open source movement. There are many who disagree with the premise of the open source movement and would like to see its demise; however, there are also many open source evangelists who believe that open source provides benefits to the software engineering process and the public at large. The Cathedral and The Bazaar by Eric Raymond discusses issues that surround the open-source movement and its potential side effects.
Michelle Katherine Robbins and Susan J. Morrison, Department of Biology
This project was designed to (a)detect and identify potentially pathogenic bacteria in waiting rooms of family physicians; and (b)compare the levels of bacteria found prior to and during the winter "flu season". With approval from 4 physician practices in greater Charleston, chairs, toys, and doorknobs in each locale were sampled in November 2000 and February 2001. The samples were plated on 5 different selective media and incubated. Colonies were counted and representative colonies were sub-cultured to agar slants. Differential tests were performed to determine the species. Total plate counts were 0%, 40%, 40% or 70% higher in February than in November. Of 56 isolates, 34 were presumptively identified, and included Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli. The data supports the hypotheses that (a)one can be exposed to potentially pathogenic bacteria on fomites in a physician's waiting room, and (b)the risk increases during the winter illness season.
Carole L. Bennage and Susan J. Morrison, Department of Biology
This investigation was prompted by the discovery of a box of valued children's books labeled "Exposed to Sewage" in storage in a local library. This study was begun to determine whether coliform bacteria levels could be used as an indicator of the safety of these books. Presence/Absence and Most Probable Number (MPN) tests were used to measure coliforms in the books. In addition, books were seeded with Escherichia coli suspended in a buffer, air-dried, and then the levels were measured periodically over 3 to 8 weeks. In these die-off curves, coliforms remained for up to 8 weeks. In the more traditional books (hard cover or paperback with bound pages), higher initial levels (up to 16 times greater) were present and they persisted longer than in the newer paperbacks with slick paper.
George Walker and Jeff Wragg, Department of Physics and Astronomy
The integrity of data on recordable CD media (CD-R) depends on the reflectivity of a layer of dye embedded in the disk. There is widespread anecdotal evidence relating to the integrity of data on CD-R media under exposure to environmental variables. This investigation addresses changes to CD-R media under the influence of light and heat exposure. Reflectivity and data integrity results are presented for CD-R media exposed to monochromatic UV and visible light, sunlight, and prolonged exposure to temperatures up to 100 Celsius.
Honors Introductory Psychology Class, advised by Drs. Susan Simonian and Cynthia May, Department of Psychology
This study examined the incidence of false memory and the effects of confirmity on false memory in a samply of 25 college students. Using a paradigm developed by Roediger and McDermott (1995), participants were asked to listen to and try to remember six word lists. All of the words in each of the six lists were related to a critical lure, which was never presented. To assess for the effect of conformity on false memory, false memory rates were measured for participants who heard confederates' false reports and those who were not exposed to false reports. Data indicated that the control and conformity groups did not differ on hit rate (i.e., rate of accurate identification), confidence for hits (i.e., confidence in their recall), or false alarms to critical lures. There was a trend for the groups to differ in their confidence for false alarms.
Danielle Timmons and Dr. Jon Hakkila, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Gamma-ray Bursts are the most luminous objects in the universe. The bulk of GRB emission comes in the form of pulses. Recently, claims have been made that pulse duration correlates with luminosity for at least some GRBs. Such a relation, if it truly exists, can provide a powerful and simple way of identifying GRB luminosities without the need to measure redshifts. However many instrumental biases affect the measurement of GRB properties. In particular, we suspect that the background interval selected for the duration measurement can alter the pulse duration measurement. We examine this hypothesis using computational modeling techniques.
T. William Bulkley, Department of Physics and Astronomy
The classical model that describes the movement of electrons in an metal is the Drude model. This model is an approximation that has certain features which are incorrect, such as the material's thermal conductivity, and relatedly, the electron velocity. By taking into account the Exclusion Principle and the Fermi-Dirac distribution, a model can be made that more accurately describes how the electrons actually behave. In order to map the movements of the electrons, a computer simulation will be written using FORTRAN. This simulation will describe electrons, moving through k-space and evolving with time. The results of this model will be a more realistic model of electron behavior.
Brian Saunders and Dr. Dustan, Department of Biology
Wetlands have been termed "nature's kidney" due to their abilities to filter out water's pollutants and slow water flow which increases sedimentation. This experiment was designed to assess the effects that deforestation had on a local wetland. Hydrolab Datasondes were used to monitor the variables of water temperature, pH, specific conductivity, and turbidity in both upstream and downstream locations. .Measurements were taken several times before and after the deforestation had occurred. The results indicate that the variability in temperature, pH, and specific conductivity after a perturbation (rainfall) were significantly higher after the deforestation.. Furthermore, dissolved oxygen readings also indicated an enlarged level of respiration following influxes of rainwater, justifying the belief that leeching had substantially increased. This evidence supports the hypothesis that deforestation would cause a decrease in the wetlands ability to buffer influxes of water.
Katrina Emelianoff, Department of Biology
Linopurdine is a drug that blocks the M-current, a neuronal potassium ion channel. Linopurdine does not affect motor behavior by itself when injected into the nucleus accumbens, an area of the brain involved in behavior. The nucleus accumbens is modulated by various receptors. Agonists of these receptors were used to determine the basic pharmacological effects of linopurdine on neuronal function by measuring motor activity of rats. Rats were given linopurdine in conjuction with DHPG or ACDA or AMPA or dopamine via intercranial injections between the shell and core of the nucleus accumbens. No effect was seen with DHPG or dopamine, but a significant decrease in activity was seen with AMPA and ACDA compared to activity in rats given ACDA or AMPA alone. This suggests an interaction between the M-current and these receptors in the nucleus accumbens, which causes a change in motor behavior.
Francesco Wagner and Mark Lazzaro, Department of Biology
Upon germination of Norway Spruce pollen tubes a very elaborate cytoskeleton system forms composed of microtubules and microfilaments. This project involves identifying the presence of the microtubule motor protein kinesin and it's subcellular localization. Total protein was extracted from germinated pollen tubes and separated with SDS-PAGE. Immunoblots of separated proteins were probed with an antibody to a kinesin light chain found in flowering plants. This antibody identifies a 70 kDa protein as a kinesin light chain. Subsequently, this antibody was used to fluorescently label germinated pollen tubes. A punctate pattern of kinesin labeling is observed throughout the tube.
Jacob Al Sarraf and Mark Lazzaro, Department of Biology
In conifers, microtubules have a functionally important role in controlling pollen tube elongation. Centrin is a protein in microtubule organizing centers that we are looking for by isolating total protein, separating fractions with SDS-PAGE, and probing fractions with antibodies to centrin from chlamydomonas. Initial experiments have greatly improved the quality and yield of total protein. Germinated pollen tubes are concentrated by centrifugation and drop-frozen in liquid nitrogen. Tubes are homogenized and thawed in buffer with protease inhibitors. Samples from SDS-PAGE resolve into tight, well stained protein bands. Unfortunately, a positve immunoblot has not been acheived, probably because the primary antibody is bad. This is the beginning of a long term project investigating centrin and the role of microtubule organizing centers in conifer pollen tube elongation.
Martin Soodavar and Mark Lazzaro, Department of Biology
Picea abies (Norway spruce) pollen were incubated in solutions varying in osmotic concentration. Data was collected on pollen tube length, tip swelling, branching, and germination rates. The results indicate that external osmotic pressure affects tip swelling, but not pollen tube length, branching, and germination rates. Through the use of time lapse photography organelle movements in the tip of pollen tubes were observed. The results indicate organelles move in the tip of Picea abies outward from the center of the pollen tube and back toward the pollen grain similar to a fountain. These results are opposite the reverse fountain motion of organelles at the tip of angiosperm pollen tubes.
Kellie Ballenger, Anita Buggins, Sarah Daugherty, and Kate Schaefer, Environmental Studies
The College of Charleston's Campus is located in the middle of a historic district of a bustling community. The campus police department, therefore, plays an integral role in ensuring the safety of all students. The main goal of our project was to develop a database that would be accessible to all college faculty and students concerning safety issues. The database will incorporate all pertinent information regarding crime and safety issues on the College of Charleston Campus in a Geographic Information System (G.I.S.) database. Our goal was to produce a database that would be available to the campus police and enable them to make more informed decisions. In doing this project we gathered police records covering the half the year of 1999 and imported this data into a G.I.S. database.
Kelly Frys, Department of Biology
This study was conducted in order to investigate the role of the ionotropic serotonin 5-HT3 receptor (5-HT3R) in the development of long term cocaine sensitization. The effects of the 5-HT3 receptor (5-HT3R) antagonist, Y25130, for the 5-HT3R were compared with those of a 5-HT3R agonist, mCPB. Co-administration of the selective and potent 5-HT3R antagonist, Y25130 (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg, IP) with repeated COC (Days 1, 7 and 28: 15 mg/kg; Days 2-6, 30 mg/kg, IP) modified the expression of motor sensitization on test day (28). Interestingly, co-administration of the 5-HT3R agonist, mCPB (1.0 and 10.0 mg/kg, IP), did not alter the development of COC sensitization but induced sensitization in repeated saline-treated animals. In conclusion, the activation of the 5HT3R is involved in the mechanism by which cocaine motor sensitization is induced.
Jeffrey Arnold, Department of Physics and Astronomy
The goal of this project was to determine if the photosensitizing drug Merocyanine 540 is a substrate of transport in cricket endothelial cells (malpighian tubules). When used in photodynamic therapy MC 540 can purge leukemia cells, but the mechanism for uptake into these cells is unknown. The transport of the fluorescent dye Texas Red has been previous measured in malpighian tubules and was found to be a substrate of multidrug resistant protein (Mrp2) . Visualization of substrate transport inside tubules was accomplished using fluorescence confocal microscopy. Fluorescence inside the tubules incubated with MC540 was greater in tubules without inhibitor than those with inhibitor. We concluded that MC 540 is a substrate of transport in cricket endothelial cells and that transport is inhibited by CDNB. In the future we will look at how other inhibitors affect transport and how to change the solubility and transport of MC 540 in malpighian tubules.
Wayne Cuvin and Dr. Fred Watts, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Holograms of mushrooms are made through transmission and reflection holography. Using holographic interferometry, a double exposure of a mushroom will be shown as well as real time measurements of the subject. These techiniques will show any stress that is caused upon the subject with complete dimensional fidelity.
QuinnShauna M. Felder, Department of Biology
In this study, we isolated DNA from six samples each of scamp grouper (Mycteroperca phenax), black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci), and red grouper (Epinephelus morio). Two samples each were collected from three different locations for each of the grouper species. The mtDNA was amplified using a standard 50uL PCR with primers designed to flank the mtDNA cytochrome b portion of these groupers. We sent the products to the Medical University of South Carolina for sequencing and aligned them using the MacDNAsis computer program to determine the amount of genetic variation within each species of grouper and among the different species of grouper. Based on our observation that there was little variation within each of the species (~0.1%) and among the different species (~0.5%), we concluded that microsatellites, which are more variable than mtDNA would be necessary to more specifically determine the amount of genetic variation within and between the species.
Valerie Baker, Department of Biology
The purpose of the experiment was to determine cellular signaling and DNA repair mechanisms induced by treatment of CEM human leukemia cells with VM-26(Teniposide), a DNA topoisomerase II-active drug. The proteins under investigation were DNA PKcs, Ku-70, and Ku-80. Investigation of the protein changes was accomplished by immunoprecipitation of the DNA and measurement of the amount of protein bound to the DNA after a two hour incubation with the drug, followed by a standard Wetern Blotting procedure. The results to date show that incubating CEM human leukemia cells for two hours with VM-26 does not alter the proteins under investigation.
Dr. Stephanie Dellis and Jessica Rascoll, Department of Biology
The importance of water purity is immeasureable. We tested the effectiveness of a common household product, a Brita filter, to trap bacteria. A known of amount of four different bacterial species was added to sterile distilled water, filtered and enumerated. THe duration of the filter's life and its prolinged effectiveness was determined using nre Brita filters, those used fifty and one hubdred times. THe known bacteria mix was composed of B. subtilus, E. coli, and C. freundii, and E. faecalis . The relative amounts of each species remaining in the filtered water were calculated. Data analysis shows that there was not a significant difference in the effectiveness of Brita filters as a function of filter age and bacterial type.
J. Kristy Lemmons and Dr. Susan Morrison, Department of Biology
This project was designed to follow the developement of antibiotic resistance of bacteria in-vivo and to determine if increased resistance to one antibiotic was associated with increased resistance to other antbiotics.
Three common infectious agents (Staphlococcus auerus, enterococcus faecalis, and E. coli) were exposed to five different antibiotics (penicillin, erythomycin, bacitracin, vancomycin, and ciprofloxain) using an adaptation of the Kirby-Bauer method. At 24 or 48 hours, organisms growing at the boundary of the zone of inhibition were subcultured to a fresh plate and new antibiotic disks were added. After ten transfers per organism, each culture was tested for resistance to all 5 antibiotics.
Only the Staphlococcus auerus exposed to penicillin, erythomycin, and bacitracin showed marked increased resistance to those antibiotics at the end of the experimental period.
