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• Best Paper Awards
• Photo Gallery [updated 6/2000]
• Registration, Welcome, and Keynote Address
• Session 1 Experimental Methods and Morphological Assessment 10:15-12:00S155
• Session 2 Organismal Biology and Behavior 10:15-12:15  S153
• Session 3 Chemistry/ Biochemistry

10:15- 12:00 S214
• Lunch 12:15-1:20 Thomas Center Conference Room
• Session 4 Cell/Molecular Biology: Identification of Diseases  1:30-3:00  S153
• Session 5  Physics/ Physical Sciences and Mathematics 1:30-2:45 S155
• Awards Ceremony  3:30  S153
• Session Judges
• Alphabetical index of presenting authors (with hot links to abstracts)
• Summary Schedule of Events

Meeting location
CBU in Memphis

• CBU Campus Map 

and Directions to CBU
• Enter CBU from Central Avenue. 
• TAS sessions in the Science Building.
• Date: Sat., 25 March 2000.
• TAS @ CBU 2000 Call for Papers

• CBU Dept. of Biology
• CBU School of Sciences
• CBU at 1999 & 1998 TAS

• Registration (coffee and muffins):  8:00-8:40 am, Saturday morning, 25 March 2000

Lobby of the Science Building CBU
There is a $10 registration fee.  Lunch is provided to all registrants.

Dr. Bill Thierfelder, Ms. Sharon Frase, and Dr. Linda Brinkley

• Opening Remarks:  8:45 am in S153
• Bro. Stanislaus Sobczyk, F.S.C., President, Christian Brothers University
• Introduction of the Keynote speaker: 
• Dr. Malinda Fitzgerald, Associate Professor of Biology, CBU

• Keynote Address: 
• Dr. Linda Pifer, Professor of Clinical Medical Sciences, U.T. Memphis
• Brave New World: The Biotech Explosion of the 21^st Century.

Dr. Pifer's Keynote Address

Cranial sutures are joints between the skull bones and their structure reflects patterns of growth and applied forces. To examine the effect of incisor eruption and occlusion on the developing suture, thirty-six rat pups were sacrificed on days one, five, seven, nine, thirteen, seventeen, and twenty-three of life. The skulls of these rats were cleared and stained. Facial sutures of the skulls were measured and the complexity, or interdigitation, of these sutures was quantitatively recorded as the ratio of the length of the suture divided by its end-to-end distance. These measurements can illustrate whether a linear development of interdigitation occurs or if the rate of interdigitation is related to incisor eruption, which begins between days eight and ten, and the start of occlusion, which begins a few days later.

In this investigation, a protocol for the decalcification of the rodent skull, Mus musculus, with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) using microwave technology was developed. This newly developed protocol is described in detail and allows for adequate decalcification to occur in hours, as opposed to the many days required with routine EDTA methods. The preservation of cellular structure in specimens decalcified using this new procedure was evaluated using a control specimen decalcified using routine EDTA procedures. Hematoxylin and Eosin stained slides of both specimens were compared. The specimen decalcified using microwave technology demonstrated preservation of cellular structure equal to or better than that of the routinely decalcified sample. Funding by University of Memphis, Integrated Microscopy Center.

The purpose of this project was to determine which process parameters or interaction of parameters were most critical to sterilant concentration in a vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilizer. The statistical tool, Design of Experiments (DOE), was used to study the interaction of the process parameters. The process parameters studied were: load temperature load size, chamber pressure, liquid sterilant weight, and transition gas. These process parameters were randomly changed to their high and low limits while measuring the H₂O₂ concentration. The study demonstrated that the most significant process parameter was load volume. Other factors that had an impact were sterilant weight and chamber pressure. 

The purpose of this study was to determine if a morphological and physiological correlation could be found between pyramidal and nonpyramidal neurons (NP), specifically in NP of the cerebral cortex of fourteen to twenty one day old rats. The classification of some nonpyramidal neurons was also attempted. By using immunocytochemistry, pyramidal neurons showed the characteristic of having a dominant apical dendrite that passed from the cell body vertically toward the pial surface of the neuron. Nonpyramidal neurons lacked this feature characteristic of the pyramidal cells. In addition, their somata exhibited different sizes and had a variety of dendritic field shapes and few to no dendritic spines. Pyramidal neuron recordings revealed spikes that exhibited accommodation, while NP showed no accommodation. Bitufted and bipolar neurons, one type of NP, exhibited regular spiking patterns and their axon passed through several layers of the neocortex. This distribution pattern may suggest that NP are important inhibitors of neurons in vertical columns of the neocortex. The multipolar neurons, another type of NP, exhibited fast spiking patterns and showed dense local innervations. These data lead to the conclusion that multipolar cells exhibit very powerful inhibition to local areas, whereas bitufted and bipolar cells inhibit neurons in cortical columns. This suggests that the morphology of neurons is an important feature of their function. 
Grant R07-3004-54.

   11:15 MORPHOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF NEUROSPHERES. 

The subependymal zone (SEZ) is a persistently neurogenic structure that lines the periventricular region of the forebrain throughout life. The SEZ contains multipotent neural stem/progenitor cells that are capable of generating neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. In vitro, stem/progenitor cells of the SEZ can grow as proliferative, multipotent clones called neurospheres that are also capable of giving rise to the three classes of cells found in the central nervous system. In this investigation, four mouse pup SEZs were extracted, twenty-five clones were obtained, fixed, mounted on stubs, and coated for scanning electron microscopy observation. Some cells were immunolabeled with antibodies against the cell surface and extracellular matrix proteins L1 and tenascin. The neurospheres were found to be around 90 mm in diameter, and there were different shapes the neurospheres assumed. There were single-cell outgrowths around the periphery. These single cells were around 3 mm in diameter. As for the antibodies, there appeared to be more L1 labeling than tenascin. Future studies such as these should lead to insights into the composition and behavior of these potentially therapeutic sources of neural cells.
Funded by NIH and NINDS through the University of Tennessee, Memphis.

[Abstract not available.]

   11:45 The Role of Polyamines in Migration of Cultured Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells 

Studies from this laboratory have shown that polyamines are necessary for the cellular migration of cultured retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. In this study, we investigated the necessity of polyamines for migration through inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC), two of the rate limiting enzymes of polyamine biosynthesis. Cells were grown to confluency at which point they were treated with difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), diethylglyoxal bisguanylhydrazone (DEGBG), or a combination of the two. Exogenous spermine was added to selected cultures. Treatments were conducted for two days at the end of which a migration stimulus was introduced. Cell migration was determined after the allowance of a six-hour migration period. Migration of RPE cells treated with DFMO was reduced to ~40% of control levels, and the results were reversed to ~96% with spermine addition. In cells treated with DEGBG, migration was reduced to ~35% of control levels, but the ability to migrate was restored to ~70% with the addition of spermine. Treatment of cells with both DFMO and DEGBG inhibited migration ~50%. Migration was restored with concominant treatment with exogenous spermine. These data reveal the necessity of polyamines in cultured RPE cellular migration. The polyamine-depletion is believed to affect migration through rearrangement of the cytoskeleton. Further studies are needed however to investigate the role of polyamines in greater detail.
Supported by: Fight for Sight (A. Fallon) & NEI Grant #RO1EY01655 (D.A. Johnson)

Meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, like other mammals, use scent marks to convey information about their reproductive state to conspecifics. We predicted the rate of scent marking by female and male meadow voles is depended on their reproductive state. We also predicted that the rate of scent marking by and the reproductive state of the donor affects the scent marking behavior of an opposite-sex individual that encounters these marks. We conducted two experiments to address the predictions. In experiment 1, we hypothesized that a postpartum estrus (PPE) female deposits more scent marks than a behavioral estrus (BE) or ovariectomized (OVX) female. In experiment 2, we hypothesized that a deposits more over-marks on the marks of a PPE female than those of a BE or OVX female. The data from experiments 1 and 2 supported each hypothesis. PPE females appear to signal heightened attractivity to males and males are more responsive to scent marks of PPE females as compared to those of other females. Scent marking by females and subsequent male over-marking may serve to coordinate mating in meadow voles. 

In this study, the aggressive interactions among three, male western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), Tumai, Koga, and Oliver from the Memphis Zoo, were examined. Because Koga had been showing signs of aggressive behavior with Tumai, the oldest gorilla, he (Koga) was the primary subject of the observations. However, any significant aggressive interactions among the other gorillas were documented. The gorillas were observed in their outdoor exhibit in thirty second intervals for thirty minute intervals over several days. It was found that Koga rarely made any advances toward either Tumai or Oliver. However, Tumai and Oliver both made aggressive advances toward Koga. Although the harassing behaviors of Oliver toward Koga appeared to be a playful/learning behavior, Tumai’s encounters appeared to be in response to aggression. 
This study was made possible by the assistance of Dr. Chuck Brady and the Memphis Zoo.

Previous animal models for nicotine addiction do not mimic the human pattern of nicotine exposure through smoking. This could have significant consequence for studies characterizing neuronal changes with chronic use. The purpose of this study was to develop a rat behavioral model that more closely emulated human smoking; i.e., exposure was chronic, intermittent and motivated. Male rats were allowed to self-administer nicotine with 24 h unlimited access over a 25 day period. Nicotine was self-injected when each rat pressed a bar connected by computer to a pump that injected nicotine into the rat as a rapidly delivered bolus through an indwelling iv catheter. Daily patterns of self-administration were recorded as the number and time of injections. Results demonstrated that, during acquisition, individual patterns varied greatly from day to day, as well as between animals. As maintenance levels and addiction were achieved, these variations decreased. In addition, self-administration during the inactive (sleep) cycle increased. This model more closely resembles the actual patterns of nicotine exposure in smoking humans. (funded by NIDA DA03977)

   11:00 Consequences of multi-male mating in female voles. 

We conducted an experiment with prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster, to discern between two alternative hypotheses for the advantages of multi-male mating (MMM) in female mammals. The two hypotheses are that MMM increases the chance of pregnancy and increases litter size, and that multiple copulations, rather than multiple partners affects litter size and the probability of pregnancy. We recorded the time, number, and sequence of copulations and the male(s) involved. Preliminary results suggest that litter size and probability of pregnancy are not significantly different for females who mated with one or with multiple males.

Four male lion-tail macaques (Macaca silenus) were observed for a total of ten hours over several days to determine the occurrence and frequency of aggressive behavior among them. The different types of behavior observed were described and categorized as either aggressive behavior or affiliative (friendly) behavior. Also, the effects of a mild relaxant called Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) were observed. The Kava reduced the percentage of aggressive behaviors from 63.1% to 54.6%. It reduced the aggressive acts by all of the subjects except for Johan, the dominant male, and Andre, the subdominant male. Overall, the Kava Kava did have a positive effect on the observed population in regard to aggression.
This study was made possible by the assistance of Dr. Chuck Brady and the Memphis Zoo.

Turtles do not provide parental care. Nest location affects survivorship (and gender) of the offspring. The aim of this study was to investigate microenvironmental factors influencing nest site selection in Trachemys scripta, the red-eared slider turtles. This study demonstrated that distance of nests from the nearest pond, soil type, amount of vegetation, and elevation influence nest site choice. Most nests were located in areas with high elevation, tall and abundant vegetation, and sandy soil. Turtles may choose high elevations in order to save incubating eggs and young from seasonal or interannual flooding. Abundant vegetation provides shade, presumably lowering nest temperature. This may result in male-based sex ratio. Turtles may choose to nest at the sites with certain amount of vegetation in order to balance gender ratio in the population. Tall vegetation may also protect nesting females from predators. Sandy soil likely conserves turtles excavating effort. Nest site selection patterns may have evolved to increase reproductive success of the species. Greater understanding of nest site selection will benefit the preservation of freshwater turtles. Department of Biology, University of Memphis, supported this project. 

The aquatic insect larvae of Chaoborus punctipennis exhibit diel vertical migration, remaining in deeper waters during the day and ascending at night. This behavior reduces visual predation on the larvae, but incurs costs. For the past 19 years, data were collected over a 24-hour period in the fall on water oxygen concentrations and depths of Chaoborus larvae in Poplar Tree Lake, Shelby County, Tennessee. We determined the mean depth at which larvae were found during the night and day of each sampling period. There was no consistent change in either mean nighttime or daytime depth over time (P>0.22). We assumed that an oxygen concentration below 2.0 mg/l can not be tolerated by fish. Comparison of the depths at which this critical oxygen concentration occurred with mean larval depth showed a significant correlation (P<0.05), suggesting that diel vertical migration is driven by fish predation.

Previous analyses have shown that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus integrase uses either manganese or magnesium ions to assemble as a stable complex on the donor substrate and to catalyze strand transfer whereas calcium ions support only assembly and cobalt ions support only catalysis. These metal ions clearly have different impacts on the function of the enzyme. These impacts may be due to minor geometric differences in the inner coordination sphere that propagate into nearby regions of the enzyme structure, thus affecting allosteric sites at which other viral proteins involved in the preintegration complex need to interact. We are concentrating now on the influence of metal ions in the integrase active site. The interactions of Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Co²⁺ with the active site of integrase were investigated using quantum mechanical computations. Our results indicate that geometric differences induced by these ions are modest, but significant.

   10:30 Dimethylarginine Diaminohydrolase Activity in Mouse Tissue Supernatant 

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is synthesized by dimethylation of arginine in non-histone nuclear proteins. It is usually disposed of through excretion in the urine and is broken down into L-citrulline and dimethylamine through hydrolysis by dimethylarginine diaminohydrolase (DDAH). The inhibition of DDAH would result in an accumulation of ADMA that would inhibit nitric oxide (NO) synthase. Despite regular dialysis, some patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) still have high levels of ADMA. Characterizing DDAH activity and optimizing the assay were explored as a prelude to the testing of the inhibition of DDAH activity in patients with CRF. Liver, lung, heart, kidney and brain tissues were assayed for DDAH activity while varying the protein amount, incubation time, and substrate concentration in the reaction. The optimizing of the enzyme assays were evaluated based both on the amount of product produced and the specific activity of the enzyme. The kinetic constants Km and Vmax were derived using Lineweaver-Burke plots. The Km value in the kidney is twice as much as in the liver, lung, heart and brain. This indicates that there may be two forms of the enzyme DDAH, one requiring twice as much ADMA for maximum activation as compared to the other. The results of the study should allow for the further testing of the inhibition of DDAH activity in patients with CRF.
Funded by the Grant Fund: Reye's Symdrome 

   10:45  IL-17 RECEPTOR KNOCKOUT MICE EXHIBIT REDUCED RESISTANCE TO KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE INFECTION.

IL-17 is a pleiotropic cytokine largely restricted to CD4+ T-cells. Since IL-17 can increase the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, we hypothesized that signaling via the IL-17 receptor is required for in vivo pulmonary host defense against bacteria. To test this, we challenged IL-17R knockout mice or C57Bl/6 controls with intranasally administered Klebsiella pneumoniae at 3 x 10³ or 10⁴ cfu/mouse. IL-17R knockout mice were found to be extraordinarily sensitive to this challenge with a much higher mortality than control mice (p <0.05).  We found that the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) both in BALF and blood in IL-17R knockout mice was significantly lower at all time points compared to control mice (p<0.05).  Lung and spleen histology from IL-17R knockout mice showed significantly more necrosis compared to control mice. These data demonstrate that signaling through the IL-17R is necessary for lung PMN recruitment and host defenses against Klebsiella pneumoniae. We speculate that relative IL-17 deficiency may in part explain the pulmonary host defect associated with either HIV infection or congenital immunodeficiency of CD4+ T-lymphocytes.
Funded by: NHLBI: HL62052-01

One main component of miniaturized reference electrodes (MREs) is the hydrogel-type copolymer matrix, in which the central reference element is imbedded. This copolymer matrix consists of acrylic acid and acrylonitrile, de-ionized water, and a supporting electrolyte (KCl or a quaternary ammonium salt). In order to obtain reliable and reproducible MREs series of tests were performed on copolymer samples of various composition. Thus, swelling/dissolution over time was monitored over 62 days for samples stored in de-ionized water or in organic solvents (methanol, acetonitrile, or methylene chloride). Also, drying/evaporation of samples, previously immersed in a liquid phase for 7 days, was examined in air and vacuum, over a time period encompassing two weeks. These tests allow for the determination of the media in which the electrodes can be employed and give an input on the wet/dry storage conditions of MREs.

We prepared nonpolarizable electrodes based on internal reference elements of silver wire coated with a low solubility silver salt, immersed in an acrylic type copolymer matrix. Next, we evaluated the stability of their electrode potential. For this, open circuit potential vs. time curves were recorded in chloride solutions, in the concentration range from 0.0001 to 3.0 mol L^-1. Low sensitivity towards chloride ions and protons was determined as being 1.8-5.2 mV/log[Cl^-] and 0.25 mV/pH, respectively. These electrodes can be used as miniaturized reference electrodes in potentiometric and voltammetric applications. They were employed successfully in both aqueous systems and organic supporting electrolytes (acetonitrile or methanol), without special pre-treatment or conditioning being necessary. Special attention was paid to determining the rate at which the electrode can adapt to its changing environment, when moved from water to an organic solvent, back and forth.

Two different cyclopentadienyl ligands which have substituents that may chelate to a metal center were prepared via nucleophilic substitution reactions of a thiol acid chloride and a thiol ether with sodium cyclopentadiene. The sodium or thallium salts of these ligands were isolated and characterized by FTIR. These salts were further reacted with Co(CO)₄I in an attempt to form the corresponding cobalt dicarbonyl derivatives (i.e, (C₅H₄R)Co(CO)₂ where R= C(O)CH₂SCH₃ and C(O)CH₂CH₂SCH₃ ) . The compounds were characterized be FTIR and ¹H NMR and were found to be impure and air sensitive.

For years the major focus of environmental analysis and remediation has been devoted to priority pollutants. An emerging concern is the possible impact of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment. The first symposium on this topic in the United States will be held at the National American Chemical Society Meeting in San Francisco, March 26-30. Two additional conferences will address this issue in upcoming months. The purpose of this project is preliminary method development for the analysis of wastewater for acetaminophen, caffeine, and ibuprofen using gas chromatography- mass spectrometry.

This research is part of a kudzu vine eradication study that has been in progress for several years by the faculty of the University of Memphis. This is a qualitative study of the soil nutrient content of three areas of the Meeman Shelby Forest Biological Center: Payne’s Pond, the control site, which had no kudzu vine growing on its banks; the South side of Kudzu Pond, which had kudzu vine growing on its banks that was previously treated with Transline herbicide; and the North side of Kudzu Pond, where kudzu vine grew unchecked. Transline herbicide is a product with the chemical name 3,6-dichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid. Transline is a ‘hormone’ herbicide that promotes lethally abnormal growth in treated plants. Four soil samples, each containing seven random cores, were collected from each of the 3 test sites. These 12 samples were analyzed for the following: nitrogen, water pH, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, and soluble salts. The results were analyzed using the SAS system using a MANOVA procedure. Pillai’s Trace statistic for phosphorus levels and pH levels showed significant differences between the three sites. The project was funded by the University of Memphis. 

Above: Session 3 in S214.  Jim Allen, Dr. Dennis Merat, Dr. Marguerite Cooper.
Session Three ends at 12:15.
Lunch served at 12:15
in the Thomas Center Conference Room

 [Abstract not available.]

Apoptosis is a cellular response to cytotoxic drugs in which cytochrome c (cyt c) and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) are released from mitochondria to effect cell death through controlled dismemberment of cell structure. Overexpression of the mitochondrial membrane protein Bcl-2 blocks the release of cyt c and AIF. Consequently, Bcl-2 is an impediment to drug-induced apoptosis and is a significant clinical problem in the treatment of cancer. However, apoptosis induced by the doxorubicin analog, AD 198 is unaffected by Bcl-2 through a mechanism which may either inactivate Bcl-2 or circumvent the effects of Bcl-2. The goal of this research project was to determine whether AD 198 could directly induce the release of cyt c from mitochondria expressing Bcl-2, and, in doing so, circumvent Bcl-2 activity directly. Purified mitochondria from 32D mouse myeloid leukemia cells (C1) and 32D cells overexpressing Bcl-2 (C3) were treated with AD 198 followed by immunological detection of cyt c released from the mitochondria. AD 198 was unable to directly induce the release of cyt c in C1 cells at levels higher than solvent controls or the positive control, betulinic acid, a compound previously shown to directly induce cyt c release from mitochondria. These results suggest: AD 198 may be circumventing Bcl-2 by releasing cyt c from the mitochondria indirectly or by stimulating the execution phase of apoptosis without the need for cyt c release. 
Funded by the UT Medical Group/Moreton Cancer Research Endowment and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

   2:00 Upregulation of MDR1 by mutant p53 requires interaction with a cellular protein 

 We have recently shown that endogenous MDR1 (multi drug resistance) gene is up regulated by mutant p53-281G. To determine the mechanism, deletion analysis was performed and revealed upregulation of the MDR1 basal promoter (-107/+30) by p53-281G and other p53 mutants. Further deletions identified a specific region required for upregulation by mutant p53. This region contained an Ets binding site. Loss of the Ets-site (deletion or specific mutation) decreased basal MDR1 transcription. Specific mutation of the Ets-site in the basal MDR1 promoter abrogated transactivation by mutant p53s. However, decreased basal transcription was not responsible for impaired mutant p53 transactivation because MDR1 NFY promoter mutants retain transactivation by mutant p53 despite dramatically reduced basal activity. Previous studies suggested that mutant p53s required and interacted with cellular proteins. Because of these findings, we used invitro studies to demonstrate p53-281G specifically interacted with the Ets-1 protein in pull down assays. Cumulatively, these studies suggest that MDR1 activation in vivo by mutant p53s require the cellular protein, Ets-1.
Supported by NIH Grant ES/GM 5851 and the American Lebanese Associated Charities

   2:15 GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS IN TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA GENE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF PREECLAMPSIA-- a preliminary study. 

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the severity of preeclampsia with the occurrence of the genetic polymorphism in the TNFa gene and the plasma levels of TNFa. Study Design: In a prospective case controlled study, genetic polymorphisms in the TNFa gene associated with increased TNFa levels were studied in 114 women with severe preeclampsia and 94 normal pregnant controls. Maternal and umbilical chord blood was obtained at the time of delivery and DNA extracted. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed and separated by gel electrophoresis. Phenotype frequencies were calculated. Plasma levels of TNFa were measured using an ELISA. Results: The mean maternal TNFa plasma levels in preeclampic patients were not significantly different from control patients. Moreover, there were no differences in phenotype frequencies between the TNFa mutation and the normal phenotype. Conclusion: We conclude that maternal and fetal TNFa polymorphisms may not be associated with severe preeclampsia. In addition, plasma levels of TNFa are not elevated in severe preeclampsia. 
Supported by: Department of Obstetrics and Gyncology, UT Memphis.

[Abstract not available.]

• Objective: To measure and compare plasma, urinary and salivary 8-epi-prostaglandin F_{2_} (8 isoprostane) concentrations in women with normotensive pregnancies to respective concentrations in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Study Design: Plasma, urinary and salivary 8-isoprostane levels were measured in preeclamptic (n=40), normotensive (n=20) and nonpregnant women (n=10). One-way analysis of variance was used to determine significant differences. Results: plasma free 8-isoprostane concentrations were increased in women with severe preeclampsia (342 ± 50 pg/ml) compared to nonpregnant (129 ± 17 pg/ml) and normotensive (150 ± 11 pg/ml) pregnant women (p=0.003, and 0.0001, respectively). Urinary excretion of 8-isoprostane was slightly, but not significantly decreased in preeclampsia (1200 ± 227 pg/ml) as compared to nonpregnant (1625 ± 364) and normotensive pregnant women (2149 ± 432 pg/ml). Salivary concentrations of 8-isoprostane were increased in normotensive pregnancies (496 ± 113 pg/ml) compared to nonpregnant women (150 ± 27 pg/ml) but were not related to preeclampsia (419 ± 96 pg/ml), p <= 0.003. Conclusions: Free 8-isoprostane concentrations are increased in the plasma of women with severe preeclampsia. Further studies are warranted to determine whether such increases are due to an increase in phospholipase A₂ activity, or in lipid peroxidation, or to a decrease in renal excretion.

Recent field studies, geomorphic analysis, and aligned earthquakes outline a newly recognized Quaternary fault system in the Southern Mississippi Embayment. Eight earthquakes M>3 (two M>4) have been recorded along the Saline River fault zone. At the southeast limit of the fault zone there is a 10-km diameter field of surficial sand bodies that have many of the characteristics of seismically generated sand blows. An electrical conductivity survey of one sand body revealed a linear pattern of anomalously low conductivity running through it. Grain size analysis of another sand body showed a fining up trend. The diameter of this possible liquifaction field suggests a M 5 to 6 event during the mid to late Holocene.

The annual appearance of a bright star on the horizon in the pre-dawn or post-sunset sky is a visual event that constitutes a manifestation of nature’s calendar. As a result, such rise-set occurrences were of great importance to ancient civilizations such as the Native-Americans, and were recorded and predicted by early astronomers in order to establish important civil, religious, and agricultural dates in their year. The Maya, in particular, recorded their observations in ancient texts called codices. Mathematical calculations of these dates based on modern astronomy have been made for comparison with the Mayan codices. In the present work, planetarium software is used to simulate heliacal rising and setting dates of stars in the Mayan sky and the results compared to earlier mathematical calculations and ancient Mayan texts.

Solar prominences are semi-stable structures which appear to protrude off the edge, or limb, of the sun. They can be characterized as cool (5000-6000 K) plasma suspended in the hot (1-2 million K) solar corona by complex magnetic field structures. Prominences may erupt, resulting in an ejection of material from the sun, but the exact causes of such eruptions are not known. In order to better understand the structure and activity of solar prominences, we devised a new method of determining their densities. We acquired data from a satellite-borne instrument which creates images of the sun in extreme ultraviolet wavelengths. Using these images, we measured the intensity of radiation in the region of the prominence and accounted for radiation originating in front of the prominence as well as that originating behind it. 

   2:15 A study of Ray-like Solar Coronal Mass Ejections. 

Coronal mass ejections happen when the sun emits enormous amounts of its mass and energy into interplanetary space. These events, which are not well understood, can occur several times daily, reaching speeds of several hundred kilometers per second. Named for their appearance, ray-like CME's appear to be physically simpler than other types of CMEs. Using various wavelengths of electromagnetic energy, this study aims to examine some properties of several ray-like events in order to gain insight into understanding the physics of all CMEs. 

   2:30 A Generalization and Analysis of Lambert’s W-Function.

The W-function proposed by Johann Heinrich Lambert was modified into a general transcendental form and studied. Also, the l^b-function, an infinitely-iterated logarithmic function, and the h^b-function, an infinitely-iterated exponential function—both of base b —were found to be fundamental to the construction of the solution sets of the modified W-function. Certain solution sets, however, exhibited unstable and stable equilibria, period-2 and period-4 behavior, and self-similarity upon tetration.

• Send corrections to:
• Malinda E.C. Fitzgerald,  Ph.D.

Department of Biology
Christian Brothers University
650 East Parkway South
Memphis, TN 38104
E-mail:  malinda@cbu.edu

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Index of
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Session One: Experimental Methods and Morphological Assessment

• Dr. Charlie Biggers, Department of Biology, University of Memphis
• Mr. Zach Maxwell, School of Medicine, UT Memphis 
• Ms. Sharon Frase, Integrative Microscopy Center, University of Memphis

• Dr. Chris Meade, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, UT Memphis
• Ms. Lyndsey Woodward, Maternal and Fetal Research, UT Memphis
• Dr. Linda Brinkley, Vice Provost for Research, University of Memphis

• Dr. Bill Busler, Department of Chemistry, CBU
• Dr. Bill Thierfelder, Department of Biology, Crichton 
• Brother Matthew Smith, Department of Chemistry, CBU

• Dr. Linda Brinkley, Vice President for Research, University of Memphis
• Dr. Jay Blundon, Department of Biology Rhodes College
• Dr. Bill Thierfelder, Department of Biology, Crichton College

• Dr. John Varriano, Chariman Department of Physics, CBU
• Dr. Bill Busler, Department of Chemistry, CBU 
• Brother Matthew Smith, F.S.C., Department of Chemistry, CBU

Above: Zach Maxwell, Dr. Charle Biggers, Sharon Frase.

Above: Lindsay Woodward, Zach Maxwell,  Radha Gandhi.

Best
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Best Paper Award Winners (from left to right): Elizabeth Serex (Rhodes), Amy Fallon (CBU), Roberto Martinez (CBU), Amisha Gandhi (CBU), Kathrin Brown (CBU), Rusty Rodriguez (CBU), and Aimee S. Dunlop-Lehtila (U. Memphis).  Winners not pictured are Nicole Walker (CBU) and James Allen (CBU).

• Amy Fallon  Christian Brothers University

The Role of Polyamines in Migration of Cultured Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells.  Amy Fallon*, D.A. Johnson^#, and M.E.C. Fitzgerald* Christian Brothers Univ., Dept. of Biol.* and UT, Memphis, Dept. Ophthalmolgy^#.
• Nicole Walker Christian Brothers University

Morphological investigation of neurospheres. Nicole Walker¹, Eric Laywell², Dennis Steindler², and Malinda Fitzgerald^{1, 2  1}Christian Brothers Univ., Dept. of Biol.; ²UT Memphis, Dept. of Anatomy and Neuroscience.

•  Aimee S. Dunlap-LehtiläUniversity of Memphis

Consequences of multi-male mating in female voles. Aimee S. Dunlap-Lehtilä  and Jerry O. Wolff. University of Memphis, Department of Biology, Memphis, TN 38152

James Allen  Christian Brothers University

Dimethylarginine Diaminohydrolase Activity in Mouse Tissue Supernatant.  James Allen(Christian Brothers University); Dyette Harper, (Lane College); Dr. Ellen Kang, (Department of Pediatrics, UT, Memphis).

F. H. (Rusty) RodriguezChristian Brothers University

IL-17 Receptor knockout mice exhibit reduced resistance to  Klebsiella pneumoniae  infection. F. H. (Rusty) Rodriguez¹, P. Ye², J.J. Peschon³, J. E. Shellito², J. K. Kolls². ¹Department of Biology, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, TN. ²Section of Pulmonary/Critical Care, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA. ³Immunex Corporation, Seattle, WA.

•  Kathrin L. Brown Christian Brothers University

Genetic polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene and the development of preeclampsia-- a preliminary study.  Kathrin L. Brown, Department of Biology, Christian Brothers University and Jeffery Livingston, M.D., Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Memphis.
• Amisha. Gandhi  Christian Brothers University

Upregulation of MDR1 by mutant p53 requires interaction with a cellular protein.  Amisha Gandhi¹, J. Sampath², L. H. Shapiro³, G. P. Zambetti⁴, K. W. Scotto⁵, J. D. Schuetz² Departments of ¹Biology, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, TN; ²Pharmaceutical Sciences, ³Pathology, ⁴Biochemistry, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; and ⁵Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Institute, New York City, NY

• Roberto E. Martinez Christian Brothers University

A Generalization and Analysis of Lambert’s W-Function. Roberto E. Martinez and Leigh Becker. Department of Mathematics, Christian Brothers University.
• Elizabeth Serex  Rhodes College

A study of Ray-like Solar Coronal Mass Ejections. Elizabeth Serex, Holly Gilbert, Tom Holzer, and Robert MacQueen. High Altitude Observatory National Center for Atmospheric Research, and Rhodes College, Memphis, TN.

~~~

TAS
@
CBU
2000

• Registration in the Lobby of the Science Building (Outside of Rooms S151, S153, S155)
• Coffee and Muffins 
• 8:00-8:40 Science Building Lobby
• Welcoming Remarks by CBU President Brother Stan Sobczyk 
• 8:45 Room S153
• Introduction of Keynote Speaker by Dr. Malinda Fitzgerald  S153
• Keynote Address Room S153
• Dr. Linda Pifer, Professor of Clinical Medical Sciences University of TN, Memphis "Brave New World: Biotech Explosion of the 21st Century"

• Session One: Experimental Methods and Morphological Assessment
• 10:15 to 12:00 Room S155
• Moderator: Brother Edward Salgado, F.S.C., Ph.D. Associate Professor and Chair of Biology, CBU
• Session Two: Organismal Biology and Behavior
•  10:15 to 12:15 Room S153
•  Moderator: Dr. Anna Ross, Associate Professor of Biology, CBU
• Session Three: Chemistry/Biochemistry
•  10:15-12:00 Room S214
•  Moderator: Dr. R. Trey Brown, Assistant Professor of Biology, CBU

• Session Four: Cell and Molecular Biology and Their Role in Identification of Diseases
•  1:30 to 3:00 Room S153
•  Moderator: Dr. Mary Ogilvie, Associate Professor of Biology, CBU
• Session Five: Physics/Physical Sciences and Mathematics
•  1:30 to 2:45 Room S155
•  Moderator Dr. Marguerite Cooper, Associate Professor of Chemistry, CBU
• Break from 3:00-3:30 for Judges Meeting
• Award Ceremony Room S153 Beginning at 3:30 
• General Business Meeting for TN Academy