PROGRAM SESSIONS
PROGRAM SESSIONS
84 th Annual Meeting
of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science
Holiday Inn, Grantville, PA
April 4 – 6, 2008
Program Chairs
Sherri Bergsten and Theo Light
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
9:00 AM – 12:00 NOON
Session I
AQUATIC ECOLOGY
Congressional
Mel Zimmerman, Session Chair
9:00 – 9:15
1. Use of the Louisiana Waterthrush as a Bioindicator of Headwater Stream Ecological Integrity in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DEWA). Yuhas, Joseph* 1, Lisa Schreffler 1, Terry Master 1 and Brady Mattsson 2. ( 1East Stroudsburg University; 2University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources).
9:15 – 9:30
2. Impacts of the Pesticide Atrazine on Crayfish Motility and Behavior . Waters, Nancy McCreary and Kevin Cunningham*. ( Lafayette College).
9:30 – 9:45
3. The Invasive New Zealand Mud Snail in the Great Lakes Region. Levri, Edward P.*, Warren J. Jacoby, Shane J. Lunnen, Ashley A. Kelly and Thomas Ladson. ( Penn State Altoona).
9:45 – 10:00
4. Detailed Macroinvertebrate Studies of Crabby Creek, Pre-StreamRestoration. Dunbar, Dr. David, Kallyn Seidler *, Cynthia McGauley and Dr. John Jackson. ( Cabrini College and Stroud Water Research Center).
10:00 – 10:15
5. Analysis of a Sequence Batch Reactor (SBR) for Total Nitrogen and Solids Removal from Wastewater. Yuda, Jennie* and Mel C. Zimmerman Ph.D. ( Lycoming College, Department of Biology).
10:15 – 10:30 BREAK
10:30 – 10:45
6. Restoration of a coldwater fishery on Mill Creek, an acid mine drainge (AMD) affected stream, Clarion and Jefferson Counties, Pennsylvania. Dalby, Peter, Jordan Blair* and Shanna Bowersox*. ( Clarion University).
10:45 – 11:00
7. Using Lumbriculus variegatus to Assess the Remediation of Streams Affected by Acid Mine Drainage. Geissinger, Jared*, Cynthia Surmacz and Steven Rier. ( Bloomsburg University).
11:00 – 11:15
8. GIS-based Analysis of Stream Bank Erosion in Brodhead Watershed, Northeastern Pennsylvania. Edwards, Mark*, Michal Niemoczynski, Jerilyn Jewett-Smith and Shixiong Hu. ( East Stroudsburg University).
11:15 – 11:30
9. GIS-based Analysis of Invasive Riparian Vegetation Densities and Distribution in Brodhead Watershed, Northeastern Pennsylvania. Niemoczynski, Michal*, Mark Edwards, Jerilyn Jewett-Smith and Shixiong Hu. ( East Stroudsburg University).
11:30 – 11:45
10. MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA AND ITS ROLE AS AN INITIATOR IN A POSITIVE FEEDBACK CYCLE PROMOTING SELF-GROWTH IN SHALLOW TIDAL FRESHWATER ENVIRONMENTS Remeniuk, Bethany* and Jessica Nolan. ( York College of Pennsylvania)
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
9:00 AM – 12:00 NOON
Session II
PARASITOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY
Regency
Richard Stewart, Session Chair
9:00 – 9:15
11. Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Bartonella spp., Bartonella henselae, Babesia microti, and Anaplasma phagocytophila in Ixodes scapularis Ticks Collected in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Berry , Gregory J.* 1, Judy Cherepko 1,2, Shamus P. Keeler 1 and Jane E. Huffman 1. ( 1East Stroudsburg University, Applied DNA Sciences, Northeast Wildlife DNA Laboratory; 2Monroe County Vector Control).
9:15 – 9:30
12. Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophila from three biopsy locations in Peromyscus leucopus . James, Teresa N.* and Jane E. Huffman. ( East Stroudsburg University, Applied DNA Sciences Laboratory).
9:30 – 9:45
13. An in silico metabolic model for the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans . Gonyea, Samantha 1*, Amy J. Reese 1 and Stephen Fong 2. 1Cedar Crest College, Department of Biological Sciences; 2Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering).
9:45 – 10:00
14. Chemical excystation of Echinostoma caproni, E. trivolvis, and Zygocotle lunata . Saxton*, Tyler M. and Bernard Fried. ( Lafayette College, Department of Biology).
10:00 – 10:15
15. The effects of various chemical and physical factors on encystment and excystment of Zygocotle lunata. Peoples*, Robert C. and Bernard Fried. Lafayette College, Department of Biology).
10:15 – 10:30 BREAK
10:30 – 10:45
16. Analysis of bacterial content in Cladophora, a nuisance algae present in the Great Lakes. McDonald, Abigail* and Steven Mauro. ( Mercyhurst College).
10:45 – 11:00
17. Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Bacteria and Viruses in Three Lake Erie Tributaries. Passetti, Audry* and Steven Mauro. ( Mercyhurst College).
11:00 – 11:15
18. Shiga Toxin Gene Distribution in Diverse Aquatic Environments. Olszewski, Adam*, Cody Smith, and Steven Mauro. ( Mercyhurst College).
11:15 – 11:30
19. Analysis of shiga toxin gene distribution in deer fecal matter. Kistler,Whitney* and Steven Mauro. ( Mercyhurst College).
11:30 – 11:45
20. Optimization of process conditions for two native bacterial fermentation products using statistical design of experiments . Kleintop, Jeff N.*. ( East Stroudsburg University & Sanofi Pasteur).
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
9:00 AM – 12:00 NOON
Session III
ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY/GENETICS
Penn Suite
James Dearworth, Session Chair
9:00 – 9:15
21. Development of Muscle Processes in Mice. Rhoden, Tavia * and Jennifer L. White. ( East Stroudsburg University).
9:15 – 9:30
22. Induction of Cardiotoxicity with 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) Following in utero and Lactational Exposure in Rattus norvegicus. Fernando, Charmain A.*, Brad E. Engle and M. Dana Harriger. ( Wilson College, Dept. of Physical and Life Sciences).
9:30 – 9:45
23. Tarsal form and function in Insectivorans. Troianiello, John* and Jennifer L. White. ( East Stroudsburg University).
9:45 – 10:00
24. The Effect of Tank Size on the Growth and Reproduction of the Guppy Poecilia reticulate. Simpson, Julianne * , M. Dana Harriger and Debra Austin. ( Wilson College, Dept. of Physical and Life Sciences).
10:00 – 10:15
25. Stimulation of the trochlear nerve in the turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans. Bednarz, Dustin T.* and James R. Dearworth. ( Lafayette College, Department of Biology).
10:15 – 10:30 break
10:30 – 10:45
26. Comparison of Stress Protein cDNA and Amino Acid Sequences Among Three Megachild Solitary Bees. Krum, Christopher J.* 1, Amy N. Savitski 1, John M. Hranitz 1, Kristen D. Brubaker 1, John F. Barthell 2 and George D. Yocum 3. ( 1Bloomsburg University; 2University of Central Oklahoma; 3USDA Laboratory, Fargo, ND).
10:45 – 11:00
27. The Role of RPA phosphorylation in DNA Damage Response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Clark, Kristi* and Andre P. Walther. ( Cedar Crest College).
11:00 – 11:15
28. Characterization of cutinase genes in Phytophthora infestans. Seyer, Lauren* and Manuel Ospina-Giraldo . ( Lafayette College).
11:15 – 11:30
29. Caenorhabditis elegans Genes Critical for Yersinia pestis Biofilm Attachment. Stoltzfus, Jonathan* 1 , Kevin Drace 2 , Lawrence Mylin 1 and Creg Darby 2. ( 1Messiah College; 2University of California San Francisco)
11:30 – 11:45
30. A FoxO transcription factor in Hydra vulgaris: the roles of a lifespan-extending protein in an immortal animal. Holler, Rebecca* 1, Alexander Theofiles 2and Diane Bridge 1. ( 1Elizabethtown College; 2National Institutes of Health).
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
1:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Session IV
TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY/BOTANY
Congressional
David Foster, Session Chair
1:15 – 1:30
31. Conservation of Mammals in the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Corridor: a Public – Private Partnership. Church, John* 1, Don Hamilton 2 and Howard P. Whidden 1. ( 1East Stroudsburg University, Department of Biological Sciences; 2National Park Service, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River).
1:30 – 1:45
32. Grizzly Bear Population Model. Melka, Richard F.* ( University of Pittsburgh at Bradford).
1:45 – 2:00
33. Post Construction Monitoring of Bird and Bat Mortality at the Locust Ridge Wind Farm Schuylkill County, Pa. Zellner, Andrew*, Howard Whidden and Greg Turner. ( East Stroudsburg University).
2:00 – 2:15
34. Testing the effect of humans on optimal foraging in urban American gray squirrels Sciurus carolinensis. Frankford, Amanda* and Ginger R. Fisher. ( Wilson College).
2:15 – 2:30
35. Efficacy of Blacklight Sampling Techniques and a Survey of Moths in the Genus Papaipema (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). McBride, Anthony E. * and Matthew S. Wallace. ( East Stroudsburg University).
2:30 – 3:00 BREAK
3:00 – 3:15
36. Is There Adaptive Significance to Nest Tails in Acadian Flycatchers? Allen, Michael C.* and Terry Master. ( East Stroudsburg University).
3:15 – 3:30
37. Foraging Success, Habitat Selection, and Reproductive Activities of Black Crown Night Herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) at Pennsylvania’s largest mixed species heronry. Detwiler, Don L.*, W. Brad Romano and Terry L. Master. ( East Stroudsburg University).
3:30 – 3:45
38. Foraging Behavior of Great Egrets (Ardea alba) on the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in Relation to Environmental Characteristics. Romano, W. Brad *, Don L. Detwiler and Terry L. Master. ( East Stroudsburg University).
3:45 – 4:00
39. Regulation of plant growth, a balance between positive and negative interactions? Mikesell, Jan*. ( Gettysburg College).
4:00 – 4:15
40. Fifty-five years of change in an Oak-Hickory forest on a sandstone hill in central Pennsylvania . Foster, David K. and Lauren Kras*. ( Messiah College).
4:15 – 4:30
41. Host selection by tendril climbing vines ( Vitaceae) as a selective pressure in temperate deciduous forests. Foster, David K. *, Althea Schweitzer and Christian Bertram. ( Messiah College).
4:30 – 4:45
42. Success of Reproductive Mechanisms in Solidago speciosa var. speciosa; a threatened Pennsylvania plant. Simpson, Lorae* and Dr. Timothy Block. (Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania).
4:45 – 5:00
43. The Occurrence of Small Terrestrial Mammal Species Within Upland Forests of the Southern New Jersey Pine Barrens . Rutherford, Jim*. ( East Stroudsburg University ). Jim’s talk will be presented by Stanley J. Boder.
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
1:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Session V
CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Regency
Carl Hansen, Session Chair
1:15 – 1:30
44. Antiproliferative Effects and Cell Death Induction in 4T1 Mouse Breast Cancer Cells by Tamoxifen, Raloxifene, and their Combination. Favara, Michael T.*, Aviva J. Goel and Shyamal K. Majumdar. ( Lafayette College, Department of Biology).
1:30 – 1:45
45. Cytotoxic and Antitumorigenic Effects of Tamoxifen, Raloxifene and their combination on 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells. Goel, Aviva J.*, Michael T. Favara and Shyamal K. Majumdar. ( Lafayette College).
1:45 – 2:00
46. The Effect of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines IL-1 b , IL-2, GM-CSF, and TNF- a on Phagocytosis and Cell Proliferation in Eisenia hortensis. Goodfield, Laura*, Katrina Hill*, Kathleen Grant, Nicole DeRogatis and Sheryl L. Fuller-Espie. ( Cabrini College).
2:00 – 2:15
47. Investigation of immune response following LPS stimulation of 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma. Nair, Priyanka* and Robert A. Kurt. ( Lafayette College).
2:15 – 2:30
48. TLR4 Stimulation of 4T1 Murine Mammary Carcinoma Cells and Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells. Palha De Sousa, Chiquita A.* and Robert A. Kurt. ( Lafayette College, Department of Biology.)
2:30 – 3:00 BREAK
3:00 – 3:15
49. The Maintenance of Transformation by Simian Virus 40 T antigen. Mitchell, Angela* and Jane Cavender. ( Elizabethtown College).
3:15 – 3:30
50. R ed Clover, Trifolium pretense, Extract Processing: Estrogenic Effect on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation. Konter, Carla*, M. Dana Harriger and Brad E. Engle. ( Wilson College, Dept. of Physical and Life Sciences).
3:30 – 3:45
51. Zebrafish G protein gamma2 is required for VEGF signaling during angiogenesis. Hansen, Carl A. 1*, TinChung Leung 2 and Janet D. Robishaw 2. ( 1Bloomsburg University; 2Weis Center for Research at Geisinger).
3:45 – 4:00
52. Gng11 Modulates Senescence in Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts. Paluch, Andrew M.* 1, William F. Schwindinger 2, Janet D. Robishaw 2 and Carl A. Hansen 1. ( 1Bloomsburg University; 2Weis Center for Research at Geisinger).
4:00 – 4:15
53. Effects of thrombospondin 1 on endothelial immune regulation. Simone, Catherine*, Palak Sutaria, Tyler Steele, Angel Castillo and Linda S. Gutierrez. ( Wilkes University, Department of Biology).
4:15 – 4:30
54. The role of CC Chemokine Receptor 5 in Macrophage Function and HIV-1 Infection. Pickren, Lisa * , Brad E. Engle and Catherine Santai. ( Wilson College, Dept. of Physical and Life Sciences).
4:30 – 4:45
55. The Importance of Early Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS in Infancy and Childhood: Towards Better and Appropriate Diagnostic Methods in a Resource Poor Environment such as Zambia. Emberger, Jennifer*, Lawrence Mylin, Michael Shin, Philip Thuma and Janneke van Dijk. ( Messiah College).
POSTER SESSION I
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
9:00 AM – 12:00 noon
CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Royale Ballroom
K. Joy Karnas, Session Chair
56. The role of phosphorylation in regulating physical interactions between Pif1p and Replication Protein A, and its affect on telomere length in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Staer, Shayna* and Andre P. Walther. ( Cedar Crest College).
57. Effect of Genetic Interactions Between PIF1 and RPA on Telomeres. Krise, Cassandra* and Dr. Andre Walther. ( Cedar Crest College).
58. DNA Damage Repair Pathways of Replication Protein A. Tutino, Rebecca* and Andre Walther. ( Cedar Crest College).
59. Functional analysis of a novel DNA ligase in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Woods, Benjamin* and Steve James. ( Gettysburg College, Department of Biology).
60. Aspergillus nidulans uvsF RFC1 is a potential target of the snoA rif1 inhibitor of DNA synthesis. Keyser, Jenna* and Steve James. ( Gettysburg College, Department of Biology).
61. Does the Aspergillus snoA rif1protein act through the BRCT checkpoint domain of nimO Dbf4 to inhibit DNA synthesis? Bialas, Kristy*, James Barra and Steven James. ( Gettysburg College).
62. The Aspergillus nidulans snoA inhibitor of DNA synthesis plays a role in multiple DNA damage response pathways. Trovato, Martina*, Kristy Bialas, Elizabeth Christian and Steven James. ( Gettysburg College).
63. Approaches towards the Synthesis of Aspernigrin A. Reeve, Anne M.,* Stephen Waters, Erica Joerger, Sarah Zimmermann and Danielle DiFranco. ( Messiah College).
64. Stimulatory Growth Effects of Commercial Green Tea on a Panel of Human Colon Cancer Cell Lines. McDowell, Zachary*, Elizabeth Hill, Suzanne Reedy and Maria Kitchens-Kintz. ( East Stroudsburg University).
65. Investigation into the Effects of Low Concentrations of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on Colon Cancer Cell Growth. Ramos, Ilyssa* and Maria Kitchens-Kintz. ( East Stroudsburg University ).
66. Determination of gene expression changes in breast epithelial cells after exposure to human chorionic gonadotropin by real-time PCR. Madara, John C.*, Dirk S. Oman*, Eric P. Ingersoll and Thomas M. McGuire. ( Penn State Abington).
67. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Influences Expression of the LMO1 Gene in Human Breast Epithelial Cells. Montalvo, David J.*, John Paul Roman*, Thomas M. McGuire and Eric P. Ingersoll. ( Penn State Abington, Department of Biology).
68. The Role of Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Annexin II in Breast Cancer.
Smith, Miriam*, Chalon Saunders and Mahesh C. Sharma. ( Drexel University College of Medicine).
69. Assessment of the Effects of Corticosterone on the Growth and Cell Cycle of the Tag-induced Tumor Line, MKSA. Myers, Jasmine E.* and Jodi L. Yorty. ( Elizabethtown College).
70. Effects of Corticosterone on CD8 + T Lymphocyte Mediated Cytotoxicity of Antigen Presenting Cells Through Cytotoxic Mediators Perforin and Granzyme B. Martinez, Bryon P.*, Lisa C. Sether and Jodi L. Yorty. ( Elizabethtown College).
71. The Effects of Receptor Glycosylation on the Binding Efficiency of Interleukin 13 Receptor Alpha 2 and its Ligand. Pope, Christopher R.* and Jeffrey P. Thompson, Ph.D. ( York College of Pennsylvania, Department of Biological Sciences).
72. Thrombospondin 1 expression in ulcerative colitis. Sahu Nitasa 1*, Milena Martin 2, Eduardo Caleiras 2 and Linda Gutierrez 1. ( 1Wilkes University, Department of Biology; 2Hospital Metropolitano del Norte, Venezuela).
73. Thrombospondin 1 mediated endothelial apoptosis. Rasinger Brandi,* Samantha Zak, Maryana Yevtukh, Angel Castillo and Linda Gutierrez. ( Wilkes University, Department of Biology).
74. T he Presence of 5HT and ACh Receptor Subtypes in a Mollusc Heart. Heinz, Justin*, Peter Folger and Leah Devlin. ( Penn State Abington).
75. Exploration of the Manduca sexta Apoprotein Precursor Protease Cleavage Site. Moran, Kimberly* and K. Joy Karnas. ( Cedar Crest College).
76. Visualizing Lipoprotein Biosynthesis Through Expression of a GFP/Apoprotein Construct. Vozenilek, Aimee* and K. Joy Karnas. ( Cedar Crest College).
77. Scanning Electron and Light Microscope Study of Textured Blood-Contacting Surfaces in Circulatory Support Devices. Schmouder, Vanessa 1*, Jolene Bierly 1, Conrad Zapanta 2 and Gerald Hess 1. ( 1Messiah College; 2Carnegie Mellon University).
78. Effectiveness of Single Strand Confirmation Polymorphism Analysis and Enzymatic Mismatch Cleavage for Mutation Detection in a Family with Complete androgen sensitivity. Rice, Shawn* and Carol E. Hepfer. ( Millersville University).
79. The Identification and Expression of an Alzheimer’s Disease Associated Gene, SORL1, in Zebrafish. Rider, Edward * and Wendy Boehmler. ( York College of Pennsylvania).
80. Neuroprotection by Caffeine and Morpholino Knockdown of Adenosine A2a.1 Receptor in a Zebrafish Model of Parkinson’s Disease . Boehmler, Wendy* 1, Jessica Petko 2, Theresa Carr 2, Matthew Woll 2, Victor Canfield 2and Robert Levenson 2. ( 1York College of Pennsylvania; 2Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine).
81. The isolation of alternative transcripts of the Ubiad1 gene in the human and mouse embryo. Readler, Sarah* , Sarah Zellars, Stephanie Ly, Danice Gregorwicz and Terence W. McGarvey. ( Lycoming College).
82. A Study of Lyme Disease Patients of a Suburban Outpatient Clinic: Prevalence of Symptoms, Efficacy of the Western Blot, and Factors Affecting the Duration of Antibiotic Treatment . Chu, Jonathan*, Richard Daly and Bradley Rehnberg . ( York College of Pennsylvania).
83. The Effects of Chronic Exposure to Common Bedding Materials on the Metabolic Rate and Overall Health of Male CD-1 Mice. Becker, Corey, Bradley Rehnberg* and Caroline Mathur. ( York College of Pennsylvania).
84. Isolation and cloning of glycoside hydrolase genes from Phytophthora infestans. Griffith, John* and Manuel Ospina-Giraldo. ( Lafayette College).
85. A Preliminary Study to Produce Capsaicin in Transgenic Helianthus annuus. De Haas, Kimberly* and K. Joy Karnas. ( Cedar Crest College).
86. Molecular Markers as Biosensors for Detecting Heavy Metal Stress in Manduca sexta. Kudravy, Nyssa*, Rachel Orlen* and K. Joy Karnas. ( Cedar Crest College).
POSTER SESSION II
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
1:15 PM – 5:00 pm
ECOLOGY
Royale Ballroom
Carlos Iudica, Session Chair
87. Water Budget Study of Montandon Marsh, 2003 to 2007. Salisbury , Allyson* and Ahmed Lachhab. ( Susquehanna University).
88. Achievements of the Keystone Stream Team and the Application of Natural Stream Channel Design (NSCD) for Restoring Pennsylvania Streams. Petokas,* Peter J. and Mel Zimmerman. ( Lycoming College).
89. Post Restoration Evaluation of a Natural Stream Channel Design Project (Big Bear Creek Lycoming Co, PA). Rhodes, Nicole* and Mel C. Zimmerman Ph.D. ( Lycoming College, Department of Biology).
90. Nutrient reduction in the Lake Placida system: Five years after installation of upstream wetlands and littoral zone reconstruction . Lauer, Tara*, Ariana Tan* and Thomas Murray. ( Elizabethtown College).
91. Phosphorus-Metal Interactions in Streams Contaminated with Acid Mine Drainage. Simmons, Jeffrey A.* (Mount St. Mary’s University).
92. Metal Ion Concentration Within Algal Tissue of Species Growing In Proximity to Tioga River Outflows Affected by Acid Mine Drainage. Carson, Gregory, John Kirby and Cheyenne McKibbin*. ( Mansfield University).
93. Comparison and Analysis of Metals and Sulfur Compounds in the Shamokin Creek and the Impact of Acid Mine Drainage Before and After the Instillation of a Passive Treatment Site. Evanoski, Ashley*, Smita Raithore and Christopher Janzen. ( Susquehanna University).
94. Impact of the Centralia, Pennsylvania Coal-mine fire on Concentration and Availability of Metals in Soils Above an Active Fire Vent. Janzen, Christopher P. and Piotr S. Wrobel*. ( Susquehanna University).
95. Using Culture-based Approaches to Identify and Isolate Novel Antibiotic-producing Bacteria. Thompson, Ashley* and Tammy Tobin-Janzen. ( Susquehanna University).
96. A Baseline Study Using Biofilm Communities in Shamokin Creek, an AMD Impacted Stream in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. Heath, Sarah* and Jack R. Holt. ( Susquehanna University).
97. Bacterial contamination in the beach waters of Presque Isle State Park as determined by real-time PCR. Hoover , Kaitlyn*, Adam Olszewski, Whitney Kistler, Nicole Phenney, Timothy Wagner,Jerry Covert and Steven Mauro. ( Mercyhurst College).
98. A Second Year Study of Lower Penns Creek Using Habitat Assessment, Benthic Macroinvertebrate, and Periphyton Assemblages. Moore, Nathan M. 1*, Michael D. Bilger 2, Jacob R. Tomlinson 1 and Jack R. Holt 1. ( 1 Susquehanna University ; 2EcoAnalysts, Inc.).
99. The Brunner Island Power Plant: The seasonal effects of a generated thermal plume on the phytoplankton, periphyton, and macroinvertebrate populations of the Susquehanna River. Miceli, Katharine*, Karl Kleiner and Jessica K. Nolan. ( York College of PA).
100. AN . Examination of a Diverse Phytoplankton Assemblage from the Virginia Shelf, with Emphasis on Picophytoplankton and their Relation to Light, Nutrients and Predation. Williams, Amanda* and Jessica K. Nolan. ( York College of PA).
101. Ecological Gradient and Population Structure Analyses of Cryptococcus neoformans. Dutko, Rachel* and Amy J. Reese. ( Cedar Crest College, Department of Biological Sciences).
102. A Survey of Macrofungal Diversity at the Gordon Natural Area. Levy, Lauryn* and Greg Turner . ( West Chester University).
103. The anthomedusan fauna of the Japan Trench: preliminary results from in situ surveys with manned and unmanned vehicles. Lindsay, Dhugal J. 1, Francesc Pagès 2, Jordi Corbera 3, Hiroshi Miyake 1,4, James C. Hunt 5*, Tadafumi Ichikawa 6, Kyohei Segawa 7 and Hiroshi Yoshida 1. ( 1Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC); 2Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC); 3none; 4School of Fisheries Science, Japan; 5East Stroudsburg University; 6National Research Institute of Fisheries Research, Japan; 7National Research Institute of Far Seas Fisheries, Japan).
104. Comparing the Regeneration and Mortality Rates of the Sea Star, Protoreastor nodosus, under Varied Temperatures and Salinities. Clark, Debra* , Ginger R. Fisher and Deborah Austin. ( Wilson College, Dept of Physical and Life Sciences).
105. The phototactic response of a freshwater snail in response to the presence of fish predators. Dubensky, Andrea N.*, Ashley S. Mears, Carol A. Opiela and Edward P. Levri. ( Penn State Altoona).
106. The effect of fish predator presence on the response of a freshwater snail to gravity. Opiela, Carol A.*, Ashley S. Mears, Andrea N. Dubensky and Edward P. Levri. ( Penn State Altoona).
107. Background Preference of Betta splendens and its Effect on Behavior .
Tucker*, C. and G. S. Paulson. ( Shippensburg University ).
108. The Effect of Methamphetamine on Decomposition of Carrion and Maggot Growth. Scarrazo*, M., A. Michelson and G. S. Paulson. ( Shippensburg University).
109. Applying Dyar’s Law to the Growth of Sigara mathesoni (Hungerford) (Heteroptera: Corixidae). Shull, D. R.*, G. S. Paulson and R. L. Stewart Jr. ( Shippensburg University).
110. Urine the right spot: context specific over-marking in the domestic dog Canis lupus familiaris. Hufnagle, Britany* and Matthew Persons. ( Susquehanna University, Biology Department).
111. (Stale) Scent of a woman: The effects of silk dragline age on male mate searching and courtship in the wolf spider Pardosa milvina. Bobbie, Stanley* and Matthew Persons. ( Susquehanna University, Biology Department).
112. Do wolf spiders advertise to females with dragline silk?: variation in male silk deposition among Pardosa milvina in the presence of conspecific females and female silk. Shimmel, Kristen M. 1*, Jamie A. Havrilak 1, Ann L. Rypstra 2 and Matthew H. Persons 1. ( Susquehanna University, 1Biology Department; 2Miami University, Department Of Zoology).
113. Condition-dependent shifts in foraging patterns and maternal care in the wolf spider Pardosa milvina. Rozanski, Dana N.* and Matthew Persons. ( Susquehanna University, Biology Department).
114. The Emergence Pattern of Little Brown Bats (Myotis lucifugus) from a Maternity Colony in Central PA. Janicki, Amanda F.* and Carlos A. Iudica. ( Susquehanna University).
115. The Diets of Two Sympatric Owl Species in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Khalafalla, Suzanne M.* and Carlos A Iudica. ( Susquehanna University).
116. The Comparative Diets of two Sympatric Foxes (Vulpes vulpes and Urocyon cinereoargenteus) located in Central PA. Veeck, Courtney E.*, Jessica J. DeSimone, Dana E. Ward and Carlos A. Iudica. ( Susquehanna University, Department of Biology).
117. EXTERNAL Physical Characteristics and Health Condition of Eastern Hellbenders, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, in North-Central Pennsylvania. Hile,* Brent and Peter J.Petokas. ( Lycoming College).
118. Initial Assessment of an Allegheny Woodrat (Neotoma magister) Population in the North Block of the Tuscarora State Forest. Kindlin, Craig M.* and Richard L. Stewart Jr. ( Shippensburg University).
119. Evaluating different wavelengths of light as a stimulus for the American Dog Tick, Dermacentor variabilis. Hughes, JoAnna* and Richard L. Stewart, Jr. ( Shippensburg University).
120. Survey of treehoppers (Insecta: Hemiptera: Membracidae) on scrub oak in the Pocono Till Barrens, 2007. Maloney, Sean M.* and Matthew S. Wallace. ( East Stroudsburg University, Biological Sciences Department).
121. Cache recovery, pilfering and spatial memory in a scatter hoarding rodent: Do tree squirrels have a retriever’s advantage? Bugdal, Mellisa*, Amy Yuan, Justin Balint, Erick Sam, Jarod Buzalewski, Paul Witt Daniel Matz, Shealyn Marino and Michael A. Steele. ( Wilkes University).
122. Determining secondary dispersal of red oak (Quercus rubra) by small mammals using radio telemetrY. Dombroski, Peter*, Georgina Robinson, Megan Fuesner and Michael A. Steele. ( Wilkes University).
123. Impact of small mammals on the dispersal and predation of American Chestnut. White, Ashley*, Charles Gravener, Shealyn Marino, Andrew Julian, Allison Ottis and Michael A. Steele. ( Wilkes University).
124. Simulated Herbivory Induces the Production of Extrafloral Nectaries in Prunus avium. Pulice, Christine* and Alissa A. Packer. ( Susquehanna University).
125. Reaction of Cuscuta spp. to Simulated Herbivory of Host Plants. Wisgo, Joe* . ( Susquehanna University ).
126. The Status of White Oak in a Chester County Natural Area. Stern, Rachel* and Greg Turner . ( West Chester University).
127. Developing a podcast nature guide for the Kirby Park Natural Area, Wilkes-Barre. Curtis*, Rachel, Richard Kosik*, Heather Washenko*, Andrew Velopolcak* and Kenneth Klemow. ( Wilkes University, Biology Department).
128. Hands-On Approach to Teaching STEM Concepts Using K’NEX. Grebski, Wes* and Jun Choi. ( Pennsylvania State University).
POSTER SESSION IIi
SUNDAY, APRIL 6
8:30 am – 11:30 am
organismal biology
Royale Ballroom
Mary Morrison, Session Chair
129. Vegetation of Mountain Run Ponds, Franklin County, Pennsylvania in 1993 and 2006. Klotz, Larry* and Lauren Chubb. ( Shippensburg University).
130. Measuring and Computing Means of Length and Width of Ovules from Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Undergoing Megagametogenesis and Determining the Fibonacci Sequence. Smith, B.B. and A. Syed*. ( York College of Pennsylvania).
131. Pistil Length as Indicator of Ovule Stages and Use of Length and Width Means of Ovule Stages to Determine if Fibonacci Sequence is Produced in rc Brassica rapa L . Smith, B.B. and S. Syed*. ( York College of Pennsylvania).
132. Antisense transcripts of light-regulated rice genes. Terzaghi, William 1,2, Naseem Mian* 1,2, Jai Shah 1,2, Sonia Singhal 2 , Neil Kocher 1, Rachel Cannuli 1 and Xing-Wang Deng 2. ( 1Wilkes University; 2Yale University).
133. Using RNA interference and over-expression methods to study the role of alpha(1,3)glucanase in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Resling, Jennifer*, Christie Hay* and Amy J. Reese. ( Cedar Crest College, Department of Biological Sciences).
134. Rhodotorula and its Capsule. Olson, Carrie* and Amy J. Reese. ( Cedar Crest College, Department of Biological Sciences).
135. Melanization in Rhodotorula and Cryptococcus. Cardasso, Holly* and Amy J. Reese. ( Cedar Crest College, Department of Biological Sciences).
136. Effects of copper homeostasis on growth morphology and genome wide expression in the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Ellis, Shannon*, Brittany Kujat, David Portonova, Michael Portonova and Jeramia Ory. (King’s College).
137. Stimulation of Asexual Fissioning of the Planarian Dugesia tigrina by Juvenile Hormones. Merwine, Sheena*, George Agurkis, Sarah Witkowski and William J. Biggers. ( Wilkes University, Department of Biology).
138. I nhibition of Metamorphosis of Capitella Metatrochophore Larvae by a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Inhibitor. Scerbo, Anthony* and William J. Biggers. ( Wilkes University, Department of Biology).
139. Genomic Analysis of the Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) Pathway in Sea Urchins. Menard, Marcy*, Victoria Shpilsky*, Amanda Stahl* and Margaret T. Peeler. ( Susquehanna University).
140. Expression of a putative VEGF receptor in interstitial cell derivatives in Hydra magnipapillata. Saul, Michele*, Wilmirlandy Besson and Diane Bridge. ( Elizabethtown College).
141. Creating an expression vector to study the role of VEGF signaling in Hydra vulgaris. Besson, Wilmirlandy*, Michele Saul and Diane Bridge. ( Elizabethtown College).
142. Downstream targets of the Drosophila Egf receptor. Sharma*, Amit, Kyle Sharp*, Nicholas Metrus* and Lisa Kadlec. ( Wilkes University ).
143. The Role of Keren, an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Activator, in Drosophila Development. Gryskewicz, Amanda*, Khushbu Desai* and Lisa Kadlec. ( Wilkes University ).
144. Molecular regulation of insulin-signaling in vitellogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. Fornadley*, Jeffrey, Lauren Klug and David S. Richard. ( Susquehanna University, Department of Biology).
145. Isolation of melanopsin in the retina of the turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans. Boyd, Alison M.* and James R. Dearworth. ( Lafayette College, Department of Biology).
146. Observing the Time Course of Rod Photoreceptor Differentiation in Cichlasoma octofasciatum. Otte, Melissa J.*, Tasha L. Cornish*, Elise G. Holvey-Bates and Audrey J. Ettinger. ( Cedar Crest College).
147. Immunohistochemistry of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone – Containing Neurons in the Brains of Territorial and Non-territorial Cichlasoma octofasciatum Cichlid. Polk, Renita C* and Audrey J. Ettinger. ( Cedar Crest College).
148. Examining the Correlation between Somatostatin Neuron Size and Behavioral State in Cichlasoma octofasciatum Cichlid Fish. Weimann, Sonia R.* and Audrey J. Ettinger. ( Cedar Crest College).
149. Mate Choice in Cichlasoma octofasciatum. Hoffman, Christina N* and Audrey J. Ettinger. ( Cedar Crest College).
150. Genetic analysis of pheromome detection during courtship in Drosophila melanogaster. Stake, Matthew*, Sandra Lynch, Daniel Ward, Nicole Thierwechter, Lisa Cupps and Sherri Bergsten. ( Shippensburg University, Department of Biology).
151. Effects of Alcohol Sedation on Learning and Memory in Drosophila melanogaster. Schulte, Kathryn*, Tess Crouss* and Elaine R. Reynolds. ( Lafayette College).
152. Cessation of Goldfish Fin Motion Following Anesthesia. Lemp, Fabian* and James Sidie. ( Ursinus College ).
153. Temperature and Temporal Stability in a Brainstem Neural Network. Luk, Elizabeth* and James Sidie. ( Ursinus College ).
154. Gap Junction Uncouplers Do Not Disrupt the Electric Organ Discharge (EOD). Alex,Eva* and James Sidie . ( Ursinus College).
155. Refining the PCR Genotyping Procedure for Mice Carrying the TrkB Mutant Allele for Future Use in Breeding to Study Dendrite Development in the Purkinje Neurons of Homozygous Mutant Mouse Cerebellum. Via*, Peter F. and Mary E. Morrison. ( Lycoming College).
156. Is DCC/netrin signaling necessary for Purkinje neuron development?
Horst*, Chanelle N. and Mary E. Morrison. ( Lycoming College).
157. Purkinje neuron dendrite structure: Regulation by the MAP and PI-3 kinase pathway. Campbell *, Ashley M., Stamatis Zeris and Mary E. Morrison. ( Lycoming College).
158. Using Functional MRI to Study Cross-Talk in Synesthetes. Matakas, Jason D.,* Jeffery P. Mastrangelo, Janet L. Richards, Paul Eslinger †, Khristy J. Thompson and Catherine E. Lemley. ( Elizabethtown College; † Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine).
