Spring 1995 Senior Seminar Mini-Symposium

Table of Contents

Tentative Schedule

Friday April 21, 1995
        BIOL      BIOL                CIS          CS          CS       
	  FH101     FH109               AND205       LIB203      AND213   
3:00    Chico     Wollan              Kelley       Wong        Baluch
3:45    Buck      Carrell             Macguire     Stallsworth Seiler
4:30    COFFEE BREAK
        BIOL      BIOL       CHEM     CIS          CS                  MATH
	  FH101     LIB203     FH109    AND205       AND205              AND213
4:45    Sprague   Hocate                           Civil               
5:30    Harrison  Brown      Saeed                 Grote               Trevino
6:15    Prewett   Dennis     Engle                 Spangler            Rostro
Saturday April 22, 1995
        BIOL                          CIS         CS                  MATH
	  FH101                        AND205       FH109               AND213
 9:00   Alfaro                       Garza                            Martinez
 9:45   Stanley                      Hermes       Anderson            Jordan
10:30   Sandoval                     Hadeed       Cummings            Kolas
11:15   Ruddell                      Marshall     Wright              Wells
12:00   LUNCH
        BIOL      BIOL                CIS    
	  FH101     FH109               AND205      
 1:15   Conoly    Srrafian            Mooney
 2:00   Talley    Hebert

Alphabetical List of Authors

Biology Abstracts
John Dennis, Allelopathy In The California Chaparral
A curious feature of California chaparral are areas called bare zones Usually 2-3 meters) around certain shrubs that are devoid of vegetation. Their are several alternative hypothesis which might explain the maintenance of these bare zones the most controversial of which is allelopathic inhibition. Allelopathic inhibition refers to the ability of certain plants to release chemicals that have a detrimental effect on other neighboring plants. The chemicals released, modes of release, and their inhibitory effect on different neighboring plants varies from species to species and with local ecology. Salvia leucophylla and Artemisia californica are two shrubs found to exhibit characteristics of allelopathy in California chaparral. Their are other factors which might explain maintenance of bare zones in California chaparral. For example, bare zones have been attributed to factors such as moisture and nutrients. The foraging behavior of rodents, rabbits, and birds might also explain these bare zones. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors involved in the maintenance of bare zones in California chaparral.

Leah Harrison, Comparison of Different Treatments of Necrotizing fasciitis
Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Group A streptococcus is a potentially life- threatening infection that is not susceptible to some antibiotic treatment. The prevention of the infection will be investigated and two current methods of treatment will be investigated and compared. In evaluating the data collected, the better method of treatment will be determined.

Chris Hebert, Effectiveness of Tympanostomy as Treatment for Pediatric Otitis Media
Otitis media has become childhood's second most common illness outnumbered only by viral upper-respiratory infections. While some believe that the child's middle ear is prone to infection due to immature immune systems, it is largely believed that the leading cause of infection is a result of an underdeveloped eustachian tube, which normally functions to keep the middle ear filled with air and free of fluid. Warm fluid is the optimum medium for bacterial growth. Because of the narrow eustachian tubes in children, infection can recur and does so in millions of pediatric patients each year. Antibiotics are routinely prescribed to battle acute otitis media, but are becoming increasingly resisted by the targeted strains of bacteria. Because of this, many physicians turn to tympanostomy, the surgical placement of tiny plastic tubes which drain fluid in order to compensate for the eustachian tube. Some believe that this is the only alternative to prevent dangerous effects of infection such as deafness or speech impairment. Others contend that this alternative is often unnecessary and its probable consequences are not worth the procedure. The operation of typanostomy as well as its efficiency and effectiveness will be explored.

MaFe Hocate, Application of the Phylogenetic Systematic Method in Deriving a Phylogeny of the Mecoptera Families
Over the past years, researchers have published dozens of anecdotal reports describing autoimmune disorders in women with silicone implants. The disorders include scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. All three diseases involve chronic widespread inflammation--the end result of the immune system mistakenly turning against the body's own tissue. Several studies have been done to test the linkage between implants and these diseases. Some studies support this hypothesized relationship while a recent study raises doubts about this association. An analysis and discussion of these studies and their methods have been done.

Tony Brown, The Neurobiology of Early Learning with Emphasis on the Avian Brain
The subcellular processes that correlate with early learning and memory formation in the chick have been studied. Imprinting and passive avoidance learning are followed by a number of cellular processes, each of which persists for a characteristic time in certain brain regions, and may culminate in synaptic structure modification. In the chick brain, the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptor appears to play an important role in both memory formation and sensitive periods during development, similar to its demonstrated role in neural plasticity in the mammalian brain. Two important findings have emerged from the studies using chickens. First, memory formation appears to occur at multiple sites in the forebrain and, most importantly, it appears to "flow" from one site to another, leaving neurochemical traces in each as it moves on. Second, the memory is laid down either in different sites or in different subcellular events in the left and right forebrain hemispheres. The similarities between early memory formation and experience-dependent plasticity of the brain during development are shown.

Scott Conoly, Mean water temperature preference of the Jollyville Plateau salamander (Erycea sp., a perennibranchiate plethodontid salamander)
It has been suggested that the critical thermal maximum for many species of salamanders inhabiting Texas is near 21 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below and above that value occur frequently in central Texas creeks and streams, even in those inhabited by these salamanders. In this study, members of a population of Jollyville Plateau salamanders (Eurycea sp, a perennibranchiate plethodontid salamander) were observed to determine whether or not they exhibited a preference for the cooler water in a creek in northwest Travis County in which daytime water temperatures reached as high as 26 degrees Celsius, well over the proposed critical maximum. The mean water temperature in which salamanders were found was 22.6, only slightly lower than the creek mean of 23 degrees and well above the proposed critical maximum. The results suggest that, in this case, water temperature is not a significant factor affecting the distribution of this particular Eurycea sp.. Since this species is often considered an important indicator of water quality, it is important to note that these findings provide significant baseline data about its habitat requirements.

Josh Ruddell
In this experiment, the effects of the outflow of a large water sewage treatment plant on water quality and the effects of changes in water quality on the impacted aquatic community will be determined. Water quality parameters, that will be measured, include concentrations of chlorine and phosphate at points in the creek upstream from the point of release of sewage treatment plant outflow, immediately downstream from that point, and 250 meters downstream from that point. The structure of the community will be measured at all three points by determining the abundance of three phytoplankton species which are regarded as key indicators of overall abundance. This project will enable us to determine if there is a relationship between levels of phosphate and chlorine and abundances of phytoplankton in central Texas streams and rivers.

Amy Sarrafian, The In Vitro Comparative Analysis of the PCR and ELISA Testing Methods on the Spirochete Which Causes Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a tick-borne spirochete caused by Borrelia bergdorferi. There has been a growing concern for an effective testing method to diagnose patients believed to be infected with the tick species Ixodes dammini. The comparison will be conducted using the spirochete grown on BSK II medium. Both the PCR and the ELISA testing will be administered on the cultures and results will be recorded.

Christopher J. Stanley, NUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS IN STREAMS AS AFFECTED BY SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT
Phosphate levels at or above .02 mg/L and nitrate levels at or above 5 mg/L are known to cause significant changes in aquatic communities. Urban development has been cited as a major contributor to levels of both of the nutrients. In this study, the levels of the nutrients were monitored under a variety of flow conditions in two minor tributaries of Bull Creek in northwest Travis County. Most of the watershed of one tributary included relatively dense subdivisions and a golf course immediately upstream. The watershed of the other tributary, immediately adjacent to that of the first, had little urban development. The nitrate and phosphate levels of these otherwise similar streams were compare, and tentative conclusions were drawn regarding the effect of development on water quality.

Kevin Prewett, What causes excessive influx of calcium into cytoplasm leading to cancer?
Research has shown that a variety of cancers may be traced to the fact that an overabundance of calcium is released from the endoplasmic reticulum and into the cytoplasm. This overabundant calcium causes an increased metabolism as well as cell growth to an uncontrollable degree. A malfunction in the process of normal calcium release is most likely the cause of the cancer. Roughly, the normal process begins with a hormone binding to the receptor in the plasma membrane which in turn activates a G protein. The G protein then activates the phospholipase C. This enzyme then cleaves a molecule called PIP2 which produces inositol triphosphate (InsP3). The InsP3 thought to trigger the release of calcium. The question is, where along this process does it malfunction, leading to cancer and why does it malfunction?

Claudia Alfaro, Comparison of the Diversity of Protozoan Found in Tallandsia recurvata
The purpose of this research is to examine the Tallandsia recurvata, also known as ball moss, found on live oak trees. The frequency of different microscopic protozoans found will be evaluated. In collecting several samples from site specific trees, data will be taken to identify the different organisms found and how many within each sample. In using this data, the organisms will be categorize based on their diversity. The frequency will then be evaluated to determine the population of each organism found.

Dairan D. Talley, Organophophate concentrations in Mexican Produce
Parathion and malathion are two organophosphate pesticides commonly used on produce in Mexico and Texas. Each has many effects on consumers who digest contaminated produce. The effects are particularly in the nervous system. Monitoring of organophosphates in Texas produce is conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which also oversees produce shipped in from other countries. This proposal describes a method for testing concentrations of parathion and malathion in produce grown in Mexico to see if levels meet regulations set by the Texas Department of Health (TDH).

David C.C. Sprague, Investigations of the Morphology and Taxonomy of Soil Algae from Hamilton Pool
An algal sample was collected from soil at Hamilton Pool, Travis County, Texas, and isolated and grown in marine media. Its pigmentation and cuboidal growth suggests affinities with the class Prymnesiophyceae. An important feature in determining taxonomy in this group lies in characters found in the zoospore. Attempts to study the zoospore are hampered by the unpredictable occurence of this life stage in culture. Part of this study involved varying salinity, photoperiod, and temperature gradients in order to stimulate zoospore production. Other investigations to determine growth requirements, life history, zoospore structure, and flagellation were also carried out. Techniques involving fixation of the vegetative cells prepared samples for sectioning which then will finally lead to electron microscopy. The results of these studies will be presented in order to help clarify the taxonomic position of this interesting alga.

Diane E. Chico, Determination of GAP-43 mRNA Expression Following Cortical Ischemia
Plasticity in the cortex following cerebral infarction has been demonstrated with immunohistochemistry that measured the immunoreactive levels of GAP-43, a neuron-specific protein involved in neurite growth. The detection of GAP-43 after an injury in the central nervous system suggested the existence of neuronal sprouting. Further studies have also shown an increase in GAP-43 expression following focal cerebral ischemia in the cortex where the infarct occurred. To determine whether GAP-43 is expressed significantly after cerebral ischemia, in situ hybridization was used to detect digoxigenin-labeled GAP-43 mRNA in the cortex of a hypertensive rat after cerebral ischemia induced by the permanent occlusion of the right distal middle cerebral artery and the right common carotid artery. After 3 to 7 days recovery, the rats were perfused and the brains removed for in situ hybridization process and evaluation. This presentation will present these studies and evaluate the occurrence of neuronal sprouting in the central nervous system following injury.

Paul T. Carrell, Race-specific Incongruity of Preterm and Low Birth Weights
The higher mortality rate among black infants than among white infants in the United States results largely from the greater frequency of low birth weight and prematurity among black infants. Is a short interval between pregnancies a risk factor for low birth weight and preterm delivery? Such intervals are more common among black than among white women. The race-specific prevalence of preterm delivery and low birth weight is similar among women with interpregnancy intervals of less than three months and among those with more than nine months. However, between three and nine months the prevalence of low birth weights and preterm deliveries is much greater among black women. This seminar will focus on this anomaly and explore reasons for the deviation.

Quita Buck, Isozyme analysis in species of Cooperia (rain lilies) to confirm apomixis by electrophoresis
It is currently accepted that species of Cooperia reproduce apomictically and therefore no transfer of genes occurs between plants. Pollen is used only as a stimulus to reproduction and sperm cells are not used in embryogenesis. Progeny plants should therefore, be identical to the parent plant. An isozyme study between parent plants and progeny of two species of Cooperia was carried out. Plants were collected at various sites along IH-35, St. Edward's University and Austin and then grown along with their progeny in the greenhouse. The enzyme, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, was isolated from Cooperia drummundii and Cooperia pedunculata through electrophoretic methods. The banding patterns of progeny and parents were compared and then the patterns between species were compared. Analysis of the banding patterns of the isozyme is expected to support current reproductive theory and may provide a valuable tool for future classification of plant species within this and other genera.

Peter Wollan, Comparison of the Seasonal Distribution of Aculeate Wasp and Bee Famlies in Austin, Tx
The diversity of the bee famlies would be expected to show a seasonal bimodal distrobution, peaking in the spring and fall. The aculeate wasps, on the other hand, should not show a bimodel pattern of family diversity, due to the fact that they should not be as dependent on the seasonal plant life. The study will require the sorting of all the aculeate wasp and bee famillies from malaise trap samples. The 52 samples were taken in six to seven day intervals, throughout the 89-90 year. Once the sorting and identification is complete, the comparison of the family diversity can be studied using a monthly histogram.

Chemistry Abstracts
Engle, Photolysis of Aqueous Acidic Manganese (II) Solutions
This report is concerned with a study of the photolysis of aqueous acidic manganese (II) solutions. The project consisted of three stages. First, efforts were made to separate and identify the photolysis product. Secondly, we attempted to determine whether Mn (II) in solution formed a complex. This was done using UV spectroscopy. Finally, an attempt has been made to measure the quantum yield for the formation of the photolysis product.

Saeed, INFRARED ANALYSIS OF INTRAMOLECULAR HYDROGEN BONDING IN PYRIDINEALKANOLS
Infrared analysis of intramolecular hydrogen bonding of dilute cyclohexane solutions of Pyridinealkanols, Py(CH2)nOH (where n= 1, 2, or 3), has yielded interesting results about the basicity and minimum energy conformations of these substituted Pyridine molecules. Analysis of 2-Pyridinepropanol yielded two distinct "free" peaks at absorption band frequencies of ~ 3646 cm-1(type II) and 3632 cm-1(type I) respectively as well as two intramolecular hydrogen bonding peaks. This result indicates that both the nitrogen lone pair and the nitrogen Pi electron system can act as strong hydrogen bonding bases. But analysis of 3-Pyridinealkanol and 4-Pyridinealkanol yielded only two "free" rotamer peaks and no intramolecular hydrogen bonded peaks. This is in contrast to infrared analysis of an analogous alcohol, 3-Phenyl-1-Propanol, in which intramolecular hydrogen bonding to the carbon Pi system is observed. Results suggest that the presence of nitrogen in the aromatic ring decreases the basicity of the Pi system above the carbons in the ring.

Computer Information Science Abstracts
Sean Kelley, Analysis and Design of a Team Tracking System
Many companies use a 'teams' approach to solving various problems within their organization. These teams consist of diverse groups of employees who come together to solve a specific problem or to improve some process. Because this type of approach is becoming more commonplace, a system has been designed to track these teams and coordinate their efforts. Management invests large amounts of money is such teams and needs to ensure the people are working as effectively as possible so that all costs, such as lost production time, can be recovered. This project has produced a software product that will provide a solution to this tracking/reporting need with a database system designed for use on a multi-user microcomputer network. The goal is to provide a system with a simple interface, a flexible reporting system, and a means for management to interpret the effectiveness of their team investment. Several modules have been incorporated into the application that track several aspects of teams management including employees, departments, teams, training, and goals. The interface for each module makes extensive use of pull-down and pop-up menus to minimize the need for keyboard input and to maximize data integrity.

Robert Marshall,
It is desirable to collect career planning information from students in order to track them through their undergraduate education. A program was developed using the FoxPro database language and for use on Macintosh computer systems. This program allows the user to specify criteria which queries the database for the desired information. This information can be displayed on the screen or printed in formatted reports. The program can also update the information in the database, purge the information, or allow new information to be added. This application is self-checking which ensures that necessary conditions are met. It is user friendly in that it employs menu screens which makes it difficult to erase valuable information.

Ben Garza, Vendor Code Relational Database Management System Application
Sheshunoff Information Services, Inc., is a company that produces regulatory and informative products for the general banking industry. An application to keep track of various vendors and sales contacts is needed to attain vendor and sales history. Currently the system in use is manually operated. The alternative was to design a relational database management application using Fox Pro version 2.5 , that is accurate and user-friendly, to handle frequent searches for client history and store history of sales or purchases. Using window interfaces, Rushmore Technology, RQBE (Relational Query by Example) and SQL searches, provided by Fox Pro, an application was designed to retain vendor history under uniquely determined codes. Using this "code ", a vendors' history of sales can be obtained, reviewed, updated or manipulated as needed.

Lou Hermes, Automated Letter System
Automated Letter System is designed to generate mass-customizable batches of commonly used letters. This product was needed to replace an obsolete system written in O'Hanlon Database Solution (ODBS). The new product is written in Visual Basic 3.0 and runs on a PC (386 or above) using Windows 3.0 or later. The system is designed to have various types of letter greetings and closings entered into its database, as well as numerous paragraph options. For each letter, the user enters the recipient's name and address, the letter type, and the paragraph option(s). As the letter type and paragraph option(s) are entered, the system immediately tells the user which letter type and paragraph(s) are chosen. The system allows the user to view the letter before printing it. The user also has the option to print some or all of the letters in the file. Although this new product is designed to replace an existing system, it is also generic in nature so that it may be used by enterprises of all kinds.

Wayne Hadeed, HT_BARS (software name) 'Horse Trainer's Billing And Record System'
HT_BARS is a database designed to meet the specific requirements of a typical racehorse trainer. The requirements and specifications were supplied by the specific racehorse trainer for whom the software was originally created. HT_BARS has three major functions:- (1) Monthly invoicing to horse owners. (2) Horse pedigree information. (3) Horse track record and career earnings. The software can generate two reports, a Monthly Invoice, and a Pedigree & Performance report. The software and its accompanying user documentation will be presented at the seminar. There will be an 'in use' demonstration of a specific trainer, hence showing the software's functionality, and an initialization demonstration which will show how a trainer could conceivably purchase, and initialize (i.e. design, configure or set up) any trainer specific functions such as the Invoice template.