1999 Senior Seminar Symposium

• Tentative Senior Seminal Schedule
• Alphabetical list of authors
• Biochemistry Abstracts
• Biology Abstracts
• Chemistry Abstracts
• Computer Information Science Abstracts
• Computer Science Abstracts
• Mathematics Abstracts

TENTATIVE SENIOR SEMINAR SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE

SATURDAY April 10	ACTIVITY	BIOCHM MH211	CISC MH302	COSC MH303	BIOL MH200	BIOL MH306
8:45 AM	Coffee and rolls - MH 305
	SESSION CHAIR	Dr. Kopecki	Mr. Purvis	Dr. Wright	Dr. Quinn	Dr.Mills
9:00 AM	PARALLEL SESSION 6	Barrera	Banks	Reyna	Soto	Keilers
9:45 AM	PARALLEL SESSION 7	Hendrix	Paul	Saegert	Berger	Canepa
10:30 AM	BREAK MH 305
	SESSION CHAIR	Dr. Kopecki	Mr. Purvis	Dr. Wright	Dr. O'Leary	Dr. Hook
10:45 AM	PARALLEL SESSION 8	Garcia	Robinson	Min Fu	Garza	de Jesus
11:30 AM	PARALLEL SESSION 9		Jackson	Whitehead	Gonzalez	Diaz de Leon
12:15 PM	LUNCH - Maloney Room (Main Bld.)
	SESSION CHAIR			Dr. McKemie MATH	Dr. Quinn BIOL	Dr. O'Leary BIOL
1:15 PM	PARALLEL SESSION 10			Valescu	Castillo	Rocha
2:00 PM	PARALLEL SESSION 11			Ramirez	Krauskopf	Castillo
2:45 PM	PARALLEL SESSION 12			Dean	Blacklock

Alphabetical list of authors

Adam, Niklas
Amador, Michele
Banks, Jaron
Barrera, Alessandra
Bauer, Eric
Berger, David
Blacklock, David
Calabretta, Michelle
Canepa, Carlos
Castillo, Javier
Castillo, Julie
Christon, John
Dean, Michael - CS
Dean, Michael - Math
DeVetter, Scott
Diaz de Leon, David
Fu, Sheau Min
Funk, Wade
Garcia, Alma
Garza, Ashli
Garza, Jaime
Gonzalez, Emma
Harris, Chris
Hendrix, Jennifer
Jackson, Jacqueline
Jesus, Danilo de
Krauskopf, Kara
Keilers, Christie
Ligas, Mark
Maxey, Dawn
Molina, Antonio
Parks, Auromira
Paul, Ellen
Pham, Lan Van
Pilarczyk, Jennifer
Potter, Bryan
Ramirez, Danny
Rocha, Amy
Reyna, Deborah
Richter, Shelli
Robinson, Mark
Saegert, Mark
Salas, Chriselda
Selekanyo, Tshepang
Soto, James
Trevino, Michael
Valescu, Michael
Whitehead, Douglas

Biochemistry Abstracts

Alessandra (Ali) Barrera
Supervisor: Dr. Henry Altmiller
Title: Design and Methodology of Recombinant Methods of Production for Serine Carboxypeptidase II
Abstract: Recently an enzyme, serine carboxypeptidase II, has been identified whose active site contains a catalytic triad similar to that of the serine proteases but whose folding topology is very similar in structure to that of carboxypeptidase A, hence the name. Such a dichotomy raises very interesting questions regarding structure-activity relationships and raises the possibility of independent or convergent evolutionary schemes for these enzymes.

We are designing a recombinant DNA technology to express the protein in vivo so as to study various aspects of its structure and activity. Steps include construction of a CPDW-II clone containing the gene ligated into an appropriate vector, transformation of an E. coli. with the clone, and overexpression of the recombinant protein in vivo with isolation by affinity chromatography. Isolation and amplification of the gene of interest will be performed with the polymerase chain reaction.

Michelle Calabretta

Supervisor: Dr. Eamonn Healy
Title: Raman and Surface Enhanced Raman Studies of Amino Acids and Proteins
Abstract: Raman spectroscopy is useful in studying biomolecular structure becauseit can be used with aqueous solutions. Visible lasers are typically used for these studies based on power and resolution criteria. Visible lasers however can be dangerous and therefore unsuitable for an undergraduate lab. Our work involves the development of several methodologies utilising a near-infrared laser to obtain Raman and Surface Enhanced Raman spectra of amino acids and proteins comparable to the results in the literature.

John Christon

Supervisor: Dr. Eamonn Healy
Title: Quantitative Structure Retention Relationships (QSRR): The Predictive Power of Connectivity Indeces
Abstract: We have developed simple Quantitative Structure Retention Relationships (QSRR) to allow for the prediction of both retention parameters in reverse-phase HPLC and migration parameters in Capillary Zone Electrophoresis (CE). To date we have performed multiple regression analysis on a variety of calculated geometrical, electronic and physical properties of a homologous series of carboxylic acids and correlated there with retention times for reverse-phase HPLC using a C-18 column, and with migration times for CE with a standard 57 cm silica capillary. To date connectivity indeces, both molecular and valence, have proven to be the best descriptors. To analyze why there essentially topological parameters contain so much electronic information we are attempting to correlate retention and migration with other, atom-based descriptors, and equivalencing the connectivity-based parameters to the atom-based parameters.

Alma Garcia

Supervisor: Dr. Henry Altmiler
Title: A Simplified Methodology for the Determination of Ligand Binding Constants
Abstract: Most biochemical processes rely on molecular interactions, usually interactions between large macromolecules and smaller ligand or substrate molecules. The forces responsible for such interactions are predominantly non-covalent forces such as hydrogen bonding or hydrophobic effects. The binding between macromolecule and ligand is usually close, selective and specific. Our study presents a simple method for determining the strength of such binding using fluorescence spectroscopy. Two experimental systems were used; (1) measuring the binding constant between human serum albumin (HSA) and aniline naphthalene sulphonate (ANS) and (2) bonding between genomic DNA and diamidino phenylindole (DAPI).

Jennifer Hendrix

Supervisor: Dr. J.D. Lewis
Title: Design and Methodology of Recombinant Methods of Productions for Serine Carboxypeptidase II: Ligation and Transformation
Abstract: Serine Carboxypeptidase II is an enzyme whose active site resembles that of serine proteases. Although Serine Carboxypeptidases do contain the catalytic triad serine proteases do, its topology resembles that of Carboxypeptidase A. This raises questions about the evolutionary schemes for these enzymes. We are designing a methodology using DNA recombinant technology that will allow us to isolate this enzyme, serine carboxypeptidase II, in large quantities. Specifically this paper deals with the integration of PCR products into plasmid DNA, ligation into vector, transformation into Ecoli and reisolation of DNA.

Biology Abstracts

Michele Amador

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Evolution of Menopause
Abstract: : Menopause is a basic stage in some female primates. It signifies the cessation of reproduction. Some scientists theorize that menopause can be an adaptive or nonadaptive response. Menopause seems to be a selective advantage for females. The purpose of this research is to determine if menopause is a mechanism for which females conserve their energy for survival in the end of their life cycles. Energy normally used for reproduction is transferred to be used for maintenance when menopause occurs. Therefore, the role of menopause in individual fitness is examined.

Eric Bauer

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Adaptive Advantages Associated With Birth Sex Ratios and Maternal Rank in Primates
Abstract: : It is a common conception that the birth sex ratio must be one to one. However, there may be adaptive advantages associated with other ratios. In some primates this hypothetical advantage may be a function of maternal rank. This variation in sex ratio may allow greater reproductive success for both high and low ranking primate females. This seminar will focus on three hypotheses and explain such variation in birth sex ratios: Trivers Willard hypothesis, advantaged daughter hypothesis, and Silk's local resource competition hypothesis. Mechanisms for these birth sexual selection will also be discussed.

David Berger

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Comparative Development and Evolution of the Placenta in Primates
Abstract: : The placenta plays an extremely significant role in intrauterine development. Its functions include gaseous exchange, absorption of metabolites vital for embryonic growth and development, and the removal of waste products from the fetus. Placental diversity in primates is very complex but may prove to be useful in determining phylogeny. Most higher primates have discoidal placentas. Even within this type, there still exists wide variation. Baboons, for instance, have an intermediate type of placenta that implants superficially like the macaque but, like the human, does not form an accessory placenta. The similarities among these placental structures may give us a better idea of how closely related certain species of primate are to each other.

David Blacklock

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Human Sperm Competition
Abstract: : The bulk of advanced research on human sperm competition has dealt in one way or another with varying male ejaculate size. The assumption has been held by many, and now has been clearly established, that men participating in monogamous relationships produce a smaller ejaculate size than that of their promiscuous counterparts. It is also fully understood that the cost of sperm production is great, thus if the risk of sperm competition from other males is low (as is the case with males in monogamous relationships) then for energy conservation males in these types of relationships produce a smaller ejaculate which contains proportionately fewer sperm. Whereas men participating in relationships involving a relatively high degree of promiscuity encounter more complicated issues. These aforementioned males involved in promiscuous relationships now run a significantly greater risk of competing with another male which has inseminated the same female within a five (5) day period of time. This five (5) day period of time is a conservative estimate of the viability of competing human sperm following ejaculation. Sperm competition theory currently states that the larger ejaculate producing male has statistically greater chances of success than those males which produce smaller ejaculates. The obvious assumption here is that larger ejaculates contain more sperm. Yet, what is interesting to note is that in reality ejaculates, as earlier stated, are very costly to produce. Thus there must be an optimal trade off between the need for larger ejaculates due to the likely hood of sperm competition, and the need for the body to economize. There is recently been speculation, that although the size of ejaculate from a monogamous male is smaller and the overall number of sperm is contains is fewer there is a negligible variation when comparing the quantity of viable sperm. For clarification, for the purposes of this research viable sperm will be considered sperm which is non-mutated and fully motile. The necessity of this distinction is directly related to the fact that it has been shown that non-fully motile sperm can clump together at strategic locations such as the utero-tubal and cervico-uterine junctions creating a blockade of coagulated mutated sperm preventing fertilization by competing viable sperm. It is therefore the goal of this research to determine the likelihood that human males sacrifice their ability to provide an effective barricade via non-motile sperm in order to decrease the costly nature of sperm production. It is thus far been assumed that the ratio of viable sperm to non-motile clumping "kamikaze" sperm has remained a constant between monogamous and promiscuous human males. It is our inclination however to test the feasibility that the human male eliminates the need for these "kamikaze" sperm by remaining within the confines of a mutually exclusive relationship. Therefore, the hypothesis essentially states that monogamous males produce a ratio of viable sperm much greater than the sixty percent (60%) viability per ejaculation assumed for every male. The results of the experimentation performed by Robin Baker and Mark Belles, and the involvement of three other articles of primary literature will be closely followed and interpreted. The ramifications of this research could prove far reaching and futher implicating the miraculous behavior of the human form.

Carlos Canepa

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Do Environmental Stresses Effect the Fertility of Female Primates?
Abstract: : A tremendous amount of money is placed into research for human infertility problems. Infertility can usually be related to a hormonal imbalance in the female. Medical treatments are available to treat the imbalance, but what causes the imbalance? Understanding non-human primates may be a key to understanding fertility problems in humans. Several studies have shown how different environmental stresses, such as drought, change the amount of hormones needed to successfully implant the embryo in the uterus. In general, less conceptions and births occur during highly stressful environmental conditions. The aim of this paper is to show how the environment can change the levels of hormones in the female body to allow or not allow conception to ensure the offspring have the greatest chance for survival. By studying this in non-human primates, it may lead to some questions and/or answers to human infertility.

Javier Castillo

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Bonobos Substitution of Sex for Aggression
Abstract: : Bonobos (also known as pygmy chimpanzees), Pan paniscus,are a species of ape that share about 98% of their genetic makeup with humans and chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes. These apes are found only in a isolated section of the swampy equatorial forests in the left bank of the Congo River while chimpanzees live in the right bank that extends from Tanzania and Uganda all the way to West Africa. Because of this isolation by the Congo River bonobos have evolved over the last 2 million years in a different environment than chimpanzees. At first glance bonobos and chimpanzees look very much alike. A closer look reveals that they are very different. Bonobos have smaller skulls, flatter faces, longer limbs, and distinctive tufts of hair on top of their heads. The most striking contrast, however, is their social behavior. Despite their very close genetic relationship, bonobos are the most gentle of the apes while chimpanzees are some of the most aggressive. In bonobos infanticide is virtually absent while in chimpanzees it occurs often. It is also well known that bonobos are the most promiscous apes given the fact that they engage in sexual activity about every 1.5 hours in every combination and position imaginable: male-female masturbation, oral sex, infant-adult fondling, and homosexual acts. They are also the only group of apes that are able to copulate face-to-face instead of the usual rear-entry position. The fact that bonobos are very sexually active and that they are non-aggressive leads to the argument that bonobos substitute sex for aggression and this helps form a social bond in which there is no hierarchy.

Juliana Castillo

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: The Evolutionary Advantage of the Female Orgasm
Abstract: : The evolution of the female orgasm in human and non-human primates has been a controversial issue within the scientific community. Many have suggested that non-human female primates are not capable of experiencing an orgasm and that it is exclusive of human females. Although there are many theories regarding the evolution of the female orgasm, few appear to address the evolutionary advantage it provides to female primates. If there is an evolutionary advantage, why is it not universal? Since it is apparent that females are capable of conceiving without orgasms, their role in reproduction is questionable. The concept of fitness and/or reproductive success regarding the female orgasm has not been adequately addressed. In this presentation, the theories regarding the evolution of the female orgasm will be reviewed and its effect on fitness will be discussed.

Danilo de Jesus

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: The Effects Endocrine Steroid Hormones Have on the Immune System as an Immunosuppressive During Pregnancy
Abstract: : The immune and endocrine systems are altered drastically during the reproductive process. Intrusion of antigencally foreign material from the male into the female constitutes an immunologic burden which must be accepted in order to produce offspring.

It has been recognized that steroids can exert a profound influence over immunological reactivity. The endogenous levels of the three hormones estrogen, progesterone and cortisol increase during pregnancy. The increases in the production of these hormones will be discussed and their role in immunoregulation during pregnancy, in particular progesterone's effects and involvement, will be analyzed in greater detail.

David Diaz de Leon

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Pan paniscus and Pan troglodytes: A Reproductive Comparison
Abstract: : Bonobo (Pan paniscus) and chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) show striking differences in reproductive behavior and anatomy although they are almost genetically identical primates. In the wild, nearly all female chimpanzee sexual behavior is observed during maximal or near maximal swelling periods of estrus. However, this contrasts to the behavior of bonobo females,which are said to have been "released from the constraints of reproductive sex" by remaining sexually receptive throughout the menstrual cycle. This estrusless sex has been considered by some to be an evolved mode of social communication. Also, many primatologists largely assume female bonobos mate more frequently than female chimpanzees; although this is debatable. Interestingly, the relocation of the clitoris from the normal condition noted in adult Pan paniscus makes possible the ventro-ventral positioning of the individuals during copulatory behavior. Intense, face-to-face sexual interactions has been achieved by Pan paniscus without the evolution of bipedalism and without the reorientation of the genitalia as seen in humans. This anatomical change also increases sexual stimulation of the female during heterosexual, ventro-ventral copulations. This drastic variation in copulatory positioning is absent in chimpanzee reproductive behavior.

Ashli Garza

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: The Influence of Dominance Rank on the Reproductive Success of Female Chimpanzees
Abstract: : In many species of group-living mammals, especialy those that feed on monopolizable foods, such as primates, females have frequent dominance interactions and are ranked in stable linear hierarchies. In most studies high-rank is associated with higher reproductive success, although this relation has been said to be somewhat weak, partly because of the counterbalancing costs of high rank. There is a controversy over the extent to which the effects of rank on reproductive success are due to better access of food, or from the protection of stress that results from aggression toward individuals at the bottom of the hierarchy. The influence of female chimpanzee dominance rank and its effect on their reproductive succes will be further examined.

Jaime Garza

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: The Presence of the Adolescent Growth Spurt in Non-Human Primates
Abstract: : This study will investigate the controversy of the presence of an adolescent growth spurt in non-human primates. While one group of researchers has stated unequivocally that the adolescent growth spurt is uniquely human, others believe that adolescent growth spurts are common to many primates. While the human growth spurt is obviously greater than in other species, it has been difficult to confirm that it is simply non existent in other species. Investigation of adolescent growth spurts is of substantial evolutionary importance. There is some speculation that the growth spurt is of selective advantage to species that require extensive postnatal learning. The growth spurt may also be of selective advantage to males in species characterized by reproductive competition. The most current evidence for the pattern of occurrence of the adolescent growth spurt will be reviewed in this presentation, and the evolutionary significance of the evidence will be described.

Emma Gonzalez

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Activity of the Endocrine Hormones Responsible for the Onset of Puberty in the Great Apes
Abstract: : It is understood that the great apes are most familiar to humans than any other primate species. With this in mind, we can use the studies made using the great apes to point out the areas in which they can best serve as endocrine substitutes for humans. The area that can be most helpful in obtaining a more in-depth understanding of the endocrine activities that occur as primates, more specifically chimpanzees, enter puberty is the reproductive endocrine system. Numerous studies have been conducted to explore this vague area of knowledge. This presentation will point out and analyze the data and results of various studies dealing with the different hormones involved in the developmental process leading to puberty. Other factors that relate to the onset of puberty will also be discussed.

Chris Harris

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Female Orgasm Rate Increases with Male Dominance in Japanese Macaques
Abstract: : Female orgasm in nonhuman primates has been a topic of controversy. Evidence shows that copulatory orgasm in female nonhuman primates is noted from observations of sudden behavioral changes that occur during copulation. According to Wolfe, an orgasm is detected when the female turns her head to look back at her partner, reaching back with one hand to grab the male characterized by body spasms and distinct vocalizations. Although these signs are present, it is debated as to whether these signs are actually indicators of orgasmic response to the female questioning the reliability of the climax for data purposes. Although the signs of orgasm in humans is known, studies have been made to see if there is a correlation between the clutching reaction as an actual response to orgasm. Slob et al. found that the female's look-back and reach-back behaviors were not linked to either the pattern of uterine contractions or the occurrence of climax state. Findings show that, under specific circumstances, female nonhuman primates find genital stimulation positively reinforcing and may experience orgasm. It also must be noted that not all individuals experience orgasm, and those that do reach it, do not do so consistently. This brings us to wonder what factors actually facilitate an orgasmic response in female nonhuman primates. According to Saayman, it is known that female baboons had orgasms when mounted by adult males rather than when they were mounted by subadult males or juvenile males. However, focusing soley on physical stimulation may be misleading because social factors may greatly influence the levels of sexual arousal in female primates. This study was performed by analyzing the role of the age and dominance rank of the sexual partners in influencing the probability of occurrence of female orgasms.

Christie Keilers

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Breeding Seasonality of Non-human Primates
Abstract: : Specific non-human primates exhibit distinct breeding and birthing seasonal sexual cycles. Many studies have been done to try to determine the factors that allow these species to restrict breeding to a certain time of year. From these studies possible environmental and physiological factors affecting females, such as food availability and estrogen levels, have been identified. Majority of the research has collected data on the Macaca mulatta, Lemur catta, and Saimiri sciureus. Discussion of the results on studies regarding the environmental and physiological factors affecting breeding seasonality in each of the primates mentioned will be evaluated in further detail.

Kara Krauskopf

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Do Females Promote Sperm Competition?
Abstract: : It is possible for a female to mate with a second male while containing fertile sperm in the female tract from one or more previous males. When this occurs, sperm competiion results. While many studies have been done to examine sperm competition, the female's role is usually not mentioned. Humans, Homo sapiens, participate in monogamous and polygamous relationships causing sperm competition to play a big role in conception. Because of this, copulatory and inter-copulatory female orgasms allow the female to manipulate what goes on in the female tract. For example, while timing of an orgasm during copulation determines the number of sperm retained, inter-copulatory orgasms allow the pH of the cervix to become more acidic, causing sperm to slow down or be immobilized (Baker & Bellis 1993). Arguments of what the female orgasm is actually responsible for have lead to two major hypotheses dealing with sperm competition. Levin (1981) explains that the female orgasm functions to induce sleep after copulation. Referred to as the poleaxe hypothesis, this hypothesis states that females must stay lying down in order to reduce sperm loss (1981). Fox et. al (1970) explains the up-suck hypothesis in which the female orgasm functions to "suck-up" sperm farther into the female tract. Both of these hypotheses support the theory that female orgasms do play a role in sperm competition. These hypotheses will be examined in detail and several studies will be examined to support or deny these hypotheses. Findings will also be compared to the male competing strategies to show that females are also competing strategists in sperm competition.

Auromira Parks

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: The Function of Menstruation
Abstract: : Menstruation is the phenomenon of uterine bleeding and shedding between successive ovulations. The function of menstruation has long been under debate and there are currently several theories about the nature of the primary function of menstruation. In the last decade two hypotheses have become more prominent than the others. The first of these two hypotheses argues that cyclical regression and renewal of the endometrium is energetically less costly than maintaining the endometrium in the metabolically active state required for implantation. The second hypothesis suggests that menstruation evolved to rid the uterus of sperm born pathogens. These are two viable hypotheses but they do not take into account that menstruation is not an independent physiological process and therefore unlikely to have been selected for independently of the evolutionary events that led to it. A simpler explanation is that menstruation is a necessary consequence, not an adaptation, of the evolutionary changes involving the close contact between the genetically different embryo and maternal tract tissues.

Jennifer Pilarczyk

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Milk Composition in Primates
Abstract: : The three major nutrient components of primate milk are fat, protein, and carbohydrate. The differences in the concentrations of these components depend essentially on the needs of the offspring. A mother's milk composition may vary with the rate of postnatal growth, the mother's suckling behavior, differences in maternal care, and the thermoregulatory needs of the offspring. Milk composition may vary with respect to increased or decreased levels of dry matter, carbohydrate, fat, and dilution. Past research has been conducted on all primates including humans. In this presentation, the issue of how and why milk composition varies will be addressed.

Shelli Richter

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Determination of Genetic Variation in Lupinus texensis by Utilizing Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)
Abstract: : Lupinus texensis is a winter annual endemic to Central Texas and widely planted along the state's roadways. In the spring, it produces colorful racemes. Flowers lowest on the raceme mature first, long before flowers higher on the raceme become fertile. Such a pattern ensures that flowers within a single raceme are fertilized by different pollinators, increasing the degree of genetic variation produced. This study reports on attempts to develop a method to determine the degree to which such variation occurs by utilizing random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), a relatively novel assay based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Amy Rocha

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: The Sexual Behavior of Pan paniscus as a Substitution for Aggression in the Presence of Food
Abstract: : Pan paniscus is a species characterized to have a high frequency of ventro-ventral copulation, a prolonged period of female sexual responsivity, and homosexual behavior, especially between females in the form of genito-genital rubbing (GG rubbing). Their sexual behavior has been noted to appear to function in proximate terms as a tension-reduction mechanism, especially in the presence of food. Research has been conducted on the social behavior of Pan paniscus during feeding times including monitoring their daily activities and the sexual behaviors they exhibit while food is present. The studies have included female and male bonobos of different ages. Regression analysis has been used to test whether or not there is a functional relationship between GG rubbing (a sexual behavior) and food availability. According to a common hypothesis, as an increase amounts of food are given to the group, then the occurence of GG rubbing should also increase. The results of this type of study will be summarized and analyzed to determine if the sexual behaviors of Pan paniscus serve as a substitution for aggression when food is present among the group.

Chriselda Salas

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: The Affect of Hormone Levels During the Menstrual Cycle and its Relation to Female Behavior
Abstract: : The menstrual cycle is composed of five cycles, depending on the secretion of different levels of the following hormones: estradiol, progesterone, and lutenizing hormone. There is a common belief that the hormonal levels affect the behavior of females. In order to understand whether there is a correlation between hormonal secretion and behavior due to the menstrual cycle, I will investigate various scientific experiments, using data and results, to demonstrate whether there is scientific proof behind this common belief.

Tshepang Selekanyo

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Nesting Behavior of Anacrabro ocellatus (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) with an Analysis of Digger-carrier Type Behavior
Abstract: : Anacrabro ocellatus was studied from May-June 1998 at the University of Texas's Brackenridge Field Laboratory in Austin. Although the basic nesting biology of the Austin population was similar to previous studies, differences were found in prey selection and in nest architecture.Cocoons were recovered and described for the first time. Nest excavations provided results on rates of fly parasitism and ant predation. Results were obtained on the rate and success of fire ant attacks on nesting females and nest contents. Most attention was devoted to analyzing digger-carrier type behavior. Here females fly backwards from their nest entrance holding a bolus of soil between their forelegs and mouthparts, and then release the soil a distance from their nest entrance. As the digging sequence progressed, females often extended the distance of these excavation trips. It was tested whether there was a relationship between burrow depth (time recorded since nest initiation) and the distance flown (10 - 299 cm) to drop the soil bolus. The role of nest orientation must also be considered when attempting to explain the tremendous variation exhibited in excavation flights.

James Soto

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Genological Influences on the Occurance of Infant Abuse in Nonhuman Primates
Abstract: : The present study investigates possible geneological influences on the occurrence of infant abuse in nonhuman primates. Dario Maestripieri and Kelly A. Carroll are two researchers who reviewed records at Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center over a period of 35 years. The records indicated that, in both pigtail macaques and sooty mangabeys, 5-10% of infants suffer severe physical abuse from their mothers. This estimate roughly matches abuse rates in human populations. Maestripieri and Carroll also argue that infant neglect and abuse rarely occur together and may represent seperate phenomena. Neglect usually takes place among young, inexperienced mothers that abandon ony one child, usually the first born, as an infant. On the otherhand, abusive mothers span a wide age range and usually harm successive offspring. Abusive parenting patterns in group-living monkeys, such as macaques and mangabeyes, has also been shown to run in families. The occurrance of infant abuse in undisterbed nonhuman primate populations could serve as good animal models and enhance our understanding of infant abuse in humans.

Mike Trevino

Supervisor: Dr. William J. Quinn
Title: Nonhuman Primate Milk Composition Based on Thermoregulation
Abstract: : While rich milk provides the ability to quickly expend energy and nutrients, dilute milk has a potential advantage. Nonhuman primates found in envronments that are dry and extremely hot, the demand for water to maintain body temperature is crucial for survival. Therefore, in these particular species of nonhuman primates where the young are subject to high heat exposure, it has been suggested that dilute milk could be advantageous towards thermoregulatory needs. A dilute milk would help in maintaining body temperature and would decrease the stress of obtaining water for those species that face higher heat loads. This presentation attempts to validate this theory and explore alternatives.

Chemistry Abstracts

Niklas Adam

Supervisor: Dr. Henry Altmiller
Title: Photolysis of Manganese (II) Solutions
Abstract: The photolysis of manganese (II) solutions in the presence of excess acid and manganese (II) results in the formation of a manganese (III) photoproduct. The quantum yield for the manganese (III) product has been measured. These results are compared to what is expected from a published mechanism.

Computer Information Science Abstracts

Jaron Banks

Supervisor: Dr. Laura Baker
Title: Works for Money
Abstract: : Compu-Tex Computer Solutions is a startup company located in South Austin that specializes in computer service and repair. The company needed a better way of keeping track of the work technicians performed. The current system involved tracking all work orders on paper. If the paperwork is lost there is no backup information. Also, in order to do reports on technicians, service work, etc., one would have to look back through all of the paperwork. A computerized system was designed to keep track of work orders and technicians. This system also produces various reports. Using this system, the time required to track work or produce reports on paper will be cutdown from 1-2 hours to 5-10 min.

Wade Funk

Supervisor: Dr. Richard L. Kopec
Title: Web DNS Editor
Abstract: : Prior to the development and implementation of a graphical user interface for the Domain Name Service (DNS) editing script used at Tivoli Systems, a command line user interface was used. This script was able to successfully perform the duties for which it was designed, however, the program was slow and somewhat difficult to use due to the command line interface. A web-based GUI was developed to decrease usage time and increase user friendliness, using the common gateway interface (CGI) methodology with Perl and HTML. Initially, Perl/TK was used to implement the product, however it became evident that CGI was a more adequate and practical solution.

The CGI implementation is operating in an isolated network under a limited span of control, however, testing is now underway to document that it will function properly throughout the domain name servers of the company. This GUI has successfully provided the user a quicker and simpler environment for editing the DNS through a web-browser.

Dawn Maxey

Supervisor: Dr. Richard L. Kopec
Title: Monitoring PROMIS System Resources
Abstract: : PROMIS (process manufacturing integration system) is a manufacturing execution system used by the Advanced Research and Development Lab (APRDL) at Motorola to operate their semiconductor factory. APRDL has developed other interfaces and applications for statistical process control, equipment automations, and graphical reporting which rely on the accuracy and consistency of the PROMIS data base. The computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) group is responsible for providing 27 x 7 support to the factory line. The high cost of factory down time, as much as $90,000 every hour, required that the status of the PROMIS data base and system be easily accessible to all members of the CIM group from remote locations using varied platforms. The PROMIS status page was developed to provide real-time information about the PROMIS data base, system status, and the status of critical system maintenance functions. The PROMIS status page has been linked to the CIM group's emergency pager response system. Response time has been greatly decreased by providing timely PROMIS information that previously required interventions by the PROMIS system administrator. The PROMIS status page has also helped to determine when unsuccessful system back-ups occurred.

Ellen Paul

Supervisor: Dr. Barbara B. Owens
Title: Stephen Ministry Active Resource Tracking (SMART) System
Abstract: : Stephen Ministry is a structured, highly confidential lay ministry providing one-on-one care for Care Receivers, those individuals experiencing life changing situations.

The Stephen Ministry Active Resource Tracking System is an Object Oriented application designed to address three problems facing churches that actively engage in the Stephen Ministry program. The first problem consists of tracking the 50+ hours of training, as well as the continuing education that each Stephen Minister is required to have. In addition to training, there is also the problem of matching individual Stephen Ministers to Care Receivers. The matching is done first by gender, then by age, personality, and finally personal experience and training. The last problem addressed with the system is security, as confidentiality is critical to the Stephen Ministry program.

Tracking the training information was accomplished by providing a mechanism for posting who was in each of the courses and when those courses were taken. Using Myers-Briggs compatibility techniques helped attain personality matching. Finally, the application has been password protected to ensure the utmost confidentiality to both the Care Receiver and the Stephen Minister. While the system successfully accomplished all these tasks, the ability to generate Stephen Ministry Referral forms would be beneficial.

Mark Robinson

Supervisor: Dr. Richard L. Kopec
Title: EZ Link Customer Tracking Software
Abstract: : EZ Link internet service provider used many different forms and files to keep track of their customers. This lead to repeated entry of the same information and could result in inadvertently changed data between forms.

The solution was to combine all of the forms into one file with multiple forms. Linking repeated information between the forms would reduce data entry time, and then protecting this information was important. Microsoft Excel was used based on the needs and resources of EZ Link. The customer's name was then linked to a form to show each customer and their file number. Finally, a form was made to automatically track both the individual and total number of past due accounts.

This software protected the integrity of information that previously was often changed between forms. Billing could now be done in a matter of hours as opposed to days with the previous resources. The addition of two separate forms showed which customer needed to be billed without searching each file.

Douglas Whitehead

Supervisor: Dr. Richard L. Kopec
Title: The Greater Austin Transportation Company On-Line Intranet Employee Manual and Driver Information Database
Abstract: : Capitalizing on the popularity of company intranet web sites as a on-line source of information for its employees, an application was designed to house the employee policies and procedures for the GATC, better known as the American Yellow Checker Cab Company. The GATC, a major transportation entity located here in Austin, Texas, employs 75 people on a full time basis as well as interacting with over 600 "independent contractors" which comprise the cab owners and drivers of the American Yellow Checker Cab Company.

Prior to beginning this project, many of the company's policies and procedures for the most part were either out of date, unorganized or unable to be located when needed. Installed on the company's existing Novell network and facilitated by the installation of an Apache web server, this easy to use, on-line intranet web site has helped to eliminate the original problem by placing these files in one easy to find location. In addition, a driver information database has been included within the site to aide the company's dispatchers driver information retrieval process during emergency situations.

Computer Science Abstracts

Michael Dean

Supervisor: Dr. Richard L. Kopec
Title: Large Integer Representations and Their Application to Mathematics Research
Abstract: : For as long as people have been doing complex calculations, they have also been searching for tools to make these calculations less cumbersome. The computer has served quite well in this capacity, yet due to certain limitations in most programming languages, and in the machines themselves, there are occasionally some difficulties. In particular, for any calculations involving numbers significantly larger than 16-bit integers, there is no built in way to represent these numbers. The most common bignum representation uses an array of characters, where each character represents a digit. Although this representation makes it easy to perform a variety of calculations, it is not necessarily the fastest for certain specific ones. Instead, a linked list of integers is used. To test the speed of each representation, successive Fibonacci numbers were calculated, with calls to the system clock before and after the calculations were done. According to the results, the linked list is indeed faster, although the required print functions make both representations nearly equal.

Scott DeVetter

Supervisor: Dr. Richard L. Kopec
Title: Reject Database for Motorola Reliability
Abstract: : Motorola Non-Volatile Memory Technology Center needed a way to efficiently track and record all data associated with reject computer chips which come off of various test systems. There was no existing protocol for handling rejects. When information needed to be collected it was done with no set of standards and collected information was recorded on paper. With no preset way of collecting data, a database was created in Microsoft SQL Server. In order to easily input data associated with a reject chip into the database a web interface was created that could be used on various platforms. The web interface screens are dynamically created and are JavaScript intensive to handle erroneous entries. The database accepts data, and allows the user to search on it and in the future will allow for editing. Having an electronically recorded and easily searchable database has improved chip reject research queries by reducing research time.

Sheau Min Fu

Supervisor: Dr. Richard Kopec
Title: Capacity Planning Tool for DASD Resource Management
Abstract: : A software development build lab has many servers storing multiple projects and associated files making it cumbersome to manually locate files and reserve storage space. Project planners who need to reserve server space for their projects must know how much of the reported free space is actually available (not reserved) on any given server. To address these needs, the Capacity Planning Tool was designed to provide information needed by both administrators and users through a web server. The LAN server administrator adds or removes server data and server users can obtain the server data from any on-site Java-enabled web browser. The tool gathers the required information and displays the server and its associated shares/directories information, allocated space or available space according to a user's request. Users can then make reservation requests to the LAN server administrator, who grants (or denies) access and updates the server/share information appropriately. Because of this product, the DASD server users now can access multiple information faster, easier and more dynamically.

Jacqueline Jackson

Supervisor: Mr. John Purvis
Title: Evaluation of Downtime Reduction Methods on Computing Resources
Abstract: : The computer science students at St. Edward's depend on having critical applications, systems and databases, which live in the RISC lab, up and running. Any major interruption in the availability of these key networked computing resources affects their ability to complete assignments in a timely manner. This study addressed requests for reductions in the area of system delays and response times by providing a proactive approach to reduce downtime on computing resources. At this time, there is a system in place, which monitors the condition of systems in the lab and provides this information to system administrator, however, it does not notify administrators. They must open a browser periodically to view the conditions of the machines. Additionally, there is no way of tracking whom, if anyone, is working on the issue. This research determined the most efficient method of notifying administrators of problems, tracking the progress of an issue from assignment to resolution, and evaluated it's effectiveness and usefulness.

Mark Ligas

Supervisor: Dr. Richard L. Kopec
Title: Web Based Monitoring of the Distributed Computer Environment
Abstract: : Over the last ten years the dominant paradigm used in the computing industry evolved from the mainframe paradigm to the distributed paradigm. This change created a significant increase in the amount of work for system administrators since the distributed paradigm requires administrators to maintain many networked systems instead of one or two independent systems.

To improve this situation, an application to monitor client systems from one centralized location was developed in Java. This application runs on the client computers, collects data about the system, and sends it to a centralized system running web server software. On the server, another application collects the information, formats it, and writes out a web page containing the data. The end result is a web page that can be accessed from anywhere in the world that provides minute by minute information on all the computers running the Java client application.

Different administration tasks were performed using this application and the amount of effort to accomplish these tasks was compared against the effort required without using the application. The results show that applications can be built that reduce the burden of managing the distributed computing environment.

Antonio Molina

Supervisor: Dr. Laura Baker
Title: Fractions Through Graphics: a Study of Visual Learning vs.Traditional.
Abstract: : Traditional teaching involves communication and feedback from the teacher through written and oral exercises. Not all students learn with this teaching methodology. The introduction of computers into the classroom brings the possibility of presenting math concepts via the World Wide Web. Using this medium, a teacher aid was created [with Java, JavaScript, and HTML] and a number of 5th grade students were subjected to online teaching including a control group and an experimental group. The evaluation and inference of the data is on-going and suggests positive effects on learning and comprehension, demonstrating effectiveness of the aid.

Lan Van Pham

Supervisor: Dr. Richard L. Kopec
Title: Computerized Burn-in (CBI) Software For Embedded Microcontroller
Abstract: : Early mortality of semiconductor devices are caught mostly at burn-in stress where extreme conditions (temperature, voltage, time duration...) are applied. The burn-in stress is often a first test of many tests that devices must pass under certain conditions before they can be used in field applications. The previous burn-in system used stand-alone driver boards that are dedicated to run a single program contained in the EPROM chip, where program changes are extremely difficult and costly, and must be done manually. With the CBI system, generic driver boards are controlled from centralized computers, allowing different programs to be loaded electronically into the same driver. CBI enhances the test system in several ways: allows better management of new software releases, better revision control, rapid controlled release of new software, and better control in variable and condition setups (frequency, voltage).Stressing and testing semiconductor devices at burn-in would involve an efficient self-test program loaded in internal RAM where its CPU can execute it. With CBI, more subprograms can be fetched and executed consecutively for testing other memory modules (EEPROM, ROM) resident in one chip, reducing device tests relying on expensive testers. The new burn-in system was implemented in December 1998, and has reduced the cost of device testing substantially.

Bryan Potter

Supervisor: Dr. Richard L. Kopec
Title: External Contact Information Manager
Abstract: : One of the tasks for a sales force is to manage pertinent information regarding external contacts and the products the customers are interested in purchasing. They maintain information on contacts such as address and proper phone number. The current application (ACT 2.0)to manage this type of information was becoming very problematic for the sales department. The performance problem was caused by the data being stored in the database inefficiently and the current version of the product was not Y2K compliant. A contact information manager was developed to improve customer information tracking which stores and allows modification to information such as name, address, city, state, zip, job title, supervisor, department, and e-mail address. It also keeps a log of the notes that were written for each time the contact was contacted, the different types of literature the contact was sent, bug tracking for any device the contact may be interested, and different types of e-mail addresses for each contact. It allows the users to see when the contact was last contacted, who contacted them, and what was discussed in their conversation. There is also a help menu to aid the users with functionality of the application. The external contact information manager has satisfied the requests of the users and meets their needs of satisfaction.

Deborah Reyna

Supervisor: Dr. Richard L. Kopec
Title: Search Engines on the World Wide Web
Abstract: : Searching on the World Wide Web can sometimes be as difficult as it is frustrating. Unless a person is familiar with how a particular search engine works, it can be difficult for him/her to find exactly what they are looking for. Most often we find that the "hits" returned to us by the search engine are usually inaccurate, outdated/broken, or repetitive hits. All search engines have three basic parts: the"spider" or "crawler", an index or catalog, and the search engine software, but there are differences in how these parts are tuned. That is why the same search on different search engines often produces different results. Three types of queries were run on six major search engines at approximately the same time. The results of each query were then compared to each other. The results of each search engine were also used to compare that search engine against others. The results showed that choosing the right search engine could prove very beneficial when the user knows what type of search they are doing.

Mark Saegert

Supervisor: Dr. Richard L. Kopec
Title: U. S. Army National Guard's Environmental Document Collection/Verification System An Overview
Abstract: : Information on documents gathered for the National Guard's P2I2 was gathered and disseminated for the necessary approvals through the use of EXCEL spreadsheets and Word documents using E-mail notification of the personnel involved. The process was archaic, cumbersome, and allowed duplicate data to be collected and stored in the system. The data gathering, approval and posting process took a minimum of 2 business days.

A method was needed that could better organize and provide rapid access to the desired information, allow multiple users simultaneous access to the system, automatically generate HTML report documents for posting to the world-wide-web, and notify users of review dates for the posted documents. Simple data entry and maintenance tasks designed for average and novice computer users to operate the system with minimal instruction was also necessary.

An intra-net based document collection and retrieval database was designed to meet these criteria. Written in ACCESS and mounted on a protected server, the newly created data collection met or exceeded all requirements laid out by the users interviewed. Training to use this system took 5-10 minutes per user on average and turn around time for documents was reduced to under 30 minutes.

Mathematics Abstracts

Michael Dean

Supervisor: Dr. M. Jean McKemie
Title: Fibonacci Series Modulo N
Abstract: : The Fibonacci series is generally defined recursively by assigning some integer value to the first two terms of the series, generally 0 and 1, with successive terms equalling the sum of the previous two terms. Previous research has shown that the terms of the Fibonacci series when taken modulo n form a periodic sequence with many interesting properties. The purpose of this presentation is to further explore some of these properties, extend known results, and in so doing, illustrate important concepts in both algebra and number theory. In addition, the limitations of using a computer for calculations involving large numbers will be discussed, especially as it relates to finding the order of the sequence for very large moduli.

Daniel Ramirez

Supervisor: Dr. M. Jean McKemie
Title: Multivariable Polynomials with Non-degenerate Critical Points
Abstract: : The objective of this seminar is the investigation of multivariable polynomials whose only critical points are three or more local maximum points. This seminar will include discussions of the results of previous research in the area of identifying critical points of multivariable polynomials which led to this research question. This presenter will demonstrate the use of Taylor's formula in constructing possible polynomials from a non-polynomial function which has the desired outcome. In addition, the relationship between the degree of the polynomial and the number of critical points will be presented.

Michael Valescu

Supervisor: Dr. M. Jean McKemie
Title: A Minimization Problem Connected with a Generalized Jensen's Equation
Abstract: : The field of estimates on complex polynomials is quite new and fruitful. Here we explore the fit between certain classes of complex polynomials and the predicted concentration factor by use of the Generalized Jensen's Equation. We present results of computations to illustrate the fit of estimates for selected expressions. We find that while no class of polynomial examined provides an exact fit for the predicted concentration factor, polynomials can be slightly modified to provide an exact fit. Increasingly exact fits are expected of polynomials of very high orders. Also, we find that lower order terms are, as expected, more important in predicting polynomial behavior than are the higher order terms.