Digital Scholarship@UNLV

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  Analyzing the Gender Pay Gap at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas

  Caren Abourjeily and Peter Grema

  The gender pay gap has been a persistent issue within many professions, including academia. This study examines the gender wage gap within UNLV for the tenured and tenure-track faculty belonging to the College of Liberal Arts, College of Sciences, and the Lee Business School. This study controlled for variables such as department, rank, time, race, and administrative roles in the attempt to find the most accurate gender wage gap possible using 2018 salary data. This study not only examines the gender wage gap within UNLV, but also at UNR. This study compared the two institutions in order to detect whether having a female president and provost had any effect on gender pay discrimination in comparison to having a male president and provost. We also looked at the gender composition of administrators at both universities and found that a majority of these administrative roles are given to men- giving them a large boost in salary. Transparent Nevada salary data from 2018 was utilized to run regressions for both institutions. The regression analysis results showed a marginally significant gender wage gap for UNLV and a statistically significant gap for UNR. While the gender wage gap at UNLV showed smaller numbers compared to UNR, the presence of overlapping confidence intervals makes it invalid that UNLV has a smaller gender pay gap in comparison to UNR. In assessing gender wage gaps and the connection to female representation, future researchers should increase sample size and review salary data from more than one year.

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  A Timeline of Oculocutaneous Albinism

  Mohammed Abushanab, Maria Ceroni, and Kimberly Morán

  The purpose of this research timeline is to synthesize the natural history of Oculocutaneous Albinism (OCA), discover gaps in knowledge, as well as understand the genes and mutations that incite the disease. It is through methods of literature-based research that we found the earliest recognition of OCA and investigated it up to its most current state of research. The rate of research remains steady and continuous with the focus varying widely; either by examining more of the genes involved in the disease or by taking more in-depth looks at mutational analyses of genes that are already observed to be linked to the disease. OCA is a group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by decreased or absent pigmentation in the hair, skin, and eyes. The genotypes and phenotypes of OCA vary in the population and are broken down into a clinical spectrum which consists of OCA1A, being the most severe, in addition to the milder forms which consist of OCA1B, OCA2, OCA3, and OCA4, which show mild pigment accumulation over time. The majority of these forms are caused by mutations in the TYR gene, which is responsible for the production of melanin, as well as the OCA2 gene, which is responsible for the transport of melanin within a melanocyte. The significance of this research timeline is to look at the natural history of OCA in hopes to understand the mechanism of the disease and look at the current research status of the disease.

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  An Investigation on The History and Current Research of Fragile X Syndrome

  Makeda Asare, Isabelle Avenido, and Maxene Vergonia-Fehlman

  The purpose of this research is to synthesize the history of Fragile X Syndrome through literature-based research in order to assess the scope of research, population variation, social impact, and treatment. Fragile X was first documented in 1943 by Dr. Julia Bell and Dr. James Purdon Martin in a report of a family case study in which eleven males across two generations showed symptoms of intellectual disabilities. Fragile X Syndrome is an X-linked disorder caused by mutation in the Fragile X mental retardation 1(FMR1) gene on chromosome Xq27.3. The FMR1 mutations are triplet repeat expansion of the CGG repeat sequences in the 5′ untranslated region of the gene, causing hypermethylation of the repeat sequence and the FMR1 promoter. This leads to inactivation of the promoter and loss of the Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) expression. Because of its X-linked inheritance pattern, males have a higher chance of acquiring this disease than females, with a 1 in 3600 chance and 1 in 6000 chance, respectively. Recent studies attribute FMRP deficiency to neurogenesis changes, lowered glial cell production, and glutamate signaling alteration. Treatment is limited to focusing on managing associated symptoms. Current research emphasizes developing functional therapeutic approaches for treatment. Psychotherapy and various psychotropic medications are applied to target the psychiatric and cognitive features of the disorder. This timeline highlights the ongoing progression of holistic care for FXS patients, supporting the need for well-rounded intervention, spanning from psychotherapy, drug therapies, and wellness checkups.

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  Investigating the Varying Behaviors of Magnesium, Tin, and Lead Oxalate Under High-Pressure

  Kevin Ayala Pineda

  Recent developments in the field of useful hard x-ray induced chemistry synthesized a novel strontium-based CO derived material under extreme conditions. In hopes of synthesizing this material in larger quantities and in less expensive costs, we report three high-pressure Diamond Anvil Cell investigations on Tin Oxalate (SnC2O4), Magnesium Oxalate (MgC2O4), and Lead Oxalate (PbC2O4) subjected to extreme conditions without the use of hard x-rays. MgC2O4 were acquired up to 25 GPa, with a possible phase transition at 2.4 Gpa. SnC2O4 was pressurized up to 31 GPa inducing irreversible changes in both the Raman spectra and its qualitative properties. Three phase transitions were observed at 2.6 GPa, 15 GPa, and 20 GPa. PbC2O4 was compressed up to 64 GPa, showing very similar behavior as in SnC2O4. Our results demonstrated that each material formed crystallized films after pressurization, which could indicate polymerization of new material(s).

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  The History and Future of Cystic Fibrosis

  Randall Combs, Che Fung Andy Chan, and Daisy Sahagun

  The purpose of this research timeline is to highlight the tumultuous yet inspiring history of Cystic Fibrosis disease and treatment to give us a more pragmatic understanding of its current state. Cystic Fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease, most often caused by a single amino-acid deletion of phenylalanine at position 508 in the nucleotide binding domain, which results in a loss of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Symptomatology varies considerably but a buildup of mucus in the respiratory tract leading to lung failure, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency which results in digestive and metabolic dysfunction are commonly, if not ubiquitously present in homozygous CF patients. In 1962, the prognosis of Cystic Fibrosis was grim and had a median survival age of just ten years old. Among the first treatments of this disease was a procedure called ‘postural drainage’ in which children were turned upside down to allow the excessive mucus buildup in their lungs to exit. Now, not only has generalized medical care improved but as with most genetic diseases, a comprehensive understanding of the exact biochemical defect has yielded therapeutics that can address the root issue rather than solely mitigate symptoms – drugs such as ivacaftor and lumacaftor aim to do just that. This timeline serves as an effort to synthesize the discoveries and breakthroughs that have altered CF treatment for the better and looks to the future for what type of life patients affected by this genetic illness might reasonably expect.

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  Retinoblastoma: Past, Present, and Future

  Izabela Daneva, Crysty-Ann Olaco, and Albert Tran

  The purpose of this research timeline is to synthesize the natural history of retinoblastoma to understand its societal effects and develop a public health message to raise awareness of the disease. We used literature-based research in order to gain an understanding about the discovery of this disease and investigate its most current state of knowledge. Retinoblastoma is an intraocular cancer that manifests early in childhood. It is typically linked to a somatic or germline insertion, deletion, or single-base substitution mutation on both alleles of RB1, a tumor-suppressor gene. Retinoblastoma was first identified in 1809 by James Wardrop, and since then, research has been focused on improved treatment methods to prevent enucleation and has been steady with focus on the RB1 allele. Retinoblastoma is characterized by many assorted phenotypes that vary in severity based on the size of the chromosomal deletion. The most common symptoms include leukocoria, poor vision tracking, swelling and inflammation, all of which can be treated upon early detection. Methods of treatment include enucleation that completely removes the eye with the tumor, leaving the muscles and orbital contents intact, and it is 95% effective. Chemotherapy is also used in severe cases. The discovery of the Rb1 gene has had significant impacts with the advancement of cancer research. Because of this, mutations in the Rb gene are vastly studied due to the association of Rb in other cancers and its molecular action in the cell cycle. It is often taught in foundational biology courses, as a result.

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  Modeling COVID-19 Infection Rates using SIR and ARIMA Models

  Janelle Domantay, Ilya Pivavaruk, and Victor Taksheyev

  With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become of increasing interest to both monitor and predict the growth of its infection rates. In order to analyze the accuracy of epidemiological prediction, we consider two different models for prediction, the Susceptible Infected and Removed (SIR), and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models. Using a dataset of Clark County COVID-19 infections, we create various ARIMA and SIR models that attempt to predict the progression of COVID-19 infections whilst comparing these predictions to the dataset. We observed that the ARIMA model performed more accurately overall, having a much lower Root Mean Squared Error than its counterpart.

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  Cultural Identity Predicts Resilience in Maltreated Youth

  Jordan Donohue, Janelle Salcedo, James Webster, and Kinsey Ellis

  Literature suggests that a stronger sense of cultural identity predicts higher levels of resilience following a traumatic event. However, there are limited studies that examine this relationship in children. The present research analyzes the relationship between cultural identity and resilience in a sample of maltreated youth. Participants included youth (n=65) aged 11-17 years in Department of Family Services (DFS) custody following removal from their home after substantiated child maltreatment. Cultural identity and resilience were both assessed by the Nevada Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (NV- CANS). A linear regression indicated a significant predictive relationship between cultural identity and resilience, F (1, 63) = 16.073, p=.001. Results suggest that 20.3% (Adjusted R² = 19.1%) of the variance in resilience could be explained by the variance in cultural identity. Specifically, according to the unstandardized regression coefficients, an increase in cultural identity predicted an increase in resilience (B =.322, SEculturalidentity = 0.08, t = 4.009, p=.001, 95% CI [.161, .482]). Overall, these findings suggest that cultural identity predicts levels of resilience in maltreated youth. This is a critical finding in expanding the literature and improving clinical outcomes, suggesting clinicians should take cultural factors into consideration and work with youth to build cultural support networks and a sense of belonging.

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  A Mediation Analysis of Racial Microaggressions, Poor Coping Mechanisms and Mental Health

  Janelle Ferraris, Andrea Galdamez, Aldo Barrita, and Kristin Vierra

  Microaggressions are daily slights and denigrations perpetrated towards marginalized individuals. These invalidations are perceived as significant stressors for marginalized people. The bulk of research on microaggressions indicates that these everyday slights can have a negative impact on mental health. The current study examines the relationship between microaggressions, detachment internalized racism, and negative mental health symptoms of depression, anxiety and depression. Specifically, regression analysis was used to investigate the hypothesis that both internalization and detachment mediate the effect of microaggressions on poor mental health symptoms for PoC. Results indicated that for PoC, microaggressions was a significant predictor of symptoms of both internalization, B = .071, SE = .021, p = .000, and detachment B = .276, SE = .029, p = .000. Additionally both internalization B = .389, SE = .070, p = .000 and detachment B = .869, SE = .082, p = .000 were a significant predictor for poor mental health symptoms. Results support a partial mediational hypothesis. Microaggression was a significant predictor of poor mental health even when controlling for both mediators, B = .285, SE = .042, p = .000. Approximately 26% of the variance in satisfaction was accounted for by the predictors (R2 = .261). The procedure yielded a significant coefficient, B = .182, SE = .038, p = .000 with 95% bias corrected confidence intervals that did not include zero [.108, .256]. These results suggest that racial discrimination experienced by PoC exposes them to higher risks of both poorer mental health and negative coping mechanisms.

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  Neurofibromatosis 1: Discovery, Treatment and Social Impact

  Betsua Garcia and Arsen Khachatryan

  The purpose of this timeline research project is to provide an outline of the discovery of Neurofibromatosis 1 to identify gaps in knowledge. Frederick von Recklinghausen is credited with the disease’s classification in 1882 when he observed two different cases of patients with neurofibromas. Current research of the disease involves its characterization at a molecular and genetic level. The symptoms of the disease include non-cancerous tumors in the nervous system (neurofibromas) and optic nerves (optic nerve gliomas), as well as cafe-au-lait spots around the axillary and groin areas. It tends to occur in 1 out of 3,000 births globally without distinction between sexes and racial groups, but the frequency and severity of certain symptoms vary across different races. In the past, curative treatments for neurofibromatosis 1 were unavailable, but palliative care has been provided through chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and surgical procedures to remove tumors. However, in April 2020, a new treatment called Koseulgo (selumetinib) that stops the growth of tumors by blocking key enzymes was approved by the FDA and is one of the first curative treatments developed. The disease also seems to have other impacts on social and emotional wellbeing on patients and their families. Therefore, support services that can help patients and their families develop appropriate coping skills, and the further development of palliative care to ease the severity of symptoms, may prove to be beneficial. In conclusion, this timeline of Neurofibromatosis 1’s discovery helps provide context for its characterization and contributes to the ongoing research.

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  A Timeline of Down Syndrome

  Christian Guese, Kristina McInnes, and Kimberly Miranda

  The purpose of this research timeline is to synthesize the natural history of Down Syndrome (DS) to discover absence of knowledge, discuss the bioethics in prenatal screening and develop a public health message. Our method of research was literature-based. DS is one of the most common aneuploidy disorders in the United States. There are three genetic variations of DS, Trisomy 21, a third copy of chromosome 21, accounts for 95% of cases. DS causes intellectual disability, developmental delays, facial dysmorphia, and low muscle tone. DS also leads to an increased risk for congenital heart defects and Alzheimer’s disease later in life. In 1866, John Langdon Down was the first to link the physical characteristics of individuals with DS. Although sentiment towards DS was not positive initially, we now have a greater understanding of the disorder and have more humane treatments. In earlier years, doctors were advocating to parents to cease caring for their child with DS, including institutionalizing them. Throughout the years, leaders began advocating for DS, such as John F. Kennedy; in 1962 he established the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) to support and research mental disabilities. The improved medical care and social inclusion is making positive impacts on the physical and intellectual development of individuals with DS. The life expectancy for a person with DS increased after eradicating inhumane practices, which is why it’s important to develop a public health message promoting social advocacy and public health awareness.

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  Study of Sickle Cell Disease

  Aaron Guevarra, Carlos Herrera, and Faysal Ali

  The purpose of this research timeline is to explore the history, prevalence, and effects of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) so that treatments and possible future experiments or cures may be discussed. In SCD, abnormal red blood cells appear as sickle shaped as opposed to the round shape of normal red blood cells. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, so an individual must inherit two copies of the allele. The gene mutation is a single nucleotide mutation in the gene which codes for β-globin. In 1910, James B. Herrick first described the disease, and in 1949, its inheritance pattern was determined. It can cause an array of complications due to the loss of blood cells and restricted blood flow. Carriers with only one copy of the disease-causing allele exhibit sickle cell trait, which does not result in the same severe symptoms that sickle cell disease does. SCD is prevalent in areas stricken by malaria, as sickle cell trait confers some resistance to the pathogen. The social impacts of SCD are majorly based on financial costs and quality of life. Patients also suffer from physiological and psychological impacts. Treatments are divided into three parts: supportive care therapies such as fever management, disease-modifying therapies such as the medicine Hydroxyurea, and blood transfusion. Future research on SCD is based on improving and finding new curative therapies to completely cure SCD such as Hematopoietic stem cell transplant and gene therapy.

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  A Study on Modified Biochars for the Removal of Trichloroethylene (TCE)

  Ashtin Hofert, Christina Obra, Suraj Venkat, Padmanabhan Krishnaswamy, and Erica Marti Ph.D.

  Biochar (BC), a biomass-derived black carbon with interconnected networks of micropores, is an economical substitute for conventional adsorbents, such as activated carbon. In this study, we investigated the effect of acid modification on the functional groups and adsorptive capacity of the biochar. The BC used here is prepared through pyrolysis at temperatures in the range between 700 °C and 900 °C in an argon gas inert environment from three different biomasses: walnut shells, pecan shells, and loblolly pine. Then, the BCs are modified using hydrochloric acid (HCl) and used for the remediation of chlorinated hydrocarbons such as trichloroethylene (TCE). The results can advance the understanding of different modification effects on BCs’ properties, aiming at the wide adoption of cost-effective and eco-friendly adsorbents.

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  Sustained Beat Perception Develops through Adolescence, and is Predictive of Phonology

  Christian Hunter, Karli Nave, and Joel Snyder

  Rhythm and beat perception are critical for synchronized musical movement and may also influence some aspects of speech perception. Previous studies show that adults and children can entrain their movements to a musical beat. However, few studies have disentangled surface information from the internal beat percept, and no studies have done so with young listeners. In this experiment, we presented listeners aged 4-23 years with a musical excerpt that induced one of two beat patterns, followed by an ambiguous phase during which they heard a rhythm that could match either beat pattern. In a final probe phase, listeners indicated whether a drummer did or did not match the beat of the music. Younger children (age 4-7 years) were not able to distinguish matching and mismatching drum patterns above chance. Older children (age 8-17 years) and adults accurately identified matching and mismatching drum patterns. Crucially, performance did not reach adult-like levels until about 13 years, suggesting that the ability to sustain a beat continues to develop through early adolescence. Since previous studies have suggested that rhythmic abilities are related to phonological awareness, we administered the Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing (CTOPP) to participants. A hierarchical regression indicated that performance on the beat perception task was a significant predictor of phonology. Overall, results suggest older children are capable of self-sustained and long-lasting beat perception, which is related to phonological language ability. However, self-sustained beat skills do not become adult-like until adolescence, suggesting that beat perception may have a more gradual developmental trajectory.

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  Gender Wage Gap within Identical Twins

  Kazim Julian

  The gender wage gap is defined as the average difference in pay between men and women who are in the workforce. Congress passed the Equal Pay Act of 1963 which aimed to abolish wage disparity based on sex, yet the differences in wages are still felt today. Using the Oaxaca decomposition, we can illustrate a portion of the gender wage gap can be due to differences in skills, however the remaining unexplained portion can be interpreted as discrimination. It is generally known that union contracted jobs have higher wages and better benefits than non-union jobs, which in contrast should lead to less discrimination with regards of wages to different genders. This paper will use old data from a survey of identical twins to study the economic effect of gender. A famous paper was written on this data by Orley Ashenfelter and Alan Krueger which captured differences in economic returns on schooling when controlling for the same genetic makeup. The first focus of the paper is to see if the differences in wages between male and females are due to discrimination with regards of identical twins, while the second focus is to see if union jobs have different wage gap than non-union jobs. Using identical twins as our sample data will eliminate outside factors that are difficult to control for, which will give us a better understanding of the gender wage gap.

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  The Determinants of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in the Asian Americans

  Raisa Kabir, Sayeda Tazim Zaidi, and Chia-Liang Dai

  Physical activity (PA) is crucial to a positive healthy lifestyle which helps prevent and minimize various chronic diseases and mental health illnesses. Although the Asian American (AA) community is one of the fastest-growing marginalized minority groups in the United States, there is little research on PA behavior within the community. This study aimed to investigate correlates and determinants of PA behavior among the Asian American population to bring about policy changes, design educational programs, and promote research on PA promotion among the AA community. Studies were identified from searches located in databases such as MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed Central, and EBSCO which included all peer-reviewed studies published within the last five years (2016 to 2021) about the possible determinants impacting PA behavior. The authors of these studies investigated the association between determinants of overall physical (in)activity and/or sedentary behavior in healthy AA. Data were abstracted for study designs, sample sizes, theoretical frameworks, associated conditions, subgroups focused, and physical activity outcomes. A total of ten intervention studies met the inclusion criteria based on age, ethnicity, year of publication, United States-based, and English-only publications. Among the identified determinants of AAs’ physical activity were self-motivation, social support, nativity, health literacy, gender, age, neighborhood incivilities, and immigration status. There is a growing need to address disparities facing AA regarding PA behavior through education, policies, and research. The results of this study could be utilized in the future to design interventions and create new policies to promote physical activity among AA populations.

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  Overcoming the Overgeneration of Renewables

  Joshua Kaze and Ryan Barnard

  Many states are addressing the issues of climate change, by changing how they produce their energy. The effects of these policies are causing many renewable sources to be underutilized. This paper analyzes how the diversification of energy generation is leading to inefficiencies in the California energy market and the western US market as a whole. The change in curtailment of non-dispatchable renewables is positively correlated with the growth of renewables. Summary statistics and regression analysis show that an increasing portion of renewables is being wasted as the quantity of renewables is increasing. The Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that California introduced is bringing about these problems. The paper considers some of the solutions the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) is utilizing, while applying these challenges to Nevada’s similar RPS.

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  Huntington's Disease: A Timeline

  Brian Kerlin, Brandon Polimeni, and Michaelangelo Ortega

  The purpose of this investigation is to examine the discovery, treatment, social impact, and current research for Huntington’s disease (HD) to provide a foundation to analyze future research towards a cure. Huntington’s disease was first comprehensively described in 1872 by George Huntington. HD is an autosomal-dominant, neurodegenerative disorder that affects approximately 2.7 per 100,000. Individuals with HD present with involuntary muscle movement, cognitive decline, and personality alterations arising at a mean age of 35 years. Symptoms are subtle at first, but as the disease progresses over 15-20 years, the individual’s ability to talk diminishes and their mental abilities decline into dementia. The combination of these symptoms, typical mid-life onset, and dominant inheritance pattern has devastating social and personal impacts on the lives of patients and their families. The cause of the disorder is the inheritance of a mutation in the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. The mutation is a trinucleotide repeat expansion resulting in more than 36 CAG repeats, encoding a mutant polyglutamine domain that creates the mutant huntingtin (mHTT). The length of the polyglutamine mutation inversely correlates with the age of onset. Evidence suggests that pathogenesis at the cellular level is due to many toxic gain-of-function effects of mHTT, notably the disruption of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. There is no cure for HD currently, with treatment limited to the alleviation of chorea, palliative care, and counseling. Scientists are targeting many pathways in the development of a cure, including striatal cell replacement, prevention of mHTT aggregation, and reduction of mHTT production.

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  “Our Languages Do Not Die, They are Being Killed”: Indigenismo and its Effects on Indigenous Language Revitalization

  Nathalie Martinez

  Language and identity are political acts that are inextricably linked to and rooted in socio-historical and socio-political events. Existing scholarship on identity-based social movements has yet to address language activism as a part of its theoretical framework. This paper seeks to consider the unique socio-historical context of indigenismo—an ideological wave coordinated by non-Indigenous groups seeking to define Indigenous identity—for the analysis of language activism within the field of social movement theory. Drawing from historical, ethnographic, and applied linguistic studies, this article examines indigenismo in Abiayala—the continental Western hemisphere commonly referred to as the Americas—to highlight the impact of the policies enacted by Indigenistas on existing linguistic ideologies. Given the significance of Mexico’s indigenismo in this transhemispheric region, having as a model for policies enacted in other regions, the Mexican nation-state is chosen as the thematic focus of the discussion presented here. The goals of this paper are to explore: 1) indigenismo in Mexico, 2) the link between language attitudes and indigenismo in Mexico, and 3) language activism in Mexico. The resulting analysis proposes a need for a new social movement theory that considers the impact of neoliberalism on Indigenous communities in Abiayala. Future research should also consider the impact of globalization on intergenerational linguistic ideologies and transnational language activism programs.

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  Increasing Analysis Efficiency through Automation of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) Data Reduction Process using Python

  Grace Abigail Martin

  The Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) provides elemental analysis through ionization of samples. Numerous geochemistry laboratories utilize the ICP-MS and has become a community standard. The ICP-MS data reduction process is time intensive and involves correction for blank contribution and sensitivity drift during measurement, as well as construction of standard calibration lines based on measurements of standard solutions. We look to decrease turnaround time and increase efficiency through automation of the data reduction process using Python. The ICP-MS data reduction process was 3 hours or more, in our observations. Python packages such as Openpyxl and Pandas, allow us to carry out data reduction functions. Inputting the file location of the original ICP-MS data, the code will extract data from the file, follow data reduction functions, create graphs of calibration curves for various elements, and save reduced data as a new excel file without making changes to the original file. Automated files will be checked for correct values using non-automated data reduction as reference. The code operated universally, using various unreduced ICP-MS excel data files from previous analyses, and followed data reduction functions correctly. When compared to non-automated data reduction, automated data reduction was able to output the same values and calibration curve graphs. The processing time using automated data reduction was less than 1 second. Using python to automate the data reduction process significantly decreased the duration from 3 hours to less than 1 second. Additionally, efficiency increased by factoring out potential human error in the process.

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  Hook3 Mutations and Their Contributions to Different Types of Cancers

  Brittny Mikhaiel and Van Vo Ph.D.

  Hook3 (Hook Microtubule Tethering Protein 3) is a gene that encodes a protein that is localized in the Golgi complex and is linked to cellular trafficking of cargos and the binding of microtubules to organelles. Although there is some literature discussing the known functions of the gene, the phenotypes in mice or humans have not been thoroughly researched and literature on these phenotypes is limited. The literature that is available suggests Hook3 is implicated in diverse phenotypes ranging from bone development to neural development in mice. Since Hook3 is associated with prostate cancer, it is likely that it is involved in other types of cancers as well. To investigate this, an online database called cBioPortal was used to determine if there are changes in Hook3 expression or mutations in different kinds of cancers including breast, lung, prostate, brain/CNS, and cervical. Two main pieces of data gathered were mutation types and protein changes relevant to Hook3.

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  Apolipoprotein E and Development of Alzheimer’s Disease in Hispanic Populations: A Scoping Review

  Amy Nguyen and Stacey Moeller

  Alzheimer’s disease (AD) disproportionately affects Hispanic individuals, who face about 1.5- fold more risk for AD than non-Hispanic whites (NHW). Few studies examine AD biomarkers by ethnoracial group, even for the well-established susceptibility locus of apolipoprotein E (APOE). This study reviews current literature on the association between APOE and incidence of AD in Hispanic populations. A scoping review was conducted to identify publications with Hispanic study samples that examined prevalence of APOE’s three alleles (e2, e3, e4) and the risk of disease conferred by each. Two researchers combined search results from PubMed, Scopus, and APA PsycInfo databases, deleted duplicates, and independently reviewed publication abstracts to determine study inclusion. A search of APOE initially yielded 201 publications. After review, only 10 articles included Hispanic study samples as well as analyses evaluating APOE’s relationship to AD. Within these studies, most found a lower allele frequency of e4, comparable levels of e2, and higher frequency of e3 in Hispanic groups, relative to African Americans and NHW. The relative risk (RR) for AD increased for e4 homozygosity and heterozygosity in both Hispanic and NHW, but more so for NHW. The e2 allele did not confer protection against AD among Hispanics, whereas e3 alleles displayed no significant effect. The increased risk of AD among Hispanic groups remains largely unknown. Differences in e4 frequency and RR implicate additional unmeasured elements, including interactions among inherited, cultural, and environmental factors. Understanding APOE’s role in AD development requires further investigation to improve diagnostic inequalities.

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  Preliminary Analysis of Periosteal Reaction of the Tibia in the Erie County Poorhouse Cemetery (1851-1913)

  Jordan Phillips

  Gender-based occupational differences during the height of the Industrial Revolution are particularly apparent when examining the risk of injury and disease. For Buffalo, NY, this was no exception, as it acted as an urban center that enticed numerous European immigrants seeking employment. This study investigates tibial periosteal reactions by sex and anatomical location from the Erie County Poorhouse Cemetery (1851-1913) to illuminate life in this historic era. The type and extent of reactions were scored, and these criteria were compared by side (e.g., left) and bone segment (e.g., proximal ⅓ of diaphysis) for each individual with tibia(e). Of the 181 individuals, 96 (53%) displayed periosteal reactions. Of the 67 males and 38 females, 40 (59.7%) and 23 (59.7%) respectively exhibited periosteal reactions. No statistical difference between males and females based on the periosteal reaction was observed. Of the 174 left tibiae, 81 (46.6%) displayed periosteal reactions. There were 66 males and 35 females with left tibiae, of which 33 (50%) and 20 (57.1%) respectively had periosteal reactions. Of 168 right tibiae,79 (47%) exhibited a reaction. There were 36 females and 63 males with right tibiae, 20 (56%) and 34 (54%) respectively displayed periosteal reactions. These results could indicate a relationship between occupational stress as well as overall health. However, when viewing the overall reactions independently from both sides, males and females appear to be at equal risk of developing tibial periosteal reaction despite the occupational gender roles by industries in Buffalo’s economy.

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  The Influence of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Skill Acquisition in a Complex Motor Task

  Nicholas Pudar and Milan Pantovic

  Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the motor cortex (M1) can improve performance in relatively simple motor tasks performed with the hand and arm. Only a few tDCS studies have examined complex, multi-joint tasks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of (tDCS) on skill acquisition in a complex, multi-joint arm movement in healthy young adults. 22 right-handed adults were randomly assigned to a tDCS or SHAM group, performing the overhand throws to a target. After the baseline-test block, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to locate the first dorsal interosseus muscle (FDI). Motor evoked potentials (MEP) were recorded in the resting FDI before and after 5 minutes of tDCS (current: 1mA). tDCS was applied for 20 minutes to the FDI muscle while subjects performed 5 practice blocks of overhand throws, ending with a post-test block of overhand throws 5 minutes after the 20-minute stimulation ended. Motor performance was quantified as endpoint error, MEP amplitude quantified cortical excitability. Percent change in endpoint error between the baseline and post-test block for both groups was compared with an unpaired t-test and the percent change in MEP amplitude before and after 5 minutes of tDCS. The percent change in endpoint error was greater for the tDCS group but failed statistical significance (-16.9 vs. -5.2%; P =0.127), the percent change in MEP amplitude was significantly greater for the tDCS group (49.7 vs. -13.5%; P = 0.012). A single-session of tDCS enhances cortical excitability and appears to improve motor skill.

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  Discovering Rett Syndrome (RTS) and Understanding Its Enigmatic Development

  Fiorella Ramirez-Guasp, Chanel Chan, and Sukyeong Kim

  The purpose of this research project is to compose a comprehensive timeline on the rare disease Rett Syndrome (RTS) in order to better understand its enigmatic development as well as furthering the public’s understanding on this degenerative disease. RTS is a panethnic progressive neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs nearly exclusively in girls. This syndrome is characterized by normal prenatal and neonatal development, followed by an onset of neurological symptoms with a mental stagnation anywhere around 6-18 months of age that involves a rapid loss in speech and acquired motor skills. There is limited knowledge about the molecular cause of Rett Syndrome, however, we do know that this X-linked disease involves a mutation that occurs on one of three domains located in the Methylcytosine-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). This ultimately results in the dysfunction or a loss of function of its gene product. While the MECP2 mutation is the primary focus of this project, its exact function is not completely known, but it is speculated to be responsible for the mediation of transcriptional silencing and epigenetic regulation of genes. Presently, there are no curative treatments for RTS; however, treatment of individuals afflicted with this disorder are encouraged to seek palliative care. Due to limited public understanding on this rare disease, the objective of this project is to help shed light on RTS discovery, development, as well as provide an avenue to raise public awareness.