GRADUATE
Poster Sessions
Arts
and Humanities Division
MERLIE T. ANDERSON (Master’s
Program) and Ivonna Smith, Department of Communication Sciences
and Disorders, John H. Johnson School of Communications, Howard
University, Washington, DC
GENDER CONSIDERATIONS IN THE DELIVERY OF
CLINICAL SERVICES: PART IV CLINICIAN-CLIENT INTERACTIONAL
DISCOURSE
Gender differences are an integral
component in clinician-client interactional discourse.
Productive clinician-client discourse may provide useful
information about a client’s functional use of language
(Shipley, 2001). Male and female clinicians implement therapy
differently. Knowledge of theses differences will aid in the
advancement of clinician-client relationships. The research
underlying this poster session examines male and female
clinician differences in clinician-client interactional
discourse.
Research Questions
- What are the main communication
differences between males and females?
- What differences have been noted
between male and female clinicians when eliciting
interactional discourse?
- Does the client’s gender influence the
male or female clinician’s behavior during interactional
discourse?
- What modifications can be made during
the interactional discourse to obtain the most accurate
language sample?
KAWAII S. BALL (Master’s Program)
and Joanna Losi, Department of Communication Sciences and
Disorders, John H. Johnson School of Communications, Howard
University, Washington, DC
GENDER CONSIDERATIONS AND THE DELIVERY
OF CLINICAL SERVICES
Purpose: As a result of the present
research on gender behaviors, the learner will:
a.
Identify the role that gender plays between clinician
stimulus (toy, manipulative selection, and activity choice) and
client motivation, outcomes and goal progress.
b.
Distinguish between gender differences in the type of
regulatory behaviors used in the clinical setting.
c.
Differentiate between gender reinforcement styles in
language and material type and its positive or negative effects
on client progress.
For years, researchers have raised
questions concerning the affects that gender plays on the
teaching styles of male and female teachers and speech
clinicians. Conventional philosophies of gender behaviors
become unconventional as they raise significant concerns on how
these differences affect communication therapy outcomes in
children within the clinical setting. The level and type of
clinician behavior introduced within the clinical setting has
been studied to have possible effects on client progress
outcomes. This study also tracks the differences in stimulus
presentation as well as provides an analysis of the effects that
varied types of reinforcement and regulation of student behavior
from different gendered clinicians has on client outcomes and
progress. Examination of “best practices” regarding clinician
behavior when considering client gender is highlighted within
the research study.
KOREN A. BEDEAU and
Whitney B. Edwards
(Doctoral Program), Department of Mass Communication and
Media Studies and Caribbean Literature, John H. Johnson School
of Communications, Howard University, Washington, DC
CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL:
Representation in
Literature and Tourism Websites
Carnival is a
major festival in Caribbean culture and is perhaps the most
popular event to cross international borders. This indigenous
cultural phenomenon has been recognized as a signifying practice
for Caribbean writers and scholars in many disciplines, and
continues to be a rich area for investigation. In literature,
many scholars have theorized the Carnivalesque, which, broadly
speaking, is the quality of a piece of fiction that incorporates
aspects of Carnival both thematically and/or tropologically.
Tourism studies have acknowledged the potential of Carnival as a
cultural tourism product that attracts visitors and can
contribute to economic development through the tourism industry.
Additionally,
studies have critiqued the tourism industry for using
stereotypical images when promoting and commodifying indigenous
culture. The objective of the proposed interdisciplinary study
is to analyze the differences of the depictions of Carnival and
the utilization of the Carnivalesque aesthetic by examining the
representation thereof in Caribbean literature and in tourism
websites promoting travel to experience Carnival. We perceive
this as an important project in order to contrast how Caribbean
writers who, indeed, seem to validate and critically analyze the
Carnival and its legacy, represent the Carnival with how the
tourism industry, interested in attracting travelers with in a
global market, tend to do so.
JEMEG V.
DEES (Doctoral Program), Department of Counseling
Psychology, School of Education, Howard University, Washington,
DC
NO LONGER A
MYTH: A STUDY OF THE HAPPY AND HEALTHY MARRIAGES OF AFRICAN
AMERICAN MALE PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES
The marriages of professional athletes have been examined for
years, but the positive factors in those marriages have rarely
been observed. This study focuses on the factors that contribute
to the strength and happiness in the marriages of professional
athletes. This study addresses and identifies the unknown, or
seldomly known, challenges which professional sports families
encounter as well as how they overcome those challenges. The
overall goal of this study was to learn how the healthy
professional sports family copes and manages blending the world
of high profile sports with home and family life.
The ABCX model was used as the theoretical framework to guide
this study. The ABCX model was used to examine the stressors,
the resources used to handle stressors, the definition of
stressors, and the stress outcome that follows a crisis. This
theory applies to the current study by examining how families of
professional athletes cope with the stressors they face as a
result of their husbands career. The ABCX model provides
structure in observing the ways in which these families cope.
Information was gathered from
five couples in which the husband is currently a professional
sports player, an inactive player, or a retired professional
sports player. In order to meet eligibility requirements for
this study a participant must:
1.
self-report that they have a strong marriage
2.
have been married for more than two years
3.
have been together in a committed relationship during
husbands’ professional career if retired
4.
live within 3 hours of Washington, D.C. or be willing to
participate in a phone interview
Participants in this study took part in
open-ended, semi-structured couple interviews. The use of a
qualitative design allowed a descriptive picture of the
successful marriages of professional athletes to emerge. Using
open-ended questions promoted discussion between partners and
allowed them to share the factors and experiences they found the
most relevant. In addition, a qualitative design allowed each
couple to discuss in more detail the components that have
contributed to their successful marriage.
Open communication, shared values, religion/ faith, and trust
were consistently found to be important components contributing
to the strength of these marriages. This study adds to the
limited literature available discussing the positive aspects of
professional athlete marriages.
PASCALE L. NELSON and
Jacqueline S. Brown
(Master’s Program), Department of Communication Sciences and
Disorders, John H. Johnson School of Communications, Howard
University, Washington, DC
GENDER PRESUPPOSITIONS IN CLINICAL TREATMENT IN SPEECH
LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
The current research suggests that there
are differences between male and female clinicians and how they
approach treatment. However, most clinicians are completely
unaware of these variances and their effects. This study set out
to determine whether or not clinicians have presuppositions
about their clients derived from their own gender affiliation.
Based on the review of the literature, it was determined that
most clinicians do possess certain presuppositions based on the
gender of the client and this also affects the course of
treatment. These factors can have a major impact on how
clinicians can intentionally or unintentionally affect their
client outcomes. While some doubt the credibility of such
findings, it is important to further analyze such data in search
of more conclusive answers. Information such as this could prove
to be extremely beneficial to current and future clinicians in
their respective fields.
ANDREA L.
TOLIVER-SMITH (Master's Program), Department of
Communication Sciences and Disorders, John H. Johnson School of
Communications, Howard University, Washington, DC
GENDER CONSIDERATIONS IN SERVICE
DELIVERY; PART III - RAPPORT
Literature involving gender differences in
communication suggests that there are many differences between
males and females and their communication styles which may have
a direct impact upon the efficacy of therapy. This study is a
focus on non-verbal differences between male and female
clinicians and the differences in communication styles across
genders. The areas that will be studied include paralanguage,
proxemics and haptics, facial expressions and eye gaze. The
purpose of this study is to determine if there are gender
differences in rapport during clinical interactions between the
clinician and the client.
Learning outcomes:
-
Clinicians will be able to
identify their own gender communication style and make
adjustments accordingly.
-
Clinicians will be able to
recognize client communication styles and tailor therapy
activities across genders.
-
Clinicians will become more
effective in establishing and maintaining rapport with
clients of either gender.
Biological and Life Sciences
Division
LOURETHA J. ADAMS (Doctoral
Program), Department of Psychology, Graduate School, Howard
University, Washington, DC
PERCEIVED STRESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE
AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS
Aside from poverty and inadequate medical
care, there is one other condition that is especially burdensome
too many African Americans no matter how much they earn or where
they live: psychological stress. Many African Americans
experience increased worries about violence, employment, or
discrimination than other races. Endurance of such stressors
keeps many African Americans in constant fight or flight state
of readiness, which overtime, may lead to the breakdown of
normal physical vitality and may increase the body’s
susceptibility to stress-related illnesses such as hypertension,
cancer, heart disease, and stroke. African Americans are more
likely to suffer from these stress-related illnesses than
whites. The residual effects of psychological stress also
impacts Quality of Life (QOL) in areas such as diet, exercise,
and sleep pattern. Studies have shown higher alcohol consumption
and smoking in African Americans who report high stress levels.
Research needs to examine the extent to which perceived stress
might lead to decreased QOL. Objective: The purpose of
this study was to assess the association between QOL and
psychological stress. Methods: The present study
population was comprised of 154 African Americans males and
females, 18 years or older. Participants were administered the
SF-36, which is a 36-item questionnaire that measures eight
dimensions of health status: physical functioning, social
functioning, role-physical, role emotional, mental health,
vitality, bodily pain, and general health. Participants were
also administered the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), a measure
that determines the degree to which individuals appraise
situations in their lives as stressful. Results: Spearman
rank-order correlations indicated that perceived stress scores
negatively correlated with role physical (r = -.195, p < .05);
role emotional (r = -.181, p < .05) health status dimensions.
Perceived stress scores were also negatively correlated with the
mental health summary measure (r = -.175, p < .05), but not with
the physical health summary measure. These findings show that
psychological stress interferes with the optimal quality of
physical and mental health.
This research investigation is part
of a larger study entitled, "Stress and
Psychoneuroimmunological Factors in Renal Health and Disease
," that is funded by The National Center on Minority Health and
Health Disparities, Grant # 1P20 MD 000512-04
RACHEL E. AUSTIN (Master’s Program),
Roxanne Christie, and Vernon Bond, Ed.D., Department of Health,
Human Performance and Leisure Studies, Graduate School, Howard
University, Washington, DC
AN
EVALUATION OF THE DEGREE OF WHICH BODY COMPOSITION,
CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS, FAMILY HISTORY OF HYPERTENSION, AND THE
ACE GENE I/D POLYMORPHISM INFLUENCE CARDIAC AUTONOMIC FUNCTION
IN YOUNG ADULT AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN
The autonomic nervous system plays an
important role in developing hypertension, which is the leading
health problem in the adult African American community. Heart
rate variability (HRV) has emerged as a practical, noninvasive
tool to quantitatively investigate cardiac autonomic modulation.
Heart rate variability is influenced by many factors among which
are identified in genetics, body composition, cardiovascular
fitness, and parental history of hypertension. The purpose of
this study was to 1) examine the influence of genes, body
composition, cardiovascular fitness, and familial history of
hypertension on the cardiac autonomic modulation and 2)
determine which risk factor provides the greatest contribution
to the augmentation of HRV. Twenty seven healthy African
American women age 18 to 25 years participated in the study.
Each participant delivered saliva into an Oragene collection
vial for the purpose of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis.
The DNA isolated from saliva was genotyped for the ACE gene
polymorphism. Genotyping of the ACE polymorphism was determined
using restriction enzyme digest. Cardiovascular fitness (CF)
was determined using a 6 minute sub-maximal exercise test to
predict VO2peak. Body composition was assessed using
a duel-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Information of
family history of hypertension was obtained from a self-reported
questionnaire. While results showed a significant difference
among the variant groups (high CF; 55.964 + 10.535 vs.
low CF; 45.288 + 9.256 P=0.01, obese; 46.336 +
9.23, vs. non obese; 55.410 + 11.687 P=0.03, and familial
history of hypertension; 44.422 + 9.603 vs. no familial
history of hypertension; 54.521 + 10.302 P=0.015) in the
high frequency (HF) HRV values, there was not a significant
difference among the low CF vs. obese vs. familial history of
hypertension groups. In addition, there was no significant
difference in HF HRV among individuals with the II (55.101 +
11.429) and the DD (49.399 + 10.021 P=0.411) ACE I/D
polymorphism. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest
that the genetic contribution of the ACE gene I/D polymorphism
is important, but accounts for less of the variation observed in
HRV than is due to cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and
familial history of hypertension in young women.
There was no financial research support for
this study.
KEVIN O. BELGRAVE (Doctoral
Program), Hassan Brim, Edward Lee, and Hassan Ashktorab,
Department of Genetics and Human Genetics, Cancer Center and
G.I. Division, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine,
Howard University, Washington, DC
CHROMATIN MODIFICATION: H3 K9 EXPRESSION
AND MICRO-SATELLITE INSTABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH COLON ADENOMA
AND CANCER USING TISSUE MICROARRAY
The chromatin modification and activation
of transcription and translation are important parts of gene
regulation. Recent studies have shown that gene activation is
associated with chromatin loop formation and acetylation of
histones. It is not fully understood that how chromatin
modification changes the progression of colon adenoma. We
proposed that he one major feature that determines the chromatin
modification could be acetylation of H3 K9. Thus, histone
modification may modulate the degree and progression of colon
cancer. H3 K9 acetylation has been shown to be activated in
solid tumors like prostate malignancies. However, the role of
H3 K9 acetylation in colon adenoma and carcinoma has not yet
been determined. This study was conducted to investigate the
clinical value of acetylation of H3 K9 in colonic adenoma and
carcinoma compared to normal tissue. We used tissue slides from
our patients undergoing elective G.I. colonoscopy at Howard
University Hospital. Expression of H3 K9 was determined by
immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays from 41 and 4
cases of biopsy/resected colon adenoma and cancer specimens,
respectively. We evaluated H3 K9 expression and the correlation
between expression of these proteins and various
clinicopathological factors, including stage of the disease and
microsatellite instability (MSI-H). H3 K9 acethylation nuclear
expression was observed in 90% and 10% of the cancer cases and
adenoma, respectively compared to normal that was either
negative of baseline positive. All of the carcinomas were
positive for MSI-H, while only all of the adenomas were positive
for MSS. H3 K9 expression was not correlated with MSI-H in the
cancer lesion cases while the correlation may exist for the
adenoma. There was a no difference in clinicopathological
parameters, such as tumor stage (T, N, and MSI-H was not found
in those patients with Stage II and III disease. These results
suggest that H3 expression might be associated with
proliferation, and tumor progression through up-regulation of
oncogenes. Further studies are needed to determine the role of
H3 K9 in colon adenoma and cancer.
PAMELA A. G. CLARKE and
William R. Eckberg,
Ph.D., (Master’s Program) Department of Biology, Graduate
School, Howard University, Washington, DC
THE EXPRESSION AND LOCALIZATION OF
MELANOMA INHIBITORY ACTIVITY (MIA) AND ITS FUNCTIONAL ROLE IN
BREAST CANCER
Melanoma Inhibitory Activity (MIA) is a
small, secreted protein normally expressed in chondrocytes and
appears to be a pivotal player in their differentiation.
Initially identified as a tumor suppressor, MIA is now a major
metastatic marker for melanoma and has been identified as a key
molecule in melanoma tumor progression. Melanoma patients
expressing high levels of serum MIA have a poor prognosis and
exhibit a reduced response to various chemotherapeutic agents.
This observation prompted us to look for a correlation between
MIA levels and metastatic potential in breast cancer cell lines.
The cell lines chosen ranged from minimally to highly metastatic.
We examined the expression and localization of MIA by western
blot, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. Western blot and RT-PCR
detected MIA in the MDA-MB 435, MDA-MB 231, MCF-7, SKBR3, T-47 D
and SKMEL5 (melanoma control) cell lines. RT-PCR and western
blot analysis revealed relatively high MIA mRNA and protein
levels respectively in MDA MB 435 and MDA MB 231, the two most
metastatic cell lines. MIA was detected as diffuse staining
throughout the cytoplasm of the breast cancer cells. Since a
correlation between increased serum levels of malignant melanoma
and more advanced metastatic disease has been established, we
also investigated the amount of MIA secreted into the
supernatant by ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay) and
western blot analysis. MIA secreted protein levels were
significantly higher in the MDA MB 435 and MDA MB 231 cell lines
in comparison to the other cells lines tested. Analyses of
preliminary data suggest a positive correlation between MIA
expression and tumor progression in these cell lines as in
melanoma and some other cancer cells. Hence, MIA has the
potential of being a predictive marker for patients’ outcomes in
breast cancer.
Supported by: NSF HRD-0401697
SUSSAN E. EKEJIUBA1
(Doctoral Program), Martha I. Dávila-García1,
Elizabeth Adetobi-Oladele1, Machiko Shirahata2,
Anthony Caparso3, V. John Massari1.
Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Howard
University, Washington, DC, 2Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, MD, 3Boston Scientific,
Natick, MA
Differential Distribution of Cardiac Afferents into Nucleus
Tractus Solitarius from Intraventricular Septal Ganglion and
their colocalization with Substance P
Responses of the heart to vagal stimulation
are relayed back to the CNS via afferents to the nucleus tractus
solitarius (NTS). This circuitry selectively regulates heart
dromotropic, inotropic and chronotropic functions. A large
parasympathetic intracardiac ganglion, the intraventricular
septal ganglion (IVSg) projects to both left and right
ventricles and seems to be involved with cardiac contractility.
In the present study we wanted to determine if sensory pathways
would play a role in the CNS-cardiac circuitry of the IVSg.
Afferent projections from the heart were retrogradely labelled
by injections of CTB-HRP into the IVSg. A left intercostal
thoracotomy was performed in 9 male cats weighing 2.5-6.5 kg. A
solution of 1% CTB-HRP was injected (25 µl) into the IVSg in 5
animals or into the pericardial sac (PCS) in 4 animals.
Injections were also performed into the ventral side of the
tongue (3 µl) in all cats to determine retrograde label
viability. The CTB-HRP labeled terminals were exclusively
confined to the dorsolateral, dorsomedial and commissural NTS at
the level of the area postrema in all 5 cats receiving IVSg
injections and were colocalized with positive immunolabel for
substance P. The labeled terminals were present on both right
and left NTS but were more abundant on the left NTS.
Hypoglossal neurons were positively labelled for CTH-HRP on all
cats. No labeled terminals were observed when a 1% CTB-HRP
solution was injected into the PCS. The transganglionic
transport to the NTS appears to be through the vagus nerve as
vagal fibers were also CTB-HRP positive. This suggests that
there are sensory afferents to IVSg in cats, probably from the
nodose ganglion, which project to the dorsomedial, dorsolateral
and commissural NTS. Since previous work from this laboratory
has established the presence of projections from NTS neurons to
the nucleus ambiguus (NA), this suggests that the control of NA
neurons projecting to IVSg may be selectively modulated by left
dorsomedial, dorsolateral and/or commissural NTS neurons.
This research was supported by NIH-NIGMCS
2S06GM008016 to MDG, NIH-NINDS-SNRP 2 U54 NS039407 to MDG and
VJM, NIH-NIMH 1 R24MH067627 to MDG and VJM, NIH-RCMI
2 G12 RR003048
to MDG and Boston
Scientific, Natick, MA to VJM.
Kenny M. Fournillier1 (Master’s Program),
Wade C. Sherbrooke2, and Dr. George Middendorf1,
1Department of Biology, Graduate, School, Howard
University, Washington, DC and 2American Museum of
Natural History Southwestern Research Station
BLOOD SQUIRTING AS AN EFFECTIVE ANTI-PREDATORY MECHANISM IN
PHRYNOSOMA (HORNED LIZARDS): A TEST USING MUSEUM SPECIMENS
The effectiveness of blood squirting as an
anti-predatory mechanism was studied in Phrynosoma
(Horned Lizards). Body size and the prevalence of injuries were
compared between blood squirting and non-blood squirting
specimens using the Phrynosoma collection at the National
Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian Institution). Of the 924
specimens examined, blood squirting species showed a
significantly larger body size than non-blood squirting species,
suggesting that the ability to squirt blood may be determined by
body size. Using the premise that an injury is a sign of a
failed predation event, a significantly greater number of blood
squirting Phrynosoma showed injuries than non-blood
squirting Phrynosoma, supporting the hypothesis that
blood squirting is an effective anti-predatory mechanism that is
based on body size.
BRUK GETACHEW (Doctoral Program),
Sheketha R. Hauser, Robert Taylor, MD and Yousef Tizabi
Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Howard
University, Washington, DC
Antidepressants Block
Depressive-Like Behavior Following Alcohol Withdrawal In Rats:
Implication For Relapse
Particularly high complaint of depression
during alcohol withdrawal (AW) is thought to increase alcohol
relapse risk. Previously, we have shown that withdrawal from 7
and 14 days of alcohol exposure results in depressive-like
behavior in Wistar rats and exacerbates the existing
depressive-like characteristics in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. In
this study we sought to determine whether daily treatment with
antidepressants during alcohol exposure can block the
manifestation of depressive-like behavior following AW.
Adult female WKY and their progenitor control, Wistar rats, were
exposed for 3 hrs daily for 10 days ethanol via inhalation
chambers followed by i.p injections of 10 mg/kg imipramine or
nomifensine, selective norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake
blockers, respectively. Mean blood alcohol levels (BALs) were
maintained at approximately 150 mg/dL in both strains. On day 11
the animals were tested in a locomotor activity (LCA) monitoring
cage for 10 min followed by assessment of their performance in
Porsolt forced swim test (FST) for 5min. Neither imipramine nor
nomifensine had any effect on LCA in Wistar rats. Imipramine
reduced LCA in WKY rats only. Both imipramine and nomifensine
blocked the exaggerated immobility in FST, reflective of the
depressive characteristic, in both strains following AW. These
data suggest that pretreatment with antidepressants may enhance
treatment outcome for alcoholics by preventing depressive-like
behavior following alcohol withdrawal.
Supported by: NIAAA P20 (AA014643)
and NIH/NIMH (2SO6 GM08016-36)
CRYSTAL M. GLOVER and
Lloyd R. Sloan,
Ph.D. (Doctoral Program), Department of Psychology, Graduate
School, Howard University, Washington, DC
INTERACTIONS BETWEEN ETHNICITY, GENDER, AND INCOME INFLUENCE
EVALUATIONS OF GROUPS
Categorization is at the core of many
enduring and salient concepts that shape social psychology and
society. Traditionally, ethnicity and gender are two of the
most salient categories that individuals base evaluations of the
self and others upon. However, recognition mounts for
socioeconomic status (SES) as a category individuals frequently
use to evaluate and perceive others and themselves. With each
categorization (i.e. ethnicity, gender, and SES) shaping
evaluations and perceptions, beginning to understand how the
simultaneous use of categories uniquely shapes an individual’s
evaluations and perceptions is fascinating.
Investigating differential evaluations
associated with multiple category groups based on variations in
ethnic (African or White American), gender (men or women),
and/or income (low-, middle-, or high-income) categorizations is
the research goal. Groups simultaneously representing an
ethnic, gender, and income categorization are multiple category
groups.
One hundred twenty participants provided
evaluations of twelve multiple category groups: low-income
African American men, low-income African American women,
low-income White American men, low-income White American women,
middle-income African American men, middle-income African
American women, middle-income White American men, middle-income
White American women, high-income African American men,
high-income African American women, high-income White American
men, and high-income White American women. Participants
evaluated groups using Single Item Ratings (SIR). SIR measured
the amount of favorability/unfavorability participants
associated with each group. Assessment of the favorability of
each group was along a 9-point Likert-type scale with endpoints
1(very unfavorably) and 9 (very favorably).
This research employed a 2 (target
ethnicity: African-and White-American) X 2 (target gender: men
and women) X 3 (target income: low-, middle-, and high-income)
between subjects design. The General Linear Model (GLM) –
Univariate tested significant main effects of and interactions
between ethnicity, gender, and income on overall evaluations of
each group. Results indicated a 3-way interaction between
ethnicity, gender, and income (F = 3.03, p=.05).
This result suggests that ethnicity, gender, and income interact
with one another to shape others’ global evaluations of various
groups. In addition, results indicated main effects for
ethnicity (F=25.03, p=.00), gender (F=4.16,
p=.04), and income (F=40.69, p=.00). Main
effects suggest that each categorization influences
participants’ evaluations of groups.
As a whole, results indicate composite
effects of ethnicity, gender, and income are not simply
additive, but interactive. Evaluations of multiple category
groups are distinct from the evaluations of groups based solely
on ethnicity, gender, or income. However, ethnicity, gender, and
income are (important) independent factors in evaluations of
multiple category groups.
LARRY D. KEEN II and
Arlener D. Turner,
(Master’s Program), Clive Callender, M.D., Ernest Carter, M.D.,
Jules Harrell, Ph.D. and Alfonso Campbell, Ph.D., Department of
Psychology and College of Medicine, Howard University,
Washington, DC
INDICES OF LIPID METABOLISM AND BLOOD PRESSURE AS PRDICTORS
OF CVLT PERFORMANCE IN A COMMUNITY-BASED COHORT OF AFRICAN
AMERICANS
Objective: Recent studies show that vascular disease
risk factors, more specifically elevated serum Triglyceride
levels, high serum Total Cholesterol (TC) and High-Density
Lipoprotein (HDL), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) are important
in the development of memory impairments in elderly
populations. Elderly African American populations with a high
prevalence of vascular disease may be at particular risk for
neurocognitive impairment. The purpose of the current study was
to examine in a middle-aged (mean age = 46.15 years) African
American sample the relationship between vascular disease risk
factors and verbal memory task performances. As dementia is
less frequent among middle aged adults, it seems important to
determine whether these risk factors are related to memory
functions in a younger population.
Methods: The California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), a
measure of episodic memory functions, was administered to 187
(male = 87, female = 100), African American participants aged 18
years or older and residing in the Washington, DC metropolitan
area. These participants were enrolled in a larger study that
explores psychoneuroimmunological (PNI) factors and renal
health. At study entry, participants provided a urine and blood
sample, and they were administered a battery of
neuropsychological, psychosocial, and mood measures. Blood
pressure was also evaluated. This study was conducted in the
General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) at Howard University
Hospital.
Results/Conclusion: Preliminary findings show that serum
triglyceride levels correlated with trials 1-5 along with total
recall (Trial 1: r = -.219 R2=.048 p =.039, Trial 2:
r =.212 R2 = .045 p= .046, Trial 3: r =-.239 R2
= .057 p =.024, Trial 4: r = -.211 R2 = .044 p
= .047, Trial 5: -.253 R2 = .064 p = .017, Total
Recall: r = -.266R2 = .071 p = .012). Among the
vascular risk factors triglycerides were also the strongest
predictor of CVLT performance. Diastolic blood pressures also
served as significant predictors. These findings are consistent
with the view that lipid abnormalities and elevated diastolic
blood pressure may contribute to conditions that compromise the
integrity of arterial vessel walls and impede the blood flow to
brain regions that support memory functions.
This research investigation is part of a larger study entitled,
“Stress and Psychoneuroimmunological Factors in Renal Health and
Disease,” that is funded by The National Center on Minority
Health and Health Disparities, Grant # 1P20 MD 000512-04.
April Moon-Hodges(Doctoral Program),
Allan Johnson, and Barbara Harland. Department of Nutritional
Sciences, Graduate School, Howard University, Washington, DC
INFLUENCES OF DIETARY CARBOHYDRATES AND
LIPIDS ON THE PARAMETERS OF THE METABOLIC SYNDROME
Metabolic syndrome describes the presence
of a cluster of metabolic abnormalities associated with type 2
diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk. Diet may play a role
in the modification of this syndrome. The objective of this
study was to investigate the dietary carbohydrates and lipids on
the parameters of metabolic syndrome. Secondary analysis of
data from the 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey was conducted. Subjects were matched by
energy intake and assigned to one of three groups (49 in each
group): The High Fat/Low Carbohydrate group (HF/LC) the Low
Fat/High Carbohydrate group (LF/HC), or the Low Fat/Low
Carbohydrate group (LF/LC). High fat was>30% calories from fat,
low fat was<30% calories from fat, high carbohydrate was>60%
calories from carbohydrate, and low carbohydrate was <60%
calories from carbohydrate. Data were analyzed using SUDAAN (RTI
International, Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, NC). Parameters
of the three groups were compared using Student’s t-tests
(p<0.05). The HF/LC group had a significantly higher mean waist
circumference than the LF/LC group (Mean ± SEM, 92.0 ± 2.6 cm
vs. 84.7 ± 2.2 cm). The LF/HC group had a significantly lower
High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol concentration than the HF/LC
group (49.3 ± 1.9 mg/dL vs. 55.3 ± 2.2 mg/dL). The LF/LC group
had a significantly higher mean blood glucose level than the HF/LC
group (84.8 ± 1.2 mg/dL vs. 81.1 ±1.0 mg/dL). The LF/LC group
also had a significantly higher mean blood glucose level than
the LF/HC group (84.8 ± 1.2 mg/dL vs. ± 81.1 ± 1.0 mg/dL). None
of the groups met the criteria needed to be classified as having
metabolic syndrome.
DEBRA L. MOREHEAD (Master’s Program), Department of
Psychology, Graduate School, Howard University, Washington, DC
C-REACTIVE PROTEIN AND BODY MASS INDEX
IN A COMMUNITY-BASED STUDY OF AFRICAN AMERICANS
Obesity/overweight has reached epidemic
proportions in the United States. Obesity/overweight, in
addition to type 2 diabetes and hypertension, are leading risk
factors for cardiovascular disease. These diseases account for
20 percent of deaths among blacks in the U.S., twice the figure
for whites (Cooper et al, 1999). Studies utilizing
African-American men (Douglas et al, 2004) and women (Miller et
al, 2003; Ford, 1999) show that overweight/obesity, as indexed
by unhealthy fat accumulation, is positively associated with
C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Serum CRP is an acute-phase
protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation,
infection, tissue damage, and trauma. CRP is primarily
regulated by the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Body fat is typically measured by the body mass index (BMI).
BMI values in the range of 25-29 kg/m² serve as the standard for
overweight. Higher BMI values above 30 kg/m² denote the
standard for obesity. Objective: To
investigate the relationship between CRP and BMI in a
community-based study of African Americans. Hypothesis:
African Americans who have higher concentrations of CRP, will
have higher BMIs. Methods: Seventy-eight
(N=78) African Americans (males and females), 18 years of age
and older, were the participants in this study and were treated
as genetically unrelated. ELISA assay procedures were used to
determine serum CRP levels; and, weight and height measurements
were used to calculate BMI. Results: As
predicted, higher CRP levels were associated with higher BMI
values (r =.608, p ≤ 0.01) (2-tailed). Conclusion:
These findings provide support for the idea that
obesity/overweight is an inflammatory related disease.
Implication: There is a need to identify the
underlying biopsychosocial mechanisms that contribute to the
problem of overweight/obesity.
The research investigation is part of a
larger study entitled, “Stress and Psychoneuroimmunological
Factors in Renal Health and Disease,” that is funded by The
National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Grant
#1P20MD000512-04.
JEANNINE S. SKINNER (Master’s Program), Alphonso
Campbell, Ph.D., Jules P. Harrell, Ph.D., Department of
Psychology, Clive Callender, Graduate School and College of
Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEPRESSION,
ANXIETY, RELIGIOSITY AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN A COMMUNITY- BASED
SAMPLE OF AFRICAN AMERICANS
Objective: Past research has
consistently shown that depressive symptomatology and symptoms
of anxiety are adversely related to physical health outcomes.
Research has also shown that positive coping mechanisms can help
mitigate feelings of depression and anxiety and ultimately lead
to an improvement in health- related quality of life. Using a
sample of African- Americans, the purpose of this study was to
examine the relationship between depressive affect anxiety,
religiosity, and blood pressure. More specifically, this study
sought to determine whether anxiety and depression served as
predictors of blood pressure in African- Americans. A second aim
of this study was to assess whether the relationship between
depressive affect, anxiety, and blood pressure was moderated by
religiosity.
Method: Participants included a
community-based sample of 172 African-Americans (84 males, 88
females), 18 years of age or older.
Results: Study findings indicated
significant correlations between depressive affect and diastolic
blood pressure (r=.169, p= .029), depressive affect and anxiety
(r=.426, p=.01), and religious participation and anxiety
(r=-.209, p=.020). Regression analysis revealed depressive
affect to be a significant predictor of diastolic blood pressure
(R²= .029, R²adj= .023, p<.05, beta= .169).
Conclusion: Although, anxiety and
religious participation were not significant predictors of blood
pressure, results from this study showed depressive affect to be
a significant predictor of diastolic blood pressure in African-
Americans. These findings suggest that depressive affect may be
instrumental in health- related quality of life. Research
limitations and future directions will be discussed.
This research investigation is part
of a larger study entitled, "Stress and
Psychoneuroimmunological Factors in Renal Health and Disease
," that is funded by The National Center on Minority Health and
Health Disparities, Grant # 1P20 MD 000512-04
TAMARA D. WILLIS (Doctoral Program), Department of
Psychology and Center for Urban Progress, Graduate School,
Howard University, Washington, DC
PUBLIC HOUSING, SAFETY, AND HEALTH
STATUS
BACKGROUND: Prior studies have
demonstrated associations among environment, neighborhood, and
socioeconomic status, suggesting that these factors contribute
to overall health. Public housing residents may experience
disproportionate levels of physical and mental health due to
compromised neighborhood safety.
OBJECTIVE: The current research
investigated perceptions of household physical health and
psychological well-being, access to health care, and
neighborhood safety in a sample of public housing residents.
METHOD: An interview survey was developed by study
collaborators to ascertain respondents’ demographic information
and perceptions of their experiences as public housing
residents. Focus groups were also conducted to gain additional
insight into residents’ perspectives. After informed consent
was obtained, a team of research assistants administered the
interview survey to 190 individuals identified as heads of
household residing in a Washington, DC public housing
development. Upon completion of the interview survey,
participants were given a nominal remuneration for their time.
Data pertaining to respondents’ self-reported household
composition, sources of income, educational background, medical
and mental health conditions, access to health care services,
and perceptions of public safety were analyzed using SPSS.
RESULTS: Frequency analyses showed that high blood pressure was
the leading physical health ailment among nearly the majority of
respondents, while depression was the psychological ailment most
often reported by nearly one-third of respondents, followed
closely by anxiety. Further, the vast majority of respondents
reported having access to health care, chiefly in the form of
Health Maintenance Organization membership, and health
insurance, most often Medicaid. Respondents’ concerns about
public safety were clearly reflected in response rates for these
items. Particularly, most residents reported not feeling safe
in their neighborhood because of the persistent presence of
drug-related activities in specific areas of the housing
development.
CONCLUSION: These findings provide
evidence that health status may be associated with neighborhood
safety status. Interventions that foster community empowerment
and aim at eliminating threats to public safety within public
housing communities should be identified and implemented in an
effort to reduce the burden of medical illness and psychological
distress experienced by public housing residents.
This study was conducted by the Howard
University Center for Urban Progress in collaboration with the
Lincoln Heights New Community Partnership, the District of
Columbia Government, and the DC Housing Authority with funding
from the DC Housing Enterprise.
XUNQIN YIN (Doctoral Program) and
WILLIAM R. ECKBERG, Ph.D., Department of Biology, Graduate
School, Howard University, Washington, DC
IDENTIFICATION OF PHOSPHOLIPASES C
(PLC) AND THEIR POSSIBLE ROLES IN CHAETOPTERUS EGG
ACTIVATION
Phospholipase C is a central enzyme
involved in the calcium release of egg activation by the
proposed G-protein-PLCb
and/or protein tyrosine kinase (PTK)-PLCg
signal pathways. In present study, we for the first time cloned
cDNAs encoding PLCβ and PLCγ isoforms from Chaetopterus
eggs by RT/DOP-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA end PCR (RACE
PCR). By western blot analysis, PLCβ (135kDa) and PLCγ (150kDa)
were expressed in the eggs. Treatment of eggs with general PLC
inhibitor, U-73122, egg activation was inhibited. We further
tested the egg activation was G protein-PLCβ and/or PTK-PLCγ
dependent. The agonist and antagonist of G protein, chorela
toxin (CTX) and pertussis toxin (PTX) both had no significant
effects in egg activation. However, the antagonists of PTK,
genistein and typhostein B42, both blocked the egg activation in
a dose-dependent manner. Our data suggests that the PLC activity
from the egg is required for the egg activation and PLCg
may play an important role through PTK-PLCg
signal cascade during Chaetopterus egg activation.
This research was supported by NSF
HRD-0401697.
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Division
YAO KOUWONOU (Master’s Program),
Kimberly L. Jones, and Ramamoorthy
Malaisamy Department of Civil Engineering, College of
Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences, Howard
University, Washington, DC
Biofouling Potential
of Graft-surface Modified Micro-porous Polyethersulfone
Membranes
Bio-fouling of membranes in water treatment
process is considered a serious issue, as the presence of few
counts of microorganism cells can grow rapidly and cause serious
performance disorders. Since it is almost impossible to
completely remove the microorganism during the treatment
process, the tailoring the membrane properties in order to
prevent bio-fouling gains more attention and importance. In this
aspect, we are investigating on the incorporation of polymers
having anti-fouling potential by graft-co-polymerization on the
surface of the commercial polyethersulfone microfiltration
membranes. In this case, a weak acid monomer, acrylic acid (AA)
and a quaternary salt of acrylic polymer
[2-(Acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (AETMAC)
are taken and the polymerization on the membrane surface is done
using UV initiation at 254 nm. We confirmed the
graft-modification of PES membranes with acrylic acid by
determining the degree of grafting, ATR FT-IR spectroscopic
analyses and streaming potential measurements. FT-IR spectra of
the modified membranes show a peak corresponding to the –C=O
group of the acid at around 1650 cm-1. The streaming
potential measurements show an enhanced negative surface charge
from -40mV to -80mV at a pH of 6.4, for a 0.1 µm PES membrane
modified with 1mM acrylic acid. Interestingly, the pure water
flux of modified 0.1 µm PES membranes at 20 psi, did not change
appreciably, where as that of 0.22 µm increased from 2.5 L/(m2.S)
to 3 L/(m2.S) after the modification. We are
investigating on the solution flux and fouling of Escherichia
Coli through the unmodified and modified membranes to
compare their performance. In addition, we are striving to
optimize the flux and the anti-biofouling potential of the
modified membranes at dilute E.Coli concentrations.
Optimization of flux and biofouling potential with various
conditions and compositions and the studies on AETMAC
modification are in progress.
JAMESE D. SIMS (Doctoral Program),
Gregory Jenkins, Ph.D., Department of Atmospheric Sciences,
College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences,
Howard University, Washington, DC
WRF-NMM MODEL VERIFICATION STUDIES FOR
THE AMMA PROJECT DURING THE 2006 ATLANTIC HURRICANE
Over the past decade, the use of
forecasting models has improved quite drastically. This
increase in accuracy is widely due to the greater access of data
via satellites, upper air observations, and better
representation of various processes in the predictive models.
This is particular in studying tropical cyclogenesis and
hurricane evolution. However, in the process of forecasting, it
is important to know the accuracy of the tool that is used for
atmospheric predictions. During the summer of 2006, a field
intensive observation program, the African Monsoon
Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA) was conducted in West Africa.
In conjunction with AMMA, the National Center of Environmental
Prediction (NCEP), and the NOAA Educational Partnership Program
(NOAA/EPP), global and mesoscale model real-time forecasts were
undertaken. The focus of this presentation is on the
verification of the WRF-NMM (Weather Research Forecast –
Nonhydrostatic Mesoscale Model) version 2 run twice daily at 00Z
and 12Z for 48 hour forecast from June 1 - October 1, 2006.
There are two domains in the WRF-NMM model covering the
continental West Coast of Africa and the Eastern Tropical
Atlantic Ocean; the outer parent domain is run at a 12km
resolution and a one-way nested inner domain is run at 4km
resolution. The verification is done on the following
parameters: 10m wind field, 850mb geopotential height, and
precipitation. These parameters are verified using the NCEP
Forecast Verification Software and the NCEP QPF analysis.
Information collected from the verification process will
evaluate the models’ performance on atmospheric conditions of
West Africa occurring during June through September 2006.
Social Sciences Division
Ebony R. Custis (Master’s Program),
Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Graduate School,
Howard University, Washington, DC
CULTURAL CAPITAL, CRITICAL THEORY, AND
MOTIVATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN CAPOEIRA ANGOLA
This study addresses individual motivation
for participation in the marginalized art form of Capoeira
Angola (CA). CA is an internationally practiced Afro-Brazilian
art form that includes song, instrument play, dance,
spirituality, and play fighting. This study will explore
whether CA students are motivated by a desire for symbolic
achievement, as suggested by critical theory. Significantly,
this study will explore whether critical theory or Bourdieu’s
theory of cultural capital can best explain motivation for
participation in CA.
Previous studies of marginalized art forms
focus on the expression of the art form itself and frequently
overlook the individual’s motivation to participate in the art
form. In detailing the observable dimensions of marginalized
art forms, existing research has failed to specifically address
how participants create and define their perception of the art
form, and to identify the factors that define their choice to
participate in the art form.
By using five qualitative procedures
(participant observation, field notes, free lists, pile sorts,
and semi-structured interviews), this study seeks to gain
insight into individual’s conception of CA and how it informs CA
students’ motivation for participation. The combination of five
distinct research methodologies constitutes an innovation in
sociological research in that the added level of data analysis
widens the use of theory and practice in sociological studies
that examine cultural and artistic practices.
The overall significance of this study lies
in its contribution to an increased intellectual and political
awareness concerning marginalized cultural and artistic
practices. This study is relevant to contemporary social life
in that it may increase our understanding of the role that these
artistic practices potentially play in the genesis and
persistence of social movements.
Valerie R. Stackman
(Master’s Program), Department of Sociology and
Anthropology, Graduate School, Howard University, Washington, DC
Stranger Danger: The Effects of COntact as Moderated
by perceptions of Dangerousness on Attitudes towards persons
with mental disorders
Negative attitudes in
service industries can create barriers to effective care. The
purpose of this study is to contribute to the literature by
determining the extent to which contact is altered by
respondent’s perceptions of dangerousness in explaining
attitudes towards persons with mental disorders as measured by
desired social distance.
This study will
analyze data previously collected in the National Opinion
Research Center’s 1996 General Social Survey module on Mental
Health (N=1,170). Two equations will be calculated to determine
if perceived dangerousness moderates the effect of contact on
attitudes: the logistic regression of attitudes (1) on contact;
and (2) on contact and respondent’s perceptions of dangerousness
of persons with mental disorders. Analysis will determine
statistical and substantive correlations in the equations.
Findings will be discussed with regard to the field of mental
health and other service-oriented industries.
Source of Financial Research Support:
None.
UNDERGRADUATE
Poster Sessions
Arts and Humanities Division
Ashley N. Pugh,
Department of Human Development and Psycho-educational
Studies, School of Education, S. R. Hauser1,
Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, B.
Getachew2, Department of Pharmacology, Y. Tizabi2,
Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Howard
University, Washington, DC
THE
DEPRESSIVE EFFECTS OF NICOTINE IN FEMALE WKY RATS
Cigarette
smoking is considered to be the leading most preventable cause
of disease and death in the United States. Smoking has been
shown to cause heart disease, strokes, peptic ulcers and
numerous cancers. Epidemiological reports have also shown that
smoking and depression have a strong positive correlation.
However, a causal relationship for this co-morbidity between
smoking and depression has not been established. It has been
suggested that nicotine, the addictive agent found in all
tobacco products, may, in some occasions act as anti-depressant
and in other occasions to induce or exacerbate the depressive
symptoms. Animal models and different behavioral paradigms have
been used to investigate the association between nicotine use
and depression. Most animal studies have consistently shown that
nicotine has an anti-depressant-like effect. Depressive-like
characteristics in rats are routinely evaluated by the measure
of immobility in the forced swim test (FST), which is an
established measure to test the clinical efficacy of
anti-depressants. In addition, to disassociate the effects of
drugs on general locomotor activity (LCA) versus their specific
effects on immobility in the FST, an open field activity is also
included in behavioral evaluations. Recent studies in the lab
have indicated that when nicotine is present in plasma, it may
actually exacerbate the depressive-like characteristics of
Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), a putative animal model of depression.
The present aim of the lab was to determine if pretreatment with
the antidepressant desipramine would prevent the effects of
nicotine. Adult female Wistar and WKY rats were administered
nicotine acutely and twice daily for 8 days and their locomotor
activity in the open field, as well as their immobility in the
forced swim test were assessed 15 min after the last injection.
It was found that 8 days of nicotine induced depressive-like
characteristics in Wistar rats and exacerbated those of WKY
rats, whereas acute nicotine did not have any effect on LCA or
the immobility in the FST in either strain. Administration of a
moderate dose of desipramine 10 min prior to nicotine injection
did not blocked the effects of nicotine in the FST. Current
studies are evaluating the effects of higher doses of
desiparmine. It is hypothesized that pretreatment with an
antidepressant would block the “depressogenic” effects of
nicotine in the indicated paradigm.
Supported by: NIH/NIGMS
(2 SO6 GM08016-36)
Biological and Life Sciences
Division
ALEXANDRA E.
SUTTON and KOBINA YANKSON, Department of Biology and
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, University of Cape
Coast, Ghana, Graduate School, Howard University, Washington, DC
THE EFFECT OF
SALINITY ON FILTRATION OF THE WEST AFRICAN MANGROVE OYSTER,
Crassostrea tulipa
The potential
for developing a fisheries industry based on the West African
Mangrove Oyster is high in Ghana. The oyster, Crassostrea
tulipa, is a euryhaline organism that thrives in the coastal
lagoons of the Ghanaian shoreline. The organism is commonly
known, yet further research should be done in preparation for a
fishery development. Subsequently, this experiment focused on
exploring the precise relationship between salinity and
filtration rates of the oyster. Oysters gathered from two types
of coastal lagoons (closed and open) were exposed to salinity
varying from 0 ppt to 35 ppt and filtration rates were measured
based on one-hour intervals. Data showed that salinity had no
significant effect on filtration rate of a given oyster type (p
value = 0.91265, open lagoon; p value = 0.9965, closed lagoon).
However, significant difference did exist between the filtration
rates of oysters collected from the two different types of
lagoon (p value = 0.0002). Oysters collected from the closed
lagoon had a significantly greater mean filtration rate across
all salinity levels than oysters collected from the open lagoon
(0.3485ppm/min, open lagoon; 0.6567ppm/min, closed lagoon).
These differences in filtration rates may relate to adaptation
for greater salinity variation in closed lagoons.
Supported by:
NSF Grant # 040515, Environmental Biology Scholars Program,
Biology Department, Howard University, Dr. Mary A. McKenna, P.I.,
and by the NSF REU Program, Department of Biology, James Madison
University, Harrisonburg, VA.
