Title: | Regulatory Effects of Diatoms on Their Grazers |
Author(s): | Joe Allbright |
Abstract: | Recent studies have shown that in lentic ecosystems diatoms secrete aldehyde compounds that exert inhibitory effects on diatom grazing by copepods and sea urchins. These compounds inhibited the reproduction of the grazers when in high enough concentration, decreasing the hatch rate of some noted grazers to about 12% of normal rate. Six groups of freshwater copepods were placed in beakers with an abundance of protozoa for nutrients. Three of the beakers were adjusted with decadienal at 375 mg/liters. The copepod populations were counted over a 2 week period and the data was recorded. The results showed that there was a significant effect on the population in the presence of the aldehyde (r=.9543). Another link was found between the number of females present and the rate of increase in the population (r=.9886). These results demonstrate that the inhibitory effects of diatom products on their grazers' reproduction exist in lentic ecosystems as a survival device to prevent over-grazing by copepods. |
Title: | ITI Extended Support Web Application |
Author(s): | Lex Anderson |
Abstract: | The Extended Support Web Application is an application intended to simplify and increase the efficiency of the personal support of ITI products and services. Information Technology Inc. (ITI), located in Lincoln, NE, is the leading provider of financial software in the United States. This web-based application uses active server pages to unite the tasks involved in supporting products outside of normal business hours. The application is tied to an SQL database which serves as a medium to store the information needed to support ITI products. By dividing users into the three distinct groups, each with varying functions, the application is tailored to the individual user's needs. This application is currently in use at ITI in Lincoln and will be demonstrated remotely at MindExpo. In addition to the demonstration, presented will be the process used to analyze, design, and implement the application. |
Title: | Residence Life Switchboard |
Author(s): | Thomas C. Anthony II |
Abstract: | Previously the Doane College Residence Life team was using two old Access 97 databases, one for North Side of campus and one for South Side of campus, to track all student concerns, duty logs and other misc. data. The database constantly crashed and vital information was lost. I designed a database with a web interface to combat this problem. The new web program is hosted on tiger.doane.edu and allows users to select which side of campus the reports happened on as well as a search feature for them to view all reports or reports for each individual side. This allows for Residence Life staff to keep up to do date with only one interface instead of two. As an added convenience users have links to the maintenance repair database, www.doane.edu, tiger.doane.edu and dmail.doane.edu. |
Title: | Factors Influencing the Incidence of the Common Cold and Infectious Mononucleosis on Doane College Campus |
Author(s): | Amanda Becker |
Abstract: | It is a widely accepted "wisdom" that communal living increases the risk of spread of numerous contagious diseases, including the common cold and infectious mononucleosis. This research attempts to determine what factors, if any, affected the incidence of these two illnesses on the Doane College (Crete) campus during the 2004-2005 school year. The factors that were predicted to have the most influence on disease transmission were the students' gender, class rank, ethnicity, living arrangement, smoking status, and alcohol consumption status. Data on disease transmission was compiled using a survey distributed to students utilizing the student health office and collected throughout the school year by Nurse Kelly Jirovec. When students reported to student health, they were asked to sign a consent form and then fill out a confidential survey assessing the factors listed above. Choices for living arrangement included Sheldon, Frees, Smith, Hansen, Burrage, Colonial, as well as off campus housing. Ethnicity was broken down into white, African American, Hispanic, Asian, and other. Alcohol consumption was reduced to three categories: never, occasionally, and regularly; smoking status was limited to non-smokers and smokers. Finally, the student reported the diagnosis of either common cold (based on symptoms) or infectious mononucleosis. Analysis of the data compared the numbers of students in the symptomatic groups with the entire group within the category (total number of students on campus, total number of students in the dorm, total number of white students, etc.) to assess the patterns of illness on campus. |
Title: | Effects of Puerariae Radix on Pups of Alcohol-Treated Female Mice |
Author(s): | Kerry Brader |
Abstract: | Alcohol is a well known teratogen known to cause craniofacial deformities. The type of damage and the severity depends upon the gestational timing as well as the dosage and route of exposure. C57Bl/6 mice were kept in a 12-hour light/dark cycle, with food and water available at all times. Female C57Bl/6 (20g+) and male C57Bl/6 mice of similar age groups were housed together for varying periods of time. Females were checked daily at 7am for vaginal plugs. The presence of a plug was considered to be gestational day 0 of pregnancy. Fetuses were photographed using an Olympus digital camera mounted on a dissecting microscope to observe any outward birth defects as well as any differences in size. It was determined with an initial dose response curve that injections of alcohol on gestational day (G.D.) 7 and 8 induced the most physical deformities on developing fetuses. Next, female mice (20g+) were bred and separated into four experimental groups: •the 0.9% saline (control) group (0.030ml/g)
•the alcohol (25% ethyl alcohol) injected group (0.030ml/g)
•the Puerariae radix treated group (30mg/kg)
•the alcohol and Puerariae radix treated group. Embryos were initially harvested and photographed at G.D. 18. Next embryos were harvested on G.D. 9.5 and embryos from the same litter were separated into two groups: ethanol affected and ethanol non-affected. After harvesting, embryos were prepped for RNA extraction. Gene microarray studies underway comparing gene expression patterns from alcohol affected and alcohol non-affected G.D. 9.5 pups. This publication was made possible by NIH Grant Number P20 RR16469 from the INBRE Program of the National Center for Research Resources." |
Title: | High Speed Video Analysis of a Plucked String |
Author(s): | Eric Buse and Brian Siegman |
Abstract: | "A single string under tension with both ends fixed is one of the simplest systems for studying wave motion. Certain aspects of this system are studied in the introductory physics class, while other more mathematically sophisticated topics are considered in upper level mechanics or wave theory courses. We have created a series of high speed digital video files showing the motion of a plucked string under various conditions. The conditions studied were: pluck position, string length, string linear mass density, and string tension. A mathematical model of the string motion was developed. A numerical version of the model was implemented in Maple. Comparisons between the model and the video data were made. The model was used to create animations of the string motion. We created a library of the video files for use by physics teachers accessible on the web through the Doane College web site." |
Title: | Seasonal Testosterone Levels in Prairie Dogs and Ground Squirrels |
Author(s): | Amy Cole |
Abstract: | The relationship between mating activity and blood testosterone levels is of interest in animals exhibiting seasonal mating activity. This research project focused on the relationship between mating season and the testosterone levels of ground squirrels and prairie dogs. The animals were live-trapped during the fall months (September through November) at the Doane College Aldrich Prairie Research Site. Data collected included gender, weight, and blood (collected by toenail clipping). The blood samples were analyzed using a commercial testosterone kit to determine if there was any correlation between the time of year and the levels of testosterone. |
Title: | Web Application: Incoming Student Marketing Tool for Doane College |
Author(s): | Adam Dietsch |
Abstract: | My project involved creating an interactive web site for first-year Doane College students. The site contains hints and tips for surviving their first year at Doane and is searchable by activities, groups, and major. Students can look at profiles of their classmates, RA's, and RD's. Its purpose is to make the transition period for freshmen easier by giving them an idea of what the college experience is like. Almost everything on the site is database driven and updatable via the web. Discussed in my presentation will be the steps I followed to create the application, why I created it, and the requirements it was to meet. I will also demonstrate the finished application. |
Title: | Comparing the Products of the Ultrasonic Initiation of Grignard Reactions with Conventional Grignard Reactions |
Author(s): | Abby Fenner |
Abstract: | Grignard reactions are a common part of student laboratory work. Traditionally, these reactions are very difficult to initiate because they must take place in extremely dry conditions. The ultrasonic method of making Grignard reagents allows reaction initiation to occur under average laboratory conditions. This study compares the product mixtures resulting from the ultrasonic and the conventional methods and focuses on the mixtures caused by common student mistakes |
Title: | Color Vision in Deer |
Author(s): | Ron Flohr |
Abstract: | It has been said that deer are not able to percieve colors. Other have said that the cones have evoloved in to rods to aid in low light conditions. I invistigated these theories using histological techniques. |
Title: | Histological Study of the Opposum Salivary Gland |
Author(s): | Eric Fuehrer |
Abstract: | A parotid salivary gland of an opossum was obtained for histological study. After sectioning and routine processing, prepared slides of the salivary gland tissue were studied, and the percentages of serous and mucous cells and types of ducts were determined. There was a slight difference in these percentages in the opposum parotid gland in comparison to the parotid salivary glands of other mammals. |
Title: | Comparative Analysis of Membrane Lipids in E-coli and POA1 |
Author(s): | Jeff Gessel |
Abstract: | The stress induced changes in the membrane lipid profiles of Escherichia coli (E coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P aeruginosa) were examined by growing each species in similar environmental conditions at varying pH levels. Using TSB that had been amended with 0.1M HCl for acidic growth medium or with 0.1M NaOH for basic growth medium the cultures were grown at nine different pH levels ranging from 5.78 to 8.62. A base line was established at pH 7.11; this level was set by the standard TSB with no addition of HCl or NaOH. Growth of the cultures were monitored using a Spec 20 and harvested at 20%T, this produced a culture concentration of ~ 2x109 cells/ml. The membrane phospholipids were then processed and transformed into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMES). The lipid profiles were then established by using GC Mass Spec to analyze the FAMES. The lipid profiles established eight lipids common to both organisms. Comparative analyses of these eight lipids were preformed at each pH level as well as over the pH range. The analysis determined that E coli and P aeruginosa have non-similar responses to similar pH changes imposed during growth, with some lipids responding in opposite manners. These results indicate that while each of these two organisms can live and survive under the same environmental conditions and changes, their mechanisms of adaptation may be very different. |
Title: | The Doane Roverbot Simulator |
Author(s): | Allen Gilbert, Jason Sillasen, Cole Buss, and Nate Paisley |
Abstract: | As part of Doane College's 2004 Summer Research Program, we undertook the task of creating a 3D simulator to run programs written for a Lego® MindstormsTM "Roverbot." We coded our simulator in Java and Java3D because of their extensive documentation, cross-platform nature, and unbeatable cost. Using both freeware CAD programs and the Java3D API, we created models of the Roverbot and its test environment. We gathered physical data about real Roverbots and how they function in the real world, and then attempted to translate our findings into code that would appropriately affect our simulation. Although our current simulator is not complete, our work has provided a good framework for future improvements, and the experience of creating such a simulator has increased both our knowledge and respect for software design. |
Title: | Lead Amounts Found in the Soil Surrounding the Tuxedo Park Shooting Range |
Author(s): | Tomika Haller |
Abstract: | This presentation will detail the experiment I performed Summer '04 which investigated lead levels in the Crete area. Specifically it will look at the amount of lead (in ppm) that was found in the area surrounding the Tuxedo Park Shooting Range. The lead shot used at the shooting range is seeping in to the soil outside the range. This presentation will look lead amounts and how far this lead has spread. |
Title: | Species Diversity at Aldrich Prairie |
Author(s): | Caley John Hanigan |
Abstract: | Insects are good indicators of a healthy environment. In my senior research, I collected and identified numerous species of insects. After identifying the insects, I calculated a species diversity for the Aldrich Prairie Research Site by using the Shannon Weiner Index. There were five different sites that insects were collected from.The diversities will directly show how the prairie research site, which plays home to hundreds of prairie dogs, is doing from year to year. My results for August through November go in order as follows: 2.274, 2.66, 2.23, and .99. The most common insect that was collected over the four months was Coleoptera coccinellidae, also known as a ladybug. Some of the other insects that were found include Orthopteras, Lepidopteras, and Hemipteras. In my poster presentation I will specifically describe: - what steps I took to collect and identify the insects
- what my end results were
- why they might have been the way they were
|
Title: | Examination of the Heredity of Traditional Fingerprints |
Author(s): | Nick Hatcliff |
Abstract: | Traditional fingerprints are mainly used today for personal and criminal identification. They are one of the only human characteristics that do not change over time, although scars and burns can deform fingerprints and cause them to be unreadable. There are three main types of identifiable fingerprint patterns: loops, whorls, and arches with subcategories of each pattern. There has not been a lot of scientific evidence that fingerprints are hereditary traits. Some researchers believe that they are, while others disagree. It may be possible to use them to determine hereditary linkage between generations. I have gathered fingerprints from as many of my family members as possible and am identifying the specific patterns carried by each individual to try to discern any hereditary fingerprint relationships in my family. |
Title: | Information System for Yankee Hill Country Club |
Author(s): | Drew Henning |
Abstract: | Yankee Hill Country Club in Lincoln, NE, was in great need of a new computer system. They had been using a UNIX-based mainframe system to run the business of the club. The system was costing them money in labor for all of its inefficiencies. Yankee Hill decided to purchase a new software system from a company called Jonas. Jonas required a Windows-based network on which to operate. I was contacted by Yankee Hill to design and implement a network at their facility that fulfilled the requirements of Jonas. I was responsible for selecting the components, installing the hardware and software, and supporting any problems that arose. My poster session will outline the process I went through and the responsibilities I fulfilled in analyzing, designing, and implementing a Windows-based network to support the Jonas software requirements at Yankee Hill Country Club. |
Title: | Runway Activity of the Black-tailed Prairie Dog |
Author(s): | Kip Hovie |
Abstract: | Cynomys ludovicianus, or more commonly known as the black-tailed prairie dog, are a key species in the prairie grasslands. The black-tailed prairie dog is considered a pest by many ranchers and farmers, but after extensive research on this species, it is now known that prairie dogs play an important role in maintaining biotic diversity throughout the grasslands that stretch all across the United States. The prairie dog is a burrowing species that creates extensive underground burrows as well as above ground pathways known as runways. Runways are used for travel above ground that includes feeding, protection against predators, movement from burrow to burrow, as well as shelter. My research project entailed the usage of a portable weather station at the Aldrich Prairie Research Site. This recorded temperature as well as other weather conditions throughout the time of my research. Also, a Trailmaster was used to record runway activity. The Trailmaster uses an infrared beam, and as an animal crosses this beam it records the time of day and date. This data is analyzed to see what times the runways are being used with regards to weather conditions and time of day. Data collected show that later in the day during the warmest period, the prairie dogs are most active. This trend has shown to be true throughout the course of the year. |
Title: | The Correlations between Coloration and Behavior in Cichlasoma meeki Cichlid Fish |
Author(s): | Thad Huenemann |
Abstract: | Cichlid fish have the unique ability to transform the color of their scales based on their behavior and the surrounding environment. This special ability can be done within seconds. Cichlid fish have what is called chromatophores in their skin that contain pigment cells which allows them to change colors. A species from Cichlidea family is Cichlasoma meeki. These can change from white to black thick stripes on their scales, depending on the environment color. Experiments have been done to see how much a fish adapts to different color backgrounds at different times. The results of the experiments have shown that when the fish is transferred from the dark environment to the white environment noticeable changes happen with in minutes. The size of the stripes on the side of the fish shrinks and begins to fade away. The fins on top of the fish also changes from a dark black to a more clear color. This ability is also related to behavior; when the fish feels threatened the colors darken and the stripes widen, when they are not threatened they have lighter colors. |
Title: | Beauty to Die For |
Author(s): | Jessica Hutter |
Abstract: | Venice, Italy: With basically no crime rate and survival based on the glitz of tourism, as Joseph Brodsky states in Watermark, "The main danger is perceived to be high winter tides; the rest is done by the mainland's industry and agriculture silting the lagoon with their chemical wastes, and by deterioration of the cities own clogged canals." (98). In the past, the deterioration of the Venetian Lagoon has been perceived as distant, a problem for future generations, yet today, the reality to the condition of the lagoon dispels this apathetic myth, and demands prompt attention. However, Venice is much more than a polluted and overrun city. It is a historic amusement park cradling the history of a great republic that lasted more than 1000 years. Venice originated as numerous small island communities, which grew into integration and the island as we know it today: home to La Biennale, the Venice Film Festival, and an estimated 12 million tourists per year. In the fall of 2004 I was given the opportunity to study and research the pollution of the Venetian Lagoon, Venetian art and its history, speak the language, and experience the culture and inter-workings of this great yet troubled city. In this presentation of the beautiful city of Venice, one may learn more than a travel guide can illustrate. |
Title: | James Realty Website |
Author(s): | Randall James |
Abstract: | James Realty is a small real estate company operated in Crete, NE. Due to the recent change in society to be so reliant on internet-based interactions, it was determined that James Realty needed a web presence. The website would allow potential buyers to search listings online from anywhere in the United States and keep James Realty competitive with larger real estate companies from Lincoln that already have a web presence. I created such a website for James Realty using Active Server Pages (ASP) that was linked to a database containing the listings. There is a secure portion of the website that allows administrative functions for James Realty to add new listings and pictures, as well as to modify and delete listings. The viewer of the website is able to select which property they would like to view and detailed information will be retrieved from the database. The website will be placed on the City of Crete's web server. In my presentation, I will discuss the analysis and design process I went through in developing the website for James Realty. I will also demonstrate my final product." |
Title: | Prairie Dog Camera |
Author(s): | Shane Kantor |
Abstract: | I am presenting the prairie dog camera we hope to get up and running, and place it out at the priarie dog site. The project is to place a movable camera out there and be able to get pictures and move the camera via a computer back here at the school. |
Title: | Vineyard Management Database |
Author(s): | Andrew Keller |
Abstract: | For my senior seminar project, I designed and developed a database application to keep track of annual records for a vineyard. After getting information from the owner, I analyzed, designed and implemented a database application that met the identified requirements. I used MS Access to create the application. My poster session will outline the development process I used and the final product created. I will provide a demonstration of my database application for anyone who is interested. |
Title: | Biomechanics of the Overhead Throw |
Author(s): | Trisha Lacey |
Abstract: | The glenohumeral articulation maintains a fine balance between mobility and stability. In throwing athletes, this balance is stressed from the repetitive use of the shoulder joint. If mobility and stability are not balanced, injuries occur to the joint. The hypothesis is that physical therapy would increase the external range of motion for individuals who have had surgery because special attention is given to the joint to increase range of motion while decreasing risk of injury. In this study we used a Sony digital camera to test the external rotation of 15 individuals, ranging from 19-22 years of age : 6 unconditioned individuals with no record of shoulder injuries not playing sports with overhead throwing, 6 conditioned athletes who throw overhead but have not been injured, and three subjects had undergone physical therapy for injuries to the glenohumeral joint. Data was captured on a digital camera, and analyzed using Video Point and SPSS using a One-Way ANOVA. When all three groups were compared, there was no significant difference in the external rotation (p=0.062). When only two groups were compared against each other, the results were slightly different. The conditioned versus unconditioned groups rendered a p value of 0.232 which means there is also no significant difference between these two groups. When the unconditioned and physical therapy groups were compared there was no significant difference as well (p=0.105). Finally, when the conditioned individuals and the physical therapy individuals were compared, ( p=0.481), they also demonstrated no significant difference. So as the results reveal, none of the comparisons gave results that were expected, and the hypothesis was rejected. |
Title: | Glenohumeral Joint Total Rotation Range of Motion in Baseball Pitchers and Football Quarterbacks |
Author(s): | Justin Lewallen |
Abstract: | The rotational stress placed on the shoulder while throwing is tremendous. During a normal overhead throw, the internal rotators and adductors of the shoulder generate large amounts of energy, which act on the humerus to forcefully rotate the shoulder internally from a position of abduction and extreme external rotation placing a great amount of stress on the inferior glenohumeral ligament. The amount of weight being thrown during this motion directly affects the stresses put on the glenohumeral ligaments. In this experiment the amount of internal and external rotation in the dominant and non-dominant arms of pitchers and quarterbacks were tested and compared. A total of 12 collegiate athletes were used, six quarterbacks and six pitchers. To measure the flexibility of the arms a goniometry was used. This showed us a significant difference in the amount of internal and external rotation in the dominant arm between the two groups, P=.003 and P=.000 respectively. It also supported a significant difference in external rotation of the non-dominant arm of the two groups, P=.000 and a significant difference in the external rotation of the non-dominant arm and dominant arms within each group. The quarterbacks were P=.003 and the pitchers were P=.028. |
Title: | An Ecological Survey of the Doane College Prairie Research Site Wetland |
Author(s): | Kyle Liebig |
Abstract: | The high biological productivity of wetlands and strong selection pressures of an aquatic existence have produced a rich biota associated only with wetlands. Wetlands support a diverse community of benthic, lemnetic and littoral invertebrates, especially crustaceans and insects. A large fraction of species listed as endangered or threatened in many states and the nation are wetland related. This study involved surveying the insect populations of the wetland at the Aldrich Prairie Research Site. Insects were captured, preserved, and identified. Eleven different species of insects were found, Hemiptera corixidae was found in the most abundance for the sampling periods. Preliminary data indicates that species diversity declines as the summer progresses in relation with decline in water depth, increase in water temperature, and decrease in dissolved oxygen. |
Title: | The Purple Genie- The Reaction of Tuprentine and Iodine |
Author(s): | Amanda Lytle |
Abstract: | The reaction of turpentine and iodine is a spectacular reaction, producing a large cloud of purple smoke. The reaction is very exothermic due to the relief of ring strain associated with opening of the four-membered ring in Beta- and Alpha-pinene. By using GC/Mass Spec, GC, and HPLC, it was found that the products formed are not those proposed in the literature. |
Title: | Blood Leukocyte Composition in Cynomys ludovicianus and Spermophilus tridecemlineatus |
Author(s): | Danny McClenahan |
Abstract: | Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) and thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) are both small burrowing rodents which are abundant throughout the Great Plains states of North America. Through the course of a year in this area, prairie animals are forced to endure severe weather conditions, and their bodies require drastic thermoregulatory responses in order to survive. A fluctuation in immune response during these times may alter the composition of the types of leukocytes found in the blood of these animals. In order to monitor these changes, black-tailed prairie dogs and thirteen-lined ground squirrels were captured at the Doane College Aldrich Prairie Research Site, located near Grafton, Nebraska. Blood samples from each individual animal were smeared onto a separate slide to generate a differential white blood cell count. The differential white blood cell count showed that percentages of the leukocytes remained fairly constant. Mictohematocrit tubes were also filled with blood and centrifuged in order to determine the changes in the percentages of packed red blood cells in each sample for the different seasons of the year. Hematocrit tests showed that the overall red blood cell percentage was higher during the cold winter months than they were for the warmer months in both ground squirrels and prairie dogs. This shows that there is a change in the blood composition of prairie animals from season to season. |
Title: | Factors Affecting Rehabilitation Length in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction |
Author(s): | Monica Metzger |
Abstract: | A comparative study on ACL reconstruction was conducted comparing the length of rehabilitation between genders, age, activity levels and type of injury. The activity levels were divided into two categories, athlete and non-athlete. The types of injury included an isolated ACL tear, an ACL and lateral meniscus tear, an ACL and medial meniscus tear, and an ACL, lateral and medial meniscus tears. The study was carried out using data collected from Midwest Physical Therapy in Lincoln, NE. It was found that a person's activity level prior to injury was the only factor that influenced the length of rehabilitation. People who were categorized in the athlete group were released from physical therapy 18 days sooner than those categorized in the non-athlete group. |
Title: | Physics of Musical Instruments |
Author(s): | Jared Meyer |
Abstract: | The main emphasis of this project involves analyzing the sound of different musical instruments and determining why they sound the way they do. By using Fourier analysis techniques with proper software I can analyze the sound, creating digitized audio files for each instrument. The steps required include finding individuals who are able to play a chromatic scale through at least one octave. Being involved in instrumental programs at Doane, it is easy to communicate with students. The next step involves recording the scales into digitized files on a laptop. Later these files can be analyzed individually and the data can then be related to models of musical acoustics. Also the difference between electronic instruments sounds and natural instrument sounds can be explained. |
Title: | Nelsen Company Website |
Author(s): | Natalie Nelsen |
Abstract: | The Nelsen Plumbing, Heating, Wiring, Digging, and Trenching website was made for a family company in Valentine, NE. The website is informational and interactive for customers and the company. Customers can use it to contact the company and the company owners can log on to the website to view those comments and access company databases. My poster session will outline the process I went through in analyzing, designing, and implementing the interactive website to meet the requirements of the client. A demonstration will be provided. |
Title: | Inventory/Asset Management Database |
Author(s): | Jordan Novotny |
Abstract: | For my senior seminar project, I designed, developed and implemented an inventory/asset management database for Norris Public Power in Beatrice, Nebraska. The application was created using Microsoft Access 2002 and allows the company's technology department to create, read, edit, and delete records of employee information, software currently being used, and various computer hardware information for three different locations across southeastern Nebraska. My poster session will overview the requirements of the application, the process of gathering the information, and an outline of the progression and implementation of the project. A short demonstration will also be given. |
Title: | Histological Changes During Postmortem Autolysis Of A Rat Kidney |
Author(s): | Sara Peterson |
Abstract: | Autolysis is the process of cell destruction or digestion and usually occurs postmortem. The exact process of autolysis and the histological changes differ depending on what the cells were exposed to at the time of death. This research project compares the histological changes of liver cells from one rat, euthanized by carbon dioxide poisoning, and a controlled rat, euthanized by cervical dislocation. After embedding, sectioning, and staining the tissues, differences in nuclear size and shape were seen. Experiments like this aid in forensic scienes by helping to determine the time and cause of death based on the look of the cells. |
Title: | Design and Construction of a Newtonian Reflector Equatorial Mount |
Author(s): | David Peterson and Rob Sjomeling |
Abstract: | We designed a new high-strength low-weight equatorial mount for an 18 inch Newtonian telescope. We analyzed the structure based on properties of aluminum channel and angle for a given load which was determined from the original design and from additions to the new materials. We used this information to minimize cost and weight while maximizing the strength. It is important that the telescope is rigid to minimize pointing errors. We are in the construction phase of the project, and our goal is to have a telescope that is easily rotated and durable enough so that in the future the telescope can be placed out at a location away from city lights. This will give the potential to add low-power motors to the mount, that can be controlled by a computer and can be accessed over the internet, allowing an observer here on campus to control the telescope. |
Title: | Immunoelectronmicroscopy in the IOC |
Author(s): | Blayne Pierson |
Abstract: | The inferior olivary complex (IOC) is a group of neurons in the brainstem, primarily involved in motor coordination and learning, that sends axons called climbing fibers to the cerebellum in the brain. Previous experiments with fluorescence microscopy indicated that the peptides calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and cholecystokinin (CCK) may be colocalized within neurons in the IOC. The goal of this project was to develop a protocol using antibodies labeled with gold particles to label CGRP and CCK and identify the subcellular localization of these peptides using transmission electron microscopy. The ultimate goal is to determine if they are colocalized within neurons and/or within vesicles. The protocol is still under development. As neuropeptides, CGRP and CCK may alter physiological activity within the IOC. Any alteration of olivary firing rate in climbing fibers will, in turn, alter activity within the cerebellum and could influence motor function. This publication was made possible by NIH Grant Number P20 RR16469 from the INBRE Program of the National Center for Research Resources. |
Title: | Atrazine Extraction from Soil |
Author(s): | Eric Ponté |
Abstract: | The purpose of this experiment was to find an effective and reliable method for determining the amount of Atrazine in soil. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect the amount of Atrazine in each sample. A new extraction method was also used in order to boost recovery of Atrazine from soil. The new methods would be used for teaching laboratory techniques to students and to evaluate soil samples from the Research Prairie. The new method will replace a Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) which was proven unsuccessful due to methodological and instrumental problems. |
Title: | Comparative Irrigation of Zea Maize |
Author(s): | Ella Ruf |
Abstract: | A comparative study was conducted to analyze irrigation methods based on their water use efficiency and crop production for corn, Zea maize. The study was conducted in southwest Nebraska comparing flood (gravitational), center pivot (with drop nozzles), and subsurface drip irrigation methods. The results presented that drip irrigaion used between 30% and 60% less water while still producing a comparable yield to that of both center pivot and flood irrigation methods. |
Title: | The Comparison of Population Densities between Methanogens and Sulfate Reducing Bacteria in Anaerobic Wetland Environments by use of Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization |
Author(s): | Christopher Schidler |
Abstract: | The environment of the Nebraska wetlands holds a variety of natural resources and nutrients that help keep the microbial ecosystem thriving. These resources are not limitless though, and from that comes competition dictating which types of organisms can survive there. The same is true for methanogens and sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB); they are both competing for electron acceptors within the anaerobic environment of the wetlands. These electron acceptors are necessary for the operation of the electron transport chain and the formation of ATP which is the main source of energy for the organisms. The two wetlands sampled are Spring Creek, a freshwater wetland, and Arbor Lake, a saline wetland. To ascertain the relative numbers of methanogens vs. SRB, a process known as fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was used. A fluorescent probe is attached to the DNA of an organism by use of a labeled oligonucleotide. An SRB-specific probe was used to label SRB, while methanogens have the ability to auto-fluoresce. Once the probe is hybridized to the cell DNA, it will fluoresce under ultraviolet light and allow a population comparison of the two groups of organisms. Identification of the populations of methanogens and SRB in each wetland ecosystem will be observed using a fluorescent microscope. |
Title: | Cloning a Fragment of the Human N-cadherin Gene Promoter |
Author(s): | Bridget Schnuell and Joshua Smith |
Abstract: | Breast cancer arises in the ductal and lobular epithelium of the mammary gland. Intracellular interactions are crucial to maintain the integrity of these epithelial tissues. These intracellular interactions are mediated by transmembrane proteins called cadherins. In particular, normal breast tissues express E-cadherin. Recent research has revealed that particularly motile and invasive human breast cancer cells may or may not continue to express E-cadherin but they often inappropriately express N-cadherin, another member of the cadherin family not normally found in epithelial tissues. Regulation of the E-cadherin gene has been extensively studied, but very little work has been done to explore how the N-cadherin gene is regulated, either in normal cells or breast cancer cells. The purpose of this project is to clone a fragment of the N-cadherin promoter region, the region that likely regulates expression of the N-cadherin gene, and study what proteins bind to that fragment and at what sites. To that end we have been pursuing the very difficult cloning of a 4000 base pair fragment of the promoter from a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) that includes the N-cadherin promoter and gene. BACs are large (150,000 base pairs) plasmids, are expressed at low copy numbers, and are fragile and difficult to handle. We have had to pursue a variety of techniques to acquire the exact fragment we are seeking and will discuss our methods and final results of this cloning project. |
Title: | Two Development Projects: One Good, One Not So Good |
Author(s): | Jason Sillasen |
Abstract: | This poster will highlight two projects developed for the Doane College Office of Communication and Marketing (OCM). Discussed will be both projects and the reasons why one project will not be used and why the other will be used by OCM. The first project was intended to be used as a marketing tool on a web site that is still in the development stages. The purpose of the project was to use the Macromedia tool Flash to create an interactive application with video to introduce Doane student life to prospective students. After reviewing the final product, it was decided not to use this application. The second project will showcase an E-card application that is an online greeting card system which features Doane students and scenic campus. The application features active server pages that work with an SQL database. It is anticipated that this application will be used. |
Title: | Mapping the Size and Shape of Coterie at Aldrich Prairie Research Site for Black-tailed Prairie Dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) |
Author(s): | Ryan Sturman |
Abstract: | Cynomys ludovicianus or the black-tailed prairie dog, is the most dominate species of prairie dog in the Midwest. These animals rely on living in groups, which have their own territory known as a coterie. Each coterie has one to two mature males that patrol the coterie boundaries. When an intruder enters the coterie the mature male will confront them and what is known as a dispute occurs. Disputes occur quite often and can be fairly violent. In the event that a dispute occurs the other members of the coterie will perform what is called the "jump-yip display." This is to warn the others in the coterie that there is an intruder in the area. These disputes tend to get very violent with the two animals scratching and biting one another. With these occurring on a regular basis the size and shape of each coterie can be determined by where these disputes occur. For each dispute a point is marked on a topographic map and then marked by GPS to get a sub meter reading of the exact location. With this information I found there to be six coteries in the southwest colony of the research site. These coteries rang in size from .40142 acres to 1.1941 acres. The average size of coteries in the southwest colony is .5709 Acres. This data can be tested in years to come and the size and shape of each coterie can be compared in relation to temperature and rainfall for that year. |
Title: | Producing Aspirin from Willow Bark |
Author(s): | Michael Stutzman |
Abstract: | The goal of this study is to develop a laboratory project for a sophomore organic chemistry class. In this experiment, it is the students' objective to produce aspirin from the bark of a willow tree by a series of "sophomore organic" level reactions. This includes extracting salicin from the bark, hydrolyzing the salicin to salicyl alcohol, oxidizing the alcohol to salicylaldehyde, and then to salicylic acid. Finally, the salicylic acid is acetylated into acetylsalicylic acid or "aspirin." |
Title: | Microscopy of Opossum Retina |
Author(s): | Shannon Sullivan |
Abstract: | Opossums are marsupials that are for the most part, but not strictly, nocturnal (sleeping during the day and active at night). Primarily they feed on fruits, vegetables, leaves and insects. It has been hypothesized that animals acquired systems of color vision in order to enhance their foraging abilities, thus increasing the length and quality of their lives; however, it is a general consensus that nocturnal animals have no need for color vision systems. This is due to the fact that the bulk of their activity is done in the dark, where color discrimination is not necessary. In this study I analyzed sections of retinal tissue, in order to determine whether or not opossums have acquired this system of color vision. Again, it is true that they are predominately nocturnal; however, color vision could be a useful tool in finding food since they feed mostly on vegetation. It has been hypothesized that color vision may be an adaptation to fruit color. Since cones are the photoreceptors responsible for the detecting color vision, I observed the retinas of the opossum eye for the presence of such cones. |
Title: | Research Site Weather Station - Remote Data Transfer |
Author(s): | Brandt Weatherl |
Abstract: | For my IST Senior Seminar project I got the opportunity to work on the prairie research site with the biology department. My project was to take weather data downloaded at the research site near Grafton, NE and find a way to automatically and electronically transfer it back to the Crete campus where it can be studied. My solution involved a laptop, cell phone, and weather console. Several problems were encountered during the project. My presentation will review the process I went through to analyze, design, and implement the solution to transmit the data back to Doane. In addition, I will discuss the obstacles I encountered and how I overcame those obstacles. Finally, I will demonstrate my solution. |
Title: | Influence of Prairie Dogs on Snake Populations |
Author(s): | Melissa Weber |
Abstract: | We were testing whether or not prairie dogs influence snake populations. In Nebraska, the only two snakes that would be likely to eat a prairie dog are the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) and the bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer). The presence of prairie dogs could have one of two possible effects on snake populations. A food source could attract the snakes and subsequently increase their numbers or the prairie dogs may drive the predators away using mobbing behavior and thus lower their numbers. To assess snake populations we conducted three tests: road surveys, trapping, and hand collection. Two areas were sampled, plots with and without prairie dogs. Only one snake was collected in the area with the prairie dogs and no snakes were found in areas without prairie dogs; however, an outside source visually spotted two large bullsnakes in the prairie dog area. These low numbers may reflect the lack of suitable habitat found in predominantly row cropped area. |
Title: | March Of Dimes Database Program |
Author(s): | Brian Wilkins |
Abstract: | The March of Dimes is a non-profit organization that is working toward ways to improve the health of infants and newborns by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Through research, community services, education, and advocacy, they carry out their goal to work for this mission. Funds to support the March of Dimes are raised, in part, through fund-raising events. My project involved developing a database application to track donor information for the major events the Omaha chapter holds over the year. My presentation will discuss the requirements of the March of Dimes and will outline the steps I took to analyze, design, and implement a database application to meet those requirements. A demonstration of my application will also be included. |