Title: | Genetic Variability in Black-Tailed Prarie Dogs |
Author(s): | Daphne Baber, |
Abstract: | Doane College's Aldrich Prairie Research Site (APRS) is the home to Nebraska's Eastern-most black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) town. There are three distinct regions within the town and we are interested in examining the relatedness of dogs within and between these three regions. We have been able to extract DNA from stool samples collected at the site and localized with a global positioning system (GPS) that interfaces with geographical information systems (GIS) software. Stool sample collecting is a significant improvement over previous methods which required trapping the dogs and taking a blood sample via toenail clipping. The limiting aspect of that method was trapping the animals and often a semester of work would only yield a few samples. We can acquire significant quantities of genomic DNA from only a small sample of fecal material which is readily available. We have used PCR to amplify microsatellite DNA regions that create unique fingerprints for each sample. By analyzing the fingerprints and coordinating that with the GIS information we hope to develop a detailed understanding of the genetic diversity of the metapopulation at the APRS. Finally this data may enable us to determine if these three regions represent three distinct colonies or three subpopulations within one colony. |
Title: | Osmosis Across Egg Membranes |
Author(s): | Daphne Baber, Tomika Haller, Scott Madden, Jonathan Jacobsen |
Abstract: | An egg can be used to model a living cell. The goal of this experiment was to study osmosis across the membrane of a chicken egg using different sodium chloride (NaCl) salinities. The outer shell was dissolved for 24 hours in a vinegar solution. The mass of each shell-less egg was taken at specific time intervals of 0 min, 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 3 hours, 5 hours, 16 hours and 24 hours. Three eggs were submerged into each of the four different NaCl solutions of distilled water, 5%, 10%, and 20%. Initially, the eggs in the distilled water increased in mass. The eggs in the 5%, and 10% solutions slightly decreased in mass, while the eggs in the 20% solution decreased substantially. After 24 hours, the eggs in each solution increased in mass. In general, though, measurements were somewhat sporadic and varied from the expected results. |
Title: | College GPA Predictor |
Author(s): | Shane Barnes, |
Abstract: | The research project I chose to do is titled, College GPA Predictor. What this research entails is to analyze current Doane student's academic profile. In this profile are student's ACT score, high school GPA, high school rank, and college GPA. With this information I will build a statistical model that will estimate a student's cumulative GPA as well as their first semester of college GPA. This model will allow admissions to correctly estimate future student's college GPA. |
Title: | Comparison of the barbel structures of the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, to previously observed specimens of varying species |
Author(s): | Stephanie Blackstone, |
Abstract: | The barbel of the channel catfish is a part of the animal's chemosensory system that is used for locating prey in turbid water and on the bottom of its environment. The structure of Ictalurus punctatus' mandibular barbel was examined by SEM and light microscopes. Numerous taste buds were found on the epithelium, which was supported by loose connective tissue and a cartilage rod moved by multiple skeletal muscles. Findings were compared with the literature and a comparison of morphological features of other species consulted. Results may provide data that can be used to understand phylogenetic relationships between the channel catfish and other previously studied catfish species. |
Title: | Higher Temperatures Increase Diffusion |
Author(s): | Eric Buse, Adam Gentzler, Cate Mohr, Heather Yancy |
Abstract: | Diffusion is a vital process carried out everyday in every living organism, and many inanimate systems. Previous research shows that an increased temperature causes a faster rate of diffusion, but there may be a point where the higher temperature may start to hinder diffusion. Small pieces of potatoes were placed in a control glucose solution at various temperatures in order to observe the rate of diffusion and compare them to the rate of other temperatures. The rate of diffusion was determined by the difference in mass percentage after different amounts of time in the elevated temperature. Each temperature had a near linear positive slope as the potato was warmed for longer periods of time. The rate of diffusion increased to a certain temperature, and then decreased thereafter. Temperature does indeed affect rate of diffusion, but only to a certain point. Glucose, a very important molecule in our body is also effected by the temperature of cell surroundings. |
Title: | 3-D Model of the Human Vocal Tract |
Author(s): | Eric Buse, Jake Deaver |
Abstract: | The goal of this project was to create a three dimensional prototype of the human vocal tract. By first converting multiple consecutive, slice images from a cadaver into a three dimensional file, a three dimensional printer was utilized to create a prototype. After completion of the prototype, the production and complexity of vowel sounds will be studied using a Fast Fourier Transform. At this stage, the three dimensional file is still in the process of being rendered from the cadaver photos. Once the three dimensional file is created, it will be sent off to a three dimensional printer where the prototype will be produced. Then the study of sound production can commence. |
Title: | Development of the Software Interface to Control the Doane College Equatorial Mount |
Author(s): | Cole Buss |
Abstract: | The Doane College telescope has been part of students' projects for the past two years, which mainly focused on the building of the telescope and its mount. This project is focused on making the telescope robotic, or computer controlled. The goal is to create a software interface that will be able to control the telescope via the Distant Suns planetarium software package. Once this is complete, it will be possible to select a celestial object with Distant Suns and output that object's coordinates through the serial port of the computer. The telescope would then be programmed to move to those coordinates. It will also be able to track the object as the Earth rotates. |
Title: | Determination of Lead Levels in Channel Catfish |
Author(s): | Ted Cemper |
Abstract: | Lead is a poisonous heavy metal that is very harmful if levels are high enough. It can damage nervous connections and cause blood and brain disorders. It has also been linked to schizophrenia. This study is to determine if there is lead present at all in Ictalarus Punctatus (channel catfish). Channel catfish are being used because they are commonly consumed by humans and because they are bottom feeders. |
Title: | Hearing: The Rinne Test and The Weber Test |
Author(s): | Kristen Donovan, Anna Farlow, Erin Schildt, Eric Buse |
Abstract: | As humans, we can distinguish approximately 400,000 different sounds. The physics of sound and the physiology of the external, middle, and inner ear, nerves of the brain, and areas involved in processing acoustic information, are all the components of the sense of hearing. Two ways to test hearing in humans include the Rinne Test and Weber Test. The Rinne Test tests the ability to hear through bone and air by listening to the vibrations produced by a tuning fork which is placed on a bony prominence of the skull and in front of the ear. In the Weber Test, normality of hearing is tested by placing a vibrating tuning fork on the center of the forehead and distinguishing the level of sound heard in both ears. In the Rinne Test, it was determined that sound waves traveled about three times longer through air than through bone. The Weber Test concluded that each test subject had normal hearing in both ears. Our hypothesis for the conduction of the experiment was that sound vibrations produced by a tuning fork will travel faster through a less dense substance, such as air, as compared to a solid substance, such as bone. |
Title: | Cellular Characteristics in the Mouse Inferior Olive |
Author(s): | Brandon Fraley |
Abstract: | The cerebellum is the part of the brain important for many motor and cognitive functions. It has a specific way of obtaining and synthesizing the information it needs to perform these tasks. The inferior olivary complex in the medulla of the brainstem aids the cerebellum in motor coordination. It specifically uses axons of inferior olivary neurons called climbing fibers to relay information to the dendrites of neurons in the cerebellar cortex called Purkinje cells. A firing rate can cause the release of neuropeptides and previous work has shown that a certain neuropeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), was present and had an effect on the firing rate of the neurons within the inferior olivary complex. It was found that CGRP was present in olivary somata and dendrites of the olivary neurons but only traces were in the axons within the inferior olive (Gregg et al. 1999). In this study sections of mouse brain were immunolabeled with a guinea pig anti-human CGRP antibody in addition to a secondary donkey anti-guinea pig antibody and stained with osmium. The sections were embedded and thin sections (75nm) were acquired and stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. This labeling allows fine cellualr structural analysis on the distribution of CGRP with the use of a transmission electron microscope. |
Title: | Server Upgrades for Doane College |
Author(s): | Greg Gardner |
Abstract: | This project involved upgrading those servers as well as expanding the potential for future additions into the blade and SAN environment. Lastly, the project was designed to ease the workload of the network administrators by speeding up the backup process, recovery time from a disaster, and implementation of future upgrades and additions. My poster session will overview the requirements of Doane, describe the solutions to meet those requirements, discuss my implementation of those solutions, and outline tasks that still need to be completed. |
Title: | Examination of the Human N-Cadherin Promoter using Luciferase Reporter Genes |
Author(s): | Adam Gentzler, Matt James, Will Packard |
Abstract: | Cadherins are proteins expressed on cell membranes that allow a cell to form attachments to other cells. Most human organs are formed from epithelial tissues which are held together by E-cadherin proteins expressed in all the cells of those tissues. Most breast cancers arise in the epithelial tissue of the breast and transformation of those cells to an invasive cancerous phenotype has been linked with loss of E-cadherin expression. In addition the invasive cancerous phenotype has been linked with new expression of N-cadherin, a cadherin not normally expressed in epithelial cells, regardless of whether they express E-cadherin or not. In light of the role for N-cadherin in mediating cell motility and invasion we are studying the regulation of N-cadherin expression at the transcriptional level. Use of reporter genes allows researchers to test a small region of a gene promoter for its ability to regulate expression of that gene. The reporter constructs we are using have a luciferase gene from fireflies whose product is an enzyme that produces light when provided substrate. We have acquired some reporter constructs that have 1975, 426 and 214 base pair fragments of the N-cadherin promoter that are positioned in front of the luciferase gene. We can evaluate how well each promoter fragment regulates expression of the N-cadherin gene by measuring how much luciferase protein is produced. We put these reporter gene constructs into human tissue culture cells and then correlate promoter function with the quantifiable amount of light each sample of tissue culture cell produces. |
Title: | Higher Temperatures Increase Diffusion Rates Of Potato Cells |
Author(s): | Adam Gentzler, Eric Buse |
Abstract: | Diffusion is a vital process carried out everyday in every living organism, and many inanimate systems. Previous research shows that an increased temperature causes a faster rate of diffusion, but there may be a point where the higher temperature may start to hinder diffusion. Small pieces of potatoes were placed in a control glucose solution at various temperatures in order to observe the rate of diffusion and compare them to the rate of other temperatures. The rate of diffusion was determined by the difference in mass percentage after different amounts of time in the elevated temperature. Each temperature had a near linear positive slope as the potato was warmed for longer periods of time. The rate of diffusion increased to a certain temperature, and then decreased thereafter. Temperature does indeed affect rate of diffusion, but only to a certain point. Glucose, a very important molecule in our body is also effected by the temperature of cell surroundings. |
Title: | The Doane Roverbot Simulator v2.0 |
Author(s): | Allen Gilbert |
Abstract: | As a continuation of Doane College's 2004 Summer Research Program, we undertook the task of improving a 3D simulator created to run programs written for a Lego Mindstorms ""Roverbot."" Our primary goal was to implement some sort of physics engine. We accomplished this by using the Open Dynamics Engine, an open-source solution that provided us with physics modeling and collision detection. We also made improvements to the simulator's Graphical User Interface and camera angle controls. We wanted to provide an intuitive interface that would make the simulator fun and easy to use. Consequently, we created a new camera scheme that follows a hemisphere above ground level. This new scheme assures that the user cannot move the camera into a position that is upside down or under the Roverbot's "world." As for the GUI, we added many new features including the ability to choose preset camera angles, the ability to load different Roverbot models on the fly, the capacity to pause the simulation, options for placing rectangular obstacles in the Roverbot's virtual world, and temporary buttons to manually control the virtual Roverbot (for testing ODE). Although we made many improvements to it in the summer of 2005, the simulator is far from complete. Still, our efforts have provided a good framework for future improvements, and the experience of developing such a simulator has increased both our knowledge and respect for software design. |
Title: | The Effects Of Controlled Prairie Burnin On Perimeter Runway Usage By Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs |
Author(s): | Tomika Haller |
Abstract: | The black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) is a small, herbivorous mammal that, for years, has been seen as a pest by farmers and ranchers. This study will determine the relationship, if any, between available vegetation in burned and unburned grassland areas and runway activity. A prairie burn was conducted in the spring of 2005 in two plots of land adjacent to a black-tailed prairie dog colony at the Aldrich Prairie Research Site. Samples have been taken of the perimeter runway movement of the colony and the available vegetation mass since August of 2005 in both the newly burned area and in another, unburned segment of land. On average, there is five times more movement in and out of the unburned area than the burned area. The plant material in the burned area is 12 times taller than the unburned area, though the new growth contains little to no short, close to ground vegetation growth. The average mass of plant data from the burned area is 7.514 g while the average mass in the unburned area is 7.369. Results indicate that the colony is not moving in to the newly burned land due to the type of re-growth in the burned area. |
Title: | FAQ Support Web Application |
Author(s): | Zach Hettenbaugh |
Abstract: | The FAQ Support Web Application is a system that uses active server pages and is tailored to reduce calls and emails regarding simple troubleshooting tips handled by the Kenexa helpdesk. It also clears confusion in the communication between the users and the helpdesk support staff. Kenexa excels in providing web services to companies to maximize the efficiency of their Human Resources department. This presentation will provide information about the project's requirements, design, implementation, and ongoing support. The presentation will include a demonstration. |
Title: | The Effects of Caffeine in Red Bull Energy Drinks on Finger Response Times to an External Audible Sound Cue |
Author(s): | Brad Hochstein |
Abstract: | Caffeine is the most common natural stimulant used in the world that heightens awareness and improves reaction speeds. This study tested the effect of caffeine in Red Bull energy drink on reaction time among four different research groups: males who consume high amounts of caffeine (2 or more caffeinated beverages per day), males who consume low amounts of caffeine (1 or less caffeinated beverages per day), females who consume high amounts of caffeine, and females who consume low amounts of caffeine. Reaction times were recorded using the BIOPAC software and hardware. Audible sound cues were given to the subjects in four different segments with the first two presented in a pseudorandom order and the second two presenting the stimulus at regular intervals. Subjects took an initial reaction speed test, consumed 1 Red Bull energy drink, waited 45 minutes, and then repeated the reaction speed test. Reaction times before and after consumption of Red Bull were compared. After completing all tests it was found that: the reaction times 45 minutes after the consumption of Red Bull energy drink decreased by 0.01 seconds in the female low group, .024 seconds in the female high group, 0.0 seconds in the male low group, and .015 seconds in the male high group. From the current study it can be concluded that the caffeine in Red Bull energy drink decreases reaction time among the female high group and the male high groups. When comparing females and males, there was a greater decrease in reaction times in the female group as compared to males. |
Title: | Genetic Relatedness between Geographically Separated Populations of Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs |
Author(s): | Stefanie Horst |
Abstract: | Prairie dogs have assumed a negative reputation with many farmers and ranchers over time due to the very large wards they inhabit and their consumption of cattle-grazing grass. As prairie dogs' reputation of being agricultural pests became more common, landowners began shooting and poisoning them causing drastic effects on populations. This study is in place to investigate the genetic relatedness, or gene flow, between prairie dog populations separated by a significant distance. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton, Oklahoma is inhabited by a population of black-tailed prairie dogs comparable to that of the Aldrich Prairie Research Site near Grafton, Nebraska. Several stool samples were collected from each of the prairie dog towns, placed in separate conical vials and frozen. Genomic DNA has been extracted from the stool samples and DNA fingerprints for each sample will be generated by PCR amplification of select microsatellite regions. Although it may seem common sense that these populations would be very genetically different, this study may show that there is a similar genetic relatedness between the populations separated by a significant distance in comparison to the genetic relatedness between the prairie dogs within a population. |
Title: | Effect Of Altered Membrane Permability On The Quorum Sensing Response Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa |
Author(s): | Jessica Hutter, A. Stokes, J. Eudy, J. Gessel, B. Clement |
Abstract: | Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram negative opportunistic pathogen that utilizes a homoserine lactone-based quorum sensing (QS) for regulation of virulence gene expression. Homoserine lactone molecules are lipid soluble and diffuse readily across cellular membranes and at high cell density reenter the cell, modifying gene expression including the expression of virulence factors. P. aeruginosa is well known for its intrinsic resistance to multiple antibiotics and a variety of toxic molecules. A typical cell response to a stressful environment is to modify the membrane lipids, reducing the permeability of the membrane and excluding the toxic moiety. The growth characteristics and modification of membrane lipid composition of P. aeruginosa in response to stress induced by the presence of antibiotics in the growth medium was assessed by monitoring growth characteristics and by analysis of membrane lipid composition using GC-MS. To determine whether alteration of membrane lipids could interfere with the outcome of QS, P. aeruginosa (PAO-JP2), a mutant deficient in inducer molecules of the QS systems las and rhl, was grown in tryptic soy broth (TSB) amended with 100µg/ml cepthalothin. At log phase an extract of QS molecules from PAO1 was added to one of the cultures, the total RNA extracted from both, and the gene expression compared using microarray analysis with Affymetrix Pseudomonas aeruginosa chips. Identical membrane lipid modifications were observed in PAO-1 and PAO-JP2 grown under antibiotic stress. The effect of added QS molecules on gene expression in PAO-JP2 was assessed from the microarray data. This publication was made possible by NIH Grant Number P20 RR16469 from the INBRE Program of the National Center for Research Resources. |
Title: | Battle of the Sexes: A study of reaction time differences between men and women for simple motor reaction to auditory, visual, and somatosensory stimuli. |
Author(s): | Jonathan Jacobsen, Katy Simmons, Cory Stickney, Michael Wellsandt |
Abstract: | Simple reaction times of five males and five females were observed. Three different stimuli, visual, auditory, and somatosensory where used to promote the response; a combination of visual and auditory was also used. Reactions were judged on a meter stick and then converted to time in seconds. Males had faster average reaction times on every stimulus. The combination of visual and auditory stimuli elicited the fastest responses, while somatosensory stimuli had the slowest response. |
Title: | A Histological Examination of the Ictalurus Punctatus Heart Ventricle Tissue |
Author(s): | Katie Jasa |
Abstract: | The histological characteristics of the heart tissue in the Ictalurus punctatus (channel catfish) has been studied using histological techniques including the sectioning and staining of cross and longitudinal sections of the heart. The fish heart is the most primitive vertebrate heart and is studied for its microscopic structures including the intercalated disks and the striations of the heart. The catfish heart tissue was obtained, preserved, processed and studied. The results include the size, structures, and numbers of the catfish heart. |
Title: | Effects of Power Plant emissions on Solidago Canadensis (Goldenrod) Life History Traits |
Author(s): | Charissa Jergensen |
Abstract: | Effects of Power Plant emissions on Solidago Canadensis (Goldenrod) Life History Traits During this research, we examined the effects of the emissions of the Sheldon Power Plant on Solidago Canadensis (Goldenrod) Life History Traits. The Sheldon Power Plant is located near Hallam, Ne. The life history traits that were assessed include the biomass, seed weight, reproductive weight, and vegetative weight. Samples were taken up to 12 miles north and south of the power plant. Preliminary results indicate that Solidago canadensis growing south and subsequently downwind of the power plant has been negatively impacted as compared to those growing upwind. It is suspected that this is due to power plant emissions. |
Title: | Hire a Doane Graduate Web Application |
Author(s): | Cory Johnson |
Abstract: | The Hire a Doane Graduate web application focuses on providing former Doane students with a free service for finding jobs anywhere within the United States. There are two parts to this project. The first is for graduates and administrators and the second is for employers and education majors. Full implementation of part-one is scheduled to be complete in May of 2006. Graduates will have the ability to perform job searches and if interested, send their resume to employers. Education majors will have these same options but will only be able to view education-related job openings. The second part of this application is due for completion in the fall of 2007. This section will allow employers to search for graduates according to certain criteria and contact them if interested. The administrator side of the application will manage all the information within the application's database and grant user access. My presentation will discuss the requirements of the entire project, the design of part one of the project, and how part one of the project was implemented. I will also demonstrate this part of the project. |
Title: | Chloride Cells in Ictalurus Punctatus |
Author(s): | David Johnson |
Abstract: | Chloride cells are common to freshwater teleost fish. These cells actively extract chloride ions from the environment, with other ions passively following. These cells are being investigated for the first time in the channel catfish, Ictalurus Punctatus. |
Title: | How Quickly Caffeine Affects Human Blood Pressure and Heart Rate |
Author(s): | Valerie Kohl |
Abstract: | Caffeine is a widely used substance throughout the world. Caffeine has been shown to affect human physiology in many ways. This study examined the effects of caffeine specifically through systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. These were measured at 10 minute intervals for 50 minutes. Instead of using abnormally high amounts of caffeine as most studies do, the researcher used typical serving sizes. The participants were divided into groups for analysis according to their self-reported normal use of caffeine. Self-reported data was also collected on mood changes before and after caffeine use. Results showed no significant changes in blood pressure or heart rate when all the groups were considered. When groups were divided, significant changes were only seen in systolic blood pressure in the high and medium caffeine groups. Changes approached significance in the heart rate of the low caffeine group. Significant changes in mood were only reported for feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and sluggishness. This lack of significant results was most likely due to using normal serving sizes of caffeine, suggesting that caffeine in moderation does not have much affect on the human body. |
Title: | Equipment Checkout ASP |
Author(s): | Galen Lechner |
Abstract: | "This poster is about the web-based application and database that I designed, developed, and implemented for the Office of Technology at Doane College. I will show the steps I went through to analyze, design, and implement the web-based application and database, as well as the requirements that the application and database meets." |
Title: | An Acoustical Study of the Bodhran Drum |
Author(s): | Staci Linnertz |
Abstract: | The bodhran is a simple folk drum composed of a single circular membrane attached to a wooden frame. The tension of the membrane can be adjusted. This project involved an experimental and theoretical acoustical study of the drum. The theoretical was to compare our findings to the three dimensional wave equation. The wave equation was solved in cylindrical coordinates. The experimental was to examine the sound spectrum. A three dimensional analysis of an ideal drum head can be related to an elastic membrane. Our project was to be able to make a visualization of multiple different modes of vibrations on an elastic membrane when plucked. We found the different peak frequencies that the drum head could make when hit in different areas. We wanted to be able to compare the frequencies collected to the data of an ideal membrane; the two should theoretically be close. We successfully developed a maple worksheet that allowed for visualization. Comparisons were made between our taken data and an ideal elastic membrane. |
Title: | Towards a Colorimetric Date-Rape Drug Sensor |
Author(s): | Higgins Liz, Kari Thompson |
Abstract: | Although flunitrazepam has never been commercialized in the United States, it has been illegally smuggled into the country for abuse intent as a 'date rape drug' in sexual assaults. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has categorized Flunitrazepam (also called 'roofies') with LSD and heroin as an illegal narcotic. The multifaceted properties of porphyrins, phthalocyanines, and other organic dyes continue to attract a widespread interest in the development of new reporter groups for structural analysis and artificial receptors for molecular recognition studies. These molecular systems have several important advantages. Due to the unique combination of geometrical and electronic properties such systems show remarkable spectroscopic features that allow a very sensitive detection on sub-microscale level by different spectroscopic methods, such as fluorescence and visible spectroscopy. This topic encompasses various aspects of science with an interdisciplinary focus on physical organic chemistry and biochemistry. We will present some recent results obtained at Doane on applications of organic dyes used in molecular recognition studies with aptamers and flunitrazepam by conventional spectroscopy. We will show preliminary experimental results designed for the development of a colorimetric flunitrazepam sensor. |
Title: | Vestibular System |
Author(s): | Scott Madden, Brad Hochstein, Kylee Kemper |
Abstract: | The vestibular system is controlled by three semicircular canals: lateral, anterior vertical, and posterior vertical. They detect rotational motion of the head, and sense movements, such as nodding the head up and down, shaking the head side to side, and resting the head upon the shoulder. We developed three hypotheses for this experiment. A subject looking straight ahead while being spun will stimulate all three vestibular canals and will experience circular motion. A subject with his chin on his chest while being spun will stimulate anterior vertical canal and will lean forward. A subject with his ear on his shoulder while being spun will stimulate the lateral canal and will lean to the right. Each subject was spun in a chair with his/her head in one of three positions. After spinning commenced, the subject stood up and shot a squirt gun at a target. We measured three things: the direction of lean, the severity of lean, and the distance from the target. The forward head position produced the least severe lean and the least accurate shot. The ear on shoulder position produced the greatest severity of lean and the most accurate shot. The more severe the lean, the better shot the individual became. We concluded that every canal is always stimulated in every movement, but we predicted which canal received the greatest stimulation. With the head in the forward position, as the subject was spun to the right, hair cells in the right lateral canal were stimulated, causing the subject to move to the right. With the chin on the chest position, the posterior vertical canal was stimulated, causing the subject to fall backward. With the ear on the shoulder position, both the posterior vertical and lateral canals were stimulated, causing the individual to fall backwards and move to the right. |
Title: | Alert Behavior of the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog |
Author(s): | Ryan McMahon |
Abstract: | This investigation involved headbob and alert behaviors in black-tailed prairie dogs at the Aldrich Prairie Research Site. This is the eastern most colony of prairie dogs found in Nebraska. I used a laptop computer with a game pad to record time elapsed while the animal is performing the behavior. The study was done while elevated in a tripod stand. Because the APRS is used so frequently for research, these animals have developed a more alert colony. John Hoogland, studying in South Dakota performed a similar study. I found that the mean standing alert behavior was 8.42 seconds and the mean head bob behavior was 2.91 seconds. This study will help us further understand the prairie dogs and their alert behavior. |
Title: | The Effect Of Burnin And Limestone On Tallgrass Prairie Restoration |
Author(s): | Meredith Meyer |
Abstract: | We examined the effect of high limestone concentration and burning on the first year of a prairie restoration project. We restored two areas dominated by smooth brome grass (Bromus inermis) to tallgrass prairie. The first was located inside an abandoned limestone quarry while the other plot was located uphill out of the quarry. A portion of both plots were burned. The effect of lime on prairies remains relatively unstudied but is important as it tends to increase the Ca2+ and Mg+ levels in the soil and also increase the pH levels. The pH inside the limestone quarry was significantly higher than that outside. Stem density was greater in the non-limestone plot than in the limestone plots. Rhizomes grew deeper inside the limestone quarry, but there were more rhizome buds outside the limestone quarry. There was no statistical difference in biomass between the limestone plots and the plots outside the limestone quarry. Overall, the differences in the restored plots were due mainly to the limestone and not to the restoration project. |
Title: | Colonization of Azithromycin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Under Fingernails of Health-Care Workers in Long-term Care Facilities |
Author(s): | Erika Pearson |
Abstract: | Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen that often creates infection control problems in hospitals and long-term care facilities. As S. aureus is known to be resistant to several commonly used antibiotics, the severity of this problem is growing. In this experiment, swabs were collected from underneath the fingernails of employees in five different long-term care facilities. All employees tested were defined as having direct contact with long-term care residents on a daily basis. The swabs were cultured on a media which differentiates for S. aureus. The cultures that were positive for the organism were then plated again using a lawn technique and tested for resistance to the antibiotic azithromycin (one of the most frequently used antibiotics today). The results of this experiment showed that many of the employees had S. aureus colonized underneath their fingernails and some of these colonies did exhibit resistance to azithromycin. These results clearly demonstrate that S. aureus is still a very virulent pathogen, and steps to improve infection control in healthcare facilities are necessary. |
Title: | Geographical Information System in Conjunction with Nebraska Voting Patterns |
Author(s): | Christopher Peterson |
Abstract: | The goal of this project was to allow people to view the results of the 2005 summer research involving the voting patterns of Nebraska constituents. Examined was voter turnout in primary and general elections with respect to gender, party, and age. The Delorme Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to color-code Nebraska voter turnout by percent based on zip code and county. The project provides a graphical view of turnout rates for general and primary elections from 1998 to 2004. This system and data allows a user to graphically view specific regions and see a detailed depiction of the patterns in these elections. I will discuss in my presentation the steps that were necessary in creating the maps and the problems with hardware, software, and other aspects of the implementation that came about with the huge dataset I was using. I will then show a smaller sample of the counties in southeast Nebraska to give a better depiction of the overall project purpose. |
Title: | Changing Salinity Concentrations of Potatoes |
Author(s): | Clint Poppe, Kylee Kemper, Kristen Donovan |
Abstract: | The internal pressure of a plant cell is extremely high. This is caused by the large amount of water molecules found inside the cell. The hypothesis is that the equilibrium of the potato cell is 0.9. Because the osmolarity of a human cell is 0.9, we believe the osmolarity of a potato cell would be similar. The hypothesis was tested indirectly by evaluating the change of mass of the potato in different solutions. Six different concentrations of NaCl in water were used to measure changes in mass over time. These concentrations were: distilled water, 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, 1.2%, and 1.5%. For each concentration, three observations were made at multiple time intervals. The time intervals were: 20 minutes, 40 minutes, 60 minutes, and 18 hours. An increase in the mass of the potato was observed in the distilled water, 0.3% and 0.6% concentrations. However, a decrease was observed in the 0.9%, 1.2%, and 1.5% concentrations. The hypothesis was rejected, finding the osmolarity of a potato cell being closer to 0.6%. |
Title: | Azithromycin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Geriatric Care |
Author(s): | Joseph Radke |
Abstract: | Staphylococcus aureus has shown significant resistance to the antibiotic Azithromycin in recent research studies. Healthcare employees are often prone to pass the bacteria from resident to resident by physical contact. The geriatric community is open to an increase in infection due to poor immunity. Five southeastern Nebraska long-term care units participated in the study. Employees from each facility received nasal swabs to detect certain bacteria, specifically, Staphylococcus aureus. A sterile q-tip was used for a five-second nasal swab and placed in a test tube containing tryptic soy broth. It was then placed on a mannitol salt agar medium and incubated. Thirty-three percent of participants were carriers of the Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria was cultured in a nutrient broth and made into a lawn on an agar medium and incubated. Azithromycin strips were placed to test resistance and susceptibility. Forty-four percent of the Staphylococcus aureus found was resistant to Azithromycin. These results are parallel to other studies in the resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to Azithromycin and other antibiotics. |
Title: | Finding Lead Levels in the Doane Pond by use of an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer |
Author(s): | Shana Reese |
Abstract: | For my senior research project I tested the Doane pond for lead. There was a previous project done that had shown lead in the pond. I decided to take it a step further and find out how much lead was in the Doane pond. I took samples of water from different spots around the pond and recorded their exact location with a GPS unit. I then made standards to test along with the samples. I ran my samples and standards through the atomic absorption spectrometer. After I ran all the samples once, I found there was no lead in the pond. I then ran my samples again and got the same result. This shows that there is no lead in the Doane pond now but there could have been some trace amounts in previous years. |
Title: | Diffusion of Dextran Dye Through Granulated Agar |
Author(s): | Kyle Rupp, Katie Wilcox, Brad Hochstein |
Abstract: | Diffusion is a common process occurring in cells and across membranes in organ systems throughout the body. In order to show how the concentration of particles in a solution affects the rate of diffusion through a medium, various concentrations of dye were injected into the centers of plates of agar. The rates of diffusion were observed by measuring the diameter of diffused dye through the agar; after two hours, diffusion had occurred over about 2.9 millimeters to 4.0 millimeters. The greatest distance of diffusion was shown using the dye with a 0.03% concentration. Overall, a small amount of diffusion through the medium was observed in each concentration, but a trend in the differences in the diffusion of each concentration was unable to be detected. |
Title: | pH Effects on the Plasma Membrane of Red Blood Cells |
Author(s): | Erin Schildt, Maggie Sheehy, Ashley Howard |
Abstract: | Plasma, an integral component of blood, contains a phosphate buffer that is responsible for maintaining homeostasis of pH levels within the mammalian body. Even the slightest variance in pH level can cause illness or even death. Specific physiological changes include microbial overgrowth and decreased mineral assimilation. In an attempt to maintain equilibrium, the red blood cell will engage in mediated transport systems. This allows for incorporation of molecules necessary for cell processes. The hypothesis is that drastic pH changes will affect red blood cell shape and function; while the plasma buffer within the blood will control any altering effects that the weak pH solutions may cause. Manipulation of the acidity and alkalinity of a phosphate buffer solution was used as a representation of the natural blood buffer. The phosphate buffer, at different pH levels, was then added to blood and analyzed for absorbance in a Spectrometer Genesys8. The results revealed that strong acids and bases were able to make the buffer ineffective and cause the plasma membrane of the red blood cells to lyse. Minimal amounts of distortion and lysing occurred with the addition of weak acid and base solutions. Thus, we failed to reject our null hypothesis. |
Title: | Strains of Staphylococcus Aureus in Doane Students Currentlly Taking Amoxicillin |
Author(s): | Kamleh Shaban |
Abstract: | Occurrence of amozicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive bacterium responsible for many human diseases such as skin infections, toxic shock syndrome, osteoarthritis, respiratory tract infections, and vascular graft infections. Some people are asymptomatic carriers of S. aureus, though they are at greater risk for becoming ill. Many strains of S. aureus have developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics and other broad-spectrum drugs such as amoxicillin. This experiment was designed to determine if students at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska currently taking amoxicillin have a higher incidence of amoxicillin-resistant S. aureus than students who are not on any antibiotic treatment. Students were swabbed and the swabs were transferred to mannitol salt agar (MSA) plates in the lab to select for S. aureus. Colonies from MSA plates that were positively identified as S. aureus were used to make bacterial lawns with amoxicillin E-Strips to determine S. aureus isolates' resistance to amoxicillin. Students on amoxicillin were swabbed twice to compare the levels of resistance during and after treatment. Initial data indicate that there is no increased risk of amoxicillin-resistant strains of S. aureus among students on amoxicillin. |
Title: | An Experimental and Theoretical Study of a Vibrating String |
Author(s): | 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 including dampening variables. A numerical version of the model was implemented in Maple. 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. Comparisons between the model and the video data were made. We found that the theoretical wave velocity matched very closely to the experimental data. We also recorded video from above which proved that there was little to no interference in the horizontal direction. |
Title: | Effect of Temperature on Cellular Membrane Diffusion |
Author(s): | Katy Simmons, Katie Schultz, Michael Wellsandt, Anna Farlow |
Abstract: | Cellular diffusion is essential to the functioning of the human body. The permeability of cellular membranes plays a large role in the process of diffusion. Temperature is one factor that affects the rate of diffusion across membranes. Five temperatures that are experienced by the human body were selected for use in this experiment. Using dialysis tubing and Karo syrup, the rates of diffusion were monitored for each temperature. It was found that as the solution temperature was increased the rate of diffusion increased. The increase in diffusion rate resulted in a decrease in the time it took for the system to reach equilibrium. The results of this experiment supported our hypothesis for most of the runs. However, the average time to reach equilibrium for the 42 degree Celsius temperature was actually longer than for the 39 degree Celsius temperature. The results of these two runs refuted the hypothesis of this experiment. |
Title: | Molecular Modeling of a Chemical Reaction |
Author(s): | Jacob Sladky |
Abstract: | All reported reactions of alcohols with phosphorous pentachloride proceed with inversion of configuration. Thus, erythro-1,2-diphenyl-N-(n-butyl)-2-hydroxyethane reacts with phosphorous pentachloride in chloroform to make threo-1,2-diphenyl-N-(n-butyl)-2-chloroethane, inverting the configuration at the 2-carbon. However, threo-1,2-diphenyl-N-(n-butyl)-2-hydroxyethane reacts under the same conditions to make threo-1,2-diphenyl-N-(n-butyl)-2-chloroethane, with retention of configuration, contrary to expectations. This research attempted to gain an understanding of this anomaly by calculating the transition state energies of the two reactions by use of the computer molecular modeling program, MacSpartan v. 2.0.2 |
Title: | Erythrocytes Response to Varying NaCl Concentrations In Saline Solutions |
Author(s): | Jack Smith, Cory Stickney, Chris Bombardier |
Abstract: | This experiment began by preparing three concentrations of saline solutions. An isotonic solution that has equal salt content as the membrane introduced, a hypertonic solution that will make the membrane swell due to a lesser salt content compared to that of the membrane, and a hypotonic solution that will make the membrane shrivel due to a higher salt content in the solution. Blood was then collected from three of the experimenters. The blood was distributed equally onto microscope slides and the respective solutions were introduced. Observations were made by visually examining the blood cell responses to the different saline solutions, as well as comparisons between the nature of the cells responses between the three blood samples taken from each of the researchers. The results came from observations taken from a light microscope viewing at 60x and photographs were taken. After all data was collected, results showed a gradual trend of an increased number of affected blood cells as the saline concentrations became more/less concentrated away from 0.9% isotonic. There was no significant arithmetical difference between the blood cells collected from different sites. We believe that in solutions with concentrations less than 0.9% the cells will expand and when in solutions with concentrations greater than 0.9% the cells will shrink. With the greatest effects in those solutions farthest away from 0.9% solution (isotonic.) We also hypothesize that there will be no significant difference in the ability of different subject's blood to compensate for different concentrations. |
Title: | A Proton-NMR Determination of the Acidity Constants of PPI-0903 |
Author(s): | Tessa Smolik, Derek Deyle, David Clevette, Ph.D, William O. Nelson, Ph.D. |
Abstract: | PPI-0903 is a novel synthetic prodrug that is within the cephalosporin class of ß-lactam antibiotics. It is currently in Phase II clinical trials sponsored by Cerexa, Inc. An Anasazi Eft-90 NMR spectrometer was used to take proton-NMR spectra of freshly prepared solutions of PPI-0903. As the pD is modified, the chemical shift of the hydrogen molecules adjacent to ionizable groups will change. Significant changes in the chemical shifts of the peaks associated with the acetic acid present in the crystal lattice of solvated PPI-0903, the pyridinium ring, and the adjacent thiazol ring. This data was compared with the data from a potentiometric titration, and the acidity constants (pKa's) of three groups were determined. The NMR assigned pKa were as follows: the phosphonoamino group was determined to be 3.34, the acetic acid solvate was determined to be 4.52, and the second phosphonoamino group was determined to be 11.49. |
Title: | Synthesis of Styrylbenzene Derivatives for Detecting Brain Amyloid Plaques in Alzheimer's Patients |
Author(s): | Tessa Smolik, Yuxiang Dong, Ph.D., Xiaofang Wang, Ph.D., Lisa Johnson, Jonathan L. Vennerstrom, Ph.D. |
Abstract: | Traditionally, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been difficult to assess because of its lack of diagnostic criteria. An important event in the pathogenesis of AD is the aggregation of â-amyloid plaques. Currently, these plaques are being stained post-mortem with aromatic molecules such as Congo Red. The goal the group was to synthesize, FSB, a fluoro-substituted styrylbenzene derivative that can efficiently and selectively detect â-amyloid plaques in vivo in mouse models of AD through MRI imaging. In the course of the research, the target molecule, FSB, was not obtained. However, the synthesis of the key intermediate, 1-fluoro-2,5-bis(bromomethyl)benzene was vastly improved. This compound was formed in one step from the NBS bromination of 3-fluoro-4-methylbenzyl bromide in 49% yield. Previous synthesis methods formed 1-fluoro-2,5-bis(bromomethyl)benzene in a two-step process with an overall yield of 25%. In further research, the target molecule FSB will be synthesized and MRI data will be collected on its effectiveness in detecting AD in mouse models. |
Title: | Correlation Between the Dorsal and Ventral Aorta Thickness and Blood Pressure in Channel Catfish |
Author(s): | Allison Sperry |
Abstract: | The connective tissue thickness of arteries and veins are dependent upon the blood pressure of vertebrates. The blood pressure in fish remains constant until reaching the capillaries where it travels through the gills in order to pick up oxygen. After leaving the gills, the blood pressure drops significantly. The ventral aorta is attached to the heart and withstands the pressure of pumping blood to the rest of the fish. This causes the aortic walls to be extremely thick, similar to a mammalian artery or the aorta in humans. The dorsal aorta is connected to the capillaries that come from the gills. Because of the drop in pressure, the dorsal aorta displays a thin histological makeup similar to a vein in mammals. The ventral and dorsal aortas were removed by histological techniques from channel catfish. The tissue was processed and embedded in paraffin. 10 micron thick sections were made and placed on slides. The tissue was stained using hemotoxylin and eosin, and the slides were then examined to compare the histological makeup of the two aortas. |
Title: | Effect of Temperature On Cichlid Aggression |
Author(s): | Steve Thomas |
Abstract: | C. nigrofasciatum, better known as the convict cichlid, is known to show a great deal of territoriality. Cichlids defend their territory using visual displays and physical attacks. When defending their territory, there are many factors that are found to affect the level of aggression that is shown. Convict Cichlids have been known to show increased levels of aggression when water temperatures are increased from 26„aC to 30„aC due to the instinct to breed at higher temperatures (Ratnasabapathi, et al 1992). This experiment replicates the study performed by Ratnasabapathi et al. A fish was kept in either a 26„aC or 30„aC tank for twenty four hours to allow it to acclimate to its environment. Then another fish was introduced in a glass stimulus tube. The number of attacks by the resident fish on the stimulus tube was then recorded using a computer program and game controller. The fish in the 30„aC tank had an average of 20.85 seconds between attacks. The fish in the 26„aC tank had an average of 25.06 seconds between attacks. This shows that lowering the temperature decreased the frequency of attacks. |
Title: | Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Its Presence in the Inferior Olive of Mice |
Author(s): | Adam Thompson |
Abstract: | The inferior olivary complex (IOC) is located in the medulla of the central nervous system. The IOC is composed of different nuclei based on the part of the cerebellum stimulated and the afferent information received. Knowing that the inferior olive has a powerful impact on the cerebellum, the communication between the neurons in the IOC becomes increasingly important in understanding the role of the IOC. The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been found in many parts of the inferior olivary complex including cell bodies, dendrites and dendritic spines, but its role is unknown. Mice IOC tissue was sectioned and CGRP was labeled with 18nm colloidal gold using pre-embedding immunohistochemistry. After observing the tissue under the transmission electron microscope (TEM), the antibody labeling was present in the tissue but only about 5um deep. The osmium tetroxide did not stain the tissue effectively and the fine neurostructure was very difficult to distinguish due to the lack of membrane staining. Studies are ongoing. |
Title: | Measuring Attention by means of an Electroencephalograph in Unpretentious, Single-Task and Multi-Task Situations |
Author(s): | Robert Triano |
Abstract: | Focusing attention upon involves several cognitive functions which are derived from specific cerebral structures (i.e. cerebellum, nucleus basalis, and several structures within the forebrain). Many people suffer from ADD or ADHD, which may cause an overload on these specific structures of the brain. The purpose of this experiment was to measure the brain's reaction to a single-stimulus situation and measure the brain's reaction to a multi-stimuli situation. The results derived from the use of an electroencephalograph (EEG), and the two scenarios were then compared to see if there were any significant differences between the brain waves of a single stimulus versus multiple stimuli. A control scenario of insensible relaxation was placed to also compare scenarios which contained a stimulus or stimuli. The scenarios which involved relaxation contained much lower standard deviations, but they also contained much higher frequencies as recorded by the EEG. The standard deviations found by the EEG in the multi-task scenario were far greater during performance as compared to the standard deviations in the single-task scenario. The frequencies found by the EEG were only slightly higher for the multi-task scenarios as compared to that of the single-task scenarios. A reason why relaxation yielded lower standard deviations and higher frequencies than the performance scenarios may be due to the fact that the EEG wavelengths are longer due to lack of stimulation. A reason why the standard deviations were substantially greater in the multi-task scenarios could be due to over stimulation of the specific structures dealing with attention. |
Title: | An Investigation into the Possible Causes of Earth's Major Extinction Events |
Author(s): | Mike Wellsandt |
Abstract: | This poster was done in conjunction with a research project completed this past summer. The project was designed to take a deeper look into the history of the earth and explore the dates of the major events that took place. The ultimate goal was to design an interactive website detailing the timeline of Earth's history. The earth has been in existence for approximately 4.4 billions years. Throughout that time period there have been many significant events that have taken place. Quite possibly none are more important than the extinction events that have occurred. On five occasions the very existence of life on earth was nearly been wiped out. There are many theories as to what caused these extinction events. This poster examined some of those theories in detail. |
Title: | Comparative Retrostudy of Shoulder Injuries in Male and Female Patients |
Author(s): | Mike Wellsandt |
Abstract: | The shoulder is one of the most commonly injured areas in the body. This increased rate of injury is due to the large range of motion in the glenohumeral joint. In the human body, increased range of motion comes at the expense of decreased stability. Contact to the glenohumeral joint and excessive use also contributes to the high rate of injury to the shoulder region seen in our society. There are many different injuries the shoulder can sustain. Everyone is at risk for shoulder injuries; however, as we progress in life we become even more susceptible. This was especially evident in this study as most of the participants were above the age of 45. With the assistance of two rehabilitation clinics in Lincoln, Nebr, a retro study analyzing various shoulder injuries was conducted. Questionnaires were sent out to patients who had previously undergone physical therapy for a shoulder related injury. Patients were evaluated based upon range of motion, length of rehabilitation, which arm was injured, and their age. Based on the results it was found that females were more prone to injuring their dominant arm. However, males had a higher rate of sustaining injury to both shoulders. |
Title: | Classification of Roses by Aroma Compounds |
Author(s): | Katherine Wilcox |
Abstract: | The composition of the volatile chemicals emitted by some plants can be used to trace the family tree of those plants. The composition is determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the data among plants is statistically compared by multivariate analysis. Can this methodology be applied to a complex, interbred array of plants like the roses? This research was a preliminary step, exploring the chemical and botanical literature and the chemical laboratory techniques needed to provide meaningful data. |
Title: | The Anatomy and Histology of Ictalurus Punctatus |
Author(s): | Karla Zahn |
Abstract: | A study was conducted to compare the liver of the Ictalurus punctatus, (the channel catfish), with the rat liver, concentrating on the six sided lobule and the hepatocytes. Standard histology techniques (fixation, embedded paraffin, sectioning and staining) were used to determine the characteristics of the liver. The microanatomy of the liver is described, looking at how much connective tissue there is, cell size, shape, and arrangement. The sections were looked at under a light microscope to determine what kinds of cells are present. |