2008 MindExpo Abstracts
Art
Biology
Chemistry
Economics
History
Humanities
Information Science and Technology
Mathematics
Physics
Social Sciences
Art
Title: ANIMATION EXPERIENCE
Authors: Aaron Holmes, Sam Acker, Brandon Bankson, Dane Bowder, Craig Degenhardt, Jaime Duggan, Tim Engelhaupt, Laura Foord, Tatton Jacob, Bob Kenny, Bridget Koehler, Emma Kucera, Joshua Peterson, Anthony Ritton, Cassie Steiner, Michael Ulmer
Type: Exhibition
During the Interterm, January 2008, Aaron Holmes, Betty Levitov and 16 students studied the art of film animation. In addition to viewing films and learning animation film history, the students wrote and produced their own original animated short film.
Our MindExpo presentation will be our film---just over 2 minutes (with an original musical score). Our production includes cel animation and 3-D animation. We will loop the film so as to repeat.
Title: PRINTMAKING PROCESS
Author: Aaron Holmes
Type: Exhibition
This exhibition explores the process of Intaglio printmaking, giving insight into the evolution of a work from initial concept sketches to a completed edition of prints. It features several different printed states of the same work, giving the viewer a chance to see the artist's thoughts come to life on the paper. Various printmaking tools and techniques will also be displayed and explained.
Biology
Title: A COMPARISON OF GENETIC CHANGES BETWEEN LONG TERM AND SHORT TERM MICROHABITATS WITHIN THE TALLGRASS PRAIRIE IN ANDROPOGON GERARDII.
Author: Caitlin Schaffert
Type: Oral
Andropogon gerardii (big bluestem) is a dominant long lived grass in the tallgrass prairie. Over time this grass has had the opportunity to adapt and evolve to many different microhabitats within the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Because A. gerardii is extremely long lived, and found in different stable microhabitats within the tallgrass prairie, it is an ideal plant for use in tracking genetic changes due to natural selection. Plant samples were taken from Konza Prairie Biological Research Station, which has two unique stable microhabitats. A comparison between plants found within uplands and lowlands represented our long term microhabitat plots (in existence for several thousands of years). For our short term samples, we used plants within 1 year and 20 year burn frequencies (plots have been established for 36 years). To determine genetic differences, samples were analyzed using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP). Results will be presented at the Nebraska Academy of Science.
Title: A COMPARISON STUDY OF LOWER BACK PAIN TREATMENT
Author: Brandon Wehenkel
Type: Poster
Back pain is becoming more prevalent in the United States every year, and yet there is still debate on the best treatment method. This study looks at two different physical therapy treatment methods of lower back pain. One method uses postural techniques, while the other uses traditional non-postural techniques. The data was collected at two different physical therapy clinics. The postural data was collected at Husker Rehabilitation in Lincoln, Nebraska while the non-postural data was collected at the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn, Nebraska. A test was given pre-treatment and post-treatment in several areas including: internal and external hip rotation, leg rotation, and straight leg test. The internal and external hip rotation and straight leg raise was measured in degrees, while the leg rotation was measured in centimeters. At the initial visit, the patient was regionally measured. When the patient was finished with his/her care, the physical therapist measured the same regions again. The number of physical therapy sessions were recorded, as well as the patient's score on a national back index survey. The postural method restored the normal range of motion more efficiently than the non-postural treatment. These results indicate back pain is best alleviated through postural treatment.
Title: ARACHNID POPULATION RECOVERY IN A RESTORED TALL GRASS PRAIRIE
Author: Mitchel Bern
Type: Poster
Most of the original tallgrass prairie ecosystem has been developed and replaced; remnant and restoration sites provide much of what is known about this endangered ecosystem. By understanding the rate and extent to which arachnids can reestablish within a restored tallgrass prairie we can make inferences about the effectiveness of current restoration techniques. Pitfall traps were used to collect arachnid samples at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center located near the town of Denton, Nebraska. Four different prairie sites were sampled each with a different time since the start of restoration. Preliminary results suggest that species composition and arachnid size may significantly differ between sample sites. Full results will be presented.
Title: AFFECTS ON WETLAND VEGETATION DUE TO URBANIZATION DEVELOPMENTAL CONTAMINANTS
Author: Cassie Krings
Type: Poster
Nebraska's most endangered ecosystems, saline wetlands, are located in Lancaster and Saunders County. Since settlement in the late 1800s, these wetlands have diminished from approximately 20,000 acres to about 4,000 acres. These wetlands are valuable because they serve as natural water treatment systems, prevent erosion and flooding, have high productivity, and support diverse populations of plants and animals. However, urban development has increasingly encroached upon these ecosystems and chemical runoff is likely to have a negative impact on the hydrology and vegetation systems. In order to examine potential changes in the wetland ecosystem due to urban influences, transects were placed across the Whitehead saline wetland from the commercial area to the undisturbed section of the wetland. Biomass samples were collected and dried at 60ºC for 48 hours. Water and soil were also tested for pH, NO3 -, salinity, O2, and PO4=. The pH measurements of surface water indicate that the hydrology of the area is strongly impacted by both meteoric water and ground water (which wicks to the surface by capillary action from shallow groundwater). The average biomass was slightly lower on the undisturbed side ranging at 68.833 grams per meter, compared to 72.25 grams per meter on the industrial side. Nitrates were not detected, minimal levels of phosphates were present, with salinity and dissolved O2 consistent with that of an undisturbed system. There were no obvious signs indicating that neighboring urban development has severely impacted these wetlands.
Title: AN ASSESSMENT OF BREAST CANCER AND POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS IN FILLMORE, GAGE, JEFFERSON, SALINE AND THAYER COUNTY, NEBRASKA
Authors: Aaron Rastovski, David Chang
Type: Poster
Previous studies show that the counties of Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Saline and Thayer have an increased rate of breast cancer per 100,000 women over the rest of the state of Nebraska. By using a random phone number generator we surveyed women in the five counties on their breast cancer status, family history, and potential risk factors such as Body Mass Index (BMI), the environment, alcohol consumptions, menstruation, pregnancy and breastfeeding history. The information was then gathered from women with and without a history of breast cancer to see if there are any differences that may be causing an elevation in breast cancer incidences in these counties.
Title: ANALYSIS OF THE RATE CANINE WEST NILE VIRUS INFECTION AND PROXIMITY TO BODIES OF WATER IN LINCOLN, NEBRASKA
Author: Laurel Wegener
Type: Poster
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flaviviral infection that may cause animal disease. Very little is known about duration and viremia of WNV in canines. Signs in dogs include lethargy, depression, irritability leading to anorexia, weakness, ataxia, and blindness, though they may be also asymptomatic. Prevention and control of WNV are becoming increasingly important as more cases are recognized, and mosquito control is the only practical strategy to combat the spread of the disease. Since mosquitoes reproduce in standing water, we hypothesized that more cases of WNV would be identified in dogs living near bodies of water. Blood samples taken from dogs throughout Lincoln, Nebraska were analyzed for indications of WNV infection and the address of each dog was mapped relative to bodies of water. Correlation between bodies of water and prevalence of WNV infection may provide data important for fine-tuning mosquito control measures such as spraying.
Title: BRINS FIRE: ONE YEAR POST WILDFIRE AQUATIC COMMUNITY RESPONSE IN OAK CREEK, AZ
Author: Mitchel Bern
Type: Poster
In June of 2006, the Brins Mesa fire burned 4,317 acres in and around Oak Creek Canyon and deposited large amounts of ash, soil, and debris in Oak Creek by monsoon rains the autumn following the fire. To gauge the impact of the debris flow on the stream ecosystem, we measured macroinvertebrate density and composition, as well as the hydraulic properties of the stream, over a period of one year. Our results revealed that macroinvertebrate density estimates varied significantly by site and season. The mean macroinvertebrate density varied the least at Site 1, by about 38% between collections, while the means of Site 2 and Site 3 varied by 93 and 96%, respectively. Trichoptera and Ephemoptera were abundant at Site 1 and were rare at sites 2 and 3. In contrast, Chironomid (Diptera) densities at Site 2 and 3 were 75% higher compared to Site 1 indicating a compositional response to the fire impacted site. Little attached filamentous algal growth was observed at any of seven collection sites in July 07 while inorganic estimates comprised more than 94% of the material collected on the cobbles downstream of the debris flows. This data provides evidence that the run-off from the Brins fire may have affected the stream ecosystem all the way to the confluence of Oak Creek and the Verde River. We suggest sustained monitoring in order to fully understand the Brins fire and Oak Creek ecosystem interaction.
Title: COMPARISON OF CANCER RATES IN DOGS IN CRETE AND DAVID CITY, NEBRASKA
Author: Elizabeth Prigge
Type: Poster
Several studies have been conducted looking for environmental factors that may cause cancer. Nebraska requires all cases of human cancer to be reported to the Nebraska cancer registry. This data shows that the rates vary significantly between counties. Dogs also have cancer similar to humans. Looking at the rate of cancer in dogs in different locations may provide insight into the contribution of environmental causes to the human cancer rate. I hypothesized that the rate of cancer in dogs in Crete would be significantly different than the rate of cancer in dogs in David City. Data was collected by looking through medical records of dogs at Lothrop Animal Clinic in Crete and Bar S Vet Clinic in David City and recording all cases of cancer in the past five years. I found the rate of cancer to be 4.22% in Crete and 2.92% in David City. Comparing the rates using a proportions test gave a p-value of 0.03357, showing that the rate of cancer in dogs in Crete is significantly higher than in David City. However, the rate of human cancer in Saline County, where Crete is located, was not significantly different from the rate of human cancer in Butler County, where David City is located. Using a proportions test, a p-value of 0.5811 was found.
Title: EFFECTS OF CHELATED AND INORGANIC TRACE MINERALS ON CONCEPTION AND BIRTH CHARACTERISTICS OF BLACK ANGUS COWS (BOS TAURUS)
Author: Jill LaBore
Type: Oral
Bovine infertility problems account for a significant annual loss to the cattle industry. Trace mineral deficiencies can account for some of these problems. Copper, manganese, zinc, and selenium deficiencies can manifest themselves as cystic ovaries, abnormal or delayed estrus, embryonic death and abortion, retained placenta, and weak calves at birth. When a mineral is chelated it is bound by one to three amino acids. This arrangement forms a stable five member ring that protects the metal during digestion and its' small size also allows for better absorption. In this two year study, the cattle received no minerals during the first year and a balanced mineral supplement using chelated and inorganic trace minerals in the second year. During the breeding season for both years the cows were synchronized with two shots of Lutalyse and then they were artificially inseminated (AI). First service conception rates were recorded for both years as well as overall conception rates. In the first year, 71% of the cows were successfully AI, but only 48% of the cows had an AI calf. In the second year, all of the cows were successfully AI. The percentage of cows that have an AI calf will be determined after births. Results will be presented.
Title: EFFECTS OF MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CULEX TARSALIS AND DAPHNIA MAGNA
Author: Brian Maronde
Type: Poster
Microcystis aeruginosa is a form of cyanobacteria that causes large blooms in bodies of water. This cyanobacterium produces a toxin that has been shown to cause health problems for many different species, including mammals. Thus, when this cyanobacterium blooms, it makes the lakes unsafe for recreation. This study looked at the effects of the cyanobacterium on Culex tarsalis (mosquito) larvae and pupae and Daphnia magna (daphnia). Naturally occurring M aeruginosa was placed in containers with either C. tarsalis larvae, pupae, or small populations of D. magna. The C. tarsalis were largely unaffected, as nearly 100% reached adult stage, except for those in the highest concentration of M. aeruginosa. The D. magna experienced increased growth rates in high concentrations of M. aeruginosa. It is possible that D. magna benefits from M. aeruginosa by using the cyanobacteria as a food source. If true, then it is possible that the blooms of M. aeruginosa could be due to a lack of aquatic predators. The toxin levels of the water containing daphnia were tested, and the results will be presented.
Title: EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON LUNG CAPACITY
Author: Katy Simmons
Type: Poster
Anti-smoking movements and efforts to reduce levels of trans fats have been rippling across the nation in response to concerns to improve overall health. Many studies examine individual issues and have not considered combined effects, such as from smoking and overeating. A study was made to determine how significant smoking/non-smoking and Body Mass Index (BMI) are to the health of the lungs, using vital capacity as an indicator of health. If the effects of cigarette smoke and BMI are related to vital capacity, then smokers with high BMIs should have a reduced vital capacity compared to non-smokers with normal or lower BMIs. Participants were categorized as smokers or non-smokers, normal BMI, overweight BMI, or obese BMI, and their vital capacity was determined using a spirometer. The data collected was compared with an ANOVA. The ANOVA was done for each of the following: smoking and vital capacity, BMI and vital capacity, and smoking/BMI and vital capacity. Data collected does not support the hypothesis that there is an interaction between BMI/smoking and vital capacity. BMI and smoking each have a separate effect on a person's vital capacity.
Title: IDENTIFICATION OF CONDITIONS NECESSARY TO PERMANENTLY INTEGRATE N-CADHERIN REPORTER GENES INTO HUMAN PANCREATIC CANCER CELLS
Authors: HaLea Messersmith, Amy Hamik
Type: Poster
Cadherins are transmembrane proteins that aid in cell adhesion, making sure that cells within tissue are bound together. E-cadherin helps maintain the rigidity of the cell layer and plays a very big role in maintaining normal phenotypes of epithelial cells. N-cadherin is found in cells that are not found in epithelial sheets. When solid tumors formed in epithelial tissues stop expressing E-cadherin and begin expressing N-cadherin, cells from the tumor can separate from each other and travel to different parts of the body or metastasize. To study how the N-cadherin gene gets turned on during the switch from E-cadherin to N-cadherin, N-cadherin promoter fragments were previously cloned into reporter gene constructs that will indicate the role each fragment plays in turning on or off the N-cadherin gene. To study these constructs carefully it would be ideal to insert them permanently into a cell's genome and then stimulate the cell to switch from E-cadherin expression to N-cadherin expression. In this project we identified the conditions necessary to permanently integrate the N-cadherin reporter constructs into a human pancreatic cancer cell line called BxPC3.
Title: INDIVIDUAL ALERTNESS IN A BLACK-TAILED PRAIRIE DOG COLONY
Author: Brian Maronde
Type: Poster
Alert postures in the black-tailed prairie dog, Cynomys ludovicianus, include upright and headbob postures. For two weeks in the summer of 2007, a black-tailed prairie dog colony at the Doane College Aldrich Prairie Research Site was observed three times daily to investigate the use of alert postures at different times throughout a day. Elapsed time of individual alertness behavior was observed for 20 minute time periods at 8 a.m., 12 p.m., and 4 p.m., using a computer and game pad. The elapsed time an individual prairie dog spent in each posture was recorded. An elevated blind was used to conceal the observer. It was found that these prairie dogs spent more time in the alert posture in the morning, and more time using headbobs in the afternoon, due to increased foraging.
Title: INVESTIGATION OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: AN IMMUNITY MEDIATED RESPONSE
Author: Jonathan Jessen
Type: Poster
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a disease that affects populations worldwide. IBD causes considerable morbidity in developed countries. IBD is typically characterized into two categories: Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Crohn's Disease (CD) may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, but most commonly the ileum and colon. Although there is not sufficient data to determine a conclusive cause of IBD, research has suggested several possibilities resulting from an activation of the body's innate and acquired immune systems. These activations may be a result of a disruption in intestinal normal flora composition, a harmful pathogen, an individual's environment, or an autoimmune condition. These conditions have been shown to cause chronic inflammation, but research has yet to make a definitive link to IBD. This study has focused on the evaluation of IBD research advancements, while employing a histological and ultrastructure survey of the ileum to help fully understand intestinal inflammation models described throughout the research. Linkage in the research of determining the cause of IBD is limited. This comprehensive examination has linked work to help future study of IBD.
Title: KILLING OF CANDIDA ALBICANS BY PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA IN CO-CULTURE
Author: Desirae Albus
Type: Poster
Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA01) are both opportunistic human pathogens. In co-culture, PA01 cells attach to and kill (lyse) the C. albicans cells. The effect is seen only in C. albicans that have assumed the mycelial state rather than the yeast form (C. albicans is a dimorphic fungus). It is hypothesized that the cell wall changes that occur during the shift from yeast to mycelial form is necessary for the attachment of the PA01 and subsequent killing of the fungal cells. PA01 and C. albicans were grown in liquid PTSB and YPD broths respectively and concentrations adjusted to approximately 10:1 bacterial to yeast cells. Cells were washed and resuspended in 0.5 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) with 0.1% glucose and photographed over a 4-6 hour period using a Leica inverted microscope and CCD camera at 400X. Control conditions used C. albicans grown at 30°C (yeast), while the experimental conditions used cells grown at 37°C in YPD amended with N-acetylglucosamine to stimulate hyphae formation (mycelia). Bacteria did not attach to C. albicans in the yeast form, and did not kill any fungal cells without attachment. Stimulation of hyphae formation by N-acetyl glucosamine was inconsistent. Cell counts were carried out to confirm yeast killing, and remaining co-culture was plated to detect the presence of viable bacteria and yeast at intervals throughout the experiment.
Title: METHOD DEVELOPMENT FOR THE DETERMINATION OF SULFATE IN DISTILLERS GRAIN USING ION CHROMATOGRAPHY WITH CONDUCTIVITY DETECTION
Author: Lindsey Wallman
Type: Oral
Distillers Dry Grains with Solubles (DGS) are a by-product of ethanol production. Traditionally, the DGS by-product is fed as a high protein source to cattle and other livestock. However, dietary sulfur levels above 0.4% can be toxic for cattle and DGS is high in sulfur content. Determination of the concentration of sulfate in distillers grain is therefore very important and traditionally has been determined using a gravimetric or turbidimetric method. These methods are long and laborious. Ion Chromatography with conductivity detection provides a quicker and easier method for determining sulfate concentration. However, a technique to extract sulfate from distillers grain for this method has not been fully developed. The aim of this study was to successfully extract sulfate from distillers grain and analyze it by Ion Chromatography. Initial results indicate that the extraction technique was successful. Complete results will be discussed.
Title: MICROWAVE PROCESSING COMPARED TO CONVENTIONAL PROCESSING IN A SURGICAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORY
Author: Jonathan Jacobsen
Type: Poster
Microwave processing has been suggested and applied as an alternative to conventional processing in surgical pathology laboratories. Specimens processed by microwave processing require much less processing time and become available for diagnostic read-out by pathologists much more quickly than the conventional overnight method. This study examines the comparative diagnostic quality of tissue processed by microwave and conventional overnight methods. Typical specimens received such as lymph tissues were processed via both microwave and conventional methods, sectioned, and reviewed by a board-certified pathologist. The morphologic diagnostic quality of the sections prepared using both processing techniques was judged comparatively. Morphologically, the quality of the sections prepared using both processing techniques was satisfactory for diagnostic interpretation. However, variables such as multiple histotechnicians involved may confound the results. The drastically shorter processing time translates into shorter turnaround time and availability of pathologist diagnosis to the clinician more quickly, but regulations in tissue processing and considerations other than morphologic quality may hinder this technology's immediate implementation.
Title: PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF CALU-3 CELLS TO INFECTION BY SELECTED BACTERIAL NOSOCOMIAL BACTERIA
Authors: Anna Farlow, Kristen Donovan
Type: Oral
Nosocomial infections are secondary infections acquired during treatment in a hospital setting. The majority of nosocomial infections are caused by bacterial infections, and the four most common bacteria associated with nosocomial infections are Entercoccus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherchia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The goal of this project is to determine the physiological response of host tracheal cells to infection with selected bacteria, compared to that of a normal, uninfected control. The CalU-3 cell line, a human lung adenocarcinoma, was used as the host cell. Host cells were cultured for 24-48 hours or until approximately 30-50% of the plate was covered. Host cells were then infected with one of the four bacterial species (E. faecalis, S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa). Light micrographs of all co-cultures were taken at time intervals of 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours. At 2 hours post-infection, ELISA was used to detect IL-8 production by the host cell in response to bacterial infection, a cellular indication of injury and/or stress. Morphological cell damage was documented using both light and scanning electron microscopy at time intervals of 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours post-infection. Whole cell protein extracts were prepared from host cells only, infected cell cultures, and pure bacterial cultures at 0, 2, 4 8, 24 hours. Regardless of the bacterial species used for infection, host cells experienced similar degrees of morphological damage and were dead within 6 to 8 hours. Cultures infected with gram-negative bacterial species (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) showed more IL-8 than cultures infected with the gram-positive species.
Title: REGULATION OF HUMAN N-CADHERIN IN EMBRYONIC MESENCHYMAL CELLS
Author: Maggie Sheehy
Type: Poster
Cadherins are calcium-dependent transmembrane glycoproteins that participate in cell-cell adhesion. Cadherins, named according to location within the body, include N-cadherin which is found on neurons and mesenchymal cells. Most human cancers arise in epithelial cells, which normally express E-cadherin, but begin to inappropriately express N-cadherin and become metastatic. For that reason, most studies of N-cadherin gene regulation have been conducted in relatively invasive abnormal epithelial cancer cells. In this project, N-cadherin luciferase reporter constructs were studied in relatively normal human embryonic palatal mesencyme (HEPM) cells. These cells have 46 chromosomes, are mesenchymal in nature, express N-cadherin but not E-cadherin and represent a more typical environment in which N-cadherin would be expressed. N-cadherin promoter fragments cloned into a renilla luciferase reporter construct were transiently transfected into HEPM cells and luciferase expression was measured using a luminometer. Relative luciferase activity indicates the role of various promoter fragments in regulating N-cadherin gene expression. In follow-up experiments we would like to examine a promoter region that includes a potential repressor of gene expression, so PCR primers to amplify that region were identified using Vector NTI. Understanding the regulation of N-cadherin gene expression may help in the future to alter that expression in epithelial cancer cells that inappropriately express N-cadherin and are extremely invasive, contributing to metastasis.
Title: THE EFFECT OF 8-PLY SHOPPING BAGS ON DUCKWEED
Author: Sarah King
Type: Oral
The amount of disposable plastic bags currently in circulation is cause for concern. Many cities in the United States, as well as other countries, have banned disposable plastic bags. Recently, there has been a trend to take disposable plastic bags and iron them into an 8-ply plastic sheet which can be made into reusable plastic bags, purses, and a variety of other items. One proposed use has even been to create mosquito netting out of this reusable plastic to help stop the spread of malaria in African countries. While finding uses for this plastic is wonderful, it is critical to determine if this 8-ply plastic has any adverse effect on living organisms. This experiment was run to determine the effect of this 8-ply plastic on duckweed (Lemna minor), a small plant found in many bodies of water throughout the world. Duckweed was grown in tanks with different concentrations of shredded 8-ply plastic. We hypothesized that there would be an inverse relationship between the amount of plastic in the water and the number of duckweed plants that survive and reproduce. Results will be presented.
Chemistry
Title: A STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF CHITOSAN, A NATURAL CHELATING POLYMER, UPON COPPER REMEDIATION IN WATER
Authors: Emily Hanna, Garrett Paulman
Type: Poster
The goal of this project was to determine the effects of chitosan on removal of Cu (II) ions in a solution. Variables in the study included: molecular weight of chitosan, initial concentration of Cu (II) ions, mass of chitosan, and speed of mixing. The ability of chitosan to remove Cu (II) was compared with other methods.
Title: CONFIGURATIONAL ANALYSIS OF D AND L-METHAMPHETAMINE BY THE EXCITON CHIRALITY METHOD
Author: Christa Flitcroft
Type: Poster
Chiral narcotics, such as both enantiomers of methamphetamine, were derivatized with an N-Boc protected carrier. The resulting conjugate was deprotected and added to a zinc porphyrin tweezer. This complex resulted in strong binding between the porphyrin and two nitrogens of the carrier. This carrier-porphyrin complex is locked in a conformational position that produced a strong bisignate circular dichroism (CD) spectrum. The sign of the CD couplet is based on the absolute conformation of the chiral center. For example, the L-methamphetamine has an R-configuration that resulted in a clockwise twist of the porphyrin which led to a positive CD couplet. The entantiomer produced the mirror image.
The project is supported by the NIH grant number P20 RR016469 from the INBRE Program of the National Center for Research Resources and by the NSF (DUE-0633462).
Title: CHARACTERIZATION OF MINERALIZATION OF TYPE I AND TYPE II COLLAGEN BY SERUM CALCIFICATION FACTOR (SCF)
Author: Casey Gustafson
Type: Poster
Mineralization of collagenous tissue is important for the normal formation of mineralized tissues such as bone, and in understanding inappropriate mineralization, such as calcification of arterial walls. Mineralization is mediated by non-collagenous proteins that can inhibit or promote mineral growth. Recent research has described a protein-containing serum calcification factor (SCF) as a mineralization initiator in type I collagen-based tissue (bone, tendon). However, when type II collagen-based tissue (cartilage) was tested, no mineralization was reported. The research we conducted focused on the idea that there may be a mineralization inhibitor in type II collagen-based tissue that negates the effect of SCF. To test this hypothesis, purified type I collagen and purified type II collagen were obtained commercially. Portions of each type of collagen were incubated with bovine blood serum containing SCF for 1 week. Collagen samples were tested for mineralization by staining with Alizarin Red S. Concentration of calcium in solution was determined daily during the incubation period by a spectroscopic method. The results showed that pure type I and pure type II collagen stained pink, indicating mineralization. Calcium concentrations in the serum began to decrease after the fourth day and continued to decrease in type I and type II collagen experiments up to 1 week. The results obtained indicate that SCF is capable of inducing mineralization in both type I and type II collagen. The data also supports the initial hypothesis that some factor in type II collagen-based tissue, such as another protein or matrix molecule, stops mineralization from occurring.
Title: COPPER SULFATE HUMIDITY SENSOR
Author: Michael Guericke
Type: Poster
I have discovered and developed a unique solid-state reaction between copper sulfate and potassium bromide. I looked into its use as a humidity sensor since the reaction proceeds in the presence of small amounts of water in the air and undergoes a visible color change. I have tested this reaction with various ionic salts and varied the amount of relative humidity to see how the sensors undergo chemical transformations.
Title: THE USE OF CIRCULAR DICHROISM SPECTROMETRY TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN THE ENANTIOMERS OF METHAMPHETAMINE
Authors: Katie Wilcox, Christa Flitcroft, Michael Guericke
Type: Oral
Using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, our lab was able to differentiate between the two enantiomers of methamphetamine using commercially available zinc porphyrin tweezers as achiral hosts. The host-guest complex formed with D-methamphetamine produced a negative bisignate-shaped CD couplet, while the complex formed with L-methamphetamine produced a positive one. The addition of the drug-carrier conjugate to the porphyrin tweezer also prompted a bathochromic shift and change in absorbance, indicating a strong binding event. This shift was visibly detectable as well; the porphyrin tweezer was light pink in hexane before the addition of the methamphetamine-carrier conjugate but slightly yellow after the host-guest complex was formed. It is important to distinguish between the enantiomers of chiral drugs like methamphetamine because often the two enantiomers have unique physiological effects. In the future, this porphyrin tweezer technology may be used to form a sensor for the different enantiomers of methamphetamine and other chiral narcotics, and, based on experimental results, may even be used to create a colorimetric sensor for the drug.
This publication was made possible by the NIH Grant Number P20 RR16469 from the INBRE Program of the National Center for Research Resources.
Title: THE WHITE POWDER-A PROJECT FOR LAR
Authors: Kimberly Pierce, Nicholas Langer, Trenton Smolik
Type: Poster
Students in Dr. Clevette's Liberal Arts Seminar Class (LAR 101) were involved in a group Learning Community Project with a full cohort of enrollment in Dr. Wilson's General Chemistry (CHM 125), and Dr. Marley's Introduction to Cell Biology (BIO 120). Early in the semester, students were issued a vial containing an unknown white powder and were asked to find the one other person in the class with the identical powder. This task illustrated the importance of knowing chemical and physical characteristics of the compound, as opposed to simple appearance. Later in the semester, the pairs of students did further chemical tests to identify the sample from a short list of possibilities and studied the effects of cell growth in the Cell Biology class. A written report was completed about the chemical history and importance of the molecule and a mini poster was shown in class. We were picked by our peers and the professors to represent our Learning Community in this project. This poster will summarize the key features of this project - the discovery process, the cell growth results, and some historical importance of the compound.
Economics
Title: 13TH CENTURY ECONOMIC UTOPIA
Author: Asa Farquhar
Type: Poster
My project will create a fictional 13th-century economic utopia. The goal of the utopia will be both economic efficiency and functionality; in addition, social responsibility will help guide economic activity. The design of my utopia will consider key factors such as trade, unemployment, technology, limited resources, pollution, and population growth. This project may provide insights into selected problems that modern-day societies face.
Title: A TRUE PARADISE
Author: Brett Sullivan
Type: Poster
My project involves creating a utopian island nation with a stable and prosperous economy and a well-functioning society that enjoys good international standing. This poster presentation will highlight some of the island's characteristics, and will provide details regarding how the society and economy will function. I plan to highlight some problem areas in our own society and economy by showing how efficiently and effectively my utopian nation would address those problems.
Title: PERSONAL UTOPIA
Author: Kyle Manley
Type: Poster
The purpose of this project is to design an historical utopia, taking into account many of the social, economic, and political problems that exist in most societies today. In my utopia I will seek to develop institutions and organizations to hopefully alleviate these problems, especially the economic ones. The utopia needs to be logically consistent, cohesive, and economically feasible. This project allows me to try out new ideas regarding what could have been done differently in the past to avoid some of the economic problems we face today, such as the reliance on fossil fuels.
Title: UTOPIA PROJECT
Author: Ziad Jaber
Type: Poster
The greatest long-run threat to global security is climate change. What happens when the predictions made by countless scientists, regarding climate change, become reality? Where will we live? How will we survive? Who will survive? My project will attempt to answer these questions by creating a "utopia" that would exist after the massive global changes wrought by climate change have taken place. My project will focus on this grim future in attempt to spark interest in environmental preservation, by depicting the worst-case scenario. The most essential question I hope to answer, though, is this: Are we, as a society, prepared to live in a way that such a massive transformation will provoke? In creating this utopia, my major constraint is that the existing laws and principles of economics must be obeyed.
Title: WEST COAST UTOPIA
Author: Bryan Dutcher
Type: Poster
The goal of my project is to design a new society through the creation of a fictional utopia. The utopia will be structured so as to make the society run as efficiently and effectively as possible, both economically and socially, while obeying the laws and principles of economics. My utopia will be an isolated island country located just off the western coast of the United States; the island will be roughly the size of Nebraska with similar geographical characteristics. It is my hope that, through the planning of my utopia, I will be able to shed light on better ways to address selected problems that current societies confront.
History
Title: NEBRASKA FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS
Author: Abby Condon
Type: Exhibition
The focus of this research study is the Nebraska Federation of Women's Clubs--the Nebraskan branch of the General Federation of Women's Clubs. This federalized female organization brought together hundreds of women's clubs to promote American welfare and healthy living. I will discuss the NFWC's ability to maintain unity and strength around the era of the Great Depression. My paper will show how these women used their clubs to better their communities through a variety of social projects and how they bettered themselves personally as women through increased education and sisterly love in a time of great struggle.
Humanities
Title: FROM ELGIN AND DOANE SKYWARD: THE CAREER OF DONALD NYROP
Authors: Bridget Koehler, Erin Leick, Kari Shanahan
Type: Oral
This paper chronicles the career of Donald W. Nyrop-- Doane graduate, chief of Civil Aviation under President Truman, President of Northwest Airlines, and recent inductee to the Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame.
Title: MAKE UP OF THE FIVE MAIN WORLD RELIGIONS
Author: Dave DeRose
Type: Oral
With all the religious strife going on in the world, I set out to show that each of five major world religions teach positive morals. This was initially based on my assumption that the religions of the world were there to set cultural guidelines that promote positive actions by the people who believe in them. Through my research I found out just how different these religions are, yet how they are all tools to build a positive moral base in society. My presentation will give a brief summary of each of the five main world religions, both of text and practice. It is my hope that with some knowledge of each other's religious teachings, we can expunge stereotypes and misunderstandings.
Information Science and Technology
Title: ANALYSIS, DESIGN, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A TACTICS GAME USING ADOBE FLASH
Author: Andrew Mellor
Type: Oral
Employing techniques acquired from software development courses, a systematic approach was taken to analyze, design and create a Tactics genre game using Adobe Flash. The game allows a player to create a character, outfit that character with attributes and equipment, and engage that character in battle with a character created by another player. This poster session will highlight considerations in the analysis, design, and implementation of the game. A demonstration will also be provided.
Title: DEVELOPING A SERVICE SCHEDULING DATABASE APPLICATION
Author: Beau Christ
Type: Poster
Many businesses often have a situation where they can be more productive by moving a manual activity over to a more software-based solution. After working for a small Sears Dealer store, I noticed one of these situations. The store managers were manually writing and tracking all of their service requests on paper. This proved to be difficult for them to keep track of all of the service requests, and often they would misplace or lose information. After talking with the store manager, we decided that a software-based solution would solve many of the problems that were present. Therefore, I designed and developed a database application written in the Java programming language that would store all of their service requests. This allows the employees to easily search for past records, create new records, and keep track of all the service that is currently scheduled or coming up. I will be implementing the finished software on the dealer store's computers in the coming months.
Title: DISK SCHEDULING ALGORITHM SIMULATOR
Author: Tim Engelhaupt
Type: Oral
The Disk Scheduling Algorithm Simulator (DSAS) is an application written to be used as a teaching tool in an undergraduate Operating Systems course. It is meant to demonstrate different algorithms that an operating system can use when accessing data on a hard disk drive. The DSAS is meant to be a visually stimulating teaching aid that is able to show operating system students how the hard disk is scheduled by the OS. DSAS implements six different algorithms: First Come First Serve (FCFS), Shortest Seek Time First (SSFT), SCAN, LOOK, Circular Scan (C-SCAN) and Circular Look (C-LOOK). This presentation will briefly introduce the disk scheduling algorithms which the DSAS simulates, overview the design of the DSAS, discuss items of note in the implementation of the DSAS, and conclude with a demonstration of the DSAS focusing on how it could be used in an operating systems course as a pedagogical tool.
Title: FOOTBALL SCOUTING APPLICATION
Author: Luke Burson
Type: Oral
One way many football coaches gain a competitive advantage is to identify opponents' tendencies by watching film of past games. This project involved creating an application to facilitate and improve that task. Specifically, a computer application was designed and developed to help football coaches easily identify offensive or defensive tendencies of an opposing team. The application allows coaches to watch a video of an opposing team, control the starting and stopping of that video, record situational information (such as on third down and long in their own territory a team passed) into a database, and then produce a variety of tendency reports based on that situational data. This application will be able to support creating, updating, and deleting records for multiple teams, games and plays. This application should give coaches an advantage on the field. This presentation will overview the requirements addressed by the application and the design of the application to meet those requirements. A demonstration of the application will be provided.
Title: MSDNAA ELMS SERVER
Author: Jeremy Pernicek
Type: Poster
The Doane College Information Science and Technology (IST) department has an agreement with Microsoft, called the Microsoft Development Network Academic Alliance (MSDNAA). Through this agreement, IST faculty and students are given access to free copies of Microsoft operating systems and development software. The purpose of my project is to implement an electronic logistical management system (ELMS), to increase the efficiency at which products available through the MSDNAA are distributed to students and staff.
The project is to implement an automated way to distribute MSDNAA software to eligible users. Currently, the software is distributed through CD and DVD media. After the project is complete, eligible users will be able to log on to a MSDNAA server computer and download the software they need.
The project follows the research, analyze, design, implement, and support (RADIS) framework and will present the results of each stage of the project.
Title: MULTILINGUAL-USER WEB APPLICATION PROJECT
Author: Alex Reinkordt
Type: Poster
The Multilingual-User Web Application Project was developed to explore what can be done at a software development level to internationalize web development solutions. By nature, many websites need to be international since users from all around the world might be accessing them. This application was developed through research to allow the user to view web content in one of seven languages. Several different approaches exist within the Microsoft's .NET development environment to internationalize applications. This application uses both global and local resource files to provide support for multiple languages. When a language is selected, the application actively updates and changes the titles, date and currency format. This poster session will survey research involving internationalization of applications, discuss specific techniques available in Microsoft's .NET environment for internationalization, and overview and demonstrate the techniques that were used in developing a specific illustrative solution.
Title: TELESCOPE CONTROL UNIT
Author: Luke Jones
Type: Poster
This poster presentation focuses on the creation of a telescope control unit driver to aid in the acquisition and tracking of objects in space. By providing a simple user interface, tracking an object becomes as simple as entering the desired right ascension and declination onto a keypad. This is accomplished by a microcontroller programmed in the C programming language. The program on the microcontroller is the driver which supports the telescope hardware. The poster presentation will describe the algorithms used to control the telescope, how those algorithms translate to the C language, how to debug driver code in a microcontrolled environment, and possible future changes and upgrades to the telescope control unit.
Mathematics
Title: DAILY APPLICATIONS OF GAME THEORY
Author: Aaron Holmes
Type: Oral
In our daily life, we face many situations in which our choices determine the outcome. Some of these situations can be modeled and analyzed using game theory. Originally, this branch of mathematics was developed for economic purposes, but its breadth has expanded greatly and it is now used in many of the sciences. A basic understanding of game theory can also lead us to more pedestrian applications, such as those I explore in my presentation. This presentation is based on a paper on this topic I wrote last semester in partial completion of the requirements for my math major.
Title: MARKOV CHAINS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
Author: Megan Fraley
Type: Oral
Markov chains were developed in the beginning of the 1900s by a Russian mathematician, Andrei Markov. Markov chains utilize matrices to make predictions based solely on past events. Markov chains are utilized in everything from predicting the length of lines at supermarkets and airports to analyzing commodity price movements in the stock market. This presentation will start with a few introductory examples in weather prediction and then will discuss the more complex applications of Markov chains in genetics, game theory, and tornado forecasting.
Title: THE GOLDEN RATIO
Author: Andrea Szwanek
Type: Oral
This presentation covers definitions, history, and mathematical results related to the golden ratio. Experiments pertaining to the aesthetic appeal of the golden rectangle are reviewed, along with the surprising statistical results of a local experiment involving Doane students.
Physics
Title: MONTE CARLO SIMULATION CHARACTERISTICS OF TRACER DIFFUSION FOR CONCENTRATED LATTICE GASES
Author: Trevor Torpin
Type: Poster
Monte Carlo simulations of tracer diffusion for a concentrated lattice gas are discussed for one, two and three dimensional lattices. The model studied allows particles to jump to nearest-neighbor sites. The particles do not interact with each other except that double occupancy of a site is not allowed. The time-dependence of the mean-square displacement was calculated as lattice dimensionality, lattice size, boundary conditions, and the concentration of the particles varied. The lattices studied were a one-dimensional chain, the square lattice, and the simple cubic lattice.
Title: PHYSICS OF BASKETBALL
Author: Wade Janssen
Type: Poster
Basketball is a sport that involves many different movements. Running, jumping, and bouncing are some of the most common movements in basketball games. Video analysis of these motions will give a better understanding of kinematics. In this project, multiple videos were created that show a free throw shot, a dunk shot, a finger roll lay-up, and bounce passes with different spin on the basketball. The motion of each video was analyzed with the application VideoPoint. This software allows a person to mark the position of multiple points on each frame of a movie. Mathematical models of the motion were made from this data. The analysis of such motions could lead to helpful knowledge of how to better use them on the court. All of the videos created will be placed on the Doane College Physics Department website. They will be available for other students to use and analyze in the future.
Title: PHYSICS OF TRACK AND FIELD
Author: Alan Dreyer
Type: Oral
This project involved looking at elements of the human kinematics and dynamics in different track and field events, in particular, running and the long jump. Using a video camera, different track events were recorded and then digitalized. For the long jump, the projectile motion of the center of mass was explored along with a comparison to a previously published article on the change in mechanical energy as the jumper transfers from running to the flight phase of the jump. With running, seven aspects were investigated pertaining to three phases: the push-off phase, the flight phase, and the support phase. In particular relations were drawn between the force of push-off and the extension of the ankle, the push-off force and the knee drive, the moment of inertia and the angular velocity of the leg, the separation angle of the legs and the push-off force, the energy required to slow down the knee drive and reverse it, the force of the body in relation to the placement of the foot in front of the center of mass, and the relationship between the amplitude of the rise of the hip and the forward velocity. The high jump, long jump, sprinting around a curve, and running videos will be added to the Doane Physics Department website along with lesson plans for high school teachers to use as a resource.
Title: THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN 18" NEWTONIAN REFLECTOR TELESCOPE
Author: Rick Bazata
Type: Poster
Work continues on the Doane College 18" Newtonian reflector telescope project. The past year and a half we designed and constructed an equatorial mount for the telescope that will allow precise tracking of planets and deep-space objects via a microcontroller interface. The equatorial mount was designed to provide a small (±10°) adjustment for the latitude of the telescope location. The design goals include: 1) to produce a compact mount that allows for quick alignment of the telescope and 2) to produce a robust mount that will minimize pointing errors. This year two new servo motors and amplifiers, provided by Glentek, Inc. have been adapted and installed in the telescope. They provide much higher slew rates and provide the precision required to track objects. The completed telescope hardware will be demonstrated.
Social Sciences
Title: CAMPUS CLIMATE AND ATTITUDES
Authors: Kari Shanahan, Erik Clarke
Type: Oral
Dr. DeBoer formed a class during the 2006-07 school year to research campus climate and attitudes at Doane College. The results of the on-campus survey and focus groups will be discussed in detail during the presentation.
Title: DETOXIFICATION RECORD SUMMARY AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS
Author: Dustin Lind
Type: Poster
This project summarizes detoxification records among students from three different colleges. Detoxification summaries were compiled from September 2007 through December 2007. Several variables were included in the analysis including: blood alcohol level, age, location of last drink, college, and criminal charges.
Title: DOANE COLLEGE SENIOR HONORS PROJECT
Authors: Aaron Holmes, Meagan Bauer, Cassy Blakely, Alan Dreyer, Ben Kaye-Skinner, Sarah King, Andrew Mellor, Nic Newlun, Rachel Rasmussen, Maryle Reimers, Katie Wilcox
Type: Oral (full block)
Each spring semester, seniors in the honors program are given the opportunity to complete a group research project. This year's group has chosen to research the immediate effects of Wal-Mart on Crete. We've narrowed our focus to three main areas: the overall Crete community (specifically looking at the immediate impact on various local businesses), the Doane community (using a survey to attempt to assess changes in buying habits), and Crete's Hispanic community (comparing the impact on this specific subset of Crete with the impact on Crete as a whole by looking at local businesses and possibly by using a survey on buying habits). Also, we've examined the longer-term effects of Wal-Mart on one or two towns similar to Crete, allowing us to make predications about Crete's possible future and to propose solutions to foreseeable problems.
Title: EIGHT BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTHCARE UNDERUTILIZATION
Author: Laura Gieseking
Type: Oral
Our current literature review focuses on the underutilization of mental healthcare by immigrants and refugees. The literature review focuses on past research concerning multicultural efforts in mental healthcare and the problems inherent in the current mental health delivery system that lead to continued underutilization of services by ethnic and racial minority populations in the United States, especially immigrant and refugee populations. A qualitative look at the barriers effecting underutilization are examined and defined. Future implications of the review will involve a qualitative and quantitative pilot survey to local immigrant/refugee populations.
Title: LATINO ATTITUDES TOWARD THE CRETE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Author: Amanda Smith
Type: Oral
This project is designed to examine Latino attitudes toward the police department in Crete, Nebraska. The interviews were conducted in an informal setting at a local laundromat with a total sample size of eight respondents. Respondents were asked a variety of questions regarding their interaction with the police, as well as any contact that family or friends have had. They were also asked to give a few words that they felt described the local police. Variables that were examined included gender, age, education level, amount of time the respondent has lived in Crete, where the respondent lived prior to living in Crete, and the amount of contact the respondent has had with the Crete police. Results of the study concluded that the variable most affecting attitudes toward the police were gender, age, and amount of contact. Females were more likely than males to hold favorable attitudes toward the police. Age was positively associated with attitudes, while amount of contact was negatively associated with attitudes.
Title: PROSPECT THEORY: THE CAUSES OF FRAMING WITH FULL INFORMATION
Author: Zach Blackman
Type: Poster
This research project was designed and conducted to test why the framing of a question affects a person's acceptance of risk when faced with a difficult situation. The study was based on Kahneman and Tversky's famous "Prospect Theory" research that has gained wide acceptance in the social sciences. Using data from a survey filled out by Doane students, I will compare the findings to both past studies and assumptions about the theory. The project delves into different hypotheses as to why framing works the way that it does in association with Prospect Theory. While past studies focused on framing the survey questions in a positive or negative light, our survey combined the different frames in order to understand which frame feels more natural to the individual taking the survey.
Title: SUBSTANCE USE AS PREDICTED BY PERSONALITY AND CAREER CHOICE
Authors: Sarah King, Maggie Sheehy
Type: Oral
This study sought to determine whether there were any correlations between career choice, personality, and lifestyle choices. 107 participants were administered a survey regarding career choice, personality, and lifestyle choices. The survey consisted of the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory - 3 adult form (SASSI-3), the Big Five Inventory (BFI) of personality traits, a demographics sheet, and a questionnaire assessing frequency of substance use and acceptability of substance use. We predicted that a) those who score high in conscientiousness will engage in less substance use; b) those who score high in openness to experience will engage in more substance use; c) there will be a relationship between a student's major and substance use; d) those who score low on conscientiousness will find substance use more acceptable; and e) those who score high on openness to experience will find substance use more acceptable. Results indicated a) a negative correlation between conscientiousness scores and all measurements of substance use; b) no relationship between openness to experience and two of the three measurements of substance use; c) The SASSI-3 subscales of Face Valid Alcohol, Face Valid Other Drug, and Acceptance were not predicted by career choice and d) low conscientiousness and high openness to experience were both predictors of personal acceptability of substance use.