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Graduate Poster Forum Abstracts 2009 |
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Note: Titles are listed alphabetically by program, then by student's last name.
Presenter Name:
Nick Heeb
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Aerospace Engineering: M.Eng.
Advisor Name:
Ephraim Gutmark, Ph.D., D.Sc.
Title:
An Examination of Forward Flight Effects on the Flow and Acoustic Field of Nozzles Used in High-Performance Aircraft.
Abstract:
To simulate a military aircraft in flight, a non-variable convergent-divergent (CD) nozzle was operated at its design condition with a varying speed secondary flow to simulate the flight velocity. The specific design of the CD nozzle reproduces the flow field typical of a military aircraft, especially the double shock diamond exhaust structure. Results show that increasing flight velocity shortens the initial shock cell size along with reducing nose radiated into the forward quadrant. Also, the screech tone is removed at significantly high flight velocity.
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Presenter Name:
Marianne Ballantyne
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Anthropology: M.A.
Advisor Name:
Ken Tankersley, Ph.D.
Title:
Miami Fort: An Ancient Hydraulic Structure
Abstract:
Miami Fort, located in southwestern Ohio, is an anthropogenically engineered hilltop earthwork approximately nine kilometers in length. Detailed geological analyses demonstrate that the earthwork was a complex gravity-fed hydraulic structure, which channeled spring waters and surface runoff to sites where indigenous plants and cultigens were grown in a highly fertile, but drought-prone loess soil. Drill core sampling, x-ray diffractometry, high-resolution magnetic susceptibility analysis, and radiocarbon dating demonstrate that the earthwork was built after the Holocene Climatic Optimum and before the Medieval Warming. The results of this study suggest that other Hopewell hilltop earthworks are hydraulic structures rather than fortifications.
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Presenter Name:
Elizabeth Wehri
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Anthropology: M.A.
Advisor Name:
Alan Sullivan, Ph.D.
Title:
A Classification System of Osteomyelitis for Historic Skeletal Remains: An Assessment of Civil War Soldier Amputees
Abstract:
Osteomyelitis is a pus producing infection caused by the presence of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, that specifically affects the endosteal surface of bone. Although this disease can be found in prehistoric and historic populations, one ubiquitous system for descriptive classification system has not been developed for use on skeletal remains. This research utilizes the long bones from Civil War soldier amputees with evidence of osteomyelitis, which are housed at the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Washington D.C., to develop a classification method for use on skeletal collections to assess the characteristics of osteomyelitis as presented in the skeleton. In total, 79 long bone specimens (including humeri, radii, ulnae, femora, tibiae and fibulae) were examined. In an effort to create a more parsimonious system, three categories—etiology, hyperostosis and chronicity—were used to both classify and describe the osteomyelitis presented in each case. The first category, etiology, describes the origin of the infection by determining whether the osteomyelitis is exogenous or hematogenous. The second category, hyperostosis, is divided into minor, moderate and severe hyperostosis. The final descriptive category, chronicity, determines whether the infection is acute or chronic based upon information gathered from medical records. This descriptive classification system can be more readily applied to collections of skeletal remains than most other methods of classifying osteomyelitis as it provides specific morphological traits for each category of classification, thereby removing the vague nature of many other systems.
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Presenter Name:
Albert Chmelar
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Architecture (Master of): M.Arch.
Advisor Name:
David Smith, M.Arch.
Title:
Emergency Housing
Abstract:
The state of readiness and quality of emergency housing was severely tested by Katrina in 2005. FEMA trailers, while adequate, impart a strong sense of impermanence due to their "road readiness". This drawback is also one of the major advantages of the typical FEMA trailer: its relative ease of transportation via a typical trailer hitch connection. However, this ease of transportation comes at a cost that equates to a permanent state of temporariness, in that they can seemingly go as "easily" as they came. For a ravaged community, a sense of stability seems paramount. The typical FEMA trailer consists of a master bedroom with a standard size bed, a living area with kitchen and stove, bunk beds, and a bathroom with shower. Each trailer is equipped with electricity, air conditioning, indoor heating, running cold and hot water, a propane-operated stove and oven, a small microwave oven, a large refrigerator, and a few pieces of fixed furniture attached to the floor, usually a sofabed, a small table, and two chairs. This project builds upon the FEMA trailer and presents a new approach to emergency housing.
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Presenter Name:
Sarah Eberhardt
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Architecture (Master of): M.Arch.
Advisor Name:
Adrian Parr, Ph.D.
Title:
Rebuilding the Wall: The Role of Architects as Re-creators
Abstract:
Architects have been equated with a creator, a human who holds the power to design and orchestrate the fabrication of a new edifice from the ground up. If we question the definition of creator as one who must entirely "wipe the slate clean" to recreate, we may see that the slate is an inherently valuable material. It is in the creator's best interest to repurpose the pieces to replace destruction, recreate a home, restore a sense of pride and rebuild a community. When war or natural disasters hit an impoverished community, how can it afford to rebuild? This poster will illustrate "rebuilding the wall" and its benefit. In a sample site, a case study will be explored in rural Guatemala, where tremendous earthquakes and civil war have led to towns in ruin and despair, with no money but plenty of adobe and block rubble. This setting inherently lends itself to recycling, repurposing remnants into a new mode of construction—cost-efficient and sustainable. A proposition of building with gabion walls will be explored and explained through precedent and schematic drawings to show how this solution can turn the rubble of despair into a solid foundation of hope .
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Presenter Name:
Melissa Garmann
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Architecture (Master of): M.Arch.
Advisor Name:
Adrian Parr, Ph.D.
Title:
Sustainable Small-Town Development: A Thriving Rural Community Looks To Move Forward
Abstract:
Minster is a small community in midwest Ohio with a population of around 2,800. Founded in 1832 by a group of German immigrants, the town has retained much of its appreciation for its German heritage. Recently, Minster began looking for ways to revitalize the village as a great place to live, work and visit. The town needs something new that will promote new activity and growth while also emphasizing the strong history, agriculture and industry of the town. The Wooden Shoe Brewing Company was an active source of local activity in Minster from 1869 until 1953, but closed in part due to commoditization in the beer industry. Fortunately, the microbrewery movement has been steadily growing since 1985, providing carefully crafted, small-batch, quality beers as an alternative to mass-produced drafts. Potentially, as this poster illustrates, the Wooden Shoe Brewery could reappear in Minster as a reconnection to the history and heritage of the town and a method of revitalization and marketing, as well as a new involvement in a national, sustainable movement for local, quality products.
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Presenter Name:
Maryam Fotouhi
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Architecture: M.S. Arch.
Advisor Name:
Teresa Pac, Ph.D.
Title:
Fernald:"The Edge of Survival"
Abstract:
A devastating event of nuclear contamination from the Fernald plant, located northwest of Cincinnati and controlled by the Atomic Energy Commission (which later became the Department of Energy), took place in the beginning of 1982. Refining uranium to convert it to plutonium for the purposes of forming nuclear weapons to feed the military and the Cold War caused disastrous effects for the community of Fernald. This event was never fully captured by the media, who ignored the bitter experiences of many of those who lost their loved ones or suffered from incurable physical sicknesses. The most recent exhibition created on this site, by the expert team from UC's School of Architecture and Design, claims to commemorate the event. In my experience as one of the visitors to this exhibition, I felt that it could better evoke the voices of the victims and their loved ones. While neither life can be given back nor the various cancers cured, I will examine the experiences of those who recovered from these losses and their attempts to confront this disastrous event rather than focusing on narratives of memory of the events alone, as in the case of exhibition. I am interested in creating a poster of memory and loss. Such a presentation would relate not only to the event but also to the general tragedy of war and loss. By expressing the story of those who experienced “the edge of survival,” it would alternatively be a strong warning for the next generation about war. (Jeffrey Hillard and Jon Hughes, “Edge of survival” Pieces of Fernald, Cincinnati Writers’’ Project, 1998) No rain for days. Mother lets me comb her hair.
I untangle it, like my dolls’ locks—the one
body part soft as a feather on her shoulder.
Other parts red and scaly, the factory has grown
inside her like a mold. Now she waits for rain,
to taste the sky in its own private outpouring.
She cleans her tools, spreads them on the table.
she raises my dolls on the bed, heads a perfect row.
No rain for days. And birds answer more loudly,
while we watch for air to flitter over pansies.
The heat bends dandelions, tugs at browning shrubs.
when a breeze spots short, with my hand in hers,
we reach or its edged near hyacinths quivering.
But the flowers pause and we miss it again.
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Presenter Name:
Eleanor Luken
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Architecture: M.S. Arch.
Advisor Name:
David Saile, Ph.D.
Title:
Preschool Playscapes: Integrating Social Study Into Site Design.
Abstract:
One measure of a place's success is how well it accommodates its users. The typical design process often overlooks the importance of interpreting the social behavior of future inhabitants into architectural decisions. This project uses a preschool nature playground to explore the methodology and issues of behavior-based design. This site was chosen because its scale is small enough to focus on the details of research and because young children are a distinct user group that research methodologies and design guidelines must consider before creating a play space. In this project, researching the users includes on-site observations and interviews at the preschool. Case studies enhance the information gathered by field work. The interpretation process involves translating research into graphic design solutions which then become part of a site design.
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Presenter Name:
Heather Farrington
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Biological Sciences: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Ken Petren, Ph.D.
Title:
Darwin's Finches: What Modern and Ancient DNA Technology Can Tell Us about Evolution
Abstract:
When Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos aboard the H.M.S. Beagle, he was much more interested in the mockingbirds and giant tortoises than the dull colored finches inhabiting the islands. However, these small passerines have become a textbook example of evolution and adaptive radiation, illustrating many of Darwin's central ideas about evolution and natural selection. With recent genetic advances, we can examine this group of finches in ways Darwin would have never thought possible. Unfortunately, like many island endemics, Darwin's finches are being threatened by human activities and invasive species. Using genetic information from both living and museum specimens, we can examine recent evolutionary trends and investigate the potential future of the finches that now bear Darwin's name. Specifically, I will test hypotheses of population decline based on genetic data from cross-temporal comparisons between modern and museum specimens.
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Presenter Name:
Brian Moskalik
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Biological Sciences: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
George Uetz, Ph.D.
Title:
The Impact of Hunger on Mate Choice Decisions: Sexual Cannibalism and Courtship in the Spider Schizocosa ocreata.
Abstract:
Hunger is a major source of behavioral variation in animals. It can directly affect the amount of risk taking behavior, foraging time, and other actions associated with food location and acquisition. Additionally hunger may also play a role in mate choice and courtship within sexually cannibalistic species. Female wolf spiders are often food limited in the wild and may resort to cannibalism. Current studies on non-sexually cannibalistic species suggest that variation in mate choice decreases with female hunger level. We conducted a study using a group of females who were food restricted to examine the effects of hunger on female mate choice in the model Schizocosa ocreata using video playback as a controlled stimulus. Males of the species are assessed on the basis of their secondary sexual characteristics, foreleg tuft size. We assessed female mate choice using a sequence of exposures to varying quality males (large tufted and small tufted) to determine the frequency of female receptivity to the differing treatments. The results suggest that natural selection may conflict with sexual selection in times of food stress and alter female choice.
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Presenter Name:
Jenai Rutledge
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Biological Sciences: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
George Uetz, Ph.D.
Title:
Does Familiarity Breed Contempt? Effects of Experience on Female Mate Preference in the Wolf Spider Schizocosa rovneri
Abstract:
Variation in female mate preference for male traits has important implications for speciation and evolution, especially in recently diverged species where male courtship behavior and female mate choice maintain isolation. Experience can influence mate preference in some vertebrate animals; however, these effects are less well-studied in invertebrates. Recent studies using spiders showed that females develop preferences for novel, artificially modified male phenotypes when exposed to them as juveniles. However, external validity of these results is difficult to interpret, as nail polish—known to contain and release many volatile compounds long after it is dry— was used to create the novel phenotypes. Thus, it is unclear whether observed effects were in response to visual or chemical learning. Here we repeat the earlier experiment, but address effects of chemical vs. visual learning separately. Results indicate that exposure to novel visual/chemical male phenotypes influenced adult female mate preference for visual but not chemical phenotypes, but in this case, females avoided familiar male phenotypes and preferred those to which they were not exposed.
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Presenter Name:
Kristen Short
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Biological Sciences: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Ken Petren, Ph.D.
Title:
Range Expansion of the Invasive gecko Hemidactylus mabouia in Florida: A Molecular Approach.
Abstract:
Biological invasions are of growing concern because of the frequency with which humans transport species around the world. The role of humans in transporting invaders within their introduced ranges, however, is not well understood. The invasive gecko Hemidactylus mabouia was introduced to southern Florida in the 1990s and has spread rapidly throughout central Florida. Twelve genetic marker loci (microsatellite) markers are being used to determine genetic structure of Florida populations of H. mabouia, as genetic structure can provide critical insight about dispersal patterns. If dispersal is limited, population differentiation should be high, but if dispersal is frequent, population structure should be low. Preliminary results suggest that population differentiation is low, and this is likely attributable to high rates of gene flow. For a dispersal-limited terrestrial species, the most probable explanation for such high gene flow is that humans contribute to frequent long-distance dispersal via the transport of goods throughout Florida. Further analyses will determine whether this pattern holds true at multiple spatial scales.
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Presenter Name:
Saurabh Kulkarni
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Biological Sciences: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Daniel Buchholz, Ph.D.
Title:
Directional Selection for Shorter Larval Period Results in Phenotypic Canalization of Scaphiopus Couchii
Abstract:
Intense directional selection for longer periods can favor selection of a phenotype which confers highest fitness in response to triggering environmental stimulus and thus eventually can lead to genetic changes and canalization of phenotype through genetic assimilation. Therefore to examine the effect of long term selection on evolution of phenotypic plasticity in new world species, we subjected the three species of spadefoot toads to low water levels and high water levels and measured their size and rate of development at forelimb emergence. Under common garden experiment we show that S. couchii is least plastic and P. cultripes is most plastic in the age and size at metamorphosis. Our results suggest that ongoing phenotypic canalization in S. couchii is a consquence of intense directional selection for shorter larval period, maybe through a continuing process of genetic assimilation.
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Presenter Name:
Swathi Balaji
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Biomedical Engineering: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Daria A Narmoneva, Ph.D.
Title:
Angiogenic Provisonal Matrix Accelerated Neovascularization and Improved Wound Healing in Type-II Diabetic DB/DB Mice.
Abstract:
Diabetic wound healing is characterized by prolonged inflammatory phase resulting in impaired provisional matrix, neovascularization and wound healing. We recently showed that an MMP-resistant angiogenic nanoscaffold provides a stable provisional matrix that enhances neovascularization and wound healing in diabetic db/db-mice wounds (day3, 7). The goal of this study was to analyze if enhanced neovascularization at early stages in nanoscaffold wounds result in enhanced wound strength at later stages (day14, 28). Flank wounds created in db/db mice were treated with nanoscaffold or controls (PBS; hyaluronic acid; collagen-I). Wounds were harvested and analyzed for wound closure, granulation tissue area, stiffness and maximum tensile force. At day14, nanoscaffold treatment significantly enhanced wound closure and granulation tissue area, while there was only a trend indicating increase in wound stiffness, compared to controls. At day28, nanoscaffold-treated wounds showed significantly higher wound stiffness and maximum tensile force compared to controls, suggesting that enhanced neovascularization promotes robust granulation tissue formation and repair strength
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Presenter Name:
Hongkwan Cho
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Biomedical Engineering: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Daria A. Narmoneva, Ph.D.
Title:
The RAD16-II Peptide Nanoscaffold Enhances Capillary Network Formation by Non-Specific Interaction with Endothelial Cells
Abstract:
Peptide nanoscaffold RAD16-II has been shown to promote angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Alphavbeta3 integrin is one of several integrins that have been implicated in angiogenic signaling. This integrin binds to its ligands via RGD binding motif. RAD16-II does not contain RGD motif, but rather contains three RAD motifs through which the endothelial cells (ECs) might interact non-specifically. In this study, the possible role of specific (RGD) and non-specific (RAD) interactions between ECs and the RAD16-II is examined. Correlation analyses showed significant and progressive decrease in network formation with RGD concentration. RGD-containing soluble echistatin did not inhibit ECs' adhesion to RAD16-II, but the network formation was almost completely blocked, suggesting that EC network formation on RAD16-II is integrin-mediated. Moreover, EC interactions with RAD16-II resulted in activation of beta3 integrin in the absence of RGD motif. Our results show that due to non-specific nature of EC interaction with RAD motifs, their binding to RAD16-II is less strong, which could result in higher cell motility and thereby enhanced capillary network formation.
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Presenter Name:
Jennifer Hurley
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Biomedical Engineering: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Daria Narmoneva, Ph.D.
Title:
The Role of Endothelial-Fibroblast Interactions in Angiogenesis and Matrix Remodeling
Abstract:
Interactions between endothelial cells (ECs) and fibroblasts (FBs) play an important role in angiogenesis. We hypothesize that FBs regulate network formation both chemically via growth factor expression and mechanically via scaffold disruption and matrix remodeling. Experiments were performed to assess network formation, protein expression, and cell-nanoscaffold stiffness in EC, FB and EC+FB co-cultures in peptide nanoscaffold microenviroment. In co-cultures, decreased stiffness together with increased network formation suggests that migratory FBs and corresponding scaffold disruption are needed for early (day 1) network formation. Protein expression results indicate that while FBs are primarily responsible for MMP-2 expression (matrix remodeling), EC-FB interactions attenuate MMP-2 expression while increasing increase collagen I deposition at day 6. This is supported by an increase in EC+FB construct stiffness over EC and FB constructs, resulting in a more stable microenvironment in co-cultures from day 6. Our results suggest that cell-cell interactions between ECs and FBs play a significant role in network formation and matrix remodeling in vitro.
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Presenter Name:
Varun Krishnamurthy
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Biomedical Engineering: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Robert Hinton, M.D.
Title:
Aortic Tissue Mechanics and Valve Cell Phenotype in a Mouse Model of Aortic Valve Disease
Abstract:
Aortic valve malformation underlies the majority of aortic valve disease (AVD, the third most common cause of cardiovascular disease) cases. Elastin haploinsufficiency (EH) is associated with human AVD, and the EH mouse (Eln+/-) demonstrates aortic valve malformation and AVD. We hypothesized that EH causes progressive alterations in aortic/aortic valve functional properties in Eln+/- mice. Mechanical studies were conducted on aortas from Eln+/- and wild type (WT) mice. Immunohistochemical analysis of aortic valve tissue was also performed using Histone-H3, sMemb and alpha-SMA markers. Our results showed a progressive increase in apparent stiffness of Eln+/- aortas demonstrating progressive pathology. Further, there was increased valve interstitial cell (VIC) activation and cell proliferation in Eln+/- mice aortic valves (compared with WT) demonstrating dysfunctional ECM remodeling. To extend our mechanical analysis to aortic valve tissue, we developed a novel micropipette aspiration application. These studies combined bioengineering and molecular techniques to better understand AVD pathogenesis and provided valuable paradigm for future translational research.
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Presenter Name:
Abdul Sheikh
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Biomedical Engineering: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Daria A. Narmoneva, Ph.D.
Title:
Electromagnetic Field Mediates Capillary-Like Network Formation via MAPK/ERK Signaling Cascade.
Abstract:
Electrical stimulation to enhance angiogenesis has been previously suggested as a therapy to treat chronic wounds. These fields act as directional cues during cell migration and have been shown to regulate signal transduction cascades, such as ERK1/2 signaling. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of high frequency electromagnetic field (HF EMF) on angiogenesis in vitro and what angiogenic pathways are activated by HF EMF. We used custom-built EMF exposure setup and self-assembling peptide nanoscaffold as an angiogenic microenvironment to quantify EMF effects on endothelial capillary formation. EMF exposure resulted in significantly larger capillary networks as compared to non-exposed controls. However, this effect was absent when intercellular communications were disrupted by gap junction (Cx43) blocker. In contrast, in the presence of MAPK/ERK inhibitor, HF EMF resulted in reduction of capillary network size. These results indicate that HF EMF may enhance the binding affinity between MEK1/2 kinase and its binding partner (c-Raf kinase or MAPK/ERK inhibitor). Our data suggest that HF EMF enhances in vitro capillary assembly via MAPK/ERK.
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Presenter Name:
James Gibbs
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Business Administration: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Narayan S. Umanath, Ph.D.
Title:
Technology Acceptance Model,Task-Technology Fit, and Social Cognitive Theory: Does Information Technology Training Really Matter?
Abstract:
This is a research proposal advocating the need to study the effects of IT training on actual computer software usage in laboratory conditions. The research question, as the title suggests, is "Does IT training matter?" The research model is an extended version of TAM-TTF (Dishaw & Strong 1998). IT Training will be used as a proxy for "tool experience" in the model. The extension, from social cognitive theory (Wood & Bandura 1989), is the factor of task "complexity." The research method is a laboratory study of undergraduate students who are given appropriate training and incentives to complete a linear programming assignment either by hand or using Microsoft's Office Excel software program SOLVER.
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Presenter Name:
Jie Li
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Business Administration: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Larry Gales, Ph.D.
Title:
Perceived External Influence: Politics and Justice in Chinese Organizations
Abstract:
The unique business environment of the Chinese organizations is featured with the opposing forces coming from the government and the market. We take the initial steps to create measures of such forces perceived by Chinese managers and apply them in studying the relationship between external influences and the internal perceptions of organizational politics and justice in Chinese organizations. We use structural equation modeling techniques to examine the influence imposed by the external forces on the internal organizational variables. Mild relationships were identified between the external and internal variables. Multivariate analysis was performed to analyze the influence tactics that managers use in two types of Chinese organizations, State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and private companies. Differences were found in managerial influences behaviors between the two types of companies. The implications of the findings are discussed.
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Presenter Name:
Therese Sprinkle
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Business Administration: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Elaine Hollensbe, Ph.D.
Title:
Making a Role One's Own: A Process Model of Role Management
Abstract:
Research on socialization has identified that tension can exist between an organization and an individual as both parties seek to define and negotiate the individual's role. Role innovation, which involves adapting a role to fit oneself, is often complicated by existing role expectations that aim to adapt the individual to fit a prescribed role. Through two qualitative studies, we examine how spouses of Episcopal bishops, individuals who hold a particularly high-profile role, balance the tension between these two competing agendas. Specifically, we find that multiple strategies are employed by these individuals as they negotiate and personalize the organizational role to express valued personal preferences. Findings are based on focus groups coupled with 30 in-depth hour-long interviews with bishops' spouses. To illustrate our findings, we develop a process model of role innovation and adaptation. "Well, .. as the spouses' issue and the issues that they have to deal with, I think the most important thing is to be yourself and do what pleases you ... what is good for your family and yourself, and everything else will fall in." I-Spouse-06
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Presenter Name:
Jason Karch
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Cell & Molecular Biology: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Jeffery D. Molkentin, Ph.D.
Title:
Bax and Bak are Required for Programmed Necrosis to Occur.
Abstract:
Presently, there are three types of cell death. The most common type is apoptosis. Apoptosis consists of a well organized and regulated pathway involving Bcl-2 family member proteins and caspases. The second way a cell can die is through autophagy. Autophagy is the self digestion of a cell that is also a regulated event. The final way a cell can die is by necrosis. Necrosis has been viewed as an uncontrolled form of cell death. Recently, studies have called into question this dogma and have shown that necrosis may be a regulated form of cell death. Although necrosis can be somewhat regulated, there is still very little known about the necrotic pathway. To examine and better understand the necrotic pathway and how a cell determines its fate we are using a cell-culture based approach and altering gene expression of select genes involved in all three cell death pathways. Our findings suggest that the expression of Bax and Bak, two essential pro-apoptotic proteins, are required for necrosis to occur. These findings suggest that the apoptotic pathway and the necrotic pathway may not be two entirely separate entities.
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Presenter Name:
Jerald Ovesen
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Cell & Molecular Biology: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Alvaro Puga, Ph.D.
Title:
Ligand Induced Effects of AHR on the Epigenetic Modifications Associated with the CYP1A1 Promoter.
Abstract:
Dioxin and dioxin like compounds (DLCs) are environmental contaminants released during many industrial processes including combustion and metal processing. The most toxic of these compounds— 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)—has been listed as carcinogenic to humans. It has been shown to have immunotoxic effects and to effect fetal development. Metabolic bioactivation of the halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, like TCDD, DLCs and Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), is catalyzed by cytochrome P4501A1 monooxygenase encoded by the substrate responsive CYP1A1 gene. The CYP1A1 gene induction requires trans-activation by the heterodimeric transcriptional complex formed by ligand bound aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and the AHR nuclear translocator proteins (ARNT). Previously we have shown that CYP1A1 activation occurs concomitantly with dissociation of HDAC1 and certain histone modifications in B[a]P treated HEPA1 hepatocytes. Here we examine the effects of different cell types, AHR ligands, and AHR ligand doses on the epigenetic modifications of the CYP1A1 gene promoter.
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Presenter Name:
David Tompkins
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Cell & Molecular Biology: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Jeffrey Whitsett, M.D.
Title:
SOX2 Is a Key Regulator of Lung Airway Homeostasis and Repair.
Abstract:
The transcription factor Sox2 is necessary for maintenance of the stem cell phenotype in embryonic stem cells. To establish the role of Sox2 in lung homeostasis and repair, an in vivo mouse model in which Sox2 is deleted from lung epithelium was developed. Mice homozygous for the Sox2 floxed allele were bred to mice bearing a transgene that expresses CRE recombinase in conducting airway beginning at E14.5. 30% of 13 transgenic flox/flox pups died between 3 and 8 weeks of age, compared to 0 deaths among 57 littermates. By histology, abnormally squamous conducting airways lacked or had a paucity of both Clara and ciliated cells, and submucosal regions of the trachea were hypoplastic. We hypothesize that Sox2 is necessary for maintenance of a progenitor population of lung cells required for normal tracheal-bronchial epithelial cell development. Processes and mechanisms by which Sox2 regulates pulmonary progenitors will be identified in ongoing experiments. These mice will be useful in identifying mechanisms and consequences influencing repair and provide a model to study the consequences of squamous metaplasia commonly associated with human disease.
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Presenter Name:
Bridgett Coleman
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Bruce Ault, Ph.D.
Title:
Matrix Isolation Investigation of the Mechanism of Tetramthylethylene Ozonolysis
Abstract:
The matrix isolation technique, combined with infrared spectroscopy and twin jet codeposition, has been used to characterize intermediates formed during the ozonolysis of tetramethylethylene (TME). Literature and experimental spectral comparisons provide evidence for the formation of the primary ozonide (POZ) for this system, while other possible intermediates include the secondary ozonide (SOZ) and the unobserved Criegee intermediate (CI). TMEPOZ absorptions observed in the twin jet experiments grew slightly upon annealing to 35K. These methods have previously identified formaldehyde and acetaldehyde as major products formed during the ozonolysis of propene merged jet (flow reactor) experiments. Likewise, merged jet experiments are expected to generate "late" stable oxidation products of TME. Identification of intermediates formed during the ozonolysis of TME is further supported by 18O isotopic labeling experiments and theoretical density functional calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,2p) level.
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Presenter Name:
Teresa Cook
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
James Mack, Ph.D.
Title:
Corannulene Based Enediynes
Abstract:
The development of new organic materials is crucial to the development of nanotechnology. Corannulene, which is 1/3 of fullerene [60], potentially can be used as a building block to spearhead this development. Due to its unique fluorescent and electrochromatic properties, corannulene has the potential to advance organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology. We are in the process of synthesizing various corannulene based alkenes and linear acenes in order to cause a significant red shift in the absorbance spectra and increased luminescence of the molecules. To this end we have begun the synthesis of 2,3-dibromoanthracene, cis-1,6-Bis(trimethylsiyl)hex-3-ene-1,5-diyne and 6,13-diethynylcoranulenylpentacene. We will report the synthesis and characterization of these molecules.
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Presenter Name:
Dennis Fulmer
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
James Mack, Ph.D.
Title:
Chemical Transformations via Ball-Milling
Abstract:
Green chemistry is a quickly growing field of chemistry that seeks to reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous substances. This is especially important in the area of organic synthesis due to the large amount of waste generated. One method of adhering to the principles of green chemistry in syntheses is to minimize the use of solvents during reaction conditions. The approach taken in our laboratory is the use of high-speed ball-milling (HSBM) for organic synthesis. HSBM has the advantage of using mechanical energy in solvent-free conditions to carry out synthetic transformations. To date we have developed a solvent-free method for the reduction of carbonyls, oxidation of primary alcohols and coupling aryl halides with terminal alkynes using HSBM.
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Presenter Name:
Derek Jones
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
James Mack, Ph.D.
Title:
Development and Synthesis of Corannulene-Based Organic Materials
Abstract:
Since their discovery, fullerenes and nanotubes have spearheaded the development of nanotechnology. However, they are difficult to synthesize and modify for specific tasks. Corannulene, which is 1/3 of fullerene [60], has unique fluorescent and electrochromic properties. Corannulene is one of a few organic molecules to possess electrochromic properties—the process of reversible color change by electrochemical means. Furthermore, corannulene-based organic molecules have the potential to advance organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology. Our studies have shown a significant red shift in the absorbance spectra and increased luminescence of the corannulene-based molecules compared to the parent structure. Also, our studies have shown the ability for a molecule to absorb different wavelengths of light and have the ability to fluoresce multiple colors. Further studies of these corannulene-based materials will help increase the knowledge and allow for applications in nanotechnological fields.
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Presenter Name:
Ashish Kulkarni
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Suri Iyer, Ph.D.
Title:
Synthetic Glycans for the Detection and Capture of Shiga Toxins
Abstract:
Shiga toxins, released by E.coli O157:H7 and Shigella dysentriae, can cause severe gastrointestinal problems and, in some cases, hemolytic uremic syndrome and kidney failure. Shiga toxins belong to the AB5 family of toxins. The homo-pentamer B- or binding subunit binds to the carbohydrate receptor Gb3, and delivers A- subunit to its cycloplasmatic target. All Stx serotypes bind to Gb3,; however, there are subtle differences in the structure of Gb3 that gives rise to differential binding. We are currently exploiting these structural differences to develop high affinity reagents that specifically bind to one strain and not the other. These chemically defined structures are essential to aid in understanding the molecular basis of these interactions. Knowledge gained from this effort will be further elaborated to develop highly specific and sensitive binders. The design, synthesis and ability of a panel of chemically defined glycoconjugates to capture different strains will be the focus of this presentation.
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Presenter Name:
Dan Lewallen
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Suri Iyer, Ph.D.
Title:
Detection of Intact Influenza Viruses Using Synthetic Glycans
Abstract:
Most microbial pathogens and toxins bind to mammalian cell surface glycans to gain cell entry. Binding of a specific strain of a pathogen or toxin is highly dependent on the structure, valency and topology of the glycan. Developing structure activity relationship studies would aid the understanding of how toxins and pathogens recognize specific cell types. Access to chemically defined structures is essential, as these constructs would help us understand the intricacies of these interactions, which could be further elaborated to develop highly specific and sensitive inhibitors. To this end, we have developed chemically defined glycoconjugates using a versatile modular approach that has yielded a panel of mono- and bi-antennary sialic acid derivatives. By varying the length of the linker we have observed differences in binding patterns. The design, synthesis and binding studies of these novel synthetic glycans with influenza hemagglutinin will be the focus of this presentation.
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Presenter Name:
Qian Li
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Anna Gudmundsdottir, Ph.D.
Title:
Designing New Photoremovable Protecting Groups
Abstract:
Photoremovable protecting group (PPG) can be used to deliver molecules in various applications, such as release of fragrance in household goods, aid in multistep synthesis, and drug and gene delivery. Different applications require PPGs with different properties. For example PPGs used to release fragrances in cleaning supplies require slow release, whereas the release of bioactive compound in the living cell has to be fast and with high temporal and spatial accuracy. To be able to design new PPGs for specific application, we need to investigate the mechanism for release of PPGs to understand the factors that control the rate of the release. I studied the mechanism for photorelease from 1, with transient spectroscopy and molecular modeling. The detailed mechanism for release will be discussed.
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Presenter Name:
Sheng Liu
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Pearl Tsang, Ph.D.
Title:
Structural Studies of the Anticodon-Binding Domain of Human lysyl-tRNA Synthetase
Abstract:
Aminoacyl tRNA Synthetases help link tRNA molecules correctly to their cognate amino acids for protein biosynthesis. Human lysyl-tRNA synthetase (hKRS) has other functions including its secretion to trigger a proinflammatory response, and its interaction with Gag for uptake and packaging into HIV-1. In our research, the solution structure of the anticodon-binding (ACB) domain of hKRS is studied using NMR technique in order to understand its binding function. Both the fusion and cleaved forms of the ACB domain of hKRS were produced for NMR study. Titrations of both forms of ACB domain protein using RNA (oligo U) were monitored via a series of 1H-15N HSQC experiments. Shifting and broadening of some resonances were observed on both of the two sets of titration experiments, and this indicates that there are definite interactions between the RNA and the ACB domain. Further TOCSY-HSQC and NOESY-HSQC experiments will also provide structural information about the ACB domain, and these will become very important supplementary data for future sequence assignment work.
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Presenter Name:
Kumudu Madduma-Liyanage
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
William B. Connick, Ph.D.
Title:
Reactions of Electrochemically Generated Platinum(IV) and Palladium(IV) Complexes with Multi-Electron Substrates
Abstract:
We are investigating platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes as potential multi-redox catalysts. The square planar complexes are chelated by two bidentate ligands. One ligand has a third nucleophilic group positioned near the open axial site of the square planar complex, thereby providing a potential fifth ligating group. In solvents containing nucleophiles, these complexes undergo nearly reversible two-electron redox processes associated with M(II)/M(IV) interconversion. The dangling nucleophile and a solvent-available nucleophile are believed to bind the metal at its two axial sites. In this presentation, we describe the influence of multielectron substrates on the electrochemistry of these complexes. For example, in the presence of p-methoxystyrene, the anodic current is significantly enhanced, suggesting catalytic oxidation of the styrene substrate.
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Presenter Name:
Sujit Mahajan
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Suri Iyer, Ph.D.
Title:
Synthesis of Multivalent Ligands for Detection of Shiga and Ricin Toxins
Abstract:
Ricin and shiga toxins are potential biothreat agents. These toxins bind to specific cell surface glycan receptors to infect the cell. Strains of shiga toxin bind to analogues of Gb3, whereas Ricin is known to bind to terminal galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine derivatives. Thus, soluble glycans that mimic these natural glycans could be used for capture of these toxins. The synthesis and development of biotinylated multivalent soluble glycans for the precise capture of these toxins will be presented.
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Presenter Name:
Mohamed Marei
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Pearl Tsang, Ph.D.
Title:
Monitoring Aminoacyaltion of Human Lysyl tRNA by Human Lysyl tRNA Synthetase Using Differential Mobility on Acid Urea Gels
Abstract:
Humans and higher eukaryotes share an N-terminal ~60 amino acid sequence appended to lysyl aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (LysRS) that is absent in prokaryotes (1). LysRS catalyzes the aminoacylation reaction that links free Lysyl tRNA to its corresponding amino acid, lysine. The N-terminus binds tRNA nonspecifically, thereby increasing aminoacylation efficiency (2). LysRS has also been identified as essential for HIV packaging of lysyl tRNA 3, which is used as a primer to initiate reverse transcription (3). Aminoacylation efficiency has been shown to be directly correlated to viral packaging efficiency, and both are reliant on hKtRNA anticodon sequence (4). Indeed, other LysRS substrates which are not used by HIV (such as iso-acceptors Lysyl tRNA 1,2) are packaged into forming virions (5). This suggests a possible relationship between the LysRS aminoacylation reaction and packaging by HIV. One step in investigating this relationship is to monitor the aminoacylation reaction. This poster will describe progress in monitoring aminoacylation extent of a synthetic human lysyl tRNA 3 based on its reduced mobility during acid urea gel electrophoresis.
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Presenter Name:
Ronnie Muvirimi
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
William B. Connick, Ph.D.
Title:
The Redox Chemistry and Reactivities of Reversible Two-Electron Platinum Reagents
Abstract:
The increasing worldwide energy demand and growing environmental concerns have resulted in an imperative need to develop new renewable and sustainable energy sources. One approach is to design catalysts to drive energetically unfavorable electron-transfer reactions and generate fuel in high yields under mild conditions. However, a central problem in chemical catalysis is the manipulation and delivery of multielectron redox equivalents for substrate activation. As a step towards understanding and learning to control cooperative, outer-sphere two-electron transfer reactions, we have developed a strategy for designing platinum complexes whose ligand architecture is capable of stabilizing both Pt(II) and Pt(IV) geometries. In this presentation, we will report the synthesis, characterization and electronic properties of these complexes. Use of Variable temperature NMR to probe the conformational dynamics of the dangling nucleophiles and provide further insight into the factors governing the two-electron reactivity will be discussed. We will also show how ligand modification can be used to systematically tune the two-electron redox couple by more than 200 mV.
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Presenter Name:
Huongtrandiep Phan
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Bruce Ault, Ph.D.
Title:
Matrix Isolation Study of the Reaction of Trimethylaluminum with Ozone.
Abstract:
The matrix isolation technique, combined with infrared spectroscopy, has been used to characterize the initial products of the reaction of trimethylaluminum with ozone. Merged jet and concentric jet deposition of the samples led to the products including formaldehyde and ethane, as obtained in the final spectra. Those results suggest a mechanism in which the first step involves the formation of the radical H3CO by the oxidation of the Al-C bond.
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Presenter Name:
Chau Phung
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Allan R. Pinhas, Ph.D.
Title:
An Inexpensive Way to Synthesize Oxazolidinone from Aziridine
Abstract:
Oxazolidinones have been shown to have high potency as antibacterial agents. In this project, we try to synthesize oxazolidinone from N-alkyl aziridine and carbon dioxide. Kinetic studies of the reaction with halide catalysts such as LiI, LiBr, LiCl and NaI were examined to find out which promotes the reaction most. Water was tried as solvent, and it proved to give comparable results with THF. The mechanisms of the reaction in different reaction conditions were also proposed.
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Presenter Name:
Sridhar Rajam
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Anna Gudmundsdottir, Ph.D.
Title:
A New Photoprotecting Group Based on Cis-Trans Isomerism
Abstract:
Photoprotecting groups based on cis-trans isomerization have been widely used in target-directed delivery systems, release of fragrance molecules (typically alcohols) and other functional groups, and in modifying surfaces at the nanoscale. We report a new method to release alcohols based on photoinduced cis-trans isomerization of alkene system. Photosensitized cis-trans isomerism in alkenes has been theorized to take place via triplet biradical intermediate. In this study we used intermolecular triplet energy transfer to induce cis-trans isomerism of 4-(p-xylyl)-4-hydroxy-2-butenoic acid system and released methanol that was protected as an ester. Upon excitation the ester is theorized to undergo intermolecular lactonization from the excited state and release the protected alcohol. We elucidated the mechanism for the photorelease using laser flash photolysis and density functional calculations (DFT).
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Presenter Name:
Ranaweera Arachchilage Ajantha Ranaweera
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Anna Gudmundsdottir, Ph.D.
Title:
Towards Making High Spin Di-nitrene Compounds for Potential Organic Magnets
Abstract:
Photolysis of di-azides can yield high spin nitrene units, which can potentially be used as building blocks for organic magnets. Diazide 1, which has a build-in triplet sensitizer, was irradiated with UV radiation (~312 nm) in argon matrices at 14 Kelvin, and the reactivity was monitored with FT-IR spectroscopy. Laser flash photolysis was also used to characterize the intermediates. Molecular modeling and isotope substitution was used to aid in the characterization of the photoproducts formed in the argon matrix. Product studies were used to identify the photo products in solution.
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Presenter Name:
Christian Robinson
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Pearl Tsang, Ph.D.
Title:
Domain by Domain Characterization of Human lysyl tRNA Synthetase Binding to Cognate and Non-Cognate tRNA
Abstract:
Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases mainly serve to charge their cognate tRNAs with the appropriate amino acids for protein production. Our interest is in lysyl tRNA synthetase (LysRS). Outside of normal cellular function, LysRS plays a role in the HIV-1 life cycle. HIV-1 uses lysyl tRNA as a primer for reverse transcriptase. This lysyl tRNA is incorporated by its interaction with LysRS. With electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), the interactions between constructs of LysRS and human lysyl tRNA (hKtRNA) or yeast phenyl tRNA (yFtRNA) are studied to determine binding contributions. Three constructs to be examined include a native version of human LysRS (FLhKRS), a version consisting of the eukaryotic N-terminal extension and the anticodon binding domain (2D), and the anticodon binding domain by itself (rmACB). Additionally, protein oligomerization is examined through EMSA and native protein electrophoresis. Oligomerization and tRNA binding affinities are important aspects of hKtRNA uptake into newly forming HIV-1 viral particles. Dimerization domains within LysRS also play roles in its interaction with the HIV-1 viral protein Gag.
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Presenter Name:
Susan Russell
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Patrick Limbach, Ph.D.
Title:
Heat Shock and the Post-Transcriptional Modifications in Bacterial rRNA
Abstract:
Ribosomal RNA contains post-transcriptional modifications that tend to cluster in functionally important regions of the ribosome and occur in conserved regions. We are interested in using the selectivity and sensitivity of mass spectrometric based techniques to investigate the effect of the heat shock response on rRNA modification. At least one RNA modifying enzyme, FtsJ, a specific methyltransferase which creates the 2’-O-methyluridine at U2552 in 23S ribosomal RNA, has been identified as a heat shock protein. Analysis of the post-transcriptional modifications in ribosomal RNA is challenging due to the dynamic range required for the analysis, 8 different modified bases in the1542 total bases of 16S rRNA and 25 modified bases of the 2904 total bases in 23S rRNA. In our studies we isolate rRNA from heat shocked and non-heat shocked Escherichia coli cells, enzymatically digest the rRNA to nucleosides, and then identify and quantitate the relative differences using HPLC-UV-MS. To confirm the induction of the heat shock response, the increase in DnaK ( a major heat shock protein) is determined by Western blotting. Our previous studies have focused on characterizing the technical reproducibility of the LC-UV-MS method and the biological variability in rRNA modification. As expected, the technical reproducibility of this method exceeds the biological variability of RNA modification. Technical reproducibility and biological variability studies have focused on the 16S rRNA from the small subunit of the bacterial ribosome due to the smaller size of this RNA. Current studies are underway to determine whether isolating E. coli rRNA cultured from single colonies will decrease the biological variability determined previously using cells from batch cultures. Analysis of the relative amounts of modified nucleosides in total tRNA isolated from heat shocked and non-heat shocked E. coli cell cultures will also be presented.
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Presenter Name:
Vikas Shingade
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
William B. Connick, Ph.D.
Title:
Synthesis and Characterization of a Luminescent Platinum(II) Phenylacetylide Complex
Abstract:
There is considerable interest in the vapochromic behavior of Pt(Me2bzimpy)Cl+ salts (Me2bzimpy=2,6-bis(N-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine). These vapochromic materials change from yellow-orange to red or violet upon exposure to certain volatile organic compounds. In order to better understand the electron donor properties of the Me2bzimpy ligand, we have sought to compare the spectroscopic properties of Me2bzimpy complexes (e.g., Pt(Me2bzimpy)X+, X=Ph,Cl) with those of well-known terpyridyl complexes (Pt(tpy)X+; tpy=2,2':6',2"-terpyridine). In the course of these studies, attempts to prepare the phenylacetylide adduct, Pt((Me2bzimpy)(CCPh)+, yielded product mixtures. Here we present an effective strategy for preparing pure samples of this compound in reasonable yield. The compound's spectroscopic properties will be contrasted with those of the corresponding terpyridyl complex.
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Presenter Name:
Heather Trenary
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Joseph A. Caruso, Ph.D.
Title:
Analysis of Selenium in Microwave Extracted Saccharomyces bayanus via HPLC-ICP-MS
Abstract:
Selenium supplements are typically baker's yeast (Sacchromyces cerevisiae) enriched with selenium due to its ability to incorporate the selenium into the more bioavailable organically bound species. Previous studies have found the most predominant species in yeast is selenomethionine (SeMet), which has been purported to carry cancer chemopreventive properties. This selenoamino acid nonspecifically incorporates selenium by substitution of Se atoms for the S atoms in methionine residues of proteins. Accordingly, proteins containing selenomethionine have been identified in various strains of yeast. As an alternative, Se can be incorporated via the so called 21st amino acid, selenocysteine which is coded for by the UGA codon; however, no proteins containing coded selenocysteine have been identified in S. cerevisiae. Preliminary research in this lab found that a strain of yeast, S. bayanus, incorporated a large amount of Se and showed the presence of selenocysteine by amino acid analysis. This study aims to investigate and confirm the previous research, extending it by incorporating selective microwave digestion for faster sample preparation.
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Presenter Name:
Daniel Waddell
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
James Mack, Ph.D.
Title:
Environmentally Friendly Organic Synthesis
Abstract:
Due to increased interest in the development of more environmentally benign methodologies, my research focuses on using a novel, high energy, solvent-free technique known as high speed ball milling (HSBM) that will enable me to conduct and understand organic reactions under solvent-free conditions. Since conducting chemical reactions under these conditions is a new area, many of the fundamental rules that govern these reactions need to be understood. A valuable method for building complex organic molecules is the creation of carbon-carbon bonds. Under HSBM conditions, we have been able to selectively create these new bonds by utilizing enolate chemistry. Also, through our research we discovered NaH can be used to catalyze the industrially significant Tishchenko reaction. We have converted various aryl aldehydes to their Tischenko product by using our method. For example, benzyl benzoate, used in flavorings and fragrances, can be prepared under these conditions in >99% yield.
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Presenter Name:
Xiaoming Zhang
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Anna Gudmundsdottir, Ph.D.
Title:
The Photochemistry of (Z)-1-azido-1-phenyl-1-propene and 3-phenyl-2-methyl-2H-azirine
Abstract:
Photolysis of vinyl azide 1 in CDCl3 yields azirine 2. Laser transient spectroscopy of 1 shows a maximum absorption at 335 nm. This transient is not quenched in oxygen-saturated solution. We assign this transient absorption to ylide 3. We also verified the mechanism for forming ylide 3 from azide 1 by using DFT calculation.
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Presenter Name:
Daoli Zhao
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
William B. Connick, Ph.D.
Title:
Synthesis and Characterization of Platinum(II) Complexes with Pincer Ligands for Two Electron Transfer Reaction
Abstract:
Platinum complexes with ligand scaffolds capable of stabilizing square planar platinum(II) and octahedral platinum(IV) undergo reversible and cooperative outer-sphere two-electron transfer reactions. Molecules of this type form the basis of a rational strategy for designing multielectron catalysts. We will describe our ongoing efforts to synthesize platinum(II) complexes with new pincer ligands that can support the preferred coordination geometries of Pt(II) and Pt(IV). The focus of this poster is to report the synthesis of these platinum complexes with pincer ligands.
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Presenter Name:
Yu Zhao
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Chemistry: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Anna Gudmundsdottir, Ph.D.
Title:
The Study on the Photoremovable Protecting Groups
Abstract:
Photoremovable protecting groups, photolabile protecting groups, phototriggers, or caged molecules are functional groups that are attached to a molecule in such a way as to render the latter inactive. Exposure to light releases the protecting group, restoring functionality to the molecule. Photocages or photoremoveable protecting groups are valuable for the rapid and spatio-temporally controlled release of desired compounds in various applications, such as photolithography, synthetic organic chemistry, biochemistry and fragrance release in household goods. From a synthetic chemistry point of view, photoremovable protecting groups have been important where new protecting groups need to be synthesized, which can be removed easily and, preferably without side products, after a desired synthetic step.
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Presenter Name:
Stephen Taylor
Co-Presenter Name:
Jeanette A. Krause
Program Name:
Chemisty: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
William B. Connick, Ph.D.
Title:
Structural Response of Vapochromic Platinum(II) Materials
Abstract:
Vapochromic materials, characterized by reversible changes of color and/or emission upon exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are attracting increasing attention because of their utility in chemical sensing applications. Pt(II) salts are of interest because of their tendency to undergo dramatic changes in color due to changes in Pt...Pt separation. Recently we have reported and characterized the vapochromic behavior of Pt(Me2bzimpy)Cl+ (Me2bzimpy=2,6-bis(1-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine), which exhibits a pronounced vapochromic response to polar VOCs. In this presentation, we will discuss the vapochromic behavior of a series of platinum(II) salts and the structural changes that accompany vapor absorption/desorption. We will also discuss variations in anion size and ancillary ligand, and how this provides a means of tuning the vapochromic response. Results from UV-visible absorption and emission spectroscopic studies, as well as diffraction experiments, will be presented.
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Presenter Name:
Vijay Krishna Nemalapuri
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Civil Engineering: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Heng Wei, Ph.D.
Title:
Analyzing CO, NOx, VOC and PM Emissions from vehicles at the University of Cincinnati
Abstract:
Transportation emissions estimate to 2,036 MMTCO2e, 27.95 of total GHG emissions in 2007, according to DOE. On-road vehicle emissions are found to constitute 80% of these. Along with CO, highway vehicles are also known for NOx, VOCs, and PM2.5 emissions. Clean Air Act, National Ambient Air Quality Standards, WHO Air Quality guidelines were in place to regulate these pollutants. U.S.EPA's MOBILE6.2 is used for computing emission factors. Pneumatic tube counters were used for 24 hr axle counts along MLK, Clifton, Jefferson, Calhoun, and Vine Street. VMT by hour are generated based on roadway type and axle correction factors from ODOT. National averages from FHWA, EPA are used for vehicle registration data, vehicle types, fuel characteristics and model years. VMT follows the traffic pattern and link characteristics. Overall CO EFs at MLK Clifton intersection were found to range between 9.3 and 9.4 g/mile. High EFs were observed with light trucks with EF ranging between 13 and 14g/mile. This is a significant observation which characterizes the nature of emissions. EFs of NOx, VOC ranged between 1.6 to 1.7g/mile and 0.9 to 1g/mile respectively.
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Presenter Name:
Natalie Abell
Co-Presenter Name:
Katherine Swinford
Program Name:
Classics: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Gisela Walberg, Ph.D.
Title:
New Excavations at Thessaloniki Toumba: Continuity and Communality in the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages
Abstract:
After a seven-year hiatus, excavations at the archaeological site of Thessaloniki Toumba resumed in 2006. This presentation details results of the recent excavations and their impact on interpretation of the site and social development in northern Greece. Excavation has uncovered evidence of continuous occupation of the settlement from c. 1700-700 BC; this was interrupted only in the 7th century BC after a spatial and social reorganization. Each multi-roomed building contains evidence for large-scale storage, metal-working, and purple dye production, alongside imports and imitations of exotic objects from the Balkans and the Aegean. Unlike elsewhere in Greece and the Balkans, residents of Toumba had little internal social differentiation of an archaeologically visible variety. The continuous occupation of Toumba and persistence of local and Aegean object types offers a unique perspective on a time period often described as chaotic. Investigation of the development and continuation of this society, on the fringe of the "disasters" of the Aegean and Near East, offers new insight into an important period of transition in the Mediterranean world.
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Presenter Name:
Maria Centeno
Co-Presenter Name:
Lisa Froehlich
Program Name:
Communication Sciences and Disorders: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Nancy Creaghead, Ph.D.
Title:
Changes in Children's Writing during a Preschool Language and Literacy Program in Ohio and Puerto Rico.
Abstract:
This study investigated preschool children's changes in emergent writing skills during a six-week language and literacy program. The subjects were children who participated in the summer program, Language and Literacy Enrichment Group, at the University of Cincinnati. Also, children who participated in the same program at Universidad del Turabo in Puerto Rico were included. Two control groups were used, Spanish and English-speaker children in their home-natural environment. Collection and analysis of the children's writing activities where performed during daily regular routine in the classrooms of the experimental group and during home visits to the control group participants. Changes in experimental groups were observed in both Spanish and English subjects. Results suggest that children who participate in the language and literacy preschool program exhibit changes in their writing skills.
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Presenter Name:
Danielle Hayes
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Communication Sciences and Disorders: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Jo-Anne Prendeville, Ed.D.
Title:
Once upon a Time: The Reference of Story Grammar Units during Parent-Child Story Book Reading
Abstract:
Acquiring literacy skills is a complex process that requires social influences. One important social influence, according to Lev Vygotsky, is the caregiver. Within a child's zone of proximal development, the caregiver can help the child learn new concepts and ideas. Caregivers are particularly important as a child develops literacy skills. By using a variety of techniques, caregivers can teach reading comprehension as well as critical thinking skills in order to promote literacy development. Sixteen children were read Bear Shadow within parent-child dyads. Transcripts of de-contextualized language from each session were analyzed for frequency, range and relation categories. The results showed that the story grammar elements referenced most frequently were attempt and consequence. Also, on average, most parents referenced 4.75 out of the eight total story grammar elements during story book reading. To do this, most parents related their comments to story book illustrations, followed by text.
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Presenter Name:
Shawn Makepeace
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Communication Sciences and Disorders: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Peter Scheifele, Ph.D.
Title:
Structural Changes in Dolphin Tonal Vocalizations in a Changing Soundscape: A Field Study
Abstract:
The ocean is a naturally noisy environment. Until recently, an understanding of the effects of ambient noise on cetacean vocalizations has been limited. Dolphins have to cope with naturally occurring noise in addition to man-made noise. Varying noise levels can have deleterious effects on a dolphin's ability to communicate. This study focused on a population of wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) residing around Mikura Island, Japan. This study population is exposed to a wide variety of soundscapes which includes anthropogenic noise from watercraft. A manually-operated mobile video/acoustic array was used to collect vocalizations from the study population. Results suggest that an overall weak and negative correlation exists between peak frequencies and noise. Additionally, a moderate and positive correlation was documented between relative whistle intensity and noise. Dolphins use the modality that requires less energy for communication in the presence of ambient noise which implies that a possible Lombard Vocal Response might be present in this wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin population.
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Presenter Name:
Lindsay Riegler
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Communication Sciences and Disorders: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Jean Neils-Strunjas, Ph.D.
Title:
A Web-Based Cognitive Therapy Intervention Designed for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury
Abstract:
The specific aim of this pilot study is to modify an existing on-line home-based cognitive therapy program and use it on a new population, Operation Iraqi and Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans who have reported cognitive deficits. Research questions include participant satisfaction, intervention ease of use as reported by participants, increase in knowledge pertaining to traumatic brain injury (TBI), and the relationship between increase/decrease of TBI knowledge and level of anxiety deemed by formal assessment. Participants will be given one month to complete all modules with follow up phone calls after each week to ensure participation, interest and ease of access. Participation will be documented via computer as participants are required to log on to the server prior to accessing the modules. Follow up assessments will include post test assessment of TBI knowledge and a satisfaction survey. The long term goal following completion of this pilot study would be to design a full scale on-line therapeutic intervention for veterans with complaint of cognitive impairment that is accessible from home to reduce no-show rates and provide ease of access.
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Presenter Name:
Juliana Zanotto
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Community Planning: M.C.P.
Advisor Name:
Johanna Looye, Ph.D.
Title:
Fragmentation, Suburbanization and Segregation in Latin America: The case of Suburban Gated Communities in Brazil.
Abstract:
In the past 30 years, the spatial configurations of cities have been transformed under the influence of macro-social forces. This new spatial order, known as fragmented cities, is characterized by strong spatial differentiation and social segregation. In Latin American cities the fragmentation of the urban fabric is observed through the proliferation of suburban gated communities developed to fulfill the desire of the upper-classes for isolation, security and a different lifestyle. This research analyzes a suburban development on the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Brazil. Alphaville Graciosa, as it is known, is a suburban gated community located adjacent to a favela. Using data from corporate material, site visits, and interviews, this research shows that the spatial proximity between Alphaville Graciosa and the favela does not produce greater interaction among residents of both settlements. Instead, the design of Alphaville Graciosa promotes social segregation and isolation typical of gated developments in fragmented Latin American cities.
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Presenter Name:
Chunsheng Fang
Co-Presenter Name:
Ryan M. Anderson
Program Name:
Computer Science & Engineering: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Anca Ralescu, Ph.D.
Title:
UCbir : Large-Scale Content-Based Web Image Retrieval and Tagging System
Abstract:
Web search engines have come a long way in the past ten years. However, the problem of searching the web for a specific image or set of images with certain attributes is still very difficult. We propose a scalable system prototype for web image retrieval and tagging based on image content. The Internet currently has a scale of about 10 billion web pages and images. How to search web images efficiently and effectively remains an important problem in both academia and industry. We mainly explore two problems in large-scale web images: content-based image retrieval (CBIR) and content-based image tagging (CBIT). CBIR turns out to be an excellent tool for searching images based directly on the image content. CBIT is another research problem. Associating text with an image is known as tagging and is usually done manually. We propose a system that enables the efficient tagging of massive amounts of images on the web retrieved using a modified web-based crawler. Inspired by recent research in semi-supervised learning, a probabilistic model for image tagging will be proposed to propagate the limited image tags to a large amount of untagged images.
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Presenter Name:
Aravind Ranganathan
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Computer Science & Engineering: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Kenneth Berman, Ph.D.
Title:
Efficient Data Gather in Wireless Sensor Networks
Abstract:
Wireless sensor networks (WSN) have become popular owing to their wide range of applications such as battlefield surveillance, micro-surgery, precision agriculture, habitat monitoring, disaster recovery, and home and office automation. They consist of a number of low-power sensor nodes randomly deployed over the area of study and have one or more high power sink nodes that accumulates the sensed data and manages the network. Data gather is one of the fundamental operations of a WSN as all sensed data is routed from the source nodes to the sink. We have developed efficient routing protocols for data gather in a WSN by utilizing dynamic network structures to maximize the network lifetime by means of load balancing the sensor nodes. Although the WSN architecture usually imposes restrictions on the network topology, utilizing dynamic network structures allows for better load-balancing than could be achieved by any particular static structure. Our preliminary simulations have established that our routing protocols perform better when compared with other existing data gather protocols used in real-world testbeds and sensor network applications.
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Presenter Name:
Christina Baker
Co-Presenter Name:
Susannah Coasten
Program Name:
Counselor Education: Ed.D.
Advisor Name:
Geof Yager, Ph.D.
Title:
The Importance of Wellness Integration in Counselor Educator Training Programs
Abstract:
Presenters will focus on the role of the counselor educator in advocating for personal and professional wellness, and to what degree wellness and prevention are included in requirements for promoting personal development and professional orientation. Personal experiences and advocacy efforts to include wellness in the curriculum will be outlined, along with innovative strategies used by counselor education and supervision programs nationwide. Presenters will report the findings from a qualitative study based on interviews conducted with faculty and students in a CACREP-accredited counselor education and supervision program. Findings will include ways in which faculty integrate the importance of wellness into doctoral coursework, as well as the perception students believe faculty place on personal and professional wellness. In addition, presenters will discuss how students integrate and implement wellness strategies throughout their studies. Lastly, presenters will discuss the challenges in developing and maintaining a doctoral support group in an effort to advocate for cohesion and support of wellness and prevention strategies.
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Presenter Name:
Nzingha Dalila
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Counselor Education: Ed.D.
Advisor Name:
Geof Yager, Ph.D.
Title:
Treating Race-Based Traumatic Stress among African Americans: An Ecological Counseling and Social Justice Advocacy Imperativ
Abstract:
This presentation will provide a review of race-based traumatic stress (RBTS) and possible treatment models. The presenter reviews similarities and differences to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to understand how this disorder creates fundamental psychological, emotional, and behavioral challenges in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. The presenter also reviews literature on RBTS, race-related stress, multigenerational trauma, and the environment of racism and the effect of these elements on racial identity development. The literature supports the development of an ecological model that advocates for clients to organize their communities towards obtaining social justice. The review provides some models of group therapy programs based on a liberation psychology philosophy. A summary of the theories and models provides the basis for further research and development into appropriate treatments.
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Presenter Name:
Andrea Burrows
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Curriculum & Instruction: Ed.D.
Advisor Name:
Helen Meyer, Ph.D.
Title:
Project STEP: Building Community Partnerships
Abstract:
Project STEP, the Science and Technology Enhancement Program, educates, nurtures, and facilitates STEM graduate students at the University of Cincinnati as they bring their experiences, research, and knowledge into the K-12 classroom and become educators. Project STEP is currently in its eighth year and has three main goals that will be showcased with data findings, both quantitative and qualitative in nature. One of these goals involves the current six STEP Fellows who work with a cohort of math and science teachers at six schools in the Cincinnati area. Project STEP recognizes that effective science and mathematics education requires authentic and inquiry-based learning; as such, this is a part of the STEP Fellow training. UC STEP Fellows bring their scientific research experience to the schools, so that teachers and K-12 students are exposed to "real science:" how science is done, how discoveries happen, and what scientists do to address issues occurring within their community. This poster explores the many benefits for the STEP Fellows as well as the other participants in this community partnership.
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Presenter Name:
Wan-Yu Lin
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Educational Studies: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Todd Haydon, Ph.D.
Title:
Guided Notes (GN): Effects on Academic and Behavioral Outcomes of Students with Disabilities.
Abstract:
The purpose of this paper was to review the literature and examine the association between guided notes (GN) on academic and behavioral outcomes of students with disabilities. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Results indicated a positive relationship between using guided notes and active student responding (ASR), correct responses, and daily quiz scores. Both results and limitations of the reviewed literature provide implications for future research.
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Presenter Name:
Steven Napier
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Educational Studies: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Marvin J. Berlowitz, Ph.D.
Title:
Darwin's Evolutionary Theory: Impact on the Social Sciences
Abstract:
Since the publication of The Origin of Species one-hundred fifty years ago, Charles Darwin has had a major impact not only on the natural sciences, but also on the social sciences and humanities as well. This presentation will highlight some of the greatest thinkers that have contributed to this strand of philosophy since 1859. Ironically, a mutually agreed upon definition of Social Darwinism has not been established either in the literature or among the philosophy's greatest contributors. Notable scholars John Halliday and Ian McLean have noted that because of this inconsistency it would be very difficult to state that one is either for or against a philosophy of Social Darwinism. Due to the discrepancy that currently exists, one supporter might be a defender of free market capitalism while another could be a supporter of state supported socialism. This project outlines the history of the greatest contributions to this strand of thought.
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Presenter Name:
Mark Nicholas
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Educational Studies: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Miriam Raider-Roth, Ed.D.
Title:
The Predictive Capability of Critical Thinking (CT) on Student Performance in the Teacher Licensure Test PRAXIS II
Abstract:
Critical thinking (CT) is often seen as a universal goal of higher education but is rarely confirmed as an outcome. Hence, this research arises out of concern about a perceived lack of critical thinking development in students undertaking a career in teaching. The purpose of this study is to establish the predictive capability of critical thinking on the performance of baccalaureate education majors in the Praxis II teacher licensure exam when compared to traditional predictors like GPA and SAT scores. The study is based on the theoretical framework of the APA (1990). The research question will be assessed using multiple regression analysis to examine the variance explained by CT when compared to traditional measures of cumulative GPA and SAT scores. The coefficient of determination (r2) will be used to measure the strength of the association between CT and Praxis II scores. This will establish the proportion of variance in CT as explained by its relationship to Praxis II. The study when completed will be the first to measure CT as it relates to performance on a teacher certification test in Ohio.
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Presenter Name:
Daewoo Han
Co-Presenter Name:
Nick Bedford
Program Name:
Electrical Engineering: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Andrew J. Steckl, Ph.D.
Title:
Core/Sheath Micro/Nanofibers by Coaxial Electrospinning
Abstract:
Electrospinning is a versatile technique for the production of nanofibers of many materials. Advantages are the ability to control (a) the fiber diameter from micro to nanometer, (b) the various compositions, and (c) the spatial alignment of multiple fibers. Electrospinning produces nonwoven fiber mats with exceptional surface to volume ratio and high porosity. Coaxial electrospinning expands the versatility by enabling the formation of core-sheath structured fibers; different characteristics from each polymer can be combined into one fiber. For tissue scaffolds, we have produced coaxial fiber with PCL core and gelatin sheath, which provide good mechanical strength and good cell culture, respectively. Superhydrophobic membranes have been demonstrated using coaxial electrospinning. Teflon sheath provide low surface energy and electrospun mat provides high surface roughness. We have also demonstrated self-cleaning textiles using titania nanoparticles for sheath and cellulose for core. Photocatalytic reaction removes dirts on the fiber mat. Photo-sensor fiber mat have been produced using a blend of photosynthetic biomaterials and conducting polymers.
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Presenter Name:
Rachel Agnew
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Environmental Engineering: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Mingming Lu, Ph.D.
Title:
The Characterization and Size Distribution of Engineered Carbon Nanomaterials
Abstract:
Engineered materials such as carbon nanofibers(CNFs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have recently become wonder products for industrial use. This is because of their unique characteristics, such as thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, heat distortion resistance, mechanical reinforcement, and adsorptive capability. Because of these properties, CNFs and CNTs have a wide variety of applications in the aerospace, automotive, chemical, environmental, computer, and recreational industries. However, certain characteristics of CNFs and CNTs make them a cause for concern. CNFs and CNTs are tiny, cylindrical, manufactured forms of carbon, and their structure can be similar to that of asbestos. The effects of asbestos exposure include severe lung fibrosis or scarring, lung cancer, including cancer of the lining of the lungs, and pleura, called mesothelioma. Therefore it is important to know their composition, how they behave aerodynamically, whether or not they will deposit in the human lung, and who is at risk of exposure. The work done to complete this thesis focuses on addressing these concerns and establishing a knowledge base for future regulation.
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Presenter Name:
Lei Cheng
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Environmental Engineering: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Tim C. Keener, Ph.D.
Title:
Lignin Degradation for Cellulosic Alcohols Production
Abstract:
The United States (top oil consuming country) consumes approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil daily, of which about 60% is imported. DOE recently announced a 20-year plan to insure that 30% of the nation's transportation fuel needs come from biomass sources. Compared with traditional fossil fuel, the use of biomass as fuels feedstock would not result in increased atmospheric CO2 emissions as the carbon content of biomass is part of the active ecological carbon cycle. The production of liquid and gaseous fuels from various biomass sources containing carbohydrates and lignin is particularly attractive as the nation's transportation infrastructure would require little or no modifications in order to handle and distribute these fuels. The production of alcohols—such as ethanol and butanol derived from cellulose, hemi-cellulose and other fuels—and chemicals derived from lignin offers significant potential to provide for the energy needs of the nation and significantly reduce atmospheric emissions of air pollutants such as SO2, NOX. Lignin is one of the major technological barriers to the use of plant biomass for transportation fuels.
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Presenter Name:
Daniel Hoffman
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Environmental Engineering: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Steven Buchberger, Ph.D.
Title:
Predicting and Preventing Hydraulic Blowouts during High Velocity Jet Cleaning of Sanitary Sewer Lines.
Abstract:
High velocity jet cleaning systems are utilized by many municipal wastewater collection organizations to restore or maintain full capacity by cleaning lines clogged with roots and debris. In rare cases, these systems cause the expulsion of air and water from the sewer into private sewer systems and even out of drains, water closets, and other fixtures in homes and businesses. When a blowout is caused by jet cleaning it can cause property damage and public relations problems. The objective of this research is to determine the circumstances under which blowouts occur in an attempt to predict and reduce their occurrence. Analysis of data gathered by the Hamilton County Metropolitan Sewer District compared with GIS shapefiles of Hamilton County's sewer system has indicated that the segments in which blowouts occur do show a tendency toward low capacity pipes to the exclusion of other factors commonly thought to be important. Using this information, a predictive model was developed based on historical blowout data alongside several other mathematical models to help verify the findings.
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Presenter Name:
Abhishek Lnu
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Environmental Engineering: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Tim C. Keener, Ph.D.
Title:
Long-Term Wind Speed Variations for Three Midwestern USA Cities.
Abstract:
Long-term wind speed variations were investigated for three Midwestern cities including Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Little Rock in the continental U.S. These cities were chosen because their topography is relatively flat. The data was analzed from 1943-2008 for Indianapolis and Little Rock and from 1973-2008 for Cincinnati. The analysis included calculating the frequency of calms and wind speeds over five different bins for the respective cities. The results indicate that a substantial increase in the frequency of calms for all three cities. Reduction in the frequency of high wind speeds is seen for Cincinnati. For Little Rock and Indianapolis, frequency of high wind speeds was reducing till late 1980s, but in the last 20 years, frequency of high wind speed has shown an increase. These results may indicate a significant change in wind speed patterns in this region, which subsequently affects air quality. This study is anticipated to not only provide scientific evidence in elucidating potential impact of climate change on air and water qualities for decision making, but also minimize scientific uncertainties in many loosely-defined atmospheric models.
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Presenter Name:
Benjamin Packard
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Environmental Engineering: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Margaret Kupferle, Ph.D., P.E.
Title:
A Comparison of Bacterial Endospore Adhesion to Cement-Lined, PVC, and Ductile Iron Drinking Water Pipe
Abstract:
The potential for bacterial intrusion into a drinking water distribution system exists due to numerous factors such as cross-connections, water treatment plant breakthroughs, and water main repairs or breaks. Coliform bacteria are typically used by utilities to detect microbial contamination; however, naturally occurring aerobic spore forming bacteria have also been used to assess treatment plant performance. Endospores used as microbial surrogates are easy to culture, resistant to disinfection, and readily adhere to a number of surfaces when suspended in water. This study evaluated endospore adhesion to three different types of new drinking water distribution system pipe material by exposing a known concentration of Bacillus atrophaeus subsp. globigii spores suspended in tap water to 3x14 cm coupons cut from the pipes. After a 20 minute contact time, coupons were rinsed with tap water to remove unattached spores. The rinse spore concentration was subtracted from the initial spore concentration to determine percent adhesion for each coupon. Spores were enumerated using spread plating procedures. Pipe coupons were conditioned for over three months by placing them in dechlorinated Cincinnati tap water. Results comparing spore adhesion between the three pipe materials showed statistically significant differences between polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and iron as well as PVC and cement-lined. Mean percentage spore adhesion to the three pipe materials was 31% (PVC), 61% (cement-lined), and 71% (ductile iron). These data provide a useful comparison of the contamination potential of the three different pipe materials. Additionally, it provides a starting point to estimate which pipe surface characteristics, such as surface roughness or presence of corrosion, most impact bacterial adhesion.
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Presenter Name:
Xueyao Yang
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Environmental Engineering: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Dominic L. Boccelli, Ph.D.
Title:
The Impacts of Demand Variability on Distribution System Water Quality and Transport
Abstract:
Distribution system network models are increasingly utilized for water quality analysis, which requires accurate representation of contaminant transport and water quality dynamics. Thus, accurate water demands—the factor that most influences the overall response of distribution networks—are vital for adequately representing transport and performing water quality simulations. Demands are inherently variable and impact the underlying transport and water quality variability. Typical network modeling assumes deterministic demands (known and constant over short time periods). These deterministic assumptions generally assess the "average" hydraulic conditions, which, for a highly skeletonized system, might be appropriate as the spatial aggregation of plentiful consumptive demands would reduce the overall impact of demand variability. However, as industry moves towards "all-pipes" models, the lack of demand variability information may no longer adequately represent transport through the system. The objective of this research is to analyze the impacts of demand variability at different levels of temporal aggregation on distribution system transport and water quality simulations.
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Presenter Name:
Ming Chai
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Environmental Engineering: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Mingming Lu, Ph.D.
Title:
Modeling the Effect of Roadway Network Traffic to Toxic Concentration by Integrating Point and Line Source Emission Impacts
Abstract:
Vehicle emission has been recognized as one of the major contributors to air pollution in urban areas, which brings adverse effect to public health and risk to climate change. Modeling the effect of traffic to pollutant concentration helps us better understand what and how traffic factors contribute to the air pollution and related public health problems. This poster presents a study of modeling carbon monoxide (CO) concentration, a kind of toxic pollutant, using the data collected in four roadways surrounding the University of Cincinnati West Campus. In this study, intersections and roadway segments are considered as point and line emission sources, respectively. CO emission strengths at point source and line sources are modeled by considering the impact of intersection delay, segment traffic volumes and speed, as well as weather and other environmental factors. The dispersion of CO emission from intersections and segments is modeled by integrating both classic line source model and point source models, and values of relevant contributing or factors are obtained by analysis of observed data.
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Presenter Name:
Ming Chai
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Environmental Engineering: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Mingming Lu, Ph.D.
Title:
The Study of Methyl Oleate (Biodiesel) Pyrolysis in a Flow Reactor
Abstract:
Methyl oleate and other fatty acid methyl esters are major components in biodiesel. Biodiesel is becoming an important alternative to diesel. It will emit fewer pollutants into the atmosphere, except for NOx and carbonyls. However, the mechanisms of combustion of biodiesel are not well studied. In this research, methyl oleate, which is one of the main compounds in biodiesel, is studied experimentally in a quartz tube reactor in the temperature range of 500 to 850 degrees Celsius. The gaseous products from pyrolysis of methyl oleate are analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID), most liquid products are collected by methylene chloride and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and carbonyls are analyzed following TO-11 method by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Testo gas analyzer is used to measure CO and NOx. Identified products from pyrolysis of methyl oleate include CO, CO2, alkanes, alkenes, carbonyls and unburnt methyl oleate.
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Presenter Name:
Chaichana Chaiwatpongsakorn
Co-Presenter Name:
Vijay Krishna Nemalapuri
Program Name:
Environmental Engineering: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Tim C. Keener, Ph.D.
Title:
The Implementation of Carbon Monoxide Wireless Sensor Networks for Ambient Air Monitoring
Abstract:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that can build up to severe concentrations both indoors and outdoors. In the ambient, most CO comes from the vehicle exhaust in roadways, which may affect the people who live near these areas. In order to measure the CO concentration continuously, the EPA recommends the non-dispersive infrared absorption (NDIR) as a standard method. This method requires standard gas system and monitoring station, which consume electrical power and workspace. Recently, advances in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have become an alternative solution for monitoring ambient air quality. In this study, CO-WSNs system is comprised of the carbon monoxide, humidity, and temperature sensors integrated with the WSNs for monitoring the CO at the four intersections around the UC campus. The results from this study will provide the advantage of convenience in deployment and lower operation and maintenance cost and will offer much more information about the spatial and temporal variations of the CO concentration that is essential for the use by transportation planners, environmental regulators, and the general public.
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Presenter Name:
Ting Lu
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Environmental Engineering: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Daniel Oerther, Ph.D.
Title:
Active Bacterial Diversity as a Biomarker for Soil Health
Abstract:
Over the last four decades, an estimated seven billion tons of hazardous waste have been released into terrestrial ecosystems. Superfund has located and analyzed tens of thousands of these hazardous waste sites. However, lack of hazardous waste chemical measurement makes it difficult to determine "how clean is clean," which has a significant impact on human health risk measurement. Therefore, we hypothesize that metabolically-active bacterial diversity (measured as richness and evenness) could serve as a biomarker of the threat to human health from polluted sites. To accomplish this hypothesis, the reverse transcription and primer extension assay targeting both precursor and mature 16S rRNAs was used to determine the physiologic status of an entire bacterial population, while novel denaturing high performance liquid chromatography technique was explored to quantify and identify the bacterial populations. This novel and robust method has been successfully applied to measure active microbial diversities from different sites including an aged petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated site and a fresh backyard site.
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Presenter Name:
Miguel Pelaez
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Environmental Engineering: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Dionysios D. Dionysiou, Ph.D.
Title:
Development of Visible Light-Sensitized TiO2 for the Photodegradation of Microcystin-LR
Abstract:
The use of nanotechnology for current environmental problems associated with water contamination, along with worldwide energy-related concerns, is of emerging scientific and technological interest. Modified TiO2 nanocatalyst doped with metal or non-metal has been recently synthesized in order to overcome UV-restricted photoactivation of the material. In this study, we developed highly efficient nitrogen and fluorine co-doped TiO2 (NF-TiO2) nanoparticles and films with enhanced structural properties and photocatalytic response towards visible light irradiation using a modified sol-gel method. The photocatalytic activity of the NF-TiO2 was demonstrated for the destruction of one of the most common cyanotoxins found during cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms, microcystin-LR, under visible light irradiation. NF-TiO2 showed enhanced structural properties and synergistic effect resulting in significant photocatalytic improvement compared to nitrogen or fluorine doping alone. The highest degradation rate achieved was under acidic conditions (pH 3.0- 0.1) with nanoparticles containing both F and N atoms.
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Presenter Name:
Jiefei Yu
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Environmental Engineering: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Margaret Kupferle, Ph.D., P.E.
Title:
Simultaneous Reduction of Nitrate and Oxidation of Ammonium in Single-Stage Electrolysis
Abstract:
Simulated concentrated nitrate (NO3-) brine waste from processes such as reverse osmosis, ion exchange or electrodialysis was treated in a two-stage electrolysis process, where simultaneous reduction of NO3- and oxidation of produced ammonium (NH4+) from the previous stage is taking place in a divided cell. Nitrate was totally removed in the cathodic chamber. Only trace amounts of nitrate and ammonia remained after two-stage electrolysis. Dramatic loss of soluble ionic nitrogen species in the whole system (across both chambers) was observed after second stage treatment, most likely due to nitrogen gas (N2) formation from NH4+ decomposition by chlorine species (based on chlorine breakpoint chemistry). The effect of chloride and current density was further investigated to optimize reactor performance. High current density resulted in high NO3- removal and low nitrite (NO2-) accumulation in the reduction stage and improved the overall conversion in both stages.
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Presenter Name:
Mahendranath Arambewela
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Environmental Science: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Margaret J. Kupferle, Ph.D.
Title:
The Fate of Aeromonas hydrophila in a Model Water Distribution System Biofilm Annular Reactor
Abstract:
The interaction between a putative pathogen, Aeromonas hydrophila, and drinking water system biofilm developed from dechlorinated Cincinnati tap water on polycarbonate and iron coupons was investigated. Bench scale experiments were conducted using annular biofilm reactors to mimic the hydraulic conditions inside drinking water distribution systems. After spiking in high levels (e.g., 108 CFU/ml), Aeromonas hydrophila was present in biofilm samples as well as in bulk water samples for two to three weeks before decreasing below detectable levels (as measured by membrane filtration using ADA-V agar plate counts) for the polycarbonate coupons and were detectable in both types of samples during the entire 1008 h post-spiking period for the iron coupons. Generally, biofilms grown on iron coupons contained more Aeromonas cells per unit area for a longer period of time than biofilms grown on polycarbonate coupons. Higher initial concentrations were associated with longer retention times compared with lower concentrations.
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Presenter Name:
Fee Mtshiya
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Environmental Science: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Daniel Oerther, Ph.D.
Title:
Green Roofs: An Investigation of Possible Health Implications
Abstract:
The efficacy of extensive green roofs in sustainable urban water management is undeniable, and they are increasingly used to reduce storm water runoff. However, implementing expanses of vegetation on rooftops is bound to have health implications, and this is an aspect of green roof research still in its infancy. "Soil" used on green roofs, known as growing medium, is an aggregate of materials such as slate and vermiculite. To contribute to the research, I am analyzing runoff samples from extensive green roofs in Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky and using standard analytical procedures such as AAS and atomic fluorescence to detect heavy metals. This is to ascertain whether growing medium acts as a sink for heavy metals in the atmosphere in the same way that soil acts as a sink for heavy metals in rocks and groundwater. Literature review indicates schools and hospitals are ideal for green roofs due to such benefits as reduction in energy consumption, outdoor learning space and horticultural therapy. Establishing how green roofs interact with the contaminants to which patients and children are exposed is thus crucial to ensure that their health is not compromised by green roofs.
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Presenter Name:
Maria Antoniou
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Environmental Science: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Dionysios D. Dionysiou, Ph.D.
Title:
Detoxification of Water Contaminated with the Cyanotoxin Microcystin-LR by Utilizing Green Nanotechnologies
Abstract:
Cyanotoxins are secondary metabolites produced and released by the harmful strains of cyanobacterial algal blooms. Because of their increasing appearance in water resources and high lethality, cyanotoxins are now part of the emerging contaminants that necessitate treatment. Cyanotoxins have also been included on the 1998, 2005 and 2008 Contaminant Candidate List of the USEPA and up to now have not been regulated for best available technology and maximum contaminant level. The hepatotoxic microcystins are the family of cyanotoxins that has mostly been detected in surface waters, especially its derivative microcystin-LR (MC-LR). In this study, we investigated the potential of environmentally friendly UV-based TiO2 nanotechnologies for the detoxification of water contaminated with MC-LR. The mechanistic aspects of the photocatalytic degradation of MC-LR, the effects of operating parameters on the degradation of MC-LR and the toxicity of the treated samples will be presented. The protein phosphatase inhibition enzyme assay developed in-house showed that the treatment with our TiO2 photocatalytic films can achieve water detoxification.
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Presenter Name:
Regina Lamendella
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Environmental Science: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Daniel Oerther, Ph.D.
Title:
Fecal Source Identification in Multi-Use Watersheds: A Novel Meta-Genomic Approach
Abstract:
Nearly 13% of the nation's rivers, estuaries, and lakes fail in meeting their designated uses as a result of increased levels of fecal bacteria. Methods that can pinpoint fecal pollution sources are needed to assist in the development and evaluation of management practices targeting fecal pollution control. The objectives of this research are to develop novel and reliable methods to identify sources of fecal pollution by targeting genotypic traits of fecal bacterial communities. To address this issue, we employed a novel meta-genomic approach to explore unique genetic attributes of fecal bacteria within several fecal and impaired environmental ecosystems, which has unveiled host-specific bacterial populations unique to cattle, swine, human, and avian hosts. These populations exhibit both host-specificity and environmental persistence, suggesting they are promising targets for fecal source tracking method development. Our research is stimulating the development of rapid, specific, and sensitive molecular detection methods which are able to discriminate amongst non-point sources of fecal pollution within multiple environmental monitoring scenarios.
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Presenter Name:
James Klyza
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Epidemiology (Environmental Health): Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Charles Buncher, Sc.D.
Title:
Noise Exposure during Orthopaedic Procedures
Abstract:
Noise exposure caused by bone cutting tools in orthopaedic surgery is currently an issue of concern. Orthopaedic operating room staff question the safety of their procedures and whether there is a risk of noise-induced hearing loss. The study recorded and evaluated noise exposure during various procedures and using various tools, each of which caused a different noise exposure. Dosimeters were placed at different locations in the operating room to evaluate the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. During eleven days of measurement, the highest sound level (Lmax) over 1/16 of a second was 112.0 dBA. It occurred at the head nurse station location, during a total hip replacement, which utilized a Stryker 2000 Saw. The peak noise dose of 2.1%, far below OSHA’s action level of 50%, occurred at the Operating Room 2 radio location. The highest equivalent sound level (Leq) of 62.2 dBA occurred at the radio location. None of the measured noise levels reached the OSHA PEL, or action level. This indicates that PPE, audiometry, engineering, and administrative controls are not mandatory.
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Presenter Name:
James Klyza
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Epidemiology (Environmental Health): Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Charles Buncher, Sc.D.
Title:
The Use of Hypertonic Saline in the Reduction of Elevated Intracranial Pressure in Closed-Head Trauma: Meta Analysis
Abstract:
All of the existing methods of treatment for elevated ICP have limitations. In the past ten years, hypertonic saline administration has shown promise as an alternative treatment. The goal of this paper is to conduct a meta analysis and summarize the results of hypertonic saline trials. The review of the literature includes a broad literature search of PubMed/Medline, a forward search of these articles references, and personal contact. Major inclusion/exclusion is hypertonic saline treatment of closed head injuries with elevated ICP. Statistical method used is Bayesian Analysis of mean difference in ICP (pre vrs post-treatment) with standard error and a 95% confidence interval. All four of the models used, two fixed and two random, give a significant mean effect of hypertonic saline in reducing ICP in closed head trauma. Most notably, the random effects model with unknown variances gives a mean effect of -11.3 mmHg (-17.34, -5.692). The implication is that hypertonic saline provides another possible treatment for a condition with few options for success.
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Presenter Name:
Christopher Carr
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geography: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Nicholas Dunning, Ph.D.
Title:
Assessing the Effect of Rock Climbing and Hiking on the Cliff Vegetation of Great Falls Park, VA
Abstract:
This research examines the effect of rock climbing and hiking on the vegetation of the cliffs and adjacent rocky areas of the Potomac Gorge section of Great Falls Park, VA. Recreational activities generally reduce vegetation coverage; the visibility of trails reflects this loss. However, vegetation is generally patchy in rocky areas due to factors such as aspect, soil depth, and moisture. The patchy spatial distribution can confound efforts to associate vegetation loss with recreational activities, particularly given that visitors naturally seek out and use barren or less vegetated surfaces. This research is examining rock physical features (e.g., crack size and orientation) and vegetation parameters (e.g., species and cover) in 98 cliff-associated quadrats in an effort to develop a predictive model of vegetation abundance. Recreational impacts to vegetation will be quantified by comparing predicted abundance to actual abundance.
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Presenter Name:
Jessica Moss
Co-Presenter Name:
Benjamin Thomas
Program Name:
Geography: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Michael Magazine, Ph.D.
Title:
Bearcat Transportation System Routes Analysis
Abstract:
Spatial patterns of crime data, Bearcat Transportation routes and student living quarters are analyzed around the University of Cincinnati using Geographic Information Systems. Based on the results, the research team hopes to use these themes as variables to help optimize the future planning of Bearcat Transportation Routes.
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Presenter Name:
Joanne Ballard
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Thomas Lowell, Ph.D.
Title:
A Lateglaical Paleofire Record for East-Central Michigan.
Abstract:
This study presents a paleofire record spanning the interval from deglaciation to the very early Holocene, including the Younger Dryas (YD) (12,900-11,600 Cal yr BP) for east-central Michigan. Four lakes south of Flint, Michigan were sampled within a 15 km radius range of each other. Two of the lakes lie atop hummocky drift near the limits of the outer Saginaw lobe moraines. The other two lie on topography proximal to the northwest of this moraine. All four lakes contain high charcoal levels in sediments deposited since deglaciation. The elevated levels follow the rise in organic content, and peaks within the elevated levels follow changes in sediment type: high charcoal-high organic and lower charcoal-higher carbonate contents. Our preliminary estimate of the duration of these charcoal intervals in such fluctuating ecological conditions is that they start around 14,050 Cal BP and continue for about 1,500 yrs. until 12,550 BP. If so, contemporaneous fire occurrence began around the start of the YD and continued until the mid-YD.We take these relationships to indicate that for these lakes the transition between climate states is a controlling factor.
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Presenter Name:
Kathryn Hedrick
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Lewis Owen, Ph.D.
Title:
Decoupling Tectonic and Glacial Influences on Erosion and Landscape Evolution in Two Himalayan Basins
Abstract:
Erosive forces in mountain belts are a mechanism for both mountain building and destruction. These forces require further study to better define existing theories incorporating erosional and tectonic feedbacks such as the Glacial Buzzsaw and Teflon Peak theories. Two half-graben basins and their tributaries in the high-altitude desert region of the western Indian Himalaya were investigated for features indicating past glaciation and tectonic activity, which have some effect on erosion rate. 10Be terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide (TCN) exposure age samples were collected to constrain timing of glaciation in the basins. 10Be TCN erosion rate samples were collected to determine the erosion rates of tributary valleys with different characteristics (i.e. glaciated, uplifted, glaciated and uplifted). Results show a strong relationship in ranges of erosion rate for each basin type; highest erosion rates occur in glaciated and uplifted basins and lowest occur in basins which have only undergone uplift. Results suggest a greater influence of glacial erosive forces in this region, but further analysis is necessary to form a conclusive link.
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Presenter Name:
Aaron House
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Carlton E. Brett, Ph.D.
Title:
A Taphonomic Window in Darwin's House: The Kanosh Formation (Middle Ordovician) of West-Central Utah
Abstract:
Darwin perceived that the fossil record could be a valuable tool in understanding his theory of evolution by natural selection, but that is was too incomplete to be of practical use at that time. Some of this lack of resolution was due to the differential preservation of organisms which generated aragonite (a form of CaCO3) shell material, such as Mollusks. The oceans of the world in the later Ordovician Period (480-450 mya) were experiencing what has been termed a "Calcite sea" because of the chemistry of the sea water. This caused aragonitic shells to be more easily dissolved during this time. However, storm events such as those exhibited in the beds of the Kanosh Formation of Utah may have provided a buffer to this effect, preserving the molluscan fauna as internal moulds. By studying these beds and their faunas, any relationship between storm activity and Mollusk shell preservation can be documented. The preservation of these organisms shows that the seemingly poorly preserved portions of the fossil record can potenially provide insight into ancient organisms, ecosystems and their evolution, provided that we understand the biases of the fossil record.
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Presenter Name:
Anne Lagomarcino
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Arnold Miller, Ph.D.
Title:
What Factors Control Biodiversity? The Relationship Between Species-Richness and Geographic Area in Cretaceous Marine Biotas
Abstract:
Although it is difficult to estimate the number of species on Earth, present-day biodiversity exhibits well-established properties. One of the best known is that species richness increases log-linearly as habitat area increases. Known as the Species-Area Relationship (SAR), this property, and how its scale varies among regimes, has been investigated only sparingly in the fossil record. Little is known about SARs for fossil marine invertebrates, whose records provide the most dependable data for studying long-term diversity trends. Preliminary investigations of SARs for two broad-scale marine settings, open-oceans and epicontinental-seas, were conducted based on European and North American data from the Paleobiology Database for the Late Cretaceous. Various spatial protocols have been used to demarcate area. Results show that there is, indeed, a log-linear SAR in this study area. Additionally, the nature of the relationship between diversity and area is significantly different in these two marine environments. The slope of the SAR is higher in open-ocean settings, indicating that there is a faster rate of species increase in this environment.
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Presenter Name:
Scott Reynhout
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Craig Dietsch, Ph.D.
Title:
Measuring Weathering and Erosion in the Himalaya: Towards a Comprehensive Understanding of Landscape Evolution
Abstract:
The development of topographic relief is key to understanding landscape evolution in high mountain environments. However, quantified rates of relief production are scarce, and researchers have arrived at differing conclusions as to the dominant process behind relief production. This project aims to evaluate the relationship between bedrock weathering, basin denudation, and climatic effects on relief development in the Ladakh Himalaya. I hypothesize that the altitudinal climatic gradient in the northwest Himalaya will enhance basin denudation rates without significantly affecting bedrock weathering rates. I will then infer total relief generated over the measured time scale. As a variety of erosive processes dominate at differing altitudes, the coupled weathering-erosion data will help reveal which processes most significantly affect relief production.
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Presenter Name:
Justin Stroup
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Thomas Lowell, Ph.D.
Title:
Changes in Stratigraphy across the Lake Ojibway Basin: Implications for Lake Drainage Record
Abstract:
The Laurentide ice sheet influenced Lake Ojibway's formation, sedimentation and drainage. Eleven lake's cores from central Ontario southeast into western Quebec were collected to establish the timing and stratigraphy of the final drainage as implicated in the 8200 yr event. In three sites interior to the Cochran re-advance limit (Paulen, 2001) the stratigraphy is a till unit, at the base an ice proximal varve unit which thins upward into a pellet unit of fine grained silts and clays, and capped with finely laminated sediment that becomes massive. Outside the re-advance the pellet unit is absent. A sudden drainage event should leave a distinct signature across the basin. The cores outside of the Cochran re-advance act as a test and allow the generation of two new hypotheses: 1) The finely laminated to massive unit common in all cores is the drainage stratigraphy or (2) The finely laminated to massive unit is the post drainage signature and the contact below is the drainage. This could have ramifications for geometry of the ice sheet, putting the ice margin further south, making the basin smaller, and calling into question the climate change trigger.
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Presenter Name:
Jacalyn Wittmer
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Arnold Miller, Ph.D.
Title:
Regional Paleoecological Patterns: How the distribution of Tentaculitoids Illuminates Their Life History
Abstract:
The processes that govern variation in both fossil and modern marine benthic communities can be examined by analysis of distribution patterns. Some groups of Cincinnatian fossils show significant variation in their occurrence and distribution patterns. One such group, tentaculitoids, is part of an ongoing study that examines its evolutionary history. The paleoecological patterns of tentaculitoids help to determine how and where these organisms lived. Centimeter-scale stratigraphy of three outcrops was examined using multivariate analyses. These analyses help in determining the distribution pattern of tentaculitoids, their associated fauna, their preferred environment, and the underlying patterns that could have potentially affected the extinction of the group. Vertical and lateral distributions of tentaculitoids were not continuous either within or between outcrops, indicating a patchy distribution. Organisms known to be benthic typically display patchy distributions. The distribution of tentaculitoids and their occurrence with specific associated fauna, seen in this study, indicate that tentaculitoids are likely benthic organisms.
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Presenter Name:
Devin Buick
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Arnie Miller, Ph.D.
Title:
On the Evolution of Bivalve Mollusks: Throwing Light on Species Variation and Natural Selection within the Cucullaeidae
Abstract:
Following years of studying the living and extinct faunal inhabitants of South America, Darwin's dangerous observation, that one species does change into another, became the only logical explanation for why species succeed one another across space and through time. Thus, the variation of species, witnessed as a cohesive collection of morphologies within a endless array of forms, provides the raw material for which natural selection will ultimately act upon. Despite his distain ("No man hates molluscs more than I") Darwin would surely marvel at the vast diversity of shell forms and ecologies evidenced by the ever-adaptable molluscs, and in particular, the bivalves. The family Cucullaeidae is an exemplar of the mysteries that captivated Darwin, throwing light on the forceful role natural selection plays towards modifying the geographic footprint and morphological landscape ephemerally established by a group's constituent species. Throughout 200 million years of earth history members of this curious family have modified their shell forms, whilst proliferating and perishing, in a endless struggle for existence—a battle they seem to be losing.
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Presenter Name:
Bradley Deline
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Carlton Brett, Ph.D.
Title:
Early Paleozoic Crinoid Disparity, Morphological Constraints, and the Origin of Myelodactylids
Abstract:
Morphologic disparity is a fundamental method in the analysis of large-scale patterns in evolution. Even though this method is related to taxonomic diversity, disparity can show drastically different patterns through time and give insights into the causes of constraints in the breadth of morphology. Mass extinctions create ecological space that allows the surviving taxa to diversify and fill available ecospace. The associated morphological diversification is therefore dependant on open niche space as well as the developmental and genetic flexibility needed to evolve new forms, allowing the utilization of newly available resources. Following the Ordovician mass extinction, the Silurian showed a dramatic rise in crinoid disparity, due mostly to the origination of Myelodactylids. Myelodactylids occupied a lower tier soft bottom niche which was opened by extinction and environmental change caused by a drop in sea level. These results indicate that the Silurian expansion of morphospace corresponds to an expansion of ecospace and that morphology was plastic enough that genetic constraints were not factor in limiting morphologic diversity in the Early Paleozoic.
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Presenter Name:
Jason Dortch
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Lewis A. Owen, Ph.D.
Title:
Rates, Magnitudes, and Timing of Quaternary Landscape Evolution across the Ladakh Range, Northwest Himalaya
Abstract:
Only limited data are available on the rates and magnitudes of geomorphic processes, which describe how high altitude arid mountain landscapes erode and evolve. Furthermore, despite recent appreciation of the linkage of processes between the solid Earth and Earth's surface, relationships among tectonics, erosion, and climate are complex and remain largely conjectural. To begin to elucidate these connections, my research aims to test the hypothesis that climatic and tectonic gradients across a high semi-arid mountain range creates asymmetry in the rates of geomorphic processes and differential landscape evolution. The Ladakh Range in the NW Himalaya was chosen to test this hypothesis because (1) it has a strong tectonic and geomorphic asymmetry, (2) contrasting climatic zones are juxtaposed across the region, and (3) extremely well preserved Quaternary and Recent landforms and sediments provide an excellent opportunity to reconstruct landscape evolution, including quantifying rates of Quaternary and Recent geomorphic processes. Understanding Quaternary and Recent geomorphic changes and rates of these changes is critical to determine and model future changes.
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Presenter Name:
Sarah Kolbe
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Arnold Miller, Ph.D.
Title:
Urbanization, Environment, and Floras: Variation in the composition of Plant Communities along an Urban-to-Rural Gradient
Abstract:
There is growing concern that urbanization has had an indelible impact on plant and animal communities in heavily-populated regions. The Cincinnati area, with rural regions to the east and west, affords an opportunity to assess the effects of urbanization on floras along an urban-to-rural gradient. The goals of this study are to: 1) characterize variation in floral composition among four forested localities along a 150 km urban-to-rural gradient; 2) examine the roles of natural and anthropogenic factors in governing floral variation; and 3) assess the impact of invasive honeysuckle on tree recruitment and herb composition. Four localities were selected along a west-to-east transect, and at each, sixteen 30-by-30 m plots were delineated, and floral data were collected, including tree, shrub, and herb occurrences, and tree size data. Patterns of variation were analyzed with reference to environmental variables. Results indicate strong, systematic differences in floral composition both within and among plots and localities, and within-locality variability associated with honeysuckle occurrences suggests that some variation is related to anthropogenic effects.
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Presenter Name:
John Nealon
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Thomas Lowell, Ph.D.
Title:
Determining the Age of Onset of Early Pleistocene Glaciation and of Deep Stage Entrenchment in the Cincinnati, Ohio Region
Abstract:
Early Pleistocene glaciation in the Cincinnati region has not been extensively studied because of long-term erosion of old landforms, their burial by younger deposits, and lack of subsurface data. Research objectives of this study are 1) to constrain the age of Pleistocene onset in the Cincinnati region; 2) to constrain the age of the first ice sheet arrival in the region; and 3) to date a section of the pre-Illinoian Deep Stage channel ascribed to Early Pleistocene glaciation. Hypotheses to be tested are: a) Pre-glacial alluvial sediments in northern Kentucky were buried by lacustrine sediments at Pleistocene onset; b) Entrenchment of the portion of the Deep Stage channel in western Boone County, Kentucky, ascribed by some to have been initiated by melting of the first ice sheet to reach the area, existed at the time of first ice sheet arrival; and c) Till layers found above the base of this Deep Stage channel section, and underlain by older outwash sands and gravels, are correlatable with tills in southeastern Indiana deposited on the bedrock surface and said to be the oldest glacial deposits in the region.
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Presenter Name:
Brian Nicklen
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Warren Huff, Ph.D.
Title:
Establishing a Tephrochronologic Framework for the Middle Permian (Guadalupian) Type Area, West Texas, USA
Abstract:
A series of highly altered volcanic ash layers (bentonites) occur throughout the Delaware Basin of west Texas and southeastern New Mexico, including the Global Stratotype Sections of the Middle Permian (Guadalupian) in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Although this area is well studied, time control among the various stratigraphic units remains poor, resulting in deficiencies in both stratigraphic correlation and global time scale generation. The objective of this study is to address these deficiencies by using the bentonites in establishing a stratigraphic and chronologic framework for this area (tephrochronology). To accomplish this, primary volcanic mineral phases separated from these bentonites, such as apatite and zircon, are being analyzed to provide chemical data that can be used in long distance stratigraphic correlation and the generation of high-precision radioisotopic dates.
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Presenter Name:
Gokce Ustunisik
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Attila Kilinc, Ph.D.
Title:
New Insights into the Processes Controlling Plagioclase Zoning
Abstract:
Despite the fact that plagioclase is the most abundant mineral of crustal rocks, mechanisms of zoning in plagioclase are not well understood. The composition of plagioclase crystallizing in a magma chamber depends on physical parameters such as changes in T,Ptotal, and XH2O.The changes in these physical parameters can be modeled under various differentiation scenarios. Although the role of changing T,Ptotal, and PH2O on plagioclase zoning is well known, especially under magma mixing and decompressional crystallization conditions, there are other circumstances under which plagioclase zoning can occur. Two physical models of magma chambers involving rising of magma between several successive levels followed by crystallization at each level and crystallization reflecting convective cycles within a single magma chamber have not been quantitatively investigated. In this study, we used the MELTS algorithm to analyze the role of T,Ptotal, and XH2O on plagioclase zoning by using a basaltic composition. Our results show that An-content of plagioclase appears to be related to the partioning of Na2O and CaO between plagioclase and coexisting melt in response to pressure changes.
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Presenter Name:
Zhenzhu Wan
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Thomas Algeo, Ph.D.
Title:
Stomatal Parameters of Devonian and Early Carboniferous Land Plants as a Record of Paleoatmospheric CO2 Variation
Abstract:
Data of stomatal parameters from plant fossils will reveal CO2 level trends of paleoatmosphere, for it shows that many plants reduce the number of stomata at higher ambient CO2 levels, and vice versa. Stomatal data of this project are yielded by fossil plant cuticles of Devonian-Early Carboniferous, where there was almost the rapidest decrease of CO2 concentration in geologic time scale, from 14 PAL (present atmospheric level) in the Early Devonian to ~1 PAL by the mid-Carboniferous. It would be problematic to compare stomatal parameter changes among different species or genera, for they have different genes and living habits. Therefore, a limited number of long-ranging Devonian-Carboniferous plant morphospecies ( [1]Actinopodium, [2]Actinoxylon, [3]Archaeopteris, [4]Drepanophycus, [5]Elkinsia, [6]Lepidodendropsis, [7]Lycopodites, [8]Pseudosporochnus, [9]Psilophyton, [10]Rhacophyton, [11]Svalbardia.) have been investigated for the stomatal characteristics. Based on changes in different plant clades with dissimilar photosynthetic pathways and broad trends in stomatal parameters, atmospheric CO2 concentration trends of Devonian and Early Carboniferous could be unveiled.
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Presenter Name:
James Zambito
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Geology: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Carlton Brett, Ph.D.
Title:
Did the "Recurrent Hamilton Fauna" Recur or Persist? Developing a Framework for Interpreting Faunal Evolution
Abstract:
Intervals of paleoecological stability and the extinction and origination events that separate them involve the interplay of ecological and evolutionary factors. A majority of studies have focused on these patterns and their underlying processes intra-basinally at the level of individual species or groups of species with similar environmental tolerances (biofacies). Here, we investigate similar ecological-evolutionary processes in the context of regional turnovers intra and extra-basinally at the broader faunal level (unique suites of biofacies related spatially and temporally). Using a high-resolution stratigraphic framework superimposed on an onshore-offshore gradient, we document different patterns of faunal turnover during the Late Middle Devonian Taghanic Biocrisis in the New York Appalachian Basin. Recognition of these turnover types suggests that (1) habitat tracking, a process thought to prohibit evolution in organism lineages, and therefore prevent biofacies change, can operate at the extra-basinal level and (2) during extreme environmental changes habitat tracking breaks down, allowing species origination and biofacies reorganization.
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Presenter Name:
Purvi Mehta
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Health Education: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Manoj Sharma, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.
Title:
Social Cognitive Theory as Predictor of Dietary Behavior and Leisure Time Physical Activity in Middle-Aged Asian Indian women
Abstract:
Obesity and its associated chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease are presently on the rise. Therefore, it is important to gain an
understanding of dietary and physical activity behaviors, as they play an integral role in etiology of obesity. In this study middle aged Asian Indian women were of specific interest due to health patterns within the community and lack of research on this group. Social Cognitive Theory was used as the framework for predicting dietary behaviors and physical activity behaviors in middle aged Asian Indian women. Two hundred and fifty participants were recruited for the study. Participants completed a self report survey. Height and weight was also recorded. Survey measured seven day recall of leisure time physical activity, self-efficacy for leisure time physical activity, expectations and expectancies for leisure time physical activity, self control for leisure time physical activity, 24 hour recall of dietary intake, self-efficacy for fruit and vegetable intake, expectations and expectancies for fruit and vegetable intake, self control for fruit and vegetable intake, self-efficacy for reducing portion sizes, expectations and expectancies for reducing portion sizes, and self control for reducing portion sizes. Stepwise multiple regression was used to model dietary and physical activity behaviors. Social cognitive theory is a useful framework that can be used to build effective interventions for this group.
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Presenter Name:
Samrat Yeramaneni
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Health Education: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Manoj Sharma, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.
Title:
Predictors of Alcohol Use and Binge Drinking Using Social Cognitive Theory among Asian Indian International College Students
Abstract:
Although extensive literature documents that alcohol use and binge drinking exists among college students, limited studies were done among international college students. One such group is Asian Indian international college students. This study examined the extent to which selected social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs have an influence on alcohol use and binge drinking among these students. The study (n=245) was conducted online at two large Midwestern universities for a period of five months. Sixty two percent of the Indian students consumed alcohol. A significant relationship was found (p<0.05) between gender and binge drinking in the past 30 days. Self-efficacy (p<0.00) and self control (p<0.005) were significant predictors for average number of drinks consumed in a week. Self-efficacy (p<0.01) was the significant predictor for binge drinking in the past 30 days. Self-efficacy (p<0.00) and self control (p<0.00) were significant predictors for the number of days on which alcohol was consumed in the past 30 days. Alcohol use is a significant problem among Asian Indian college students, and interventions for this community must be built on influencing SCT constructs.
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Presenter Name:
Rebecca Vidourek
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Health Education: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Keith King, Ph.D.
Title:
Predictors of School Climate among Middle and High School Students
Abstract:
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine school climate among 6th through 12th grade students in one low income district. Significance: School climate is a predictor of a healthy school environment, which is one component of coordinated school health. Procedures: A 45 item survey was distributed to all 6th through 12th grade students (N = 2500) in February of the 2007-2008 academic year. Face and content validity, as well as stability reliability, were established a priori. T-tests were conducted to examine whether school climate differed based on gender. One-way ANOVAs were conducted to examine whether school climate differed based on grade level. Results: Results indicated that female students were more likely than male students to report high levels of school climate. Results revealed that students who participated in school activities were more likely than those who did not participate in school activities to report high levels of school climate. Conclusion: These findings lend support for the development of school climate promotion programs among 6th through 12th grade students.
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Presenter Name:
Anita Szabo
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Literacy: Ed.D.
Advisor Name:
Mary Benedetti, Ed.D.
Title:
ESL Students' Task-Related Perceptions in a Graduate ESL Classroom
Abstract:
Motivational researchers in educational psychology have been trying to connect students' cognitive perceptions and their actual engagement and performance on learning tasks. Based on the Wigfield-Eccles model connecting students' beliefs about the task and their so-called achievement behaviors (task choice, persistence with the task, cognitive engagement with the task, and performance on the task), the purpose of the current study is to connect learners' task-specific perceptions and their engagement with actual learning tasks in the context of the second language learning classroom. The study is currently in it first phase, which aims at developing and piloting a survey instrument to gauge graduate ESL students' perceptions of specific language learning tasks in which they are involved in the ESL classroom. The poster presentation would summarize the results of the instrument development.
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Presenter Name:
Sue Wang
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Literacy: Ed.D.
Advisor Name:
Gulbahar Beckett, Ph.D.
Title:
Academic Discourse Socialization of Chinese Graduate Students: A Case Study on Oral Presentations.
Abstract:
This qualitative case study explores the academic discourse socialization process of several Chinese graduate students by examining their sample oral presentation texts over a period of time. From a functional linguistic perspective, this study also examines how these participants' linguistic abilities affect their oral presentations, and whether these students appropriate any particular linguistic features that may be helpful in their successful socialization into the new academic discourse community.
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Presenter Name:
Ge Li
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Materials Science: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Vesselin Shanov, Ph.D.
Title:
Direct Growth of Carbon Nanotubes on SiC Substrate for Thermal Management
Abstract:
Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reveal great thermal conductivity and may find future applications in areas from electronic chip cooling and cryogenic pumps to thermal management in spacecrafts. The study is focused on advanced thermal interface materials (TIMs) for cooling and thermal management of electronic devices. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are employed for enhanced thermal conduction across the interfaces. Vertically aligned CNT arrays were grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on SiC substrates with multilayered structure on top. Prior to the synthesis, the substrate was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) in order to understand the correlation between the surface properties of the substrates and the CNT growth. The CNT arrays were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The obtained results demonstrated that aligned CNTs can be successfully grown on thermally and electrically conductive substrates.
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Presenter Name:
Sandip Argekar
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Materials Science: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Dale Schaefer, Ph.D.
Title:
Understanding Protein and Cell Adsorption on Thermally Responsive Nanolayers Using Neutron Reflectivity and Ellipsometry
Abstract:
There is an increasing interest in the field of tissue engineering to develop novel cell substrates to facilitate recovery of intact cell sheets. These intact sheets overcome traditional cell harvesting limitations and maintain native extracellular matrix (ECM) structures. This so-called "bionano interface technology" utilizes hydrophilic-hydrophobic transition of thermally responsive poly(n-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) to release cell sheets. Unfortunately, existing studies lack chemical and physical characterization of the bionano interfaces, in particular their interactions with cell and protein surfaces. This characterization is essential to elucidate cell-substrate interactions. Our aim is to gain insights into the fundamental physico-chemical processes underlying cell adhesion and release at the interface. We have synthesized dense nanoscale PNIPAm brushes using a controlled radical polymerization scheme. Neutron reflectivity and ellipsometry will be used to explain the swelling characteristics and release behavior of PNIPAm brushes. The results from these techniques would improve our understanding of the processes underlying cell release.
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Presenter Name:
Akshay Ashirgade
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Materials Science: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
William J. Van Ooij, Ph.D.
Title:
Characterization of the Interfacial Adhesion Layer between Rubber and Brass-Plated Steel Cords in Radial Tires
Abstract:
Brass-plated steel tire cords form an essential strengthening component of a radial automobile tire. Adhesion between the rubber compound and the brass-plated steel tire cord has a remarkable effect on the overall performance of tires. Rubber-brass interfacial adhesion depends on many factors, such as chemical composition and thickness of the interfacial layer, which in turn are influenced by the rubber formulation. The present study aims at studying the sulfide layer at the rubber-tire cord interface. Grazing incidence angle X-Ray Diffraction experiments were done on polished brass coupons bonded to six different experimental rubber compounds. The results obtained show that aging in heat and humidity lead to changes in the morphology and chemistry of the rubber-steel tire cord interface. TOF-SIMS and SEM/EDAX analyses corroborate the findings from X-Ray Diffraction. Prolonged aging causes the sulfide layer to crystallize and makes the interface brittle, causing it to fracture and eventually leading to failure between the sulfide layers. These interfacial analyses help in gaining a more profound understanding of the rubber-brass boding mechanism.
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Presenter Name:
Chaminda Jayasinghe
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Materials Science: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Vesselin N. Shanov, Ph.D.
Title:
Carbon Nanotube Yarn as a Light Source with Low Power Consumption
Abstract:
The presented work is focused on the fabrication of carbon nanotube (CNT) threads, yarns, and ribbons aligned CNT arrays. These filament type carbon nanostructured materials reveal promising mechanical and electrical properties. By introducing twisting during spinning from multiple arrays of CNTs, we produced yarn with strengths greater than 600 MPa. The application of this high performance material is demonstrated by manufacturing of a light bulb with a filament using CNT yarn placed between two electrodes inside the bulb. The temperature of the CNT filament can reach ~14000C when applying DC voltage. The nanotube bulb emitted light with a wavelength of about 700 nm and the irradiance was surprisingly high (~1900 Lux). This was achieved at a DC power below 17 Watts. The obtained results demonstrated that CNT yarn is a promising material for fabrication of light sources with low power consumption.
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Presenter Name:
Durgesh Rai
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Materials Science: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Vesselin Shanov, Ph.D. and Mark Schulz, Ph.D.
Title:
Synthesis of Mg/MgO Nanostructures for Biodegradable Implants
Abstract:
Biodegradable magnesium implants offer significant advantages over implants used today. Magnesium based implants corrode fast and a passivation layer of MgO develops on their surface. Single crystal Mg and MgO nanowires will act as a corrosion inhibiting coating that will slow the initial corrosion rate of the implant, thus giving the body more time to heal. We have been successful in growing Mg/MgO based nanostructures such as nanowires, flakes, crystals and dendrites. We found that higher deposition temperatures of ~900º C is suitable for gold assisted nanowire growth, ~600º C for growth of crystalline MgO structures, while lower temperatures lead to formation of pure Mg dendrites and crystalites with submicron dimensions. The use of Au catalyst leads to a very different growth pattern with a wire and needle like structure, which may be grown based on the Vapor Liquid Solid mechanism. The diameter of these wires and needles is around 30-50 nm while the length is up to a micron. Gold patterned substrates at different temperatures reveal that Au nanoparticles act as catalyst spots and lead to formation of 1-D structures with temperature dependent sizes.
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Presenter Name:
Sandeep Singh
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Materials Science: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Raj N. Singh, Sc.D.
Title:
Compatibility of a Self-Healing Glass Seal with SOFC Components
Abstract:
Among many technical barriers to implement solid oxide fuel cell, a durable and reliable sealant is at the top priority. In solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks, the metallic interconnect (oxidation resistant metallic alloys) is typically sealed to the ceramic components (electrolyte and electrodes) by a sealing glass. In order to maintain the structural stability of cell, the sealing glass has to be structurally stable and chemically compatible with cell components. In the present study, the thermal expansion measurement and chemical compatibility of a silicate based self-healing glass with YSZ electrolyte and metallic interconnects are evaluated for a longer time (~1000 hrs) at 8000 C.
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Presenter Name:
Crystal Clough
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Mathematical Sciences: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Jintai Ding, Ph.D.
Title:
Square, a New Multivariate Encryption Scheme
Abstract:
Cryptography is a vital part of our society. As our computing ability increases, current encryption methods become less and less secure. We have developed a new method of encrypting information called Square. The design allows for considerable speed by utilizing a very simple secret function. We show that our system resists all known attacks.
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Presenter Name:
David Freeman
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Mathematical Sciences: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
David Herron, Ph.D.
Title:
Fractal Curves and Mobius Maps
Abstract:
Fractal curves are fascinating and beautiful objects, making appearances in several branches of science. This poster explores the interaction between certain fractal curves and certain aspects of their dimension. In particular, this poster presents a characterization of self-similar homogeneous fractal curves in terms of their preservation under so-called Mobius mappings of the plane.
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Presenter Name:
Mauricio Osorio
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Mathematical Sciences: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Donald French, Ph.D.
Title:
Error Analysis of a Mesh-Free Method with Diffuse Derivatives
Abstract:
We provide an error analysis of an element free Galerkin method (EFG) with diffuse derivatives. An EFG is a numerical method used to solve differential equations; it belongs to the class of meshless methods. These techniques are easier to apply to more complicated problems than finite elements (FEM) or finite differences methods (FDM) since they avoid the construction and use of a grid or mesh. Mesh manipulation is known to be an expensive task in any FEM or FDM solver. Problems involving moving discontinuities, evolving material interfaces, multiple-scale phenomena, large material distortion and structural deformation, have all been solved by these EFGs. In this poster, we will furnish an a priori error estimate. This new theorem provides a theoretical basis for the implementation of the method when the true derivatives are approximated using diffuse derivatives. These special derivatives are easier to calculate and reduce the computing time. We will also show a specific example where the advantages of these methods can be easily appreciated.
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Presenter Name:
Moh'd Ababneh
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Mechanical Engineering: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Frank Gerner, Ph.D.
Title:
Charging Station of a Planar Miniature Thermal Ground Plane
Abstract:
Thermal ground planes (TGPs) are flat, thin (less than 1 mm thick) heat pipes that can be used as thermal spreaders in a variety of microelectronic cooling applications. Like conventional heat pipes, TGPs utilize two-phase cooling. Major advantages, however, include the ability to integrate directly with the microelectronic substrate for a wide range of applications and the ability to operate in an adverse gravity environment of up to 20g. Other advantages include a very high thermal conductivity, reliability, and absence of moving parts, electrodes, or need for external power. A key factor in the design of the TGP is evacuation prior to filling and introduction of the proper amount of working fluid (water) into the device. Too small of a liquid fill charge leads to an evaporator dry-out and a wall temperature increase. While too large of a liquid fill charge leads to a condenser flooding and a heat transfer surface area decrease. The major challenge of this work is to fill heat pipes with a total liquid volume of less than 1 ml, without being able to see into the device. The current filling station is a great improvement over the current state of the art.
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Presenter Name:
Hajer Sheikh
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, & Microbiology: M.S.
Advisor Name:
David Wieczorek, Ph.D.
Title:
Tropomyosin Phosphorylation in Cardiac Health and Disease
Abstract:
Tropomyosin (TM), an alpha-helical coiled-coil dimer wrapped around actin, is a component of thin filament of the muscle sarcomere and is involved in regulating muscle contraction. Sarcomeric TM is phosphorylated at amino acid Ser-283; however the precise role of TM phosphorylation is not clear. To examine this role, TM phosphorylation was studied in each cardiac chamber to address whether physiological parameters in the different chambers are associated with altered phosphorylation levels. Results show decreased TM phosphorylation levels are found in ventricles when compared to atria. Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC), an autosomal dominant disease, is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and is caused by mutations in sarcomeric proteins including alpha-TM. Two FHC transgenic mouse models expressing mutations in alpha-TM (Glu180Gly, and Asp175Asn) were studied to determine the effect of this disease on cardiac alpha-TM phosphorylation. Results show increased TM phosphorylation in FHC. Future therapeutic implications of this study may entail modulation of phosphorylation levels in FHC patients as a potential therapy.
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Presenter Name:
Nicholas Jury
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Neuroscience/Medical Science Scholars Interdisciplinary: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Karen A. Gregerson, Ph.D.
Title:
Alterations in Peripheral and Central Serotonin Physiology during Lactation.
Abstract:
The pathophysiology of postpartum depression (PPD) remains obscure, although evidence is accruing that serotonergic (5-HT) dysfunction may play a major role. Even the potential correlation between PPD and breastfeeding remains elusive, with numerous studies reporting a positive correlation and many others reporting a negative correlation. We have recently reported that 5-HT biosynthesis occurs in mammary epithelial cells where it is highly up regulated during lactation. This has led us to investigate if lactation results in changes in 5-HT physiology that may be correlated with changes in mood. In the current study, the forced swim test, a standard in assessing depressive behavior and antidepressant efficacy, was administered to age-matched lactating (day 10 postpartum) and non-lactating female C57/Bl6 mice. Some mice received five daily i.p. injections of a low dose of Citalopram (5mg/kg), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Control mice received saline, and all swim tests were conducted 30 minutes after the fifth injection. In vehicle-treated controls, lactating dams spent a greater percent time swimming compared to non-lactating mice.
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Presenter Name:
Kimberly Krawczewski
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Neuroscience/Medical Science Scholars Interdisciplinary: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Silvana Obici, M.D.
Title:
Effects of Voluntary Exercise on Energy Balance and Body Composition
Abstract:
Physical exercise (PE) protects against obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke via an unknown mechanism. To study the effect of PE on energy balance (EB), we exposed 3 month old male C57B6J mice fed standard chow to mobile (RWSC) or blocked (SEDSC) running wheels and monitored daily food intake (FI) and running activity. Body weight (BW) and body composition were measured every 2 wks. RWSC ran about 9km daily. At 6 wks, we measured energy expenditure (EE). While BW remained similar, RWSC lost more fat mass than SEDSC. Despite a loss of fat, daily FI was similar. Basal EE of RWSC was higher than SEDSC. Thus, PE promotes fat loss by increasing EE at rest. To study PE's ability to prevent diet induced obesity, we fed mice high fat diet with or without a mobile running wheel (RWHF, SEDHF). After 6 wks, SEDHF gained more fat mass than RWHF. Fat loss due to PE did not elicit hyperphagia. The lack of hyperphagia despite significant fat loss suggests that PE alters CNS control of EB to defend a lower fat mass, regardless of dietary fat content. Thus, the beneficial effects of PE involve altering CNS mechanisms that control feeding behavior and EE.
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Presenter Name:
Robin Osterman
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Nursing - Doctoral Program: Ph.D.
Advisor Name:
Susan Elek, Ph.D., R.N.
Title:
Evaluating a Motivational Interviewing Intervention with Women Consuming Alcohol during Pregnancy
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To determine the researcher's competency to implement a motivational interviewing (MI) intervention to decrease women's alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Reliability of the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS) and Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ-P) was evaluated. METHODS: Pregnant women self-reporting previous year alcohol use completed questionnaires before and 2 weeks following the intervention at a prenatal visit (n=15). Recorded interviews were evaluated using the MITI Scale. RESULTS: Interviews scored above 4.5 on the MITI, indicating good to excellent adherence to MI. Cronbach's alphas for the BPNS at baseline and follow-up were .823 and .884, for the TSRQ-P subscale (autonomous motivation) .638 and .812, and for the TSRQ-P subscale (controlled motivation) .669 and .745. One-way ANOVAs found significant differences between baseline and two week follow-up for the TSRQ-P relative autonomy index and for the autonomous motivation subscale scores, indicating increased levels of autonomous motivation to decrease drinking behaviors during pregnancy at follow-up.
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Presenter Name:
Teresa Cavanaugh
Co-Presenter Name:
Program Name:
Pharmaceutical Sciences: M.S.
Advisor Name:
Jill Martin Boone, Pharm.D.
Title:
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