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Since 1996, the annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Symposium (URCAS) has been the culminating event of the academic year at Rhodes. During this symposium, students in a variety of disciplines present their work to the College community.
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Publication Derivatization and Detection of FAMEs in Ancient North American Soapstone Artifacts(Memphis, Tenn. : Rhodes College, 2018-04-27) Prodanovich, Natalie S.; Carmody, Stephen; Russ, Jon L.Prior to the production of pottery 3000 years ago, humans would often carve large bowls out of rock, usually soapstone. Samples of such an artifact from the Thrash site, a Late Archaic period (3,000-1000B.P,) site in Pike Country, Alabama, have been subjected to a three step process for identifying fatty acids, the primary substance of foodstuffs. We used gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) to analyze samples from the artifact along with samples of natural soapstone. The presence of different fatty acids can provide information about prehistoric dietary habits, whether from fish, mammals and/or plants. For the analysis, however, the fatty acids must be converted (derivatized) to fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). We used a method that converts triacylglycerides into FAMES in a one step process. These fatty acids will be correlated to a range of plants and animals that came into an extended period of contact with the artifact.Publication Conceptual size ensembles cannot be predicted by individual item size representations(Memphis, Tenn. : Rhodes College, 2018-04-27) Suresh, Sneha B.; Haberman, Jason M.The visual system compresses redundant information into efficient, ensemble representations by averaging features across items. Ensemble perception operates with remarkable flexibility, even integrating object information at a conceptual level. For example, given a sufficiently strong depth cue, the visual system represents the perceived size of a set of triangles as opposed to their physical size (i.e., it accounts for size constancy; Suresh, Thomasson, & Haberman, VSS, 2017). In the current set of experiments, we explored whether conceptual ensemble size representation may be predicted by the size representation of the individual items composing the group. In every trial, observers viewed an individual triangle with and without linear perspective cues and judged whether a subsequently presented test triangle was larger or smaller than the preceding triangle. Whereas observers were biased to perceive the average size of multiple triangles as larger when presented in the context of linear perspective cues (i.e., conceptual size averaging), they did not take those cues into account when estimating the size of a single triangle. That is, observers perceived a single triangle in the context of linear perspective cues as the same size as a single triangle without linear perspective cues. These results suggest the generation of a conceptual size ensemble cannot be predicted by the individual item representations, which points to an emergent calculus that depends on judgments at the group level.Publication Network synchronization across the longitudinal axis of the developing rat hippocampus(Memphis, Tenn. : Rhodes College, 2018-04-27) Siddiq, Bilal S.; DaRosa, Andrew M.; Evans, Madeline C.; Gaudio, Elizabeth C.; Mysiewicz, Steven C.; Renna, Catelyn M. (Catie); Shamambo, Maleelo (Lelo); Velrajan, Srilakshmi (Sri); Van Vliet, Trevor; Yu, Shuliang (Mogy); Dougherty, Kelly A.Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Researching epilepsy requires animal models, as the brain manipulation required to understand epileptogenic activity is not possible in humans. Extracellular recordings measure network level activation in slice models of epilepsy. A magnesium-free solution is often used in slice physiology to increase excitation, through enhanced glutamate receptor activity. Magnesium blocks the activation of glutamate receptors via binding near the pore region. Magnesium also lowers calcium’s ability to initiate presynaptic neurotransmitter release. We aim to elucidate the mechanisms of a dorsal neuro-protective system, which reduces the excitability of dorsal hippocampal tissue with age. While the mechanisms underlying the magnesium-free model are well established, the effects of this model across the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus and throughout development have not been clearly characterized. We studied the effects of the magnesium-free model through extracellular field recordings of CA1 pyramidal neurons from dorsal and ventral hippocampal slices throughout development, and found young, dorsal hippocampal tissue to be the most excitable. Additionally, our data suggests the effect of no magnesium is minimal in ventral slices. These data support the theory of the dorsal protection system being critical in the reduction of excitability seen with age.Publication Defining the functional bases within centromeric promoters(Memphis, Tenn. : Rhodes College, 2018-04-27) Joshi, Arati D.; Wheeler, Bayly S.During cellular division, DNA is duplicated and partitioned such that the two new cells inherit the same genetic information. Failure to form a centromere, a complex of DNA and proteins, causes errors in DNA division and can cause developmental defects in humans. Heterochromatin, a condensed form of DNA and DNA-associated proteins, is necessary for centromere formation. Previous work has shown that RevCen, a transcribed DNA sequence present in multiple copies at the centromere, is sufficient to recruit heterochromatin and silence nearby genes. To test whether RevCen transcription is important for silencing, we engineered versions of RevCen without a promoter. We show that RevCen-mediated gene silencing is partially dependent on the presence of its promoter. Future work will confirm that the loss of gene silencing is accompanied by a loss of heterochromatin and will determine whether RevCen transcript levels decrease when the promoter is absent. To define the functional bases within the RevCen promoter, we will create a series of promoter deletion fragments and measure their ability to initiate transcription and establish heterochromatin. This work demonstrates that the RevCen promoter is important for gene silencing and will identify specific sequences within the promoter that are necessary for transcription and heterochromatin establishment.Publication Sequence variability in UL39 and UL53 genes of Herpes simplex virus 1 may contribute to neurovirulence(Memphis, Tenn. : Rhodes College, 2018-04-27) Dillas, Tina; Lindquester, Gary J.Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a neuroinvasive human pathogen that evades host immune responses and results in life-long infection. Primary infections generally occur around the mouth and lips from viral transmission though oral secretions. Following infection, HSV-1 spreads to the host nervous system and establishes latency. The virus’s ability to reactivate infection depends on the site of infection, virus strain, and host immunity. HSV-1 infection normally causes mild symptoms; however, in rare cases the virus enters the central nervous system and, if untreated, can lead to fatal encephalitis. The purpose of this study was to explore genetic variation in HSV-1 and consider how frequently differences that may contribute to central nervous system virulence occur in circulating viral strains.Twenty-two HSV strains were obtained from collaborators at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These strains vary in their neurovirulence as determined previously in mouse studies. Here, we assessed variation in the DNA sequences of two viral genes designated UL39 and UL53 (encoding ribonucleotide reductase and glycoprotein K, respectively) due to their involvement in HSV-1 neurovirulence. Sequences of these genes from the twenty-two viral strains were compared to identify variations that correlate with high or low neurovirulence.Publication Estimating the Impact of Poverty on the Development of Mental Illness(Memphis, Tenn. : Rhodes College, 2018-04-27) Peterson, Ashley A.; Oliveira, Jaqueline M.Existing studies within the field of health economics have identified a negative causal relationship between socioeconomic status and mental health and have begun to investigate underlying mechanisms for the purpose of designing more effective welfare policies. By evaluating the impact of psychoeconomic factors associated with poverty and economic hardship, I hope to add a nuanced understanding of how these factors can interact to adversely affect mental health by furthering the development or occurrence of mood disorders. Using OLS estimation techniques, my findings indicate that there is a strong correlation between conditions of impoverishment and symptomatic experiences of anxiety and depression, such that an individual who lives at or below the poverty threshold is susceptible to experiencing more pronounced symptoms of anxiety and depression than an individual who does not experience income constraints.Publication 2018 URCAS Program(Memphis, Tenn. : Rhodes College, 2018-04-27) Cafiero, Mauricio L.; Horgen, Dana; Loth, Laura J.; Oliveira, Jaqueline M.; Pike, David A.; Rasmussen, Ryan J.; Zagorchev, Andrey G.; Magee, Caroline A.; Zaravar, AliRezaPublication STAR Communities(2018-04-27) Brode, Kathryn C.; Collins, Michael D.Sustainability Tools for Assessing and Rating Communities (STAR Community) is a program that municipal communities can join. The STAR Community program gives communities tools that allow them to become more environmentally sustainable. After an initial assessment, the community is scored on a points system and given a graded level of achievement. Evaluation measures are built environment; climate and energy; economy and jobs; education, arts, and community; equity and empowerment; health and safety; natural systems; and innovation. Within each evaluation measure are subcategories that are assigned a certain number of points, some being outcome points, and some being actions points. Communities are required to reapply with STAR Communities every few years, at which time, updated data are complied. In many cases, communities that failed certain areas or measures the last time they certified can gather data proving that they have made strides in becoming more sustainable. When a report is submitted, a STAR Community employee will perform an overview of the report, making sure that each measure was executed, giving each measure a failed, passed, overridden, or partial point status. Communities can then reevaluate their report before final submission. The STAR Community program serves to encourage municipalities to become environmentally sustainable.Publication Hydrogen Production Catalyzed by a Cobalt Schiff Base Complex(2018-04-27) Hutchison, Phillips S.; Kiker, Meghan T.; Tinker, Cameron W.; Eckenhoff, William T. (Will)As the world's population increases, developing new energy sources, such as artificial photosynthetic hydrogen production, is becoming a priority. Recent studies have shown the effectiveness of cobalt complexes with polypyridine ligands acting as catalysts for light driven hydrogen production. 1,1-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(2-(2-pyridinyl)ethyl)ethanimine is a promising ligand because of its electronic similarity to ligands previously used for cobalt catalyzed hydrogen production. Ligands were synthesized following procedures in available literature and subsequently complexed to cobalt using a Co(BF4)3 salt. Recent work has focused on further purification of the ligand to eliminate impurities in the complex. Electrochemical analysis shows redox waves at -0.725V and -2.147V vs Fc/Fc+. In the presence of acetic acid, a catalytic wave, indicative of hydrogen formation, was observed at -2.147 V vs Fc/Fc+. These results suggest that this complex might be suitable in light driven artificial photosiynthetic systems.Publication Do Insurance Premium Surcharges for Tobacco Use Encourage Smoking Cessation?(2018-04-27) Allen, Christian K.; Kaplan, Cameron; Kaplan, Erin K.As of 2014, the Affordable Care Act allows marketplace plans to impose a surcharge of up to 50% on tobacco users' insurance premiums. The surcharge is intended to account for tobacco users� excess health care costs and encourage smoking cessation. Using data from the 2011 and 2015 Current Population Survey, we use rates of smoking cessation before and after implementation of the Affordable Care Act to estimate the impact of the tobacco surcharge.Publication Comparing Lichen Growth on Trees Near a Well-Traveled Road to Lichen Growth on Trees in a Park(2018-04-27) Blevins, Caroline L.; Pratt, Isaiah J.; Tayade, Niharika P.; Wang, Shaun S.; Pike, David A.Publication Kang Youwei and the Modernization of China(2018-04-27) Li, Zong Fang (Neil); Lee, Seok-WonNineteenth century China was a time of turmoil. Facing both internal and external threats, Intellectuals in late nineteenth century China had their own interpretation toward the fate of China. Intellectuals were debating the most fundamental questions: what is the role of Confucianism in China' future. Western audiences in 1960s and 1970s commonly believed that Confucianism itself is an obstacle for China to modernize, since modern China eventually did not put emphasis on Confucianism and its social structures. However, Kang You wei was one of intellectuals in nineteenth century China who tried to change Qing China into a constitutional monarchy that put emphasis on Confucianism institution. This URCAS presentation tries to show Kang You wei' effort of preserving Chinese tradition and maintaining Confucian institution, by analyzing Kang's primary sources. Therefore, this president hopes to give a clearer picture to the audiences about China's struggle in modernization and major factors in its failures of preserving Confucian institutions.Publication Sorry (I'm Not Sorry)(2018-04-27) Boyd, Mattie M.; Rasmussen, Ryan J.Scrolling through social media I see models living a lavish dream life and wish it could be me but I don't have the body for that outfit, sweetheart. Rather than accept this I turned to photography as a way to insert myself into the fantasies I saw coming to life on my news feed, billboards, and print ads. There is so much that control that I have over how my body is perceived through the lens. I've spent literal years learning what angles make my face look the slimmest, how not to let my arms hang naturally so the fat isn't pushed to the front. However, now I'm employing saturated colored light, camera angles, and set materiality to allow my body to be my body without many changes. Learning to glorify what I've been born with rather than finding ways to disguise or cheat it. Appropriating the narratives of my everyday scroll into my work aims to normalize my body in those spheres. By forcing my non-normative body into these familiar and highly consumed and accepted images as the central focus, I'm asking the viewer and myself to question who is and isn't allowed to be seen.Publication Effects of sunlight on lichen growth on rough-bark trees(2018-04-27) Naseer, Lyba A.; Brookover, Zoe S.; Pellegrino, Frank M.; Haddad, StephaniePublication Granule neuron differentiation status and substrate modulate the Netrin-1 signaling response in the cerebellum(2018-04-27) Shamambo, Maleelo (Lelo); Laumonnerie, Christophe; Solecki, David; Dougherty, Kelly A.During development, granule neuron progenitors often have to migrate over long distances from their germinal zone to their final location. They navigate by integrating chemorepulsive or chemoattractive guidance cues, which sometimes come from the germinal zone through guidance molecules. However, it is unclear how neurons, upon differentiation, modulate their response to a given signal. In this study, we focus on the guidance-signaling protein Netrin-1 (Ntn1) and its role in mouse cerebellar development. Using FACS sorting to isolate the granule neurons of Atoh1-GFP transgenic mice cerebella based on their differentiation status, we ran an in vitro granule neurons display different migration behaviors in response to Ntn1 depending on their differentiation status and the surrounding substrate. We show that gradient assay to track the netrin-driven migration patterns of different stages of granule neurons based on their GFP fluorescence on two substrates: laminin and vitronectin.Publication Race-based Shifting Standards and Financial Compensation in the Workplace(2018-04-27) Watkins, Emily C.; Jones, Zaria D.; Weeks, Kelly P.; Weeks, Raymond M. (Matt)The present study examines the relationship between race and financial compensation within the workplace. Specifically, this study uses the Shifting Standards Model (SSM), which says that people are influenced by stereotypes when making judgments, as a framework to describe why raise amounts for two identical employees might differ based on race. In SSM, the influence of the stereotype is visible on an objective scale but hidden on a subjective scale. Participants are asked to think of themselves as a Human Resource Manager giving an employee a raise. Based on objective information that is given about the employee, who is either White or Black, the participant will be asked to give a raise in an objective, dollar amount. Then, the participant rates how large that raise is on a subjective scale. The SSM predicts that the Black employee will be given a smaller raise, which would then be rated as subjectively equal, or possibly better, than the higher objective raise the White employee is given. Preliminary data analysis indicates results in line with the predicted pattern, where the Black employee receives a smaller objective raise than the comparably described White employee, even as their raises are described as subjectively the same.Publication Implementing standardized patient handoff procedures for interdepartmental transports between inpatient and OR(2018-04-27) Sommerkamp, Elizabeth R. (Ellie); Burlison, Johnathan; Hoffman, James; Jaslow, Alan P.One of the most vulnerable areas patient care is during patient handoffs and transfers, and The Joint Commission reported that communication failures are the leading contributing factor in medical errors that result in severe harm. Standardizing handoff communication formats can reduce errors and patient harm. The use of one mnemonic handoff system, IPASS, has demonstrated a 30% reduction in preventable patient harm and emerged as a best practice. This quality improvement project adapted the IPASS for patient transfers between the operational room (OR) and inpatient care units. Project leaders have collaborated with OR staff to successfully revise the method in respect to the details of inpatient to OR handoffs. Sustainment of IPASS use will be enforced by OR project collaborators conducting direct observations of their peers delivering handoffs and provide immediate feedback of handoff performance. Using a validated data collection tool, staff will document observed handoff performances and these data will inform continuous improvement efforts. Development of IPASS for OR to inpatient unit handoffs is nearing completion, and data from other interdepartmental handoffs that have been using IPASS will be analyzed to visualize how IPASS data will be similar for this new setting.Publication Fantastic Beasts: A Look into Medieval Geographical Stereotypes Depicted in the Bestiary, MS Bodley 764(2018-04-27) Cynkar, Katherine W. (Katie); Barker, Hannah K.MS Bodley 764 is a British bestiary that dates from approximately 1220 to 1250. A bestiary is similar to an encyclopedia of animals of which examines the physiology, habitat, and behaviors of animals while also drawing allegorical lessons intended to guide the spiritual and moral behavior of humans through the use of text and illustration. Each animal has a spiritually symbolic interpretation attached to it of which can be good, bad or a warning against sinful behavior. Of all the animals in Bodley 764, 39 animals have locations associated with them. These locations consist of places in Africa including Ethiopia, Egypt and rivers in Egypt, places in Asia including India and Arabia, and places in Europe such as Germany and Ireland. While each individual animal has its own symbolic meaning, each area consists of a group of animals with similar moral symbolism. These symbolic interpretations follow similar didactic guidelines as the medieval map, the mappa mundi, suggesting that there is relative similarity between the animals and geography. This presentation will answer whether or not the descriptions of animals in MS Bodley 764 are similar to perceptions about people in specific geographical locations.Publication Designing for Data: 3D Video Game to Gain Knowledge of the Ancient Minoans(2018-04-27) Clark, Kathryn A. (Katie); Wang, Baobao; Clinton, Miram G.; Floyd, Darren D.This paper presents research completed as part of a Lynne and Henry Turley Memphis Center Fellowship in the Arts. We have created an online game using a 3D model of an ancient structure from the Minoan period in Greece, ca. 1450 BCE. This game is designed not only to be an educational learning tool about ancient Minoan culture, but also to collect information about how people move within the structure. This game will allow researchers to analyze data and more accurately conclude how the structure would have acted as a domestic and ritual space. This paper both presents the game itself in its final version and discusses the process of collaborating as a multidisciplinary team interested in art history and game design. It includes information on the game design planning and creation process, especially how the team has been influenced by the field of digital humanities, and explores how this game will impact art historical conclusions about the Minoans.Publication Optimizing Well-being in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Same-Sex-Attracted Mormons(2018-04-27) Huffman, Caldwell E.; Blaber, Isabelle P. (Izzy); Lefevor, Gary T. (Tyler)Little research exists on the intersection of sexuality and religiosity, especially in a Mormon context. Many conservative religions discourage same-sex identity, and prohibit same-sex sexual behavior, leading many sexual minorities in conservative religions to experience conflict. This study examines the psychosocial well-being of same-sex attracted (SSA) Mormons, using a new sample for analysis with a more diverse research team. The present study uses a subset of the data collected by Beckstead et al. 2018 from the 4 Options Survey to analyze mental health outcomes between four relationship statuses of LGB/SSA Mormons. In accordance with previous research, we propose that LGB/SSA Mormons' beliefs about religion and sexuality can significantly influence their well-being. We predict that those who report more positive sexual attitudes will also indicate better overall well-being than those who report negative sexual attitudes. Furthermore, those in affirming religious communities will demonstrate better overall well-being than those in non-affirming environments. The present study seeks to identify areas in which improvements can be made to optimize well-being among LGB/SSA members of the Mormon church. The broader topic of well-being (and how to optimize it) in this context is integral for those who counsel minority sexuality people of faith.