2007 MARCUS Conference Abstracts
Saturday October 6, 2007
ORAL SESSION ABSTRACTS
SESSION I: ROOM A
9:30
SHIRAE LESLIE: RANDOLPH COLLEGE
COAUTHORS: ALIYAH BARRETT AND DR. WILLIAM BARE, RANDOLPH COLLEGE
MODIFICATIONS TO EXISTING METHODS OF SEQUENTIAL SELECTIVE EXTRACTION OF LEAD
The toxicity of lead in soil is a function of both its concentration and the way in which lead ions associate with soil particles. Bioavailability and Tessier extraction procedures were used to analyze the concentration and speciation of lead in various soil samples. The Tessier extraction measures leads speciation and concentration, while the bioavailabilty extraction measures the amount of lead that humans would absorb through the gastrointestinal tract. The experiments reported here show that free phosphate ions in soil can perturb the lead speciation and toxicity measurement resulting in significant errors. Initial experimentation directed toward correcting these errors has been promising.
9:45
ASHLEY FIGUEIREDO: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
COAUTHORS: BRIAN H. AUGUSTINE, DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, AND WM. CHRISTOPHER HUGHES, DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS, JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
MICROSCOPY AND PHASE TRANSITION ANALYSIS OF POSS-MA
POSS-MA [poly(methacrylisobutyl POSS-co-methylmethacrylate)] is a nanocomposite polymer which exhibits properties between glass and organic thin films. Surface analysis was performed using advancing contact angle and atomic force microscopy. Thin films of POSS-MA were deposited onto thermally oxidized Si wafers and exposed to a remote 95% N2/ 5% O2 plasma. Varying weight percentages of POSS in the copolymer were used; from 0 wt% to 70 wt%. Atomic force microscopy was used to observe changes in surface chemistry in all percentages of POSS. Aggregates were observed on the surface of the 45 wt% POSS samples, with changes in appearance after plasma exposure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data confirms that there is a shift in the binding energies of O 1s and Si 2p orbitals with increased plasma exposure which is indicative of SiO2 bonding.
10:00
ALIYAH BARRETT: RANDOLPH COLLEGE
COAUTHORS: SHIRAE LESLIE AND DR. WILLIAM BARE, RANDOLPH COLLEGE
DEVELOPMENT OF A LEAD PHYTOREMEDIATION LAB ACTIVITY FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
This project focused on converting lead phytoremediation field techniques into an appropriate undergraduate lab activity. Plant health and growth were monitored while corn was grown in soil of varying lead concentrations. Following growth periods of three to four weeks, plant and soil lead concentrations were measured. The results were used to determine suitable soil contamination ranges and plant care, harvesting, and analysis methods to produce meaningful data. The procedure developed in this project will be adopted as a part of an environmental chemistry lab curriculum at Randolph College.
10:15
CRYSTAL MOORMAN: LYNCHBURG COLLEGE
COAUTHOR: JOHN ERIC GOFF
GOLDEN RATIO IN A COUPLED-OSCILLATOR PROBLEM
The golden ratio appears in a classical mechanics coupled-oscillator problem that many undergraduates may not solve. Once the symmetry is broken in a more standard problem, the golden ratio appears. Several student exercises arise from the problem considered in this paper.
10:30
ACHHUNNA MALI: HAMPDEN-SYDNEY COLLEGE
A SMALL ANNUAL MACROECONOMETRIC MODEL OF NEPAL (1975 - 2003)
I created a macroeconomic model of Nepal for the years 1975-2003. Analyzing the Cobb-Douglas model of Nepal described in Nutan Shrestha’s paper (2004) “An Analysis of Changes in Factor Resource Productivity in Nepal 1973-2000,” I examined the possibilities of a supply-side model compared to the demand-side equilibrium model proposed by the IS-LM schedule described in J. R. Hicks paper (1937) “Mr. Keynes and the ‘Classics’; A Suggested Interpretation.” Using EViews program to perform econometric regression on the simultaneous model of Nepal, I was able to execute historical simulations as well as Ex post forecast for the consumption, investment, interest rate, and GDP. I performed Ordinary Least Squares, Two-stage Least Squares, Seemingly Unrelated Regression, and Vector Autoregression to calculate the optimum method for my model.
SESSION II: ROOM B
9:30
JOHN L. HUGHES III: JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
AN UNPARALLELED FEAT: MOSBY’S RAID ON FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE, 1863
Without firing a shot or losing a man, the twenty-nine men of John Singleton Mosby’s partisan rangers pulled off one of the most daring accomplishments of the American Civil War. Mosby’s Rangers captured thirty-three men and fifty-eight horses, including a brigadier general caught in bed asleep, at Fairfax Court House on March 8, 1863. The success of the raid helped influence the Confederates to use widespread partisan warfare. Mosby also benefited from the raid, regaining a position in the Confederate Army and eventually obtaining the military rank of colonel while gaining the public status of a legend.
9:45
ANDREW BREER: VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE
FEEDING THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST: THE PRODUCTION OF FRENCH 75-MM SHELLS IN THE GREAT WAR
The production of artillery shells for the French 75-mm in the Great War was a monumental task. Requirements forced France’s industry to mobilize for war-time production. It also forced women into the factories to keep machines operating twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. With the wholesale conversion of factories and machine shops, France was able to produce nearly twenty times as many by 1916 as compared with the beginning. Like the country that manned it, the adaptability of the 75 and France allowed for an Allied victory in the Great War.
10:00
STEPHEN POWERS: JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
THE ALLIED INTERVENTION IN THE RUSSIAN CIVIL WAR
The Allied Intervention in the Russian Civil War between 1918 and 1920 set the stage for future relations between the West and the Soviet Union. The traditional approach to Cold War history begins with George F. Kennan’s Long Telegram, sent from Moscow in 1946. While a clear turning point in the relations between the United States and the U.S.S.R., the relationship between the Western powers and the Soviet Union originated and was defined during the Allied Intervention toward the end of World War I. The actions of the leaders of capitalist countries toward the first communist government sent a clear signal to the leaders of the Soviet Union that the West would not tolerate a communist regime and was willing and determined to overthrow them.
10:15
DANIEL PRENDABLE: JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
CAUTIOUS COURAGE: PRESIDENT KENNEDY'S DECISION-CAROLINE SAPPMAKING DURING THE CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS
During the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, Soviet Chairman Nikita Khrushchev and American President John F. Kennedy were in a struggle for international superiority, a struggle that would be at the apex of their legacies, and whose longevity would outlast both their lives. An examination of the issues confronting Kennedy during the crisis reveal that his decision making was crisp and cautious; he was powerful publicly yet cooperative privately with the Soviets. Although urgency would have been understandable during the crisis, patience persevered and caution conquered fear and the terrible realities of a nuclear war. President Kennedy's decisions were cautiously confident and courageous in order to peacefully manage and resolve the crisis without appearing weak to Americans and the global community.
10:30
CAROLINE SAPP: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
SEEING DOUBLE IN THE DESERT: AN ANALYSIS OF THE DHOFARI INSURGENCY IN OMAN
Unlike many of its counterparts on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is a peaceful and modern state. Despite this fact, there have been few studies of the evolution of the Omani government. In my paper I study the manner in which the modern Omani state was founded and how its foundation laid the ground work for two insurgencies: a tribal insurgency and a Marxist insurgency. I analyze both the events immediately preceding the insurgencies as well as the accession of Qabus Sa’id as sultan and how his establishment of public works within the interior state of Oman proves the tribal insurgency achieved its goals. In conclusion, I discuss how my case study contributes to the current discussion of counter-insurgency in theory and practice.
SESSION III: ROOM D
9:30
KATHRYN MANNING: JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
SOUTHERNERS AT HEART: THE MOTIVES OF VIRGINIA SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR
The Civil War marked an unprecedented and historically significant time in Virginia’s history, as Virginians swelled the ranks of the Confederate army to take on the Union enemy. This presentation examines the letters and diaries of Virginia Confederates and investigates the motives that led them to commit themselves to the Southern cause. The motives that will be highlighted for this presentation include fear of Northern subjugation and tyranny, commitment to the state of Virginia, and religious conviction. It is the goal of this presentation to allow soldiers to speak for themselves and share with a modern audience their reasons for taking up arms for the South.
9:45
WILLIAM POOLE: JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
THE AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY DURING RECONSTRUCTION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON MODERN RACE RELATIONS
The American Colonization Society (ACS) was formed in 1817 in order to offer African colonization as an alternative to emancipation to freed Blacks. This examination will argue that the ACS drew upon African American religious sentiments, notions of black manhood, and the racist fears of whites to defraud thousands of African Americans through exportation to Liberia and to advance white supremacy at home. Additionally this study will argue that the actions of the ACS during Reconstruction were more overt and aggressive in nature than during the antebellum era. Understanding this history is important because it sheds light on the persistent ambiguity that many Americans feel about race relations currently.
10:00
ANDREA DANIELLE KEBEDE: VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
“EVERYBODY'S PROTEST NOVEL” OR JUST BALDWIN'S
The essayistic structure of James Baldwin’s ”Everybody’s Protest Novel” works to explore his opposition on racial politics and social infrastructure through the lens of various novels that impacted the history of the United States. One such novel Baldwin scrutinizes is Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” (UTC). Baldwin sets up an antithetical view on the protest novel by expounding the black hero, Uncle Tom, Stowe creates in her novel. My proposition is that James Baldwin bases his analysis of UTC on his personal experience, instead of relying on the historical moment in which Stowe’s text was written. I argue that in spite of the perturbations set off in the black culture, one must consider Stowe’s authorial intention. The purpose of writing this paper is to deconstruct their arguments and look at the plausibility of their cases.
10:15
BRITTANY PATTERSON: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
WOODEN GOLD: THE CONSTRUCTION OF VALUE IN THE WEST AFRICAN ART MARKET
The presentation will document the idea of value placed on objects in the West African Art market. It will explore the value of African art based on its authenticity in the market as well as the social ideas behind what makes a piece truly "authentic." Research will be based in anthropological theories on the value of commodities as well as the Western perception of primitivism in relation to ideas of authenticity.
SESSION IV: ROOM C
9:30
LEA N. LUPKIN: ROANOKE COLLEGE
COAUTHOR: GREGORY L. WEISS
MEASURING INFLUENCES ON COLLEGE STUDENTS' ATTITUDES ABOUT END-OF-LIFE DECISION-MAKING
This quantitative study analyzes factors related to attitudes about passive euthanasia, physician-assisted death, and active euthanasia among a group of first-year undergraduate students. Students clearly make distinctions in the propriety of the three techniques. A review of the literature of correlates of euthanasia attitudes produced five types of factors: philosophical and religious beliefs, fears about death and dying, exposure to the issue, characteristics of home community, and personal background characteristics. These categorical types produced 19 specific variables that were related to euthanasia attitudes. The strongest relationships were exhibited for religious identification, political party affiliation, and type of community of residence. A qualitative study analyzing personal interviews of a separate sample of first-year students will build upon the investigation of this quantitative study.
9:45
CAITLIN LAVERDIERE: VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
AUTISM AWARENESS: A MULTIFACETED ISSUE
Autism is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with the world around them. Autistic individuals experience three main areas of difficulty, known as the triad of impairments: social interaction, social communication, and imagination. There are many speculations as to what causes autism, such as genetics and environmental factors. Childhood vaccines, particularly the ones containing the mercury based preservative thimerosal, are also under scrutiny because of their contested link to autism spectrum disorders. It is estimated that one out of every six children has a developmental disability. Autism is not only a medical phenomenon; it infringes on multiple aspects of an individual’s life. Heightening awareness is crucial for helping individuals with autism better acclimate into society and lead productive lives.
10:00
KASEY BRANDMAHL: RADFORD UNIVERSITY
STEREOTYPES OF WOMEN IN TODAY'S ADVERTISING: MOVING FORWARD OR RUNNING IN PLACE
As women in today’s society we would like to believe that we are evening out the playing field in the battle against sexism. However, if you look at our advertising, women’s roles and stereotypes are not much different than they were over 50 years ago. For my project, I have decided to further explore this topic by analyzing advertisements from the past and present; and the psychological effects that go along with these stereotypes. Through my research I will show that not only are some of the past stereotypes still being used in today’s advertising, but that even more are being created. I plan to report my findings in a research paper as well as a visual presentation using the advertisements as examples.
10:15
JEFFREY S. JOYCE: JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
HOW THE BATTLE FOR HETCH HETCHY AFFECTED AMERICAN ENVIRONMENTALISM
Beginning in the late nineteenth century engineers considered damming the Tuolumne River, which lays within Yosemite National Park, to provide water for the City of San Francisco. The first round was opened by the Mayor of San Francisco in 1901, and to this day there are many who demand the removal of the dam. Though the battle for preservation of the valley was lost; the fight to protect the Hetch Hetchy Valley from 1903 until 1913 achieved more for preservation, by way of awareness and organization, than could have been accomplished had the dam never been proposed.
SESSION V: ROOM B
11:00
DOREEN MCVEIGH: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
TALL MEADOW RUE ON SWEET BRIAR'S CAMPUS: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MALES AND FEMALES
I investigated the presence of plant sexual dimorphism in Thalictrum pubescens on the Sweet Briar College campus, and the influence of light intensity on flower number and height. One hundred sixty-four plants throughout the Lower Lake population were divided into four sub-locations. Flower number was dimorphic in one sublocation and light intensity and flower number were positively correlated. There was no dimorphism found in height, slight differences between locations when comparing plant height, and no relationship between light and height. Strong sexual dimorphism is present in stamen number, and sublocations differ slightly. In conclusion, there are sexually dimorphic trends at the specific location level. Moreover, the light environment potentially affects dimorphic traits, indicating the possibility of an environmental effect on dimorphism.
11:15
BRITTANY A. CHILTON: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
COAUTHORS: HOLLY E. KOPECKY, JACKIE ROQUEMORE, ROBERT B. ATKINSON
IMPORTANCE OF GRAMINOIDS TO ESTIMATES OF SUCCESS IN WETLAND REPLACEMENT
Current state and federal policies require that wetlands lost to development be replaced by restoration, creation or similar activities. Monitoring of replacement wetlands typically focuses on establishment of hydrophytic plant communities. However, newly restored or created wetlands are colonized by a floristically diverse assemblage, often including taxonomically challenging taxa such as Graminoids. In this study of 8 restored nontidal wetlands in Virginia, herbaceous species were censused within 615 randomly selected 1-m2 plots. The dominance and richness of Graminoids (Cyperaceae, Juncaceae, and Poaceae families) was quantified. An average of 19.25 ± 4.7 graminoids was identified, and no site had fewer than 13 graminoid species. Results suggest that misidentification or other errors associated with this group could lead to mischaracterization of successful wetland replacement.
11:30
ERICA MCINTYRE: RADFORD UNIVERSITY
COAUTHORS: LAURA J. CLEMENT, CHRISTINE J. SMALL
THE DISTRIBUTION OF INVASIVE PLANTS RELATIVE TO SITE CHARACTERISTICS IN SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA
Invasive species have been introduced into ecosystems in which they did not evolve, disrupting local flora and diversity. We studied invasive plants relative to land use and site conditions at Selu Conservancy in southwestern Virginia. In 22 - 10 x 10 m plots, vegetation, soil, and topographic variables were sampled. The most abundant invasives were Rosa multiflora (64% of samples), Lonicera japonica (54%), and Celastrus orbiculatus (18%). Increasing tree density, light, and mesic slope positions, and decreasing litter depth supported greater abundance of R. multiflora (r2 = 0.592; p < 0.001). These results highlight conditions that encourage invasives, thus aiding in their control.
11:45
JESSICA CAMPO: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
COAUTHOR: DR. ROBERT B. ATKINSON
SPECIES RICHNESS FOR VASCULAR FLORA OF SIX RESTORED WETLANDS IN VIRGINIA
Wetlands are often home to a large number of plant species and species richness provides a means to assess success in wetland restoration. In summer 2007, we evaluated wetland mitigation sites that were restored by The Nature Conservancy. Site ages ranged from 1 to 7 years and were 1.8 ha to 49.4 ha in size. Plots were randomly established across each site and percent cover of each individual plant species was estimated within 1-m2 plots. The number of species per plot averaged 5.9 SE ±0.64 (2.5 – 7.6) and the number of species of site averaged 60 SE ±6.0 (42 - 89). These estimates are similar to those reported elsewhere and likely represent high species richness associated with extensive colonization and low competition.
12:00
LAUREL SANDERS: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
ENERGY GAPS BETWEEN CYCLOBUTENE AND BUTADIENE FOR BOTH EXCITED AND GROUND STATES
The photochemical ring-opening of cyclobutene has been a cause of much controversy and study over the past twenty years. This is because cyclobutene does not follow the reaction path that the Woodward-Hoffmann rules predict. In this study semi-empirical methods were used via MOPAC using the four methods PM3, MINDO/3, MNDO and AM1. This study looked at the energies of cyclobutene, cis-butadiene, and trans-butadiene on the ground and in the excited states. The energy of the conical intersection of cyclobutene was also calculated using these methods. Pm3 and mindo/3 most closely matched ab initio data in the initial calculations, and an optimization using the pm3 method gave even better results. These results do not give us a perfectly efficient method, but there are many more steps to perfecting a method to make studying the ring-opening of cyclobutene faster and easier.
SESSION VI: ROOM A
11:00
ALEXANDRA DIFELICEANTONIO: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
STRESS AND SENSITIVITY: FACTORS INFLUENCING ETHANOL CONSUMPTION IN ADOLESCENT AND ADULT RATS
The ability to relate results found using animals to human situations is essential for studying and understanding alcoholism. The goals of this experiment were to explore two phenotypes that predict alcohol abuse in humans, level of stress and sensitivity to ethanol, and to determine whether these phenotypes are good predictors of ethanol consumption in both adolescent and adult rats. Sensitivity was measured as sleep time after an acute ethanol exposure. Stress was measured both physiologically, as circulating corticosterone levels, and behaviorally, as time spent in the light during the light-dark test. Results suggest that intrinsic stress levels and sensitivity as measured by sleep time are not good predictors of ethanol consumption in rats.
11:15
NATHANIEL EDWARD EVANS: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
COAUTHORS: KIMBERLY MAZZUCA, JACOB SMELAND
IS THERE EVIDENCE FOR REVERSE ENCODING SPECIFICITY EFFECT?
The current study examined the encoding specificity hypothesis as an explanation for the recognition of newspaper (believable) and tabloid (unbelievable) headlines with and without reiterative synopses. Matching synopsis conditions (i.e., synopsis present at Time 1 and Time 2) facilitated recognition for the believable headlines. However, recognition for the unbelievable headlines was facilitated by incongruent synopsis conditions (i.e., synopsis present at Time 1, but not at Time 2). Additionally, this “reverse encoding specificity” effect diminishes over time.
11:30
DAVID SHAW: VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE
MEASURING IMPLICIT AND EXPLICIT MOTIVATIONS WITH THE THEMATIC APPERCEPTION TEST (TAT) AND A SELF-REPORT QUESTIONNAIRE
The superiority of projective tests over objective tests in the measurement of meaningful, longer-term outcomes has been repeatedly demonstrated. This study investigated the concurrent and predictive validity of a commonly used projective test, the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), and an objective test, the Personality Adjective Checklist (PACL). The TAT, PACL, and a variety of performance-based tasks were administered to 30 participants. Significant positive correlations were found between TAT-measured Need for Achievement (nACH) and the PACL Personality Disorder Indicator scale, and between TAT-measured Need for Affiliation (nAFF) and the PACL Sensitive scale. There were no significant correlations between TAT-measured nPOW and any PACL scale. TAT-measured Need for Affiliation (nAFF) outperformed the PACL Sensitive scale as a predictor of performance in a task related to compliance.
11:45
LENA BETTS AND MELISSA SANZI: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
COAUTHORS: STACEY HAMMELL, JAMIE KEITHLEY, DR. NICOLE GUAJARDO
CHILDREN'S SPONTANEOUS USE OF COUNTERFACTUALS
Counterfactual reasoning, one aspect of social cognition, involves individuals’ abilities to consider events that counter reality. Though counterfactual reasoning has been well studied among adult samples, relatively little is known about children’s abilities to engage in counterfactual thinking. Previous research has indicated that children as young as 3 years of age can generate counterfactual statements when prompted (e.g. Guajardo & Turley-Ames, 2004). The purpose of the present study was to examine whether older children spontaneously generate counterfactual statements, and if outcome expectancy and/or outcome valence affect the likelihood of children generating such statements. Approximately 50 third and fifth graders participated in the present study. Findings will be discussed as they relate to previous research on counterfactual reasoning in childhood and adulthood.
12:00
ALISON CARR: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
COAUTHOR: DR. DANIEL GOTTLIEB, DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY, SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
EFFECT OF NUMBER OF TRIALS ON ACQUISITION OF CONDITIONED RESPONDING IN RATTUS NORVEGICUS
It is widely accepted that the primary determinant of acquisition of conditioned responding is the number of trials in which a conditioned (CS) and unconditioned (US) stimulus are paired. In typical experimental design, number of trials covaries with two factors known to influence learning on their own: total training time and number of training sessions. In order to isolate the influence of number of trials, four groups of rats received 1, 2, 4, or 32 trials, while total training time and number of sessions were controlled. Results obtained suggest that when a session has greater than 4 trials, total number of trials has little effect on conditioned responding. The results indicate additional trials up to 4 per session might be beneficial.
SESSION VII: ROOM D
11:00
NICKOLAS MONTGOMERY: ROANOKE COLLEGE
BODY AND SOUL: THE ANATOMY OF MARTYRS IN EARLY CHRISTIANITY
Early Christianity has often been mistaken as a Religion that has held the body and the material world in a negative light. Martyrs, the heroes of the early Christians have been a prime example of how the body was “sacrificed” for the greater reward on spiritual plane. However, this reading of Early Christianity is problematic precisely because it is incomplete. By studying closely the theological and ritual aspects of martyr sacrifice we can determine just how the early Christians saw the body in relation to the spiritual plane. It is far more than just a container, or a means to an end. Rather the body provided for the early Christian a necessary and important relationship to the world to which he or she has been called to act in.
11:15
SARA LOOP: VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
THE MISSING SHADE OF BLUE: AN EXCEPTION TO THE COPY PRINCIPLE
Despite his intentions, the missing shade of blue remains one of David Hume’s central topics of philosophical discussion to this day. As the foremost empiricist of modern philosophy, Hume remained skeptical of the existence of God and rejected the notion of innate ideas altogether. According to his controversial copy principle, there exists a distinction between one’s impressions and ideas; Hume establishes a maxim that declares all simple ideas are only derived from their corresponding impressions. The missing shade of blue is a counterexample to the copy principle that Hume identifies and promptly discounts as insignificant and not worth mentioning. My research examines the triviality of the Hume’s missing shade of blue, and whether the exception discounts the copy principle as a general maxim.
11:30
MICHELLE TILLIE SANCHEZ: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
UNCOVERING MORALITY
Everyday people must constantly make decisions concerning the way they will behave and co-exist with fellow man. Especially in a day of increased globalization, people become easily exposed to the wide array of practices that exist in the world. Sometimes, seemingly peculiar practices cause us to question the act and consider our own attitudes towards the action. People across the world have conflicting views concerning what makes an action right or wrong. This results in the need for the investigation of whether or not there is any authority from which to examine practices and praise or criticize them as being moral or immoral. Secondly, with all the moral conflicts that exist in the world, there must be some means of resolving the vast variety of moral disagreements. This presentation will address these very concerns.
11:45
AMANDA DUNFORD: RANDOLPH COLLEGE
NIETZSCHE AND THE POWER OF CRUELTY: DEBUNKING HEDONISM
Although it may be difficult to pull a clear and concise moral theory from the oftentimes contradictory and confusing writings of Friedrich Nietzsche, his writings on the will-to-power do offer an interesting challenge to popular hedonistic theories of human motivation. If Nietzsche’s will-to-power is a fundamental instinct and driving force behind human behavior, then why are most people so resistant to the notion that they themselves are driven by an urge to assert their power over others even through cruelty? Is this denial a lingering symptom of the poison of our cultural morality or is Nietzsche wrong in thinking that the will-to-power is the underlying motivation in all of our actions?
12:00
AMY PHIFER: RANDOLPH MACON COLLEGE
COMMUNAL FIELDS AND INDIVIDUAL GRAVES: THE DICHOTOMY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITY IN “THE SEVEN SAMURAI”
Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, in his 1954 film “The Seven Samurai” takes what could have been an ordinary action film and transforms it into a statement on class division and the dichotomy between the individual and the group. The visual and thematic elements of the film juxtapose the immortal, cyclic nature of the group with the mortal, temporal nature of the individual. By focusing on the characters and themes rather than the swordplay, and by setting The Seven Samurai earlier in a darker, less idyllic time, the “Warring States” period of the 16th Century, Kurosawa tweaks the standard conventions of the jidaigeki, in order to create a film that transcends genre stereotypes and asks important questions about individuals and groups and their relationship to life and death.
SESSION VIII: ROOM C
11:00
HILARY PAULI: JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
MEDICAL UNDERSTANDINGS, RESPONSES TO AND EPIDEMIOLOGY OF THE 1665 GREAT PLAGUE OF LONDON
Medical knowledge of infectious disease and treatment of plague during 17th century England increased from centuries prior due to advancements in scientific thinking but still failed in patient care. When plague struck the city of London and reached epidemic proportions in 1665, the city’s doctors and other less educated medical personnel were not able to handle the situation and reverted to the healing practices of centuries past. Public health measures taken by the government proved to be inadequate and often too late, causing a higher number of deaths. Using modern epidemiological techniques, it is possible to map the spread of the plague across the parishes of London and evaluate where it struck first and how it spread over time and throughout the city.
11:15
MORGAN F. SILVERMAN: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE
TWO PERSPECTIVES IN MEDIEVAL MUSLIM MEDICINE
Between the sixth and sixteenth centuries, two types of medicine flourished in the Muslim empire: prophetic and secular Muslim medicine. Prophetic medicine was based on the life and teachings of the prophet Mohammad. The second type of medicine was not based on the religious texts of Islam, but on the early Grecian philosophic and medical texts. Complete with textbooks, pharmacies, surgery, and hospitals, secular Muslim medicine combined science and medicine in a revolutionary way. Prophetic medicine clung on to religious fundamental ideas while Muslim medicine was a synthesis of the world’s scientific medical knowledge. While both branches took some principles from the Qur’an, Muslim medicine was truly secular.
11:30
KATHLEEN THOMAS: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
WOLGEMUT'S CIRCE AND ULYSSES: THE JOURNEY FROM GODDESS TO WITCH
In 1493, Michael Wolgemut – and possibly Albrecht Dürer – created the woodcut, Circe and Ulysses, for the densely illustrated Nuremberg Chronicle. After an overview of Homer’s original text, I address how Wolgemut’s pictorial depiction varies to make it a cautionary tale against women. To explain this reinterpretation, I explore the contemporary artistic, intellectual, and religious context in Nuremberg when this complex work of art was created.
11:45
ANNA KLEMM: JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
PULPITS, PEWS, AND PATRONAGE: THE ENGLISH PROTESTANT REFORMATION'S EFFECT ON ARCHITECTURE
The English Protestant Reformation (1535-1553) under Henry VIII and Edward VI monumentally impacted British culture. Fundamental changes in worship included a shift in the focus of the worship service from the Eucharistic transubstantiation to the sermon. The focus became a more personal, private relationship with God, nurtured through the diligent study of scripture rather than through extravagant works of art or the intercession of the saints. This paper explores the facets of that reformation which impacted architecture, which included a large-scale destruction of church ornamentation deemed ostentatious, and an internal reordering of Cathedrals to highlight the pulpit from which the sermon was preached and more sequestered, high-backed pews. Additionally, many buildings which once housed Church officials were converted to schools or the King’s supporters.
12:00
AMANDA BOWMAN: JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
HISTORICAL HOUSE TOURS: A CHANGE IN AMERICAN IDEALS
My paper is a comparative study on the interpretive tours given by three historical sites: Mount Vernon, Montpelier, and Belle Grove. The paper will explore the various types of tours each site provides, as needed, and why such tours are necessary. The paper will also address how each site’s tour caters to that particular historical site and how the public influences the design of these tours. Each historical site has its own story behind it, which will be discussed, and has evolved over time to suit the needs of historical change. The story illustrates what is important to the American people and explores a history of commemoration; how Americans have remembered certain events over time and what this tells us about our country.
SESSION IX: ROOM D
2:00
MARY DANCE: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
THE ACTOR, THE ADVOCATE, AND THEIR WORDS: A STUDY OF DRAMA AND RHETORIC IN ANCIENT ROME
For those familiar with the strange world of the Roman Republic and Empire, the realm of the dramatic is fascinating. Following its entry into Roman life, the popularity of theater soared, while the sociopolitical status of its performers remained nearly the lowest in Roman society. Despite the quite distinctive nature of drama as an art form and profession, there was a significant amount of overlap with the sphere of legal advocacy, in that both employed careful gesturing and elaborate rhetoric. Furthermore, these advocates, on occasion, spoke in the voice of historical and dramatic characters as part of their legal training and practice. Thus, this work explores the junction of these two professions, the origin and significance of such a joining, and the ways in which these disciplines truly intertwined.
2:15
CHRISTOPHER L. COLE: VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE
THE STUDY OF ORATORY AS A LEADERSHIP TRAIT
America was built on the backs of great oratorical leaders. But it seems in today’s “sound byte” world that our leaders lack such ability. In this paper, I will argue that if we are to hope for great leadership in the future, the only choice we have is to emulate the great leaders of the past and to provide training in oratory to future leaders. As my research demonstrates, a great orator is more than just an effective speaker. Great oratory is a skill developed over time through extensive study and practice. During my presentation, I will discuss the training of four exemplary American oratorical leaders and the strikingly similar traits they share and will recommend revisions to public speaking courses in American higher education.
2:30
EMMA MEADOR: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
MASKS OF MADNESS: CONTEXTUALIZING EURIPIDES' BACCHAE
Dionysus was the patron god of Greek theater. Euripides' Bacchae has the distinction of being both our latest extant tragedy, and the only one to use Dionysus as a character on the stage. Before the Bacchae, although Dionysiac themes and images are plentiful, Dionysus himself never appears on the tragic stage. The purpose of this paper is to examine the significance of Dionysus' presence in the Bacchae, in context with previous Dionysiac themes and images in tragedy. In doing so, it is hoped that some light will be shed on the nature of Dionysus and his relationship with the world of tragedy.
2:45
THOMAS BARTON: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
TO BE OR NOT TO BE: HEROIC IDENTITY AND SUICIDE IN SOPHOCLES' AJAX
Sophocles’ Ajax deals with the Homeric hero Ajax whose betrayal at the hands of fellow Greeks drives him to an anger of epic proportions. Realizing there is a conflict between his heroic identity and the changing world, Ajax is confronted with two choices: he could change, but would be sacrificing his own identity or he could commit suicide thus preserving his identity as an honorable hero. Although many scholars argue that Ajax’s suicide was neither noble nor heroic, I contend that his suicide was both. The evidence that supports my argument will be found in a speech at the heart of the play. In addition to Ajax’s speech, the themes of time and change serve as evidence that exhibit the heroism found in Ajax’s suicide.
3:00
LAURA LLOYD-BRAFF: JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
THE PEOPLE'S TEMPLE: FROM PARADISE TO PRISON
On November 18, 1978, Reverend Jim Jones, leader of the People's Temple Agriculture Project in Guyana, South America, led over nine hundred individuals in one of the largest mass suicides in history. The Jonestown tragedy immediately sparked continuous discussion amongst media reporters, political commentators, and religious leaders, as America attempted to obtain some perspective on the organization and its charismatic leader. An examination of how Jones established the seemingly utopian society at Jonestown and an analysis of events leading to the People’s Temple catastrophe will help explain this unfathomable tragedy.
POSTER SESSION ABSTRACTS
1.
PHILIP HASH AND JESSICA DOOLEY: ROANOKE COLLEGE
APPALACHIAN DIRT: A FRESH START FOR LOCAL AGRICULTURE
Recent cultural trends have begun to recognize the importance of the need of self sustainability and local agriculture. Appalachian models of traditional sustainability include seed saving, planting rituals and the Seneca three sisters garden. This poster outlines Appalachian planting techniques, initial biochar research and its possible applications to local agriculture, and an ongoing research project to establish a Grayson Co. Highlands Heritage Seed Bank. To date the project has included field interviews and collection of heritage seed lines, preliminary testing of some seed lines in biochar augmented soil and the planting of Seneca seed lines. Each of these will be discussed.
2.
ASHLEIGH HUGGARD: ROANOKE COLLEGE
STUDYING THE EFFECT OF BIOCHAR: CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SOILS
Biochar is a type of charcoal that can be used as a soil amendment because it provides moisture retention and nutrient storage while enhancing microbial communities. In support of a multidisciplinary study of biochar, nineteen different soil samples were chemically analyzed for six nutrients: calcium, magnesium, potassium, nitrate, ammonia and phosphorus. Calcium, magnesium and potassium were analyzed using atomic spectroscopy while phosphorus was analyzed by a colorimetric method. Ammonia and nitrate were measured by two different ion selective electrodes. Concentrations of most nutrients were found to be below normal but calcium concentrations were in the normal range. Results supported the observed plant growth results and other known properties of these soils.
3.
BEN NIKKEL: ROANOKE COLLEGE
COAUTHORS: NICK KILEY, ASHLEIGH HUGGARD
APPLICATION OF CHAR-ENRICHED SOIL TO QUERCUS PRINUS SEEDLINGS
Literature on bio-char enriched soils suggests improvement in soil nutrients, particulary in poor soils. This is due to the interaction between bio-char, soil bacteria, and mycorrhizal fungi. This study addresses nutrient charging of the bio-char and initialization of char-amended soils in green house studies using oak seedlings. Nutrient-poor Southwest Virginia soils of different geology were chosen to show comparison between non-char, char, and differing mycorrhizae-amended soils. These soils were then planted with native chestnut oak (Quercus prinus). Oak seedlings exhibited nutrient limitation (i.e. chlorosis and death) in soils, particularly bio-char soils, suggesting preferential acquisition by the bio-char. Bio-char soil chemistry exhibited slightly higher nutrient content than non-char. 53% of seedlings were nutrient deficient and 30% eventually died.
4.
HERMAN W. HUDSON III: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
COAUTHOR: KRISTA C. SWEET
EVALUATION OF WETLAND RESTORATION POTENTIAL OF AN ABANDONED AGRICULTURE FIELD
Current state and federal policies lead to replacement of wetlands (mitigation) in areas that have been drained for agriculture. In this study, a 4.2 ha former ag field was evaluated for its potential as a restoration site. Plant community dominance was evaluated in 15 randomly positioned plots, each containing three 1-m2 subplots. Hydrophytic status of each plot was established using criteria set forth in the federal manual for delineating wetlands. There were 45 species present at the site including hydrophytic and nonhydrophytic species. Only 5 of the 15 plots exhibited hydrophytic vegetation. Minimal activities would be required for the site to support a mosaic of wetland and nonwetland communities, similar to the mosaic present in an adjacent, mature forest.
5.
STEPHANIE HURLEY: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
COAUTHOR: DR. ROBERT B. ATKINSON
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROXIMITY TO PROPAGULE SOURCES IN RESTORATION OF FORESTED WETLANDS
Nontidal forested wetlands are the most commonly impacted wetland type in Virginia. Reestablishment of woody vegetation is a common monitoring requirement and establishment is difficult in some sites. In this study, planted and colonized species of trees and shrubs were quantified in 140 ten-m radius plots at 5 restored forested wetlands in Virginia. The distance of each plot to the nearest seed source (forest) was quantified using GIS and compared to woody plant density using linear regression. The average percent of each site that complied with woody species density (1 stem per 10-m2) was 73.8%. Regressions detected a significant and negative effect of distance from a seed source and woody plant stem density for 2 of the 5 sites. Planting strategies should reflect the likelihood of colonization for those sites, or portions of sites, that are near seed sources.
6.
NICHOLAS KUCHENBUCH: ROANOKE COLLEGE
USING SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY TO MEASURE MINERAL SURFACE RESPONSE TO CHEMICAL CHALLENGE
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy was used to monitor deposition of calcium carbonate on a self assembling monolayer (SAM) of thiol that is grown on a gold surface. Once the mineral layer was deposited it was then challenged using an acid solution. Several variables were explored to enhance the deposition of calcium carbonate. Variables included changing concentrations, adding magnesium ions, and changing the thiol used. Several experimental difficulties were encountered and possible solutions will be discussed.
7.
KEEGAN HINES: WASHINGTON & LEE UNIVERSITY
COAUTHOR: PATRICK TURNER, JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
REAL- TIME AND IN-SITU ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE AS A TOOL TO STUDY THE ENZYMATIC BIODEGRADATION OF MICRO-FABRICATED POLYMER THIN FILMS
In-situ and real-time atomic force microscopy (AFM) of the enzymatic biodegradation of microfabricated thin films of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) has been demonstrated. Patterned structures were created using micro-contact printing followed by selective dewetting of the polymer from solution through the use of dynamic dip coating techniques. Polymer solution concentration and immersion rates were optimized in order to achieve consistent film thicknesses. Patterned polymer depositions maintain a (semi-crystalline, spherulitic) microstructure and were used to study a purified Streptomyces species of PHA depolymerase with the use of fluid imaging capability of the AFM. Real time AFM analysis exhibits a resistance to biodegradation which may be a direct consequence of the polymer morphology that is created when dip coating deposition is used. This is in contrast to prior studies of spun-cast films which readily biodegrade.
8.
ALEXANDER S. MOORE: ROANOKE COLLEGE
MÖSSBAUER CHARACTERIZATION OF ULTRAFINE-PARTICLE SOIL CORROSION PRODUCTS ON BURIED STEEL PIPELINES
Corrosion products on water and natural gas pipes were identified and characterized using the Mössbauer Effect and X-ray Diffraction. Iron compound characterization was performed using Transmission Mössbauer Spectroscopy at 295 K, 45 K, 36 K, 30 K, and 15 K. Compounds that were frequently encountered in these samples included ferrihydrite, siderite, goethite, lepidocrocite, and magnetite. Finally, a corrosion mechanism was proposed for the two sample pipes that were studied, based on the obtained spectroscopic results and an understanding of the physics behind corrosion behaviors.
9.
DANIELLE SHILEY: ROANOKE COLLEGE
APPLYING CALCULUS TO THE AIDS EPIDEMIC IN CUBA
This project seeks to employ a differential equations model that best represents real data on AIDS in Cuba from 1986-2000. Based on work by previous researchers, this model categorizes people as being healthy but susceptible to HIV+ and AIDS, people who have contracted HIV+ (and could later develop AIDS), and people suffering from AIDS. The equations describe how susceptible and HIV+ people move into each category of AIDS based on their contact with the rest of the population. Parameters representing birth and death rates, the rate at which HIV+ is transferred, the rate at which AIDS is developed and the death rate due to AIDS are estimated based on data collected in Cuba from 1986 to 2000. Stability of solutions is also analyzed.
10.
STEPHEN D. SHORT: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
COAUTHORS: DEL CASTILLO, T. M., YOUNG, B. J., & ARTHURS, K. N.
FATE OR CHOICE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH HAPPINESS: ARE CONFOUNDS A FACTOR?
Past research on locus of control (LOC) has examined its relation to numerous personality factors, including emotional stability, sociability and excitability (Bledsoe & Baber, 1978). In the present study, the relation between LOC and happiness, as measured by optimism and subjective well-being (SWB), were examined among a sample of undergraduate college students (n = 61). Both SWB and optimism were positively correlated with LOC as hypothesized. However, when race, sex, and social desirability were taken into account, the relation between LOC and SWB was shown to be statistically insignificant while the relation between LOC and optimism remained statistically significant. The findings imply that demographic variables and social desirability should be taken into account when examining the relation between LOC and other positive personality traits.
11.
KIRA NICOLE ARTHURS: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
COAUTHORS: BRIANNA J. YOUNG, THERESE M. DEL CASTILLO, GREG L. MCCRACKEN, STEPHEN D. SHORT
EMOTIONAL DISTINCTIONS OF A RIGHT-WING AUTHORITARIAN: WHEN IS IT TOO MUCH?
Right-Wing Authoritarian (RWA) theory suggests that people with authoritarian attitudes have a heightened level of paranoia when dealing with issues of self-preservation, mastery, sexuality, and aggression (Crouse and Stalker, 2007). Although RWAs are characterized by their attitudes and reactions to social issues, their general vicarious emotional qualities have not been empirically explored. The current study examined 64 college students and found that RWA was positively correlated with trait personal distress (r =.30, p<.05), but not with trait sympathy (r =.03, p>.05). The findings imply that RWAs are no more or less sympathetic than others, but are unlikely to be involved with others when situations cause personal distress. Further research should look at RWA and its relation to other emotional traits.
12.
JEN RUTTER: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
FAMILY COMMITMENT AND INTEREST AS INFLUENCED BY GERGEN'S IDEA OF MULTIPHRENIA: A THEORETICAL APPROACH
This paper examines Kenneth Gergen’s idea of multiphrenia as important to a person’s relative social identity of family. Critics often complain that “family values” have declined in America because of a reduction in morality or marital commitment. This paper approaches family research from a social psychological self orientation. Specifically, family commitment and interest may depend on social technologies and social demands that act to disperse a person’s self and social identity across a wider range of social commitments. The results of such dispersion appear to match the concept of multiphrenia. The paper concludes with a theoretical model attempting to explain the individual difference influencing family commitment and interest.
13.
TANÉE MASON: ROANOKE COLLEGE
COAUTHOR: BRENDA ENGEBRETSON, ED.S.
INCREASING VOCALIZATIONS IN A CHILD WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM
Selective mutism is characterized by the lack of speech in some situations while in other situations speech remains unaffected. One hypothesis regarding the etiology of selective mutism suggests that it is the result of increased anxiety while another hypothesis suggests that it may be the result of oppositional behavior. The purpose of this study was to increase vocalization in Eliza. The procedure consisted of Eliza playing games with her family, the investigator, and novel individuals. The results showed that during post treatment Eliza had a higher vocalization rate with novel individuals than all other conditions tested. Eliza’s response to treatment suggests the presence of oppositional behavior though explanations are possible. Additional research is needed to examine how oppositional behavioral may play a role in selective mutism.
14.
JACOB MIDKIFF: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
DOES REJECTION ELICIT AGGRESSION? A META-ANALYTIC REVIEW
A review of the research regarding peer, familial, and/or intimate rejection suggests subsequent developments of aggressive propensities. The present meta-analysis examined 3 studies(N = 201) in which a rejection status accurately predicted aggressive behavior (d = 1.41) in male and female third- to eighth-grade students. Rejection and aggression were evaluated using peer-, teacher-, or parent-report nominations of liked most or liked least, and a single start fights item, respectively. Proportion scores for aggression and rejection were calculated by dividing a participant’s number of nominations by the total number of students responding. Students with rejected statuses were identified as aggressive with greater frequency than those considered to be popular. Other research is reviewed suggesting rejection’s consistent ability to predict later conduct disorders.
15.
DANIEL R. BERRY: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND ADAPTIVE REASONS FOR WHY WE RUN: AN OUTDATED HUMAN BEHAVIOR
The present study examined human running behavior as an adaptation to early hominid life on the African Veldt. This paper summarized the evolution of the human pelvis and bipedal locomotion as physiological manifestations of the behavioral adaptations to early hominid life, such as the importance of running in hunting behavior. Also, the paper reviews psychological phenomena in running, such as runners high, and their physiological bases. In addition, running behavior was analyzed from a Human Agency approach. For instance, humans are not only products of their environment; they are producers of their environment (Bandura, 2006). The paper concludes with questions concerning the future of human running behavior – that is: Is running necessary if humans do not track and kill prey anymore?
16.
KRISTINA M. OWENS: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
DIFFERENCES IN BODY IMAGE IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND CAUCASIAN-AMERICAN WOMEN: A META-ANALYSIS
Two different ethnicities, African-American and Caucasian-American women, were studied in a meta-analysis to determine if the ethnicities influence differences in body image between women. Published literature was collected to use means and standard deviations to calculate a Cohen’s Weighted d. The Cohen’s Weighted d of the three studies was d = .28. The d indicates a small effect for ethnicity; specifically African-American women have a better body image than Caucasian-American women. These results may contribute to the social issues of attractiveness and obesity confronting public health researchers.
17.
JOSHUA A. SCHURMAN AND DIANA N. SCHOOF: VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
SOCIO-ETHICAL DISSONANCE: A PRELIMINARY STUDY
Criminal activity is activity that society considers as such. In other words, crime is defined as an action that is deemed a threat to society rather than to any particular individual. Crime is thus the result of dissonance between an individual’s and society’s decision-making processes. In measuring individuals’ thought processes, we employ the different views of normative ethics theories. We are currently conducting a preliminary study that seeks to accurately measure college students’ ethical decision-making processes and their relationship to criminal activity. The primary purpose of this study is to determine a useful scale by which we can determine ethical viewpoints. Rather than a continuum, we will employ separate scales for each viewpoint, since it is misleading to portray these theories in a linear fashion.
18.
BRITTANY DEANE AND BRIANA DEANE: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON OF IDENTICAL TWINS THROUGHOUT HISTORY
We have written a historical fiction novel revolving around the global phenomenon of identical twins. We focus on the Yoruba, a people scattered throughout Western Africa (known for their 'twin rituals'), Dr. Mengele's twin experiments in Nazi Poland, and the Salem Witch trials. In our novel, Dandelions in the Wind, we also include a set of modern identical twin girls' experiences.
19.
MELANIE SANDOVAL: MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BIRTH-ORDER AND EXTRAVERSION
The present study investigated the extraversion levels of first-born and non-first born individuals on a college campus. It was hypothesized that first-borns would have lower levels of extraversion in comparison to non-first-borns. 15 first-borns and 16 non-first-borns were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding family composition and to rate their level of extraversion. First-borns and non-first-borns did not differ significantly in their level of extraversion. Future research–with increased power–should be conducted to determine the nature of the relationship between birth-order and extraversion.
20.
STEPHEN KNOLL: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
COAUTHORS: EVELYN HEINEMEIER AND CHELSEA REID
THE RELATION OF SOCIAL SHARING AND MOOD
A questionnaire was used to assess the relation of telling pleasant and unpleasant stories to mood. Specifically, the questionnaire examined pleasant and unpleasant face-to-face, internet, and phone communication of stories and mood. In addition, the diversity of audience members was assessed. The results indicated that telling many pleasant stories is positively related to mood. Additionally, telling pleasant stories face-to-face is positively related to mood. The proportion of pleasant stories told was the only predictor for unique variance of mood.
21.
LAUREN MUTISPAUGH: ROANOKE COLLEGE
COAUTHORS: CHRIS BUCHHOLZ, JULIE RECHER, MITCH BEAVERS
MUSIC PREFERENCE AND PERSONALITY: AN EXAMINATION OF HOW SIMPLE OR COMPLEX MUSIC RELATES TO PERSONALITY
Popular songs tend to have simplistic melodic structures, rhythms, and lyrics as well as repetitive lines, making them easy to follow and predict. These songs are also easy for people to synchronize to and coordinate behaviors with, for example foot tapping and humming. When we are younger we tend to prefer simple, repetitive songs; however, as we grow older our music preference tends to become more complex—to hold our attention and interest. The levels of preference for complexity vary from individual to individual, but there are several factors that may help us predict these variations. Through our research, our results indicated that complex music preference was positively correlated with openness to experience, need for cognition, and working memory span.
22.
KATHRYN LUKHART: MARY BALDWIN COLLEGE
COAUTHOR: KARL ZACHARY, PH. D.
CHARGE TRANSFER INTERACTIONS IN COMPLEXES FORMED BY CARBON60 FULLERENE AND DERIVATIVES OF CALIX[4]ARENE
This project investigates the interaction between C60 (fullerene) and derivatives of calix[4]arene. C60 was complexed with 25, 26, 27, 28-tetrabenzyloxycalix[4]arene (preferentially found in the cone conformation) and 25, 26, 27, 28-tetraacetoxycalix[4]arene (preferentially found in the 1,3 alternate conformation). Evidence of charge transfer was observed in the UV-Vis spectrum of both complexes.
23.
JANA D. PFOUTZ: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
COAUTHORS: MARK WEHUNT AND QIBING ZHOU, VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
SYNTHESIS OF B-4 AND B-5 ANALOGUES OF DHPS AS POTENTIAL ANTI-THROMBIN AGENT DEVELOPMENT
Heparin binds with Anti-thrombin III (AT-III) to form a complex that changes the structural conformation of AT-III, ultimately preventing coagulation. Heparin has many side effects on anticoagulants which prevents thrombosis that forms blood clots. Dehydrogenated polymers (DHPs) inhibit thrombin in a manner that suggests non-heparin structures for anticoagulant drug design. In this research project, we plan to make small organic molecules similar to DHPs that will do the same thing as heparin.
24.
JESSICA ECHOLS: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
A COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY STUDY OF EUMELANIN MONOMERS
My research involves the further study of the products, mechanisms, and dynamics of photoreactions involving eumelanin. This will allow for a more complete understanding of the composition, structure, and aggregation behavior of this important biopolymer that is the predominant provider of pigment in humans. I will use computational tools to perform quantum dynamics calculations for the indolic monomers that are believed to be the building blocks of eumelanin. These monomers are 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA), and 5,6 dihydroxyindole (DHI) and several of their oxidized forms. In addition, computational methods can be used to generate excitation spectra to compare with experimental data. I hope to use this data to better understand eumelanin and its chemical behaviors upon being excited by a photon of light.
25.
ABIGAIL TURNER: MARY BALDWIN COLLEGE
COAUTHOR: DR. KARL ZACHARY
SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF HOST-GUEST INTERACTIONS OF CUCURBIT[7]URIL WITH ORGANIC DYES
UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to determine the binding constants (K) at various temperatures, for CB7 complexes with Methyl Viologen (MV2+) and Acridine Orange (AO) in aqueous solution. The value of K was determined from the Benesi-Hildebrand plot, where -1/?A is plotted against 1/[CB7]. We estimated that K11 for CB7:MV2+ is equal to 2 X 104 M-1 at 27.5 °C. It is interesting to note that while complexation with CB7 did not change the color of Methyl Viologen in water, the color of Acridine Orange in water did change upon complexation. The color changed from yellow to green with increasing [CB7]. This blue shift was also observed in the UV-Vis spectra of CB7:AO solutions, where λmax shifts to shorter wavelengths as [CB7] increases.
26.
ALYA H. ELSAYED-ALI: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
COAUTHORS: HANI ELSAID-ALI AND DR. TAREK ABDEL-FATTAH
EFFECT OF INITIAL SOIL PH ON COPPER ION TRANSPORT IN AN ELECTROKINETIC CELL
Electrokinetic remediation is a method of decontaminating soil containing heavy metals by passing a direct current through the soil. This induces the movement of positively charged ions to the cathode where they can be reclaimed. An experiment was conducted to test the effect of the initial pH of sand in an electrokinetic cell on the amount of copper that can be extracted from different regions of the cell. The sand was contaminated with copper (II) chloride. The pH was lowered using diluted HCl. Changing pH affects the concentration of ions such as hydrogen and hydroxide. Results showed that there is an optimum pH ~ 2.6 above which hydroxide causes the precipitation of copper and below which hydrogen decreases electro-osmosis, factors that decrease the effective transport of copper to the cathode region.
27.
MOHAMED H. ABOULATTA AND YOSRA H. ABOULATTA: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
COAUTHOR: DR. TAREK ABDEL-FATTAH
STUDY OF ADSORBENT MATERIALS FOR HEAVY METALS REMOVAL FROM AQUEOUS MEDIA
The objective of this study is to examine the adsorption capabilities of low-cost adsorbents to remove several heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel, zinc and copper from natural water. Batch adsorption studies were conducted on activated silica and surface modified silica. The data showed that all adsorbents have affinity for mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel, zinc and copper removal from drinking water.
28.
AMANDA WISZ: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
COAUTHOR: DR. TERRIE RIFE, JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NOVEL 5’ SPLICE VARIANTS OF NEURONAL NITRIC-OXIDE SYNTHASE MRNA FROM RAT PC12 CELLS
The enzyme neuronal nitric-oxide synthase (NOS1) produces nitric-oxide, a gas involved in cell signaling. Extremes in NO levels in neural tissue have been connected to stroke, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson’s Disease. NOS1’s unique 5’-untranslated region contains three exons; 5’1a, 5’ab, and 51’c. Each of these is usually spliced to a common exon 2, where translation begins. PCR amplification of this region revealed an exon present between exon 2 and the 5-untranslated exon. Our lab focused on re-isolating this exon from mRNA harvested from rat PC12 cells. Sequencing results suggest that there are more variations of the 5’1b-exon 2 region in rat mRNA than previously thought. Understanding these variants and their effects on translation in the rat model may lead to a better understanding of human NOS1. This work was funded by the National Science Foundation.
29.
JEANNA M. KIDWELL: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
COAUTHORS: ADAM LUNDQUIST, DR. LISA S. WEBB, DR. BRYNN H. VOY
AGT1 PROMOTER SEQUENCE ANALYSIS IN THE COLLABORATIVE CROSS PARENTAL MOUSE STRAINS
The Collaborative Cross (CC) is a unique mouse genetic reference population being generated at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory using eight parental genomes that will produce phenotypic diversity on par with the human population. We are using the CC population to study the association between adipose tissue production of Angiotensinogen (Agt) on obesity and type 2 diabetes. We sequenced the Agt1 promoter region in the 8 CC parental strains in an attempt to identify regulatory polymorphisms that cause variation in expression levels. Sequence analysis indicates several single nucleotide polymorphisms between the strains as well as a three base pair deletion present in three strains and not present in the other five strains. Future experiments will be directed towards determining the impact of these polymorphisms.
30.
ALEX HOUSER: VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE
EFFECTS OF ESTROGEN ON THE NEUROMUSCULAR SYSTEM IN THE EMBRYONIC ZEBRAFISH (DANIO RERIO)
Estrogen is important in maintaining axonal growth, synapse formation, and neurotransmitter release. When estrogen is removed from the fish system by using an aromatase inhibitor (AI), the organism no longer exhibits normal sensory-motor (S-M) functions. When estrogen replacement therapies are used on AI treated fish, there is a considerable amount of S-M function recovery, especially when measuring tactile responses. It can therefore be hypothesized that estrogen plays a vital role in the formation and maintenance of neuronal synapses. Through the use of immunohistochemistry and the antibodies against the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), which target the synaptic vesicles that transport the neurotransmitters, our preliminary data demonstrates that AI treatment denervates the zebrafish trunk skeletal muscles which helps to explain the “listless” condition.
31.
OTTIE E. ALLGOOD JR: VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE
EFFECTS OF ESTROGEN ON CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE IN THE ZEBRAFISH (DANIO RERIO)
Estrogen has been shown to play a prominent role in the health of the cardiovascular system. We have developed an embryonic zebrafish model called “listless” which results from the inhibition of estrogen synthesis by treatment with an aromatase inhibitor (AI). The “listless” fish eventually die from cardiac arrest and tamponade. We have developed the hypothesis that treatment of the “listless” fish with estrogen through replacement therapy will protect the fish from premature death. Indeed, our data demonstate that estrogen replacement therapy protects the heart under these conditions and that approximately 90% of fish survive for 5 days compared to those that are untreated, all of which are dead by the same time period. These results confirm the important role played by estrogen in the health of the cardiovascular system.
32.
ANNE MAURER: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
DOMINANCE AND RISK SENSITIVITY IN MALE SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH (BETTA SPLENDENS)
The relation of social dominance to risk sensitivity is a relatively unexplored area in animal research. The present study examined the relation of dominance to risk-sensitive food-foraging behaviors in male Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens). In the first phase, six experimentally-naïve fish are paired in Pavlovian conditioning trials involving visual exposure of the subject fish to his conspecific for 3 minutes. In the second phase, subjects had the choice of a constant reward of one food pellet (1:1) or a risky reward of there foot pellets given every third choice (3:0 or 3:3). The fish failed to discriminate between the two options. Future research needs to address the salience of the discriminative stimulus in order to better explore the relation between social status & risk sensitivity.
33.
STEPHANIE NANCE: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
COAUTHOR: DAVID BALL
YEAST CELL SYNCHRONIZATION
The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been extensively used as a model system for the study of the eukaryotic cell cycle. The development of a stochastic model of the cell cycle is necessary to better understand how noise in gene expression affects cell growth and proliferation. Cell-cycle regulating proteins, of which there are only 10-100 copies in each cell, must be experimentally determined to aid in the development, and verification of this model. Therefore, it is beneficial to synchronize the cells to observe more cells in each stage of the cell cycle simultaneously. Here, two methods for synchronization were attempted including cdc20 block and release, and centrifugation in discontinuous sucrose gradients. These methods were evaluated by flow cytometry.
34.
JEREMY ADAMS: VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE
IDENTIFICATION OF THE FUNCTION OF AN UNCHARACTERIZED GENE IN SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE
The yeast gene YDR307W has a human homologue that encodes a protein that appears to localize to the acrosome of the sperm. To elucidate YDR307W’s function, a synthetic lethal screen is underway to identify previously studied genes that interact with YDR307W, therefore providing clues to the function of this gene. A yeast strain with the appropriate genotype for the synthetic lethal screen has been constructed. This strain includes a knockout of YDR307W, mutations that allow color-based identification of mutants of interest, and a plasmid containing a PCR-amplified copy of wild- type YDR307W. To date approximately 10,000 colonies surviving UV mutagenesis have been screened for synthetic lethal interactions. Candidates will then be verified and further tested to determine the nature of the genetic interactions.
35.
LANCE LONG: VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE
MICROSATELLITE ANALYSIS OF SMALLMOUTH BASS POPULATIONS IN THE MAURY AND JAMES RIVERS
We are interested in determining whether smallmouth bass are moving between the Maury and James rivers. Current fishing regulations for the two rivers differ and may be undermining the smallmouth bass populations. Our lab is using microsatellite analysis to identify separate smallmouth bass populations in these rivers and determine whether they are ever found to move between them. Of eleven known smallmouth bass microsatellites, we have successfully amplified three. As additional microsatellite loci are successfully amplified, we will scale up the analysis using a LI-COR 4300 DNA Analyzer. If it is determined that smallmouth bass appear to regularly move between the Maury and James rivers, changes in the regulations for fishing in these two rivers may be helpful for maintaining their populations
36.
AMANDA SMOLINSKY: ROANOKE COLLEGE
COAUTHOR: CHRISTOPHER LASSITER
ANDROGEN RECEPTOR CDNA SEQUENCE AND THE EFFECTS OF THE ANTIANDROGEN VINCLOZOLIN ON ANDROGEN RECEPTOR MRNA EXPRESSION LEVELS IN EMBRYONIC ZEBRAFISH (DANIO RERIO)
Endocrine disruptor compounds (EDCs) are chemicals that cause alterations in normal hormone signaling and induce defects in developing organisms. Vinclozolin is a fungicide used on fruit and vegetable crops, and is a known antiandrogen. In this study, we cloned and sequenced the zebrafish (Danio rerio) androgen receptor (AR), demonstrated the homology between the human and zebrafish ARs, and found that AR mRNA expression increases dramatically in embryos exposed to vinclozolin (V). At 48 hours post-fertilization (hpf), V embryos increase AR mRNA 2.67 fold; at 72 hpf the increase was 4.00 fold. These findings suggest that embryos attempt to compensate for the presence of an antiandrogen by increasing the concentration of androgen receptors available to receive an androgen signal.
37.
MATTHEW BRYANT: ROANOKE COLLEGE
GILL CHAMBER HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE IS UNEQUALLY DISTRIBUTED IN THE BLUE CRAB
Blue crab (Calinectes sapidus) gills are located in a pair of branchial chambers (BC) that extend laterally along the crab’s thoracic region. Each BC has a ventilatory pump (the scaphognathite) that generates suction, pulling water through the BC. Increased ventilation accompanying underwater walking is driven by increased scaphognathite activity and decreased BC pressure. We hypothesized that hydrostatic pressure would be equivalent throughout a BC, both at rest and during exercise. We have observed, instead, that pressure is unequally distributed in the BC. During exercise, suction pressure is greater in the posterior part of the BC. We suggest that this greater suction pressure may dilate hemolymph vessels in posterior gills, resulting in unequal hemolymph distribution across a gill set.
38.
KATHRYN LAMP: CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
COAUTHORS: KIMBERLY AILSTOCK, ANNE MAURER, MOLLY MATTHEWS, DR. ANDREW VELKEY, II
LIGHT AND IMPULSIVITY IN SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH
Animals often choose between smaller and immediately available rewards and larger but delayed rewards. Impulsiveness is the result of the former choice while self-control is the result of the latter choice. The current study examined instrumental choice behavior in 22 male Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens). During the current study, 14 subjects were housed under a 12:12 h light-dark cycle, and 8 subjects were housed under a 24-h light cycle. Each subject had the choice of a smaller-sooner reward or a larger-later reward. Subjects tested in the 12:12 h condition made more self-control choices than impulsive choices, whereas subjects tested in the 24-h condition made more impulsive choices than self-control choices. Circadian rhythm may play a role in sensitivity of Betta to delays in reinforcement.
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JONATHAN CASEY BROWN: VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE
THE EFFECTS OF ESTROGEN IN THE VISUAL SYSTEM OF THE TELEOST FISH
In multiple studies, estrogen has been shown to have a profound effect on the health and protection of the central nervous system. It has been known that teleost fish are capable of active regeneration in the response to optic nerve lesion with vision returning in a matter of months. This differs from similar studies involving mammals where there is little prevention of apoptosis in the damaged visual system with no return of vision. Our hypothesis states that after optic nerve crush estrogen levels will increase in the retina, thus initiating an active regenerating system in the goldfish. Initial data indicates that there is a significant rise in estrogen levels, which possibly indicates estrogen’s potential role in the maintenance and repair of the damaged visual system.
40.
BRYAN FORD: ROANOKE COLLEGE
COAUTHOR: CHRISTOPHER LASSITER
THE EFFECT OF THE TYPICAL ANTIPSYCHOTIC RISPERIDONE ON LEVELS OF BRAIN AROMATASE (CYP19B) MRNA IN EMBRYONIC ZEBRAFISH (DANIO RERIO)
Risperidone, a commonly prescribed antipsychotic drug, increases midbrain volume in mammalian species. Despite these findings, there has been no mechanism of action shown, nor has the drug been pulled from the market since the volume increase has not yet been proven harmful. Estrogen has also been implicated in neural growth. Aromatase is the enzyme that synthesizes estrogens in all vertebrate species. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have a brain aromatase gene, cyp19b, which has a homologue in humans. In the presence of estrogen, zebrafish synthesize glial cells and rebuild damaged nerve tissue. We hypothesize a link between the Risperidone-facilitated increase in midbrain mass and estrogen production. To this end, we will use zebrafish embryos to assay levels of cyp19b mRNA in the presence of Risperidone.
41.
CATHERINE COX: SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
HOGSHEADS, “HANDS,” AND TOBACCO STICKS: AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF TOBACCO FARMING
After only four centuries, tobacco has become one of the most intensively cultivated plants in the world. The tobacco plant, Nicotiana, is an annual plant native to the tropics and grown in temperate regions. Tobacco is known as the “money crop” in North America because this plant has provided farmers with more income than any other crop in America. First introduced by John Rolfe in the 17th Century, tobacco production has increased ever since. In this poster I analyze the artifacts that are associated with this crop, including agricultural tools and architectural features. I also discuss the evolution of agricultural techniques between Colonial Times and the Depression in the 1930s.
