**Paper Abstracts, In Order of Appearance** (GO TO POSTERS)

9:15-9:30 – Wednesday, UC Ballroom

Authors:  Nikki Harvel, Melanie Miller, and Mohammed Ali*

Title: Oxidation of Hydroquinones to Quinones with Hydrated silica gel and Sodium Periodate in Non-Aqueous Media

Major: Biology

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mohammed Ali
Abstract: Quinones play important roles in organic synthesis. A large number of quinones are biologically active and they are also used as starting materials in complex organic synthesis. Quinones are generally prepared by oxidizing hydroquinones with an oxidizing reagent. A variety of oxidizing reagents have been reported in the literature for this transformation. All reported oxidation reactions employed aqueous-organic bi-phase media. Water is required since inorganic oxidizing reagents utilized in this transformation are soluble only in water. Organic reactions in aqueous media suffer from many disadvantages. Disadvantages, such as, difficulty in product isolation from aqueous media, low solubility of organic substrates in aqueous media, inefficient mixing of reagents during the reaction, laborious work-up of the reaction, greater potential for workers to come into the contact with toxic reagents during product extraction and reaction workup steps, undesired participation of water in the reaction, lower efficiency due to the loss of product, difficulty in work-up due to emulsification are common. Waste water contaminated with the spent and unrelated oxidizing reagents require treatment before releasing into the water streams. We have developed a procedure in our laboratory that allows us to carry out oxidation of various hydroquinones with hydrated silica gel and sodium periodate. This oxidation reaction can now be carried out in organic solvent that previously required water. Our procedure does not suffer from a number of disadvantages listed above. Results of our investigation will be presented at the meeting.

9:30-9:45 – Wednesday, UC Ballroom

Author:  Nick Anderson and Bridget Johnson

Title: To Study the Wavelength of a HeNe Laser using Michelson

Inteferometry

Major: Engineering Physics and Physics

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jai N. Dahiya

Abstract: To study the wavelength of the HeNe laser a Michelson interferometer, consisting of a lens, beam splitter, moveable mirror, adjustable mirror, and viewing screen is used. The interferometer is an outstanding device that splits a light beam into two parts and then recombines these beams to form an interference pattern after they have traveled over different paths. By moving the movable mirror the path length of one of the beams can be varied. Since the beam traverses the path between the movable mirror and the beam-splitter twice, moving the moveable mirror ¼ wavelength nearer the beam-splitter reduces the optical path of the beam by ½ wavelength. By doing this the interference pattern will change. In addition to this the radii of the maxima will be reduced so they now occupy the position of the former minima. By slowly moving the mirror a measured distance d, and counting N, the number of times the fringes pattern is restored to its original state, the wavelength of light can be calculated. The entire set up for this experiment is performed on a very stable laser table.

10:00-10:15 – Wednesday, UC Ballroom

Authors:  Martha A. Huck and Christian L. Barr

Title: Growth and Morphology of the Basidiomycete Fungus, Coprinus cinereus on Media of Varying Nitrogen Source

Major:   Biology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr.Walt W. Lilly

Abstract: Coprinus cinereus is common soil fungus that produces a typical mushroom. It is an important model system for understanding fungal genetics and physiology.This experiment was conducted in order to establish baseline data for initiating study of gene expression during growth of Coprinus cinereus on media of different nitrogen quality. Standard Coprinus cinereus minimal medium, containing 2 g/L L-asparagine as a nitrogen source was compared to minimal medium in which this concentration of L-aspargine was lowered. In addition, growth on two media containing complex nitrogen sources was analyzed. Colonies were established on experimental plates by transferring 0.5cm x 0.5 cm squares from the outer growing edge of stock plates. Growth rates on each medium were compared at 22 C and 37 C. We concluded that, at a given temperature there was not a significant growth rate difference or morphology difference between mycelia grown on MIN and mycelia grown on media with lesser concentrations of nitrogen. In contrast the radial growth rates of mycelia grown on the complex medium YMG were slower than on MIN. However, mycelia grown on YMG have 3 fold greater mass than those grown on MIN. These data suggest that the complex nitrogen source found in YMG serves to increase the total accumulation of biomass, while slowing radial expansion. The implication of this finding will be discussed.

10:15-10:30 – Wednesday, UC Ballroom

Authors:  Deborah E. Bychowski

Title: Ordinal Position and Reward Memory Learning Effects in Animals

Major:   Psychology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Richard Burns

Abstract:  Two experiments investigated the effects of denying response cues through placements in training and in transfer tests on position-type and memory-type responding. Experiment 1 investigated the apparent blocking effect of placements on position responding indicated by prior studies (Goforth, 2002, 2003) while separating the effects of placements in training versus transfer tests. Rats were trained on a reward/non-reward/reward (RNR) series and shifted to NNN. Half were prevented from running on randomly selected trials of each series in training only. Others were allowed to run on all training trials and shifted with placements. Days 22-26 immediately preceding transfer showed significant differences in trials, F(2, 20) = 71.83, p < .001, with slower running on Trial 2. On Transfer Days 27 and 28 the trials main effect remained significant F(2, 15) = 6.89, p < .01. Running on Trial 2 of the Transfer Test Days 27 (M = 1.27, SD = 1.10) and 28 (M = 1.45, SD = 1.25) was significantly faster than it was on the two days prior to the test, Test Days 25 (M = 2.79, SD = 1.20) and 26 (M = 3.01, SD = 1.17). Results suggest that both significantly reduce position-type responding, with no difference found between the two groups. Experiment 2 further investigated the possible blocking effect of denying response cues in training, again using a RNR series. An initial training period with random placements was followed by a training period that restored response cues (no placements). For the experimental Group 1, days 22-26 showed significant differences in trials, F(2, 10) = 22.07, p < .001, with slower running on Trial 2. Averaged for both groups, Days 42-46 showed a significant difference in trials, F(2,20) = 71.83, p < .001, with slower running on Trial 2. On subsequent transfer to NNN on Day 47 the trials main effect remained significant for both groups F(2,20) = 6.89, p < .001, again with slower running on Trial 2, indicating strong position-type responding by retaining the fast-slow-fast response patterns learned in training. No difference between the control and experimental groups was found and no difference was found between the running times on the five days immediately preceding the transfer and the running times on transfer. Results support existing strong evidence for position learning (Burns, Dunkman, & Detloff, 1999; Burns, Wiley, & Payne, 1986; Chen, Schwartz, & Terrance, 1997; D’Amato & Colombo, 1988; Roitblat, Pologe, & Scopatz, 1983) and suggest that position-type responding can overshadow memory-type responding.

10:30-10:45 – Wednesday, UC Ballroom

Authors:  Nikki Harvel

Title: An Initial Study of Mycelial Senescence in Coprinus cinereus

Major:   Biology

Faculty Sponsor: Dr.Walt Lilly

Abstract: Coprinus cinereus, an ink cap mushroom, is a model system for studying genetics and developmental biology of basidiomycetes. Little is known about the process of physiological aging in mycelia of this fungus. This experiment was done to see when vegetative mycelia start to change due to aging. This was done by inoculating 5mm2 samples of Coprinus cinereus str. 130 on the edge of minimal medium plates covered by a membrane. The colonies were grown for 10 days at 37 C. Triplicate experimental colonies were used through out. For colonies of each age between 4 and 10 days of growth, an arc of mycelium corresponding to the size of a 4 day old colony was removed from each colony. The mycelium in this arc was removed from the membrane and dried on pre-weighed foil. After the samples from all plates were dry, the foil and samples were weighed and a dry weight for the samples was found. After the weights for each day were averaged, the averages and the standard deviations were plotted. The data show that between 4 and 8 days the dry weight of mycelium in the arc increases linearly, even though the total mycelial area is the same in each sample. After 8 days of growth, there is a drop in weight. This weight drop indicates the onset of senescence in this region of the mycelium.

11:00-11:15 – Wednesday, UC Ballroom

Authors:  Tim Joiner, Brad Ashley, Nadia Georgieva, Waleed Malik, Joshua Rideout & Lucas Ward

Title: Ion-Sensitive Field-Effect Transistor (ISFET) based Real-Time Data-Collection System for Biosensor-Design

Majors:  Engineering Physics; Physics & Engineering Physics; Engineering Physics; Computer Science; Computer Science; Computer Science

Faculty Sponsors:  Dr.Bijan Pashaie, Dr. John Kraemer, Dr. David Probst, & Dr. Tony Duben

Abstract: There has been significant interest to develop small semiconductor chemical sensors that are able to measure concentrations of environmental / industrial pollutants in an accurate and consistent way. The ion sensitive field effect transistor also known as an ISFET is a good example currently of interest as a direct-biosensor. The authors have designed, developed and completed test of phase one of two phases of a data acquisition system needed to model an ISFET, read signals provided by the ISFET, program a delta-sigma analog to digital converter, transfer the data to a client laptop computer and finally set up a server to access multiple remote sites as well as store and process collected data. Phase one is the development and test of all individual components indicated above by students from Engineering-Physics and Computer Science who make up four teams enrolled in UI450 at Southeast Missouri State University during the Spring of 2004. Phase two of this project is the integration of the system components. This data acquisition system is to be used to collect data on organophosphate pollutants of ground water once an appropriate enzyme is found to modify the ISFET into a biosensor. The development and test-results of the five components of phase one of the project will be presented.

11:15-11:30 – Wednesday, UC Ballroom

Author:  Michelle Carlson

Title: Gene Expression in Coprinus cinereus in the Presence of Rapamycin

Major: Biology

Faculty Sponsor: Dr.Allen Gathman

Abstract: I am working on the project of finishing, annotating, and mapping the Coprinus cinereus genome. Specifically, I have been involved in the beginning stages of the process of isolating and sequencing cDNAs. C. cinereus is a characteristic basidiomycete that grows well in laboratory conditions. Research on C. cinereus can be applied to many commercially significant fungi. However, there are many gaps in the existing sequence for the organism. In this project, C. cinereus is being grown under assorted conditions, which will result in the expression of different genes for use in annotation. I have observed the growth of C. cinereus when treated with varying concentrations of rapamycin, an antibiotic that interferes with the TOR (target of rapamycin) signaling pathway. The effects of rapamycin on an organism generally resemble starvation responses, including blocking cell growth, inhibiting translation initiation, reducing the transcription of ribosomal protein rRNAs, and regulating phosphatates and amino acid permeases. The different mRNAs that C. cinereus transcribes while undergoing this treatment will ultimately be used in the construction of a plasmid library. I have been working to determine the concentration of rapamycin that causes discernable differences in mRNA transcription. After growing C. cinereus in various rapamycin concentrations, I extracted RNA from each sample and tested for purity. I then ran a gel electrophoresis and did a downward Northern blot of the RNA extracts. I have been probing this blot with various digoxygenin-dUTP-labeled DNA probes to determine the level of RNA transcription. Once I determine the rapamycin level at which a significant difference in mRNA transcription is produced, C. cinereus will be grown in larger quantities and mRNA purified from the total RNA will be used in making cDNAs for plasmid library.

11:30-11:45 – Wednesday, UC Ballroom

Authors:  Nicolette A. Tanksley, Chima Nzewuwah, John Holbrook*

Title: Missouri River Meander Loops: Interpretation and Possible Link to Climate Change During the Holocene

Major:   Environmental Science and Geosciences

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. John Holbrook

Abstract: Surficial deposits mapping in the Missouri River Valley near Marshall, Missouri using classic allostratographic techniques revealed a number of discoveries about the Missouri River’s Holocene history. Four contrasting meander channel morphologies were found in the first two 7.5 minute quadrangles to be mapped in this project, the Malta Bend and the Miami Station quadrangles. Distinctions between the four meander morphologies are based on channel width, channel depth, and meander radius. Point bar samples from the oldest channel morphologies dated using Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) techniques have suggested an age of 2,500 – 2,800 years before present (b.p.). These morphologies reflect changes in the Missouri River system caused be natural factors prior to human attempts to change the river’s course through channelization and include discharge variations within the Missouri’s drainage basin, local tectonic controls on valley gradient, sediment composition, and vegetation changes affecting bank stability. Due to the large expanse of area affected, local tectonic controls seem not to be the major factor in the Missouri River’s Holocene behavior. The other factors are climate controlled and probably represent the sensitivity of the Missouri River to global and local climate changes. Climate changes were abundant in the late Holocene with the Little Ice Age and Medieval Warm Period as two examples. These morphologies could also record the late Holocene droughts that have been postulated for other river systems in the Great Plains. Lately much controversy has occurred about the regulation of water flow in the Missouri River. Ongoing efforts made to satisfy the needs of both wetland habitat and commerce should take into consideration the extreme sensitivity to climate changes of this river system.

1:30-1:45 – Wednesday, UC Ballroom

Authors:  Gelanie A. Lockhart

Title: Archaeological Ethics and Repatriation

Major:   Anthropology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr.Carol Morrow

Abstract: Archaeology, a sub-discipline of Anthropology, is the study of people and their material cultural remains. These material remains can include items as ordinary as the remains of buildings to other items such as skeletal remains and grave goods. These items, particularly the skeletal remains and grave items, are objects of great debate. The skeletal remains are the remains of humans and are considered sacred by their descendants, but at the same time can provide for a wealth of information about a culture and how the people within the culture lived their lives. An ongoing debate in archaeology is how to deal with these items, and has in recent years brought the debate over repatriation into such prominence that protests often find their way into the public eye. Repatriation is the legally mandated return of skeletal remains and sacred artifacts to the properly identified, legally recognized descendants of the remains. Repatriation, however, means that those studying the skeletal remains and artifacts lose their information base, leaving archaeologists without much needed data. This paper will discuss some of the relations between Archaeologists and Native Americans, using their positions towards the issue of repatriation to help describe the different groups and their stances. The topic of repatriation is used because is one topic that often leads towards heated discussion within the discipline and quite clearly draws the lines of how the actors within and in contact with archaeology feel towards each other and what their roles should be. Once these groups are outlined, a discussion of ethics will follow. The discussion will outline each group’s reasoning and their stances on general issues and specifically the issue of repatriation. The final portion of the paper is a brief discussion of possible solutions and compromises. While this paper focuses on North American Archaeology and Native Americans, the issues discussed have worldwide applications.

1:45-2:00 – Wednesday, UC Ballroom

Author:  Tammy D. Smith

Title: Hegel: On Individuality

Major:   History

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Dalton Curtis

Abstract: This paper looks at several questions: What is an individual and what is individualism? Is the individual answerable only to himself or is he responsible for the society in which he lives? These are just a few of the many questions that Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel asked during his lifetime. Hegel lived during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, a time of flux in Europe. The French Revolution and the waves of nationalism that spread throughout Europe led to a concern for the individual and the role he would have in society. More importantly, was the question, what role would society have in the life of the individual? This essay looks at the philosophical thought of Hegel concerning these issues and develops the thesis that he saw a relationship between the individual and the role he would play in society. A person can only realize his individuality as an active member of a society, a condition that would enable him to recognize his obligation to that society and the society's obligation to him. Society would no longer be working in the best interest of the individual, but the individual working in the best interest of society.

2:00-2:15 – Wednesday, UC Ballroom

Author:  Ryan Parker

Title:   A Non-Radioactive Method for Labeling and Detecting Nucleic Acids

Major: Biology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Walt Lilly

Abstract: This study focuses on an alternative method of labeling and detecting nucleic acids that does not involve the use of radioactive isotopes. The system under investigation involves the molecule Digoxigenin, which takes the place of the radioactive isotope Phosphorus-32. This method is being studied to determine its effectiveness for genomic work on the organism Coprinus cinereus. If the Digoxigenin system is determined to be as effective as its radioactive counterpart, then it will most likely be incorporated into future genomic studies. Initial results of the study have given promising results, even though testing is still being conducted.

10:00-10:15 – Thursday, UC Ballroom

Authors:  Julie Rengel,Jennifer Arnold, Kimberleigh Foster,Mindy Hoffman

Title: Identification of Ampicillin Resistant Bacteria from Environmental Sources

Major: Biology

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. James Champine
Abstract: In order to better understand the nature of ampicillin resistance in a number of isolates from a cattle farm, they were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. Chromosomal DNA was extracted using the DNAeasy kit, and the gene PCR amplified. Amplicons were ligated into pCR2.1, and plasmid DNA was recovered from transformed E. coli. The plasmids were assayed for appropriate size inserts, 1.5 kb, by EcoRI digestion. Samples were submitted for commercial sequencing using M13R and M13F primers. Once obtained, sequences were aligned using WebGenetics(sm) software, and compared to known bacterial sequences by the Blast protocol, and submitted to GenBank (accession numbers in parentheses). To date 6 isolates have been identified: Aeromonas WC56 (AY484470), Chryseobacterium ACP12 (AY64462), Pseudomonas CPE30 (AY84469), Morganella morganii CPD30 (AY64464), Pseudomonas ACP14 (AY64463). These identities will be used to infer possible modes of ampicillin resistance in these isolates by comparison to resistance previously described in similar strains.

10:15-10:30 – Thursday, UC Ballroom

Authors:  James Heddell and Mohammed Hashmat Ali*

Title: 1,3-DIBROMO-5,5-DIMETHYLHYDANTOIN:  AN EFFICIENT REAGENT FOR OXIDATION OF SULFIDES TO SULFOXIDES IN NON-AQUEOUS MEDIA

Major: Chemistry

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ali

Abstract: We have utilized molecular bromine for oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and reported the results in the literature. However, molecular bromine is toxic and is very difficult to handle. Recently we have developed a method for oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides utilizing hydrated silica gel and dibromohydantoin. Dibromohydantoin, a free-flowing light yellow solid acts as a source for electrophilic bromonium ion that plays a key role in this oxidation reaction. Dibromohydantoin is a safer alternative to toxic molecular bromine for oxidation of sulfides previously reported by us and others. It is noteworthy that our procedure allows the use of a non-aqueous media and does not require the presence of an acid scavenger. Silica gel removes the HBr produced in the reaction and prevents acid catalyzed side reactions. Results of our investigation will be presented at this meeting.

10:30-10:45 – Thursday, UC Ballroom

Author: Jeffrey A. Myers

Title: The Effects of Fitness Level and Personality on Sexual Desire and Satisfaction

Major:   Psychology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Phil Finney

Abstract: The intent of this study was to discover what relationships, if any, exist between self-esteem, body attitude, and fitness level with sexual desire and satisfaction using methods that improve upon the deficiencies of previous studies. Fifty-nine introductory psychology students were administered the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Sexual Desire Inventory, Body Attitudes Questionnaire, and Index of Sexual Satisfaction two at a time followed by a three-minute step-test to assess the current level of their cardiorespiratory fitness. A quasi-experimental one-way ANOVA was run to assess the relationship of fitness level with sexual desire, and sexual satisfaction. No significant relationship was found. Correlational tests were run to assess the relationship of self-esteem and body attitude with sexual desire and satisfaction. Significant relationships were found. Implications and reasons for significant and non-significant results are discussed.

11:45-11:15 – Thursday, UC Ballroom

Authors:  Tim A. Wencewicz and Mohammed Ali*

Title: Development of Environmental Friendly Laboratory Procedure for Oxidation of Alcohols with Chromic Acid

Major: Chemistry and Math

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mohammed Hashmat Ali

Abstract: Oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones with chromic acid solution is a procedure extensively utilized in teaching laboratories as well as in chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The major problems associated with this procedure are; (a) chromium metals are toxic and (b) the acetone-aqueous media traditionally employed in this procedure generates a large volume of waste water contaminated with chromium metals that requires expensive treatment before discharging into our water streams. Recently we modified this old procedure by adopting solid supported reagent technology that helped eliminate a number of problems associated with the traditional method such as set up, clean up, and amount of contact with reagents. Our reported modified procedure utilized a silica gel supported chromic acid reagent developed in our research laboratory. A number of universities use our procedure in their undergraduate organic chemistry laboratories. However, our procedure employed the chlorinated solvent dichloromethane which is a known carcinogen. Chlorinated solvents are toxic and they are also known to be responsible for stratospheric ozone depletion. We are currently evaluating a number of non-chlorinated environmentally friendly solvents to replace dichloromethane originally utilized in our reported procedure. Results of our investigation in this area will be presented.

11:15-11:30 – Thursday, UC Ballroom

Authors:  Patrick Grandt & Twinkle Ivester

Title: Reflection and Transmission Holograms using a Helium-Neon Laser

Major:   Engineering Physics

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Jai N. Dahiya

Abstract: Holograms are a way of creating an image of an object by using a fine pattern that shapes a wavefront of light. This pattern is created from interference between two beams of light and is recorded photographically on a fine grain emulsion. In this experiment, the two beams of light that are used are called the reference beam, which is shined directly onto the viewing plate, and the object beam, which shines directly onto the object and scatters off of the object on to the viewing plate. There are several types of holograms, but most of these can be classified as one of two main groups: transmission, and reflection. For this experiment we used a He-Ne laser as our light source to make holograms of several small objects. We created both reflection and transmission holograms, by changing the orientation of the mirrors, object, and viewing screen. A very stable laser table was used for setting the optical components necessary for making the holograms including the He-Ne laser.

11:30-11:45 – Thursday, UC Ballroom

Author:  Heather Wissore

Title: Williams Syndrome: Patterns and Interventions

Major:   Psychology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Gail Overbey

Abstract: Williams Syndrome is a rare genetic syndrome characterized by a contradictory behavioral pattern, distinctive facial features, developmental delay, early language delay followed by a language spurt that leads to extraordinary language skills, medical conditions such as cardiac difficulties and renal problems most likely due to the abnormality of the elastin gene, and cognitive abnormalities and distortions. It is caused by a micro-deletion on the long arm of chromosome 7 which includes the elastin gene (7q11.23). Testing for the syndrome is simple and accurate but most children with Williams Syndrome do not receive the appropriate test and, therefore, are often misdiagnosed with a variety of other disorders. Williams Syndrome is a relatively newly discovered syndrome and research on the topic is limited. The paper will focus on some of the behavior abnormalities seen in children with Williams Syndrome. A variety of interventions for poor adaptability, atypical activity, and anxiety will be discussed.

1:00-1:15 – Thursday, UC Ballroom

Authors:  Bridgett Johnson and Nick Anderson

Title:   Bragg’s Diffraction Using Microwaves

Major:   Physics;  Engineering Physics

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Jai Dahiya

Abstract: A crystal is an ordered array of atoms or groups of atoms. When a system of waves is incident on a crystal, the atoms in these layers are capable of absorbing and immediately reradiating these waves. In effect, the waves reflect from these layers. Since path length will vary for rays reflected from the various layers, interference effects can occur. This experiment uses a Gunn Diode to produce microwaves and an artificial “crystal” of styrofoam and ball bearings to examine Bragg’s Diffraction, a method of determining interplanar distances in a crystal. By examining the varying intensities of the reflected beam of microwaves for different angles, we can graph the data in terms of angle vs. relative intensity. By examining the graph, we find the angle that has the highest intensity and its peak number and use this to find the distance between two parallel planes. With the macroscopic styrofoam “crystal” we can compare our experimental values of interplanar distance to known distances that we measured with a vernier caliper before the experiment. Repeating this for more than one crystal plane allows us to examine the effectiveness of this method for various angles.

1:15-1:30 – Thursday, UC Ballroom

Authors: John R. Di Stefano and John R. Castronova

Title: Assessment of the Roles of Task Complexity, Exposure Duration, and Exposure Frequency on the Mere Exposure Effect

Major: Psychology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Phil Finney

Abstract: Exposure frequency, stimulus duration, and task complexity were manipulated in a study of the mere exposure effect. Increasing frequency increased liking for stimuli and the ease at which they could be pronounced. Liking for simple stimuli increased across durations, but liking for complex stimuli peaked at moderate stimulus durations.

1:15-1:30 – Thursday, UC Ballroom

Authors:  Gwenn C. Ivester & Patrick Grandt

Title:   Experimental Determination of the Thermal Conductivity of an Aluminum Bar

Major:   Engineering Physics

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Dahiya

Abstract: The purpose of this experiment is to determine the thermal conductivity of an insulated aluminum rod and the manner in which one-dimensional steady state conduction is achieved. Thermal conductivity is the diffusion of heat from warmer to cooler areas. The method for calculating the thermal conductivity in this experiment includes use of different temperature water baths to create a temperature gradient along the aluminum rod. The amount of heat that flows through the bar is proportional to the thermal conductivity. By taking the rate of change in heat with respect to time it is possible to calculate the thermal conductivity of the rod when knowing the length, cross sectional area of the rod, and the change in temperature. A series of thermocouples distributed uniformly are connected throughout the aluminum rod. The data is taken using a Kiethley multi-meter data acquisition device and analyzed using Microsoft Excel.

**Poster Abstracts, In Order of Appearance** GO TO PAPERS

9:05-9:50-Wednesday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Author:  Jennifer Ann Layton

Title:   Big Pictures of Little Plant Parts:  Scanning Electron Microscopy of Piperaceae

Major:   Biology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Allan J. Bornstein

Abstract: Piperaceae is a family of spice plants, including common black pepper (Piper nigrum). It is commonly found in all over the world in tropical areas, including the Americas. This plant is commonly used in both food and ethnopharmacology. Dr. Allan Bornstein is studying the morphology of this family, to elucidate the species phylogeny. Many of these plants currently have multiple names, and many have incorrect classifications. In my work for a year, I processed Dr. Bornstein's collected Piperaceae samples, to view them under the scanning electron microscope. Processing involved drying the samples in ethanol, critical point drying, mounting on stubs, and sputter coating the plants. Under the microscope, I took digital photographs of the flower parts, fruits, leaves, stems, and pollen, under high magnification. Dr. Bornstein will use these highly magnified photographs to observe minute morphology to classify the plants into species in Piperaceae.

9:05-9:50-Wednesday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Authors:  Matthew A. Lingle &  Lucinda J. Swatzell*

Title: Trichomes of Cheilanthes lanosa gametop

Major:   Cellular, Molecular, Microbiology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Lucinda J. Swatzell*

Abstract: Cheilanthes lanosa gametophytes are found on arid sandstone and granite rock outcrops. The sporophyte is xerophytic and has morphological features that facilitate survival in an arid environment. However, the gametophytes are composed of a single layer cells with no observable morphological characteristics that protect them from desiccation. In a recent study, C. lanosa gametophytes produced trichome-like structures that secreted an unidentified exudate. In this study, light microscopy was used to characterize the trichome-like structures and the nature of the exudate. Results show that these structures exude a wax-based compound. Exudate quantity and basal cell size varied, but the morphology of the purported trichomes was constant and distinguishable from that of other xerophytic species. In conclusion, C. lanosa produces readily distinguishable trichome-like structures. These structures exude a waxy substance that may partially protect it from desiccati!

9:05-9:50-Wednesday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Authors:  Tiffany Brey and Kelly Birk

Title:   Synthesis of an Azo-Dye

Major:   Pre-Chiropractic; Pre-Med (Biology)

Faculty Sponsors:  Dr.Bjorn Olesen and Dr. Bruce Hathaway

Abstract: Starting with bromobenzene and p-methylbromobenzene (bromotoluene), we created a Grignard Reagent by adding Magnesium. Our Grignard Reagent was then poured over dry ice (CO2) forming a carboxilic acid. By using a modified cCurtius Reaction which converted the acid into an amine. Sodium nitrite was then added to our amines to form an dizonium salt, to which we added an alcohol to form our Azo-dye.

11:00-12:00-Wednesday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Authors:  Candice Duncan  and Doris Dorlac

Title: Type A and Type B:  Is Choice of Seating in Cafeterias Affected by Personality?

Major: Psychology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Richard Burns

Abstract: The correlation between seating in a cafeteria and personality type was investigated. The study asked 60 male and female college students attending Southeast Missouri State University to fill out a survey called Type A/ Type B Personality by Allyn & Bacon. Our hypothesis was that Type A individuals would be found in the middle and around the most people in the cafeteria. The results concluded that there was not a strong correlation between personality and where they chose to sit in the cafeterias.

11:00-12:00-Wednesday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Author:  Sarah Jane Stephens

Title: The Bully and You: A Consultation Program On Bullying for Use In Schools

Major:  School Counseling

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Julieta Monteiro-Leitner

Abstract: In recent times bullying has been brought to the attention of the nation. With school shooting and violent acts with suspected roots in bullying, bullying has been highlighted in news reports, magazines, books, television shows and any other form of media available. People are speaking out about bullying and the effects on children and adults. School personnel are recognizing the problem and looking for answers. This program was created to address the emerging needs of bullying programs in schools. The central goal of this consultation program is to provide an atmosphere were school staff can obtain the information and tactics they need to combat current bullying problems and to prevent the behavior within their school system. Additional goals of this program include: • Reducing the bully behaviors of students. • Increasing student lead intervention of bully behavior • Providing educators and administrators with support and encouragement. • Empowering educators and administrators to strive to infiltrate the school culture with a zero tolerance bullying policy. • Changing the culture of schools to not accommodate bully behavior. This program is comprised of mini-workshops that address the needs of the schools and the community. Included are sessions for school certified staff, non-certified staff, students, and community members. The intention is to apply a holistic approach to bullying prevention, education, and problem treatment.

11:00-12:00-Wednesday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Authors:  Erica St. James, Julia Tippit, and Kenndis Joy

Title: Relationship between Parental Attachment and Parenting Styles

Major: Psychology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Sebby

Abstract: A moderate length questionnaire was given to seventeen students from a small Midwestern university to test the relationship between parental attachment and parenting styles among college students. The Parental Authority Questionnaire and The Parental Attachment Questionnaire were both administered. Students who were securely attached (having high scores on all three attachment subscales) were expected to have parents that use the authoritative parenting style. Conversely, students who were insecurely attached (having high scores on one or two of the attachment subscales, but not all three) were expected to have parents that used the authoritarian or permissive parenting style. As hypothesized significant positive correlations were found between the securely attached and authoritative parenting. With respect to authoritarian and permissive parenting only one significant correlation was found (viz., between authoritarian parenting scores and parents as facilitators of independence scores). Interestingly, this correlation was negative as would be expected when considering the expected relationship between authoritarian parenting and the subscales of attachment measured in this study. The fact that all three attachment subscales were positively correlated with authoritative parenting supports our original hypothesis.

11:00-12:00-Wednesday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Authors:  Nicole C. Vassallo & Ryan Brown

Title: Parents' Influence on Their Children's Smoking

Major:   Psychology; Criminal Justice

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Zlokovich

Abstract: The study that we performed was on the smoking habits of college students based on their parent’s smoking habits. There were 18 university students surveyed at the university. Out of the 18 students over half, 67%, do not smoke and chose not to because their parents did not smoke, or because there was a family history of smoking related illnesses. We also looked at the different parenting styles of the parents and found that most of the students had parents that used an authoritative style of parenting. We believe that if the parents are more involved with their child then the child would not smoke, the more lenient types of parents do not show that they care as much about their child or their child’s habits. The study also showed that children of parents who smoke tend to not smoke because their parents disapprove of smoking. Many parents who smoked did not want their children to follow in their footsteps and smoke.

11:00-12:00-Wednesday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Authors:  Brandon L. Anderson & Ricky Ogles

Title:   Preparation of Hexaphenylbenzene Using the Williamson Series

Major: Pre-Pharmacy; Pre-Medicine

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Bruce Alan Hathaway

Abstract: The experiment utilized benzaldehyde as the starting material. A thiamine based catalyst was used to perform a benzoin condensation reaction. Two samples of benzoin were isolated. One sample of benzoin was oxidized to benzil using nitric acid. The benzil sample was then converted to tetraphenylcyclopentadienone using potassium hydroxide, ninty-five percent ethanol, and a reflux condenser. The other benzoin sample was converted to (E)-stillbene using Zn/Hg, HCl, and ethanol. Stillbene was halogenated with 2Br. The resulting compund was then converted to a alkyne via a double dehydrohalogenation. The resulting alkyne was the combined with tetraphenylcyclopentadienone and converted to hexaphenylbenzene in the last reaction step. The compound was recrystallized in ninty-five percent ethanol and analyzed via spectroscopy.

11:00-12:00-Wednesday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Authors:  Kelly Gage, Pamela Hankins, Heather Shirrell, Myisha Watson, and Lisa Welch

Title:   The Effects of Religion on Coping with Stress Among College Students

Major:   Psychology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Rickard A. Sebby

Abstract: How people use religion or spirituality to cope with stress was investigated. Using lower level psychology students as subjects, the study Patterns of Positive and Negative Religious Coping with Major Life Stressors, by Pargament, Smith, Koenig, and Perez (1998) was replicated. Previous research has shown significant positive relationships between spirituality and the ability to cope, as well as significant positive relationships between religion and coping with stress. However, among the 18 participants used in this study, there was a non-significant correlation between religious activity and coping with stress; nor was there a significant correlation between stress and spirituality. This study has a possibility of providing sufficient results if other studies are conducted using a larger number of subjects.

1:30-2:30-Wednesday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Authors:  Pamela J. Acker

Title: Synthesis of a Potential Antihistamine

Major:   Biology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Bruce Hathaway

Abstract: This experiment was designed to test the suitability of synthesizing an antihistamine-like compound from simple starting materials, namely benzoyl chloride, methoxybenzene (anisole), and diethylaminoethanol. In the first step, benzoyl chloride was reacted with methoxybenzene in the presence of aluminum chloride to yield 4-methoxybenzophenone. This reaction was a standard Friedel-Crafts acylation resulting in a 41.7% yield. The compound’s identity was verified by carbon and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, infrared (IR) spectra, and melting point determination. 4-methoxybenzophenone was then reduced with sodium borohydride to form 4-methoxybenzhydrol. This reaction yielded 54.5% of the theoretical maximum, and the product’s identity was verified using IR spectra, which indicated the presence of an alcohol, carbon and hydrogen NMR, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and melting point determination. The alcohol was then reacted with dry hydrochloric acid to form 4-methoxybenzhydryl chloride in a 92.7% yield. Purification of this product proved infeasible; however, the presence of the chlorine was verified by Beilstein’s Test (flame test) and the absence of the alcohol was verified by IR spectra. Part of the product of this reaction was then combined with diethylaminoethanol and allowed to react. The compound diethyl{2-[(4-methoxyphenyl)phenylmethoxy]ethyl}amine, the target antihitamine-like compound, was obtained from this reaction.

1:30-2:30-Wednesday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Author:  Keith A. Georger

Title:   The Synthesis of Benzilic Acid and Related Experiments Using Condensation to Form Benzoins

Major:   Biomedical Sciences

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Bjorn Olesen

Abstract: There are several ways to get multiple phenyl substituent groups on a compound. Benzoin synthesis takes two phenyl aldehydes and bonds them together at their carbonyl groups in a condensation reaction. What is formed is a di-alcohol. However, this reaction does not work on all phenyl aldehydes. This experiment was designed to delve into the mysteries of benzoin synthesis. The first part of this presentation will show the multistep synthesis of benzilic acid from benzaldehyde through benzoin and benzil stages. The second and last part of this presentation will show various phenyl aldehydes used to further investigate the properties of benzoin synthesis. All formed compounds were tested using infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and/or thin layer chromatography.

1:30-2:30-Wednesday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Authors:  Christi Dunlap and Audra Pulis

Title: Eating Habits and Obesity Among Male and Female College Students

Major:   Psychology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Martha Zlokovich

Abstract: This study was conducted in order to examine past and present eating habits. We handed out the Eating Habits Survey by Byrne and Kelley (1981), which looked at past eating habits (habits that come from the family) and present habits (those that they have now about eating). The independent variables were past and present eating habits and the dependent variable was the average of the female and male past habits and the female and male present habits about eating. The responses were then calculated and averaged to find that female scores were higher on both past and present habits. Females had higher averages than males. The results of the past attitudes section suggested that parents of females might be more overweight than the parents of males. Females had a more ideal view (they knew they were overweight more of the time) of their bodies whereas males were more distorted thinking that they were in a normal weight range when they were really overweight.

1:30-2:30-Wednesday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Author:  Pamela J. Acker

Title:   Hand Annotation of Coprinus cinereus Proteases

Major:   Biology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Allen Gathman

Abstract: Coprinus cinereus is a small basidiomycete fungi that is easily cultured under laboratory conditions and serves as a model organism for basidiomycetes generally. Currently the fungal biology group is examining proteases in Coprinus. Proteases are a family of proteins that hydrolyze the breakdown of other proteins into their constituent amino acids. Using a software package that searches the C. cinereus genome for possible protease-coding regions, we were able to narrow our search range to potential genes. By comparing the regions identified by the program to already-sequenced genes using NCBI Blast, hand annotation of the genes was possible. This involved identifying 5’ and 3’ intron junctions sites and potential start and stop codons to form a complete picture of coding and noncoding regions of the genes. The data obtained by this method can potentially be used to generate a phylogenetic tree of C. cinereus protease sequences, showing their interrelationships and enabling us to make predictions about the evolution of the sequence.

12:45-1:45-Thursday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Author:  Sara Weibrecht

Title: Reward Memories and Position Cues as Relevant Predictors of Behavior in Rats with Extended Serial Learning

Major:  Psychology

Faculty Sponsor:   Dr. Richard Burns

Abstract: In an effort to test whether rats with previous serial training still showed the preference for position cues after a 14-day interval between experiments, rats were runway trained on a RNR three trial series with varying rewards. The first and the third trial were always rewarded and the middle trial (N) was never rewarded. Sucrose (S) and Plain (P) Noyes pellets served as the rewards for the animals in amounts of either four or eight, each series consisting of a different combination. Early in the training, the rats did not show a preference for running slow on the middle trial (N) as they had previously established in the first experiment. As training went on, the rats began to show a preference for running slow on the middle trial, although it was weak. Transfer tests to NNN, where no trial was rewarded, showed significantly slower running on trial 2, slower than in the initial extended training of the rats. This result suggests that position cues were more prominent but not the only explanation for the weak pattern of running on the non-rewarded trial during training.

12:45-1:45-Thursday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Authors:  Natalie M. Watts and Lucinda J. Swatzell*

Title: Changes in Cheilanthes lanosa Spore Size during Germination

Major: Biology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Lucinda Swatzell

Abstract: Spores and seeds require moisture for germination. The water rehydrates the contents of the spore or seed and signals the physiological alterations required for germination. However, spores of Cheilanthes lanosa, a xerophytic fern found in habitats with low moisture and high temperatures, can germinate with no visible source of moisture. We hypothesized that C. lanosa does not require imbibition for germination and that there would be no significant difference in the mean volume of the spores before and after treatment or in varying percentages of moisture. Spores were incubated on sealed glass well slides for 21 days with varying amounts of ddH2O. At 21 days, many spores had greened prior to germination, but emergence from the spore exine was not observed. No significant volume change occurred, and thus, spore imbibition was not evident.

12:45-1:45-Thursday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Authors:  Anthony R. Musgrave

Title:   Teachers' Vocal Variety and Children's Responses to Guidance and Instruction in Early Childhood Classrooms

Major:   Child Development

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Carolyn Cogswell

Abstract: Research on the effects of caregiving style have demonstrated the respectivre effects of high or low levelsof demandingness or responsiveness on children's behavioral outcomes. Children whose parents, teachers, or caregivers are warm, consistent and involved are more likely to exhibit prosocial behavior than are children who are treated with harshness, punitiveness or overcontrol. Diana Baumrind (1971, 1993) has identified two dimensions of caregiving style--demandingness and responsiveness. High or low levels of these dimensions combine to create either authoritarian, authoritative or permissive patterns of parenting or caregiving. High levels of demandingness and high levels of responsiveness produce the optimally effective caregiving style referred to as the authoritative parenting style. One element of responsiveness (e.g., warmth, nurturance) is vocal variety, which varies according to volume, pitch, rate or quality, and may anecdotally be referred to as "tone of voice." In the university lab school of a rural midwestern university, three classroom teachers aare being observed in three different classrooms respective to the type of compliance resulting from the children when verbal instruction or guidance is given. A number of possible responses sto this instruction or guidance have been identified as ignoring, resisting, comliance with positive affect and comopliance with negative affect. The vocal variety of the three teachers and the type of responses of the children are being monitered and recorded in an observational comparative study. Results and implications for practice will be discussed.

12:45-1:45-Thursday, UC Missouriana-Indian Room

Authors:  Joanna Lee, Sarah Booth, John S. Scheibe, Kathleen Meere,

and Jonathon Freezer

Title:   Efficacy of Thermochron iButtons for Assessment of Nest Box Occupancy by Sciurids.

Major:   Biology

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. John Scheibe

Abstract: We used Thermochron iButtons as remote time/temperature data loggers. We mounted 2 iButtons on each of 28 flying squirrel nest boxes. The iButtons were programmed to record temperatures once every 20 minutes over a period of 28 days. After 28 days, the data were downloaded, and the iButtons were reprogrammed and redeployed. By comparing the interior and exterior temperatures of experimental and control nest boxes, we were able to determine which nest boxes were used and when they were used. Furthermore, we were able to differentiate between the temperature profiles of nest boxes used by southern flying squirrels and gray squirrels. Because of their low cost and ability to record near continuous time/temperature data, iButtons provide a powerful tool for monitoring habitat use and activity data for sciurids.