RSCA Day 2006
Celebrating Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls
April 27, 2006
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Abstracts
(Click on blue titles to view an image of the poster & presenter)
UWRF Institution Wide
MINDS@UW: A Digital Institutional Repository Service
Presenters: Heidi Southworth, Cataloging and Metadata Librarian and Valerie Malzacher, Director Chalmer Davee Library
In spring 2005, Chalmer Davee Library took the first steps towards sponsoring a presence for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the MINDS@UW project. MINDS@UW is a digital institutional repository service that is intended to provide a “safe haven” for published and unpublished electronic content of any discipline and is designed to capture, store, index, distribute and preserve the intellectual output of the university. By August 2005, the Library had posted its first collection to the site. Working in collaboration with the University's Office of Grants & Research, this first collection consisted of undergraduate student and faculty posters from the 2005 Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity Day (RSCA day). Now, the Library is taking the next step towards establishing more collections within the MINDS@UW project and invites you to offer feedback and discuss with us your questions on this exciting new service.
College of Agriculture, Food, & Environmental Sciences
The College of Agriculture , Food and nvironmental Sciences: 40+ Years in the International Arena CAFES Faculty and Staff 1960-2006; Laura Walsh, UW Extension The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences has a long rich history of international involvement. As early as the 1960's faculty was in the Soviet Union, Vietnam and Africa sharing their expertise in various agricultural areas. Early tragedies did not deter succeeding faculty from continuing to travel the globe. Of the faculty in the College in 2006, nearly 50% have organized and/or participated in international workshops, training sessions, or exchange programs. |
A Research Internship at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania Presenter: Erin M. Regan; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Terry Ferriss, Plant & Earth Science Through a USDA Challenge Grant, tissue culture, Cedrus germination, and propagation of new plant material was researched at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania . Field trips to study the management structures of local gardens with the Longwood Graduate Fellows and Graduate Director Dr. Robert Lyons complemented the research activities. |
Frequency of Glycogen Branching Enzyme Deficiency Mutation among Foal Necropsy Samples Presenter: Miranda Bauer; Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Gary Onan, Animal & Food Science And Dr. Jim Mickelson Glycogen Branching Enzyme Deficiency results in the death of fetal and neonatal Paint and Quarter Horse foals at or before 8 weeks of age. This experiment was designed to test if the heterozygous genotype increased risk of death and to define the frequency of GBED as a cause of death. |
Vine Pruning of Charentais Melons ( Cucumis melo L. var. cantalupensis Naud) USDA/CAFES Summer Research Experience at Cornell University Presenter: Matthew T.L. Cogger; Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Anu Rangarajan Cornell University , Department of Horticulture, Ithaca , New York ; Dr. Brian Smith and Dr. Terry Ferriss, Horticulture Charentais melons ( Cucumis melo L. var. cantalupensis Naud) are considered one of the highest quality melons. Vines of Charentais melons were pruned at three different stages of plant development to determine the effect of fruit size, yield, taste, and uniformity of fruit within the crop and the economic impact of prunin |
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Presenter: Brandon Balzer; Faculty Sponsor: Gregg Hadley, Agricultural Economics This research estimates the financial performance of different feed procurement/crop production enterprise types on select Wisconsin dairy farms in 2003. The farms that grew both grain and forages had poorer performing feed procurement/crop production enterprises than the farms that grew only forage and those that purchased all of their feed. |
Linking Farms: A Financial Solution Presenter: Joshua Betcher; Faculty Sponsor: Gregg Hadley, Agricultural Economics This research estimates the financial feasibility of cash grain farms utilizing dairy manure as fertilizer. Results show that it is financially feasible for cash grain farmers to utilize dairy manure as fertilizer on fields up to 6 miles away from the dairy farm source. |
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Presenter: Cory Salzl; Faculty Sponsor: Gregg Hadley, Agricultural Economics This research compares the financial performance of Wisconsin Agriculture Financial Advisor free- and tie- stall dairy farms. Tie-stall farms were competitive with free-stall farms from a basic financial efficiency perspective. Nevertheless, once returns to unpaid labor and capital were considered, the free stall farms were more financially efficient. |
Producer Perceptions: Diverse Workforce Acceptance on Wisconsin Dairy Farms and Farming Communities Presenter: Nathan R. Wilber; Faculty Sponsor: Gregg Hadley, Agricultural Economics This research examines producer perceptions concerning the acceptance of diverse work forces on select Wisconsin dairy farms and their farming communities. Results show that cultural acceptance and adaptation is occurring on the farms and in the farming communities, especially where it is mutually beneficial for both employee and employer. |
Effectiveness of Price Risk Management Tools for Wisconsin Fat Cattle Producers Presenter: Lee Schulz; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Brenda Boetel, Agricultural Economics One of the most significant risks to the beef cattle industry is price instability. This price risk can be eliminated through hedging activity. Since, hedging opportunities are based on fat cattle prices in states other than Wisconsin , the Wisconsin cattle producer trades price risk for basis risk. Basis is the difference between the CME fat cattle futures price and the Wisconsin fat cattle cash price, and basis risk occurs when the cash price does not respond in the same manner or by the same magnitude as the futures price. When there is significant correlation in movements in the futures market and the cash market basis risk is less than price risk. |
Presenter: Beth Hankins; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Gary Onan, Animal & Food Science Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is currently one of the most prevalent and economically devastating diseases in swine production. It is a virus that primarily causes abortions in sows and potentially fatal pneumonia in young pigs. This research involved testing PRRRS infected pigs for signs of the virus and looking for a common genetic link between those pigs that faired better than others under the same conditions. |
Infusion of Legal Content Into The Existing CAFES Curriculum Presenters: Dr. Nate Splett and Juliet Tomkins, CAFES Agriculture and related fields are increasingly impacted by a rapidly changing regulatory environment. A single course no longer meets the needs of our students; the legal information must be infused across the curriculum. A legal resource person, faculty development seminar and a series of workshops focused on curriculum development resulted in legal content being infused into 15 courses impacting approximately 400 students. |
Calculating Discharge Energies Needed to Transport Largest Grains Within Eskers Presenter: Paul D. Karlstad; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Robert Baker, Plant & Earth Science One main sediment transport feature within glaciers is eskers created by water from melting glacial ice. During times of rapid melt the amount of sediment that can be transported is at a maximum as well as the size of grains that can be transported. From the remnants of eskers I looked at these maximum flow events. The areas of investigation have been the northwestern portion of Wisconsin and the northeastern portion of Minnesota . These esker remnants are being investigated to find the unusually large grains infrequently transported during times of maximum discharge, and with that, find the maximum amount of energy in eskers. |
Preparation of a Dinosaur Bone Presenter: Candace Hougo; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mike D. Middleton, Plant & Earth Science My research project was the preparation and identification of dinosaur vertebrae. The rocess began with a field jacket and ended with a reassembled vertebra. I was able to identify it as the dinosaur species Triceratops horridus, and the placement of the vertebrae is the first dorsal spine. I conducted my work on the project at the Science Museum of Minnesota, were tools and guidance was made available to me. |
ASABE ¼ Scale Tractor Student Design Competition Presenter: Adam G. Danzinger; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jerry Nechville, Ag. Engineering The ¼ Scale Tractor Design Competition is an Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering (ASABE) sanctioned event to give students practical product development experience. During the actual competition, each team's design of a ¼ Scale Tractor is evaluated based on: a Written Design Report, a Team Presentation, Individual Design Judging, Maneuverability and a Performance Competition. |
| Efficiency of rhBMP-2 at Two Dose Levels Applied To An Experimental Mid-shaft Tibial Ostectomy Presenter: Cassie Torhorst; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Gary Onan, Animal & Food Science This study evaluated the efficiency at which an absorbable collagen sponge saturated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 at two different concentrations healed a mid-shaft tibial ostectomy within a canine model. A bilateral tibial ostectomy was performed on twenty-seven dogs. The ostectomy was stabilized with an external fixator where after they were treated with 0.2 mg/mL rhBMP-2, 0.4 mg/mL rhBMP-2, or were strictly wrapped with the collagen sponge. The nine limbs of each treatment group were the contralateral limb served as the untreated control for the individual dog. Results were recorded through mechanical testing of maximum stiffness and torque of each limb and contralateral control eight weeks post-surgery. No significant differences were observed between the maximum stiffness and torque of any of the untreated control limbs (contralateral), control limbs (strictly collagen), or the two treatment groups. However, this evaluation was not able to show healing times between the treatment groups. |
Reduction of Bacterial Contamination on Chicken Slaughtered Under Pilot Plant Conditions by Antimicrobial Dips Presenter: Mindy A. Johnson; Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Purnendu C. Vasavada and Dr. Bonnie S. Walters, Animal & Food Science Pre-chilled chicken carcasses slaughtered under pilot plant conditions were dipped in antimicrobial solutions. The dips caused 90 to 99.9 % (1-3 log) initial reduction in total bacterial counts. Three carcass samples were presumptive positive for Salmonella but confirmatory tests were negative for Salmonella contamination. |
Rapid Estimation of Spoilage Organisms in Raw Milk by a Rapid Optical Method Presenter: James Henaman Jr.; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Purnendu C. Vasavada, Animal & Food Science Total bacterial and coliforms levels in 50 raw milk samples were determined by a rapid optical instrument, the Micro Foss and by a conventional method, the Petrifilm plates. The rapid method yielded microbiological contamination data in as little as 3.8 hours compared with 24-48 hours required for the conventional method. |
Effect of Storage Temperature on Syneresis of Double Cream Cheese Presenter: Megan McDonald; Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Purnendu C. Vasavada and Ranee May, Animal & Food Science Syneresis of Double cream cheese samples prepared using an acid coagulated cream cheese process was measured following storage for 10 days at refrigeration (4 C) and room temperature (22 C). Cheese stored at room temperature showed higher amounts of Expressible serum (ES) indicating greater syneresis. |
Effect of Citrus Fiber as a Fat Mimetic on Quality Attributes and Composition of Reduced Fat Cheese Presenter: Amanda Huppert; Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Purnendu C. Vasavada and Ranee May, Animal & Food Science Reduced fat cheese with made with 1% citrus fiber showed significant increase in the yield, moisture content and acidity. There were no differences in the fat contents of the two cheeses. However, differences were noticed in the microstructures of the cheeses. |
Effect of Lactic Starter Culture Strains on Acid Development in Yogurt Presenter: Katie Kuhl; Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Purnendu C. Vasavada and Ranee May, Animal & Food Science Yogurt made with Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactococcus cremoris strains compared with control yogurt made with Streptococcus thermophilus indicated that L. helveticus showed the highest acid development followed by L. bulgaricus. The control, yogurt showed higher pH, lower %TA and few " yogurt -like" characteristic. |
Ripening of Port Salut using Plastic and Pine Boards Presenter: John Metzig; Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Purnendu C. Vasavada and Ranee May, Animal & Food Science Port Salut made using whole milk was ripened on a pine board and a plastic board in an environment controlled chamber for 13 days. The characteristics of the rind resulting from surface application of Brevibacterium linens, the total plate counts and pH were monitored during the ripening. |
Rapid Monitoring of Cleanliness of Floor Drains using ATP Bioluminescence Presenter: Tonya Steckler; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Purnendu C. Vasavada, Animal and Food Science Department Four floor drains in the UWRF processing plant tested on four occasions for their cleanliness using ATP bioluminescence and bacterial swabs showed high levels of contamination (ATP > 3.5; SPC > 103/swab). A thorough manual cleaning resulted in significant reduction in the contamination (ATP Z < 1; SPC < 100). |
College of Arts & Sciences
The Relationship Between the Need for Closure and Support for Continued Occupation of Iraq : Moderating Effects of National Attachment Presenter: Brian C. Post; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Cynthia Kernahan, Psychology Studies suggest that a high need for closure—discomfort with ambiguity—is associated with increased hostility toward out-groups. The author expands this research by examining the correlational relationship between national attachment style, cognitive need for closure, and attitudes toward the continued occupation of Iraq by the United States. |
A Walking Exploration of El Camino de Santiago Presenter: Andrea Crownhart; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Margarita Hendrickson, Modern Languages In the fall of 2005, I walked the pilgrimage route El Camino de Santiago in northern Spain . During my time on the Camino, I interviewed fellow pilgrims to discover why people want to complete this pilgrimage, as well as evaluating my own experiences as I walked. |
Keynesian and Supply-Side Fiscal Policy: Is One More Effective? Presenter: Katy Barrett; Faculty Sponsor: Tracey Gladstone-Sovell The purpose of this research is to determine if Keynesian or supply-side fiscal policies are more effective at stimulating the economy. In order to compare these policies, the Kennedy-Johnson and Reagan Administrations were analyzed by examining changes in unemployment, inflation, and economic growth rates during each Administration. |
Design and Synthesis of TRPV1 Antagonists; Probing the D-Region Binding Site Using Amidoalkyl Substituents Presenter: Victoria D. Held; Faculty Sponsor: David B. Rusterholz, Chemistry Chili peppers are pungent because of a compound known as capsaicin that binds to TRPV1 receptors. Capsaicin also has the ability to desensitize pain sensing nerve cells. Compounds that bind to TRPV1 without stimulating it may provide relief from some forms of pain. A series of capsaicin-like compounds were synthesized for analgesic purposes. |
Activity of Synthetic Capsaicin Analogs on the Vanilloid Receptor TRPV1 Presenter: Julie Carrell; Faculty Sponsor: Karen Klyczek, Biology The goal of this the project was to develop a cell culture system for testing the ability of the synthetic capsaicin analogs, developed by colleagues in the Chemistry department, to stimulate or block the capsaicin receptor, TRPV1, as measured by calcium influx into cells.
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Modeling the Sound Patterns of 1, 2, 3, and 4-Tine Tuning Forks Presenter: Scott De Wolf and Allen Riley; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lowell McCann, Physics The sound pattern radiated by a tuning fork depends on distance and the side facing the ear. A tap reveals this complexity: the loudness changes as the fork rotates, and this loud-soft pattern also changes depending on the distance from the fork. We will present a new and extended model |
Determination of the Protein Content of Isolated Trichomes from Arabidopsi Thaliana Presenter: Michael Waldt; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ross Jilk, Chemistry We report here on our efforts to determine the protein composition of trichomes from Arabidopsis thaliana. Determining the protein makeup of trichomes will provide new information on cell fate determination in leaf cells as well as provide a greater understanding of cell differentiation in general. |
Estrogen Induced Sexual Abnormalities: A Genetic Model for Assessing Estrogenic Pollutants in the Environment Presenter: Kendra Kolar Scudder; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. E. Katherine Miller, Biology Residual pharmaceuticals found in natural and public water sources may exhibit toxic effects on humans. Among these, estrogenic compounds cause increasing concern due to effects on wild populations. This study assesses the multi-generation effects of three estrogenics, bisphenol A, ethynyl estradiol, and 17 b -estradiol, on the him-5 strain of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans . Reproduction and physical abnormalities are used as toxicity endpoints. |
| Development of an Acute Neural Culture System to Study Neurite Initiation Presenter: Michael B. Salmela; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lorene Lanier, Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota During development, immature nerve cells form neurites which become the axon and dendrites. Neurite initiation requires reorganization of the cytoskeleton. Little is known about how this reorganization is controlled because its study has been limited by technical difficulties. We have developed an acute neural culture system that solves these problems. |
Fin Prints: An Individual Identifier of Salvelinus fontinalis ; the Brook Trout Presenter: Brad Malpert; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. John Wheeler and John Ford, Biology There are many ways of tagging and identifying different fish including fin clips, floy tags, and many others. A new method being developed specifically for Salvelinus fontinalis , the brook trout, is “fin printing.” It is hypothesized that brook trout dorsal fins are unique to each individual like the human finger print.
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The Synthesis of Meta-Chloro- and Meta-Bromo-Analogs of Capsaicin: Potential New Analgesic Agents Presenter: Katherine M. Phalen;Faculty Sponsor: Dr. David Rusterholz, Chemistry Capsaicin, the chemical in chili peppers responsible for the burning sensation, has the potential to be an analgesic. Much research is going into the synthesis of capsaicin analogs with hopes of finding a pain relieving drug. The goal of my research was to synthesize meta-chloro and meta-bromo analogs of capsaicin that could be tested as possible analgesics. |
Sampling of Bioaerosols Emitted from Animal Sheds Using Radiation and Air Filtration Pump Mechanisms Presenter: Genevieve J. M. Grammer; Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Magdalena Pala, Chemistry and Dr. Larry Baumann, Animal & Food Science Many pathogens travel explicitly through air movement and pose health and economic risk to animals and producers. Two sampling techniques were put in place to examine bioaerosols; a UV-radiation pump and the impinger-air filtration pump. Samples were collected at designated sites near animal sheds in the Lowe Saxony region of Germany . The microbial growth found on plates was significantly lower when passing through the radiation device. Testing bio-aerosols allows for better knowledge of potential pathogens, and let producers take preventative action and follow specific protocol. |
Toward The Synthesis (-)-Incarvilline and (-)-Incarvillateine Presenter: Jessica Chavey; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Karl P. Peterson, Chemistry Incarvillateine is a monoterpene alkaloid that has been found to have antinociceptive activity similar to that of morphine. The goal of this project was to complete the enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-incarvilline and(-)-incarvillateine via a scheme that also allows for the facile preparation of (+)-incarvilline and (+)-incarvillateine. |
Presence of Large Multicomponent Phenol Hydroxylase (LmPH) in Known Phenol Degraders Presenter: Jamie Kissel; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Elaine Hardwick, Biology Cells were grown on phenol plates and DNA was extracted. Established Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for LmPH genes was completed and the correct size LmPH product was observed on agarose gels. Future work is to sequence the LmPH product and compare to the expected sequence from the known databases. |
Belize Presenters: Neil Bland and Jeffrey Parker; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ed Robins, Sociology, Anthropology, & Criminal Justice We participated in the Belize Study Tour over spring break, and we would like to share some of the things we learned by making a dual-poster presentation. One poster will consist of Mayan history and culture and the other will consist of Belizean biological factors, including the environment and wildlife. |
Incumbency Advantage Presenter: Nicholas D. Cluppert; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Tracey Gladstone-Sovell, Political Science This research compares the incumbency advantage at the state level to the congressional level. The Wisconsin State Legislature was the subject of this study. Surveys and interviews were used to collect data. The results of this research show similar advantages between the state and congressional level of politics. |
| A Molecular Genetic Screen for Xenopus Proteins that Bind to Hermes Presenter: Charles J. Packard; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Scott M. Ballantyne, Biology Hermes is a protein needed for Xenopus laevis (frog) development. We performed a yeast two-hybrid screen to search for frog proteins that bind Hermes. We are currently characterizing these candidate Hermes binding proteins. By identifying the proteins that interact with Hermes, we hope to better understand how Hermes controls development. |
Social Identity and Eating Disorders Presenter: Kelli Nowak; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Rik Seefeldt, Psychology This study examined whether subjects who exhibit behaviors indicative of eating disorders identify with a larger group of individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder. Subjects were asked to rate characteristics of individuals who exhibit eating disorders, using a 7-point Likert scale, as well as the perceived causes of eating disorders. |
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Presenters: Michael Sykora and Reime Jahr; Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Lowell McCann, Physics & Dr. Matthew Vonk, Physics We are measuring the intensity of light reflected from an asteroid over time to find its rotational period. Many images of the asteroid will be obtained over several nights via the use of the UW-RF Observatory and a remote observatory in Arizona . |
Determination of Reinforcer Value in Rats with a Choice Procedure Involving a Correspondence between Location of Presentation and Amount of Reinforcement Presenter: Thomas Ridge; Faculty sponsor: Dr. Daniel C. Linwick, Psychology Many models of reinforcement value predict that an animal should value a large delayed reinforcer more than a small immediate reinforcer. However, as the delay between choices and presentation of the large reinforcer increases, eventually, an animal should value the small reinforcer more highly. The current experiment employed a discrete-trials choice procedure to test these predictions. |
UW-River Falls Residents' Perceptions of Campus Crime and Safety Presenter: Rachael Berg; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Cyndi Kernahan, Psychology Student attitudes and perceptions of campus safety were assessed in this study. A survey was distributed to two halls measuring perceptions compared to the surrounding city and other campuses. The results yielded correlations concerning the satisfaction with preventative measures, punishment, and sense of safety around campus. |
Participant Sex and Type of Harassment as Predictors of Coping Responses to Sexual Harassment Presenters: Maureen Casey and O'Neal Hampton; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Travis Tubré, Psychology This research examines differences in how men and women cope with sexual harassment behaviors. We expected men to be less likely to indicate that they would report harassment, especially for hostile-environment behaviors. We found a significant three-way interaction indicating that men and women endorse different coping responses to sexual harassment behaviors. |
Estimation of Frequency Difference Threshold in Rats Using a Discrete-Trials Go/No-Go Procedure and a Free-Operant Successive Discrimination Training Procedure Presenter: Nick Benesh; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Daniel Linwick, Psychology Five male Long-Evans hooded rats received a combination of discrete-trials go/no-go discrimination training and free-operant successive discrimination training. Three additional rats received only free-operant successive discrimination training. These procedures were employed to estimate the ability of subjects to discriminate between pure tone stimuli of various frequencies. Results indicate more rapid acquisition of the discrimination under free-operant successive discrimination training conditions. |
Characterization of the Properties of Phenol-degrading Bacterial Isolates Presenters: Lindsey Thompson and Lindsay O'Keefe; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Elaine Hardwick, Biology Phenol is an organic compound commonly used in industrial cleaning solvents because of its antiseptic and anesthetic properties. In this research cultivable, phenol-degrading bacteria were characterized. These isolates were used to inoculate an array of media to determine each bacterium's fermentation, motility, and extra cellular enzyme properties. |
Automated Characterization of a High Temperature Superconductor Presenters: Jonathan Eisch and Daniel Kopchinski; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lowell McCann, Physics Recent advances in superconductor technology are making it practical to use superconductors as replacements for traditional materials in industrial and research applications. Using automated measurement and control techniques, we characterized the properties of a new commercially available high temperature superconductor. |
The Synthesis and Characterization of an Organic Compound: An Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Experiment Presenters: Danielle Rogers and Brittany Brenner; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Barbara Nielsen, Chemistry The purpose of this work is to adapt a published organic synthesis procedure for use in the UW-RF organic chemistry laboratory. Using standard synthesis methods students will synthesize isobutylene and an unknown organic compound from tert-butyl alcohol and sulfuric acid, and then characterize the product using the gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) instrumentation. The results will be discussed. |
Determination of Optimal Time Intervals Used in a Kinetics-Based Experiment to Measure Concentrations of MnO 4 - and Cr 2 O 7 -2 Presenters: Brianna Zemke and Victoria Held; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Barbara Nielsen, Chemistry Ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy measures the absorbance of ions in solution, and a kinetics study involves monitoring the rate at which reactions proceed. The selection of the time intervals used to measure the rate of oxidation of pyrogallol red (PGR) by MnO 4 - and Cr 2 O 7 -2 in a kinetics experiment will be investigated and the results will be discussed. |
Worms Don't Have Eyes: Analyzing C. Elegans Lacking Sia-1 Gene Function Presenter: Megan Theede; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Scott Ballantyne, Biology Worms contain a gene called sia-1 whose function is not known. We used RNA interference to eliminate the sia-1 gene product. We determined whether sia-1 disruption altered fertility and/or neuron function. We found worms lacking sia-1 remained fertile, and initial experiences revealed fewer neurons in worms lacking sia-1. |
Artificial-tissue Development by Trophoblast cells onThree-dimensional Scaffolds Iinduce Phenotypic Changes and Cell Differentiation Modeling Human Placental Tissue Behavior Presenter: James Grosek; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Timothy Lyden, Biology Department This poster presents our recent observations of BeWo cells (model placental trophoblast cells) growing in vitro on tubular three-dimensional scaffolds, using basic tissue engineering methods. Our work has revealed that trophoblast cells developing on these artificial scaffolds show distinctive phenotypic changes, resulting in formation of tissue-like villus structures. |
Testing of Synthetic Compounds for Apoptosis-inducing Capacity Reveals a Specific Cell-death Pathway Presenters: Caroline Martin and Tracy Nelson; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Timothy Lyden, Biology Department New studies of the “apoptosis-inducing” potential of a library of synthetic N-Phenethylpyridine-carboxamides have established that these compounds induce significant programmed-cell death. However the majority of these effects are not classic apoptosis and recent data indicate that these compounds actually induce a newly defined form of programmed-cell death called “mitotic catastrophe”. |
Cell Density Estimates in "artificial-tissue" Cultures of Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO-EE) Cells Presenters: Nina Watercott and Amanda Miller; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Timothy Lyden, Biology In these studies we evaluated the relative cell densities of CHO-EE cells grown for up to 1 month on 3-D collagen-like scaffolds. Additionally, we calculated the relative surface area of these scaffolds for a given weight using basic morphometric methods. The results of these studies indicate that we are achieving approximately similar cell densities on a 0.5 cm 3 scaffold as we do on a 25cm 2 flask. |
Long-term "artificial-tissue" Cultures of Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK-293) Cells Show Distinctive Features Associated with Differentiation Presenters: Mindy Johnson, Caroline Martin, James Grosek, and Nina Watercott; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Timothy Lyden, Biology Here we report on the long-term growth of HEK-293 cells on 3D collagen-like scaffolds as well as evidence of phenotypic shifts in these cells. After 5 months of continuous culture, the development of tissue-like features illustrated that differentiation is being induced or enhanced by culturing these cells on 3D scaffoldings. |
3D Cultures of Primary Chicken Embryonic Neural Tissues Demonstrate Differential Plasticity Between Tissues from Mid- and Fore-brain Structures Presenters: Tim Pearson and Tory Schaaf; Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Bonnie Walters, Animal & Food Science & Dr. Timothy Lyden, Biology Department During extended culture on 3-D scaffolding materials, 5 day chicken embryonic neural tissues formed a complex tissue-like architecture with development and differentiation of neuronal cells. However, significant differences were observed between samples from the forebrain and midbrain regions. In particular the midbrain samples showed a propensity to grow out and expand extensively until the entire scaffold became covered in artificial tissue. In the case of forebrain samples outgrowth was much more restricted. |
Primary Nervous Tissue Growth and Potential Development in 3D Cultures Presenters: Tim Pearson, Tory Schaaf, James Grosek, and Mindy Johnson; Faculty Sponsors: Dr. Bonnie Walters, Animal & Food Science & Dr. Timothy Lyden, Biology Department Recent studies in our laboratory have focused on the application of basic tissue engineering methods and techniques to evaluate the behavior of cells under 3-dimensional culture conditions. Now we report on studies using collagen-like tubular scaffolding to grow primary chick embryonic neural cells which then formed complex artificial tissues. |
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Presenter: Nicholas Shefte; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. John Wheeler, Biology Japanese Knotweed, Polygonum cuspidatum (Polygonaceae) is highly invasive. Most colonies are suspected to reproduce asexually by sprouting from rhizomes, incapable of spreading via seed. We tested the viability of the seeds from a local colony following cold stratification and discovered the seeds were viable. Stratification did not effect germination. |
Reviewing for Exams: Do Crossword Puzzles Help in the Success of Student Learning? Presenter: Brooke Shepherd; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Tricia Davis, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice The goal of this project was to further our understanding of how students learn. Does reviewing for exams using certain teaching methods actually enhance students' learning of course material? Through a comparative analysis of two sections of the same class we tested to see if using crossword puzzles as a ‘fun' review technique actually affects students' test scores as evidence of successful learning. |
College of Business & Economics
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Presenter: Kyle Thompson; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Hossein Najafi, Computer Science This research proposes representing relations in semantic networks as ordinary nodes, hence, allowing relations to be used just like any other node. This empowers relations that can be: representations of other nodes and relations, dynamically related to similar relations, and part of structural and inheritance hierarchy, enabling distinct instance relations.
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The Consumption Function Presenters: Lori Anderson, Leah Benassi, Travis Klaas, and Dan Markus; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Glenn Potts, Economics This project involves research regarding the theory of the consumption function as used in modern macroeconomic models. Milton Friedman and Franco Modigliani have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics for their work in this area. The theory is presented and a model to explain consumption behavior is developed. The functional relationship explaining consumption is estimated. |
Inflation and Unemployment Presenters: Jay Fahl, David Budzynski, Steve Lackner, and Nate Wells; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Glenn Potts, Economics This project involves research regarding the theory which connects the economic conditions of inflation and unemployment. Several individuals have been awarded a Nobel Prize for Economics as a result of research related to this study. The competing theories to explain this relationship will be presented and a representative model to explain the relationship is developed. The functional relationship explaining inflation is estimated. |
Asset Prices and Federal Reserve Policy Presenters: Seth Chapin, Landon Luther, Nate Peyton, and Subash Seshadri; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Glenn Potts, Economics This project involves identifying the short term relationship between Fed announcements of policy and equity prices. This is an important relationship since the Federal Reserve has recently changed its policy announcement procedure in an effort to reduce the instability in capital markets generated by policy announcement. The theory regarding asset price determination is presented and a model to identify the Fed policy announcement effect is developed. The functional relationship between policy announcement and equity prices is estimated. |
Stability of the Demand for Money Function Presenters: Chris Klein, David Reilly, John Rynda, and Jake Shager; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Glenn Potts, Economics This project involves estimation of the demand for money function. By explaining those factors that determine the demand for money, we can identify the effect of monetary policy. This area of research is responsible for the fundamental changes in macroeconomic theory that have occurred over the past thirty years. The theory regarding the demand for money is presented and a model to explain the demand for money is developed. The functional relationship identifying the determinants of the demand for money is estimated. |
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College of Education and Professional Studies
A Comparison of Pre-service Teacher Expectations with Realities Experienced by Newer Teachers Presenters: Anne Beckman and Stacy Karl; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Mike Miller, Teacher Education Many factors contribute high levels of teacher attrition. The extent to which teacher preparation programs align pre-service teachers' idealized expectations with realities faced by newer teachers can assist in countering such factors. This study compared pre-service teacher expectations with realities faced by newer teachers. Findings illustrate differences between expectations and realities that could be useful in pre-service teacher program design. |
Prochaska's Stages of Change Presenter: Anne Foote; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jennifer S. Berna, Health and Human Performance Prochaska's (Transtheoretical) “Stages of Change” model, a simple but powerful model of health-related behavior change, involves six stages (Precontemplation; Contemplation; Preparation; Action; Maintenance; and Termination). This research poster was designed to translate this research model into language that youth and their parents could benefit from and directly apply to their own lifestyle changes. |
Body Image Presenter: Stephanie Baier; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jennifer S. Berna, Health and Human Performance This research poster focuses on the media and body image, self-esteem and mental health as impacted by distorted body image, and ways to improve one's body image. It was designed to communicate with adolescents and college-aged adults in settings such as a health fair. The literature review has been translated into language that will communicate several important health promotion concepts regarding enhancing one's body image. |
Native American Names For Professional/Collegiate Sports Teams Presenters: Bryce Kothbauer, Olin Morrison, Vince Pulera and Traci Reimann; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Deb Allyn, Health and Human Performance The purpose of this study was to examine the controversy over Native American names and their mascots in sports. During the fall of 2006 the University of North Dakota , Fighting Sioux, were making the news headlines because the university did not want to change the team name or logo. |
NCAA Division I Football Bowl Championship Series Controversy and Realignment Presenters: A.J. Cardenas, Dave Kapping, and Paul Neidermire; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Deb Allyn, Health and Human Performance The purpose of the study was to determine whether the current Bowl Championship Series (BCS) format works for the Division I teams, or if and how a play-off format should be implemented. The results showed almost 75% of the participants in the survey do not agree with the current BCS system. |
Overtraining Among College Athletes Presenters: Leah Baron, Cassie Dahl and Ben Kirmse; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Deb Allyn, Health and Human Performance The purpose of this study was to see if overtraining is a real problem among college athletes. Seventy-eight percent of the participants have seen the effects of overtraining first hand. The participants thought overtraining was more prevalent at the collegiate level than the professional level. |
For more information, contact:
Bill Campbell, Director, Grants & Research
104 North Hall, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
410 S. Third Street
River Falls, WI 54022-5001
Phone: 715/425-3195
FAX: 715/425-0649
email address:
wm.e.campbell@uwrf.edu
Page Author: Bill Campbell
Last update: 10/27/04
