Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Student Lifestyle Choices And Perceptions Of Stress Based On Majors, Nathan Robinson, Seth Andrews, Benjamin E. Yoder

Exercise Science Senior Research Projects

College students are often experience many stressors. This study was designed to look at perceived-stress and health habits with relation to academic department of undergraduate students at Cedarville University. The results of this study have implications for the Physical Activity and the Christian Life (PACL) class, offered on the Cedarville campus, in assessing its current curriculum and making potential future adjustments to the course. The objective of this study was to answer the question: “Do perceived stress levels within different academic departments affect health habits in Cedarville University undergraduate students?”

The study was conducted with a campus-wide, 27 question survey …

Relation Of Serum Estrogen Metabolites With Terminal Duct Lobular Unit Involution Among Women Undergoing Diagnostic Image-Guided Breast Biopsy., Hannah Oh, Zeina G Khodr, Mark E Sherman, Maya Palakal, Ruth M Pfeiffer, Laura Linville, Berta M Geller, Pamela M Vacek, Donald L Weaver, Rachael E Chicoine, Roni T Falk, Hisani N Horne, Daphne Papathomas, Deesha A Patel, Jackie Xiang, Xia Xu, Timothy Veenstra, Stephen M Hewitt, John A Shepherd, Louise A Brinton, Jonine D Figueroa, Gretchen L Gierach

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

Higher levels of circulating estrogens and estrogen metabolites (EMs) have been associated with higher breast cancer risk. In breast tissues, reduced levels of terminal duct lobular unit (TDLU) involution, as reflected by higher numbers of TDLUs and acini per TDLU, have also been linked to elevated breast cancer risk. However, it is unknown whether reduced TDLU involution mediates the risk associated with circulating EMs. In a cross-sectional analysis of 94 premenopausal and 92 postmenopausal women referred for clinical breast biopsy at an academic facility in Vermont, we examined the associations of 15 EMs, quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, with …

What Can You Do With A Math Degree Anyway?, Steven Thorsen

Mathematics Colloquium

This talk presents what can be done with a degree in mathematics in these exciting times. Often, those finishing a four-year degree have little idea what to expect in a career outside of teaching. This presentation will outline the possibilities and the speaker will discuss from experience potential careers, the market place, how to start, and some surprising examples of what mathematicians do. Tips for job seekers are included and a lively Q&A will follow.

Microfilariae Of Brugia Malayi Inhibit The Mtor Pathway And Induce Autophagy In Human Dendritic Cells, Prakash Babu Narasimhan, Sasisekhar Bennuru, Zhaojing Meng, Rachel N Cotton, Kathleen R Elliott, Sundar Ganesan, Renee Mcdonald-Fleming, Timothy Veenstra, Thomas B Nutman, Roshanak Tolouei Semnani

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

Immune modulation is a hallmark of patent filarial infection, including suppression of antigen-presenting cell function and downmodulation of filarial antigen-specific T cell responses. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway has been implicated in immune regulation, not only by suppressing T cell responses but also by regulating autophagy (through mTOR sensing amino acid availability). Global proteomic analysis (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) of microfilaria (mf)-exposed monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) indicated that multiple components of the mTOR signaling pathway, including mTOR, eIF4A, and eIF4E, are downregulated by mf, suggesting that mf target this pathway for immune modulation in DC. Utilizing Western …

A Randomized Controlled Study To Evaluate The Effect Of Bexarotene On Amyloid-Β And Apolipoprotein E Metabolism In Healthy Subjects, Kaushik Ghosal, Michael Haag, Philip B Verghese, Tim West, Timothy Veenstra, Joel B Braunstein, Randall J Bateman, David M Holtzman, Gary E Landreth

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: We conducted a phase Ib proof of mechanism trial to determine whether bexarotene (Targretin) increases central nervous system (CNS) apolipoprotein E (apoE) levels and alters Aβ metabolism in normal healthy individuals with the

METHODS: We used stable isotope labeling kinetics (SILK-ApoE and SILK-Aβ) to measure the effect of bexarotene on the turnover rate of apoE and Aβ peptides and stable isotope spike absolute quantitation (SISAQ) to quantitate their concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Normal subjects were treated for 3 days with bexarotene (n = 3 women, 3 men, average 32 years old) or placebo (n = 6 women, …

Effective Integration Of Ultra-Elliptic Solutions Of The Focusing Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation, Otis C. Wright Iii

Science and Mathematics Faculty Publications

An effective integration method based on the classical solution of the Jacobi inversion problem, using Kleinian ultra-elliptic functions and Riemann theta functions, is presented for the quasi-periodic two-phase solutions of the focusing cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Each two-phase solution with real quasi-periods forms a two-real-dimensional torus, modulo a circle of complex-phase factors, expressed as a ratio of theta functions associated with the Riemann surface of the invariant spectral curve. The initial conditions of the Dirichlet eigenvalues satisfy reality conditions which are explicitly parametrized by two physically-meaningful real variables: the squared modulus and a scalar multiple of the wavenumber. Simple new …

On A Multiple-Choice Guessing Game, Ryan Cushman, Adam J. Hammett

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

We consider the following game (a generalization of a binary version explored by Hammett and Oman): the first player (“Ann”) chooses a (uniformly) random integer from the first n positive integers, which is not revealed to the second player (“Gus”). Then, Gus presents Ann with a k-option multiple choice question concerning the number she chose, to which Ann truthfully replies. After a predetermined number m of these questions have been asked, Gus attempts to guess the number chosen by Ann. Gus wins if he guesses Ann’s number. Our goal is to determine every m-question algorithm which maximizes the probability of …

Growth Of Synthetic Silver Wires From Natural Acanthite, Calvin J. Anderson

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Wire silver is an unusual crystal habit of native silver which is intimately associated with acanthite (Ag2S). These delicate wires have been collected for several centuries, but much remains unknown regarding their growth mechanism and crystal structure. This study has successfully produced synthetic silver wires from natural acanthite in order to investigate the nature of their crystallinity.

Chunks of crude acanthite crystals from the Hongda mine, Shanxi Province, China, were trimmed into roughly 1 cm chunks for growth experiments. Preexisting silver wires, which appeared to be natural, were avoided.

Several techniques were explored with varying degrees of success. Attempts using …

On The Aquatic Habits Of Sauropods – An Antiquated Theory In Need Of Revival?, Michael D. Sprague

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

When sauropods were first discovered, they were thought to have been restricted to life in the water due to their immense size. This image of sauropods was dismissed in the 1950’s when it was determined that the lungs would have been placed under massive amounts of pressure at these depths, rendering breathing nearly impossible (Kermack, 1951). However, these experiments failed to consider pneumaticity of sauropod vertebrae and were later dismissed. Sauropods possessed pneumatic features in all their presacral vertebrae, originally identified as weight-saving structures. These features kept the strength and integrity of the bone while dramatically reducing its weight. The …

Preliminary Correlation And Isopach Map Of Navajo-Aztec-Nugget Sandstones, Western United States, Emily Jackson

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Lower and middle Jurassic sandstones across western North America were correlated using stratigraphic thickness and lithofacies data obtained from the AAPG-produced Correlation of Stratigraphic Units of North America (COSUNA) data charts and spreadsheets. An isopach map and a series of stratigraphic cross-sections were created to display the lateral and horizontal extent of the correlated formations. The goal was to determine lateral equivalents of the primarily lower Jurassic Navajo Sandstone from Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. The Nugget Sandstone of Wyoming, Utah, and southern Idaho, and the Aztec Sandstone of southeastern California and southern Nevada were determined to be laterally equivalent to …

The Petrology And Geochemistry Of The Independence Dike Swarm, Owen’S Valley, California, Sean B. O'Donnell

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Petrologic studies are important because they provide insights into the conditions under which rocks form. The Late Jurassic Independence Dike Swarm is a series of vertical igneous dikes that crop out in eastern and southern California, and range from mafic to felsic in composition. In order to examine their petrology and geochemistry, surface samples were collected from four different dike outcrops within Owen’s Valley, CA. The samples were examined through thin-section analysis under a petrographic microscope, X-ray diffraction analysis, and X-ray fluorescence analysis. Mineral composition, mineral size, major, trace, and rare earth element concentrations were collected from these analyses. Results …

Using Uavs To Establish A Visual Baseline Of Stream Flow Conditions At Usgs Stream Gauge Sites, Brett M. Kendra

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

USGS stream gauge stations associated with the National Water Information System (NWIS) accurately measure various streamflow parameters, including stage height and discharge. However, photographic documentation of streamflow conditions is severely lacking for most gauge stations. This project aimed to fill this void in documentation by capturing aerial photographs of streamflow conditions using low altitude UAV photography. The photographs were taken at two stream gauge stations within the Little Miami River watershed located in southwestern Ohio over a seven month period. This time span encompassed three seasons, beginning mid fall 2015, and ending early spring 2016. The timestamp associated with each …

Identifying The Ordinary High Water Mark Through The Use Of Uavs, Victoria Couser

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The accurate determination of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) on streams and shorelines has taken on an increased importance since the recent redefinition of “Waters of the United States” by the U.S EPA. The redefinition has increased the amount of land and water over which the federal government has jurisdiction. The OHWM helps define the limits of those jurisdictional waters. Accurate, consistent, and efficient OHWM delineation practices are thus essential to proper and effective implementation of these laws and regulations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program and other agencies.

Through this research it is shown that …

Preliminary Correlation And Isopach Map Of Pennsylvanian And Permian Sandstones Of The Western United States, John H. Whitmore

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Using the COSUNA data compiled by the AAPG in the 1980’s, Permian and Pennsylvanian sandstones were correlated across western North America. Stratigraphic sections and thickness information were obtained from charts and spreadsheets available from that data set. An isopach map was constructed from the thickness data of sandstones usually found below a Guadalupian Limestone. In particular, this project was concerned with sandstones that could be lithostratigraphically correlated with the Leonardian Coconino Sandstone of the Grand Canyon region of northern Arizona. These sandstones are mostly Lower Permian (Leonardian and Wolfcampian) but some are Upper Pennsylvanian, especially in the northern part of …

Laboratory Determination Of Porosity For A Vugular Carbonate Core Section By Water Immersion Method - Is It Effective Porosity?, Nolan Shula

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Porosity is one of the most vital characteristics in hydrocarbon reservoir evaluations, affecting the methods implemented in the completion process and the efficiency of the production process. Several methods are used for porosity calculations, but due to both lithologic and downhole drilling factors, these values can range more than ± 5%. Also, most limestone reservoirs contain multiple-porosity systems, which lead to effective porosity concerns, especially when secondary porosity is a significant factor. Therefore, through both geophysical wireline log analysis and basic laboratory analyses, this project compared total and effective porosity values of a vugular Onondaga Limestone pinnacle reef core section …

2016 Symposium Overview, Cedarville University

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Click the "Download" button in the top right corner to view the abstract booklet.

Relations Between Stream Chemistry, Fish Diversity, And Land Use In The Upper Little Miami Watershed, Connor J. Gilmour, Randy Howell, David Paulding, Charles W. Reynolds, Mark A. Gathany

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Streams are susceptible to numerous threats to their water quality and biodiversity. In southwest Ohio a major driver of these impacts is associated with current agricultural practices and associated legacy effects. These structural and chemical impacts are known to affect biodiversity in these streams. The objective of this study was to document and examine relationships among land-use/land cover, stream chemistry, and fish diversity in the headwaters streams of the Little Miami Watershed. Three streams (Little Miami River, Massies Creek - North Fork, and Massies Creek - South Fork) were sampled in the upper headwaters as well as downstream. Air and …

Microstructures Produced By Hadrosaur Bones From Alaska And Wyoming, Mark P. Guilliams, Samantha J. Lefaive, Michael D. Sprague

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Since 2005 when Dr. Mary Schweitzer made the first discovery, microstructures with the appearance of “osteocytes” and “blood vessels” have been recovered from fossils of various localities, dating back as far as the Triassic. The majority of these finds have come from dense, cortical bone but recently have been discovered in cancellous bone. Since her initial discovery, Schweitzer has done a lot of work to verify that these microstructures are not biofilms, but instead are original organic tissue. This project was looking to get similar results to Schweitzer’s research and to find a simple test method for the initial discovery …

Preliminary Results Of Radiohalos From Four Sites Of Precambrian Minnesota Granite, Rachel D. Holmes, Kathryn G. Meyer

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Radiohalo research is a relatively new area of scientific investigation, the significance of which has been shown by authors such as Snelling and Gentry. This study examines the prevalence of the radiohalos of polonium isotopes and uranium isotopes within biotite flakes generated by radioactive zircon crystals. The radiohalos result from damage caused by the emanation of hundreds of millions of alpha particles from the zircon crystals during the decay process. The samples were obtained from drill cores granted to us by the Drill Core Library in Hibbing, Minnesota. The Precambrian granite core sections were crushed and small biotite flakes picked …

Does Recreational Diving Alter Hawksbill Sea Turtle Foraging Behavior? Results From A Marine Protected Area, Honduras, Christian Hayes

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Recent studies indicate that recreational diving may cause unintended behavioral changes in marine macrofauna. The hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a critically endangered species encountered by recreational divers in marine protected areas (MPAs) circumtropically. Few studies, however, have examined the impacts of recreational diving on sea turtle behavior. We conducted in-water observations of 61 juvenile hawksbill turtles from June 12 to September 2, 2014 in the Roatán Marine Park (RMP), Roatán, Honduras, to quantify the impacts of recreational diving on hawksbill behavior. We recorded turtle behaviors and the number of behavior bouts to test the effects of …

Correlation Of Basal Cambrian Sandstones Across North America, Joshua W. Perez

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

A thin, widespread sequence of siliciclastic strata ranging from lower to upper Cambrian age overlies Precambrian crystalline and metamorphic basement rock bounded by the Great Unconformity. This sequence is mainly comprised of basal Cambrian sandstones which can be subdivided into three distinct suites of lithofacies transitioning in age across most of North America. From the west, which is most notable for the Tapeats sandstone of Arizona and Nevada, lies gravelly to boulder sized conglomerates directly overlying basement rock. Eastward, the lower to middle Cambrian consists of a variety of ledge-forming sandstones which contain various areas rich in cross bedded, as …

Usability Simplified: A Basic Guide To Undertaking Effective Usability Testing, Garrison Reeves

Professional Writing and Information Design Capstone Projects

Usability can be complicated but I provide simple guidelines to effective usability. Every product has an intended purpose, and the scope and aim of usability testing is measuring if a product meets this purpose with regards to a user. Testing is used in many fields, but I intend to focus on user-centered interaction design and how to test when designing and developing such a product. I provide a simple head-start to usability testing based off of my research. Usability testing is a technique used for evaluating a product by testing the product on users who are part of the respective …