Digital Commons Network^™

Coxey’S Army, Corporate Interests, And Competing Conceptions Of Public Welfare In The Gilded Age: The Evolution Of Political Dissent In The 1894 March On Washington, Eamon D. Ormseth

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The United States boasts a rich and varied history of political dissent. Over the past three centuries, men and women have created innovative ways to challenge the injustices of the social and economic orders they lived under. However, in the 19^th century, political dissent was largely confined to specific issues of more localized concerns and national political movements oriented around a societal issue were relatively uncommon. Then, the Financial Panic of 1893 happened, causing the greatest economic depression the United States had ever faced. Out of this collective societal chaos arose Coxey’s Army, a group of unemployed men led …

Placebo Effects, Ritual Causes, Tessa Weyrauch

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The placebo effect is the power of belief positively manifested for the benefit of the patient. There are two ways that the placebo effect has been seen historically: a standard to clinically test the true efficacy of an active drug and as a sham given by people in a variety of medical positions from doctors to con artists. The use of the placebo effect as a treatment in and of itself has been greeted with distain by scientific researchers and the public because the beneficial reaction the body is creating is due to “belief” instead of “treatment.” However, the placebo …

Experimental Evolution Of Multicellularity In Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii, Jacob Boswell

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

In Life’s nearly four billion year history, organizational transitions have occurred that fundamentally altered the course of evolution. One of these, multicellularity, arose independently in at least two-dozen lineages, giving rise to a remarkable variety of complex forms. In the volvocine algal family, many transitional structures are retained in extant lineages, ranging from the unicellular, flagellated Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to the extravagant Volvox carterii, which contains as many as 50,000 differentiated cells. Many hypotheses have been suggested for the selective pressure that drove the evolution of multicellularity in this group, but none have been explicitly tested. Here, we tested the …

Halogen-Bonding Cataylsis, George F. Neuhaus Mr.

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Halogen-bonding Catalysis

By George Neuhaus

Abstract

Catalysis plays an important role in all fields of chemistry. Many catalysts used today are heavy metals, which are avoided in pharmaceutical production due to their toxicity. This limits the variety of drugs produced because some reactions are successful only in the presence of these metals. The purpose of this research is to synthesize and test novel halogen-bonding organocatalysts that will improve pharmaceutical synthesis by opening reaction pathways that are currently only available with heavy metals. The catalysts developed will improve catalysis of Michael-type additions by which Paroxetine, an anti depressant, ZemplerⓇ, which prevents …

Can Personality Traits Predict Drug Use Preference?: A Discriminant Functions Analysis Of Substance Use In The Lgbtq Population, Adam J. Gott

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Can Personality Traits Predict Substance Use Preference?: A Discriminant Functions Analysis of Drug Use in the LGBTQ Population.

Purpose: Previous research indicates that certain personality traits (impulsivity, neuroticism, sensation seeking, etc.) are strongly linked to heavy alcohol use and higher levels of stimulant use (Brunelle et al, 2004). We hypothesize that a difference in personality traits will result in differences of reported stimulant use, which excites the central nervous system and results in higher physiological arousal, and depressant use, which inhibits function of the central nervous system and results in a calming and sedating effect. Although a stronger presence of …

Novel Cyp26 Inhibitors As A Treatment For Alzheimer’S Disease, Jade Bosic

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and an American develops AD every 68 seconds. With no cures or significantly effective treatments available the number of Americans with AD is estimated to reach 7.1 million in 2025. AD is characterized by the increase in beta-amyloid plaques located in the extracellular space between the brain’s nerve cells. The endogenous chemical, retinoic acid (RA), plays a role in learning and memory and has been shown to reduce amyloid-beta plaques and rescue learning deficits associated with AD. However, the rapid metabolism of RA by hydrolase CYP26 results in a …

Determining Capability Of The Minerva Observatory From Simulated Observations, Chantanelle Nava

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

In the search for Earth analogues, astronomers are using technology designed to detect small rocky planets in the habitable zone, the annulus around a star in which temperatures could support liquid water. Small rocky planets induce RV signals easily missed in the presence of stellar noise sources of comparable or larger amplitudes. Over the next decade, the introduction of new technology such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) will allow astronomers to search small rocky planets’ atmospheres for biomarkers indicating the existence of past or present life. Before these telescopes take to the …

Comparing The Effects Of Ultrasound And Stretching On Hip Flexor Flexibility And Postural Control, Cali Vanvalkenburg, Britt Dickman

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Context: Stretching has become a universally accepted practice used to increase flexibility, reduce muscle injury, and improve performance. In addition to stretching, modalities, such as ultrasound have been used to increase collagen extensibility, therefore increasing range of motion through deep heating. The premise for this study was to see if combining a stretching routine with ultrasound would improve range of motion (ROM) and postural control. Purpose: The purpose of this three trial study was to assess the effectiveness of both ultrasound and static stretching on hip flexor range of motion and postural control. Participant: Three males and three females between …

Arctic Climate Change And The Effects On Bowhead Whales And Their Environment, Kelly A. Wimmert

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Kelly Wimmert

790683696

2/20/2014

Arctic Climate Change and the Impacts on Bowhead Whales

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to identify the effects of arctic climate change on bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) and their environment. Bowhead whales are recognized internationally as a threatened species, in part, because of the dramatic declines in their population over the past century. My study is structured around three primary objectives: one, to examine the impacts of melting arctic ice and warming temperatures on species dynamics and habitat; two, to investigate the ways in which current and anticipated human activities in the …

Homeless At Home In Missoula: Homelessness For The Mentally Ill, Tyler M. Cheesman

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Homeless at Home in Missoula: Homelessness for the Mentally Ill

Many homeless individuals have to battle through the hardships of meeting their daily basic needs: some of these individuals have to do this while dealing with a mental illness. In Missoula, many homeless individuals become clients of the Poverello Center; where they get help meeting their daily basic needs as well as get some support with their mental illness through case workers. This paper will discuss some of the obstacles that homeless individuals face when they have a mental illness. I will draw upon ethnographic fieldnotes describing approximately 40 hours …

David Edgar: Connection In Political Theatre, Sally B. Mchugh

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Theatre, in its very best form, should reveal to us some truth about the human condition. Political theatre takes some of our harshest conditions and realities and forces us to face the ramifications we might otherwise ignore. This project focuses on the work of playwright David Edgar and his own personal “brand” of political theatre. Through a close examination and analysis of his 1995 play Pentecost, I utilize Edgar’s focus on conflicts in Eastern Europe to highlight the importance of political theatre in our world today. As east and west collide, Pentecost showcases the importance of understanding the turmoil …

Generating The Demographic Attributes Of The Synthetic Electronic Health Record, Russell L. Klein

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Electronic Health Record (EHR) databases are an important tool for clinician trainers and information system developers, yet access to actual EHRs remains difficult due to patient privacy concerns. A synthetic EHR would prove valuable provided it was realistic in representing the same characteristics as the actual EHR. The approach is unique as it does not involve the use of any patient Protected Health Information (PHI). Using publicly available data, a process was developed to generate the demographic attributes of a synthetic EHR based upon a given geographic region. The resulting EHR provides a realistic representation of a patient that a …

A Theoretical Look At Sexual Minority Victimization And Outness To Family As A Protective Factor Against Lifetime Suicide Attempts, Charlotte M. Siegel

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

A Theoretical Look at Sexual Minority Victimization and Outness to Family as a Protective Factor Against Lifetime Suicide Attempts

Purpose/Originality: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals are at increased risk for negative mental health outcomes, which has been linked to minority stress processes (Meyer, 2003). LGBTQ individuals are also at increased risk of victimization and suicidality (Shields, 2011). In some cases, identity disclosure may protect against suicidality (Morris, 2001). However, less is known about the effects of outness to one’s family. We examined the interaction of victimization and lifetime suicide attempts with family outness as a potential …

Analysis Of Factors That Influence Visits To A Healthcare Professional, Alexandra T. Schiwal

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Analysis of Factors that Influence Visits to a Healthcare Professional

The health care system in the United States has changed significantly in recent years. Under the Affordable Care Act, it will continue to change. One of the key factors for improving the healthcare system is an understanding of why people use healthcare services. I examined factors that are predictive of visits to healthcare professionals over time using a longitudinal health and community participation survey. The participants in this study were people in the community, aged 18 to 96, who experienced various impairments (e.g., sensory, physical, etc.). They received four longitudinal …

Balancing Efficiency And Compassion: Researching Best Practices For Homeless Shelter Policy Manuals, Ally Guldborg

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The purpose of this project is to use qualitative content analysis to help improve the policies and practices of the Poverello Center. The Poverello Center acts as an emergency shelter and food bank for persons experiencing hunger or homelessness in the Missoula area. The Poverello Center aims to balance efficiency and compassion as it provides these services to all who need them. In order to meet this goal, the organization must have clear and enforceable policies for staff, volunteers, and clients. The researcher will work in collaboration with the staff and administration of the Poverello Center to examine the organization’s …

Mercury Contamination In The Local Osprey Population, Harrison Cooper

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Osprey are birds of prey that feed exclusively on a diet of fish, and are therefore extremely susceptible to contamination in the aquatic systems. In particular, methyl mercury is known to be a very dangerous neurotoxin. This is part of a long-term study of osprey biology and demography, in which the current study focuses on ecotoxicology of methyl mercury in ospreys. The purpose of this study is twofold: to determine the extent of Mercury contamination in the Clark Fork River as well as to understand the effect it is having on osprey’s reproductive success. In order to accomplish this, we …

The Geometry Of Corkscrew Tangles, Holt W. Bodish, Jay M. Egenhoff, Dennis Wesley Price, Cody A. Sevier

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This project highlights the connections between elastic spaces, known as topological spaces, and spaces with rigid geometric structure. It is an investigation of an infinite subset of topological spaces not yet studied which are known as corkscrew tangles. These are formed by “drilling” (conceptually) two tunnels out of a solid ball, from which the geometric structure of the tangles may be deduced.

Preliminary efforts have led to a description of the geometry of the simplest tangles in the family. Furthermore, a consistent method has been found to triangulate arbitrary tangles and this seems to be the key to finding geometric …

The Origin Of Novel Morphologies: A Case Study Of A Rhinoceros Beetle, Dylan Gomes

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The origin of novel morphological structures has mystified biologists for centuries. These often-impressive structures appear to spring into existence, without passing through any intermediate forms. An exciting recent discovery in evolutionary biology is that some novel morphologies evolve via co-option of existing gene networks. When these ancient networks are deployed in new locations novel structures can result.

Rhinoceros beetle horns are impressive novel morphologies; some horns are longer than their bearer’s body. There is evidence that dung beetles, another group of horn-bearing beetles, have co-opted the insect appendage patterning pathway (APP) for horn development. Dung beetles diverged from rhinoceros beetles …

Library Needs Of Undergraduate Students Living On Campus, Estoban David Sotomayor

Academic Summit

During the Fall 2013 semester, four UNO graduate students enrolled in an advanced marketing class, designed and carried out an extensive user survey intended to provide the UNO Library administration with feedback regarding the most important needs for students living in residence halls. The study succeeded in demonstrating which areas of library service met or exceeded the needs of students and which ones did not meet such needs. This presentation will detail the parameters of the study and focus upon what residential students most hope to find when using the library—both when studying onsite and when accessing online databases from …

Oliver Gets An X-Ray: A Multi-Facet Service-Learning Tool, Kendall Delacerda, Kari Cook, Holly Lane

Academic Summit

Radiologic Imaging is a highly technical vocation with limited hands-on services. At Northwestern State University (NSU), program faculty recognized and promoted a radiologic student’s creative artistic skills as a means to teach local elementary school children about x-rays. Introducing radiology at such an early age will help make future imaging needs less frightening, more successful, and less exposure to the dangers of radiation due to repeated exams. With faculty support in development, production, and corporate sponsorship this small idea grew into a complete coloring book with a full story line titled, “Oliver Gets an X-Ray”. After great success at local …

Huckleberry Trails Entry Pavilion, Aaliyah Muhammad, Lindsy Trisler, Bailey Craighead

Academic Summit

Last spring, the Louisiana Tech Design/Build studio designed and built a pedestrian entry for a local park. The project drew its formal inspiration from the Voronoi geometry found in leaf venation patterns and the dappled tree canopy found on the project site. To create and manipulate these patterns the designers explored how parametric design tools can improve an architect’s ability to create appropriate design solutions without compromising constructability. With the design and construction processes serving as their experiment, it was found that even modest incorporation of parametric design tools can allow greater control of complex geometry creating more desirable outcomes.

Allons! A Universal Call To Freedom In Walt Whitman’S Song Of The Open Road, Brandon Naquin

Academic Summit

While the majority of Walt Whitman’s prosody celebrates the self, “Song of the Open Road” combines a conceptual appreciation of autonomy with a dedication to functionality. In drafting “Song”, Whitman was no longer interested in merely discussing autonomy; he instead delivers a method of attaining autonomy. Whitman describes “the open road” for eight sections of the poem in a vivid, ambiguous style reminiscent of his other verse, then abandons his philosophical meandering for the simplicity of “Allons!”—a French word meaning “Let’s go!”—creating a strikingly terse parallel for Whitman’s delayed poetics.

Three Austrian Muses, Taylor Leblanc

Academic Summit

This paper explores how three Austrian Expressionism artists Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka used women as muses. Klimt’s use of women personified his oeuvre, while Egon Schiele’s oeuvre was inspired by both himself in self-portraits and women that were close to him. Oskar Kokoschka’s oeuvre was inspired in similar ways as Schiele’s though each artist varies distinctively in style. Moreover, the way each artist and his work uses women as muses reflects the anxieties and contradictions of late 19th century European society. As such, we can understand why their work resonated with and continues to resonate with audiences.

Cyberstage: A New Era Of Theatre Practice, Hanasara Ito

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

In the age of the internet, the World Wide Web is fully integrated in our daily lives— and careers. The internet also is increasingly important to artists for marketing and publicity—and as actual performance. My research project investigates Youtube as well as text-based social media (twitter, facebook, blogs, etc.) to ask how such forms are integrated art performances for the modern age. My project has been approved as part of an Ethnographic Field Methods course for Spring 2014, focusing on the cyber-nation of UM over the past two decades. I will focus on the artistic aspects of this process within …

Do Muscle Contractile Mechanics Alter Blood Flow And Explain The Onset Of Muscle Fatigue?, Cara E. Saxon, Samantha L. Jones, Roisin M. Nakada, Charles Churchill, Craig Maunder

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

During brief all-out muscular activity eliciting failure between 3 and 300 s, the level of performance available from muscle decreases exponentially between the musculoskeletal maximum and the performance supported by the body’s aerobic power(i.e.VO₂ peak). Here, the muscle duty cycle, the ratio of the durations of muscle activity to the entire movement cycle, was experimentally manipulated to alter the level of sustainable force at the condition-specific aerobic limit. We hypothesized that the expected greater levels of sustainable force output achieved in the mode with longer rest periods between contractions, were due to the greater opportunity for vascular perfusion or …

Wilderness As A Social Movement: Expanding Cultural Relevance In The 21st Century, Dylan Lang

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This year is the 50^th anniversary of two monumental pieces of legislation: the Wilderness Act and the Civil Rights Act. Though these two laws exist within different arenas of public affairs, both have had significant effects on American society.

The Wilderness Act was signed into law in 1964 with almost unanimous support, at a time when American society overwhelmingly supported its passage. Since 1964, wilderness has been criticized as an elitist ideal representing a small interest group in the United States. As our country becomes increasingly diverse, and public lands protection loses popular support, making wilderness more relevant to …

Layer Specific Distribution Of Cholinergic Interneurons In The Hippocampus, Elizabeth L. Catudio-Garrett

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) into the hippocampus is essential for learning and memory. Lack of hippocampal acetylcholine is associated with cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s disease. The major source of acetylcholine in the hippocampus is extrinsic and supplied by the medial septum-diagonal band of Broca (MS-DBB). However, hippocampal cholinergic interneurons may be an intrinsic source of ACh. Originally discovered using antibodies to the ACh synthesizing enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), little is known about these intrinsic cholinergic interneurons. With advances in technology, a ChATxRosa26-YFP mouse was developed that enabled the visualization of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) in hippocampal cholinergic interneurons. …

Demand Prevention Interventions, Leslie Cyranowski

Undergraduate Research Conference

Prostitution is prevalent in almost every culture, and while the United States is one of the only countries to have made prostitution almost entirely illegal, at least 100,000 US children are exploited into prostitution each year in America. The countries of Sweden and the Netherlands both employ distinct prostitution strategies designed to reduce the amount of commercial sexual exploitation. In this paper, I would like to examine how demand reduction strategies could help reduce the amount of commercial sexual exploitation in the United States.

The Art Of Trauma: Abstraction And 'Locke And Key', Kirsten Stricker

Undergraduate Research Conference

Graphic novels have been studied primarily by historians and narratologists, with outcomes that demonstrate how graphic novels are historically and educationally significant; however, the art has received minimal attention within art historical contexts. The abstraction found in the art of graphic novels has become increasingly common in our modern visual culture, and therefore, merits closer study. Locke and Key, a winner of the Will Eisner Comic Industry Award and illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez, is an exemplar of the sophistication possible in graphic novel art. The stylistics decisions made by Rodriguez – including the manner in which the characters are depicted …

What Almost Kills You Makes Your Memory Stronger: Cancer Diagnosis Memories, Angeline Modesti, Renato Puga

Undergraduate Research Conference

Affect, rehearsal, and consequentiality were examined as flashbulb memories components of three different types of tentatively life threatening events: receiving a cancer diagnosis (N = 43), experiencing a car accident (N = 74), and childhood injury experienced by the child, or parent who witnessed or heard about the incident (N = 158). Cancer diagnoses yielded significantly higher levels of detail in free recall narratives as wel as probed questions, despite having low vividness.