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Old, Similar, Or New: Hippocampal-Dependent Pattern Separation Performance In Fibromyalgia, Ashley Laplant

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

In addition to chronic musculoskeletal pain, people with fibromyalgia often have memory deficits. Pattern separation is a neurological process that may be related to the memory deficits observed in people with fibromyalgia. Greater hippocampal activation has been associated with pattern separation deficits outside of fibromyalgia and has been observed in people with fibromyalgia; however, the relationship between hippocampal activation and pattern separation deficits in people with fibromyalgia is still unclear. This study thus aimed to examine the relationship between hippocampal activation and pattern separation in fibromyalgia. We hypothesized that participants with fibromyalgia would have worse pattern separation performance and greater …

A Grotesque Beacon Of God’S Grace In “A Temple Of The Holy Ghost”, Shayleigh Pape

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

The faith of Flannery O’Connor, a Catholic writer, creates a unique tension within her short stories, between the grotesque aspects of the natural world and the sanctity of the divine. Her work “A Temple of the Holy Ghost” exemplifies this tension as a young female narrator encounters an unexpected transformative experience after her two cousins see a “hermaphrodite”[1] at a local “freak show.” In “A Temple of the Holy Ghost,” Flannery O’Connor employs the hermaphrodite character as a vessel for the narrator to explore the mysterious virtue of purity as she matures both literally and spiritually. In doing so, O’Connor …

Grey’S Anatomy College Of Medicine: How Modern Medical Dramas Have Contributed To Patient Healthcare Anxiety, Haylee R. Tilley

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

Having run for nearly 20 seasons averaging over 37 million viewers, it is no surprise that Grey’s Anatomy has been a captivating medical melodrama, one that has sustained popularity in an ever-changing society during its nearly two decades in production. Modern medical dramas have sparked popularity because of their captivating themes of suffering and healing: the modern happy ending or, in this case, cure. With a comprehensible mix of medical jargon and lighthearted drama, audiences around the globe are claiming an MD-level proficiency due to their dedication and engagement in this Shonda Rhimes award-winning series. The increase in patients made …

Table Of Contents And Front Matter, Bjur Staff

Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Parenting The State: A Constitutional Case For Parental Notification Policies In California School Districts, Sofia K. Van Arsdale

Helms School of Government Undergraduate Law Review

In July 2024, the State of California passed the Support Academic Futures & Educators for Today's Youth Act (SAFETY Act). This law prevents school districts from implementing policies that would require school personnel to disclose information related to a student's gender identity to their parents without that student’s consent. The U.S. Supreme Court has yet to consider the constitutionality of such a law and the parental notification policies it aims to invalidate. In light of U.S. Supreme Court precedent, this note will argue for the unconstitutionality of the SAFETY Act and the constitutionality of parental notification policies by primarily utilizing …

Is Speech Speech?: Speech As Conduct After National Institute Of Family & Life Advocates, Joshua N. Broome

Helms School of Government Undergraduate Law Review

In National Institute of Family & Life Advocates v. Becerra, the Supreme Court held that there was no First Amendment exception for professional speech, but noted there remained an exception for speech incidental to professional conduct. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit are split on the nature of this exemption, namely whether it includes legislation banning conversion therapy for minors when said therapy consists of only speech. This split highlights a deeper divide whether speech, in and of itself, can be considered conduct and thereby …

Exploring The Impact Of Menopause On Human Voice: A Comparative Analysis Between Premenopausal And Postmenopausal Women., Mahmoud Elmahdy

International Visiting Researcher Showcase

Exploring The Impact of Menopause on Human Voice: A Comparative Analysis Between Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women. Background and Objective: Menopause affects various aspects of women's health, including voice. This study aims to explore the relationship between menopause and voice disorders. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study involving 334 females, divided into two groups based on menopausal status. Data including smoking history, demographic variables, stroboscopic notes, and standardized questionnaires (Reflux Symptom Index, Voice Handicap Index, Voice Catastrophization Index, Dyspnea Index, Cough Severity Index, and Eating Assessment Tool), were collected and analyzed where Categorical variables were compared using the χ2 test while …

Sh2 Domain Protein E (She) And Abl Signaling Regulate Blood Vessel Size, Surendra Kumar Anand

International Visiting Researcher Showcase

Src homology 2 domain containing E (She) protein was previously identified in a screen for proteins that interact with Abelson (Abl)-kinase. However, its biological role has remained unknown. Here we demonstrate that She and Abl signaling regulate vessel size in zebrafish embryos and human endothelial cell culture. Zebrafish she mutants displayed increased endothelial cell number, enlarged lumen size and defects in blood flow and vessel elasticity, eventually leading to vessel collapse. ScRNA-seq analysis identified a set of novel genes which are differentially expressed in she mutants. Vascular endothelial specific overexpression of she was sufficient to restrict the vessel size. Chemical …

Cartoon Kinship, Kelsey Bell Quinn

Master's Theses

Most people view cartoons as mindless entertainment exclusively for children. They dismiss the genre as if it only contains zany and overzealous characters who deal with simple, predictable challenges, easily resolved by the end of the episode. The negative attitude towards cartoons—or seemingly anything animated—undermines the importance of the lessons and the themes many shows do impart on their viewers, regardless of their age. Shows like Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender cover a plethora of complex themes, but due to its status as an animated work, it has been disregarded as a show for children rather than being appreciated as …

The Effect Of Boom Leveling On Spray Dispersion, Miguel Bustamante, Juan F. Vivanco, Travis A. Burgers

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Automatic boom height systems reduce the variability of agricultural sprayer boom height. When a boom is not at its target height, this can lead to uneven spray dispersion from the nozzles. Boom heights and sprayer position were previously measured in time for three commercially-available boom leveling systems for three test runs for at least three speeds over each of a mild, medium and rough terrain course. A computational model was created to use measured spray dispersion from a nozzle, measured boom heights in time, and measured sprayer position in time to calculate a spray coverage map. The model was used …

Autonomous Agricultural Equipment Evaluation For Broad-Acre Crop Production, Sofia Bahmutsky, Ashutosh Singh, Travis A. Burgers, Roy Maki

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between Food Allergies And Intolerances And The Development Of Disordered Eating Patterns, Lucy M. Scholma

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Food allergies and food intolerances are becoming an increasingly more prevalent issue in the Unites States. To mitigate adverse reactions, these individuals often eliminate food or food groups from their diets and the ramifications of these lifestyle changes may result in disordered eating patterns. In regard to food allergies and intolerances and eating disorders, it is reasonable to suggest that the overlapping lifestyle choices and physical, social, and emotional ramifications may lead to a correlation between the two phenomena. This study explores the relationship between food allergic and food intolerant individuals and disordered eating habits among college students. Survey results …

Quantifying Temperature Effects On Developmental Rate And Plant Quality Of Compact Container-Grown Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum), Morgan Humphrey

Horticulture Undergraduate Honors Theses

Mean daily temperature effects on plant development rates and quality were evaluated for compact container-grown tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Compact tomato varieties ‘Siam’ and ‘Red Velvet’ were grown in greenhouses at 18 to 26 °C (Experiment 1) and 20 to 30 °C (Experiment 2) under supplemental high-pressure sodium lighting and 16-hour photoperiod. The number of days to first open flower, first ripe fruit, and from flower to ripe fruit were measured and development rates calculated by taking the reciprocal (e.g. 1/days). Temperature effects were predicted by fitting a linear (for first open flower) and a nonlinear exponential function (for …

Excess Fructose In High-Fructose Corn Syrup Reduces Cell Viability & Promotes Nitric Oxide Release In Raw 264.7 Macrophages, Renzo F. Galarza, Edward L. Villegas

Research and Creativity Symposium

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is an artificial sweetener that contains slightly higher concentrations of fructose compared to standard sucrose. It has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease. While both HFCS and sucrose are widely used sweeteners, growing evidence suggests they may differ in their inflammatory potential. We sought to understand the effects of elevated fructose on RAW 264.7 macrophages. To investigate these effects, we treated the cells with either a sucrose solution or a
solution designed to mimic high-fructose corn syrup. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation was used to model innate …

Weed Out The Pain: Using Cannabis To Manage Endometriosis, Jamie Calderbank, Holly Goodacre, Claire Mcelroy, Makayla Schmierer

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

Those with endometriosis are four times more likely to chronically use opioids than those without the condition, despite the well-known adverse effects and misuse potential of opioids (Farooqi et al., 2023). Due to the risks and costs associated with opioid use, those with endometriosis are turning to other forms of self-medication that are more accessible. One example is the use of cannabis, which has been shown to not only decrease pain but also improve other symptoms like sleep quality and overall mood (Sinclair et al., 2021). Endocannabinoids are a series of complex molecules that naturally exist in the body and …

Pain Management During Intrauterine Device Insertion: A Research Synthesis, Nicole D. Haradisty, Flora V. Maciel Garibay, Dylan D. Renfro

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

The mismatch between expected and actual pain during IUD insertion can negatively impact patients' healthcare experience, satisfaction, and trust in their medical providers (Bayer et al., 2025). Inadequate pain management during IUD insertion serves as a significant barrier for individuals of reproductive age seeking this form of contraception (Bayer et al., 2025). It is essential to address the lack of universal pain management protocols during IUD insertions. Equally important is identifying effective options to manage pain while ensuring that providers set and manage patient expectations appropriately. This study aims to explore the pain experienced during IUD insertion and to identify …

Impact Of Microplastics On Male Fertility And Sperm Quality, Maura Blackwell, Yelena Gallagher-Spiegle, Regina Ochoa, Abbi Wong

NURS 464: Evidence-Based Nursing Capstone

Plastic pollution is a global health concern. Microplastics and nanoplastics are the byproducts of plastic deterioration and can be invisible to the naked eye. These ever-present particles have infiltrated our ecosystems, water, food, air, and even the human body (Hunt et al., 2024). In recent years, we are starting to understand the effects of plastic degradation on human health. Researchers have observed ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures, and other physical deterioration causing microplastics to shed carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting chemicals (Osman et al., 2023). Endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol, and octylphenol, interfere with normal hormone activity, mimicking natural …

Hiring Preferences Of Federally Recognized Tribes: Survey And Analysis, Kristen Gutierrez Livoti

Master of Public Administration

In the United States, there are currently 574 federally recognized Tribal nations. Both employers and applicants face challenges in the hiring process. Tribes may face challenges finding qualified applicants with the necessary skills for specific roles. A less-qualified employee may result in less impactful program outcomes, lower revenue, discouraged employees, and higher turnover rates. In addition, hiring an employee who doesn’t understand Tribal culture may result in ineffective programs, policies, and/or miscommunication. For those looking to work for a Tribal government, applicants often find challenges in that hiring preferences/policies (P&Ps) are different from Tribe to Tribe and not posted in …

Role Of The P75ntr In Regulation Of Survival Of Dopaminergic Neurons In The Substantia Niggra During Early Neurodevelopment, Ethan Alexander Simpson

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

Doctor Of Physical Therapy Student Performance On The National Physical Therapy Examination And Qualitative Feedback Of Dpt Program Administrators About The Covid-19 Pandemic In The Appalachian Region, Timothy Logan Yost

Ed.D. Dissertations

In this qualitative case study, I aimed to discern the presence of a downward trend in the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) during the COVID-19 pandemic and receive valuable qualitative feedback from Doctor of Physical Therapy program administrators concerning the effects of COVID-19. I first reviewed the available literature, followed by an examination of first-time scores via publicly available data from the Federation of State Board of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). This was followed by the development of a qualitative research methodology, which included a targeted qualitative questionnaire with Doctor of Physical Therapy program administrators within the Appalachian region to gain …

Impacts Of German Yellowjacket (Vespula Germanica) Removal On Pollinator Communities In Western New York, Jonathan M. Promowicz

Biology Theses

Invasive social insects can restructure native arthropod communities through predation and competition. Vespula germanica (German yellowjacket) is a globally invasive wasp species that dominates vespid assemblages across urban and suburban landscapes. This study tested the hypothesis that reducing V. germanica using protein-based fipronil baits would increase native pollinator abundance, species richness and native vespid abundance. Vespula germanica was experimentally suppressed at suburban and urban sites. Pollinator abundance and richness increased with V. germanica baiting. Native vespids had mixed results from baiting with suburban sites increasing in overall abundance and urban sites decreasing. These results indicate that suppressing dominant invasive wasps …

A Status Review Of ``The Unreasonable Effectiveness Of Mathematics'', Melvin Royer

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2024

No abstract provided.

Mentored Research Projects In Applied Mathematics, Danilo Diedrichs

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2024

No abstract provided.

Self-Graphing Equations, Sam Alexander

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2024

No abstract provided.

Setting Up For Success_ Analysis Of Effectiveness Of Mathematics Placement, Jeffrey Carvell, Jason Ho, Dave Klanderman, Sarah Klanderman

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2024

No abstract provided.

Mathematics-Ai Based Phylogenetic Analysis Of Influenza Virus Mutation Data, Emilee Walden

Mathematical Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The influenza virus is one of the most common viral infections each year and can mutate rapidly. Viral mutations pose significant threats to public health by increasing infectivity and strengthening vaccine resistance. To track these evolving patterns, agencies like the CDC annually evaluate thousands of virus strains to understand viral mutagenesis and evolution in depth. Therefore, a computational method for analyzing high-dimensional, noisy virus data could aid in the rapid identification of antigens essential for an effective influenza vaccine for the upcoming season. Through the integration of genomic analysis, clustering, and dimensionality reduction methods, this study specifically aims to develop …

Breakthrough: How Committed, Long-Term Supports For Middle And High School Students Help Unlock The Power Of Education And Create A Lifetime Of Opportunity, Anastasia L. Borowski

Curriculum and Instruction Undergraduate Honors Theses

This project explores the impact of Breakthrough, a program dedicated to supporting first-generation college-bound students, through the lens of a teaching fellow's summer experience. With a mission to grow educational opportunity, Breakthrough provides academic enrichment, mentorship, and support starting in middle school to ensure college becomes an option for all of its students.

This research highlights experiential data from a teaching fellow’s week-by-week responsibilities. This project seeks to share the stories of different roles within the program and their influence on student outcomes, academic pathways, and personal growth. The research highlights the unique structure of Breakthrough’s support system and its …

Bostock And The Limits Of Textualism: A Doctrinal Structuralist Approach, Martin J. Katz

Sturm College of Law: Faculty Scholarship

In Bostock v. Clayton County, the Court held that Title VII prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This result, the majority claimed, was required by the interpretive theory called textualism. But textualist justices in the dissent vehemently disagreed. This split, and the controversy that has followed it, has had two consequences. First, it added fuel to the ongoing debate about the value of textualism. Second, it opened the door for lower courts to decline to apply Bostock to similar antidiscrimination laws, such as Title IX in education or the Equal Protection Clause (such as the Skrmetti case, …

Evaluating The Health Of The Latah Creek Tributary And Its Impact On The Health Of The Spokane River By Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Analysis, Andee West, Ian Townley

CURCI Student Research

Research question: How does the Latah Creek tributary impact water quality of the Spokane River, monitoring the riverbanks and macroinvertebrate families?

Below To Beyond Human: Social Death To Ego Birth During The Black Psychedelic Experience, Angelica Medina

Library Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research

Prior to the modern day green light to research psychedelics, it has been consumed for its offered experience for centuries in indigenous traditions. Research today insists that psychedelics assist greatly with self healing and self discovery. The “self-healing” in its extreme form is often labeled as “ego death”, which is defined as “surrendering to our self-subjected identity”. I will argue that the present definition for ego death is inaccurate without the integration of sociological concepts and race theory. Social death, a term coined by Orlando Patterson, suggests that black individuals aren’t accepted as fully human in our social institutions and …