McNair Scholars Journal

Goldfish Brain GAP-43: Analysis by One and Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis

Kendra Williams — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:53:11 PDT

The concept of learning and memory is a neurological process believed to reside in the nervous system of living organisms. In particular; the growth-associated protein, GAP-43, has been shown to alter its state of phosphorylation via a protein kinase C mediated reaction following long-term potentiation, a paradigm of learning and memory. Most recent studies of GAP-43 in goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) hve focused on its presence in regenerating or developing optic nerves. The present study seeks to determine the existence of GAP-43 in the goldfish brain by Western blotting with commercially available antibodies and secondly, quantify phosphorylated isoforms of GAP-43 before and after active avoidance training.

Methods for Observing the Behavior of Computer Users

R. David Sigsby — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:53:10 PDT

A large amount of research has been done to improve Intelligent Tutoring Systems (I.T.S.). Though implementing the latest Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) techniques, I.T.S.'s fail to approach the adaptability of human teachers. New methods are needed for observing computer users, analyzing and interpreting their behavior, and effectively offering online instruction. This project, called Mentor, is aimed at finding new methods for identifying observable behavior and what can be learned from those observations. Time stamped keystrokes were collected from a small group of Introduction to Computer Programming students for various assignments over the course of one semester. Specific instances of behavior (e.g., run , arrow keys, deletes, etc.) were then graphed in order to look at the student's behavior as he or she progressed through the semester as well as to compare the students to each other. The goals of this study are (1) to find behavioral patterns in computer use, and (2 ) to set the groundwork for a method of observation and analysis that can be generalized for various applications.

A Study of Dense, Glassy Flows: Dense Pahoehoe Lava Flows From Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Laura L. Sage — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:53:09 PDT

Thi s research project reviews existing literature and U. S. Geological Survey field reports for specific references to dense, glassy lava flows and includes a petrographic study of dense, glassy lava samples. The study will help us better understand the dynamics of lava flows and possibly lead to improving our ability to predict future lava flow hazards.

Images of African Americans in Contemporary American Novels: A Sociological Study

Sadie Pendaz — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:53:07 PDT

In this study we examined nine novels from three time periods: the 1930s, the 1960s and the 1990s. We looked at two best-selling novels and one novel by an African American from each time period. We examined how African Americans were portrayed in these novels. From the content analysis of the novel, A Time to Kill, we developed eight themes with which to examine the other nine novels. Then we undertook a content analysis oj each oj the nine novels individually. Lastly, we looked at the interrelationships between the nine novels over the three time periods by breaking them down across our eight established themes. We also compared them based upon who authored the novels, the "mainstream" best-selling novels versus the African American novels.

GIS Applications in the Evaluation of Nonpoint Source Pollution Inputs to Inland Lakes

Jill Leale — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:53:06 PDT

The water quality of a lake is a reflection of the condition and types of human activities in the surrounding watershed. Residential development and agricultural practices increase both surface runoff and nutrient sources which influence lake productivity. This report introduces GIS methodologies which can evaluate aspects of land use types in relationship to nonpoint sources of phosphorus loading to lakes. Lake drainage basins were delineated by on-screen digitizing with reference of topographic maps. Distributions of land use types were examined by the watershed boundary. The potential of a land use class to export a nutrient to a lake was represented by applying export coefficients in a GIS. Lake volume and average total phosphorus concentration were calculated by developing a Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) in a GIS. Lastly as a management scenario, a buffer region was applied to represent riparian zones. The study shows that the occurrence of residential developments along shorelines potentially has a significant impact on lake quality. These areas would be priority targets for practices that decrease nutrient loading to lakes. Modeling Phosphorus (P) inputs to lakes is restricted by the omission of many ecological processes linked to physical land characteristics and lake cycling of P. However, initial examination of significant factors of phosphorus dynamics in a GIS provides insights into the influence of landscape features, and can aid in prioritizing management strategies.

The Significance of the Journey in the Works ofJuan Rulfo

Philip J. Copado — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:53:03 PDT

The fame ofJuan Rulfo (1 918-1986), one of the most well-known Mexican authors of his time, is based almost entirely upon two works, Pedro Paramo (1955) a novel , and a collection of short stories entitled EI Llano en Llamas, [The Burning Plains] (1953). These, however, are not the only works that make up his repertoire. He wrote three screenplays La Formula Secreta [The Secret Formula] (1964), EI Gallo de Oro [The Golden Cock] (1964), and EI Despojo [The Remainder] (1960). In addition, he wrote a few other articles and short stories including a collection of his photographs portraying the Mexican landscape reflected in his literary works. He is well known for his literary experimentation in narrative techniques such as shifts of narrative and temporal focus and for his employ of magic realism (although based in the reality of Latin America, this mode reveals a world in which the laws of nature are suspended or act contrarily) and changes in temporal settings. While the concept of the journey has not been as studied as other areas in the works of Juan Rulfo, it is one motif found in his writings that contributes to the development of his themes and narrative style. An examination of the idea of the journey in the works of Juan Rulfo brings to light three main issues found in his writings: the role of religion, the theme of escape, and a criticism of society. Although his criticism of society is less well acknowledged in his works, nevertheless they play a role as George D. Schade comments, "Large social ills are commented on dispassionately only when they have bearing on the personal dramas Rulfo is unfolding" (Schade ix). Thus, the conclusion can be drawn that, while Rulfo is not well known for his criticisms of society, there are certain moments in his stories in which hedoes effectively present them.

Message from the Dean

Mary A. Seeger — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:53:02 PDT

Synthesis of Two Novel Boronic Acid Probes for the Molecular Recognition of Saccharides

Christopher W. Tudbman — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:58 PDT

Normally the detection of biologically important molecules such as saccharides is difficult. Few chemical sensing mechanisms have been developed for saccharides as they are uncharged, neither fluoresce nor quench fluorescence, and are normally present in aqueous media, which presents competitive hydrogen bonding. The recognition and measurement of saccharides has been achieved recently by certain synthetic molecular receptors or "probes," containing a boronic acid receptor moiety, which circumnavigates the normal difficulties associated with the detection of saccharides. The synthesis of two novel bidentate boronic acid molecular probes was attempted with the intent of testing their relative binding selectivity in the molecular recognition of simple monosaccharides such as glucose, fructose,and galactose.

Serotonin Regulation of Neuropeptide Synthesis in the Rat Basal Ganglia

TaLawnda L. Thompson — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:57 PDT

Movement disorders involving the basal ganglia, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Tourette's syndrome, arise from altered neurotransmission. Previous studies have demonstrated variable gene expression of neuropeptides in striatal neurons following the increase or decrease of dopamine and/or serotonin transmission. We are currently employing the technique of immunocytochemistry to determine whether increased or decreased mRNA levels, induced by altered serotonin transmission, translate into a corresponding change in neuropeptide levels. Characterizing the fate of striatal neuropeptide gene products (mRNA and peptides) may provide valuable information in developing therapies to treat certain types of movement disorders.

Mentor: Intelligent Tutoring Systems That Learn When to Help

R. David Sigsby — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:55 PDT

Frustration is a problem common to all people learning a new technology, particularly computing technology. Intelligent Tutoring Systems (I.T.S.) can offer help based on a users goal or ability. What these systems fail to take into account is that help is useless if the user is not ready to accept it. This research has two main aspects: the content of help and the timing of that help. Thus the goal of this research is to develop a program, called Mentor, which first offers good helpful direction to the user and second, learns the appropriate time to intervene. Mentor is being developed in modular form; the modules areas follows: (1) observing the user's behavior within a software environment, (2) statistical analysis of the users behavior, (3) a set of heuristics to decide what help to offer and when, (4) a means of presenting help to the user, and (5) a feedback system to measure user responses to the help offered.

The Effects of Soil Moisture and Herbivory on Aesclepias incarnata

Casie J. Roop — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:54 PDT

We investigated the effects of insect herbivory on the common milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), 78 root stocks were potted in 4L pots in a greenhouse. At the height of 61 to 76 cm, the plants were divided into three different treatment groups of the control (well watered), moderate drought, and severe drought groups with26 individuals per treatment. Two weeks after the treatments were implemented, 13 plants from each group were defoliated by monarch caterpillars (Danaus plexippus). Photosynthesis, height, leaf area, caterpillar weight and time of flowering will be measured. We hypothesized the drought stressed groups would be better able to tolerate defoliation due to the increased allocation of energy towards defense, while the control group allocated more for reproduction.

Detection of GAP-43 in Goldfish Brain

Tifffany R. Hartman — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:52 PDT

The concept of learning and memory is a neurological process believed to reside in the nervous system of living organisms. In particular the growth associated protein, GAP-43, has been shown to alter its state of phosphorylation via a protein kinase C mediated reaction following long term potentiation, a paradigm of learning and memory. Most recent studies of GAP-43 in goldfish (Carassius auratus L) have focused on its presence in regenerating or developing optic nerves. The present study seeks to determine the existence of GAP-43 in the goldfish brain and secondly, quantify phosphorylated isoforms of GAP-43 before and after active avoidance shock training.

Synthesis and Potential Metal Absorbtion of Carbohydrate Polymer Derivatives

Todd Davis — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:51 PDT

Our investigation focused on finding an efficient way to detect heavy metal contaminants in polluted water resources. Ideally, the detector used should be comprised of a naturally occurring material that, with its presence in the system, will not add to the contamination problem. In past research environments sugars have been known to bond selectively to many elements including heavy metals. Our specific goal is to attach four sugars to a styrene base: beta-cyclodextrin, lactose, cellobiose, and inulin with the hopes that these sacchirides will bond selectively to certain heavy metals found in the water supply.

Letter of Congratulations and Introduction

Mary A. Seeger — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:50 PDT

Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis of Middle Woodland Ceramics: An Interim Report

Mandi L. Yoes — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:46 PDT

The status of research on Middle Woodland day samples from the Grand River basin as of September, 1997 is summarized providing background on the Middle Woodland era and use of neutron activation analysis in their study of elemental analysis of ceramics found at archaeological sites in the Grand River basin.

The Power of Minorities in Groups Settings: Do They Inspire Divergent Thinking?

Angela Walker — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:45 PDT

Studies concerning social influence have generally focused on the power of the majority within groups. In contrast, this research explored the power of opinion minorities in consensus and nonconsensus seeking groups, especially whether minorities in consensus seeking groups inspire divergent thinking in their fellow group members the way minority members in nonconsensus seeking groups do. Thought listing tasks were utilized. Results suggest that minority members decrease polarization of thought and increase thoroughness of discussion.

Presence of Estrogen Receptor-Containing Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone-Immunoreactive Cells in the Sheep Hypothalamus

Corey M. Soumis — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:44 PDT

The shift in reproductive activity brought about by a dramatic change in the way the female sheep brain interprets the ovarian estradiol signal was studied to discover neurotransmitter systems involved in relaying the estradiol signal to the reproductive system. It was found that some corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) cells also contain estrogen receptors. The hypothesis that CRF may be one of the neurotransmitters responsible for mediating the estradiol-induced suppression of seasonal reproductive behavior in sheep was supported.

Components of Perceived Interpersonal Interaction

Travis Sola — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:42 PDT

This paper focuses on the perception of different psychological structures which, taken together, constitute social action from the observer's perspective. Thus, action identification is conceptualized as a function of structural components (frame domain) and semantic features (semantic domain). Certain combinations of semantic features are prescriptive schemata for typical behavior. The participants were primed for prescriptive or non-prescriptive schemata, then engaged in a memory task. The memory task consisted of an acquisition phase (participants heard partial action event sentences) and a recognition phase (participants were asked to identify sentences they had heard). A higher false recognition of "new" sentences containing the primed prescriptive schema was found.

Factors Contributing to the Success Of African American Women In Higher Education

Kimberly R. Robinson — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:40 PDT

This work reviews the literature which details the history of African American women in colleges and universities to determine the factors which such faculty members believe contributed to their success in academia as well as obstacles the success the women encountered.

Ritualized Myth: an Analysis of Biracial Male Buddy Films

Jason Rapelje — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:39 PDT

The contents of eleven films of the "biracial buddy" genre were analyzed to see how cinema portrays differences between the two main characters when one is Caucasian and one is African American. Especially considered was how aspects of cinema's "mythic structure"- including dramatic functions of the hero archetype and"the raising of the dramatic question"-played out each film. Attention was paid to which of the two characters most often appeared first, how they made their entrances, and which character experienced the most growth by the end of the film. The title of each film was taken into consideration as another indicator of which character the film centered on. The results indicate a definite difference. The white hero was the one who most often appeared first and experienced the most growth. Furthermore, the main dramatic questions, as well as the titles of the films, were more often linked to the white character than to the black.

Gender Biases in Burial Practices

Oscar Perry — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:37 PDT

This work continued a previous examination of gender biases in burial practices in Michigan and Washington as reflected on grave markers in cemeteries. Numerous issues concerning gender biases on grave markers were identified and are discussed.

The Effects Of Organic Fertilizers And Biostimulants On The Bacterial Populations Of Golf Course Greens, Tees, And Fairways

Audelia Munguia — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:35 PDT

Organic fertilizers and biostimulants were tested on Grand Valley State University's Meadows Golf Course in Allendale, Michigan. Five greens, four tees, and three fairways were each treated with a different organic fertilizer or biostimulant. Core soil samples were diluted and placed on several selective media. The isolated colonies were counted and identified. Preliminary data suggests that for the agents tested there is no statistically significant difference in the numbers and kinds of bacteria retrieved. This is meaningful because there is a substantial difference in the ease of application and cost between agents used.

Effects of Copper Sulfate on Benthic Algae; A Laboratory Experiment

Jill Leale — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:33 PDT

Copper sulfate is applied in inland waters as a management tool to control phytoplankton and the snails associated with the condition of schistiosome dermatitis. Application rates to control algae and snails range from 1.0 mg/l to 25.0 mg/l of copper sulfate, respectively. Previous studies have focused on a variety of aspects of this practice, however, few have determined the effects of copper sulfate treatments on benthic algae. Therefore, a short-term laboratory experiment was executed. Algal communities were established in laboratory microcosms using sediment and water collected from Muskegon Lake, Michigan. Microcosms were assigned to one of four treatments: control 0, 1.0 mg/l, 10.0 mg/l, or 25 mg/l of copper sulfate. After 48-hours, chlorophyll a, total dissolved copper, cell density, and community structure were determined. Chlorophyll a declined significantly due to copper, however, algal densities did not. The differences in measured responses may be due to sediment adsorption or duration of the experiment.

The Role of U.S. Intelligence in American Foreign Affairs in the Post-Cold War Era (Literature Review)

Shannon M. Ingram — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:32 PDT

The end of the Cold War initiated a revolutionary era for the American intelligence community. This literature review analyzes the new era of uncertainty and reform the intelligence community is currently facing. First, it presents the background and structure of the intelligence community. Next, it presents an analysis of the intelligence community during the Cold War era. Finally, it analyzes the contending arguments and theories on the future of the American intelligence community. This review takes an in-depth look at the principle groupings that characterize current thought on the future role of intelligence. The two principal schools of thought on the future role of intelligence are (a) those who believe intelligence is no longer needed, and (b) those who recognize a continuing need for intelligence. The second school of thought is then subdivided into two fields: (b1) literature advocating reduced spending on intelligence, and (b2) literature advocating reorganization and restructuring of the intelligence community and its components. Finally, this literature review suggests avenues for future research. Suggested areas of research include (a) the need to redefine the term "intelligence," (b) the need to update the mission statements of intelligence agencies, and (c) the need to increase intelligence gathering and information on regions which were not emphasized during the Cold War.

Nmda Receptor Antagonist Mk801 Did Not Produce State-Dependent Learning In Goldfish

Denver S. Gunn — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:30 PDT

Previous investigations have shown that MK~801, a non-competitive N-methyl-D- aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, produced anterograde amnesia (AA) at doses that did not impair performance processes necessary for learning to occur. Furthermore, MK~80 1 did not produce retrograde amnesia (RA). Using active avoidance conditioning as the learning paradigm and a 2x2 factorial design, the present study examined whether MK-801 produced state-dependent learning (SDL) resulting in AA. Our results showed that MK~801 did not produce SDL. This suggested that AA produced by MK-801 cannot be due to SDL. These results combined with previous findings suggest tha tMK-801 specifically impaired learning processes.

Latinos and Human Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan: A Qualitative to Cultural Sensitivity

Sandra Grady — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:29 PDT

This research report is part of a larger study. This section describes how human services organizations serve the Latino population in West Michigan. It documents that services are available but that the limited capacity of many services does not meet the high level of demand. Results reveal feelings of frustration, inadequacy, and alienation among those who need services most immigrants new to the area whose English-speaking abilities are weak.

Photophysical Study of a New Rhodium-Aminopyrene Complex as a Model for a Long-Lifetime Fluorescent DNA Probe

Lisa C. Franklin — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:27 PDT

Tri-l-aminopyrenetrichlororhodium (III) (APR), a new rhodium-aminopyrene complex with potential as a fluorescent DNA probe, has been synthesized. Fluorescence studies were done using steady-state fluorescence and nanosecond time-resolved fluorescence lifetime studies. This complex has a relatively long fluorescence lifetime in methanol. The lifetimes vary from 4 to 6 nanoseconds (ns) with various solvents and pHs. The lifetime variation and frequency-domain characteristics of the complex are explored in terms of the perturbation of the l-aminopyrene electronic structure caused by complexation to a metal. The complex has been found to be promising as a DNA probe because of its water solubility, "long" fluorescent lifetime, and potential for binding site selectivity.

The Effects of Intestinal Microbes on Nestling Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) Growth and Development

Natasha Brock — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:26 PDT

Subclinical doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics (Bactrim^TM and Clavamox^TM) were given to half of the nestlings in tree swallow broods as the other half received a placebo. There were no differences in the microbial communities between the treated and untreated birds onND5or on ND19. Physical measures on ND19 showed that treated nestlings had significantly smaller tarsi and larger mass.

The Role of Decalogue in William Shakespeare's Hamlet and Macbeth

Holly J. Braun — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:24 PDT

The Decalogue, the collective term for the Ten Commandments, plays a major role in both character development and plot structure in two of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies, Hamlet and Macbeth. In these two works, nine of the Ten Commandments are broken through the course of each play. The Decalogue serves as a plot device; because the Ten Commandments are embedded in the subconscious of most of Shakespeare's audience members and, as moral rules, they are used as a paradigm of what is right or wrong, good or evil. In this way, Shakespeare's audiences, although not consciously aware, use the Ten Commandments as a means of judge the characters.

Reflections on the Education of African American Children: A Preliminary Study of Retired Versus Current African American Educators

Andwatta L. Barnes — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:23 PDT

A survey of retired and current African American educators was conducted to collect reflections on the education of African-American children from several recent decades. Ten recommendations for increasing the number of African American educators were derived and are included.

Message from the Dean

Mary A. Seeger — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:52:22 PDT

Marquis Astolphe de Custine's Influence on Russia's Nineteenth Century Intellectuals

Shannon L. Snyder — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:49:04 PDT

The Marquis Astolphe de Custine was a product of the French Revolution and, as a result, disliked much of what was occurring politically in France. He went to Russia in search of the ideals found within the ancient regime, but returned a more staunch believer in democracy. His work influenced a great many Russian intellectuals and spurred many of them to critique their own government at a time when doing so could mean death.

Encoding and Decoding of Meaning in Social Behavior

Mary Seburn — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:49:03 PDT

In an effort to further the understanding of social action, we explored the processes by which people interpret or understand the meaning of social behaviors, and also how social behaviors are constructed when people wish to communicate a specific meaning in a social action . This involved two phases. First, participants gene rated behaviors that expressed a given set of semantic features. These were then rated by a second group of participants on scales representing the dimensions of dominance and affiliation as a measure of accuracy. The second phase investigated the process by which meaning is derived from a social behavior and was accomplished by participants rating a number of given behaviors on the same set of scales. Analysis of variance of the resulting mean s show that, generally, behaviors that were submissive and dissociative were the hardest to produce and comprehend accurately.

Basin Inversion in the Newark Basin Using Data From the Borehole Televiewer

Tony Lupo — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:49:01 PDT

Basin inversion occurs when a rift basin undergoes initial extension followed by shortening . Shortening and extension are believed to have the same principal axis of deformation. The later shortening phase of deformation is believed to result when ridge-push forces are activated, as the basin makes the transition from a rift to a drift (Withjack, et al., 1995). Data from a well-logging tool, the Borehole Televiewer (BHTV), was used to interpret the tectonic history of the Newark basin . The BHTV data indicates that basin inversion may have played a significant role in how the basin developed.

Geothermometry Constraints on the Architecture of the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas

Curran Kimp — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:48:59 PDT

A calcite and quartz microstructure study was done to constrain the burial and exhumation history of the Paleozoic rocks in the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas. Thin sections we re petrographically analyzed and paleotemperature estimates derived from them were plotted on a map. These indicate that the most thermally mature rocks crop out in the core of the Benton uplift. These rocks have experienced greater exhumation than those on the surrounding flanks of the uplift. Also, the western portion of the core area has experienced greater exhumation than the eastern portion.

Internal Parasitism in Free-Ranging Black Bears in the Pisgah National Forest

Barbara Jenness — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:48:58 PDT

A qualitative analysis of intestinal parasitism present in the American black bear, Ursus americanus, in western North Carolina has never been documented. A survey of endoparasitism was conducted in conjunction with research by North Carolina State University in Pisgah National For est. The survey was carried out by fecal analysis. In this population, black bears were found to be infected with the endoparasite , Baylisasaris transfuga, at a rate of 50 percent.

Metal-Ligand Complexes as Models for Long-Lifetime, Fluorescent DNA Probes

Lisa Franklin — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:48:56 PDT

The synthesis and photophysical characterization of new rhodium complexes with potential as long lifetime fluorescent probes of DNA structure and dynamics is reported. The fluorescent ligands in these complexes we re 1-aminopyrene ligands. Definitive structural characterization of these complexes awaits the results of elemental analysis. Fluorescence spectra for the complexes were recorded via standard methods, and fluorescence lifetimes were measured with a pulsed nitrogen laser lifetime apparatus. The lifetimes of the complexes were found to be shorter than that of 1-aminopyrene when methanol is the solvent. Reasons for this lifetime shortening, as well as for the frequency-domain spectral characteristics of the complexes, are explored in terms of the perturbation of the 1-aminopyrene electronic structure caused by complexation to a metal center.

Ethics Saved or a Penny Earned: An Exploratory Discussion of Legal Advertising Bans

Kenya Burton — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:48:54 PDT

Advertising is a venue used to reach the masses for many products and services. Whet her it's the image of a basketball icon or a familiar cartoon character, everyone is trying to make an impressionable thirty-second niche that will persuade the public to seek their product or service. Yet , when there is a multitude of advertisers in one sector, the advertisements can suddenly change from catchy segue to annoying imagery for the consumer. Within the legal industry, many lawyers try to stand out from the brigade of attorneys by advertising their talent to the public. Unfortunately, it is the spirited few that use theatrical maneuvers that seem to test the ethical sensitivity of society. Advertisements using business cards that are reminiscent of Monopoly's "get-out-of-jail-free" cards; medical concerns; negative imagery of legal counterparts; and toll-free telephone assistance after an injury have sodden the professional image of the legal profession. This research project provides examples of legal advertising from past to present, and relevant court decisions that both oppose and defend a lawyers' right to market their services to the public sector. Although legal advertising is a national controversy, this paper will direct its focus on how current remedies affect the legal environment in Michigan. Part I of this review researches the landmark case Bates v. State Bar of Arizona, 433 U.S. 350 (1977), and its historical ruling that gave "constitutional protection to law firm marketing and advertisements " (ABA Journal, 1995). Part II focuses on the general interest in legal advertising and marketing that is prevalent today, including ethical sensitivity and professional image concerns. Part III examines recent court rulings that either defend or oppose current marketing tactics. This section also provides professional commentary on a recent case that affects the current state of legal advertising . Part IV provides a conclusion about the future of legal advertisements with the introduction of advertising bans, and the effects on the legal consumer. Lastly, Part V is a personal conclusion on the research topic.

Alterations in the Microbiota of Nestling Tree Swallows and the Effects on Their Growth and Development

Natasha Brock — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:48:52 PDT

A subclinical dose of broad-spectrum antibiotics (Bactrim and Clavarnox) we re given to one-half of nestling Tree Swallow (Tacbycineta bicolor) brood s on nestling day (ND) 3 and 4 while the other half of the brood received a placebo. Cloacal swabs were taken on ND5 and D15 to monitor changes in the gastrointestinal microbial community. Physical measures to track growth and development of nestlings were taken on ND5, ND15, and ND19 . Bacterial counts were low on ND5 in both treated and untreated birds. By ND15 the only component of the microbial community that was altered was the number of bacteria growing on Levine Eosin Methylene Blue agar (EMB) medium, which was higher in the treated individuals. Treated nestlings initially grew slower after antibiotic treatment but rebounded after ND12, so that no difference was detected at ND19 . Some other physical measures were retarded in treated birds, but by ND19 no difference between treated and untreated birds was detected except for shorter keel length in treated birds . These results suggest that the development of nestling gastrointestinal microbiota affects general measures of physical growth and development. Pro longed and targeted antibiotic therapy is predicted to produce specific effects on growth and development.

Letter of Congratulations and Introduction

Mary A. Seeger — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:48:50 PDT

Violence, Risk, and the Training of Campus Police Officers

Latasha Williams — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:41:18 PDT

With recent headlines of school shootings and vehicular homicide dominating the news, social concern about the prevention of violent crimes and violent behavior only continues to increase. It seems logical that the issue of violent crimeshould also be a concern for campus police departments and administrators of college campuses. However, despite recent advances in identifying risk factors related to violent criminal behavior and in the development of theories and methods of perpetrator identification, there is no published data regarding how or if these advances are being put to use in settings such as college campuses. This paper presents a preliminary survey of campus police officers' perceptions of their training, their concerns about areas of additional training and their level of current understanding of mental illness, and risk for violence. The officers' perceptions were obtained by a brief three-page survey that asks the officers basic questions about their length of service, their position, and then asks questions related to events that have occurred during their duties. Data was collected from four regional universities in Michigan and analyzed at GVSU by the investigators.

Sexual Harassment: Do Perceptions Differ Across Race and Sex

Amanda J. Webster — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:41:16 PDT

The present study examined the perceptions of sexual harassment across both respondent race (Black and White) and respondent sex (male and female) using a scenario manipulation and questionnaire. Harasser sex (male and female) was also manipulated. The scenario questionnaire, which included eight items, asked respondents to role-play the victim of a sexual harassment incident and indicate their perceptions of the situation. They also responded to a 19-item generalized measure of attitudes toward sexual harassment (Mazer and Percival, 1989). Both measures were scored using a 7-point Likert scale. Results are interpreted in the context of perceptual differences of sexual harassment across respondent race and sex. Implications for workplace intervention are also discussed.

The Emerging Chinese Feminist Movement and Confucianism

Michael J. McCann — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:41:14 PDT

In this paper, I intend to focus on the three points most crucial to the ideology of the Chinese women's movement and Confucianism. First, I focus on the background of the Chinese women's movements and the Chinese Philosophical tradition, mainly that of Confucianism, briefly viewing its history. Second, I focus on why these two ideologies have histories that appear to oppose one another. Third, I focus on the fact that these seemingly diametrically opposed ideologies must form a symbiotic relationship to emerge as useful and viable global ideologies. Through my research, I have found that Confucianism and the emerging women's movement of China, when understood fully, not only do not weaken each other, but rather lend support for each other. My research up to now has focused mainly on the history of The Chinese Women's Movements. I was originally questioning whether the influence of an ideology on a society or the influence of a society on an ideology was greater. I concluded that in the case of Chinese Sexism that later holds more weight.

Floral development in Lepidium virginicum L. (Brassicaceae) and Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae)

Christine M. Gwinn — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:41:12 PDT

We studied early stages of floral development in two members of the order Capparales, Lepidium virginicum (Poor-man's pepper) from the family Brassicaceae and Tropaeolum majus (Nasturtium) from the family Tropaeolaceae, as part of a larger project to understand the evolution of floral form and development in the order. In L. virginicum, the four sepal primordia arise first in a helical pattern, next the four petal primordia arise unidirectionally from the abaxial to the adaxial side alternate with the sepals. Then the two stamen primordia and the carpel primordium are initiated. The abaxial stamen is visible before the adaxial one. In T. majus, the five sepal primordia arise helically with the first sepal in a non-median position. After all of the sepal primordia are present the five petal and eight stamen primordia are initiated. Initiation in both whorls also appears to be helical. The petal primordia alternate with the sepals. The first five stamen primordia arise opposite the sepals and the last three stamen primorida are opposite three of the petals. The position of the stamens relative to the sepals and petals is somewhat obscured later in development by expansion of the flower receptacle. The pattern of initiation of the eight stamens in T. majus suggests that they could be derived from ten stamens in two whorls of five by suppression of two stamens in the inner whorl.

Investigation of Amnestic Effects of Microinjections of NMDA Receptor Antagonist AP5 Directly to the Goldfish Telencephalon

Jennifer Bazner — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:41:11 PDT

N-Methyl-D-asparate (NMDA) receptor antagonists have been shown to block long-term potentiation (LTP), an increased effectiveness in communication among neurons and a physiological correlate of learning and memory, and also impair certain learning in mammals. Previous studies in our lab have shown that NMDA receptor antagonists injected into the cranial space in goldfish impair active avoidance conditioning. In mammals, NMDA receptor antagonists block LTP in the hippocampus, which may result in learning impairment in mammals. Although neuroanatomists are not yet in agreement with which part of the goldfish telecephalon s homologous to the hippocampus in mammals, studies have shown that telecephalon ablation in goldfish impairs active avoidance conditioning. A binding study has also detected NMDA sensitive components most densely in the goldfish telencephalon, compared to other areas of teh goldfish brain. Therefore, the amnestic effects of the microinjections of NMDA receptor antagonists AP5 directly the goldfish telecephalon was investigated in active avoidance conditioning. Results so far showed that the microinjection of AP5 to goldfish telecephalon impaired learning of active avoidance conditioning.

Goldfish Brain GAP-43: Analysis by One and Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis

Kendra Williams — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:41:10 PDT

Novel Glutaredoxin Gene in Soybean Responds to Aluminum Toxicity in Soil

Kisha D. Thomas-Bostic — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:41:08 PDT

Oxidative stress generated by aerobic metabolism or from environmental sources is a major cause of damage to organisms. Aluminum is a major toxin in acidic soils and one proposed source of oxidative stress. The enzyme glutaredoxin utilizes a disulfide oxidation-reduction mechanism to detoxify free radicals and is one way organisms have evolved to handle oxidative stress. We have recently isolated a novel glutaredoxin cDNA from soybean; sequence analysis indicates that it is highly similar to other plant glutaredoxin. We grew soybean seedlings in soils containing 0, 20, and 50 mM AlCl₃ to examine the effect of high levels of Al on plant growth and on glutaredoxin gene expression. Soybean seedling height and leaf mass varied inversely with the level of aluminum in the soil. Glutaredoxin mRNA levels increased in roots and stems as the level of soil aluminum increased, with the greatest increase seen in the stems. The level of mRNA in the leaves did not change. Glutaredoxin may thus function to detoxify aluminum absorbed into soybean. Enhanced glutaredoxin activity may have a potential role in phytoremediation.

Biology of a Michigan Endangered Specie: Distribution and Host Plant Use of the Great Plains Spittlebug, Lepyronia gibbosa (Homoptera: Cercopidae)

Casie Summerfield — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:41:06 PDT

The Great Plains Spittlebug, Lepyronia gibbosa (Homoptera: Cercopidae) is a state threatened specie in Michigan. The distribution, population size, host plant use, and basic biology details of this insect were determined in southwestern Michigan during the summer of2001. Juvenile populations and host-plant use data were obtained using standard transects. Adult populations were obtained by sweeping a 25-meter transect with a standard sweep net. Adult host plant use was determined by using a gas-powered vacuum to sample insects on individual plant species. It was found that the distribution of the Great Plains Spittlebug is much greater than previously reported (Hanna, 1970), as the insects were found in six counties (Lake, Newaygo, Oceana, Mason, Van Buren, and Muskegon), three of which were new county records. Data from this survey will be used in designing a recovery plan for the specie and the prairie habitats.

Gravitropism in the Statolith-Free Internodal Cells of Chara Corallina

Angela Faber — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:41:05 PDT

The giant internodal cells of Chara corallina exhibit a well-documented gravity-induced polarity of cytoplasmic streaming. In order to determine whether these cells also exhibit a gravitropism, we grew Chara in small containers that could be reoriented with respect to the vector of gravity and monitored their growth with time-lapse video. We find that Chara internodal cells are negatively gravitropic and that the internodal cells curve such that growth is reoriented to be parallel to the vector of gravity. We also find that the presence of the apical internodal cell is vital to a gravitropic response. Growing Chara in a dense medium so as to yield a neutrally buoyant protoplast eliminates the gravitropic response. These results along with the rapid rate of cytoplasmic streaming and the lack of any visible sedimenting particles in the internodal cells indicate that the statolith model for gravisensing cannot be invoked to explain gravitropism of Chara "shoots." However, the gravitational pressures model of gravitropism is able to explain these data.

Main Poche: The Last of the Traditional Potawatomi War Chiefs

Jeff Chivis — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:41:03 PDT

In the opening years of the 19th century, Native and European Americans struggled for lands throughout the area that we now refer to as the Midwest part of the United States. Among the leaders of the Indians who resisted European intrusion into their territories were the legendary Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa, the Shawnee Prophet. Much has been written about these two significant figures in American history (Sugden 1985), but other leaders also emerged during this time that have not been well researched. One of these is the Potawatomi wabeno and war chief, Main Poche. This paper briefly describes Main Poche, his role in Potawatomi society, and offers several explanations to account for why he is not as well known as other Indian leaders of this period.

Evaluating the "Representative Reach" Component of Rapid Bioassessment Protocol: Variation Among Candidate Stream Reaches

Michael J. Buth — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:41:01 PDT

Rapid Bioassessment Protocol (RBP) is a set of guidelines developed by the USEPA to standardize the practice of using qualitative survey techniques on aquatic organisms to gauge stream health. One component of RBP involves selecting a small section of a stream, known as a "representative reach", which is supposed to represent the conditions found over a larger area of the stream. This study was conducted to examine the variability between reaches in close proximity to each other, and to determine if that variability could be great enough to influence RBP results. I also looked at whether anthropogenic disturbance within the streams watershed appeared to be related to variability between reaches. Four candidate "representative reaches" were sampled in each of three separate Michigan streams with varying anthropogenic disturbance. Differences among reaches were then evaluated using three common indices: The number of Epnemcroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera (#EPT), the Sequential Comparison Index (SCI), and the Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality "Procedure-51" biotic index. Results indicate little variability between reaches in streams with little impact, and much greater variability between reaches in streams impacted by development. This suggests that monitoring programs f or impacted streams may need to sample more reaches to describe conditions compared to streams with little impact.