Gene Detection in Staphylococcus Aureus Rebecca Bickford (William Schwan, Microbiology) Staphylococcus aureus is a ubiquitous

Room 337 (CC337) 10:00-11:40

"A Hangout With a View": Rural Strip Clubs, An Ethnographic Exploration Jessica Woods (Timothy Gongaware, Sociology/Archaeology) For the last four decades, social scientists have been exploring the many aspects of the strip clubs in the US. Such studies have illuminated the culture surrounding strip clubs and also sparked debate about this very public arena where private pleasures are fulfilled. Most studies, however, have primarily focused on clubs located in urban areas and the women who dance. Very few studies have looked at other players involved in the club--such as the men who attend these clubs--and fewer still have studied clubs in urban areas. The current study is an ethnographic exploration examining two such aspects-rural clubs and their male patrons. The study included observational periods within the clubs, and both formal and informal interviews with male owners, managers, and patrons. Data analysis revealed that strip clubs in rural areas often serve the dual purpose of a local "watering hole" and a sexualized venue for male patrons. Interviews revealed how individuals operate in and make sense of a setting that sells sex but is also potentially a place where "everybody knows your name." These interviews and observations also explored attitudes regarding gender roles, male and female sexuality, as well as differences between urban and rural strip clubs.

Bringing Home the Bacon: An Econometric Inquiry of Wisconsin's Hog Industry Chadwick Curtis (Taggert Brooks, Economics) Hog farming is plays a major role in Wisconsin's agricultural sector, accounting for nearly $119 million in sales in 2005. Yet, the sector has been in decline for some time with the total herd declining by 40 percent between 1987 and 1997. Contemporary studies overlook Wisconsin's role in the industry and focus primarily on regional, national, or other states. Focusing specifically on Wisconsin, we identify the influences that dictate the intensity and location of the existing herd. For the study, we use multiple regression analysis to quantify livestock clustering, residential population influences, economies of scale, the interaction with markets, and the effectiveness of state agricultural policy. Wisconsin's geographic diversity from the geologic, climate, and historical differences especially between the north and south of the state play a dominant role in determining hog inventories. Also, we find success with state agricultural aid, but find urban sprawl to be a potential problem.

Developing a High Fidelity Lunar Simulants for Exploration Risk Reduction Valentine Sackmann (Michael Jackson, Physics) NASA's new exploration initiative created a need for material science and technology research to enable safe human travel and work on future lunar exploration and long-duration missions. In order to reduce the risk to astronaut safety and enhance mission success, realistic lunar stimulant of a high fidelity needs to be developed. The intention of this research is to develop additives and modifications to the dust fraction of the lunar simulant JSC-1 that will enhance its fidelity to true lunar dust. The newly developed lunar regolith simulant will help aid material experiments, prototype testing, and dust mitigation of transportation equipment, and advanced life support systems.

Will YOU Remember? The Effects of Color on Memory Lynnay Huchendorf (Melanie Cary, Psychology) This study examined whether color has an effect on memory. Participants were 115 college undergraduates enrolled in an introductory psychology course. They were each given a packet consisting of a list of 20 words, a mathematical task, a blank recall sheet, and a demographic questionnaire. All sheets within each packet were the same color, but different participants received warm colored (red and yellow), cool colored (green and blue), or white packets. The participants were given one minute to memorize the list of words. They then completed the mathematical task. Lastly, they tried to recall as many words as possible on the blank recall sheet. The percentage of words recalled correctly was the dependent variable. It was hypothesized that participants who received warm-colored packets would recall more words than participants who received either the cool-colored packets or the white packets. A one-way ANOVA was conducted and the results indicated that there was not a statistically significant difference in percentage of words recalled based on packet color. Possible explanations are examined.

Harry's World: An Exploration of J.K. Rowling's Social and Political Agenda in the Harry Potter Series Erin Vollmer (Richard Gappa, English) The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is irrefutably the most popular literature for children today. Interestingly, the series has not only gained popularity with children, but also their adult counterparts. As a result of its adult success, Harry Potter has attracted more and more scholars to pursue serious literary analysis-most frequently exploring themes such as death and religion. However, my analysis will focus more heavily on the intertextual parallels of the hierarchical structures found in the Harry Potter series. By incorporating other scholars' criticisms and theories, I will draw conclusions about Rowling's application of power to certain characters, as well as critique the entire hegemonic system found in Harry Potter. More significantly, I will determine if there is a correlation between the Harry Potter hierarchies and the power structures found in today's society. That is, do the Harry Potter hierarchies follow established patterns seen in today's political and social structures? Moreover, I hope to present a new way of understanding J.K. Rowling's social and political agenda in the Harry Potter series.

Port O’Call Lounge (Port) 10:00-11:40

Practical Solutions to the Ongoing Decay of International Diplomacy and Policymaking Volodymyr Valkov (Curtis Reithel, Political Science/Public Administration) The United Nations has aimlessly drifted away from its role as an institution of policymaking leadership to being a predominantly reactive body. Such futility dampens any long-term effect of years of intensive diplomacy in an effort to establish modes of behavior that would preclude the possibility of experiencing the turbulent times of the past ever again. It is hard to envisage the United Nations as a cradle of international peace and security when the legitimacy of its authority is so much inferior to the powers of an elected government that whenever a major conflict surfaces political landscape, the United Nations finds itself immersed in a recurring struggle to overcome big powers' prejudiced attitude towards involvement for the sake of collective benefit. In many aspects of diplomacy human egoism has cemented itself as a potent countervailing force against the importance of logic and morality in resolving the issues of peacekeeping and rampant human rights violations.

An Analysis of the Affects of Decreases in Allotted Budget of Public Health Programs in Minnesota Elizabeth Boe (Kara Lindaman, Political Science/Public Administration) For Many years, Minnesota's public health system was not only among the best in the country, but also the best in the world. However, in recent years, this state has been reducing funding for many programs, including public health. While this increases efficiency, one vital component of any government program, it is also important to check for changes in effectiveness caused by these cuts. The purpose of this research is to look for trends in these programs' ability to meet precise goals put forth by the Minnesota Department of Health. More specifically, it will be checking how the state is meeting the goals of 1) promoting healthy communities and healthy behaviors, 2) protecting against environmental health hazards, and 3) assuring the quality and accessibility of health services. This project will be split up into two phases; the first will utilize quantitative data over past years to assess the success of the Minnesota Department of Health. The second phase will use an interviewing process where public health officials for Hennepin County will be asked how they think their public health programs are succeeding and if they have seen any changes in the success rate in the past years that each individual has held the position of Community Health Services Administrator in each area of the county.

The Global Model for City Planning? Curitiba is Creating a Sustainable Future for the Citizens of this Remarkable Brazilian City Kira Keuhn (John Betton, Management) Two-thirds of Curitibanos use public transportation in Curitiba, making the congestion on the streets twenty-five percent less than a city of comparable size. 1,100 buses make 12,500 trips per day and serve up to 1.3 million passengers in the city. Not only is the city able to transport all of its citizens efficiently, it also maintains a clean and sustainable environment. Ninety percent of its citizens currently participate in recycling programs. Seventy percent of all Curitiba's trash is recycled, which is reportedly seven times the average in the United States (Johnson, 2001). Visiting and observing the city of Curitiba, with an expanding population of 1.7million, was impressive and inspiring. My research on the transport system and the recycling program (Garbage that is not garbage) has some important lessons for the City of La Crosse.

Images and Text: The Interdependent Relationship of Artists and Writers in Comic Books Timothy Bavlnka (Sharon Jessee, English) Comics have grown and developed into an artistic medium. Serious work creating a legitimate form of literature behind the covers has been going on for decades. The productions in the comic medium reveal complexity of characters, themes, tones, and plots created between the meshing of the images and the words and invoke a world to the reader comparable to any work of writing. Writers and artists have dedicated their lives to telling their stories, regardless of the fashion in which they do it. The script of the comic, planned out by the writer, can radically recontexualized when interpreted by the artist. How important is the writer and artist relationship? How is the script of a comic supposed to be followed? Through interviews with writers and artists and analysis of scripts and their final comic, I plan on learning the professional perspective and drawing my own conclusions. The script and art combine to form meaning to what is on page. The faces of literature are transformed by the narrative shape of a medium devoted equally to word and image.

Clostridium Perfringens and Stress Diarrhea in Sprint Racing Sled Dogs Melanie Desotelle (Bernadette Taylor, Microbiology) Sled dog racing is a relatively new sport that is growing in popularity in the United States, Canada, and Scandinavia. For many reasons, mushers feed raw meat as a major part of their dog's diet. Although there are many benefits to this, there are several possible health risks involved, and one of these is the risk of bacterial infection. The meat fed to racing sled dogs is often not fit for human consumption and may contain several types of bacteria including Clostridium perfringens. The presence of the bacteria alone is not necessarily an indicator of infection since many dogs can harbor the bacteria in their intestinal tract without being sick. However, the presence of the bacteria's enterotoxin is a strong indicator of parthenogenesis. Many sled dogs are affected by stress diarrhea, which can affect performance. The primary goal of this research project is to find whether there is a correlation between the presence of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin and stress diarrhea in sprint racing sled dogs.

Room 326 (CC326) 10:00-11:40

Direct-to-Consumer Advertising and its Effects on the Costs of Healthcare Jason Schreiber (Joseph Heim, Political Science/Public Administration) Have you ever wondered why the cost of health insurance and prescription drugs has gone up so much in the past decade? If you have, many reasons come to mind. However, I bet most of you have never thought that television was the culprit. Direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceuticals has become a multi-billion dollar endeavor that is influencing your use of physicians and drugs. Those clever little commercials pushing everything from Zoloft to Viagra are driving up your medical expenses and hurting your overall health, and knowing this is the first step in changing that. I have conducted quantitative and qualitative research that points to direct-to-consumer advertising as a significant cost driver of pharmaceuticals in many ways as well as shown that it can pose a significant risk to your health and be a detriment to the relationship you and your physician have. Armed with this information, you will be better able to reduce your prescription drug costs, improve the relationships you have with your physicians, and live a healthier life.

The Impacts of Volcanoes on Guatemala and its People Benjamin Johrendt (James Handley, Geography/Earth Science) Volcanoes are natural landforms caused by tectonic processes. They profoundly influence the physical, climatic, and cultural areas within their proximity. Although they can be considered hazards that have the potential to destroy whole communities, they also serve as sources of fertile soil and protection and have great cultural and religious significance in some communities. Guatemala has the highest density of active volcanoes anywhere on earth. This project investigated the impacts of these volcanoes on the physical and cultural geography of this area.

A Comparative Study of American and Russian Perspectives on Anton Chekhov's Drama Hally Schumann My goals in this project were to compare visual elements in live theatre productions of the plays of dramatist Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, and to gain a more thorough understanding of the playwright's life in Moscow, Russia. This research included observing how the execution of design choices in costume, scenery, and lighting, as well as acting styles and presentation affect the meaning of the play. In analyzing both Russian and American productions, I found that great liberties can be taken in presenting the plays while preserving the original messages and feeling. I found that several approaches can be aesthetically engaging for an audience while absolutely differing in the interpretation of the playwright's vision. These comparisons were specifically drawn between an American traditional production of 'The Cherry Orchard' versus a more modern Russian contemporization of the work. Also attended were the Chicago Trapdoor Theatre Company's 'The Fourth Sister', and 'The Bear', and 'The Proposal' at Door County's Isadoora Theatre. While in Moscow I visited the Moscow Art Theatre, The Chekhov House Museum, and Novodevichye Convent and Cemetery; the playwright's gravesite.

La Crosse Metropolitan Area: Land Use Changes 2000 – 2005 Katie Meyer (James Handley, Geography/Earth Science) This research project built on a 2000 land use inventory completed by the Center for Geographic Information Sciences in 2003 at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. All the data compiled from the previous study was imported into a Geographic Information System with a uniform spatial coordinate system. Near ortho-rectified aerial photography was taken during the summer of 2005 by the USDA Farm Service Administration. The photography was used to analyze land use change for the La Crosse Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA) through the time period of July 2000 and July 2005. The 2000 land use was compared to the most recent photography in order to detect change and the inventory was updated through digitizing new surface features. A spatial analysis of where the change took place and what type of change took place was completed throughout the fifteen municipalities. A quantitative analysis of each specific type of land use change was performed and the results were used to discover spatial and thematic patterns in land use change for the La Crosse MPA.

Learning to Samba in the Ecological Capital of Brazil Melissa O'Neill (John Betton, Management) Curitiba is known as the ecological capital of Brazil. The city has the highest area of green space per person in Brazil, the highest standard of living in Brazil and composts or recycles 70% of its "not garbage." An advanced transportation and recycling program reveals some of the reasons behind the city's ecological success. Another piece of the puzzle is the way in which the business interacts with the community in Brazil. Research on the community programs operated by Siemens shows a corporate motive different from the textbook American corporate bottom line. A community run bakery, onsite classroom for impoverished teenagers and a variety of other programs reveal a profitable corporation that partners well with the spirit of the ecological capital of Brazil.

Room 337 (CC337) 12:00-2:20

Heart to Mind: Using Theatre to Educate Jenna Solie (Beth Cherne, Theatre Arts) My goal was to use a theatre performance to evoke thought and discussion, which in turn can lead to education. I researched, planned, produced and directed a successful performance of a play called, "The Most Massive Woman Wins" that deals with the topics of body image, eating disorders, self-harm and the contemporary beauty myth. I immediately followed this up with a panel of experts who answered questions and educated about the signs and symptoms of eating disorders. The panel included Patricia Sterling, a counselor at the UW-La Crosse Health Center; Diane Kelbel, a Registered Dietitian from Gundersen Lutheran; Susan Crutchfield, an Associate Professor of English and Women's Studies; the four actors and myself. I felt that this project effectively educated about the dangerous consequences of the contemporary beauty myth on women. Anorexia, bulimia, self-mutilation and low self-esteem are all related to how women view themselves. By empowering women, we can choose to take pride in our bodies, as well as who we are as individuals. I believe this project not only touched the hearts of the audience but also educated them.

Analysis of Archaeological Sampling Methods Using the Complete Surface Data from the Pirque Alto Site in Cochabamba, Bolivia Elizabeth Green (Timothy McAndrews, Sociology/Archaeology) The use of sampling methods in archaeology is an extremely important and influential aspect of fieldwork and site interpretation. Many archaeological sites, because of financial, labor, or time constraints are only sampled on a portion of their surface, with the results from these samples governing and directing interpretation of the entire site as well as all future research. To test these methods, various experimental sampling situations were carried out against the 100% surface recovery data collected from the Pirque Alto site in Cochabamba, Bolivia. The project addresses the following questions: do results from the sampling methods equal or come close to the results from 100% surface recovery; what method gives the most accurate results for this site and why; in what way are the methods biased and how can these biases be addressed; and, at what percentage of quadrat (unit) samples taken per each method do the results show validity, (5%, 10%, etc)? The project yields specific information about how various sampling methods would or would not have effected the interpretation of the Pirque Alto site and can further be applied to a broader study of sampling methods to provide a better understanding of their advantages and limitations.

Directing The Wraith Curtis Smith (Beth Cherne, Theatre Arts) There will be five weeks of rehearsal for one performance of “The Wraith.” I researched themes that are used within the play and came up with a unifying thought. After the production team is assembled, it will be my duty to make certain that the thought is understood by the actors, crew and audience. This will be assessed in a “talk back.”

At a Crossroads: An Empirical Analysis of Infrastructure Stock and Economic Output Max Gillman (Taggert Brooks, Economics) The following paper analyzes the validity of the conclusions reached by Ambe J. Njoh in his work assessing the relationship between infrastructure capital and economic output. This work tests his model specification on a more recent and expanded dataset. The findings reached in this paper confirm that a positive relationship exists between roads per capita and economic output per capita. In addition two new explanatory variables are tested; railways and telephone mainlines, that also demonstrated positive relationships. However, this study concludes with an examination of the numerous specification errors present in the model as specified by Njoh. It is hoped that future research will take into consideration these findings and avoid continued mistakes.

Evaluation of the Nature of Tiwanaku Presence in the Cochabamba Valley of Bolivia Using Analysis of Ceramics from the Pirque Alto Site Elizabeth Plunger (Timothy McAndrews, Sociology/Archaeology) Some of the most important unanswered questions about Andean prehistory center around the expansive nature of the polities that dominated the area before European contact. The Tiwanaku culture proves to leave an especially puzzling record of how and why it established peripheral settlements in different ecological regions. Relatively little is known about how these settlements were governed, or what constituted their social, political, and economic relationship with the core region. This paper seeks to address these issues as they relate to Tiwanaku settlements in the Cochabamba Valley of central Bolivia. I plan to accomplish this through the systematic analysis and comparison of decorative and structural elements, quantities, and contexts of ceramics from the Pirque Alto site in the Cochabamba Valley, the well-documented Tiwanaku settlements of the Moquegua Valley of Peru, and the Tiwanaku core in the Titicaca Basin.

Discovery and Frequency Measurement of Far-Infrared Laser Emissions from Optically Pumped 13CD3OH and CHD2OH Gustav Borstad (Michael Jackson, Lyndon Zink, Physics) A three-laser heterodyne system was used to measure the frequencies of twelve previously observed far-infrared laser emissions from the partially deuterated methanol isotopologues 13CD3OH and CHD2OH. Two laser emissions, a 53.773 µm line from 13CD3OH and a 74.939 µm line from CHD2OH, have also been discovered and frequency measured. The CO2 pump laser offset frequency was measured with respect to its center frequency for twenty-four FIR laser emissions from CH3OH, 13CD3OH and CHD2OH.

Port O’Call Lounge (Port) 12:00-2:20

Sigue la Lucha: The Changing Face of a Revolution Matthew Armstrong (Victoria Calmes, Modern Languages) For seven weeks in the summer of 2006, I had the opportunity to become part of a beautifully unique community in the northern rainforest of Guatemala. The community is quite young; this last February marking the 9th anniversary of its founding. The people of Nuevo Horizonte, like nearly all Guatemalans, have endured profound suffering as a result of the civil war that was fought on both overt and clandestine fronts. What makes their situation special is the history and visionary commitment of the citizens. Nuevo Horizonte was founded by 117 ex-guerrilla soldiers who fought against the campaign of genocide carried out by a 36 year string of military dictators. Once peace accords were reached in the winter of 1996, the men and women of the resistance were able to come out of hiding, and begin again the lives they had abandoned when they found no alternative to revolution. My research is that of a community in its infancy. I sought to bring light to a fascinating collection of people who have suffered and succeeded through extraordinary circumstances. What they have created is not simply a cooperative, not simply a town, but an inspiring manifestation of a spirited revolution transformed from conflict into community.

Starbucks in Spain: Researching the Perceptions and Penetration Through the Lens of the Diffusion Theory April Pekel (Scott Dickmeyer, Mary Anna Kidd, Communication Studies) The phenomenon of globalization has made it important for advertising to demonstrate a respect and understanding of the receiving culture. Starbucks Coffee Company opened up stores in Spain in 2002, where the culture of coffee goes back to the 17th century. Researchers employing diffusion theory seek to explain when and how a new idea is adopted or rejected over time in a given society (Rogers, 1986). The researcher composed 89 surveys in Barcelona and Madrid to incorporate individual attitudes of Spanish and other Europeans towards American organizations. The researcher concluded that Starbucks venture into Spain has spurred negative opinions towards globalization and intrusion on Spanish culture, yet positive to the expansion of Starbucks and fast-food.

Preliminary Characterization of Bacteriocins Produced by Carnobacteria Obtained from Antarctic Lakes James Parejko (Bonnie Bratina, Microbiology) Bacteriocins are small proteins secreted by some bacteria that inhibit the growth of species closely related to the producer. Interest in bacteriocins has recently arisen in the food industry for use as a "biopreservative". A group of lactic acid bacteria known as carnobacteria have been shown to produce bacteriocins. We are testing for the production of bacteriocins in carnobacteria obtained from Antarctic lakes. It is hoped that Antarctic carnobacteria will produce undiscovered bacteriocins. Twenty-two Antarctic carnobacteria isolates were tested against fourteen target bacteria. The target bacteria included common food spoilage and food-borne pathogens. The majority of carnobacteria isolates showed a degree of inhibition against at least one target bacterium when grown alongside the target bacterium. Nine carnobacteria isolates showed an inhibitory range of seven or more target bacteria. Bacteriocin titers were determined using culture supernatant against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Listeria monocytogenes. Many culture supernatants showed minimal inhibition of the target bacterium; however several isolates showed titers 64-fold higher than other isolates. In the near future, we are planning to optimize the production of the bacteriocins through altering the conditions at which the carnobacteria are grown. We also intend to further characterize the stability and specificity of the bacteriocins.

A Preliminary Analysis of Changes in Landscape Structure for the Upper Mississippi River from 1989 to 2000 Meghan Porzky (Christina Hupy, Geography/Earth Science) Detailed land cover data, now available for most pools in the Upper Mississippi River (UMR), allow temporal changes in landscape structure to be systematically evaluated. For this study, landscape patterns in 1989 and 2000 were compared for Pools 4 through 26 in the UMR. Land cover data were prepared by staff of the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center from high-resolution aerial photography taken in 1989 (1:15,840) and 2000 (1:24,000). Land cover data from each pool were classified at a 15 class sub-grouping level, and divided into three analysis regions (backwater, main channel, and impounded). Class and landscape metrics were calculated using FRAGSTATS with a 10 meter cell size. The resulting metrics and statistical analyses are used to evaluate basic changes in the landscape that have occurred in the UMR pools from 1989 to 2000.

An Interstellar Shell in Ionized Hydrogen Joshua Hakala (Shauna Sallmen, Physics) When a massive star reaches the end of its life, it explodes in a supernova. This supernova can create a shell of material that expands outward into the surrounding interstellar medium (ISM). Most well-studied shells are ones that are still expanding. However, this project looks at an older shell that has stopped expanding. By studying this shell, we will learn more about the physical processes involved, especially where the shell meets the ISM. By looking at data across the whole spectrum of light, the various interactions of the shell with the ISM can be explored. In particular, this project creates a highly detailed map of the H-? emission, showing the location of warm gas. These will be compared with images of the shell in X-rays, and radio waves, which provide maps of the hot and cool gases in the region, respectively. The H-? images are corrected for various instrumental effects and combined to form a large mosaic, before being analyzed to learn how old shells interact with the ISM. This talk will present the background of our research, the methods used to correct the images for various instrumental effects introduced into the data, and some preliminary results.

Regional Integration into the EU Ideological Framework Joel Kuennen (Bryan Kopp, English; Curtis Reithel, Political Science/Public Administration) My presentation will be given in the format of a video which will outline my reasons for this project, the questions with which I started this undertaking, the opinions and views which I encountered while there (interviews) and finally my conclusions. Specifically, I entered this project searching for points of cultural disjuncture (rupture points in the cultural continuum) which speak of an underlying conflict between ideological identities. Once these points were identified, I began to collect information concerning the rupture and to synthesize possible solutions to ease integration. The video which I plan to present will explore the various themes of disjuncture (through both explicit and implicit means). This means that it will involve both a visual critique and oral critique which, when considered in the context of the video will allow the viewer to synthesize solutions to cultural disjuncture in global societies.

Room 326 (CC326) 12:00-2:20

Financial Retirement Plans of the Y Generation Kevin Roland The research objective is to estimate the extent UW-L students are starting to prepare for retirement and their knowledge of retirement plans such as Roth IRA, IRA, 401(k), and 403(b). My research hypotheses: 1) The amount saved so far for retirement and knowledge of retirement plans depend on academic major, year in school, and amount of student debt; 2) Students who understand the concept of compounding interest are more likely to have something saved for retirement. I conducted a non-random sample survey of UW-L students and used statistical tests appropriate to the data to test my hypotheses.

The Fraction Concept Maggie McHugh (Jennifer Kosiak, Mathematics) Funded by the School of Allied Health Dean's Distinguished Fellowship during the Summer of 2006, I utilized grounded theory techniques to investigate 5th-8th grade student written work solving fractional problems. Specifically, the research study sought to address three critical research questions: * What types of strategies, responses, and explanations do students produce when attempting to solve tasks related to part-whole relationships? * How do students convey their understanding of both the procedure and concept of part-whole relationships? * Are there developmental differences in the types of strategies and understanding of procedures and concepts of part-whole relationships? The product of this second phase of the project was the construction of a content analysis framework that characterizes student understanding of a fractional relationship. This resulting framework will add to the mathematics education research on how students become proficient with fractions, a process that is not well understood. The preliminary results of this work, including the framework are being jointly submitted for publication and will be presented at several local, state and national conferences.

Tiwanaku Ceramic Style and its Influence on Theory, Interpretation, and Conclusions of Andean Archaeologists Beth Haupt (Timothy McAndrews, Sociology/Archaeology) This paper investigates the interpretation of ceramic style in the context of Andean Archaeology. I will focus specifically on the ceramics of the Tiwanaku civilization that occupied the Lake Titicaca Basin for nearly a thousand years Andean scholars have used two general approaches to the interpretation of Tiwanaku material culture, one emphasizing a bottom-up or local perspective and the other emphasizing a top-down capital-centric perspective. This project evaluates how scholars have used remains of ceramics to analyze the emergence and spread of the Tiwanaku state within the context of these two theoretical frameworks, and how each perspective has contributed to a better understanding of Tiwanaku civilization.

The Effects of Reed Canary Grass on Tree Regeneration at Goose Island: A Comparison of Soil Particle Size Heisley Lewison (Meredith Thomsen, Biology) The presence of invasive plant species is a growing concern as native habitat loss is becoming more frequent. Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) is an invasive exotic plant species that has interrupted forest regeneration in the upper Mississippi River floodplain forests. The goal of this research is to determine the effects that reed canary grass has on tree regeneration near the WKTY radio tower on Goose Island. I analyzed the soil particle size distribution for soils collected at the field site to determine the texture of the soil and provide an indication of soil hydrology. This information will be used in the evaluation of restoration treatments across the study site. A soil hydrometer will be used to provide an indication of the grams of soil particles suspended in solution. Sand particles will settle out first, followed by silt and then clay. A comparison of hydrometer readings across the study site will illustrate their variation in soil texture. Further interpretation of results will occur as the study progresses.

Exchange of Labile "Helmet" Phthalocyanine Methanol with Lewis Bases Heidi Kieler (Robert McGaff, Chemistry) Classical metallophthalocyanines are planar molecules that often exhibit catalytic properties. Utilizing solvothermal synthesis, the phthalocyanine structure has been modified in the formation of a chiral "helmet phthalocyaninato" ligand. Attachment of a fifth coordinating nitrogen and a labile methanol ligand created the modified metallophthalocyanine (14,28-[1,3-diiminoisoindolinato]phthalocyaninato), which is non-planar. In this study, we were interested in the exchange of the labile methanol from a cobalt(III) complex and an iron(III) complex, for other Lewis base ligands. The exchange reaction occurred through direction addition of a Lewis base to the solvothermal reaction mixture or addition of a Lewis base to the phthalocyanine complex purified through flash column chromatography. Pyridine, triphenylphosphine, triethylamine, and 4-hydroxypyridine were four ligands selected for the exchange reactions. Verified by x-ray crystallography, 4-hydroxypyridine was the only ligand to irreversibly exchange with the labile methanol of the iron(III) complex. Further studies conducted with a chiral ligand exhibiting structural similarities to 4-hydroxypyridine, (R)-(+)-?-Methyl-4-pyridinemethanol (MPM), have proven inconclusive. Ultimately, modified "helmet" phthalocyanines could exhibit enantioselective catalytic properties.

Poster Abstracts

1) Hmong Traditions: Understanding a Way of Life Mai Chao Duddeck (Seung-Ryul Shin, Art) Many people in Laos had to leave their homes on a moment's notice and left everything behind. They hid in the jungles and stayed alive by eating plants, berries, and roots. My parents survived this traumatic experience, eventually making their way into the refugee camps in Thailand, and finally bringing us to the U.S.A. In this research project, I interviewed people about the Hmong culture and their traditions. With the information collected, I wrote an autobiography and illustrated pictures to help tell the story. My goal is to reach out to children and community members, so we can understand and accept one another in this diverse society. When the Southeast refugees came to America, their lives were better, but new obstacles emerged. They faced a double burden. While facing the stress of getting used to life in a new country, they were haunted by a sense of permanent separation from everything that was familiar to them. On the other hand, their children adapted more easily into the American way of life. I have a responsibility to share their experiences with students and community members in order to preserve and remember our culture and traditions.

2) Gene Detection in Staphylococcus Aureus Rebecca Bickford (William Schwan, Microbiology) Staphylococcus aureus is a ubiquitous bacterium that exists in up to 66% of humans, mainly residing in the nose, ear, and skin; but it can also be an opportunistic pathogen responsible for up to 50,000 deaths per year. Strains from this species have been divided into two main categories: methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus(MRSA). The MRSA strains can be further subdivided into community-acquired(CA) and hospital-acquired. The CA-MRSA strains strike healthy individuals who have not been recently hospitalized. In this study, we tested for the presence of nine virulence factor genes (hla, hlb, hld, hlgB, sdrC-E, fnbA,fnbB) in two MSSA populations compared to a CA-MRSA population using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technology. Three cohorts were examined: a group of 77 CA-MRSA strains, one population of 75 commensal MSSA strains, and one group of 75 early clinical MSSA strains. We found that 100% of all MSSA and CA-MRSA strains possessed the hla, hld, and hlgB genes. One hundred percent of the CA-MRSA strains were also positive for the hlb gene, but only 93.3-96% of MSSA strains had this gene. The results also showed 100% of the CA-MRSA strains were positive for the sdrC, sdrD, and sdrE genes. However, the MSSA cohorts had sdrC-sdrE detected in just 90.7-96% of these populations. On the other hand, the MSSA groups had higher rates for the fnbB gene compared to the CA-MRSA population, but lower frequencies of the fnbA gene. Differences in the hlb and adherence genes may play a role in the spread of CA-MRSA isolates through the general human population.

3) Government Response to Terrorism Derek Freedlund (Donna Anderson, Economics) Although terrorism is relatively new to the U. S., it has been practiced for centuries around the world. In recent years the subject of terrorism has come under the limelight, but our society has had difficulty comprehending what terrorism is and what terrorism does. In order to better understand the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, I research the history of terrorism, specifically focusing on terrorism in the U.S. In addition, I study the changing response by the U.S. government to terrorism through an examination of U.S. Defense Department's budgets. Although the government has created an entire Federal agency devoted to terrorism, the Department of Homeland Security, identifying other changes is a challenge primarily due to classified information. It is important to understand how the United States Government has responded to terrorism in the past and how it currently responds to terrorism in order to better understand what can be expected in the future.

4) Contributions of the La Crosse Marsh to Methylmercury Pollution in the Mississippi Rebecca Halvorson (Kristofer Rolfhus, Chemistry) Marshes such as the La Crosse marsh contribute to the formation of methylmercury (MeHg), the most dangerous form of mercury pollution. The La Crosse River flows through the urban marsh, allowing easy access to three sample sites from which water was taken every two weeks through the fall, winter, and spring. The water flowing into, through, and out of the marsh was analyzed for MeHg, total mercury, water level, pH, temperature, dissolved organic matter, and sulfate. Samples were taken using clean techniques and analyzed using automated combustion analysis, ion chromatography, and atomic fluorescence spectrophotometry. Data shows trends of MeHg and total mercury in relation to season, water flow, position in the marsh, and marsh contribution. MeHg concentrations through the fall and winter averaged 0.11 ng/L and did not exceed 0.44 ng/L. THg concentrations for the same time period averaged 2.08 ng/L. The MeHg species makes up an average of 5% of the THg species, which is higher than the "typical" river value. The MeHg:THg ratio reflects wetland MeHg input into the La Crosse River. This study targets the urban marsh as a potential source of methylmercury contamination in the main branch of the Mississippi River.

5) The Effects of Horizontal and Vertical Power Training on an Athlete's Peak Power Production Sara DuChene (Glenn Wright, Exercise/Sport Science) The purpose of this study was to determine whether horizontal or vertical power training played a larger role within an athlete's corresponding increase in peak power production. The subjects were college age women participating in track and field at the NCAA Division III level. The subjects were divided into two groups; one group trained horizontally for power, while the other trained strictly vertical. The groups were determined by random assignment. All subjects participated in a five-week training program. Each group followed similar exercise protocols for basic strength training, but used different activities for power production. The horizontal power-training group used the force treadmill within the Human Performance Lab. The vertical group trained using Olympic weight lifting exercises in a vertical plane of motion. Vertical jumps were measured using a Vertec Vertical Jump apparatus. Subjects were tested suing a single broad jump as well as a 40-meter dash. The data for the dash was gathered using an electronic timing system. Due to poor subject adherence, there was difficulty with data collection. As a result, this data will serve as a pilot study for future investigation. There may be little specificity between horizontal and vertical power training for sprint running, but additional research must be done with a greater subject pool to make any definite conclusions.

6) Identification of Spinal Cord Circuits Connecting Descending Lateral Tract Axons to Contralateral and Ipsilateral Motor Neurons Aaron Mickle (Bradley Seebach, Biology) This project will help to identify part of the spinal cord circuitry that carries commands for walking from the brain to the muscles that need to be used. A specific question is whether, do axons descending from the brain in the lateral parts of the spinal cord cross over to contact parts of the central pattern generator (CPG) on the opposite side of the spinal cord. Part of this project is the construction of the recording apparatus. Thus far a Faraday cage has been constructed to reduce electrical interference. A Power Lab recorder and stimulator have been connected to a computer with Scope to record action potentials. Several extra-cellular experiments have been done recording central pattern generator activity. Intracellular pre-amplification will be added and electrodes pulled to ~100M? of resistance will be used to impale spinal cord motor neurons. We will be stimulating the motor neurons and recording responses through this electrode. This will give us information about participation of the motor neuron in the CPG circuit, as well as direct control over that motor neuron's activity.

7) Exploring the Effects of Yoga on Children's Behavior, Emotions, and Flexibility Katie Jacques, Rachel Dahm, and Kya Schnettler (Marcie Wycoff-Horn, Health Education/Health Promotion ) With the growing prevalence of overweight children in our nation, physical activity is something that needs to be encouraged with our youth. Yoga provides a noncompetitive approach to physical activity and has been shown to improve self-esteem and body awareness (Khalsa, 2001). The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the effects of yoga on elementary school children's behaviors, emotions, and flexibility. More specifically, the study examined the influence yoga had on participants' emotions/feelings through the collection of participant responses. Additionally, the study examined the influence of yoga on the participants' degree of flexibility. This study was initiated in January 2006 and involved approximately 60 second graders from a Midwestern elementary school. Participants received 30 minutes of yoga instruction once a week throughout the entire spring semester; however, the study data was only collected over seven consecutive weeks. The study consisted of two different measures. First, a "sit and reach" test, which measured participants' flexibility once at the beginning of the seven weeks and again at the end of seven weeks. Second, an age appropriate survey to measure their emotions/feelings each week was administered at the beginning and end of each weekly yoga experience.

8) Community and Species-Level Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Alpine Lakes Benjamin Koski (Jasmine Saros, Biology) Phosphorus and Nitrogen are known to be limiting nutrients for algal growth in alpine lakes of the Rocky Mountains. Nitrogen has been the central limiting nutrient in these aquatic systems, but recently an increased level of nitrogen has been deposited into the alpine lakes via atmospheric deposition. Consequently, a shift in nutrient limitation may be in process. Phosphorus may become the nutrient that limits the growth of algae in these systems. The purpose of this research is to determine if increased nitrogen levels are causing a shift in nutrient limitation patterns in these lakes. This information is pertinent to understanding phosphorus-limitation patterns in alpine lakes when substantial shifts in the growth-limiting nutrient occur.

9) Creation of a New HPIV3 Infectious Clone to Facilitate Analysis of the Matrix Protein Karen Wendt (Michael Hoffman, Microbiology) Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) can cause serious lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia or croup. When new HPIV3 virus particles assemble inside infected cells, the HPIV3 matrix (M) protein plays an integral role in this process. One way to analyze the role of the M protein is to create mutants of HPIV3 that contain specific mutations in the M gene. To accomplish this, we need to create the M gene mutations in an HPIV3 infectious clone. The infectious clone is a bacterial plasmid that encodes the entire HPIV3 genome. Importantly, live HPIV3 viruses can be generated from the infectious clone and, if the infectious clone contains a mutation, the resulting virus will as well. Thus, to facilitate analysis of live HPIV3 viruses containing M gene mutations, a two-plasmid system was developed for the creation and transfer of M gene mutants into the infectious clone. This will make it possible to create and study viruses containing specific M gene mutations and will aid in our understanding of the role of the M protein in virus particle assembly. Results of this research could eventually lead to the development of new antiviral agents.

10) Survey of Helminthes in Sport Fish from the Upper Mississippi River Beau Webber (Roger Haro, Biology) Sport fish sustain a 2.3 billion dollar industry and more than 26,000 jobs in the state of Wisconsin. In light of this, much effort is put into researching sport fish as well as the environment that sustains them. Of the many areas of focus, the impact of intestinal helminthes is often under represented in scientific literature. Intestinal helminthes provide a unique, long-term perspective into the predatory habits of fish due to the fact that these parasites remain long after the original intermediate host has passed through the digestive tract. This study examined the intestinal helminthes of five species of sport fish sampled from the Mississippi River near LaCrosse, WI. A total of 5405 intestinal parasites were collected, identified, and categorized according to host and location within the host's digestive tract. This data demonstrates the substantial role that intestinal parasites play within sport fish populations, and points to further study into the impact of intestinal helminthes, as well as their usefulness in elucidating the predatory habits of sport fish.

11) A GIS and Mapping Project for the La Crosse River Marsh Eric Earle, Ryan Pottinger (Cynthia Berlin, Geology/Earth Science) The current delineation of the La Crosse River Marsh in the Wisconsin Wetland Inventory Report (WWIR) was accomplished using remote sensing. In order to more accurately represent the true boundaries of the La Crosse River Marsh aerial photography, satellite imagery and ground truth were employed. Interpretation of aerial photography and satellite imagery were used to visually estimate the marsh boundaries. Topographic elevation and wetland indicator species were used to refine the boundaries in the field. Global positioning system was used to reference field data points for transference to a digital map. Discrepancies were found between the research and the WWIR boundaries. Combining ground truth with remote sensing to create the WWIR would more accurately represent the geographic boundaries of wetlands in Wisconsin.

12) Determining the Precise Function of Different Members of the Dynein Family in Flagella John Awowale (David Howard, Biology) Flagella are whip like structures that provide cell motility for primitive plants, most animals, and protists. In humans, flagella propel the sperm, and ciliated tissues in the lungs move mucus. In eukaryotic cells the wave like motion of flagella is caused by the constant sliding of microtubules relative to one another. This motion is generated by protein motors called dynein. There are at least four different kinds of dynein, each with a specific job involved in powering the flagellum and producing different bend patterns. Since there is a great deal yet to be learned about the individual activity of each type of dynein arm we conducted photomicroscopy experiments analyzing the different frequencies and bend patterns of a eukaryotic organism called Chlamydomonas. Chlamydomonas is a single celled green algae with two flagella which it uses to propel itself through liquid media using a coordinated breaststroke like motion. Using a high-speed digital camera we studied different mutant cell types each possessing different modifications to their dynein arms. Results showed that mutants which were missing certain inner dynein arms were uncoordinated or slower than normal.

13) An Artistic Journey: Incorporating Individual Style and the Influences of Monet and Turner Kristin Walgrave (Jennifer Williams Terpstra, Art) Other artists and their own interpretations of the surrounding environment influenced Joseph M. W. Turner and Claude Monet, resulting in revolutionary developments in painting. I am currently at a point in an early stage of my artistic journey where the influences of painters like Turner and Monet, along with my developing creative style, have the potential to allow me to grow as an artist. Preliminary and creative research, consisting of viewing and studying the original sketches and paintings by Turner and Monet found in the museums of Paris and London was essential to my research. In addition to the analysis and identification of the parallels and differences between my work as an artist and Monet's and Turner's work, I have created my own body of work to incorporate this meaningful travel, research, and creative activity.

14) An Affinity Approach to Purifying Flagellar PKA Nicholas Birdsey, Abigail Hunnicutt (David Howard, Biology) Flagella are the means by which mobile organisms move through liquid. Flagella are used in a whip-like fashion to propel the organism or to move fluid over the surface of cells. In humans, flagella can be found in sperm, in the lungs and the kidneys. Numerous human diseases are caused by defective flagella including infertility and polycystic kidney disease. Our research focuses on the signaling pathway that controls flagellar movement. One hypothesis is that the enzyme PKA is a key regulator of flagella. Our research uses the model organism Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which possesses a novel form of PKA. Thus far, no one has been able to purify this protein. The goal of our research is to use biochemistry to isolate PKA from the flagella of Chlamydomonas. The general strategy is to use a peptide called PKI that specifically binds to the PKA enzyme. The PKI probe is permanently attached to a biotin label which allows us to use a variety of methods to identify and purify the PKA. Progress has been made using luminescent labeling of the biotin and immunoprecipitation of the biotin.

15) Gestalt: Collaborative Artwork from Matt Duckett and Chun-Tso Lin Matthew Duckett, Chun-Tso Lin (Jennifer Williams Terpstra, Art) "Gestalt: Collaborative Artwork from Matt Duckett and Chun-Tso Lin" was a study in cross-cultural collaboration and the artwork that would be fostered under such an environment. We are both artists who have developed a comfortable approach to our media we both employ highly personal styles. We had speculated about the feasibility of collaborative painting, and decided to attempt it. The research grant allowed us to fund an exhibition of the resultant work over the summer and fall of 2006, with a full opening reception that brought in members of the La Crosse community as well as artists from outlying communities. The artwork that we created with the help of the grant was of a caliber and scale that neither of us had previously achieved individually. We were able to use the disparity of our styles to effectively eliminate individuality and invoke the phenomenon that author Charles Green writes about-the "third artist," the idea that collaborative artists remove their own personalities from the work but that a third seems to arise. Our experiment proved that despite diverse and highly individual backgrounds, we could create a cadre of art that was strong and cohesive both in its execution and in its concept.

16) Cloning of Alternative Transcripts from the Chlamydomonas Protein Kinase A Gene Jennifer Watry, Hayley Weber (David Howard, Biology) Flagella are used for cellular motility and for the transport of fluids. Defects in flagella are the cause of many human diseases including male infertility, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and retinal degeneration. Flagella are composed of microtubules, dynein, and many other proteins. Microtubules are structural components that serve as the backbone of flagella. Dyneins are motor proteins that are responsible for flagellar motility. Protein Kinase A (PKA) is a phosphorylating enzyme that is thought to regulate flagellar motility. It is thought that PKA causes dynein motors to be phosphorylated and this phosphorylation causes the dynein to move much slower. To determine how flagella are regulated, the gene for PKA in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was cloned. The hypothesis was that there are multiple transcripts of this PKA gene from alternative splicing. To clone these transcripts, RT-PCR was performed using mRNA to make cDNA. This way, only the genes being expressed into a protein were amplified. Specific primers were designed for two different possible transcripts of the PKA gene. One set of primers was successful in cloning a PKA gene while the other had no results. The successful transcript was only partially cloned. The next project is to get a full length clone.

17) Electronic Structure Studies of Clock-Reconstructed Al/Pd(100) and Pd/Cu(100) Surface Alloys Craig Tainter (Janet Kirsch, Chemistry) We have employed solid-state Fenske-Hall band structure calculations to examine the electronic structures of Al/Pd(100) and Pd/Cu(100), two surface alloys that undergo a reconstruction, or rearrangement of the atoms in the top few surface layers. Surface alloys are materials that consist primarily of a single elemental metal, but which have a bimetallic surface composition that is only a few atomic layers in thickness. The results of these studies suggest that reconstruction optimizes the electronic structures (i.e. the bonding between atoms in the alloyed layers) of both surface alloys. Our study further shows that quantitative information about the bonding in surface alloys can be obtained relatively quickly with the Fenske-Hall band structure method, and this information can be used to forge a link between the electronic (bonding) and the physical (geometric) structure of a solid. Such fundamental information could have a significant impact on the strategic design of new, more effective catalysts.

18) Comparing the Lying Side Bridge and Side Lying Double Leg Lift for Evaluating Oblique and Quadratus Lumborum Muscular Function Molly Jeanne Uhrich, Kristine Boon (Brian Udermann, Exercise/Sport Science) Comparing the lying side bridge and side lying double leg lift for evaluating oblique and quadratus lumborum muscular function. Objective: To evaluate the reliability of a new manual muscle test, the side lying double leg lift, compared to an already well-established test, the lying side bridge, for evaluating oblique and quadratus lumborum muscular endurance capabilities of the trunk. Methods: Twenty-six participants (13 females, 13 males) completed both the lying side bridge test, and the double leg lift test on both sides (right and left) with 5 minutes rest in between the four tests, with a total of two trials each test. A 48 hour rest period was given between repeated trials to allow for adequate muscle recovery. Results: Trials were compared using Pearson Correlation Coefficients. The lying side bridge showed a 0.88 correlation between trials on the right side, and a 0.89 correlation on the left. The side lying double leg lift showed a 0.91 correlation between trials on the right, and a 0.95 correlation on the left. Conclusion: These data suggest that both the side bridge test and the side lying double leg lift tests are reliable and can be used to assess endurance capabilities of the lateral trunk flexors.

19) Investigations of the Electronic Structure Differences Between Se2V2O9 and Te2Ta2O9 Bernie Anding (Janet Kirsch, Chemistry) The electronic structures of selenium vanadium oxide (Se2V2O9) and tellurium tantalum oxide (Te2Ta2O9) were examined using a combination of theoretical chemical techniques to discover why the crystalline structures of these two materials differ when periodic trends would predict them to be similar. Computational analyses of both materials were carried out using Fenske-Hall (a Hartree-Fock like method) and ab initio calculations. The fundamental structural differences between Se2V2O9 and Te2Ta2O9 occur in the coordination geometry around the vanadium (square pyramidal) or the tantalum (bridging octahedral) centers. Early results of our study suggest that the Te2Ta2O9 crystal structure is an energetically more stable configuration than that of Se2V2O9; however, the smaller radius of V ions relative to Ta ions may sterically prevent the vanadium oxide from assuming the same geometry as its tantalum counterpart.

20) Afghanistan's Opium: A Quintessential Illicit Economy John Lauermann (Dean Wilder, Geology/Earth Science) Illicit industries are a universal phenomenon in mountain regions. Rugged, isolated mountain environments are ideal for sheltering illegitimate economic activities like narcotics production and trafficking. The poverty and social marginalization of mountain peoples makes them especially prone to turn to illicit industries for survival, while the inaccessibility of the mountains often limit the law enforcement power of lowland governments. Afghanistan is one of the world's poorest, most politically unstable, and most mountainous countries, and is also home to one of the world's largest prohibited industries: that of opium production. In fact, Afghanistan is home to 87% of the world's illicit opium cultivation and grows 92% of global supplies. This project explores the geography of the opium production and trafficking in Afghanistan. The cultural, economic, and political landscapes of opium production in this region are examined. Overall this project finds that opium production is a major part of Afghanistan's economy and any attempts to shut down the industry without providing an adequate replacement will have disastrous results.

21) Characterization of Hydrogen Bond Stability in an 8-Residue Peptide Containing Alanine & ?-Aminoisobutyric Acid Anthony Getschman (Adrienne Loh, Chemistry) Physical characteristics of proteins such as flexibility and function are due to the formation of the proteins secondary and tertiary structures. The process of protein folding creates these structures and is only accomplished by the interaction of atoms and the accompanying weak forces. One of these weak forces is the hydrogen bond and is found to occur between backbone atoms in secondary structures such as helices, sheets and coils. Helices are a predominant secondary structure with two major subsets consisting of ? & 310 helices. Although less common, the 310 helix is found in protein binding sites and may also be an intermediate during ?-helical formation. It has been found that peptides primarily composed of ?-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) amino acids will readily fold into 310 helices. Aib amino acids are ?,?-dialkylated residues that are structurally similar to the amino acid alanine but with a methyl group in place of the hydrogen side chain. The protein of interest in this study is an eight Aib residue chain with alanine amino acids at positions three and six with Aib residues at the remaining positions (AA36). Since Aib is sterically hindered and will drive the formation of a 310 helix, the two alanine positions will create two less sterically hindered and weaker regions of the peptide. The synthesis will consist of a multistep scheme of alternating coupling reactions; a dimer Aib coupling followed by a single alanine coupling. 1H NMR will then be used to study amide proton exchange with solvent to characterize helical flexibility at the previously mentioned alanine positions. The analysis of this data and comparison to previous data will lend insight to the relative hydrogen bond strengths across the helix and determine the overall affect hydrogen bonding has on protein flexibility.

22) Platino-Palladiotype Printing, an Alternative Process Jonathan Schenk (Roger Grant, Art) Standard photographic paper is made sensitive to light by coating it with an emulsion made of silver halide salts suspended in a gelatin. When the light sensitive silver halide crystals are exposed to light they become excited. Then when developer is introduced to the excited crystals the silver is reduced from Ag+1 to metallic silver, Ag0. Then the paper must be fixed which removes any remaining light sensitive silver ions. An analogous process is possible for many metals. Here platinum and palladium will be used. A platinum salt ((NH4)PtCl4) and palladium salt (PdCl2) will be used to sensitize the paper. The development process and fixing process are a little different from traditional silver printing but the fundamental chemistry is the same. A metal ion is excited by light, which gives it enough extra energy to be reduced by the developer to a metal in the zero oxidation state. Then a fixer is introduced which removes the remaining light sensitive metal ions. Platinum-palladium prints can be made in a wide range of tones and possess a subtle quality which far surpasses traditional silver prints. In this project fiber based paper will be coated with a platinum-palladium emulsion. This sensitized paper will then be contact printed, creating a photographic image. The process and results will be discussed here.

23) No Eulogy upon the Demise of the Public Oversight Board Kara Bravick (Ashley Burrowes, Accountancy) The AICPA created the SEC Practice Section in 1977 to monitor and regulate the profession. The SECPS established a peer review program with the objective of assuring the public that auditing and accounting firms complied with GAAP, and that the firms had effective quality control systems in place. That same year, the Public Oversight Board (POB) was created to oversee the SECPS and "assure that the public interest is carefully considered" (Mautz). Throughout its existence, the POB purported to be independent and autonomous. Despite their self proclaimed independence, the POB was merely a puppet of the profession meant to soothe public doubts. The POB mainly issued reports proclaiming the effectiveness of the profession's self regulatory system whenever the profession experienced difficulties. The objective of this project was to examine the actions taken by the POB to recover from the crisis events experienced by the accounting profession and discover the causes for its isomorphic behaviors. Deconstruction and crisis management theories were used to describe these isomorphic actions by examining several documents issued by the POB as well as investigating other related publications.

24) Stabilization and Characterization of an Anti-Mycobacterial Activity from Fungal Fruiting Bodies Cassandra Sleger (Marc Rott, Microbiology) One of the world's most pressing health problems is tuberculosis. One third of the world's population is thought to be latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and some strains are developing resistance to all known antibiotics. New drugs to treat tuberculosis are needed. We hypothesize that fungal fruiting bodies (mushrooms) growing in the wild may produce anti-mycobacterial compounds to avoid being degraded by soil dwelling saprophytic mycobacteria. Fungal fruiting bodies were collected, dried, and extracted with an organic solvent. The dried extracts were screened for anti-mycobacterial activity using a modified minimum inhibitory concentration procedure. Attempts to purify and characterize the molecule(s) responsible for the inhibition of growth are ongoing. The objective of this study was to investigate conditions that stabilize a molecule(s) from a selected extract, found to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium smegmatis, a non-pathogenic indicator strain for the causative agent of tuberculosis. To investigate the factors affecting the stability of the active molecule(s) we are varying exposure to pH, temperature, light, air, and water. This research could lead to the discovery of novel antibiotics for treating tuberculosis.

25) Synthesis of Sterically Hindered Phenethylamines as Molecular Probes for the 5-HT2A Agonist Binding Domain Dani Schultz (Aaron Monte, Chemistry) Serotonin (5-HT), a major neurotransmitter of the central nervous system, is involved in a wide range of neuronal processes that include the regulation of mood, sleep cycles, and consciousness. The 5-HT2 receptor is one member of the serotonin receptor family and consists of at least three distinct subclasses, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C, each being linked to different physiological/behavioral effects when activated by serotonin. In previous work in this laboratory, a serotonin agonist was prepared that showed high affinity for the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptor proteins but did not show selectivity for binding to either one of these receptors. Since the topography of the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors has yet to be well defined, the creation of a selective ligand for either of these binding sites would provide valuable insight into their structure and physiological function. Thus, we present here the synthesis of three new agonist ligands that may show differential affinities for the 5-HT2A or 5-HT2C receptor subtypes. Preliminary pharmacological analysis of these new molecules revealed new information about the size of the 5-HT2A receptor binding pocket, and provided grounds for the synthesis of a new serotonin agonist that would further test the size limitations of the 5-HT2A binding domain.

26) Utilization of RNA Mediated Interference to Elucidate the Role of Nud-1 in Gonad Formation in Caenorhabditis Elegans Michael Large (Jennifer Miskowski, Biology) Humans deficient in NudC, a protein involved in neuron migrations, suffer from a disease known as Miller-Dieker lissencephaly. Children afflicted by the disease have severe mental defects. A NudC ortholog, Nud-1, exists in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Previous experiment in our lab have shown Nud-1 to be localized to the gonad and observed in a perinuclear punctuate pattern in primary spermatocytes. Adults showed staining in the spermathecae, where mature sperm are found, and surrounding the oocytes. The NUD-1 protein has been shown to function in the formation of the C. elegans gonad using RNA-mediated interference (RNAi), but its specific role is unknown. Furthermore, it is unknown if defects associated with Nud-1 knockdowns are due to defects in the germline or the supporting somatic tissues. Several mutant worm strains exist with varying sensitivities to RNAi. Animals with homozygous deletion of rrf-1 are resistant to RNAi in somatic tissues. Conversely, animals mutant in rrf-3 are hypersensitive to somatic RNAi. Lastly, temperature sensitive glp-4 mutants do not posses a germline. Using rrf-1 and rrf-3 animals, it has been determined that Nud-1 is involved in both the germline and supporting somatic tissues. Data and results of glp-4 experiments are forthcoming.

27) A Study of the Link Between Income and Religion as Shown by the Human Capital Theory Kimberly LaGuardia (Donna Anderson, Economics) The Human Capital Theory is the economic theory used to discuss one's investment in his/her skills and attributes that will be helpful in the labor force. This decision to invest requires an analyzation of the costs and benefits of attending college. For example, in addition to tuition, people who decide to attend college will also pay a cost of the forgone income that they could have earned had they decided to go into the labor force directly. This indirect cost is added to the direct cost (tuition, books, etc.) to come up with the actual cost of college. Benefits from attending college include higher wages once in the labor force, increased job security in the future, increased job satisfaction and finally, increased health. When making the decision of whether or not one should invest in education, the cost and benefits are compared. If the costs of college outweigh all potential benefits, a worker should not invest in education. The exact opposite also holds true; if the benefits outweigh the total costs, the investment should be made. This study will take that idea and examine a person's religious involvement as correlated to their annual income. By analyzing the relationship between income and religion, the Human Capital Theory will be able to be further examined to determine if workers find it beneficial to invest time and effort in their religious beliefs.

28) Development of a Central Pattern Generator Model Using Mouse in Vitro Spinal Cord Erin Azbell (Brad Seebach, Biology) The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) has been found to be a critical component of locomotor pattern generation, one of the processes necessary for walking in humans. However, many questions still exist about how 5-HT and other neurotransmitters affect spinal cord circuitry. Specifically, recent experiments have been performed in neonatal rats to elicit the differential actions of several 5-HT receptor subtypes and their effect on the spinal cord's ability to produce a pattern of electrical output consistent with locomotor function. The rat model is suitable for electrophysiological studies but is not commonly used for molecular or genetic investigation. The mouse model is more suitable to these methods but has not been used extensively with this particular electrophysiological preparation. The goal of this project was to develop the mouse in vitro spinal cord preparation, similar to that of the experiments mentioned above, for use here at UW-L. This would allow future student researchers to take advantage of molecular and genetic analysis in conjunction with electrophysiological measurement, providing a more complete picture of the mechanisms behind locomotor pattern generation. Experiments combining electrophysiological and molecular/genetic techniques would include functional analysis (electrophysiology) of specific populations of interneurons identified using genetic and molecular techniques.

29) The Effects Additional Rain has on Californian Grassland Plant Carbon and Nitrogen Leaf Content Lisa McTavish (Meredith Thomsen, Biology) It has been predicted that Northern Californian grasslands will experience a 50-100% increase of rain in the next 50 years. The additional rain has the potential to change plant carbon and nitrogen leaf content which in turn could affect ecosystem nutrient cycling. To study the effects additional water has on leaf nutrient content, a variety of annual and perennial grasses and forbs were collected from a coastal grassland which has undergone experimental seasonal water manipulation since Fall 2000. In the fall of 2006 the samples were analyzed on a combustion analyzer to determine carbon and nitrogen leaf content. Only one species, the summer forb Eremocarpus setigerus (Turkey mullein) showed any response to watering treatment in leaf nutrient content. This result is somewhat surprising because a previous study indicated strong responses to watering by the annual grass Bromus hordeaceous (Soft brome). Unusual weather conditions in spring of 2006 may have minimized the effect of watering treatments on carbon and nitrogen leaf tissue.

30) Screening Fungal and Plant Extracts Against Clostridium Difficile and C. Perfringens for Antimicrobial Activity Thomas Larson (William Schwan, Microbiology) Clostridium is an anaerobic, endospore forming Gram-positive bacillus genus containing many important pathogenic species, including Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens. Both of these pathogenic species have been implicated as the causative agent of serious gastrointestinal tract infections. Recently, there has been an emergence of antimicrobial-drug resistant Clostridium species. There is an ecological rationale that antimicrobial products could be synthesized in fungi and plants to ward of pathogens. Plant and fungal specimens have been collected and a solvent extraction procedure has been performed. Crude extracts taken from various plants and fungal fruiting bodies have been screened against C. perfringens for evidence of antimicrobial activity. A total of 238 extracts from various fungi and plant species have been screened against C. perfringens. Of these, 25 showed antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, a total of 17 fungal extracts demonstrated hemolytic activity and antimicrobial activity against C. perfringens while 8 extracts generated no hemolytic activity while showing antimicrobial activity. Further purification and analysis is currently being performed on promising crude extracts in order to unearth any potential novel antimicrobial agents.

31) Methylmercury Photochemical Decomposition in Arctic Alaskan Lakes Katie Bluske (Kris Rolfhus, Chemistry) We were investigating the environmental controls on photochemical demethylation of methylmercury in high-latitude Arctic lakes in Alaska. Mercury demethylation is of interest because of its toxicity to humans and wildlife at extremely low concentrations, as well as its potential to bioaccumulate in aquatic foodwebs. Our objectives were to discover what environmental factors are controlling demethylation rates, and to improve existing models that predict the fate and transport of methylmercury regionally and globally. Water samples were collected from three Arctic lakes in the summer of 2006 and bottle incubation experiments were performed. We varied pH, EDTA concentration, and Fe(III) concentrations in natural sunlight. Metal-scavenging EDTA was used to competitively complex with methylmercury instead of dissolved organic matter (DOM). Complexation of inorganic mercury by EDTA was found to make no difference in demethylation rate relative to controls, implying that a direct light reaction involving a mercury-DOM complex was not occurring. We found that demethylation rates significantly decreased at alkaline pH, and significantly increased when incubated in the presence of Fe(III). We suggest that indirect photochemical demethylation was occurring with radicals formed in the presence of iron, and that systems with high Fe(III) may potentially have less methylmercury in its aquatic biota.

32) Immigration from Guatemala to the United States Bailey Smolarek, Ryan Resch (Sharon Jessee, English) Immigration has been a hot topic lately, especially immigration from Latin America. But why are millions of people leaving their countries and families to move to the United States? Through extensive interviews with Guatemalan immigrants as well as first hand observation of living conditions in Guatemala, this project takes a closer look at why there has been an increase in immigration from Latin American countries to the United States. This project will show the social, political, and economic reasons why people from Guatemala immigrate to the United States, and the effects that this migration has on both Guatemala and the United States.

33) Impact of an After School Running Program on Physical Fitness and Self-Motivation in 3^rd to 5^th Grade Girls Brooke Tenpas (Rebecca Battista, Exercise/Sport Science) The purpose of this project was to evaluate physical fitness and motivation in girls participating in an after school running program. Third to fifth grade girls participated in a 10-week program focused on running related activities. Pre and post tests included a paced 20m shuttle run and the Self Motivation for Children (SM-C) questionnaire. A 3-day physical activity recall (PDAR) was administered to determine amount and intensity of activity. Descriptive statistics were performed and a paired samples t-test (P < 0.05) was used to detect differences over time. Results revealed no difference in the number of laps completed in the shuttle run. However, observations from the PDAR suggested participants increased the total number of 30-minute blocks of time spent in activity. Of the SM-C, one question showed a significant change. Responses to the statement "I don't often let myself down" significantly decreased suggesting participants may have gained confidence. Overall, results reveal the intervention was minimally successfully in increasing physical activity levels and self-motivation for physical activity. Although total number of laps didn't significantly increase, most participants did improve. Nonetheless, further information regarding programs targeted at educating young girls about the benefits of physical activity to improve physical fitness are warranted.

34) Anxiety Levels: Do They Influence the Perception of Time? Micah Lueck (Bart VanVoorhis, Psychology) Past research has revealed that the perception of time can be influenced by a number of variables, including stress and mood. Time efficiency is currently a major incentive in all societies and so research on this topic is highly warranted. This study explored the relationship between anxiety levels (high vs. low) and performance on time estimation tasks. Participants in the experimental condition were led to believe they would have to present a public speech and were thus exposed to high levels of anxiety. This heightened state of anxiety was validated by these participants obtaining significantly higher state-anxiety scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory than did the control group, which consisted of "audience members" who displayed baseline levels of anxiety. Although it was predicted that the anxious participants would give larger time estimates of a fixed duration, a trend in the opposite direction was actually observed. Despite being statistically insignificant, this trend indicates that people going through an anxiety-provoking situation may underestimate the length of objective intervals. As a consequence, people induced into a state of anxiety may fail to complete certain tasks as a result of time running out on them.

35) Masculinity and Femininity: Do Sex, Race, and Social Class Matter? Brianne Nillissen, Caitlin Young (Betsy Morgan, Psychology) Little empirical research explores the intersections of sex, race, and social class. In the current study, we expected to find that participants would rate Black men highest in masculinity and White women highest in femininity, and working class males would be seen to have higher leve

	Room 337 (CC337)	Port O’Call Lounge (Port)	Room 326 (CC326)
10:00 \| 10:20	Jessica Woods "A Hangout With a View": Rural Strip Clubs, An Ethnographic Exploration (Timothy Gongaware, Sociology/Archaeology)	Volodymyr Valkov Practical Solutions to the Ongoing Decay of International Diplomacy and Policymaking (Curtis Reithel, Political Science/Public Admin)	Jason Schreiber Direct-to-Consumer Advertising and its Effects on the Costs of Healthcare (Joseph Heim, Political Science/Public Admin)
10:20 \| 10:40	Chadwick Curtis Bringing Home the Bacon: An Econometric Inquiry of Wisconsin's Hog Industry (Taggert Brooks, Economics)	Elizabeth Boe An Analysis of the Affects of Decreases in Allotted Budget of Public Health Programs in Minnesota (Kara Lindaman, Political Science/Public Admin)	Benjamin Johrendt The Impacts of Volcanoes on Guatemala and is People (James Handley, Geography/Earth Science)
10:40 \| 11:00	Valentine Sackmann Developing a High Fidelity Lunar Simulants for Exploration Risk Reduction (Michael Jackson, Physics)	Kira Keuhn The Global Model for City Planning? Curitiba is Creating a Sustainable Future for the Citizens of this Remarkable Brazilian City (John Betton, Management)	Halley Schumann A Comparative Study of American and Russian Perspectives on Anton Chekhov's Drama ( )
11:00 \| 11:20	Lynnay huchendorf Will YOU Remember? The Effects of Color on Memory (Melanie Cary, Psychology)	timothy bavlnka Images and Text: The Interdependent Relationship of Artists and Writers in Comic Books (Sharon Jessee, English)	Katie Meyer La Crosse Metropolitan Area: Land Use Changes 2000 – 2005 (James Handley, Geography/Earth Science)
11:20 \| 11:40	Erin Vollmer Harry's World: An Exploration of J.K. Rowling's Social and Political Agenda in the Harry Potter Series (Richard Gappa, English)	Melanie Desotelle Clostridium Perfringens and Stress Diarrhea in Sprint Racing Sled Dogs (Bernadette Taylor, Microbiology)	Melissa O’Neill Learning to Samba in the Ecological Capital of Brazil (John Betton, Management)
		BREAK
12:00 \| 12:20	Jenna Solie Heart to Mind: Using Theatre to Educate (Beth Cherne, Theatre Arts)	Matthew Armstrong Sigue la Lucha: The Changing Face of a Revolution (Victoria Calmes, Modern Languages)	Kevin Roland Financial Retirement Plans of the Y Generation ( )
12:20 \| 12:40	Elizabeth Green Analysis of Archaeological Sampling Methods Using the Complete Surface Data from the Pirque Alto Site in Cochabamba, Bolivia (Timothy McAndrews, Sociology/Archaeology)	April Pekel Starbucks in Spain: Researching the Perceptions and Penetration Through the Lens of the Diffusion Theory (Scott Dickmeyer, Mary Anna Kidd, Communication Studies)	Maggie McHugh The Fraction Concept (Jennifer Kosiak, Mathematics)
12:40 \| 1:00	Curtis Smith Directing The Wraith (Beth Cherne, Theatre Arts)	James Parejko Preliminary Characterization of Bacteriocins Produced by Carnobacteria Obtained from Antarctic Lakes (Bonnie Bratina, Microbiology)	Beth Haupt Tiwanaku Ceramic Style and its Influence on Theory, Interpretation, and Conclusions of Andean Archaeologists (Timothy McAndrews, Sociology/Archaeology)
1:00 \| 1:20	Max Gillman At a Crossroads: An Empirical Analysis of Infrastructure Stock and Economic Output (Taggert Brooks, Economics)	Meghan Porzky A Preliminary Analysis of Changes in Landscape Structure for the Upper Mississippi River from 1989 to 2000 (Christina Hupy, Geography/Earth Science)	Heisley Lewison The Effects of Reed Canary Grass on Tree Regeneration at Goose Island: A Comparison of Soil Particle Size (Meredith Thomsen, Biology)
1:20 \| 1:40	Elizatbeth Plunger Evaluation of the Nature of Tiwanaku Presence in the Cochabamba Valley of Bolivia Using Analysis of Ceramics from the Pirque Alto Site (Timothy McAndrews, Sociology/Archaeology)	Joshua Hakala An Interstellar Shell in Ionized Hydrogen (Shauna Sallmen, Physics)	Heidi Kieler Exchange of Labile "Helmet" Phthalocyanine Methanol with Lewis Bases (Robert McGaff, Chemistry)
1:40 \| 2:00	Gustav Borstad Discovery and Frequency Measurement of Far-Infrared Laser Emissions from Optically Pumped 13CD3OH and CHD2OH (Michael Jackson, Lyndon Zink, Physics)