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Welcome to the 12th Annual Scientific Research Poster Session
Sponsored by
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You may want to browse the author or discipline list in the 2000 Poster Session Home Page to find the abstract number.
See the Poster Location Map to find its location by number.
Andy Cornwell, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
There are two goals of this project: to determine that amidoxime functionality can be isolated from aryl cyanides with quaternary ammonium salt side chains, and to determine if the amidoxime functionality is biologically equivalent to amidine functionality used in study of retrograde axonal transport. Amidine RATFIA (retrograde axonal transport fluorescent imaging agents) compounds are difficult to prepare, have poor solubility, and in some cases, exhibit neurotoxicity in vivo. Aryloxynitriles with and without pendant quat salts have been successfully converted into amidoximes by reaction with aqueous hydroxylamine. This verifies that the conversion can be achieved in the presence of quaternary salts. However, a larger stilbene molecule can not be successfully converted, instead an unknown product has been recovered. We will report on the isolation and characterization of the unexpected product.
Matthew J. Wright & Frederick J. Heldrich, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, and Gamil A. Guirgis, Bayer Corporation, Bushy Park
Using 1-propynylmagnesium bromide and allyl bromide we investigated the use of Cu(I) coupling methods to prepare 1-hexen-4-yne which is not currently commercially available. The purpose of making this compound was to be able to study it, along with similar compounds, using vibrational spectroscopy. Experimental parameters were adjusted to achieve the best result using the appropriate Cu(I) salt in the correct solvent. Preliminary findings have indicated a preference for the use of Cu(I)Cl in tetrahydrofuran. Unfortunately the product BP coincides with that of the solvent so that product isolation is problematic. Solutions that we are investigating to solve this dilemma include use of preparative GC, fractional distillation, and use of different reaction solvent. Once the 1-hexen-4-yne preparation is achieved, our next step will be to prepare the isomeric compound, 1-cyclopropylpropyne
Orion A. Rust, MD and Kelly Jo Jones, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Dr. Robert Dillon, Department of Biology
The purpose of this investigation was to reveal if combining pharmacologic therapy (misoprostol) with mechanical methods (transcervical Foley) would increase its effectiveness. Seventy-six women were randomly assigned to either the misoprostol alone group (n=39) or to the combination group (n=37). The misoprostol group received 25ug of intravaginal misoprostol every 3 hours for a maximum of 12 hours; the combination group received the same misoprostol dosing, along with transcervical placement of a 24 French Foley catheter. No statistically significant differences were found upon analysis of the primary outcome variables, suggesting that the mechanisms of pharmacologic and mechanical ripening agents work independently.
Jim Bowring, Bruce L Mottin II, Aaron Whitney, and Ellen Chew, Department of Computer Science
Project Ferret! is a software project developed by students at the College of Charleston Computer Science Department in Charleston, S.C. The purpose of Ferret! is to provide an automated student record viewing system for faculty and administrative use in the Computer Science Department at the College of Charleston. The scope of the project includes building a database and interface for the database for viewing of student information. The faculty will have access to the database via a web browser type interface with read only privileges. The database will be modified and updated by administrators. Primary administrators will have full read and write privileges, while secondary administrators will have limited read and write privileges. The significance of Ferret! is to provide a centralized interface to generate a collaborative database system for academic ontologies. Software tools used in the project include Rational Rose C++ Demo 4.0 in the design phase and Microsoft Word for documentation and submissions.
Philip A. Albiniak, Becky Gibson, and Chris W. Alexander, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
alpha-Hydroxyphosphonates are a class of organophosphorus compounds of synthetic interest because of their biological activity (e.g., enzyme inhibitors) and as synthetic precursors to acyl phosphonates and alpha-aminophosphonates. In our laboratory, we have explored methods for the synthesis of these compounds. In particular we have developed a method for the synthesis of alpha-hydroxyphosphonates using an unique type of base in the presence of a phosphite and aryl aldehyde. The results of our method development for the synthesis of a-hydroxy-phosphonates and derivatives will be presented.
Elise S. Bickford, Chris W. Alexander, and Chemistry 571 Students, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
The goal of this course project for Chemistry 571(371) was to teach laboratory techniques and methods used to synthesize, isolate, purify, and characterize organic compounds. Specifically, a natural product synthesis project was developed to teach laboratory techniques to junior and senior level chemistry students in this course and as an undergraduate research project. The project focussed on the development of a new synthesis of piperine, a naturally occurring diene-amide alkaloid found in black pepper. The results of the synthetic aspects of this project will be described.
Loretta Hoover and Dr. Stephanie Dellis, Department of Biology
Bacteriophage Lambda can integrate into the Escherichia coli chromosome. This process requires a bacterial protein, Integration Host Factor (IHF), which binds to a specific region of Lambda called attP. This binding produces a strong bend in the DNA. The change in DNA conformation results in reduced mobility on a polyacrylamide gel. We have developed a laboratory exercise demonstrating the mobility shift of attP DNA when bound by IHF protein. When coupled with the cloning of attP DNA into a plasmid, this experiment may be ideal for a college molecular biology laboratory.
Jim Fleming B.S., Angie Arneson B.S., Sonni Eller, and Kelly Fulmer, Department of Physical Education and Health
Hydrostatic weighing is the golden standard for determining body density and is based upon Archimedes' Principle of displaced fluid and buoyancy. The purpose of this study was to compare traditional methods of obtaining body density against an underwater breathing device. Testing order was randomly assigned prior to each test to ensure that experience did not affect the results. A breathing device allowed subjects to inhale and exhale while submerged, thus minimizing underwater movement. Subjects tested were twenty-five college age students. Mean body fat percentages for the sample were 20.96 percent (traditional method); however, percentages dropped with the use of the breathing device yielding an average of 18.08 percent (2.88 percent mean difference). The Spearman correlation yielded a coefficient of 0.73 and the paired sample t-test produced a p-value of 0.001. In a post-test survey, a majority of subjects preferred the breathing device to traditional methods of hydrostatic weighing.
Mark S. Loringer and Linda R. Jones, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Photodynamic therapy is a cancer treatment that involves the selective uptake of photosensitizing dye into cancer cells. Visible light is absorbed by the dye and causes the production of singlet oxygen in the cancer tumor. Red light (600 to 700 nm) is used to optimize tissue penetration. A threshold light absorption is necessary to cause irreversible cell damage. My project compares the optical transmittance and reflectance for two types of collagen; one that is found in normal tissue and one that is found in neoplastic tissue. Results will be compared to clinical skin reflectance data for photodynamic therapy patients.
John Kiser, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Meteorological data from the summer months of 1998 were analyzed. Correlations were drawn between severe weather occurrence and four major weather regimes in order to infer the effects of sea breezes on severe weather occurrence in Charleston, SC. These four regimes refer to the direction of synoptic winds with respect to the coastline and the temperature difference between air overlying the land and the coastal ocean temperature. Of particular interest was the regime in which sea breezes form fronts with offshore synoptic winds. All thunderstorm activity in this regime was attributed to the presence of a sea breeze, which suggests that for the summer months the weather along the coast is largely dependent upon localized weather phenomena such as sea breezes. In addition, it was observed that all thunderstorm activity at Charleston Airport was associated with onshore winds at Folly Beach and warmer air over the land than over the water.
Andrew Hollis, Department of Physics and Astronomy
It is likely that dust contains several different short-lived isotopes. It is also very likely that dust from different environments will likely have some similar and some contrasting isotopes. By collecting samples of dust from some different places and taking several gamma-ray spectra, it is possible to determine (at least by close approximation) the short-lived isotopes. The gamma-ray spectrum gives the energies of the isotopes. Evaluating the decay of the energy peaks gives the half-lives of the isotopes. Using standard tables available in print and on the web, and a little bit of common sense, the short-lived isotopes will be determined. The determined isotopes will then be compared and contrasted.
Hamish Richardson, John Jones, Bowen Craft, Paul Olsen, Justin Consolvo, and Michael Tornay, Department of Computer Science
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have become prevalent in many different fields ranging from NASA down to commercial fishermen. Common to all of these disciplines is the need for accurate and precise coordinate information. Unfortunately the data displayed and stored by GPS units are not accurate. There are many contributing factors; chief among them is the intentional error introduced by the Department of Defense (DoD). Located throughout the United States are Community Base Stations (CBS), which are fixed antennas that receive satellite coordinate information. This information can then be used to improve the accuracy of a given measurement to less than one meter. Currently the information available from the Charleston CBS is accessible only through a bulletin board system. Due to increased demand for accurate coordinate information GEOTECH has developed an informative and interactive web interface that allows multiple users to access correction data through the Charleston CBS.
Lori Sanfratello and Laney Mills, Department of Physics and Astronomy
There are many systems in nature which, despite being simple, can exhibit behavior which is so complicated as to appear random. These so-called chaotic systems are always described by nonlinear differential equations. Even when the descriptive equations are unknown, an analysis of the measured time series of only one of the dynamical can determine if the system is chaotic (with an underlying order) or random with (no order at all). In addition, a fairly accurate estimate of the number of dynamical variables involved can be made. The method involves reconstructing and studying the multidimensional parametric plot among all the dynamical variables. Three most common techniques, known as Fourier analysis, Correlation dimension, and Lyapunov exponents, will be described and applied to an actual human EKG data set. In addition, the poster will report on the status of a more ambitious study of EEG data in progress.
Robin L. Bowers, Sundance E. Bear, and Leslie C. Papada, Department of Psychology
The present experiment examined the effects of an extract of Ginkgo biloba, EGb 761, on Morris Maze learning in rats. Ginkgo biloba was administered for 14 days to animals that were then exposed to a spatial learning task. After three days of testing, the results begun to reveal that place learning was enhanced by Ginkgo treatment. Ginkgo diminished the learning deficits produced by scopolamine, and Ginkgo appeared to facilitate place learning over controls that were not administered scopolamine. These results support prior research in which animal memory appears to improve after exposure to Ginkgo biloba.
S. B. Holmes, Department of Physics and Astronomy
BQ Serpens is one of fifteen known double-mode Cepheid variable stars. In this poster we present the analysis of Johnson B V observations acquired over a ten-year period with the Four College Consortium's Automatic Photoelectric Telescope (FCCAPT). In addition to the two primary frequencies (the fundamental and first overtone) with periods of 4.2712 days and 3.0124 days, respectively, we have found a number of cross-coupling modes due to nonlinear interactions between the two oscillations. We will report on changes in any of the pulsational parameters and the energy distribution among the fundamental, first overtone, and cross-coupling frequency terms. This work has been supported in part by NSF grants as #AST86-16362, #AST91-15114, #AST95-28906 and #USE-9156184 to the College of Charleston.
Kathryn A. Treml, Department of Geology
Globigerinoides ruber is one of the most often studied planktonic foraminifera species used in reconstructing past regional hydrographic conditions and has been the focus of several studies at the College of Charleston. The objective of this particular study is to analyze the chemical and morphological seasonal variability of G. ruber (white and pink varieties) collected off the northwest coast of Africa. The study site (14º N, 18º W) is in a region characterized by high sea surface temperature seasonality. Samples were collected for 12-months with an automated twenty-one cup PARAFLUX Mark VII sediment trap placed at a water depth of approximately 3300. The sediment trap collected a variety of foraminifera species including G. ruber. Specimens of G. ruber were picked from each seasonal sample cup and studied using the scanning electron microscope and morphometrics. Although the chemical analysis was inconclusive the morphometric data support previous studies.
Christopher Zorn, Nathan Zorn, Ryan Ford, and Ali Fariaz, Department of Computer Science
Many modern businesses, educational institutions, and government institutions are interested in eliminating the difficulties associated with the use of reports in non-electronic form. Paper printouts of database reports can be difficult to use and distribute. Paperless is a system that allows clients to distribute and view database reports in a portable document format. Paperless adapts to the current printing system and converts existing reports into an electronic form. By giving the user the tools to retrieve, manipulate, and search the previously printed reports, turn around time and cost can be decreased. Paperless allows the user to easily view reports online so that the data in the reports can be used and changed quickly. Each component or tool of Paperless is platform independent and allows to convert reports to any data format.
Kelby Kizer and Pamela Riggs-Gelasco, Department of Chemisty and Biochemistry
Ribonucleotide reductase catalyzes the conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides in all organisms. This conversion is universally important in DNA synthesis, however different organisms utilize enzymatic cofactors with varying compositions. A unique form of the enzyme from Cornyform bacteria requires Mn for substrate reduction. Using the published gene sequence, it is possible to clone and overexpress this enzyme, which will allow production of sufficient quantities of the protein for spectroscopic study. The enzyme is composed of two subunits, R1 and R2, both of which are required for reduction. In order to adequately study the unique requirement for Mn in this enzyme, both subunits will be required. Our progress in the cloning and overexpression of the R1 protein in E. coli host cells will be presented.
Mindy Stelling and Pam Riggs-Gelasco, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Ribonucleotide reductase catalyzes the critical conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides in all organisms. Despite its universal importance in DNA synthesis, different organisms have evolved diverse enzymatic cofactors to catalyze this reaction. The enzyme from Cornyform bacteria requires Mn for substrate reduction. Very little is known about this enzyme and its cofactor, since insufficient amounts of protein can be obtained from the native organism. Evidence of successful cloning and overexpression of the R2 subunit of this protein in E. coli host cells will be presented. Our goal is to optimize a protein purification protocol for this protein and to study the requirement of Mn for ribonucleotide reduction using spectroscopy.
David W. Murfin and Dr. Jeffrey L. Wragg, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Young's modulus and the shear modulus were determined for cylindrical rods using a simple resonance method. This method is based on the mathematical relationship between the wave speed and the moduli. Determining the frequency and wavelength of resonant vibrational modes supplies the necessary information for calculating the moduli. The apparatus electromagnetically drives the samples to induce bending or torsional vibrations. The amplitude of the response is monitored by a piezoelectric transducer and read on an oscilloscope screen. As the drive frequency is increased, the sample will approach a resonant mode as indicated by a rapid increase in amplitude of the vibration. Mapping the resonant frequencies enables determination of the resonant wavelengths. Together they yield the wave velocity from which the elastic moduli can be calculated. The materials under investigation are Cu, Al, and the carbon-based materials CMG, CMGA, and ECR.
Paulette Wendell and Robert L. Nusbaum, Department of Geology
Hyperspectral remote sensing is gaining acceptance as an accurate and cost-effective method of data collection. To further test and confirm the validity of using hyperspectral data as a primary source of data acquisition, data was obtained to generate maps identifying locations of hydrothermally altered mineral assemblages near Virginia City, Nevada. Virginia City is an excellent test site because of the existence of ground-truth data for comparison to results from this study. Surface alteration consists of widespread propyllitic and argillic mineral assemblages which are closely associated with the N-S trending Comstock, Silver City and Occidental faults. We identified and mapped minerals associated with both types of hydrothermal alteration. The results of this study indicate that ESSI Probe-1 data are valuable for mapping epithermal hydrothermal alteration mineral assemblages. Data for this research were obtained as part of the 1998 Hyperspectral Group Shoot sponsored by the Geosat Committee, Inc.
Starr Richardson and Robert Nusbaum Department of Geology
Over the years, more than 1200 natural oil and gas seeps have been mapped in the Santa Barbara Channel, California, with roughly half of these located near Coal Oil Point. Seepage occurs along fold axes of the offshore, Coal Oil Point fold complex. We mapped surface oil residue from natural oil seeps offshore of Coal Oil Point and the spectral anomalies associated with them. Un-oiled seawater and prominent kelp beds were characterized spectrally for comparison. This procedure may be useful for mapping and monitoring surface oil residue, whether from oil spills or for exploration purposes. Data for this research were obtained as part of the 1998 Hyperspectral Group Shoot sponsored by the Geosat Committee, Inc.
Joanne Horsch and Robert Nusbaum, Department of Geology
The objective of this research was to evaluate ESSI Probe-1 hyperspectral data for mapping lithologies and geomorphic features. The Sulfur Mountain Anticlorium of the Western Transverse Ranges was chosen for the researh. Stratigraphic units include Tertiary-age Rincon Shale, Monterey Formation, Sisquos Shale, Pico Shale, and Quaternary landslide debris deposits. The Tertiary units are predominantly marine shales with interbedded siliceous beds, some of which are diatomaceous, serving as reservoir rocks. We were able to map some features not distinguished on published geologic maps including the lowermost Sisquos Shale, which serves as the caprock to the oil-rich Monterey Formation. We also delineated the contact between the lower Monterey shale and the upper Monterey shale and mapped some Quaternary landslide debris deposits. The results suggest that maps generated from ESSI Probe-1 hyperspectral data may compliment information on geologic maps. Data for this research were obtained as part of the 1998 Hyperspectral Group Shoot sponsored by the Geosat Committee, Inc.
Christopher P. Carter, Department of Physics and Astronomy
This research project is a study of the difference in the physics curricula of three types of high schools. The schools in question are religious, public, and private institutions. The differences in these genres of schools could have an effect on their various curricula. A religious school might teach physics in a unique manner given the convictions on which it is founded. Likewise, a private institution is expected to adhere to different standards than an average public school. Observations based on textbook evaluation and subject interviews will be reported to determine the effect of a specific type of high school on physics education.
Jennifer Ivey, Department of Biology
Nitric Oxide (NO) is synthesized from L-arginine by the enzyme NO synthase (NOS). NO activates guanylate cyclase which in turn leads to increased intracellular levels of the second messenger cGMP. Experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of NO on the heart of the clam, Mercenaria mercenaria. The NO donors Nitroglycerin, S-Nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) all produced a negative inotropic effect on the heart. Nitroglycerin was the most potent, reducing heart contractile strength by 72% at 1.7x10-4M, whereas SNAP and SNP produced a 51% reduction at 1.7x10-3M and 55% reduction at 10-3M, respectively. Results from experiments attempting to block the action of NOS with L-arginine analogues were inconclusive. Immunoassays of cGMP levels in the heart were also performed. While the results are not conclusive, and at times inconsistent, they suggest that some NO donors lead to increased levels of cGMP and L-arginine analogues lead to decreased levels of cGMP in the heart.
Jennifer Ivey, Robert C. Frankis, Jr., and Robert T. Dillon, Jr., Department of Biology
Sequence divergence in the 16s mitochondrial rRNA gene has been used as a measure of evolutionary relationship among freshwater snails of the family Pleuroceridae. However, typical levels of intraspecific sequence divergence have not been measured. We have isolated DNA from mitochondrial-rich tissues sampled from three populations of the pleurocerid snail, Goniobasis proxima, and developed primers that will allow PCR amplification of a 450 bp segment of the 16s gene. The resulting amplification products will be used to estimate sequence divergence both within and between populations and to place previously-published estimates of interspecific divergence in their proper context.
Jessica Chenault, Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Stephen Brueske, National Weather Service Forecast Office, Charleston, SC
On 15 April, 1999, a F1 tornado occurred in Metter, GA. No tornado watch had been issued by the Storm Prediction Center, but a tornado warning with a nineteen minute lead time was issued by the National Weather Service in Charleston, SC. Approximately two hours later, an F0 tornado was reported near the path of the first storm. Upper air soundings that morning in Peachtree City, GA were not thermodynamically favorable for tornado development. Modification of these soundings using surface observations, along with analysis of vertical wind shear, displays the development of the favorable tornadic environment. Built-in detection systems within the WSR-88D doppler radar are intended to assist forecasters in issuing tornado warnings, but these tornado vortex signature (TVS) detection algorithms failed due to the position and size of the tornado. This study demonstrates the need for alert forecasters to rely on their knowledge, not computer algorithms.
Jessica D. Townsend, Deborah A. Schady, Jennifer R. Downs, Wayne Kelley, Jr., Stefan J. Pastine, Shannon L. Studer-Martinez, Clyde R. Metz, and Charles F. Beam, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, William T. Pennington and Rosa D. Bailey, Department of Chemistry, Clemson University
I. Dilithiated 2-indanone was prepared from 2-indanone by treatment with excess lithium diisopropylamide, and the resulting dianion intermediate was condensed with several anionic-electrophilic reagents, including lithiated methyl salicylates or lithiated methyl thiosalicylate. This was followed by acid cyclization to indeno-chromones or an indeno-thiochromone. II. Several acetoacetanilides were trilithiated with excess lithium diisopropylamide, and condensed with a variety of lithiated methyl salicylates or lithiated methyl thiosalicylate, and other benzoate esters. The condensations/cyclizations with the salicylates or thiosalicylate afforded the targeted chromone-2-acetamides or thiochromone-2-acetamides, but the condensation with benzoate esters, such as methyl 4-methoxybenzoate, resulted in a substituted 2H-pyran-2-one. This unexpected latter result is explained by a terminal Claisen-type C-acylation of the trianion intermediate, followed by an anticipated acid cyclization to a 4H-pyran-4-one intermediate that was not isolated, which then underwent series of rearrangements to give the substituted 2H-pyran-2-one. This latter result was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis of a specific product.
J. Nathan Templeton III, Stefan J. Pastine, Wayne Kelley, Jr., Jennifer J. Bear, Jessica D. Townsend, Jennifer R. Downs, Deborah A. Schady, and Charles F. Beam, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
I. The phenyl-, carbomethoxy-, and carboethoxy-, hydrazones of benzalacetone were treated with excess lithium diisopropylamide, and the resulting 1,4-dianions were condensed with several aromatic esters, followed by acid cyclization of C-acylated intermediates, that were not isolated, to afford substituted 3-styrylpyrazoles. II. Benzalacetone oxime was treated with excess lithium diisopropylamide, and the resulting 1,4-dianion intermediate was condensed with several aromatic esters, followed by acid cyclization of intermediates to afford substituted 3-styrylisoxazoles. III. Several C(alpha),O-oximes were dilithiated with lithium diisopropylamide and the 1,4-dianion intermediates were condensed with three alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones: benzalacetophenone; or dibenzalacetone; or benzalacetone, followed by immediate acid cyclization to variously substituted 4,5-dihydroisoxazoles: 4,5-dihydro-5-phenyl-5-(2-phenylethenyl)isoxazoles, 4,5-dihydro-5-methyl- 5-(2-phenylethenyl)isoxazoles, or 4,5-dihydro-5,5-di-(2-phenylethenyl)-isoxazoles. All of the compounds prepared were characterized by absorption spectra, especially H-1 NMR and C-13 NMR, with support from combustion analyses for new compounds.
Stefan J. Pastine, Wayne Kelley, Jr., Jessica D. Townsend, Deborah A. Schady, Jennifer R. Downs, Clyde R. Metz, Shannon L. Studer-Martinez, Jennifer J. Bear, and Charles F. Beam, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, William T. Pennington and Rosa D. Bailey, Department of Chemistry, Clemson University
I. Several benzeneacetic acid, 2-phenylhydrazides were polylithiated with excess lithium diisopropylamide, and the resulting polyanions were condensed with several aromatic esters to afford C-acylated intermediates that were not usually isolated, but acid cyclized directly to 4,5-disubstituted, 1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-ones. When trilithiated phenylacetic acid phenylhydrazide was condensed and acid cyclized with lithiated methyl thiosalicylate, a isothioflavone was isolated instead. This latter result was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. II. This preliminary study has involved treating the 1,4-dianions of phenylhydrazones or carboalkoxyhydrazones with either lithiated ethyl oxanilates, or lithiated ethyl oxamate to give intermediates that were quenched with aqueous acid and separately cyclized with acid using a water trap to give new 1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamides. III. Several azole synthesis projects are ongoing where C(alpha)-, oximes, or substituted hydrazones were dilithiated with excess lithium diisopropylamide, followed by condensation/cyclization with esters to afford substituted isoxazoles, 1H-pyrazoles, dihydrobenzindazoles, or dihydronaphthisoxazoles. The results involving 2-tetralone carbo-tert-butoxyhydrazone dianions and esters are illustrated.
David Sonderman, Jason Miller, Weston Dyer, Jeb Buhler, and Joe Beal
In today's workplace, both productivity-based and specialized software applications are a necessity. As the demand for that software expands, so does the need to accurately track it. Consumers are legally bound to protect any purchased software entity and insure its fair use as specified in the software's licensing agreement. A software audit, which measures an organizatinos conformance with those agreements, can be an IT manager's worst nightmare. The marketplace does not currently provide a solution for accurately and consistantly tracking and maintaining software licenses on a corporate level. The Search Engine for Application Licenses (SEAL) system fills this niche.
Stephen M. Faust, Department of Biology
To date, the Ashley member of the Cooper Formation has produced twenty - two species of Oligocene whales. Exhibited and discussed here is a xenorophid, among the most primitive of odontocetes or toothed whales. Several features identify the cetacean: As in Archaeocetes, the supraoccipital is nearly vertical and a nuchal crest projects anteriorly from the supraoccipital. The rostrum shows advanced telescoping, but there is little or no telescoping of postorbital elements. The dentition is heterodont. Postorbital premaxillary extensions spread out beneath the maxilla, a feature not seen in any other odontocete, and, the parietals occupy a major portion of the skull roof. There is a prominent premaxillary crest bordering the narial opening and a broadening and thickening of premaxilla laterally over much of the supraoccipital region beside and beneath the maxilla. The xenorophid displayed is compared to Oligocene and Miocene whales that are characterized by advanced features.
Julie Ward, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Merocyanine 540 (MC540) has shown to be effective for the photodynamic purging of leukemic cells from bone marrow. The unique property of selective light-enhanced MC 540 binding to leukemic cells has been well established, although the mechanism has not been established. In this experiment we examine the role of Hsp-70, in the uptake of MC540 in carcinomas. A comparison of photosensitive L1210 cells with resistant cancer cells provides evidence that Hsp70 is constitutively involved in dye uptake and the activation of an immune response.
C. Olivia Minyard, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Industrial hygienists at the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS) define heat stress parameters by using the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT). Originally, technicians manually collected the WBGT temperatures using a portable instrument. Due to cutbacks a computer algorithm was created to automate the estimation of the WBGT. The WBGT is calculated using three parameters: 'natural' wet bulb temperature, 'globe' temperature, and ambient (dry bulb) temperature. During the months of May, June, and July 1999 data was collected to determine a better algorithm to calculate the 'natural' wet bulb.
C. Olivia Minyard, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Recently the National Weather Service monitoring station water temperatures located in the Charleston City Harbor were believed to be erratic. A statistical correlation was performed among the National Weather Service monitoring stations at Springmaid Pier in Myrtle Beach, Charleston City Harbor, Buoy 230 and the College of Charleston station at Folly Beach. A reasonable correlation was found between all the stations used in the analysis. The two stations with the highest correlation were the Charleston City Harbor and the Folly Beach Fishing Pier station. Therefore the Charleston City Harbor water temperatures are not as erratic as originally believed.
Michael Shealy, Anette Bennet, Kate Harleson, Shela Patel and Robert C. Frankis, Jr., Department of Biology
Previous studies indicate that unlike the commonly studied species of angiosperm pollen, qualitative differences exist in the proteins synthesized over the course of pollen germination and tube growth in pines. In an attempt to study the functional role of some of these proteins, a cDNA library was constructed using mRNA's extracted from pine pollen that had been grown in culture for 48 hrs. In this project, nucleotide sequence data was obtained from a selected number of the recombinant cDNAs. These data will be compared with sequences currently in DNA sequence databases in an attempt to assign functions to the mRNA's represented by these cDNAs. The resulting sequence data will also be used to construct primers and probes which may be useful in not only identifying pollen germination specific mRNAs but also in shedding light on their possible functions.
R. Erik DeSimone and Dr. R. Dukes, Department of Physics and Astronomy
In this poster we report on nine years of Stromgren 4-color observations of the peculiar Cepheid, V473 Lyrae. While this star has been described as a classical Cepheid (Fernie, 1982, PASP, 94,537) it does not fall into the category of orderly, well-behaved Cepheids. It is different in at least two aspects. It has the shortest period known for a classical Cepheid and it is the only known Cepheid which shows a long-term amplitude change (Burki and Mayor 1980, A&A, 91, 115). Burki suggested that V473 Lyrae was approaching a single steady period (Burki, 1994, A&A, 295, 361). The light curve does not show the decrease in maximum amplitude or increase in minimum amplitude described by Burki. This work has been supported in part by NSF grants as #AST86-16362, #AST91-15114, #AST95-28906 to the College of Charleston.
Andrea Gerken, Robert Dukes, and Jeff Wragg, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Many astronomical phenomena exhibit variations with time. A prime task of the researcher is to determine the period of variation. A number of algorithms have been developed to do this. Often, more than one period is present in the variation and noise is superimposed on the data. This makes the task of determining the period(s) of variation difficult if not impossible. In this project we generated artificial data sets and then analyzed them with a variety of programs based on variations of a Fourier transform. All of these have strengths and weaknesses. Using artificial data we have compared three commonly used programs and attempt to either validate or establish criteria for acceptance or rejection of the period(s) found. This work has been supported in part by NSF grant #AST95-28906 to the College of Charleston.
Lindsay Windham and Dr. M. B. Ghasemzadeh, MUSC Department of Physiology and Neuroscience
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) modulate neuronal function. Group 1 mGluRs selectively bind Homer proteins. Homer 1a, a member of the Homer family, is regulated by dopamine and glutamate receptors, and is rapidly increased in nucleus accumbens (or NAc, reward center of the brain) by an acute cocaine injection. In order to determine the functional role of Homer 1 proteins, we used antisense treatment to knock down Homer 1 protein levels in NAc. While cocaine-induced behavior was not changed, group 1-mediated motor activity significantly increased. In addition, we have used a viral vector to over-express Homer 1a protein in NAc. The time-course and expression pattern of the viral-mediated transgene protein in NAc has been examined, and behavioral experiments are in progress. Observations suggest that dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission in NAc can regulate signal transduction through mGluRs by modulating the expression of Homer 1a protein, providing a unique pathway for regulation of synaptic activity by such receptors.
Travis Love, Department of Biology
Projectin is a very large (1+ Mega Dalton) protein found in Drosophila muscles. The long-term laboratory objectives are to define projectin roles in muscle assembly and physiology. This protein has been proposed for several functions, most pertinently to this project as an organizer during myofibril formation. Projectin is necessary for myogenesis, since mutations in projectin lead to lethality. In my working hypothesis, projectin is used as a scaffold and ruler for the assembly of the thick filaments. This hypothesis will be tested using in vitro tissue cultures and immunofluorescence techniques. The project consists of two main aims.
1. Assist in refining the conditions for primary myoblast tissue culture
2. Study the effect of one Projectin mutation (btl-2a) on the differentiation process.
This semester has been devoted to protocol development and refinement in three major areas: high yield egg collections, immunofluorescent staining of muscle tissues, and embryonic primary cell cultures.
Elizabeth Richardson, Department of Biology
Striated muscles contain a myofibrillar apparatus composed of regular arrays of interdigitated filaments. Drosophila Projectin is an extremely large protein located along the Myosin filaments. The functions of Projectin are still under study, but it has been shown that Projectin has a kinase activity responsible for the phosphorylation of Myosin Light Chain in vitro. On the other hand, the projectin vertebrate homolog, Titin, is known to interact with Myosin Heavy Chain. The aim of my project was to investigate further the interactions between Projectin and the Myosin filament. In vitro binding assays were performed between myosin and various parts of the projectin molecule. Initial data confirm the binding between myosin and the kinase region of projectin, but fail to demonstrate association between myosin and other projectin regions. The implications of these studies on projectin functions will be discussed.
Tyler Rentz, Department of Physics and Astronomy
The process of tomographic separation will be applied to the double-lined spectroscopically eclipsing binary system, HD152218. This system consists of O-type stars. Orbital determinations will be extracted from the spectra of these stars. Spectra are obtained from the IUE satellite, and downloaded onto department computers. The spectra will be examined using IDL software running on a UNIX system. Using software developed by Dr. Penny, we can determine orbital information about the system. From the orbits, masses of the component stars can be determined.
J. E. Parker, Department of Biology
Two species of sponge, Mycale sp. and Hymenacidon heliophila, were collected from a small tidal saltwater creek behind Folly Beach, S.C. All sponges collected were subtidal. Symbiotic assemblages differed between the two species. H. heliophila contained more polychaetes (0.64 individuals/cm3) than Mycale sp. (0.10 individuals/cm3). Mycale sp., however, contained more copepods (0.37 individuals/cm3) and amphipods (0.24 individuals/cm3) than H. heliophila (0.00 individuals/cm3 and 0.10 individuals/cm3, respectively). Both species of sponge contained a relatively small number of nematodes. Overall, Mycale sp. appeared to contain a larger and more diverse assemblage than H. heliophila. Differences in structure and composition of the two species of sponge may help explain the variation observed.
Kevin R. Vandervort, Department of Geology
This study involves the lithostratigraphic interpretation of the subsurface stratigraphy of the Lower Coastal Plain of South Carolina. Sedimentological descriptions and stratigraphic interpretation were made of the subsurface formational units using data collected during the past summer, as well as existing water well data. Resistivity and gamma ray geophysical logs were used to define stratal boundaries based on occurrence and recognition of unconformable contacts. Sedimentological analyses of each well cutting and core sample consisted of determining the relative abundance, textural variability, and composition for each sediment sample. Stratigraphic columns and formational descriptions were created for each of the well locations within the study area. Regional maps and geologic sections were compiled for a five quadrangular region extending from Kiawah Island, SC to Edisto Island, SC.
Paul Harvey, Mike Turok, Dmytro Kantala, Corey Fink, and Todd Britton, Department of Computer Science
The purpose of this project is to provide our client, the South Carolina Children's Heart Center of the Medical University of South Carolina, with an automated means of entering, querying, and storing patient data. The current system of patient data storage and retrieval is primarily paper-based and inadequate for long-term record keeping. The client desires a new system that will provide user-friendly interfaces, as well as the ability to enter data, query patient information, produce statistical anlaysis of patient procedural information, and store the data on a hard disk drive. The new application will consist of a main screen with the option of choosing one out of four command buttons. The choices include a patient entry form, a patient query form, and two statistical reports. The new application will operate in a Windows environment, and will be limited to a single machine with a single user, eliminating issues of security.
Vladimir Henderson-Suite and Dr. Linda Jones, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Over the last two decades the effects on Mankind's advances are becoming increasing harmful to the environment. Among the observed effects is an increasing amount of species being affected by environmental changes. The research undertaken was to examine the absorption of ultra-violet light by amphibious eggs and to see if there is a possible link between a decrease in the ozone layer and a subsequent increase in ultra-violet light. The aim is to show that with increased amounts of uv light the embryos are at an increased level of risk.
Stephen Stanford Jones, Department of Chemistry
On the third floor of the Science Center is the Facility for Chromatography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. In addition to supporting numerous upper- level chemistry courses, the Facility supports research for many of the faculty and students. Evidence of the extent of this support can be seen on many of the posters seen at this session today. The instrumentation includes: 300 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectral Detection and Flame Ionization Detection, High Pressure Liquid Chromatography coupled with UltraViolet PhotoDiode Array Detection, and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. All of these instruments, with the exception of the FTIR, are automated. Frequently, during any given week, some of the instruments may be running around-the-clock. Although, automation is important for high productivity in the laboratory, upper-level students can and do obtain operation experience with the equipment.
Nicole Levi, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Nuclear structure of rapidly rotating nuclei is best determined using gamma-ray spectroscopic techniques. The structure of rapidly rotating nuclei changes as it loses angular momentum by emission of gamma-rays. These structural changes are shown in a level scheme which is developed from the emitted gamma-ray spectra. The primary nuclei studied in this research are 120Te and 137Pm. 120Te was created by the reaction 110Pd(14C, 4n) at a beam energy in the MeV range. Similar spectra were obtained for 137Pm by the reaction 110Pd(31P, 4n) at a beam energy of 136 Mev. All data was collected using the FSU-Pitt array of Compton suppressed germanium detectors. The level schemes for these nuclei, along with theoretical predictions using Nilsson orbital diagrams, help us determine the configurations of the nucleus.
Michael A. Woehrman and James Neff, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Spectral Data from HD199178, which were obtained by International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) spacecraft, will be dowmloaded and reformatted for use with the ICUR Spectral Analysis Package. Using ICUR (available on UNIX workstations) the data will be analyzed for spatially uniform and non-uniform components in the chromosphere of HD199178. Mapping these components will help determine the emission structure of the star's chromosphere.
J. Patrick McNally, Cornelia Crooke, Julie Ward, Dr. Jones, and Dr. Frankis, Department of Biology
Merocyanine 540 (MC 540) may be used in autologous bone marrow transplants after FDA approval. Currently it is not known why uptake of MC 540 occurs more in leukemia cells than in normal hematopoeitic cells. Our research is focusing on a possible correlation with Hsp 70 production and cell uptake of the drug. KB (oral cancer cells), A549 (lung cancer cells), and L1210 (leukemia cells) membrane and cytoplamic samples were prepared to compare Hsp 70 production. It is known that A549 cells are resistant to MC 540 treatment. Each membrane and cytoplasmic sample was divided into three testing groups which are the following: Heat shock, treatment with MC 540 while irradiated with green light, and control. SDS Page was then preformed for some of the samples to determine Hsp 70 production. We are currently finishing our first round of samples and plan to repeat these experiments for further verification of Hsp 70's role.
Leah Hall (a), Dr. Mark Lazzaro (a), Dr. Karl Karnaky (b), and Dr. Linda Jones (c), (a) Dept. of Biology, (b) Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology, MUSC (c) Dept. of Physics
Multidrug resistance occurs when tumor cells develop immunity to chemotherapy by utilizing membrane transport proteins to remove toxic chemicals. These transport proteins pump toxins out of the cytoplasm, across the plasma membrane into the extracellular space. MRP-1 is a multidrug resistance transport protein that is also found extensively in insect malpighian tubules, and so we can use these tubules as a model to study MRP-1 activity. Our hypothesis is that MRP-1 is responsible for resistance to chemotherapy in the A-549 line of lung cancer cells. We demonstrated MRP-1 activity in roach tubules and A-549 cancer cells by the exclusion of Texas Red, a fluorescent substrate of MRP-1. When incubated with Chloro-dinotro-benzene (CDNB), an inhibitor of MRP-1, the dye remained concentrated in the cytoplasm.
Megan Proffitt, Bobby Tichnor, Jill Wrenn, Melissa Legare, Blake Hines, Department of Physics and Astronomy
A liquid drop collision experimental package was flown on a NASA microgravity research aircraft, a KC-135 nicknamed the "Vomit Comet." Conception of the experiment and design of the experimental package is outlined. Results are presented and suggestions for an improved design are made.
Teri Ginn, Sam Von See, John Scudder, and Eric Bossman, Department of Computer Science
Hydrostatic weighing is currently considered the golden standard measure for determining body composition through the calculation of body density. Hydrostatic weighing involves comparing a test subject's mass measured under water and out of the water to calculate body composition. The JHETE system reads in the underwater mass measurements with a load cell and digital indicator. The digital indicator is interfaced with a computer, which calculates the subject's body fat percentage. The JHETE system uses a database to store subject's data fields, such as name and social security number, and keeps a record of all of the subject's previous results. The JHETE system puts more emphasis on the software and less on the technician operating the system in the Human Physiology Lab.
Olga Chajewski, Elizabeth Cobern, Amanda Herron, Rachel Isley, Kelly Jones, Sara Myers, Martin Seklecki, Jenell Senter, Skye Senterfeit, Kristin Volland, Thomas P. Ross, and G. David Gentry Department of Psychology
Some theories hold that facial features are important in recognition (e.g., McKelvie, 1976). We tested the ability to recognize faces when the eyes, mouth, or no features were blocked. The subjects were asked to identify faces as OLD (previously presented) or NEW, and give a confidence rating. We hypothesized that recognition would be impaired by blocking features. Results showed that overall the hit rate was higher than the false alarm rate, and they were more confident when shown an old face. When nothing was blocked, the hit rate was lower and the correct reject rate was higher than when features were blocked. They were more confident when nothing was blocked. The low hit rate and corresponding high confidence rating reflect a higher criterion for responding OLD when nothing was blocked than when features were blocked.. Our study was unable to provide support for the feature theory.
Laura Blaskowitz, Mary Catherine Crews, Chris Duncan, Josh Hays, Amber Hill, Trish Johnson, Jamie Knapp, Jessica Pease, Jessica Sladek, G. David Gentry and Thomas P. Ross, Department of Psychology
This study sought to replicate previous research that found negative effects of reversal on facial recognition (e.g., McKelvie, 1987). Nineteen participants were asked to identify OLD (i.e., shown in a prior learning trial) and NEW faces using a recognition procedure. Participants were also asked to rate their confidence about each decision. During the recognition trial, half of the old and new faces were presented in the reverse (i.e., mirror) image, while others were shown in their original orientation. The anticipated negative effect of reversal was not observed. Participants' accuracy (hit to false alarm ratio) did not differ for reversed as compared to unchanged faces. Similar results were observed for participants' confidence ratings. Differences in facial stimuli employed across studies are discussed as possible reasons for the discrepancy between the present findings and other results. Research should examine the impact of other attributes (e.g., facial asymmetry) on reversal differences.
Keith Luckie, Carl Przybylik, Chris Young, and Erica Binzen, Department of Computer Science
CodeMonkey's, Inc was hired to create a web-based curriculum survey for the teacher's and counselor's of the Charleston County School District. The project consisted of taking an existing paper-based survey and making it accessible via a web-interface. The existing system was neither cost efficient nor accurate. CCSD relied on minimum wage employees to tally the survey results and translate them into electronic form for statistical calculations using the SAS system. The purpose of making the survey available via the web was to reduce costs to CCSD, create more efficient and accurate results, and enable administrators to track who has completed the survey. The new system already houses the survey in electronic form. Completed surveys are converted to a format that will be compatible with the existing SAS program. The new system will allow CCSD to continue normal operation at a reduction in cost and an increase in accuracy.
Kathleen Holtz and Dr. Linda Jones, Department of Physics and Astronomy
The determination of the optical properties of inhomogeneous systems, like that of human skin tissue, is greatly enhanced by the use of physical tissue "phantoms" (a mixture of absorbing and scattering particles). The "layer-effect" complicates the determination of the optical properties of each layer in a multi-layer tissue. The radial dependence of the absolute reflectance from a laser beam incident on layers of tissue arises from photons travelling longer distances through more highly scattering layers. In general, the larger the radius becomes, the deeper the laser light has traveled in the tissue layers. The goal of this project is to investigate "layer effects" in simple tissue models. Optical data will be compiled from the integrating sphere, a fiber optic, and a CCD picture to determine the reflectance as a function of radius (distance from the light source).
Scott C. France and Loretta L. Hoover, Department of Biology
In a previous study we analyzed the mitochondrial COI and 16S genes of the precious coral, Corallium ducale, to determine if genetic variation exists in samples taken from geographically separated regions of the deep sea. Our results showed low levels of genetic variation in these octocorals. We hypothesized that the lack of variation might be a result of a mutS homologue, a mismatch repair gene found in the mitochondrial genome of only one metazoan, the octocoral Sarcophyton glaucum. In this study, we analyzed several species representing the phylogenetic diversity of the subclass Octocorallia, including Corallium, by PCR amplifying the region of the mitochondrial genome where mutS had been found in Sarcophyton. DNA fragments were of a size consistent with the presence of the mutS gene. Sequence analysis of the PCR fragments confirmed the presence of a mutS homologue in species representing all three clades of octocorals.
Adrian Corman and Dr. Norris Preyer, Department of Physics and Astronomy
A computer simulation was used to model current flow in various parallel resistive-capacitive circuits. The program, which was run on a cluster of Pentium II computers using Linux, generated diagrams of the surface charges and electric fields in the circuit as it evolved to the steady state. These diagrams are used to teach how charge flows in circuits, how the electric field affects the surface charges, and how the charges themselves produce electric fields.
Joshua Kennedy, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Raman scattering is the inelastic scattering of light by the excitation or de-excitation of vibrational modes in a material. A Raman spectrum of various materials, including Asprin, Ice, Silicon, and, specifically, high temperature superconductors was obtained at low (77K) and high (zero to room) temperatures using a 532nm Nd:YAG laser and a spectrometer. The resulting spectra was analyzed for changes in relative peak intensities and shifts in peak positions.
Stacia Froom, Jim Estep, Fred Ruddock, John Ballard, Bradley Rosintoski and Paul Murdoch, Department of Computer Science
At the present time, developers in the computer world are looking towards ways of computing that allow users to selectively view and interact with information in a format of their choice. SSTAR, The Screen Scraping Telnet Application Resource, is an Application Program Interface (API) designed to meet the needs of today's colleges and universities by giving the user the tools to easily develop applications that interface with legacy servers using a Telnet protocol. This could save time and money while never having to take the server offline for alterations. SSTAR allows the user to have more control over the information they are retrieving and allows for the creation of graphical, easy-to-use interfaces without upgrading any of the server's hardware or software. This platform-independent API offers a level of sophistication that allows the potential of legacy servers to be realized.
Cathy Geist, Stephen Rushing, Amy Hammond, Swagata Pramanik, Karen Manning, and Mosheera Abdul-Kareem, Department of Computer Science
Succumbing to the ever-growing world of Information Technology, the College of Charleston bookstore has taken a revolutionary step forward in their organization. The new system implemented is the first web site at the College of Charleston that has e-commerce functionality. CofC bookstore's system allows college students and faculty to view text listings, text availability and prices, and to order texts on an easy-to-use graphical interface on the World Wide Web. This new system effectively caters to the student and faculty body by having up-to-date and easy accessible information on their required texts. Also, this system is beneficial to the bookstore staff by reducing unnecessary inquires from both students and faculty, thus allowing increased time of work productivity. The new web site for the College of Charleston bookstore is a great leap towards the future of the fast coming technological era.
Boris Podvin, Alexis Valin, Rich Floyd, Shawn Ransford, and Mike Crowe, Department of Computer Science
The goal of this project is to develop a network management product for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston (SPAWAR). The product, meant for use on the Tactical Mobile Variant (TMV) system, which is designed to support Naval forces deployed ashore, will provide a simple and visual method for a system administrator to gain a sense of health for his entire LAN. In such mobile environments, a product is needed that can simplify a complex job such as system administration to the level of basic technical skills. Such a user would need to know easily if the network is in good operating condition and be able to troubleshoot network problems. This product will answer all of these needs by having a simple to use and understand graphical interface. In the end, the product will simplify duties for the system administrators, freeing them up for other more important tasks.
Tiffany C. Rush and Henry Donato, Jr., Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Many biological oxidation reduction reactions involve molecular oxygen. A remarkable feature of the organization of biological systems is that the vigorous oxidizing agent, molecular oxygen, can be present yet prevented from interfering with those redox reactions in which molecular oxygen is not normally involved. Much recent speculation has concerned the potential havoc which molecular oxygen might cause when the special organization of biological systems is disrupted by injury or disease. We have investigated the reaction between ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and the dye methylene blue as a model biological redox reaction. Recent reports indicate that, in acid solutions under pueudo first order conditions, molecular oxygen has no effect on the reaction. We have found that at neutral pH, and significant excess of ascorbate that the reaction is first order in methylene blue in the absence of molecular oxygen but deviates significantly from first order kinetics when molecular oxygen is present.
Amybeth Rice, Department of Biology
A total of six intertidal sponges, Hymenacidon heliophila, were collected on Folly Road, under a bridge near the Anchorline restaurant. Three are mid-intertidal sponges and three are upper intertidal. This species of sponge is yellow/orange in color with erect processes from the base. Each sponge sample was measured using volume displacement. Each was torn into small pieces and sifted through a 300um net to prevent the loss of invertebrate inhabitants. These invertebrates were identified and totals were calculated for each sample, along with average totals. The "White modification of the Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test" to compare means revealed no significant differences between mid-intertidal and upper intertidal sponges with repsect to any of the inhabiting invertebrate taxa. The calculated densities for the inhabitants did not show any significant differences as well. Thus, these results suggest that these nematodes, copepods and polychaetes inhabit these sponges with amphipods, a common subtidal sponge inhabitant being absent.
Jason R. Duncan and Fred J. Watts, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Mu experiment uses the principle of Hologrphic Interferomtry to determine the stress on a metals due to the forces acting on the metal. A double exposure hologram of the study object is made and the change in the fringes on the object is use to determine how much the object move under the wieght applied. No data has been collected from the experiment so far. But, I hope to solve this problems in the near future.
David N. Sattler, Department of Psychology
Hurricanes regularly threaten the southeast coast of the United States. This study examined ways to improve warning messages presented by the National Weather Service and local media. Currently, many television stations show warning graphics that do not indicate what actions should be taken or the time frame in which to take these actions. We asked 206 (45 men, 161 women) College of Charleston students to read either the standard or our enhanced hurricane statements and to indicate appropriate courses of action and the time frame in which to take these actions. Compared to those who read the standard statements, participants who read the enhanced statements were more accurate about appropriate actions and the amount of time available to take them. Participants in the enhanced statement condition also indicated that they would take the threat more seriously, monitor the storm track and begin preparations sooner than those reading the standard statements.
Barabar Baher, Liz Bailey, Christopher Compton, Samantha David, Sarah Fairchild, Jamie Harris, Jennifer Love, Erica Odom, Kimber Price, Monica Ranger, Emily Risher, and Chad Speedy, Department of Psychology
This preliminary study examined perceptions of the campus climate at the College of Charleston. The participants were 202 College of Charleston students (46 men, 156 women; 90 African American, 105 Caucasian). The participants completed a survey asking about their impressions of the campus climate and their interactions with students and faculty. Both African American and Caucasian students believed that it was easy to make friendships with persons of any ethnicity, that their professors respected them, and that they felt accepted by students from different ethnic groups. However, compared to Caucasian students, more African American students reported that they have felt discriminated against on campus, that the College needs to improve interracial relations, and that the student body and faculty is not ethnically diverse. Implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.
Piotr Skowronski, Department of Biology
Bone grafting is a common procedure that is necessary when not enough of the patient's own bone tissue is present to restore whatever skeletal component is compromised. The scarcity of adequate substitution material has been a major dilemma for reconstructive surgery, and in the past, treatment was not only limited but sometimes even impossible to perform. This work reviews the types of bone grafts presently available as well as those under clinical examination. The current resources that assist orthopaedic surgeons in treating bone defects are astounding. This is not only because of the flexibility in treatment options, but also the efficacy of today's medical technology. Whereas many gold standards still endure, new methods and materials are just now being developed, investigated, and implemented. Perhaps the most promising products are still awaiting FDA approval. Regardless, the new generation of bone grafts is already delivering solutions to previous shortcomings of traditional ones.
Robert J. Dukes, Jr., Laney R. Mills, and William R. Kubinec, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Since 1984 the Department of Physics and Astronomy has grown from five physicists and two astronomers to seven physicists, five astronomers, one engineer, and one atmospheric physicist. This poster traces the cause of this growth to, in part, our collaboration with amateurs in constructing and operating our automatic photometric telescope in southern Arizona and to our work with amateurs in our introductory astronomy program here at the College. Other results (both direct and indirect) from this collaboration have included an increase the percentage of students (both major and non-major) participating in undergraduate research and the increased availability of funding during both the academic year and the summer for such research. This work has been supported in part by NSF grants as #AST86-16362, #AST91-15114, #AST95-28906 and from grants from both the South Carolina Space Grant Consortium and the Research Corporation.
Robert J. Dukes, Jr., Department of Physics and Astronomy
This poster traces the early history of the Four College Consortium for an Automatic Photometric Telescope. This consortium began through a series of serendipitous meetings been one of us (RJD) with Russ Genet of Fairborn Observatory, John Percy of the University of Toronto, and Saul Adelman of the Citadel. In process of arranging the technical details prior to requesting funding took nearly a year. The first award was made in the Spring of 1986. The Consortium is still functioning with funding from NSF for the last 14 years. During this time a large number of undergraduates at the four member institutions (the College of Charleston, The Citadel, Villanova University, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas) have participated in astronomical research using this facility. This work has been supported in part by NSF grants as #AST86-16362, #AST91-15114, #AST95-28906 to the College.
