Browse the Kent State University Undergraduate Symposium on Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Collections
Pharmacological blockade of GABAB(1A) receptors results in enhanced extinction learning03/15/2016GABAB(1A) receptors seem to play a critical role in fear generalization. Additionally, GABAB(1a) knockout animals or animals given a GABAB(1A) receptor antagonist generalize fear to a neutral context. Based on these results, we became interested in the role of GABAB(1A) receptors in extinction learning. The extinction of fear occurs when a conditioned stimulus previously paired with an aversive stimulus is repeatedly presented alone. This repeated presentation of the conditioned stimulus results in a decrease in the conditioned response. Following extinction learning, the renewal of fear sometimes occurs during testing in a different context To determine the role of GABAB(1A) receptors in extinction learning, we began by training GABAB KO animals in Context A to five tone-shock pairings. Extinction occurred over two days in Context B. Then, animals were tested in each context for a freezing response to the tone. We found that animals lacking GABAB receptors exhibited less freezing behavior during extinction than did wildtype animals. To further test this effect, we replicated this study pharmacologically. C57 mice underwent extinction training in the same manner but received infusions of either vehicle of a GABAB(1A) antagonist (CGP 36216) just prior to extinction or immediately after the completion of one day of extinction. The GABAB(1A) antagonist had a significant effect in enhancing extinction learning. We also observed greater extinction retention in the drug group. These results indicate that the inhibition of GABAB(1A) receptors enhances the process of extinction learning. |
Persona Applique'03/15/2016Persona Appliqué This collaborative project between fashion and performance examines where the line between clothing and costume blurs. A number of methods are used, including the manipulation of common silhouettes, use of unconventional materials, and the blending of basic apparel and costume construction. The end results reveal a positive influence on the actors personality; actors tend to be more open minded and confident while embodying a specific character that is shown by their personality. Concluding this experiment, it was certain that set levels of personality traits don't exist, but are rather personality traits fluctuate from wearing different pieces. Links to images: https://youtu.be/NVVlgv4O7wM Vinnie Tharnish Address: Centennial Court E - KSU, New Front/Centennial Desk, 225 Midway Drive Kent, Ohio 44243 Cell: 724 - 584 - 9190 Email: dtharnis@kent.edu Piece 1: The Limerent Medium: Satin, tool, organza, nylon, LED lights, & vinyl Dimensions: varies per model Date: 12 - 27 - 2015 Piece 2: The Siren Medium: Satin, electrical tape, tool, faux leather, vinyl, fake diamonds, & vinyl Dimensions: varies per model Date: 1 - 3 - 2015 Link to images: https://youtu.be/NVVlgv4O7wM |
Perceptions of Appearance03/15/2016The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of women based on appearance and college major. A survey was created that presented participants with one of two images along with one of three captions (six conditions). The same woman was pictured in both images, identically dressed except for shoes and bag. In Image 1, she wore sneakers and carried a backpack; in Image 2 she wore high heels and carried a fashionable tote. Accompanying one of the images was one of the following three descriptors: “College Student at a Large University,” “Fashion Major at a Large University,” and “Women’s Studies Major at a Large University.” When randomly presented with a photo and caption, participants indicated level of agreement for 25 characteristics/attributes on a seven-point scale. Characteristics/attributes were based on Johnson, Crutsinger, and Workman’s study, “Can Professional Women Appear Too Masculine? The Case of the Necktie.” (1994), which examined perceptions of women’s dress and managerial qualities. Four hundred and fifty-six college students answered the online survey. Results showed that the choice of clothing as well as college major influenced how participants viewed this abstract individual’s characteristics/attributes both positively and negatively. This research indicates that women are judged by their appearance, their choice of apparel, and their education related interests. |
Peptide inhibitors that disrupt viral-viral protein interactions in HIV-1: literature-based review03/15/2016Protein-protein interactions play a key role during each stage of the viral life cycle. Thus, inhibiting viral protein-protein interactions with the peptides derived from the binding interfaces is a promising approach for potential multi-epitope based treatments. However, molecular mechanisms underlying these protein interactions are not yet fully understood. This study is focused on a comprehensive literature survey to identify known peptide inhibitors derived from the HIV-1 viral proteins, which disrupt viral-viral protein interactions. We also discuss the limitations of these studies in identifying the most promising candidates. The candidate domains/regions identified in this survey will be used in the future bioinformatics analyses that examine patterns of coevolution between binding partners, specifically, in the attempt to differentiate between direct and indirect interactors (in other words, physical and functional interactions) using a coevolutionary approach (Hetti Arachchilage and Piontkivska 2016). |
Patterns in Nature03/15/2016The purpose of this study was to explore how personal aesthetics and interruptions of nature’s spirals could be incorporated through the development of a Fall/Winter women’s clothing collection for a designer brand. Research was developed on spirals in nature and the equality found in the human body’s radical movement relevant to the golden rule. The spiral pattern in nature can be found in the make up of pedals found on a flower, which allows the plant to direct water to the roots in order for it to survive. The spiral in nature can also be found in the human body with the movement of limbs and joints. In the development of the collection it was important to stay true to nature through the use of natural materials, wool and cotton, in rich earth tones. Also using a natural resist, sodium alginate, which is created by seaweed. By creating a pattern of lines using the symmetry of body movements relative to the golden rule the relationship to nature is brought to focus in the collection. A major component in the collection focuses around the weaving of a cotton and wool fabric treated with a sodium Alginate resist. The development of texture with a twill weave structure, which has been felted after resist is applied. The collection displays the theme of nature’s radical patterns in the use of seam work, organic shaping found in the drape and materials used throughout the garments in this fall/winter womenswear collection. |
Occupy Everything - reflecting on overpopulation within a demi-couture fashion collection.03/15/2016Overpopulation is defined by an individual’s want to thrive versus the relevant resources needed for survival. If the growth in population is inevitable, why hone in on the negative effects? The earth’s census has increased by five billion in the last 88 years, which is four times faster than the predicted rate in the 1800s. Throughout this time, we have exceeded what we already know, and learned to adapt to a new way of living. Every time the earth is harmed or becomes scarce of a resource, we come together to find a solution. It is said that the key to maintaining a functional environment is technology. This collection is here to raise awareness to a fact. No matter what we do, our population will grow, people will multiply, we will find new cures for diseases, and we will always have new technology to better our world. “Occupy Everything” is not a collection to frown upon exponential growth, but to appreciate the benefits of it. Each piece in this collection represents how we embrace the chaos surrounding us. By using technology and unique silhouettes, each piece represents a factor of overpopulation. Silk fabrics representing the beauty and creativity developing around us, and braids representing the complexity of what we have created. A demi-couture collection using shapes created by overlapping highways to create silhouette, effective color and fabric story to represent the lightness of our “problem,” and a print design using the highways that started it all. |
NUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS AS INDICATORS OF WETLAND CONDITION: EVALUATING THE OHIO RAPID ASSESSMENT METHOD03/15/2016Wetlands are habitats between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. As “middle” positions, wetlands rely on inputs from surrounding landscapes. Wetlands act as buffers, filtering polluting nutrients from inflowing waters and preventing eutrophication downstream. Wetlands have historically been drained and removing these buffers threatens water quality. The Ohio Rapid Assessment Method (ORAM) is a metric used to categorize wetlands in Ohio between three scores. A high score of three indicates the highest quality wetland and one indicates lowest quality. This method is based on structural aspects of wetlands including size, plant community, depth, surrounding land use, and hydrological alterations and development. We aimed to determine if ORAM scores relate to ecosystem function, as indicated by nutrient concentrations and sediment phosphorus sorption characteristics. We predicted nutrient concentrations are higher in wetlands with lower ORAM scores and phosphate sorption capacity will be higher in wetlands with higher scores. Nine palustrine scrub-shrub wetlands owned by Kent State University were identified via National Wetland Inventory (NWI) and Web Soil Survey from the U.S. Department of Natural Resources, and assigned an ORAM score. In each wetland, we sampled surface waters for water quality analyses and sediments (10cm) phosphate sorption analyses. Wetlands near roads had higher concentrations of Cl- than those with wider buffers of forest. Inidcators of phosphate sorption capacity varied within wetlands, but were unrelated to wetland ORAM scores. Our data suggest that wetland ORAM scores do not necessarily reflect wetland nutrient cycling function. |
Now I know I'm Thinking Negatively03/15/2016Among American youth, anxiety and stress are at an all time high. Yet seldom are interventions targeted towards African American adolescent girls. Sisters United Now (S.U.N.) is a sister-circle prevention program designed specifically for at-risk adolescent females within the African American community. The purpose of the sister circle is to provide participants with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to manage stress and anxiety. The program includes a music strategy to assist in cognitive restructuring- Build Your Own Theme Song (BYOTS) using a mobile app. In this study we examine the role of prompted alerts to use the app in increasing the number of unprompted uses by the girls. Qualitative (focus groups) and Quantitative (correlations) data is presented. Results indicate that the strategic use of prompts facilitates unprompted use. Based on the findings, we will be able to enhance the app so that it becomes more appealing to participants. |
Not for Profit Health Insurance: A Blessing or a Burden03/15/2016Healthcare continues to be an important issue in United States policy discourse for both quality of life and financial reasons. According to a report published by the World Health Organization, the United States has the most expensive healthcare system in the world but continues to place low in both quality and mortality measurements. As a solution to the financial demands placed on healthcare , a draft of the Affordable Care Act called for the formation of not for profit health insurance agencies for each of the states. Not for profit health insurance companies demonstrate marked reduction of financial demands in Germany and other countries around the world. Deemed CO-OP's, some not for profit heatlhcare insurance companies were formed and currently operated in a select few states across the country with the assistance of federal funding. Conducting a systematic literature review, my research will examine whether not for profit health insurance companies are effective and feasible to operate independently long term in the United States. |
No Spin Zone: The Framing Effects of Bill O'Reilly03/15/2016Poverty is an ever increasing problem in the world today; more than 46 million people live in poverty in the United States (Meyers, p. 1). However, conservative opinion about poverty and those in poverty are consistently negative. The opinions of this group of people are understood to be framed by the media that they watch as well as the opinion leaders they follow (Iyengar & Hahn, p. 22). One of the most influential opinion leaders that help shape the views of its conservative viewership is Bill O’Reilly of the O’Reilly factor presented on Fox News. O’Reilly’s show is the most watched program on Fox News as well as the most watched cable television program in general, with 66% of its viewership belonging to the conservative party. This level of viewership highlights the important role O’Reilly plays in helping shape public opinion. In this paper I examined how Bill O’Reilly framed poverty on The O’Reilly Factor, the overall tone of these frames, and discuss how these frames could influence his viewers’ perceptions of people who live in poverty. |