https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.012

June 2002 through June 2004

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.013

Author(s):

C.C. Chancey

Affiliation:

American Journal of Undergraduate Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

Analysis of the Merden Lake Esker, Stearns County, Minnesota: A New Interpretation

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.014

Author(s):

Aaron C. Hirsch and Larry E. Davis

Affiliation:

Division of Natural Sciences, College of St. Benedict / St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota 56321 USA

ABSTRACT:

A gravel pit in south central Stearns County, Minnesota exposes sand and gravel of the Merden Lake esker which is thought to have been deposited by a subglacial stream associated with the Wisconsinan-aged Superior Lobe of the Laurentide ice sheet. An analysis of these sediments was conducted from samples collected through a vertical trench on an east-facing exposure of the gravel pit. A total of 12 distinct stratigraphic horizons were recognized. Each horizon was described in terms of overall color, grain size, and lithology, carbonate content, and sedimentary structures. A total of 436 clasts (>3 cm) were collected for lithology studies. Trench samples were collected across each horizon for grain size sieve analysis. Clasts were dominated by basalt (37.6%), granite (28.2%), gabbro (14.5%), quartzite (6.2%), diorite (3.5%), mica schist (3%), and andesite (1%). Minor components consisted of pisolitic claystone, shale, sandstone, limestone, dolostone, ironstone, bauxite, quartz, agate, and amethyst. The sedimentology provides an overall color of yellowish-orange to brown. Many of the large clasts (>5 cm) contained a rind of calcareous-cemented course sand. Several large (18-35 cm) armored clay balls were collected from the basal horizon. Grain size ranged from boulders (up to 37 cm in diameter) to clays. Average cobble size was 10.48 cm. The dominant grain size through the trench was 1-2 mm. Sedimentary structures included graded beds, minor cross bedding, and imbrication. Superior Lobe lithologies are dominated by red volcanics and sedimentary rocks from the Middle Proterozoic Keeweenawan Superior Group and have an overall brown to reddish-gray appearance. Rainy (Wadena) Lobe lithologies are dominated by Precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks from southwest Ontario and northwest Minnesota and have an overall yellowish to yellow-brown appearance. Sedimentological analysis of the Merden Lake esker indicates its characteristics are more consistent with subglacial stream deposition within the Pierz Sublobe of the Rainy Lobe of the Laurentide ice sheet.

Numerical Investigation of a Class of Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.015

Author(s):

Christopher Ventura

Affiliation:

Pacific University, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, Oregon 97116

ABSTRACT:

This paper numerically investigates the space-localized spherically symmetric, stationary, and singularity-free solutions of the Nonlinear Schrödinger equation when the nonlinearity is a step function. Previously no-node solutions have been obtained analytically. Here, it is shown that localized stationary solutions with one node and two nodes also exist.

Interactions among Land, Water, and Vegetation in Shoreline Arthropod Communities

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.016

Author(s):

Randall D. Willoughby and Wendy B. Anderson

Affiliation:

Department of Biology, Drury University, 900 N. Benton Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65802 USA

ABSTRACT:

We investigated the distribution and abundance of terrestrial spiders as a function of their distance from a body of water and the structure of vegetation that would provide suitable habitat. We hypothesized that spiders would prefer to be located near the water to catch abundant aquatic emergent insects. In Montana along the Upper Missouri River, and in Missouri at various locations around Table Rock Lake, transect lines were run from the water’s edge to 25 meters inland. At five-meter intervals, in one square meter plots, the number of spiders, number of prey and type, and vegetation type and structure were recorded. In both Montana and Missouri, spider distribution was more strongly associated with available vegetation structure than with distance from shore. This suggests that, although prey availability may be important for predator distribution, suitable habitat is as strong or stronger a determinant for web building spiders.

Application of Green Chemistry: A Miniaturized Procedure for Analysis of Dissolved Phosphate

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.017

Author(s):

Nadia Kamal and Clay Runck

Affiliation:

Department of Biological Sciences, Benedictine University, 5700 College Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532 USA

ABSTRACT:

The objective of this study was to determine if the volume of sample used for analysis of soluble reactive phosphate (SRP) could be reduced from 100 mL (as per a widely used standardized procedure) to 50 or 10 mL to reduce the amount of hazardous waste generated from routine analysis of SRP in water samples from rivers, streams, and ponds in an urbanized landscape, in accordance with the principles of “green chemistry” and the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. The ascorbic acid-molybdate blue method of Murphy and Riley (1962) was used to determine the concentration of SRP in water samples collected from the East Branch of the DuPage River and from two ponds on the campus of Benedictine University. Mean concentration of SRP determined using a 10 mL sample volume of DuPage River water (x = 1,051 μg PO4-P/L) was significantly greater than the 100 and 50 mL sample volumes, which were not significantly different from each other (x = 1,002 μg PO4-P/L); however, the difference in SRP concentration between 10 mL and 100 and 50 mL sample volumes was only 5%. There was no significant effect of sample volume on SRP concentration for slough or storm water pond samples, but these two pond systems had a low SRP concentration (<3 μg PO4-P/L). The relationship between absorbance and SRP concentration in the ascorbic acid-molybdate blue method was examined between 0 and 2,000 μg PO4-P/L; absorbance was asymptotic between 500 and 2,000 μg PO4-P/L. The results of this study show that the sample volume for analysis of SRP in DuPage River water with the ascorbic acid-molybdate blue method can be reduced by 50% (i.e., reduced from 100 mL to 50 mL) without loss of accuracy, but that samples must be diluted to reduce the concentration of SRP to within the limits of the procedure. The reduction in sample volume represents a substantial reduction in the volume of hazardous waste that is generated, and the overall cost per sample, for routine analysis of SRP in the DuPage River.

Improvements in Latent Semantic Analysis

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.018

Author(s):

Ryan Lloyd and Cheri Shakiban

Affiliation:

Department of Mathematics, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105-1079 USA

ABSTRACT:

This paper proposes and examines modifications for the method of Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA). Several new local and global weight functions, along with normalization routines, are disclosed. Changes in the general structure of LSA are discussed. An application of LSA, in which the method is used to filter advertisements in e-mail, proves the worthiness of the advancements.

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.006

Undergraduate Research Opportunities via Google

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.007

Author(s):

C.C. Chancey

Affiliation:

American Journal of Undergraduate Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

Origin Of Calcareous Sediments in the Holocene Pigeon Creek Tidal Lagoon and Tidal Delta, San Salvador Island, Bahamas

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.008

Authors and Affiliations:

B. A. Welle, A. C. Hirsch, L. E. Davis
Department of Geology, College of St. Benedict / St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota 56321 USA

A. C. Johnson, G. J. Hunt, and R. L. Eves
Department of Geology, Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah 84720 USA

ABSTRACT:

A sedimentological survey of the southwest arm of the Holocene Pigeon Creek tidal lagoon on San Salvador Island, Bahamas was conducted to determine the origin and distribution of calcareous sediments. Transect surveys, surface samples, and sediment cores were collected and examined to determine the abundance and distribution of sediments and sediment producers in the lagoon and associated tidal delta. The study area has three regions: an extensive tidal to shallow, subtidal flat; a tidal channel near the entrance to the lagoon; and a lobate, ebb-dominated tidal delta. Tidal flat sediments were extensively bioturbated and heavily rooted by Thalassia testudinum. Tidal flat sediments ranged from coarse, calcareous sand to calcareous muds, and were rich in gastropod shells, foraminifera, calcareous algae, and pelletal calcareous mud. The tidal flat sediments are assigned to a pellet-lime wackestone to muddy lime packstone lithofacies. Calcareous green algae are the primary producers of calcareous sediments in the lagoon with species of Halimeda and Penicillus being the dominant genera. Surface samples taken from the coarse channel lag of the tidal channel consisted primarily of whole and fragmented bivalves and gastropods. Most of the bivalves were oriented convex upward. Surface samples taken from ripples, mega-ripples, and sand waves of the tidal delta are dominated by well-sorted, well-rounded, and polished sand-size grains (1-2 mm in diameter). This sediment was dominated by bioclasts (bivalves, gastropods, calcareous algae, foraminifera) and minor ooids. Sediments of the tidal channel and tidal delta are assigned to a lime packstone to grainstone lithofacies. The coarsest fraction (> 2 mm) accumulated on the lee slopes and troughs of large, tidal and wave produced ripples. Ripples for both ebb- and flood tides are strongly asymmetrical, but symmetrical ripples are common, indicating that significant migration of the tidal delta does not occur during normal tidal events. A low energy, shallowing upward cycle is well illustrated in the lagoon, and the presence of a depaurperate biofacies and heavily bioturbated and rooted lithofacies typify a carbonate lagoon depositional environment.

Cadmium Bioaccumulation in Yellow Foxtail (Setaria glauca L. P. Beauv): Impact on Seed Head Morphology

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.009

Author(s):

D. K. Kosma, J. A. Long, and S. D. Ebb

Affiliation:

Department of Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois 62901 USA

ABSTRACT:

Yellow foxtail (Setaria glauca L. P. Beauv) growing on a cadmium-contaminated site was sampled to determine the extent of cadmium bioaccumulation in aerial tissues and the impact of cadmium on growth and development. Water-extractable Cd concentrations in the soil ranged from 5.0 to 18.0 mg L-1. Aerial tissues contained elevated concentrations of Cd (16-48 μg g-1 DW), with mean concentration ratios of >3.0. Since foxtail frequently colonizes disturbed sites, the bioaccumulation of Cd in aerial tissues of foxtail suggests that wildlife feeding upon this plant species could be exposed to elevated Cd levels. A significant negative correlation (r2=0.98) was observed between water-extractable Cd in the soil and seed head length in foxtail, indicative of an adverse effect of Cd on reproductive development. This correlation further suggests seed head length as a biomarker for soluble Cd in contaminated soils.

KEYWORDS:

Cadmium, bioaccumulation, biomarker, phytotoxicity

Apollonius’ Problem: A Study of Solutions and Their Connections

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.010

Author(s):

David Gisch and Jason M. Ribando

Affiliation:

Department of Mathematics, University Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0506 USA

ABSTRACT:

In Tangencies Apollonius of Perga showed how to construct a circle that is tangent to three given circles. More generally, Apollonius’ problem asks to construct the circle which is tangent to any three objects that may be any combination of points, lines, and circles. The case when all three objects are circles is the most complicated case since up to eight solution circles are possible depending on the arrangement of the given circles. Within the last two centuries, solutions have been given by J. D. Gergonne in 1816, by Frederick Soddy in 1936, and most recently by David Eppstein in 2001. In this report, we illustrate the solution using the geometry software Cinderella™, survey some connections among the three solutions, and provide a framework for further study.

Physics of Potassium Ion Channel Inactivation in Neurons

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.011

Author(s):

Ryan M. W. Collins

Affiliation:

Department of Physics, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

ABSTRACT:

The electrical signaling capabilities of neurons depend on the flows of ions into and out of their axons. Potassium ions exit an axon’s interior through a potassium channel or pore that connects the intracellular region with the extracellular region. The channel opens, or is activated, allowing potassium ions to exit. The channel then undergoes a blocking transition in which the channel is physically open but is blocked by some part of the larger channel molecule. This blocking process is called inactivation, and the physics by which it might occur forms the topic of our investigation. The N-terminus region of the Drosophila shaker potassium ion channel was identified by Hoshi et al as having an important role in channel inactivation. Using the last 19 amino acids in the N-terminus region, a mass and net charge were calculated. We investigated two forces that might affect the motion of this N-terminus mass (tentatively identified as the blocking or inactivation particle): the magnetic field effects due to potassium ion current in the channel, and an electric force due to the decreasing density of potassium ions from the intracellular region. Time-of-flight calculations were calculated for the inactivation particle. These times will be discussed in terms of typical inactivation processes.

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.001

There Is Truth And Beauty In Undergraduate Mathematics Research

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.002

Author(s):

Dele Oluwade

Affiliation:

Mathematics and Computational Sciences, American Journal of Undergraduate Research, Dewade Science Clinic, Ibadan, Oyo State NIGERIA

Isolation of Microsatellite Loci in Sceloporus grammicus (Squamata, Phrynosomatidae)

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.003

Author(s):

Patrick H. Degnan and Elisabeth Arévalo

Affiliation:

Department of Biology, Providence College, Providence, RI 02918-0001 USA

ABSTRACT:

The mesquite lizard (Sceloporus grammicus) exhibits multiple Robertsonian chromosomal rearrangements (mainly centric fissions) resulting in several cytotypes. In a transitional environment from oak-pine forests to a drier xeric habitat in central Mexico, two cytotypes (F5: 2n = 34 and FM2: 2n = 46) are known to hybridize. A partial genomic library was constructed from S. grammicus genomic DNA and then screened for microsatellites. Microsatellites are short tandem nucleotide repeats that have near universal occurrence in all eukaryotic genomes. Microsatellites exhibit variable length polymorphisms that can be characterized and utilized as genetic markers for population studies. Thirteen microsatellite arrays were isolated from the S. grammicus genomic library and PCR primers were designed in the flanking regions for the amplification of these alleles. These microsatellite loci would be the primary tool used to answer behavioral, ecological, chromosomal and evolutionary questions that influence the maintenance of this hybrid zone.

Understanding Layer Promotion and Its Relationship to Melting in Krypton on Graphite Using Artificial Constraints

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.004

Author(s):

E.J. Chamberlin and M.W. Roth

Affiliation:

Physics Department, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

ABSTRACT:

Constant particle number, density and temperature (N, ρ, T) Molecular-Dynamics simulations are used to study second layer promotion and melting in a complete monolayer of krypton deposited onto a graphite substrate. In order to study the vertical behavior of the system and its relationship to melting, artificial horizontal constraints are introduced and their effects are systematically monitored. We find that horizontally confining each atom within an impenetrable cylinder increases the melting temperature Tm and causes melting to be less dramatic. The results also suggest that there is a limiting case of there being no transition for a sufficiently small confining cylinder. Vertical excursions of the adsorbate atoms increase at the onset of melting. The system subsequently goes through a vertical transition with increasing temperature, including second layer promotion followed by extinction of the partial second layer and the presence of a sparsely populated first layer and a large population of desorbed atoms. Horizontal confinement stifles true second layer promotion, causing the atoms to spend less time in the second layer at a given temperature and resulting in a thermal blurring of the adlayer, suggesting that in-plane fluctuations are a necessary part of the layer promotion mechanism. Horizontal confinement also raises the temperature where the vertical transition occurs but does not affect its sharpness or temperature extent.

Isoflavone Content of Kansas Soybeans

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2004.005

Author(s):

M. Swanson, M. Stoll, W. Schapaugh, and L. Takemoto

Affiliation:

Division of Biology and Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506 USA

ABSTRACT:

Isoflavones occurring in soybean seed have been thought to have a positive effect on the health of humans, especially in cancer prevention. This positive impact may be a result of their antioxidant properties, estrogenic activity, or a combination of mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare different levels of isoflavones in various Kansas soybean cultivars. Seeds of four different cultivars grown in 2001 at three different locations were analyzed. There were significant differences in total and individual amounts of isoflavones across both cultivars and locations. These results demonstrated a large variation in isoflavone content in different cultivars grown in different locations, suggesting that selection of cultivar and growing location are important parameters in optimizing the isoflavone content of soybeans grown in Kansas.

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.020

Where Is This Undergraduate Research Wave Taking Us?

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.021

Author(s):

Mark Benvenuto

Affiliation:

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 W. McNichols Road, Detroit, Michigan 48219-0900 USA

Guest Comment
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Undergraduate Education at the University of Northern Iowa

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.022

Author(s):

Kichoon Yang

Affiliation:

College of Natural Sciences, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0181 USA

Theoretical Neuroscience: Modeling the Activation Mechanism of Potassium Channels in Neurons

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.023

Author(s):

Kevin Twedt

Affiliation:

Department of Physics, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

ABSTRACT:

We have modeled the electrostatic interaction between the S4 segment of the potassium channel molecule and the surrounding water molecules on both the intracellular and extracellular sides of the neural axon cell membrane. Two methods were used to approximate this interaction: (i) a macroscopic evaluation in which the water was treated as a dielectric medium with dielectric constant 80; (ii) a microscopic evaluation considering the effects of each individual water molecule fixed in position within the water pockets surrounding the S4 segment. The potential energy of the S4 due to the water pockets was plotted against the rotation of the S4 segment, while keeping the water pockets in their fixed positions. Although the two methods gave some differing results, both methods produced single well potential energy curves of ~6-9 eV depth. Based on this energy curve, we show that other forces on the S4 must create an effective torsional spring force with spring constant k~3-5 eV in order to produce a two well potential energy curve in qualitative agreement with experimental data.

Computerized Data Reduction and Analysis in Positron Annihilation Coincidence Doppler Broadening Spectroscopy

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.024

Author(s):

A. Harrich, S. Jagsch, S. Riedler and W. Rosinger

Affiliation:

Department of Automotive Engineering, FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences, Alte Poststr. 149, A-8020 Graz, Austria

ABSTRACT:

Positron annihilation spectroscopy is a sensitive probe for studying the electronic structure of defects in solids. The high-momentum part of the Doppler-broadened spectra can be used to distinguish different elements at the annihilation site. This can be achieved by using a two-detector coincidence system, which reduces the peak to background ratio dramatically. The coincident events have to be extracted from a two-dimensional spectrum that is recorded by two high-purity germanium detectors. For this purpose the computer program MePASto was developed, which allows an automated data reduction from such Doppler-coincidence spectra, supplemented by a post-processing unit for data analysis. Additionally a case study of the identification of defect sites in an intermetallic compound is presented.

NBA Draft Lottery Probabilities

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.025

Author(s):

Chad R. Florke and Mark D. Ecker

Affiliation:

Department of Mathematics, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0506 USA

ABSTRACT:

We examine the evolution of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA’s) Draft Lottery by showing how the changes implemented by the Board of Governors have impacted the probabilities of obtaining top picks in the ensuing draft lottery. We explore how these changes have impacted the team with the worst record and also investigate the conditional probabilities of the fourth worst team receiving the third pick. These calculations are conditioned upon two specified teams receiving the first two selections. We show that the probability of the fourth worst team receiving the third pick can be made unconditionally. We calculate the probabilities for the fourth worst team to move up in the draft to receive either the first, second, or third selections, along with its chance of keeping the fourth pick or even dropping in the draft. We find there is a higher chance for the fourth worst team to drop to the fifth, sixth or seventh position than to stay at the fourth position or move up.

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.014

How Should an Undergraduate Research Journal Be Different?

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.015

Author(s):

C.C. Chancey

Affiliation:

American Journal of Undergraduate Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

Three-Minute Herbal Treatment to Reduce Dental Caries with a Newbouldia laevis Based Extract

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.016

Author(s):

Amaechina Okechukwu Okeke

Affiliation:

Department of Botany, University Of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria

ABSTRACT:

An extract made from leaves of the tree Newbouldia laevis was tested as a bactericide for the bacteria implicated in dental caries. Thirty toothache patients used the extract as a mouthwash and the mouthwash’s bactericidal action was tested under laboratory conditions. Bacterial action was arrested in 25 of the 30 patients.

The Relationship of Apis mellifera with Exotic and Native Plants in Boulder County, Colorado

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.017

Author(s):

Kira Krend and Christina Murphy

Affiliation:

Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309 USA

ABSTRACT:

Since honeybees (Apis mellifera) were introduced to North America in the 1600’s, their influence has been profound and widespread. As pollinators, honeybees are extremely valuable economically and are vital to crop pollination. However, their presence has affected native ecosystems, including the plains ecosystem in Colorado. Using recruitment and other unique foraging characteristics, honeybees may be out-competing native pollinators for nectar and pollen resources. Our study was designed to determine if A. mellifera has a preference for exotic or native plants. We observed patches of exotic plants and patches of native plants and recorded the type of bee (exotic or native) that visited each flowering head. We also examined data from Kearns and Oliveras (unpublished), which illustrates that invasive plant species are also popular with native bees, and may draw vital pollinators away from native plants. Our results indicate that honeybees prefer to visit exotic invasive plant species to native plants. Consequently, honeybees may contribute to the spread of exotic plant species and the decline of native plant species, reducing biodiversity. Thus, native plants are doubly jeopardized. The invasion of exotic flora and fauna into native ecosystems on the plains of Colorado is part of a worldwide phenomenon of species invasion, and researchers must continue to investigate interspecies relationships to minimize the potential negative effects of invasive species.

Physiological and Behavioral Effects of d-threo-methylphenidate Hydrochloride in Male Wistar-Kyoto and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.018

Author(s):

Jennifer Lee Sayler, Linda Tennison, and David Mitchell

Affiliation:

College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, St. Joseph, Minnesota 56374 USA

ABSTRACT:

Millions of children and adults worldwide are diagnosed with Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and yet its very existence, definition, and treatment are surrounded with discord and controversy. ADHD and its treatments are brought together through this investigation into the effects that drug therapy has on Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and a strain of Spontaneously Hypertensive rats (SHR) selectively inbred from WKY rats. The effects of the drug d-threo-methylphenidate hydrochloride (d-MPH – the d-isomer of the ADHD drug Ritalin) on spatial working memory abilities, overall growth rate, blood glucose levels, blood pH, and erythrocyte membrane lipids were examined in the two rat strains. Although all four physiological properties remained constant and normal over the course of the experiment, the spatial working memory abilities were inhibited in WKY rats receiving the drug. These results suggest that the d-isomer of this drug may have a significant impact on cognitive function in rats and possibly humans.

The “Arousal Effect”: An Alternative Interpretation of the Mozart Effect

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.019

Author(s):

Melecio Gonzalez Jr., Glenn E. Smith IV, David W. Stockwell, and Robert S. Horton

Affiliation:

Wabash College, 301 W. Wabash Ave., Crawfordsville, Indiana 47933 USA

ABSTRACT:

Previous research suggests that listening to Mozart’s music enhances performance on subsequent tests of spatial ability. One explanation for this result is that Mozart’s music produces a positive arousal state that increases alertness and thus, enhances spatial performance. In this study, we sampled elementary students in order to investigate (1) the presence of the Mozart effect and (2) the possibility that the Mozart effect can be explained by increased levels of arousal. We assigned participants randomly to (1) listen to Mozart (Mozart group), (2) play active games (active group), or (3) sit in silence (control group) prior to completing a spatial abilities task. We expected that (1) both the Mozart and active groups would perform better on the spatial test than the control group and (2) the active group would perform better on the spatial test than the Mozart group. Pre-planned orthogonal contrasts revealed that the Mozart and active groups outperformed the control group but the Mozart and active groups performed similarly. Implications of these data for understanding the Mozart effect and for improving grade school education are discussed.

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.007

The International Connection

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.008

Author(s):

C.C. Chancey

Affiliation:

American Journal of Undergraduate Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

The Influence of Meta-Experimental Factors on Compliance and Attitudes: Participant Motivation and Experimenter Demeanor

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.009

Author(s):

Kelly Jo Hubers, Elizabeth R. Graf, and Sherri B. Lantinga

Affiliation:

Department of Psychology, Dordt College, 498 4th Ave NE, Sioux Center, Iowa 51250 USA

ABSTRACT:

An experimental study examined the effects of participant motivation (required vs. voluntary participation) and experimenter demeanor (participants treated as co-researchers or as data-producers) on compliance and participant attitude. Participants completed a meaningless task and then filled out a questionnaire about their attitudes toward the experimenter and task. Compliance was measured by how long and how accurately participants worked on the task. Results indicate that Participant Motivation type affects attitudes toward the experimenter and task and Experimenter Demeanor affects compliance on a task. Voluntary Co-Researcher participants had more positive attitudes and marked on the most number of pages but did not complete the task correctly compared to other participants. Future research could increase the impossibility of the task to see how much participants will comply, and should look at the effect on compliance that a greater difference in position between experimenters and participants may have.

Electrodeposition of Silver and Copper/Silver Multilayer on Ruthenium Substrate as a Potential New Metal Interconnect for Integrated Circuits

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.010

Author(s):

Chris Cheng, Tiruchirapalli Arunagiri, and Oliver Chyan

Affiliation:

Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203 USA

ABSTRACT:

As the demand for faster and cheaper integrated circuits prevalent in today’s technology continues to rise, there is a challenge to produce even smaller and faster circuits in less time and for less cost. Our work explores the superior conductivity of silver metal for the application as a more conductive metal interconnects in next generation integrated circuits. In this work, ruthenium was chosen as the diffusion barrier platform on which a precise and uniform coating of silver would be deposited electrochemically. However, the adhesion testing revealed poor adhesion between deposited Ag thin film and its Ru substrate. The adhesion problem was corrected by installing a thin Cu priming layer on Ru prior to Ag deposition. A two- steps Ag plating protocol was developed to overcome the unwanted Ag displacement reaction with Cu and achieved the preparation of Ag/Cu/Ru multiplayer, which showed good adhesion after peel test.

Improved NEPA Substations On-Line Monitoring Technology Using Optical Fiber Sensors

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.011

Author(s):

M. A. Omidiora

Affiliation:

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT:

Condition monitoring of power substations is a significant issue for the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) of Nigeria. Current methods for monitoring the condition of high voltage equipment are time consuming and often inaccurate, therefore causing catastrophic damage to the substation equipment. Recent research has demonstrated the efficacy of employing optical fiber sensors in condition monitoring of substation equipment. These sensors enhance the current monitoring method and facilitate faster responses to equipment problems. This paper briefly reviews the state of the arts, but is primarily devoted to a discussion of the new approach and future directions in condition monitoring of NEPA substation equipment.

 Electrochemistry in Thin Solid Films of Prussian Blue: A Model Demonstration of Reversible Behavior

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.012

Author(s):

Ryan Hazen, Rose M. Spaulding, and Kasem K. Kasem, Ellen A. Sigle

Affiliation:

Indiana University Kokomo, Kokomo, Indiana 46904 USA

ABSTRACT:

This article discusses the effectiveness of Prussian Blue (PB) or KxFeAx[Fe BY(CN)6]z thin films as a model to demonstrate the concept of reversibility of electron and ion exchange processes. PB structure is modified via exchanging the FeA (the counter ion) with other metal ions that have electrochemically active or inactive redox behavior. The modeling process includes the investigation of the electrochemical behavior of PB before and after modification. The results can be compared and used to derive conclusions about the validity of PB as a model compound.

Advice for Student Authors
How to Organize Your Research Article

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.013

Author(s):

Editorial Staff

Affiliation:

American Journal of Undergraduate Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

ABSTRACT:

General information about article organization is presented. Questions about equation placement, chart or graph usage, figure placement, and bibliographic style are answered. Information about how a paper is reviewed is discussed, and steps for submitting a research paper are outlined.

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.001

Year One and Counting

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.002

Author(s):

C.C. Chancey

Affiliation:

American Journal of Undergraduate Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

Filtered Intersections and Filtered Products

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.003

Author(s):

Nicholas Roersma

Affiliation:

Mathematics and Computer Science Department, Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana 47933-0352 USA

ABSTRACT:

We explore the filtered intersections and filtered products of ideals, modules, and other properties of commutative rings with zero divisors. Set theoretic properties of orderings are considered. The focus is then turned to the compliment of filters, ideals, and similar topics considered for ideal intersections.

Solar Thermal Design: Research, Design and Installation of a Solar Hot Water System for Redwood National Park

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.004

Author(s):

Andrew Sorter, Kelly Miess, Richard Engel, and Angelique Sorensen

Affiliation:

Environmental Resources Engineering, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California 95521 USA

ABSTRACT:

This paper details the research, design and installation of the solar thermal water-heating project at the Redwood Information Center (RIC) in Orick, California, USA. The project was completed as part of the University-National Park Energy Partnership Program (UNPEPP) for the summer of 2002.

A Comparison of Two Equivalent Real Formulations for Complex-Valued Linear Systems Part 2: Results

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.005

Author(s):

Abnita Munankarmy and Michael A. Heroux

Affiliation:

Department of Computer Science, College of Saint Benedict, 37 South College Avenue, St. Joseph, Minnesota 56374 USA

ABSTRACT:

Many iterative linear solver packages focus on real-valued systems and do not deal well with complex-valued systems, even though preconditioned iterative methods typically apply to both real and complex-valued linear systems. Instead, commonly available packages such as PETSc and Aztec tend to focus on the real-valued systems, while complex-valued systems are seen as a late addition. At the same time, by changing the complex problem into an equivalent real formulation (ERF), a real valued solver can be used. In this paper we consider two ERF’s that can be used to solve complex-valued linear systems. We investigate the spectral properties of each and show how each can be preconditioned to move eigenvalues in a cloud around the point (1,0) in the complex plane. Finally, we consider an interleaved formulation, combining each of the previously mentioned approaches, and show that the interleaved form achieves a better outcome than either separate ERF.

[This article is the second part of a sequence of reports. See the December 2002 issue for Part 1—Editor.]

Computational Modeling of Pool Games: Sensitivity of Outcomes to Initial Conditions

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2003.006

Author(s):

Christian Leerberg and M.W. Roth

Affiliation:

Department of Physics, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

ABSTRACT:

We present a study of the sensitivity of trajectories of pool balls to initial conditions. In the first component of the study our simulations include all sixteen balls. Variables include cue ball initial velocity and position on the “table”. We find that in a certain regime of initial conditions the system seems to show self-similarity, but as the range of initial cue ball angle and initial velocity is restricted, the system exhibits an interesting evolution towards a single point in parameter space, with the ball landing in only one pocket. We also examine the effects of varying the number of balls on the table, and how their dynamics may be interpreted using various plots and maps. Finally, the trajectory of a single cue ball is examined while it moves through the table space. Starting with the cue ball placed in the middle of the right wall of the table (traditional and rectangular in shape) and fired directly downward the system exhibits a two-cycle pattern. Then as the angle of fire is increased the system exhibits a four cycle, a three cycle and finally a two cycle all separated by noisy patterns. Effects of numerical artificialities are briefly discussed.

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.016

For Undergraduate Research Advisors

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.017

Author(s):

C.C. Chancey

Affiliation:

American Journal of Undergraduate Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

Guest Editorial
Why Research has a Role with Teachers

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.018

Author(s):

Jean Moon, Ph.D.

Affiliation:

Advisor to the ExxonMobil Foundation’s Education Programs, 321 Reedy Meadow Road, Groton, Massachusetts 01450 USA

Computer Simulations of Planet Collisions Using a New Parallel Algorithm

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.019

Author(s):

W. Even and M.W. Roth

Affiliation:

Department of Physics, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0150 USA

ABSTRACT:

New deterministic computer simulations have been developed for studying the dynamics of large objects colliding. For various initial conditions the system may clump together forming a new object or may rotate, causing ejecta to leave the primary mass in a pattern sustaining only a short number of orbits, but promising of satellite formation. Bodies without a large central mass are not able to form a cohesive object, and fly apart upon impact. A rudimentary scaling study when the code is parallelized using a force-decomposition scheme suggests that the computational time scales inversely as the number of processors when less than four are involved and the gains are somewhat less pronounced as the number of processors increases.

Women Managers and the Experience Of Work-Family Conflict

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.020

Authors and Affiliations:

Megan Apperson, Heather Schmidt, Sarah Moore, and Leon Grunberg
Comparative Sociology Department, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington 98416 USA

Ed Greenberg
Department of Political Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0483 USA

ABSTRACT:

Gender and managerial status have previously been found to relate to work-family conflict, though the combination of gender and managerial status has received less attention. This study explores differences in levels of work-family conflict and related job attitude and health and coping variables among women managers, men managers, women non-managers, and men non-managers at a large organization. Women managers experienced higher levels of work-family conflict, work role overload, and problem drinking. However, the levels of work to family conflict were unexpectedly similar between women and men managers. Possible explanations for this are considered.

A Comparison of Two Equivalent Real Formulations for Complex-Valued Linear Systems Part 1: Introduction and Method

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.021

Author(s):

Abnita Munankarmy and Michael A. Heroux

Affiliation:

Department of Computer Science, College of Saint Benedict, 37 South College Avenue, St. Joseph, Minnesota 56374 USA

ABSTRACT:

Many iterative linear solver packages focus on real-valued systems and do not deal well with complex-valued systems, even though preconditioned iterative methods typically apply to both real and complex-valued linear systems. Instead, commonly available packages such as PETSc [1] and Aztec [2] tend to focus on the real-valued systems, while complex-valued systems are seen as a late addition. At the same time, by changing the complex problem into an equivalent real formulation (ERF), a real valued solver can be used. In this paper we consider two ERF’s that can be used to solve complex-valued linear systems. We investigate the spectral properties of each and show how each can be preconditioned to move eigenvalues in a cloud around the point (1,0) in the complex plane. Finally, we consider an interleaved formulation, combining each of the previously mentioned approaches, and show that the interleaved form achieves a better outcome than either separate ERF.

Coexistence of Ferromagnetic and Glassy States in Mechanically Milled GdAl2

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.022

Authors and Affiliations:

C. Stark and P.M. Shand
Physics Department, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

T.M. Pekarek
Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida 32224 USA

D. Williams, R. Brown, L. Yue, and D.L. Leslie-Pelecky
Center for Materials Research and Analysis, and Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0111 USA

ABSTRACT:

Measurements of DC susceptibility, AC susceptibility, and AC susceptibility with an applied DC bias field were performed on mechanically milled GdAl2. A paramagnetic phase exists above a temperature T ≈ 140 K. However, there are significant deviations from the Curie-Weiss Law in this temperature regime, suggesting multiple magnetic components. Fits to the high temperature data show that two Curie-Weiss terms represent the data quite well. Below 140 K one of these magnetic components becomes ferromagnetic as indicated by a shoulder in the AC susceptibility and DC susceptibility data. This ferromagnetic component is suppressed by the application of sufficiently strong DC bias field. Accompanying this shoulder is a peak at lower temperatures (T < 50 K), which suggests the existence of another component that is magnetically glassy in nature. The two-component behavior of mechanically milled GdAl2 can be explained in terms of the nanostructure of the material, which consists of nanometer-sized grains and a disordered interphase.

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.009

For Undergraduate Researchers

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.010

Author(s):

C.C. Chancey

Affiliation:

American Journal of Undergraduate Research, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0150 USA

Guest Editorial

Learning Science by Doing Science

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.011

Author(s):

W. Franklin Gilmore

Affiliation:

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, P.O. Box 13975, 99 Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709 USA

Hydrologic Contaminant Transport Modeling: A Novel Analytical and Computational Approach Title

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.012

Author(s):

C.M. Wilson, M.W. Roth, & M.Z. Iqbal

Affiliation:

University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614 USA

ABSTRACT:

We have developed a method for modeling contaminant transport in aquifers with rectangular boundaries utilizing an analytical solution to the porous medium flow equation and a finite difference solution to the advection-dispersion equation. Any number of wells may be placed within the aquifer, as well as any number of non-interacting contaminants. Constant head boundaries that simulate rivers may be included by means of a source term. With realistic parameters we are able to successfully model and predict contamination transport in an on campus well site used for both undergraduate pedagogy and research.

Adolescent Mothers and Internal Representational Models: Abuse, Neglect, and Romantic Relationships

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.013

Author(s):

Sandye Ouzts and Keri Weed

Affiliation:

Department of Psychology, 471 University Parkway, University of South Carolina Aiken, Aiken, South Carolina 29801 USA

ABSTRACT:

The purpose of this study was to explore risk and protective factors associated with internal representation models of adolescent mothers. The study also looked at the role the mothers’ internal representational models play in their interaction with their romantic partners. The proposed model of abuse and neglect differentiated mothers with adequate internal models from those with abusing or neglecting models. The study was based on data analyses of self-report measures from 28 adolescent mothers from an ongoing longitudinal study. Results confirmed the hypothesis that adolescent mothers with neglecting and abusing internal models, which include a mistrust of self and others, report more depression, lower self-esteem, ineffective problem-solving approach, and pessimism. The results supported the hypothesis that mothers with a history of childhood maltreatment are more likely to have inadequate models. However, mothers who reported maltreatment as a child, but who had an effective problem-solving orientation and trusted themselves, were at less risk for child maltreatment. The results also supported the hypothesis that mothers’ internal models are associated with their romantic attachment style and their interaction with their romantic partners.

Managing Forest Road Removal Using Dynamic Programming: A Pilot Study

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.014

Author(s):

Rebecca L. Teasley

Affiliation:

Environmental Resources Engineering, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California 95521 USA

ABSTRACT:

Since the late 1970’s the U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS) has led a program to remove abandoned logging roads in Redwood National Park. Because abandoned logging roads contribute large amounts of sediment to local fish bearing streams, the ecosystem health of these waterways suffer. Recent research has identified the effectiveness of preventing sediment from reaching the streams for different road treatments after significant storm events. However, road removal is expensive and time consuming. This research reported in this paper was part of that pilot study, and specifically reviews the feasibility of the optimization algorithm Dynamic Programming (DP), using data from recent research on road removal effectiveness. The DP sought to determine the road removal treatment that maximizes the amount of sediment saved from erosion, while meeting a budgetary constraint. The results indicate that DP is an effective tool for developing a road removal management plan. However, the order in which roads and stream crossings are treated has a large effect on the solution, indicating that the DP formulation has room for improvement. The USGS is supporting further research to reformulate the DP.

A Statistical Examination of Water Quality in Two Iowa Lakes

https://doi.org/10.33697/ajur.2002.015

Author(s):

Erin Carlson and Mark D. Ecker

Affiliation:

Department of Mathematics, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0506 USA

ABSTRACT:

Water quality has become and important issue in the state of Iowa as well as across the entire United States. Two Iowa Lakes, Silver Lake and Casey Lake were chosen for study by a team of biologists, chemists, earth scientists and statisticians from the University of Northern Iowa. Our goals are to statistically compare the water quality in the two lakes in each year and examine whether or not each lake has changed, in terms of water quality variables, from 1999 to 2000. In addition, we explore which variables most affect phosphorus levels in each lake in 2000. Lastly, we explore the spatial distribution of phosphorus in the sediment of each lake. Discriminant Analyses and ANCOVA show significant difference between the two lakes in both 1999 and 2000 as well as a change in Silver Lake’s water quality data from 1999 to 2000. Regression Analyses show that, in Silver Lake, phosphorus levels increased during the summer of 2000 while they decreased with increasing levels of surface dissolved oxygen and decreased as the water became less clear. The analyses also show that phosphorus levels in Lake Casey decreased as the water became less clear. A significant relationship between phosphorus in the sediment and depth exists in Lake Casey. While a significant 2-dimensional spatial correlation cannot be shown in Silver Lake, spatial analyses do show the existence of a significant 3-dimensional spatial correlation in Lake Casey.