DigitalCommons@Linfield

Linfield College: Study Abroad in Austria

Helena Frueh — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:01:33 PDT

This letter from returnee Helena Frueh explains the value of studying abroad in Austria.

Synthesis of (2-amino-4,5-dimethylthiophen-3-yl)(4-chlorophenyl)methanone (S2): A Precursor to Selective Bromodomain Inhibitor, (+)-JQ1

Jake T. Hillyer et al. — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

S2 [(2-amino-4,5-dimethylthiophen-3-yl)(4-chloropheyl)methanone)] is an organic precursor to the (+)-enantiomer of JQ1, a break-through molecule in cancer research. The purpose of this research was to sufficiently synthesize enough of the S2 intermediate to continue the synthetic pathway of (+)-JQ1. The synthesis of S2 is similar to the Gewald reaction, where 2-butanone (ketone) condenses 4-chlorobenzoylacetonitrile (α-cyanoester) in the presence of elemental sulfur and morpholine (base) to yield the poly-substituted thiophene product, though the mechanism for the cyclization is still unknown. The resulting residue was characterized by thin-layer chromatography and purified using column chromatography. The greatest yield of S2 resulted from recrystallization with ethanol/water. Proton NMR of the product was compared to that of theoretical research done by fellow Linfield student Kevin Romero. Now that S2 has successfully been synthesized, we will begin the next step in the synthesis of (+)-JQ1.

Layers of Limbo: Governing Vulnerable & Displaced Populations in Thailand

Morgan Christiansen et al. — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

In Thailand, the international community is confronted by one of the most protracted and complicated migration crises in the world. By examining this complex issue from the vantage point of a variety of stakeholders – the Royal Thai Government (RTG), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and donor governments (e.g. the United States) – our project aims to illuminate the divergent, at times contradictory, incentives that undermine cooperative efforts to find ‘durable solutions’ to protect vulnerable populations over the longer term. The project then draws from literature on experimental forms of governance to evaluate alternative pathways to overcome collective action problems that could have both theoretical and policy implications.

Chinaman Go Home!: A Socioeconomic and Gendered Examination of the Anti-Chinese Movements of Portland, Oregon and San Francisco, California

Kali Ingerson — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:15:11 PDT

This thesis examines the Anti-Chinese Movement in Portland, Oregon in relation to that of San Francisco. Contemporary sources indicated a correlation between labor and racism. This correlation is explored in both San Francisco and Portland along with contemporary notions of gender identity in an effort to examine the Anti-Chinese movement using modern social historic theory.

Correlating Fiber Quality Assurance Tests for the NOvA Far Detector Modules

Amanda Bowers — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

Neutrinos have perplexed the minds of particle physicists for over half a decade. Because they are massless and weakly interacting, detecting these leptons has been a challenging feat. However, large-scale collaborations, such as scientists working on NOvA, are now able to build detectors that capture information regarding a neutrino's interaction with atomic matter. During their propagation through space, neutrinos oscillate between various flavor states. Physicists are interested in measuring parameters that describe these oscillations and yield important information about one of the most fundamental units of matter. Before installing a multi-billion dollar detector underground, physicists must ensure that their hardware is working properly. Two fiber quality assurance tests employed at the NOvA module factory are analyzed.

Permanent Magnetics Railgun

Yangfan Wu — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

A modified magnetic railgun has been built and investigated. Permanent magnets were used to supply the magnetic field and a car battery was used to provide the current. The projectile has been successfully shot out. The result showed the current railgun required much less current. Therefore, conventional used capacitor pool is not necessary.

A Cross-Cultural Look at Co-rumination, Self-Disclosure, Friendship, Relational Concerns and Emotional Adjustment

Mengni T. Brown et al. — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

Rose (2002) first defined co-rumination as extensive problem-focused talk, and it has been found to be associated with both depression/anxiety and friendship quality. However, our understanding of co-rumination is limited by an exclusive focus on Western samples of mostly children/adolescents. Thus, the primary aim of the current study is to investigate the construct validity of co-rumination in an Asian sample by examining associations among rumination, co-rumination, emotional adjustment, self-disclosure and friendship quality. We predict that Asians will report lower levels of co-rumination, and we expect gender differences in co-rumination to replicate cross-culturally.

224 Asian students (69 men, 153 women) from universities in Hong Kong and East China and 118 U.S. students (43 men, 75 women) from a private college in the Northwest participated in the study.

Expected gender differences were found. Significant positive relationships emerged between co-rumination, self-disclosure, friendship quality, and rumination in both samples. Asian students reported significantly higher levels of co-rumination but lower levels of self-disclosure. Asians reported higher levels of relational concerns than U.S students. Relational concerns partially mediated cultural differences in self-disclosure but not in co-rumination. Surprisingly, co-rumination was unrelated to adjustment and did not predict unique variance in anxiety/depression beyond the effects of rumination.

The current findings highlight the complexity of co-rumination as an interpersonal process vs. support-seeking functions in Asians. With limited research on co-rumination in emerging adults, it is unknown whether unique sampling issues or a meaningful developmental shift accounts for the lack of associations between co-rumination and anxiety/depression among U.S. students. Regardless, future longitudinal research should incorporate strategies (e.g., observational data, time sampling) that extend beyond self-report. These designs promise to sharpen our understanding as they more fully capture the dynamic forces at play in co-rumination that may vary across time and culture.

Investigating the Benefit of MR fluids in Shock Absorbers

Chao Guo — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

The beneficial properties of magnetorheological (MR) fluids are applied in the design and testing of a prototype suspension system. Because MR fluids become more viscous under the influence of a magnetic field, a suspension shock absorber containing MR fluid is proposed. The shock system tested displayed resistance to motion with respect to the magnetic field strength.

Kinetics of the Photoreduction of p-nitrobenzoic Acid on Ag and AgxAu1-x Nanoparticle Films

Kathryn L. Corp et al. — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

A recent strategy to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic and photoemissive devices has been to include metal nanolayers in contact with an organic layer inside these devices. Metal nanoparticles (especially Ag and Au) are known to catalyze photoreactions of organic molecules on their surfaces. The reactivity of organics at nanometal surfaces has implications for device lifetimes; therefore, it is important to understand how nanoparticle size and composition influence reaction rates. The photoreduction of p-nitrobenzoate (PNBA) to p,p’-azodibenzoate (PPADBA) on Ag nanoparticles is an excellent model system for studying such reactions. We have measured the reaction rate of PNBA to PPADBA on Ag and Au based nanoparticle surfaces using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). SERS is a highly sensitive spectroscopic tool, which provides molecular fingerprints that can be used to identify molecular species present on metal nanoparticle surfaces. These surfaces are made from layers from Ag and Ag_xAu_1-x alloy nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 50-80 nm.

Force of Beauty or Object of Desire? The Priming Effects of Makeup Video Advertisements on Self-Objectification in College Women

Jenna D. Johnson et al. — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

Women are too often valued for their beauty and have shifted their focus from character to body improvement (Brumberg, 1998). Objectification theory (Frederickson & Roberts, 1997) posits that sexual objectification socializes females to evaluate themselves based on looks. Self-objectification is the attempt to control this external perception by monitoring one’s physical appearance. Women are more likely to think “How do I look?” than “What am I capable of?”

The priming effects of positive and negative body-focused makeup advertisements on college-aged women’s level of self-objectification were examined in two separate studies. In study one, 87 participants viewing positive vs. negative advertisements reported more traits and abilities; this was especially true for high self-objectifiers. Participants viewing positive advertisements reported more positive emotions, suggesting the salutary role that positive messaging may play. Results were replicated in study two, with 172 participants who viewed positive vs. negative advertisements reporting significantly fewer body shape statements, more trait and abilities, as well as more physical competence statements. In addition, individuals who viewed advertisements with non-objectifying content responded with a significantly greater number of positively valenced statements and significantly fewer negative statements about themselves in comparison to women who viewed objectifying advertisements. These results suggest that marketers should eschew advertising that sexually objectifies women and promotes unattainable beauty goals. Future research should evaluate cumulative and long-term effects of advertisement and examine whether exposure that leads to lower levels of objectification also minimizes negative consequences associated with objectifying media influences (e.g., body shame, depression, eating disorder).

From Affordable Care Act to "Obamacare": Political Party and the Framing of Health Care in the 2012 Presidential Election

Anna Sours — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

In the world of politics, language can be the difference between success and failure. Through language, we are able to communicate and understand one another, and it is important to critically analyze the language used by public figures in order to gain insight into their goals and attitudes. This study examines the language used by Barack Obama and Mitt Romney during the 2012 presidential election. Specifically, the study explores the ways in which Romney and Obama utilized frames, or the mental structures that shape the way they see the world. A sample of each candidate’s rhetoric and language was analyzed, using the topic of health care as a lens through which to study how both used language regarding health care policy. The frames chosen by Obama and Romney provide insight into each candidate’s political party ideology, particularly with regard to the ways in which the language used by each reinforced (or negated) worldviews traditionally held by Democrats or Republicans, respectively. The results are discussed in terms of George Lakoff’s family model of morality, which asserts that Democrats base values in government on a nurturant parent model of the family, while Republicans base values on a strict father model. Though Romney and Obama tended to use frames associated with their respective political parties, examples of both family models were found in the rhetoric of both candidates, suggesting a moderate political ideology for each.

The Economical Impact of Mountain Bicycle Events in Oregon

Kadin Hashimoto et al. — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

The current project aimed to quantify the economic impact of several mountain biking events and one tour operator in Oregon during 2012. Participants from three events and customers of one mountain bike tour company (Cog Wild) were surveyed in 2012 using an online survey. Our work summarizes the initial data analysis of participant responses to the survey questions. Specifically, we outlined the county level economic impact travel estimates, participant demographics, travel party size and spending averages across the four events. Only data from non-local participants (i.e., participants living outside of the event host county) were used for the economic impact analysis.

Theoretical Studies of Several Small-Ring Precursors to (+)-JQ1

Kevin J. Romero et al. — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

We present the results of DFT(B3LYP) calculations on several precursors to (+)-JQ1 using an accurate basis set, including a report of conformational analysis, thermochemistry, optimized geometries and electrostatic potentials, and calculated IR and Raman spectra. Species include (I)1H-1,4-diazepin-2(3H)-imine, (II) 9H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]diazepine, (III) 6H-thieno[3,2-f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3a][1,4]diazepine, and (IV) 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-6H-thieno[3,2f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]diazepine. Studies are also reported on monobrominated (II)-(IV) substituted at the chiral center of the seven member ring, including a comparison of the energetics of equatorial versus axial bromination of the parent precursor. Implications with regard to the larger structure of (+)-JQ1 are discussed.

Tattoos as a Behavioral Addiction

Allyna M. Murray et al. — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

Humans have adorned their bodies with tattoos for at least 5300 years (Pabst, et al., 2009), serving as means of spiritual and religious expression, and even punishment. In modern society, tattoos have gained mainstream status; however, tattoos still come with a risk of infection and disease and are associated with high-risk behaviors (Roberts, Auinger, & Ryan, 2004). Colloquially, tattoos are referred to as “addictive.” Yet with a burgeoning number of recent studies investigating behavioral addictions, no studies have examined whether there is data to support the notion that tattoos are addictive. In America, there is a growing subculture of the tattoo lifestyle. In 2006, 24% of adults in the United States were tattooed, which is approximately 7.5 million people (Laumann & Derick, 2006). Given this large population and the potential risks associated with tattoos, the addictive properties of tattooing should be explored. Potential sufferers risk a variety of potential negative consequences including: heightened risk for infection and disease, withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, and spending a large sum of money. The Tattoo Addiction Scale will attempt to identify these individuals and examine when getting a tattoo turns into a behavioral addiction.

Baumol and Bowen Effects at Private Liberal Arts Colleges

Geoffrey M. Hamilton — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

I test for Granger-causality between college tuition and college costs. The underlying theory used to support my analysis flows from the research of Baumol (1966) and Bowen (1980). Baumol argues that rising costs are the cause for rising tuition. Bowen argues that colleges raise as much revenue though tuition increases as possible and then spend it all on unlimited wants, resulting in ever-increasing costs. My results indicate simultaneous Granger-causality; increasing costs drive up college tuition and increasing tuition drives up college costs. These results provide evidence in support of both Baumol’s and Bowen’s theories.

Where Have All the Young Trees Gone? A Big Picture Look at the Lack of Seedlings and Saplings in Urban Forests

Wes L. Hanson et al. — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

We take a big picture look at the lack of seedlings, saplings and young trees in urban forests using our research in Forest Park in Portland, Oregon. Broshot, who measured vegetation at 25 sites in Forest Park, recorded significantly fewer live seedlings, saplings and young trees and significantly more dead seedlings, saplings and young trees in 2003 than in 1993. The percent mortality of western red cedar seedlings that were planted at 9 sites in Forest Park in 2005 ranged from less than 5% to over 70%. Investigations into the cause of seedling death has discounted predation by deer, elk or invertebrates, leaf disease, soil moisture, site aspect, and light as factors. The site with the highest mortality is located directly above the St John’s Bridge, suggesting air pollution. More recent work with lichens has provided evidence that nitrogen deposition related to air pollution may be the cause. We outline our past work and report preliminary results from our 2012 lichen survey analysis to support our hypothesis that pollution is a cause of the lack of young trees.

Optimization of Pt-based Spin-Hall-Effect Spintronic Devices

Joshua R. Melander et al. — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

The application of spintronics (spin-electronics) requires highly optimized devices. We aim to understand spin transport and its dependence on film thickness, so that the geometry of the device can be improved. This experiment investigates how the thickness of the sample affects the propagation of spin current (SC). Additionally we aim to reduce the effects from spin accumulation and reflection by the addition of a FeMn “spin sink” layer. Two series of sample multilayers are sputtered onto sapphire substrate, the first consists of Pt (x nm), and Permalloy (Py) (5 nm), where x is the variable thickness; the second series adds FeMn (0.5 nm) beneath Pt. SC is then induced by the Spin Hall Effect (SHE) where the effect on Py is measured by Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS) spectroscopy. Our data show the effects of SC increase inversely proportional to sample thickness and the addition of a spin sink layer improves these effects to a certain point where unexpected behavior occurs at x < 3nm.

The Great Recession and Okun's Law

Ryann Nolan — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

Okun’s Law expresses a relationship between economic growth and changes in the unemployment rate. Recent work by Herzon (2012) and Duy (2012) provide evidence that the relationship between growth and changes in the unemployment rate may have changed as a result of the Great Recession. I test for this by estimating the growth-unemployment relationship using a panel model across fifty U.S. states from the years 1998 to 2011 controlling for the labor force participation rate. I find that the unemployment rate has indeed been more responsive to economic growth after the Great Recession than it was before the recession and hypothesize about some reasons for this change.

Deciphering the Role of Insulin Signaling in microRNA-Mediated Gene Silencing in Drosophila Melanogaster

Austin J. Browning et al. — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that silence gene expression. miRNAs bind to target-gene messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts via complementary base pairing and silence target gene expression by interacting with the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). miRNA-mediated gene silencing is accomplished through translation block, mRNA degradation, or a combination of these mechanisms. Though many aspects of miRNA-mediated gene silencing are understood, the regulation of miRNA function and the downstream effectors of gene silencing are poorly characterized. Previously, a forward genetic screen for mutants with altered miRNA function was conducted in Drosophila melanogaster, demonstrating a requirement for the protein kinase AKT1 in miRNA-mediated gene silencing. miRNA function was assayed using an eye-specific Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)-based reporter of gene silencing. GFP was fused to the Brd gene 3’ untranslated region (UTR), which contains miRNA binding sites and is regulated by miRNA-mediated gene silencing in the Drosophila eye. AKT1 is a key component of the insulin-signaling pathway, thus, current efforts aim to elucidate the role of insulin signaling in miRNA-mediated gene silencing. Previous work suggested that disruption of additional genes in the insulin-signaling pathway influence the silencing of the eye-specific GFP reporter. Transgenic Drosophila lines are being constructed to assay the requirement of insulin signaling for silencing additional reporters of miRNA function, and for gene silencing at different stages of the Drosophila life cycle. These transgenic Drosophila lines will be used to determine the role of relevant genes of interest in the assembly and function of miRNA-specific RISC complexes (miRISCs).

Computational Studies of Protein Folding

Addison Wisthoff — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT

Proteins are known to fold to tertiary structures that determine the functionality of the protein in living organisms. The goal of our research is to better understand the protein folding process and to see if protein folding is a self-organized critical process. There are many different examples of self-organized criticality in nature, such as sand piles and earthquakes. Using MATLAB, we create an algorithm that models the folding process via a Monte Carlo time step approach. Specifically, amino acids in the chain at each time step are allowed to fold to certain locations according to a set of rules. We hope to observe whether or not the protein folding process exhibits features that are independent of the protein's size (a typical trait of self-organized criticality).