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Beauty, Wit, and Friendship: The Recipe for Female Influence in Seventeenth Century France
No full textThe life and reign of Louis XIV is a thoroughly studied period of history. However, it was not until the about 1970s that the lives and contributions of elite women in Louis XIV’s France began to be studied in greater depth. Many women of the court and Parisian nobility left behind diaries, collections of letters, or novels that detailed their lives. At a glance these accounts do not seem to tell more than the mundane goings-on. However on a closer look they recount the struggles of these elite women to influence the highly patriarchal society. Women’s contributions were ignored because they functioned outside of the official government power structure. Instead they held a more informal, but nonetheless formidable power as wives, mistresses, or family of powerful men. The research studies the accounts left behind by six women, three from Parisian high society - Madame de Sévigné, Ninon Lenclos, and Mademoiselle de Scudéry - and three from the court of Louis XIV - Madame de Maintenon, Madame de Montespan, and Madame duchess of Orléans. These six women’s perspectives uncover the three common ways highly placed women achieved influence and power in Louis XIV’s court
Little Modern Magazines
No full textThis project analyzes the role of 20th-century modernist literary journals in perpetuating and promoting social and political movements. The literary journals of this period were significant because they facilitated relevant and provocative conversations in the post-Victorian world, agitating for social movements prevalent in the modernist era. The journals used for this project, most notably the Little Review, Crisis, and the New Freewoman, are drawn from The Modernist Journals Project, a joint effort of Brown University and The University of Tulsa. The digitized database of literary journals, collected from 1890-1922, includes publications from Chicago, London, and Toronto. All publications were originally printed in English and facilitated a free flow of ideas and controversy across the Atlantic. Our research analyzes the relationships and appearances of major voices of the day, including W.E.B DuBois and Margaret C. Anderson. The volume of their writings and the journals they gravitated to make up the bulk of our study, alongside close text analysis. These literary journals ultimately opened up a major platform for voices excluded from mainstream society, including the Suffragette and Civil Rights movements. Most vitally, these magazines created a nexus for polemic writers, thinkers, and audiences to unite against conservative mores
Level of Fly Vector Mutualism Depends on Epichloë Reproductive Strategy
No full textBotanophila flies act as pollinating predators of sexually reproducing Epichloë fungi, and were found to be the main vectors of fungal gametes; however, other vectors and methods of fertilization have been suggested. We hypothesized that this discrepancy is due to different types of reproductive modes used by different species of Epichloë. We hypothesized that type I fungi (which only reproduce sexually) will depend less on Botanophila flies for spore transfer, as it is more risky for these fungi if the fly fails to fertilize. However, type II fungi (which reproduce both sexually and asexually) can afford to take the risk of the fly failing, since they have a “backup” mode of reproduction (asexual). We observed the interaction between Botanophila and Epichloë typhina (a type I species) at our field site in the forest of Phalempin, France to determine the level of dependence between the fly and fungus. As expected, egg numbers on the stromata were high at the beginning of the study, but dropped off as eggs hatched and larval numbers increased. Feeding by both fly larvae and other fungivores increased over the study period. Unlike past studies from our lab, that found that the fly was the main vector for cross fertilization of type II fungi, we found no net benefit to the fungus of having the fly visit Epichloë typhina. This is consistent with studies published by other labs and with our hypothesis that the mutualism of Botanophila is based on reproductive mode
Temperature Effects on a M. tuberculosis-infectious Subset of Mycobacteriophages
No full textMycobacteriophages are viruses that infect mycobacterial hosts. Over 1300 mycobacteriophages have been organized into at least 34 distinct groupings or clusters based on genomic sequence similarity. Some mycobacteriophages from Clusters A and K can also infect Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a distinction of potential medical importance. Recently, Hope College SEA-PHAGES students have been isolating predicted Cluster K phages at a higher frequency (≥ 2x) after changing the isolation temperature from 37°C to 32°C. Additionally, these phages were unable to propagate at 42°C. PCR analysis supported a Cluster K classification for many predicted Cluster K phages isolated at 32°C, but for only one of the phages (Ruthiejr) isolated at 37°C. Interestingly, Ruthiejr does propagate at 42°C. We hypothesized that Cluster K phages may have a relative growth advantage at lower temperatures. We investigated temperature-dependent growth properties of several known and PCR-supported Cluster K mycobacteriophages. We examined phage thermostability, adsorption rate, reproductive cycle time (latent period), and burst size. Stability at 42°C appeared phage-dependent and was not always consistent with growth temperature profiles and/or host adsorption kinetics. For example, phages Bella96 and Krueger, both growth-defective at 42°C, also displayed reduced thermostability and host adsorption kinetics at 42°C compared to lower temperatures. In contrast, phages Polymorphads and Hyperbowlee, also growth defective at 42°C, were nonetheless stable at 42°C. Notably, Hyperbowlee also showed almost no host adsorption at 42°C. One-step growth analysis of D29 (control), Bella96, and Krueger showed impaired growth of the Cluster K phages at ≥ 37°C compared to D29. These results now suggest that Cluster K phages may have a growth disadvantage at temperatures ≥ 32°C. Our findings provide insight into the growth behavior and temperature sensitivity of Cluster K phages and may lead to discoveries about M. smegmatis and M. tuberculosis infection by mycobacteriophages
Emerging Ruthenium-Glucose Complexes with Chemotherapeutic Potential and Inquiry into the Biochemical Mechanism of Action
No full textDue to the severe toxicity of anticancer platinum complexes and acquired drug resistance, research has focused on arene ruthenium complexes as viable alternatives. Arene complexes of the formula [areneRu(µ2-L)Cl]2 and (areneRu)2(µ2-L)3+ (L = alkyl thiolate) are known to be cytotoxic with IC50 values in the micromolar and submicromolar ranges, respectively. Our goals are to investigate whether glucose ligands or hydrophobic ligands on cymene ruthenium complexes improve specificity for cancerous cells over normal cells. Reaction of the sodium salt of β-D-thioglucose with [cymeneCl2Ru]2 forms [(cymeneRu(µ2-thioglucose)Cl]2 (1) and (cymeneRu)2(µ2-thioglucose)3+ (2). These compounds were successfully purified by HPLC and characterized by NMR spectroscopy. Toxicity of 1 has been investigated in vitro. Half-sandwich arene ruthenium complexes with hydrophobic N-heterocyclic ligands of the formula (arene)Ru(L)Cl2 have been synthesized where L= 4-phenyl pyridine, isoquinoline, benzimidazole, and CF3, and have been investigated and characterized spectroscopically
Model Polymer System for Red Light Activated Azobenzene Molecules
No full textPhotomechanical materials are light responsive substances that can be repeatedly and wirelessly actuated. These materials have potential for applications such as soft actuators in microfluidic or biomedical devices. Previous studies have observed macroscopic deformation in polymers by varying location, polarization, wavelength, and intensity of light on polymers containing the light sensitive molecule, azobenzene. While past work in this area has been beneficial, azobenzenes are typically only triggered when exposed to UV or blue-green light. These wavelengths of light are harmful to biological tissue and degrade polymers after long periods of exposure. This study’s objective was to create a polymer system in which a red or NIR activated azobenzene could be incorporated. Multiple model systems were created with methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, and styrene as monomers, while standard off-the-shelf azobenzenes were used to create the photomechanical response. Results indicate that it is possible to cause the polymer film to move either towards or away from a blue-green light source (λ= 450nm). Further testing must be done in order to determine if the response is caused by light actuation or thermal actuation. In the future, studies will also be conducted to generate a more consistent photoresponsive film for integrating red/NIR absorbing azobenzenes
Surface Stimulation as a Potential Treatment for Phantom Limb Pain
No full textPhantom Limb Pain, a pain or discomfort in the missing limb, is experienced by the majority of amputees. We hypothesize that by eliciting a non-painful sensation in the missing limb, phantom limb pain may be reduced or eliminated. The overall goal of this project is to develop a therapy that consists of an electrically activated tapping sensation in the missing hand or foot combined with a robot tapping on the prosthesis. The goal of this project was to compare the electrically activated sensation with actual touch. The median or ulnar nerve was stimulated with the goal of creating a realistic tapping sensation in the subject’s hand and the common peroneal nerve was stimulated with the goal of eliciting sensation in the foot. The rubber hand and foot illusions were then used to quantify the authenticity of the stimulated sensation. A variety of rubber hand/foot illusion conditions were performed on each subject: three traditional trials where a human investigator tapped on both the real hand and the rubber hand and one artificial trial where surface electrical stimulation evoked a tapping sensation in the real limb while the robot tapped on the rubber limb. The results of the traditional and artificial methods were compared to determine if a significant difference was present. Data collected included: questionnaire results, proprioceptive drift, and temperature changes of the arm/leg. A total of twenty five rubber hand illusion trials were completed. Results demonstrate that both physical touch and artificial sensations were able to evoke a more realistic illusion than the control condition. However, sensations evoked by electrical stimulation were not as realistic as those produced by physical touch. The rubber foot illusion trials are still ongoing, but preliminary analysis shows that results are trending towards a positive illusion for both traditional and artificial conditions
Development and Study of Printable Stimuli-Responsive Model Polymer Systems
No full textThe study of stimuli-responsive materials that act as transducers, converting one form of energy to another, has become a significant topic of research over the past several decades. For example, some polymers functionalized with azobenzene have been shown to convert light energy to mechanical work when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. Stimuli-responsive materials may provide significant advantages in applications that require wireless actuation or autonomous adaptation to environmental stimulus. Liquid crystalline polymers are promising materials that have been shown to experience large mechanical deformations under thermal or photo stimulus. However, the fabrication of these materials has primarily been successful in making only 2D polymeric sheets. Therefore, the resulting engineering design space is limited. Our long-term goal is to explore ways in which these materials can be processed effectively using a 3D printer to create more complex 2D and 3D geometries. The first step to achieve this goal is to create a model polymer system based on liquid crystalline monomers. A key feature that these polymers must exhibit is thermoplastic behavior, so that the polymer melts at elevated temperatures which allows them to be printed. To achieve this feature, we studied two polymers systems that feature physical crosslinking. One of the systems that was studied involves the use of metallophilic interactions, which forms a silver ion backbone cross-link in the polymer network. The other system that was explored was a polyimidothioether. These polymers incorporate soft flexible segments that are linked through hard rigid segments that form physical aggregates. Herein, we will summarize the synthesis and some preliminary characterization of these materials. By establishing a robust printable liquid crystalline polymer, the potential exists to design systems that respond to environmental stimuli such as light or heat, making this material attractive for the aerospace, biomedical, and textile industries
One bird, two bird? Red bird, blue bird? Analyzing bird songs using wavelet transforms, image processing, and neural networks
No full textBiologists, ecologists, and bird enthusiasts want to estimate bird population trends in order to monitor changes in ecosystems. Recently, time-consuming field observations of birds have been augmented by audio recordings of birds. In the lab, we deciphered the types of birds singing in these recordings. We used wavelet transforms to convert audio signals into images called scalograms. These scalograms display bird songs in a format similar to sheet music; they show how the pitch and volume of a bird’s song change over time. After applying denoising methods to the images, we trained a neural network to identify the birds from the processed images
Nursing Teamwork and Negative Patient Outcomes: A Correlational Study
No full textSignificant implications for patient health arise from the multifaceted dynamic of a nursing team. Nursing teamwork has a substantial contribution to the overall quality of patient care and outcomes. This study’s purpose was to investigate the relationship between nursing teamwork and the incidence of various patient outcomes that negatively affect health. It was hypothesized that units with better nursing teamwork as measured by the Nursing Teamwork Survey would yield fewer negative patient outcomes based on quality indicators including restraint use, patient falls, patient falls with injury, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), and central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSI). The study was framed around Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory, which emphasizes the value of nurses cultivating an environment that promotes optimum patient outcomes. The retrospective and correlational study included a convenience sample of licensed and non-licensed nursing staff from 37 units within a large Midwestern hospital system. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. There was no significant relationship between nursing teamwork and quality indicators including restraint use (r=-.10, p=0.56), patient falls (r=-.15, p=0.40), patient falls with injury (r=.056, p=0.75), CAUTI (r=-.02, p=0.89), or CLABSI (r=-.20, p=0.24). In conclusion, these results did not support a relationship between nursing teamwork and negative patient health outcomes. Limitations of the study include convenience sampling, a small sample size, and minimal control over extraneous variables. By examining factors contributing to negative patient outcomes, interventions can be developed to move forward toward reduced healthcare costs and enhanced healing