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The Extent of the Retreat from Marriage on a College Campus: A Quantitative Analysis of Student Perspectives on Marriage
Full text linkWhile the retreat from marriage has been studied many times as a sociological phenomenon, the college demographic has not been isolated as an important population of study for research on marriage. Therefore this study concerns itself with this under-examined population, examining the extent to which the retreat from marriage is present on a college campus. Guided by life course theory, this research is conducted through the use of a quantitative survey distributed to current undergraduate students at a small, Catholic liberal arts college in order to understand student perspectives of marriage. The survey is finding that the majority of students do want to get married in the future, but the preferences guiding each individual’s marriage decisions vary due to the complexity of unique personal experience. The results of this study suggest that the extent of a complete retreat from marriage on a college campus is actually very small. Rather, there is evidence that the overlap of various personal and institutional influences supports delays in marriage among students
Synthesis of Sulfonium Ylides from β-Diketones
Full text linkSulfonium ylides are desirable precursor molecules for the photochemically induced generation of carbene intermediates. Carbenes are highly reactive organic molecules in which a carbon atom is bonded to two atoms with one lone pair of electrons. A frequent synthetic use of carbenes is in the synthesis of new carbon-carbon bonds, a key process in pharmaceutical development. Additionally, carbenes are highly abundant in interstellar space, making them important in foundational research, which can deepen understanding of reactivity and potential applications. In this work we sought an efficient and economical synthesis of sulfonium ylide precursor compounds. Traditionally sulfonium ylides have been synthesized from diazo compounds, but rarely directly from β-diketones. By using β-diketones as starting material, the need for diazo compounds in the synthetic pathway can be eliminated, reducing a two-step synthesis to a one-step process. Varying reaction conditions were explored in an attempt to maximize the efficiency of the proposed one step synthetic pathway
The Effect of Niagen on DNA Repair and Metabolism in Tetrahymena thermophila
No full textAbstract only.Nicotinamide riboside chloride, branded Niagen, is marketed as an anti-aging supplement due to its ability to serve as a precursor for the essential metabolic coenzyme, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Although manufacturers claim that Niagen aids in cellular processes such as DNA repair and energy production, findings from previous research on its cellular mechanism and effectiveness remain inconclusive. In this study, the model organism Tetrahymena thermophila was exposed to a UVC light-induced stressor to assess the effects of Niagen on recovery from DNA damage. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that T. thermophila treated with Niagen would be better protected against DNA damage, as indicated through changes in behavior and expression of THD10, a gene involved in DNA repair, and PDA1, which plays a role in cellular metabolism. Three experimental groups were established to test this hypothesis, including a control group and two groups of cells that were exposed to UVC light for three periods of 30 minutes over 48 hours. During the UVC treatment period, one of the two groups also received Niagen supplementation. Behavioral assays, consisting of cell counts, motility, and deciliation, were performed to examine recovery from DNA damage, while RT-qPCR was utilized to analyze the expression of THD10 and PDA1. It was predicted that the supplement’s proposed ability to aid in DNA repair and energy production would increase the expression of the THD10 and PDA1 genes. Behavioral changes in Niagen-treated T. thermophila were also predicted, specifically faster re-growth following deciliation, increased motility, and increased cell growth
Ireland and Palestine: The Fight for Sovereignty
Full text linkOn February 4th, 2025, The Trump Administration established a bold and controversial proposal, one that seemingly overlooks centuries of history in a region facing renewed conflict. The historical parallels of Ireland and Palestine offer a unique lens through which to analyze the Trump Administration's policies on Gaza. Both Ireland and Palestine have experienced struggles for recognition and sovereignty marked by partition, colonialism and resistance movements. This presentation examines the policies of the Trump Administration for Gaza through the mechanism of historical contexts of colonial influence and national identity.
By characterizing the shared history of Ireland and Palestine, from British colonial rule to armed resistance and international solidarity, my analysis offers an exploration of how past sovereignty movements influences modern political strategies. Through this comparative lens, I further characterize the role of global powers in shaping historical and ongoing questions of national sovereignty. By using current events, historical text, and the stories of the impacted individuals, I will bring light to a shared history of oppression and resistance that bridges two continents
Synthesis and Study of Carbene Intermediates
No full textFormation of carbon-carbon bonds is crucial in synthetic chemistry because carbon atoms are the backbone of many organic molecules of interest, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Carbenes are reactive intermediates composed of a neutral carbon atom that has two unshared valence electrons. These intermediates are prevalent in organic synthesis, and exhibit both a singlet or triplet electronic state, each having distinct reactive properties. Developing a deeper understanding of carbene intermediates will likely open new opportunities in synthetic chemistry. A four step synthesis was proposed to allow for derivatization of carbene precursor molecules, allowing for the investigation of carbene intermediate abundance and electronic state in relation to differing properties of the substituents
Faith Healing: The Power and Politics of Belief
Full text linkWhen someone gets sick, a common sympathy is, “I’ll pray for you.” This is a common sentiment that extends over surgeries, chronic pain, and even more serious ailments such as a cancer diagnosis. But what happens when people look to faith healing, the practice of using prayer and spiritual rituals to replace all medical interventions? This practice, while deeply rooted in certain religious traditions, can lead to preventable and tragic outcomes, especially when it results in the avoidable deaths of children whose parents are protected from legal prosecution in states such as Idaho.
In this presentation, I examine the controversial religious practice of faith healing particularly in religious groups such as The Followers of Christ's Church and The Church of Christian Science, and its legal implications in the United States. Through legal cases such as Walker v. Superior Court and anecdotes of children who have died as a result of these faith-healing practices, I will showcase the dangerous outcomes of these practices and the challenges in reforming faith-healing laws. In addition, I look at how faith healing is a placebo, offering great comfort to many people but failing to provide real medical intervention. By exploring these issues, I look at policy reform to help close the loopholes that allow faith healing, protect children from preventable harm, and still respect the First Amendment which will enable people to practice religion freely
Examining the Effects of Witch Hazel on Inflammation in Tetrahymena thermophila
No full textAbstract only.Witch Hazel, which is derived from the plant Hamamelis virginiana, is a supplement used to treat inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties are said to result from the supplement’s tannic acid content, which can promote vasorelaxation and reduce swelling. Although there is existing research on the cellular mechanisms by which tannic acid works to reduce inflammation, the goal of this study was to determine whether Witch Hazel treatment results in comparable changes to the inflammatory response in the model organism, Tetrahymena thermophila. To induce inflammation, the Tetrahymena thermophila were placed in a hypotonic solution and their recovery from cellular swelling in the presence of Witch Hazel was assessed. We hypothesized that Witch Hazel treatment would lead to a reduction in inflammation-related behaviors and gene expression. For the gene expression analysis via RT-qPCR, both the STF1 gene, which encodes for a solute transporter that regulates cell volume, and the CIT1 gene, which encodes for an enzyme that is part of the glyoxylate cycle, were analyzed. To determine the behavioral effects of Witch Hazel treatment on inflammation, each experimental group underwent three behavioral assays including a motility assay, a feeding assay, and a speed and tumbling assay. It was predicted that there would be an increase in expression of the STF1 and CIT1 genes in cultures exposed to the Witch Hazel treatment, as well as increases in motility, feeding, and speeding and tumbling behaviors
The BNR Revolution: An Overview of Montana’s Newest Method for Wastewater Treatment
Full text linkThe Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) type plant is the newest innovation in municipal wastewater treatment. Utilizing microorganisms in a carefully curated environment, BNR plants can easily exceed their predecessors without the use of chemicals and at a lower operating cost. While BNR plants have existed in the United States since 1978, the first BNR plant in Montana was not built until 1992 in Kalispell. Since then, virtually every major city in Montana has upgraded to a BNR type plant including Missoula, Butte, Great Falls, Bozeman, Billings, and Helena. This presentation aims to give an overview of how today’s wastewater plants operate, and along the way, explain how they are able to exceed the types of plants that came before them
Navigating Social Media: The Impact of Text-Based vs. Image-Based Engagement on Social Anxiety Among College Students
Full text linkPrevious studies suggest social media outlets such as Facebook have a negative impact on students’ mental health (Braghieri et al., 2022). Specifically, the use of social media is correlated with heightened social anxiety and affects both men and women (Dobrean & Pasarelu, 2016). Our study aimed to build on prior research by exploring if users’ levels of social anxiety are different based on which platforms they more frequently use. We examined this association by asking participants (n=51) to report the top social media applications used on their smartphone Participants then completed the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL), demographic questions and a smartphone screen time questionnaire. Results indicated that women had a statistically significantly higher LSAS score than men did. However, no association was found between screen time and social anxiety scores. There was also no significant difference in phone usage (the top social media outlets used) between men and women. Although this was of no significance, it might be interesting to note the results found when looking at text-based vs image-based social media. We found that only 2 out of 51 participants had reported a text-based app being their most used, while the rest were image-based. Further research could be gathering information about the type of content (beauty vs sports) that women and men engage in, and how those differences could correlate with social anxiety
The Effect of Turkesterone on Environmentally Stressed Tetrahymena thermophila
Full text linkThis study investigated the effects of Turkesterone—a plant-derived steroid from Ajuga turkestanica, on metabolic gene expression, locomotive behavior, and endurance in the model organism Tetrahymena thermophila. In recent years, Turkesterone has been marketed as an effective alternative to anabolic steroids despite minimal evidence regarding its health benefits or impacts on muscular hypertrophy. However, it is known that individuals who consume Turkesterone experience fewer adverse side effects compared to traditional anabolic steroids. Based on this information, it was hypothesized that the alleged anabolic and metabolism-enhancing effects of Turkesterone would affect genes and behaviors associated with metabolic function and motility in T. thermophila. To test this hypothesis, T. thermophila were cultured for 48 hours in media containing a viscosity inducer to mimic a high endurance environment, with one group of cells receiving the Turkesterone treatment. After 48 hours, motility, deciliation, and feeding assays were performed to determine behavioral impacts. To analyze gene expression, RT-qPCR was performed on OXR1, a critical gene in oxidative stress resistance; AAC1, which codes for an ATP/ADP transporter and is involved in energy production; and IFT122, which assists in recycling ciliary proteins to aid motility. It was predicted that T. thermophila treated with Turkesterone in a high endurance environment would exhibit enhanced motility, faster recovery from deciliation, and increased feeding, supported by decreased expression of OXR1, AAC1, and IFT122, all of which are indicators of improved anabolism and metabolic health