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Homepage > Academics > Special Academic Programs > McNair Scholars > Abstracts > Cohort 9
COHORT 9 ~ 2003-2004 Targeted Drug Delivery via Folic Acid Conjugates
for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Jennifer Goodell, Chemistry, Biology & Biochemistry
The College of St. Scholastica
Ronald Caple, Ph.D. and Venkatram R. Mereddy, Ph.D., Mentors
Department of Chemistry
University of Minnesota-Duluth ABSTRACT Folic acid is an essential vitamin necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. It plays a central role in the formation of nucleic acid synthesis and cell division and hence the vitamin is consumed in elevated quantities by rapidly proliferating tumor cells. Folate receptor is a tumor marker that is overexpressed on a variety of neoplastic tissues. BNCT is a binary therapy in which the tumor cells are loaded with a high concentration of 10B and later activated by applying a radiation field of low energy neutrons. Neutron capture results in the formation of excited 11B nuclei, which then undergoes fission to produce high linear energy transfer particles triggering cell death. The range of these particles is limited and hence the neighboring cells are spared of any damage. The success of BNCT depends on the selective delivery of boron to the cancer cells and hence it is important to find an accurate way of transferring the required boron concentration to cancer cells. We propose to synthesize several carboranyl-folic acid conjugates as potential agents for BNCT. We hypothesize that these molecules will be selectively taken up by folate receptor over expressing cancer cells and can be used for BNCT of various cancers. We have already prepared various starting materials and are now in the process of coupling these molecules with folic acid. Top of Page The Pardoner’s Intent:
Examining the Role of Revenge in the Canterbury Tales
and the Medieval Reader’s Interpretation
Travis Johnson, B.A., English
William Hodapp, Ph.D., Mentor
Department of English
The College of St. Scholastica For myn entente is nat but for to wynne
And nothing for correcioun of synne
-The Pardoner ABSTRACT This article examines Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Pardoner’s Tale” as it relates to The Canterbury Tales’ frame narrative, the pilgrimage, and the Pilgrims. Within the context of medieval literary theory, this article explores the interplay between Chaucer’s characters and the tale-telling game, particularly the idea of narrative warfare: the notion that a tale serves as a personal attack. The essay proposes that the Pardoner, like other Pilgrims, participates in narrative warfare, concocting an elaborate joke, the butt of which is the Pilgrims who are unable to “get” the joke. The article concludes in light of medieval reading habits, however, that Chaucer’s audience, ironically, would “get” the Pardoner’s joke. Top of Page Organizational Response of Mixed Cell Populations
to Printed Patterns of FGF-2 Immobilized on Fibrin.
Tina M. Jonas, Biology
The College of St. Scholastica
Phil Campbell, Ph.D., Mentor
Institute for Complex Engineered Systems
Molecular and Biosensor Imaging Center
Carnegie Mellon University
Gerald Cizadlo, Ph.D., Advisor, Department of Biology
The College of St. Scholastica ABSTRACT Immobilized patterns of growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) direct cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Gaining an understanding of how different cells respond to immobilized growth factor patterns will enable us to design more effective therapies for wound healing. The goal of this project was to monitor the responses of multiple cell types to immobilized patterns of FGF-2 created using ink jet printing, and to design a successful protocol for use in further studies. In order to accomplish this I first needed to label the cell types so they could easily be distinguished from each other. This was done using different colored Quantum Dots to label the cytoplasm of each cell type. The experiment was conducted using MG-63 Human preosteoblastic cells and Swiss 3T3 mouse fibroblasts. The proliferative and migratory responses of the cells were monitored using time-lapse microscopy. A response to the patterns was observed; however, much refining is needed in order to gain information that is useful for studying wound healing. The use of a flow sorter was implemented in order to begin refining this process. Top of Page How Traditional Native Americans Practice Their Religion
While Serving in the United States Military
Carol Latour, English/American Indian Studies
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Thomas Zelman, Ph.D., Mentor
Department of English
The College of St. Scholastica ABSTRACT This paper explores how traditional Native Americans practice their religion while serving in the Untied States military; however, it also discusses the process of exploring this topic. It contains an amalgamation of what my original thesis contained, what happened when that thesis broke down, and what I learned both academically and personally throughout the entire process. I will explain how my initial expectations both motivated and hindered my research, and how the breakdown of my thesis created a clearer and more accurate depiction of Native American culture. By combining historical information with personal interviews of Native American veterans, this paper will illustrate how the research setbacks changed not only the controlling idea, but myself as well. Top of Page The Perinatal Experience of Native Women on a Midwest Reservation
Papalotl Almanza Lopez, B.A., CD
Mary Tanner, Ph.D., R.N., Mentor
Department of Nursing
The College of St. Scholastica ABSTRACT This qualitative study explored the perinatal experience of Ojibwe women living on a Midwest reservation from the point of view of grandmothers, mothers, and health care providers. A participatory, action-based research methodology was utilized to interview participants. Findings were described using the conceptual framework of nursing in the Native American culture. Findings included health-seeking behaviors of prenatal women and positive change occurring within the realm of the reservation’s health care system. Findings also suggest a lack of communication, referral and interaction among health care agencies. Top of Page The Effects of Androgen Ablation on Vascular Integrity in
Human Prostate Xenografts Measured by Fibrinogen Leakage Nhat-Anh N. Ngo, Biochemistry and Biology
The College of St. Scholastica
Danny R. Gray2, B.S., Howard M. Reisner2, Ph.D.,
and Gary J. Smith2,3 , Ph.D., Mentors
2Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
and 3Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center,
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina ABSTRACT Androgen deprivation therapy is used to treat symptomatic advanced prostate cancer, with the tumor vasculature as a secondary target. The objective of this project is to demonstrate that leakiness of prostate vessels increases from pre- to post-androgen ablation therapy, possibly reflecting endothelial cell death, retraction, or other physiological factors. We hypothesized that the number or percent of leaky vessels would increase following such therapy. Androgen deprivation was induced in human prostate xenografts in nu/nu mice by surgical castration and removal of pre-implanted supplemental testosterone pellets. Fibrinogen is a soluble protein found in blood plasma and is essential in the haemostatic pathway. Stained fibrinogen/fibrin in tissue spaces and/or deposited on vessel walls indicates damage of vessels possibly due to the withdrawal of testosterone. The number of blood vessels and fibrin deposition in the xenograft tissue were evaluated through immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. Staining using antibodies specific for endothelial cells and for human fibrinogen was conducted on human xenograft tissue from mock castrated and castrated groups. Xenografts were harvested on days 0, 2, and 7 following surgery. Blood vessels positive for endothelial markers were counted, and compared to those positive for both perivascular fibrinogen and endothelial markers, an indication of leakiness. The analysis of these results will identify the time frame of when prostate vessels start leaking after androgen deprivation. This information will help in the development of new therapies that can target areas of vascular damage. Top of Page Recruiting and Retention Methods for
African-American Students in Higher Education In Memory of
Maurice Southern
1982-2004
Charlee Nyumah, B.A.
David Anstett, M.B.A., Mentor
Department of Management
The College of St. Scholastica
ABSTRACT
Graduation rates for African-American students in higher education are low! Recruiting and retention methods are a concern in predominantly white colleges (PWC) for African-American students. Further investigation shows retention plans are unsuccessful for retaining African-Americans in PWCs. This current research examines whether a small liberal arts college in the Midwest is representative of other PWCs recruiting and retention methods for African-American students are effective. A questionnaire was circulated to recruiting and retention counselors at representative PWC. The results of the survey and the enrollment data show there is no plan to recruit and retain African-American students. These results verify the hypothesis that recruiting and retention methods at the representative PWC are not effective at attracting African-American students. Top of Page The Binding of Fatty Acids, Detergents,
and Antioxidants to Human Serum Albumin
Matt Ostendorf, Biology/Biochemistry
Paul Stein, Ph.D., Mentor, Department of Chemistry
The College of St. Scholastica ABSTRACT
This research examined the effects different fatty acids, detergents, and antioxidants had on the conformation of serum albumin, the most abundant protein in the blood. The determination of the binding constant, Ka, for each ligand provided a sound basis to understanding of how it bound to the human serum albumin (HSA) molecule. Longer fatty acids had tighter binding to HSA. This reflects the hydrophobic nature of the protein ligand interaction. The detergent SDS caused a larger change in the fluorescence spectrum of HAS, though having a similar binding constant to both stearate and laurate. This suggest that the sulfonate group, found on SDS but not fatty acids, could play a role in how SDS influences the tryptophan fluorescence of HSA. BG (bromcresol green) was found to contain two distinct binding sites. Despite a similar structure to BG, the antioxidant EGCG, appears to bind to a different location on the HSA molecule which is not shared with fatty acid ligands. Further experimentation could be done to determine the crystallographic structure of HSA binding to different ligands. Top of Page Working Side by Side: Classroom Teachers Better Serving Students with EBD Amanda Panek, Elementary Education
Beth Lavigne, M.Ed., Mentor
Department of Education
The College of St. Scholastica ABSTRACT General education teachers need to implement effective instructional strategies while working with students with Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD). Special Education students are better served when their General education teachers and Special Education teachers work together. Throughout the years treatment and strategies have evolved to better serve students with disabilities. Persons that work with students with Emotional Behavioral disorders need special instruction and techniques. Changes need to be made to help these special students be as successful as their peers with and without disabilities. Top of Page The Readings of a Writer:
The Literary Landscape Created by L.M. Montgomery’s Love of Literature
Emily S. Woster, English
Patricia Hagen, Ph.D., Mentor
Department of English
The College of St. Scholastica ABSTRACT The ‘literary landscape’ is an original concept to this research. L. M. Montgomery’s journals offer insight into the reading habits of a writer as no other source could. This landscape is the world created in one’s mind by books, poems, plays, stories and histories. The ideas and characters within these writings affect the way an author thinks and writes, in much the same way this author’s works affect those who read it. Buried in her journal, through all of her emotional trials, triumphs and mundane recitations of everyday life, Montgomery left hints as to the makeup of her landscape and clues as to who populated. Top of Page Factors to be Considered When Selecting Individuals to Form a Team:
Personality Being the Most Important Factor for Better Productivity
Tendai-Nicole Zawaira, Psychology
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Margaret Preus, M.A., Mentor
Department of Education
The College of St. Scholastica ABSTRACT
This research examines factors to be considered when composing teams in the workplace. Particular emphasis is placed on personality. The research discusses a variety of measurements for identifying personality types, including the Myers-Briggs Test Inventory (MBTI), the Enneagram, Big Five Personalities and team player styles. These measurements are discussed in brief and some advantages and disadvantages of the MBTI and the Enneagram are outlined. Although it can be demonstrated that using personality as a primary factor in team composition does not always produce effective teams, much of the research shows that the single most important factor in team productivity is personality. This paper will aid in explaining that a mixture of individual personalities will perform more effectively, thus yielding a productive performance.
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