Category: 2014

An Improved Route for the Synthesis of Phosphine Oxides Via the Alkylation of Phosphonates Through the Use of Grignard Reagents and Halide Scavengers

Presenter: Chase Salazar

Mentor: David Tyler

Oral Presentation

Major: Chemistry

An added improvement to the low-yielding reaction of phosphonates to phosphine oxides is shown. The use of a halide scavenger will increase the yield of the phosphonates to phosphine oxides alkylation from 20% to up to 95% yields by preventing a side reaction that is suggested to be caused by halides from the Grignard reagents. The large scope of substrates and excellent yields of the reaction makes it a pragmatic method for phosphine oxide synthesis as compared to the current method that requires harsh chlorination conditions with low yields. This high yielding adaptation to the alkylation of phosphonates to phosphine oxides offers a new synthetic route to the synthesis of asymmetric tertiary phosphines. Phosphines are highly used for coupling reactions in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and other specialty chemicals. This new proposed route is performed with bench top chemistry that has equal or higher yields to the current phosphine ligand synthesis that requires strict air-free chemistry techniques and hazardous work with pyrophoric materials. The new method allows for a simpler and safer synthetic route for phosphine ligand synthesis.

Women and Glaciers: Perspectives on Climate Change Vulnerability, Identity, and the Professional Sphere

Presenter: Jaclyn Rushing

Mentor: Mark Carey

Poster: 29

Major: Environmental Studies/Romance Languages

Women and glaciers appear to be disparate subjects and academic literature has yet to investigate the relationships between them. However, women’s relationships with glaciers can inform many important intersections of gender inequality in sport, science, culture, and environmental climate change. Historically women’s global interactions with glaciers helped them connect to place and self through spirituality, culture, mountaineering, and glaciology. Women have recorded their strong emotional and spiritual connection with glaciers in poems, oral traditions, religious stories, and autobiographical essays. But in recent decades, climate change has altered and complicated women’s interactions with glaciers. On the one hand, studies show that rapid glacier retreat has marginalized and disempowered women, because of increased natural disasters like glacial lake outburst floods, unpredictable water availability, and ecological loss. These hazards pose major threats to Himalayan and Andean mountain communities, especially for already culturally marginalized and impoverished women in those regions. On the other hand, climate- triggered ice loss has created unique opportunities for women to increase their participation in science, conservation, and politics. Historically marginalized women in the Himalayas and Andes are leading their own forums on climate change and disaster mitigation. More international aid agencies are reaching out to women and seeking women’s input in disaster mitigation and relief. Women in science are increasing their presence in the male-dominated field of glaciology largely because of growing academic gender tolerance, but also because climate change provides the occasion to study glacier retreat. Recent rapid glacier retreat thus complicates women’s experience by increasing their climate vulnerability while simultaneously providing them with opportunities to assert themselves in their communities.

Sustainable Farms: A Management Plan for Restoring Goose Creek

Presenter: Adrian Robins

Co-Presenters: Jordan Grace, Solveig Noll, Celina Stilphen

Mentor: Peg Boulay

Oral Presentation

Major: Environmental Science

This spring, the Environmental Leadership Program’s Sustainable Farms team is working with a local farm to develop a restoration plan for a degraded creek. Goose Creek runs through Whitewater Ranch and into the McKenzie River, which provides the city of Eugene with its drinking water. Prior use of the creek has reduced its ability to support native species. With the farm’s support, we are developing a plan to enhance aquatic habitat and support native pollinators. To create this plan, we will study historic conditions, map the site, collect hydrogeologic data, and inventory native fish and pollinator species. This will help us make recommendations for removing invasive species, creating a riparian buffer, and planting a native hedgerow. The riparian buffer will lower downstream temperatures and enhance stream habitat while the native hedgerow will provide habitat for native pollinators. This work will benefit Whitewater, local wildlife, and the farm’s downstream neighbors. Our management plan will provide a foundation for Whitewater and future ELP students, who will carry out the restoration work on Goose Creek. We hope this project will also set a precedent for further improvements to the McKenzie River watershed.

Effects of the Aquatic Contaminant Perchlorate on Expression of NIS Clade Genes in Divergent Populations of Threespine Stickleback

Presenter: Amanda Redmond

Mentor: William Cresko

Poster: 28

Major: Biology

Perchlorate is a known endocrine disruptor and a wide spread environmental contaminant that causes hypothyroidism in humans. Our previous work demonstrated that perchlorate results in a masculinizing effect in anadromous threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), but it is not known whether ecotypes of stickleback respond differently to this contaminant. Perchlorate has a known effect of suppressing thyroid hormone synthesis by competitively inhibiting the sodium-iodide symporter (slc5a5). The large slc5 gene family is associated with thyroid function and vitamin/mineral transport in all vertebrates. Using bioinformatic approaches we have identified that
there are several closely related genes to slc5a5 in stickleback including slc5a6a, slc5a6b, slc5a8a, and slc5a8b.
We investigate the effect of perchlorate on developmental gene expression in three genetically diverged populations of stickleback from Rabbit Slough (oceanic), Boot Lake (freshwater), and Riverbend (freshwater) ecosystems. We have developed RNA anti-sense probes for the NIS genes that we will be using for gene expression analysis using in situ hybridization to document the spatio-temporal expression of slc5a6a, slc5a6b, slc5a8a, and slc5a8b genes in each ecotype in response to perchlorate exposure. Because evolutionarily diverged populations of stickleback living in different habitats have different osmoregulatory and developmental nutrient needs, we hypothesize that a single chemical that affects solute transporters may have variable developmental effects among populations. In a preliminary study, we have mapped the temporal and spatial distribution of these genes in Rabbit slough (oceanic) fishes, and have found that they are expressed starting at 8-10 days in numerous tissues including the thyroid and the gonad. Our goal next is to identify gene expression patterns of the slc5 genes in the thyroid and gonad at 8, 14, and 30 days post fertilization (dpf) in the diverged populations, and to test for changes in spatial or temporal expression of the genes based on population, perchlorate treatement, and/or an interaction of both. We hypothesize that a gene by environment interaction (G-by-E) will lead to unique patterns of slc5a5 clade gene expression response to perchlorate in each of the three populations. Using cryosections of both control and 100ppm perchlorate treated fish we will determine the expression of these genes at 8, 14, and 30dpf. Our study will be relevant to understanding more about effects of toxin exposure between very genetically divergent populations of fish and other vertebrates, including humans.

CO2 Got Me Feeling So Blue?

Presenter: Lindsay Rasmussen

Co-Presenters: Katie Bushman, Parisa Motahari-asl

Mentor: Alison Kwok

Poster: 27

Major: Architecture 

This case study measures the carbon dioxide levels in the Architectural Design Studios of Pacific Hall, focusing on room 223. The current number of occupants in this room exceeds the original design intent; nevertheless, the original variable-air-volume ventilation system continues to be used. This case study investigates whether a larger occupancy number raises the carbon dioxide levels past the ventilation system’s capacity to function at ASHRAE Standards. For a contextual comparison a control room in a newly renovated building was also studied. The principal hypothesis for this case study is that the amount of CO2 in Room 223 of Pacific Hall exceeds the maximum levels as defined by ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010. Three CO2 monitors were placed directly at the primary vent, at desk level, and outside at the air-intake system. CO2 levels were recorded at the same time for 30 minutes in 30-second increments. This experiment was repeated twice per room, once with high-occupancy and once with low-occupancy. Our results show that CO2 levels did not exceed maximum levels in either room. Instead of being an air quality issue, we found there to be a thermal comfort issue in Pacific Hall. However, due to the state of the building and its prior use as a chemical lab, we still believe there to be an air quality issue that we could not account for in this experiment. Carbon dioxide is measured as an indicator of building air quality; however, the results of our experiment lead us to question whether or not CO2 is an accurate representative of overall indoor air quality. This experiment serves as a strong foundation for further research into indoor air quality.

The Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE): Depression and Body Composition Among Aging Populations

Presenter: William Olson

Mentor: Josh Snodgrass

Poster: 26

Major: Biology

Previous research has documented complex associations between depression and body composition; in some studies, depression increases risk for being underweight, while in other studies it has been linked to obesity. However, the links between depression and body composition remain relatively unexplored among older adults and, additionally, no studies have systematically examined this relationship in non-Western countries. We used Wave 1 data from WHO’s Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), a longitudinal study of nationally representative samples of older adults (>50 years old) in six middle income countries (China(nM=6024 nF=6803 n=12827), Ghana(nM=2237 nF=2050 n=4287), India(nM=3302 nF=3255 n=6557), Mexico(nM=869 nF=1330 n=2199), Russian Federation(nM=81 nF=267 n=348), and South Africa(nM=1551 nF=2103 n=3654)), to examine relationships among body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and depression (based on a symptom-based algorithm). Results indicate substantial differences in depression prevalence by sex and country, ranging from 1.6% (men in China) to 22.9% (women in Mexico). Variation by sex and country was also evident in prevalence of obesity (from 4.3% among Indian men to 52.7% in South African women) and underweight (0.5% in Mexican women to 40.3% in Indian men). Multiple regression analyses were used with weighted population samples to examine the relationship between body composition measures and depression classification while controlling for key covariates such as age, smoking, drinking, marital status, and income. Among older South African women, depression was positively associated with BMI (P=0.003). Otherwise, the lack of a significant relationship between depression and body composition variables in the individual SAGE countries suggests that depression is not a major driver of body composition among older adults.

Attentional and Neuropsychological Assessments Following Concussion in Adolescents and Young Adults

Presenter: Madison Murray

Mentor: Li-Shan Chou

Poster: 25

Major: Biology

Executive function has been defined as utilizing external stimuli to plan purposeful action and may be a sensitive way to detect concussion-related deficits. The adolescent brain has not reached full maturation and is undergoing rapid development of executive functions, so this age group may be affected by head trauma more than young adults. It was hypothesized that adolescents with concussion would perform worse on executive function tasks than young adults with concussion in relation to matched control groups. Two executive function tests, (Attentional Network Test and Task Switching Test) and one neuropsychological test (ImPACT), were each administered to 44 subjects who sustained a concussion (24 adolescents, 20 young adults) and 44 healthy control subjects matched by sex, height, and weight (24, adolescents, 20 young adults). Tests were administered within 72 hours of injury, and again at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months post-injury. Results indicated that conflict resolution ability deficits persisted in the adolescent group compared to their controls throughout the two months of testing (p=0.043). Such differences were not detected between young adult concussion and control groups. Differences between adolescent concussion and control groups on ImPACT variables were detected up to one-month post injury (p<0.05), but not between young adult concussion and control groups. Based on the results, adolescents appear to display greater deficits throughout the two months post-injury than young adults in relation to a control group on measures of attentional and neuropsychological function.

Heating Up Gerlinger

Presenter: Matthew Moyano

Mentor: Alison Kwok

Poster: 23

Major: Architecture 

This study investigated the thermal conditions of Gerlinger Hall’s south façade Sun Porch. Ellis Lawrence intended for the hall to be passively heated most of the year. The authors believe that the gallery space of Gerlinger has enough direct sunlight through its windows that it can passively reach thermal comfort levels during winter without excessive mechanical heating. However, it is currently unable to do so. Damaged and sealed windows do not allow airflow. Outdated radiators cause heat to be continuously released, much more than needed. Hobos, small indoor temperature recorders, collected the data over the span of three days and calculated the heat changes over time. Raytek Lasers identify the heat released and stored in different materials. Variables that affected the data collected were: use of the building, opening of doors, use of central heating, opening of windows, and drafts created by infiltration through historic, single-paned windows. Results of the research show intense heat released from radiators, around 140 deg. F. Walls and floors reach 100 deg. F. The average heat of the area is near 80 deg. F, going in and out of the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers) comfort zone. In response to the data, recommendations for more efficient heating practices will be made in order to make the space more efficient. Such recommendations are: rehabilitation of historic windows and updating and correcting of heating system.

Moralization of Smoking in Germany and the U.S.

Presenter: Jessica Montgomery

Mentor: Sara Hodges 

Oral Presentation

Major: Psychology/German

Cigarette smoking has become increasingly moralized over the last half-century. Moralization is the process by which moral value is attached to objects and activities that were previously morally irrelevant. Moralization of smoking is an individual-level phenomenon (reflected in an individual’s attitudes towards smoking) as well as a cultural-level phenomenon (reflected in anti-smoking policies). We studied moralization of smoking in two cultural contexts (Eugene, Oregon and Tübingen, Germany). We chose Germany because smoking is more prevalent there than in the U.S. (World Health Organization, 2011) and although culture and laws are changing in Germany toward greater prohibition of smoking, it seems that new antismoking laws are weakly or sporadically enforced (Wiesel, 2009). Participants were asked by research assistants on and around university campuses to complete a questionnaire in their native language while the research assistant waited. The questionnaire included questions about moralization of cigarette smoking and related constructs, beliefs about smokers’ volitional control over smoking, prejudice against smokers, and support for anti-smoking policy. In this way we measured the attitudes that lead to relevant real-world outcomes such as differential treatment of cigarette smokers. We will compare their responses cross culturally as well as divide them into smokers and nonsmokers, in order to establish which factors affect their perceptions. We predict that Germans will moralize smoking less than Americans, which we expect to find after analyzing the results from the questionnaires.

An Assessment of Government-to-Government Relationships Among Federal Agencies and Federally Recognized Tribes

Presenter: Souvanny Miller

Mentor: Kathy Lynn

Oral Presentation

Major: Environmental Studies

The United States federal government has historically failed to meet many of its trust responsibilities to American Indian and Alaska Native tribes—often violating treaty-reserved rights or failing to consult on issues pertaining to Indian rights. In order to meet these trust responsibilities, effective government-to-government relationships must be established among Tribes and federal agencies. Pursuant to Executive Order 13175—entitled “Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments”—each federal agency is required to adopt their own consultation policies and set of strategies for facilitating effective government-to-government relationships. My research will assess the ways in which various federal agencies attempted to facilitate effective government-to-government relations with federally recognized tribes and how these relations could be improved. I will focus specifically on consultation policies, memoranda of understanding, communications and bodies such as advisory councils created to facilitate cooperative management of resources. I will use three case studies to evaluate the effectiveness of three federal agencies’ methods for maintaining government-to-government relationships: Willamette National Forest in the National Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture; Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Department of Commerce; and Olympic National Park within the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. This project has the potential to aid agencies as they work toward more effective government-to-government relationships with federally recognized tribes. It will illustrate what is most important for agencies: consulting early and often while developing and maintaining site- specific programs, institutions and relationships that are mutually beneficial.