向日葵视频

Natural Sciences

Shady Khader, Michael Leem Jeremy Dry, Elle McGovern, Dr. Melville Vaughan, Dr. John Nail, and Dr. Christina Hendrickson "Dandelion Seed Extract Disrupts Key Metabolic Pathways in Cervical Cancer Cells鈥�

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, necessitating new treatments. Dandelion Seed Extract (DSE) has demonstrated anticancer potential by disrupting metabolic pathways. This study investigates DSE's effects on lipid and glucose metabolism in HeLa cells (cervical cancer cells) and HDF cells (human dermal fibroblasts). Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant downregulation of key metabolic genes in HeLa cells, including CYP24A1, CYP1B1, IDI1, PDK4, GALM, INSIG1, MSRB1, and SLC2A6. Notably, PDK4 was significantly upregulated in HDF cells, while other genes were downregulated. Specifically, PDK4, which regulates glucose metabolism, showed a fold change (FC) of -5.43 in HeLa cells and 7.54 in HDF cells. Despite the downregulation of lipid metabolism genes in HDF cells, most were less downregulated compared to HeLa cells. These findings suggest that DSE selectively disrupts lipid and glucose metabolism in HeLa cells while upregulating PDK4 in HDF cells, highlighting its potential as an anticancer treatment.

Falak Maarouf, Conner Broeker, Syd Burch, and Lauren Pogue 鈥淐omparison of the Anticancer Effects of Dandelion鈥檚 Whole Extract and Seed Extract鈥�

Dandelion whole extract (DWE) and dandelion seed extract (DSE) exhibit distinct anticancer properties, differing in both potency and mechanism of action. DWE is effective at higher concentrations (4鈥� 8 mg/mL) and primarily disrupts focal adhesion pathways, impairing cancer cell attachment and migration. In contrast, DSE demonstrates significantly greater potency, with effective dose ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 mg/mL, and influences multiple cellula pathways. DSE modulates Wnt signaling, downregulates DNA repair genes, and alters key metabolic pathways, suggesting a broader impact on cancer cell proliferation and survival. These differences highlight the potential of DSE as a more efficient anticancer agent at lower concentrations, possibly due to its ability to simultaneously target multiple critical signaling mechanisms. Understanding these mechanistic variations can inform therapeutic strategies, optimizing the use of dandelion extracts for cancer treatment. Further research is warranted to elucidate their full pharmacological potential and clinical applications.

Kayla Nguyen 鈥淐haracterizing Developmental and Cardiovascular Defects in an Avian Model of Maternal Phenylketonuria鈥�

Maternal phenylketonuria (MPKU), a syndrome in the developing fetus when dietary phenylalanine (Phe) intake is uncontrolled in the mother with phenylketonuria (PKU), is associated with congenital anomalies including cranial defects, cardiovascular malformations (CVMs), and growth restrictions. This study aimed to establish an avian MPKU model, focusing on early developmental defects and CVMs at HH34, a developmental stage when heart development is complete. Embryos were exposed to 2500渭M Phe via in-ovo yolk injection, allowed 48 hours to develop, and dissected. At HH14-17, India ink was injected into the yolk for imaging and scoring. At HH34 tissues were removed to expose the heart and vessels, and contrast dye was injected. High Phe exposure led to morphological changes including developmental/growth delays, anterior/posterior abnormalities, and torsion defects. This study lays the foundation for future research on the mechanisms of Phe-induced cardiac defects, enhancing the understanding of MPKU and the possibility of developing novel treatments.

Healthcare & Nursing

Korbin Cardoza 鈥淓xploring the Genetic and Social Disparities of Diabetes in US Hispanic Communities鈥�

Hispanics in the United States consistently have the highest diabetes mortality rate, claiming upwards of 100,000 people annually. This often-forgotten population leads the country in diabetes-affiliated deaths by around 60% and also have an approximate 50% higher rate of diabetes diagnosis than non-Hispanic groups. Despite these eyebrow raising numbers, the factors driving these statistics remain sparsely studied. This project seeks to understand the role of the SLC16A11 gene, a variant genetic factor that appears disproportionately in Hispanic populations, and how it increases type 2 diabetes susceptibility. Furthermore, this study evaluates social barriers, such as language differences, and limited healthcare access, that hinder the reception of proper diabetes management. By evaluating both genetic and systematic factors driving these disparities, this review hopes to achieve a holistic understanding of the modern-day diabetes epidemic in the Hispanic communities of the United States.

Steven Miller 鈥淭ransitioning from Military Service to Nursing Education鈥�

Veterans bring a lot of unique skills and perspectives with them when they enter nursing school, many of which come from their time in the military. The training they receive, along with the discipline and resilience they build in the military, can be helpful as they work through nursing classes and clinical training. Adjusting to college life after military service can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding a new routine, managing mental health, and fitting in with classmates. Recently, colleges and universities have been offering more resources to help veterans transition into higher education, especially in high-demand fields like nursing. This support reflects a broader focus on helping veterans enter the healthcare field, where skilled workers are needed. This paper will discuss how military experience impacts veterans' nursing education by looking at areas like academic performance, adaptability, social integration, and support services.

Erin Reynolds 鈥淚mplementing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in Primary Rural Healthcare to Improve Health Outcomes of Chronic Conditions鈥�

Chronic health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and hypertension are known to exist at higher rates in rural communities, largely due to limited access to primary care. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have been identified as a potential resource for reducing the primary care provider shortage. This paper evaluates whether implementing APRNs in rural primary care improves health outcomes in chronic conditions. A literature review of peer-reviewed studies from 2019 to 2024 was conducted. Research findings indicate that APRNs contribute to preventing chronic disease complications while increasing access, reducing costs, and improving the quality of care. However, challenges including financial constraints, professional isolation, and practice authority should be further evaluated and addressed through policy changes, educational support, and collaborative care models. APRNs play a critical role in ensuring an equitable and sustainable healthcare environment for rural communities, improving chronic disease management in underserved populations.

Religion, Culture, & Statistics

Jenifer Johnson 鈥淥racle of Restoration & Hope: A Biblical Exegesis of Zechariah 8:18-23鈥�

In Zechariah 8:18-23, the prophet delivers an oracle about restoration and post-exilic healing. This passage signifies the shift from traditional fasts, which were once times of mourning and repentance, to joyous feasts that celebrate the reconstruction of the Second Temple. Zechariah speaks of a time when the people of Judah will not only be restored under God鈥檚 covenant but will also become the symbol of God鈥檚 favor to neighboring nations. Through these oracles, Zechariah describes a time in which this covenant will extend to Gentiles, symbolized by an image of inhabitants from other cities grasping the garment of a Jew with eagerness to receive the favor of God. While this passage highlights restoration and celebration of completing the Second Temple following destruction from the Babylonians, it also serves as a cautionary implication, reminding the Judeans to stay vigilant and love truth and peace.

Sarah Lahlou 鈥淎in't Nothin But a Hound Dog: It鈥檚 More Than Just 'Nothin' (Hound Dog with a Blog)鈥�

The tapestry of music and culture surrounding 鈥淗ound Dog鈥� is intricate amongst three iconic 向日葵视频 from three different eras鈥� Big Mama Thornton, Elvis Presley, and Doja Cat. From Thornton's original expression of electrified African-American blues to Presley's mainstream and sanitized rock 'n' roll adaptation and Doja Cat's modern hip-hop reinterpretation, 鈥淗ound Dog鈥� reflects the social and musical landscapes of their respective eras and highlights the shifting dynamics of appropriation through Thornton's defiance, Presley's revision, and Doja Cat's synthesis. Analyzing 鈥淗ound Dog鈥� throughout history allows people to reflect on the boundaries between reinterpretation and appropriation, both culturally and sonically.

Noah McMullan 鈥淧redicting the Outcome of March Madness Using Python and Linear Algebra鈥�

I plan to develop an application through Python to analyze and predict the outcome of NCAA鈥檚 March Madness. I will use a combination of concepts learned in Linear Algebra (matrices, weighted vectors, eigenvalues/eigenvectors, and optimization), concepts learned through Programming I and II, and individual study of Machine Learning. I will backcheck previous March Madness tournaments to find 10 key statistics that have a high predictability of success and apply those to this year鈥檚 March Madness bracket. I plan to compare and analyze my results with the class and a coinflip trial. Unfortunately, March Madness does not begin until Spring break, so I will not have the final results of the experiment; however, I plan to have the program completed and working, and perhaps I can run the program against last year鈥檚 bracket and display those results on my poster.

Nadia Tallroth 鈥淢isconcepted Idioms鈥�

For this poster project, I aim to explore well-known and lesser-known idioms from different generations, cultures, religions, and more. I will investigate the factors that contribute to a phrase's popularity and its true meaning. Oftentimes, the original meaning of an idiom evolves into something completely different. For example, "Blood is thicker than water" is actually a shortened version of "The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb." The shorter version focuses on family strength, creating a new intent. My goal is to highlight popular idioms while also uncovering some lesser-known ones to develop a deeper understanding of how language has evolved as well as predictions for future language evolution.

Lauren Rogers 鈥淐rowley鈥檚 Lament鈥�

Crowley鈥檚 Lament is a 9-minute standalone musical theatre piece inspired by the novel and television series 鈥淕ood Omens鈥�, performed by myself to a fully orchestrated track arranged by myself. Taking stylistic inspirations from cabaret, rock opera, and romantic-era classical music, it is a character study of the demon Crowley. Equal parts gut-wrenching and darkly humorous, it features themes of existentialism, religious trauma and queer romance. Piece includes profanity.

Biology & Zoology Studies

BraeLynn Riley, 鈥淥rcas in Captivity: A Deep Dive into the Inhumanity and Captivity鈥�

My research presentation explores the physiological and psychological impacts of keeping orcas in captivity. The primary objective is to evaluate the health and behavior of captive orcas compared to their counterparts in the wild. The study exposes data from a marine park known as MarineLand and is followed by interviews with marine biologists. My studies show significant increases in illness, hyper-aggression, self-mutilation and decreased reproduction in comparison to wild orcas. The research concludes that captivity poses substantial risks to orcas' overall wellbeing, highlighting the need for change and a successful solution for rehabilitation in orcas鈥� still in captivity today

Austin Worley & Kayla Nguyen, 鈥淒andelion Seed Extract: A Promising Agent for Inducing Ferroptosis in HeLa Cells鈥�

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has historically been utilized as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Previous studies have demonstrated that Dandelion Whole, Isolated Derivative, and Seed Extracts exhibit significant anti-cancer effects. Among these, Dandelion Seed Extract (DSE) showed the most prominent effects, leading to the hypothesis that DSE disrupts crucial cellular processes in HeLa cells (cervical cancer cells), resulting in growth inhibition and heightened ferroptosis, a type of cell death caused by iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides. DSE treatment caused a statistically significant reduction in HeLa cell viability and promoted cell death in a dose-dependent manner, compared to less affected Human Dermal Fibroblast cells (HDF). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that DSE induces ferroptosis in HeLa cells while protecting HDF cells against ferroptosis. These findings highlight the potential of DSE as a novel anticancer agent.

Class, Race, & Gender Studies

Troy W. Green, 鈥淩emembering Victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921鈥�

I will be presenting my paper on the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 giving a comprehensive view of what led up to the event, who the perpetrators were, and the immediate fallout and subsequent subversion of the details. Furthermore, I will cover the political aspect of how the event has been framed both in the immediate aftermath and since its centennial. And finally, I will cover the effort to locate and identify the victims of the massacre and what has and is currently being done to address reparations for the two living survivors and descendants of those affected by the tragedy. My presentation is based on numerous primary and secondary sources, including 向日葵视频 Commission to Study the Race Riot of 1921 (2001). In addition, using my first-hand knowledge of forensic studies, I will be analyzing the key issue of how to reconstruct the events of the tragedy and its aftermath.

Samuel L. Madewell, 鈥淭he French and Jesuits鈥� Effect on Indochina鈥�

My poster presentation will contextualize the Frenchification of Vietnam, as well as previous attempts to implement varying degrees of Europeanization in other parts of Southeast Asia. It will consist of a broad summary of Jesuit activity in the Far East, culminating with the annexation of Vietnam under Napoleon III, and a brief conclusion of how these events concluded with the First Vietnam War. This paper will also cover the linguistic works of Catholic missionaries such as Alexandre de Rhodes (Dictionarium Annamiticum-Lusitanium et Latinum,) and Fr. Pierre Pigneau de Behaine (Dictionarium Annamitico-Latinum.) Social history and linguistic studies shape my research approaches to the topic. The French aim to control Vietnam was achieved through happenstance, comprising of delicate planning and strategic blunders. 

Bryan O鈥橩eefe, 鈥淭aylor Swift, Yoko Ono, and How Female Partners are Perceived in Male-Dominated Industries鈥�

Why do people hate it when Taylor Swift shows up during a football game, even though she only gets a few seconds of screen time? Why is the running joke that Yoko Ono is the reason The Beatles broke up, even though countless testimonies have proven otherwise? This presentation will provide some background on the two 向日葵视频 and analyze why they are so vilified for supporting their partners in their respective industries, and how they (and you!) can work against gender bias in media. 

Psychological Studies

Ruby K. Bautista, 鈥淚nternet Gaming Disorder in Adolescents: The Influences of Personality and Childhood Trauma鈥�

Video game addiction has been on a steady incline among adolescents, resulting in adverse effects to their health. Consequently, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has been added as a proposed diagnosis for video game addiction in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM鈥�5). The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether certain personality traits and childhood traumas act as risk factors for IGD symptomatology. Adolescent participants will complete self-report questionnaires measuring the Big Five personality traits, childhood trauma dimensions, and IGD symptoms. I predict that adolescents with higher levels of Neuroticism, emotional abuse, and emotional neglect are anticipated to report more severe IGD symptoms. Conversely, I hypothesize that participants with greater Conscientiousness scores will report lower IGD severity. The proposed study hopes to improve the development of preventative and intervention methods for future clinical cases related to video game addiction.

Jenifer Johnson, 鈥淐hildhood Adversity and Anxiety: Mediation Analysis of Religious/Spiritual Struggles鈥�

This study explores how religious and spiritual struggles (R/SS) mediate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Previous research has shown that ACEs contribute to posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and that R/SS can mediate these effects. The study hypothesizes that R/SS will similarly mediate the impact of ACEs on GAD, with specific focus on interpersonal and meaning struggles in spirituality and religiosity. Participants (N = 93, ages 18-72) from 向日葵视频 City University completed surveys assessing ACEs, GAD, and R/SS. Results found a significant positive relationship between ACEs and GAD. Mediational analyses revealed a direct effect of the "ultimate meaning" subscale of R/SS on the ACE-GAD relationship, as well as a partial indirect effect of various R/SS dimensions, including divine, demonic, interpersonal, moral, and doubt struggles. These findings highlight the role of R/SS in mediating the impact of ACEs on GAD.

Ava Rangel, 鈥淧rotective Factors from Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Impact of Resilience and Spirituality on Depression鈥�

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been connected to a variety of negative outcomes later in life, including depression. Few factors have been found to potentially have moderating effects on the association between ACEs and depression. I will look to see if resilience and spirituality have this effect. Prior research has not looked at these factors together on a sample from a diverse cultural and spiritual background. I plan to examine 100 individuals over the age of 18. Participants will be given an in-person survey with a series of questionnaires which measure depression, resilience, spirituality, and adverse childhood experiences. I hypothesize that higher ACEs will be associated with higher levels of depression. Additionally, I predict that resilience and spirituality will have a moderating effect on ACEs and depression. I predict that spirituality will act as an indicator for resilience. This research is beneficial in furthering the area of study regarding ACEs.

Musicological & Theatrical Studies

Grant Dominick, 鈥淚 Heard it Coming: Friendship, Brotherhood, and Betrayal in the Score for Jedi Survivor鈥�

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023) is a video game released as a sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order (2019). In their eight and a half hour long, Grammy award winning original score for the game, composers Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab make use of many musical themes and motifs to represent and accompany on-screen characters and locations, similar to leitmotivs used by Wagner in his operas. This presentation focuses primarily on the musical themes for two characters, Cal, the protagonist, and Bode, friend turned antagonist. I will demonstrate that the increasing closeness, and eventual splintering, of their respective themes serves to support and foreshadow the development of the characters鈥� relationship, from friends to brothers and ultimately enemies.

Jamison Ko, Paige Miller, & Lauren Whyte, 鈥淭he Rise and Fall of Broadway鈥檚 Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Merrily We Roll Along, and Dance of the Vampires鈥�

Broadway has long been a stage for both glory and disaster. Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Merrily We Roll Along, and Dance of the Vampires are infamous examples of Broadway disasters, each marked by significant artistic, financial, and operational missteps made by the creative and production teams. Despite their failures, they remain significant case studies in the complexities of Broadway production and the fine balance required for theatrical success. 

Through analyzing the original failures of these three shows, we have identified trends that attribute to their defeat. Using this information, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark has been reimagined to allow the show to successfully remount by aligning the artistic ambition and creativity with cohesive narratives and prioritizing audience engagement and reaction from the previous production. With advancements in technology and more knowledgeable fight-and-stunt choreographers, this production can captivate future audiences while honoring its original artistic integrity.

Eric Odland, 鈥淭wo Scenes from The Iron Giant: Parallels with Musical Differences鈥�

In this research I analyze Michael Kamen鈥檚 score to two scenes from Brad Bird鈥檚 animated film The Iron Giant that both feature the character of the Giant in a dangerous state. I describe how, despite the Giant鈥檚 appearance as a threat in each scene, the music surrounding the actions reflects the giant a frightening unknown entity in the earlier scene, but an established friend to the main characters who simply made a mistake in the later scene. In particular, I focus on how the compositional techniques present accomplish this contrast.

Lauren Rogers, 鈥淔iona Apple鈥檚 Musical Liberation鈥�

I explore the ways in which Fiona Apple, through the musical and lyrical content of her songwriting, both defies the labels imposed upon her by her critics and embodies the characteristics that make the confessional female singer-songwriter an enduring figure in the pop music landscape.

Religion & Ethics

Maya Cooney, 鈥淩epairing Evil: An Ethical Examination of Theories and Manifestations of Justice鈥�

The problem of evil is a long standing issue in the fields of both ethics and literature, with questions of its origin, nature, reach, and function plaguing the minds of great thinkers since the beginning of recorded history.  Deeply intertwined in the philosophy of evil are questions about justice. Two major types of justice have emerged from ethical deliberation on justice: retributive justice and restorative justice.  Retribution focuses on punitive action proportional to the crime committed, while restoration seeks justice by reconstructing a community from a point of understanding and non-violence.  Using examples from literary and philosophical texts, this presentation will examine the ethical implications of each form of justice with the goal of supporting a restorative justice model that incorporates a recognition of the human need for retribution and an understanding of the impact of systems of injustice on a society鈥檚 ability to practice restorative justice.

Emma Goins, 鈥淏eyond the Sanctuary: Redefining Church for a New Era of Ministry鈥�

This paper works to analyze the role of corporate worship in the life of the Church, specifically looking at possible effects of shifting the church's resources, such as time, money, staff, and advertisement, away from Sunday morning worship services and towards other forms of ministry such as Sunday school, food pantries, and community dinners. This project seeks to investigate the potential benefits and challenges of decentralizing worship as the primary gathering and instead using these resources to foster deeper community engagement and support both within and beyond the congregation. This research will is aided by exploring more thoroughly 2 of the current churches operating under a similar model. By rethinking the structure and allocation of resources, I aim to develop a church model that might better serve both its members and its surrounding community in a holy and Biblical way.