The Augustana Symposium Saturday, April 16, 2005
Student Presentations 2002 **Click on student presenters' names to link to abstracts of their research projects. Faculty collaborators' names are found in parentheses after each title.**

Ann Elizabeth Rosendale: "Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself? Aristotle on Altruism and Self-Love" (Michael Waddell)

In books eight and nine of his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle examines the topic of friendship as it relates to the larger issue of happiness. In defining friendships of virtue, the philosopher seems to imply a purely altruistic mode of friendship, free of self-love. But further evaluation of these arguments leads one to question whether a completely altruistic friendship is realistic. On the one hand, Aristotle argues that friendship is wishing goods to one's friend for the friend's own sake. But on the other hand, he insists that friendships be motivated by love of oneself. My paper will address these apparent contradictions in the Ethics and will discuss the implications of all friendships being founded on self-love.
 
 

Charles Carlson: "Are There Moral Absolutes in Aristotle's Ethics?" (Dennis Stevens)

The first section will be an extremely abbreviated summary of the main themes of Aristotle's ethics, including reason, virtue and happiness. Reason is the ultimate tool used to define the mean, which leads us to a virtuous and consequently happy life.

The main portion of the paper will consist in comparing and contrasting the arguments for or against the idea of moral absolutes, paying particular attention to Aristotle's view. If the principles of reason are knowable by all people, reason is at least universal. Yet, even though what is rational can be agreed upon, it doesn't directly follow that there are things, which are always the rational choice. A brief discussion of Kant's categorical imperative will be used in the discussion of whether such things as the taking of a human life are always to be avoided. Eventually coming to the conclusion that it is not clear whether or not Aristotle's ethics provides a solid enough basis for moral absolutes and that even if there are cases in which the choice is almost always clear through reason, there are exceptions, and hence only mostly absolute.

How would we apply this to modern concepts such as moral relativism and egalitarian beliefs? If reason is universal to all mankind we should be able to set some standards on at least the moral intentions of acts, even if we cannot define anything as a natural, universal right.

David Baker: "Sub-micron Patterning Using Atomic Force Microscopy" (John Larkin)

In the world of micro computing, the general idea is that the smaller a chip can be, the better it is. Current commercial technology boasts an impressive micrometer scale for most chips, and the nanometer scale is fast approaching. Not only does the chip need to be small, the patterns of wires on these chips needs to be even smaller. Data storage units must be on this scale to be both effective and marketable. In order to store data, a "readable" pattern must be created on the surface, and it must be able to last indefinitely. The project in the materials science division of North Carolina State University this past summer was to use an atomic force microscope (AFM) to create a contrast in the electric field of a ferroelectric material. It is found that this material works well for the creating of patterns and long-term storage of those patterns. It is also convenient to use the AFM for both patterning and reading.
 
 

Sean Corum: "Development of Laser Beam Image Analysis System and Characterization of Flash:Ti Laser Beam" (John Larkin)

Lasers are highly important in medicine, industry, and physics. In particle accelerators, lasers are used in Photo Injectors for attaining polarized electron beams. As such, a clean beam profile is crucial to the role photo injecting lasers have in particle physics experiments. However, qualitative analysis methods of a laser beam profile (such as burn paper) are difficult and waste precious particle beam experiment time. An efficient, quantitative method of beam profile analysis is required to maintain performance of the polarized light source. A laser beam image acquisition and analysis system is developed using a CCD camera, a framegrabber card, an IBM compatible computer, and Labview (National Instruments, G programming language). The system analyzes the beam profile in continuous real-time and single shot formats. The program is versatile and calculates axis lengths, ellipticity, elliptical fit, tilt, Gaussian fit, Gaussian parameters, and 3D intensity plots. This system will be used at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center to monitor the health of the Photo Injectors. To demonstrate the systems ability to quickly and efficiently analyze a laser beam profile, it is used to characterize thermal lensing of a single-mode and a multi-mode Flash:Ti laser beam in the Laser Development Lab. The focal range due to thermal lensing of the laser rod was observed. The system shows promise as an important tool in the diagnostics and problem solving of the particle accelerator's Polarized Light Source.
 
 

Ethan Englund: "Initial Examination of Possible Novel Macrocycles via CAChe" (Arlen Viste, Jetty Duffy-Matzner)

There are numerous cyclic compounds that are biologically active through the trapping and transport of sodium/potassium ions. Using CAChe, we have examined well known biologically active macrocycles in an attempt to design an ideal novel macromolecule derived from a,b-unsaturated carbaldehydes as monomers for such macrocycles. Nonactin and crown ethers were examined and compared to our proposed structures. Using MOPAC (the Molecular Orbital Package) in CAChe, the ideal geometries and thermodynamic factors were determined via semi-empirical and empirical calculations. Variables included size of the macromolecules, cavity dimensions utilized to trap metal ions, and diverse substituted carbaldehyde monomers.
 
 

Jackie Pogue: "A Theology of Transformation: From Classical Theism to Panentheism" (Ann Pederson)

Humanity leans toward the future, living with a sense of ending that we do not understand. With this feeling of ending comes a desire to know the answers to life's most fundamental questions. We question who we are, our relationships with others, our function on earth, life and death, and ultimately if there is something bigger than us out there. Christians know this being as God. Recently, I have been wondering about God's nature and contemplating some of these fundamental questions of life more deeply. How can I know God, and what is God really like? How can I become the person God wants me to be? These questions stem from a greater desire to know where God is calling me in life. In this search, I have found an unlikely conversation partner in Paul Sponheim, a Lutheran, process, and relational theologian. Sponheim speaks of these questions in the framework of transformation and relationship to God and other. Using his construction, I will examine how God can bring about transformation in us through a critical study of the nature of God and relationship with the other. I will join my voice in conversation with Sponheim in an effort to further identify and discuss my own theological issues. Using constructive theology, my classical theistic background is put in dialogue with the contemporary voice of Paul Sponheim. I will approach our viewpoints using Tillich's method of correlation, where context and text interpret and question each other.
 
 

Maren Williams: "L'Evolution entravée de La Belle et la Bête" (Scott Fish)

Les contes, dans leurs formes orales, sont des êtres vivants. Ils contiennent des vérités éternelles, mais afin d'éviter la mort, ils doivent s'adapter à des milieux variés. Malheureusement, la société moderne juge que ce qui est imprimé est sacré. Une fois les contes connus et apparus sur papier, presque personne n'a plus osé les faire évoluer. Avant sa publication en France, La Belle et la Bête, né Psyché et Cupidon, avait déjà vécu depuis des siècles. Mais pendant les 200 ans qui la suivaient, le conte était dormant, ses leçons étouffées par des strates de la poussière littéraire. Ce n'était qu'à la deuxième moitié du 20^e siècle que certains auteurs ont redécouvert qu'ils pouvaient mouler les contes, y compris La Belle et la Bête, aux idées contemporaines, tout en les gardant reconnaissables. Dans la version classique et bien connue de La Belle et la Bête--écrite par Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont au 18^e siècle--peut-on y constater un fil sexiste? Je ne le crois pas; voire s'il y en avait, il ne faudrait point bannir le conte, puisqu'au fond de soi-même cela est une histoire et orale et ancienne dont la modification est la force vitale.
 
 

Thomas Jacobson: "The Implications for Christology in Lutheran/Reformed Dialogue on the Eucharist" (Ann Pederson)

Lutheran and Reformed dialogue on all issues can be said to have begun with the Eucharistic controversy between Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli, the Reformer of Zurich. Their inability to agree on the significance of the Eucharist kept Lutherans and Reformed Christians in separate camps for hundreds of years. Their arguments show that the real issue behind their disagreement is the topic of Christology, specifically relating to the two natures of Christ. Now, some Lutherans and Reformed Christians find themselves in full communion agreements with each other. Has the real issue been overlooked or deemed as irrelevant? The documents of the dialogues themselves are looked at in order to see how people of modern times have understood the possibility of working together despite a seemingly irrelevant, yet important issue. Finally, Martin Luther's Heidelberg Disputation of 1518 is looked at in connection with the argument concerning Christology. Is it possible for the Theology of the Cross to work for Lutherans in connection with the Reformed view of Christology?
 
 

Julie Kennedy and Heather Reber: "Does the Mahogany Mutation Reduce the Negative Effects of the Lethal Yellow Gene?" (Maureen Diggins)

The lethal yellow gene is a dominant mutation at the agouti locus on chromosome number two in the mouse. The lethal yellow gene causes a yellow coat color, moderate hyperphagia (overeating), adult onset obesity, and reproductive difficulties in the mutant mouse. A more recently discovered mutation, the mahogany mutation, has been found to interfere with the effects of the lethal yellow gene. When the mahogany mutation is present with the lethal yellow mutation, a yellow-brown (mahogany) coat color and reduced body weight result. Hyperphagia is not reduced, but activity is increased which results in reduced body weight. Since we think that the obesity is causing the reproductive problems, our hypothesis is that the mahogany mutation will reduce the negative effects on reproduction in the lethal yellow mouse and increase fertility.
 
 

Gina Wiertzema and Ellen Walsh: "Pattern of Adherence to a Dietary Supplement for Reducing Risks of Cardiovascular Disease among Military Reservists" (Karen Dorn)

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and a leading health concern that affects the readiness of military guard and reserve personnel. A lifestyle intervention approach is useful in reducing cardiovascular disease risks. Soy supplements have been proven to reduce total cholesterol and low- density cholesterol without affecting the high-density cholesterol. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the pattern of adherence to a dietary supplement. This presentation will address the following research questions: Can 70% adherence to a dietary supplement be maintained for a period of 9 months? Does adherence differ between a soy-based and a milk-based supplement? Are self-reports a valid method for testing adherence? The research staff provided each participant with a month supply of dietary supplements. At each monthly visit, study participants would self-report number of remaining dietary supplements. Adherence was calculated by subtracting the of amount remaining dietary supplements from the amount of dietary supplements provided. This number was then divided by the number of days since the study participant’s last visit. This final number represents the percent adherence. Isoflavone analysis was also used to determine participant’s adherence to the soy supplement. Preliminary data analysis showed greater than 80% adherence across a 9-month intervention period. Adherence does not appear to differ between a soy verses milk based dietary supplement. Urinary isoflavone analysis confirmed that the participants were adhering to the soy supplement consistent with self reports. In conclusion, acceptable adherence to a dietary supplement is a beneficial intervention to change lifestyle habits and effects risks of cardiovascular disease.

Lenora Heckel: "The Persuasive Effect of Moods" (Jennifer Rotondo)

Why do we respond the way we do in certain situations? Does mere exposure to certain stimuli impact our subsequent behaviors, or can we override the urge to behave accordingly with conscious and effortful processing? According to existing empirical studies, mere exposure to highly organized information, like that of a stereotype, can induce participants to act in accordance with trait concepts central to that stereotype (Bargh, Chen, & Barrows, 1996). For example, participants exposed to the stereotype "elderly" tended to walk down a hallway more slowly than participants not given information about this group.

In the present research, it is of interest to determine whether automatic activation of affect (Fazio, Sanbonmatsu, Powell, & Kardes, 1986) behaves similarly. Do certain emotions, once activated, cause people to behave in ways that are ostensibly congruent with the stereotype of a particular effect? Randomly assigned participants will be primed via exposure to a series of statements designed to stimulate one of three moods (i.e., positive, negative, or neutral). Then, the speed with which the participants perform a seemingly unrelated subsequent task will be measured and compared for mood effects.

Our research intends to explore the relationship between automatic activation of mood and the resulting effects, namely speed of task performance; a positive association is expected. The findings and their implications, with respect to attitude and activation of mood literature, will be discussed in full.
 
 

Eric Ohrtman and John Anderson: "The Identity Project" (Murray Haar)

"The Identity Project" has been done in collaboration with Dr. Murray Haar as he writes his first book regarding religious conversion, specifically the borders, boundaries and limits present during conversion. We are assisting Dr. Haar by examining how conversion is perceived by those who have been converted, and those who have been left behind. Research has been conducted by interviewing members of the local Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities; these individuals are either in positions of power in their tradition, are converts, or fit both criterion. Various readings have brought cohesiveness to the project, including Religious Conversion: Contemporary Practices and Controversies by Christopher Lamb and M. Darrol Bryant as well as Problems of Religious Diversity by Paul J. Griffiths.

Even though, our research continues we have come to certain tentative conclusions including: that people convert for a variety of reasons, that religious conversion can be for intellectual, social or visceral reasons. When a person converts they find themselves an alien in their former religion, while a stranger in their new religious home. Conversion is a process that begins with a push from one tradition and a pull into another. Perhaps, the most fascinating facet of this project is hearing the individual voices whether they be Jewish, Muslim, or Christian, and compiling the diverse notions and beliefs of the three faiths that they represent. However, the answer to the question, "Why does one convert?" Still alludes us.
 
 

Adam J. Smith: "Fixing the Moral Decay of America and Removing the Lowest Common Denominator: The Case for Instituting the Aristotelian Standard for Virtue" (Dennis Stevens)

Something any first year Chemistry student can tell you is that in any mixture the more substances you add to the base, the more watered down a solution becomes. The same can be said for a society's moral standards, and along with the watering down of our national moral standards each individual ideology becomes Americanized and ultimately watered down. Instead of our moral standards being ones of virtue and excellence, they seemingly become ones of the lowest common denominator. An example of this can very easily be found in contemporary Christianity. The problem is that eventually, when all ideologies have been Americanized, only chaos will be left. To prevent this, there needs to be a new solution, and luckily the solution is one that will not only help our moral structure in America, but will also help all the other ideologies redefine themselves in a certain kind of purification process. This solution I'm talking about is the Aristotelian Standard for Virtue. By living a life of Virtue, it is possible to maintain many American ideals and also numerous secular beliefs. In this paper I will point out the effects of the Americanization of Christianity and its resulting conflict, I will define what it would mean to live by Aristotelian Virtue, and finally I will address how Aristotelian Virtue can help to purify Christianity from the effects of Americanization. Because of the magnitude of this project, I will put the main focus of this work into the examination of Aristotle's moral virtue of Liberality.
 
 

Jen Rude: "What the Queer Community Can Teach Us about the Erotic" (Ann Pederson)

Within Christian theology, the power of the erotic serves to connect all of creation and to connection creation to Creator. The biblical notion of eros, the root of the erotic, helps one see the importance of our erotic selves. The erotic at its center is embodied, it is a thirst for otherness, it is a force of empowerment against injustice, and it is a connection to the Divine. This erotic power exists within oneself and in terms of connection to community. An often unheard, but crucial voice to a discussion of the erotic is the Queer voice. As opposed to dominant groups, Queer people have needed to claim their right to the erotic and their right to this connection. The process of coming out within the Queer community is a uniquely erotic experience and can serve as a model for understanding the positive, empowering force of the erotic. This in turn leads to a discussion of the ethics of the erotic. How does one act and live in light of the power of the erotic for self and for the other?
 
 

Matthew Grandbois: "Synthesis of a Novel Macrocycle" (Jetty Duffy-Matzner)

Discussion of synthesis of novel macrocyclic molecule with suspected antibiotic properties. Main emphasis on beginning stages of synthesis. Further discussion on the future of the project and the hopeful contributions to the medical field. Based on research done under the supervision of Dr. Jetty Duffy-Matzner during the summer of 2001 at Augustana College.
 
 

Nathan Golz: "Sioux Falls, Citibank, and CRA: Do Credit Card Banks Deserve Their 'Outstanding' Community Reinvestment Performance Evaluations?" (Reynold Nesiba)

Sioux Falls, South Dakota with its almost two dozen credit card banks and call centers is frequently referred to as one of two "Credit Card Capitals" of the United States. (Of those call centers, seven of the lenders are designated as limited purpose banks for regulatory purposes.) However, unlike Wilmington, Delaware with whom it shares the title, Sioux Falls has been characterized by little reinvestment activism and even less reinvestment research. The 1977 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and its subsequent amendments assert that banks and thrifts-even limited-purpose banks-have an affirmative obligation to meet the convenience and needs of the entire community in which they are located. This explicitly includes low and moderate income neighborhoods. Most general purpose lenders comply with the CRA based on lending, service, and investment activities. Lending activities in particular involve making mortgage and/or small business loans to people in low and moderate income neighborhoods.

However, most limited-purpose banks do not regularly offer these types of loans. Instead, they comply with the CRA by providing various types of investment, specialized loans, and/or financial services expertise to groups engaged in community development work. To ensure limited purpose banks are meeting these commitments they are periodically evaluated by their respective federal financial regulators and these performance evaluations (PEs) are made public. By drawing on the PEs of seven limited purpose banks in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and other publicly available financial information, we develop a summary measure for community reinvestment performance for limited purpose banks called SOBR (Simple Outcomes-Based Ratio) scores. We demonstrate that even among limited-purpose banks receiving the same community reinvestment performance evaluation rating, SOBR scores markedly differ. These findings should be useful not only as a contribution to the academic literature on CRA compliance and enforcement, but also to community groups in Sioux Falls and elsewhere who rely on funding from credit card banks for their various community development endeavors.
 
 

Audrey Otto: "Sociological Factors Affecting Environmental Activism" (Denise Copelton)

Variables from the 1994 General Social Survey were analyzed to determine if there were relationships between sociological factors and positive actions toward the environment. SPSS was used to carry out data analysis between political party, political affiliation, age, education level, income level, class, occupational prestige, sex, and race and index created from four environmental activism variables. A strong association was found between education level and the environmental index, moderate associations were found between political party, political affiliation, age, income level, class, and occupational prestige and the environmental index, and no associations were found between race and sex and the environmental index.
 
 

Kylene Guse: "Plan Colombia: What Americans Need to Know about U.S. Foreign Policy in Colombia" (Reynold Nesiba)

Plan Colombia, a $1.3 billion dollar aid package by the U.S. government to Colombia has had major affects on the 40 year civil war in Colombia. This aid package sponsored in the name of the "War on Drugs" has contributed half its $1.3 billion dollars in proceeds to be used to strengthen and train the Colombian military, which is known as one of the most abusive militaries in the world. Clearly there are other intentions besides reducing drug production. However, in the name of the "War on Drugs," the U.S. is fumigating Colombian campesinos with large amounts of the herbicide Round-Up in order to kill the coca plants used in making cocaine. However, this herbicide is not only killing the coca plants, it is killing every other crop in its path. Not only that, but it is hurting the Colombian people. Reports of skin rashes, flu-like symptoms, birth defects and even tumors have been reported, not to mention the areas in which they are spraying are near the fragile Amazon rainforest.

My research project first addresses the aims and consequences of Plan Colombia. Next I will describe why this Plan in the name of the "War on Drugs" does not work and is likely to have devastating affects on Colombia and its people. Although this paper was completed last year, it has not been presented elsewhere. The paper has also been substantially revised for this Symposium to introduce students to Plan Columbia, to consider changes in foreign policy in the wake of September 11, and to address the question posed at this year's Peace Prize Forum: Who is Responsible?
 
 

Aaron Murra: "Experimental Determination of a Rocket's Air Resistance" (John Larkin)

Projectile motion is one of the major categories of motion studied in introductory physics. In this idealized context the force of air resistance is typically ignored; however, these forces can significantly affect the motion of real objects. The force of air resistance depends on the velocity of the object and its shape. Air drag is complex, but the force can be modeled as being a combination of both a term linearly proportional to the velocity and one that is quadratically proportional to the velocity. In this project, the force of air resistance was determined experimentally for a medium-powered rocket. Measuring the force produced by a rocket motor prior to the flight and then recording the altitude throughout the flight using an on-board altitude sensor allowed us to determine that force. Numerical modeling of the motion allows the drag coefficients for both the linear and quadratic terms to be determined from the force and altitude data. It is found that only the quadratic air resistance term contributes significantly to the motion of the rocket under our experimental conditions.
 
 

Travis W. Joyal: "Gender Communication" (Elizabeth Gullickson-Tolman)

The research topic presented is communication based on gender. The main focus of the study is how prior research in this field compares to the research I performed. For the study, I observed two separate groups of friends and recorded the relevant remarks needed. Remarks include statements such as swearing, tag questions, and the use of adjectives, to name a few.

The research method I utilized is interactive observation. In both instances I actively participated within the group and recorded the dialogue. My motive to be involved with the group was to discourage the Hawthorne Effect from taking place. The Hawthorne Effect is the phenomena that individuals will act in an unordinary manner due to the realization they are being observed.

I anticipate this research to compare with prior research in some areas and contrast in other areas. The communication of the sexes is largely situational. The communication used by a person may vary from one circumstance to the next. However, I feel the event I chose to observe gender communication surfaces the communication tendencies the sexes possess when surrounded by the same sex. Males tend to communication in a more "masculine" manner when surrounded by fellow males and females are likely to communicate in a "feminine" manner when in the company of other females. The research and data I collect will determine if my hypothesized conclusion is correct or needs further investigating.
 
 

Stephanie Moen: "Mood and Body Image" (Jennifer Rotondo)

Can mood impact how we feel about ourselves? Previous research suggests that mood does affect one's impression of body image. When people are in a good mood, they tend to be more satisfied with their bodies; the opposite is true if people are in a sad mood. We attempt to replicate these effects in the current study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three mood induction groups (e.g., happy, sad, or neutral) and read a series of statements designed to induce that mood. Subsequently, they were asked to evaluate aspects of their bodies. Congruent with previous research findings, it is expected that those in the happy group will have a better view of their body image than those in the sad group.
 
 

Andrea Votroubek: "Intramolecular Silyl Olefin Cycloaddition: A Reaction in the Synthesis of a Novel Macrocycle" (Jetty Duffy-Matzner)

The purpose of this summer's research was to explore the chemical synthesis of novel macrocyclic compounds. These macrocycles have biological potential as antibiotics because they may be able to trap ions that are crucial to the life of cells. A series of synthetic reactions are used to obtain the eventual product. One such reaction is the intramolecular silyl olefin cycloaddition (ISOC). This reaction yields a molecule that can further be modified to form the desired product. The synthetic process involved in the ISOC will be described.
 
 

Ann Kristin Mathisen: "Looking through the Veil: Western and Middle Eastern Views of Muslim Women" (Deb Hanson)

With the use of a variety of books including Not Without My Daughter, and the film based on it, Nine Parts of Desire, Princess, and In Search of Islamic Feminism as well as a selection of newspaper and magazine articles this presentation emphasize the difference between how the Western World views Muslim women and how the Muslim countries view the women in their own societies. It will also briefly touch upon the subject of book covers of the books used in the research and how they target specific readers, be they mainstream or academic.
 
 

"Mud, Blood, and Violence: A Post-Structuralist Interrogation of Origin Stories"

John Anderson, Brooke Baker, Kristin Barnett, Jenni Bartling, Kimberly Brake, Todd Boote, Stephanie Christensen, Emily Drommerhausen, Lindsey DeWit, Mari Erickson, Katie Hoffman, Brandi Koester, Abby Johnson, Sven Lerseth, Angela Pomranke, Jessie Radisewitz, Sarah Winters, David Wolter, Amanda Youngers (Richard Swanson)

This is an experimental interrogation of origin stories, which are engines of fascinating cultural processes. By narrating how things came to be, origin stories become arguments about how things REALLY ARE, and about how they ought properly to be.

The project focuses on Jewish origin stories (Genesis 1 and 2) and on the contest between Marduk and Tiamat (from the Babylonian Enuma Elish). The goal was to discover a way of interrogating these stories in their (partially shared) cultures of origin and of reception. We explored the interweaving of text and context (in both the culture of origin and of reception) to discover the intricacies of textual hermeneutics.

This began as a simple class project, but quickly grew into a research project of much greater depth and scope. The spur for this growth came when we discovered that ancient stories are replicated in contemporary societies. "Marduk and Tiamat" founds the world in domestic violence and makes the earth the corpse of a battered woman. Genesis 2 is (in both its culture of origin and of reception) a story of resistance to such violence.
 
 

Matt Bukrey and Jason Smalley: "Use of Stable Isotopes to Document the Invasion of Tallgrass Prairie by Deciduous Forest in Newton Hills State Park in Southeastern South Dakota" (Craig Spencer)

Newton Hills State Park contains native prairie relics that appear to be shrinking due to invasion by forests. At present, the park contains small prairie relics on scattered ridgetops interspersed between ravines dominated by Tilia americana (basswood) and Ulmus americana (American elm). We collected soil cores across a transect of vegetation types in an attempt to quantify historical vegetation changes over the last several hundred years through analysis of stable carbon isotopes (?13C) in soil organic matter. Tallgrass prairie vegetation typically produces a ?13C value around -14‰, while trees average around -25‰. Carbon isotope values in the deepest and oldest portion of the soil cores averaged -19.57‰ suggesting a predominantly grassland environment whereas values near the surface averaged -24.33‰ suggesting a shift towards forest dominance following European settlement. We analyzed a total of 12 cores and every one showed this shift to more negative ?13C values near the surface.

Plant survey data provide additional evidence that is consistent with conclusions drawn from the isotope data. At present, the ravines are densely forested with climax species and the hillsides are dominated by intermediate species (Ostrya virginiana and Quercus macrocarpa). Finally, the ridgetops support pioneer tree species (Zanthoxylum americanum and Juniperus virginiana) interspersed with native grasses (Sorghastrum nutans and Andropogon gerardi). Taken together it appears that the forests are indeed expanding onto the ridgetop prairies due to fire suppression following European settlement.
 
 

Olga Degtyaryova: "Improving Satellite-based Vegetation Measurements" (Dan Swets)

Leaf area Index (a measure of the amount of green leaf material) is a key variable in many ecological models including models that predict global warming. This study is focused on improving our ability to use satellite images to estimate LAI. In particular, the study will assess LAI and FPAR (Fraction of absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation) estimates at different spatial scales using satellite instruments with different resolutions. Both LAI and FPAR are needed to understand how sunlight interacts with the Earth's vegetated surfaces, from the top layer (canopy), through the understory vegetation, and down to the ground. Two satellite instruments that we are using are MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer. The collected data will help us to improve our ability to make global maps of LAI and FPAR. I have begun to collect and analyze the comprehensive data sets (imagery) at two coniferous forest sites. The two sites are in the Black Hills, SD and Southern Siberia, Russia. The collected data is going to be used to improve and evaluate the accuracy of remotely derived LAI estimates. The results obtained through this work will provide much better field validation data with which satellite derivations of LAI and FPAR can be assessed.
 
 

Lacey Luense and Ellen Holste: "Use of Aquatic Insects as Bioindicators of Water Quality in the Big Sioux River" (Craig Spencer)

Assessment of aquatic insect communities in streams provide insight into water quality because various species have different tolerance levels of water pollution. We encourage increased use of bioassessment methods as a comprehensive tool to supplement typical chemical analysis of water samples. In the present preliminary study, bioassassment of aquatic insect communities showed evidence of decreased water quality in the Big Sioux River downstream from the Sioux Falls Water Reclamation Plant.
 
 

Annamarie Rydeen: "Identification of Surface Proteins that Aid Infection by Helping Streptococci Acquire Essential Iron" (Nola Bormann)

Streptococci are major disease-causing bacteria in both humans and animals. A major streptococcal disease of economic importance to the dairy industry is bovine mastitis. To establish a successful infection, streptococci need to acquire essential nutrients, like iron, from the human or animal host. However, most of the iron within a host is bound to proteins and not readily available. This research project is looking at how streptococci which can cause bovine mastitis acquire iron while inside the host. By comparing proteins produced in low and high iron environments, cell surface proteins which help the bacteria utilize iron as a nutrient source can be identified. In this study, various procedures will be examined for their efficiency at removing cell surface proteins. After removal from the cell, proteins will be separated using SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Density is used to identify quantitatively measured protein bands. After specific iron-induced proteins are identified, their ability to directly bind different host iron sources will be examined. Because iron availability has the potential to be limiting to streptococcal growth, an increased understanding of how bacteria acquire iron during the infection process may lead to novel prevention methods that block iron uptake and prevent growth. Increased bovine health, milk quality and productivity for dairy operations are the ultimate goals of these studies.
 
 

Karen Wanderscheid: "Measuring the Earth's Greenness" (Dan Swets/Steve Matzner)

Estimating plant growth is important for predicting famine in developing countries. By comparing vegetation in certain areas over a period of time, we can predict the start and end of seasons in underdeveloped countries. The predictions could contribute to a famine early warning system for susceptible countries to allow them time to alter their resource usage rates or to assist aid organizations in planning where their resources could best be used.

NDVI is a measure of the earth's greenness based on satellite images. The images vary from day to day because of changing climate factors as well as "noisy" signals. "Noisy" signals, such as water vapor, cloud contamination, and other atmospheric conditions, distort the satellite images by inaccurately representing the earth's greenness. To account for the noisy signals, the smoother program is used to "smooth" out the day-to-day variations and eliminate noisy signals giving us a more accurate image of greenness.

In order to "smooth" out the noisy signals, a technique called windowed linear regression is used. We evaluate images for a specific time period. In the time period of interest, we weight the points in the image pixels according to their relative contribution importance to the vegetation index. We use windowed linear regression on these weighted points to ascertain the best value to use for a point in a pixel. The resulting images allow us to better calculate vegetation in countries as well as determine the start and end of seasons.
 
 

Kara Wiebe: "Plant Life Support: What Do You Put in the IV Bags?" (Steven Matzner)

The objective of this study was to determine how various solutions affect stem flow rates in Apple and Silver maple trees. A major concern was the build-up of bacterial colonies within the conducting cells, which would block flow. Experiments were done to determine the optimum solution to perfuse the stem. The appropriate solution would mimic the natural speed through the xylem, prevent bacterial growth, and maintain a constant flow rate over a 5-6 hour period. Salt solutions were compared to solutions without salt and solutions with antibiotics were compared to ones without antibiotics. Salt solutions did increase the flow rate in the stems. Surprisingly, the species used in this experiment did not exhibit symptoms of bacterial contamination. In fact, attempts to contaminate stems did not decrease flow rates, indicating that bacterial colonies were not growing and blocking stem-conducting cells. It is possible that these species contain natural antibiotics, which may inhibit bacterial growth.

Aaron Cusher: "Data Extraction and Visualization" (Dan Swets)

This project began January 2002, and was provided by Dr. Kevin Gallo at the EROS Data Center. There currently exists unreadable satellite data that contains the fractional green vegetation percentage, or fgreen percent, for the top 3 land classes of 20 km grid sections that checkerboard the United States. These percentages are stored in 36 files. Along with these fgreen files are files containing the percent land cover for each land class (3), each land class type (3), and total water percentage (1) for each 20 km grid cell. It is the goal of this project to display information about a selected grid cell in a readable format. Java programming language will be used to extract the data from each of the 43 files and present it in textual and graphical format. This language was chosen due to the ease of which it can be linked to the Internet, for the final product will viewable via the World Wide Web. The web site will allow users to point and click on an area of the United States, displaying relevant fgreen information about the selected area.