Spu.edu

Friday, May 18, 2007
Otto Miller Hall, 3-9pm
SPONSORSHIP
The organizers of this years conference would like to thank the following fortheir generous donations to this years event.
• Primary funding for this years conference was provided by • Continued funding from the Lilly SERVE grant provided by • Software prizes for participants graciously donated by • Seattle Pacific University College of Arts and Sciences Conference Schedule: Friday May 18, 2007; 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Location
Opening ceremony
Student Oral Presentations
Keynote Address:
Dr. Rick Lindroth, Professor of Chemical Ecology The "butterfly effect" in Scientific Dinner Break
(dinner provided for faculty and presenters) Student Poster Presentations
(catered dessert provided for all attendees) Awards Ceremony
Session A: Physics and Engineering
Convener: Dr. Lane Seeley
Session B: Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics
Convener: Dr. Derek Wood
ChadMayer*,MonikaSwietlicka*, Mutagenesis of MICA and Session C: Mathematics I
Convener: Dr. Don Peter
Session D: Mathematics II
Convener: Dr. Benjamin McFarland
Abstracts
Mutagenesis of MICA and NKG2D Binding Studies on Surfaces and in Solution
Chad Mayer*, Monika Swietlicka*, Lindsey Willis, Acacia Craig, and Benjamin Mutagenesis of MICA and NKG2D Binding Studies on Surfaces and in SolutionMICA is a stress-inducible ligand for NKG2D, an activating immunoreceptor. Thecentral section of the Éø2-domain helix forms part of the NKG2D interface andtransitions from disorder to order upon receptor binding. Surface studies of NKG2Dbinding: We determined affinity, kinetics, and thermodynamics of redesigned mutantMIC-A binding NKG2D by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). 2-3 mutations weresufficient to improve affinity (= Kd) by 15-fold. Surprisingly, successful stabilization ofNKG2D binding resulted from a mild predicted destabilization of the MIC-A Éø2-domain helix. New MIC-A mutant production: We designed 12 new MICA mutants andranked them with RosettaDesign. Four mutant plasmids were designed and produced,predicted to locally destabilize MICA with tryptophan insertions for fluorescence studies.
Solution studies of NKG2D binding: We have developed a method using a size-exclusioncolumn to compare the binding affinities of different MICA mutants for human NKG2Dand to detect MICA mutants that bind human NKG2D with high affinity. To determineour binding affinities qualitatively and inexpensively in solution, we ran the differentMIC mutants through an analytical size-exclusion chromatography column both bythemselves and in complex with NKG2D. This ranked the mutants similar to SPRrankings.
Computational Design Predictions of MHC Class I-like Ligands and the
Immunoreceptor NKG2D using RosettaDesign
The interaction between NKG2D and the MIC-A and MIC-B proteins activates NK cells,playing an important role in the destruction of cancerous cells in the body. Computationalprotein design by RosettaDesign is used to predict mutations that will optimize thebinding between these MHC Class I-like ligands and NKG2D. We found that the designpredictions indicate cooperative destabilization of MIC-A for mutations in closeproximity. Further results demonstrate strong parallels between corresponding MIC-Aand MIC-B mutations. Also, the MIC-A-NKG2D interface was targeted for stabilizationat contact residues, charged residues and MIC-B variants. The results of thecomputational predictions have been compiled to provide targets for experimental site-directed mutagenesis.
Mutagenesis of MICA and NKG2D Binding Studies on Surfaces and in Solution
Chad Mayer*, Monika Swietlicka*, Lindsey Willis, Acacia Craig, and Benjamin MICA is a stress-inducible ligand for NKG2D, an activating immunoreceptor. Thecentral section of the Éø2-domain helix forms part of the NKG2D interface andtransitions from disorder to order upon receptor binding. Surface studies of NKG2Dbinding: We determined affinity, kinetics, and thermodynamics of redesigned mutantMIC-A binding NKG2D by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). 2-3 mutations weresufficient to improve affinity (= Kd) by 15-fold. Surprisingly, successful stabilization ofNKG2D binding resulted from a mild predicted destabilization of the MIC-A Éø2-domain helix. New MIC-A mutant production: We designed 12 new MICA mutants andranked them with RosettaDesign. Four mutant plasmids were designed and produced,predicted to locally destabilize MICA with tryptophan insertions for fluorescence studies.
Solution studies of NKG2D binding: We have developed a method using a size-exclusioncolumn to compare the binding affinities of different MICA mutants for human NKG2Dand to detect MICA mutants that bind human NKG2D with high affinity. To determineour binding affinities qualitatively and inexpensively in solution, we ran the differentMIC mutants through an analytical size-exclusion chromatography column both bythemselves and in complex with NKG2D. This ranked the mutants similar to SPRrankings.
Computational Design Predictions of MHC Class I-like Ligands and the
Immunoreceptor NKG2D using RosettaDesign
The interaction between NKG2D and the MIC-A and MIC-B proteins activates NK cells,playing an important role in the destruction of cancerous cells in the body. Computationalprotein design by RosettaDesign is used to predict mutations that will optimize thebinding between these MHC Class I-like ligands and NKG2D. We found that the designpredictions indicate cooperative destabilization of MIC-A for mutations in closeproximity. Further results demonstrate strong parallels between corresponding MIC-Aand MIC-B mutations. Also, the MIC-A-NKG2D interface was targeted for stabilizationat contact residues, charged residues and MIC-B variants. The results of thecomputational predictions have been compiled to provide targets for experimental site-directed mutagenesis.
Nitric Oxide production in snail haemocytes: Effect of calmodulin inhibition
The initiation of the inducible form of Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) in vertebrate andinvertebrate immune cells is poorly understood. Here NOS initiation via calmodulinproteins in Lymnaea stagnalis (freshwater pond snails) was investigated by measuringfluorescently labeled output of NOS in conjunction with w7, a calmodulin inhibitor.
Insight into calmodulin dependence, the importance of triggering an immune responseand allowing for incubation and washing of macrophage hemocytes was observed.
Production of HIV Pseudovirus
Courtney Grady, Sean Gray, Zane Kraft, Leonidas Stamatatos Finding a vaccine to human immunodeficiency virus type-1 is a major priority of theworldwide scientific community. Immunogens that induce antibodies targeting a widerange of HIV-1 strains represent excellent vaccine candidates. A system of pseudovirusproduction for use in HIV-related research has been developed for common lab strains ofHIV-1. In this study we use a two plasmid system to co-transfect 293T cells to producepseudovirus. Pseudovirus can enter CD4+ T-cells permitting a single round of infectionand presents the envelope glycoprotein (gp160) on the outside of HIV-1 virions for anystrain of interest, ideally eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Generation of a functional genomics screen for essential genes in Azotobacter
vinelandii DJ
James Rosser, Katherine Houmiel and Derek W. Wood Azotobacter vinelandii is a soil-dwelling gram-negative bacterium that is capable offixing atmospheric nitrogen under aerobic conditions. Recently, the 5.36 Mb genome ofA. vinelandii has been sequenced and annotation is currently under way by acollaboration of research universities that involves both graduate and undergraduatestudents. Additionally, functional genomics studies of A. vinelandii are taking place.
Specifically, this study seeks to identify all essential and non-essential genes undernitrogen-limiting conditions. To address this goal a Tn5 mutant library is beingconstructed in A. vinelandii DJ2. Several previous studies have reported that A.
vinelandii maintains between 40 and 80 copies of its genome depending on growthconditions. This observation coupled with findings indicating that mutations in essentialgenes are maintained in a heterogenomic state while mutations in non-essential genes aremaintained in a homogenomic state form the basis for this screen. Here we provide proofof concept for a large-scale functional genomics approach to addressing this question.
Identification of genes involved in the elicitation of a hypersensitive response by
Agrobacterium vitis
Julienne Duringer, Katherine Houmiel, Tom Burr and Derek W. Wood Agrobacterium vitis F2/5 causes crown gall and necrosis on grapevines. This organismalso elicits a hypersensitive response (HR) on non-host tobacco. Previous work hasidentified regulatory genes belonging to the acyl-homoserine lactone response regulatorclass that mediate both necrosis and the HR. We have used plasmid pRL27, which carriesa hyperactive Tn5 transposase and a transposon containing an R6K origin of replication,to create random insertions within the genome of F2/5. We are currently screening alibrary of 2,500 insertions in order to identify mutants that are unable to elicit the HR.
This system allows easy identification of the site of transposon insertion by cloningtransposon-containing genomic fragments into a strain that expresses the lambda pir genethat mediates R6K replication. Isolation of resulting plasmids and determination of theflanking DNA seq uence will define the location of the transposon insertion within thegenome of F2/5. Following this screen, mutants unable to elicit HR will be furthercharacterized to determine their role in pathogenesis Cetacean Survey 2006
Results from a cetacean survey performed in the Bering Sea and North Pacific in thesummer of 2006 aboard the T/S Oshoro Maru.
A genetic screen for auxotrophic mutants in Agrobacterium rhizogenes A4
Nicole Bednarczyk, Ryan Brown, Jim James, Alex Moore, Brian Schneider, and Derek The genome of Agrobacterium rhizogenes is currently being sequenced. The location ofgenes and their function are also being examined. All species of Agrobacterium areimportant to the agricultural industry because of their ability to transform plants using theTi or Ri-plasmid, depending on the species. A. rhizogenes strain A4 mutants withrifampicin resistance were selected for conjugation with Escherichia coli BW20767containing the pRL27 plasmid. The transposon, Tn5-RL27, was inserted randomly in theA4 Rif genome. A Kanamycin resistance gene on Tn5 allowed for isolation of A4Rif/Tn5-Km mutants. Twelve auxotrophic mutants were found by screening on minimalmedia. DNA sequencing with primers off of the ends of Tn5 and BLAST nucleotidesearches against the Agrobacterium radiobacter strain K84 genome revealed six possiblegene functions for six of the twelve mutants.
Comparisons of the tolerance of selamectin and ivermectin in Taeniopygia guttata
for treatment of infection with Sternostoma tracheocolum.
Nozomi Maekawa-Treser, Elizabeth Peter and Cynthia R. Bishop, DVM Selamectin has been used in dogs and cats for the treatment of arthropod infections buttolerance and efficacy for treatment in passerine birds has not been tested. Ivermectin hasbeen used in many avian and mammalian species but has not been tested in zebra finches.
This study compared the tolerance of topically administered Selamectin and orallyadministered Ivermectin in three groups of 10 zebra finches, Taeniopygia guttata. Thedosages of Selamectin for the groups were 23, 46, and 92 mg/kg, with a fourth groupserving as controls receiving the carrier of Selamectin, 70% isopropanol, topically. Thedosages of ivermectin were .2 mg/kg, .4 mg/kg, and 2 mg/kg, with a fourth group servingas controls receiving sterile water orally. None of the birds in either trial showed visiblesigns of adverse neurological effects or died as the result of treatment with the drugs. Changes in weight, white blood cell counts and eosinophil ratios were compared betweenthe two trials and will be reported.
Virulence Attenuation in Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58 mutants
Ryan Brown*, Katherine Houmiel and Derek Wood Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a specific species of bacteria that is known to cause tumorin dicotyledon plant species; this is accomplished by transferring it's T-DNA into a hostwhere it will integrate into the chromosomal DNA. In this experiment tumefaciens C58was studied, a strain known to cause the formation of crown gall tumors. The purpose ofthis study was to determine the affect that specific site directed deletions in C58 has uponits virulence. By inoculating Kalanchoe daigremontians (the host dicot) in varyingconcentrations of the mutant C58 strain the lowest number of cells needed to form tumor(LCT) was determined. By comparing the mutant strain's LCT to that of the wild-typeC58 (positive control) the influence of the mutation on virulence was determined; thestrain tumefaciens A136 was used as well for a negative control. Throughout thisexperiment four m utant C58 strains were studied: 6047, 6188, 4035 and 6162. None ofthe mutants lost virulence as a result of the deletion and only mutant 4035 showedpossible attenuation. In order to confirm true attenuation of the 4035 mutant a higher Nmust be achieved to decrease standard error.
Co-localization observed between lysosomes and zinc in Lymnaea Stagnalis
hemocytes
1. Heavy metals have dual affects on many fresh and saltwater organisms. In smallconcentrations many heavy metals are necessary parts of holoenzymes. Yet, in manyaqueous environments organisms are exposed to toxic levels of Lead, Copper, Zinc andCadmium. Lymnaea stagnalis, a species of snail, has a cellular mechanism for dealingwith increased levels of Zinc by sequestering it within hemocytes. However, littleempirical knowledge exists about the mechanism by which these hemocytes bring Zincacross the cell membrane and sequester it within vesicles. Dr. Ridgway has proposed,based on his research finding concentrations of Zinc in vacuoles, that a metallothioneinprotein mediates the process. the purpose of this research was to test this hypothesisutilizing florescent probes.
Electronic Structure of 2,5-Didehydroarenes
Andrew B. Caldwell*, Adam N. Mentze, Kevin L. Bartlett We have computationally investigated the cycloaromatization reaction of diethynyletherand diethynylthioether, to form 2,5-didehydrofuran and -thiophene, a reaction which isfundamentally similar to the Bergman reaction of enediynes. In order to explicitlydescribe the diradical nature of the product, we used multireference methods (CASSCFand CASPT2), in addition to DFT, both for energies and geometry optimizations. Wealso calculated the singlet-triplet gap in the diradical products, and explored the lowerexcited states as well. Interestingly, we discovered that, regardless of basis set or method,there were frequently two low-lying triplet states of different electronic symmetry - 3B2and 3B1 - both within 10-15 kcal/mol of the ground state singlet. The cyclizationreactions are predicted to be only modestly endothermic. Computed electron affinitiesindicate that both these diradicals are suitable for acquiring NI-PES spectra of theirradical anions, possibly generated by the Squires reaction on 2,5-bis-TMS-furan and -thiophene Osmium Based Metal Complexes for Use in OLEDs
Jordan Lee*, Brenden Carlson and Gregory D. Phelan In this work an organic ligand was synthesized for its use in transition metal coredcomplexes. These metal complexes were synthesized for their applications in OrganicLight Emitting Devices (OLEDs). Osmium cored complexes have emissions rangingfrom blue through red, which is ideal for the utilization in OLEDs, and in this work thecomplex were synthesized by binding two equivalents of [N-N ligand] to the osmiumcore. A Claisen-condensation was carried out between 2-acetylpyridine and trifluoro-acetic acid ethyl ester in order to synthesize a diketone molecule, which was later reactedwith hydrazine to produce the [N-N] ligands. The synthesized ligands were complexedwith osmium, generating a divalent osmium complex. The emission of the complex wasanalyzed by obtaining the emission spectra, as well as the absorption spectra. Theresulting complexes were used in creating OLED.
Characterization of Europium Complexes Synthesized from ?-diketones and
Various Phenanthrolines
Louisa Walton*, Katie Cumbie and Gregory D. Phelan Lanthanide complexes are being considered for use as the luminophore in organic lightemitting devices (OLEDs). Europium complexes give bright, narrow-banded emissions at615 nm. We have synthesized complexes with a metal (Europium) core, three equivalentsof ?-diketone ligand, and one equivalent of a phenanthroline ligand. The ?-diketoneligands that were used in this study are 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-1-(phenanthren-2-yl)hexane-1,3-dione and 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione. Thephenanthroline derivatives that were used are bathophenanthroline, 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, and 1,10 phenanthroline. Six complexes were analyzed using a UVspectrophotometer and a fluorimeter. Each resulting complex is characterized on the basisof its emission and molar absorptivity.
The effects of Beta-diketone and phenanthroline type ligands on Samarium emission
Patrice Foster, Stuart Kazen, Emily Volland and Gregory D. Phelan Lanthanide metal complexes can be integrated into modern technologies acting asluminophores in a variety of applications including Organic Light Emitting Devices(OLED's). Using Samarium as our metal core we synthesized different complexes with aseries of one equivalent of a phenanthroline ligand and three equivalents of É¿-diketoneligands. Samarium complexes emit light at 565 nm, thus allowing for a yellow lightsource. The ligands are designed to isolate the metal center while helping transfer energyinto the metal core. The phenanthroline derivatives used in our study were a 1, 10-phenanthroline, bathophenanthroline, 3,4,7,8 Tetramethyl - 1 - 10 phenanthroline, and p-bromo-4,7 diphenyl-1-10 phenathroline. Two different É¿-diketones, 2-Thenoyltrifluoroacetone and dibenzoylmethane, were reacted with the four differentphenanthroline derivates resulting in a total of eight different Samarium complexes.
These resulting complexes have excitations around 350 nm. The purpose of this researchwas to determine the optimum combination of a phenanthroiline derivative and a É¿-diketone to obtain the maximum emission of a Samarium complex.
Synthesis of Lanthanide Cored Complexes with Phenanthroline and Beta-Diketone
Scott H. Lowman, Leesa D. Kurtz and Gregory D. Phelan The synthesis of lanthanide cored complexes varied in chemical reactants to explorewhich of the combinations would produce the maximal emissions. The practical use forthe resulting research has many applications such as environmentally friendly light bulbsand a variety of other OLED applications. The focus of our study dealt with europiumcomplexes that had bright emissions at about 615 nm. These complexes have a europiummetal core, one equivalent of phenanthroline ligand and then three equivalents of _-diketone ligand. The phenanthroline ligand (4,5,6,7-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)remained unchanged in each of our different complexes, while multiple _-diketoneligands (4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione and 4,4,5,5,6,6,6-heptafluoro-1-(phenanthren-2-yl)hexane-1,3-dione) were used in order to explore the impact ofaltering the _-diketone ligand. Synthesis of these complexes was carried out through acontrolled and reproducible process. Ultraviolet visible spectroscopy and fluorescencespectroscopy were used for methods data acquisition and complex analysis of theeuropium complexes at varied concentrations. Excitations between 341 nm and 344 nmand emissions at 612 nm were observed.
Synthesis of a Chromophore Bridge Component and an Active Hyper-Branched
Polymer Host for Chromophore Doping
Tiffany D. Mealman, Philip A. Sullivan, Larry R, Dalton This work demonstrates the synthesis of a chromophore bridge component and an activehost hyper-branched polymer. The bridge component, functionalized benzothiadiazole, issynthesized to be incorporated into a donor-bridge-acceptor chromophore or to be alteredfor further chromophore synthesis. The hyper-branched polymer is synthesized to beutilized as an active host material for chromophore doping. Hyperpolarizability ofindividual chromophores will be determined, as well as the r33 values of the bulkmaterials.
WebVo is a web-based Personal Video Recording (PVR) system. It provides easyrecording of television shows without the hassle of VCRs. Utilizing a web browserinterface, WebVo allows the user to connect to a recording server and manage thescheduling and recording of television programs from any computer connected to thenetwork.
Grid Computing
Tim Disney, Michael Holmlund, Kevin Johnson and Eddie Strickler A grid is the linking of two or more computers to share resources. The size of a grid isdynamic and can be virtually boundless in size. A gird is decentralized, meaning that twonodes on the grid can communicate between each other without going through a centralsystem. Finally, a gird can be heterogeneous, which means the grid is platform and OSindependent. As a class, we set out to create a grid, submit and run tasks on the grid, andtest the productivity benefits of the grid. This displays our findings.
Environmentally Controlled LED Lighting
*Phillip Chase, *Nathan Everett, *Danielle Parris, *Graham Schwinn This presentation will show an LED lighting system that is controlled by the surroundingenvironment. The primary inputs to this system are light and temperature. Themultispectrum LEDs respond to these inputs by changing color. The brighter the room,the more green the LED. The temperature inversely controls the red and blue color.
Ultimately, this system will be a visual representation of the environment in which it islocated.
Software Defined Radio Frontend
This project specializes in the design and development of a software-defined radioreceiver. Unlike most radios, it is able to demodulate RF signals in the ISM band throughthe use of firmware implementation. Thus, it will be able to demodulate any kind of RFsignal simply by changing the firmware, which is really easy. Our radio is the kind ofradio that will not go obsolete.
Perfect Pitch: A Digital Tuner
Brian Gong*, Bizhan Hooman*, Joshua Kanehen*, Cody Vanderpol* A Junior Design Project creating a digital tuner utilizing an electret condensermicrophone, a PSoC microcontroller, and an array of LED outputs. This device processesan audio signal, calculates the frequency, and displays whether the pitch is flat, sharp, orin tune.
SLY System
Dustin Lane, Tim Larson, Jason McCann, Jacob Schaeffer The SLY System - (S)Secure (L)Low-Cost (Y)Wireless - is a senior design project builtfor home monitoring and control. Standard or custom installation is simple and easy forthe home user. An average home owner can personally monitor, control, and log thesystem with his/her personal computer, or remotely access the system from anytelephone.
Remote Controlled Vehicle Lights
A model of a remote control and a receiving unit are used to control basic vehicle lightsignals. Various combinations of three different signals reproduce many of a car’sessential functions such as left turn, right turn, and brake lamp.
Seismograph
Monica Stewart, Hanane Benanaya, Jacob Dunn We are designing a Lehman stlye seismograph to detect the horizontal east-westmovement of the Earth. It will use a coil moving through a magnetic field to determinethe magnitude of the quake.
Clean Water for Guatemala
Jennifer Mills*, Matthew McIntire*, Carlo Lozano* A bio-sand filter was designed to clean the water for a small gathering of houses inGuatmala. A water pump is being designed to help obtain water from the river to thefilter. A spiral pump and a ram pump are being tested for most efficient design.
Wireless Audio
One dilemma I have frequently encountered with iPod's iHome or other iPod speakersystems is the inability to remotely control the iPod. A solution to this problem would beto build a system that transmits the audio signal wirelessly from the iPod to the speakersystem. The vision for this project would be to build a product that allows the wirelesstransmission of an audio signal to some base station equipped with speakers. Such adevice could be used for settings when it is convenient to have music playing in thebackground while retaining direct control over the playlist.
Alternative Energy for Third World Development
About a quarter of the world is currently without electricity. According togreenempowerment.org, an organization that uses renewable energy sources to alleviatepoverty, the access to reliable energy and the alleviation of poverty are inextricablylinked. For many people in rural areas of developing countries, renewable energy is oftenthe cheapest option. As part of my UScholars project,I am currently researching the useof renewable energy for use in developing countries. Such projects typically encounterseveral problems, which I will discuss in an attempt to come up with an ideal design forsmall-scale power in a third-world setting.
Van Hiele Levels of Geometric Understanding
Did you struggle in high school geometry? If so, you are not alone. Many students havetrouble in geometry even if they have been well in all prior math classes. Pierre and DinaVan Hiele have discovered one explanation for why this happens and how teachers canhelp fix it. This presentation will highlight their discoveries and propose suggestions forteachers which incorporate these ideas.
Philosophical Implications of Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry
The question of mathematics discovered or invented comes to full light with a brief lookinto Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries and their ability to co-exist Bernouilli Effect
How does the Bernouilli Effect mathematically pull a sailboat into the wind? I have prepared a presentation on how to model housing prices mathematically. In thepresentation I give some back ground information on how to go about analyzing housingprices. Then I present three different models using statistical data and discuss thesolutions and confidence in my models.
Well-Known Problems in Probability
Research into some of the classical and well-known probability problems that have beenthoroughly researched within the mathematical community. This presentation willparticularly focus on the Monty Hall Problem which relates to the game show "Let'sMake A Deal." Mathematics Behind 3D Graphics
An exploration of the fascinating mathematics behind displaying and manipulating threedimensional graphics on a two dimensional computer screen.
Mathematical Development of the Compartmental Pharmacokinetic Model
With advancements in drug development, a method to safely and accurately predict theeffect of substances on humans has become even more necessary. Because widespreadtesting of drugs on people is dangerous, an effective way of making predictions is tocreate a model of the biological process using mathematics. Pharmacokinetic modelsprovide the most realistic description of drug behavior in the body. The foundations ofbasic physiological responses to drugs and relationships between importantpharmacokinetic parameters in the compartmental model can be derived mathematically.
Case studies using pharmacokinetic compartmental modeling demonstrate theeffectiveness of using such mathematics in clinical situations.
Batting Order Optimization
I create a model to simulate the production of a given baseball batting order in an attemptto find the most offensively productive order.
Generalization of the Fourier Transform
The Fourier transform decomposes any square-integrable function into the superpositionof harmonic functions vibrating at every (complex) frequency. It is well-known thatrepeated iterations of the transform are cyclical-the second-order transform is a rotationabout the ordinate axis and the fourth-order transform leaves a function unchanged.
Recent work has focused on converting this discrete cycle into a continuous one byperforming fractional iterations of the transform. The fractional Fourier transform(FRFT) may be defined in several equivalent ways, a few of which I will describe.
Math Teacher Education
Starting with the foundations of math teacher education, this presentation will look at thecurrent trends in teacher preparation programs, as well as practical ways to use upperdivision math credits in teaching secondary level mathematics.
Game Theory
Brief introduction to game theory including discussion on a variety of different gamesand strategies The Physics of Running: An Analysis of Peak Power
The most efficient way to improve jumping and sprinting ability is to train at maximumpower output. In this study, subjects preformed a series of jump squats while wearingweight belts ranging from 10 to 50 pounds. Subjects were also tested with no addedweight. With this data, peak force, velocity, and power were determined. In addition tothe normal jump squat, a single footed jump squat was tested using the same proceduresin order to determine whether or not the optimal load would change.
Probing Bohr's Correspondence Principle
The correspondence principle of Niels Bohr states that quantum mechanical predictionsfor systems in states of high energy resemble the predictions of classical mechanics. Theprinciple has been used productively for nearly a century to account for the classicalbehavior of macroscopic objects, but rigorous mathematical justification of it is difficultto find. I examine a particular potential energy well which seems to contradict Bohr'sprinciple, and look for ways in which classical behavior can still emerge.
Divine Action: A Perspective from Quantum Theory
This presentation will first introduce the ongoing disupte over interpretation at thefoundations of quantum mechanics by taking a close look at the EPR experiment andBell's Theorem. Attempts to locate divine providence in the inherent "openness" ofquantum mechanics must be considered in light of this interpretational dispute. Inparticular, we look briefly at the work of John Polkinghorne.

Source: http://www.spu.edu/depts/spur/Conferences/Erickson06/abstractbook/Erickson%20abstracts%20May%2007.pdf