The Honors College

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is currently being studied as a candidate oncolytic agent due to its ability to induce apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells. Previous studies have shown that matrix (M) protein mutants of VSV, such as rM51R-M virus, act as selective anti-cancer agents by targeting cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Our goal is to promote the use of VSV for the treatment of cervical cancers. The cervical cancer cell line Siha has been shown in previous studies to be permissive to infection and killing by VSV.

A literature review of Southern Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium var. synchaetum) was performed. Current understandings and values of conservation were examined followed by explorations of conservation strategies. The Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium) parent species was introduced along with its habitat, description, and common name origin. The Southern Rattlesnake Master review explored the values of the plant including its uses as prehistoric footwear, its uses as a medicinal panacea, and biochemical properties.

English:

As human beings, we live for the social nature of our relationships with others. One would be hard pressed to discover a culture in today's global community that does not emphasize the importance of socialization within a society as a means of support and growth in order to advance further into the future. Humanity continues to strive towards a more unified and succinct culture where conversations and ideas are more accessible to anyone that wants to be become involved. With the advances in technology over the past century, the way individuals socialize has changed dramatically.

Research indicates that the college population is at risk for behavior-related diseases, like elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease (Spencer, 2002; Huang et al., 2003; Mokdad et al., 2004; & National Institutes of Health, 2012).

This paper examines the relationship between religion and health by analyzing popular media articles and recently published scientific articles. These two sets of articles were analyzed, not only for their results, but for the strength and weaknesses of the studies themselves. This paper examines the reasoning and research behind recent studies relating religion to better health. After evaluating and critiquing the current research, conclusions on the relationship between religion and health are reached and suggestions are made about further research that should be done in this field.

During World War II, the crossing number problem in Graph Theory was created. The problem is solved by minimizing the number of times edges cross at somewhere other than a vertex. In this paper, we will discuss the history of the crossing number problem, current theorems, techniques for looking at tripartite graph crossing number, and ways to improve on the bounds of the K3,3,3 crossing number. We will also discuss techniques to create a general theorem for these crossing numbers.

Using Brian J. McCartins "Prelude to Musical Geometry" as a guide, we will look at the geometric link between mathematics and tonal music. When a collection of pitches is heard, either successively (melodically) or simultaneously (harmoni- cally), forming scales or chords, we find varying intervallic relationships. One of our main goals in investigating this musical link is to understand the mathematical implications of the interval relationships among the members of any set of pitches and systems.

This paper examines the classification of Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer as a Romantic author. The Romantic period in Spain is a topic of much debate, and recently whether or not Bécquer can be considered part of the Romantic movement has come into question. This paper addresses some of the questions related to this debate, and attempts to demonstrate the Romantic elements present in Bécquer's writings.

Sodium is known to aid hyperhydration, and caffeine is known to have diuretic effects in large doses. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if caffeine ingestion negatively affected sodium induced hyperhydration as indicated by urine specific gravity. Participants included 3 healthy, college-aged males with no history of cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary, or renal diseases.