2008 Proceedings - St. Cloud State University

Abstracts
Session T All Disciplines Ballroom
Synthesizing Vanadium-Flavonoid Complexes that May Show Potential Anti-Diabetic Properties
Diabetes is characterized by inadequate production or utilization of insulin resulting in abnormally high blood sugar (glucose) in the blood
and urine. Vanadium is a metal that has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels. Flavonoids are a class of aromatic plant pigments
that have also been shown to exhibit anti-diabetic properties. Vanadium on its own has been shown to be toxic, but its toxicity can be
decreased by attaching organic ligands like flavonoids. When flavonoids are attached to vanadium it may be possible to have a synergetic
effect in the regulation of glucose levels, while also reducing the toxicity of vanadium. A vanadium-chrysin complex was prepared by
heating at reflux overnight by addition of vanadyl acetylacetonate, chrysin, and sodium hydroxide to ethanol. Microscopic analysis, IR,
NMR and Mass spectrometry indicate the formation of VO(chrysin). IR analysis shows C=O peak shifts from 1653 to 1628cm-1 indicating
coordination at C-5. IR also shows peaks at 993 and 984cm-1 -indicating presence of V=O. NMR analysis reveals broad peaks
corresponding to chrysin. The broad peaks are attributed to the paramagnetic nature of V(IV). MS spectra show the presence of chrysin in
the compound along with other fragments with higher molecular weight. The results from above will be presented along with the results
from other techniques including UV/VIS and elemental analysis. This research is valuable because compounds like these could potentially
lead to new treatments for diabetes that do not require typical treatments such as insulin injections.
Presentation Index: T2
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Department: Chemistry
Project Sponsor(s):
Student Presenter(s): Wenz, Donald
Mahroof-Tahir, Mohammad
Hormonal Changes From Copulation to Fatherhood in Rats
Infanticide is a behavioral characteristic displayed by both adult male and female rats. In male rats, coital ejaculation has been shown to
trigger a neural timing system that postpones infanticide near the time of birth for sired pups. In this study, an attempt to characterize the
hormonal fluctuations involved in the copulatory induced-neural timing system in male rats will be made. In addition, hormonal
manipulations consistent with the peripheral physiological levels in this neural timing system will be explored in sexually inexperienced
male rats. The influence of the resulting copulatory hormones on infanticide will also be examined. Understanding the hormonal
fluctuations generated by copulation and their role in parental behavior in rats may provide insight to similar mechanisms in other
mammals.
Presentation Index: T3
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Department: Biological Sciences
Project Sponsor(s):
Student Presenter(s): Vocelka, Luke; Grosz, Danielle
Tubbiola, Maureen; Wolff, Jerry
Elder Abuse and Neglect
This review explores the ethical issues and identifies professional guidelines for counselors confronted with dilemmas related to elder
abuse and neglect. The paper includes information from professional journals, the American Counseling Association Ethics Code, the
American Psychological Association Ethics Code and Minnesota Law. Findings show that elder abuse is a difficult and timely concern,
counselors must work to improve attitudes toward elderly, be aware of their own attitudes, report abuse, work to shorten response time
following report, and continue to research this significant problem. Counselors who are well prepared to respond to elder abuse will provide
advocacy and professional response to elders who have been neglected or abused.
Presentation Index: T4
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Department: Community Psychology
Project Sponsor(s):
Student Presenter(s): Ghosh, Sukanya
Jorgensen, Leeann
Energy in the Wind
Where will our energy come from in 2025? How viable are clean energy sources, such as wind sources, now that fossil fuels are
becoming more scarce and their use as energy sources more environmentally and economically unsound? University students are
queried about their thoughts on wind power as a viable energy source. Today's pros and cons of wind generated energy are discussed,
along with comparisons to other possible, renewable energy sources. Will we find more of our energy in the wind in the future?
Presentation Index: T5
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Department: Science
Project Sponsor(s):
Student Presenter(s): Hall, Bruce
Minger, Mark
St. Cloud State University Student Research Colloquium 52
April 22, 2008