S. Daniel Abraham Honors Student Theses

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The S. Daniel Abraham Honors Program, begun with a major gift from philanthropist S. Daniel Abraham in 1999, has attracted students of ever-higher academic caliber to the college, where they engage in once-in-a-lifetime research opportunities and forge rewarding relationships with faculty mentors. Students in the S. Daniel Abraham Honors Program enroll in honor courses, enjoy faculty mentoring, and complete a major research project. In addition, they participate in exciting extracurricular events - outstanding speakers, cultural outings to top NYC destinations, and leadership workshops. Read more. For more information please contact: Director Cynthia Wachtell wachtell AT yu.edu 646.592.4157 215 Lexington Ave, Room 616

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Open Access
The science of cloning: Medical and legal ramifications
(Yeshiva University, 2002) Weinberger, Yehudit
There are certain pivotal scientific events and discoveries that dramatically change our view of the world and notion of the possible. Cloning is one such event. Once it was thought to be science fiction, but with the announcement in February, 1997 of the birth of Dolly, the first sheep cloned from an adult somatic cell a new world of possibilities in research, health, and reproduction opened up. This expansion of possibilities brought with it a range of ethical, and legal implications, many of which had never before been addressed. This work is organized as follows. The science of cloning will be explained, along with the triumphs and failures it has encountered and the promise it holds. Thereafter the focus will be directed to the possibility of human cloning and its ethical and legal ramifications, as well as Judaism's approach.
Open Access
The role of reason in generating religious passion: A critique of the fideist position
(Yeshiva University, 2003) Warburg, Tova Yonina
The American Heritage Dictionary defines re-lig-ious as: having or showing belief in and reverence for God or a diety1 . It defines pas-sion as: a powerful emotion, such as love, joy, hatred, or anger2. Thus, religious passion can be defined as follows: a powerful emotion relating to belief in and reverence for God or a diety. Proponents of existentialist fideism3 have argued that one cannot achieve religious passion if his religious beliefs are based on reason; to achieve religious passion, they claim, one's beliefs must be based on faith alone. While at first glance, the arguments supporting this position seem compelling, it can be critiqued from a number of different angles.4 In order to complete this critique, it is of use to first consider the reasons for the basis of the position that religious passion cannot be generated by reason. These reasons can be divided into three general categories:5
Open Access
Genetic screening for Jewish genetic diseases
(Yeshiva University, 2003) Weisman, Sabrina
The scientific advances of the last 100 years have pushed the front line of science to new, unimaginable frontiers. The Human Genome Project, involving the identification of every one of the approximately 100,000 genes in the human body, is just one example of the major breakthroughs taking place in the world of science today. Like most other research projects, the Human Genome Project does not have practical health ramifications as yet, but undoubtedly, the pragmatic applications of the mapping and identification of the human genes will become apparent as scientists continually unlock more mysteries of the universe. The study of genetic diseases is a stellar example of how successful research can lead to critical advances in medicine. The once cryptic world of mutations and hereditary diseases has now been illuminated through extensive research and testing. (from Introduction)
Open Access
Social influence on women & heart disease: A comparison of theoretical models
(Yeshiva University, 2003) Wright, Netania Dael
There are many different models that can be used to explain health behaviors. Maddux (1993) reviewed several of the social cognitive models of health and exercise behavior. These included: Bandura' s self-efficacy theory (Bandura, 1986), the Theory of Reasoned Action/Planned Behavior by Fishbein & Ajzen (1991), and the Health Belief Model by Rosenstock (1966). Rather than comparing these models to determine the most valuable, Maddux highlights the similarities and proposes an integrated model. Each model has its strengths and its weaknesses. However, the similarities between the various social-cognitive models are greater than are the differences. Combined, they share a few basic features: 1) outcome expectancies (perceived vulnerability; response efficacy/expected benefits; and expected costs); 2) outcome value; 3) self-efficacy expectancy; and 4) intention (Maddux, 1993). Forming an integrated model and incorporating the various elements may provide a more accurate picture of the variables that predict the adoption of a health behavior. (from Conclusion)
Open Access
Mitochondria and the process of cellular aging
(Yeshiva University, 2003-04-28) Weiss, Meredith
Today, the explanation for aging is largely based on the free radical theory of aging. However, although progress has been made in elucidating the mechanism by which free radicals damage cells, much is still unknown about the full role and effects of free radicals in the body. This paper will describe some aspects of the "Free Radical Theory of Aging" in several ways. First, it will explain the structure and function of mitochondria in the cell and describe how mitochondria produce free radicals. Then, it will detail the effects of free radicals on mitochondria as well as the possibility of mitochondrial regulation of cell longevity. The paper will conclude with an exploration of the current options for drug regulation of free radicals in the human body. (from Introduction)
Open Access
Linguistic relativity: The empirical evidence, the theoretical arguments, and the philosophical underpinnings
(Yeshiva University, 2004) Zitter, Esther M.
There are few today who still adhere to the strong form of the hypothesis, for the very possibility of translation from one language to the next seems to refute it. Even if American A doesn't have a one word translation for Hopi word x, the fact that he can still articulate the ideas expressed by that Hopi word would seem to invalidate the strong claim. However, the second, weaker form of the argument is the real basis of this paper. This argument is still debated, and it is the intention of this paper to address four questions about this hypothesis - (1) How did it develop from Whorfs works? (2) What empirical evidence is there to support it and to refute it? (3) What theoretical arguments are there concerning it? (4) What are some of the necessary philosophical assumptions that must be in place to maintain this argument? (from Conclusion)
Open Access
Left out: Aquaporin water channels and the exclusion of protons
(Yeshiva University, 2004-04-19) Abilevitz, Elana; Blau, Lea; Rapp, Chaya
In 2003, aquaporins burst onto the public scene with the Nobel Prize recognition given to Robert MacKinnon and Peter Agre. MacKinnon was awarded the honor for finding the atomic structure of an ion channel, while Agre's role was the discovery of the aquaporins-the major protein that functions as a water channel. In fact, it was Agre that named these proteins "aquaporins." [I]... Elegant mechanisms have been devised to explain these unique properties of aquaporins [2]. An understanding of the role of water and its hydrogen bonds is needed and the maintenance of cell's osmotic and electrochemical potentials is important as well. Earlier studies suggest that a major component of proton exclusion during aquaporin water transport includes a reorientation of the water molecules within the aquaporin channel, breaking their hydrogen bonds [ 1]. Recent studies have questioned the validity of this theory and other mechanisms have been presented [2]. Though the earlier theory suggests an interruption of the hydrogen bond, it is evident that can not be the case, because of the inherent properties of water that rely so heavily on its hydrogen bonds. (from Introduction)
Open Access
Anticipated aloneness diminishes high-level reasoning: The cognitive deconstructive state and mood suppression
(Yeshiva University, 2004-07-15) Alperin, Heather
Baumeister, Twenge, & . Nuss (2002) found that participants who anticipate aloneness exhibit deficits in higher level cognitive processes when compared with participants who anticipate physical misfortune, but the participants who anticipate misfortune do not experience these deficits when compared with the participants who anticipate belongingness. No deficits exist when comparing the three groups on low level cognitive tasks. Furthermore, the three groups do not differ in mood ratings on self-reports. A significant difference must exit between anticipating and anticipating misfortune. This difference is that anticipating aloneness removes the fundamental human need to belong, whereas anticipating misfortune does not remove this need (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). Two hypothesis of why only higher level and not lower level processes were affected are presented. First, the cognitive deconstructive state theory proposes that individuals who anticipate aloneness shift to a state of thinking that is characterized by only low level thought processes. Second, the limited resource model of mood suppression proposes that humans have a limited cognitive resource, which they use to control emotions and solve cognitive tasks. Individuals who anticipate aloneness deplete this resource by suppressing their mood, so they have less of this resource available for solving high level cognitive tasks. In this paper, Baumeister et al.'s (2002) experiment will be analyzed and the importance of belongingness, the cognitive deconstructive state theory, and limited resource model of mood suppression will be described in greater detail.
Open Access
Somatization in Dominicans
(Yeshiva University, 2005) Wiesen, Talia
Individuals are often resistant to expressing their psychological problems verbally for various reasons. They will therefore complain of somatic symptoms which they view as more socially acceptable problems. A variety of factors have been identified as contributing to the rate of somatization including culture, socioeconomic level and age. Research indicates that the number of psychiatric diagnoses tends to increase as the number of somatic symptoms increase and that Latinos have a higher rate of presentation of somatic symptoms than their white non-Latino counterparts. Given that there is no research on the prevalence of symptom presentation in the Dominican population, this study describes the sample in terms of number of symptoms endorsed, including generalized pain, migraines, and gastrointestinal discomfort. The study found that 86.8% of the sample was of Dominican origin, 60% of which endorsed at least one somatic symptom.
Open Access
Unraveling the mystery of green tea and cancer
(Yeshiva University, 2006) Weinerman, Sarah M.
Green tea has recently been the topic of much attention in the health and scientific communities. Anecdotal evidence pointing to the health benefits of green tea directed researchers to investigate this beverage's pharmacological activities. Epidemiological studies, although somewhat inconclusive, suggested that consumption of green tea had health-promoting effects, particularly in the prevention of cancer. Studies with laboratory animal studies further supported this observation by providing evidence that the administration of green tea extract reduced the occurrence and progression of chemical-induced carcinogenesis. The polyphenolic components of green tea were identified as the anticarcinogenic agents. In vitro studies with human cells in culture, conducted to understand the molecular and cellular bases for the chemopreventive potencies of green tea, showed that green tea polyphenols exhibited greater cytotoxicity to cancer cells than to normal cells. In the Laboratory of In Vitro Toxicology at Stem College for Women, I evaluated the cytotoxicity of catechin gallate (CG), a little-studied polyphenol present in green tea. Polyphenols are known act both as both antioxidants and prooxidants, in addition to displaying other modes of activity. My studies showed that in cell culture medium, CG acted as a prooxidant, generating hydrogen peroxide, and was preferentially cytotoxic to cancer, than to normal, cells isolated from the human oral cavity. Although in vitro studies, in general, have elucidated some of the mechanisms by which the polyphenolic constituents of green tea protect against cancer, the healthpromoting properties of this popular beverage still remain somewhat of a mystery. More research is necessary to understand the role of green tea in cancer prevention.
Open Access
Iran's conservative resurgence / an institutional analysis of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's victory in the 2005 presidential elections
(Yeshiva University, 2007) Willig, Sarah; Daves, Bryan
In this paper, I will assess these two alternative hypotheses to explain Ahmadinejad's victory . I will test the competing hypotheses using insights found in social science discussions about semi-authoritarian regimes. I will argue that while there is some evidence supporting the claim of a change in Iranian public opinion, the preponderance of evidence points to the institutional hypothesis as best accounting for Ahmadinejad's victory. I will demonstrate the strength of the institutional hypothesis by showing how the power structures of the Iranian government were utilized to obstruct the democratic will in the 2005 election. Finally, I will discuss the ramifications of this conclusion and suggest areas for further study. (from Introduction)
Open Access
The chemopreventive effects of Theaflavin-3,3'-digallate, a component of black tea
(Yeshiva University, 2008) Ausubel, Miriam; Schuck, Alyssa
Black tea, the type of tea consumed by the majority of the world, has been attributed chemopreventive properties. The polyphenols, catechins and theaflavins, within black tea are considered the active components and theaflavins are unique to black tea. Epidemiological studies have not conclusively accredited black tea with chemopreventive benefits but preliminary clinical studies as well as numerous in vivo studies have demonstrated a chemopreventive effect upon different human organs. In vitro studies h~ve shown the cytotoxicity of black tea polyphenol extract and black tea theaflavin mixture. Our studies were among the first to specifically analyze the effects of an individual theaflavin monomer, theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF-3). TF-3 was shown to be cytotoxic towards cancerous cells. Normal cells were less sensitive to TF-3. As a potential method of cytotoxicity, the prooxidant abilities of TF-3 were ascertained by measuring the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The reduction of ROS in the presence of catalase and superoxide dismutase provided evidence that TF-3 generates hydrogen peroxide and superoxide ion. These studies showed TF-3 as an inducer of oxidative stress. Further studies indicated that TF-3 induced apoptosis as the method of killing cancerou\ cells but not normal cells. TF-3 thus acts as a prooxidant killing cancerous cells but acting as an antioxidant protecting normal cells. The \ delivery and bioavailability of TF-3 along with other theaflavins is critical with regard to the effectiveness and holding black tea leaf extract in the mouth is sufficient to deliver high levels of theaflavins to the oral cavity.
Open Access
Aspergillus fumigatus proteins bound by a germination inhibitory monclonal antibody
(Yeshiva University, 2008-05-01) Atlas, Abby; Babich, Harvery
Aspergillus fumigatus, a common fungus, causes several forms of disease in humans. One such disease, invasive aspergillosis (IA), has a very high mortality rate in the immunosuppressed population. Dr. Marta Feldmesser and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Hybridoma Facility synthesized a monoclonal antibody (MAb 318) that binds to the fungal spores and prevents germination. Administration of this MAb prolongs survival in experimentally infected mice. Three fungal proteins, an aldehyde dehydrogenase, catalase (Catl), and an actin cortical patch component, were previously identified as binding MAb 318. The interaction(s) responsible for inhibition of germination is not known. The goal of this study is to make recombinant proteins of actin cortical patch component and aldehyde dehydrogenase to confirm the identity of the targets. Parallel processes for the preparation of the two recombinant proteins were performed. RNA was isolated from sporulating cultures for synthesis of cDNA. The genes were amplified using PCR. We digested the PCR products and ligated them into the plasmid pGAPZA. The plasmid was then electroporated into Pichia pastoris. We are currently assessing protein production in this expression system by Western blot and ELISA. Our research hopefully will confirm that MAb 318 binds one or more of the identified proteins. These proteins can be used to synthesize protein-specific antibodies and may be used to develop a vaccine against IA.
Open Access
Heat-induced stress response in germ and somatic testicular cells/the involvement of Small Ubiquitin Related Modifier proteins
(Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2008-05-15) Feldman, Abby Miriam; Vigodner, Margarita
•Spermatogenesis, sperm production, consists of proliferation of spermatogonia, meiosis of spermatocytes, and differentiation of spermatids. Hormones and growth factors released from testicular somatic Sertoli and Leydig cells coordinate the succession of each step of spermatogenesis. Successful progression through spermatogenesis is crucial for normal gamete formation and the transfer of genetic information to the next generation. •It is known that an elevated temperature may affect sperm development; however, the exact mechanisms how temperature effects spermatogenesis have not been elucidated upon. In this study, spermatogonia and Setoli cell-derived cells lines were used to understand the differential effect of heat on germ and somatic testicular cells. Using Annexin-V and propidium iodide staining as markers for early and late apoptosis, Sertoli cells were found to be more susceptible to the effect of elevated temperatures than spermatogonia cells. •In addition, this study was interested in characterizing the role of small proteins known as SUMO (small-ubiquitin-related protein modifiers) in the heat stress response of testicular cells. Although SUMO proteins were implicated in diverse cellular events, including stress response in somatic tissues, their reproductive function is still largely unknown. This study's data, obtained after exposure of spermatogonia and Sertoli cell lines to increased temperatures, revealed significant changes in SUMO protein localization and expression within spermatogonia and Sertoli cell nuclei. The involvement of SUMO proteins in heat-induced stress response during spermatogenesis was confirmed using freshly isolated mouse testicular cells.
Open Access
Cytotoxic effects of blueberry extract on normal and cancer cells of the human oral cavity
(Yeshiva University, 2009) Zack, Etana Leah; Schuck, Alyssa
Blueberries have been touted as potent antioxidants and attributed with many health benefits, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neurodegenerative activities. This study investigated the effects of blueberry extract on normal and cancer cells of the human oral cavity. The Neutral Red (NR) assay was used to detect the cytotoxicity of blueberries, and extensive cell death was noted in cancer cells treated with blueberry extract. Results of the NR and FOX assays indicated that blueberry extract exhibits significant prooxidant activity. Morphological changes observed in cancer cells treated with blueberry extract indicated that blueberries induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Experimentation to identify molecular signs of apoptosis was inconclusive and requires further repetition. The findings of this study suggest that blueberries exhibit prooxidant activity in cancer cells without harming normal cells, and that blueberries may be utilized successfully in the development of therapeutic cancer treatments.
Open Access
Organic food: Healthy helpings or marketing miracle?
(Yeshiva University, 2009) Wiesen, Rena; Wechter, Devora; Palumbo, Fred
It is an amazing phenomenon, and a rather rare occurrence, when the seemingly healthy choice is also the popular one. Yet, this is what has happened with the organic foods trend. Stores like Whole Foods have taken off, and become huge chains across the country. Organic produce is in high demand. Sales of organic produce rose from $1 billion in 1990, to $20 billion dollars in 2007, and there is a further increase of eighteen percent expected between 2007 and 2010. 1 Organic food is the fastest growing sector in food and beverage sales.2 Approximately 700,000 farms, in 138 countries, planted close to 30.4 million hectares and manage them organically. 3 What is this concept called organic farming? How did it develop and become so popular, almost overnight? This paper will explore organic food, particularly organic produce: its health benefits ( or lack thereof), how it became so popular, how stores such as Whole Foods have successfully capitalized on this market, and how food companies may find it possible to take organic foods to the next level by expanding into the fast food market.
Open Access
The appreciation of the aesthetic and the search for the feminine ideal in Virginia Woolf s novels: Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse
(Yeshiva University, 2009) Wohlgelertner, Talia; Peters, Ann
In this paper, I will argue that Woolfs concerns in Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse go far beyond the narrowly feminist-that is, the search for one ideal female type-and that the author's primary goal in the novel is to create a host of three dimensional female characters whose inner lives the readers can experience. Michael Payne reiterates this point when he states simply that "in both [Woolf s] criticism and her fiction art takes precedence over ideology" (2) 1 . By demonstrating the way in which Woolf has created a host of full-bodied, compelling, and diverse female characters, I will argue that, like Payne contends, Woolf did not ever intend to sacrifice her characters for either a feminist or a traditionalist message. Notwithstanding Woolfs dedication to characterization, I will suggest that the reader may indeed come to a synthesized view of Woolfs feminine ideal-part Clarissa Dalloway, part Lady Bruton, part Sally Seton, part Mrs. Ramsay, part Cam Ramsay, etc.-through a complete appreciation of each of her female characters. (from Introduction)
Restricted
Satan and Elijah: The dueling match Elijah's recreation of self
(Yeshiva University, 2009) Wiznitzer, Olivia; Schram, Peninah
What, then, binds Satan and Elijah together? What are the ways in which they are similar, enwrapped in a mystery that absorbs them both? In fact, there are many ways in which Satan and Elijah are similar. Firstly, they share a fascinating modus operandi, for they always appear in skillfully crafted disguises when they walk the earth. These disguises are not shared by other angels, but are pertinent to Satan and Elijah alone. Secondly, they share many similar personality and character traits. And thirdly, their destiny is such that they are continuously in conflict with one another; neither may be entirely at peace so long as the other exists.6 In an eternal showdown at the end of days, Satan and Elijah will battle one another, and it is only then that one will effectively triumph over the other. (from Introduction)
Open Access
LPA-Membrane interaction: Probing the signaling mechanism of Lysophosphatidic Acid
(Yeshiva University, 2011) Weiss, Rebecca; Mintzner, Evan
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is the simplest naturally occurring phospholipid composed of only a single acyl chain and phosphate head group esterified to a glycerol backbone. LPA is found intracellularly as a vital precursor for complex lipid synthesis, but more importantly, it functions as a bioactive, extracellular signalling molecule through a membrane-bound G-protein coupled receptor. Yet, because LPA is amphipathic and is present in high concentrations within the mammalian bloodstream, it is possible that LPA also directly acts at the membrane level. We suggest here that LPA-membrane interaction does occur and may be important for regulating its cell signalling capabilities through the reassembling and modification of membrane lipid organization. Using qualitative phospholipid/cholesterol MLV solubilization experiments, we have found that LPA interacts with fluid-phase vesicles by increasing their turbidity whereas LPA tends to solubilize more ordered, gel-phase vesicles. In addition, it appears that LPA has a much stronger affinity for and association with DPPC than with either DOPC or POPC. These findings suggest that LPA may modify the binding and activity of its target receptor in a regulatory fashion by altering the surrounding membrane environment. Fluorescent dye leakage studies are being conducted and adjusted to test the ability of LPA to perforate the membrane.

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