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 effect of mutant endocytic proteins on cell motility
(Yeshiva University, 2007-05-08) Shmukler, Zehava; Rappoport, Joshua
...Three types of proteins coats have been studied as associated with cellular transport vesicles. COP I (coat protein complex-I) coated vesicles travel between the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum. COP II coated vesicles travel the reverse path from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi. The third type of coat is clathrin, which will be further examined in detail. Clathrin coated vesicles (CCVs) are responsible for the internalization of extracellular cargo (endocytosis) and transport between the Golgi and endosomes. For our purposes, we will focus more on the endocytic aspects of CCVs [2]. (from Introduction)
Open Access
Antibiotic resistance on the rise: Origins and recommendations
(Yeshiva University, 2009-04-28) Schlesinger, Aviva; Holz, Marina K.
The administration of antibiotics comprises a vital role in modern medicine by making infections that were once deadly completely curable. The development of various resistant mechanisms that can combat the modes of action of the variety of antibiotic classes on the market presents a major medical challenge, especially as the prevalence of antibiotic resistance is on the rise. Considering evolutionary advantages and abilities of many bacteria overcoming resistant strains may seem daunting, but several methods seem promising. Antibiotic cycling, the bioelectric effect, vaccines, and bacteriophages are methods of treatment that contribute to reduction of resistant strains. The main way to address antibiotic resistant is through prevention via more responsible administration and use of antibiotics. Limiting antibiotic use in patients and even other settings such as agriculture are of primary importance. Physicians and patients must ultimately work together to achieve this important public health goal.
Open Access
Pants vs. skirts: A sociological perspective
(Yeshiva University, 2007-04-25) Schechter, Sarah Rebecca; Langer, Sidney
In this study, I will attempt to provide some insight into these types of issues. First I will provide background information in the areas of history, i.e. the history of women wearing pants; halachah (Jewish law), i.e. laws that pertain to how Jewish women should dress and why; and finally, sociology. Four areas of sociological interest are covered: dress, deviance, gender, and religion. I will then study the women of Stern College and explore what they have to say about our topic. Finally I will draw conclusions and provide suggestions for further inquiry into this subject matter. (from Introduction)
Open Access
Quentin Tarantino’s War: Distinguishing between art and history in “Inglourious Basterds”
(Yeshiva University, 2010-04-10) Ungar-Sargon, Alisa; Evans, Kim
“Inglourious Basterds” is not a film about the Holocaust, nor is it a Holocaust film. By engaging in the topic, though, Tarantino effectively confronts the viewer’s presuppositions about how he or she relates to Holocaust films. That is merely the shape of “Inglourious Basterds,” though, as influenced by its viewer. The film itself is a reality independent of its historical background, and underscores the fact that art is not reliant on any reality other than its own. By not bowing to consistency, the film provides insights into film as a medium unto itself, and language as a primary weapon of warfare. In the climactic scene of the burning cinema, the Nazis are presented as moviegoers and Shosanna as filmmaker. Just as Shosanna wages war on her audience, Tarantino the filmmaker wages war on his. The difference between them is that Tarantino’s audience has the chance to change sides, from Nazi to Bear Jew, if they let go of their expectations and desire for consistency. Either way, though, everyone is trapped inside the burning building. And while the two sides are not necessarily distinguishable in battle, the hero’s cause matters more than appearances. Tarantino’s final deconstruction transforms even reality, turning it into the greatest fiction of all. (from Conclusion)
Open Access
Lo Plug and Milta D’Lo Shkhiha: An exceptional analysis
(Yeshiva University, 2004-04-19) Sanders, Sara J.; Pahmer, David; Haber, Yakov
As the complications in analyzing whether to adopt a more stringent or lenient approach for each case rise, it becomes evident that uncertainty prevails in many cases. There are differing opinions. There are those who follow one rabbi therefore practicing halakhah in a certain manner, yet there are still others who, in following a different rabbi, manage to practice halakhah in the exact opposite manner. How, then, is one to decide what to do? The answer can be found in Pirkei Avot: “Rabban Gamliel used to say: Accept a teacher upon yourself and remove yourself from uncertainty” (1:16). Do not rely on your own judgment alone; follow your teachers in their halakhic traditions. As such, the roles of the halakhic community in nurturing its future rabbis to reach the ability to paskin, the student of halakhah in learning the intricacies of halakhic application, and the individual in discerning which leaders are learned and capable of delivering psak in accordance with the intricacies of halakhic tradition crescendo into a burning need for increased emphasis of the glory of Torah study. Great minds must be directed toward mastering the words of Our Sages of Blessed Memory. (from Conclusion)
Open Access
The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee: Its founding and activities April-December 1960
(Yeshiva University, 2002-04-19) Russ, Meira; Schrecker, Ellen; Kosak, Hadassa
When the student sit-ins began in Greensboro, few people envisioned the activism that was to come. Even the establishment of a Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee did not immediately signify the staying power of the movement. By the end of 1960, however, the students had their leader. SNCC had gained permanent status, assumed the role as spokesman for the movement, came to the aid of students expelled as a result of their activism, was politically active, and proved its ability to mobilize protests on the national level. It seems then, that one can no longer refer to 1960 as merely a period of organization for SNCC. Certainly SNCC is most noteworthy for its activities after 1960, beginning with the Freedom Rides of 1961 where SNCC’s “militant identity was forged.”'°° After all, it was these activities that turned the public’s attention to the student organization. Nevertheless, a proper historical analysis of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee must accept that 1960 was a critical year for the organization. SNCC was founded with the hope that it would temporarily facilitate communication between student protest groups that were actively fighting segregation. The committee’s actual activities, however, went far beyond what was expected of it. (from Conclusion)
Open Access
The obligation to save a life
(Yeshiva University, 2001-04-20) Rosenfeld, Jennie; Soloveitchik, Haym
Through analysis of the sources which discuss the laws surrounding the obligation to save lives, I hope to catalog some of the relevant halachot and to see the underlying principles which the rishonim and achronim use in their discussion. Through examining the sources we will test the limits of the obligation to save lives-just how much does Scripture value saving lives and does it preserve this value even over the consideration of treating the savior well as a social policy? Through the eyes of the law-makers, by noting which types of laws they are willing to invoke in analogy to saving lives, we will see whether the commandment of saving lives is a commandment like any other commandment, or whether it falls into a category of its own. Firstly, a definition of terms is called for.
Open Access
Analyzing miscommunication in experimental transcripts
(Yeshiva University, 2012-12-20) Rosenberg, Alexa; Galantucci, Bruno
In the last year and a half I have been involved in a project aimed at developing a laboratory paradigm to study naturally unfolding miscommunication, such as that found in the exchange above. My own contribution to the project comes in the form of analyzing data that is produced by this naturalized laboratory paradigm, building upon previous work in linguistics and psychology. To make my contribution clear, I will first define miscommunication, describe the background research that went into the creation of the paradigm, and explain the paradigm itself in detail.
Open Access
Genetic resistance to HIV discovered: A good mutation is found
(Yeshiva University, 2009-05-09) Riegel, Tamar Beth; Weisburg, Jeffrey
The HIV virus has caused an epidemic in our country. The virus attacks CD4 cells that are vital to fighting off illnesses. Without treatment, people infected with HIV can expect to suffer severe immunodeficiency and develop AIDS in eight to ten years after HIV infection. Taking current HIV medications can slow down this progression and prolong the life of those infected but there is currently no cure for AIDS. The existence of a group of people with histories of prolonged and severe exposure to HIV and who have yet remain uninfected by the virus gives hope. Scientists have carefully studied these people with the assumption being made that their genotypes are associated with a genetic resistance to HIV and they have made significant discoveries. A 32-basepair deletion was found and it was proven than it leads to a nonfunctional CCR5 co-receptor, a receptor needed for M- tropic strains HIV to successfully enter a host cell. Since the virus can only replicate within a host cell, in the absence of the CCR5 co-receptor this predominant form of the virus will be unable to multiply, mutate, and re-infect the individual. This will give the body an opportunity to mount an effective immune response and rid the body of the disease. While HIV may quickly develop resistance to CCRS blockers, gene therapy that leaves the CCRS co-receptor completely ineffective proves hopeful. In this way researchers hope to harness this natural resistance to HIV and help infected individuals fight off the disease that is evading our immune systems. While there is a long way to go before the ultimate cure can be designed and a treatment can become available for clinical use, researchers are confident that they are on the right track. (from Conclusion)
Open Access
lyov lefi peshuto: Rashbam’s Commentary on Job
(Yeshiva University, 2002) Reinstein, Meira; Cohen, Mordechai Z.; Grunhaus, Naomi
The book of Job speaks to every generation, as it tackles one of the deepest and most perturbing questions in Jewish thought - the suffering of the righteous. Over the centuries, hundreds of commentaries have been penned to elucidate this difficult work, each with its own perspective and technique. While many explanations and commentaries have long been available to scholars and students of the work, new perspectives and approaches constantly come to the fore and continue to clarify Job's meaning. The recent publication of the commentary of R’ Shmuel ben Meir (Rashbam) on Job is similarly productive and eye-opening. Rashbam’s comments on Job provide a perspective on the work not commonly seen in other commentaries, and further reflect on his own dedication to the methodology that he worked to perfect. As in his other works, Rashbam understands Job entirely through the methodology of peshat. Rashbam’s commentary on Job cannot be studied in a vacuum; in order to understand the basis for his interpretations, we must first evaluate his premises and methodology as a whole. Through examination of Rashbam’s approach, as well as greater understanding of his interpretive style and his vision of Bible commentary, we will be able to see the ways in which Rashbam differs from his counterparts and how he utilized the methodology he developed to examine one of the most difficult works in Tanakh. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how Rashbam’s consistent use of his approach sheds light on many difficult issues in the book of Job itself, and how this commentary may prove an invaluable resource for those wishing to arrive at an understanding of the book’s message.
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“Hansel and Gretel” in a post-Holocaust world: Louise Murphy and Anne Sexton’s retellings of the classic Grimm Tale
(Yeshiva University, 2012-12-20) Rauch, Marganit; Shires, Linda
After the Holocaust, there was a question of how to relate to the values that had been so dominant in German culture. There was no possibility for authors to look at the Grimms fairy tales as being separate from German culture, because the Brothers Grimm had made it all too clear that their fairy tales existed only because of the connection with German culture, and, yet, German culture took on a bad taste in a post-Holocaust world. Thankfully, it was concluded that the value of the fairy tale as a way of approaching truths was too great to simply lose to the passage of time. Thus authors were not willing to simply give up on the Grimms’ fairy tales, but at the same time, they could not simply retell them without an acknowledgement of the fact that German culture had become twisted in the Third Reich. By entering into conversation with the values that the Brothers Grimm set forth, Murphy and Sexton allow the fairy tale to continue remaining a relevant, fluid narrative form. As Adorno stated, culture can only continue if one converses with a society’s ideological beliefs, rather than merely accepting them as obviously true, and the same goes for the fairy tale; the highest regard a contemporary author can give to the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm is to continue giving them cultural relevance by re-evaluating the cultural values that these fairy tales promoted. (from Conclusion)
Open Access
Tensions in the argument from religious experience
(Yeshiva University, 2001) Pruzansky, Ayelet; Shatz, David; Raffel, Charles
The argument from religious experience states that mystical experience is empirical evidence for the existence of God. In other words, belief in God is justifiable since he has been sensed in this world. As we will see, the argument draws upon philosophy, theology, and science in order to state its claim. Since the nature of the argument is such, conflict will arise between the various parts. This paper will examine the argument from religious experience and its various difficulties. It will show how the argument may not stand in the face of internal conflicts, namely those between philosophy and theology, and philosophy and science. These conflicts will ultimately reveal certain limitations with the argument. Based in this it will try to determine the extent that the argument from religious experience, as well as arguments for the existence of God in general, can figure in religious thought.
Open Access
Metacognition and goal orientation as mechanisms of self-efficacy generalization
(Yeshiva University, 2012-05-21) Preil, Shira; DiLorenzo, Terry
Self-efficacy, one's beliefs regarding his or her ability to successfully reach a desired goal, can positively affect performance and transfer from one domain to another (Bandura, 1977, 1997). The literature has suggested a number of mechanisms explaining why such expectations can transfer, among them metacognition, or thinking about cognitive processes, and mastery goal orientation, a motivational disposition characterized by a positive goalsetting attitude. The current study aimed to examine the roles that metacognition and goal orientation play in the self-efficacy transfer process. College-aged participants completed measures of various types of self-efficacy, use of metacognition, and goal orientation. A positive self-priming manipulation designed to increase self-efficacy, was given to some participants. The experimental manipulation had no effect, indicating that positive priming does not play a role in the self-efficacy transfer process. As expected, positive correlations between self-efficacy and both metacognition and mastery goal orientation were found. Further research that experimentally manipulates metacognition and/or mastery goal orientation in order to further explore the role these variables play in transfer of self-efficacy is suggested. Such research could then be implemented to teach children and adults to be efficacious, and thus successful, in a wide range of behaviors.
Open Access
Biologic and halachic perspectives on AIDS
(Yeshiva University, 2008-05-01) Polin, Jennifer; Zuckerbraun, Harriet
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the later stages of the disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), was first recognized in the late 1970s. When the disease was first discovered it was considered to be a death sentence, and not much was known about its origin or its transmission. It was originally called the “gay men’s disease,” because it was very prevalent in the homosexual community. Many different laboratories, researchers and physicians collaborated in order to find out more about the disease, its progression through the body and a possible cure. At the beginning of the HIV epidemic many religious communities responded to the disease on a psychological and a social level. Different religions were concerned with the mode of transmission and how to react to people who had contracted the disease through religiously unacceptable means. Jewish communities in particular had to respond to the illness and sufferers of the illness because of the nature of Jewish law. Since Jewish law permeates almost every aspect of life, including sickness and death, Halachic scholars needed to provide answers to their communities regarding how to react and care for a person who has contracted the virus. The scientific community is continually looking for ways in which to advance, and understand and find treatments and cures, while the Halachic scholars try to develop Halachic principle and ethics to keep up with the pace of scientific advances. The medical community continues to try to improve the health of patients who have contracted HIV until a cure is found, while the Halachic community attempts to provide structure and support so as to improve the social and psychological lives of these patients.
Open Access
The GMO controversy with respect to agricultural crops and proposed changes to the biotechnology industry's public relations strategies
(Yeshiva University, 2013-12-16) Plotzker, Naamah; Holz, Marina K.
Genetically-modified (GM) crops are crops that have been genetically engineered to exhibit traits that are advantageous to farmers and consumers. In this thesis, I discuss the biological, agricultural, and political aspects of GM crops in modem society. The most commonly cultivated GM crops at this time have been engineered to exhibit resistance to the broad-spectrum herbicide, Roundup® (glyphosate), and resistance to insects of the order Lepidoptera, which frequently are major agricultural pests. Both of these traits have been obtained from species of bacteria that naturally produce the proteins necessary to exhibit these traits. However, genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) are a source of political controversy. Many citizens feel that the public is being duped into consuming dangerous food products due to the tremendous influence of the corporate giant Monsanto, which develops and distributes genetically-modified (GM) agricultural crops. Meanwhile, scientists have been following the environmental progress of GM crops and have been testing their health risks since GM crops began to be commercialized in the mid-1990s, and have generally found little cause for concern. With the potential for much good to be gained by continued use of GM crops, particularly in the Third World, it is therefore imperative that scientists effectively spread the message to the public that GM crops are safe, which they have failed to do until this point. The pro-GMO community must counter the anti-GMO community by following the same approach that the anti-GMO community has used in order to appeal to the public.
Open Access
Women and mathematics: The limit does not exist
(Yeshiva University, 2009-04-28) Perel, Shiri; Dalezman, Michael
There is a common joke among mathematicians that goes as follows: “There have only been two female mathematicians: one was not a woman; the other was not a mathematician” (Henrion 68). This joke refers to two salient mathematicians of the past few centuries, Emmy Noether and Sonya Kovalevskaya. Emmy Noether dedicated much of her life to the study of mathematics, but she was not considered feminine by her colleagues because she was not particularly attractive. Sonya Kovalevskaya, on the other hand, fit the traditional female view; she was attractive, and, while making tremendous contributions to the field of mathematics, she married and had a child. This joke highlights the misconception that women and mathematics do not mix. It is thought that if a woman associates herself with feminine characteristics such as physical attractiveness or motherhood, she can not be taken seriously as a mathematician. The opposite is said to be true as well; a female mathematician chooses her career because she did not have the opportunity to marry or raise a family (67). Unfortunately, the belief that being a mathematician while still maintaining one’s femininity is impossible does not only exist among the mathematics community, but it is even held by society at large. Over the centuries, however, many women have contributed to the field of mathematics, proving that the supposed incompatibility of women and math is simply a myth due to stereotypes passed down through the generations. A comprehensive study of the history of women in mathematics will demonstrate that women were never absent from the study of mathematics, despite widespread perception pointing to the contrary.
Open Access
The validity of the MMPI-2 L scale in Orthodox Jewish undergraduate females
(Yeshiva University, 2008-01-28) Oxman, Havah; DiLorenzo, Terry
The Minnesota Multiphasic Inventory—Second Edition (MMPI-2) is one of the most widely used instruments to measure psychopathology. The Lie (L) scale on the MMPI-2 is used to determine when people are “faking good,” or trying to minimize their pathology. The current study compared L score means of Orthodox Jewish undergraduate females and of a normative undergraduate female sample. It also examined the association between religiosity and L scores. A total of 49 students completed 370 items from the MMPI-2, including all 15 items from the L scale. The mean L score for this sample (4.08, S.D. =1.85 was significantly higher than the mean score for the normative sample (2.8, S.D.=1.9) (t(48)=4.9, p<.001). Only one religiosity subscale, Importance/Involvement, correlated with L scores (.25, p<.05.). Our results provide preliminary evidence that Orthodox Jewish undergraduate females may indeed have higher L scores than undergraduate women from general population samples. While this study should be replicated in males and in members of other religious groups, our results have potentially important implications. Practitioners and researchers using the MMPI-2 should consider the religious background of clients/subjects when interpreting results of the L Scale
Open Access
Pomegranates: An historical and healthful fruit
(Yeshiva University, 2011-04-28) Ovits-Levy, Channa Gila; Babich, Harvey; Schuck, Alyssa
Pomegranates, while currently popular, have much historical, cultural, and religious significance. They were found in tombs of ancient Egypt and were mentioned in myths of ancient Greece and in texts of ancient Rome. Pomegranates, held as a holy fruit in multiple religions, are found in various religious texts as decorative and symbolic objects. Ancient medicine in Greece and Rome prescribed pomegranates for numerous ailments, such as worm infestation and infertility, or even as a contraceptive. Current research has shown pomegranates to have strong antioxidant capabilities, giving them many important health benefits. The antioxidants in pomegranates are polyphenols, in particular, the punicalagins, which have positive cardiovascular effects, as well as ameliorative effects on cancers of the prostate, breast, liver and skin. Additionally, pomegranates mitigate the effects of certain toxins, such as chemotherapeutic drugs and lead acetate, and show health effects regarding the immune system and in treating diabetes. The anti-inflammatory abilities of pomegranate may alleviate arthritis and its antibacterial and antiviral capabilities are potentially useful in food preservation and in promoting oral hygiene. In my research at Yeshiva University's Stem College for Women, along with Drs. Harvey Babich and Alyssa Schuck, we explored the prooxidant effects of pomegranate extract on normal cells and on cancer cells derived from tissues of the human oral cavity. Our research, conducted in vitro, showed pomegranate extract to be highly cytotoxic to cancer cells, as compared to normal oral fibroblasts. These findings strongly suggest a future role for pomegranate-derived compounds in the treatment and prevention of cancer of the human oral cavity.
Open Access
Optimal income redistribution when individual welfare is dependant on absolute and relative income
(Yeshiva University, 2008-05) Neiman, Eeta; Hoover, Dennis; Fuller, George
Basic economic theory indicates that individual welfare should be dependant upon absolute wealth and income. Mathematicians have used this notion in analyzing optimal income taxation, where models assume that individual utility is completely dependant on after tax income and time allocated to work. However, it has become increasingly evident that relative income and an individual’s comparative standing within society, can also be argued as major factors affecting individual welfare. Based on such observations, this paper will explore a model for optimal income taxation where individual utility is not only dependant upon absolute income, but will also factor in relative income to evaluate the effects on the outcome of the optimal tax scheme for the Elitist social welfare criteria. The conclusions will demonstrate that the optimal marginal income tax in deed depends upon a parameter that measures an individual’s concern for his relative standing within society. The details of this parameter are necessary in order to obtain the most accurate magnitude of optimal marginal tax rate.
Open Access
The chemopreventive properties of black tea theaflavins on oral carcinomas
(Yeshiva University, 2007-12-31) Muskin, Eliana; Babich, Harvey H.; Zuckerbraun, Harriet L.
Black tea, in general, and its main components, the theaflavins, are now being recognized for their chemopreventive properties towards various cancers. Much research, including epidemiologic and clinical evidence and studies on laboratory animal models with in vitro cell cultures, have indicated the anticarcinogenic potential of tea. However, most of these studies have been with green tea. Less is known of the potential chemopreventive properties of black tea, and even less is known of its effects on oral cancer. This manuscript discusses the anticarcinogenic potential resulting of the consumption of black tea, with particular emphasis on oral cancer, and thereafter focuses on its mode of cytotoxic action against tumor cells. Much of the cytotoxic data in this manuscript were derived from my laboratory research with Drs. H. Babich and H.L. Zuckerbraun in the Laboratory of In Vitro Toxicology at Stern College for Women. Our data showed (a) that malignant cells from the human oral cavity were more sensitive to the cytotoxicity of a black tea theaflavin mixture than were healthy cells; (b) that in culture medium the theaflavin mixture generated hydrogen peroxide; and (c) that the cytotoxicity of the theaflavin mixture was correlated to its induction of oxidative stress. The defective nature of the intracellular antioxidant defenses of malignant cells, as compared to that of healthy cells, may explain their hypersensitivity to the hydrogen peroxide generated from the theaflavin mixture. This research was the first scientific study to definitively show that theaflavins have prooxidant abilities and suggests possibilities for the practical use of black tea theaflavins as anticarcinogens.

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