Homesick for You: An Archival Analysis of Love Letters from World War II

In this project, I cherish and explore a collection of correspondence exchanged between a married couple during World War II. Applying an embodied research approach that incorporates archival, historical, and cultural studies, I analyze key elements of these letters with special attention for themes of love and family, valuing their insights to touching personal stories that nuance the dominant narratives of history. I contend for the preservation and discussion of these letters and similar artifacts, advocating for their lasting significance within both past and present contexts and their irreplaceable contributions to the cultivation of collective memory and empathy across generations

Analyzing the 2020 Presidential Election & the Second-Generation

What impact does second-generation immigrant status have on vote choice in the 2020 presidential election? The research surrounding this issue suggests a strong relationship between immigrants and their support for the Democratic Party. However, it often neglects the political behavior of their children, the second-generation. Immigration and its generational effects on political behavior is both a fascinating and increasingly critical phenomena to understand. By studying a presidential election like that of 2020, I aim to establish the second generation’s preference towards the Democratic Party and its candidate, Joe Biden. Using the American National Election Studies (ANES) 2020 Dataset and logistic regression, I explored the relationship between the status of an individual as second-generation and voting behavior. My findings suggested a strong correlation between one’s status as a child of immigrants and their support for a Democratic candidate. This provides an important concept about the voting behavior of this demographic, especially as they become a larger portion of the national electorate. By understanding this behavior, we can better predict or challenge future political conceptions about this group

Computational Lipophilicity Calculations of Fluorinated Morphine Derivatives for Improved Pain Management

The opioid epidemic impacts 60 million people worldwide every year. Morphine, a commonly prescribed opioid, binds to the μ opioid receptor (MOR) in the body via protonation of the tertiary amino group of morphine and the MOR. An unfortunate side effect of this binding process is its non-selectivity in both peripheral and central tissues. While activation within inflamed peripheral tissues results in pain relief, activation within central tissues results in the unwanted and addictive side effects of opioids. Because there is a discrepancy in pH between healthy (central) and inflamed (peripheral) tissue, selective binding within the inflamed tissues results in pain relief without addictive properties. Fluorination of the morphine molecule results in a reduction of pKa that induces selective protonation (binding) within the lower pH environments of inflamed tissues while avoiding activation within the CNS. Additionally, the removal of the C and D rings of morphine alters its steric properties, potentially improving receptor fit and binding efficiency by increasing the flexibility of the molecule. These structural modifications also influence lipophilicity, measured by the partition coefficient (logP), which impacts the drug’s ability to cross lipid membranes. Computational logP calculations using XLOGP3 found that morphine has a logP of 0.88, whereas fluorinated derivatives exhibit increased lipophilicity: fluoromorphine β-C1 (1.91), fluoromorphine β-C2 (0.85), and fluoromorphine β-C3 (2.05). The significantly higher logP values of β-C1 and β-C3 suggest enhanced partitioning into lipid-rich inflamed tissues, improving selectivity while minimizing CNS interactions. The aim of this study involves further assessment of these derivatives using molecular docking simulations that will be conducted in Schrödinger software to predict ligand-receptor interactions with MOR. Gathering Gibbs free energy (ΔG) and logP data will determine which derivative(s) should be synthesized and studied further

En Banc

EN BANC Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served immediately following the last panel in the Kennedy Hall Lobby

Theoretical and Experimental Synthesis of β-Fluorinated Morphine Derivative for Selective Binding in Inflamed Tissue

Over the past two decades, the United States has experienced a substantial rise in opioid overdoses and related fatalities. Morphine is a frequent prescription for pain management following traumatic procedures and contributes to potential tolerance and dependency with prolonged use. By reconstructing the structure of morphine, adverse side effects may be eliminated. Previous studies have identified several morphine derivatives that, in theory, could result in fewer side effects. This was determined by a decreased pKₐ of the biochemically active amine group to promote the selective binding in peripheral opioid receptors within inflamed tissue (pH=6-6.5). This activation provides analgesia while central receptors within the brain remain inactive, thus preventing undesired side effects associated with opioids. The study aims to experimentally synthesize the novel opioid derivative Fluoromorphine β-C2 from a theoretical synthesis plan assisted by computational resources. A SmilesCode generator created a single-line string of symbols to illustrate a 3-dimensional molecular compound. These symbols were inputted into IBM RXN for Chemistry, an AI synthesis program, to determine a theoretical synthesis plan starting from the compound 2-chloro-3-fluoromethoxypyridine. The resulting information was cross-referenced with peer-reviewed articles and experts in the field. The first synthesis step was a palladium-catalyzed dechlorination and hydrogenation, which used palladium on carbon in methanol. Stoichiometric ratios of reagents were used to calculate the corresponding masses and volumes of Pd/C, methanol, and the starting reagent. The first step was completed in vivo, and H1 NMR concluded no desired product was synthesized. According to IBM RXN, the reaction step has high confidence (0.965), indicating additional attempts with procedural adjustments could be fruitful. This would mark a significant achievement toward the synthesis of a morphine derivative less capable of the dangerous side effects associated with narcotics

Social Media Addiction Explained Through Film

“How much is too much?” The central frame of my creative work tackles this question through the lens of queerness, addiction, isolation, and self-identity, giving an unfiltered voice to today’s youth. Social Media’s negative effects go deeper than the usual anecdotes of decline in sleep quality, physical activity, and attention span. The ramifications of a negative mental headspace are often overshadowed by flashy promises and a false sense of belonging. The societal impact is especially influenced due to the malleability of the adolescent brain. In 2022, up to 95% of teenagers ages 13 to 17 claimed to use social media, and about a third use it “almost constantly.” I am creating a 5-12 minute narrative short film that dramatizes the often-overlooked, harmful undercurrents of social media. To evoke a visceral response, we’ll employ avant-garde cinematic techniques, including extreme short lenses, dynamic gimbal shots, dutch-angle dolly movements, and inventive compositions. The sound design will feature heavy emphasis on folly, synthetic scoring and highly edited vocals to underscore the artificial humanism on the piece. Gen Z has an indulgence in escapism media, often featuring glamorized characters. The plot draws viewers into a captivating relationship between the protagonist and the seductive allure of a character that personifies social media. This charismatic presence slowly reveals its darker, addictive qualities, prompting the viewer to confront the question: “What happens when desire gives way to dependency?” As a queer college student in my early 20s, I rarely see films that address the issues my peers and I face with genuine authenticity. By bringing an authentic perspective to these complex themes, this project aims not only to resonate deeply with audiences, but also to spark conversations that challenge the normalization of technology addiction. Sources: https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/social-media-teen-mental-health-a-parents-guide https://www.zippia.com/film-maker-jobs/demographics

Word, Words, Words Books, Libraries, and the Law,

This Article explores the cultural, historical, and legal significance of books and manuscripts, emphasizing their vulnerability to theft, destruction, and neglect throughout history. From ancient Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets to modern libraries, written materials have functioned not only as vessels of knowledge but also as cultural heritage objects subject to political, religious, and economic targeting. The Article traces the development of manuscripts, the emergence of libraries, and the long history of censorship, biblioclasm, and wartime looting. It highlights the legal challenges surrounding the restitution of stolen manuscripts and rare books, examining case studies involving institutions such as Princeton University, the Getty Museum, and the Museum of the Bible. Through detailed analysis of national patrimony laws, international conventions like the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1970 UNESCO Convention, and prominent court battles, the Article underscores the urgent need to strengthen legal protections for literary heritage. Ultimately, it calls for greater awareness and accountability to ensure that books—our “words, words, words”—are preserved as enduring records of civilization

Design and Structural Basis of Selective 1,4-dihydropyridine Inhibitors of the Calcium-activated Potassium Channel K\u3csub\u3eCa\u3c/sub\u3e3.1

The 1,4-dihydropyridines, drugs with well-established bioavailability and toxicity profiles, have proven efficacy in treating human hypertension, peripheral vascular disorders, and coronary artery disease. Every 1,4-dihydropyridine in clinical use blocks L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. We now report our development, using selective optimization of a side activity (SOSA), of a class of 1,4-dihydropyridines that selectively and potently inhibit the intermediate-conductance calcium-activated K+ channel KCa3.1, a validated therapeutic target for diseases affecting many organ systems. One of these 1,4-dihydropyridines, DHP-103, blocked KCa3.1 with an IC50 of 6 nM and exhibited exquisite selectivity over calcium channels and a panel of \u3e100 additional molecular targets. Using high-resolution structure determination by cryogenic electron microscopy together with mutagenesis and electrophysiology, we delineated the drug binding pocket for DHP-103 within the water-filled central cavity of the KCa3.1 channel pore, where bound drug directly impedes ion permeation. DHP-103 inhibited gain-of-function mutant KCa3.1 channels that cause hereditary xerocytosis, suggesting its potential use as a therapeutic for this hemolytic anemia. In a rat model of acute ischemic stroke, the second leading cause of death worldwide, DHP-103 administered 12 h postischemic insult in proof-of-concept studies reduced infarct volume, improved balance beam performance (measure of proprioception) and decreased numbers of activated microglia in infarcted areas. KCa3.1-selective 1,4-dihydropyridines hold promise for the many diseases for which KCa3.1 has been experimentally confirmed as a therapeutic target

Changing the World, One Play at a Time

Throughout history, the performing arts have been used as an accessible tool for communication, raising awareness about social issues and affecting positive change. Social justice theatre encompassing documentary theatre, verbatim theatre, and social justice ethnodrama is designed to raise critical consciousness, build community, interrupt, and alter oppressive systemic social patterns, and motivate individuals to promote social change. This chapter addresses how social justice influenced the development of a two-act crime victim advocacy play titled Call this Number and critically analyzes social justice theatre through the lens of narrative engagement theory. This chapter advances understanding of how to develop social justice theatre, ways to assess if social justice goals are being achieved when producing this work, and provide a useful theoretical lens for understanding how social justice theatre can promote social justice goals.https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/communication_books/1026/thumbnail.jp