Life Sciences Commons^™

Design And Synthesis Of Cationic Steroid Antimicrobial Compounds, Synthesis Of Glycolipids Recognized By Natural Killer T Cells And Development Of Tlr-1, Tlr-6 Heterodimer Binders And Studies Of Their Immunology Activities, Yanshu Feng

Theses and Dissertations

Cationic steroid antimicrobial agents (CSAs) are a family of bile acid derivatives. These compounds are amphiphilic and mimic endogenous antimicrobial peptides. The antimicrobial activities of CSA-13 have been investigated and due to portent bactericidal activities and low toxicity, a large amount of CSA-13 is demanded for clinic trails and other antimicrobial applications. During our studies, we optimized the synthetic route of CSA-13, so that it can be prepared at the kilogram, even in tons scale. We investigated three routes and one of them is suitable for industry, because only recrystallization is needed in the synthesis. Natural killer T cells (NKT …

A Floristic Survey Of The Lichens Of The Spring Mountains, Nevada, Usa, Monica W. Proulx

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is the culmination of a graduate research project involving a floristic survey of the lichens of the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area (SMNRA), Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada. The project was based on extensive collections made between 1997 and 2007 as part of an air pollution biomonitoring program and a baseline established by Larry St. Clair (BYU). The Spring Mountains are a sky island mountain range in the Mojave Desert located less than an hour northwest of Las Vegas. A floristic survey of the lichen communities in the Spring Mountains represents a major addition to our understanding of the …

Characterization Of The Role Nuclear Bmp2 (Nbmp2) Plays In Regulating Gene Expression, Fialka Grigorova

Theses and Dissertations

The nBmp2 protein was first identified in a DNA affinity chromatography/mass spectrometry screen designed to detect proteins that interact with a cartilage-specific enhancer element (called D/E) from the type XI collagen gene Col11a2. The transcription factor SOX9, a protein from the Sox (SRY-related HMG box) family, binds to and activates gene expression from this enhancer. nBmp2 has no transcriptional activity of its own on this enhancer, but when co-transfected with SOX9 it increases SOX9's activation of D/E nearly 2-fold. SOX9 also activates cartilage-specific enhancer elements from the Col2a1, Col27a1, and Col9a1 genes. The purpose of this project …

Influence Of Weak Interactions On Supramolecular Binding: Characterization Of Cucurbituril Complexes With Alkylmonoammonium Ions Using Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry, Ruijan Shi

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis focuses on using mass spectrometry-based techniques for characterizing the structure and behavior of cucurbituril complexes in the gas phase. Both solvent and counter ion effects can be completely eliminated in the gas phase and the intrinsic interactions in the system are directly shown in the experimental results. Chapter 1 introduces the structures, properties and host-guest chemistry of cucurbituril, and FTICR mass spectrometry including instrumentation, performance and working principles. Two mass spectrometry-based methods for supramolecular characterization, sustained off-resonance irradiation collision induced dissociation (SORI CID) and ion molecule equilibrium measurements, are also discussed in this chapter. Chapter 2 characterizes the …

Changes In Fruit And Vegetable Household Food Availability Among Low-Income Families Over A One-Month Period Of Time, Ann Alicia Wells

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: There is little evidence of how fruit and vegetable (FV) household food availability changes over a one-month period among low-income households. The objective of this study was to analyze how FV variety and sustainability changes over a 4-week period.
Design: Inventories were conducted in low-income family households (n=49) once a week over a 4-week period. Trained researchers gathered the weights of all FV, including legumes, within the home. Previously determined mean container weights were subtracted to obtain the estimated weight of the FV. All weights were then converted to edible cups of FV, taking into account the weight that …

Mechanism Of G Protein Beta-Gamma Assembly Mediated By Phosducin-Like Protein 1, Chun Wan Jeffrey Lai

Theses and Dissertations

G-protein coupled receptor signaling (GPCR) is essential for regulating a large variety of hormonal, sensory and neuronal processes in eukaryotic cells. Because the regulation of these physiological responses is critical, GPCR signaling pathways are carefully controlled at different levels within the cascade. Phosducin-like protein 1 (PhLP1) can bind the G protein βγ dimer and participate in GPCR signaling. Recent evidence has supported the concept that PhLP1 can serve as a co-chaperone of the eukaryotic cytosolic chaperonin complex CCT/TRiC to mediate G βγ assembly. Although a general mechanism of PhLP1-mediated G βγ assembly has been postulated, many of the details about …

C-Met Initiates Epithelial Scattering Through Transient Calcium Influxes And Nfat-Dependent Gene Transcription, Peter R. Langford

Theses and Dissertations

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling drives epithelial cells to scatter by breaking cell-cell adhesions and migrating as solitary cells, a process that parallels epithelial-mesenchymal transition. HGF binds and activates the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase, but downstream signaling required for scattering remains poorly defined. This study addresses this shortcoming in a number of ways.A high-throughput in vitro drug screen was employed to identify proteins necessary in this HGF-induced signaling. Cells were tested for reactivity to HGF stimulation in a Boyden chamber assay. This tactic yielded several small molecules that block HGF-induced scattering, including a calcium channel blocker. Patch clamping was used …

Geochemical Analysis Of Ancient Activities At Two Plazas In Cobá, Mexico, Eric G. Coronel

Theses and Dissertations

Two plazas at Cobá, Mexico, may have been the place of market activity during the classic Maya period. The intense decomposition in the warm, moist soils of the Yucatan Peninsula precludes the identification of organic artifacts in archaeological contexts, but phosphorus and trace elements accumulation in soils may provide evidence of marketing activities. The spatial patterns of P and trace element concentrations were used to elucidate the types of ancient Maya activities that took place in those plazas. Phosphorus concentrations are highly correlated (p-value <0.01) with Fe, Mn, and Zn levels in both Plaza B and D. Although the soil geochemistry of Plaza B does not show a marketplace pattern in comparison with previous studies, the elemental concentrations and distributions within Plaza D join other lines of evidence to support the premise that marketplace activities took place at that location. Soil samples were analyzed using DTPA extraction, Mehlich II, Olsen, and Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (PXRF). Experiments were performed to study the suitability of PXRF for field studies. Aspects that were studied include granule size, soil moisture content, protective plastic films that could interfere with the X-Ray signal when placing the samples on top of the analyzer, and a comparison of certified soil standards to the PXRF elemental concentration readings. The results suggest that a field laboratory could be set up to air-dry and sieve soil samples to a minimum mesh size of #10 (> 2 mm).

Seasonal Habitat Selection By Greater Sage Grouse In Strawberry Valley Utah, Riley D. Peck

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined winter habitat use and nesting ecology of greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in Strawberry Valley (SV), Utah located in the north-central part of the state. We monitored sage grouse with the aid of radio telemetry throughout the year, but specifically used information from the winter and nesting periods for this study. Our study provided evidence that sage grouse show fidelity to nesting areas in subsequent years regardless of nest success. We found only 57% of our nests located within the 3 km distance from an active lek typically used to delineate critical nesting habitat. We …

Stable Isotope Diet Reconstruction Of Feral Horses (Equus Caballas) On The Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada, Usa, Megan Kathleen Nordquist

Theses and Dissertations

Feral horse management has become a subject of significant controversy in the United States. This is because of differing opinions and minimal recent empirical data on feral horses. In recent years, numbers of feral horses have increased due to governmental horse removal restrictions (specifically the Wild Horse and Burro act of 1971). With increasing numbers of feral horses on rangelands, land managers are challenged with identifying the appropriate course of action for satisfying groups with differing opinions. The purpose of this study is to characterize diet consumption through the use of stable isotope dietary analysis (δ15N and δ13C). We did …

Neuromechanical Alterations Due To Induced Knee Pain And Effusion During Functional Movements, Jihong Park

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Examine neuromechanical alterations due to isolated and/or combined knee pain and effusion in functional movements. Methods: A 4X3 randomised controlled laboratory study with repeated measures was used. Nineteen, healthy volunteers (age: 22.4 ± 2.4 years) underwent four different treatments (control, effusion, pain, and pain/effusion) with a week wash out period. Ten near-infrared cameras with 43 reflective markers, 12 surface EMG electrodes, and two ground-embedded force platforms were used to record neuromechanical changes during functional movements (walking and drop landing). To induce pain, 5% sodium chloride (1 ml) was injected into the infrapatellar fat pad. To induce effusion, 0.9% sodium …

The Effects Of Whole Body Vibration On Dorsiflexion In Chronic Ankle Instability, Lesley Abigail Thalman

Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Whole body vibration (WBV) platforms are currently used as adjunctive training devices for exercise programs, and have been shown to facilitate flexibility. One of the biggest contributing factors to chronic ankle instability (CAI) is the lack of dorsiflexion after lateral ankle sprains and WBV may be an effective way to increase range of motion in this population. PURPOSE: Determine if WBV done concurrently with static stretching (SS) is more effective then SS alone in improving dorsiflexion ROM in subjects with CAI. METHODS: Subjects were divided into 3 groups (control, static stretch, and static stretch and vibrate). Subjects stretched 4 …

Dietary Fiber Consumption And Insulin Resistance: The Role Of Body Fat And Physical Activity, Charity B. Breneman

Theses and Dissertations

Background: This study was conducted to determine the association between fiber intake and insulin resistance in 264 women using a cross-sectional design. Methods: Insulin resistance was indexed using HOMA-IR (fasting insulin (μU/mL)×fasting glucose (mg/dL)/405). HOMA-IR values were log transformed. Fiber and energy consumption were assessed using 7-day weighed food records. Fiber was expressed as grams per 1000 kilocalories. Body fat percentage (BF%) was measured using the BOD POD and physical activity (PA) was ascertained using Actigraph accelerometers worn for 7 consecutive days. Results: (Mean±SD) age: 40.1±3.0 years, glucose: 86.7±5.9 mg/dL; insulin: 7.1±4.3 μU/mL; HOMA-IR: 1.5±1.0; fiber intake …

Effect Of Experimentally-Induced Anterior Knee Pain On Postural Control, Emily Elizabeth Falk

Theses and Dissertations

Context: Knee pain is experienced by many people. Because of this, authors have started researching the effects of pain on lower extremity mechanics and also on static and dynamic postural control. However, the effects of pain are difficult to study due to associated confounding variables. Objective: We asked: (1) Will experimentally-induced anterior knee pain alter perceived pain using the visual analogue scale? ; (2) will perceived pain affect postural control as measured by center-of-pressure during static and dynamic movement? Design: Crossover. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: Fifteen healthy subjects. Intervention: Each subject participated in single leg quiet stance, landing, and walking …

The Effect Of An Acute Bout Of Exercise On Food Motivation, Energy Intake, And Total Physical Activity In Normal-Weight And Obese Woman: An Event-Related Potential Study, Nonie Erin Bliss Hanlon

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effect of acute exercise on food motivation, energy intake, and total physical activity in normal-weight and obese women. Participants of both groups were matched (except for Body Mass Index) and conditions (exercise vs. non-exercise) were randomized and counter-balanced. Eighteen normal-weight and 17 obese women completed an exercise and non-exercise day, each performed on the same day of the week. Exercise was performed on a motor-driven treadmill at 3.8 mph and 0% grade for 45 continuous minutes. To test for food motivation, participants were shown a continuous stream of pictures of food and flowers (control) while neural …

Maternal, Neonatal And Feeding Type Factors Associated With Severity Of Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Cheryl Ann Miner

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To identify statistical associations with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) severity as dichotomized into cases with Bell stage II and III disease.
Study Design: We conducted a retrospective study using eight consecutive years of data from a multihospital healthcare system analyzed NEC severity (Bell stage II vs. III).
Results: We identified 220 neonates with stage ≥ II who had 225 separate episodes of NEC (157 stage II and 68 stage III). Those with stage III were born at earlier gestational age (P<0.0001) and lower birth weight (P<0.0001). Diagnosis of NEC occurred on about the same day of life in stage II and stage III cases. Those who developed stage III had significantly higher C-reactive protein (P<0.0001), I/T ratio (P= 0.0005), mean platelet volume (MPV) (P= 0.0001) and lower pH (P<0.0001) and platelet counts (P<0.0001). Transfusions were more common to those who progressed to stage III (P<0.0001). Regression analysis indicated higher odds of stage III in relationship to the volume of RBC transfusions (OR 2.41, {CI 1.85 to 3.11}, P<0.0001) and pasteurized human milk (PHM) (OR 1.32, {CI 1.07 to 1.62}, P = 0.0089). In contrast, feeding early mother's own milk (colostrum) for five days reduced the odds for stage III (OR 0.802, {CI 0.67 to 0.96}, P=0.0170). Those with small bowel resection were less likely to have received mother's own milk before NEC (OR 0.94, {CI 0.89 to 0.99}, P = 0.019) and factors predicting death from NEC were a low pH (OR 2.21, {CI 1.27 to 3.85}, P = 0.0005) and less colostrum (OR 0.96, {CI 0.94 to 0.99}, P = 0.003).
Conclusions: RBC transfusions and PHM increased the odds for stage III NEC, whereas early mother's own milk five days …

Total Synthesis Of 4'-Ester Resveratrol Analogs And 8.9-Amido Geldanamycin Analog And Toward The Total Synthesis Of (-)-Englerin A, Yong Wang

Theses and Dissertations

Total Synthesis of 4'-ester Resveratrol Analogs and 8, 9-amido Geldanamycin Analog and toward the Total Synthesis of (-)-Englerin A Yong Wang Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, BYU Doctor of Philosophy The phytoalexin resveratrol and its 4'-ester analogs have been prepared with a decarbonylative Heck reaction. The deprotecting step has been modified and improved to increase yield and avoid chromatography. A set of resveratrol analogs and resveratrol have been tested with melanoma and pancreatic cell assays. The 8, 9-amido Geldanamycin analog has been synthesized with a convergent route, involving 28 simplified steps in its longest linear sequence. Synthetic methodologies, such as …

Follicular Dendritic Cells, Resting Cd4+ T Cells And Human Immunodeficiency Virus Expression, Changna Wang

Theses and Dissertations

Many events associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection/replication occur in and around the germinal centers (GCs) of secondary lymphoid tissues where follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) reside, suggesting that this microenvironment may contribute unique signaling that is important to viral progression. My research focused on characterizing signaling, both positive and negative, contributed by FDCs that affects HIV infection and replication. Specifically, I determined if FDC signals could induce the expression of latent HIV in T cells and if so, to characterize the signaling pathways involved. Moreover, I also examined the ability of FDCs to produce inhibitory signals that might block …

Aryl Acetate Phase Transfer Catalysis: Method And Computation Studies, Meisha A. Binkley

Theses and Dissertations

Brief explanation and history of cinchona based Phase Transfer Catalysis (PTC). Studied aryl acetates in PTC, encompassing napthoyl, 6-methoxy napthoyl, phenyl and protected 4-hydroxy phenyl acetates. Investigated means of controlling the selectivity of the PTC reaction by changing the electrophile size, the ether side group size or by addition of inorganic salts. Found that either small or aromatic electophiles increased enantioselectivity more than aliphatic electrophiles, and that increasing the size of ether protecting group also increased selectivity. Positive effects of salt addition included either decreasing reaction time or increasing enantiomeric excess. Applied findings towards the synthesis of S-equol. Computational experiments …

The Formation And Stability Of Radical-Molecule And Radical-Radical Complexes And Their Importance In Atmospheric Processes, Jared M. Clark

Theses and Dissertations

This research explores the role that radical-molecule complexes play in the chemistry of Earth's atmosphere. The formation of such complexes can have direct and pronounced effects on the reaction and product outcome of atmospheric chemical reactions. Some attention is also given to the formation of radial-radical pre-reactive complexes in the HO + ClO system. Peroxy radicals (RO2) can form stable complexes with polar compounds such as H2O, NH3, and CH3OH. For the simplest RO2 radical, HO2, complex formation (e.g., HO2-H2O, HO2-NH3, and HO2-722;CH3OH) gives rise to a significant increase in the HO2 self-reaction rate constant. Although this phenomenon has been …

The Effect Of Local Heating On The Concentration Of Interstitial Atp In Human Skin, Jayson R. Gifford

Theses and Dissertations

Skin blood flow (SKBF) demonstrates a biphasic response to innocuous, local heating. Much about the mechanism of the first phase is unknown. A type of ion channel (TRPV3) sensitive to and increasingly activated by temperatures from ~33 to ~45°C may be involved. TRPV3 channels are abundantly located in the keratinocytes and are believed to elicit the release of ATP, a putative cutaneous vasodilator, upon activation. This study investigated the possibility that TRPV3 channels and ATP have a role in the first phase of the SBKF response to local heat. Fifteen young, healthy subjects participated in the study. Two microdialysis probes …

Mechanisms Of Prenatal High-Salt "Fetal Programming" Resulting In Stress Hyperresponsiveness In The Adult Female Offspring In The Sprague Dawley Rat., Clinton L. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Female offspring of Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-salt diet (HS) during pregnancy show an enhancement of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) response to acute stress in adulthood compared to offspring whose mothers were fed a normal-salt diet (NS) [1]. In the present study, we first examined the expression of soluble epoxide hydrolase (SEH) protein in brain tissue. Whole brains were collected and SEH gene (EPHX2) mRNA and SEH protein expression were analyzed using RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. mRNA levels were relatively decreased in high-salt rats (1.0 ± 0.32 NS vs 0.39 ± 0.07 HS, n=6). However, …

Scarification And Cultural Practice Of Four Lupine Species Native To The Great Basin, Covy Dennis Jones

Theses and Dissertations

The Great Basin is North America's largest desert, encompassing 135 million acres. Grazing and other anthropogenic activities in the Great Basin have put heavy demands on the landscape over the last 150 years. Heavily grazed areas lack diversity which allows the spread of exotic weed species. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L [Poaceae]) has invaded and shortened fire frequency intervals from historic 30—100 years to as few as three to five years. Post-fire reseeding of native species is requisite for restoration of highly invaded ecosystems thus, preventing complete conversion to exotic weeds. Most native shrubs and grasses are available for restoration …

Effect Of High-Speed Treadmill Training With A Body Weight Support System In A Sport Acceleration Program, Carie Suzanne Eastman

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Maximum running acceleration essential components in many sports. The identification of specific training protocols to maximize sprint speed would be useful knowledge for soccer coaches and players.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a high-speed treadmill with the use of a body-weight support system in a 6-week sport acceleration program on: 40-yard sprint time, maximal isometric knee flexor and extensor strength.

Methods: 32 female soccer players (age 16 ± 1.19 yrs) participated in two treatment groups and one control group. Both treatment groups participated in a 12-session sport acceleration program. The first treatment …

Characterization Of The Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mechanism Using Microscopic Imaging Of The Sample Surface, Michael Craig Wood

Theses and Dissertations

Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) is an ambient ionization technique for mass spectrometry. This solvent based desorption ion source has wide applicability in surface analysis with minimal sample preparation. Interest in improving detection limits, broadening applications, and increasing the spatial resolution for chemical imaging has led to studies of the DESI mechanism. An inverted microscope has been used to image interactions between the DESI spray and test analytes on a glass surface. Microscopic images recorded with millisecond time resolution have provided important insights into the processes governing analyte transport and desorption. These insights are the basis of a rivulet-based model for …

Ferritin Diversity: Mechanistic Studies, Disease Implications, And Materials Chemistry, Robert Joseph Hilton

Theses and Dissertations

The study of ferritin includes a rich history of discoveries and scientific progress. Initially, the composition of ferritin was determined. Soon, it was shown that ferritin is a spherical, hollow protein. Eventually, over several decades of research, the structure and some function of this interesting protein was elucidated. However, the ferritin field was not completely satisfied. Today, for example, researchers are interested in refining the details of ferritin function, in discovering the role of ferritin in a variety of diseases, and in using ferritin for materials chemistry applications. The work presented in this dissertation highlights the progress that we have …

The Characterization Of Avian Polyomavirus, Satellite Tobacco Mosaic Virus, And Bacteriophage Cw02 By Means Of Cryogenic Electron Microscopy, Peter S. Shen

Theses and Dissertations

Viruses are the most abundant biological entity in the biosphere and are known to infect hosts from all domains of life. The aim of my work is to identify conserved and non-conserved features among the capsid structures of related and divergent icosahedral viruses via cryogenic electron microscopy, sequence analysis, molecular modeling, and other techniques. Bird polyomaviruses often cause severe disease in their hosts whereas mammalian polyomaviruses generally do not. Avian polyomavirus is a type of bird polyomavirus with an unusually broad host range compared to the restricted tropism of other polyomaviruses. Although most polyomaviruses have a conserved, rigid capsid protein …

Kinematic Changes During A Marathon For Fast And Slow Runners, Maggie Man-Yee Chan-Roper

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe kinematic changes that occur during an actual marathon. We hypothesized that (1) certain running kinematic measures would change between miles 5 and 25 of a marathon and (2) fast runners would demonstrate smaller changes than slow runners. Subjects (n = 179) were selected according to finish time (Range = 2:20:47 to 5:30:10). Two high-speed cameras were used to measure sagittal-plane kinematics at miles 5 and 25 of the marathon. The dependent variables were stride length, ground time, peak knee flexion during support and swing, and peak hip flexion and extension during swing. …

Oat Snp Marker Discovery And Mapping Based On 454 Pyrosequencing Of Genome-Reduced Avena Magna Murphy Et Terrell, Rachel Rebecca Redman

Theses and Dissertations

The size and complexity of the oat genomes (Avena L., x = 7) have made genetic studies, including the discovery of molecular markers, difficult. Recent attention to these species has resulted in the development of many DArT -based markers in the tetraploid A. magna Murphy et Terrill (2n = 28, CCDD genomes), along with numerous RFLP's, SSR's, DArT's, and EST-based SNPs in hexaploid A. sativa L. (2n = 42, AACCDD). Here we report the first SNP markers for tetraploid oat based on genome reduction and high-throughput pyrosequencing in two inbred lines of A. magna: A-169 (wild) and Ba …

Comparison Between The Trap Bar Dead Lift And Back Squat Exercises On Vertical Jump, Douglas A. Young

Theses and Dissertations

The ability to produce power during competition is essential. Football requires explosive power in order to get off the ball faster, increase speed of the first step, and increase the height of the vertical jump. Most strength training professionals use the back squat to increase power of the lower extremities; however, as large forces are placed on the back, athletes are at greater risk for injury. The trap bar dead lift is similar to the back squat in movement and form, but the trap bar dead lift reduces the force on the lower back. After testing for maximum vertical jump,athletes …