Student Mentoring In Research: Laser-Activated Drug Delivery To Cancer Cells,
2014
Brigham Young University
Student Mentoring In Research: Laser-Activated Drug Delivery To Cancer Cells, William G. Pitt
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Summary of Scope of Proposal This proposal was submitted in October of 2011 to organize and fund a mentoring group in the Pitt lab in Chemical Engineering. Marjan Javadi, then a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering, and 5 uldergraduate students participated in this research group. The purpose was 2-‐fold, both scientific and pedagogical. On the scientific side, Marjan was working on her PhD research to develop a novel drug delivery system called an eLiposome that encapsulated a drug along with a nanoemulsion that turns from liquid to gas upon exposure to ultrasound. The ultrasound can be non-‐invasively (no surgery or …
Predicting Gas-Phase Reaction Rates For Elementary Diatomic Substitutions Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations,
2014
Brigham Young University
Predicting Gas-Phase Reaction Rates For Elementary Diatomic Substitutions Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Karl Fails, Dr. Richard Rowley
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of this study was to examine a new method for predicting elementary gas-phase reaction rates using molecular dynamics simulations. The diatomic substitution reaction:was to be used as a test model for its simplicity. Molecular dynamics simulations were to be used to calculate the motion of the interacting atoms. Any associations, dissociations and substitutions were to be counted and recorded.
The Effects Of Combining Ultrasonic Frequency And Antibiotics To Escherichia Coli Biofilms In An In Vivo System,
2014
Brigham Young University
The Effects Of Combining Ultrasonic Frequency And Antibiotics To Escherichia Coli Biofilms In An In Vivo System, Rachel L. Robison, Dr. William G. Pitt
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Prosthetic devices are commonly used in modern medicine. There are two types of prosthetic devices, implanted and transdermal. Implanted devices such as vascular grafts, heart valves, and prosthetic joints frequently become colonized by bacteria due to improper surgical techniques or post-operative infections.2 Transdermal devices such as catheters or electrical leads often become infected when bacteria from the patient’s skin migrates along the transdermal device and gains entrance into the body.1 If this occurs, microorganisms can cause serious infection at the site of the prosthetic device.
Multiple Scattering Events In Human Blood Solutions,
2014
Brigham Young University
Multiple Scattering Events In Human Blood Solutions, Xunhai Xu
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Recently, modem medical technology has enabled surgeons and other medical scientists to perform certain organ transplantation within human beings successfully. However, thromboembolization, the formation of thromboemboli (usually of irregular shapes with sizes approximately 10,000 times bigger than that of red blood cell), is likely to occur with such operations. The cause of the thromboemboli is believed to be the interaction between human blood and the foreign materials. Since thromboemboli is a much larger particles than normal blood cells (such as red blood cell, white blood cell and single platelet), their existence in the blood solution might be detrimental to the …
High Temperature Polymer Dielectrics For Electric Vehicle Capacitor Applications,
2014
University of New Mexico
High Temperature Polymer Dielectrics For Electric Vehicle Capacitor Applications, Kylen Johns
Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs
Currently there is a push for low cost, high energy materials with high operating temperatures that can simultaneously reduce cost, weight, and volume in the automotive industry. Economically feasible high performance capacitors are critical to the Department of Energys goal to advance technologies that will ensure energy security and reduce the use of petroleum while reducing cost and environmental impacts. [1] Recent studies have been done to improve the inverter systems in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). HEVs require inverters to convert direct current to alternating current which prevents damage to the battery and powers the electric motor. Current thin film …
Model Systems For The Study Of Active Phase Evolution In Complex Bimetallic Catalysts (Pdzn),
2014
University of New Mexico
Model Systems For The Study Of Active Phase Evolution In Complex Bimetallic Catalysts (Pdzn), Jonathan Paiz
Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs
This study used PdZn as a model system to investigate phase transformations and its influence on reactivity. Aerosol synthesis was used to study the oxide precursors of the PdZn system, spin coating was used to synthesize model PdZn nanoparticles for phase transformations studies and preliminary work with CO oxidation coupled with methanol steam reforming (MSR) was used to gain insight into in-situ surface reactivity of PdZn for MSR. Multiple characterization techniques including XRD, Raman Spectroscopy, XPS, EDX along with TEM and STEM were used to gain valuable insight into the nature of the samples used in these studies. Investigations into …
Exploration Of Tm-Nx Orr Electrocatalysts From First Principle Calculations,
2014
University of New Mexico
Exploration Of Tm-Nx Orr Electrocatalysts From First Principle Calculations, Sadia Afrin Kabir
Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs
Fuel Cells are promising candidates for the energy conversion technologies in particular for non-stationary applications. However, current fuel cells rely on rare and expensive Platinum catalysts and the power generation is limited by the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode. An interesting alternative material set which continues to attract significant attention are TM-Nx (TM = Fe, Co, x = 2 - 4) based non-PGM electrocatalysts where the defect motifs are embedded in a carbon matrix during pyrolysis. By studying the material properties of individual defects we can determine how the chemistry and morphology of these TM-Nx motifs are …
Facile Synthesis Of High Surface Area Molybdenum Carbide And Nitride: An Application In Support Materials For Oxygen Reduction Reaction,
2014
University of New Mexico
Facile Synthesis Of High Surface Area Molybdenum Carbide And Nitride: An Application In Support Materials For Oxygen Reduction Reaction, Aaron Roy
Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs
A method to synthesize high surface area α-MoC(1-x) without the temperature programmed reduction (TPR) of MoO3 is described. This method was then used, in conjunction with a novel in situ method to obtain highly dispersed PtMoz supported on α- MoC(1-x), to explore the suitability of such materials as catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Mg2(Mo3O8) and Zn2(Mo3O8), alternative tetravalent Mo intermediates to MoO2, were obtained through the thermal decomposition of Mg(MoO4) and Zn(MoO4) in mixtures of CO and H2. A novel sacrificial support method was developed where MgO and ZnO were investigated …
Multinode Acoustic Systems For High Throughput Cellular Analysis,
2014
University of New Mexico
Multinode Acoustic Systems For High Throughput Cellular Analysis, Pearlson Prashanth Austin Suthanthiraraj
Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs
For decades, flow cytometry is used as the gold standard for cellular analyses as it measures multiple properties of single cells. Traditional flow cytometry uses the hydrodynamic focusing technique where the sheath fluid focuses cells in the sample into a narrow stream. Although such precise focusing provides accurate optical measurements, high sheath fluid pressure and high linear velocities limit analysis rate to 50,000 particles/s. Such rates are too low for detecting rare events where one cell may have to be detected in a population of about a billion cells. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate the sheath fluid and improve …
Evaluation Of The Tendency Of Biomaterials To Produce Microemboli,
2014
Brigham Young University
Evaluation Of The Tendency Of Biomaterials To Produce Microemboli, Jesse Hamilton
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Many people in today’s society depend on devices that contact their blood. Devices such as dialyzers and blood oxygenators are used every day in hemodialysis or coronary bypass. More permanent fixtures are also used such as artificial kidneys and hearts. These devices are wonderful and have contributed to longer and fuller lives for many people. However, man’s attempt to simulate the functions of the human body are simple at best, and there are serious problems that arise. These problems are tolerated by the medical profession at present because (1) they are not completely understood, and (2) the risks posed by …
In-Package Nonthermal Plasma Degradation Of Pesticides On Fresh Produce,
2014
Technological University Dublin
In-Package Nonthermal Plasma Degradation Of Pesticides On Fresh Produce, N. Misra, Shashi Pankaj, Tony Walsh, Finbarr O'Regan, Paula Bourke, Patrick J. Cullen
Articles
In-package nonthermal plasma (NTP) technology is a novel technology for the decontamination of foods and biological materials. This study presents the first report on the potential of the technology for the degradation of pesticide residues. A cocktail of pesticides, namely Azoxystrobin, Cyprodinil, Fludioxonil and Pyriproxyfen was tested on strawberries. The concentrations of these pesticides were monitored in priori and post- plasma treatment using GC-MS/MS. An applied voltage and time dependent degradation of the pesticides was observed for treatment voltages of 60, 70 and 80 kV and treatment durations ranging from 1 to 5 min, followed by 24 h in-pack storage. …
An Injectable, Calcium Responsive Composite Hydrogel For The Treatment Of Acute Spinal Cord Injury,
2014
Missouri University of Science and Technology
An Injectable, Calcium Responsive Composite Hydrogel For The Treatment Of Acute Spinal Cord Injury, Christopher A. Mckay, Rebecca D. Pomrenke, Joshua S. Mclane, Nicholas J. Schaub, Elise K. Desimone, Lee A. Ligon, Ryan J. Gilbert
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Immediately following spinal cord injury, further injury can occur through several secondary injury cascades. As a consequence of cell lysis, an increase in extracellular Ca2+ results in additional neuronal loss by inducing apoptosis. Thus, hydrogels that reduce extracellular Ca2+ concentration may reduce secondary injury severity. The goal of this study was to develop composite hydrogels consisting of alginate, chitosan, and genipin that interact with extracellular Ca2+ to enable in situ gelation while maintaining an elastic modulus similar to native spinal cord (∼1000 Pa). It was hypothesized that incorporation of genipin and chitosan would regulate hydrogel electrostatic characteristics …
Complexation Reactions And Structure Of The Iron-Molybdenum Cofactor Of Nitrogenase,
2014
Brigham Young University
Complexation Reactions And Structure Of The Iron-Molybdenum Cofactor Of Nitrogenase, Dean Wheeler
Journal of Undergraduate Research
As described in the proposal submitted last year for this project, there is a great need to further understand the dynamics and processes of the nitrogenase system. Using this chemical system a limited number of microorganisms are able to break down atmospheric nitrogen so it may be used by other organisms. The heart of the matter-where the reduction of nitrogen takes place-is a small cluster of atoms located inside the dinitrogenase protein. This cluster is known as the iron-molybdenum cofactor or FeMoco.
Methane Recovery At Springville Wastewater,
2014
Brigham Young University
Methane Recovery At Springville Wastewater, Rochelle Phillips, Dr. William Hecker, Dr. Vincent Wilding
Journal of Undergraduate Research
During the treatment of municipal wastewater, several means are used to accomplish the breakdown of the wastewater and its solid components into innocuous substances. At one point, the filtered solids are combined in a digester with various bacteria. These bacteria convert the waste into carbon dioxide, methane gas, water, and small amounts of hydrogen sulfide.
Catalytic Hydrogen Transfer Of Ketones Over Atomic Layer Deposited Highly-Dispersed Platinum Nanoparticles Supported On Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes,
2014
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Catalytic Hydrogen Transfer Of Ketones Over Atomic Layer Deposited Highly-Dispersed Platinum Nanoparticles Supported On Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes, Chengjun Jiang, Xinhua Liang
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Hydrogen transfer of ketones, catalyzed by highly dispersed platinum nanoparticles supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), was studied. Pt nanoparticles were deposited on gram quantities of non-functionalized MWCNTs by atomic layer deposition (ALD) at 300 C, using (methylcyclopentadienyl) trimethylplatinum and oxygen as precursors. TEM analysis showed that ~ 1.4 nm Pt nanoparticles were highly dispersed on MWCNTs. The heterogeneous hydrogen-transfer reactions of acetophenone indicated that an acetophenone conversion of 100% and a 1-phenylethanol selectivity of 99.0% could be obtained with a ketone to Pt mass ratio of 24,690 and a ketone to KOH mass ratio of 22 at 150 C …
Thermophile Biochemistry,
2014
Brigham Young University
Thermophile Biochemistry, Charles Larsen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
During the 1960s, Dr. Thomas Brock studied life in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park. There he found new strains of bacteria capable of living at temperatures above 75°C, which at the time represented the highest temperature at which life was known to exist. Dr. Brock’s discovery has sparked a world wide research effort to understand thermophilic bacteria, both their biochemistry and industrial applicability.
Compounds And Methods For Reducing Oxidative Stress,
2014
University of Kentucky
Compounds And Methods For Reducing Oxidative Stress, Thomas Dziubla, J. Zach Hilt, Dipti Biswal, David B. Cochran, Paritosh Wattamwar
Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Patents
Antioxidant polymeric compounds are provided that comprise a plurality of monomeric portions, where each monomeric portion includes an antioxidant molecule interposed between at least two acrylate molecules, and where at least one acrylate molecule of each monomeric portion is linked by a diamine molecule to an acrylate molecule of an adjacent monomeric portion to thereby form the polymer. Methods of synthesizing polymeric compounds and methods of using the antioxidant polymeric compounds to reduce oxidative stress are also provided.
Enzyme Attached On Polymeric Micelles As A Nanoscale Reactor,
2014
Cleveland State University
Enzyme Attached On Polymeric Micelles As A Nanoscale Reactor, Moo-Yeal Lee, Kyung-Jin Hong, Seung Pil Han, Toshio Kajiuchi
Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications
Similar to what lipase does, a surface-active enzyme was developed by attaching peroxidase on combshaped polymaleic anhydride-alt-1-tetradecene (PMA-TD) in a microemulsion system composed of n-butyl acetate and buffer solution, and its catalytic characteristics of polyphenol synthesis were investigated in an aqueous solution. The modified peroxidase with PMA-TD tended to form self-assembled aggregates like micelles in the aqueous solution and could be concentrated at solvent/water interfaces without unfolding of the enzyme. The efficiency of conversion of 2,4-dichlorophenol to phenolic oligomers was approximately 2-fold improved with the modified peroxidase compared to native peroxidase. The K m and V max values …
A Dns Evaluation Of Mixing Models For Transported Pdf Modelling Of Turbulent Nonpremixed Flames,
2014
The University of New South Wales
A Dns Evaluation Of Mixing Models For Transported Pdf Modelling Of Turbulent Nonpremixed Flames, Alex Krisman, Joshua C.K. Tang, Evatt R. Hawkes, David O. Lignell, Jacqueline H. Chen
Faculty Publications
Transported probability density function (TPDF) methods are well suited to modelling turbulent, reacting, variable density flows. One of the main challenges to the successful deployment of TPDF methods is accurately modelling the unclosed molecular mixing term. This study examines three of the most widely used mixing models: the Interaction by Exchange with the Mean (IEM), Modified Curl (MC) and Euclidean Minimum Spanning Tree (EMST) models. Direct numerical simulation (DNS) data-sets were used to provide both initial conditions and inputs needed over the course of the runs, including the mean flow velocities, mixing frequency, and the turbulent diffusion coefficient. The same …
Modeling The Construction Of Polymeric Adsorbent Media: Effects Of Counter-Ions On Ligand Immobilization And Pore Structure,
2014
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Modeling The Construction Of Polymeric Adsorbent Media: Effects Of Counter-Ions On Ligand Immobilization And Pore Structure, Enrico Riccardi, Jee-Ching Wang, Athanasios I. Liapis
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Molecular dynamics modeling and simulations are employed to study the effects of counter-ions on the dynamic spatial density distribution and total loading of immobilized ligands as well as on the pore structure of the resultant ion exchange chromatography adsorbent media. The results show that the porous adsorbent media formed by polymeric chain molecules involve transport mechanisms and steric resistances which cause the charged ligands and counter-ions not to follow stoichiometric distributions so that (i) a gradient in the local nonelectroneutrality occurs, (ii) non-uniform spatial density distributions of immobilized ligands and counter-ions are formed, and (iii) clouds of counter-ions outside the …
