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Sex Differences, Cheryll Garn Sep 2013

Sex Differences, Cheryll Garn

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This study investigates whether males and females use distinct brain systems while performing a picture naming task. Previous neuroimaging studies have shown that in some cognitive processing domains, such as spoken language comprehension, males and females differ in terms of brain hemisphere activation, with a tendency for stronger left hemisphere lateralization in males. The purpose of this study is to test whether an analogous hemispheric difference (or other systematic difference) might be found between males and females in a picture naming task, which includes visual and verbal processing components. Brain activation differences were assessed using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) …

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The Kingdom Of Tonga And The Unwritten Order, Doug Farr Sep 2013

The Kingdom Of Tonga And The Unwritten Order, Doug Farr

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In this paper I will address the unwritten order that exists in the highly stratified society of the Kingdom of Tonga. The relationship between power and rank in Tonga has created informal laws that govern the people. These informal laws, as well as a struggle for power, have created a division between the elite class and the powerless class, and this division is generating an uprising of the powerless class. I argue that the powerless class may win independent battles against the informal laws, however they will not defeat it completely, as this system has proven to be a testing …

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Discharge Activity Of Ventral Tegmental Area Gaba Neurons During Alcohol Self-Administration, Adam Bevan, Dr. Scott Steffensen Sep 2013

Discharge Activity Of Ventral Tegmental Area Gaba Neurons During Alcohol Self-Administration, Adam Bevan, Dr. Scott Steffensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In today’s world addiction is pandemic. So many people are slaves to these controlling chemicals, from alcohol and street drugs to the more mild substances of coffee or over-thecounter medications. All these substances tend to influence brain chemistry, and the aim of our ongoing project is to uncover the effect of alcohol, cocaine and their anologues on midbrain circuitry. We believe that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons are primarily involved in addiction to these substances.

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The Adrenal Cortex Cell Line H295r Releases Interleukin-6, Timothy E. Lindsay, Dr. Allan M. Judd Sep 2013

The Adrenal Cortex Cell Line H295r Releases Interleukin-6, Timothy E. Lindsay, Dr. Allan M. Judd

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Up to this point, the study of adrenal glands has utilized mostly rat and bovine models. However, in the research of human physiology, human models are preferable to animal models. But human adrenal glands are difficult to obtain, and when they are obtained, experiments often have limited sample sizes. In addition, human adrenal glands available for research are often functionally altered by disease. Also, donors with healthy adrenal glands may be administered multiple pharmacological agents which modify adrenal functions. These obstacles show how a model that provides an unlimited quantity of tissue with consistent secretion patterns would take precedent over …

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The Kingdom Of Tonga And The Unwritten Order, Doug Farr Sep 2013

The Kingdom Of Tonga And The Unwritten Order, Doug Farr

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In this paper I will address the unwritten order that exists in the highly stratified society of the Kingdom of Tonga. The relationship between power and rank in Tonga has created informal laws that govern the people. These informal laws, as well as a struggle for power, have created a division between the elite class and the powerless class, and this division is generating an uprising of the powerless class. I argue that the powerless class may win independent battles against the informal laws, however they will not defeat it completely, as this system has proven to be a testing …

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Traditional Healing Practice, Tyler Gibb Sep 2013

Traditional Healing Practice, Tyler Gibb

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Traditional primitive healing practices often involve medicines or treatments derived from plants or animals obtained from the local geographical region. The use of insects or closely related arthropods in primitive herbal medications is common. The practice of using arthropods in traditional healing practices was investigated among the culturally rich Ashanti healers in the village of Mampong in Ghana, West Africa. The Ashanti Tribe in Central Ghana is located in an area of lush vegetation and diverse arthropod fauna. The ‘folk-logic’, including cultural, biological, historical, religious, and environmental factors, that influences medical insect use was investigated. Significant factors influencing insect use …

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Manga: A Documentary Video Project, Amanda Dabney Sep 2013

Manga: A Documentary Video Project, Amanda Dabney

Journal of Undergraduate Research

MANGA: What is it? Where did it come from? And why does everyone in Japan love it?

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“The Lion And The Mouse” Character Animation Study Proposal, Keri Rainock, Kelly Loosli Sep 2013

“The Lion And The Mouse” Character Animation Study Proposal, Keri Rainock, Kelly Loosli

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Animation is a powerful and diverse art form that can make use of any genre and create magic. Character Animation is the process of bringing a character to life. This process transcends any number of media- from 2D hand drawn images to clay animation to puppetry to computer graphics.

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Bringing Life To Byu’S Animated Films, Jared Cardon, Kelly Loosli Sep 2013

Bringing Life To Byu’S Animated Films, Jared Cardon, Kelly Loosli

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Early in Fall of 2004 I purchased and completed a series of DVD tutorials on advanced CGI animation techniques with the hope that I would be able to reimburse myslef for the purchase with ORCA funds. These DVDs covered a variety of subjects, including modeling, animating, rigging, texturing, lighting and particle manipulation. These DVDs allowed me to rapidly move forward in a more comprehensive understanding of the skill-set necessary to work in a professional environment. My increased skill and knowledge of these subjects allowed me the advantage to begin work on the Animation Senior Film Project, Der Ostwind during my …

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Light Princess, Brent Leavitt, Dr. Dean Duncan Sep 2013

Light Princess, Brent Leavitt, Dr. Dean Duncan

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The following information details our production group’s attempt at producing the Light Princess. Ultimately the project didn’t make it much further than the conceptualization and pre-production phase. However, as it did take place in an educational setting there were many experiences facilitated by the initiation of this project.

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“The Lion And The Mouse” Character Animation Study Proposal, Keri Rainock, Kelly Loosli Sep 2013

“The Lion And The Mouse” Character Animation Study Proposal, Keri Rainock, Kelly Loosli

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Animation is a powerful and diverse art form that can make use of any genre and create magic. Character Animation is the process of bringing a character to life. This process transcends any number of media- from 2D hand drawn images to clay animation to puppetry to computer graphics.

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New Fossil Crinoids From The Early Mississippian (Kinderhookian) Wassonville Formation Of Southeast Iowa, Forest J. Gahn, Dr. Scott Ritter Sep 2013

New Fossil Crinoids From The Early Mississippian (Kinderhookian) Wassonville Formation Of Southeast Iowa, Forest J. Gahn, Dr. Scott Ritter

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this paper is to document a newly discovered assemblage of Early Mississippian (Kinderhookian) fossil crinoids from southeast Iowa. I will provide an introduction and background of the project, followed by the results of the research. Cited references are included at the end of the report.

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The Unique Photo-Toxic Properties Of Pyridinium Bis-Retinoid Compounds, Matthew Sparks, Dr. Heidi Vollmer-Snarr Sep 2013

The Unique Photo-Toxic Properties Of Pyridinium Bis-Retinoid Compounds, Matthew Sparks, Dr. Heidi Vollmer-Snarr

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an ocular disease that currently afflicts approximately 25–30 million people around the globe.1,2 The disease is characterized by the destruction of the macula, the central region of the retina. As the disease progresses, central vision becomes distorted, clouded, and eventually lost entirely.3 Although currently receiving much attention from researchers, the chemical pathway(s) causing the disease have remained elusive. Much research has focused on A2E, the most commonly known photo-toxic compound implicated in AMD pathogenesis.

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Winter Activity Of Bats In Cache, Juab And Utah Counties, Utah, Benjamin T. Jones, Dr. Duke S. Rogers Sep 2013

Winter Activity Of Bats In Cache, Juab And Utah Counties, Utah, Benjamin T. Jones, Dr. Duke S. Rogers

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Historically, studies of bat activity have been conducted during spring, summer and fall when migratory bats are most abundant and non-migratory bats are most active. Due to the high energy expenditure required to maintain body temperatures sufficient for flight (Fenton, 1992) and the low availability of aerial insects, (Whitaker and Rissler, 1992) activity levels decline markedly with the onset of winter and the corresponding fall in temperatures. Non-migratory bats conserve energy by hibernating through the winter. However, in previous winter surveys conducted in Southern Utah, five of sixteen species know to occur in that area were netted. (Hasenyager, 1980) Bats …

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Identifying Sheep Parentage By Polymorphic Genetic Markers In Suffolk Sheep, Jennifer A. Jerman, Robert L. Park Sep 2013

Identifying Sheep Parentage By Polymorphic Genetic Markers In Suffolk Sheep, Jennifer A. Jerman, Robert L. Park

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Polymorphic genetic markers aid in parentage testing among individuals of the same breed. Suffolk sheep randomly mate and the need for accurate, reliable, and rapid testing for resolution of such mating is mandatory for the animals’ record and further genetic production. Therefore, it is necessary to identify such matings of individuals.

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The Effects Of Bryostatin I On The Progression Of Papillomavirus Dna-Induced Tumors, David J. Hoopes, Dr. Richard Robison, Dr. Beverly Roeder Sep 2013

The Effects Of Bryostatin I On The Progression Of Papillomavirus Dna-Induced Tumors, David J. Hoopes, Dr. Richard Robison, Dr. Beverly Roeder

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The bryostatins are a unique family of at least 13 naturally occurring macrocyclic lactones which have demonstrated considerable anti-neoplastic activity. Bryostatin 1 was isolated by G. R. Pettit from the marine bryozoan Bugula neritina. B. neritina is a colonial filter-feeder commonly know as a sea-mat or false coral and often grows on the docks, rocks and ships of the Pacific Ocean.1

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Synthetic Model Of Vocal Folds, Todd C. Groesbeck, Dr. Scott Thomson Sep 2013

Synthetic Model Of Vocal Folds, Todd C. Groesbeck, Dr. Scott Thomson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The influence and treatment of human vocal fold scarring is a topic of great interest to the speech community (clinicians, surgeons, educators, etc). Understanding how voice production occurs “is sought in order to improve predictive, diagnostic, and corrective practices related to vocal fold health” . When a patient undergoes vocal fold surgery, scarring frequently occurs. The same surgery intended to heal the vocal fold thus leaves it damaged; scarring results in impaired vibration and prevents the individual from normal, healthy voice use.

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From Responsibility To Rebellion: The Individual In Japanese Anime, Shawn Hansen, Dr. Michael Philips Sep 2013

From Responsibility To Rebellion: The Individual In Japanese Anime, Shawn Hansen, Dr. Michael Philips

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this research was to measure the rise of the individual consciousness in Japan over time as expressed through anime, or Japanese animations. To illustrate this, I compared group dynamics and the role of the individual as expressed through two anime: Space Cruiser Yamato (Uchuu Senkan Yamato), from 1976, and Akira from 1989.

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Antibiotic Thin Films, Timothy Jennings, Jason Nielsen, Brian Ratcliff, Nina Wallace, Xin Zhong Lai, Paul B. Savage Sep 2013

Antibiotic Thin Films, Timothy Jennings, Jason Nielsen, Brian Ratcliff, Nina Wallace, Xin Zhong Lai, Paul B. Savage

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Nosocomial infections lead to septicemia, a severe problem in the United States. The Savage group has developed a novel class of antibiotics (CSAs) that can be attached to polymers. Invasive medical equipment can be coated with CSA polymers, forming an antibiotic thin film. Testing has shown the ability of CSA polymers to kill bacteria, which will lead to further testing and future use in the medical field.

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Radiological Analysis Of Osteoarthritis In The Mouse Knee Joint, Mark Newcomer, Dr. Robert Seegmiller Sep 2013

Radiological Analysis Of Osteoarthritis In The Mouse Knee Joint, Mark Newcomer, Dr. Robert Seegmiller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cites that nearly 21 million Americans currently suffer from osteoarthritis (OA) and has recently issued a news release which states that, “Today, 35 million people, 13 percent of the U.S. population, are 65 and older, and more than half of them have radiological evidence of osteoarthritis in at least one joint. By 2030, an estimated 20% of Americans – about 70 million people – will have passed their 65th birthday and will be at increased risk of OA.” Arthritis can present itself in many ways and degrees of severity. Osteoarthritis is by …

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The Use Of 13c/12c And 15n/14n Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis To Determine Carnivory Level In Gender Identified Free-Ranging Utah American Black Bears (Ursus Americanus), Eric Olsen, Beverly Roeder Sep 2013

The Use Of 13c/12c And 15n/14n Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis To Determine Carnivory Level In Gender Identified Free-Ranging Utah American Black Bears (Ursus Americanus), Eric Olsen, Beverly Roeder

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Stable isotope analysis of carbon (13C/12C or d13C) and nitrogen (15N/14N or d15N) has been shown to provide a more accurate estimate of overall diet in various mammalian species (Sponheimer et al. 2003). This technique was used to determine the amount of vegetation and animal protein in the nutritional uptake of free ranging Utah black bears (Ursus americanus). Samples were obtained from harvested bears taken during the fall 2005 and spring 2006 hunt from various regions of Utah via the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR). Gender was reported by the hunters at time of harvest. Age was determined by …

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Reflections On Europe And The Visual Portrayal Of A Culture, Jennie M. Doezie, James C. Christensen Sep 2013

Reflections On Europe And The Visual Portrayal Of A Culture, Jennie M. Doezie, James C. Christensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The intent and purpose for which this grant was awarded was to assist me in my goal of producing a well-illustrated children’s book. My greatest artistic interest lies in depicting other cultures, and my desire is to educate children of these cultures through my paintings. The original basis for completion of my project entailed accompanying the BYU “Art in Europe” Study Abroad program to Spain and Italy in the spring of 1997. There I was to experience, visually research, and document those countries for seven weeks, under the instruction of my faculty mentor, James C. Christensen. There from I would …

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Vitamin K And Omega-3 Fatty Acids In Osteoporosis Treatment, Brandon J. Valgardson, Dr. Robert Davidson Sep 2013

Vitamin K And Omega-3 Fatty Acids In Osteoporosis Treatment, Brandon J. Valgardson, Dr. Robert Davidson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Bone deterioration affects all people. Postmenopausal women are affected more than men. However, the elderly tend to shrink instead of maintain the same height because their bone density is diminishing. Death is a result of severe osteoporosis. Bone mineral growth is said to be increased by pharmacologic levels of vitamin K, supplemented by a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Frequent doses of vitamin K in one’s diet cause the bone mineral density to increase in individuals affected by the disorder. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the risk for the onset of osteoporosis. This research experiment is based on the hypothesis …

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The Effect Of Isoflavone And Selenium Diets On Body Composition (Biochemical Responses To Phytoestrogen And Selenium Diets In Noble Rats Relating To Reduced Prostate Cancer Risk), Jessica Tolman, Dr. Merrill J. Christensen Sep 2013

The Effect Of Isoflavone And Selenium Diets On Body Composition (Biochemical Responses To Phytoestrogen And Selenium Diets In Noble Rats Relating To Reduced Prostate Cancer Risk), Jessica Tolman, Dr. Merrill J. Christensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The intent of the following research was to fulfill the thesis requirements for the BYU Honors Program, the following report is complied from excerpts from my Honors Thesis. The results were presented at the 8th International Symposium on Selenium in Biology and Medicine. At the beginning of this project I focused my interests on the effect of isoflavone and selenium on body composition. I later used these findings and the effect of isoflavone and selenium on hormone serum levels to determine the effect of isoflavone and selenium on prostate cancer risk.

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Up-Regulation Of Ddr2 And Mmp13 As A Mechanism Of Osteoarthritis, Allyson Merrell, Kenneth Merrell Sep 2013

Up-Regulation Of Ddr2 And Mmp13 As A Mechanism Of Osteoarthritis, Allyson Merrell, Kenneth Merrell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Arthritis is a painful, debilitating disease that affects sixty-six million Americans (The Arthritis Foundation 2005). Osteoarthritis (OA) results in joint degeneration caused by cartilage erosion and synovial inflammation. While the causes of OA remain unclear, current evidence suggests that both mechanical and biochemical factors can initiate OA. Since ethical and practical issues limit the availability of human tissue in OA research it is necessary to use animal models. Mice with the disproportionate micromelia mutation (Dmm) exhibit histological characteristics similar to those of humans with OA. Current research suggests the heterozygous Dmm mouse (D/+) is a valid model for early-onset OA …

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The Effect Of Row Spacing And Irrigation On Seed Production Of Four Forb Species From The Uncompahgre Plateau, Colorado, Mark Judson, Dr. Val Jo Anderson Sep 2013

The Effect Of Row Spacing And Irrigation On Seed Production Of Four Forb Species From The Uncompahgre Plateau, Colorado, Mark Judson, Dr. Val Jo Anderson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Uncompahgre Plateau Project involves a series of studies to help with the production of native seeds for large-scale restoration of this Colorado Plateau Region. Studies are being conducted at various research centers throughout the United States. The present study at Brigham Young University sought to identify optimum row spacing and evaluate irrigation regimes for maximum seed production and harvest efficiency.

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Characterization Of A Cdna Encoding Β-Amyrin Synthase Involved In Saponin Biosyntheses In Chenopodium Quinoa, Derrick J. Reynolds, Dr. P. Jeff Maughan Sep 2013

Characterization Of A Cdna Encoding Β-Amyrin Synthase Involved In Saponin Biosyntheses In Chenopodium Quinoa, Derrick J. Reynolds, Dr. P. Jeff Maughan

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is an important crop for subsistence farmers in the Altiplano (high plains) of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. Quinoa has the potential to be an effective crop for many temperate and highland-tropical regions due to its ability to thrive in drought, saline and high-altitude conditions. The nutritional value of quinoa has been well documented. Several analyses have confirmed that quinoa grain has an excellent balance of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins and provides an ideal balance of essential amino acids for human nutrition.1 Quinoa grain also has a seed coating consisting of various saponins. Saponins are waxy, soap-like …

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Title, Scott A. Davis, Dr. Bruce Roundy Sep 2013

Title, Scott A. Davis, Dr. Bruce Roundy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The invasion of non-native species, mainly cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), into our rangelands, especially following the destruction caused by wildfires, has made it necessary to find viable options for the restoration of native plant species to these areas. The aim of this project was to determine whether or not it is possible to create models for the germination and seminal root growth of a suite of species using heat accumulation models. By creating these models, we hope to be able to discover other native species that not only compete with cheatgrass through early establishment, but provide a quality food source for …

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Effects Of Inundation Length On Fairy Shrimp, Tammy Behunin, Russell Rader Sep 2013

Effects Of Inundation Length On Fairy Shrimp, Tammy Behunin, Russell Rader

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Phyllopods (fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp, and clam shrimp) are the species that best characterize freshwater rock pool communities around the world because of their unique adaptations to temporary conditions. The fairy shrimp, Branchinecta packardi, is one of the most abundant animals in temporary rock pools of the Colorado Plateau. Some rock pools can fill and dry in less than 2 days during the hottest part of the year (July). We conducted a study to examine the relationship between pool evaporation rates and rates of fairy shrimp development. The objectives of this study were to test two hypotheses: 1) fairy shrimp …

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Effects Of Fasting On Oxygen Stable Isotope Ratios, Bryt Christensen, Kent Hatch Sep 2013

Effects Of Fasting On Oxygen Stable Isotope Ratios, Bryt Christensen, Kent Hatch

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of my project was to see if fasting has any effect on oxygen stable isotope ratios. Oxygen isotopes are molecules of oxygen that weigh more or less than normal oxygen 16 because they have more or less electrons. Stable isotopes are used as a scientific tool in many fields to study a variety of things. Among many applications, they are widely used by ecologists to study migration patterns and they have also been used to study the diets of animals.

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