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The Genotoxicitv Of 1.4-Dioxane Using The Single Cell Gel, Edward Harris Feb 2014

The Genotoxicitv Of 1.4-Dioxane Using The Single Cell Gel, Edward Harris

Journal of Undergraduate Research

1.4-Dioxane (DX), a common ingredient in solvents for oils, waxes and many other organic compounds, has an undetermined genotoxicity. It has been reported to be both a nongenotoxic (Salmonella and Cl-IO chromosome aberration assays) and a genotoxic compound (1). Previous experiments carried out indicate that Sherman strain and Sprague-Dawley rats receiving 0.1% to 1% DX in drinking water develop hepatic/renal damage and hepatocellular and nasal carcinoma respectively (4,7). In this preliminary study, the single cell gel assay was used to determine possible DNA damage caused by DX. Human Raji Burkitt’s lymphoma cells were grown In the presence of various concentrations …

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Determination Of The Cell Tvpe(S) In The Rat Adrenal Zona Glomerulosa That Release Interleukin-6, Michael F. Erickson Feb 2014

Determination Of The Cell Tvpe(S) In The Rat Adrenal Zona Glomerulosa That Release Interleukin-6, Michael F. Erickson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Recent studies have shown that the cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are produced by cells found in the zonaglomerulosa of the rat adrenal cortex (I ,2). These cytokines modify adrenal hormone release gland. Specifically, IL-6 stimulates the release of glucocorticoids from the zona fasciculata/reticularis (3) and TNF inhibits the release of aldosterone from the zona glomerulosa (4). It is of interest that during times of traumatic injury or septic shock the serum and tissue levels of these cytokines increase. This increased cytokine level is partly responsible for the lethal effects of septic shock (including severe hypotension) since …

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Byu Microscopy Laboratory /Public School Partnership Curriculum Development, Judy L. Pickett Feb 2014

Byu Microscopy Laboratory /Public School Partnership Curriculum Development, Judy L. Pickett

Journal of Undergraduate Research

For the past five years Dr. John Gardner has been developing a microscopy outreach program for students throughout the state of Utah. I became involved in the program in the fall of 1993 and have been heavily involved in program development since that time.

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The Location And Role Of Phosphate In Horse Spleen Ferritin (Hosf), Joseph Johnson Feb 2014

The Location And Role Of Phosphate In Horse Spleen Ferritin (Hosf), Joseph Johnson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Although iron Is necessary for life, It Is toxic If left free In most organIsms. To control Its toxic effects and still have iron available for biological use, organisms use ferrltins. Ferritins are similar throughout the biological world. Each ferritin is a roughly spherical, hollow protein with a thin, negatively charged shell that can hold up to 4500 Iron atoms. This shell is composed of 24 nearly Identical subunits. Junctions between three or four subunits form channels, 3-fold or 4-fold respectively, that traverse the protein shell. The hydrophilic 3-fold channels are believed to be the key pathway for the uptake …

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Quantum Interstate Phase Differences And Multiphoton Processes: Application To Multi-Level Models Of Time Dependent Energy Absorption, John Sutton Welch Feb 2014

Quantum Interstate Phase Differences And Multiphoton Processes: Application To Multi-Level Models Of Time Dependent Energy Absorption, John Sutton Welch

Journal of Undergraduate Research

During the last year I have examined numerical solutions and analytical approximations of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation for quantum systems with two, three and four levels which are perturbed by a classical sinusoidal field, I have been particularly interested in understanding the meaning and effects of the quantum phase on probability changes within the quantum system and have recently submitted my findings to the Journal of Chemical Physics and plan to present a poster of this and current work at the American Chemical Society meeting next April in Anaheim, California.

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Phosducins: Evidence For The Evolution Of New Proteins Through Gene Duplication, Tim Rand, Dr. Barry Willardson Feb 2014

Phosducins: Evidence For The Evolution Of New Proteins Through Gene Duplication, Tim Rand, Dr. Barry Willardson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The theory of evolution by natural selection is arguably the most important scientific theory ever formulated. Its importance has not been manifest in an “ooh, ah” technological way—it doesn’t empower us to fly airplanes or to illuminate streets at night—but no scientist really thinks technology is the sine qua non of science anyway. The really big theories are the ones that change our thinking, rather than the way we get around or see at night. The theory of evolution changed the way we think about life itself. Interestingly, our acceptance of evolution is based mainly on its elegance. As far …

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Mapping Of The Immune Response Gene(S) Controlling Susceptibility To Murine Experimental Orchitis, Randall Roper Feb 2014

Mapping Of The Immune Response Gene(S) Controlling Susceptibility To Murine Experimental Orchitis, Randall Roper

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The research project I proposed entailed mapping the gene or genes that control susceptibility to Murine Experimental Orchitis by using a large backcross population of 110 animals. These animals have been generated by obtaining an Fl population from the susceptible SJL mice and resistant B lO.S mice and crossing the susceptible Fl population with disease resistant BlO.S mice. Through the use of a histological report of the susceptibility of the large backcross population to Experimental Allergic Orchitis, and the use of microsatellite and RAPD markers to identify distinguishing polymorphisms, the gene may be linked to a specific chromosome of the …

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Ancient “Gene-Ology” Leads To Improvements In Ancient Dna Ex· Traction Methods And Pcr Amplication Techniques, Blake C. Ballif Feb 2014

Ancient “Gene-Ology” Leads To Improvements In Ancient Dna Ex· Traction Methods And Pcr Amplication Techniques, Blake C. Ballif

Journal of Undergraduate Research

During the past decade, the development of ancient DNA research has left modern science seemingly on the verge of breaching the barrier between the world we live in and the ancient past. Archaeologists, anthropologists, and molecular biologists alike have become increasingly more aware of the understanding that can be gleaned from genetic studies of ancient populations and extinct species. Although ancient DNA has remarkably been isolated and amplified from organisms hundreds, thousands, and even millions of years old 1·3, these breakthroughs represent in most cases a single ancient individual or animal with important yet modest amounts of data. In order …

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The Impact Of A Naturally Fragmented Habitat On The Distribution And Breeding Biology Of House Wrens, Suzanne Reeve, Dr. Brian A. Maurer Feb 2014

The Impact Of A Naturally Fragmented Habitat On The Distribution And Breeding Biology Of House Wrens, Suzanne Reeve, Dr. Brian A. Maurer

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The distribution and life history characteristics of organisms can be significantly affected by structural variation in their habitats. One major type of variation is spatial arrangement and whether a habitat extends continuously or exists in small, fragmented patches. The effects of this variation have been documented in organisms from fruit flies (Jaenike 1978) to Amazonian beetles (Klein 1989) to songbirds (Andren and Angelstam 1988, Gates and Gysel 1978). According to research findings and theoretical prediction, many significant consequences of habitat fragmentation are caused by an increased ratio of habitat edge length to area. Studies indicate that increased edge length creates …

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Zonation Of Porifera: Analysis Of Bathymetric Distribution For The Central California Region, Allison Louise Stockman Feb 2014

Zonation Of Porifera: Analysis Of Bathymetric Distribution For The Central California Region, Allison Louise Stockman

Journal of Undergraduate Research

During the seven weeks which I spent researching at Hopkins Marine Station in Monterey, California, my focus was to delve into the many aspects of Poriferan biology. I am curious as to how sponges function and to what does the Phylum owe its long success in occupying such a specialized niche in the ecosystem. The core of my project was to discover and chart zonation patterns of the various species of Porifera along designated shores along the Monterey Peninsula, and then use this information to integrate sponges into preestablished zonation patterns of the marine environment. Through my efforts I am …

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Influence Of Ultrasonic Stimulation On The Antibiotic Action Of Gentamicin Against Group D Streptococci, Mark S. Miller Feb 2014

Influence Of Ultrasonic Stimulation On The Antibiotic Action Of Gentamicin Against Group D Streptococci, Mark S. Miller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

During the Winter Semester of 1994, I was able to work with three members of the genus Streptococcus: S. pneumoniae, S. agalactiae, and S. faecalis. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the antibiotic gentamicin (an aminoglycoside which inhibits protein synthesis) against the three species were determined. The MIC of S. pneumoniae was 9-12 ~g/ml, 48-50 ~g/ml for S. agalacliae, and 25 ~g/ml for S. faecalis. Though I labored to pinpoint a more exact concentration for each species, experimental variables resulted in the MIC ranges indicated above.

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Synthesis Of Systematically Varied Nucleosides As A Logical Approach Toward Inhibitor Design For Nucleoside Transport Proteins, Lars P. C. Nielsen, Dr. Morris J. Robins Feb 2014

Synthesis Of Systematically Varied Nucleosides As A Logical Approach Toward Inhibitor Design For Nucleoside Transport Proteins, Lars P. C. Nielsen, Dr. Morris J. Robins

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Glucose transporter proteins constitute one class of transmembrane integral proteins that have received much attention in the current chemical literature. Many prominent groups have set out to explore their mechanisms, kinetics, and active sites. Studies have focussed on one of these in particular, Human Glucose Transporter I, the most common and efficient at mediating cellular glucose concentrations. Studies have also proven that certain nucleoside transporters exist, analogous to the sugar proteins, which regulate nucleoside and nucleotide concentrations in cells.

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A Novel Human Angiotensin Ii Type 1 Receptor Isoform Elicits An Exaggerated Angiotensin Ii-Induced Response, Terry S. Elton, Dr. James W. Ogilvie Jr. Feb 2014

A Novel Human Angiotensin Ii Type 1 Receptor Isoform Elicits An Exaggerated Angiotensin Ii-Induced Response, Terry S. Elton, Dr. James W. Ogilvie Jr.

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure) is a significant health problem affecting more than 15% of the population contributing to the increased incidence of heart failure, kidney failure and stroke. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a pivotal role in salt and water homeostasis and the maintenance of vascular tone. This balance is achieved through the actions of the hormone, angiotensin II (Ang II), the biologically active component of the RAS, with its membrane-bound receptors. These receptors, designated as type 1 and type 2 (AT1R and AT2R), bind Ang II with equal affinity. The AT1R, however, which is localized in numerous tissues …

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Expression, Activity And Inhibition Of Canine Cyclooxygenase, Joel Ellis Wilson, Dr. Dan Simmons Feb 2014

Expression, Activity And Inhibition Of Canine Cyclooxygenase, Joel Ellis Wilson, Dr. Dan Simmons

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exhibit their effect by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. However, inhibition of both COX-1 and COX-2 by the administration of NSAIDs to both humans and animals often leads to negative side effects, most commonly gastric toxicity, including ulcers, which may progress to perforation with risk of sepsis. Functional COX-1 and COX-2 are both necessary to maintain the integrity of the gastrointestinal lining. Fueled by the discovery of COX-2 and the elucidation of its biological properties, new NSAIDs have been produced that selectively inhibit only COX-2. This new class of inhibitors effectively reduces pain and inflammation with …

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A Partial Asymmetric Synthesis Of The Anti-Tumor Antibiotic Geldanamycin, Bryon Simmons, Dr. Merritt B. Andrus Feb 2014

A Partial Asymmetric Synthesis Of The Anti-Tumor Antibiotic Geldanamycin, Bryon Simmons, Dr. Merritt B. Andrus

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Geldanamycin, a member of the benzoquinoid ansamycin family, was discovered in 1970 by workers at UpJohn laboratories.1 Scientists were eager to characterize and assess the biological activity of this natural product, first isolated from the bacteria species Steptomyces hygroscpius.2 It was soon learned that geldanamycin functioned as an antibiotic. More importantly, this antibiotic was also shown to check the proliferation of malignant cancer cells.3 This observation has fueled significant interest in geldanamycin as a potential antitumor drug.

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The Effects Of Maternal Separation On Lymphocyte Activity In Rats, Patrick R. Olson, Dr. Reuben Ward Rhees Feb 2014

The Effects Of Maternal Separation On Lymphocyte Activity In Rats, Patrick R. Olson, Dr. Reuben Ward Rhees

Journal of Undergraduate Research

We have been investigating how stress affects physiological development. My interest dealt with the effects of stress on the immune system. Lymphocyte proliferation is a common measurement of immune function.

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Regulation Of The Transcription Factor Creb In Skeletal Muscle After Exercise, David M. Thomson Feb 2014

Regulation Of The Transcription Factor Creb In Skeletal Muscle After Exercise, David M. Thomson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

My laboratory is running quite smoothly now. The students in the laboratory are proficient in performing experiments, obtaining data and interpreting it. My first undergraduate students have recently graduated, and I now have a nice array of experienced and newer inexperienced students, so the work is moving forward steadily, both in terms of productivity and of student training. I enjoy seeing students come into the lab with essentially no knowledge of laboratory techniques and the particular physiological topics that we study, and within a couple of months gaining enough knowledge to contribute to an intellectual discussion of the principles we …

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Biophysical Mechanism Of Anesthetics, David Busath Feb 2014

Biophysical Mechanism Of Anesthetics, David Busath

Journal of Undergraduate Research

I was awarded a MEG in 2008 (with support continuing through 2009) for the project entitled “Biophysical Mechanism of Anesthetics.” The goals of the project were to measure the impact of volatile general anesthetics (isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane) on:

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On Chip Preconcentration And Labeling Of Protein Biomarkers Using Monolithic Columns, Device Fabrication, Optimization, And Automation, Rui Yang Feb 2014

On Chip Preconcentration And Labeling Of Protein Biomarkers Using Monolithic Columns, Device Fabrication, Optimization, And Automation, Rui Yang

Theses and Dissertations

Detection of disease specific biomarkers is of great importance in diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Modern bioanalytical techniques, such as liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS), have the ability to identify biomarkers, but their cost and scalability are two main drawbacks. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is another potential tool, but it works best for proteins, rather than peptide biomarkers. Recently, microfluidics has emerged as a promising technique due to its small fluid volume consumption, rapidness, low fabrication cost, portability and versatility. Therefore, it shows prominent potential in the analysis of disease specific biomarkers. In this thesis, microfluidic systems that integrate …

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Quantitative Genetics Of Response To Novelty And Other Stimuli By Infant Rhesus Macaques (Macaca Mulatta) Across Three Behavioral Assessments, G. L. Fawcett, A. M. Dettmer, D. Kay, M. Raveendran, James Dee Higley, N. D. Ryan, J. L. Cameron, J. Rogers Feb 2014

Quantitative Genetics Of Response To Novelty And Other Stimuli By Infant Rhesus Macaques (Macaca Mulatta) Across Three Behavioral Assessments, G. L. Fawcett, A. M. Dettmer, D. Kay, M. Raveendran, James Dee Higley, N. D. Ryan, J. L. Cameron, J. Rogers

Faculty Publications

Primate behavior is influenced by both heritable factors and environmental experience during development. Previous studies of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) examined the effects of genetic variation on expressed behavior and related neurobiological traits (heritability and/or genetic association) using a variety of study designs. Most of these prior studies examined genetic effects on the behavior of adults or adolescent rhesus macaques, not in young macaques early in development. To assess environmental and additive genetic variation in behavioral reactivity and response to novelty among infants, we investigated a range of behavioral traits in a large number (N = 428) of pedigreed infants …

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Systematics And Genetic Variation Among The Cryptic Sub-Species Complex Of Two- Lined Salamanders Eurycea Bislineata, Eric Swenson, Dr. Keith Crandall Jan 2014

Systematics And Genetic Variation Among The Cryptic Sub-Species Complex Of Two- Lined Salamanders Eurycea Bislineata, Eric Swenson, Dr. Keith Crandall

Journal of Undergraduate Research

DNA sequence analysis can be a very powerful tool to examine the evolutionary history of many different species of organisms. One of the most useful benefits is determining species lineage and evolutionary relationships. In this study we attempted to examine the phylogenetic relationship of Eurycea bislineata, an east coast salamander by examining the Cytochrome b, and ND4 gene regions of the mitochondrial DNA genome.

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Electronic Control Of The Photocycloaddition Of Silyl Tethered Alkenes, Kari Cowdell, Dr. Steven A. Fleming Jan 2014

Electronic Control Of The Photocycloaddition Of Silyl Tethered Alkenes, Kari Cowdell, Dr. Steven A. Fleming

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Solar energy is a major reason for the study of photochemistry. Photochemistry is the investigation of the interaction of organic compounds with light. The ability of plants and bacteria to harness the sun’s energy is an example of photochemistry. One area of photochemical research is the synthesis of cyclobutane rings which are found in plant essential oils and animal pheromones. Anticancer drugs such as taxol also have four member rings in their structures. Biological systems are unique in their ability to produce cyclobutane systems with specific stereochemistry that current methods of synthesis require great effort to acquire. It has been …

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Isolation, Purification, And Characterization Of Biologically Active Compounds From Endophytic Fungi, Trisha L. Anderson, Dr. Noel L. Owen Jan 2014

Isolation, Purification, And Characterization Of Biologically Active Compounds From Endophytic Fungi, Trisha L. Anderson, Dr. Noel L. Owen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This project focused on endophytic fungi, fungi that live inside of plants without causing disease, as a source of compounds that may be useful in treating human disease. Endophytic fungi were chosen both because their relationship with the plants in which they live indicates that they provide some benefit to the plant and because they have a more specific relationship with a plant host, making acquisition of future samples of the same fungus more feasible. In addition, these fungal species have been less studied than many other aspects of natural products research. This research centered on the isolation of novel …

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Physical Vapor Deposition Of Silicon Dioxide From A Silicon Tetraacetate Precursor For Anchoring Nanotubes To Atomic Force Microscopy Probe Tips, Jed Whittaker, Dr. Robert Davis Jan 2014

Physical Vapor Deposition Of Silicon Dioxide From A Silicon Tetraacetate Precursor For Anchoring Nanotubes To Atomic Force Microscopy Probe Tips, Jed Whittaker, Dr. Robert Davis

Journal of Undergraduate Research

It has been previously shown1 that silicon tetraacetate vapor thermally decomposes to a silicon dioxide thin film and gas phase acid anhydride at 160-170°C. Here a method is developed to anchor carbon nanotubes to atomic force microscope (AFM) tips with such a silicon dioxide thin film. Anchoring nanotubes to probe tips allows their high-resolution properties to be exploited in fluids for imaging biological samples. No tips were used as substrates in this experiment however, only silicon wafer pieces about 1 cm square. The silicon tetraacetate vapor was produced by heating it to 100-110°C, just below the melting point. This …

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In-Doping Of Cdse Nanocrystals, Dan Allen, Dr. William Evanson Jan 2014

In-Doping Of Cdse Nanocrystals, Dan Allen, Dr. William Evanson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In recent years much research has focused on the characteristics of metal and semiconductor “quantum dots” or “nanocrystals”. Cadmium selenide (CdSe) semiconductor nanocrystals of diameter less than ~10nm exhibit unique quantum mechanical properties not present in bulk materials. CdSe nanocrystals of 2-5nm in diameter photoluminesce brightly in the visible spectrum, making them attractive for applications such as photodiodes and light-emitting displays. These nanocrystals are also being researched for applications such as single electron transistors, transistors with multiple logic states, and quantum computing. Present commercial applications include single electron memory devices and luminescent tags for biological molecules.

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Species Boundaries In The Gymnodactylus Darwinii Complex (Reptilia, Squamata), Aaron N. Waite, Dr. Jack W. Sites Jr. Jan 2014

Species Boundaries In The Gymnodactylus Darwinii Complex (Reptilia, Squamata), Aaron N. Waite, Dr. Jack W. Sites Jr.

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The genus Gymnodactylus is a group of small lizards belonging to the family Gekkonidae, which occur in the east and central areas of Brazil. The species G. darwinii is restricted to the Atlantic Forest and ranges from the northeastern state of Bahia south 1500 miles along the coast to the northern region of the southeastern state of São Paulo.

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Elements Regulating Excision Of Chicken Cyclooxygenase-2 Intron 1, Nathan Evanson, Dr. Daniel L. Simmons Jan 2014

Elements Regulating Excision Of Chicken Cyclooxygenase-2 Intron 1, Nathan Evanson, Dr. Daniel L. Simmons

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Cyclooxygenases (COXs) are enzymes that are responsible for the production of a potent class of biological signaling molecules called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are involved in responses such as inflammation, contraction of smooth muscle, and regulation of water balance in the kidney. They are also found in greatly elevated amounts in some types of cancer. This elevation in prostaglandins is the result of increased production of the form of COX known as COX-2. Because COX-2 may play a role in the development of cancer, an understanding of how COX-2 is regulated is important in the understanding of cancer and may give insights …

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Transcription Upregulation Of Hiv By Fdc, Nathan R. York, Dr. Gregory R. Burton Jan 2014

Transcription Upregulation Of Hiv By Fdc, Nathan R. York, Dr. Gregory R. Burton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The search to understand Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the progression of the disease that it causes, AIDS, has led scientists to delve further and further into the intricacies of viral mechanics. Although not considered living organisms by many scientists, these entities manage to find ways to enter, replicate, and thrive within the cells of their hosts. As we study any one particular virus, insights into many viruses can be gained.

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Down-Regulation Of Hiv-1 Receptors And Inhibition Of Hiv-1 Entry By Prostratin Treatment, Richard Turley, Dr. Richard A. Robison, Dr. Gregory F. Burton Jan 2014

Down-Regulation Of Hiv-1 Receptors And Inhibition Of Hiv-1 Entry By Prostratin Treatment, Richard Turley, Dr. Richard A. Robison, Dr. Gregory F. Burton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Due to recent findings that HIV replication can persist even with highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), it has become increasingly necessary to develop new therapies that can be used as adjuncts with HAART, to combat HIV infection. One possible alternative strategy is to block infection by down-regulation of the cell receptors needed for viral entry. Amara, et al. proposed that HIV coreceptor down-regulation by stromal cell derived factor 1-a (SDF-1a), the physiological ligand of CXCR4, blocks infection of target cells by X4 strains of HIV-1 (1). Mack, et al. demonstrated that Aminooxypentane-RANTES (a derivative of RANTES, one of CCR5’s physiological …

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“Herceptin (Trastazumab) Causes Cardiotoxicity In Breast Cancer Patients With Prior Cardiac Trauma”, Rick Whitehead, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill Jan 2014

“Herceptin (Trastazumab) Causes Cardiotoxicity In Breast Cancer Patients With Prior Cardiac Trauma”, Rick Whitehead, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In 1998, approximately 10 million women reached the age of 50 years, at a rate of 5,000 women per day. Based on the age incidence data for breast cancer, this means that, within the next ten years, 296,000 women will be affected annually with breast cancer. Because of the tremendous growth in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, new strategies will be required to treat this “baby boomer” explosion.

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