Digital Commons Network^™

Interferon Alpha In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Dr. Brian Poole

Journal of Undergraduate Research

We presented data from this project at two meetings, 2 presentations at the American society for Microbiology Branch Meeting, Provo UT 2010 and one at the Intermountain Research Symposium, Logan Utah 2010. At the ASM meeting one of my undergraduates was selected to give an oral presentation, and all presentations were done by students. We also published a paper with student authorship that was supported by the MEG. The paper is “Neiwold, Timothy; Clark, Daniel; Salloum, Rafeh; Poole Brian D. Interferon alpha in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Biomed Biotechnol. 2010;2010:948364” We also have three manuscripts in preparation that include data …

Receptors For Advanced Glycation End-Products (Rage) Mediates Particulate Matter-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation, Dr. Paul Reynolds

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Funding available through this MEG award has provided an opportunity for me to meet many academic objectives I’ve determined to be important in the early stages of my faculty appointment at BYU. First of all, I have been able to move my on site research program forward and involve many undergraduates in the process. Specific to the current MEG award, involved students and I have been able to accomplish the proposed research. We have been successful in conducting pilot studies that reveal possible roles for RAGE in mechanisms of lung inflammation induced by both diesel particulate matter (PM) and cigarette …

Full Issue, Comparative Civilizations Review

Comparative Civilizations Review

No abstract provided.

Believing Adoption, Samuel M. Brown

BYU Studies

Adoption theology is concerned with salvation and entry into the family of God. Early Latter-day Saint (Mormon) adoption theology taught by Joseph Smith came to include priesthood, baptism for the dead, temple rites, and more. The author concludes that this doctrine informs important questions, including: Are spirits born? What is the nature of salvation? What is the shape of the heaven family (the interlocking network of familial connections that will exist in the afterlife)? Adoption theology offers an alternative to the popular doctrine of spirit birth, one that is consistent with what Joseph Smith taught about the nature of God …

Integrating Byu's Education In Zion Gallery Into Campus Life, Heather M. Seferovich

BYU Studies

After years of preparation, the Education in Zion Gallery at Brigham Young University opened in 2008. The gallery highlights the long tradition of education in the LDS faith, tells of the sacrifices that went into Brigham Young Academy and later Brigham Young University, and inspires students to seek an education of the whole soul—intellectually, spiritually, and physically—through integrating the permanent exhibition into course curricula, hosting programs and activities, developing rotating exhibitions, and forming partnerships with various campus entities.

Civilization Defined, Abbey Perumpanani

Comparative Civilizations Review

No abstract provided.

An Oer Coup: College Teacher And Student Perceptions Of Open Educational Resources, John Hilton Iii, Tj Bliss, T. Jared Robinson, David A. Wiley

Faculty Publications

Despite increased development and dissemination, there has been very little empirical research on Open Educational Resources (OER). Teachers and students involved in a large-scale OER initiative at eight community colleges across the United States were given a detailed questionnaire aimed at uncovering their perceptions of the cost, outcomes, uses and perceptions of quality of the OER used in their courses. Teachers and students alike reported significant cost savings and various pedagogical and learning impacts due to the implementation of OER in the classroom. In addition, most students and teachers perceived their OER to be at least equal in quality to …

The Hispanic Mortality Paradox: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of The Longitudinal Literature, J. Ruiz, P. Steffen, Timothy B. Smith

Faculty Publications

Objectives: The current objective was to compare Hispanic mortality rates to those of other racial/ethnic groups in order to investigate the possibility of a Hispanic mortality advantage.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published longitudinal literature reporting Hispanic individuals’ mortality of any cause compared with that of any other racial/ethnic group.

Results: Across 58 studies (4,615,747 participants), the random effects weighted average effect size was OR = 0.825 (P < .001, 95% CI = 0.75 to 0.91), corresponding to a 17.5% lower risk of mortality among Hispanic populations compared to other racial groups. The difference in mortality risk tended to be greater among older populations and varied as a function of pre-existing health condition, with effects apparent for initially healthy samples and for those with cardiovascular diseases. The results also differed by racial group comparison: Hispanics had lower overall risk for mortality than non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks, but overall higher risk for mortality than Asian Americans.

Conclusions: These findings provide evidence of a small Hispanic mortality advantage, with implications for conceptualizing and addressing racial/ethnic health disparities.

Transforming Synthetic Biology With Cell-Free Systems, Arnaz Ranji, Jeffrey C. Wu, Bradley Charles Bundy, Michael C. Jewett

Faculty Publications

Cell-free synthetic biology offers an unprecedented level of control and freedom of design for understanding, harnessing, and expanding the capabilities of natural biological systems. Inspired by advances in synthetic biology projects in vivo, recent years have witnessed the emergence of cell-free systems not only as a testing ground for our ability to engineer and analyze biology, but also as technologies capable of efficient and scalable synthesis of complex biological products. Dominant efforts in the field include: programmable nucleic acid circuits; nanomachines; cell-free protein synthesis; cell-free metabolic engineering; and minimal cells. The goals are understanding why nature’s designs work the way …

Facile Synthesis And Improved Pore Structure Characterization Of Mesoporous Γ-Alumina Catalyst Supports With Tunable Pore Size, Baiyu Huang

Theses and Dissertations

Mesoporous γ-alumina is the most extensively used catalysts support in a wide range of catalytic processes. The usefulness of γ-alumina relies on its favorable combination of physical, textural, thermal, and chemical properties. Pore structure properties are among the most important properties, since high surface area and large pore volume enable higher loading of active catalytic phases, while design of pore size and pore size distribution is critical to optimize pore diffusional transport and product selectivity. In addition, accurate determination of surface area (SA), pore volume (PV) and pore size distribution (PSD) of porous supports, catalysts, and nanomaterials is vital to …

Stepfamily Functioning And Closeness: Children's Views On Second Marriages And Stepfather Relationships, Todd M. Jensen, Kevin Shafer

Faculty Publications

Current research on stepfamily well-being often overlooks the perspective of children, and deals primarily with factors as reported by the adults involved. The authors examine a number of family role characteristics, parental subsystem characteristics, and resources that might influence how children perceive the quality of their stepfamily relationships. A sample of 1,088 children in households with a mother and stepfather, ages 10 to 16 years, in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1979 cohort—Children and Young Adult Sample, is used for the analyses. Results indicate that open communication between children and their mothers, low amounts of arguing between mothers and …

Foundational Work In Bioelectrochemical Anaerobic Reactor Design With Electron Mediators, Christopher D. Hoeger

Theses and Dissertations

Bioelectrical reactors (BER) have potential to be utilized in a wide variety of industrial applications. This work explores the kinetics involved with reduction of electron mediators (anthraquinone disulfonate and methyl viologen) in bioelectrical reactors. It also discusses on possible application of BER technology to produce ethanol from CO2 and electricity. It is established that Clostridium ragdahlei is capable of sustaining life and product formation with CO2 as the only carbon source. This means it is theoretically possible to utilize CO2 as he source of carbon and electricity as the source of reducing equivalents for bacterial growth and product formation. A …

Immobilized Viologen Polymer For Use In Direct Carbohydrate Fuel Cells, Yining Pan

Theses and Dissertations

Glucose and other carbohydrates are some of the most abundant renewable energy sources in the world. The oxidation of carbohydrates in a fuel cell allows their chemical energy to be converted directly into electrical energy. Viologen has been indentified and shows promising ability as an electron-transfer catalyst or mediator for carbohydrate oxidation in an alkaline carbohydrate fuel cell. Building on the previous results, the objective of this work was to develop an immobilization chemistry of viologen onto an electrode and to investigate the catalytic activity for carbohydrate oxidation in direct carbohydrate fuel cells.The immobilization was achieved by electropolymerizing a novel …

A Social History Of Technology In Libraries, Richard Hacken

Faculty Publications

For the International Conference on Information Systems and Technologies in Tangier, Morocco, on March 22, 2013, I presented a social history of technology in libraries over the past 30 years. In addition I speculated what the future may bring socially and technologically, obviously from my perspective as a librarian.

Plant Diversity At Home And Abroad, Dr. Leigh Johnson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This award supported a multifaceted mentoring environment for students with a focus on plant biodiversity. The objectives were to provide support for two students participating in a focused, study abroad program sponsored by an NSF Partnerships in Research and Education award for which the PI is a participant, and support for multifaceted research that includes training in herbarium curation and contemporary plant systematics. The goal for all participants was to provide training and skills useful for successful graduate study or employment. Because the project was extended beyond one year, this mentoring award serviced more students than originally anticipated. Beyond the …

Patagonian Field Study: An International, Cross-Cultural Mentoring Experience, Dr. Jerry Johnson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This mentoring environment grant was awarded in 2008. The purpose of the project was twofold: (1) to help support BYU undergraduate students to participate in our Patagonia PIRE international field study program in Argentina and Chile; and (2) to support undergraduate participation in research on evolution of fishes in Mexico. Here I report on the outcomes of this project, specifically addressing the five points requested by the ORCA for MEG final reports.

Content Analysis Of New Teacher Induction And Mentoring Documents In Five Partnership Districts: Reflections And Acknowledgments Of Complexity, Carol S. Larsen

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine how documents used in new teacher induction and mentoring programs from five different school districts reflect and acknowledge the complexity of the programs of which they are a part. Extensive research has been conducted regarding various aspects of these two programs, often utilizing linear approaches to these programs. Research has called for analysis of the complexity of these programs. New teacher induction and mentoring documents were collected from each of the five districts, resulting in approximately 76 documents total. Documents were categorized into three main groups: mentor documents, mentee documents, and district …

Modulators Of Symbiotic Outcome In Sinorhizobium Meliloti, Matthew B. Crook

Theses and Dissertations

Microorganisms interact frequently with each other and with higher organisms. This contact and communication takes place at the molecular level. Microbial interactions with eukaryotes can be pathogenic or mutualistic. One of the best-studied symbioses is the complex interaction between nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria, termed rhizobia, and legumes. This symbiosis culminates in the elaboration of a new organ, the root nodule. Many of the molecular signals exchanged between the host plant and the invading rhizobia have been deduced, but there is still much that remains to be discovered. The molecular determinant of host range at the genus level of the plant host …

Test-Retest Reliability Of Speech Recognition Threshold Material In Individuals With A Wide Range Of Hearing Abilities, Karin Leola Caswell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate an updated list of digitally recorded Speech Recognition Threshold (SRT) materials for test-retest reliability. Chipman (2003) identified 33 psychometrically equated spondaic words that are frequently occurring in English today. These digitally recorded words were used to determine the SRT of 40 participants using the American Speech-Language Hearing Association guidelines. The participants were between the ages of 19 and 83 years and presented with hearing impairment ranging from normal to severe. The individual's pure-tone averages classified 16 participants with normal hearing to slight loss, 12 participants with mild loss, and 12 participants with …

Microfabrication Processes And Advancements In Planar Electrode Ion Traps As Mass Spectrometers, Brett Jacob Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents advances in the development of planar electrode ion traps. An ion trap is a device that can be used in mass analysis applications. Electrode surfaces create an electric field profile that trap ionized molecules of an analyte. The electric fields can then be manipulated to mass-selectively eject ions out of the trap into a detector. The resulting data can be used to analyze molecular structure and composition of an unknown compound. Conventional ion traps require machined electrode surfaces to form the electric trapping field. This class of electrode presents significant obstacles when attempting to miniaturize ion traps …

A Trophic State Analysis Of Lakes In Yellowstone National Park, Anthony Alexander Melcher

Theses and Dissertations

Eutrophication is of interest in the field of water quality. Eutrophic lakes, when used as sources for drinking water, can cause problems during the treatment process, for example algae blooms can clog filters, requiring more water and energy to be used during the cleaning and backwashing of the filters. Excess nutrient loading and eutrophication can also harm fish and aquatic life habitats. Certain species of algae and cyanobacteria can be toxic to humans as well. Since 1998, Dr. A. Woodruff Miller has collected water samples from 46 lakes and ponds in Yellowstone National Park. The Carlson Trophic State Index, the …

Passive Stiffness Of Coupled Wrist And Forearm Rotations, Will Brandon Drake

Theses and Dissertations

The dynamics of wrist rotations are dominated by joint stiffness, which the neuromuscular system must account and compensate for when controlling wrist movements. Because wrist stiffness is anisotropic, movements in some directions require less torque than movements in others, creating opportunities to follow "paths of least resistance." Forearm pronation-supination (PS) can combine with wrist flexion-extension (FE) and radial-ulnar deviation (RUD) to allow the wrist to rotate in directions of least stiffness. Evaluating this hypothesis, and understanding the control of combined wrist and forearm rotations in general, requires a knowledge of the stiffness (the dominant mechanical impedance) encountered during combined wrist …

The Function Of Yeast Pas Kinase, Dr. Julianne Grose

Journal of Undergraduate Research

PAS kinase is a newly discovered member of the nutrient sensing kinases that regulates glucose homeostasis in mice and yeast. The aim of our 2009 MEG “The Function of Yeast PAS kinase” was to characterize the role of a known PAS kinase substrate, Ugp1, as well as to identify novel PAS kinase substrates. We have made significant progress on each of these aims, which has facilitated the preparation of publications, presentations and abstracts. In addition, the findings described below have opened up further research as evidenced by our 2010 and 2011 MEG proposals as well as a 2009 NIH grant …

The Role Of Nuclear Bmp2 (Nbmp2) In Skeletal Muscle, Dr. Laura Bridgewater

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The goal of this project was to characterize the molecular pathway by which nBmp2 disrupts Ca2+ handling in skeletal muscle of nBmp2 mutant mice. Previously, we had worked with Dr. Chad Hancock’s lab to measure muscle function in nBmp2 mutant mice, and those results showed a slowing in the rate at which Ca2+ is pumped from the cytoplasm back into the sarcoplamic reticulum at the conclusion of a skeletal muscle contraction. Our rationale for this MEG study was that characterizing the muscle dysfunction phenotype in the nBmp2 mutant mice would ultimately lead to a molecular level understanding of the functions …

The First Mission Of The Twelve Apostles: 1835, Maclane Elon Heward

Theses and Dissertations

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an administrative and ecclesiastical quorum. The Church, first organized in 1830, did not organize the Quorum of Twelve Apostles until 1835. When it was organized, Joseph Smith outlined the quorum's responsibilities through revelation. The Twelve were assigned two unique and specific responsibilities: to take the gospel to the nations of the earth and to form a traveling high council for the regulating of the Church outside of its stakes. The first opportunity for the Twelve to fulfill their responsibilities was in May 1835 when …

Mitochondrial Genetics Of Alzheimer's Disease And Aging, Perry Gene Ridge

Theses and Dissertations

Mitochondria are essential cellular organelles and the location of the electron transport chain, the site of the majority of energy production in the cell. Mitochondria contain their own circular genome approximately 16,000 base pairs in length. The mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) encodes 11 protein-coding genes essential for the electron transport chain, 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. Mitochondrial malfunction occurs in many diseases, and changes in the mitochondrial genome lead to numerous disorders. Multiple mitochondrial haplotypes and sequence features are associated with Alzheimer's disease. In this dissertation we utilized TreeScanning, an evolutionary-based haplotype approach to identify haplotypes and sequence variation …

Protein-Surface Interactions With Coarse-Grain Simulation Methods, Shuai Wei

Theses and Dissertations

The interaction of proteins with surfaces is a major process involved in protein microarrays. Understanding protein-surface interactions is key to improving the performance of protein microarrays, but current understanding of the behavior of proteins on surfaces is lacking. Prevailing theories on the subject, which suggest that proteins should be stabilized when tethered to surfaces, do not explain the experimentally observed fact that proteins are often denatured on surfaces. This document outlines several studies done to develop a model which is capable of predicting the stabilization and destabilization of proteins tethered to surfaces. As the start point of the research, part …

The Relationship Between Frequency Of Incest And Relational Outcomes With Family-Of-Origin Characteristics As A Potential Moderating Variable, Kathleen Diane Baxter

Theses and Dissertations

As we examined research on the relational effects of incest on survivors, several researchers noted that some of the negative outcomes may be moderated by certain family characteristic variables. Using RELATE data, we examined a subsample of females and males who reported being survivors of incest in childhood and compared them on key family-of-origin processes such as mother and father's marital satisfaction as well as family violence. We used a path analysis to determine whether family processes, specifically functional parents' marriage and low physical violence, moderate the relationship between incest and marital quality in adulthood. Functional family-of-origin processes significantly moderated …

The Protective Effect Of Antioxidants On Vitamin A Stability In Nonfat Dry Milk During Thermally Accelerated Storage, Amalie Brown Kurzer

Theses and Dissertations

Two studies were conducted to determine the relative effect of various combinations of antioxidants on vitamin A oxidation and isomerization in nonfat dry milk (NDM). In the first study, one lot of pasteurized unfortified skim milk was divided, fortified with vitamins A and D and one of 11 antioxidant treatments, and spray dried. A control batch from the same lot was also fortified with vitamins A and D and spray dried. Samples were analyzed for total vitamin A bioactivity after zero, one, and two weeks of storage. After two weeks at 50°C, the only NDM samples that did not experience …

Habitat Selection And Response To Disturbance By Pygmy Rabbits In Utah, Robert John Edgel

Theses and Dissertations

The pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is a sagebrush (Artemisia sp.) obligate that depends on sagebrush habitats for food and cover throughout its life cycle. Invasive species, frequent fires, overgrazing, conversion of land to agriculture, energy development, and many other factors have contributed to recent declines in both quantity and quality of sagebrush-steppe habitats required by pygmy rabbits. Because of the many threats to these habitats and the believed decline of pygmy rabbit populations, there is a need to further understand habitat requirements for this species and how they respond to disturbance. This study evaluated habitat selection by pygmy rabbits in …