Digital Commons Network^™

Stereospecificity In Glucose Consumption: A New Approach To Martian Life Detection, Vienna R. Saccomanno, Henry J. Sun

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

In 1976, the Viking mission made a remarkable discovery: Martian soil was capable of decomposing an organic nutrient broth to carbon dioxide as if it contained live microorganisms. However, a biological interpretation of this finding is in apparent contradiction with the gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer aboard the Viking landers, which showed Martian soil to be devoid of indigenous organics. To reconcile these findings, it has been hypothesized that unknown abiotic oxidants, such as peroxide and superoxide, are present on Mars and that they were responsible for its soil reactivity. The objective of this research is to develop a life detection method …

Potential Antimicrobial Properties Of The Cyanobacterium Microcoleus Vaginatus In Relationship To The Moss Bryum Argenteum, Crystal Erickson, Lloyd Stark

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

Biological soil crusts play important ecological roles in arid desert regions. These crusts cycle nutrients, prevent wind/water erosion, and form the basis of food chains and soil formation in desert communities. Primary components of these structures include two desert moss species Bryum argenteum and Syntrichia caninervis, and Microcoleus vaginatus, a cyanobacterium. Our Phase I experiment strongly suggests that in an environment of intense light, a condition of stress to Syntrichia caninervis, there is an increase in shoot regeneration when cyanobacteria are present compared to when they are absent. Microcoleus is a highly motile species and our lab observations of fewer …

Computational Studies Of H2, O2, And Co Adsorption On Pt And Pt-Ru Catalyst Clusters For Hydrogen Fuel Cell Applications, Huy Mai, T.J. Dhilip Kumar, P. Tarakeshwar, Naduvalath Balakrishnan

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

Previous computational studies of hydrogen fuel cell catalysis primarily focus on single adsorbate and therefore do not reflect the realistic situation. Here we investigated the effect of multiple hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon monoxide adsorption on bimetallic nanoclusters as allowed by computational resources. The criteria of which we studied were adsorption energies, electron densities, electrostatic charges, and HOMO-LUMO energy gaps with respect to each structure. We found that Pt-Ru clusters have better performance than pure Pt clusters early in the adsorption course, and pure Pt clusters are more consistent than Pt-Ru clusters in a sequence of adsorbate introduction.

Assessment Of Coliform Bacteria From Point And Nonpoint Sources In The Las Vegas Wash, Susan O'Neill, Kumud Acharya

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

This project focuses on an assessment of coliform bacteria from point and non point sources in Las Vegas Wash. Correlations between land use related runoffs, nutrients and organic matter loading and total coliform will be studied. Data will be collected for both daily low and high flow events. Sampling locations will cover all major land use types such as golf course, hotels, hospitals, residential areas, etc., at both the main Wash and its tributaries.

Heat Capacity And High Pressure Exploration Of Ybb2, Brant Abeln, Andrew Cornelius

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

The compound YbB2 has been reported to order anti-ferromagnetically at temperatures around 5.6 K. This transition was verified from heat capacity data taken in different magnetic fields by our Quantum Design PPMS system. X-ray diffraction measurements have been performed using this sample under different pressures at the APS facility in Argonne National Laboratory. A sudden change in resistivity measurements of the sample indicated a possible structural phase transition around 3 GPa. The data indicates the YbB2 compound is not responsible for the anomaly.

Raman Studies Of 1,3,5,7 Cyclooctatetraene At High Pressure, Martin Galley, Ed Romano, Sergey Tkachev, Michael Pravica

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

We performed Raman spectroscopic studies of 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene at elevated pressures up to 10 GPa with the aim of examining possible planarization of the molecule and further studying two prior-discovered phases of the solid with pressure. The Raman excitation source was a Krypton-ion laser operating at 674.1 nm (give wavelength).

1,3,5,7 Cyclooctatetraene has an octagonal formation however it is not aromatic or anti-aromatic (not a subject to the 4n+2 Huckel’s rule) [1]. As a result, its adopts a somewhat reactive tub shape. Upon the addition or removal of one to two electrons under ambient conditions, the molecule planarizes and becomes aromatic …

Magnetic Ordering Phase Transitions Of Gd2sn2o7, Gordon Tam, Andrew Cornelius, Daniel Antonio

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

Pyrochlores with magnetic rare earth ions are a topic of interest due to unusual results brought about by their high degree of geometrical frustration. The lattice structure prevents the magnetic spin interactions from finding a single minimum energy state, which leads to a nonzero residual entropy[1]. By analyzing the heat capacity at low temperatures, the type of magnetic interaction can be determined and the temperatures at which long-range magnetic ordering and magnetic field induced splitting of energy states occur.

An Investigation Of The Origin The Bimodal Distribution Of Optical Afterglow Luminosities Of Gamma-Ray Bursts, Tesla Birnbaum, Bing Zhang

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

The determination of which properties of gamma-ray bursts and the surrounding interstellar medium contribute to the observed bimodal distribution of optical afterglow luminosities will provide insight into the physical processes that give rise to the two families of optical afterglows. Making this determination will require a solid understanding of the standard afterglow model, as well as the use of a language such as C to create programs consisting of codes that perform calculations involving afterglow parameters and Monte Carlo simulations.

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs): the brightest sources of electromagnetic radiation since the Big Bang; also the most violent explosions in the …

Modeling The Deformation Of Fayalite, Greg Hoth, Mike Brawner, Pamela Burnley

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

We are studying how the mineral fayalite deforms under stress while it is subject to high pressures and temperatures. Specifically, we are analyzing x-ray diffraction spectra obtained from experiments with the D-DIA apparatus at Brookhaven national labs. By fitting peaks to the diffraction spectra, we can calculate the spacing between lattice planes of fayalite and so we can observe how this spacing changes over time as the crystal structure deforms We hope to show that this deformation can be modeled using an Elastic Plastic Self Consistent model. In such a model, the material is treated as a cluster of independently …

Phonon Density Of States Of Iron Solid Solutions At Ambient And High Pressures Using Nuclear Inelastic X-Ray Scattering (Nrixs), Samantha L. Combs, Elizabeth A. Tanis, Malcolm Nicol

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

Nuclear resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (NRIXS) of synchrotron radiation uses the energy transferred during the inelastic nuclear absorption of photons to determine phonon density of states for solid Mössbauer isotopes. This type of experiment can be conducted at ambient and high pressures with the use of a diamond anvil cell (DAC) and a rhenium gasket. Here, we are concerned with the phonon DOS of α-FePt 10% at pressures up to 30 GPa, as well as FeAl 4.3%, 6.4%, and 27.1% at ambient pressures. The iron samples used are doped in order to increase the pressure at which the alpha to …

A Study Of Nife(X)Cr(2-X)O4 By Laser Micro-Raman Spectroscopy, Lucas Wilson, Markus Vasquez, John Farley, Allen L. Johnson, Brian D. Hosterman

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

Standards of spinels, composed of two metals and oxygen with the formula AB2O4, are being created with known composition to identify spinels in samples of unknown composition by comparison with the spectra obtained from the standards. Laser micro-Raman spectroscopy allows the identification of chemical species based on their unique vibrational modes. The degree to which spinels of varying composition can be identified will be determined. This will aid in the study of the corrosion of steel by liquid metal. Spinels are a likely component of the oxide layer. Understanding the composition of the products of corrosion leads to an understanding …

Influence Of Nabh4 Reduction On The Hydrogen Storage Properties Of Aniline/Pd Composite Materials, Whitney Shofner, David W. Hatchett

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

The characterization and chemical synthesis of composites containing aniline and N-Phenylenediamine (NPPD), synthesized with palladium, will be analyzed according to recent studies [1] to confer hydrogen storage capabilities. The palladium metal will be introduced as either PdCl4 2- or PdCl2 2-. The experiments will be carried out under both acidic and non-acidic conditions forming a total of 8 different compounds. Each compound will be reduced with NaBH4 and analyzed using gas chromatography to measure hydrogen storage. Infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy will also be used to gather data concerning each compound.

Structural Studies Of Crsi2 At High Pressures And Temperatures, Weldu Gabrimicael, Ravhi S. Kumar, Andrew Cornelius

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

It is of extreme importance to develop new potential energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. As a result of this, the study of thermoelectric materials, capable of changing heat into electrical energy, has become a field of great interest regarding fundamental properties. To help better understand these materials, facilities for the measurement of relevant properties at high pressure have been developed, but lack the ability to characterize the materials at high temperature and pressure. Therefore, this project has the goal of developing a heater arrangement to be used in conjunction with the high pressure capabilities already developed to …

The Search For Ferroelectric Domain Structures In Carbohydrate Glasses Using Atomic Force Microscopy, Louis S. Prahl, David P. Shelton

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

D-glucose was studied as a possible candidate for ferroelectric domain imaging using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The large dipole moment of carbohydrates is such that they may show localized ferroelectric domain formation in liquid phase. Samples were heated at their melting point on glass slides and then left to cool to room temperature in a desiccator. Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) was used to test the effectiveness of this method, and it was found that the oven preparation created samples with 41% crystallinity, where both a glass transition and sharp melting peak were observed. DTA was again used to find …

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, University Of Nevada Las Vegas

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

No abstract provided.

Beverage Operations Pricing Strategies, Jeffrey M. Yedlin

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

A study of pricing strategies implemented in food and beverage operations that are focused on beverage operations. This is conducted through literature review and then a real time study of operations for the Luxor Casino and Hotel. Data over a period of three months is then analyzed to ascertain practical and realistic pricing strategies facing Las Vegas in the current economy.

The Mayan Ice Cap: Glacial Geology And Paleoclimate Of The Northern Guatemalan Highlands, Alex Joseph Roy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Sierra de los Cuchumatanes region of the northern Guatemalan highlands supported a large plateau ice cap with an area of -40 km2 along with a group of 5 cirque glaciers -1 to 2 km2 during the local last glacial maximum (LLGM). A comprehensive mapping reconstruction of the northern Guatemalan highlands is presented here, including glacial geology and an estimate of maximum ice limits from physical evidence and computer modeling. The glacial geologic map was produced via field mapping with global positioning system (GPS) surveying combined with aerial stereo photographic and topographic map analysis. This new field work on moraine …

Kinematics And Timing Of Orogen-Parallel Flow, Grouse Creek Mountains, Utah, Tonia Gail Arriola

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Alternating contractional and extensional events in orogenic belts play a significant role in dynamically adjusting crustal thickness during regional contraction. Distinguishing between these two contrasting kinematic regimes is not only important for understanding the tectonic setting but also provides insights into the dynamics of evolving orogenic wedges. The earliest pervasive fabric, D ₁ , in the Grouse Creek Mountains of northwest Utah is interpreted to have played an integral role in accommodating such a dynamic adjustment. It is interpreted that focused crustal thickening led to differences in gravitational potential energy along strike, facilitating an episode of mid-Cretaceous synconvergent orogen-parallel extension. …

Legislative Committee On Public Lands, Margaret N. Rees

Presentations (PLI)

The Public Lands Institute is dedicated to strengthening the national fabric that is essential for the protection, conservation, multiple use, and management of public lands.

Take Pride In America In Southern Nevada: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Covering April 6, 2008- July 5, 2008, Margaret N. Rees

Anti-littering Programs

• Take Pride in America in Southern Nevada wins national Take Pride in America Award for best state program

• Team is working to secure consulting firm for recycling plan project

• Don’t Trash Nevada Day event held on May 30, 2008

• Phase II media plan began June 1, 2008

• Formed new partnership with Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful

• Total of 189 people signed the anti-litter pledge

• The Anti-Litter Team conducted nine volunteer clean up events

• The Anti-Litter Team participated in five community outreach events

• Don’t Trash Nevada featured in several newspaper and television news …

Revisiting State Failure: Developing A Causal Model Of State Failure Based Upon Theoretical Insight, Tiffiany O. Howard

Political Science Faculty Research

Developing a theoretically driven causal model of state failure is necessary if scholars are committed to improving the predictive power and forecasting ability of early warning models of state failure. Building upon the work of the State Failure Project(1) and earlier statistical models of state failure(2), this study develops a causal model of state failure that is based upon a theoretical foundation that satisfies the parsimonious condition that policy forecasting models typically rely upon. The statistical model of state failure developed for this analysis extends the work of previous models by developing an alternative definition and measurement of state failure …

Alien Invaders! Post-Visit Lesson (Grade 6), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

The following post-visit activity is designed to synthesize and expand the knowledge students have gained in their Forever Earth experience by creating a Public Service Announcement (PSA) about an invasive species. By completing this activity, students re-analyze the impact of such species on an ecosystem and consider the value in educating and motivating the public in regard to invasive species.

Alien Invaders! Pre-Visit Lesson: Introduced And Invasive Species (Grade 6), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

In the “Alien Invaders!” program, students use the Forever Earth vessel to investigate how quagga mussels might affect Lake Mead. Students collect water quality data such as clarity, pH, and temperature to determine whether current habitat conditions would allow quagga mussels to survive and thrive. Students learn about the consequences the quagga mussels could have on the lake and its living and non-living resources. Using the knowledge they’ve gained, students create their own management plans to prevent the spread of quagga mussels to other waterways.

This activity involves students in the concepts of introduced and invasive species

Alien Invaders! Pre-Visit Lessons: Water Characteristics (Grade 6), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

In the “Alien Invaders!” program, students use the Forever Earth vessel to investigate how quagga mussels might affect Lake Mead. Students collect water quality data such as clarity, pH, and temperature to determine whether current habitat conditions would allow quagga mussels to survive and thrive. Students learn about the consequences the quagga mussels could have on the lake and its living and non-living resources. Using the knowledge they’ve gained, students create their own management plans to prevent the spread of quagga mussels to other waterways.

This activity gives students an opportunity to explore water quality conditions as they relate to …

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! On-Site Programming, Support Materials (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

What happened geologically to produce the landscape we see today? What was the stage like that ultimately produced the Colorado River? What are the processes that are still at work today?

To begin exploring and discovering the answers to these questions, we can look at what’s happened in the past and also examine the clues that are evident on today’s landscape. Lake Mead’s geologic past can be organized like acts in a play. These geologic “acts” represent the area’s significant geologic events. The acts are not equal in terms of time (millions of years), nor is all geologic time accounted …

Lake Mead National Recreation Area Vegetation Monitoring And Analysis: Quarterly Progress Report, April 1, 2008 To June 30, 2008, Margaret N. Rees

Vegetation Monitoring

Executive Summary

• The Weed Sentry program surveyed over 182 miles of transportation corridors on federal land in Clark County for incipient populations of exotic plants.
• Five manuscripts attained published or in-press status this quarter. The published manuscripts are (1) assessing vegetation in grassy remnants of the Las Vegas Valley (Desert Plants), (2) assessing exotic species distributions in Clark County (Environmental Monitoring and Assessment), (3) a synthesis of burro effects on Mojave Desert vegetation (Environmental Management), and (4) examining canopy-tree influences along a soil parent material gradient in (Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society).
• Staff delivered eight presentations this quarter at …

We're Moving Into Unlv's New Science And Engineering Building, Scott R. Abella

Public Policy and Leadership Faculty Research

Our research group is one of the few select groups that is moving into the new, $113-million UNLV Science and Engineering Building. The building is exclusively dedicated to research, and its four stories contain 200,000 square feet of research laboratories, faculty offices, and auditorium space for research symposia. Located on North Campus just northeast of the Biology Building, the building is anticipated to obtain LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

Mojave Applied Ecology Notes Summer 2008, Doug Merkler, Scott R. Abella, Dianne N. Bangle, Donovan J. Craig, Jessica E. Spencer, Alex Suazo

Mojave Applied Ecology Notes

Soil climate project, rare plant monitoring, JFS update, granivory and Sahara mustard

Nevada Interagency Volunteer Program: Helping Hands Across Public Lands – Phase Ii: Annual Progress Report, Period Covering July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008, Margaret N. Rees

Get Outdoors Nevada

• The Interagency Volunteer Program (IVP) completed a total of 25 volunteer events contributing a total of 7,270.5 volunteer hours.
• A total of 186 volunteers completed orientations and trainings with the IVP.
• In January, the database manager updated and archived records in the Volgistic data base.
• Since January, the Volgistic database has increased the number of records by 15% containing a total 5,171 records.
• The first annual IVP bus tour has been completed.
• The first event assistant training has been completed. A total of five event assistants have assisted event coordinators at six different volunteer events.
• Website activity this year averaged …

Nevada Interagency Volunteer Program: Helping Hands Across Public Lands – Phase Ii: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Covering April 1- June 30, 2008, Margaret N. Rees

Get Outdoors Nevada

• The number of records in the volunteer database increased 6% since January 1, 2008. The database now contains 5,171 records.
• Website activity decreased, recording an average of 67,180 hits per month, a decrease of 19% from last quarter, with an average of 6,618 pages viewed per month.
• Spring volunteer training has been completed • Fall events have been scheduled.
• The first Interagency Volunteer Program Bus Tour has been completed.
• The new seed collection events have been completed