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Emu Today, January 31, 2014, Eastern Michigan University

EMU Today

No abstract provided.

Harbor Notes, January 31, 2014, Tom Scherberger

Harbor Notes

The January 31, 2014, issue of Harbor Notes.

The Role Of Micrornas In Osteoclastogenesis, Tiziana Franceschetti

Doctoral Dissertations

Archivial abstract submitted

The Unexonerated: Factually Innocent Defendants Who Plead Guilty, John H. Blume, Rebecca K. Helm

Cornell Law Faculty Working Papers

Several recent high profile cases, including the case of the West Memphis Three, have revealed (again), that factually innocent defendants do plead guilty. And, more disturbingly, in many of the cases, the defendant’s innocence is known, or at least highly suspected, at the time the plea is entered. Innocent defendants plead guilty most often, but not always, in three sets of cases: first, low level offenses where a quick guilty plea provides the key to the cellblock door; second, cases where defendants have been wrongfully convicted, prevail on appeal, and are then offered a plea bargain which will assure their …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

“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.

A Molecular Approach To Answering An Anthropological Question Concerning Burial Customs In An Ancient Egypt Population, Jamey Tolman, Dr. Scott Woodward

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Recent advances in DNA sequencing technology have allowed us to gain knowledge about the ancient populations of the world. A team of BYU students and faculty has excavated a group of bodies, dating from 200 B.C. to 400 A.D., found in the Fag El Gamous cemetery in Egypt. A major observation from the excavations has been that the earlier, or lower burials, in the cemetery are buried with their heads to the east. As you move up in the cemetery, to more recent dates, a distinct change occurs in the orientation of the burials. The bodies are placed with their …

Synergistic Effects Of Vitamin C And Vitamin K3 In The Widr Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cell Line, Jeffery Sivert Tessem, Dr. Byron K. Murray

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In recent years in both clinical and experimental research the benefits of vitamins as anti-cancer agents have been described. Derivatives of vitamin C have been shown to “diminish the tumor mass in inoperable tumor patients” as well as cause degeneration of hepatocellular carcinoma in rats due to direct cytotoxicity to the tumor cells (1). Vitamin K3 has also been shown to induces DNA damage, reduced expression of c-myc, and caused apoptosis in human T-lymphocyte Jurkat cells, and other effects have also been seen in other cell lines (1). Studies have been done using these two vitamins in conjunction on …

Comparative Resistance Of Human Papilloma Virus To Inactivation By Selected Chemical Disinfectants, Elisabeth Tillman, Dr. Richard A. Robinson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer in humans as well as the second most common cause of cancer death in women [3]. In developing countries, cervical cancer is actually the most common female disease, constituting 30% of female cancers [1]. In the United States, cervical cancer is diagnosed in approximately 15,000 women and is responsible for 4,600 deaths each year [2]. At least 90% of all cervical carcinomas are related to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. The purpose of my study is to reduce the dangerous spread of HPV through effective disinfection.

Jak/Stat Pathway Utilized By Adrenal Cells In Response To Il-6, Brice Jason Williams, Dr. Allan M. Judd

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In most mammals, the adrenal cortex produces the hormones cortisol, aldosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). These hormones have profound effects upon water and salt balance, the inflammatory response, and the metabolism of sugars, fats, and proteins. Because of its importance in maintaining homeostasis, the body highly regulates the adrenal gland. As part of the regulation, the body secretes many different molecules including cytokines. One of the most researched cytokines is interleukin-6, IL-6 (1). Many different cells produce IL-6, including adrenal cortical cells (2). The adrenal cortical cells secrete IL-6 into the extracellular space. IL-6 then binds to its receptor (IL-6 receptor …

Locating Chondrocyte-Specific Enhancer Elements In The First Intronic Region Of The Col11a2 Gene, Steven Alan Smith, Dr. Laura Bridgewater

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Osteoarthritis is one of most prominent illnesses that plague our world today. It involves the degeneration of cartilage between joints due to a reduction of collagen fibrils. The type XI collagen gene (Col11a2) is one of a few genes responsible for the production of the collagen fibrils. It is expressed wherever cartilage is present. It is expressed in these areas because of specific expression factors (proteins) that enhance the production of collagen. Once these expression factors are known, a possible genetic remedy can be manufactured to aide in curing osteoarthritis or other skeletal abnormalities.

January 31, 2014 Ereporter, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

eReporter (campus newsletter)

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Transport Properties In A Zaz Graphene Nanoribbon Junction Using Various Dopants, Natasha Parikh

Theses

A 12 atom wide ZAZ Graphene Junction was simulated and its transport properties were analyzed. I-V curves, calculated by nonequilibrium Greens function method combined with the density functional theory under external bias, showed varying semiconducting characteristics. Further, the width of the junction also showed significant effects in the determination of the semiconducting nature. A theoretical study was performed on the semiconducting characteristics by analyzing the I-V curve and transport coefficients in the junction.

In Vitro Modeling And Analysis Of Axon Stretch Growth For The Sustained Growth Of Long Nerve Fibers, Joseph Rocco Loverde

Dissertations

The integration of long nerve fibers throughout the body is distinctive among somatic tissues. Single, individual motor neurons grow to a meter in length or more as they maintain connectivity with sacral areas of the spinal cord from the brain. Similarly, homologous growth also occurs via spinal ganglion neurons within the peripheral nervous system. The most widely studied aspect of nerve development has been the migration and extension of growth cones towards synaptic targets during early development. However, following growth cone extension, axonal fibers continue to grow in synchrony with the expansion of limbs and mit otic tissues throughout childhood …

Enhanced Virus-Specific Cd8+ T Cell Responses By Listeria Monocytogenes-Infected Dendritic Cells In The Context Of Tim-3 Blockade, Cheng J. Ma, Jun P. Ren, Guang Y. Li, Xiao Y. Wu, Dirk G. Brockstedt, Peter Lauer, Jonathan P. Moorman, Zhi Q. Yao

ETSU Faculty Works

In this study, we engineered Listeria monocytogens (Lm) by deleting the LmΔactA/ΔinlB virulence determinants and inserting HCV-NS5B consensus antigens to develop a therapeutic vaccine against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We tested this recombinant Lm-HCV vaccine in triggering of innate and adaptive immune responses in vitro using immune cells from HCV-infected and uninfected individuals. This live-attenuated Lm-HCV vaccine could naturally infect human dendritic cells (DC), thereby driving DC maturation and antigen presentation, producing Th1 cytokines, and triggering CTL responses in uninfected individuals. However, vaccine responses were diminished when using DC and T cells derived from chronically HCV-infected individuals, who express …

Plant Invasion Along An Urban-To-Rural Gradient, Carolyn O. Ariori

Master's Theses

Humans are the most important drivers of invasive species introduction and natural habitat transformation globally. Ecological differences between areas of dense human habitation and minimally managed natural habitats were explored across an urban-to-rural gradient of land use in southern New England. These differences were examined through presence/absence and leaf functional traits for a set of invasive species; and urban and rural environmental conditions. Some species were more restricted to particular sites than others along the urbanization gradient, based on introduction history and habitat preference. A priori urban-classified species showed trait values associated with drought tolerance, including higher LWR, greater leaf …

January 31, 2014, The Dakota Student

The Dakota Student

No abstract provided.

Expression Profiling In Bemisia Tabaci Under Insecticide Treatment: Indicating The Necessity For Custom Reference Gene Selection, Pei Liang, Yajie Guo, Xuguo Zhou, Xiwu Gao

Entomology Faculty Publications

Finding a suitable reference gene is the key for qRT-PCR analysis. However, none of the reference gene discovered thus far can be utilized universally under various biotic and abiotic experimental conditions. In this study, we further examine the stability of candidate reference genes under a single abiotic factor, insecticide treatment. After being exposed to eight commercially available insecticides, which belong to five different classes, the expression profiles of eight housekeeping genes in the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, one of the most invasive and destructive pests in the world, were investigated using qRT-PCR analysis. In summary, elongation factor 1α …

Historical Vegetation Of The Tiller Area, Douglas County, Oregon Based On Glo Survey Notes, O. Eugene Hickman, John Christy

Institute for Natural Resources Publications

This project was conducted in the Tiller area east of Canyonville, to develop a landscape perspective of historical vegetation for the early settlement era. The project area covered about 128,214 acres, of which 42% was private land, 17% BLM, and 41% USFS. This area of complex topography, transitional between interior valleys of the Umpqua River and the Cascade Range, has a small rural population base sometimes impacted by local natural resource problems and management. The study area includes portions of the South Douglas County Wildland-Urban Interface zone.

Historical land survey notes from General Land Office (GLO) were used to create …

Volume Cxxxi, Number 12, January 31, 2014, Lawrence University

The Lawrentian

No abstract provided.

Thermochemical Properties Of C3 To C5 Unsaturated Carbonyl Alkenes: Enthalpies Of Formation, Entropy, Heat Capacity, Bond Enthalpy, Ruiqi Jian

Theses

α,β and α-γ unsaturated carbonyl compounds are important classes of carbonyl compounds with the general structure R-(O=C)-Cα=Cβ-R’ and R-(O=Cγ)-Cβ-Cα=Cβ-R’. These compounds are utilized in industry and are also produced as intermediates of hydrocarbon oxidation in chemistry of the atmosphere and in combustion. These unsaturated carbonyls are common environmental pollutants, are frequently associated with adverse effects, and are considered to play an important role in human cancer. Their stability, thermochemical properties are important to understanding their reaction paths in atmospheric, combustion and bio related environments. Enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity of unsaturated alkene molecules, and radicals corresponding to hydrogen atom …

Effects Of Dietary Phytoestrogens On Calcium-Binding Proteins And Cox- 2 In The Frontal Cortex Of Adult Rats, Lilyan Yi Tian, Dr. Edwin Lephart

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like molecules found in many plants (that have a diphenolic, non-steroidal structure), such as, fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole-grain and especially soy products. These plant estrogen mimic the ability to selectively bind estrogen receptors and have recently received a great deal of investigative attention due to the potential protective effects against age-related diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis) as well as hormone-dependent cancers (i.e., breast and prostate cancer). At this time, however, little is known about the effects phytoestrogens have on the central nervous system (CNS).