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Full-Text Articles in Physiology

Effects Of Interleukin-6, Interleukin-1, And Tumor Necrosis Factor On Adrenal Steroid Secretions, Brenda Mickelson Crawford, Dr. Allan M. Judd Aug 2013

Effects Of Interleukin-6, Interleukin-1, And Tumor Necrosis Factor On Adrenal Steroid Secretions, Brenda Mickelson Crawford, Dr. Allan M. Judd

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin- I (IL- 1) are cytokines released in response to infection in the body. One signal of infection is lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the outer coat of grain negative bacterial cells. When bacteria die, LPS circulates in the blood and stimulates the immune system to release IL- 1, IL-6, and TNF. Septic shock is a syndrome in which LPS stimulates the release of large amounts of cytokines, causing adverse effects such as severe hypotension (low blood pressure), rashes, fever, edema, and finally multiple organ failure, including the heart.


Ovarian Cyst Development In Dairy Cattle, Rachael G. Johnson, Dr. Roy W. Silcox, Dr. John S. Gardner Aug 2013

Ovarian Cyst Development In Dairy Cattle, Rachael G. Johnson, Dr. Roy W. Silcox, Dr. John S. Gardner

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Ovarian cysts are follicular structures greater than 25 mm in diameter present on an ovary for 10 days or more in the absence of a corpus luteum 1. These cysts halt the normal ovarian cycle and reduce the fertility of the female. Cysts occur in all domestic livestock species, as well as rats, humans, and other primates. The incidence of cystic ovarian disease (COD) in dairy cattle has a significant economic impact on the dairy industry since cows that produce the most milk are often those affected by COD.


The Study Of Genetic Mutations Resulting In Dwarfism, Jonathon Jackson, Dr. Robert Seegmiller Aug 2013

The Study Of Genetic Mutations Resulting In Dwarfism, Jonathon Jackson, Dr. Robert Seegmiller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

As has been outlined, I am submitting this report of the accomplishments that have been made over the past semester in conjunction with the 1,000 dollar award that I received from your office.


Comparative Imaging Of Apoptotic Cell Membrane Morphology As Induced By Cytotoxic And Chemotherapeutic In S49 Lymphoma Cells By Confocal Microscopy, Celestine Yeung, Dr. John Bell Aug 2013

Comparative Imaging Of Apoptotic Cell Membrane Morphology As Induced By Cytotoxic And Chemotherapeutic In S49 Lymphoma Cells By Confocal Microscopy, Celestine Yeung, Dr. John Bell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This project studied and documented the membrane changes of cancer cells undergoing the complex cellular process apoptosis, or programmed cell suicide. More specifically, the purpose of this project was to achieve a visual comparison between S49 mouse lymphoma cells experiencing apoptosis induced by a variety of cytotoxic and chemotherapeutic drugs. This comparison was to be accomplished through cell imaging obtained by merocyanine (MC) 540 fluorescence confocal microscopy. Imaging accomplished in this project is an extension of ongoing research conducted by Dr. Bell and fellow colleagues concerning the action of the secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) enzyme with respect to the effects …


Assessing Premature Arthritis In Sedc Mutant Mice, Shaela Avery, Dr. Robert Seegmiller Aug 2013

Assessing Premature Arthritis In Sedc Mutant Mice, Shaela Avery, Dr. Robert Seegmiller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

A recently discovered collagen gene mutation, spondyloepiphiseal dysplasia congenita (sedc), is found on the Col2a1 gene in both mice and humans. The mouse mutation is molecularly similar to the human SEDC mutation, which causes premature osteoarthritis. Studies, such as this one, in mouse models provide a greater understanding of this recently discovered mutation and help in finding ways to prevent osteoarthritis in humans.


Discovering The Mechanisms Of Limb Outgrowth, Julie Lander, Dr. Jeffery Barrow Aug 2013

Discovering The Mechanisms Of Limb Outgrowth, Julie Lander, Dr. Jeffery Barrow

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Limb abnormalities are among the more common birth defects, occurring in up to 1 in 1,000 live births. Although limb development has been studied for decades, many mechanisms that regulate limb outgrowth remain currently unknown. The object of this study was to further elucidate some of the means by which the limb grows outward from the body and forms its distinctive shape.


Assessment Of Merocyanine Subpopulations In Dppc Vesicles Using Anisotropy And Lifetime Measurements, Hannabeth Franchino, Dr. John Bell Aug 2013

Assessment Of Merocyanine Subpopulations In Dppc Vesicles Using Anisotropy And Lifetime Measurements, Hannabeth Franchino, Dr. John Bell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This study investigated the effects of lipid phase on monomer and dimer fluorescence of merocyanine 540. Emission and anisotropy spectra were assessed at multiple temperatures covering all four lamellar phases of pure dipalmityolphosphadtidylcholine. The probe segregates in the bilayer into two populations: monomers (emission maximum~585 nm) and dimers (emission maximum~621 nm).


Breast Cancer And Estrogens, Nick Candelaria Aug 2013

Breast Cancer And Estrogens, Nick Candelaria

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Each year, more than 170,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States alone [1]. The risk for developing breast cancer can largely be attributed to the levels of exogenous and endogenous hormones in the body [2]. A hormone known to have drastic effect on cancer cell proliferation is estrogen, a regulator of cardiovascular, bone, and reproductive systems [3]. Estrogen is produced endogenously in the granulosa and theca cells of the ovary, and is found in a variety of forms: 17b-estradiol, estrone, and estriol. These estrogen subtypes are derived from cholesterol, and contain varying isoforms of 18 carbons …


Study Of Botulinum Neurotoxin-Induced Protein Channel Characteristics, Richard W. Hendershot, David Busath Aug 2013

Study Of Botulinum Neurotoxin-Induced Protein Channel Characteristics, Richard W. Hendershot, David Busath

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Botulinum toxin is an exotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and is the cause of botulism poisoning in poorly canned food. It is known that the toxin consists of two parts namely the larger Heavy Chain and the smaller Light Chain. Previous data suggests that the larger Heavy Chain forms channels in the cell membrane facilitating infection of the cell by the smaller Light Chain 1. It is also known that the Heavy Chain does indeed form channels in a bilayer system but channels formed by a single Heavy Chain are too small for the light chain to pass …


Effects Of General Anesthesia On Gap Junction Communication And Neural Circuit Oscillation Patterns In The Hippocampus, Jacob Blickenstaff, Dr. Jeffrey Edwards Aug 2013

Effects Of General Anesthesia On Gap Junction Communication And Neural Circuit Oscillation Patterns In The Hippocampus, Jacob Blickenstaff, Dr. Jeffrey Edwards

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Gap junctions play a critical role in controlling the rhythmic patterns of electrical oscillations in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus. These ion channels which connect neighboring cells allow electrical signals to be conducted rapidly and in a synchronized manner over a localized area.


The Effect Of Botulinum Neurotoxin On Lipid Monolayers, Eric R. Draper, David Busath Aug 2013

The Effect Of Botulinum Neurotoxin On Lipid Monolayers, Eric R. Draper, David Busath

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Botulinum neurotoxin is a neurotoxic protein that is made by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. It is one of the most deadly toxins in the world and is very commonly used in minute doses for medicinal purposes. It is therefore very important and beneficial to understand the mechanism by which the protein attaches to and injects its contents across cell membranes. In the protein there is a heavy chain and a light chain. These two chains work together in attaching to cells and injecting the light chain across the cell membrane. Through work with a Langmuir-Blodgett trough I have created lipid …


Trpv1 Modulation Of Synaptic Plasticity In The Hippocampus: The Hot Pepper Receptor Effect, Douglas Bennion, Dr. Jeffrey Edwards Aug 2013

Trpv1 Modulation Of Synaptic Plasticity In The Hippocampus: The Hot Pepper Receptor Effect, Douglas Bennion, Dr. Jeffrey Edwards

Journal of Undergraduate Research

As a new and untried undergraduate researcher, I aspired to do something to impact the lives of others through a modest research contribution of my own. While I have not lost that aspiration, I have been \ surprised to discover that, in fact, others have been the ones making the greater impact in my life. I offer my deepest thanks to Dr. Edwards for his endless patience in explaining time after time things that I should have already known. His impromptu diagrams will always be the first pictures my mind calls up in moments of explanatory need. I also express …


The Effects Of Cholesterol On Snare Induced Liposome Fusion, Brandon Forbes, Dr. Dixon Woodbury Aug 2013

The Effects Of Cholesterol On Snare Induced Liposome Fusion, Brandon Forbes, Dr. Dixon Woodbury

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Throughout our lives we often take our wonderful nervous system for granted. We simply accept that it will do its job and help us to organize our thoughts into plans for the day, or research reports such as this. At a cellular level, the SNARE proteins mediate fusion of neurotransmitter containing vesicles to the plasma membrane of a neuron to release neurotransmitter. This exocytotic process is part of the orchestra of events that enable us to think. There are three main proteins of the SNARE protein complex with many other proteins playing a role as well. VAMP is associated with …


The Effects Of Prenatal Stress On The Levels Of 5 Alpha Reductase And Aromatase Activity In Pregnant Rats And Their Male And Female Offspring, Steve Warren David, Dr. Reuben Ward Rhees Aug 2013

The Effects Of Prenatal Stress On The Levels Of 5 Alpha Reductase And Aromatase Activity In Pregnant Rats And Their Male And Female Offspring, Steve Warren David, Dr. Reuben Ward Rhees

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Sexual differentiation of the brain is dependent on the presence or absence of androgen (testosterone) during prenatal development. Exposure to testosterone is essential for masculinization and defeminization of sexual behavior, and brain structural development. Present evidence suggests that the action of testosterone during brain development involves the metabolic conversion of testosterone in one of two ways. Testosterone is either converted to estradiol by the enzyme aromatase or to dihydrotestosterone by the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. Testosterone and these two metabolites interact to regulate sexual differentiation of the brain. This project monitored the activity of both aromatase and 5 alpha reductase …


Characterizing A Novel Splicing Mechanism Associated With Intron 1 Of Chicken Prostaglandin G/H Synthase 2, Matthew J. Cornish, Dr. Matthew L. Madsen, Dr. Daniel L. Simmons Aug 2013

Characterizing A Novel Splicing Mechanism Associated With Intron 1 Of Chicken Prostaglandin G/H Synthase 2, Matthew J. Cornish, Dr. Matthew L. Madsen, Dr. Daniel L. Simmons

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Organisms are equipped with an amazing ability to deal with situations which its environment may present. There are biochemical pathways responsible for monitoring and responding to environmental changes. Two examples are protein induction and inhibition. In the last few years, however, signaling through pre-mRNA splicing has been extensively explored.


Hormonal Regulation Of Brain Calcium-Binding Proteins During The Rat Estrous Cycle, Joseph M. Thompson, Dr. Edwin D. Lephart Aug 2013

Hormonal Regulation Of Brain Calcium-Binding Proteins During The Rat Estrous Cycle, Joseph M. Thompson, Dr. Edwin D. Lephart

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Calcium plays a major role in the body; it’s involved in bone growth, muscle contraction, and especially in the central nervous system (CNS) development and function. However, an overabundance of calcium leads to cell degeneration and eventually cell death, disrupting the formation of synapses. The body regulates excess calcium in the brain through calcium-binding proteins.


New Techniques For Studying Whirling Disease, Nathan Bay, Dr. Richard A. Heckmann Aug 2013

New Techniques For Studying Whirling Disease, Nathan Bay, Dr. Richard A. Heckmann

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Despite drastic control and containment measures, the incidence of whirling disease is on the rise in the West. Whirling disease occurs when the trophozoite stage of Myxobolus cerebralis invades the cartilage and organ of equilibrium of salmonids. Pathological symptoms include tail chasing behavior, blackened tafls, and vertebral abnormalities. Pan of the reason for the spread of the disease is the high occurrence of subclinical infections in fish that are transported into areas formerly free of the disease.


Short-Term Effects Of Dietary Phytoestrogens On Calbindin, Calretinin, And Cox-2 In Specific Brain Sites Of Male Rats, Melanie A. Watson, Dr. Edwin D. Lephart Aug 2013

Short-Term Effects Of Dietary Phytoestrogens On Calbindin, Calretinin, And Cox-2 In Specific Brain Sites Of Male Rats, Melanie A. Watson, Dr. Edwin D. Lephart

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Cyclooxygenase, a bifunctional enzyme, converts arachadonic acid to prostaglandins that are important for maintaining critical physiological functions such as nervous system regulation, pain response, and specifically inflammation of tissues. The enzyme exists in two isoforms: COX-1 is constitutionally produced, playing important maintenance roles throughout the body. COX-2 is constitutionally produced in the brain, but is inducible and thus, highly regulated (2). Non-specific inhibition of COX reduces inflammation, but increases gastrointestinal ulcers due to a failure of mucus production by COX-1. Specific COX-2 inhibition controls the inflammatory response, but is not ulcergenic (1,3). At this time the effect of COX-2 regulation …


A Fine Structure Comparison Of Three Species Of Argulus (Crustacea: Branchiura) Ectoparasites Of Farmed And Wild Fish, Adam Bowen, Richard A. Heckmann Aug 2013

A Fine Structure Comparison Of Three Species Of Argulus (Crustacea: Branchiura) Ectoparasites Of Farmed And Wild Fish, Adam Bowen, Richard A. Heckmann

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Argulus, commonly called fish-lice, are crustacean ectoparasites of fish. This study compared three members of the genus Argulus: A. pugetensis from Nanaimo, British Columbia; A. coregoni from Curitiba, Brazil; and A. siamensis from Bangalore, India. It was hypothesized that argulids of different taxons must have morphological variations of commonly held structures. For example, two species of Argulus possess marginal membranes on their suckers, but the membranes should have different quantities and qualities of substructures. To test this hypothesis, all specimens were photographed with the JEOL 6100 scanning electron microscope; the micrographs of A. pugetensis and A. siamensis are the first …


Histological And Ultrastructural Evidence Of Osteoarthritis In Mice Carrying A Semi-Dominant Mutation Of Col2a1, Victoria Ryder, Dr. Robert Seegmiller Aug 2013

Histological And Ultrastructural Evidence Of Osteoarthritis In Mice Carrying A Semi-Dominant Mutation Of Col2a1, Victoria Ryder, Dr. Robert Seegmiller

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Mice heterozygous for the semi-dominant mutation disproportionate micromelia (Dmm) express mild chondrodysplasia by three weeks postnatally. This phenotype is attributed to a deletion of three contiguous nucleotides within the Col2A1 gene on mouse chromosome 15. The phenotype of Dmm/+ mice resembles that of human Stickler syndrome, which can be caused by mutations in the human COL2A1 gene.


The Structural And Functional Characterization Of Cef-5 And Snk, Donna Melinda Earl Ashton, Dr. William S. Bradshaw Aug 2013

The Structural And Functional Characterization Of Cef-5 And Snk, Donna Melinda Earl Ashton, Dr. William S. Bradshaw

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The malignant transformation of chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF) following infection with the Rous sarcoma virus is mediated through the oncogene v-src. One of the first responses of infected cells is the transcriptional activation of a set of immediate-early genes. Among these are CEF-5 (homologue of EGRI, early growth response, in mammals) and serum induced kinase (snk).


Techniques And Analysis Of Mitochondrial Dna Of Local Populations Of Cottusbairdi, Amara Earley Bray, Dr. Dennis K. Shiozawa Aug 2013

Techniques And Analysis Of Mitochondrial Dna Of Local Populations Of Cottusbairdi, Amara Earley Bray, Dr. Dennis K. Shiozawa

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Recent studies of native trout in Utah have found that populations in separate stream drainages tend to have unique mitochondrial DNA lineages. The association of lineage with drainage implies that the trout tend to remain within their own streams and do not readily migrate to adjacent streams.


The Locating Of Col11a2 Cell-Specific Enhancers, Jennifer L. Potter, Dr. Laura C. Bridgewater Aug 2013

The Locating Of Col11a2 Cell-Specific Enhancers, Jennifer L. Potter, Dr. Laura C. Bridgewater

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The human skeletal structure is formed first by cartilage which later ossifies to bone. It follows, therefore, that if cartilage formation is aberrant, the resulting bone formation will be affected. Cartilage is composed of fibrils consisting of three types of collagen: type II, type IX, and type XI. These fibrils are only produced by chondrocyte (cartilage) cells.


Construction Of A Col11a1 Transgene And The Study Of The Col11a1 Mutation In Mice, Dana L. Murphy, Dr. Laura C. Bridgewater Aug 2013

Construction Of A Col11a1 Transgene And The Study Of The Col11a1 Mutation In Mice, Dana L. Murphy, Dr. Laura C. Bridgewater

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Collagen fibrils play an important role in proper skeletal development. Defective collagen can cause human skeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis that affects an estimated 20.7 million Americans. A particular mouse line, housed here at BYU, contains a mutation in the Col11a1 gene. This mutation results in defective type XI collagen, which is an important component of articular cartilage, and eventually leads to osteoarthritis (1).


Angiotensin Ii-Mediated Switching Of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone To Arginine Vasopressin In The Paraventricular Nucleus Under Chronic Stress Conditions, Jason T. Rich, Dr. James D. Porter Aug 2013

Angiotensin Ii-Mediated Switching Of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone To Arginine Vasopressin In The Paraventricular Nucleus Under Chronic Stress Conditions, Jason T. Rich, Dr. James D. Porter

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of my study was to quantify the effects of angiotensin II on young rats under extreme stress. We hypothesized that we would observe an angiotensin II-mediated switch in brain hormonal expression from corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) to arginine vasopressin (AVP). Ten rats were equipped with osmotic ventricular pumps. Five rats received losartan (an angiotensin II antagonist) and the other five received a saline solution. Three rats where left untreated, to act as a control for the experiment. Two losartan treated rats and one saline treated rat died during the stressing period. However the losartan pumps were salvaged and implanted …


Proton Conductance Through The Membrane Protein Gramicidin M, Jason D. Merrell, David D. Busath Aug 2013

Proton Conductance Through The Membrane Protein Gramicidin M, Jason D. Merrell, David D. Busath

Journal of Undergraduate Research

After discussion with my faculty mentor, together we decided that my original ORCA proposal would not best suit the needs of the laboratory in which I am allowed to work. Upon reaching this conclusion, a new research plan was organized. The following outlines the progress of this new plan and demonstrates the on-going research that was facilitated via my ORCA scholarship.


Effect Of Phytoestrogens On Brain Development And Function, Jacob C. Ong, Dr. Edwin D. Lephart Aug 2013

Effect Of Phytoestrogens On Brain Development And Function, Jacob C. Ong, Dr. Edwin D. Lephart

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like compounds derived from plants such as the soy plant and can mimic the function of the human estrogen hormone by binding to estrogen receptors. Estrogen plays a major role in the prevention of osteoperosis and cardiovascular disease in woman. Evidence also suggests that estrogen influences various parts of the memory process and that its impact on an organism is dependent on the developmental stage at which exposure occurs [1].


Determining Homology Of Turkey Round Heart Disease Marker Sequences: A Computer-Based Study, Ryan D. Mcallister, Dr. David Kooyman Aug 2013

Determining Homology Of Turkey Round Heart Disease Marker Sequences: A Computer-Based Study, Ryan D. Mcallister, Dr. David Kooyman

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Round heart disease (RHD) is a spontaneous occurring cardiomyopathy in turkeys. The domestic turkey Meleagris gallopavo is affected by low body weight and premature death due to congestive heart failure from RHD (1). RHD results in decreased profitability for the animal agriculturists and higher prices for turkey products. DNA markers have been identified for both normal turkeys and for turkeys affected by RHD. These genetic markers have been amplified using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis (2). 16 DNA marker sequences amplified by RAPD have now been determined (3). Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) is a computer program designed …


Comparison Of Gramicidin A And Gramicidin M Channel Properties In Kcl, Nacl, And Hcl, Jeffrey C. Markham, David D. Busath Aug 2013

Comparison Of Gramicidin A And Gramicidin M Channel Properties In Kcl, Nacl, And Hcl, Jeffrey C. Markham, David D. Busath

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The oligopeptide gramicidin is one of the simplest proteins which can form channels in cell membranes to conduct ions into or out of a cell. The peptide is produced by the bacteria Bacillus brevis. It can also be synthesized by scientists for research purposes. By producing slightly modified variants of the standard gramicidin structure, conclusions can be drawn about structurefunction relationships based on experimentation with the variants.


Walking Stick (Insect: Phasmida) Phylogeny And The Evolution Of Insect Flight Based On Molecular Data, Taylor J. Maxwell, Dr. Michael F. Whiting Aug 2013

Walking Stick (Insect: Phasmida) Phylogeny And The Evolution Of Insect Flight Based On Molecular Data, Taylor J. Maxwell, Dr. Michael F. Whiting

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The evolution and development of wings and flight has fascinated scientists for decades. From our research we happened upon an exciting discovery concerning flight in the phylogeny of walking sticks. A basic phylogeny was to be reconstructed from molecular data with the purpose of understanding the classification of the group. The phylogeny enabled us to discover the initial loss of wings and flight in phasmid history and the consequent gain of flight in later lineages. We are not aware of any other organism, which has lost and subsequently regained such a complex character.