Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Iron Release Mechanism Of Azotobacter Vinelandii: Tracking Heme Mediated Electron Transport, K. R. Pitts, G. D. Watt

Journal of Undergraduate Research

I ron is an essential mineral nutrient required by all living systems. How Iron Is taken up, stored, and utilized by living systems is relevant to the understanding of life In general, and the relationship Iron metabolism has with human health. Azotobacter Vinelandii bacterial ferritin (AVBF) represents the bacterial protein molecule Involved In Iron storage and regulation. The 24 protein subunits and 12 heme groups that comprise A VBF arrange themselves structurally to form a hollow sphere in which AVBF stores Iron. The arrangement of protein subunits create channels roughly 50 nm in diameter that traverse the protein shell. These …

The Synthesis Of Novel Chiral Pyridino Crown Ethers, Steven L. Castle

Journal of Undergraduate Research

0ur research group has been interested in the synthesis of chiral pyridino crown ethers for some time. Many chiral pyridino crown ethers have been shown to exhibit enantiomeric recognition for chiral ammonium salts.1 In other words, the crown compound forms a more stable complex with one enantlomer of the chiral ammonium salt than It does with the other enantiomer. Recent results from de Mendoza, Echegoyen and coworkers’ led us to believe that a new type of chiral pyridino crown ether would exhibit even greater enantiomeric recognition than what was observed with previous compounds. So, my project was to prepare chiral …

Bdd Based Tautology Checker, Michael Jones

Journal of Undergraduate Research

As computer systems become an integral part of society, ensuring that systems perform correctly will become more important. Proofs of correctness based on formal logic are one approach to the correctness problem in computer system design. Unfortunately, these proofs are often large and difficult for industrial size projects. The Higher-Order Logic (HOL) [GM93) automated proof assistant helps manage the details and validate the accuracy of large proofs.

Computer Model For Characterization Of Crystal Fragments Within Volcanic Ash Deposits, Garret L. Hart

Journal of Undergraduate Research

For decades, geologists have used crystals fragments to characterize volcanic ash deposits. This requires identification and analysis of the mineral crystals and fragments contained in the ash. It is known that ash deposits can have two basic types of crystal fragments-those that are broken by impact in the explosive ejecta from the volcanic vent and those that are separated from larger crystal aggregates in the magma chamber. Crystals that have been broken are typically euhedral, while those have been separated from larger crystal conglomerates tend to be anhedral in shape. Characterization of ash deposits utilizing the differences in the two …

Combinatorial Approach To Computation Of Jones Polynomial Of A Torus Link, N. Nemirovskaya

Journal of Undergraduate Research

First of all I would like to thank the Office of Research and Creative Activities for choosing me as one of the recipients of the Research and Creative Activities scholarship. This scholarship allowed me to spend more time working on the proposed project.

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 …

Synthesis Of A Potential Photoaffinity Labeling Agent, 4-Nitr0-3- Trinuoromethylbenzyl Phenyl Sulfide, Christina Johnson, Dr. Steve Fleming

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Photoaffinity labeling is a useful methodology for determining the active site of a given enzyme. It is also a very important tool in discovering what roles different enzymes play in the human body. Our research group has been involved in a continuous effort to develop new and more effective photoaffinity labeling reagents. I A photoaffinity labeling model compound currently under investigation is the target molecule 4-nitro-3-trifluoromethylbenzyl phenyl sulfide.

The Spectroscopy Of Divinvltelluride, Brent A. Horn, S. R. Goates

Journal of Undergraduate Research

0rgano-tellurides are industrially important compounds. One of these compounds which has been studied at BYU is divinyltelluride (DVT). Dr. Noel Owen and colleagues from the Department of Chemistry have done extensive studies on the stable molecular conformations of DVT using quantum mechanical calculations and matrix-isolation FT-IR. Our goal is to learn more about the structure and properties of DVT by probing the electronic energy levels of the molecule. We wanted to focus on obtaining laser-induced fluorescence from supersonic jet expansion of DVT molecules. Molecular beams are excellent for doing laser fluorescence experiments because many of the line broadening mechanisms that …

A Comparison Of Statistical Software Packages In The Analysis Of Survey Sample Data, Landon Sego, Dr. Howard B. Christensen, Stephen J. Bahr

Journal of Undergraduate Research

To investigate and quantitatively document the differences between analyzing survey sample data with traditional statistical software (SAS) and with statistical software designed for the analysis of survey samples (SUDAAN).

Providing A Second Source Of Negative Charge On A “Molecular Leash”, Eric Nelson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

I was awarded the Research and Creative Work Scholarship for the winter semester of 1994 based on my proposal to synthesize a novel organic compound for testing and publication in conjunction with the research group of Dr. Jerald Bradshaw in the Chemistry Department.

Ambient Ionization Sources For Mass Spectrometry, Paul Farnsworth

Journal of Undergraduate Research

MEG funding directly supported the efforts of three students in my laboratory during the calendar year 2011. A graduate student, Manan Dhunna, received partial support (approximately one-third of his annual stipend) during the year. His role, in addition to carrying out his own research on ambient ionization sources, was to provide continuity and consistent in-lab supervision for the undergraduates during the times that I could not be present in the lab. Two undergraduates were supported by the grant, Jonathan Wright and Kellie Woodfield. These three students were part of a larger group effort to develop advanced ambient ionization sources for …

Optimization Of Ecfps For The Production Of Engineered Virus-Like Particles, Dr. Bradley C. Bundy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The academic objectives of this grant were met. Each specific aim was completed as described in the proposal and the results were reported in a peer-review journal (listed in section below) and at academic conferences. The results of this work provided preliminary data which helped in applying for and receiving a 2011 National Science Foundation EAGER Award.

Pioneer Venus Orbiter Retarding Potential Analyzer Observations Of The Electron Component Of The Solar Wind And Observations Of Venus Bow Shock Crossings And The Magnetosheath Region, Noe Yamaguchi

Journal of Undergraduate Research

A bow shock is a paraboloid-shaped shockwave that forms around a planet similar to one that forms around an airplane traveling faster than the speed of sound. We may observe this shock by the change in plasma parameters before and after entering the bow shock. Those plasma parameters include temperature, density, pressure, velocity, magnetic field and others.

Design And Development Of An Extended Sheath Flow Nozzle For Supercritical Fluid/Supersonic Jet Spectroscopy, Eric Sevy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with supersonic jet spectroscopy has been shown to be an effective analytical technique in the analysis of complex samples. This highly selective technique derives its power from the combination of a powerful separation technique and an discriminating spectroscopic identification technique. Using them in tandem an investigator can analyze complex mixtures for specific compounds. Unfortunately, till now the compounds that could be analyzed were limited in their size, by the requirements necessary to couple the two methods together. The work reported here is the first step to opening up this analysis to larger molecular weight samples.

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 …

Coalescence Extraction: A Novel Means Of Performing Solvent Extractions, Randall T. Peterson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Solvent extraction is a widely used method of separation in which a given target substance is extracted from a mixture and transported across a liquid-liquid interface into a separate liquid. Typically, the two immiscible liquids are shaken or stirred vigorously to increase contact between the two liquids. This contact is vital to extraction of the target substance and much time and effort is expended in increasing extraction efficiency through improved contact. We have developed a novel method of solvent extraction which makes possible the extraction of large amounts of the target substance in very little time without shaking or other …

Hyperdimensional Julia Set Generation System Software, Kevin Steele

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Chaos theory and fractal science is a recently developed technology. Julia Sets, a class of deterministic fractals, have been defined and rendered using computer software in only two and four dimensions. In my Research and Creative Work Scholarship application, I proposed to develop a software system to create and render Julia Sets in more than two and four dimensions. I have completed the software, and used it to verify my definition of and render hyperdimensional Julia Sets, the images of which I have included with this report.

Evaluation And Elimination Of Internet Web Server Bottlenecks, Alen Peacock, Dr. J. Kelly Flanagan

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Popular Internet web sites experience a common problem: as the number of people trying to access a site grows, the wait for page downloads for each of those users grows accordingly. In extreme cases, the site becomes completely inaccessible as the server refuses connections over a certain threshold (1).

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.

Finding Neutron Detector Efficiency Using Monte Carlo Neutron Particle (Mcnp) Calculations, Eva Wilcox, Dr. Lawrence Rees

Journal of Undergraduate Research

A neutron detector, made by Bart Czirr, has components of plastic and a new compound called lithium gadolinium borate, with a chemical formula of LiGd(BO3)3:Ce3+.

An Investigation Of The Influence Of Polar Vs. Polarizable Substituents In Polysiloxane Stationary Phases For Gas Chromatography, Sarah Morgan

Journal of Undergraduate Research

For my creative work and research scholarship project I proposed the synthesis of four polymers for use as stationary phases in gas chromatography. Each polymer would contain a pendant group with a halogen-substituted benzene ring, making use of the four halogen atoms-fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. Since these atoms lie along a spectrum of polarity vs. polarizability, I hypothesized that testing the selectivity of the polymers as GC phases would increase our understanding of the roles of these closely related properties in chromatographic separations. I have chosen to submit selected nuclear magnetic resonance spectra as evidence of the success of …

Use Of An Intermolecular Tether In [2+2] Photochemical Cycloadditions, Brent Siemssen, Dr. Steve Fleming

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Oxetanocin is a nucleoside that occurs naturally in the bacteria Bacillus megaterium (see figure 1a).1 Oxetanocin and its analogues show antiviral activity but have not yet been introduced in any successful drug treatment. Even so, oxetanocin continues to be a model studied to help understand the action of nucleoside drugs. Oxetanocin is a distinct nucleoside because it has a four-membered ring sugar moiety.

Velocity Determination Of Metastable Calcium Ions Using High- Resolution Diode Laser Spectroscopy, Rebecca Vanwagoner, Dr. Paul Farnsworth

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) is a useful tool for trace chemical analysis. However, instrument response to the analyte changes with increasing concentration of other elements in solution. This change in response due to matrix elements lowers the accuracy of ICPMS. Most of the matrix effects occur in the vacuum interface between the plasma torch and the mass spectrometer. My goal in this research project was to map the temperatures and velocities of analyte inside the ICPMS interface and look for changes with changing matrix concentration. Knowing where and how changes occur would point to why matrix effects happen …

Study Of The Eclipsing Binary Ah Cancri, Delora Chere' Tanner, Dr. Benjamin Taylor

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Unlike research in many other disciplines, astronomical research is highly dependent upon the weather. My original proposed research was to further the task of calibrating standard stars in the M67 open cluster. Unfortunately the weather was unfavorable during the window of time that this cluster was available for viewing, therefore, I could not secure the amount of data needed to conduct my proposed research. I decided to change the focus of my research to an individual star located in M67, AH Cancri. I was able to use raw archive data of the M67 star field to study this star.

Scalar Waves Scattering Off A Cylinder, David Oliphant, Dr. R. Steven Turley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Scattering problems are common in physics. A scattered (reflected) wave or particle from an object can give us hints to the nature of the object’s shape, size, color, or composition. This is the basic principle behind sonar, radar, ultrasound, NMR, and even vision. One technique in determining the nature of a scattered wave is called the Method of Moments. It involves solving the Helmholtz equation by representing the object’s response or current as a sum of basis functions and weights. The number of basis functions used is important. If there are too many the computational time becomes inordinate. However, there …

Summary Of Dye Laser Project, Dallin S. Durfee

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In order to get a dye to lase, you have to pump it with energy. You need to get more of the lasing molecules into the higher energy excited state than the lower energy ground state. The way that I pump the dye is with a flash tube.

Extreme Ultraviolet Ellipsometry, Spencer E. Olson, Dr. R. Steven Turley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Ellipsometry, a common technique used with visible light, measures the change of the state of polarization as it reflect off a material. By so doing, the way that light interacts with materials can be understood more clearly. Also, optical properties, known as the index of refraction and absorption coefficient, can be found from this technique. With these known optical properties of various materials, elements, such as mirrors and polarizers, can be optimized for optical instruments. The name ellipsometry comes from the fact that the technique is based on the analysis of what is called ellipsometrically polarized light. For the simple …

A Presentation Of The Mapping Of Lbn434 And Its Ramifications On The Assumption Of Clear Seeing At High Galactic Latitudes, Kristen Adams

Journal of Undergraduate Research

We recorded three to four images of each section of the nebula. Each group of images was identical in the data recorded; thus, after reduction, the individual images of each group could be combined directly to yield a higher intensity signal output. To reduce the data, I performed the following ~tandard CCD procedures: 1. Bad Pixel Corrections

2. Overscan Corrections

3. Zeroing and Trimming

4. Flat Fielding Corrections

Construction Of A Precision X-Ray Mirror, Mitchell W. Larsen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

With the expansion of x-ray technology and recent development of laser x-rays, development of a practical, high precision x-ray mirror has become more urgent. One example of a practical and current need for such a mirror is the x-ray microscope at Duke University. The above planned microscope would function by focusing x-rays on a tiny section of a cell frozen during a specific metabolic stage. The molecules in the cell would absorb these x-rays, and then radiate x-rays off. Every element would radiate a unique wavelength of x-rays, and we would thus be able to determine which elements are present …

Modeling Trapped Non-Neutral Plasmas With A Piecewise Parabolic Method, Rachel K. Berg

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The objective of my undergraduate research at Brigham young University was to adapt a numerical algorithm known as the piecewise parabolic method to solve problems of interest in the study of trapped non-neutral plasmas. The project took the better part of a year, but ultimately I was successful.