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Articles 211 - 240 of 254
Full-Text Articles in Chemistry
Total Synthesis Of 12-Hete Using Asymmetric Phase-Transfer Catalyst, Adam Calvert, Dr. Merritt Andrus
Total Synthesis Of 12-Hete Using Asymmetric Phase-Transfer Catalyst, Adam Calvert, Dr. Merritt Andrus
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Natural compounds can be found throughout the world in an essentially limitless variety. By discovering compounds and investigating their properties, we can unlock the mysteries to cure rare diseases and alleviate common ailments. There are however many challenges with using natural compounds in such ways. The first problem is that most biological molecules are found in very small amounts. This not only poses as a problem with identifying their unique properties, but also stands in the way of their pharmaceutical use. A key solution to this challenge is organic total synthesis.
Synthesis Of (S)-Equol, Aaron Butler, Dr. Merritt Andrus
Synthesis Of (S)-Equol, Aaron Butler, Dr. Merritt Andrus
Journal of Undergraduate Research
S-equol is a soy isoflavone metabolized from the isoflavone daidzein by intestinal microflora. Isoflavones are a class of nonsteroidal estrogens. A study conducted by DellaPenna indicates that populations with isoflavone-rich diets have fewer incidences of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and some cancers including breast, prostate, and colon cancers (1). A study by Setchell et al suggests that the health benefits seen in populations whose diets are rich in isoflavones may be correlated with people’s ability to produce s-equol (2). Despite encouraging preliminary studies regarding s-equol, there has yet to be extensive studies done with s-equol in vivo. This is due to …
Orca Report, Jacob Voelkel
Orca Report, Jacob Voelkel
Journal of Undergraduate Research
As a researcher in the Dearden Lab, I researched the selective binding properties of metal ions to members of the cucurbituril family.
Optimization Of Anti-Cancer Agents Discovered At Byu, Chris Cutler, Dr. Matt Peterson
Optimization Of Anti-Cancer Agents Discovered At Byu, Chris Cutler, Dr. Matt Peterson
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The goal of this project was to prepare a library of adenine-based anticancer agents in order to help understand which properties of the molecules contribute to the anticancer activity. I worked in Dr. Peterson’s organic chemistry laboratory for the duration of 2009, synthesizing compounds for anticancer testing. Some were submitted to the NIH for screening against a large panel of cancer cell lines, while others were sent to a collaborator for similar testing. While the results of most of these tests are still forthcoming, the data we have received so far is promising. My work contributed to a publication in …
Thin Film Solutions To Widespread Hospital Infection: Optimization Of Ceragenin-Containing Thin Films, Jeffrey Clark, Dr. Paul B. Savage
Thin Film Solutions To Widespread Hospital Infection: Optimization Of Ceragenin-Containing Thin Films, Jeffrey Clark, Dr. Paul B. Savage
Journal of Undergraduate Research
One current problem in medicine is the accumulation of biofilm on medical devices. Bacterial colonization of endotracheal tubes and urinary catheters is the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. These infections contribute significantly to patient mortality rates and care costs1. Ceragenin-containing thin films have the potential to prevent these infections. Our lab and collaborators have recently shown that the ceragenin CSA-13 in thin films derived from polyurethane undergo sustained release and prevent bacterial colonization of a coated device2. Optimization of this technology has the potential to yield coatings for a variety of medical devices including endotracheal tubes and urinary catheters.
Ion Beam Mapping Inside An Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer Using Laser Induced Fluorescence, Brett S. Duersch, Dr. Paul B. Farnsworth
Ion Beam Mapping Inside An Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer Using Laser Induced Fluorescence, Brett S. Duersch, Dr. Paul B. Farnsworth
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is one of the fastest growing fields in analytical chemistry. This discipline combines the powerful detection of mass spectrometry (MS) with the almost universal ionization capabilities of the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) . Combing these two techniques is not a trivial matter, since ions must be extracted from a plasma operating at atmospheric pressures and at temperatures ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 C into a mass spectrometer which operates at vacuum pressures(10 -10 torr). At present the ICP and -3 -6 the MS are typically interfaced with a series of two cones. The first …
Membrane Depolarization Due To Cationic Steroid Antibiotics, Jonathan O. Wright, Dr. Paul Savage
Membrane Depolarization Due To Cationic Steroid Antibiotics, Jonathan O. Wright, Dr. Paul Savage
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The project that I have worked on this past year has been focused on a novel group of antibiotics developed in the lab of Dr. Savage. The antibiotics, called ceragenins or cationic steroid antibiotics (CSA’s), are molecules synthesized from cholic acid, a common bile acid, and they mimic the structure and functionality of antimicrobial peptides found in nature. Although the CSA’s are much smaller than the peptides, they have similar structural aspects, a hydrophobic side as well as a cationic side, and are believed to have a similar mechanism of action. They, like the antimicrobial peptides, have been found to …
Composite Teflon And Polymer Inclusion Membranes For Use In Ion Chromatography Suppressors, Tyler L. Crawford, Dr. John D. Lamb
Composite Teflon And Polymer Inclusion Membranes For Use In Ion Chromatography Suppressors, Tyler L. Crawford, Dr. John D. Lamb
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Ion chromatography (IC) has a need for a suppressor which would allow the simultaneous conductitnetric detection of both cations and anions. Such a suppressor’s membrane would need to exhibit a large flux and a high level of selectivity. Polymer inclusion membranes (PIMS) containing macrocycles have been shown to exhibit high selectivity over a long period of time. The structure of the macrocycle 1 determines the affinity these Ugands exhibit toward cations. By completing metal salts, the macrocycles are able to extract ionic species into solvents that these metal salts would not be soluble in alone. The macrocycle can then transport …
Fractionation And Isolation Of The Anti-Tumoral Activity Of An Indigenous Tongan Medicinal Extract, Steven D. Christenson, Dr. Gary M. Booth, Dr. Steven G. Wood
Fractionation And Isolation Of The Anti-Tumoral Activity Of An Indigenous Tongan Medicinal Extract, Steven D. Christenson, Dr. Gary M. Booth, Dr. Steven G. Wood
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Vai Haka is the Tongan name given to a medicinal extract prepared and prescribed by indigenous healers on the island kingdom of Tonga. Used as a treatment for morning sickness (hyper-emesis), the mixture is prepared by boiling the barks of four different rainforest tree species. These species are Tarrena sambucina, Syzigium malaccense, Alphitonia zizyphoides, and Macaranga harveyana. Studies by Cox (et al) demonstrated biological activity in each of these species from a Guinea Pig Ileum assay.1 Further work by Cox documented that each species is used individually by Samoan healers to treat internal distress.2 Thus bioactivity is well documented through …
Pixe Analysis Of Human Hair From An Egyptian Cemetery, Rafael Casellas, Dr. Nolan F. Mangelson, Dr. Lawrence B. Rees
Pixe Analysis Of Human Hair From An Egyptian Cemetery, Rafael Casellas, Dr. Nolan F. Mangelson, Dr. Lawrence B. Rees
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Human hair is considered to be a minor excretory organ for trace elements. The literature suggests that in some cases trace elemental concentration varies in different races of people. In addition, hair analysis has been used to assess nutritional status in humans. These characteristics attracted archeologists because of the potential of using hair analysis to understand past cultures.1
Researching Molecular Mechanics, Kent Bower
Researching Molecular Mechanics, Kent Bower
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The use of Molecular Mechanics has taken a strong foothold in the world of computational chemistry today. Molecular Mechanics methods offer quick solutions to complex molecular conformation calculations that could take up to days or even months to perform on supercomputers using more exact methods, such as ab initio calculations. For this speed the price of accuracy is often paid when using Molecular Mechanics methods, particularly when the system under inspection is very specialized. For example, much current research centers on the conformations of crown-ether systems with metal-cation ligands. The C-C-O-C-C pattern in these ethers exhibits specific properties which make …
Development Of New Lipid A-Binding Agents, Mark Benson, Dr. Paul B. Savage
Development Of New Lipid A-Binding Agents, Mark Benson, Dr. Paul B. Savage
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The aim of this project is to synthesize a non-peptide lipid A-binding agent which is less toxic and simpler than polymyxin B. Such a binding agent could be used to fight sepsis, a toxic condition where the body overreacts to the lipid A portion of bacterial endotoxin released by Gram-negative bacteria.
Synthesis Of Lipid A Analogues And The Study Of Their Interactions With Antibiotics, Glade E. Roper, Dr. Paul B. Savage
Synthesis Of Lipid A Analogues And The Study Of Their Interactions With Antibiotics, Glade E. Roper, Dr. Paul B. Savage
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Septic shock is a disease that kills over 100,000 hospitalized patients in the United States every year. The mortality rate for those who fall into septic shock is between fifty and eighty percent, and despite advances in medicine this rate has remained constant over the years.1 Septic shock is caused by an inflammatory response to Gram–negative endotoxin, also known as lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Synthesizing A Solution Phase Combinatorial Library To Discover Potent Mdr Reversal Agents, John T. Prince, Dr. Merritt B. Andrus
Synthesizing A Solution Phase Combinatorial Library To Discover Potent Mdr Reversal Agents, John T. Prince, Dr. Merritt B. Andrus
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The failure of chemotherapy in treating cancer is largely due to a phenomenon known as Multidrug Resistance (MDR). In MDR, cancer cells that have been exposed to a particular chemotherapeutic drug build up resistance not only to the drug originally administered, but to a host of other chemodrugs that may or may not be structurally related.1 P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a large, membrane bound transporter, is primarily responsible for MDR. Pgp acts as a pump to efflux cytotoxic drugs, keeping internal concentrations at less than cytotoxic levels. Although other factors contribute to MDR, it is generally thought that the most promising approach …
Investigation Of The Pyrularia Thionin-Egf Mitotoxin On Cell Signal Transduction, Andrew B. Adams, Dr. Steven G. Wood
Investigation Of The Pyrularia Thionin-Egf Mitotoxin On Cell Signal Transduction, Andrew B. Adams, Dr. Steven G. Wood
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Recently more emphasis has been placed on developing anti-cancer agents with greater specificity and fewer side effects. Immunotoxins and their relatives, mitotoxins, have arisen as possible answers. Mitotoxins are composed of mitogens coupled to plant or bacterial toxins. The mitotoxin under investigation is the EGF-Pyrularia Thionin combination.
Distribution And Regulation Of Na,K-Atpase In Ocular Lens, Adam L. Lunceford, Dr. Steven W. Graves
Distribution And Regulation Of Na,K-Atpase In Ocular Lens, Adam L. Lunceford, Dr. Steven W. Graves
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The Na,K-ATPase is a membrane-bound enzyme found in all cells. This enzyme is composed of an a subunit, which is responsible for the enzyme’s catalytic activity, and a b subunit, which assists in the binding of ions. The three main isoforms of the a subunit are designated a1, a2, and a3. The Na,K-ATPase is responsible for maintaining the proper balance of sodium and potassium ions in the intracellular and extracellular fluids Inhibition or decreased activity of the Na,K-ATPase enzyme has been implicated in the development of cataracts. Without the proper ionic balance, lens cells may be damaged and experience protein …
Rapid Capillary Electrophoresis Assay For The Isoenzyme, Tk1, As An Indicator For Breast Cancer, Mari Evans, Dr. Milton L. Lee
Rapid Capillary Electrophoresis Assay For The Isoenzyme, Tk1, As An Indicator For Breast Cancer, Mari Evans, Dr. Milton L. Lee
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The isoenzyme thymidine kinase (TK1), found in human serum, has been shown to be a cancer tumor marker. It has demonstrated both diagnostic and prognostic value in the treatment of breast cancer.1 Currently TK1 levels are measured by radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Radioimmunoassay is not specific for TK1, is relatively expensive, uses radioactive materials and is labor intensive. Immunoassays of TK1 have been developed which are selective and sensitive but they are still labor intensive. A new assay is needed to make the information TK1 can provide accessible to physicians who treat and diagnose cancer. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) …
Can Achiral Hosts Perform Chiral Induction?, Eric S. Handberg, Dr. David V. Dearden
Can Achiral Hosts Perform Chiral Induction?, Eric S. Handberg, Dr. David V. Dearden
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Host exchange experiments (see Figure 1) compare the fit of left-handed molecules (L-) and right-handed molecules (D-) in a host. Molecules that possess this “handedness” property are said to be chiral. In chiral crown ether host exchange experiments, chiral crown ethers distinguish the fit of D-phenylalanine (Phe), D-tyrosine (Tyr), D-tryptophan (Trp), D-histadine (His), and D-aspartic acid (Asp) apart from L-Phe, L-Tyr, L-Trp , L-His, and L-Asp by forming chemically distinct complexes between the chiral host and the left- and right-handed amino acids1-3. Because the L- and D-handed molecules have different physical properties, the rate constants for exchange reactions differ. The …
Cytotoxic Activity Of Euphorbia Polycarpa, Larry C. Ford, Dr.Noel L. Owen, Dr. Steven G. Wood
Cytotoxic Activity Of Euphorbia Polycarpa, Larry C. Ford, Dr.Noel L. Owen, Dr. Steven G. Wood
Journal of Undergraduate Research
With antimicrobial resistance on the rise, research is turning more and more to natural sources for medicinal products (the original source, ironically, for most known antimicrobials). Under the aegis of the Natural Product Center here on campus, I had contact with the daughter of a shaman from the Yaqui Indian Tribe. The Yaqui people use Euphorbia polycarpa, commonly known as sandspurge, to treat snakebites, scorpion stings, and yeast infections. The latter ethnobotanical usage being the most testable, I chose to pursue the bioactive compounds in sandspurge.
Induction Of A Novel Form Of Cyclooxygenase By Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Nathan K. Evanson, Dr. Daniel L. Simmons
Induction Of A Novel Form Of Cyclooxygenase By Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Nathan K. Evanson, Dr. Daniel L. Simmons
Journal of Undergraduate Research
For many years, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. The analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects of these drugs have been attributed to the ability of these drugs to inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes1. COX enzymes catalyze the rate-limiting step in the conversion of arachidonic acid (an unsaturated fatty acid) to potent signaling molecules called prostaglandins, which in turn mediate the inflammatory process. However, NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, have been reported to induce COX activity in certain cell lines2. These studies were done to determine whether a similar induction of COX in …
Regulation Of G-Protein Signaling By Phosducin-Like Protein, Steven M. Bray, Steven M. Bray
Regulation Of G-Protein Signaling By Phosducin-Like Protein, Steven M. Bray, Steven M. Bray
Journal of Undergraduate Research
G-protein signaling is one of the major pathways which cells utilize to transmit messages. The signaling pathway consists of a receptor coupled to a G-protein, which activates secondary messengers. Signaling molecules, such as hormones and neurotransmitters, bind receptors on the cell surface, which in-turn activates G-proteins by dissociating them into a and bg subunits. These subunits bind to other molecules, secondary messengers, which further propagate the signal.
Cyclooxygenase 1 And 2: Development Of Canine Invitro And Whole Blood Assays For Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Nicole L. Hatch, Dr. Daniel L. Simmons
Cyclooxygenase 1 And 2: Development Of Canine Invitro And Whole Blood Assays For Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Nicole L. Hatch, Dr. Daniel L. Simmons
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are the basis for a multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical market. Their target, Cyclooxygenase (COX), might from an economic standpoint be considered the most important enzyme known to man.1 COX is the key enzyme in the transformation of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, is the target of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Prostaglandins are very important signaling molecules that are involved in many body functions. From physiological and pathological standpoints the most interesting functions are in arthritis, inflammatory pain, ovulation, and cancer. Two isoforms of COX are known to exist in mammals: COX-1 and COX-2. Although very similar in structure, …
Phosphate And Ferritin Iron Deposition Kinetics, David D. Brosnahan, Dr. Gerald D. Watt
Phosphate And Ferritin Iron Deposition Kinetics, David D. Brosnahan, Dr. Gerald D. Watt
Journal of Undergraduate Research
I performed a ferritin iron reconstitution experiment, making 10 sequential additions of 10 ferrous ions per ferritin molecule at 10- minute intervals (see Figure 1). Monitoring the reaction at 375 nm, I observed a fast initial absorbance change representing iron oxidation. After the initial oxidation, I observed a gradual increase in absorbance that was complete in 10 minutes. I fit the plot of the change in absorbance versus time for each addition of iron to a double exponential equation (dA/dt = -A1ekt + -A2e-kt + c). The double exponential consisted of two negative terms. k1 has a relatively large value …
Calorimitry Data Tracking The Encapsulation Of Small Organic Water Contaminants By Cavitand [Co412]-8, Julie K. Cope, Dr. Roger G. Harrison
Calorimitry Data Tracking The Encapsulation Of Small Organic Water Contaminants By Cavitand [Co412]-8, Julie K. Cope, Dr. Roger G. Harrison
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Cavitand [Co412]-8 is a cage-like molecule having an inner cavity with a volume of approximately 1375 Å that traps small organic molecules. The “1” in the chemical formula represents resorc[4]arene, a bowl-shaped molecule1. Two resorc[4]arenes are connected with four cobalt molecules to form the cavitand [Co412]-8. Experiments were conducted in which resorc[4]arene was mixed with a small organic guest, then cobalt was added to connect the cage and trap the organic guests. These experiments were conducted in a calorimeter and the heat of the reaction was measured. From this data one is able to calculate the heat released during encapsulation …
The Role Of Fcγ Receptor In Activation Of Nf-Κb In Follicular Dentritic Cells, Jonathan Scoville, Dr. Gregory F. Burton
The Role Of Fcγ Receptor In Activation Of Nf-Κb In Follicular Dentritic Cells, Jonathan Scoville, Dr. Gregory F. Burton
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of this project was to determine the reason why the transcription factor NF-κB is not activated when immune complexes (especially those containing HIV) bind to its Fcγ-Receptor, but is activated in FDC’s when the same immune complex (IC) binds to its Fcγ-Receptor. We believed that certain molecules in B-cells bind to Fcγ-Receptor that are not present in the FDC to block activation of transcription. Our purpose was to successfully isolate these molecules in B cells, and then use them to perform the same function in CD 4 bearing T cells, HIV’s main target during infection. Our goal was …
Usage Of Csa-13 In The Antibiotic Lock Technique For Hemodialysis Catheters, Jonathan O. Wright, Dr. Paul Savage
Usage Of Csa-13 In The Antibiotic Lock Technique For Hemodialysis Catheters, Jonathan O. Wright, Dr. Paul Savage
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The projects that I have worked on this past year have been focused on a novel group of antibiotics developed Dr. Savage’s lab. The antibiotics, called ceragenins or cationic steroid antibiotics (CSA’s), are molecules synthesized from cholic acid and mimic the structure and functionality of antimicrobial peptides found in nature. Although the CSA’s are much smaller than the peptides, they have similar structural aspects, a hydrophobic side as well as a cationic side, and are believed to have a similar mechanism of action. They, like the antimicrobial peptides, have been found to be effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, …
Hiv Tropism And The Germinal Center, Andrew Jay Thorne, Dr. Greg Burton
Hiv Tropism And The Germinal Center, Andrew Jay Thorne, Dr. Greg Burton
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and resultant development of autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) killed 1.8 million people and infected 2.2 million more just in 2009. Not only are those whose personal lifestyle choices put them at risk for HIV infection affected. As of 2009, there are 16.6 million orphaned children living whose parent(s) died from AIDS. These numbers are difficult to ignore, and show the need for further improvement of treatment and prevention.
Organic Synthesis Of Sulfonated Glycosphingolipids To Study Natural Killer T Cell Stimulation, Dylan Pratt, Brian Anderson, Dr. Paul B. Savage
Organic Synthesis Of Sulfonated Glycosphingolipids To Study Natural Killer T Cell Stimulation, Dylan Pratt, Brian Anderson, Dr. Paul B. Savage
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The body’s innate immune system is continuously checking our body for molecular structures of antigens on potential pathogens. The CD1d antigen-presenting cell presents glycolipid antigens to Natural Killer T (NKT) cells. NKT cells start a signaling pathway that produces an inflammatory response. 3’’-O-sulfo-Beta-galactosylceramide has been shown to produce a stimulatory response with NKT cells [1]. This project involves the organic synthesis of structural variations of 3’’-O-sulfo-Beta-galactosylceramide. All of these molecules will be tested on their ability to stimulate NKT cells.
The Role Of Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels In Drosophila Development, Brandon Gassaway, Dr. Emily Bates
The Role Of Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels In Drosophila Development, Brandon Gassaway, Dr. Emily Bates
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Anderson-Tawil Syndrome (ATS) is characterized by morphological defects including clinodactyly (abnormal curvature of digits), syndactyly (fused digits), micrognathia (small jaw), cleft palate, and hypertelorism (wide-set eyes) as well as periodic paralysis and heart arrhythmia. Mutations in inwardly rectifying potassium (Irk) channels are found in patients with ATS. Expression of mutant Irk channels causes similar physiological and morphological defects in mice.
Covalent Solutions To Biofilm Formation: Incorporation Of Antimicrobial Ceragenins Into Polymer-Brush Coatings, Jeffrey Clark, Dr. Paul Savage
Covalent Solutions To Biofilm Formation: Incorporation Of Antimicrobial Ceragenins Into Polymer-Brush Coatings, Jeffrey Clark, Dr. Paul Savage
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The accumulation of biofilm on urinary catheters and endotracheal tubes is one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired infection1. A variety of techniques have been developed to help mitigate this problem. One of these techniques is to coat devices with a biofilm-resistant polymer brush coating. Although these coatings may prevent adhesion by bacteria, they do not actively kill invading bacteria.