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Articles 481 - 510 of 33132

Full-Text Articles in Chemistry

Ultrasonic Extraction-Based Analysis Of Persistent Organic Pollutants In Blubber From False Killer Whales, Michael O. Eze, Eva Borras, Mitchell M. Mccartney, Don R. Bergfelt, Kristi L. West, Sarah E. Hooper, Cristina E. Davis Jan 2026

Ultrasonic Extraction-Based Analysis Of Persistent Organic Pollutants In Blubber From False Killer Whales, Michael O. Eze, Eva Borras, Mitchell M. Mccartney, Don R. Bergfelt, Kristi L. West, Sarah E. Hooper, Cristina E. Davis

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

In view of the toxic effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), fast and effective assessment of their concentrations in marine mammals is important for understanding individual and population-level health impacts. This study developed an ultrasonic-based method that is less time-consuming, uses minimal solvent, and thus is more sustainable than the gold standard Soxhlet method for accurate analysis of organochlorine pesticides (OCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and benzene hexachlorides (BHC) in false killer whale blubber. This method was developed by comparing concentrations of POPs obtained using the traditional Soxhlet and novel ultrasonic extraction methods using blubber from false killer whales (n = …


Modulation Of Hypothalamic–Limbic Circuits Regulating Appetite In Response To Health Lifestyle In Obese Adults, Nour Shakir Rezaieg, Muthanna M. Awad Jan 2026

Modulation Of Hypothalamic–Limbic Circuits Regulating Appetite In Response To Health Lifestyle In Obese Adults, Nour Shakir Rezaieg, Muthanna M. Awad

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Background: Overeating leads to obesity a low-grade inflammatory disease. In this context, aguati-related neuropeptide (AgRP) and ghrelin are pivotal players in appetite regulation, while chemerin is an adipose tissue-secreted adipokine that contributes to low-grade inflammation associated with obesity. Objective: This study used a healthy lifestyle program designed for each obese participant to identify diet-related neuro-hormonal changes in appetite regulation. Design, Setting, and Participants: This a longitudinal quasi-experimental controlled study was conducted from 1st December 2024, to 30th July 2025, at University of Anbar. The sample included 100 participants, 50 obese (weight between 100–140 kg) and 50 healthy participants …


Evaluation Of Mcf-7 Breast Cancer Cell Cytotoxic And Antioxidant Activities Of Peptide Fractions From Symbiotic Bacteria Of Jellyfish Catostylus Sp., Eka Sry Wahyuni, Ahyar Ahmad, Muhammad Nasrum Massi, Sofa Fajriah, Randi Rimpung, Muh. Akbar Ardiputra, Harningsih Karim, Irda Handayani Jan 2026

Evaluation Of Mcf-7 Breast Cancer Cell Cytotoxic And Antioxidant Activities Of Peptide Fractions From Symbiotic Bacteria Of Jellyfish Catostylus Sp., Eka Sry Wahyuni, Ahyar Ahmad, Muhammad Nasrum Massi, Sofa Fajriah, Randi Rimpung, Muh. Akbar Ardiputra, Harningsih Karim, Irda Handayani

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Marine-derived symbiotic microorganisms are recognized as a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications, yet research on jellyfish-associated bacteria remains limited. This study examines the bioactivity of peptide fractions derived from symbiotic bacteria isolated from the jellyfish Catostylus sp., collected from the coastal waters of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, with a focus on their anticancer and antioxidant properties. Following sample collection, the symbiont bacteria were isolated, enzymatically hydrolyzed, and purified before their biological activity was evaluated. Preliminary cytotoxicity screening using the brine shrimp lethality assay revealed that the extracellular peptide fraction (5–10 kDa) and intracellular peptide fraction (3–5 kDa) …


Chasing Disinfection Byproducts Through The Pipes: How 66 Dbps Change Over Time In Chlorinated Vs. Chloraminated Distribution Systems, Erik Niehaves, Patrick T. Justen, Ashley A. Perkins, Alexandria L.B. Forster, Caroline O. Granger, Susan D. Richardson Jan 2026

Chasing Disinfection Byproducts Through The Pipes: How 66 Dbps Change Over Time In Chlorinated Vs. Chloraminated Distribution Systems, Erik Niehaves, Patrick T. Justen, Ashley A. Perkins, Alexandria L.B. Forster, Caroline O. Granger, Susan D. Richardson

Faculty Publications

While disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are typically measured at drinking water treatment plants, levels can change dramatically within the distribution system before reaching the consumer. In this study, the spatio-temporal trends of 66 DBPs across 9 different classes were examined in two drinking water distribution systems with similar source waters, but different pretreatments and residual disinfectants. One system uses residual chlorine in the distribution system, and the other uses chloramine, allowing for examination of how DBP concentrations change over time in distribution systems with different residual disinfectants. Four routes were sampled for each system with six time points over three days …


Synergistic V2ctₓ Mxene–Pani Hybrid With Expanded Interlayers For Ultrastable And High-Rate Pseudocapacitive Energy Storage, Amideddin Nouralishahi, Maryam Sharifi Paroushi, Mansour Razavi, Amarachi Clare Nnachor, Harish Singh, Manashi Nath Jan 2026

Synergistic V2ctₓ Mxene–Pani Hybrid With Expanded Interlayers For Ultrastable And High-Rate Pseudocapacitive Energy Storage, Amideddin Nouralishahi, Maryam Sharifi Paroushi, Mansour Razavi, Amarachi Clare Nnachor, Harish Singh, Manashi Nath

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Recently, MXene-conducting polymer hybrids have emerged as promising electrode materials for sustainable energy storage applications, owing to their impressive electrochemical properties. Herein, we report the synthesis of vanadium carbide MXene nanoparticles (V2CTx-MXene) using innovative Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technology followed by exfoliation steps. The V2CTx nanoparticles were incorporated with PANI (MXene-PANI) by electrochemical polymerization of aniline monomers in the presence of V2CTx nanolayers, to be used as a highly efficient material for charge storage application. PANI nanofibers form a conductive and porous architecture, which intercalates the V2CTx nanoflakes. The resulting structure increases the interlayer spacing …


Applications For The Quasi-Atomic Orbital And Constrained Density Functional Theory Methods On Catalytic Reactions, Alvaro David Loaiza Orduz Jan 2026

Applications For The Quasi-Atomic Orbital And Constrained Density Functional Theory Methods On Catalytic Reactions, Alvaro David Loaiza Orduz

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Selective activation of C–O, C–H, and C–C bonds underpins biomass upgrading, alkane functionalization, and CO₂ conversion. Despite their importance, the electronic factors governing catalytic performance remain incompletely understood, and many industrial processes still rely on empirical trends or material-specific observations. This dissertation addresses this gap by applying density functional theory (DFT), thermodynamic decomposition, and electronic-structure analysis to identify unifying principles of reactivity across transition-metal phosphides, vanadate oxides, copper-based electrocatalysts, and mixed IrO₂–RuO₂ layers. This work examines how charge transfer, orbital localization, and ligand-induced perturbations control reaction pathways in diverse catalytic systems. C–O bond scission in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF) and methanol was …


Design Of Nanomaterial-Based Sensors For Enhanced Halogen Bonding, Ben H. Edelman, Charles W. Sheppard, Lucas A. Chuidian, Arielle Vinnikov, Felix Bevc, Lillian B. Hughes, Carol A. Parish, Michael C. Leopold Jan 2026

Design Of Nanomaterial-Based Sensors For Enhanced Halogen Bonding, Ben H. Edelman, Charles W. Sheppard, Lucas A. Chuidian, Arielle Vinnikov, Felix Bevc, Lillian B. Hughes, Carol A. Parish, Michael C. Leopold

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Halogen bonding is a highly directional, noncovalent, intermolecular interaction which has been harnessed for a variety of applications, including sensor design. A halogen bond (XB) is formed between a region of positive electrostatic potential on a halogen atom (X) and electron rich portions of target molecules. The strength of XB interactions relies on shorter XB bond distances and more linear R–X···B bond angles, which facilitate stronger, more negative binding energies. While prior studies have sought to maximize interactions, few have explored or experimentally demonstrated how geometries and bond angles can enhance XB interactions. Herein, fundamental studies are conducted at self-assembled …


Interview With Orca Award Winner Reuben Rieke, Unl Chemistry; Discoverer Of Rieke Metals, Mark Griep, Reuben Rieke Jan 2026

Interview With Orca Award Winner Reuben Rieke, Unl Chemistry; Discoverer Of Rieke Metals, Mark Griep, Reuben Rieke

UNL ORCA Interview Series

Emeritus Prof. Reuben Rieke was awarded the ORCA in 1995. Reuben was born in Fairfax, Minnesota. Something in his youth must have sparked an interest in science because he traveled 100 miles east to The University of Minnesota where he earned a bachelor’s in chemistry. Next, he earned a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin, and did postdoctoral work at the University of California Los Angeles. In 1977, after about 11 years as a faculty member in the chemistry department at the University of North Carolina, he joined UNL as a full professor of chemistry. I’ll share two remarkable facts …


Optimized Photoemission From Organic Molecules In 2d Layered Halide Perovskites, Muhammad S. Muhammad, Dilruba A. Popy, Hamza Shoukat, John M. Lane, Neeraj Rai, Vojtěch Vaněček, Zdeněk Remeš, Romana Kučerková, Vladimir Babin, Chenjia Mi, Yitong Dong, Mark D. Smith, Novruz G. Akhmedov, Daniel T. Glatzhofer, Bayram Saparov Jan 2026

Optimized Photoemission From Organic Molecules In 2d Layered Halide Perovskites, Muhammad S. Muhammad, Dilruba A. Popy, Hamza Shoukat, John M. Lane, Neeraj Rai, Vojtěch Vaněček, Zdeněk Remeš, Romana Kučerková, Vladimir Babin, Chenjia Mi, Yitong Dong, Mark D. Smith, Novruz G. Akhmedov, Daniel T. Glatzhofer, Bayram Saparov

Faculty Publications

In recent years, hybrid organic–inorganic metal halides have been at the forefront of materials research. Typically, the functional (e.g., optoelectronic) properties of hybrid halides are derived from the inorganic structural part, whereas the organic structural units can add extra advantages in terms of stability, rigidity, and processability. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of two new hybrid materials in which the outstanding photophysical properties originate from the organic structural part. The new compounds, (C15H16N)2CdCl4 and((Br)C15H15N)2CdCl4, have 2D layered Ruddlesden–Popper-type perovskite structures. These hybrids are blue-white …


Contribution To The Chemotherapy Of Human Trypanosomiasis: Design, Synthesis, And Biological Evaluation Of Dimeric 2-Nitroimidazoles Against Trypanosoma Cruzi Amastigotes And Bloodstream Trypanosoma Brucei, Afonso Santine M.M. Velez, Otavio Augusto Chaves, Carlos Serpa, Fatma M. Salem, Bibo Li Ph.D., Bin Su Ph.D., Celio Geraldo Freire-De-Lima, Debra Decote-Ricardo, Marco Edilson Freire De Lima Jan 2026

Contribution To The Chemotherapy Of Human Trypanosomiasis: Design, Synthesis, And Biological Evaluation Of Dimeric 2-Nitroimidazoles Against Trypanosoma Cruzi Amastigotes And Bloodstream Trypanosoma Brucei, Afonso Santine M.M. Velez, Otavio Augusto Chaves, Carlos Serpa, Fatma M. Salem, Bibo Li Ph.D., Bin Su Ph.D., Celio Geraldo Freire-De-Lima, Debra Decote-Ricardo, Marco Edilson Freire De Lima

Biological, Geological, and Environmental Faculty Publications

Effective and safe treatments for neglected tropical diseases caused by parasites, such as Chagas disease and sleeping sickness, remain lacking, posing a significant challenge for researchers worldwide. The rational design of dimeric compounds inspired solely by the pharmacophoric core of benznidazole (2-nitroimidazole) has proven to be a promising strategy for antiparasitic development. Thus, in the present work, it was increased the linker between the active units (2-nitroimidazole) to improve the interaction with TcNTR, facilitating the bioactivation of the longest dimers. Biological assays confirmed this, demonstrating that all compounds were active against replicative intracellular amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi (Tulahuen C2C4-LacZ). Notably, …


Antibacterial Peptides From Soybean (Glycine Max (L.) Merr.) With In Silico Study Against Escherichia Coli Bacteria, Dian Riana Ningsih, Ely Setiawan, Purwati Purwati, Zusfahair Zusfahair, Anita Hindayanti Rukmana Jan 2026

Antibacterial Peptides From Soybean (Glycine Max (L.) Merr.) With In Silico Study Against Escherichia Coli Bacteria, Dian Riana Ningsih, Ely Setiawan, Purwati Purwati, Zusfahair Zusfahair, Anita Hindayanti Rukmana

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Bioactive peptides are produced from soy milk protein hydrolysis using trypsin. The research began with the preparation and separation of soy milk protein, followed by fractionation using ammonium sulphate, protein hydrolysis, and SDS-PAGE analysis of protein hydrolysates. Fractions exhibiting the highest degree of hydrolysis were further fractionated by SPE and tested to determine the antibacterial activity Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The peptide sequence of the active peptide as an antibacterial was identified, employing LC-HRMS. The mode of action between active peptides and bacterial membran was analysed using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The findings displayed that F15 contained the highest …


Combinatorial Synthesis Of Protein-Polymer Conjugates By Post-Polymerization Modification Of Poly(Pentafluorophenyl Acrylate)S, Emily W. Kish, Thatcher M. Lee, Alexis M. Ziemba, Ama Boamah, Bianca Figueroa, Margherita Piccardi, Carey E. Dougan, Sarah J. Moore, Maren E. Buck Jan 2026

Combinatorial Synthesis Of Protein-Polymer Conjugates By Post-Polymerization Modification Of Poly(Pentafluorophenyl Acrylate)S, Emily W. Kish, Thatcher M. Lee, Alexis M. Ziemba, Ama Boamah, Bianca Figueroa, Margherita Piccardi, Carey E. Dougan, Sarah J. Moore, Maren E. Buck

Chemistry: Faculty Publications

Combinatorial methods for preparing polymeric biomaterials enable the rapid identification of materials useful for many applications in science, medicine, and engineering. In the work described here, we demonstrate that side-chain reactive polymers can be used as templates for the rapid preparation of a small library of diversely functionalized protein–polymer conjugates. The activated ester polymer poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate) (PPFPA) was modified postpolymerization with substoichiometric equivalents of three hydrophilic primary amines to yield a library of amphiphilic, side-chain reactive copolymers. These copolymers were then conjugated to two receptor-targeting proteins, holotransferrin (hTF) and an engineered fibronectin-based protein (Fn3), through amine-activated ester coupling. We investigated …


Sperm-Associated Antigen 6 (Spag6) As A Potential Marker Of Sperm Function In Diagnosing Male Infertility, Ibtisam A. Al-Ali,, Kawkab A. Alsaadi Jan 2026

Sperm-Associated Antigen 6 (Spag6) As A Potential Marker Of Sperm Function In Diagnosing Male Infertility, Ibtisam A. Al-Ali,, Kawkab A. Alsaadi

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Background: While male infertility has become a significant global health concern, conventional analysis of semen has not made progress in the detection of contraindicated molecular biomarkers, such as sperm-associated antigen 6 (SPAG6), which is a protein involved in axonemal structure and flagellar motility.

Hypothesis: Expression of SPAG6 correlates with sperm motility and structural integrity. This means that its dysregulation may serve as a molecular indicator of impaired sperm performance.

Methods: A comprehensive review of recent studies was conducted with a focus on SPAG6’s molecular characteristics, expression patterns in normal versus abnormal spermatozoa, and the role it plays in motility-related …


Optimized Co2 Gas Sensing With Sns:Sm2o3/N-Si Nanocomposites Fabricated Via Spray Pyrolysis, Wasan A. Khalaf, Mays A. Hammadi, Mohammed J. Alsultani, Yahya R. Hathal, Mohammed O. Salman Jan 2026

Optimized Co2 Gas Sensing With Sns:Sm2o3/N-Si Nanocomposites Fabricated Via Spray Pyrolysis, Wasan A. Khalaf, Mays A. Hammadi, Mohammed J. Alsultani, Yahya R. Hathal, Mohammed O. Salman

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

In this work, tin sulfide:samarium oxide (SnS:Sm2O3) composite films were deposited using a spray pyrolysis technique for room-temperature CO2 gas sensing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed a polycrystalline SnS nature of orthorhombic-phase crystallinity at 10 at.% Sm ions, while 20 at.% Sm induced Sm2O3 as a separate phase. Field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) induced uniform grains and increased the surface roughness, enhancing gas adsorption. UV-visible absorbance revealed band-gap narrowing. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed vibrational band shifts, confirming the structural modifications. Gas-sensing measurements demonstrated 5.72%, 19.65%, and 9.65% for pure SnS, …


Haze Processing Of Atmospheric Particles During Wintertime In The Indo-Gangetic Plains, Susan Mathai, Amna Ijaz, Tania Gautam, Zezhen Cheng, Nurun Nahar Lata, Harsh Bhotika, David Tseng, Rosalie K. Chu, Lynn Mazzoleni, Claudio Mazzoleni, Swarup China Jan 2026

Haze Processing Of Atmospheric Particles During Wintertime In The Indo-Gangetic Plains, Susan Mathai, Amna Ijaz, Tania Gautam, Zezhen Cheng, Nurun Nahar Lata, Harsh Bhotika, David Tseng, Rosalie K. Chu, Lynn Mazzoleni, Claudio Mazzoleni, Swarup China

Michigan Tech Publications

The impacts of haze on visibility, air quality, and climate are not well quantified due to a lack of understanding of the evolution of the mixing state and phase state of atmospheric particles during haze processing. The variability of the mixing state of atmospheric particles contributes significantly to uncertainties associated with the estimated aerosol radiative forcing. We collected particle samples in January 2018 from the highly polluted Indo-Gangetic plain during hazy conditions to study haze-processed particles. Single particle analysis using multi-modal micro-spectroscopy techniques revealed an abundance (40–70% by number) of potassium-rich sulfate particles from biomass-burning influenced smoke. Tilted view imaging …


Enhanced Superconductivity And Vortex Dynamics In Quasi-1d Tas2 Nanowires, Mathew Pollard, Visakha Ho, Clarissa Wisner, Eric W. Bohannan, Yew San Hor Jan 2026

Enhanced Superconductivity And Vortex Dynamics In Quasi-1d Tas2 Nanowires, Mathew Pollard, Visakha Ho, Clarissa Wisner, Eric W. Bohannan, Yew San Hor

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

We report the synthesis of high-quality 2H-TaS2 nanowires via a controlled two-step conversion process from TaS3 precursors, achieving robust superconductivity with a transition temperature T c ≈ 3.6K, which is significantly higher than bulk 2H-TaS2 (T c ≈ 0.8K). Structural and compositional analyses confirm phase purity and preserved one-dimensional morphology, while magneto transport measurements reveal an enhanced upper critical field μ 0 H c2 (2K)≈5 T, far exceeding the bulk value (μ0Hc2 (0)≈1.17T), attributed to dimensional confinement and suppression of charge-density wave order. Magnetic characterization demonstrates complex vortex dynamics, including flux jumps and a …


Structural Characterization Of Peptide Nanoaggregates At Varying Concentrations And Their Impact On Cellular Responses, Malika Rozmetova Jan 2026

Structural Characterization Of Peptide Nanoaggregates At Varying Concentrations And Their Impact On Cellular Responses, Malika Rozmetova

Theses and Dissertations

Peptide nano-assemblies can regulate cellular pathways in a structure-dependent manner. Here, we show that the enzyme-responsive peptide NapFFK(NBD)Yp forms distinct nanoscale assemblies at different concentrations, triggering differential ER stress and extracellular vesicle release in MDA-MB231 cells. These results highlight the importance of supramolecular organization in peptide–cell interactions.


Flux Crystal Growth Of Potassium Lanthanide Double Vanadates With Lanthanide-Dependent Coordination Number Variance, Hunter B. Tisdale, Hans Conrad Zur Loye Jan 2026

Flux Crystal Growth Of Potassium Lanthanide Double Vanadates With Lanthanide-Dependent Coordination Number Variance, Hunter B. Tisdale, Hans Conrad Zur Loye

Faculty Publications

A series of potassium rare earth double vanadates is presented. Single crystals of double vanadates with stoichiometry K3Ln(VO4)2 (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, and Sm) and crystallizing in the glaserite structure type were synthesized via a molten alkali chloride/fluoride flux reaction. Different structures were observed depending on the constituent rare earth: K3La(VO4)2 crystallizes in an as-of-yet unreported modification of the typical glaserite structure in the space group P21/c, likely due to its larger ionic size that results in an increase in the lanthanide coordination number …


Parameter-Free Determination Of Au Nanorod Dimensions Using Depolarized Dls And Genetic Optimization, Nehal Nupnar, Geofrey Nyabere, Claire M.B. Bolding, Kiril A. Streletzky, Michael J.A. Hore Jan 2026

Parameter-Free Determination Of Au Nanorod Dimensions Using Depolarized Dls And Genetic Optimization, Nehal Nupnar, Geofrey Nyabere, Claire M.B. Bolding, Kiril A. Streletzky, Michael J.A. Hore

Physics Faculty Publications

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) have received considerable attention for their distinctive optical properties and well-defined, low-polydispersity dimensions. These characteristics position them as promising candidates for diverse applications in imaging, sensing, and treating diseases. However, accurate characterization of AuNRs in their native solution state, which is crucial to many applications, presents many challenges─especially if AuNRs are coated with surface layers (e.g., surfactants or grafted polymers). When applied to AuNRs with functionalized surfaces, common techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), small-angle scattering, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) can present limitations such as small sample sizes, the inability to detect light elements, a …


Probing Feni Alloys With Atomic Precision, Scipio Han, Kaushik Rajkumar Jayaprabha, Xin Qi Jan 2026

Probing Feni Alloys With Atomic Precision, Scipio Han, Kaushik Rajkumar Jayaprabha, Xin Qi

Wetterhahn Science Symposium Posters

We compared EAM and MEAM atomic potentials for modeling FeNi (tetrataenite), a rare 50/50 alloy found in meteorites. Picking 4 potentials, we calculated minimum lattice constants and order-disorder transition temperatures. MEAM potentials accurately predicted the experimental transition temperature, confirming that MEAM better captures FeNi's directional bonding.


Effect Of Ionic Strength On Gelation Time And Strength Of Amps-Based Polymer Gels, Maryam Sharifi Paroushi, Xuyang Tian, Baojun Bai, Thomas P. Schuman, Yin Zhang, Mingzhen Wei Jan 2026

Effect Of Ionic Strength On Gelation Time And Strength Of Amps-Based Polymer Gels, Maryam Sharifi Paroushi, Xuyang Tian, Baojun Bai, Thomas P. Schuman, Yin Zhang, Mingzhen Wei

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Polymer gel treatment has been widely applied for improving sweep efficiency and controlling excessive water and gas production. Their performance depends on gelation time and final gel strength. In most studies, brine salinity is used to describe the effect of formation water on gel behavior. However, changing salinity also changes ionic strength and ion composition at the same time. Because of this coupling, it is difficult to identify the mechanisms controlling gelation, which has led to inconsistent trends in the literature. Increasing salinity has been reported to either slow or accelerate gelation and to weaken or strengthen gels depending on …


Nicotine, Bdnf, And Ꞵ-Adrenergic Ligand Receptors Regulate Soluble E-Cadherin Signaling In Non-Small Cell Long Cancer, Stuti Goel Jan 2026

Nicotine, Bdnf, And Ꞵ-Adrenergic Ligand Receptors Regulate Soluble E-Cadherin Signaling In Non-Small Cell Long Cancer, Stuti Goel

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

E-cadherin is a protein that normally helps cells adhere to each other. Sometimes, part of this protein is cleaved off and released outside the cell as soluble E-cadherin (sE-cad). When this happens, there is less E-cadherin left on the cell surface. Enzymes called matrix metalloproteases, especially MMP9, are responsible for this cleavage. In this study, we investigated E-cadherin in two non-small cell lung cancer cell lines, A549 and H1299. We found that treating these cells with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nicotine, or epinephrine increased the amount of MMP9 released into the surrounding media. When the cells were treated with propranolol, …


The Chemistry Of Red Lipstick: The Impact Red Lipstick Has On Society, Lilliana Weldeslassie Jan 2026

The Chemistry Of Red Lipstick: The Impact Red Lipstick Has On Society, Lilliana Weldeslassie

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Cosmetic chemistry is deeply embedded in everyday life, shaping the products people use from morning to night. Among these, red lipstick stands out as a formulation that blends complex chemistry with a cultural meaning. This thesis examines the scientific foundations of red lipstick through its chemical composition, pigment structure, toxicological history, analytical methods, and evolving sustainability practices. Historically, red lipsticks relied on high-risk ingredients such as lead, mercury, and other toxic metals, reflecting an era before chemical safety and regulatory oversight were incorporated.21 Modern formulations have established safer synthetic dyes, natural waxes, plant-based oils, and stabilizers created to optimize …


Bio-Orthogonal Chemistry-Based Strategy To Turn-On And Turn-Off Crispr-Cas9 Gene Editing In Solution And In Live Cells, Bhoomika Pandit Jan 2026

Bio-Orthogonal Chemistry-Based Strategy To Turn-On And Turn-Off Crispr-Cas9 Gene Editing In Solution And In Live Cells, Bhoomika Pandit

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

The CRISPR–Cas9 system is a widely popular tool for genome engineering. There is a strong interest in developing tools for temporal control of CRISPR-Cas9 activity to address some of the challenges and to broaden the scope of potential applications. In this thesis I describe two biorthogonal based approaches to either Turn-ON and Turn-OFF CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.

In first project work I describe a bio-orthogonal chemistry-based approach to Turn-ON Cas9 nuclease activity with temporal precision. We report a TCO-acylimidazole reagent that acylates 2′-OH groups of RNA. Poly-acylation (“cloaking”) of RNA was optimized in vitro using a model 18-nt oligonucleotide, as well …


Investigation Of Fine-Grain Cu And Cu Alloys For Low-Temperature Hybrid Bonding Applications, Sarabjot Singh Jan 2026

Investigation Of Fine-Grain Cu And Cu Alloys For Low-Temperature Hybrid Bonding Applications, Sarabjot Singh

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Hybrid bonding has emerged as a key enabler for next-generation three-dimensional (3D) integration, offering fine-pitch interconnects and improved electrical performance. However, conventional Cu–Cu hybrid bonding typically requires elevated temperatures to achieve sufficient diffusion and interface quality, posing challenges for temperature-sensitive device integration and process compatibility. This work investigates materials engineering approaches to enable low-temperature Cu–Cu bonding through both microstructure design and alloying strategies.

This work begins by examining grain refinement in Cu as a pathway to enhance diffusion through increased grain boundary density, providing efficient atomic transport without introducing additional elements. Three Cu-based systems Cu–Co, Cu–Ag, and Cu–Al were systematically …


Photo And Spatial Control Of Rna Structures And Functions: Exploring Positional Effects And Photo-Responsiveness Of Azobenzene Modified Nucleotides, Jinxi Du Jan 2026

Photo And Spatial Control Of Rna Structures And Functions: Exploring Positional Effects And Photo-Responsiveness Of Azobenzene Modified Nucleotides, Jinxi Du

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

RNA molecules perform many important biological functions by forming complex three-dimensional structures stabilized by base pairing, tertiary interactions, and metal ion coordination. Because RNA function depends strongly on its structure, methods that allow reversible control of RNA conformation and activity are important for understanding RNA behavior and for potential therapeutic applications. However, achieving reversible and site-specific control of RNA structure, especially at the single-nucleotide level, remains challenging. In this dissertation, I developed and applied azobenzene-modified nucleotides as a chemical tool to enable optical and spatial control of RNA structure and function.

The first part of this dissertation focuses on establishing …


Iron(Ii)/Cobalt(Ii)-Mediated Silicon And Carbon Quantum Dots For Nanozyme Activity And Fluorescence Sensing Of Hydrogen Peroxide And Glucose, Kang Qin Jan 2026

Iron(Ii)/Cobalt(Ii)-Mediated Silicon And Carbon Quantum Dots For Nanozyme Activity And Fluorescence Sensing Of Hydrogen Peroxide And Glucose, Kang Qin

Dissertations and Theses

Silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have been widely studied as fluorescent nanomaterials for sensing applications. In this thesis, we developed two different nanomaterials, SiQDs and CQDs, and investigated their catalytic activities and applied them for the detection of hydrogen peroxide and glucose. In the first project, Co2+-mediated SiQDs were synthesized through a hydrothermal method. The obtained nanoparticles showed obvious peroxidase-like activity toward the oxidation of tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H2O2 under acidic conditions. Moreover, a weak oxidation of TMB was also observed without H2O2, suggesting the existence of oxidase-like activity. To better understand the …


Monomeric And Dimeric Metal Complexes Of A New Tridentate Azole-Isoindoline-Urea Ligand, Ben Hudak Jan 2026

Monomeric And Dimeric Metal Complexes Of A New Tridentate Azole-Isoindoline-Urea Ligand, Ben Hudak

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

1,3-Diiminoisoindoline (DII) compounds have been found to be novel materials for both metal binding and chromophore applications. In this work, I am investigating the next synthetic step in developing pyrazole- and indazole-DII compounds. These compounds stem from the reaction of the unsubstituted imine of the pyrazole- or indazole-DII adduct with an isocyanate. These DII compounds, DII-pyrazolePhNCO, DII-pyrazolenapthylNCO, DII-indazolePhNCO, DII-indazolenapthylNCO, DII-pyrazoleptolylNCO, and DII-indazoleptolylNCO were prepared using ethanol as the solvent and heat. Metal acetates were then reacted with the ligands using DMF and heat. The acetate salts included copper (II) and nickel(II). Some distinctive hydrogen bonding interactions were observed in the …


Development And Validation Of An Analytical Method For Quantitative Determination Of Small Aldehydes In Plasma, Stephanie T. Clark Jan 2026

Development And Validation Of An Analytical Method For Quantitative Determination Of Small Aldehydes In Plasma, Stephanie T. Clark

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses - Archive

Small aldehydes such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are highly reactive metabolites that play important roles in biological processes related to oxidative stress, metabolism, and DNA damage. Because of their chemical reactivity, volatility, and low endogenous concentrations, accurate measurement of these compounds in biological samples remains analytically challenging. The goal was to develop and evaluate a practical analytical method for detecting small aldehydes in biologically relevant matrices using headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS). The method combined chemical derivatization with O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine (PFBHA) and headspace sampling to stabilize aldehydes and enable selective detection by mass spectrometry. Method development focused on optimizing derivatization …


Microwave Synthesis And Characterization Of Fe2ptge Nanoparticles, Ally T. Fennell, David Carnevale Jan 2026

Microwave Synthesis And Characterization Of Fe2ptge Nanoparticles, Ally T. Fennell, David Carnevale

Chemistry Theses

Magnetic, semiconductor, and spintronic materials are vital to the functionality of devices from household appliances and sensors to medical and computing systems. This study discusses a novel synthesis and characterization of nanoscale Fe₂PtGe nanoparticles. The material was synthesized using microwave irradiation (175oC, 5 minutes) and characterized using XRD, XRF, TEM, and VSM. XRD of the synthesized particles correlates to a cubic crystal structured, indicating a face-centered cubic (fcc) platinum structure with iron and germanium incorporated in a disordered manner. XRF confirms the presence and relative ratios of iron, platinum, and germanium species. TEM imagery shows spherical nanoparticles with an average …