Description Of A Novel Mutant Entemopathogenic Bacterium Photorhabdus Luminescence,
2013
Brigham Young University
Description Of A Novel Mutant Entemopathogenic Bacterium Photorhabdus Luminescence, George Bailey, Dr. Byron J. Adams
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The bacterium Photorhabdus luminescence and the nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora share an intimate symbiotic relationship. Together, the pair preys on insect larva in the soil. Infective juvenile (IJ) nematodes seek out insect hosts by following chemical signals, such as CO2, given off by potential hosts. After locating the insect, IJs quickly invade the larva. In their new home, the nematodes regurgitate the bacteria they have been harboring in their gut. The bacteria immediately begin attacking the insect and then multiply within the fresh cadaver. The nematodes feed on the proliferating bacteria, sexually develop, and reproduce. In addition to acting as the …
Antarctic Soil Microbial Food Webs: Molecular Analysis Of Nematode Gut Contents,
2013
Brigham Young University
Antarctic Soil Microbial Food Webs: Molecular Analysis Of Nematode Gut Contents, Kyle Winkler, Dr. Byron Adams
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Soils are the basis of agriculture and the sustainability of life as we know it. Despite this fact, we know very little about soil ecosystem function and what biotic organization is required for effective nutrient cycling in soils. In this project, I attempted to better our understanding of soil food web relationships in a simple, natural ecosystem.
Erick Reece Christensen,
2013
Brigham Young University
Erick Reece Christensen, Erick Reece Christensen
Journal of Undergraduate Research
During the past semester I have made chimeric molecules using the chemokine MEC and human IgG3.
Creating A Geographic Information System For Nematology,
2013
Brigham Young University
Creating A Geographic Information System For Nematology, Levi Hilton, Dr. Byron Adams
Journal of Undergraduate Research
A geographic information system (GIS) is a powerful tool for correlating information that has a spatial component. This technique has been used in many different ways from organizing major corporations and services to building intricate maps. We used a GIS to help determine if there was a certain type of soil that can be correlated to specific nematode species which are used as organic pesticides in agriculture.
A Mitochondrial Phylogenetic Analysis Of Sculpin (Genus Cottus) In Montana Based On The Nadh Dehydrogenase Subunit 4 Gene,
2013
Brigham Young University
A Mitochondrial Phylogenetic Analysis Of Sculpin (Genus Cottus) In Montana Based On The Nadh Dehydrogenase Subunit 4 Gene, Andrew Moffat, R. Paul Evans
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of this project was to investigate the distribution and phylogenetic status of Cottus (sculpins) species populations in Montana relative to other species in western North America using the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) gene in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This study of the ND4 gene in sculpin could possibly provide additional insight into the historical timing of fish invasion events and provide the phylogenetic status of species in the genus Cottus. Although the distribution of aquatic vertebrates in western North America has been interpreted relative to late Pleistocene events, genetic studies of cutthroat trout have not supported that mechanism …
Induced Modulation Of Membrane Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Possibilities For Chemotherapeutic Intervention In Cancer,
2013
Brigham Young University
Induced Modulation Of Membrane Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Possibilities For Chemotherapeutic Intervention In Cancer, Christopher Trimble, Dr. Byron Murray
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Polyunsaturated fatty acids have several integral functions in the human body. In addition to playing essential structural, metabolic, and cell-signaling roles, fatty acids may be involved in the onset of cancer. The fatty acid profile of a cell, which is defined as the relative ratios of individual fatty acids as compared to the entire cellular fatty acid content, is known to play a direct role in controlling gene expression and the protection of cells from oxidative damage caused by bodily inflammatory responses. It is known that cancer cells have modulated membrane fatty acid profiles, differing gene expression, and increased inflammatory …
Effects Of Inbreeding On The Fecundity And Heat Tolerance Of Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora,
2013
Brigham Young University
Effects Of Inbreeding On The Fecundity And Heat Tolerance Of Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora, John Chaston, Dr. Byron J. Adams
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Biological control using predators, parasitoids, or pathogens can be an effective alternative to the use of chemical pesticides for management of insect pests because the agents of biological control are generally not harmful to humans, the environment, or non-target organisms (1). One problem with using biological control agents, however, is that their success in suppressing pest populations often depends on fitness, including ecological compatibility with the pest, searching and dispersal capacity, and reproductive capacity (1). When mass-produced for commercial purposes the agent may lose these biocontrol traits from genetic processes including drift, inbreeding, or inadvertent selection (4) or from non-genetic …
Intracellular Localization Of A Novel Bmp-2 Variant Protein Involved In Col11a2 Regulation,
2013
Brigham Young University
Intracellular Localization Of A Novel Bmp-2 Variant Protein Involved In Col11a2 Regulation, Carolina M. Montaño, Dr. Laura C. Bridgewater
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that is found in many parts of the skeleton and covers the joint surfaces of bones. It consists of an abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) that is produced and maintained by chondrocytes. This ECM includes type II, IX and XI collagens. Collagen XI plays a critical role in regulating fibril diameter and cartilage development. This heterotrimeric molecule consists of three chains—α1(XI), α2(XI), and α3(XI)—encoded by three distinct genes, Col11a1, Col11a2, and Col2a1, respectively.1 While expression of the α1(XI) and α3(XI) subunits is found in other tissues, the expression of the α2(XI) is restricted to …
Identification Of Unknown Hydrocarbon-Decomposing Microbes Of The Great Salt Lake Petroleum Seep,
2013
Brigham Young University
Identification Of Unknown Hydrocarbon-Decomposing Microbes Of The Great Salt Lake Petroleum Seep, Eric Barker, Dr. Alan Harker
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Biodegradation of hydrocarbons (petroleum and oil like substances) has long been an issue of interest to microbiologists. The process is one in which microorganisms naturally break down oil or petroleum for their benefit as a source of carbon and energy. There is a wide range of practical uses in society for which such oil degrading capabilities could be used (such as natural oil spill cleanup). However the scope of this technology’s potential usefulness has been greatly restricted as thus far no microorganisms have been shown to have the capacity to biodegrade hydrocarbons in a hypersaline (extremely salty) environment, a condition …
Tumor-Associated Macrophage Interaction With The Tumor Microenvironment,
2013
Brigham Young University
Tumor-Associated Macrophage Interaction With The Tumor Microenvironment, Heather Aamodt, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Oncologists currently use chemotherapy and radiation to treat many cancers. The goal of both these treatments is to target cancerous cells without killing too many healthy ones. Both radiation and chemotherapy induce a form of cell death called apoptosis in an attempt to eliminate the body of a tumor. Current studies suggest that when tumor-associated macrophages ingest apoptotic cell debris, they fail to secrete pro-inflammatory mediators that would help clear the invader – whether a pathogen or a tumor – from the body. Ruptured necrotic cells, however, induce a strong inflammatory response that augments immune function. If macrophage engulfment of …
The Effects Of Bryostatin I On The Progression Of Papillomavirus Dna-Induced Tumors,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Effects Of Bryostatin I On The Progression Of Papillomavirus Dna-Induced Tumors, David J. Hoopes, Dr. Richard Robison, Dr. Beverly Roeder
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The bryostatins are a unique family of at least 13 naturally occurring macrocyclic lactones which have demonstrated considerable anti-neoplastic activity. Bryostatin 1 was isolated by G. R. Pettit from the marine bryozoan Bugula neritina. B. neritina is a colonial filter-feeder commonly know as a sea-mat or false coral and often grows on the docks, rocks and ships of the Pacific Ocean.1
Spatial Heterogeneity Of Alkaline Phosphatase Activity Associated With Sediment Types In Great Salt Lake,
2013
Brigham Young University
Spatial Heterogeneity Of Alkaline Phosphatase Activity Associated With Sediment Types In Great Salt Lake, Matthew Johnson, Dr. Donald P. Breakwell
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Great Salt Lake supports a vast quantity of halophiles in the domains of Bacteria and Archaea that have not been studied extensively. Rozel Point, located on the north arm of Great Salt Lake, is a prime hyper saline environment for halophiles to exploit for its natural source of carbon in the form of oil. Little has been done to quantify the biotic activity in such an environment to understand the spatial variability of these halophiles. A viable method for quantifying their activity is alkaline phosphatase.
Determination And Analysis Of The Functionality And Required Amino Acid Residues Of Phou In Escherichia Coli,
2013
Brigham Young University
Determination And Analysis Of The Functionality And Required Amino Acid Residues Of Phou In Escherichia Coli, Michael Schurdell, Dr. William Mccleary
Journal of Undergraduate Research
While researching the required amino acid residues of PhoU, we discovered a small intergenic region located between pstA and pstB on the pstSCAB-phoU operon. Defining the role of this small intergenic region took precedence over my previously proposed research project. All of my research on this project was performed in conjunction with Garrett Woodbury and William McCleary. We presented our findings in a poster presentation at the Intermountain Branch of the American Society of Microbiology Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 18, 2006. A peer reviewed article containing the full details of our work was accepted for publication on December 1, …
The Role Of Rpl41 In Genetic Regulation Of Col11a2,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Role Of Rpl41 In Genetic Regulation Of Col11a2, David William Timme
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of my research was to investigate what role ribosomal protein L41 (RPL41) has in regulating transcriptional activities of the Collagen 11a2 (Col11a2) gene. Prior to the ORCA grant, I had researched identifying possible transcription factors which bound to the B/C enhancer region of the Col11a2 gene, possibly regulating transcription. This work revealed that RPL41 could bind to the B/C enhancer in a eukaryotic (yeast) system. Since a protein binding to DNA could be relevant to transcriptional activity, unrelated to transcriptional regulation, or merely an artifact from the investigational method, it was important to examine the specific role RPL41 …
Representations Of The Braid Group In The Symmetric Group,
2013
Brigham Young University
Representations Of The Braid Group In The Symmetric Group, Holly Freedman, Dr. Stephen Humpries
Journal of Undergraduate Research
My project was to determine which elements of the symmetric group, or permutations on a finite set of objects, generate group representations for the braid group. I started out by finding group representations for the three-strand braid group. A three-strand braid is a set of three disjoint strings in three-dimensional space, whose height functions increase monotonically and which end at points vertically above where they start. The set of braids can be made into a group by letting one braid “multiply,” or perform an operation on, another braid by being placed above it, with their two sets of ends joined. …
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis: Strategies For Identification And Control,
2013
Brigham Young University
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis: Strategies For Identification And Control, Wendy Chao, Dr. Richard Robison
Journal of Undergraduate Research
After over a century of decline, tuberculosis (TB) has re-emerged as the leading killer among infectious diseases. In addition, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB, has developed strains resistant to multiple antibiotics, making the disease increasingly difficult to treat.
A Study Of Analytical Reasoning Skills: What Are The Cognitive Dimensions? What Byu Courses Successfully Promote Them?,
2013
Brigham Young University
A Study Of Analytical Reasoning Skills: What Are The Cognitive Dimensions? What Byu Courses Successfully Promote Them?, Jennifer Nelson, Dr. William Bradshaw
Journal of Undergraduate Research
It is crucial that science education place more emphasis on helping students learn to think rather than requiring them to memorize endless lists of facts. A vital tool in ascertaining student learning is assessment. Teachers typically assess either student performance (by measuring understanding of facts, concepts, theories, etc.) or affect (student attitudes, self-efficacy, interests, etc.). In my work with Drs. Bradshaw and Bell over the last year, I have helped to develop and test a novel assessment, the Student Mobility Profile (SMP), that addresses the question of epistemology. It allows a teacher to tell if participation in the course enabled …
The P17 Protein As An Activator Of The Coll11a2 Gene,
2013
Brigham Young University
The P17 Protein As An Activator Of The Coll11a2 Gene, William Wittwer, Dr. Laura Bridgewater
Journal of Undergraduate Research
One of the main things that I have learned over the course of this project is that things work better in theory than in practice. I spent two semesters attempting to builda plasmid containing the the p17 cDNA sequence in order to test the ability of p17 as an activator of the Coll11a2 gene. Unfortunately, I was not able to produce the plasmid given to me.
Thymidine Kinase-1 Activity Of Uv Induced B Lymphocytes,
2013
Brigham Young University
Thymidine Kinase-1 Activity Of Uv Induced B Lymphocytes, Geoffrey G. Wood, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The normal life of a eukaryotic cell involves a dynamic struggle between survival and death. When a cell is no longer capable of living, certain pathways are initiated for natural cell death. These “programmed cell deaths” transpire in predictable patterns, and are regulated by many proteins and signals that either activate or inactivate the cell death pathways. Changes in the various homeostatic molecules initiate the apoptotic pathway. However, there are other agents within the cell that regulate these apoptotic triggers. Tumors can arise when these regulatory proteins are mutated, inactivated, or ignored, resulting in the aggressive replicating nature of tumor …
Mononuclear Leukocyte And Breast Cancer Cell Interaction Affects Angiogenic Activity,
2013
Brigham Young University
Mononuclear Leukocyte And Breast Cancer Cell Interaction Affects Angiogenic Activity, Philip Maximilian Scherer, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
In 2005, the National Cancer Society estimated that about 211,240 new cases of invasive breast cancer in the United States will be diagnosed. Overall, an estimated 1,372,910 new cases of cancer and 570,280 cancer deaths in the United States are predicted for 2005. The National Institutes of Health estimated that the overall costs for cancer in 2004 were $189.9 billion. Cancer is thus a growing health concern. While past research has investigated genes in order to find a cure to cancer, current research now emphasizes a study of the microenvironment surrounding the cancer. The purpose of this research was to …
