Winter Activity Of Bats In Cache, Juab And Utah Counties, Utah,
2013
Brigham Young University
Winter Activity Of Bats In Cache, Juab And Utah Counties, Utah, Benjamin T. Jones, Dr. Duke S. Rogers
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Historically, studies of bat activity have been conducted during spring, summer and fall when migratory bats are most abundant and non-migratory bats are most active. Due to the high energy expenditure required to maintain body temperatures sufficient for flight (Fenton, 1992) and the low availability of aerial insects, (Whitaker and Rissler, 1992) activity levels decline markedly with the onset of winter and the corresponding fall in temperatures. Non-migratory bats conserve energy by hibernating through the winter. However, in previous winter surveys conducted in Southern Utah, five of sixteen species know to occur in that area were netted. (Hasenyager, 1980) Bats …
Phylogenetic Analyses Of The Geographic Origin Of Stlv-I And Htlv-I With Extensive Sequence Sampling: Evidence For An African Origin With Subsequent Separate Viral Evolution In Asia And Africa,
2013
Brigham Young University
Phylogenetic Analyses Of The Geographic Origin Of Stlv-I And Htlv-I With Extensive Sequence Sampling: Evidence For An African Origin With Subsequent Separate Viral Evolution In Asia And Africa, Chris R. Kelsey, Dr. Keith A. Crandall
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is a retrovirus believed to be the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and HTLV-I -associated myelopathy/ tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). HTLV-I is a member of a related group of retroviruses, known collectively as primate T-cell lymphotropic viruses (PTLV) which also include human T-cell lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) and the simian T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (STLV-I). In an attempt to better understand phylogenetic relationships among geographically diverse strains of PTLV-I, and in the process gain more insight into the geographic origin of STLV-I and HTLV-I, a comprehensive study involving multiple …
Pediatric Study To Determine The Extent Of Parasympathetic Reinnervation To The Human Heart Post Transplant,
2013
Brigham Young University
Pediatric Study To Determine The Extent Of Parasympathetic Reinnervation To The Human Heart Post Transplant, Aaron W. Jones, R. Paul Evans
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Until recently, it had been assumed that following cardiac transplantation, nerve impulses to the heart were permanently disconnected. Within the past few years, multiple studies prompted by patient complaints, observations, and simple curiosity have proven the surprising fact that the accelerator (or sympathetic) nerves to the heart almost always regrow.1 Furthermore, in a large segment of the recipient population, the same is found for the sensory nerves which relay pain and oxygen supply status of the heart to the brain.2 These discoveries have led scientists worldwide on the search for evidence of the regrowth of the decelerator (or parasympathetic) nerves …
Identifying Sheep Parentage By Polymorphic Genetic Markers In Suffolk Sheep,
2013
Brigham Young University
Identifying Sheep Parentage By Polymorphic Genetic Markers In Suffolk Sheep, Jennifer A. Jerman, Robert L. Park
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Polymorphic genetic markers aid in parentage testing among individuals of the same breed. Suffolk sheep randomly mate and the need for accurate, reliable, and rapid testing for resolution of such mating is mandatory for the animals’ record and further genetic production. Therefore, it is necessary to identify such matings of individuals.
Up-Regulation Of Ddr2 And Mmp13 As A Mechanism Of Osteoarthritis,
2013
Brigham Young University
Up-Regulation Of Ddr2 And Mmp13 As A Mechanism Of Osteoarthritis, Allyson Merrell, Kenneth Merrell
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Arthritis is a painful, debilitating disease that affects sixty-six million Americans (The Arthritis Foundation 2005). Osteoarthritis (OA) results in joint degeneration caused by cartilage erosion and synovial inflammation. While the causes of OA remain unclear, current evidence suggests that both mechanical and biochemical factors can initiate OA. Since ethical and practical issues limit the availability of human tissue in OA research it is necessary to use animal models. Mice with the disproportionate micromelia mutation (Dmm) exhibit histological characteristics similar to those of humans with OA. Current research suggests the heterozygous Dmm mouse (D/+) is a valid model for early-onset OA …
Interfering Rna Activity In Adrenal Cortical Cells,
2013
Brigham Young University
Interfering Rna Activity In Adrenal Cortical Cells, Brian Powell, Dr. Allan Judd
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Before the turn of the century, biological research was taken by storm with the discovery of inhibitory RNA (RNAi). In 1995, Guo and Kemphues (Mello & Conte, 2004) stumbled into this discovery and were later awarded the Nobel Prize in science for their discovery. The discovery turned into a technique that is used to knock out genes with laser-like precision, and although the precision of RNAi has come into question recently, it is still a valued technique (Couzin, 2004). However, still in its infancy, the extent to which RNAi is used naturally in different tissues is unclear. To the extent …
Classification Of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In Rat Hippocampal Ca1 Interneuron Subpopulations Defined By Neuropeptide Y, Somatostatin, And Calcium-Binding Proteins Mrna Expression,
2013
Brigham Young University
Classification Of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In Rat Hippocampal Ca1 Interneuron Subpopulations Defined By Neuropeptide Y, Somatostatin, And Calcium-Binding Proteins Mrna Expression, Matt Peterson, Dr. Sterling Sudweeks
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Hippocampal interneurons are a particularly diverse population of cells. Classifying these interneurons has historically been difficult using traditional schemes such as anatomical morphology, action potential spiking pattern, and receptor pharmacology. More recently however, classification of interneurons by examining expression of neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, and calcium-binding proteins (Ca-BPs: parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin) has been promoted as an effective means for identifying subpopulations within the hippocampus. Categorization of the expression of neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, and Ca-BPs with the various types of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) could provide information valuable for characterizing how various interneuron subpopulations function to modulate the overall activity of …
Phospholipase A2 Activity In Cell Signaling Apoptotic Pathway,
2013
Brigham Young University
Phospholipase A2 Activity In Cell Signaling Apoptotic Pathway, Vu Mai Phuong, Dr. John Bell
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is a secretory enzyme thought to mainly function in hydrolyzing membrane phospholipids in certain conditions of signaling induced by the immune system or hormone activity. sPLA2 is known to be implicated in inflammatory diseases, sepsis, adult respiratory distress syndrome, ischemia, cancer, atherosclerosis, pre-eclampsia, and gall stones; therefore, understanding its mechanism of action is an important step in helping other researchers determine therapeutic means for these diseases.
Molecular Modeling Dynamics Simulations Of Botox And,
2013
Brigham Young University
Molecular Modeling Dynamics Simulations Of Botox And, Richard Swenson, David Busath
Journal of Undergraduate Research
In general, research of the function of proteins involved in harmful diseases helps researchers who are investigating these diseases better understand part of their puzzle to be able to find solutions to these problems and often opens doors for new treatments of other disorders. For example, to reduce wrinkles, doctors inject patients with Botulinum Neurotoxin(BoTox). I would like to add to the world’s understanding of BoTox so that new procedures can be developed and the harmful effects of botulism can be reduced. My research of Phospholipase A-2 (sPLA2) will likewise add to knowledge of the function of this and other …
A Comparison Of Two Assays For Measuring Serum Levels Of Thymidine Kinase In Breast Cancer Patients,
2013
Brigham Young University
A Comparison Of Two Assays For Measuring Serum Levels Of Thymidine Kinase In Breast Cancer Patients, Dedra A. Cutler, Dr. Kim L. O'Neill
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Thymidine Kinase 1 (TK1) is an enzyme involved in DNA repair and cell proliferation. Increased cell proliferation results in higher than normal levels of TK1. Because of this relationship, TK1 has recently been identified as a useful marker in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Merocyanine 540 Fluorescence In Apoptotic Lymphocytes,
2013
Brigham Young University
Merocyanine 540 Fluorescence In Apoptotic Lymphocytes, Kristen H. Parker, Dr. John D. Bell
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Our research team in Dr. Bell’s laboratory has focused primarily on studying interactions between cell membranes and the enzyme secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). This enzyme is able to distinguish between healthy cells and foreign or damaged cells, which it hydrolyzes. The purpose of my individual project was to use a specific fluorescent probe to study the mechanism for the selective susceptibility and degradation of cell membranes by sPLA2.
Computational Optogenetics: Empirically-Derived Voltage- And Light-Sensitive Channelrhodopsin-2 Model,
2013
SUNY Stony Brook
Computational Optogenetics: Empirically-Derived Voltage- And Light-Sensitive Channelrhodopsin-2 Model, John C. Williams, Jianjin Xu, Zhongju Lu, Aleksandra Klimas, Xuxin Chen, Christina M. Ambrosi, Ira S. Cohen, Emilia Entcheva
Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications
Channelrhodospin-2 (ChR2), a light-sensitive ion channel, and its variants have emerged as new excitatory optogenetic tools not only in neuroscience, but also in other areas, including cardiac electrophysiology. An accurate quantitative model of ChR2 is necessary for in silicoprediction of the response to optical stimulation in realistic tissue/organ settings. Such a model can guide the rational design of new ion channel functionality tailored to different cell types/tissues. Focusing on one of the most widely used ChR2 mutants (H134R) with enhanced current, we collected a comprehensive experimental data set of the response of this ion channel to different irradiances and voltages, …
Intestinal Nematodes Of Lake Trout (Salvelinusnamaycush): An,
2013
Brigham Young University
Intestinal Nematodes Of Lake Trout (Salvelinusnamaycush): An, Sandra B. Bay, Dr. Richard A. Heckmann
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Recently, a non-endemic species of fish, Salvelinus namaycush, was introduced into Yellowstone Lake. These lake trout feed on the native cutthroat trout, an important food source for higher predators in the area. During routine examinations of the lake trout, an abnormally high infection of intestinal nematodes was discovered. These intestinal nematodes are also found in the endemic lake trout in nearby Lewis Lake, but at a lower level of infection.
Transgenic Rescue Of Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm) Mice,
2013
Brigham Young University
Transgenic Rescue Of Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm) Mice, Lisa Higgenbotham, Dr. Robert Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Microinjection is a technique used to introduce DNA into the genome of an animal at the embryo stage. It is an effective way to insert replacement, or rescue, copies of a gene that the embryo may be lacking. In this study, I prepared purified copies of the mouse Col2a1 gene and microinjected them into the pronuclei of single-cell mouse embryos. Col2a1 encodes type II collagen, a major component of cartilage. Mice carrying one or two mutant alleles of Col2a1 are characterized by developmental abnormalities, degenerative joint disease, and even death. This phenotype is observed in Disproportionate micromelia (Dmm) mice, which …
The Effect Of Estrone On The Interaction Between Phospholipase A And The Phospholipid Bilayer,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Effect Of Estrone On The Interaction Between Phospholipase A And The Phospholipid Bilayer, Eric M. Troxell, Marci L. Troxell, Dr. Marci L. Troxell, John D. Bell
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Phospholipase A is a protein that interacts reversibly with the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes. This interaction is affected by physical alterations in the bilayer, which can be caused by a variety of sources, including temperature and certain drugs. Cholesterol is one of the sources known to change the physical properties of the bilayer. It was hypothesized that estrone (Cl8H2202), which is similar in structure to cholesterol, would also affect the bilayer. Studying the effects of various drugs on the bilayer and phospholipase A2 can lead to greater understanding of the lipid/protein interactions occurring in cells.
The -9/+9 Polymorphism Of The Bradykinin Receptor Beta 2 Gene And Athlete Status: A Study Involving Two European Cohorts.,
2013
University of Szczecin, Poland
The -9/+9 Polymorphism Of The Bradykinin Receptor Beta 2 Gene And Athlete Status: A Study Involving Two European Cohorts., Marek Sawczuk, Yevgeniya I. Timshina, Irina V. Astratenkova, Agnieszka Maciejewska-Karłowska, Agata Leońska-Duniec, Krzysztof Ficek, Leysan J. Mustafina, Paweł Cięszczyk, Tomasz Klocek, Ildus I. Ahmetov
Human Biology Open Access Pre-Prints
Background: Previous studies concerning the relevance of the BDKRB2 gene polymorphisms revealed that the absence (–9 allele) of a 9 base pair sequence in exon 1 of the BDKRB2 gene is correlated with higher skeletal muscle metabolic efficiency, glucose uptake during exercise, as well as endurance athletic performance. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the association between the BDKRB2 -9/+9 polymorphism and elite athletic status in two cohorts of east-European athletes. Therefore, we examined the genotype distribution of the BDKRB2 9/+9 polymorphic site in a group of Polish athletes and confirmed the results obtained in a replication …
Retinal Detachment In Mice With Disproportionate Micromelia,
2013
Brigham Young University
Retinal Detachment In Mice With Disproportionate Micromelia, Jared R. Jackson, Dr. Robert Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Stickler syndrome, caused by a mutation of the Collagen 2A1 gene, is the most common cause of inherited retinal detachment in children. A mutation of the same gene in mice causes Disproportionate Micromelia (Dmm). “In cases where mouse mutations occur in genes that are also responsible for human disorders, the mouse strains provide essential model systems for studies of pathogenetic mechanisms.” The purpose of this study is to find and document evidence of retinal detachment that is hypothesized in heterozygous (Dmm/+) mutant mice.
Understanding Actin To Stop Metastasis,
2013
Brigham Young University
Understanding Actin To Stop Metastasis, James Moody, Ben Werner
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of this project is to identify the organization and mechanism of the proteins in the Zyxin-VASP actin regulatory system using biochemical analysis and in vitro reconstitution.
Chondrocyte Apoptosis Correlated With Progression Of Osteoarthritis In Dmm Mice,
2013
Brigham Young University
Chondrocyte Apoptosis Correlated With Progression Of Osteoarthritis In Dmm Mice, Ryan Anderson, Dr. Robert E. Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disease resulting in the degeneration of synovial joint cartilage and is the leading cause of chronic disability in the elderly1. Despite the prevalence of this disease, its pathogenesis is poorly understood. There is need for low cost, short generation animal model to study this disease. For this, we used a proven mouse model as the means for researching OA, the Disproportionate micromellia (Dmm) mouse which has been shown to develop early onset OA. One mechanism involved in OA that we are specifically researching is programmed cell death, apoptosis, of cartilage cells, chondrocytes and how it …
Understanding Cancer Metastasis: The Role Of Zyxin In Actin Dynamics,
2013
Brigham Young University
Understanding Cancer Metastasis: The Role Of Zyxin In Actin Dynamics, Nicholas H. Bishop
Journal of Undergraduate Research
My research aims to elucidate the protein interactions at cell-cell contacts (adherens junctions or AJs) by studying the fluorescence recovery of three known AJ proteins (zyxin, VASP, and actin) after photobleaching. At AJs, zyxin interacts with VASP (Vasioukhin et al., 2000) which in turn encourages the polymerization of actin (Vasioukhin et al., 2000). Mutation of certain regions of zyxin may reveal their role in zyxin-VASP binding and regulation. The effects of altering VASP activity should be evident in actin turnover rate. In Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching (FRAP), regions of cell-cell adhesions with fluorescently labeled zyxin, VASP, or actin are bleached …
