The Effects Of Prenatal Stress On The Levels Of 5 Alpha Reductase And Aromatase Activity In Pregnant Rats And Their Male And Female Offspring,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Effects Of Prenatal Stress On The Levels Of 5 Alpha Reductase And Aromatase Activity In Pregnant Rats And Their Male And Female Offspring, Steve Warren David, Dr. Reuben Ward Rhees
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Sexual differentiation of the brain is dependent on the presence or absence of androgen (testosterone) during prenatal development. Exposure to testosterone is essential for masculinization and defeminization of sexual behavior, and brain structural development. Present evidence suggests that the action of testosterone during brain development involves the metabolic conversion of testosterone in one of two ways. Testosterone is either converted to estradiol by the enzyme aromatase or to dihydrotestosterone by the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. Testosterone and these two metabolites interact to regulate sexual differentiation of the brain. This project monitored the activity of both aromatase and 5 alpha reductase …
Characterizing A Novel Splicing Mechanism Associated With Intron 1 Of Chicken Prostaglandin G/H Synthase 2,
2013
Brigham Young University
Characterizing A Novel Splicing Mechanism Associated With Intron 1 Of Chicken Prostaglandin G/H Synthase 2, Matthew J. Cornish, Dr. Matthew L. Madsen, Dr. Daniel L. Simmons
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Organisms are equipped with an amazing ability to deal with situations which its environment may present. There are biochemical pathways responsible for monitoring and responding to environmental changes. Two examples are protein induction and inhibition. In the last few years, however, signaling through pre-mRNA splicing has been extensively explored.
Hormonal Regulation Of Brain Calcium-Binding Proteins During The Rat Estrous Cycle,
2013
Brigham Young University
Hormonal Regulation Of Brain Calcium-Binding Proteins During The Rat Estrous Cycle, Joseph M. Thompson, Dr. Edwin D. Lephart
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Calcium plays a major role in the body; it’s involved in bone growth, muscle contraction, and especially in the central nervous system (CNS) development and function. However, an overabundance of calcium leads to cell degeneration and eventually cell death, disrupting the formation of synapses. The body regulates excess calcium in the brain through calcium-binding proteins.
New Techniques For Studying Whirling Disease,
2013
Brigham Young University
New Techniques For Studying Whirling Disease, Nathan Bay, Dr. Richard A. Heckmann
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Despite drastic control and containment measures, the incidence of whirling disease is on the rise in the West. Whirling disease occurs when the trophozoite stage of Myxobolus cerebralis invades the cartilage and organ of equilibrium of salmonids. Pathological symptoms include tail chasing behavior, blackened tafls, and vertebral abnormalities. Pan of the reason for the spread of the disease is the high occurrence of subclinical infections in fish that are transported into areas formerly free of the disease.
Short-Term Effects Of Dietary Phytoestrogens On Calbindin, Calretinin, And Cox-2 In Specific Brain Sites Of Male Rats,
2013
Brigham Young University
Short-Term Effects Of Dietary Phytoestrogens On Calbindin, Calretinin, And Cox-2 In Specific Brain Sites Of Male Rats, Melanie A. Watson, Dr. Edwin D. Lephart
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Cyclooxygenase, a bifunctional enzyme, converts arachadonic acid to prostaglandins that are important for maintaining critical physiological functions such as nervous system regulation, pain response, and specifically inflammation of tissues. The enzyme exists in two isoforms: COX-1 is constitutionally produced, playing important maintenance roles throughout the body. COX-2 is constitutionally produced in the brain, but is inducible and thus, highly regulated (2). Non-specific inhibition of COX reduces inflammation, but increases gastrointestinal ulcers due to a failure of mucus production by COX-1. Specific COX-2 inhibition controls the inflammatory response, but is not ulcergenic (1,3). At this time the effect of COX-2 regulation …
A Fine Structure Comparison Of Three Species Of Argulus (Crustacea: Branchiura) Ectoparasites Of Farmed And Wild Fish,
2013
Brigham Young University
A Fine Structure Comparison Of Three Species Of Argulus (Crustacea: Branchiura) Ectoparasites Of Farmed And Wild Fish, Adam Bowen, Richard A. Heckmann
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Argulus, commonly called fish-lice, are crustacean ectoparasites of fish. This study compared three members of the genus Argulus: A. pugetensis from Nanaimo, British Columbia; A. coregoni from Curitiba, Brazil; and A. siamensis from Bangalore, India. It was hypothesized that argulids of different taxons must have morphological variations of commonly held structures. For example, two species of Argulus possess marginal membranes on their suckers, but the membranes should have different quantities and qualities of substructures. To test this hypothesis, all specimens were photographed with the JEOL 6100 scanning electron microscope; the micrographs of A. pugetensis and A. siamensis are the first …
Histological And Ultrastructural Evidence Of Osteoarthritis In Mice Carrying A Semi-Dominant Mutation Of Col2a1,
2013
Brigham Young University
Histological And Ultrastructural Evidence Of Osteoarthritis In Mice Carrying A Semi-Dominant Mutation Of Col2a1, Victoria Ryder, Dr. Robert Seegmiller
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Mice heterozygous for the semi-dominant mutation disproportionate micromelia (Dmm) express mild chondrodysplasia by three weeks postnatally. This phenotype is attributed to a deletion of three contiguous nucleotides within the Col2A1 gene on mouse chromosome 15. The phenotype of Dmm/+ mice resembles that of human Stickler syndrome, which can be caused by mutations in the human COL2A1 gene.
The Structural And Functional Characterization Of Cef-5 And Snk,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Structural And Functional Characterization Of Cef-5 And Snk, Donna Melinda Earl Ashton, Dr. William S. Bradshaw
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The malignant transformation of chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF) following infection with the Rous sarcoma virus is mediated through the oncogene v-src. One of the first responses of infected cells is the transcriptional activation of a set of immediate-early genes. Among these are CEF-5 (homologue of EGRI, early growth response, in mammals) and serum induced kinase (snk).
Techniques And Analysis Of Mitochondrial Dna Of Local Populations Of Cottusbairdi,
2013
Brigham Young University
Techniques And Analysis Of Mitochondrial Dna Of Local Populations Of Cottusbairdi, Amara Earley Bray, Dr. Dennis K. Shiozawa
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Recent studies of native trout in Utah have found that populations in separate stream drainages tend to have unique mitochondrial DNA lineages. The association of lineage with drainage implies that the trout tend to remain within their own streams and do not readily migrate to adjacent streams.
The Locating Of Col11a2 Cell-Specific Enhancers,
2013
Brigham Young University
The Locating Of Col11a2 Cell-Specific Enhancers, Jennifer L. Potter, Dr. Laura C. Bridgewater
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The human skeletal structure is formed first by cartilage which later ossifies to bone. It follows, therefore, that if cartilage formation is aberrant, the resulting bone formation will be affected. Cartilage is composed of fibrils consisting of three types of collagen: type II, type IX, and type XI. These fibrils are only produced by chondrocyte (cartilage) cells.
Construction Of A Col11a1 Transgene And The Study Of The Col11a1 Mutation In Mice,
2013
Brigham Young University
Construction Of A Col11a1 Transgene And The Study Of The Col11a1 Mutation In Mice, Dana L. Murphy, Dr. Laura C. Bridgewater
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Collagen fibrils play an important role in proper skeletal development. Defective collagen can cause human skeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis that affects an estimated 20.7 million Americans. A particular mouse line, housed here at BYU, contains a mutation in the Col11a1 gene. This mutation results in defective type XI collagen, which is an important component of articular cartilage, and eventually leads to osteoarthritis (1).
Angiotensin Ii-Mediated Switching Of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone To Arginine Vasopressin In The Paraventricular Nucleus Under Chronic Stress Conditions,
2013
Brigham Young University
Angiotensin Ii-Mediated Switching Of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone To Arginine Vasopressin In The Paraventricular Nucleus Under Chronic Stress Conditions, Jason T. Rich, Dr. James D. Porter
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The purpose of my study was to quantify the effects of angiotensin II on young rats under extreme stress. We hypothesized that we would observe an angiotensin II-mediated switch in brain hormonal expression from corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) to arginine vasopressin (AVP). Ten rats were equipped with osmotic ventricular pumps. Five rats received losartan (an angiotensin II antagonist) and the other five received a saline solution. Three rats where left untreated, to act as a control for the experiment. Two losartan treated rats and one saline treated rat died during the stressing period. However the losartan pumps were salvaged and implanted …
Proton Conductance Through The Membrane Protein Gramicidin M,
2013
Brigham Young University
Proton Conductance Through The Membrane Protein Gramicidin M, Jason D. Merrell, David D. Busath
Journal of Undergraduate Research
After discussion with my faculty mentor, together we decided that my original ORCA proposal would not best suit the needs of the laboratory in which I am allowed to work. Upon reaching this conclusion, a new research plan was organized. The following outlines the progress of this new plan and demonstrates the on-going research that was facilitated via my ORCA scholarship.
Effect Of Phytoestrogens On Brain Development And Function,
2013
Brigham Young University
Effect Of Phytoestrogens On Brain Development And Function, Jacob C. Ong, Dr. Edwin D. Lephart
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like compounds derived from plants such as the soy plant and can mimic the function of the human estrogen hormone by binding to estrogen receptors. Estrogen plays a major role in the prevention of osteoperosis and cardiovascular disease in woman. Evidence also suggests that estrogen influences various parts of the memory process and that its impact on an organism is dependent on the developmental stage at which exposure occurs [1].
Determining Homology Of Turkey Round Heart Disease Marker Sequences: A Computer-Based Study,
2013
Brigham Young University
Determining Homology Of Turkey Round Heart Disease Marker Sequences: A Computer-Based Study, Ryan D. Mcallister, Dr. David Kooyman
Journal of Undergraduate Research
Round heart disease (RHD) is a spontaneous occurring cardiomyopathy in turkeys. The domestic turkey Meleagris gallopavo is affected by low body weight and premature death due to congestive heart failure from RHD (1). RHD results in decreased profitability for the animal agriculturists and higher prices for turkey products. DNA markers have been identified for both normal turkeys and for turkeys affected by RHD. These genetic markers have been amplified using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis (2). 16 DNA marker sequences amplified by RAPD have now been determined (3). Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) is a computer program designed …
Comparison Of Gramicidin A And Gramicidin M Channel Properties In Kcl, Nacl, And Hcl,
2013
Brigham Young University
Comparison Of Gramicidin A And Gramicidin M Channel Properties In Kcl, Nacl, And Hcl, Jeffrey C. Markham, David D. Busath
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The oligopeptide gramicidin is one of the simplest proteins which can form channels in cell membranes to conduct ions into or out of a cell. The peptide is produced by the bacteria Bacillus brevis. It can also be synthesized by scientists for research purposes. By producing slightly modified variants of the standard gramicidin structure, conclusions can be drawn about structurefunction relationships based on experimentation with the variants.
Walking Stick (Insect: Phasmida) Phylogeny And The Evolution Of Insect Flight Based On Molecular Data,
2013
Brigham Young University
Walking Stick (Insect: Phasmida) Phylogeny And The Evolution Of Insect Flight Based On Molecular Data, Taylor J. Maxwell, Dr. Michael F. Whiting
Journal of Undergraduate Research
The evolution and development of wings and flight has fascinated scientists for decades. From our research we happened upon an exciting discovery concerning flight in the phylogeny of walking sticks. A basic phylogeny was to be reconstructed from molecular data with the purpose of understanding the classification of the group. The phylogeny enabled us to discover the initial loss of wings and flight in phasmid history and the consequent gain of flight in later lineages. We are not aware of any other organism, which has lost and subsequently regained such a complex character.
Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics Study Of An Ion Channel With Aqueous Nacl: A Slab Geometry Approach,
2013
Brigham Young University
Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics Study Of An Ion Channel With Aqueous Nacl: A Slab Geometry Approach, Nathan B. Holladay, David D. Busath
Journal of Undergraduate Research
An ion channel is a tunnel that allows ions to cross a barrier. Ion channels are common components of cellular membranes, helping to regulate ionic concentrations in different areas inside or outside cells. Electrical and/or concentration differences between one side of a membrane and the other often drive the net flow of ions in one direction or the other across the membrane. Theoretical biophysicists have used computer-based molecular dynamics simulations for years now to study the behavior of ions within ion channels under equilibrium conditions. Before our study, however, few or no studies had been done in which molecular dynamics …
Increasing Bilayer Membrance Fusion Rates By Increasing Cholesterol Content,
2013
Brigham Young University
Increasing Bilayer Membrance Fusion Rates By Increasing Cholesterol Content, David Lee, Dr. Dixon Woodbury
Journal of Undergraduate Research
A bilayer is a two-layered membrane made of lipids that form around cells. These membranes are formed by hydrophobic tails (water fearing) and hydrophilic heads (water loving) that align such that the tails are isolated from water, while the heads are exposed to water to form micelles, liposomes, or sheets (Fig. 1). They are used to regulate what can enter and exit a cell. A fusion event occurs when a liposome fuses with a sheet. In our experiments, we are able to see the effects on fusion rate by altering the cholesterol content of the sheets.
Colour And Odour Drive Fruit Selection And Seed Dispersal By Mouse Lemurs,
2013
University of Toronto
Colour And Odour Drive Fruit Selection And Seed Dispersal By Mouse Lemurs, Kim Valenta, Ryan J. Burke, Sarah A. Styler, Derek A. Jackson, Amanda D. Melin, Shawn M. Lehman
Dartmouth Scholarship
Animals and fruiting plants are involved in a complex set of interactions, with animals relying on fruiting trees as food resources, and fruiting trees relying on animals for seed dispersal. This interdependence shapes fruit signals such as colour and odour, to increase fruit detectability, and animal sensory systems, such as colour vision and olfaction to facilitate food identification and selection. Despite the ecological and evolutionary importance of plant-animal interactions for shaping animal sensory adaptations and plant characteristics, the details of the relationship are poorly understood. Here we examine the role of fruit chromaticity, luminance and odour on seed dispersal by …
