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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Computer Model For Characterization Of Crystal Fragments Within Volcanic Ash Deposits, Garret L. Hart Feb 2014

Computer Model For Characterization Of Crystal Fragments Within Volcanic Ash Deposits, Garret L. Hart

Journal of Undergraduate Research

For decades, geologists have used crystals fragments to characterize volcanic ash deposits. This requires identification and analysis of the mineral crystals and fragments contained in the ash. It is known that ash deposits can have two basic types of crystal fragments-those that are broken by impact in the explosive ejecta from the volcanic vent and those that are separated from larger crystal aggregates in the magma chamber. Crystals that have been broken are typically euhedral, while those have been separated from larger crystal conglomerates tend to be anhedral in shape. Characterization of ash deposits utilizing the differences in the two …

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Combinatorial Approach To Computation Of Jones Polynomial Of A Torus Link, N. Nemirovskaya Feb 2014

Combinatorial Approach To Computation Of Jones Polynomial Of A Torus Link, N. Nemirovskaya

Journal of Undergraduate Research

First of all I would like to thank the Office of Research and Creative Activities for choosing me as one of the recipients of the Research and Creative Activities scholarship. This scholarship allowed me to spend more time working on the proposed project.

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Preventing Asteroid Impact By Deflection: A Numerical Simulation, Rebecca J. Carlson Feb 2014

Preventing Asteroid Impact By Deflection: A Numerical Simulation, Rebecca J. Carlson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Small objects from outer space collide with the earth’s atmosphere every day. Most of these are small enough to burn up completely before hitting the ground. A few, however, reach the earth’s surface as meteorites. On occasion, an asteroid large enough to cause serious darnage impacts the earth. Although impacts large enough to destroy cities only occur once in a thousand years or so, if such an event were to occur there would be great loss of life and damage of property (Rather 1992). Because of this, it is important to develop plans to deter an asteroid on a colllslon …

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A Comparison Of Statistical Software Packages In The Analysis Of Survey Sample Data, Landon Sego, Dr. Howard B. Christensen, Dr. Stephen J. Bahr Feb 2014

A Comparison Of Statistical Software Packages In The Analysis Of Survey Sample Data, Landon Sego, Dr. Howard B. Christensen, Dr. Stephen J. Bahr

Journal of Undergraduate Research

To investigate and quantitatively document the differences between analyzing survey sample data with traditional statistical software (SAS) and with statistical software designed for the analysis of survey samples (SUDAAN).

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Design And Development Of An Extended Sheath Flow Nozzle For Supercritical Fluid/Supersonic Jet Spectroscopy, Eric Sevy Feb 2014

Design And Development Of An Extended Sheath Flow Nozzle For Supercritical Fluid/Supersonic Jet Spectroscopy, Eric Sevy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with supersonic jet spectroscopy has been shown to be an effective analytical technique in the analysis of complex samples. This highly selective technique derives its power from the combination of a powerful separation technique and an discriminating spectroscopic identification technique. Using them in tandem an investigator can analyze complex mixtures for specific compounds. Unfortunately, till now the compounds that could be analyzed were limited in their size, by the requirements necessary to couple the two methods together. The work reported here is the first step to opening up this analysis to larger molecular weight samples.

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Coalescence Extraction: A Novel Means Of Performing Solvent Extractions, Randall T. Peterson Feb 2014

Coalescence Extraction: A Novel Means Of Performing Solvent Extractions, Randall T. Peterson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Solvent extraction is a widely used method of separation in which a given target substance is extracted from a mixture and transported across a liquid-liquid interface into a separate liquid. Typically, the two immiscible liquids are shaken or stirred vigorously to increase contact between the two liquids. This contact is vital to extraction of the target substance and much time and effort is expended in increasing extraction efficiency through improved contact. We have developed a novel method of solvent extraction which makes possible the extraction of large amounts of the target substance in very little time without shaking or other …

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Providing A Second Source Of Negative Charge On A “Molecular Leash”, Eric Nelson Feb 2014

Providing A Second Source Of Negative Charge On A “Molecular Leash”, Eric Nelson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

I was awarded the Research and Creative Work Scholarship for the winter semester of 1994 based on my proposal to synthesize a novel organic compound for testing and publication in conjunction with the research group of Dr. Jerald Bradshaw in the Chemistry Department.

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Phosducins: Evidence For The Evolution Of New Proteins Through Gene Duplication, Tim Rand, Dr. Barry Willardson Feb 2014

Phosducins: Evidence For The Evolution Of New Proteins Through Gene Duplication, Tim Rand, Dr. Barry Willardson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The theory of evolution by natural selection is arguably the most important scientific theory ever formulated. Its importance has not been manifest in an “ooh, ah” technological way—it doesn’t empower us to fly airplanes or to illuminate streets at night—but no scientist really thinks technology is the sine qua non of science anyway. The really big theories are the ones that change our thinking, rather than the way we get around or see at night. The theory of evolution changed the way we think about life itself. Interestingly, our acceptance of evolution is based mainly on its elegance. As far …

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Ambient Ionization Sources For Mass Spectrometry, Paul Farnsworth Feb 2014

Ambient Ionization Sources For Mass Spectrometry, Paul Farnsworth

Journal of Undergraduate Research

MEG funding directly supported the efforts of three students in my laboratory during the calendar year 2011. A graduate student, Manan Dhunna, received partial support (approximately one-third of his annual stipend) during the year. His role, in addition to carrying out his own research on ambient ionization sources, was to provide continuity and consistent in-lab supervision for the undergraduates during the times that I could not be present in the lab. Two undergraduates were supported by the grant, Jonathan Wright and Kellie Woodfield. These three students were part of a larger group effort to develop advanced ambient ionization sources for …

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Optimization Of Ecfps For The Production Of Engineered Virus-Like Particles, Dr. Bradley C. Bundy Feb 2014

Optimization Of Ecfps For The Production Of Engineered Virus-Like Particles, Dr. Bradley C. Bundy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The academic objectives of this grant were met. Each specific aim was completed as described in the proposal and the results were reported in a peer-review journal (listed in section below) and at academic conferences. The results of this work provided preliminary data which helped in applying for and receiving a 2011 National Science Foundation EAGER Award.

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Hyperdimensional Julia Set Generation System Software, Kevin Steele Feb 2014

Hyperdimensional Julia Set Generation System Software, Kevin Steele

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Chaos theory and fractal science is a recently developed technology. Julia Sets, a class of deterministic fractals, have been defined and rendered using computer software in only two and four dimensions. In my Research and Creative Work Scholarship application, I proposed to develop a software system to create and render Julia Sets in more than two and four dimensions. I have completed the software, and used it to verify my definition of and render hyperdimensional Julia Sets, the images of which I have included with this report.

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Evaluation And Elimination Of Internet Web Server Bottlenecks, Alen Peacock, Dr. J. Kelly Flanagan Feb 2014

Evaluation And Elimination Of Internet Web Server Bottlenecks, Alen Peacock, Dr. J. Kelly Flanagan

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Popular Internet web sites experience a common problem: as the number of people trying to access a site grows, the wait for page downloads for each of those users grows accordingly. In extreme cases, the site becomes completely inaccessible as the server refuses connections over a certain threshold (1).

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Pioneer Venus Orbiter Retarding Potential Analyzer Observations Of The Electron Component Of The Solar Wind And Observations Of Venus Bow Shock Crossings And The Magnetosheath Region, Noe Yamaguchi Feb 2014

Pioneer Venus Orbiter Retarding Potential Analyzer Observations Of The Electron Component Of The Solar Wind And Observations Of Venus Bow Shock Crossings And The Magnetosheath Region, Noe Yamaguchi

Journal of Undergraduate Research

A bow shock is a paraboloid-shaped shockwave that forms around a planet similar to one that forms around an airplane traveling faster than the speed of sound. We may observe this shock by the change in plasma parameters before and after entering the bow shock. Those plasma parameters include temperature, density, pressure, velocity, magnetic field and others.

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A Novel Human Angiotensin Ii Type 1 Receptor Isoform Elicits An Exaggerated Angiotensin Ii-Induced Response, Terry S. Elton, Dr. James W. Ogilvie Jr. Feb 2014

A Novel Human Angiotensin Ii Type 1 Receptor Isoform Elicits An Exaggerated Angiotensin Ii-Induced Response, Terry S. Elton, Dr. James W. Ogilvie Jr.

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure) is a significant health problem affecting more than 15% of the population contributing to the increased incidence of heart failure, kidney failure and stroke. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a pivotal role in salt and water homeostasis and the maintenance of vascular tone. This balance is achieved through the actions of the hormone, angiotensin II (Ang II), the biologically active component of the RAS, with its membrane-bound receptors. These receptors, designated as type 1 and type 2 (AT1R and AT2R), bind Ang II with equal affinity. The AT1R, however, which is localized in numerous tissues …

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Report Of Progression On The Synthesis Of A Conformational Amphiphile For Nondestructive Diffusion Through Membrane Bilayers, Paul B. Savage, Dr. David B. Mcmullin Feb 2014

Report Of Progression On The Synthesis Of A Conformational Amphiphile For Nondestructive Diffusion Through Membrane Bilayers, Paul B. Savage, Dr. David B. Mcmullin

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The stability of all cellular life in the presence of adverse environmental conditions may be attributed to the function of cellular membranes. Membranes are unique in their ability to act as barriers with selective permeability (1). Such selective permeability allows cells to control and differentiate between the chemical constituents of their intracellular fluid and that of their extracellular environment.

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The Hydrolytic Interaction Of Phospholipase A2 And Lysolecithin, Brian Baker Feb 2014

The Hydrolytic Interaction Of Phospholipase A2 And Lysolecithin, Brian Baker

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of my project was to determine whether the hydrolysis of lysophosphatidylcholine occurs at the sn-1 or the sn-2 position.

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An Investigation Of The Influence Of Polar Vs. Polarizable Substituents In Polysiloxane Stationary Phases For Gas Chromatography, Sarah Morgan Feb 2014

An Investigation Of The Influence Of Polar Vs. Polarizable Substituents In Polysiloxane Stationary Phases For Gas Chromatography, Sarah Morgan

Journal of Undergraduate Research

For my creative work and research scholarship project I proposed the synthesis of four polymers for use as stationary phases in gas chromatography. Each polymer would contain a pendant group with a halogen-substituted benzene ring, making use of the four halogen atoms-fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. Since these atoms lie along a spectrum of polarity vs. polarizability, I hypothesized that testing the selectivity of the polymers as GC phases would increase our understanding of the roles of these closely related properties in chromatographic separations. I have chosen to submit selected nuclear magnetic resonance spectra as evidence of the success of …

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The Separation Of Transition Metals Using Macrocycles Adsorbed On A Reversed Phase Column, Anthony P. Giauque Feb 2014

The Separation Of Transition Metals Using Macrocycles Adsorbed On A Reversed Phase Column, Anthony P. Giauque

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Standard protocol for the analysis of transition metals by conventional chromatographic means calls for the complexation of the transition metal cations prior to their separation. Consequently, this addition of a complexing agent does not allow for conductimetric detection of transition metals due to the high conductivity of the complexing agent in the eluent. It was therefore my intent to develop a system in which the stationary phase would act as the complexing agent and allow the analytes to be detected conductimetrically-the universal means of detection in ion chromatography.

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Update On The Reconstruction Of The Cytochrome B Gene Of The Extinct M4mmuthus Columbi, Natalie Mincek Feb 2014

Update On The Reconstruction Of The Cytochrome B Gene Of The Extinct M4mmuthus Columbi, Natalie Mincek

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The intent of this project was to reconstruct the cytochrome B gene from the extinct mammoth Mammuthus columbi. This was to be accomplished through amplification by PCR the fragments of the cytochrome B gene in order to determine their respective sequences, after which these DNA sequences would be combined to reconstruct the entire sequence of the gene.

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A Partial Asymmetric Synthesis Of The Anti-Tumor Antibiotic Geldanamycin, Bryon Simmons, Dr. Merritt B. Andrus Feb 2014

A Partial Asymmetric Synthesis Of The Anti-Tumor Antibiotic Geldanamycin, Bryon Simmons, Dr. Merritt B. Andrus

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Geldanamycin, a member of the benzoquinoid ansamycin family, was discovered in 1970 by workers at UpJohn laboratories.1 Scientists were eager to characterize and assess the biological activity of this natural product, first isolated from the bacteria species Steptomyces hygroscpius.2 It was soon learned that geldanamycin functioned as an antibiotic. More importantly, this antibiotic was also shown to check the proliferation of malignant cancer cells.3 This observation has fueled significant interest in geldanamycin as a potential antitumor drug.

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Multivariate Analysis Of Elemental Concentrations In Various Lichen Growth Forms, Seth Washburn, Dr. Nolan Mangelson Feb 2014

Multivariate Analysis Of Elemental Concentrations In Various Lichen Growth Forms, Seth Washburn, Dr. Nolan Mangelson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Lichens consist of two organisms that live in a symbiotic relationship. The lichen photobiont, green alga, cyanobacteria, or a combination of both, provides carbohydrates from photosynthesis. While the mycobiont partner, a fungus, accounts for the majority of the lichen mass, and provides shelter and nutrients (St. Clair, 1998). Although lichens come in many different shapes and colors, all lichens are grouped into three main categories, depending on their growth type. Crustose lichens attach very tightly to their rock substrate and often appear as if they were painted on. Foliose lichens have a more leafy appearance and are attached to the …

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Velocity Determination Of Metastable Calcium Ions Using High- Resolution Diode Laser Spectroscopy, Rebecca Vanwagoner, Dr. Paul Farnsworth Feb 2014

Velocity Determination Of Metastable Calcium Ions Using High- Resolution Diode Laser Spectroscopy, Rebecca Vanwagoner, Dr. Paul Farnsworth

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) is a useful tool for trace chemical analysis. However, instrument response to the analyte changes with increasing concentration of other elements in solution. This change in response due to matrix elements lowers the accuracy of ICPMS. Most of the matrix effects occur in the vacuum interface between the plasma torch and the mass spectrometer. My goal in this research project was to map the temperatures and velocities of analyte inside the ICPMS interface and look for changes with changing matrix concentration. Knowing where and how changes occur would point to why matrix effects happen …

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Expression, Activity And Inhibition Of Canine Cyclooxygenase, Joel Ellis Wilson, Dr. Dan Simmons Feb 2014

Expression, Activity And Inhibition Of Canine Cyclooxygenase, Joel Ellis Wilson, Dr. Dan Simmons

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exhibit their effect by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. However, inhibition of both COX-1 and COX-2 by the administration of NSAIDs to both humans and animals often leads to negative side effects, most commonly gastric toxicity, including ulcers, which may progress to perforation with risk of sepsis. Functional COX-1 and COX-2 are both necessary to maintain the integrity of the gastrointestinal lining. Fueled by the discovery of COX-2 and the elucidation of its biological properties, new NSAIDs have been produced that selectively inhibit only COX-2. This new class of inhibitors effectively reduces pain and inflammation with …

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Use Of An Intermolecular Tether In [2+2] Photochemical Cycloadditions, Brent Siemssen, Dr. Steve Fleming Feb 2014

Use Of An Intermolecular Tether In [2+2] Photochemical Cycloadditions, Brent Siemssen, Dr. Steve Fleming

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Oxetanocin is a nucleoside that occurs naturally in the bacteria Bacillus megaterium (see figure 1a).1 Oxetanocin and its analogues show antiviral activity but have not yet been introduced in any successful drug treatment. Even so, oxetanocin continues to be a model studied to help understand the action of nucleoside drugs. Oxetanocin is a distinct nucleoside because it has a four-membered ring sugar moiety.

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Synthesis Of Systematically Varied Nucleosides As A Logical Approach Toward Inhibitor Design For Nucleoside Transport Proteins, Lars P. C. Nielsen, Dr. Morris J. Robins Feb 2014

Synthesis Of Systematically Varied Nucleosides As A Logical Approach Toward Inhibitor Design For Nucleoside Transport Proteins, Lars P. C. Nielsen, Dr. Morris J. Robins

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Glucose transporter proteins constitute one class of transmembrane integral proteins that have received much attention in the current chemical literature. Many prominent groups have set out to explore their mechanisms, kinetics, and active sites. Studies have focussed on one of these in particular, Human Glucose Transporter I, the most common and efficient at mediating cellular glucose concentrations. Studies have also proven that certain nucleoside transporters exist, analogous to the sugar proteins, which regulate nucleoside and nucleotide concentrations in cells.

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G Protein Regulation Of Chaperonins Through Phosducin-Like Protein, Tiffany L. Sabin, Dr. Barry Willardson Feb 2014

G Protein Regulation Of Chaperonins Through Phosducin-Like Protein, Tiffany L. Sabin, Dr. Barry Willardson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

G proteins participate in a myriad of cell signaling processes by shuttling information between cell surface receptors and intracellular effectors(1). The importance of G protein signaling is evidenced by the fact that ~5% of human genes encode G protein-coupled receptors, G protein subunits of effectors. Phosducin-like protein (PhLP) is a widely expressed protein with homology to the retinal photoreceptor protein phosducin(2). Like phosducin, PhLP binds G protein âã subunit complexes(3). Phosducin is believed to inhibit light signaling in photoreceptor cells as a part of the mechanism of light adaptation. Because of its homology to phosducin and its broad expression, PhLP …

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The Flavodoxin Reduced All-Ferrous Fe Protein In Nitrogenase, Tom Lowery Jr., Dr. Gerarld D. Watt Feb 2014

The Flavodoxin Reduced All-Ferrous Fe Protein In Nitrogenase, Tom Lowery Jr., Dr. Gerarld D. Watt

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Nitrogenase, an enzyme system found in a small, diverse group of diazotrophic microorganisms, is responsible for the natural reduction of atmospheric N2 to NH3. Nitrogenase plays a critical role in the earth’s nitrogen cycle and has therefore been a subject of intense study for over thirty five years. Nevertheless, detailed mechanistic explanations of in vivo nitrogenase catalysis remain ambiguous.1

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Use Of Gold Nanoparticles To Identify Targets Of Membrane-Active Steroid Antibiotics, Katie L. Jensen, Dr. Paul B. Savage Feb 2014

Use Of Gold Nanoparticles To Identify Targets Of Membrane-Active Steroid Antibiotics, Katie L. Jensen, Dr. Paul B. Savage

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Pathogenic bacterial resistance to antibiotics has risen sharply over the past two decades.1 This problem is compounded with Gram-negative bacteria, which, in addition to developing specific resistant mechanisms, also display membrane structures that are impermeable to many hydrophobic antibiotics. Thus, new antibiotics are needed that do not elicit the emergence of resistant organisms, especially against Gram-negative bacteria.

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Cellulose Acetate/Butyrate As A Support Polymer In Polymer Inclusion Membranes, Arlo Mcginn, Dr. John D. Lamb Feb 2014

Cellulose Acetate/Butyrate As A Support Polymer In Polymer Inclusion Membranes, Arlo Mcginn, Dr. John D. Lamb

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Developing efficient means of making chemical separations of solutions is a problem that has long concerned chemists. This ability to separate a solution into its individual components or selectively remove elements of the solution is helpful in the treatment and refinement of nuclear waste and other applications. Common processes in use today are time-consuming and cumbersome to perform. Because of these problems chemists have been interested in developing new methods and procedures for making chemical separations of solutions.

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Exploring Hyperspace With Raytracing And Transparency, Adam Wayment, Dr. Robert P. Burton Feb 2014

Exploring Hyperspace With Raytracing And Transparency, Adam Wayment, Dr. Robert P. Burton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Raytracing is a technique used by artists and scientists to generate computer imagery with a high degree of realism. Mathematicians have long established the ease and elegance of generating mathematical objects that exist in four or more dimensions. Because raytracing is an elegant abstraction of the process of representation, my aim is to show that raytracing may be extended to more than three dimensions so as to produce images that are consistent with the properties of dimensional space and vision.

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