2014 Abstracts

Tyler Harris, Brigham Young University Health Background

Jennifer Orton, Brigham Young University Health In contrast to the success of America’s vaccination rates among children, adult vaccination rates remain suboptimal. Some adults, such as school employees, are in a position where they can easily contract and spread vaccine-preventable communicable diseases, yet mandatory vaccinations are usually lacking in this population. Schools may easily become communicable disease outbreak centers, especially for highly contagious diseases such as measles and influenza. The purpose of this study was to evaluate why rural Utah school employees remain vaccinated for measles and influenza, as well as to discover the perceptions of these school employees regarding mandatory vaccination policies. Of the 835 respondents, 71.7% reported they received the measles vaccination as a child, although only 26.9% reported having a measles booster vaccine as an adult. When asked why they had not received the measles booster, 46% of participants stated they were unsure if they needed one. Other participants also reported lack of an adult measles booster vaccine because it was not required by the school district (5%) and that they did not perceive the need because they were healthy (5%). Even more concerning, over half of the school employees (51%) had not received their influenza vaccine for the current year. When questioned about their lack of influenza vaccination, 26.4% believed the vaccine was ineffective and 25.4% were noncompliant because they did not have the time to get the vaccination. When questioned about their perceptions regarding mandatory vaccine policies for school employees, four major themes emerged: 1) adults should retain agency; 2) vaccine effectiveness was not guaranteed; 3) adults do not need vaccinations; and 4) cost of vaccines. Further education is needed regarding the need for adult vaccinations, especially among school employees in rural Utah. To control the spread of communicable diseases, school districts may consider mandatory vaccination of school employees.

Bradley Weaver, University of Utah Health High-grade gliomas, especially glioblastoma (GBMs, WHO Grade IV), are the most common primary brain tumors in humans. Despite recent advances in molecular targeted therapies for cancer, there has been little progress in treatment of GBMs. Median patient survival after diagnosis is dismal: approximately 12 months. Hypoxia is a key clinical marker of GBMs, which contain pockets of necrotic and hypoxic regions within the solid tumor mass. The transcription factors in the Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) family are the master regulators of the cellular response to hypoxia. Their downstream targets include compounds that promote angiogenesis, increase glycolysis, and inhibit apoptosis. Recent research has identified glioma stem cells (GSCs) surviving within the hypoxic microenvironment, and has implicated HIF1α as a potential regulator of the GSC phenotype. GSCs are thought to promote therapeutic resistance and recurrence of GBMs after surgical resection. Clarifying the role of HIF1α in glioma stem cell dynamics is important for targeting both the tumor cells and their environment in new treatment. It is expected that GSC populations with more aggressive phenotypes will express higher levels of HIF1α and have higher proliferation rates under acute hypoxia. In this study, the HIF1α levels and proliferation dynamics of multiple, unique GSC cell lines are investigated. Cell lines used include two GSC lines isolated from primary patient tumors (NSC20/23) and a stem cell enriched high-grade glioma line. Preliminary results suggest that not all populations of GSCs respond the same way to hypoxic stress, and HIF1α may play a central role in stem cell dynamics, but not in the growth of non-stem tumor cells. Probing further into this relationship will increase our understanding of how brain tumors behave, and how to more effectively target them in patients. Further data and conclusions from this project will be available at the time of presentation.

Tyler Harris, Brigham Young University Health Background

Andrea Quiroz, Utah Valley University Health The stimulation and inhibition of tissue vascularization has important applications to tissue engineering and oncology. Approaches to quantitatively evaluate neovascularization in vivo in adult animals with differentiated tissue include both invasive methods that use an implanted or injury-induced matrix in the study organism, or noninvasive small animal imaging methods such as MRI, CT, and PET. The objective of this study was to determine if ultrasonic spectra in the 10-100 MHz range could be used as an in vivo neovascularization assay. Numerical simulations and phantoms were used as model systems to test the feasibility of the approach. The simulations modeled ultrasonic scattering from microscopic vascular networks using randomly oriented cylinders to represent blood vessels and cylindrical wave functions to represent ultrasonic waves. Phantoms were fabricated from a gelatin-soluble fiber mixture and agarose gel. The agarose gel was embedded in the gelatin-fiber in order to simulate vascular tissue. Ultrasonic tests were performed using two broadband ultrasonic transducers centered at 50 MHz. Pitch-catch data were collected and analyzed by calculating the peak density of the ultrasonic frequency spectrum, which is the number of peaks and valleys in the spectrum (a measure of the spectrum’s complexity). Control specimens were tested to determine the differences in the sound wave properties between the gelatin-fiber and the agarose gel. The controls demonstrated the instrument’s ability to differentiate between the two types of material. Measurements of agarose inclusions in the gelatin-fiber showed a significantly higher peak density than those for the control gelatin-fiber. These results indicate that the agarose gel structures are scattering sound to a greater extent than the gelatin-fiber alone. The results thus far have provided a strategy for proceeding with the project in the future. The phantoms will be refined and made more realistic to produce an adequate mimic for vascular tissue.

Brooke Wahlquist, Brigham Young University Health Exposure to the house dust mite (HDM) allergens Der p 1 and Der f 1 has been implicated in the development and exacerbation of asthma, the leading chronic disease among children in the U. S. Indoor relative humidity (RH) is the most important determinant of HDM growth in homes. HDM populations reach a maximum size at 85% RH but can survive at RH levels as low as 54 %. The RH in the commonly arid climate of the western U.S. is often below 55%, and as such, HDM exposure in these areas has not been viewed as a significant health concern. However, studies have shown that evaporative coolers, or “swamp coolers”, can increase indoor RH levels enough in arid climates to support HDM growth. In this study, we propose to evaluate the relationship between HDM allergen levels in the home and evaporative cooler use in 46 single family homes in Utah County. Homes will be recruited from among BYU employees based on the age of home as well as type of cooling system used (evaporative cooler (n = 23) vs. central air conditioning (n = 23)). Der p 1 and Der f 1 will be measured in homes by reservoir dust and area air sampling. Additionally, continuous RH measurements will be taken in the home over a 72-hour period in order to more fully characterize fluctuations in indoor humidity, and their relationship to HDM concentrations. Samples and RH measurements will be collected up to 3 times in each home over the course of 1 year. Samples will be analyzed in the laboratory using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect Der p 1 and Der f 1, and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect HDM DNA on air sample filters.

Breanne Woodbury, Dixie State University Health In this paper I will be discussing the health impacts of immunizations and how it affects the individual, the family, the community, and society. I will present information from both sides of the argument of immunizations, as well as my own conclusion on this controversial subject. Findings from leading experts in the medical field will be cited, including Dr. Paul Offit, co-inventor of vaccines and one of the most trusted advocates for vaccine safety, as well as award-winning scientific writer Seth Mnookin. Their research on vaccines, specifically the ingredients included in vaccines, possible side effects, and the nonexistent correlation between vaccines and autism, will support my thesis of vaccine safety and the need for immunizations. I will include current scientific studies which reveal the very serious results of a vaccine-free society and discuss the desperate need to change the anti-vaccine mindset. In conclusion, I will re-state, with supporting evidence, why immunization is absolutely crucial and why it plays a key role in the health of our society and in our personal daily living.

Alyssa Lark, Brigham Young University Health The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a community-based sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) program on sexual assault criminal case outcomes in Salt Lake County, Utah.

Erin Horton, Dixie State University Health OPUNTIA FICUS INDICA: RED BLOOD CELL VIABILITY AND AGGLUTINATION PROPERTIES

Sheri Casey, Utah Valley University Health Justification: According to many studies, low socioeconomics is positively correlated to sports participation. Little research explores the economic relationship correlated with youth sports.

Tim Smith, Brigham Young University Health Previous research studies have confirmed that life-threatening illness adversely impacts psychosocial well-being, from feelings of isolation and embarrassment to the onset of psychotic episodes and suicidality. To help patients cope with chronic and/or terminal symptoms, many healthcare providers advocate the benefits of social support groups as a palliative measure, such as weekly meetings of cancer patients. The rapid proliferation of such programs, as well as associated “survivor groups,” has attracted research attention, and the number of research studies on the topic is now substantial. The field would currently benefit from a quantitative synthesis of the extant findings. To systematically quantify the effect of such intervention groups on mortality (i.e., death rates), we undertook a meta-analysis of the research literature, comparing patient survival rates as a function of social interventions. Across 27 studies examined thus far, we encountered a surprising variability of intervention success in prolonging life. Although most intervention provided demonstrated evidence of increased survival rates among participants, several studies did not. Our presentation will discuss the implications of our findings for healthcare providers and pose questions that will need to be addressed in future research.

Brittni Carr, Brigham Young University Health Purpose/Aims: To examine religiosity and family hardiness in parents raising children with disabilities (CWD) to determine if there are differences according to parent gender and type of disability and if there is a relationship between the variables.

Matthew Mogensen, Southern Utah University Health The anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3) and their possible role in the regulation of asthma are promising for those suffering from the disease. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to the reduction of eicosanoids, which are signaling molecules that regulate the inflammatory response. Inflammation in the respiratory system is one of the most widespread symptoms of asthma and therefore poses the most risk to asthmatic individuals. This two phase study will test the effectiveness of n-3 in individuals with varying severities of asthma. In both stages of this study, a placebo or n-3 in the form of a krill oil capsule containing the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) will be administered, lung volumes and capacities will be measured weekly, and the frequency/severity of asthma attacks will be recorded. Phase one of the study will test whether n-3 reduces asthma symptoms with no activity modifications, while phase two will test whether n-3 is effective in reducing asthma symptoms associated with exercise. The two phases of the study will be separated in order to isolate the duration of n-3 ingestion as a variable in the experiment. As this is an ongoing experiment, results are not yet available. However, if n-3 is effective, we expect to see an increase in lung volume and a decrease in the frequency and severity of asthma attacks in individuals. These results would suggest that n-3 could be an effective and simple treatment that, when taken daily, could reduce the frequency/severity of asthma attacks and help improve quality of life for asthma sufferers.

Andrew Mackay Breivik, Utah Valley University Health The central research question of this project is to determine the reproducibility of high frequency (HF) ultrasonic signals in breast cancer detection. Previous studies on surgical specimens of breast tissue have shown that HF ultrasound (20-80 MHz) appears sensitive to a range of breast pathologies including fibroadenomas, atypical ductal hyperplasia, fibrocystic changes, and carcinomas. A measurement in the ultrasonic signal called the peak density appears most sensitive to the pathology of the breast. The reproducibility of this parameter has not been quantitatively measured in a comprehensive manner. In parallel to a clinical study being conducted at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, we are conducting a laboratory study of the reproducibility of these measurements using chicken and bovine tissue. The ability to reliably determine the pathology of breast tissue with a real-time intra-operative tool would greatly aid in the surgical removal of all malignant tissue, as well as greatly reduce the occurrences of repeat surgeries to remove margins of cancerous tissue that remained. The results of this study will reveal the degree of variability in the signals, thus supplementing previous studies as well as determining the reliability of the results from the current clinical study. The research methodology included the following. Fresh chicken breast and bovine tissue were cut into 4x3x0.5 cm and 4x3x1.5 cm cubes. The tissue was tested at room temperature (23.4oC) using HF ultrasound. Pitch-catch and pulse-echo waveforms were obtained in triplicate measurements of two types: Three measurements with the transducer not leaving the tissue, and three measurements with the transducer lifted off the tissue between measurements. A total of 640 measurements were acquired and analyzed to obtain the spectral peak densities. Preliminary results indicate that the measurements are reproducible to a statistically significant level, thus removing one possible source of uncertainty in the data.

Siena Davis, Brigham Young University Health In the U.S., exposure to radon gas (222Rn) is the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoke. 222Rn is a naturally occurring environmental carcinogen produced during the radioactive decay of uranium-238, which is found in many soils throughout the U.S. Because 222Rn is a gas, it has the ability to travel through the soil and into homes through cracks in foundation walls. Inhaled 222Rn has the potential to emit alpha radiation in the lungs, and long-term exposure is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the U.S. 222Rn is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, so the only way to know it is in a home is to test for it. Studies show that even in areas with high radon levels, homeowners frequently do not test or mitigate their homes as recommended. This study aims to understand the psychosocial factors that influence whether Utah residents perform radon testing and mitigation. Radon-related lung cancer deaths would be significantly reduced if the psychosocial factors that influence radon testing and mitigation were better understood and used to design and implement effective interventions. To understand the psychosocial factors that influence radon testing, we will survey residents (n = 50) of the county who come to UCHD specifically to purchase a radon test kit. The survey will be based on social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs. We will administer the same survey to a comparison group (n = 50). The comparison group for the study will be individuals who visit UCHD’s office of vital records. Individuals from the study group with indoor radon levels above 4 pCi/L will be contacted by telephone 30 – 60 days after testing to complete a second survey. This survey will measure SCT factors that influence participants’ actions to reduce radon levels in their home.

Ashley Ostler, Southern Utah University Health Research indicates that collegiate athletes may be at risk of developing disordered eating and other distorted behavioral patterns. This may be due, in part, to the aesthetic and performance demands of their sports. The purpose of this study is to discover if female athletes acquire increased negative views towards their body image and food due to the pressures of being a collegiate athlete at Southern Utah University (SUU). An anonymous survey was given to approximately 150 female athletes participating in a variety of sports inquiring about body perception and eating behaviors relative to their sport. The survey evaluates the athlete’s attitude toward food, their relationship with food, if there are outside influences that affect how they eat, and if they are satisfied with their weight. Athletic teams were chosen based on meeting two of the three following requirements: tryouts are held, scholarships are offered, and there are regular competitions or performances. Athletic teams involved in the survey include tennis, volleyball, track & field, cross country, softball, basketball, gymnastics, soccer, drill team, ballroom dance and cheer. The data will provide information regarding Southern Utah University female athlete’s body perceptions and eating behaviors. Results will be compared to a similar study conducted five years ago at SUU.

Taylor Colvin, Utah Valley University Health Introduction: There are millions of people in need of prosthetics worldwide and only a very small percentage currently have access to appropriate prosthetic care. As amputees are unable to afford a prosthetic, they are often incapable of maintaining many social interactions and provide for their basic needs. Utah Valley University’s Mobility Mission traveled to Guatemala to manufacture prosthetic limbs for those individuals in need. Our research can also encourage manufacturers to continue developing a better affordable prosthetic that can be donated to those amputees in need to restore quality of life to those individuals.

Josh Lee, Dixie State University Health According to the World Health Organization (2012), health care systems in Central America rank in the top 50% of the 190 ranked countries in the world, yet thousands of people are in need of simple medical attention and supplies every day in these areas. Countries such as Honduras lack virtually all access to health services, with 83% of the country’s population without health insurance, and 30% with no health care access at all (Pearson et al., 2012). To address this issue, a 2013 Dixie State University study conducted by the author, an Integrated Studies major with disciplinary emphases in Spanish and Biology, interviewed fifty adult Central American immigrants at a Southern Utah health care facility with the aim to providing student groups embarking on health service projects a researched list of vitally needed medical supplies. Participants in the study were asked to provide information regarding their health care experiences in their countries of origin and draw upon their comparative experiences with health care in the United States in order to determine areas of need. The forty individuals in this study represented a total of seven Central American countries and the interviews were conducted in Spanish and translated into English. The interviews were conducted over an 8-week period of time and results suggested that diabetes, cold, flu, antibiotics, and anti diarrhea medicines and supplies are a few of the needed health care items in these neighboring countries. Although statistical significance was not a feature of this study due to the number of participants, significant consistencies in responses by former residents of a variety of Central American countries suggested that some medical needs are regionally shared and that larger scale follow-up studies may reliably identify these as key resources for student medical delegations traveling to Central America.

Stephen Clarkson, Brigham Young University Health While there is an abundance of mobile health apps for weight management on the market today, almost all focus entirely on net caloric intake (exercise minus calories consumed). Recording daily caloric intake can be cumbersome, inefficient and inaccurate. One rising suggestion in the health field for reaching weight goals is objectively recording hand-to-mouth movements (HTMMs) during meals throughout the day. This method focuses entirely on portion control and if any improvements are to be made in this area, an effective method of activity recognition must be developed. In this paper, we report our efforts to classify HTMMs and non-HTMMs in an effort to automate counting the number of HTMMs during meals throughout the day. We also report on the performance of several base-level classifiers such as k-NN, Naive Bayes and Decision Trees as well as meta-level classifiers (Voting, Bagging and Boosting).

McKay Frandsen, Utah Valley University Health INTRODUCTION

Emily Matson, Brigham Young University Health Cancer, despite its common association with old age, is a leading cause of death for children age 1-14, second only to unintentional injuries. Improvements in diagnosis and treatment are increasing childhood cancer survival, and more research is needed on the risk of subsequent cancer following an initial diagnosis, of either the same or another site. Research on associations between childhood and secondary cancers may improve patient follow-up by providing health professionals with information about which subsequent cancers are likely to occur, which screenings to conduct and what symptoms to look for.

Wesley Tietjen, Dixie State University Health High risk sexual behaviors, such as having unprotected sex, are a community health concern because of the heightened susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases. An estimated 19.7 million people are newly infected with a sexually transmitted disease annually. Young people (ages 15-24) account for nearly half of all new incidences (CDC, 2008). Considering these statistics, the author, a Dixie State University Integrated Studies undergraduate student, conducted an interdisciplinary study to determine the correlation between the degree of self-reported religious devotion of Latter Day Saint (LDS) singles and their likelihood of purchasing or using protection during premarital intercourse. Seventy five students attending Dixie State University in Saint George, Utah participated in this study. Participants completed a 15-item survey consisting of questions inquiring how religious they consider themselves and their feelings towards premarital sex. Of the non-married participants who engage in sex, only 28% (n=4) of LDS respondents reported consistent use of birth control, compared to 84% (n=16) of non-LDS individuals. These results are suggestively significant and are consistent with findings from studies conducted by Douglas Kirby (2007) and others who have demonstrated that teaching abstinence, without providing education about birth control methods other than abstinence, leaves individuals unprepared to practice safe sex if the occasion arises. The relevance of the Dixie State University study to previous more broadly conceived research will be presented along with recommendations for future research.

Elise Corbett, Brigham Young University Health Background

Paydon Newman, Dixie State University Health Several studies (Shepley, 2012; Sherman-Bien, 2011; Walch, 2010) have found that sunlight has a stress-reducing effect on those who are exposed to it. An innovative new design of artificial lighting known as RaLight is proposed to reflect light with a color rendering index nearly identical to natural sunlight. This study will examine the relationship between exposure to RaLight (as a substitute for sunlight) and levels of stress. RaLight is predicted to decrease levels of stress in test subjects. In several hospice facilities, test subjects will consist of an estimated 100 patients both male and female with ages ranging from 65 to 85 years. This research is designed as a single subject experiment (ABA). The initial control condition will be the common indoor environment which exposes patients to standard fluorescent lighting. Replacing light fixtures with RaLight will then establish both the second phase of the experiment and the independent variable. A follow up re-installment of the initial fluorescent lighting will be conducted post-RaLight phase. Throughout each phase, questionnaires regarding the overall well-being of patients will be completed by hospice staff.

Rhett Thomson, Utah Valley University Health Previous studies have shown high-frequency (HF) ultrasound may be sufficiently sensitive to detect and differentiate between both the histopathology and molecular subtypes of breast cancer. The goal of this study was to test the boundaries of HF ultrasonic testing methods. The parameter of interest was the effect of formalin fixation on tissue samples. Formalin has been found to stiffen tissues. Since ultrasound is sensitive to histological properties such as stiffness and adhesion factors, stiffening caused by fixation may compromise the results of the HF ultrasound analysis. This study monitored potential changes to HF measurements caused by tissue fixation. The fixation solution used was 10% neutral buffered formalin. The same formalin solution is used by hospitals after breast conserving surgery (BCS) to prepare and preserve excised tissue specimens for pathology. If no change in HF ultrasound analysis is detected in tissue samples before or after fixation, prepared tissue specimens from BCS patients may be used as viable samples for HF ultrasonic testing. Twenty tissue samples were used in this study. All samples were excised from the cortex, medulla, or ureter of a fresh cow kidney. Samples were tested with HF ultrasound. Testing conditions and procedures were identical to previous breast cancer tests. HF ultrasonic testing was completed at the zero hour mark and then repeated at five successive time intervals during fixation. Data collected from each sample was compared across all time intervals to detect any changes caused by fixation. Analysis of the data showed no significant changes in HF readings before, during, or after fixation up to 17 hours. Any variations observed were within experimental error. These findings demonstrate that formalin fixation does not affect the accuracy of HF ultrasonic testing techniques on bovine tissue samples. To reinforce the findings, this study will be repeated using different types of tissues.

Lucas Lloyd, Utah Valley University Physical Sciences The high cost of air quality monitoring stations makes it difficult for citizens or local governments to monitor air quality in their own neighborhoods. For example, Utah County, Utah, with an area of 2141 mi2, has only four air-quality monitoring stations: (1) north Provo close to both Provo High School and Brigham Young University (2) Spanish Fork Airport (3) near State Street in Lindon (4) just south of SR-92 on 6000 W in Highland. The air-quality stations monitor levels of CO, NO2, O3, PM-2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns), and PM-10. The objective of this study is to find a much cheaper method of measuring air quality. The objective was addressed by measuring the magnetic susceptibilities of 10 replicates each of the leaves of 12 species of trees (cypress, crab apple, elm, flowering pear, green ash, honey locust, linden, Norway maple, pine, red maple, Russian olive, spruce) collected within a two-mile radius of each of the four air-quality monitoring stations in Utah County. After air-drying and crushing the samples, both low-frequency (0.46 kHz) and high-frequency (4.6 kHz) magnetic susceptibilities were measured with the Bartington MS3 Magnetic Susceptibility Meter. The best correlations between tree leaf magnetic susceptibilities and air-quality parameters were between the three-year average of PM-2.5 and the high-frequency magnetic susceptibility of leaves of pine (Pinus aristata) (R2 = 0.87) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides) (R2 = 0.86). The correlation was used with measured high-frequency magnetic susceptibilities of pine to estimate PM-2.5 in two unmonitored locations heavily impacted by highway traffic (corner of 800 N and I-15 and corner of University Parkway and I-15, both in Orem, Utah) on one day in August 2013. It was found that estimated levels of PM-2.5 were 9.5 µg/cm3 and 8.9 µg/cm3, respectively, which were within the EPA PM-2.5 Standard of 12.0 µg/cm3.

Frederickk Sudbury, University of Utah Physical Sciences Triphenylphosphine stabilized gold nanoparticles were synthesized using a method developed previously by the Jennifer Shumaker-Parry group. Aminated silica colloids were obtained from the Ilya Zharov group. The gold nanoparticles were adhered to the silica colloids using a method developed for another purpose by the Zharov group. The presence of the particles on the silica colloids was confirmed using both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The catalytic activity of the gold nanoparticles both with and without adhesion was investigated. It was found that free nanoparticles had significant catalytic activity, in agreement with previous research. Gold nanoparticles attached to silica colloids do not seem to exhibit the same level of catalytic activity as the free particles. It was also found that not all the gold nanoparticles adhered to the surface of the silica particles. Experiments were conducted to determine if there was a critical concentration of silica colloids that would allow for high levels of adhesion of the gold nanoparticles. It was found that only by adding a significant excess of silica colloids to the solution can all the gold nanoparticles be removed from the solution. It was also found that the silica can be saturated with gold nanoparticles by including a small amount of them in a very concentrated gold nanoparticle solution. Further studies for functionalization of the silica colloids and the ability to physically isolate the silica with gold nanoparticles from free nanoparticles are currently in progress.

Benjamin Pound, Utah State University Physical Sciences Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Forests are vertically grown carbon nanotubes. They can be as tall as millimeters, with radii from less than one nanometer (single-walled) to tens of nanometers (multi-walled). Their high surface area to volume ratio provides a unique material system for biosensor applications. However, the CNT surface does not provide covalent bonding sites to many antibodies of interest. One approach is to attach linker molecules with aromatic rings via π-stacking to the CNT surface and activating the linker molecules to bind covalently to specific antibody molecules. Unfortunately, the conventional solution-based functionalization approach often leads to collapse of the CNT forest and hence a significant loss of binding sites. In this presentation we demonstrate that CNTs can be lithographically defined to form various structures that are resistant to liquid-induced collapse. We show that the CNT forest can be functionalized with 1,5-diaminonaphthalene as a linker molecule and its coverage can be characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy.

Alexandra Kent, University of Utah Physical Sciences Prescription drug overdose and abuse is a leading cause of death in the United States. It is a serious issue and has become increasingly problematic as opioids are being prescribed at a higher frequency. For this reason, fast, accurate detection of small drug molecules is crucial. The current standard for use in clinical drug detection is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that uses a series of antibodies to bind to the target drug and enable quantification via a colorimetric output. However, the antibodies used in an ELISA often cannot distinguish between similar molecules. Aptamers are short sequences of DNA that have emerged as a promising alternative to antibodies, as they are generated in vitro, where negative selections can be used to increase target selectivity. These aptamers can be cleaved to make split aptamers that only assemble in the presence of the target small molecule. One inherent problem of this system is the need for split aptamers that are selective for their small molecule targets. While there are many known aptamers, there are only a few known split aptamers that bind small molecules. Separating aptamers with a privileged, three-way-junction structure provides a reliable method to generate new split aptamers.

Jazmin Myres, Brigham Young University Physical Sciences In scan-based array measurements, stationary reference sensors are needed to temporally correlate the different measurement scans and produce coherent complex pressure fields. Because the number of references required increases with the number of subsources contributing to the sound field, an extended, partially correlated source comprising many ill-defined sources can result in significantly increased measurement complexity. A different approach to creating spatiotemporally coherent pressures is demonstrated here. Scan based measurements of a partially coherent line source have been taken in an anechoic chamber. This experimental data has been used to explore “stitching” together a complex pressure field by spatially overlapping measurement scans instead of using separate reference channels. Various methods of stitching have been explored and the most robust method identified. Unwrapping of intrascan phases is first accomplished with a two-dimensional phase unwrapping algorithm. Individual scan positions are then stitched together using median phase differences between multiple adjacent scans to create coherent planes of data. Amplitude-stitching is done by averaging across scans and preserving the integrated squared pressure across the overall aperture. This method has been verified using reference microphones. This stitching method has been applied to scan based measurements of a military aircraft, exhibiting its effectiveness dealing with a partially correlated complicated source. This method works well for low-frequency jet data, where there is not a ground-based interference null creating a physical phase discontinuity. This technique provides direction for efficient experimental design for scan-based array measurements of extended sources. [Work sponsored by ONR.]

Buchanan Kerswell, Utah Valley University Physical Sciences This project is designed to investigate anthropogenic impacts on the geochemistry and physical characteristics of Utah Lake-Jordan River transition zone, in Utah Valley, Utah. The zone has experienced dramatic, multifaceted shifts since European settlement in 1847, especially in recent decades. Our chosen study location is uniquely situated to capture changes recorded in the sediment cores due to land use, nutrient enrichment, vegetation shifts and river dynamics since pre-settlement.

Phillip Lundgreen, Utah State University Physical Sciences By developing a low-noise, high-voltage battery power supply, system noise has been reduced, increasing accuracy of conductivity measurements of highly disordered insulating materials. The method involves a simple parallel plate capacitor setup with the sample sandwiched between electrodes, a voltage potential applied to one electrode, and a measurement device applied to the back electrode measuring current. Previous methods involved use of a commercial power supply with a claimed low noise and high linearity, but with a low AC output ripple. At high voltages (1000 V), however, the noise became apparent in the readings and an unacceptable uncertainty was introduced in our precision conductivity measurements. Through the use of a stable dc battery high-voltage power supply, we were able to reduce noise in current measurements and achieve a more accurate measurement of conductivity for various samples.

Nathaniel Wells, Utah Valley University Physical Sciences Previous research with bottle-shaped thermoacoustic prime movers has revealed hysteresis with transitions to higher modes as the cavity length is varied. A string with an abrupt change in mass density was studied to investigate potentially similar behavior. Three base guitar strings were studied at three different tensions with weights of 25, 30, and 35 lbs. Each string consisted of a “thin side” that was stripped to the stainless steel core and a “thick side” with an outer wrapping of nickel around the core. The strings studied had diameters of 0.65, 0.45, and 0.50 mm on the thin side and 2.14, 1.31, and 1.24 mm on the thick side, respectively. An anchor was attached on one end of a short board with a pulley at the other for hanging the weight. The end of the thick side of the string was attached to the anchor, and the string was guided over the pulley, with the change in mass density occurring approximately 12 cm from the pulley. Measurements were taken after placing a glass jar under the thick end of the string, between 42 cm and the position of the change in mass density, in 3-cm steps. The string was plucked and the dominant frequency was recorded with a microphone at each location. Frequency data is generally consistent with a solution to a 1D wave equation. Preliminary results indicate mode transitions occurring for all strings, with several hysteresis region candidates.

Zachary Anderson, Brigham Young University Physical Sciences Correlation analysis is useful in extracting spatiotemporal relationships between signals and can be used to examine features of near-field jet noise for source properties. Characteristic correlation envelopes determined by Harker et al. [JASA 133, EL458 (2013)] can be used to relate correlation lengths to fine and large-scale turbulent structures. As an extension, cross-correlation shows spatial variation in jet noise and further reveals the transition between short (fine-scale) and long (large-scale) correlation lengths. These analyses are applied to a military jet dataset of a ground based linear microphone array positioned 11.6 m from the jet axis. Correlation analyses over multiple engine conditions and observation directions are reported. In particular, a maximum correlation coefficient greater than 0.5 exists over a range spanning multiple wavelengths in the region of greatest overall sound pressure level at military power. [Work supported by ONR.]

Ian Sohl, University of Utah Physical Sciences Current software in the High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) Telescope data collection system only triggers saving of events that pass a specified number of hits and energy. Our analysis of the untriggered (and unsaved) data will identify the number of potentially significant events that are bypassed by the existing software. By the application of a sorting function onto current Monte Carlo generated data, we can categorize incoming events into various types of particles, primarily muons, while also filtering out randomized noise from the photomultiplier tubes used in HAWC. Due to the relatively low rate and energy of the photomultiplier tube noise, many of the significant events for the untriggered set are potential useful particles. Our triggering algorithm, based on the energy, timing and saturation of the tanks is primarily focused on separating muons from the bulk of data. These raw rate data for small events are a relatively unexplored area for HAWC and measurements can be useful for a variety of calibration tasks for the telescope. They can be useful for understanding the impact of the atmosphere on the telescope’s data collection, as well as the triggering of the photomultiplier tubes through secondary sources. This untriggered data can also be used in a variety of useful forms not directly related to HAWC’s primary usage goals, primarily solar physics. Due to the relatively low energy and hit count from solar events, most of the data are thrown away by the triggering algorithm.

Mallory Millington, University of Utah Physical Sciences Groundwater in the western United States is a limited and important resource for agriculture, industry, and residents alike. Knowing the movement of groundwater is critical to understanding the potential of groundwater contamination from human activities. While groundwater flow is difficult to quantify, it typically recharges in high elevation and discharges towards lower elevation. The first commercially-approved tar sands mine in eastern Utah is located on a ridgetop in the PR Spring area within the high plateaus on the south rim of the Uinta Basin. To evaluate the potential of groundwater contamination due to tar sands mining a study was conducted to understand groundwater flow in the PR Spring area, specifically the canyon directly south of the tar sands mine called Main Canyon. Water samples were taken from four groundwater springs at elevations ranging from 7040 to 8040 ft in or near Main Canyon. Water quality measurements taken in the field showed that the lower springs exhibited higher conductivity (900 vs. 636 μS/cm) and lower dissolved oxygen (30% vs. 88% saturation) than the higher elevation springs. This suggests that the lower springs have had a greater amount of water-rock interaction and so are chemically more evolved than the springs at higher elevations. SF6 age dating indicated that the high elevation springs are younger than the lower elevation springs, 5.5 vs. 16.0 years since recharge respectively. The field parameters and SF6 age data all indicate that higher elevation springs are younger and less chemically evolved than the water at lower elevations. This indicates that the springs in Main Canyon are sourced from local recharge at the ridgetops. Given these findings the tar sands mine should consider taking preventative measures to protect groundwater resources.

Yonic Michaca, Utah Valley University Physical Sciences It is well known that some of the worst air pollution in the country each winter is found along the Wasatch front in northern Utah. This study examines the effects of environmental pollutants on the production of the novel compounds produced by the endophytes found in Rumex crispus. The Rumex crispus plant was selected due to its natural medicinal uses. It is anticipated that environmental pollutants have an effect on the production of bioactive compounds in order to protect their plant host from foreign pathogens. The theory is that the more stressful environment a plant lives in, i.e. desert climates, high altitude, and man-induced stresses such as pollution, the more bioactive compounds the endophytes produce as a response to protect their plant host. This study analyzes the effects of environmental pollutants along the Wasatch front on the production of novel bioactive compounds produced by the endophytes found in Rumex crispus. Plant samples are also collected from sites near the Wasatch front, but they are not exposed to the same amount of air pollution to be used as a control.

Ting Ruan, University of Utah Physical Sciences Cardiovascular complications are more prevalent in patients with diet-induced obesity and type 2 diabetes. Both of these conditions are associated with elevated levels of free fatty acids (FFAs). Elevated FFAs might precipitate cardiovascular complications by disrupting endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) enzyme function. The physiologically abundant saturated FFA palmitate decreases eNOS phosphorylation at serine 1177 (p-eNOS S1177) in a ceramide and protein-phosphatase 2A (PP2A) -dependent manner. p-eNOS S1177 is a positive regulatory site on the eNOS enzyme. As such, p-eNOS S1177 to total eNOS can be used as an estimate of eNOS enzyme function. We sought to determine the extent to which two other phosphatases that are abundant in the cytosol i.e., protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B) might contribute to palmitate-induced reductions in p-eNOS S1177 to total eNOS. Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were treated for 3 hours with 500 uM palmitate or vehicle in the absence and presence of the PP1 inhibitor tautomycin (3 uM). p-eNOS S1177 to total eNOS was assessed using immunoblotting procedures. Palmitate-induced reductions (30±3%, p<0.05, n=3) in p-eNOS to total eNOS were similar in the absence and presence of tautomycin. These data indicate that PP1 does not contribute to palmitate-induced disruption of eNOS enzyme function. Next, BAECs were treated for 3 hours with 500 uM palmitate or vehicle in the absence and presence of the PP2B inhibitor cyclosporine (100nM). Palmitate-induced reductions (31±4%, p<0.05, n=3) in p-eNOS to total eNOS were similar in the absence and presence of cyclosporine. Taken together, these data suggest that neither PP1 nor PP2B contribute to palmitate-induced reductions in p-eNOS S1177 to total eNOS.

Kip Brower, Utah Valley University Physical Sciences Juniperus osteoperma has been reported to exhibit beneficial pharmacological activity against symptoms of diabetes, as a traditional treatment for kidney ailment and the essential oil of juniper berries has also been subject to investigation for antioxidant activities. Endophytes, particularly endophytic fungi, have produced numerous novel bioactive compounds, several of which are currently used as antifungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer agents in organisms other than their plant hosts. This investigation looks into the possibility of endophytic fungi being a means of producing compounds that may be a functioning agent in antioxidant, antifungal, or hyper/hypoglycemic activities of Juniperus osteoperma. The investigation involves samples of Juniperus osteoperma collected from multiple different locations within Utah, and isolates the resident endophytic fungi.

Stephen Erickson, Brigham Young University Physical Sciences “The spherical protein ferritin has often been used to fabricate nanoparticles of various shapes and compositions with its walls. Ferritin occurs naturally with a ferrihydrite (FeOOH) mineral core, but it has also been used to synthesize nanoparticles of several other semiconductors. While the methods for creating these nanoparticles within ferritin are well established, the characterization of such nanoparticles is not. Previous studies on native ferrihydrite core ferritin disagree on the band gap, giving values anywhere from 1.1-3.5 eV, depending on the method. We have used absorption spectroscopy to measure these band gaps with an unprecedented accuracy of up to .01 eV. This method also allowed us to determine that ferrihydrite nanoparticles are indirect gap semiconductors. By employing this method on particles of various sizes, we have shown the effects of quantum confinement, resulting in variations in the band gap. We also provided the first ever direct evidence that ferritin works to crystalize its core with time, an effect that has long been theorized but never observed. By characterizing the effect of size and time on nanoparticle band gap, we have shown the potential for selectively tuning that gap. This opens up a world of possible applications in light harvesting and photo detectors. By controlling the band gap, we will be able to select which wavelengths of light are absorbed, allowing for full spectrum photovoltaic cells and wavelength specific optical detectors. Future studies will focus on nanoparticles of other metal hydroxides and various anion replacements to further expand our tunable range of band gaps.

Byron Millet, Weber State University Physical Sciences The relative solvolysis rates of norbornenyl derivatives have been of interest. To date, only one other norbornenyl compound has been found that solvolyzes slower than anti-7-norbornene. It has been suggested that through-space interactions between π-bonds plays a significant role in stabilizing the carbocations. However, through-space interactions do not account for the similar observed solvolysis rates of nearly identical compounds both with and without adjacent π-bonds. Studies have shown that the stability of these compounds is significantly affected by σ-bond interactions. We report on our current computational study of the relative energies of several norbornenyl compounds with and without adjacent π-bonds to evaluate both π-bond and σ-bond effects on the stability of the norbornenyl cations. The effect of a ketone functional group on the relative stability of the carbocation is also analyzed. The literature solvolysis rates of the various norbornenyl derivatives and the stability of their respective cations is compared. With some exceptions, a correlation was found between the stability of a derivative’s carbocation and its respective rate of solvolysis.

Nicholas Labrum, Utah State University Physical Sciences Increasing concerns on the anthropogenic climate change, rising global energy demands, and diminishing fossil fuels have urged the search of alternative carbon-neutral and sustainable energy resources, among which solar energy stands out as the most promising target since it is the largest exploitable resource. However, its nature of diurnal variation, intermittence, and unequal distribution requires efficient and cost-effective capture, conversion, and storage. Generation of chemical fuels, such as hydrogen, from solar energy input represents an appealing approach to meet this goal. An ideal scheme would tap hydrogen from the splitting of water with concomitant evolution of oxygen. Due to the nature of the four-proton and four-electron process, water oxidation is the bottle neck of the overall water splitting process. Nature catalyzes water oxidation using an oxygen evolving complex (OEC) in photosystem II. This project aims at mimicking the OEC to prepare and investigate bimetallic Mn-Ca catalysts for water oxidation catalysis. Calcium has been reported to be critical in water oxidation by OEC, however its functional role has not been well studied. By positioning a calcium atom in the second coordination sphere of manganese in molecular scaffolds, we are able to systematically study the functional role of calcium at the molecular level. Our project will prompt the development of water oxidation catalysis and benefit artificial photosynthesis at large.

Jeremiah Rundall, Utah Valley University Physical Sciences Utah Valley University has a long-term program of groundwater development in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, in cooperation with Choice Humanitarian. Thus far, we have drilled a successful 50-m well in basalt and an unsuccessful 22-m well in rhyolite. Well sites have been chosen based on spring locations and fracture traces (linear features as seen on aerial photos). The objective of this study is to measure and model the geoelectric and magnetic characteristics of fracture traces as a means of determining which fracture traces are most indicative of actual fractured rock. Thus far, studies have been carried out on 20 fracture traces in rhyolite in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, six fracture traces in rhyolite/diorite/monzonite of the La Sal Intrusives in the La Sal Mountains of Utah, and one fracture trace in rhyolite of the Soldiers Pass Formation west of Utah Lake. The total magnetic field has been measured at about 1-m spacing along profiles perpendicular to fracture traces using the Geometrics G-856 Proton Precession Magnetometer. Geoelectric soundings for resistivity, chargeability and self-potential have been carried out both on and off fracture traces using the Iris Instruments Syscal Junior Resistivity Meter with the Schlumberger array parallel to the fracture trace at spacings in the range AB/2 = 2.29-137 m. Geoelectric profiles have been carried out perpendicular to fracture traces (array parallel to the fracture trace) at spacings AB/2 = 15.2 m and 137 m. Geoelectric and magnetic modeling is being carried out using the 1X2D-GM Magnetic Interpretation Software and the 1X1D Sounding Inversion Software. Preliminary results indicate that some fracture traces are associated with both magnetic and electrical resistivity lows consistent with intermediate depth (~ 50 m) fractured rock, although not all fracture traces have these characteristics. Further results will be reported at the meeting.

Greg Carling, Brigham Young University Physical Sciences Wyoming the second most glaciated state in the lower 48 United States has seen drastic changes in the size of its glaciers. Glaciers in high elevation ecosystems of Grand Teton National Park are not anywhere near to the size that they were 100 years ago. The glaciers continue to decrease in size every day. As the environment changes the glaciers change in size and can be affected by many factors in the environment. Deposition of particulate matter from the atmosphere into the glaciers occurs as pollution is becoming worse and more common. Studies done throughout the world have shown that glaciers can act as a source for mercury and other trace metal elements in high elevation ecosystems. Through the assistance of the UW-NPS Research Station Dr. Greg Carling of BYU and his team of graduate and undergraduate assistants retrieved 100 glacial melt water samples from the Middle Teton, and Teepee Glaciers and stream sites in Garnet Canyon, and from the Teton Glacier in the Glacier Gulch area. In the data analysis completed up until this point, concentrations of various trace elements have found in sample sites in close proximity to the Middle and Teton glaciers on the glacial moraine. We hypothesize that these glaciers act as a source for mercury and trace elements that can then be transported to lower elevation ecosystems within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Christopher Clements, Utah Valley University Physical Sciences DWR operates the Springville Fish Hatchery raises rainbow trout for stocking lakes and ponds. Since February 2011 the hatchery has observed excessive physical activity among the trout, including jumping out of raceways onto the concrete walkways. Excessive physical activity can result from free carbon dioxide levels above 10 ppm and free carbon dioxide levels in the hatchery water have been measured as high as 17 ppm. They have added some treatment processes before it enters the hatchery and greatly reduced the food intake of the trout, which increase costs and reduce production. This has reduced free carbon dioxide levels to only 15 ppm. The objective of this study is to determine the source of elevated free carbon dioxide and recommend solutions for the problem. The water source for the hatchery is a shallow pond, which is fed by 16 springs, both warm and cold. The objective is being addressed by measuring discharge from each spring and collecting water samples for measurement of free carbon dioxide in addition to other common stressors of rainbow trout. Free carbon dioxide, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen are being measured on-site, while hardness, nitrite, ammonia, copper, iron and zinc are being measured. Free carbon dioxide levels at some warm springs have been measured as high as 25 ppm. Mixing calculations will be carried out to determine whether the discharge and water quality of each spring is consistent with the water quality currently entering the hatchery and whether the removal of one or more springs would result in sufficient water within the acceptable ranges for rainbow trout. If calculations estimate free carbon dioxide significantly lower than the measured free carbon dioxide in the water entering the hatchery, it is possible that additional elevated free carbon dioxide results from the decay of organic matter.

Brandon B Davis, Utah Valley University Physical Sciences A recent study (Ferreira 2013) examined concentrations of fluvial As and transition metals associated with As in Provo and American Fork Rivers, which flow westward across the Wasatch Range and drain into Utah Lake. Within Utah Valley average fluvial As for Provo River (As= 0.342 mg/L) and American Fork River (As= 0.152 mg/L) exceeded the EPA standards for freshwater streams for acute exposure (As= 0.340 mg/L) and chronic exposure (As = 0.150 mg/L), respectively. The objective of this study is to determine whether elevated levels of As and other heavy metals also occur in shallow groundwater in Utah Valley. The objective is being addressed by analyzing water samples from the “backyard wells” in Utah Valley, shallow (depths < 10 m), hand-dug wells which many residents maintain as their "emergency water supply" or for small scale agriculture. Since nearly all backyard wells are unregistered, they are being sought through conversations with water departments, real estate listings and local residents. Water and sediment samples are also being collected from American Fork River, Hobble Creek, Provo River and Spanish Fork River, which drain into Utah Lake. Samples are being analyzed for nitrate, phosphate and sulfate using the Hach DR-2700 Spectrophotometer, while the PerkinElmer Optima 8000 ICP-OES is being used to measure for As, the transition elements Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn, and other associated elements Ag, Cd, Pb and Ti. Preliminary results indicate that shallow groundwater As in the American Fork watershed is much lower (mean As= 0.0022 mg/L) than fluvial As and an excellent negative correlation (R2 = 0.83) between groundwater As and Ti. It is suggested that TiO2, which may originate in the Cottonwood Stock in the American Fork watershed, may play a role in the demobilization of groundwater As. Further results will be reported at the meeting.

Joshua Wallace, University of Utah Physical Sciences We study the effect of the circum-galactic gas environment on the observed Lyman-alpha emission from Lyman-alpha emitting galaxies. These galaxies are primarily high-redshift star-forming galaxies that are important in understanding both galaxy and universe evolution. The Lyman-alpha photons emitted from these galaxies should hold valuable clues about the general environmental properties (such as gas velocity, density, and distribution) around galaxies, since the photons can be strongly affected and scattered by the neutral hydrogen atoms that make up the majority of the gas. However, explaining exactly how a galaxy’s environment affects its Lyman-alpha emission is very complex and currently cannot be predicted with complete certainty — every time a Lyman-alpha photon interacts with a hydrogen atom, its direction and frequency are changed, which in turn affects how far it will travel before the next interaction. We study the environmental effects on Lyman-alpha emission properties by applying Monte Carlo Lyman-alpha radiative transfer modeling to simple analytic models and find an important role of the anisotropic distribution of gas in determining the observed photometric and spectral properties of Lyman-alpha emission. We further perform a detailed investigation by applying the radiative transfer modeling to realistic star-forming galaxies in high-resolution cosmological galaxy formation simulation. From our analysis so far, we find the Lyman-alpha emission from the models shows a strong dependence on viewing angle, as well as correlations between observed spectral features and environmental conditions. We plan to model and analyze a large sample of simulated galaxies to better describe and statistically quantify the above dependence and correlations. Our study will lead to a better understanding of the effects galaxy environment on the observed Lyman-alpha emission and in turn provide a theoretical guide on how to use observed Lyman-alpha emission to learn about the environments of star-forming galaxies and hence galaxy formation and evolution.

Tyler Jones, Brigham Young University Physical Science This project takes advantage of an inexpensive integrated circuit to create a wavelength meter. The circuit has an array of photodiodes, each of which has an optical filter of a different color. The filters cause each diode to respond differently to different wavelengths of light. The relative amplitudes of the signals are then used to compute a wavelength based on known responses for various wavelengths recorded in a calibration stage. The project focuses on improving precision of the hardware and developing an algorithm to do the computation.

Stephen Ruegg, University of Utah Physical Sciences The Black Peaks Formation (BPF) from the Tornillo Group in Big Bend National Park (BBNP) is comprised of a series of stacked paleosols and sandstone channels deposited by a fluvial system in a sub-tropical intramountain basin during the Laramide orogeny. Paleosols constituting the BPF display alternating drainage and development conditions. The BPF is bounded by the Late Cretaceous Javelina Formation and the Early Eocene Canoe Formation and is therefore thought to be of Paleocene age (65.5-55.8 million years ago). The BPF is an interesting target for paleoenvironmental reconstruction because little data have been generated from the Paleocene for sub-tropical regions, limiting the validation of global climate model predictions in these regions. However, previous attempts to resolve the age of the formation using biostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy and chemostratigraphy gave ambiguous results limiting the potential of the BPF for paleoenvironmental reconstruction. We analyzed the carbon isotope ratio (δ13C ) of carbonate nodules collected from pedologically distinct paleosols throughout the BPF. δ13C of carbonates nodules found in reduced black paleosols are systematically 3-4‰ lower than δ13C from non-black paleosols from neighboring stratigraphic intervals. We hypothesize that this isotopic difference is related to the lower contribution of atmospheric CO2 to soil CO2 in water-logged and/or poorly drained black soils. Large-scale stratigraphic patterns of carbon isotope variations in carbonate nodules from non-black paleosols throughout the BPF strongly resemble well-documented secular changes in δ13C values of marine carbonates for the Paleocene. Several recognizable features are present in both curves, including the Paleocene Carbon Isotope Maximum (PCMI) and possibly the Late Danian carbon isotope excursion (LDE). These features provide a new basis for correlation of the BPF to the global geological timescale, and suggest that the Formation preserves a 6 million year record of deposition and paleoenvironmental conditions spanning the majority of Paleocene time (63-57 million years ago).

Christopher Mansfield, Westminster College Physical Science The method currently used to measure monomethylmercury (MMHg) in natural waters involves a lengthy distillation step in order to remove certain ions and dissolved organic matter that have been reported to interfere with the subsequent reaction in which MMHg is ethylated. It has recently been reported that the analysis of MMHg in seawater by direct ethylation was successfully carried out, thus removing the day-long distillation. However, the effect of many potential interfering ions and compounds on this method have not been characterized, and it has not been tested for use in natural freshwaters or the hypersaline waters of the Great Salt Lake. Thus, these became the two goals of this project. We found that optimal ethylation conditions included buffering samples to pH 4.0-4.1, reducing the amount of sodium tetraethylborate, adding EDTA to complex interfering trace metals, and adding chloride to overcome interferences by thiols and organic matter. We have since employed this improved method to analyze MMHg in natural water samples from fresh and saline lakes, achieving > 90% MMHg spike recoveries without the use of distillation.