2014 Abstracts

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.]

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.

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.

Jasmine K Bishop, University of Utah Physical Sciences In my presentation, I will discuss the method of creating insulating gaskets for high pressure experiments using diamond anvil cells. In standard diamond anvil cell pressure experiments, metal gaskets are typically employed. However, in order to study the electric and magnetic properties of a sample without worrying about interference of the metal gasket itself, insulating gaskets are used. The insulating material needs to be ductile and yet hard enough to maintain a certain level of structure. Epoxy is ideal for ductility but is not hard enough to maintain a diamond indent under pressures generated by diamond anvil cells. When mixed with a diamond powder however, the mixture is both ductile and structurally sound. In this study we have modified the previous methods of insulating gasket preparation by addition of a metal sheet to increase the strength and ductility of the gasket. The part of the gasket that is metal can be used as an electrical lead to measure sample’s conductivity. In this design the mixture of diamond and epoxy is applied to a thin 100 micrometer metal sheet and a focused beam of high power IR laser is used to drill a hole in the gasket . I will describe the design of the optical path and the details of the gasket preparation and will present some of the gaskets that I have made.

Stephanie Bartlett, Utah Valley University Physical Sciences Ephemeroptera, commonly referred to as mayflies, are found throughout the world. Within the order of Ephemeroptera resides a superfamily, Ephemeridea, commonly called burrowing mayflies. This common name was acquired due to certain physical and behavior characteristics present as nymphs. Ephemeridea nymphs live in the silt of aquatic environments and have adaptations for burrowing which include strong legs, as well as mandibular tusks. One exception to this is the family Behningiidae, which burrow, but lack the commonly associated mandibular tusks. Morphological data supported Behningiidae as sister to the other tusked burrowing mayflies, indicating that first burrowing behavior evolved and was later followed by the development of tusks(McCafferty; 1975 and 2004). While morphological data provides important insights into the evolution and phylogeny of mayflies, the development of molecular phylogenetics offers new contributions when determining evolutionary relationships within this superfamily. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships of the families of burrowing mayflies in order to test the hypothesis of tusk evolution. Methods: The specimens were acquired from collection efforts and colleagues. For each specimen the following laboratory procedures were carried out: DNA extraction, gene amplification via polymerase chain reaction, visualization via gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing. The genes targeted for sequencing included 12S mitochondrial rDNA, 16S mitochondrial rDNA, 18S nuclear rDNA, 28S nuclear rDNA, H3 nuclear protein coding, and CO1 mitochondrial protein coding. Data was also acquired from Genbank in order to augment missing data. Taxon sampling consisted of around 20 ingroup and 5outgroup taxa. Phylogenetic relationships were estimated using Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood, and Baysian methods. Conclusion: The families Behningiidae, Potamanthidae, Palingeniidae were supported as monophyletic. Behningiidae nested well within the other burrowing families. Hence, tusks evolved and were subsequently lost in the family Behningiidae even though it retained the burrowing lifestyle in the nymph.

Mattie Jones, Dixie State University Physical Sciences New methods aimed at forensic analysis of sensitive, minute samples are critical to the intelligence community. In particular, successful extraction of dyes from materials found at crime scenes will provide innumerable benefits for matching, identifying, and finding origins of these materials and dyes. Current methods of isolating components of samples by their unique chemical properties are lengthy and often destroy important forensic evidence. Ionic liquids possess the necessary chemical properties to ensure efficient extractions, while maintaining the forensic signatures of the original materials. They also provide a one-pot approach that avoids intermediate species and increases analyte yield while extracting and separating constituents in a more efficient manner. By combining traceable dyes with an ionic liquid, the versatility of single-component extraction-separation-identification was demonstrated. Analysis using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy validated complete extraction and recovery of trace analytes. Following extraction and isolation, identification by infrared spectroscopy has provided evidence of preserved quality and complete separation of material and dye. This novel approach to forensic analysis is advantageous particularly when sample sizes are extremely limited, but it can be readily scaled to larger applications. Developing a simple and affordable method of achieving specific molecular interactions provides a solution for often unidentifiable evidence in crimes. Harnessing the versatility of ionic liquids in a high-yielding recovery and efficient single-pot methods will enhance forensic abilities for the intelligence community and forensic investigators.

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.

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.

Andrew Fletcher, Utah Valley University Physical Sciences Springville, Utah, is known for its high water table and many freshwater wetlands and springs, which gave rise to the name of the city. Flooding of barns is a common problem among farmers in western Springville, which is just east of Utah Lake. These frequent barn floods are anecdotally linked to high-intensity precipitation events and the common use of flood irrigation. The objective of this study is to determine the cause of barn flooding and to make recommendations for mitigation of barn flooding for individual farmers with whom we are working in this area. The objective is being addressed first by using ArcGIS to determine the watershed of each barn and the NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) Web Soil Survey to map hydrologic soil groups within each watershed. Results from the larger-scale Web Soil Survey will be supplemented with measurements of soil hydraulic conductivity using the SoilMoisture Equipment Model 2800K1 Guelph Permeameter. The above data will be used in the NRCS Curve Number Method to estimate the volume of surface runoff expected in a 100-year 24-hour precipitation event. The objective is also being addressed by installing shallow, hand-augured wells for monitoring the depth to the water table during high-intensity precipitation events and flood irrigation events. The results will be used to develop recommendations for a combination of (1) installation of French drains for diversion of stormwater (2) modification of current irrigation methods (3) pumping and diversion of groundwater. Results and specific recommendations for individual farmers will be presented at the meeting.

Nils Otterstrom, Brigham Young University Physical Sciences Filtered photodiodes show potential as inexpensive laser wavelength meter. Photocurrents are measured digitally. The photocurrent is digitized using externally controlled integration times to achieve the highest precision possible from the digital to analog converters on the photosensor chip. Using an algorithm we’ve developed and calibrated intensity curves, we can precisely calculate wavelength from the output of the different photodiodes. Limitations due to etaloning from reflections off of the surfaces of the filters were analyzed and effectively mitigated, allowing the device to achieve high precision with a stability of 0.102 nm over several hours.

Brittney Thaxton, University of Utah Physical Sciences There are many undocumented shorelines seen in Utah. As many as 30+ shorelines have been identified along the edges of the basin throughout the state. The purpose of this study is to characterize undocumented shorelines and identify potential evidence for tsunamis that might have occurred in Lake Bonneville thousands of years ago in areas such as Little Mountain, Stansbury Island, and Promontory Point, Utah. Lake Bonneville existed 32-10K years ago and was influenced by the Wasatch fault which was active as early as the Miocene. Scarps of this age are common and range between 15-20 feet in height (Machette, Personius, Nelson, Schwartz, Lund 1991; Dinter, Pechman, 2004a and 2004b). Several faults beneath Lake Bonneville could have produced tsunamis. The more water that is displaced the greater the tsunami will become and leave a greater impact onshore (Dutykh and Dias 2009). The East Great Salt Lake fault cuts NS across Bear River Bay east of Promontory Range. This fault line is an excellent candidate for causing a tsunami during the Lake Bonneville highstand because it is beneath the Great Salt Lake meaning it would have uplifted the entire water column of Lake Bonneville and since it is also close to the Promontory Range, it is likely it would leave tsunamite evidence along the shore. The fault rupture interval is between 3,000 and 3,500 years meaning fault ruptures could produce a tsunami during the lake’s high stand. Tsunamite is the term used for deposits related to tsunamis. The tsunamite features found along the shorelines will be similar to sedimentary features such as normally graded sand, mudstone clasts, and other gravel deposits that are out of place with the known shorelines (Shanmugam 2006). This is a unique opportunity to discover ancient tsunami evidence in Utah, a topic that has yet to be pursued.

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.

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.

Tucker Chapman, Brigham Young University Physical Sciences The Provo River provides the opportunity to study three systems from low to high anthropogenic activity. Its headwaters are in an undeveloped area of the Uinta Mountains. The river then moves into a valley that is developing from an agricultural to an urban system. The lower portion of the river moves into the urbanized Utah Valley. These systems give the ability to study the changes in trace element chemistry from a variety of sources. Trace element data were collected during the 2013 water year including the spring snow melt. Correlation was analyzed among the different trace elements using multivariate statistics in order to discover trace element sources. The element loads were calculated using USGS Load Estimator (LOADEST) software. The study has implications involving the drinking water of >2 million people in the Utah and Salt Lake valleys and the changes that the shift from agriculture to urban is causing.

Isaac Allred, Utah State University Physical Sciences We examine the number and location of Class II wells in the central U.S. to constrain future work on the potential for induced seismicity. The EPA, state oil & gas commissions, scientific papers, and media stories frequently state that there are ~140-160 k Class II wells. Excluding California, we expected to find approximately 120 k wells; but instead found ~ 82 k active injectors in the available databases. State datasets vary in accessibility, availability, and content of well data. Lack of digitized well data also limited our online search, and several states require FOIA requests to be filed. State databases with poor searching and sorting functions further complicated data mining, requiring a well-by-well search, and for several states, well locations and injections were difficult to determine. Common discrepancies between EPA well totals and state database totals appear to be due to counting of plugged and abandoned wells, and wells that are permitted but not in use. No data has been retrieved for about 1,600 wells on tribal lands and Indian Country, and several states would not provide “confidential” well data. Of the active injectors, at least 55 k wells inject into producing, pressure-depleting oil and gas formations and are less likely to generate damaging earthquakes. Of the ~ 16 k non-EOR wells, we found 3,400 wells that inject at depths > 1.8 km, where most M > 3.0 midcontinent earthquakes occur. We will present examples of data from several states, that show the locations and depths of injectors, earthquakes, depth to basement, and we will provide an overview of the public file sharing system of the data. We will search for correlations between the depth of injection, the number of injection wells, recent seismic activity, the nature of the subsurface geology, and regional stresses.

Adam Blair, University of Utah Physical Sciences Objectives: Histone covalent modifications influence regulation of gene expression. Changes in histone covalent modifications are triggered by abrupt changes in environment, such as preterm birth followed by mechanical ventilation (MV). Whether histone modifications also occur in the kidney of chronically ventilated preterm lambs is not known. We hypothesized that ventilation of preterm lambs affects histone modification in kidneys.

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.

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.

Ben White, University of Utah Physical Sciences We evaluated the ambient noise wavefield of select arches in the Moab area as a means to assess changes in their structural health over time. Our measurements revealed that the fundamental frequency of vibration at Mesa Arch and Corona Arch are both in the range of 3 Hz, while other spectral peaks are likely related to higher-order vibrational modes. We use numerical modeling for modal analysis in an attempt to predict and visualize the various modes of vibration and their frequency Resonant frequencies are projected to change with snow or rain loading or after a strong earthquake. By monitoring resonant frequencies over time and under various environmental conditions, our goal is to detect reversible and/or irreversible changes that may accompany damage of these arches.

Enoch Lambert, Brigham Young University Physical Sciences Extended-cavity diode lasers are important tools in scientific research. Current extended-cavity diode laser systems will change frequency unpredictably while operating, requiring extensive effort to tune them back to the right frequency. We seek to implement a novel method of extended-cavity diode laser control that adds an extra control system to prevent these unpredictable changes.

Brielle Woolsey, Brigham Young University Physical Sciences A method of forming zinc oxide (ZnO) single crystal hexagonal prisms is derived from a standard sol-gel method. The new synthesis requires water, zinc acetate, and diethanol amine (DEA) to create a zinc hydroxide/zinc hydroxide acetate gel, which forms single crystal hexagonal prisms upon heating. Characterization of the gel was done by XRD as well as by XRD high temperature chamber (HTK) to determine the role of temperature in prism formation. SEM images showed hexagonal prisms were of uniform size (approx. 0.5 — 2 µm). TEM and electron diffraction images showed a change from randomly oriented particles to an ordered single crystal after heating. Ethanol amines, heating of the gel, and the zinc acetate salt proved to be critical to prism formation.

Jeff Selck, Utah Valley University Physical Sciences Stream discharge through narrow, deep slot canyons can be a major source of groundwater recharge in the arid Southwest. Various state and federal agencies use the empirical Manning Equation to predict the discharge through artificial slots created for diversion of rivers around coal mines. However, it is not obvious that the Manning Equation could be applied to slot canyons or artificial slots as the data base used for development of the Manning Equation did not include either natural streams or artificial structures for which most of the friction occurs along the sides of the channel. The objective of this research is to develop an empirical formula for estimating the Manning roughness coefficient for flow through narrow, deep slots. The objective is being addressed by measuring stream discharge through natural slot canyons in southern Utah that are fed by perennial streams, springs or dam outlets. Based on measurements at ten sites along eight streams, the best estimate for the Manning roughness coefficient is n = 0.873nJ exp(5.108A/w2) where A is stream cross-sectional area, w is stream width, and nJ = 0.39S0.38R-0.16 is the roughness coefficient estimated by Jarrett (1984) for high-gradient streams, in which S is slope of the stream bed and R is hydraulic radius (ft). The new formula estimates stream discharge with a mean accuracy of 44%. On the other hand, Jarrett’s (1984) formula underestimates stream discharge by 1-2 orders of magnitude for aspect ratios A/w2 in the range 0.6-0.7. The new formula will be refined by additional measurements on slot canyons, artificial diversions, and a laboratory hydraulics bench. It is hoped that the new formula will lead to a more realistic design for artificial slot diversions.

Kim Nielsen, Utah Valley University Physical Sciences Infrared Thermography (IRT) has become popular in the medical field for various applications and procedures. One such application involves the use of IRT in the active detection of skin lesions and neoplasms. More specifically, medical professionals are using IRT as a non-invasive method for the early detection of harmful lesions, such as melanoma.

Jared Weaver, Southern Utah University Physical Sciences Organoarsenic are compounds containing carbon and arsenic. These compounds have been shown to have biological activity and pharmaceutical properties, and some organoarsenic compounds have even displayed potential for aiding in current medical problems up to and including possibilities as anticancer agents. Currently relatively little research is being done on organoarsenic compounds by the pharmaceutical community due to current views from the media based largely upon the toxicity of their inorganic arsenic counterparts (inorganic compounds are compounds not containing carbon), organoarsenic compounds however have significantly toxicity. Also, like with any medicine, toxicity depends predominately upon concentration, and given a high enough concentration organoarsenic compounds would logically follow the same trend. Synthesis of a large variety of novel organoarsenic compounds has been found via a reaction involving a variety of aldehydes or ketones and 2-(Dichloroarsino)benzaminium chloride. Research will focus on synthesis, isolation, and characterization of a library of organoarsenic compounds and then determine their respective biological activities. Synthesis will determine mechanistic requirements of said reaction and will be done to produce a diverse selection of organoarsenic compounds. Compounds will be isolated through precipitation of product and vacuum filtration of formed product. Structure will be determined through IR, NMR, and Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry, and through X-ray crystallography. Biological activity is suspected with potential for testing via a Kirby-Bauer Disc treatment. It is hypothesized that novel organoarsenic products will be formed by reaction of 2-(Dichloroarsino)benzaminium chloride with all carbonyl compounds containing an alpha carbon with at least one proton used, and that compounds synthesized will inhibit bacterial growth.

Kelly Hoerger, University of Utah Physical Science Implant devices such as orthopedic, dental, and cochlear implants are commonly utilized as part of many medical treatments. However, these foreign objects are susceptible to bacterial contamination, thereby putting the host at risk of an infection that is challenging to eliminate due to biofilm formation. Biofilms are formed when a bacterial cell adheres to and colonizes such metal or plastic surfaces. The cells aggregate to form and embed themselves in a thick and protective polysaccharide matrix, making biofilms resistant to many antibiotic treatments.

Adam Kingsley, Brigham Young University Physical Sciences In the construction of various sensors in the lab, highly accurate integration times are required. It is advantageous to have a precise external timer to run the circuitry contained in the sensor. By taking a signal in the range of megahertz down to hertz or milihertz range, it is possible to control the start and stop times for circuits. Overall this means that every time a measurement is taken it represents the same length of time.

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.

Braden Hancock, Brigham Young University Engineering In Evolutionary Multi-objective Optimization (EMO), the mechanism of epsilon-dominance has received a lot of attention because of its ability to guarantee convergence near the Pareto frontier and maintain diversity among solutions at a reasonable computational cost. The main weakness of this mechanism is its inability to also identify and exploit knee regions of the Pareto frontier, which are frequently the regions of the frontier that are most interesting to the user. Many attempts have been made to resolve this issue, but each has resulted in either decreased computational efficiency or slower convergence. We therefore propose a new mechanism – Lamé-dominance – as a replacement for epsilon-dominance in EMO. The geometry of the Lamé curve naturally supports a greater concentration of solutions in directions of high tradeoff between objectives. This adaptable resolution of solutions in knee regions of the Pareto frontier will result in significant savings in time and money for complex optimization routines in large n-objective design scenarios.

Raymond Bilodeau, Brigham Young University Engineering Extreme piezoresistivity was discovered in a silicone/nickel nanostrand (silicone/NiNs) nanocomposite. A quantum mechanical tunneling percolation model has been developed which bridges the gap between quantum effects at the nanoscopic scale and bulk material response at the macroscopic scale. To further improve on this theory, a measurement technique was adapted for use in measuring the average distance (in nm) between the NiNs in the silicone matrix. The measurements produced strong correlation to newly developed theories on the nature of the nickel-silicone interaction. The predictions of the previously developed model were also compared to these new experimental measurements and the model is being adapted to more accurately represent the real data.

David Lindell, Brigham Young University Engineering Current ion detector technologies require low pressures and temperatures to achieve high sensitivity. These extra constraints result in bulky or expensive ion detection units and make a highly-portable mass spectrometer difficult or impractical to produce. A new ion detector technology that is unhampered by such constraints would allow the construction of miniaturized mass spectrometers. Such devices would have a myriad of potential applications, including use in space probes, on-site chemical weapon analyses, and in-field forensics. This research has produced solid-state ion detection devices with detection levels in the hundreds-of-ions range. The detectors are produced on a printed circuit board, are inexpensive, and are functional at room temperature and pressure. Solid-state detection capabilities were realized by adopting concepts from modern non-volatile (flash) memory and using custom-made low capacitance MOSFETs. Detection occurs as ions impact a Faraday cup and charge the gate of a MOSFET, yielding a voltage change in the circuit. In addition to refinements made by incorporating low-capacitance MOSFETs, commercial MEMS switches (which have only recently become available) are used to produce ion counts at rates up to 30 kHz. Amplification and filtering circuitry has also been added to further increase sensitivity levels. Results of this research show that ion detectors can be reduced in size and complexity, making a portable mass spectrometer more viable.

Anthony Bennett, Brigham Young University Engineering Foot Mouth Disease is considered to be the greatest hindrance to livestock trade in the world. The disease is extremely contagious and can transmit via aerosol, food scraps, and through blood, and tears among other transmission routes [1]. Currently, technological challenges hinder eradication efforts due to a wide variety of FMD strains, high vaccine production costs, as well as limited efficacy of vaccines across strains [2]. The countries most affected by the disease also face economic, social, and political challenges to disease eradication. Based upon historical evidence disease eradication has proven to be possible as shown in the US, the UK, and other countries [3]. In this presentation, we highlight these challenges and propose various routes to eradication in order to open up economic opportunities to developing countries as well as eliminating the threat of a disease outbreak in countries currently free of the disease. Morgan, E.R., et al., Assessing risks of disease transmission between wildlife and livestock: The Saiga antelope as a case study. Biological Conservation, 2006. 131(2): p. 244-254. Parida, S., Vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease virus: strategies and effectiveness. 2009. Perry, B. and K. Sones, Poverty reduction through animal health. Science, 2007. 315.

Benjamin Lindsay, Brigham Young University Engineering Current treatments for cancer and diseased tissue often cause severe side effects due to drug interactions with healthy cells. In order to minimize these effects, we are developing a nano-scale near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive drug delivery system based on liposome-encapsulated perfluoropentane (PFC5) emulsions with gold nanorods in the PFC5 phase. The nanorods efficiently convert NIR light to heat, vaporizing the liquid PFC5 emulsions, which have boiling points near body temperature. Emulsion vaporization increases the volume inside the liposome enough to burst the phospholipid bilayer and release encapsulated cargo. This system will allow continuous therapeutic drug release localized at the site of NIR laser irradiation with a low-power, portable NIR laser diode. To date, we have successfully loaded PFC5 emulsions with gold nanorods and have loaded liposomes with PFC5 emulsions. Previous work in our lab has shown that a release to the cytosol of cells can be induced by ultrasound using similar liposomes. Experiments designed to demonstrate NIR laser-induced cargo release are currently in progress. We will continue to improve upon this system over the coming months to increase release and decrease the required laser power.

Bradley Hackett, Utah Valley University Engineering The Arduino microcontroller is very robust and is capable of performing a wide variety of functions to fit the needs of almost countless different projects. Many robots that are being built use a microcontroller, and the Arduino microcontroller is a good fit for many robots. The microcontroller is also standardized so it can be learned easily, and maintained easily as well, especially in a team environment. The simplicity of the Arduino offers a much more accessible design and development environment. This environment allows for very complex projects such as robotics to be approached in a manageable way. The SERA Bot is a robot which is designed efficiently and yet still has complexity, using the Arduino microcontroller. The S.E.R.A Bot is an acronym which stands for Searching Exploring Roaming Autonomous robot. The first task this robot can do is to communicate over Bluetooth to an Android tablet or phone to remotely control the robot by driving the motors or sending command signals to the Arduino microcontroller. The next task it is capable of is to use Light Dependant Resistors or LDRs to follow a light source or find the most brightly illuminated area of a room. The third task is object avoidance which is implemented using a simple ultrasonic distance sensor to detect if there is an object close in front of the robot. The last function of this robot is the ability to locate a beacon which emits a loud detectable sound, and is implemented using three amplified condenser microphones. The purpose behind this project is mainly to incorporate many simple functions to one robot. Many robots do one simple task, but the focus is to create a versatile robot, with enough complexity to be useful, but simple enough to be efficient.

Zola Adjei, Brigham Young University Engineering The research project is aimed at developing a tool to monitor the progress of rehabilitation efforts in Lake Malheur in Harney count, Oregon. The application of remote sensing techniques, which will be used to detect chlorophyll-a distribution from water algae growth in the lake. Concentrations of chlorophyll-a act as an indicator for algal blooms, which compete for nutrients and oxygen and can have significant detrimental effects on a body of water. To better identify the trend in growth activities of algal colonies, remote sensing will be effective in developing a model to map the path and region of high activities of algal growth and subsequently monitoring fish habitation on the entire Malheur Lake. The method uses satellite images which measure the reflectance of pigment concentrations, which can then be quantified as concentrations of chlorophyll-a using appropriate software and algorithms. The algorithms are based on relationships between the chlorophyll-a concentration measured in-situ and the reflectance measured in the satellite images. The algorithm that would be tested relies on the ratio of suitable bands in the electromagnetic spectrum. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife services have set preliminary actions by taking chlorophyll measurements earlier this year that will be used to help draw the relationship between the measured and satellite derived chlorophyll-a concentrations. There exists a research group in the Civil and Environmental engineering department that have employed this process on the Deer Creek lake in Utah and other surrounding water bodies which has shown successful outcomes in monitoring these lake’s water quality parameters including chlorophyll-a to help support the survival of fishes, restore their habitats and preserve cultural history. There will be a comparison done to the performance of remote sensing models in a large, shallow lake in Oregon, compared to models developed in deep, narrow lakes.

Stephanie Mitts, Weber State University Engineering The recent development of rainwater harvesting (RWH) as a local government and individual property owner solution to stormwater management and water supply has led to a wide array of individual program implementations across the country. RWH involves collecting stormwater runoff, storing it and applying it for beneficial reuse or release at a controlled rate. Decreased need of freshwater withdrawals reduces hydrology based energy consumption and protects ecosystems, potentially making RWH a more sustainable and efficient practice than centralized water supply. The goal of this research project was to compile and analyze the national trends for local government urban rainwater harvesting program policy. A survey was created and administered to RWH managers across the country to collect U.S. policy information. This report contains information to be used as a guide for local governments and other institutions considering implementing a program to promote RWH.

Shana Black, University of Utah Engineering Goals: The pudendal nerve (PN) was targeted in attempt to create controlled micturition via intrafascicular electrical stimulation (IES) following the onset of surgically induced incontinence. We investigated both the effectiveness of unilateral and bilateral transection of the PN in creating a model of urinary incontinence and the ability of IES of efferent fibers to excite the external urethral sphincter (EUS) in order to restore a controlled voiding pattern. High Density Utah Electrode Arrays (HD-USEAs) were used to provide IES in these studies.

Jake Seiter, University of Utah Engineering Mining has always been among the most hazardous of occupations, and with the increasing demand for coal and minerals, safety in mines assumes even greater importance. Worldwide, underground miners are being exposed to noise and respirable dust hazards associated with roof bolt drilling. These hazards are now being understood to cause irreparable damage to the health of miners.

Nathan Bliss, Utah Valley University Health High-frequency (HF) ultrasound in the 20-80 MHz range has recently been found to be sensitive to pathology in tissue margins from breast cancer surgery. In order to improve the resolution and sensitivity of this method, however, transducers need to be employed that have piezoelectric elements that are smaller than those currently in use. The purpose of this study was to determine if similar results can be obtained from small element transducers (Blatek pachyometer, 50 MHz, element diameter < 2 mm) as compared to large element immersion transducers (Olympus NDT, V358-SU, 50 MHz, 6.35-mm diameter active element). Ultrasonic tests were performed on 10 bovine heart specimens of varying surface structure (myocardium, endocardium, and epicardium). Pulse-echo and through transmission measurements using a HF square-wave pulser/receiver (UTEX, UT340) and a digital storage oscilloscope (Agilent, DSOX3104A, 1 GHz, 4 analog channels) were acquired from a total of 2 sites per bovine specimen, first testing all specimens with the large transducers then again with the small transducers. Specimens were marked with India ink for location and accuracy of testing. The density of peaks in the ultrasonic spectra of the large transducers paralleled those of small transducers. Results from HF ultrasonic measurements of bovine heart tissue obtained from large transducers compared to the small transducers indicate that they produce statistically comparable peak densities.

Amy A Fairbrother, Utah Valley University Health Research has shown that high-frequency (HF) ultrasound is capable of detecting structural and biomechanical property changes in tissues and cells at the microscopic level. This capability is currently being tested for the real-time identification of breast tissue pathology in surgical margins during lumpectomies. The objective of this study was to determine if structural and property changes arising in tissue from variations in temperature can be detected by using HF ultrasound. Once a tissue sample is excised from the body, the temperature of the sample decreases rapidly from body temperature to that of the surrounding room temperature. Because of the decrease in heat, the tissue can become more rigid and thus less fluid. These alterations in biomechanical properties can affect HF ultrasonic measurements such as wavespeed and attenuation. These biomechanical changes may also affect the ultrasonic signals sensitive to tissue structure such as the number of peaks in the ultrasonic spectra. The methodology of the research was as follows. Fresh samples of bovine tissue were ultrasonically tested at 3 different temperatures: 37º, 24.5º, and 15º C. Each sample was approximately 7.6 mm thick and 3.8 x 2.5 cm in size. To observe the overall effects of temperature on a sample, the tissue was slowly heated from room temperature to body temperature (37º C) and then tested with HF ultrasound. The sample was then cooled back down to room temperature (24.5º C) and tested again using HF ultrasound. Lastly, the sample was cooled further to 15º C and again tested using HF ultrasound. Ultrasonic waveforms were collected using 50-MHz pitch-catch and pulse-echo measurements. The data was then analyzed to determine changes in wavespeed, attenuation, and spectral peak density with temperature. Results from the study will be presented and discussed with respect to the improvement of HF ultrasound procedures for testing tissue samples.