2020 Abstracts

Tuttle, Jared; Payne, Andrew; Obray, J Daniel; Steffensen, Scott (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Steffensen, Scott (Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Psychology)

A subpopulation of ventral tegmental area (VTA) GABA neurons express connexin-36 (Cx36) gap junctions (GJs). Activation of GJ-mediated electrical coupling between VTA GABA neurons supports brain stimulation reward and alcohol reward is lowered in Cx36 KO mice due to a hyper-dopamine (DA) state. The aim of this study was to further evaluate the role of a subpopulation of Cx36+ VTA GABA neurons in alcohol reward and dependence. To accomplish this study, we customized a Gq-coupled Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) viral vector to only express in Cx36+ neurons (AAV8.hCx36.hM3D(Gq)-mCherry.WPRE.rBG) in the VTA. The hM3Dq viral vector was infused into male CD-1 GAD GFP mice and male Wistar rats. The animals were then given 10-14 days to recover prior to experimentation. A control virus (AAV9.CB7.CI.mCherry.WPRE.rBG) was used for comparison. We implemented standard cell-attached mode electrophysiology to evaluate the effects of clozapine-n-oxide (CNO; the ligand for DREADDs) on VTA GABA and DA neuronal activity. We found a robust enhancement of VTA GABA neuron firing rate in hM3Dq+ neurons with 20 _M CNO ex vivo. Surprisingly, while investigating CNO effects on VTA DA neuron firing rate, we found that CNO activation of hM3Dq+ VTA GABA neurons increased DA neuron activity, suggesting that Cx36+ VTA GABA neurons indirectly modulate local VTA DA neurons. Intraperitoneal CNO (3 mg/kg) also enhanced the firing rate of VTA GABA neurons in vivo. Administration of CNO reduced ethanol consumption (drink-in-the-dark paradigm) in both ethanol naïve and ethanol dependent hM3Dq-injected mice as compared to controls, suggesting that activation of Cx36+ neurons in the VTA is enough to block ethanol consumption in both naïve and dependent animals. Taken together, these findings support previous studies indicating that enhanced electrical coupling between VTA GABA neurons is rewarding and promotes reward and lowers the hedonic value of ethanol.

Aitken, Talon; Jensen, Daelin; Baxter, Melanie (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Tessem, Jeffrey (Brigham Young University, NDFS)

Diabetes Mellitus, a condition characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion or effectiveness, affects over 8.5% of the adult US population. Both type one and type two diabetes have the common characteristic of a decrease of functional beta-cell mass from the islets of Langerhans, located within the pancreas. The upregulation of genes known to induce beta-cell growth and proliferation results in an increase of functional beta-cell mass in young cells but not in their aged counterparts. This age-related occurrence - under nonpathologic conditions — is poorly understood. For this study, the morphological differences between young islets and aged islets are studied to provide insight as to the reason behind this refractory behavior. Immunostaining methods show significant contrast been percentages of insulin-positive beta-cell area in the pancreata of young vs. old-aged rats.

Miller, Jacob; Cheung, Aaron; Novilla, Kirsten; Crandall, Aliceann (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Crandall, Aliceann (Life Sciences, Public Health)

Existing literature demonstrates a strong relationship between childhood experiences and adult health outcomes. The Differential Susceptibility to Environment Theory suggests that there are several factors, including personality and physiology, that effect a child's sensitivity to adverse and advantageous experiences. A sample of 246 adults (ages 19-57) were asked questions about extroverted personality characteristics, adverse and advantageous childhood experiences, and several measures of adult health, including executive functioning, perceived stress levels, depression, and past smoking habits. The sample was then stratified based on level of extroversion scores with the top quartile being labeled as "extroverts", the bottom quartile as "introverts", and those in between as "ambiverts". Regression analyses were then used to assess the relationship between childhood experiences and each adult health outcome. The results of the study showed that the extroverted individuals experienced more positive health outcomes after more advantageous childhood experiences, as well as decreases in adult health outcomes after more adverse childhood experiences. These results suggest that extroverts more than introverts are more sensitivity to environmental influences in childhood. More research is needed to understand the neurobiological mechanisms that increase environmental sensitivity among extroverts.

Burgoyne, Jake; Leavitt, Steve (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Leavitt, Steve (Life Sciences, Biology)

In show caves, artificially lighting is intended to highlight intricate cave formations for visitors. However, as an unintended consequence, artificial lighting promotes the growth of diverse biofilm communities termed Lampenflora that gain their energy from these novel light sources. Lampenflora, which generally consist of algae and cyanobacteria, discolor formations and introduce novel ecological interactions in simple cave ecosystems. Lampenflora communities have been understudied mainly due to technological limitations and difficult accessibility. However, by characterizing these communities, we can better monitor their impact and develop effective strategies for their removal. Using metagenomic high-throughput sequencing, this research provides the first molecular-based perspective into lampenflora diversity in cave systems in the Great Basin. The data collected, generated, and analyzed is vital in understanding Lampenflora biodiversity and how these communities develop. Furthermore, it offers ecologists a novel perspective on the use molecular detection to understand biodiversity within cave systems.

Marshman, Evan; Peterson, Samara; Call, Gerald; Chaston, John (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Chaston, John (Life Science, Plant and Wildlife Science)

In recent years the association between the human gut microbiome and the brain has become a promising field of study. Often referred to as the "gut-brain axis", this connection has greatly enriched our scientific understanding of many disorders that affect the brain and nervous system. A recent study showed the differing richness of bacteria in the microbiota of Parkinson's patients and healthy control subjects. Because recent research shows this connection, we predicted that we would detect variation in the microbiota of D. melanogaster (fruit flies) models of Parkinson's disease, relative to wild type flies. To test this hypothesis, I analyzed 16s rRNA sequence data, reporting the microbiota composition in flies that are a model of Parkinson's Disease, as well as wild type flies. I found one strain of the genus Acetobacter that was differentially abundant between the two fly types. Therefore, for my CURA I will extend my analysis by performing similar analyses by taking a larger set of Parkinson's fly models. Once they are sequenced, I will use QIIME, the same software I used in my preliminary analyses to further our understanding of the taxonomic differences between the gut bacteria of Parkinson's models and wild type flies.

Holden, Maliea; Richardson, Spencer; Chilom, Gabriela (Dixie State University)
Faculty Advisor: Chilom, Gabriela (Dixie State University, Physical Sciences)

Humic acids are a key component of the terrestrial ecosystem as they are responsible for many physical and chemical properties of soils; buffering capacity, metal-binding capacity, transport and fate of contaminants, stability of aggregates of soil particles and water-holding capacity all depend on the amount and nature of humic substances in a soil.

The current project is looking into the properties and ability of humic acids extracted from leaves, to improve the stability and fertility of a mineral soil. The humic acid was extracted from fresh and aerobically incubated leaves by traditional alkali extraction. Three species of trees commonly grown in St George, Utah were selected: Prunus x Cistena, Pyrus Calleryana Bradford, and Chilopsis Linearis. The extracts were characterized by the amount and nature of their carbon content as determined by IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Their properties showed similarities and differences with humic acid extracted from mineral soil and leonardite.

White, Michelle; Koury, Spencer; Phadnis, Nitin (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Phadnis, Nitin (University of Utah, School of Biological Sciences)

Sex-ratio chromosomes in Drosophila pseudoobscura are of particular interest because they violate not one, but all three of Mendel's laws of genetics. These special X chromosomes distort the ratio of X and Y-bearing sperm, which leads to biased sex-ratios within the offspring. Although such transmission ratio distortions have been observed from as early as 1928, very little is known about the systems of genes responsible for sex-ratio chromosomal drive due to several complications with traditional methods. Here, we perform one part of a three-part experimental series that attempt to dissect and identify not only the genes involved but also its mechanism. Specifically, this approach will use saturation chemical mutagenesis to knock out every gene on sex-ratio (SR) chromosomes. In order to accomplish this task as efficiently and timely as possible, several preliminary experiments were conducted. We provide the natural variability in SR chromosomal drive and the best statistical framework to analyze the actual mutagenesis experiment. Our results further provide an EMS dosage response curve for the D. pseudoobscura species which has only previously existed for D. melanogaster. These findings propose a reconsideration of the traditional methods used for studying SR chromosomal drive and suggest the mechanism behind the genes or systems of genes involved in this process.
With its rich biological history, the field of genetics has truly grown and expanded into all that we know today. With special regard to our very own Nobel Laureate, Dr. Mario Capecchi, The University of Utah has a dynamic relationship with the field of genetics. The Phadnis Lab plays an active role in this remarkable community and has answered several ideas in evolutionary conflict and speciation. Thus, as a student from the University of Utah studying genetics, it would be greatly interesting to be able to present my work at UCUR.

Cutler, Alynne; Hagan, Maura; Yuan, Titus (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Hagan, Maura (College of Science, Physics Department); Yuan, Titus (College of Science, Physics Department)

Analyses of sodium resonance lidar temperature measurements made during a three-day period in August 2009 in the mesopause region (ca. 70-120km) above Fort Collins CO, along with analyses of correlative temperature predictions from the Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIME-GCM) reveal diurnal and semidiurnal temperature variations characteristic of solar atmospheric tides. Harmonic analyses via Fourier decomposition of the lidar data reveal a dominant semidiurnal oscillation with amplitudes that are well-represented in TIME-GCM at altitudes below about 92 km. A comparatively weaker diurnal tide was detected in the lidar data. This variation is negligible in the TIME-GCM results below 95km. Downward phase progression associated with upward propagating tides characterizes both tidal model and measurement results. Comparisons between August 2009 mean temperature profiles reveal a cold bias of ~17K in the TIME-GCM mesopause region. Equivalent analyses of temperature during a second three-day period in January 2009 remain in progress.

Dustin, Malia; Holden, Maliea; Peterson, Rob; Chilom, Gabriela (Dixie State University)
Faculty Advisor: Chilon, Gabriela (Dixie State University, Chemistry)

Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets suspended in air. Particles vary in terms of origin, chemical composition and size. Particles with diameter of 10 µm and smaller carry an increased risk for human health as they can penetrate deeper into the lungs, even to the alveolar regions. Recent studies suggest that trees can remove particles from the atmosphere through their leaves and their removal capacity depends on the chemistry and morphology of the leaves.

The goal of this project is to analyze the composition of PM for three species of trees commonly grown in St George, Utah: Pyrus Calleryana Bradford, Prunus x Cistena, and Chilopsis Linearis. The amount of PM accumulated on the surface of leaves was determined gravimetrically for two size fractions (2.5-10µm and 10-100µm). Both fractions were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP MS) after acid digestion of filters that collected PM. The average concentrations of the following metals: Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ti, V, Cr, As, Zr, Mo, Se, Cd, Sn, Sb, Pt, and Pb is reported.

The accumulation of heavy metals on leaf surfaces can prevent the metals from being airborne, therefore reducing the exposure of residents to PM pollution.

Lake, Alexander; Soboleva, Tatiana; Berreau, Lisa (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Berreau, Lisa (College of Science, Chemistry and Biochemistry)

Carbon Monoxide (CO) has been found to have a wide range of potential therapeutic effects. For example, low concentrations of CO have been shown to produce anti-inflammatory, anti-hypoxia, anti-proliferative, and anti-apoptotic effects, as well as vasodilation. CO-releasing molecules (CORMs), particularly those which release CO upon triggering with light in the visible range (photoCORMs), are of significant current interest for targeted CO delivery. Our laboratory is developing extended flavonols as highly tunable tunable photoCORMs. In this presentation, the synthesis, characterization, and CO release reactivity studies exploring the use of flavonol esters as CO delivery molecules will be presented.

Gee, Joshua; Clark, Daniel (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Clark, Daniel (Weber State University, Microbiology)

Naegleria fowleri is a fatal human pathogenic free-living amoeba capable of infecting the human central nervous system. The causative agent of an extremely rare and fatal infection known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. N.fowleri is dangerously lethal in the fact that it rapidly deteriorates the brain and is most often diagnosed at death. It is believed that N.fowleri CD59-like complement regulatory protein is important in the infection process. The function of this protein has not been made clear, but is thought to play a protective role in resistance to lytic cell death caused by complement. Consequence of this function results in the amoeba becoming camouflaged by the host's native immune system. Inhibition of this protein is a novel step toward treatment of infection. An established and successful approach to treating infectious organisms is to use antibodies that target and interrupt the function of outer membrane proteins involved in the infection process.The goal of this research is to evaluate the hypothesis that human anti-CD59 antibodies can neutralize the amoeba's CD59-like protein in the presence of complement, which would normally lyse the cells. To do this, we established an experimental infection model using human cells (HeLa cervical cancer cells) grown to confluence in a monolayer, which are susceptible to infection by N. fowleri. This model mimics the natural infection of N. fowleri, and will provide a greater understanding of its pathogenesis.

Gomez, Nathaniel; Blumel, Daniel; Dueñas, Davis; Hazel, Matt; Yu, Ming* (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Yu, Ming (Utah Valley University, Chemistry)

Kidney cancer in both men and women is among the top ten most common cancers, where the risk in men is estimated at 1:48, and women at 1:83. The issue with kidney disease is that it is difficult to accurately diagnose early-on. Methods of diagnosis that are currently established are expensive and highly invasive if at all accurate. Our research is focused on developing a fast, reliable and cost-effective method of diagnosing kidney disease by the use of fluorescent quantum dots (QDs). When mixed in a solution that contains protein biomarkers, QDs can act as biosensors because the protein alters their fluorescent properties. With QD biosensing, optimal conditions were discovered for the size of QDs and buffers used for detecting different protein biomarkers. The study provides empirical evidence that the alteration is distinguishable between healthy and cancerous levels of protein.

Da Silva, Adrik; Greenwald, Michael; Li, Yongtai; Manseau, Julianna; Woods, Ciera (Westminster College)
Faculty Advisor: Conwell, Peter (Westminster College, Physics); Kamenetzky, Julia (Westminster College, Physics)

The long jump is a track and field event that has a history dating back to 656 BC. Understably, much theorizing and experimenting has been done to find the ideal conditions necessary for an athlete to win such an event. This experiment tests the efficacy of such a theory by using an equation derived by Yongtai Li and comparing its calculations to measurements from a force sensor. Based on Newton's Second Law, the force and its respective range produced from a jump were analyzed and Yongtai's equation proved to be similar to the actual force due to the theoretical results overlapping with the measured results, but will be modified in the future to include angle and initial running velocity to provide an accurate measure of the force necessary to travel a certain horizontal distance. This equation and the ease of calculations will prove useful to long jumper's who attempt to defy the limits of the human body by breaking world records in their events

Keyes, E. Dalles; Alvey, Brighton; Smith, T. Andrew; Roberts, Andrew G. (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Roberts, Andrew G. (University of Utah, Chemistry)

Medicinal chemistry has long relied on the development of small molecule therapeutics to treat human disease. Small molecules affect change at the cellular level through specific interactions with biological targets (e.g. proteins), thereby eliciting a desired physiological response. Conversely, small molecules can also interact non-specifically, which can complicate their targeted application. In many cases, the use of peptide-based medicines can address this limitation. Like small molecules, peptide-therapeutics are designed to modulate specific biological processes. They often exhibit desirable activity at low concentrations as a result of high selectivity. Being comprised of natural amino acid building blocks, peptides offer an inherent advantage. Their natural breakdown leads to minimally toxic degradation products. However, premature and rapid degradation can result in failure to reach an established target in vivo. The cyclization of peptides has shown to be a promising strategy to address this problem. Inspired by Nature's wide collection of non-ribosomal peptides, specifically those comprising electron-rich aromatic moieties, we have developed a new chemical strategy for the synthesis of cyclic peptides. Our cyclization method leverages the inherent reactivity of the tyrosine (Tyr) phenol nucleus with electrophilic 1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (TAD) moieties. Using this reaction, we can construct macrocyclic peptidomimetic scaffolds. Upon synthesizing an N4-substituted 1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-dione (aka urazole) at the N-terminus of a solid-supported peptide, the urazole moiety is chemoselectively oxidized under mild conditions to generate a TAD derivative in situ. The TAD moiety reacts with the sidechain phenol nucleus of internally or terminally located Tyr residues and results in the formation of a macrocyclic peptide. We envision that this method will significantly augment current strategies for constructing macrocyclic peptides by enabling the facile synthesis of complex peptidomimetic scaffolds. Furthermore, this approach is anticipated to expand the repertoire of tools used for developing medicinally relevant peptides and, thus, may be suitable for preparing unique peptide-based therapeutics.

Lange, Christian; Shen, T.-C. (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Shen, T.-C. (College of Science, Physics Department)

An ideal black surface should have low reflectance uniformly across the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. Black paints are not ideal because they have specific reflection peaks and bands. Vertically aligned nanopillars of proper shapes and physical properties are good candidates, but the fabrication and oxidation in air are challenging. Carbon nanotube (CNT) forests could be a cheap alternative but the optical properties are sensitive to the density, length, and alignment of the CNTs in a forest. A model to understand the correlation between the morphology and optical reflectance of CNT forests and strategies to achieve extremely low reflectance in the infrared region will be presented.

Perdue, Perdue; Burke, Joshua; Bylund, Kevin; Stephen, Daniel (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Stephen, Daniel (Utah Valley University, Earth Science)

The Sundance Sea covered much of western North America during the Middle to Late Jurassic Period. Deposits from this vast epeiric sea are now widely exposed across the region, including the Stump Formation in northeastern Utah, which consists of sandstones and shales reflecting shallow marine deposition. Well-preserved belemnites (Pachyteuthis densus, Oxfordian Stage, ~156 Ma) collected from this unit preserve stable isotope data (_18O and _13C ) that can be used to better understand the paleoceanography and paleoclimatology of the area, as well as possibly some paleobiologic characteristics such as migration patterns through the life cycle and age at sexual maturity and death. Incremental growth of belemnites created growth bands that record isotopic values through various life stages, thus potentially providing information about the life history traits of these organisms, in addition to seasonal temperature variations. Preliminary results suggest our material is consistent with previous reports from other locations in the region, with paleotemperatures in the 17 to 20° C range. In addition, there is some indication of seasonal variations. However, analyses of more samples and further evaluation of potential diagenetic alteration is necessary before more robust conclusions can be drawn.

Taylor, Madison; Ault, Alexis; Newell, Dennis (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Ault, Alexis (College of Science, Geosciences Department)

Hematite-coated fault surfaces offer the potential to characterize and understand the mechanisms and timing of past deformation in exhumed fault zones. We apply integrated micro- to nanoscale microscopy and geochemistry with hematite (U—Th)/He (He) thermochronometry dates to document hematite textural evolution and timing of fault slip on the seismically-active Hurricane fault in southwestern Utah. Hematite is preserved on this bedrock fault scarp that cuts the Triassic Moenkopi Formation. It occurs in elongate, striated, mm- to cm-scale lenses on the slip surface, and we target this material for thermochronometry. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows hematite within ~100—200 μm of the fault surface comprises rounded hematite particles ~100 nm to 2 μm in diameter that lack grain boundaries. Away from the surface and beneath these nanoparticles are randomly-oriented, ~70—150 nm-thick hematite plates. Plate and rounded, "fused" particle morphologies likely reflect initial hematite crystallization from fluids and deformation, respectively. SEM imaging and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy also reveal a featureless, ~3 μm-thick, Al-rich silica film enveloping the hematite nanoparticles at the fault surface, suggesting it is amorphous silica. This layer is exclusively found in contact with deformed hematite, implying association with fault slip. A preliminary mean hematite He thermochronometric date is 375 ± 54 ka (±1σ std. dev.; n = 11). This date is appreciably younger than previously-reported, regional apatite He thermochronometry data. This suggests hematite He data may record hematite formation or thermal resetting from friction-generated heat during fault slip. Ongoing hematite He analyses targeting the distinct textural domains will discriminate between these possibilities, and scanning/transmission electron microscopy will evaluate the crystallinity of the surface silica and hematite nanoparticles. Collectively, these data will allow us to decipher the timing and mechanisms of past deformation of the Hurricane fault and understand analogous relationships in other hematite-bearing fault zones.

Timothy P. McFadden; Chideraa I. Nwachukwu; Andrew G. Roberts (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Roberts, Andrew (College of Science, Chemistry)

Carbon—nitrogen (C—N) bonds are easy to form relative to carbon—carbon (C—C) bonds due to reliable and predictable reactions. Previous methods to form a C—C bond from a C—N bond require four independent chemical reactions. We report a new method to achieve the desired transformation in one flask. Optimization of this method is ongoing; ultimately, we hope to define a new strategy for accessing future C—C bonds with C—N bonds.