Potential Role of Direct Inhibition and Phosphorylation of the Sodium-potassium ATPase in Cataract Formation

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Jason E. Wright and Dr. Steven W. Graves — Chemistry and Biochemistry Proposal and hypothesis Preliminary data suggested that bovine lens epithelial cells (BLEC) are able to increase the amount of sodium-potassium ATPase (sodium pump or SP) in the plasma membrane. I set out to accomplish three objectives: (1) to continue ongoing ouabain inhibition experiments […]

Attachment of Carbon Nanotubes to Atomic Force Microscopy Probe Tips with a Silicon Dioxide Thin-Film

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Jed Whittaker and Dr. Robert Davis, Physics and Astronomy Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a useful method for obtaining images of surfaces on the nanometer scale. It has been used to image surfaces in many environments, including in atmosphere, vacuum and fluids. The resolution of these images is subject to the size of the probe […]

Molecular Collisional Energy Transfer Efficiency

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Jeffery K. Thomson and Dr. Eric T. Sevy, Chemistry and Biochemistry The kinetics of unimolecular reactions are especially interesting in the manner in which they absorb or transfer energy. For a unimolecular reaction to proceed, an activation energy barrier must be overcome. This barrier can be overcome through collisions with other molecules or atoms with […]

Evaluation of The Activity of Cationic Steroid Antibiotics

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David W. Swenson and Dr. Paul B. Savage, Chemistry and Biochemistry Food-borne illnesses are a continuing problem in the US [1]. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria pose significant threats to the integrity of the food supply and to the health of the public. For example, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated […]

Using Maple for Calculations in the Clifford Algebra

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Jared R. Stenson and Dr. Jean-Francois S. Van Huele, Physics and Astronomy Introduction In order to progress we are often forced to adopt certain conventions. Just over a century ago, several new scientific ideas were emerging which increased the need to revise our mathematical methods and adopt new standard approaches. The Clifford Algebra was one […]

Ion Chromatographic Quantification of Trace-Level Perchlorate Concentrations Using 18-Crown-6 as a Mobile-Phase Additive

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David Simpson and Dr. John Lamb, Chemistry and Biochemistry Awareness of the potential contamination issues with perchlorate ion (ClO4 -) came about in 1985 when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) first reported contamination in 14 Californian wells ranging from 0.11 to 2.6 micrograms per liter (ppm).1 In 1992 the EPA issued a provisional reference dose […]

Molecular Pathology of Age-related Macular Degeneration: Lipofuscin-generated Apoptosis of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE) Cells

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Aaron Secrest and Dr. Craig Thulin, Chemistry and Biochemistry Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible visual impairment in the elderly and is currently untreatable. In the central region of the posterior retina (the macula), AMD is caused by damage to and subsequent death of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and, consequently, […]

Using Haptics to Assist Automobile Drivers

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Kevin Alejandro Roundy with Dr. Michael A. Goodrich, Computer Science Original Project Goals The purpose of this research project was to further Nissan Motor Company’s research in technologies designed to improve driver comfort and safety. In particular I looked into the possibility of using force feedback on a steering wheel to help a human driver […]