STRATA
STRATA, the STudent Research, Academic, and Talent Archive, is a collection of selected Fort Lewis College student work, including undergraduate research, senior seminar papers, published works, conference presentations, and other creative and artistic projects. Search by name, subject, title, or academic department.
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- Consent Form - Dobbs, et al
- Consent form
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- Conservation of Alternative Splicing Events of the Brain Protein Piccolo Across Evolutionarily Diverse Species
- Rapid and efficient communication between neurons of the brain occurs at specialized cellular structures called synapses. An important molecular component of synapses is the protein piccolo. Piccolo is a large (>550 kDa) multi-domain protein and a member of the family of proteins involved in the organization and assembly of a critical structure of the synapse. Alternative splicing is the process of gene rearrangement in which exons are rearranged to form different variations of the parent gene in order to conserve genomic space and increase protein diversity. Following mRNA transcription, piccolo is post-transcriptionally modified by alternative splicing to generate multiple splice variants.. The post-transcriptional modifications that are found in both mammalian and teleost piccolo (PCLO) produces two primary splice variants through a cryptic splice junction. Here, we investigate the conservation of alternative splicing events between orthologous genes of two evolutionarily distant species, mouse and zebrafish. Using RT-PCR, we provide evidence for the existence and quantification two primary splice variants that are generated from zebrafish and mice. In addition, we also identified a minor 27-nucleotide (NT) splice variant of zebrafish PCLO that is also present in mouse and has been shown to be functionally significant by altering calcium affinity of the C2A domain. These results demonstrate that these alternative spicing events have been conserved over evolutionary time dating some 350 million years between teleost PCLO paralogs and mammalian PCLO. Furthermore, the similarities in genomic structure and splicing isoforms between zebrafish and mouse PCLO support the use of zebrafish as a relevant model for studying the neuronal function of piccolo.
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- Continued Studies on a New Octahedral Cobalt(III) Complex as a Possible Anti-Cancer Prodrug: Synthesis and Characterization Studies in Solid-State and Solution
- Small coordination complexes with redox active metal centers are of interest for their potential uses in anti-cancer research. For example, KP1019 and NAMI-A are ruthenium(III) coordination complexes that are currently in phase II clinical trials for their anti-tumor or antimetastatic properties and contain various ligands, including indazole and dimethylsulfoxide, respectively. Utilizing a more abundant, less expensive cobalt metal center in place of ruthenium(III), we hypothesized that structurally similar cobalt(III) complexes could be synthesized. A new solid, isolable complex was achieved using a ligand substitution reaction via refluxing and crystallization techniques starting from the known complex trans-dichlorotetrakis(pyridine)cobalt(III) chloride. The new product is an octahedral Co(III) coordination complex that contains indazole and labile dimethylsulfoxide ligands. The proposed structure of the Co(III) complex is supported by elemental analysis and magnetic susceptibility measurements in the solid state, along with solution characterization studies of 1H and 13C NMR and mass spectrometry. This complex displays promise in utilizing a new metal center for expanding metal-containing prodrugs. Further studies are in progress to determine the exact speciation in the solid-state and in solution, as well as investigating the efficacy of this new compound on cancer cell lines.
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- Controls on Rockfall Production: Chalk Cliffs, Buena Vista, Colorado
- Chalk Cliffs, located 13 km southwest of Buena Vista, Colorado, are highly weathered, sparsely vegetated cliffs of quartz monzonite. Rockfall from the cliffs accumulates in channels below and provides material for frequent debris flows (~3 per year). The purpose of this study was to quantify the rates and controls on rockfall as part of a broader effort to understand debris-flow processes at Chalk Cliffs. Rockfall sediment accumulation and accompanying meteorological conditions were continuously monitored from November, 2011 to May, 2012. Data include measurements of: 1) air temperature; 2) rock temperature on a south-facing bedrock slope at 9 depths between 0 and 42 cm; 3) water volume from snow melt and rainfall; 4) wind speed; and 5) rockfall accumulation behind a 246-cm wide by 40-cm high fence. Daily rockfall volumes are estimated by digitizing photographs (3 per day) of the rockfall deposits retained by the fence. These daily estimates of rockfall volume are constrained by more precise volume measurements made at three-month intervals by stereo photogrammetry and by weighing all the accumulated sediment (D50 = 2 cm). Over the course of the monitoring period 330 kg (0.12 m3) of sediment accumulated behind the fence. This volume of sediment corresponds to an average of 5 mm of surface erosion in the 22 m2 source area. Temperature measurements show that the mean air temperature during this time was slightly above freezing (1.5 degree C), and that only the top 5 cm of the rock frequently spent time in the frost-cracking window (-3 to -10 degree C). Daily observations of rockfall show that the sediment came in pulses coinciding primarily with times when moisture was available from melting snow and the near-surface rock temperature was in the frost-cracking window. Smaller finer-grained pulses of sediment were also added during days with high winds (gusts > ~10 m/s). It is hoped that continued monitoring will help constrain a rockfall generation model for the site, which can, in turn, be used to investigate the long-term interplay between sediment supply from rockfall and sediment export by debris flows at Chalk Cliffs.
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- Convergence in Wide-Reflective Equilibrium: An Indicator for Objective Moral Truth?
- How do we arrive at a set of moral beliefs that is accurate? John Rawls's answer to this question is the method of wide-reflective equilibrium. Wide-reflective equilibrium is the process where an individual compares moral judgements about particular cases, moral principles, and moral theories to pick and choose a set that is coherent. It is unlikely that after an individual has completed wide-reflective equilibrium that they have found an objective moral truth, as there are a multitude of different coherent ethical belief sets that are all independently valid. This makes it difficult for the individual to say that their particular belief set is the accurate one. However if it were the case that a diverse population of people started with different belief sets, went through wide-reflective equilibrium, and ended up converging on a particular belief set, then we may have a better case for saying that we have an accurate ethical belief set. I argue that some types of convergence in wide-reflective equilibrium are evidence that we have found objective moral truth. The conjunction of convergence through wide-reflective equilibrium and the centrality of those beliefs provides some evidence that we have at least approximated a moral truth. This is because "central" beliefs gain additional justification in an individual's coherent belief set. "Central" beliefs are beliefs whose denial would force the change or denial of other beliefs in a belief set. The justification provided by central beliefs is then compounded as we scale up intersubjective agreement provided by wide-reflective equilibrium. This explanation of convergence is then defended against a few plausible objections.
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- Conversion of a Propane Burner to Burn Biogas
- Currently, developing countries around the world rely on the use of biomass materials for their cooking needs. Consequences of cooking with biomass include illnesses related to smoke inhalation and the depletion of natural resources. Biogas is an emerging fuel alternative that has the potential to replace the use of biomass for cooking. Biogas is roughly 60% methane and 40% carbon dioxide and is the byproduct in the anaerobic digestion of biological material. Since it is an emerging fuel source, there is a need to develop an economical way to burn it. Chinese made biogas stoves exist, but they are not an affordable option for most families in developing countries. This project explored the viability of converting a propane burner—from a developing country—to burn biogas. Starting with a theoretical fluids framework and through experimental testing, this work demonstrates how the jet size of the propane burner can be changed to permit the combustion of biogas. In addition, optimization tests were performed that varied both jet size and supply gas pressure in order to fine a combination that yielded the highest burner efficiency. Though these results confirmed this idea as a feasible option, further testing should be performed to outline a systematic plan for mass implementation in developing countries.
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- Coordination Chemistry of Group 6 Tetracarbonyl Compounds With P,P'-1,4-Diphosphacyclohexane; a Rigid Bidentate Molecule
- The synthesis of M(CO)4{(C6H5)P(C2H4)2P(C6H5)}, M=Cr, Mo, W metal complexes will be reported. The reaction progress, which appears to proceed through a dimer intermediate, will also be discussed. The compounds were analyzed by 31P{1H} NMR, and the X-Ray structure of Mo(CO)4{(C6H5)P(C2H4)2P(C6H5)} will be reported.
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- Corporate Policy Makers and Drug Dealers: A Perspective on the Toxic Predicament of American Healthcare
- Who writes your prescriptions? Your doctor, or your insurance company? Who is in charge of filling those prescriptions? Your pharmacist, or the company that manufactures them? This paper is a comprehensive look at healthcare delivery in America in 2010, and why it is that the people we train to take care of us Don't hold the reins.
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- Correlating varnish microlaminations derived climate signals with protalus ramparts formation: Henry Mountains, Utah
- This study was conducted to determine the formation history of the protalus ramparts at the base of the Black Mesa Bysmalith, using climate signals from varnish microlaminations (VML). The oldest varnish began to accrete on rocks within the ramparts at approximately 267 ka, during the Pre Bull Lake glaciation. An increased abundance of Mn, as seen by darker layers in the ultra-thin section, indicates a wetter climatic period. Thus, the ramparts likely formed at the time of the oldest VML. The formation of ramparts by a long standing snowbank, upon which eroded rocks slide, roll, bounce, and are deposited at the edge of the snow bank, is the most probable mechanism of formation.
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- Correlation Between Functional Screening and Injuries Sustained in NCAA Division 1 Athletes
- The main purpose of the study was to determine if the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) could be used as a predictor of athletic injuries in NCAA Division I athletes. Data from 66 football athletes was collected. This included FMS scores and the injury the athlete sustained. The injuries were divided into what body segment was injured and how long, if at all, they were removed from play. Using Pearson Correlation, the straight leg raise had an inverse relation to knee injuries (r=-0.318). Also, the FMS total (r=-0.265), deep squat (r=-.261), straight leg raise (r=-0.251), trunk stability push up (r=-0.352), and shoulder mobility (r=-0.384) all were negatively correlated with removal from play or season ending injuries. This shows that the lower the athlete scored on the FMS test, the chance of a more severe injury occurring increases. The higher the athlete score was, the lower the chance of them sustaining a severe injury. These scores on the FMS test could theoretically be used to predict susceptibility to injuries. Those functional movement deficits could be addressed to prevent these injuries.
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- Correlation Between Functional Testing and Lower Extremity Injuries in NCAA Division II Men Soccer Players
- The purpose of this study was to see if injuries could be predicted by using functional testing prior to competition. The two tests used were the single leg crossover hop for distance and the stair hop. The subjects used in this study were 9 Division II male soccer players. Participants completed each of the functional tests before the start of the season. At the completion of the season participants were put into either the uninjured or injured group, respectively. The differences between the right and left legs in the injured and uninjured groups were tested using the Mann-Whitney test. The results were significant when looking at the difference in the stair hop. No significance was found in the triple hop for distance.