http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/6769 UWRF Journal of Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/6778 Design and Synthesis of TRPV1 Antagonists; Probing the D-Region Binding Site Using Amidoalkyl Substituents Held, Victoria Transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily 1 (TRPV1) is a membrane bound ion channel that mediates the pain response elicited by capsaicin, resiniferatoxin, and similar drugs. Structure activity studies of compounds that bind to TRPV1 indicate several binding sites, namely: 1) an aromatic “A” region, 2) a polar “B” region, and 3) a hydrophobic “C” region. A fourth region has recently been proposed based on the structure of resiniferatoxin. This “D” region is thought to be responsible for the increased potency of the drug. A new series of potential TRPV1 antagonists was designed incorporating molecular features intended to interact with the known A, B, and C binding sites. In order to investigate the interaction of the D binding region, amidoalkyl groups were incorporated into the target structures. The synthesis of several members of the target series was accomplished using a convergent synthetic strategy. Ultimately these compounds will be tested for their effectiveness as TRPV1 antagonists. 14 p. Sun, 29 Jan 2006 22:58:59 GMT http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/6776 The Differences in Profitability Among Higher Debt AgFA Dairy Farms 2003 Arnold, Elsa Hadley, Gregg Debt can be an effective tool to improve dairy farm businesses’ profitability. Over time, farmers and lenders perceptions of acceptable debt loads have changed. In today’s dairy business expansions, it is not uncommon to see farms with >70% debt compared to asset values. This study evaluates ROROA (rate of return on assets) on a subset of high-debt farms defined as those with a debt-to-asset ratio greater than 0.4 or 40% debt. Key significant differences were pinpointed between high and low profit farms within this subset. One of these was the asset turnover ratio. Higher milk prices and more efficient asset utilization were key factors in the profitability of the high-profit farms. 14 p. Sun, 29 Jan 2006 22:58:59 GMT http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/6774 Residents of the Republic: Missing Lands and Fingers Albert, Leila This paper will demonstrate the damage that the practices of North American companies have caused the nations of Central America while conducting business abroad. Beginning in the 1870s international fruit companies exploited the local land and labor of Central America in their pursuits of wealth. The general attitude of the companies toward the people and governments of Central America was paternalistic. Foreign fruit companies acquired vast tracts of land throughout Central America and built relationships with community leaders to ensure local favor. Findings confirm that fruit companies received concessions from local and national governments. Foreigners owned or controlled nearly all fruit plantations and production in Central America. Rarely did laborers employed by the fruit companies enjoy the benefits of company profits. Research has determined that lower class residents and workers had no means of opposing the oppressive fruit companies. The profits of fruit companies served only to increase the wealth of foreign investors and local elites. Evidence indicates that foreign fruit companies created pristine enclaves for white US citizens working in Central American countries. These white workers held all the management jobs while local workers held only manual and unskilled positions. Studies reveal that investment in Central American countries by these international companies was only done if it proved beneficial to either the fruit company or the fruit market. As factors emerged which made the plantations less profitable, the companies abandoned them and the countries in which they were located. Natives were left with no more than missing lands and fingers. 10 p. Sun, 29 Jan 2006 22:58:59 GMT http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/6772 Using Geographic Information Systems to Determine Potential Bald Eagle Nesting Sites in Washington County, MN Nelson, Zachary In North America, there is only one native eagle, the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalis). The bald eagle population in the lower 48 states of the United States of America has declined dramatically. The population was estimated to be as much 500,000 in the 1700s, and it has fallen to approximately 20,000 in 2000. In 2000, Minnesota had an estimated 680 breeding pairs of bald eagles. Sixteen of the thirty-five active breeding sites in the Twin Cities Metro Area are located in Washington County. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) helped to determine where potential nesting sites are in Washington County. Slope and aspect of the known nesting sites were measured to determine the GIS model. The GIS helped establish other characteristics of the existing nests, such as distance to open water, proximity to roads, railroads and other man-made features. By developing and analyzing the GIS model of bald eagle nests, it was concluded that of the 1,015 square kilometers in Washington County, 88 square kilometers would be suitable for bald eagle nests. 10 p. Thu, 28 Apr 2005 22:58:59 GMT http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/6770 The Hosoya Index, Lucas Numbers and QSPR Westerberg, Tina Dawson, Kevin McLaughlin, Kevin The 2-methyl alkanes, the cyclic alkanes, and the 1-methyl bicyclo[X.1.0] alkanes are shown to possess identical values for the Hosoya index. For these specific molecular graphs, this topological index generates the integer sequence known as Lucas numbers. The implication of these results for quantitative structure-property relationship development is illustrated using normal boiling point data. 15 p. Thu, 28 Apr 2005 22:58:59 GMT