2014 summer abstract book

13th Annual

SUMMER

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

S Y M P O S I U M

July 30, 2014

Talley Student Center Ballroom - 1 : 0 0 P M U N T I L 5 : 0 0 P M

OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH DIVISION OF ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS

http://undergradresearch.dasa.ncsu.edu//

Office of Undergraduate Research, Division of Academic and Student Affairs Park Shops 211Q, CB 7576, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7576

NC STATE UNIVERSITY

July 30, 2014 Dear Students and Colleagues: Are you curious and interested in solving problems? Do you look for clues in problem- solving? Do you puzzle over mysteries, whether scientific or literary? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you are engaged in research. In every field of human inquiry, moreover, learning is equal to research, and in the end our great research universities are measured by their dedication to being places of learning. Since 1992 North Carolina State University has supported the Undergraduate Research Symposium as one of the most important ways in which students can take advantage of being part of this large, complex research community. As a result, our University has emerged as a leader among land-grant Research One institutions in providing opportunities to undergraduates to work beside some of the world's best faculty researchers. Students at North Carolina State have special opportunities that will shape the futures of countless persons. Top-tier research institutions like North Carolina State succeed precisely because they know that the concepts of research, learning, and engagement are reciprocal and reinforcing. Our university provides unparalleled opportunities to engage in cutting edge developments in a host of disciplines. Participation in research, moreover, gives every student the opportunity to gain an edge in admissions to graduate school, to find a first job, to build a career, and, perhaps most important, to become first-hand participants in the process of discovery. The enclosed abstracts are a wonderful reminder of the diversity of our research efforts. They are also a vivid demonstration of our intellectual ambitions and our continuing commitment to innovation in undergraduate education. Each of you -faculty mentors and student researchers- have my personal and professional thanks for making the Symposium a success and for reminding us all of what a special place North Carolina State University is. Sincerely,

Dr. Christopher M. Ashwell, Director Office of Undergraduate Research Division of Academic & Student Affairs

Office of Undergraduate Research Division of Academic & Student Affairs

Box 7576 / 211Q Park Shops Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7576 919.513.4187 (phone) 919.513.7542 (fax) www.ncsu.edu/undergrad-research/

The 13th Annual NC State University

Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium

Agenda

The Symposium will be held in the Talley Student Center.

12:00 p.m. Doors open for registration 12:50 p.m. All posters must be up and ready to go by

this time. 1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Welcome Welcome Dr. Mike Mullen, Vice Chancellor and Dean Academic and Student Affairs

Overview Dr. Christopher Ashwell, Director Office of Undergraduate Research

Division of Academic and Student Affairs

1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Poster Session I 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Poster Session II 3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Poster Take‐Down 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Reception, and Presentation of Summer

Research Certificates by Program Directors and Program Managers

Table of Contents

LISTING OF POSTERS BY LOCATION 1

ABSTRACTS BY PROGRAM 17

Advanced Materials for Environmental Sustainability 18

ASSIST- NSF ERC Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies REU 24

Computation for Undergraduates in Statistics Program (NCSU CUSP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

GEAR - Global Engagement in Academic Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

IMSD - Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Interactive and Intelligent Media REU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

MEAS-Wake Tech Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

NC Project Seed (High School) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

NC State Independent Researchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

NC State Undergraduate Research Grant Awardee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

NSF EFRI-PSBR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

NSF ERC FREEDM Systems Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

NSF Integrative Molecular Plant Systems REU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

NSF Modeling and Industrial Applied Mathematics REU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

NSF Undergraduate Research in Computational Astrophysics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Plant Pathology Kelman Scholars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Triangle MRSEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

ALPHABETICAL INDEX OF LEAD STUDENT PRESENTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

OVERALL SUMMARY OF PARTICIPANTS AND PRESENTATIONS . . . . . . 141

2014NCStateUniversitySummerUndergraduateResearchSymposium Page1

Poster Presentations Numerical Order

Poster # Student Presenters Project Title Mentors / Co-Authors 1 Shelby Taylor Roland

Biochemistry Cloning and Biochemical Characterization of Thermophilic Proteases for Potential Applications in Microalgal Biomass Recycling

Amy Grunden Microbiology

2 Jonathan Duran Eagle Biology

Auxin Biosynthesis and Its Regulation Jose Alonso Plant and Microbial Biology

3 Maurita Tifquwana Harris Psychology

Static Images vs Videos and Auditory Instructions When Learning ASL

Laura Whitlock Psychology Anne McLaughlin Psychology

4 Ravyn Sierra Tendai Njagu Biological Sciences with Human Biology Concentration

Does FXR In Vitro High-Throughput Screening Predict In Vivo Results?

Seth Kullman College of Sciences

5 Allison Lynn Pinosky Biomedical Engineering

Low Powered Pulse Oximetry Device Using Novel Proximity Detector Approach with Energy Harvesting

Alper Bozkurt Elec & Comp Engineering

6 Alan Kristopher Swartwood Geology Amanda Crenshaw Geology; Jeffrey Weis Geology

Classification of Seismic Events in the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone

DelWayne Bohnenstiehl Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci

7 Daniel Scott Schmitt Biological Science

Characterization of Iron Homeostasis Terri Long Plant Biology Durreshahwar Muhammad Plant and Microbial Biology; Jeff Gillikin Plant Biology

8 Morgan Roberta Davis Biology

Verification of candidate genes for alcohol sensitivity in Drosophila melanogaster

Trudy MacKay Genetics

9 Priya Gupta Biomedical Engineering

The Study of African Cassava Mosaic Virus infection in transgenic Arabidopsis plants

Linda Hanley-Bowdoin Biochemistry Mary Dallas Biochemistry

10 Stephen Gregory Richardson Associates in science

Amenity Pond Carbon Cycling Christopher Osburn Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci

11 Kellie Katherine Chieu Biomedical Engineering

Design of a wearable assistive walking device to balance force distribution.

Helen Huang Biomedical Engineering

12 Rebecca Marion Law Statistics Brady Melton Statistics

Evaluating the Strength of Evidence in DUI Cases Presented in North Carolina

Brian Reich Statistics

13 Crystal Tiangay Sarnor Biology

Could Tobacco Phyllopanins Confer Fungal Resistance to Arabidopsis thaliana?

Imara Perera Plant Biology


14 Asia Louise Hilliard Microbiology

Reserve Intestinal Epithelial Stem Cells are Resistant to Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Anthony Blikslager Department of Clinical Sciences

15 Ebony Danielle Leon Psychology

â€œLetâ €™s Agree to Disagreeâ€ : The Influence of Mothersâ€™ Emotion Responses on Conflict Discussion Strategies

Amy Halberstadt Psychology

16 Daniel Paul Godfrey Mathematics Carol Sadek Mathematics; Caley Johns Applied Mathematics

Interpreting Clusters of World Cup Tweets Carl Meyer Mathematics

17 James Warren Hurt Physics

Effect of Cr in NiFeCrCo Alloy on Mechanical Properties: A First-Principles Study

Douglas Irving Material Science Engineering Changning Niu Material Science Engineering

18 Amber Brianne Holmes Mathematics Cody FitzGerald Mathematics; Emily Smith Mathematics; Mercedes Coleman Mathematics

Mathematical Phylogenetics and the Space of Trees Seth Sullivant MathematicsColby Long Mathematics

19 Jillian Nicole Perrine Agriculture Education

Resistance of Phytophthora nicotianae to mefanoxam Asimina Mila Plant Pathology

20 Marschall Lloyd Furman Statistics Wanlin Zheng Statistics; Nicholas Kapur Statistics

Investigating the Efficiency of Slime Mold as a Search Algorithm

Jamian Pacifici Biology

21 Annabelle Davey Macromolecular Science and Engineering

Surface Assembly of Elastin Like Polypeptides Jan Genzer Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

22 Omokuyani Chibuzor Udiani Physics

Modeling the Concentration of Flunixin in Tissue Over Time

Ronald Baynes Department of Population Health and Pathobiology

23 Landon DeNorris Blakey Electrical Engineering and Mathematics Erika Parker Chemical Engineering

A Mathematical Representation for the Lignin Biosynthesis Pathway

Cranos Williams Elec & Comp Engineering

24 Joseph Ryan Doherty Turfgrass Science

Do Fungicides Affect Quantity and Diversity of Phyllosphere Microbes?

James Kerns Plant Pathology

25 Tamira-marie Frances Bickems Biology

The Role of Phosphonositides in Vacuole Fusion and Vacuole Dynamics

Marcela Rojas-Pierce Plant Biology

26 Jared Andrew Cook Computational Mathematics Nina Ning Mathematics; Nicholas Myers Mathematics

Parameter Selection Techniques for Nonlinearly Parameterized Models

Ralph Smith MathematicsMami Wentworth Mathematics

27 Brittney V Adams Geology Organic Matter Quality in Greenland Lakes Christopher Osburn


Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci

28 Rahma Mohamed Hida Psychology

A Systematic Review of Publication Trends Across Seven School Psychology Journals, with a Focus on Examining International and Experimental Research

John Begeny Psychology

29 Ashley N. Edwards Applied Mathematics; Biology Benjamin Freedman Applied Mathematics; Vy Nguyen Applied Mathematics

Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling for Acetone: How Much Do We Really Breathe In?

Marina Evans Pharmokinetics

30 Anita Michelle Adams Psychology

Everything will be Okay, Billy!: Emotions in American Childrenâ€™s Books

Amy Halberstadt Psychology

31 Maria Lynn Sorkin Biology and Spanish Literature

Phenotypic and Molecular Assessment of the Response to Thermocycles by Oryza sativa in Saline Environments

Colleen Doherty Biochemistry Eric Waddell ;

32 Imad Pasha Physics/Astrophysics

Three Dimemsional Analysis of Jet Formation in Cassiopeia A

John Blondin Physics

33 Taylor S Mills Agricultural Science - Plant Science

Understanding the regulation of transcription factors and cell-cycle genes that maintain stem cells in the Arabidopsis root

Rosangela Sozzani Plant Biology

34 Jessica Joyce Sajol Perez Applied Mathematics Tyler Tillman Applied Mathematics; Chelsea Ball Pure Mathematics; Ailaura Donahoe Math

Modeling the Interaction Between Inflammatory and Cardiovascular Dynamics

Mette Olufsen MathematicsAndrew Wright ; Dennis Frank

35 Hallie Qualters Nunamaker Geology Dustin Travels Geology; Amber Malik Geology

The Effect of Legacy Sediment Within the Neuse River Floodplain

John Fountain Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences Karl Wegmann Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci

36 Sarah Khalid Hadaidi Mathematics Ryan Gallagher Mathematics; Jessie De La Cruz Santos Mathematics

Geometric Flows of Plane Curves Andrew Cooper Mathematics

37 Amanda Mercedes Icazatti-Burtell Biology

Characterizing novel factors involved in the Cortex/Endodermal Initials Maintenance

Rosangela Sozzani Plant Biology

38 Anthony Maldonado-Castro Biology

Identifying targets of the SEUSS transcriptional co-regulator during ovule and seed development in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Robert Franks Plant Biology

39 Aaron William Baumgardner Biology

Engineering Cercospora Disease-Resistant Plants Using Fungal Resistance Genes

Margaret Daub Plant Biology

40 Andrew Charles Scruggs Horticulture Science

Effects of Temperature and Humidity on Disease Progression of Rhizopus Soft Rot and Fusarium Root

Lina Quesada Plant Pathology


Rot in Sweetpotato

41 Jeffrey Michael Weis Geology Amanda Crenshaw Geology; Alan Swartwood Geology

Five Month Study of the Overall Seismicity of the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone

DelWayne Bohnenstiehl Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci

42 Rachel Elizabeth Willis Geology

Oyster Population Dynamics and Restoration in Pamlico Sound

Dave Eggleston Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci

43 Divya G Rao Chemical Engineering

Nano-Aggregates with Ionically Triggered Disassembly for Advanced Drug Delivery

Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Alexander Richter Chemical & Biomolecular Eng

44 Maria Lourdes Carmela Gaurano Cruz Biomedical Engineering

Measuring Passive Ankle Moments to Modify AFO for Clubfoot Bracing

Gregory Sawicki Biomedical Engineering Andrew DiMeo, Sr. Biomedical Engineering; Michael Browne

45 Chanelle Murray McArthur Geology Jason McCray Associate in Arts; Megan Howard Geology

Nitrogen Impairment Along the Rocky River John Fountain Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences

46 Lynelle Catricia Herndon Political Science

Multinationality and Technology in Research and Publishing Ethics

Huiling Ding English

47 Spencer Marcus De Chenne Mathematics Sarallah Salehi Applied Mathematics; Mathematics; Robert Cone Applied Mathematics

Differential Game Solutions Using Level Set Methods

Zhilin Li Mathematics Reed Jensen ; Adam Attarian

48 Tia Marie Alliy Astronomy Four Flavor Neutrino Oscillations Through Turbulence

Jim Kneller Physics

49 Alanna Louise Smith Biomedical Engineering Mackenzie Williams Chemical Engineering

Expansion of Stem Cells using 3D Scaffolds and Hollow Fiber Bioreactor Technology

Binil Starly E.P.Fitts-Industrl.& Sys Engr

50 Brandon Tyler Shapiro Math/Physics

Non-Standard Interactions and Neutrino Oscillations in Core-Collapse Supernovae

Jim Kneller Physics

51 Maliha NA Talib Biochemistry

Isolation and identification of bacteria from yogurt samples capable of producing antimicrobials.

Alice Lee College of Sciences

52 Emily Jean Gipson Physics Sawyer Harris Physics

Spherical Accretion Shock Instability Growth Rate Dependence on Angular Momentum in Core-Collapse Supernovae


53 Daniel Wade Hatcher Physics

Comparison of Nucleosynthesis Simulations to Abundances in Metal-Poor Stars: The Impacts of Nuclear Physics Inputs

Carla Frohlich Physics


54 Camille Clement Samulski Astrophysics

Comparison of Nucleosynthesis Simulations to Element Abundances in Metal-Poor Stars: The Impact of Initial Conditions

Carla Frohlich Physics

55 Catherine Elizabeth Read Applied Mathematics Kai Bartlette Mathematics; Ross Donatelli Biomathematics

Computational Modeling of the Thyroid Hormones Homeostasis and its Manipulation by Chemicals

Hisham El-Masri Systems Biology Branch, Integrated Systems Toxicology Division (ISTD)

56 Savannah J Jackson Genetics

Expression analysis of auxin biosynthetic genes in the primary root of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and the effects of hormonal and environmental factors on local auxin expression patterns.

Linda Robles Genetics

57 Alexandra Ann Milliken Computer Science

BOTS Planning Mode: How People Can Find Patterns Faster

Tiffany Barnes Computer Science

58 Yuri Do Nascimento Farias da Silva Computer Science

BOTS - Changing the Level Editor to Increase User-Generated Content Quality and Learning Gains


59 Bernard F Roels Biochemistry

Nanoparticle Drug Delivery in Oncology James Knopp Biochemistry

60 Timothy Patrick Dombrowski Mathematics/Accounting Dorian Kandi Mathematics/Economics; Jahlani Clarke Mathematics; Jessie Byrnes Mathematics/Finance

The Black-Litterman Model: Exploring the Sensitivity of Inputs

Tao Pang Mathematics Cagatay Karan Math

61 Sean Holland Whitfield Food Science Matthew Parks Mechanical Engineering; Manmeet Cheema Bioprocessing Science; Rachel Stowe Food Science; Katie Baker Biological Sciences

Analysis of Low Salt Versus Traditional Cucumber Fermentations

Suzanne Johanningsmeier Food Science

62 Isabel S. Stafford Math Donavin Crawford Mathematics; Bud Denny Mathematics

Multiple Beam Klystrons for the Next Generation of High Energy Accelerators

Hien Tran Mathematics

63 Hudson Randal Ayers Electrical Engineering

Interfacial Behavior of Eutectic Gallium Indium on Non-wetting Surfaces

Michael Dickey Chemical & Biomolecular Eng

64 Stephen Amoah Physics Electrical Processing of Thoria pellets Justin Schwartz Material Science Engineering

65 Melissa Lea Ketcham Computer Science and Mathematics

Engaging Middle Schoolers to Learn Computational Thinking while Playing Minecraft

Tiffany Barnes Computer Science Collin Lynch Computer Science-Engineering

66 Nova Emilee Fallen Computer Engineering

Preattentive Processing as a Tool to Enhance the User Experience on Smartphones

Benjamin Watson Computer Science


67 Taryn Leigh Hampton Computer Science

Redesigning a Casual Game to Improve Player Engagement


68 Kristin Marie Rachor Computer Science

Multimodal Data Visualization for a Tutoring Environment

Kristy Boyer Computer Science

69 McKenzie Elizabeth Bradley Computer Science & Mathematics

Gesture Virtualization: Enabling Natural Communication Within a Tutoring System


70 Jake Glen Kausler Computer Science

Semantic Labeling to Improve the Java Tutorial Dialog


71 Genesis Rosado Martinez Computer Science Melba Rodriguez Computer Engineering

Lebanese Dance Game: Improvements to Attract More Museum Visitors


72 Wendy-Angela Saringi Agata Chemical Engineering

Polymer-Metal Buckling Instability for Increased Solar Cell Efficiency

Michael Dickey Chemical & Biomolecular Eng

73 Robert Louis Benson CSC Toward an Intelligent Tutoring System for propositional logic


74 Katherine Alyssa Kjeer Computer Science

eLogicTutor: Improving Student Learning Outcomes With Adaptive Modeling


75 Camille Annette Sanchez Mathematics/Philosophy John Maxwell Pure Mathematics; Asha Cyrs Applied Mathematics/African American Studies; Leah Frederick Mathematics/Music Performance

Computational Modeling for Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of the Human Eye

Mansoor Haider Mathematics

76 Hannah Taylor Materials Science and Engineering

Atomistic Simulations of Grain Boundaries in Hexagonally Close Packed (HCP) Lattices

Srikanth Patala Material Science Engineering

77 Joseph Allen Cleveland Mathematics Jeffrey Dzugan Mathematics; Anthony Morse Mathematics; Taylor Schlenk Mathematics

Certified Counting of Roots of Random Univariate Polynomials

Dhagash Mehta Mathematics Ian Haywood Mathematics

78 Justis Grant Peters Non-Degree Studies

Is it a face? Dimensionality reduction in classifying visual stimuli from brain activity


79 Hannah Marie Schwarze Mathematics Xiangying Shuai Mathematics and Computer Science;

Model Refinement through Verification and Validation Methods and Anomaly Detection

Hien Tran Mathematics


Jordan Menter Mathematics

80 Dylan William Gordon Bates Mathematics and Computer Science Michael Peterson Computer Science

Using Trust from Social Networks to Recommend Workflows

Emerson Murphy-Hill Computer Science

81 Melanie J. Broman Engineering Physics

Characterization of Al-doped Zinc Oxide for Transparent Conducting Oxides

Lewis Reynolds Material Science Engineering

82 Matthew Woodrow Johnson Computer Science, Mathematics

Progressive Real-Time Rendering Using Ray Tracing Benjamin Watson Computer Science

83 Stephanie Michaela Rikard Biomedical Engineering

Activated Rac 1 reduces cell migration in ATM inhibited HeLa cells

Melissa Srougi Plant Biology

84 Meghan Rebecca Wyatt Biology

ATM-mediated Rac1 activation through a guanine nucleotide exchange factor independent pathway

Melissa Srougi Plant Biology

85 Samuel S Lee Plant and Microbial Biology

Isothermal Amplification assay for detecting Phytophthora infestans

Jean Ristaino Plant Pathology

86 Rizwan Krishan Dard Chemical Engineering

Effects of chromium back contacts and platinum coatings on PEC electrodes

Gregory Parsons Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

87 Rasika Usha Rajagopalan Psychology

The Structure of Emotions: The Impact of the Assessment Method

Daniel Gruehn Psychology

88 Khari-Elijah Chijoke Jarrett Engineering

Optimizing the Effectiveness of Thermoelectric Generators for On-Body Applications

Jesse Jur Textiles Ryan Hodges Textiles

89 Charan Sai Mohan Biochemsitry

Investigation of Membrane Protein Structure from NMR Data Using ARIA

Benjamin Bardiaux Michael Nilges

90 Erik Francis Anderson Electrical Engineering

Triboelectric Energy Harvesting For Self Powered Wearable Devices

Yong Zhu Mechanical & Aerospace Engr

91 Alexander Jordan Tremper Electrical Engineering

Optimizing Power Electronics Modules for Renewable Energy Systems

Douglas Hopkins Elec & Comp Engineering

92 Syed Baqir Mohsin Electrical Engineering

Decoy-Based Algorithms for Detection and Mitigation of Malicious Attacks on Power Systems Monitoring

Aranya Chakrabortty Elec & Comp Engineering

93 Alireza Dayerizadeh Electrical Engineering

Reduction of Voltage Ringing in Silicon Carbide MOSFET Based Buck Converters

Srdjan Lukic Elec & Comp Engineering

94 Monica Godinez Torralba Chemical Engineering

Point Defect Redistribution and Conductive Filaments Formation within Annealed Titanium Dioxide Single Crystals

Ali Moballegh Material Science Engineering

95 Nicole Saliba Wehbie Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Molecular evolution of seminal vesicle proteins (SVP) and oxytocin (OXT) within the genus Microtus

Lisa McGraw College of Sciences

96 Garrett Charles Wessler Materials Science and Engineering

Investigation of surface plasmon resonance in GeTe thin-films

Jon-Paul Maria Material Science Engineering


97 Natalie Tate Rice Chemistry Synthesis of Heterobimetallic Molecules for Photochemical Applications

Walter Weare Chemistry

98 Pedro Becquer-Ramos Paper Science and Engineering

Synthesis of Poly-Pyridal Ligands for use in Oxo-bridged Heterobimetallic Complexes


99 Supriya Sadagopan Biochemistry

Evaluating the effective outcomes of Pneumocystis prophylaxis in Pediatric Oncology Patients

Gayle Smink

100 Matthew William Frank Biomedical Engineering

Osteogenic potential of human adipose-derived stem cells using electric cell-substrate impedance sensing


101 Matthew Steven Rahn Materials Science and Engineering

Surface Functionalization of Gallium Nitride and Gallium Oxyhydroxide

Albena Ivanisevic Material Science Engineering

102 Aruna Sashi Iyer Microbiology

PCR detection of Delftia acidovorans in Samples from Sinks

Carlos Goller Biotechnology Program

103 William Moorhead DeFoor Biology - Human Biology

Multiplex PCR as a Tool for the Detection of Delftia acidovorans

Carlos Goller Biotechnology Program

104 Allyson Quinn Ryan Genetics

Comparative Analysis of Metriaclima lombardoi Pigmentation

Reade Roberts Biology

105 Tom Nadackal George Electrical Engineering

Characterization and Comparison of 650V GaN MOSFETs

Alex Huang Electrical & Computer Engineering

106 Hope Carolyn Wilson mechanical engineering

Effect of Stabilization and Carbonization Temperatures on the Performance of Anodes in Sodium-Ion Batteries

Xiangwu Zhang Textiles

107 Raymond Budi Biomedical Engineering

Determination of Oxygen Uptake Rate of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells


108 Sara Elizabeth Berry Physics Megan Amanatides Mathematics

Radar Observations of Storms for Education Sandra Yuter Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences

109 Katarina Popovic Applied Nutrition

Using Phage Display to Discover Ferritin-binding Peptides for Use as Cancer Therapeutics

Mark Spaller Pharmacology & Toxicology

110 Ravi Ajit Dixit Microbiology and Human Biology

Selection Variation of Oxidative Stress in Drone Honey Bees

David Tarpy Entomology

111 Michael Isaiah Wolfe Chemistry Thomas Parker Marine and

Effectiveness of Peer-Generated Videos as Teaching Tools for Basic Techniques in the Organic Chemistry Laboratory.

Maria Gallardo-Williams Chemistry Melinda Box Chemistry


Environmental Science

112 Kiara Rivera-RodrÃguez Chemical Engineering

A study on Ni/Au electrical contacts on p-type GaN Ramon Collazo Material Science Engineering

113 Matthew Wesley Boudreau Chemistry

Synthesis of Novel Analogues of Alotamide A: A Simplification of a Natural Product

Joshua Pierce Chemistry

114 Lauren Renee Wilder Physics

Predicting Proper Motions in Type Ia Supernovae Remnants


115 Brinkley Raynor Animal Science Benjamin Hamm Physics

Evaluating Queen Quality of In Vitro Reared Queen Bees via Digital Image Processing

Sharon Lubkin Mathematics Uduak George Mathematics; Michael Simone Entomology; David Tarpy Entomology

116 Jamal Emel Moss Biological Sciences Jason Brannock Chemistry; Paulina Spencer Math

Evaluating Honey Bee Grooming Behavior Using Digital Image Processing

Sharon Lubkin Mathematics Carl Giuffre Biomathematics; David Tarpy Entomology;Uduak George Mathematics

117 Erika Nicole Parker Chemical Engineering

Analyzing Algorithms to Determine Optimal Flux Through the Lignin Biosynthesis Pathway


118 Stephanie Yin Yang Computer Science

Adapting Narrative to User Actions In Educational Text Adventures

Michael Young Computer Science-Engineering

119 William Albert Therriault Computer Engineering

Effects of Gold Nanoparticles on Single Stranded DNA

Yaroslava Yingling Material Science Engineering

120 Melvin Roy Millberg Industrial Engineering

Cell Encapsulation Using Electrostatic Bead Generation


121 David Matthew Goyer Industrial and Systems Engineering

Building a Perfusion Bioreactor for Applications in Tissue Engineering


122 Kathryn Nikole Nilsson Animal Science

Frequency of the nivalenol mycotoxin genotype in Fusarium graminearum sampled from North Carolina wheat fields

Christina Cowger Plant Pathology

123 DaNaujah Breannah Venters none

The Effect of Changing Amino Acids on Molecular Structure: A Study of Alotamide A

Joshua Pierce Chemistry

124 Timothy S. Chen Predicting the Mechanism of Endocrine Disruption for Firemaster 550 with Virtual Screening

Melissa Pasquinelli Textiles

125 Taylor Marie Villard Neural Engineering

Optogenetics in the Teaching Laboratory Alper Bozkurt Elec & Comp Engineering

126 Adam Christopher Rushing Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Completion of Syngas fueled Internal Combustion Engine

Mike Boyette Biological And Agricultural Engineering

127 William Hayden Fuss Simulating the self-assembly of triblock Yaroslava Yingling


Materials Science and Engineering; Computer Science

polyelectrolyte copolymers Material Science Engineering

128 Nidhi Mallik Diwakar Robotics Engineering

Assembly and Magnetic Actuation of Microbot Prototypes from Anisotropic Patchy Microcubes

Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Koohee Han Chemical and Biomolecular

129 Jennifer Marie Antoniono Biomedical

Biomechanical Basis of Shoulder Osseous Deformity in a Rat Model of Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy

Katherine Saul Mechanical & Aerospace Engr

130 Gautam Ramakrishnan Nagaraj Physics

Understanding Type Ia Supernova Progenitors via 3-D Modeling of Kepler's Supernova Remnant


131 Mackenzie Lane Williams Chemical Engineering

Encapsulation of Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Sodium Alginate Beads to Determine Cell Viability


132 Bryan Nicholas Toton Biochemistry Summer Conley Payton ; Emily Lanier

Quantification of Sodium Benzoate in Pickled Vegetables by Solid-Phase Extraction and UV/Vis Spectroscopy

Suzanne Johanningsmeier Food Science

133 Tucker Thomas Bisel Materials Science and Engineering

Investigation of Phase Transitions and Relaxation Events of Polymers and Barium Titanate Ceramics Using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis

Jacob Jones Material Science Engineering

134 Crystal Nicole Villines Probing the Formation of a Carbon-Carbon Bond Reaction for OLED and Solar Cell Synthesis


135 Danielle Sierra Stallings Materials Science and Engineering

Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Alkanethiol-coated Gold Nanoparticles

Albert Kwansa Material Science Engineering Yaroslava Yingling Material Science Engineering

136 Ding Ma Electrical engineer Xiaoti Hu Electrical Engineering & Automation; Teke Xu Electrical Engineering; Jiawei An Electrical Engineering

Battery Management for Electrical Vehicle Mo-Yuen Chow Electrical & Computer Engineering

137 Allan Oduor Associates in Engineering Natasha Ficheira Wiechers Lima Energy Engineering; Kyle Daughenbaugh mechanical engineering

Power Electronics Testbed Using Opal RT HIL Subhashish Bhattacharya Electrical & Computer Engineering Richard Beddingfield Electrical and Computer Engineering;

138 Yushu Qin Optical Engineering

Computer Modeling of Quantum Well Heterostructures

Robert Kolbas Electrical & Computer Engineering

139 Yanfei Zhao Material Science and Engineering

Electrical Characteristics of Thermoelectric Devices Robert Kolbas Electrical & Computer Engineering

140 Lizhang Miao Computing Science

Numerical Study for Interface Problems with Closed Interfaces

Zhilin Li Mathematics


141 Xudong Wang Materials control and forming engineering

Aligning polymer semiconductors using a nanostructured substrate

Brendan O'Connor Mechanical & Aerospace Engr

142 Qiuchi Li Electronic Engineering Yichen Wang Computer Science & Technology

Empirical Analysis of Causal Inference Algorithms on Gene Expression Data

Nagiza Samatova Computer Science-Engineering

143 Rachel McNeill McNeill Zoology

Delftia acidovorans induces a pro-inflammatory response in THP-1 monocytes

Laura Ott Plant Biology

144 Chun-I Wang Physics Using Computational Fluid Dynamics to Design Water Efficient Flush Toilets for Developing Areas

Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental EngineeringJoel Ducoste Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering

145 Jessica Leigh Bradshaw Psychology Karen Zheng Psychology; Timothy Reid Psychology; Burhanuddin Kadibhai Psychology

Aging with Disability: Strategies for Designing Cognitive Games

Anne McLaughlin Psychology

146 Brady James Ells Physics Understanding the Dynamics of Mass Accretion of Vela X-1 from Time-Dependent Luminosity


147 Andrew Eugene Hoover Computer Science & Mathematics Webb Chawla Computer Science; Ronald Lopez Computer Science

Draw This! - An Exploration of the Mind and its Interaction with Mobile Technology

David Roberts Computer Science

148 Shang Liu Optical Engineering

Laser Thresholds of Laser Diodes Robert Kolbas Electrical & Computer Engineering

149 Sarah Louise Stanley Undeclared

The Synthesis and Antimicrobial Efficacy of a Cationic Zinc Porphyrin

Reza Ghiladi Chemistry

150 Harper Elizabeth Niver Biology

A Sound Approach to Silencing Rick Davis Plant Pathology

151 Samantha Pescevich Faber Mathematics Steven Gilmore Applied Mathematics; Paul Brockington Applied Mathematics; Andrew Marquis Applied Mathematics

Sensitivity Analysis of Inverse Problems: Cardiovascular Modeling

Mette Olufsen Mathematics

152 Tingting Lin Automation Trajectory Optimization Based On Heuristic Algorithm

Jingyan Dong E.P.Fitts-Industrl.& Sys Engr

153 Sixing Hu Computer Science NINJA PIE: a new technique for visualizing the frequencies of intersecting categories



154 Cameren Christopher Dolecheck Computer Science

Deep Thought 2.0: Rebuilding a Logic Proof Tutor for a More Effective Learning Environment


155 Maurita Tifquwana Harris Psychology William Swanek Psychology

The Development of a Coding Scheme Examining an Online Diabetes Forum

Laura Whitlock Psychology Anne McLaughlin Psychology

156 Jackline Kemunto Omweno Chemistry

Silver and Gold Dendrites for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Felix Castellano Joseph Deaton

157 Yiqi Lin Electronic Engineering

Airborne Particle Sensing with Micro-optics John Muth Electrical & Computer Engineering

158 Fernando Enrique Betancourt Mathematics Ontario Stotts Mathematics ; Joyce Yang Mathematics

Trivolutions of SL(2,K) Aloysius Helminck Mathematics

159 David John Nacouzi Physics/Pre-Med

Single-Molecule Surface Studies of Fibrinogen on Silicon Wafer Surfaces

Jack Rowe Physics

160 Cecelia Rosemarie Barnett Elementary Education

Student Response to Graphic Novel and Technology Integration

Angela Wiseman Education

161 Chuyu Wei Energy Engineering Mingming Gu Energy Engineering

Shaft Encoder System for an Optical Diesel Engine Tiegang Fang Mechanical & Aerospace Engr

162 Jesse Daniel Peterson Pre Engineering

Using nano particles to facilitate 3D printing of ceramic powder

Ronald Aman E.P.Fitts-Industrl.& Sys Engr

163 Tong Cui Automation Modeling and Sensing Risky User Behavior on Mobile Devices


164 Morjan Bassam Rahhal Biological Engineering

Identifying data and computational methods to infer genetic interactions in response to abiotic stresses in Arabidopsis thaliana


165 McCaide T. Wooten Poultry Science & Animal Science

Effects of Varying Diets on Sex Ratio and Developmental Qualities of Offspring in W-36 Laying Stock

Chris Ashwell Poultry Science

166 Zhongxi Li Electrical Engineering Xin Gu Electronic&Information Engineering; Hanyue Li Electronic&Information Engineering; Yige Zhang Electrical Engineering

Design of a modular multilevel converter with series and parallel connectivity

Srdjan Lukic Elec & Comp Engineering

167 Shu Chen New Energy Science and Engineering

Reconstructed Discontinuous Galerkin Method for One Dimensional Convection-Diffusion Equation

Hong Luo Mechanical & Aerospace Engr

168 Dan Thomas Cozort Oliver Statistics Leigh Herhold Statistics

Controlling White-Nose Syndrome Eric Laber Statistics


169 Bilva Gowda Sanaba None Cody Zane Polymer and Color Chemistry

Quantum Chemistry Calculations of the Strength of Inclusion Complex Formation between Flame Retardants and beta-Cyclodextrin

Melissa Pasquinelli Textiles

170 Brittany Leigh Miles Biology

Engineering a better monkey food: Low concentration agar gels as a model food system in primates

Edward Foegeding Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences

171 Rachel Lynn Lombardi Biochemistry

Development of malic acid deficient starter cultures for cucumber fermentations

Ilenys Perez-Diaz Food Science

172 Marc Celestini Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electrochemically Deposited Bismuth Telluride: Bulk Films and Nanowires

Mehmet Ozturk Electrical & Computer Engineering

173 Zijian Wan Automation Same But Different: Qualitative Differences and Similarities in How Different Cultures Conceptualize Phishing

Chris Mayhorn Psychology

174 Elisabeth Renee Frasch Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

Evaluating The Impact of Professional Development on Learning Computing


175 Abbott Samuel Ndukwe None

The Use of Polyethylene Glycol Functionalized Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes to Enhance Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene Terephthalate Nano-fibers.

Alan Tonelli Textile Engineering Chemistry and Science

176 Jiaolong Yu Optical Engineering Yuyang Zhou Optical Engineering

Development of a Wireless Wearable Strain Sensor Yong Zhu Mechanical & Aerospace Engr

177 Samanvitha Sridhar Physics

Role of excitonic coupling in conjugated polymers using temperature-dependent photoluminescence and absorption spectroscopy

Kenan Gundogdu Physics

178 Igor A Podolsky Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Design and Characterization of Shape-Programmable Multiresponsive Hydrogel Bilayers via Ionoprint Patterning

Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Michael Dickey Chemical & Biomolecular Eng

179 Libin Liang Mathematics Ruoqiao Gao Economics; Qinyou Hu Economics; Wen Yan Economics

Mortgage Backed Securites (MBS) Evaluations and Risk Analysis

Tao Pang Mathematics

180 James David Turner Mechanical Engineering

Three-dimensional structures from electrically-activated, self-folding polymer sheets

Yong Zhu Mechanical & Aerospace Engr

181 William Seth Pierce Chemical Engineering-- Biomolecular concentration

Multi-domain Surface Layer Homology (SLH) Glycoside Hydrolases from Extremely Thermophilic Caldicellulosiruptor Species

Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Jonathan Conway Chemical and Biomolecular

182 Cailean Quinn Pritchard Chemical Engineering

Cross-linking Electrospun PVA Nanofibers with ALD Precursors


183 Chloe Alexis Sayer Microbiology

Cloning and Over-Expression of a Novel Thermophilic Nuclease from Geobacillus thermoglucosidasius

Amy Grunden Microbiology

184 Saif Nabil Hassan Chemical Engineering

Novel Ionomers Using Sulfonate Groups Gregory Parsons Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering


185 Brian Bennett Haidet Materials Science and Engineering, Physics

Analysis of semi-ohmic titanium-based contacts to Al-rich AlGaN on AlN substrates

Ramon Collazo Material Science Engineering

186 Jessica Ann Kruh Chemical Engineering

Biooxidation of Heavy Metals by the Extremely Thermoacidophilic Archaeon Metallosphaera sedula

Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Garrett Wheaton Chemical & Biomolecular Eng

187 Bruno Kenji Imai Chemical Engineering

Novel magnetically responsive nanocomposite made by long-range organization of nanoparticles within thin polymer films

Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

188 Daniel Patrick Weikel Statistics

The influence of temperature on the transmission of chikungunya virus by the Asian tiger mosquito

Kevin Gross Statistics

189 Tierra Nicole Knight Chemical Engineering

A Systems Approach towards understanding the Role of Ptr4CL Enzyme complex in Populus trichocharpa on Lignin Content and Structure

Joel Ducoste Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering

190 Ayanna Ganae Glaize Microbiology

Estrogen Effects on Embryonic Development of Japanese Medaka (Oryzias Latipes)

Seth Kullman College of Sciences

191 Julio Reuben Valeriano Electrical

Modeling biological pathways using electrical circuits

Joel Ducoste Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering

192 Weikang Qiao Information and Communication Engineering Dixuan Yang Information and Communication Engineering

Watch out for nearby eavesdroppers when using link signature

Huaiyu Dai Electrical & Computer Engineering

193 Bai Li Statistics Liqian Zhang Computer Science and Technology

Using community detection to build application recommendation systems

Nagiza Samatova Computer Science-Engineering

194 Micheal Jace Tarver Microbiology

Temperature and Sequence Effects on the Intrinsically Disordered N-Terminal Region of the p53 Protein

Yaroslava Yingling Material Science Engineering

195 Aashish Karki Computer Science, Economics

ACAnon : Automatic Code Anonymization to Enable Code Sharing

Emerson Murphy-Hill Computer Science

196 Thomas Jay Dang Civil Engineering

Characterization of Light within a Photosynthetic Bioreactor in Consideration of a Kinetic Growth Model for Dunaliella viridis

Amy Grunden Microbiology Amanda Karam Civil Engineering; Catherine McMillan ; Joel Ducoste Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering;Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering

197 Jianfei Shen Statistics Yiwei Xu Statistics; Lu Liu Economics ; Zheng Gong Applied Mathematics

The Estimation of the Interest Rate with the Monte Carlo Simulation

Jeff Scroggs Mathematics


198 Eric Jacoby Young Civil Engineering

Life-Cycle Modeling of Microalgae-to-Biofuels Systems

Amy Grunden Microbiology Ranji Ranjithan Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering;Jim Levis ; Amanda Karam Civil Engineering; Catherine McMillan

199 Alexandria Katarina Vail Computer Science / Mathematics

The Use of Hidden Markov Models for Discovery of Effective Tutorial Dialogue State Transitions


200 Grant Thomas Hill Chemical Engineering

Photocatalytic Degradation Capacity of UiO-66-NH2 Grown on ALD Coated Polypropylene Fiber Mats


201 Hunter Joel Simpson Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Comparative Microbiological and Engineering Analysis of Lignocellulose Deconstruction by Extremely Thermophilic Caldicellulosiruptor Species

Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

202 Yu Li Information and Communication Engineering

An Inexpensive Air Quality Monitoring Device John Muth Electrical & Computer Engineering

203 Inderpreet Kaur Bajwa Biology-IPN

Minos Mutations and Their Affect on Locomotor Startle Response and Geotaxis in Drosophila melanogaster

Trudy MacKay Genetics

204 Daniel N Bullock Biology - IPN

Localization of differential neuron activity in zebrafish with distinct stress dispositions using c-fos activity

John Godwin Biology

205 Julia Anne Heiken Crop Science

Lessons from a Worm in Managing Stress Rick Davis Plant Pathology

206 Aaron Leland Rozelle Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Design and Evaluation of Promoters for Gene Expression in the Hyperthermophlic Archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus

Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Andrew Loder Chemical & Biomolecular Eng

207 Zhenping Xing Optical Engineering

An Optical Cavity Based Particle Counter Simulation John Muth Electrical & Computer Engineering

208 Yuqing Pan Mathematics and Applied Mathematics Wenyi Lin Computational Mathematics

Sustainability in Strategic Market Expansion Al Chen Accounting

209 Brian Austin Masters Plant Biology

Effect of Different Nitrogen Sources on the Growth of Four Species of Dunaliella

Amy Grunden Microbiology Heike Sederoff Plant Biology; Colin Murphree Plant Biology; Soundarya Srirangan Plant Biology

210 Kerry Nicole Premo Anthropology

North Carolina State University Suicide Prevention Focus Group Research

Willa Casstevens Social Work

211 William Todd Nunn Chemical Engineering

Synthesis of Large Metal-Organic Framework Crystals

Gregory Parsons Chemical and Biomolecular


Engineering

212 CHENG LI Microelectronics

Liquid Metal Fibers via Surface Electrochemistry Michael Dickey Chemical & Biomolecular Eng

213 Mohammad Bilal Khan Bio-medical Engineering

Printing composite material simulating bone structure and mechinical properties.

Ronald Aman E.P.Fitts-Industrl.& Sys Engr

214 Xuan Yang Civil Engineering

Literature Review of Lean Construction and Building Information Modeling Integration in Construction

Min Liu Civil Engineering


Poster Abstracts By

Program


Advanced Materials for Environmental Sustainability

72

Polymer-Metal Buckling Instability for Increased Solar Cell EfficiencyWendy-Angela Saringi Agata Chemical Engineering, Columbia University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Michael Dickey Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

Currently, solar panels are made with a planar structure allowing only a single interaction with light in the energy absorption process. Our project focuses on using the thermal expansion mismatch between a polymer and various metals to create sinusoidal buckles surface topography that would increase the light absorption path in solar panels, increasing their efficiency from the current commercial efficiency of approximately 30%, significantly. Furthermore, with the application of an electric field on the system, a second set of larger buckles form, increasing the aspect ratio of the buckles and allowing for increased interaction with the panel surface. We performed numerous trials with a polystyrene and aluminum system while applying an electric field and observed, in real time, the development of the original thermal buckles and the larger electric field buckles formed. We were able to successfully observe buckling from the application of an electric field as well as heat, to our system resulting in a clear avenue for further metal tests with an electric field applied as well as in depth wavelength measurements of these increased aspect ratio buckles. Most research in this area has been done with polystyrene and aluminum so we simultaneously tried various metals such as chromium, copper, and silver as well as increasing the adhesion between the metal and the polystyrene film, a key component of buckle formation, by treating it with UV/Ozone prior to the thermal evaporation of our metal. Though no clear buckles formed each metals’ unique surface topography suggested possible buckle formation with further manipulation of the metal-polystyrene interface.

64

Electrical Processing of Thoria pellets

Stephen Amoah Physics, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Justin Schwartz Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

Flash sintering experiments were performed on cylindrical shaped thoria(ThO2) pellets to achieve densification. By sending current and voltage to the sample in direct contact, densification can occur at temperatures as low as 670 ? C. The effects of voltage and current are also discussed. This method shows that thoria can be densified through the process of flash sintering by adding voltage and current to sample.

133

Investigation of Phase Transitions and Relaxation Events of Polymers and Barium Titanate Ceramics Using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis

Tucker Thomas Bisel Materials Science and Engineering, Clemson University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Jacob Jones Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

The mechanical loss and storage modulus of barium titanate ceramics (BT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), low density polyethylene (LDPE), and high density polyethylene (HDPE) were measured in single cantilever mode with a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The experiments were performed over a range of temperatures at 0.1, 1, 10, and 30 Hz for polymers and 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 10 Hz for BT. The glass transition phenomena in the polymers resulted in a relaxation peak of mechanical loss with an associated sharp change in storage modulus. The glass transition temperatures were observed at approximately 100, 0, -110, and -125 degrees Celsius for PET, PP, HDPE, and LDPE, respectively. For the BT ceramics, two relaxation peaks


of mechanical loss, R1 and P1, were observed in the temperature range of 50 to 200 degrees Celsius. The ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition in BT at approximately 125 degrees Celsius results in the P1 peak. This P1 peak is associated with a sharp minimum storage modulus value, A1. The R1 peak varies in intensity and location because it is attributed to the motion of domain walls, which depends on both frequency and temperature. DMA reveals the relaxation mechanisms in both the polymer and ceramic samples, which show a marked difference in internal relaxation behavior. This different relaxation behavior is due to the innate differences in physical properties between polymers and ceramics.

81

Characterization of Al-doped Zinc Oxide for Transparent Conducting OxidesMelanie J. Broman Engineering Physics, Point Loma Nazarene University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Lewis Reynolds Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

Transparent Conducting Oxides (TCO’s) have a wide range of uses in electronic and photovoltaic devices due to their transparency and low resistivity. In a world of increasing demands and decreasing resources the need for cheaper, more efficient energy sources is increasing. Currently, indium tin oxide (ITO) is the most commonly used TCO. Unfortunately, indium sources are limited and therefore expensive. A promising alternative to ITO is Zinc Oxide (ZnO) which has similar properties to ITO and is more abundant in supply. Although ZnO properties are close to those of ITO, there is still room for improvement. It is known that doping of these films may improve their electrical properties. Defects such as oxygen vacancies (VO) and zinc interstitials (IZn) have also been known to control the properties of ZnO. It has been postulated that VO-IZn defect complexes are the source of the observed n-type conductivity. The zinc vacancies coupled with the oxygen vacancies produce room temperature ferromagnetism. ZnO films with various levels of Al doping were grown on c-sapphire substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) to render the films n-type. Films were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), which revealed decreasing crystallinity as doping increased. Electrical properties were determined using Hall measurements. The transparency of each film was determined by measuring the percent transmittance. Resistivity ranged from 48.5 mohm-cm to 135.76 mohm-cm with transmittance from 70% to 95% showing an increase as doping increased.

185

Analysis of semi-ohmic titanium-based contacts to Al-rich AlGaN on AlN substrates

Brian Bennett Haidet Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Ramon Collazo Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

Recent progress in wide bandgap semiconductors has created the opportunity for new ultraviolet-range optoelectronic devices, as well as high power devices such as HEMTs and Schottky rectifiers. The AlxGa1-xN alloy system is of special interest for these devices because it has extremely large bandgap variability with relatively minimal lattice mismatch. However, with increasing Al content in n-type Si doped AlGaN, the activation energy for silicon donors also increases, lowering the conductivity. Since only a fraction of the dopant atoms are activated in these Al-rich AlGaN films, it becomes critical for one to manage the incorporation of compensating defects. Films grown on native AlN substrates result in dramatically reduced line and point defect densities, therefore producing higher electron mobilities and free carrier concentrations. Ohmic contacts are required to electronically pump these new devices, but contacts to AlGaN on AlN are typically semi-Ohmic, with a distinct “turn on” voltage. For this reason, semi-Ohmic contacts must be analyzed with a modified TLM technique, resulting in a variable specific contact resistivity. This study analyzed semi-Ohmic contacts to AlGaN on AlN to examine the effect of AlGaN composition and annealing conditions with titanium-based contacts. The lowest contact resistivities achieved were on the order of 10-5 Ω?cm2. Further studies were also completed involving different contact metal stacks on AlGaN grown on non-native sapphire substrates. The results demonstrate the importance of studying high quality AlGaN thin films in order to better understand the fundamental intrinsic properties of the material system.


184

Novel Ionomers Using Sulfonate GroupsSaif Nabil Hassan Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Gregory Parsons Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

Ionomers, which are charged polymers, are used in filtration applications and proton exchange membranes found in fuel cells. Proton exchange membranes use protons (H+) to conduct charge across the membrane barrier. The most famous and widely used ionomer is Nafion, but Nafion fails to work in high temperatures and low humidities. In order to make a novel ionomer that can function at higher temperatures and lower humidties, we want to be able to take polyvinylalcohol (PVA) nanofibers and create sulfonate groups on its surface. Sulfonate groups have a charge of -1, allowing protons to easily travel along a surface coated with these groups. This was done by first coating PVA with Al2O3 via atomic layer deposition (ALD), then treating the coated surface with gas phase SO3 let off from 100% H2SO4. ALD was used to create a surface more compatible to make sulfonate groups with SO3 without degrading the PVA and also to make the PVA more stable, especially in regard to wetness. We checked for the creation of sulfonate groups using infrared (IR) spectroscopy to look for S-O, S-OH, and S=O bonds. We also used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe the morphology of our coated samples. After confirming the creation of sulfonate groups, we have begun preliminary electrochemical impedence spectroscopy (EIS) testing to check for changes in proton conductivity. The Nyquist plots of our samples are measured before and after both Al2O3 and SO3 treatment of PVA and modeled with a resistor-capacitor equivalent circuit.

17

Effect of Cr in NiFeCrCo Alloy on Mechanical Properties: A First-Principles Study

James Warren Hurt Physics, Furman University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Douglas L. Irving Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University Changning Niu Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

In 2004, a class of materials collectively known as high entropy alloys (HEA’s) were discovered; it was quickly realized that they potential in aerospace and energy due to their high temperature properties, ductility, low creep, and corrosion resistance. A conventional alloy consists of one or two components, whereas HEA’s consist of five or more components with nearly equal atomic ratios. This research focuses on the alloying effects of NiFeCrCo to understand NiFeCrCoMn HEA’s. Previous literature found NiFeCrCo to occupy a face-centered cubic solid solution. However, recent computational work found a L12 structure: Cr occupying the corners with Fe, Ni, and Co occupying the face centers. This research uses a computational code named EMTO-CPA to model the alloying effects of Cr in NiFeCrCo and its effects on the mechanical properties. It was found that the L12 structure was preferred for alloys of 5% - 50% Cr. When the percentages of Cr were less or greater than 25%, bonding with various element(s) created negligible differences and the trend maintained. As the Cr alloy increased from 5% to 50% the Bulk modulus of the L12 configuration decreased; the same can be said for elastic constant c12. Elastic constants c11 and c44 as well as Young’s and the Shear modulus all achieved maximums at the 25% Cr alloy; the opposite for Poisson’s ratio, as a minimum was reached near 35% Cr. This research opens the door for further exploration in HEA's.

211

Synthesis of Large Metal-Organic Framework CrystalsWilliam Todd Nunn Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Gregory Parsons Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new class of porous materials that consist of metal ions linked by organic ligands. These materials have gained popularity due to possible applications arising from their high surfaces areas, high porosity, and tunable framework construction. Due to the wide design flexibility, MOF materials are being tested for applications ranging from hydrogen storage, capture of CO2, and catalysis.


Traditionally MOF crystals in the size of 1-50 μm are obtained through synthesis techniques including solvothermal and layer by layer (LbL). Larger MOF crystals are sought after for a wide range of applications including chromatography and use as new electronic materials. In our research, we are exploring a technique aimed at increasing the size of a popular MOF structure referred to as HKUST-1 or Cu3(BTC)2. It demonstrates that by utilizing a seed material, heterogeneous nucleation and growth occurs and improves crystal size by more than 10 times the crystal size obtained from homogeneous nucleation and growth. With this technique, along with the optimization of synthesis conditions, Cu3(BTC)2 crystals of up to 1mm were obtained. Optical images and analysis from SEM and XRD data of the large MOF crystals will be presented and discussed.

101

Surface Functionalization of Gallium Nitride and Gallium OxyhydroxideMatthew Steven Rahn Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Albena Ivanisevic Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

Gallium nitride (GaN) and gallium oxyhydroxide (GaOOH) are wide band gap semiconductors with band gaps of 3.4eV and 4.75eV respectively. The ability to tailor the band alignments of semiconductor interfaces through surface functionalization has been the subject of numerous recent studies. An improved range of semiconductor-dye interfaces of varying stability has a variety of applications, such as improved efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells or novel chemical sensors. In particular, GaN and GaOOH are promising inexpensive and environmentally sustainable alternatives to existing wide band gap semiconductor materials such as titanium dioxide (TiO2). In this study, in-situ functionalization of GaN and GaOOH with meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) was performed and the product interfaces evaluated for stability and successful surface functionalization. A solution consisting of 50% phosphoric acid and 50% TPP solution was used to covalently bind the dye molecules to GaN. GaOOH was synthesized from a solution of gallium nitrate titrated with sodium hydroxide using microwave synthesis and then functionalized with stock TPP solution. Chemical composition, optical properties, and the stability of functionalized GaN and GaOOH in solution were examined using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Photoluminescence (PL), Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Infrared spectroscopy (IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

112

A study on Ni/Au electrical contacts on p-type GaNKiara Rivera-RodrÃguez Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Ramon Collazo Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

The III-Nitride semiconductor GaN and its ternary alloy AlGaN offer a tunable wide band gap from 3.4 – 6.2 eV which makes them important materials for the next generation of high power devices. Poor electrical contacts to the III-Nitride layers result in significant problems in the development, performance and reliability of GaN-based devices. Desirable properties for p-GaN ohmic contacts include low contact resistivity and linear I-V characteristics. In this study, the properties of Ni/Au metal contact stacks on p-GaN films are investigated. The Ni/Au contacts were realized through electron beam evaporation under high vacuum conditions. Several p-GaN films with different doping concentration grown on sapphire substrates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition were investigated. Typically, the fabrication of ohmic Ni/Au contacts includes an annealing step. However, annealing conditions and the origin of the observed improvement are controversial and not fully understood. The I-V characteristics of the samples were monitored before and after the annealing of the contact. It is found that unintentional oxygen incorporation in the films during growth plays a crucial role in the formation of ohmic contacts, and that control of oxygen may lead to a significant improvement of the contact properties.

76

Atomistic Simulations of Grain Boundaries in Hexagonally Close Packed (HCP) Lattices


Hannah Taylor Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Srikanth Patala Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

Grain boundaries (GBs) play a significant role in influencing the mechanical and functional properties of polycrystalline materials. Computational tools help investigate the structure of GBs and quantify their interactions with defects under external stimuli. There has been great success in understanding the role of interfaces in face centered cubic metals through atomistic simulations. In hexagonally close packed (HCP) lattices, the crystallography and the complexity of the GB structure significantly complicate the simulation set up required to investigate their properties. Improvements in the simulation of GBs in HCP lattices will lead to advances in the insertion of HCP materials such as Magnesium in commercial technologies. We aim to create a generalized LAMMPS input file that will allow the user to simulate GBs of different crystallographic character, within a HCP bi-crystal. The input file will establish a region containing two lattices with a GB at their interface. The system will undergo a relaxation and minimization routine, for different initial configurations of the bi-crystal, identifying the lowest energy structure of the GB. The algorithm utilizes the properties of the bi-crystal, specifically the coincidence site lattice (CSL) and the displacement shift complete (DSC) lattice to sample all the possible GB structures. These computations help understand the type of defects present in the GB, which play an essential role in determining the mechanical properties of HCP crystals. Eventually, we plan to publish a complete library of scripts for the user to simulate grain boundaries within any desired crystal lattice.

94

Point Defect Redistribution and Conductive Filaments Formation within Annealed Titanium Dioxide Single Crystals

Monica Godinez Torralba Chemical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Ali Moballegh Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

The study of point defect chemistry and transport in dielectric materials displays the role of the formation of conductive filaments on the resistance degradation mechanism. It is believed that the formation of conductive filaments precedes resistive switching applications with dielectrics. The main focus is to produce conductive filaments by testing different annealing parameters, i.e. temperature and oxygen partial pressure. High-purity (100) oriented TiO2 crystals were annealed at varying low oxygen partial pressures ranging from 10-2-10-4 Po2 and at the temperature of 1100 degrees Celsius using a Thermolyme 59300 High Temperature Tube Furnace. This causes the material to “self-dope” and establishes the initial defect chemistry state. After the samples have been masked, the platinum is deposited with a DC Sputtering System on two epitaxial sides forming the electrodes. Current and voltage characteristic measurements are taken using a probe system as bias is applied to the platinum electrodes. If the crystal sample displays Schottky behavior, leakage current as a function of time is measured during the degradation process. The degradation process causes point defects to accumulate at the interface and therefore form conductive filaments. The electrical properties of the Pt/TiO2-x/Pt are characterized before and after the degradation process. Optical microscopy is finally used to record and study the filaments that form within the crystal.

96

Investigation of surface plasmon resonance in GeTe thin-filmsGarrett Charles Wessler Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland - College Park

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Jon-Paul Maria Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

Germanium telluride (GeTe) thin-films were used to investigate surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in p-type semiconductors. The resonances were hypothesized to occur in the mid infrared energy range. Previously, SPR has almost exclusively been observed at metal - dielectric interfaces, with visible light exciting the surface wave. To test for SPR, GeTe was deposited using both RF sputtering and pulse laser deposition (PLD). By post deposition annealing using a laser (248 nm), furnace, or hot plate GeTe can be switched between its room


temperature amorphous (insulating) phase to a rock-salt crystalline phase (exhibiting p-type conductivity). In the crystalline phase, GeTe was characterized using Hall effect measurements, x-ray diffraction, and IR-spectroscopy techniques. The results indicate that most suitable electrical transport properties (i.e. carrier concentration and mobility) for SPR can be achieved by depositing GeTe with PLD on heated magnesium oxide substrates. Furthermore, the spectroscopy demonstrated that at p-type carrier concentration of >2.0x1020 cm-3 and mobility values of >10 cm2/(V·s) GeTe does exhibit surface plasmon resonance. This result has wide implications for the plasmonics community, as SPR in p-type semiconductors opens up new avenues towards integrated SPR circuits. Making use of the phase change property of GeTe, photonic structures such as gratings can be made by masking portions of a GeTe thin-film and laser annealing the unmasked area. The resulting high refractive index contrast between amorphous and crystalline GeTe could be used to write photonic structures using lithography techniques without the need for physical material removal.


ASSIST - NSF ERC Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies REU

90

Triboelectric Energy Harvesting For Self Powered Wearable DevicesErik Francis Anderson Electrical Engineering, Northwest Nazarene University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Yong Zhu Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

Modern technological advancements have drastically reduced the physical size and power consumption of microelectronic devices. The impractical nature of battery based power for thousands upon thousands of the miniaturized sensors and devices expected to reach the market suggests the need for self sustaining power supplies. Because of the growing need and feasibility of such power supplies, an increased interest in ambient energy capture has arisen. The purpose of this research is to explore the different ways to harness triboelectricity or “static-electricity” as a means to harvest energy. While triboelectricity is a common phenomenon, there is still much to be learned about it and its potential applications. The basic principle of its mechanism is the differing tendencies of certain materials to gain or give electrons when in contact with other materials. Equal and opposite surface charges will accumulate when rubbing two different materials together. Dielectrics, or insulators, can retain this surface charge for an extended period of time. In order to generate electricity this semi-permanent charge must first be used to induce charges in electrodes. These electrodes must then be physically moved in some way to allow the redistribution of induced charges to act as a power source. In essence, this type of energy harvesting acts as an alternative to piezoelectrics and other mechanical to electrical transducers. Ultimately this research will culminate in the production of a wearable triboelectric generator that will use the natural motion of the human body to power a small sensor or device.

172

Electrochemically Deposited Bismuth Telluride: Bulk Films and NanowiresMarc Celestini Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Mehmet Ozturk Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

Thermoelectric energy harvesters that can convert heat to electrical energy present a promising option for alternative energy, with applications ranging from heavy machinery to medical devices. The Thermoelectric Group at the NSF ASSIST Center aims to harness and utilize the heat that our bodies constantly create and maintain for homeostasis. Using certain semiconductor materials, heat energy harnessed from the human body can be used to create sufficient electric energy to power biometric sensors and microcontrollers. The semiconductor Bismuth-Telluride (BiTe) offers high performance at room temperature and has been utilized in thermoelectrics for decades. In order to produce high quality Bismuth-Telluride in both bulk and nanowire form at low deposition temperatures and in a cost effective manner, electrochemical deposition is being explored. The ultimate goal of the group is to use the Bismuth-Telluride nanowires to produce a flexible generator for use on the human body.

88

Optimizing the Effectiveness of Thermoelectric Generators for On-Body Applications

Khari-Elijah Chijoke Jarrett Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Jesse Jur Textiles, North Carolina State University Ryan Hodges Textiles, North Carolina State University

Wearable nanosystems have an extremely wide variety of applications ranging from environmental detection to medical care. This project is interested in providing power to the system. More specifically, this works aims to provide the nanosystem with its own sustainable power source via thermoelectric generators (TEGs).


We strive to optimize the amount of energy harvested by carefully designing specifically chosen materials to perform as heat spreaders, heat sinks, and separating insulators. We analyzed multiple different designs with various heat sinks as well as with or without air flow. Presence of a steady air flow, we found, drastically increases the effectiveness of the TEG. In addition, heat sinks with a low thermal resistance perform better than their counterparts with high thermal resistance values. Future work includes on body measurements for a more accurate depiction of the amount of energy the TEGs can supply to the nanosystem.

5

Low Powered Pulse Oximetry Device Using Novel Proximity Detector Approach with Energy Harvesting

Allison Lynn Pinosky Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Alper Bozkurt Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

A commercially-off-the-shelf (COTS) component based system was developed to explore the usefulness of continual acquisition of oxygenation in non-clinical settings. Efficient current sinking for the LEDs was utilized through the use of proximity detectors. Light received by the proximity detector will be broadcast to a mobile device using BlueTooth LE. The device is powered by a 20 mAh lithium polymer battery, which is periodically replenished with energy from two solar cells. The previous version of this wearable device was a rigid platform, which extracted photoplethysmogram data from the radial artery on the wrist; this iteration uses two wavelengths of light to perform pulse oximetry with flexible circuitry embedded in conformable silicone. Future iterations of this device will migrate nanotechnology enabled sensors and energy harvesters from the ASSIST Center.

125

Optogenetics in the Teaching LaboratoryTaylor Marie Villard Neural Engineering, Wake Technical Community College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Alper Bozkurt Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

The goal of this project is to incorporate the recent advances in optogenetics into a bioelectricity course as a laboratory exercise. Our aim is to design and implement the exercise using inexpensive, easy-to-use systems for delivering blue light pulses to Drosophila larvae to activate glutamatergic neurons. Then, the resulting excitatory junctional potentials are electrically recorded at the larval muscles. This will be one of the hands-on labs for ECE 592: Bioelectricity and Neural Interfaces where lab modules are currently being designed and implemented. The ECE 592 course investigates the analytical and computational techniques to understand, repair, replace, and/or enhance neural systems. The labs for this course are intended to develop student comprehension of the generation and propagation of action potentials, synaptic and neuromuscular signal processing, and electrical recordings of excitable tissues.


Computation for Undergraduates in Statistics Program (NCSU CUSP)

20

Investigating the Efficiency of Slime Mold as a Search AlgorithmMarschall Lloyd Furman Statistics, North Carolina State University Wanlin Zheng Statistics, North Carolina State University; Nicholas Kapur Statistics, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Jamian Pacifici Biology, North Carolina State University

Physarum polycephalum, commonly known as slime mold, has recently been noted for its ability to find the shortest path between food sources. Unlike numerical approaches, the slime mold is a viable alternative because it will not break down across large-scale networks. We designed an experiment using a template of the streets of Manhattan and strategic food placement to further test the slime’s ability to efficiently find an optimal path. Our study used image tracking analysis to quantify and record the slime’s movement patterns for subsequent analyses. These analyses were compared to a variety of computational optimization algorithms as a means to assess the efficiency and success of the slime mold's actions. Our current results suggest that the slime mold has the ability to find a nearly perfect route over the course of 6 days. Thus far, it has performed in a relatively efficient manner, comparable to automated search algorithms. The ultimate goal is to develop a dynamic model to simulate the slime's search routine, as well as to determine situations in which slime mold optimization can be of use in real world planning.

12

Evaluating the Strength of Evidence in DUI Cases Presented in North CarolinaRebecca Marion Law Statistics, North Carolina State University Brady Melton Statistics, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Brian Reich Statistics, North Carolina State University

Criminal penalties for driving under the influence in North Carolina are based on hard thresholds; for example, having a blood alcohol content (BAC) above 0.08 is considered legally impaired. However, BAC measurements are typically taken using a breathalyzer which are subject to measurement error. Additionally, the breathalyzer readings in North Carolina are truncated, i.e. a person blowing a 0.0799 would read as a 0.07. The purpose of our research is to explore the impact of this error on potential decisions regarding criminal penalties and construct recommendations for both law enforcement and courtroom decisions. Using data collected from breathalyzer tickets in Wake and Orange County, we have estimated the measurement error using a random effects truncated bivariate normal model and have calculated a prediction interval to determine any individual's true BAC given the individual's breathalyzer results. We also ran a parallelized simulation study to determine the effects of the distribution parameters on our model and plan on exploring factors such as calibration, temperature, and humidity. Using the look-up tables we have created, one based on the prediction intervals and the other on the probability that an individual's true BAC is above .08, the courts can determine the strength of evidence in DUI cases.

168

Controlling White-Nose Syndrome

Dan Thomas Cozort Oliver Statistics, North Carolina State University Leigh Herhold Statistics, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Eric Laber Statistics, North Carolina State University

Bats are the primary predator of agricultural pests and insect vectors of human disease in the United States. White-nose syndrome, a rapidly spreading and highly fatal fungus recently introduced to North America, represents a serious threat to all cave-dwelling bat species that protect agriculture and human health. In this project we explore through statistical simulation the impact of different joint intervention strategies. We utilize


a high-quality dispersal model to capture the spread dynamics of white-nose syndrome. Two treatment types are implemented to reduce the spread rate of white-nose syndrome. We demonstrate these methods through simulated experiments using various treatment policies. From these experiments, we compare the results and evaluate the effectiveness of the various treatment strategies and choose the most efficient strategy to slow the spread of white-nose syndrome.


GEAR - Global Engagement in Academic Research 167

Reconstructed Discontinuous Galerkin Method for One Dimensional Convection-Diffusion EquationShu Chen New Energy Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Hong Luo Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

The DG (discontinous Galerkin) method has numerical advantages in the high-order expansibility, compactness, and favorable applicability in unstructured grid. Nevertheless, in contrast to the finite difference and finite volume methods, the DG method demands largely for computing and memory capacity, shows relatively lower robustness and falls shorts in handling the viscous term. As an extension of the DG method, the reconstructed DG (RDG) method amends a lot to DG in the aformentioned shortcomings. In Comparison with the DG method, the RDG method can gain the same order of accuracy and better robustness with less CPU and memory costs. In addition, RDG method presents to us a new way to treat the viscous terms. In this program, I solve numerically the one-dimensional and linear convection and diffusion equation with finite-difference, finite-volume, DG, and RDG methods. Using Fourier analyse, I studied theoretically the stablity, accuracy, dissipation and dispersion of these schemes, especially for the properties of the viscous discretization in RDG methods.

163

Modeling and Sensing Risky User Behavior on Mobile DevicesTong Cui Automation, Zhejiang University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Benjamin Watson Computer Science, North Carolina State University

One of the biggest challenges in mobile security is human behavior. The most secure password may be useless if it is sent as a text or in an email. Thus, in the current project we sought to discover the conditions under which users of mobile devices were most likely to make security errors. The study basically consists of two experiments. The first one is lab study, in which participants are required to choose the safest app from three available apps in a fake app store and the tasks were performed under different stressor conditions. The second one is a field study. In this part of the study, we will first examine whether or not we can reliably detect stress using mobile sensors. Every time the sensor is triggered, it asks the participants how much stress they feel on a 15 scale. After that, we will test whether or not the stress we detect is reliably related to insecure mobile behavior. In current results, stressors give participants stree, but did not significantly alter user ability to choose safe apps, though a strong trend in this direction was present. If successful, the following experiments will demonstrate that movile sensors can be used to predict the likelihood of insecure mobile behavior and to show a relationship between the user’s cognitive state and security behavior. We would then follow up our work with cognitively based interventions that exploit our timely knowledge of the user’s cognitive state.

153

NINJA PIE: a new technique for visualizing the frequencies of intersecting categories

Sixing Hu Computer Science, Tsinghua University


We introduce the Ninja Pie, a novel method for visualizing the relative frequencies of multiple intersecting categories, such as the multiple choice answers used in surveys. Previous solutions include the bar and pie charts as well as the treemap, which display frequencies clearly but can obscure categories; and the sunburst,


which displays categories clearly but may obscure frequencies. Like treemaps, the Ninja Pie maps frequency to area, but it also maps category to angle, with each slice of a certain orientation representing the division between two values in a certain categorical dimension. Areas can be difficult for viewers to compare, especially when they are irregularly shaped. For this reason we doubly code frequency with brightness as well as area, and make area countable by "rasterizing" the circular Pie into 100 pixels. We also aid perception of categories with more double coding, mapping category to chroma as well as angle. We have built an interactive implementation of the Ninja Pie that supports changing slicing order to make certain categories more visible, and allows comparisons to the corresponding sunburst.

142

Empirical Analysis of Causal Inference Algorithms on Gene Expression DataQiuchi Li Electronic Engineering, Tsinghua University Yichen Wang Computer Science & Technology, Tsinghua University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Nagiza Samatova Computer Science-Engineering, North Carolina State University

Causal inference is the process of finding causal relationships between a system of variables. In the biology domain, causal inference models can be built based on the expression levels of genes. Expression levels can be recorded for strains of an organism in different biological experiments using microarray experiments. Causal inference allows for the discovery of potential interactions among different genes, making it possible to identify the cause of diseases and discover new treatments. The challenge falls on the scarce number of experiments compared to the number of genes resulting in underdetermined datasets. In our project, we compare four different baseline causal inference algorithms; PC, FCI, rFCI, GES built into R, Tetrad, and Matlab. In addition to these, we test three state-of-the-art algorithms; a modified Bayesian network algorithm, Banjo, an approach that combines the PC algorithm and a non-Gaussian scoring method, and IDA. The algorithms are tested on three kinds of datasets; simulated time-series datasets generated by GeneSim, simulated time-independent datasets generated in TETRAD, and real microarray data for Saccharomyces cervisiae, or yeast. We measure performance in two ways. One way is to compare the Markov equivalence classes in the predicted model to the ground truth model given by data generators. Another way of evaluating is to compare the relationships inferred by the algorithms to the ground truth knowledge for yeast. Our results show that all the above-mentioned algorithms generally have a better performance on the TETRAD data than on the GeneSim and microarray data.

166

Design of a modular multilevel converter with series and parallel connectivityZhongxi Li Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University Xin Gu Electronic&Information Engineering, Zhejiang University; Hanyue Li Electronic&Information Engineering, Zhejiang University; Yige Zhang Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Srdjan Lukic Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

Power convertors, particularly DC-AC converters, are pivotal to electric vehicles, where energy is almost exclusively provided by DC sources (e.g. battery) but utilized in AC form. In this scenario, the state of charge (SOC) of each battery should be dynamically balanced in order to stabilize the operation. A novel modular multilevel series/parallel converter (M2SPC) with additional four switches in each block allows modules not only be switched in series, as in the traditional modular multilevel converter (M2C), but also in parallel. In comparison to M2C, additional states in M2SPC can provide degrees of freedom to the controller to achieve a number of advantages, such as higher efficiency and simpler balancing. Our goal is to test M2SPC topology in hardware, controlled by Opal-RT in real-time and come up with new control strategies. First, we designed a circuit board for eight-level single phase DC-AC convertor as a test platform. During the circuit-board etching process, several members were working on Opal-RT in order to uncover latent bugs before final hardware test. Meanwhile, we designed varieties of control strategies in simulations. The simplest one with predefined module switching configurations is an open-loop approach, it’s robust but suboptimal in parallelizing loss and


switching sequence. The second strategy, on the other hand, minimizes parallelizing loss by monitoring SOCs but cannot achieve the lowest possible conduction loss in the long run. Those observed trade-offs between different loss mechanisms may motivate a more sophisticated optimization.

212

Liquid Metal Fibers via Surface ElectrochemistryCHENG LI Microelectronics, Tsinghua University


Flexible wires with sub-mm dimensions are of great importance in MEMS, flexible sensors and wearable devices. Utilizing a new method to control the interfacial energy of eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn), a liquid metal alloy, we have demonstrated a fast, controllable method to form thin liquid metal wires in aqueous solution. Fast formation of thin liquid metal wires with 30 μm diameters has been achieved by controlling the potential between the liquid metal and solution, which can decrease significantly the interfacial energy of EGaIn. Moreover, these wires are flexible and still maintain metallic electrical conductivity. The relationship between liquid metal shape and potential, flow rate, and nozzle size has also been studied. Experiments show that the liquid metal wire can be formed at potentials as low as 0.84 V. Our results also indicate the diameter of liquid metal wire can also be controlled by adjusting the flow rate. The fast formation of highly conductive, flexible liquid metal wires has the potential to be used in MEMS and flexible electronics.

202

An Inexpensive Air Quality Monitoring DeviceYu Li Information and Communication Engineering, Zhejiang University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: John Muth Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

Monitoring air quality is becoming increasingly important as the amount of people living in large cities and pollution sources become more concentrated. Designing an inexpensive air quality monitor will let people make better decisions about when to exercise or perform hard work in potentially bad air environments. Better air quality sensors may also improve the ability to detect pollution sources. In this project, we design and make a mechanical structure to control the flow the particles into the box using a inexpensive fan. The particles are directed through a laser beam. As the laser beam hits the particles, the light will scatter to different directions. The camera is used to image the scattered light and to estimate the size and number of particles. To analyze these images, we can know the relations between particle size and the scattering light from Mie theory. A portion of this project is to understand if instead of a separate laser and camera, if a cell phone LED and camera can be used to make a similar sensor.

193

Using community detection to build application recommendation systemsBai Li Statistics, Zhejiang University Liqian Zhang Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Nagiza Samatova Computer Science-Engineering, North Carolina State University

Recommendation systems are widely used to recommend items to a user according to the user’s behavior. We are interested in building a recommendation system to recommend applications to computer users. The most common method for building such a system is representing items as market baskets, then using the apriori algorithm, which intelligently enumerates the frequent itemsets. However apriori has scaling issues, because it can degrade into enumerating a superset. To combat this, we construct a graph to represent the transitions between applications, and apply graph-based methods to search for the applications most frequently used


together, which will serve as the basis of our recommendation. We used the community detection algorithm Speaker-listener Label Propagation Algorithm (SLPA), which is designed to find closely associated nodes (in our case the applications) in graphs. The time complexity of SLPA scales linearly with the number of edges in the graph, which solves the inefficiency problem of apriori. However, due to the dense nature of the graphs, the results of SLPA did not align with the frequent itemsets. Therefore, we will be investigating generalized LabelRank, an improved deterministic version of SLPA, which will incorporate the directionality and weights of the transition graph. We hope these considerations will improve the community results.

179

Mortgage Backed Securites (MBS) Evaluations and Risk AnalysisLibin Liang Mathematics, Zhejiang University Ruoqiao Gao Economics, Captial University of Economics and Business; Qinyou Hu Economics, Captial University of Economics and Business; Wen Yan Economics, Captial University of Economics and Business

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Tao Pang Mathematics, North Carolina State University

Mortgage-backed securities (MBS), once a legend of financial instruments, occupied lots of attention and also held one of the fastest growing, as well as one of the largest financial markets in the United States before financial crisis in 2008. However, since it triggered the financial crisis in 2008, people are more aware of the significance of MBS’s risk. In this research, we will investigate the risks associated with different MBS products and their pricing methods. The key to price the MBS is to evaluate the prepayment risk in the future. In our research, first, to get the real prepayment behavior in the market, we collect mortgage data from the Fannie Mae data base and generate the conditional prepayment rate (CPR) and the cash flow with the data, regarding it as a real MBS product. Then we test different models of interest rate and then price the MBS product by utilizing Monte-Carlo Simulation. Further, we will test some prepayment interest models and calibrate the models with real data. Meanwhile, we also build up a new prepayment model based on the real data. Last, we will analyze the risks associated with MBS products based on the option adjusted spread (OAS) and some characteristics such as effective duration, effective convexity and simulated average life. Through our research, we expect to create our own prepayment model and price certain MBS bonds by simulating that model.

152

Trajectory Optimization Based On Heuristic AlgorithmTingting Lin Automation, Zhejiang University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Jingyan Dong E.P.Fitts-Industrl.& Sys Engr, North Carolina State University

In nanopositioning systems, the generation of an optimal feed-rate trajectory for a specific tool path is of significant importance to achieve the required accuracy and productivity. However, finding a minimum-time trajectory subject to constraints of system capabilities has proved to be challenging. Some typical constraints developed to drive the optimization problem are limitations on actuator torques, velocity, and accelerations. This work focuses on generating a time-optimal trajectory subject to dynamic capabilities of a typical nanopositioning system based on heuristic algorithm. First, we generate a cubic spline curve using Hermite interpolation. Then, dynamic characteristics of each specific point on the curve can be acquired. Finally, after developing a heuristic algorithm, we can efficiently acquire the near-optimal trajectory while simultaneously satisfying the constraints and reducing the computational burden. Further experiments will be carried out to provide proof of the effectiveness of the resulting solution.

157

Airborne Particle Sensing with Micro-opticsYiqi Lin Electronic Engineering, Tsinghua University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors:


John Muth Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

The project is about airborne particle sensing using optical fibers according to the Generalized Lorenz-Mie Theory and Fiber Coupling Theory. In the experiment, a laser is conducted and collimated by optical fiber structures before being coupled into another fiber. Particles are identified by the loss of coupling power. Also, we combine SMF-GIF structures in the particle sensing domain, since they would be helpful in creating optimal laser beam profile for particle detection. With such structures, optical fiber output profiles can be actively controlled on the dimension of microns. A laser would be coupled into a single mode fiber as the light source. A quarter pitch GRIN fiber is then attached to the end of a single mode fiber by arc discharge. The GRIN fiber serves as a micro-lens which collimates the light beam, allowing the gap between the emitter and the receiver to be large enough for particles of multiple sizes to traverse through, while maintaining coupling efficiency. The filtered particles are then conducted to pass through the hole in the brass plate along the air jet, disturbing the fiber coupling, causing energy drops and are recorded by the detector connected with the end of the receiving fiber probe. The amplitudes of the energy drops indicate the size of the particle that is being detected, given that the refractive index of the liquid is known. This technique gets rid of the traditional optics and does not require a high power laser, thus it helps to reduce the cost and power consumption of particle sensing, and hold potential for a compact or wearable particle sensing devices.

148

Laser Thresholds of Laser Diodes Shang Liu Optical Engineering, Zhejiang University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Robert Kolbas Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

Lasers play a significant role in military, surgery and daily life. Laser threshold, one of the most important parameters of a laser, represent the lowest excitation level at which a laser's gain equals to loss, and thus the initiation of laser action. Accurate measurement of laser threshold is important when testing the performance of any laser. Several methods have been put forward by previous researchers to measure the lasing threshold current of a semiconductor laser (laser diode). These include the traditional light versus current (L-I) method, the L/(dL/dI) method, and the first derivative dV/dI method, but each of them gives a somewhat different answer. The goal of this project is to compare and contrast these various methods of measuring laser threshold and determine which are best for various applications A differential conductance apparatus based on phase sensitive measurements is used to measure the light output and the electrical and optical derivatives to determine the laser threshold current. A LT-LD6305 laser diode has already been tested and the threshold current has been obtained so far. More laser diodes will be tested and a comparison of the various methods of measuring laser threshold will be made. The laser diodes used in DVD players, laser pointers and fiber optic communication systems all require low laser threshold current. This work ensures accurate measurement of this important laser parameter.

136

Battery Management for Electrical VehicleDing Ma Electrical engineer, Tsinghua university Xiaoti Hu Electrical Engineering & Automation, Zhejiang University; Teke Xu Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang University; Jiawei An Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Mo-Yuen Chow Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

Battery Management System in Electric Vehicle (EV) is increasingly important with the popularity of electric vehicles. The goal of our summer project is to integrate the battery monitoring algorithm developed in ADAC Lab with the EV Emulator. To estimate the state of charge (SOC) of the EV battery precisely and to control the EV motor, we have developed a second generation prototype of the ADAC battery management system using an Arduino board for EVs. By designing a signal conditioning board and combining coulomb counting with


the existing algorithm, we have enhanced the accuracy of the SOC estimation of the battery. In addition, the LabVIEW code has been revised to improve the communication between the PC and the Arduino board to make the system run smoothly. In this system, the current and the voltage of the battery as well as the speed and torque of the EV motor can be measured precisely, and the measurements can be displayed both on the PC and the LCD. Additionally, the system has been designed to be modular, robust, user-friendly, and can be controlled by the LabVIEW GUI on the PC.

140

Numerical Study for Interface Problems with Closed InterfacesLizhang Miao Computing Science, Jilin University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Zhilin Li Mathematics, North Carolina State University

Interface problems arise in many applications. Mathematically, interface problems usually lead to differential equations whose input data and solutions have discontinuities in the solution and its derivatives across the interfaces. For interface problems, analytic solutions are rarely available. Therefore, numerical solutions using computers provide an efficient way in solving interface problems. This is the main goal of this research project. First, one-dimension problem is studies using the immersed interface method and satisfactory results have been obtained. Special attention is needed when the solution of the problem has two interfaces that is close. Secondly, similar to the one-dimension problem, the two-dimension interfaces problems are also studied. Peskin’s Immersed Boundary(IB) method has been implemented and verified. The important idea in the IB method is the use of a discrete delta function to distribute a singular source to nearby grid point. Besides analytic expression, interface can also be represented by level set method which provides an easy way for complicated and multi-connected domains. Finally, the numerical method was considered when two interfaces (two objects) are very close to each other.

208

Sustainability in Strategic Market ExpansionYuqing Pan Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Zhejiang University Wenyi Lin Computational Mathematics, Zhejiang University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Al Chen Accounting, North Carolina State University

Multinational companies (MNCs) always face competitive challenges especially when expanding into new marketplaces. Consumer and social movements around the world, such as those defending fair trade and higher environmental standards, demand MNCs to achieve the expectations as those for the more sophisticated stakeholders. Many MNCs have adopted adaptive strategies to strive to compete. In this study, we demonstrate how MNCs may allow sustainability and innovation to drive each other and together they increase competitiveness. Haier Group limited, a high-tech MNC based on China wants to expand its marketplace from China to the world by designing a global low carbon supply chain and “One Single Unity” policy as its globalization strategies. And Starbucks develops its strategic source of coffee beans in Yunnan and to open Chinese coffee market. China is poised to become Starbuck’s second-largest market behind the U.S., overtaking Canada, Japan and the U.K. And at the same time, with the help of the those new strategies, markets overseas and in China Mainland could both have a significant change, which might become an important turning point for them. Such strategies are therefore likely to be a helpful way to sustainable development of the whole society.

192

Watch out for nearby eavesdroppers when using link signatureWeikang Qiao Information and Communication Engineering, Zhejiang University Dixuan Yang Information and Communication Engineering, Zhejiang University



Huaiyu Dai Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

Link signature (LS), which exploits the unique characteristics of the wireless channel between two devices, has been a research focus in the area of secure communications. However, it has been shown in literature that this technique may have some vulnerabilities: according to theoretical channel models, the signals received at two locations separated by more than half a wavelength can still have high correlation, violating the half-wavelength decorrelation criterion commonly assumed by the LS based security mechanisms; in such cases, the adversary can infer the legitimate LS to certain extent by its own channel measurement depending on relative positions and channel conditions. Our research goal is to justify the existence of high spatial channel correlation through real world experiments, using the USRP platform and GNURadio. In our experiments, we find that the spatial correlation between two channels can be larger than 0.7 in certain experimental environments even when the separation of the two receivers is more than 2.5 wavelengths, which shows that half-wavelength separation may not be sufficient to prevent nearby adversary sensors from effectively inferring the legitimate LS.

138

Computer Modeling of Quantum Well HeterostructuresYushu Qin Optical Engineering, Zhejiang University


Quantum Mechanics is key to understanding nanotechnology. The finite square well problem in quantum mechanics is a fundamental problem used to model many different nanostructures and devices. Students could greatly benefit from having access to open source software as a learning tool and as a method of modeling nanosystems. Commercial software is expensive and has a steep learning curve. However, for students the software should be easy to learn, educational and useful in real applications. A software tool written in the Quantum Optoelectronics Laboratory at NCSU meets these requirements but is not written in an open source language. The goal of this project is to convert this software tool to an open source PYTHON language. This conversion requires: understanding the quantum mechanics and mathematical model, knowing HTBasic and PYTHON well, and developing an easy-to-use human interface that does not require a deep learning. The new program would be an excellent tool for both undergraduate and graduate students to learn about quantum wells and nanotechnology.

197

The Estimation of the Interest Rate with the Monte Carlo SimulationJianfei Shen Statistics, Zhejiang University Yiwei Xu Statistics, Zhejiang University ; Lu Liu Economics , Capital University of Business and Economics ; Zheng Gong Applied MATHEMATICS, Jilin University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Jeff Scroggs Mathematics, North Carolina State University

The purpose of this project is to find numerical solutions of the Interest Rate Model in order to price the mortgage-back securities (MBSs) and the collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs). Firstly, we estimate the α(proportional conditional volatility exponent) and the rest parameters of the Interest Rate Model with Discrete Maximum Likelihood method. Secondly, different approaches of Monte Carlo simulation are used to generate the interest rate of the model with estimated α and parameters, such as the Antithetic Sampling, Control Variate and Stratified Sampling. Meanwhile, we compare the variance and efficiency of different approaches to figure out the approach with less bias and sampling errors. Finally, we use the approximation of the solution of stochastic differential equation (SDEs) of the Interest Rate Model to price the MBSs and CMOs.

173

Same But Different: Qualitative Differences and Similarities in How Different Cultures Conceptualize Phishing


Zijian Wan Automation, Beijing Institute of Technology

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Chris Mayhorn Psychology, North Carolina State University

Phishing, a form of online fraud aimed at stealing sensitive information, is growing increasingly prevalent on a global scale. This study explored the differences in phishing among a sample of people drawn from three nationalities. One hundred-sixty four participants from the United States, India, and China were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk) and completed a survey designed to assess past phishing experiences. A qualitative analysis of the open-ended survey questions was conducted and results showed that there were similarities and differences concerning the definition of phishing, characteristics and consequences of phishing, and the types of media used by phishers. From the current results, we find that people from all three countries defined phishing as an online deception to get sensitive information. Some characteristics of phishing emails are “unbelievable offers” and “spelling errors and inaccuracies”. Respondents from all three countries experienced social and emotional consequences after phishing such as “a bad reputation” and “bad feelings”. In contrast to these similarities, the Chinese sample reported that they were more likely to receive phishing messages through SMS and Instant Messaging (IM), specifically QQ, a popular Chinese Instant Messaging Service. These preliminary results suggest that future research should focus on designing solutions for culturally targeted anti-phishing programs.

144

Using Computational Fluid Dynamics to Design Water Efficient Flush Toilets for Developing AreasChun-I Wang Physics, National Taiwan University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Joel Ducoste Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University

Flush toilets used in most developed countries consume a large amount of water, and are not suitable in many developing areas with limited water resources. It is therefore crucial to design toilets that are efficient in flushing, using 1.5 liters or less of water per flush. The target areas include the eThekwini municipality in South Africa, and rural and urban India. In these areas, the toilets typically do not include a siphon to make mass production and installation inexpensive. Usually, a dual pit latrine is used, where liquid is allowed to infiltrate into the soil while solid waste is stored in pits. The goal of this study is to design and analyze the flushing action in toilets using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling. Several toilet bowl and internal water distribution configurations were constructed using SketchUp, and input into PHOENICS CFD software to analyze the direction and magnitude of shear stresses and velocity of water during a single flush. The water from the inlet tube is modeled as it goes through the internal distribution system in the bowl. This distribution is considered the determining factor of the efficiency of each flush. Several configurations were tested. The CFD runs resulted in velocity vectors in 3D grids that were designed for each case, including one model for which we have video data. This will allow the comparison between the CFD model and prototype testing data. The research is among the first to use CFD to optimize flush toilets for use in developing countries.

141

Aligning polymer semiconductors using a nanostructured substrateXudong Wang Materials control and forming engineering, Jilin University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Brendan O'Connor Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

Organic Field-effect transistors (OFETs) fabricated from semiconducting polymers are a viable option for flexible and cheap electronic applications. In polymer semiconductors, charge transport is usually favored along the polymer backbone as compared to intermolecular paths. Thus, aligning the polymer in the plan of the film between the source and drain electrodes is a promising approach to obtain high performance OFETs. Here, we look at aligning the polymer semiconductor P(NDI2OD-T2) (also known as Polyera ActivInk. N2200) on a nanostructured silicon substrate. The research focuses on getting a polymer film with a high dichroic ratio and charge carrier mobility. Dichroic ratio reflects the optical anisotropy of the film, which is


indicative of the levels of morphological anisotropy. The procedure we follow includes making a polymer solution, and drop casting the solution on a silicon substrate that has nanoscale grooves formed using a diamond lapping film. From there we will take the films and transfer print it using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) slab onto glass. We then measure the absorbance of the film under polarized light. Various processing detailed such as drying speed, substrate angle, nanogroove features, and post transfer printing anneal conditions are explored to optimize the polymer anisotropy.

161

Shaft Encoder System for an Optical Diesel EngineChuyu Wei Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University Mingming Gu Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Tiegang Fang Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

Optically accessible engines are useful tools to investigate the combustion process in an internal combustion engine. When applying various diagnostic techniques or measure the in-cylinder combustion process, the engine crank angle and the reference location of the top dead center (TDC) are important parameters. In order to obtain these two signals in an optical engine, a shaft encoder system is needed. In the 4-stroke internal combustion engines, there are two TDCs for each engine cycle. Therefore, one TDC needs to be ruled out and the other one is kept as the reference point. To achieve this goal, a Hall effect senor is used to produce a pulse every working cycle of the engine near the selected TDC. At the same time, the two-channel shaft encoder provides an index pulse per revolution and crank angle pulses. In this project, the shaft encoder system will be designed, fabricated, and tested in a single cylinder diesel engine. The structure of the system will be designed first and a 3D assembly drawing will be completed using Solidworks software. According to the design, parts are going to be purchased or fabricated in the machine shop and assembled. With this shaft encoder system, the crank shaft timing can be determined. By combining the timing signals and recorded data like in-cylinder pressure, combustion images, etc. the combustion process at a certain moment can be clearly revealed.

207

An Optical Cavity Based Particle Counter SimulationZhenping Xing Optical Engineering, Zhejiang University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: John Muth Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

High aerosol loading can harm the human respiratory system. This project examines how to reduce the size and power required for sensing particles in the 2.5 um size ranges generated by diesel exhaust and other combustion sources. Most current particle monitors use a very sensitive photo detector to measure the very small amount of light that scattered from a laser beam. This usually requires a fairly high power laser and a relatively large size (for a long optical path length) for the detector to have sufficient sensitivity. The approach taken in this project is to use an optical cavity where at the optical resonance 100 times the power of the incident laser is available. This also potentially reduces the overall size of the instrument since the resonating cavity can be small, but have the light travel many times between the mirrors giving a long effective path length. Separation of the laser light and scattered light is automatically achieved since the sensor placed outside the cavity will collect only scattered light. The optical system has been modeled using the non-sequential mode of the commercial software Zemax. The simulation is based on ray tracing, while the scattering model is calculated using Mie theory. Future work will be further optimizing and experimental verification of this design. Its ability to count different kinds of particles with different sizes is to be explored using simulation & experimental methods. The result of this research may open a new perspective to the design of particle monitoring devices.

214

Literature Review of Lean Construction and Building Information Modeling Integration in Construction

Xuan Yang Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University


Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Min Liu Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University

Lean construction and building information modeling (BIM) have been independently applied and provide profound influence in Construction Engineering Management. This research aims to review the evolving research of Lean Construction and BIM Integration. This paper reviews the synergy between Lean Construction and BIM and the interaction of Lean and BIM in specific construction areas. It includes integrating BIM and Lean principles in 1) modular Construction Manufacturing (MCM), 2) operation and maintenance (O&M) practice, 3) healthcare construction market segment to improve healthcare facility delivery, and 4) publicly funded projects. Based on the literature review, I recommend future studies in 1) validation of the integration in O&M practice by a data comparison study between the current process and the one using the BIM & Lean to analyze the time and cost efficiency, 2) further investigations of the driving factors of integration in MCM, publicly funded projects and healthcare construction segment, 3) further research of the strategies for implementation through the use of a process map in the healthcare construction segment and publicly funded projects, and 4) the integration in other specific domains of construction fields.

176

Development of a Wireless Wearable Strain SensorJiaolong Yu Optical Engineering, Zhejiang University Yuyang Zhou Optical Engineering, Zhejiang University


Wearable systems for monitoring human health/wellness and detecting human motions have attracted significant attention in recent years. A variety of wearable sensors and energy harvesting/storage devices have been developed, which represents exciting progress towards to battery-free (or less) health monitoring. Using silver nanowires (AgNWs), our group has recently developed a number of wearable sensors as well as antennas. In this project, we will design and demonstrate a prototype wireless health monitoring system, which includes three parts: wireless charging, a wearable strain sensor, and wireless signal transmission. The strain sensor is a stretchable microstrip antenna whose resonance frequency and reflection coefficient shifts when bent or stretched. We will explore three possible ways of wireless charging, including electromagnetic induction, resonant magnetic coupling and electromagnetic radiation. In addition, we plan to demodulate and analyze the signal transformed by the antenna and received by a personal computer to represent the strain applied to the antenna.

139

Electrical Characteristics of Thermoelectric DevicesYanfei Zhao Material Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University


Thermoelectric materials, which can generate electricity from waste heat or be used as solid-state Peltier coolers or thermocouples, could play an important role in global sustainable energy solutions. Measurements of thermoelectric devices are primarily focused on testing the power factor Q, device efficiency η, and thermoelectric figure of merit ZT. However, in our research, we will use a differential conductance apparatus to test the thermoelectric devices. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of a thermoelectric device should look like a resistor in first order, assuming there are good ohmic contacts. We doubt that a real thermoelectric device is that simple and predict there will be some nonlinearities. We will measure the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics, the first (dV/dI) and second derivatives (d2V/dI2) of the current-voltage characteristics, and thus find the nonlinearities of the thermoelectric devices using phase detection. Based on any nonlinearities found, our goal is to figure out which physics needs to be added into the thermoelectric device model to develop a more comprehensive model. A literature search revealed little data on the current-voltage characteristics and nonlinear effects in thermoelectric devices. Therefore, testing thermoelectric devices using derivative measurements may result in new ways to improve thermoelectric devices. Thermoelectric devices can contribute significantly to alternative energy solutions and mobile “self-powered” systems based on


recovering waste heat. Therefore, improving the efficiency of thermoelectric devices will have a momentous economic and social impact.


IMSD - Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity 30

“Everything will be Okay, Billy!”: Emotions in American Children’s BooksAnita Michelle Adams Psychology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Amy Halberstadt Psychology, North Carolina State University

Picture books are thought to reflect the values of the culture and also to shape subsequent values and behaviors in those reading them (Kroeber & Kluckhohn, 1952). Cultural values are reflected in the thematic content of children’s books (Zheng, 1997), so children may learn which affective states to value through exposure to popular stories (Tsai et al., 2007). In the United States, high arousal positivity states, such as excitement and enthusiasm, are highly valued (Fredrickson, 1998; Tsai et al., 2007). Also, parents value children’s resolution of their negative emotions (Lozada et al., 2014). Thus, I hypothesized the following about emotions in children’s books: more positive emotions than negative emotions will be expressed, negative situations will be resolved more frequently than they are left unresolved, and emotion regulation strategies used in these books will focus more on changing/modifying the situation that caused negative emotions rather than cognitively reappraising the negative emotions. To test these hypotheses, 22 well-known children’s books were coded for verbal and nonverbal expression of emotion, resolutions, and emotion regulation strategies. Coder reliability, results, conclusions, and implications are discussed in further detail.

203

Minos Mutations and Their Affect on Locomotor Startle Response and Geotaxis in Drosophila melanogaster

Inderpreet Kaur Bajwa Biology-IPN, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Trudy MacKay Genetics, North Carolina State University

A key aspect of behavioral genetics is to understand and hopefully relate specific genes to their function. Drosophila exhibits a wide range of complex behaviors, and understanding how an individual’s genome produces certain behaviors can help unlock the mystery about the genes required to produce these behaviors. Drosophila have become a popular model for studying behavioral and neurological systems because both their genes and environments can be relatively easily controlled in a lab setting. Specifically examining locomotor startle response and geotaxis allows one to relate the brain and the resulting behaviors it induces together. When animals experience an unexpected stimuli (i.e. loud noise), they will react both behaviorally and physiologically in a way to prevent possible injury or death. A startle response is characterized by an involuntary reaction after being presented with an unanticipated stimulus, which is followed by elevated physiological and behavioral escape responses. We specifically observed Minos mutations in 22 lines of Drosophila and their relationship to both locomotor startle response and geotaxis.

23

A Mathematical Representation for the Lignin Biosynthesis PathwayLandon DeNorris Blakey Electrical Engineering and Mathematics, North Carolina State University Erika Parker Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Cranos Williams Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

Predictive models of lignin biosynthesis would be a valuable supplement for biologists to identify adequate avenues for the re-engineering of lignin. Complete ordinary differential equation models of lignin, however, are difficult to achieve due to complexity. Instead, recent research efforts have aimed at using a flux balance analysis approach to model lignin because it removes the level of complexity. The goal of this project is to use steady state analysis techniques to assess the primary flow of flux through the pathway based on known information about the structure of the lignin biosynthesis pathway. The first step of this research was to create a flux balance analysis model of the lignin biosynthesis pathway in MATLAB and impose a function that


forced a 2:1 output on the S and G monolignols, respectively, as they are defined in nature. The research relies on constraints on the maximum flux at each point in the pathway to analyze which route would lead to maximal lignin production. Once the flux balance analysis model of the pathway was established, a linear programming algorithm was run to obtain a solution that would give maximal lignin production. The results from this research are consistent with other lignin models in the literature. The future aim of this project is to determine the biological relevance of the solution obtained from previous work.

11

Design of a wearable assistive walking device to balance force distribution.Kellie Katherine Chieu Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Helen Huang Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University

Due to the loss of sensory receptors, lower limb amputees are unable to obtain the physiological information normally received from an intact limb. This loss has been linked to reliance on their intact limb, gait asymmetry, and unequal distribution of forces. As a result of this reliance, the sound limb is subjected to frequent high knee-joint loadings and foot pressures, which places transtibial amputees at a high risk of knee osteoarthritis and pressure ulcers. Consequently, a wide variety of biofeedback devices have been explored to correct gait asymmetry from signaling of unequal stance times to the signaling of undesirable knee-joint angles, but few of these devices have focused on equalizing the distribution of forces. Therefore, the aim of this device is to balance the forces between the lower limbs. The user could benefit from this device by experiencing less frequent high knee joint loadings, which could potentially reduce their risk of knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, this device differs from previous designs by allowing an easier means of assembly and portability.

44

Measuring Passive Ankle Moments to Modify AFO for Clubfoot BracingMaria Lourdes Carmela Gaurano Cruz Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Gregory Sawicki Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University Andrew DiMeo, Sr. Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University; Michael Browne

Clubfoot is a congenital birth defect where the foot is turned inward, in inversion and adduction, and downward in plantarflexion with increased ankle stiffness. Treatment commonly consists of a series of casts or surgery, followed by bracing to prevent relapse. Foot abduction braces (FAB) are used to maintain the corrected position through the use of a bar between the legs to hold proper geometry. A new type of ankle foot orthosis (AFO) has been developed using torsion springs to replace the bar and free the feet for mobility. The torsional spring stiffness can be modified to produce the proper moment at the ankle required to achieve normal gait patterns. The passive ankle moments generated by the tissues as well as the active ankle moments from the muscles must be determined initially to know the required torsion spring parameters. This study focused on using a Biodex System 4 Dynamometer to measure passive ankle moments across the ankle’s range of motion and at different angular velocities on four healthy individuals. As expected the ankle moment tended to increase as dorsiflexion and angular velocity increased. Future work includes collecting more passive and active ankle moment data on normal and clubfoot corrected individuals.

8

Verification of candidate genes for alcohol sensitivity in Drosophila melanogaster

Morgan Roberta Davis Biology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Trudy MacKay Genetics, North Carolina State University

Alcohol is a widely abused substance that causes many public health problems. Alcoholism is genetically


complex disease, with multiple genes having a small effect on phenotype. Studies on human populations are problematic, because of many factors including: differences in genetic background, difficulty to control environmental conditions and reliance on the self-reported questionnaires to quantify alcohol consumption. In this study, we used mutational analysis to functionally validate candidate genes associated with alcohol sensitivity in genome wide association study. Based on availability of co-isogenic P[MiET1] mutants we selected 13 lines with insertions in bun, Calx, Cyp49a1/Galphao, cv-c, CG42389, CG5621, Lim3, Moe, norpA,pk/CG30384, PkcDelta, rdgA/CG10962 and sif genes. We used (ST50) using tube assay to measure alcohol sensitivity. Eight flies of the same sex each 3-7 days old were collected, 50 ml of ethanol solution were pipetted onto vial flugs, and the number of intoxicated flies was recorded every minute. The observation time ended when at least 4 flies became intoxicated. Subsequently, the “time to 50% sedation” or ST50 (Maples & Rothenfluh, 2011) was established as a measure of alcohol sensitivity. We observed significant changes in ethanol sensitivity for both sexes in 4 mutant lines; in addition, 4 had a male-specific effect changes in alcohol sensitivity. Thus, 60% of candidate genes that harbor variants associated with alcohol sensitivity were functionally validated by mutational analysis at least in one sex. Currently, we are assessing if there any pleiotropic effects of candidate genes on other traits, including two components of locomotor activity: startle response and climbing ability.

190

Estrogen Effects on Embryonic Development of Japanese Medaka (Oryzias Latipes) Ayanna Ganae Glaize Microbiology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Seth Kullman College of Sciences, North Carolina State University

Embryonic development depends on endogenous hormones to orchestrate the growth and tissue differentiation of the fetus. This process is highly sensitive and dependent upon defined spatial and temporal windows. Environmental exposures to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) during embryonic development can lead to abnormalities in wildlife and humans. For example, thalidomide, the active ingredient in Contergan, was an over the counter drug that was used to relieve morning sickness in 1957. Children of women who have taken this drug were born with phocomelia. In light of this and other cases of EDCs exposures, there is a growing concern about the prevalence of EDCs in the environment and the effect that they are having. In this study, we investigated the affects of 17β-estadiol (E2) as a prototypic EDC, on embryo development in Japanese Medaka (Oryzias Latipes), a fish commonly used in toxicity testing. We harvested embryos from reproducing orange red medaka at stage 2 and exposed them to either, ethanol or 2 ng/L and 20ng/L of E2. The embryos were then assessed at stage 27, 31, 36, and two days after stage 36 to screen for abnormalities in the developing embryos. Thirteen endpoints were assessed: heart, tail, body pigmentation, hatching, fin, kupffer’s vesicle, gall bladder, liver, spleen, head, ear, eye and blood/circulation. Preliminary data suggest that E2 causes defects in embryos starting at stage 20 during development. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between estrogen exposure during early life development and organizational sex characteristics in pre-juvenile Medaka.

3

Static Images vs Videos and Auditory Instructions When Learning ASLMaurita Tifquwana Harris Psychology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Laura Whitlock Psychology, North Carolina State University Anne McLaughlin Psychology, North Carolina State University

Prior research has found that learners perform worse with animation compared to static images because of an increase of cognitive load during performance. Other work has shown that by presenting learners with two modes, visual and auditory, instead of one, text, it is possible to increase the amount that their working memory can process which causes a reduction in their cognitive load. Based on these findings, we will investigate if having videos with auditory instructions are better than having static images with auditory instructions when learning American Sign Language (ASL). These two groups will be given signs to learn through an acquisition phase and tested on how well they retained the information through two retention phases. It is hypothesized that the group that will retain the information better will be the


videos with auditory instructions group.

28

A Systematic Review of Publication Trends Across Seven School Psychology Journals, with a Focus on Examining International and Experimental ResearchRahma Mohamed Hida Psychology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: John Begeny Psychology, North Carolina State University

Although published research in the field of school psychology aims for worldwide applicability, it is unknown to what extent published school psychology research is representative of the international community, particularly as it relates to prevention and intervention research being conducted outside of countries like the United States and Canada. In this study, all articles published between 2002 and 2012 in all seven of the major school psychology journals were systematically coded to understand the type of school psychology research being published and the location of the research from an international perspective. Results indicate there are a small percentage of studies conducted outside of the United States, and of those studies, an even smaller percentage of the studies focused on prevention or intervention. Conclusions and implications of these findings as they relate to international research in school psychology are discussed.

14

Reserve Intestinal Epithelial Stem Cells are Resistant to Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Asia Louise Hilliard Microbiology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Anthony Blikslager Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University

Intestinal ischemic injury results from a reduction of blood flow that causes initial damage to the inner most layer, the mucosa. Mortality in both human and veterinary patients generally exceeds 50%. Intestinal epithelial stem cells (IESC) reside within the mucosa in structures called the crypts of LieberkÃ¼hn crypts and are essential to post-ischemic mucosal repair. Previous research supports the presence of two distinct IESC types; Crypt Base Columnar cells (rapidly cycling; Lgr5+, Olfm4+) and reserve stem cells (HOPX+; activated upon injury). This research focuses on the specific role of IESCs in post-ischemic mucosal repair. Ischemia was induced in 8-10 week-old Yorkshire cross pigs using vascular clamps, for 1 to 4 hours. Jejunal mucosal samples were collected for RNA isolation. Gene expression was evaluated using real time-PCR in order to compare relative levels of cell biomarker expression compared to a house keeping gene (GAPDH). Based on experiments comparing protein biomarker expression we predict that gene biomarker expression for the crypt base columnar (rapidly cycling) cells will be reduced and that of the reserve stem cell population will remain unchanged or will be up regulated. Identifying the stem cell population that is most resistant to injury may provide insight into targeted therapy to hasten mucosal repair in the future.

15

“Let’s Agree to Disagree”: The Influence of Mothers’ Emotion Responses on Conflict Discussion Strategies

Ebony Danielle Leon Psychology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Amy Halberstadt Psychology, North Carolina State University

Parents' beliefs about the value of and the danger of children's emotions are positively related to their discussion with their children (Halberstadt, Parker, Thompson, & Dunsmore, 2008). Reliability (internal consistency, temporal stability) and validity findings indicate that the CCNES is a valid assessment of parental emotion-related reactions (Coutu et al., 2002). Although research on parents’ self-reported behaviors is plentiful, few studies compare parents’ self-reported behavior to their actual behavior. Therefore, this research will help to gain insight as to whether or not there is consistency between how mothers think they’ll respond to their children’s negative emotions, and how they respond in reality. Data from a larger study (Halberstadt & Garret-Peters, 2012) were used; 83 mothers first filled out the Coping with Children’s Negative Emotions


Scale concerning how they would respond to their children’s negative emotions in 12 given situations. They were then observed discussing a conflict with their 3rd-grade children and these conversations were later coded for parent-initiated strategies such problem-focused, emotion-focused, punitive and minimizing. Results will discuss the relationship between the strategies used by mothers while discussing conflict with their children, and their self-reported behaviors to other challenging situations with their children.

4

Does FXR In Vitro High-Throughput Screening Predict In Vivo Results?Ravyn Sierra Tendai Njagu Biological Sciences with Human Biology Concentration, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Seth Kullman College of Sciences, North Carolina State University

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes that there are >10,000 chemical compounds that need further testing for potential toxicity and risk prioritization. Thus there is a need to develop cost and time effective methods to evaluate toxicity and biological activities of these compounds. High throughput screening (HTS) through in vitro transient transactivation assays has become a viable option. In this study, activation of farenesoid X receptor (FXR) by a select set of chemical compounds was evaluated. FXR is a nuclear receptor that is commonly expressed in tissues such as the liver, gall bladder, intestines, kidneys, and adrenal gland. Natural ligands for FXR are bile acids, and when activated FXR induces a variety of biochemical processes including bile acid homeostasis, glucose homeostasis and lipid regulation. Contaminants that activate FXR have the potential to disrupt these biological processes. In this study, we validate twelve compounds previously identified as FXR agonists in a high throughput screen. We conducted transient transactivation assays in HepG2 cells in a eight point assay and a luciferase reporter assay. Our data demonstrate consistent effect dose 50 (EC50) concentrations and suggests that in vitro studies may be a viable replacement for in vivo studies.

164

Identifying data and computational methods to infer genetic interactions in response to abiotic stresses in Arabidopsis thalianaMorjan Bassam Rahhal Biological Engineering, North Carolina State University


Plants respond to environmental fluctuations with a complex cascade of regulatory interactions and metabolic reactions that maintain fitness and ensure survival. Predicting how environment influences plant phenotypes is key to advance systems and synthetic biology initiatives that focus on the manipulation of plant biomass or other accessible plant compounds. We are identifying data and computational approaches for deciphering relationships between gene and/or transcription factors that form in response to environmental stresses in Arabidopsis. For this, we have conducted a literature survey to catalog known relationships and their associated experimental data. The cataloged information has been stored as a database by means of the open source system MySQL. This database will be open to plant biology labs in NCSU focusing on Arabidopsis, and it will serve as a tool for these labs to store, organize, and share their own data. We will select a subset of the genetic relationships from this database (related to temperature stress) and we will conduct experiments to confirm or reject some of these relationships. Specifically, an experimental pipeline focused on RNA extraction, quantitative RT-PCR, and confocal imaging will identify differences between plants treated and non-treated by temperature stress. In turn, we will identify data from the database that can be used in a computational approach for establishing relationships between stress and gene response. We will then implement computational analysis techniques to identify some of the relationships that were established in the literature. By combining biological and computational experiments and by validating them with results collected in our database, our research will identify techniques for unraveling the specific connections associated with changes in gene expression in response to environmental stress. We will compare several methodologies, and assess strengths, weaknesses, and data requirements of different computational methods. With this research, we will identify the ensemble “experimental data–computational approach” that leads to


the results that best reproduce the published genetic interactions. This research thus, has the potential to serve as a guide for future experiments.

87

The Structure of Emotions: The Impact of the Assessment Method Rasika Usha Rajagopalan Psychology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Daniel Gruehn Psychology, North Carolina State University

Emotions can be evaluated along valence - ranging from highly positive to highly negative - and arousal - ranging from calming/soothing to exciting/agitating (Russell, 1980 ; Lang et al., 1992). However, there are mixed findings regarding the relationship between valence and arousal. Some studies found a U-shaped pattern (e.g. Lang, Brandley & Cuthbert, 1997), that is, extremely positive and negative events both elicited high arousal, while neutral stimuli elicited lower arousal. These studies usually assessed valence and arousal simultaneously for each stimulus. In contrast, other studies found a more linear relationship between valence and arousal (e.g. Grühn & Scheibe, 2008), that is, positive events elicited low arousal while negative events elicited high arousal. In these studies, stimuli typically were first evaluated on valence and then on arousal. The goal of the present study was to investigate in an experiment whether the type of assessment - simultaneously or separately - influenced the relation between the two dimensions. We recruited 41 adults (Mage = 33.5, SDage = 12.3, 56.1% female), who were randomly assigned to either the simultaneous evaluation condition (n = 19) or the separate evaluation condition (n = 22). Although both rating conditions showed a U-shaped pattern, images in the separate evaluation condition showed a much stronger linear component between valence and arousal than the simultaneous condition. Primarily, positive images were evaluated as less arousing in the separate evaluation condition. Findings are consistent with the idea that the assessment method influences the structure of emotions.

43

Nano-Aggregates with Ionically Triggered Disassembly for Advanced Drug Delivery

Divya G Rao Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Alexander Richter Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

Using stimuli-responsive nanoparticles for biomedical applications has rapidly gained importance since the turn of the century. One class of such particles are pH-sensitive drug delivery systems (PSDDS), which enable the targeted delivery of therapeutics at a specific time. PSDDS with additional ionic strength responsiveness could further improve the efficiency of therapeutics in treatment of diseases. We will report the results of a research project aimed at the development and testing of a new composition of Triggered Disassembly Nano-Aggregates (TDNAs) with combined pH and ionic strength responsiveness. The TDNA’s are made from environmentally benign polymers, which precipitate out nanoparticles. Once synthesized, these nanoparticles can be functionalized with an active agent. By increasing the ionic strength to physiological levels, the TDNA disassembly is triggered to release both the polymers and the active agent. Dynamic Light Scattering was used to determine the size as a function of pH and ionic strength. The as-synthesized TDNA’s diameter ranged from 100 to 300 nm in size and are stable between a pH of 3.0-7.5. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to assess the loading and unloading of a model active agent, Rifampicin, an antibiotic drug, used with other medications to treat Tuberculosis. We established that loading of Rifampicin onto the TDNA’s is been maximized at 36% at 0.025wt% Rifampicin. Antimicrobial proof of concept testing is performed on Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228) and Escherichia coli BL21. Preliminary results show that both bacteria are susceptible to the drug. The efficacy of Rifampicin loaded TDNA’s will be evaluated in the future.

99

Evaluating the effective outcomes of Pneumocystis prophylaxis in Pediatric Oncology Patients Supriya Sadagopan Biochemistry, North Carolina State University


Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Gayle Smink ,

Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP), is a form of pneumonia caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jiroveci. Although P. jiroveci rarely causes infection in hosts with a normal immune system, it can be extremely dangerous in immunocompromised hosts and can even be fatal. Currently, literature is available for treating some subgroups of immunocompromised patients prophylactically but this literature mainly focuses on HIV and AIDS, with little literature in other groups of immunocompromised patients including pediatric oncology. As of now, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is the first line medication used for PJP prophylaxis, although other medications including pentamidine, dapsone and atovaquone are commonly used. In order to fill this gap in scientific knowledge, we plan to conduct a retrospective chart review of 300 patients from the past ten years comparing prophylactic medications including trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, pentamidine, dapsone, and atovaquone. The efficacy of these medications in pediatric oncology patients will be compared. We will assess the duration of time between initiation of chemotherapy and PJP prophylactic medication initiation to determine if timing affects the risk of development of PJP pneumonia. We predict that second line agents will have the same efficacy as first line medications. The results of this study will further characterize proper prophylaxis for PJP pneumonia in pediatric oncology patients.

22

Modeling the Concentration of Flunixin in Tissue Over Time Omokuyani Chibuzor Udiani Physics, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Ronald Baynes Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University

The following research models the amounts of the drug flunixin meglumine in pig liver using mixing models (fluid flow based modeling). Linear mixed effect models are systems of differential equations that account for incoming and outgoing amounts of the target drug into a system called a compartment. By solving these equations, the depletion concentration curve of target drug can be resolved as a function of time. Modeling differential systems generates the concentration functions of the drugs in each compartment. These functions can be applied to general populations of target animals using population based (PK) models.


Intelligent and Interactive Media REU

73

Toward an Intelligent Tutoring System for propositional logicRobert Louis Benson CSC, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Tiffany Barnes Computer Science, North Carolina State University

An intelligent tutoring system is a type of educational software that adapts instruction to individual students with feedback and help. Deep Thought is an interactive learning environment for solving proofs in propositional logic, a topic learned in introductory discrete mathematics and deductive logic classes in college. Deep Thought displays both graphical and textual representations of the proof simultaneously, and allows the student to work forwards and backwards to connect the premises of a problem to its conclusion, or goal. We are rebuilding Deep Thought, and in this revision we are adding data-driven knowledge tracing techniques to keep track of students' mastery of logical axioms for problem-solving. Deep Thought will also provide the best possible next-step or higher-level hints to students, generated from historical student data using a Markov Decision Process with Bellman value iteration. Deep Thought will also provide full worked examples of problems solved by previous students as another pedagogical strategy. In fall 2014, we will empirically compare the effects of next-step hints, higher level hints, and worked examples on learning gains by assigning experimental groups each a version of Deep Thought with exactly one of these hint types available.

80

Using Trust from Social Networks to Recommend WorkflowsDylan William Gordon Bates Mathematics and Computer Science, Coker College Michael Peterson Computer Science, Carthage College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Emerson Murphy-Hill Computer Science, North Carolina State University

Recommendation systems recommend relevant items to users via one of several algorithms, such as content-based or collaborative filtering. For software, these systems can recommend tools to software developers such as a refactoring tool or a program navigation tool, in order to help the developer become more fluent with the program. However, a developer's likelihood to accept a recommendation depends in part on her trust in the person who created the artifact. We created a system that estimates the trust value between developers, by mining GitHub to collect interactions between the users. It also finds the most common workflows from the Eclipse Usage Data Collector and gives personalized recommendations to each software developer, based on which users they trust the most and are most similar to.

69

Gesture Virtualization: Enabling Natural Communication Within a Tutoring System

McKenzie Elizabeth Bradley Computer Science & Mathematics, Meredith College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Kristy Boyer Computer Science, North Carolina State University

As technology permeates our lives, new opportunities appear to integrate it into education. One example is the JavaTutor program, an intelligent tutoring system for teaching entry Java programming through the use of guided exercises. Currently a human tutor or partially-automated tutor instructs the student through a chat box, but the eventual goal is to use natural language processing (NLP) to fully automate the tutor. The chat dialog box between the tutor and the student enables verbal communication, but there has yet to be any non-verbal communication channels integrated, which some researchers believe to compose 93% of human communication. Therefore, for learning to be effective it is important that we address how to incorporate nonverbal communication to make the conversation feel as natural as possible. The add-on developed within this project for JavaTutor allows the student to select a portion of the code to bring to the tutor’s attention. This serves as a virtual equivalent to pointing at code, which is commonplace in a normal tutoring environment.


Currently, the partially-automated tutor returns a message to the student based on what code analysis determines the student is most likely asking about, but eventually NLP will handle this process. Expanding a student’s ability to interact naturally in intelligent tutoring systems has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of learning with these tools.

58

BOTS - Changing the Level Editor to Increase User-Generated Content Quality and Learning GainsYuri Do Nascimento Farias da Silva Computer Science, Rural Federal University of Pernambuco - Brazil


Replayability is a key element for the success of games, and this is true especially for educational games. User-generated content offers a great opportunity to generate new content that can get players to replay and apply acquired knowledge in educational games, but evaluating the quality of this content poses a concern to educators and developers. We look for ways to encourage players to build better levels in the context of BOTS. BOTS is an educational game developed by the Game2Learn lab that aims to teach basic programming concepts to middle-school students. BOTS also contains a level editor, which currently does not require or convey any programming knowledge. We want to introduce programming elements in the level editor that can potentially increase the learning gain for players. Our experiment tests the effect of three different models for a level editor. In the control group, students are given freedom of creation. For the second model, students are given a snippet of code and have to build a level that can be navigated using the given list of commands. In the third model, students create the level by writing code rather than shaping the terrain. Our hypothesis is that a hybrid model where students build levels using both the second and third techniques will bring the most benefits for BOTS’ purposes. We expect to find higher learning gains for players in the level editor mode as well as increased overall quality of the levels players created.

154

Deep Thought 2.0: Rebuilding a Logic Proof Tutor for a More Effective Learning Environment Cameren Christopher Dolecheck Computer Science, North Carolina State University


Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) are recognized as being valuable tools for student learning, primarily because of their ability to tailor the learning experience to individual students. In the Game2Learn lab, we have augmented the Deep Thought logic tutor with intelligent, adaptive hints based on prior student work. However, this level of adaptation has not been sufficient to help the wide range of students learning logic with Deep Thought. We have redesigned Deep Thought to be more modular, keep more accurate and complete data logs of student interactions, and to allow for more types of exercises to scaffold learners into being able to do full proofs independently. In order to aid the user while working through Deep Thought, I have added the ability to show completely worked problems. This can provide helpful examples by showing similar problems to those the user will encounter.

66

Preattentive Processing as a Tool to Enhance the User Experience on Smartphones

Nova Emilee Fallen Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University


A common way that users of smartphones access their applications is by tapping the icons on their home screen. If users download many applications, it may become difficult for them to find the specific icon they are searching for in a reasonable amount of time. Our study aims to address that problem by testing whether users can find icons faster if those icons are enhanced with certain effects known to attract attention by the psychological phenomenon of preattentive processing. In the study, we tested users’ response time when prompted to find a specific icon by an app configured to look like the user’s own smartphone homescreen. We


anticipate being able to pinpoint whether any of the applied effects significantly aid users in finding their application icons and if so, which of the effects is the best at performing this function.

174

Evaluating The Impact of Professional Development on Learning ComputingElisabeth Renee Frasch Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, North Carolina State University


The Beauty and Joy of Computing is a curriculum designed to teach computer science concepts to students with little to no experience in computing. In order to improve the state of computer science in high schools, professional development workshops have been led for high school teachers so that they can prepare to teach the class themselves. Since computer science is a new field, there has been little research on what makes for the best professional development in the field, and there are no validated instruments that we know of to measure advanced computing skills including iteration, conditional logic, variables, and functions. In this research, we designed an evaluation instrument in the form of a pre and post test that was given to the teachers before and after their in-person, one week professional development session. We discuss how the test questions were developed and the results from the high school teachers’ performance at separate workshops held at the University of California at Berkeley and at North Carolina State University.

67

Redesigning a Casual Game to Improve Player EngagementTaryn Leigh Hampton Computer Science, North Carolina State University


Casual games are characterized by their appeal to large audiences, easiness to learn, simple rules and a lack of required player commitment. Recognition is a casual game developed for android devices that requires the player to perform the simple task of identifying blurred images while under a time constraint. Its simplicity and adaptability make Recognition ideal for testing strategies, especially in gamification, to improve player enjoyment. A re-design plan for Recognition was developed both to improve game aesthetics as well as to streamline implementation of several different gamification strategies. The re-development of Recognition will involve several versions of the game being made to isolate different gamification strategies, and once this is complete, a study will be conducted to test what effects of these strategies have on player enjoyment. We intend to use our findings both to expand knowledge of gamification within casual games, as well as to make further improvements to Recognition as a commercial game.

147

Draw This! - An Exploration of the Mind and its Interaction with Mobile Technology

Andrew Eugene Hoover Computer Science & Mathematics, The College of Wooster Webb Chawla Computer Science, North Carolina State University; Ronald Lopez Computer Science, Kean University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: David Roberts Computer Science, North Carolina State University

The purpose of this project is to explore the way people interact with mobile devices. An Android application entitled “Draw This” was developed, which is a single player game that requires a user to draw a specific object when prompted with either an image or text. Players receive a score for their drawing based on how similar it is to a selected reference image. The score for a user’s drawing is generated by inputting the drawing into a neural network that has been trained to recognize the specific object. The score of the drawing will be based on the activation level of the neuron pertaining to the selected reference image. During each play session, player interactions are logged, which includes information such as accelerometer readings, button presses, and touch events. Analyzing the user’s patterns of gameplay will allow for researchers to connect


users’ cognitive processes to their interactions within the application. The eventual goal is for researchers to be able to determine which cognitive processes correlate to particular actions within applications.

82

Progressive Real-Time Rendering Using Ray TracingMatthew Woodrow Johnson Computer Science, Mathematics, North Carolina State University


Ray tracing is a graphics rendering technique capable of generating scenes with a very high degree of realism when compared to traditional graphics rendering techniques. The downside of ray tracing is that it will usually come at a very high computational cost, which leads to slower render times, and thus ray tracing is not an ideal technique in real-time environments such as video games. Our aim is to integrate a real-time progressive rendering algorithm into the NVIDIA® OptiX™ Ray Tracing Engine. The algorithm will prioritize areas in the scene with the most detail to be refined first, resulting in a reduction of time when presenting the user with a suitable image. With an algorithm such as this, ray tracing will hopefully come to be a more viable technique for developers to consider when rendering real-time environments.

195

ACAnon : Automatic Code Anonymization to Enable Code SharingAashish Karki Computer Science, Economics, Amherst College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Emerson Murphy-Hill Computer Science, North Carolina State University

A developer might choose against sharing a code snippet on developer help forums like StackOverflow, CodeProject and Google Groups because the code snippet may contain a proprietary algorithm or developer's original idea. I built and tested a code anonymization technique called ACAnon, that finds an open-source code snippet similar to the original one. ACAnon determines similarity of two code snippets by comparing their Abstract Syntax Trees (AST). The developer can then share the open-source code instead of his own on the developer help forums.

70

Semantic Labeling to Improve the Java Tutorial DialogJake Glen Kausler Computer Science, Ouachita Baptist University


JavaTutor is an intelligent tutoring system that allows beginning programmers to use a chat interface while working on tasks in order to get live feedback and ask questions about the work. Because of the impracticality of using a human tutor for each student, one of the main goals of JavaTutor is to make it a fully automated human-computer chat system, operating using natural language processing. For it to work efficiently, semantic analysis, or the relation of individual word meanings to a discourse, on utterances is needed so that the system can correctly analyze and discuss parts of the tutoring session. Our work was directed at understanding the semantic structure of noun phrases in the tutorial dialogs generated in tutoring sessions. First, over 1900 noun phrases extracted from six human-human tutoring sessions were labeled with 16 semantic tags. Then, using the MALLET toolkit, a package for statistical natural language processing freely available online, the data was analyzed based on four classification methods: Naïve Bayes, Maximum Entropy, Decision Tree, and Conditional Random Fields. Using ten-fold cross validation on all algorithms, Maximum Entropy performed the best at about 72.8 percent accuracy, followed by Decision Tree at about 71.0 percent, Naïve Bayes at about 67.6 percent, and, much worse, Conditional Random Fields at about 53.5 percent.


65

Engaging Middle Schoolers to Learn Computational Thinking while Playing Minecraft Melissa Lea Ketcham Computer Science and Mathematics, Central College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Tiffany Barnes Computer Science, North Carolina State University Collin Lynch Computer Science-Engineering, North Carolina State University

It is important to engage middle school students in learning to think and do things computationally. The Game2Learn Lab is creating a game called BOTS where players use drag and drop commands to control a robot to solve puzzles. While the game seems promising, another approach is to embed learning computing into a game that kids already play. Minecraft is a game that has become incredibly popular and is played by many people, especially middle-school aged children, with over 100 million users in more than 66 countries. Adding modifications to Minecraft expands the possibilities far beyond the original game. Using these modifications, we were able to design seven levels—collectively called CodeCraft—to introduce basic programming concepts by controlling programmable robots called “turtles” using the programming language Lua. Through specific tasks—building walls, floors, or other structures—students will learn about loops, functions, and other concepts and will able to see the immediate effect of changes to their code reflected in the behavior of the turtle. We hypothesize that children (especially Minecraft players) who learn to code using Minecraft will play for longer, have higher reported self-enjoyment, and greater learning gains than those who play BOTS.

74

eLogicTutor: Improving Student Learning Outcomes With Adaptive ModelingKatherine Alyssa Kjeer Computer Science, North Carolina State University


Justified Thought is a Computer-Aided Instruction tool for learning logical rules in introductory, college level propositional logic courses. Justified Thought has been shown by Croy et al . to be a highly accurate predictor of students' performance in deductive logic courses. However, Justified Thought (JT) is not an ideal system for several reasons. First, JT is a Java applet, which is no longer supported in browsers. Second, JT has only one type of three-choice question, limiting students' practice opportunities. Finally, JT does not offer adaptive feedback, which has been shown to dramatically improve student learning. The goal for this project was to build a system that meets the educational objectives of Justified Thought, but improves upon Justified Thought by adding in feedback that is tailored specifically to each student. To meet this goal, this summer's work focused on building eLogicTutor, a web-based logic tutor that adapts to individual students. eLogicTutor provides adaptive feedback by incorporating a student modeling technique, Bayesian Knowledge Tracing, to build an adaptive model of students' knowledge and assign appropriate problems. A small pilot study will compare students' performance and learning gains using eLogicTutor to past performance data from students using Justified Thought. It is expected that, with the addition of Bayesian Knowledge Tracing, eLogicTutor will yield higher learning gains and lower time to completion when compared with Justified Thought.

57

BOTS Planning Mode: How People Can Find Patterns FasterAlexandra Ann Milliken Computer Science, Xavier University


Bots is an educational game familiarizing young learners with computer science concepts. Within Bots levels, the players are introduced to some complex concepts, such as functions and loops, yet users do not usually implement these structures to optimize their code. In order to use loops and functions, players must recognize patterns in the level, which they will not find unless they are planning ahead. Planning a level in the Bots game before attempting to solve the level by coding would force the user to look at each level more than once, encouraging the discovery of patterns. We hypothesize that, if users were guided towards detecting these patterns, the amount of functions and loops used would increase. I designed and tested a paper-based prototype


for Bots level solution planning with 26 high school students during a summer camp. The results showed 21 of the 24 students that submitted papers used functions in their code (87.5%), however, of these 21 students, 17 students (70.8%) were more clearly able to distinguish patterns after using the planning diagrams, understanding that a function or loop should be used to optimize their code. For future work, I would like to build the Planning Mode into the Bots game.

78

Is it a face? Dimensionality reduction in classifying visual stimuli from brain activity

Justis Grant Peters Non-Degree Studies, North Carolina State University


Neural decoding, classifying stimuli solely from observations of neural activity, is essential to effective brain-machine interface (BMI). Here, we attempt neural decoding on MEG (magnetoencephalography) recordings from trials in which the subject was presented visual stimuli from one of two classes: human face or scrambled face. The data were provided via Kaggle.com as part of a machine learning competition and were discussed in Henson et al 2011. Kaggle provided 306 channels of timeseries MEG data, before and after stimulus presentation. We reduce dimensionality by clustering channels, using mean and variance as aggregate measures. We train a deep, convolutional neural network on these features. We hypothesize that a neural network trained on mean and variance of clusters will perform better than a neural network trained on the raw values for all channels. We measure performance by AUC (area under curve) on the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve. Kaggle splits the data into training, public, and private test sets. Accuracy on the private test set is revealed only when the competition concludes. Teams can submit multiple solutions and Kaggle provides immediate performance scores against the public test set. To help our model generalize, we have further split the training set into our own training and test sets. Further, we limit our submissions to Kaggle so that we do not overfit our metaparameters.

68

Multimodal Data Visualization for a Tutoring EnvironmentKristin Marie Rachor Computer Science, North Carolina State University


In order to analyze and present multimodal data it is necessary to be able to represent the data visually. I am working with multimodal data collected through studies that observe students using a software called JavaTutor. JavaTutor is a natural language dialogue tutoring system that teaches introductory computer programming through tutor-guided lessons. Multimodal streams of information were collected simultaneously during the studies: non-verbal communication through students’ facial expressions, galvanic skin conductance, the textual chat between students and tutors, interface events such as compiling and running code, and the Java code segments written by the students. I used a research tool called ChronoViz which presents all these different data streams on one screen in a visual and synchronized format. Due to the cumbersome nature of importing multiple data streams for multiple study sessions I wrote a script that will automatically combine data streams to create ChronoViz files. Additionally, I incorporated the Java code segments written by the students which had not previously been used in JavaTutor analysis. This format for viewing multimodal data will assist in further analysis of JavaTutor and ease in explaining and displaying research results to others.

71

Lebanese Dance Game: Improvements to Attract More Museum Visitors Genesis Rosado Martinez Computer Science, North Carolina State University Melba Rodriguez Computer Engineering, Universidad del Turabo



The Lebanese dance game is an educational game, which is part of the “Cedar in the Pines” exhibit of the History Museum in Raleigh, North Carolina. This history game helps people learn to dance according to Lebanese culture while they play it. Currently the exhibit has one level and the main goal of our research was to add two more levels. To achieve this, we want to improve the backgrounds and add different dances. To make these levels, first we have to record real people using a green screen as background. Then we edit those videos using Final Cut X, implement the levels and the different visual effects to make the animation look more fluid. The original game had a static background and we wanted to add transitions so that the players could see different important places in Lebanon. We also hoped that it would make the game look more attractive. After we finished editing the videos, we programmed the levels, coding each step individually to make the Kinect recognize each relevant body part. The hope is that adding more levels, different backgrounds and new steps to the game will attract more visitors to the exhibit in the museum.

199

The Use of Hidden Markov Models for Discovery of Effective Tutorial Dialogue State TransitionsAlexandria Katarina Vail Computer Science / Mathematics, North Carolina State University


Automatically identifying the structure of tutorial dialogue constitutes a key step toward the development of effective intelligent tutoring systems. Prior research has established a variety of approaches to manually characterizing these dialogue modes, but little work has been done to devise an automated approach. This work presents an exploratory analysis toward the use of hidden Markov models to capture the presence of and transitions between a set of dialogue modes over the course of a one-on-one tutorial session in introductory computer science. Hidden Markov models are statistical models for sequences of hidden states that output emissions with a probability distribution contingent on the present state. The training corpus adopted for the present analysis consists of dialogue sequences, tagged with a previously-developed, uniquely fine-grained annotation scheme. In this analysis, the hidden states are defined to be dialogue modes, and the emissions are defined to be the dialogue acts (e.g., evaluative question or yes/no answer). We present the best-fit model and examine the tutorial strategies suggested by its behavior. We then present an initial analysis of the transition behavior of students in our corpus and identify particular transitions that emerge as indicative of student learning. We conclude with a discussion of potential next steps for future work.

118

Adapting Narrative to User Actions In Educational Text AdventuresStephanie Yin Yang Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Michael Young Computer Science-Engineering, North Carolina State University

Allowing the player freedom to do as they choose in a game while guiding the player towards a desired path while maintaining storyline coherence is an ideal goal for a narratively adaptive game. However, combinatorial explosion as a result of player choice makes manually planning each possible path through the game impractical. Automated planning techniques in combination with the use of narrative affordance to guide the player using the game's environment and overarching storyline in combination makes this goal more feasible. Using the Fast Downward planning system and the planning-based text game engine MOOLA, we create an educational game that adapts to the player's needs and actions using an educational domain as the game world.


MEAS-Wake Tech Program 27

Organic Matter Quality in Greenland LakesBrittney V Adams Geology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Christopher Osburn Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important property of lake ecosystems, resulting from the decomposition of organic matter stored in soils and of plankton in the water column. Colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), the fraction that absorbs ultraviolet (UV) and visible light, is the controlling factor for the optical properties of many surface waters. Little is known about the mechanisms by which DOM and CDOM evolves in lakes formed during glacial retreat. As part of a larger study of the ecosystems in glacial lakes, the present project examined the quality of DOM and CDOM in lakes in SW Greenland. Nine lakes in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland were studied. The specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA) of a water sample at 254 nm (SUVA254), computed by normalizing absorption (a254) to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration, is related to the aromatic carbon content of DOM. The ratio of the slope of CDOM absorption at 275-295 nm to the slope of CDOM absorption at 350-400 nm (SR) is another method of characterizing the quality of OM. a254, SUVA254, DOC, and SR values were studied to analyze DOM quality in these lakes. In addition, DOM was fractionated into different sizes to examine trends in organic matter quality in nine Greenland lakes. The aim of this project was to compare the aromatic content in lakes (for which SUVA254 is an index) among the size fractions and between "young" lakes near the glacial meltwater and “adolescent” lakes located approximately 38 kilometers away.

45

Nitrogen Impairment Along the Rocky RiverChanelle Murray McArthur Geology, north carolina state university Jason McCray Associate in Arts, NC State; Megan Howard Geology, NC State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: John Fountain Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University

The purpose of this research is to identify sources of nitrogen that are impacting waterquality of the Rocky River, Chatham County, NC. Several parts of the Rocky River are classified as impaired by the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR). Surface water containing nitrogen in excess can lead to algae blooms. Microorganisms that feed on algae exhaust the oxygen found in aquatic environments. This process can affect the health of an entire aquatic ecosystem. Historical data shows that the Rocky has been impaired for some time. Samples were collected along the entire length of the Rocky River and from each major tributary. Water samples were collected weekly, analyzed, and plotted using GIS software. The GIS software helped us identify potential sources of concentrated nitrogen along the Rocky River. Results indicate that the primary source of pollution in the Rocky River is from the Siler City Waste Water Treatment Plant. Water levels were low, at or near base flow conditions throughout the study period thus these results apply only to low flow conditions. None of the tributaries were significantly contaminated, as there were no other sources of impairment indicated by the data

35

The Effect of Legacy Sediment Within the Neuse River FloodplainHallie Qualters Nunamaker Geology, North Carolina State University Dustin Travels Geology, Wake Technical Community College;


Amber Malik Geology , Wake Technical Community College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: John Fountain Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University Karl Wegmann Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

Prior to European settlers arriving in the United States, streams and creeks in the Piedmont region of the east coast are speculated to have been clear with a sandy bottom, little suspended sediment, and gently sloping stream banks. After the settlers arrived, poor agricultural practices along with slash and burn techniques cleared forested land and drastically altered the landscape resulting in erosion of the topography and heavy sediment deposits into the area's creeks and streams. Over time, this sediment filled in U-shaped valley bottoms altering the soil profile and impacted water quality. These post European sediments are known today as legacy sediments. Our study was conducted on the Neuse River Basin in North East Raleigh and was concentrated below the Falls Lake Dam. The study centered on three tributaries of the Neuse River; Abbott’s Creek, Richland Creek, and Sam’s Branch. These sites were chosen using LIDAR data and GIS. Soil profiles of each creek bank were recorded and samples were collected for Carbon-14 dating. Samples from the field were sifted and dried before using a microscope to pick pieces of charcoal and organic matter from each sample. The organic matter was then prepped in an acid-base-acid wash before being sent to DirectAMS for radiocarbon dating. A large contrast in dates above and below the current water level will support the theory that sediment accumulated in the valleys was deposited after Europeans arrived and began poor agricultural practices.

10

Amenity Pond Carbon Cycling Stephen Gregory Richardson Associates in science, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Christopher Osburn Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

The purpose of this research was to collect samples at various amenity ponds and reservoirs in order to determine the concentration and quality of Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) within the chemical load of the water. Each sample was analyzed to measure the absorbance of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) at 254nm or a254. CDOM is the colored component of water and predominantly absorbs light at lower wavelengths. Specific UV absorbance (SUVA) values can be used to determine the aromatic properties of the CDOM and is calculated by dividing a254 in inverse meters (m-1) by the DOC concentration (mgL-1). Given that aromatic carbon will photo-oxidize to carbon dioxide (CO2), the computed surface area and the processed sample data from each test site can be used to determine the potential CO2 release at each location. These preliminary data will be used with geospatial analysis to quantify CO2 fluxes from amenity ponds throughout Wake County, NC.

6

Classification of Seismic Events in the Eastern Tennessee Seismic ZoneAlan Kristopher Swartwood Geology, Wake Technical Community College Amanda Crenshaw Geology, North Carolina State University; Jeffrey Weis Geology, WakeTech Community College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: DelWayne Bohnenstiehl Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

The Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone (ETSZ), located west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and stretching from northern Alabama to southern West Virginia, is the second most active seismic zone east of the Mississippi River. The process of classifying seismic events in the ETSZ is one that requires extensive review in order to distinguish specific event types. The ETSZ is inundated with stone/gravel quarries, construction sites, and natural resource (oil/natural gas/coal) extraction sites. These provide an abundance of seismic events, all of which need to be classified in order to have a better understanding of the seismicity of the area. To properly classify these events, researchers rely on several defining characteristics unique to each type of event. Major indicating factors for quarry blasts include irregularity of the waveforms between the Primary (P) and Secondary (S) wave arrivals and lack of amplitude distinction. Earthquakes, however, usually demonstrate clear, well-defined P and S wave arrivals and consistently higher amplitude S wave arrivals as compared to the


corresponding P wave for that channel. Other factors considered include time of day and day of the week (as blasting does not generally occur outside normal working hours) and proximity of event to quarries, mines, or construction sites. During a five month study of the ETSZ (May 2012-September 2012), 4659 seismic events were detected. 69.8% of those events were determined to be general environmental or anthropogenic noise, 26.1% showed defining characteristics of blasting, 0.64% were found to be earthquakes, and 3.5% were categorized as inconclusive.

41

Five Month Study of the Overall Seismicity of the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone

Jeffrey Michael Weis Geology, WakeTech Community College Amanda Crenshaw Geology, North Carolina State University; Alan Swartwood Geology, Wake Technical Community College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: DelWayne Bohnenstiehl Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

The Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone (ETSZ), located west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and stretching from northern Alabama to southern West Virginia, is the second most active seismic zone east of the Mississippi River. In recorded history, events as large as magnitude 4.6 have been detected. Geologic evidence suggests events as large as magnitude 6.5-7.5 may have occurred [Hatcher et al. 2013 “Geological Society of America Special Papers”]. Based on that potential, and because the EarthScope Program placed a temporary array (USArray) in the ETSZ, a more in-depth two-year (May 1, 2012 - June 1, 2014) study of overall seismic activity would be possible in conjunction with the existing, permanent stations. Data from May 1, 2012 through September 30, 2012 were analyzed using Antelope 5.4 software. The ETSZ has a high concentration of mining facilities and rock quarries. The blasts from these facilities register on seismographs causing false-positive detection of earthquakes. Seismic detections were visually confirmed and categorized as 1-Quarry blasts (1215), 2-Possible Earthquakes (161), and 3-Earthquakes (30). Those data sets were compared to the existing Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) catalog. Based on those comparisons, it was determined that the current catalog can be considered incomplete. Several events were found that did not exist in the catalog and others present in the catalog were determined to be quarry blasts. Considering the discrepancies between the CERI catalog and this study’s data, the continuation of the study for the remaining 19 months is recommended to allow for a more comprehensive seismic profile of the ETSZ.

42

Oyster Population Dynamics and Restoration in Pamlico SoundRachel Elizabeth Willis Geology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Dave Eggleston Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

There are many aspects to understanding and responsibly managing North Carolina’s natural resources and estuarine ecosystems. Dr. David Eggleston’s laboratory group at North Carolina State University’s Center for Marine Sciences and Technology is involved in a variety of research projects regarding Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) population dynamics and restoration in Pamlico Sound and surrounding areas. Some of this research includes quantifying oyster density, assessing water quality, determining oyster filtration rates, and tracking oyster larval settlement. Oysters provide many ecosystem services and play an important role in maintaining the health of these ecosystems. They provide habitat for a variety of species and protect shorelines and marshes from erosion. They are involved in nutrient cycling and are responsible for removing some inorganic pollutants. Historical evidence reveals a substantial decline in the oyster population of North Carolina- this decline has diminished the capacity for oysters to adequately filter local waters. To demonstrate the filtration capacity of oysters, we created a short film demonstration using three 10 gallon tanks containing unfiltered seawater, concentrated phytoplankton, and varying oyster densities (0, 10, and 40 oysters). The results revealed noticeable improvements in water quality in the tanks containing oysters, with the most significant water quality improvement being apparent in the tank with the highest oyster density. Through enhanced oyster water filtration, oyster restoration has the potential to contribute to the reduction of eutrophication. This research can be utilized not only in support of oyster restoration, but also to encourage the


importance of conservation of coastal resources.


NC Project Seed (High School) 124

Predicting the Mechanism of Endocrine Disruption for Firemaster 550 with Virtual Screening

Timothy S. Chen , Green Hope High School

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Melissa Pasquinelli Textiles, North Carolina State University

Firemaster 550, a flame retardant that is used in furniture and polyurethane foam products, is suspected to have potential risks to human health and the environment. Specifically, Firemaster 550 has been implicated in recent studies to disrupt the endocrine system, meaning that it binds to protein receptors from the endocrine system which can trigger adverse health conditions. Thus, there is a need to understand the mechanism of endocrine disruption for Firemaster 550. The goal of this work is to analyze the mechanism of endocrine disruption by predicting the binding of the four chemical components of Firemaster 550 to 10 protein receptors in the endocrine system using virtual screening via the software VirtualToxLab 5.0 and to calculate the weighted toxic potential for endocrine disruption for each Firemaster 550 chemical. The results revealed the importance of geometrical orientation of each chemical and amino acids within each of the 10 protein receptors to the likelihood and mechanism of endocrine disruption.

175

The Use of Polyethylene Glycol Functionalized Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes to Enhance Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene Terephthalate Nano-fibers.Abbott Samuel Ndukwe None, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Alan Tonelli Textile Engineering Chemistry and Science, North Carolina State University

A growing method of enhancing the properties of materials composed of polymers, such as nano-fibers, involves the incorporation of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS). Previous studies have shown various forms of POSS increase the thermal and mechanical properties of different polymer types. However, these studies also show a decrease in those properties above a 7-9% concentration of POSS added to the polymer mixture. In this study, a POSS type which has short chains of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on each corner of the core cubical silica molecule of POSS was mixed with polyethylene terephthalate to form a composite. By using PEG modified POSS; it is expect that POSS molecules will be much more homogeneously dispersed in the polymer system, increasing their compatibility. Thus, the afore mentioned concentration limit will be increased or removed.In order to compare the effect of POSS molecules, pure PET electrospun nano-fibers are produced. After identifying the appropriate electrospinning conditions that generate the best PET nano-fibers, according to thickness and smoothness, electrospun PET webs containing from 5 to 15% concentration of PEG-POSS will be formed. The properties of these fibers, with and without PEG-POSS, are then measured, and compared. It is hoped that results will show a substantial increase in properties, signifying an increase or removal of the 7-9 concentration limit of POSS in polymer mixtures.

156

Silver and Gold Dendrites for Surface Enhanced Raman SpectroscopyJackline Kemunto Omweno Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Felix Castellano , Joseph Deaton

Raman spectroscopy is a technique to determine the frequencies of vibrations in chemical compounds. This information can be used to identify the compounds or to better understand the molecular structures. The sample is irradiated with monochromatic light from a laser, and the scattered light is detected. The difference in frequency between the exciting and scattered light corresponds to the molecular vibrations. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) involves coating the samples onto metal particles to increase signal strength. In this project, silver dendrites with sharp edges were prepared from galvanic reaction of silver


fluoride or silver nitrate solutions with aluminum foil. Several gold(I) complexes were synthesized and then reacted with the silver dendrites to form gold dendrites that are more stable toward oxidation. Images of the silver dendrites were taken by scanning electron microscopy(SEM). The gold dendrites were additionally analyzed by energy-dispersive spectroscopy(EDS) to determine the ratio of gold and silver on the surfaces.

134

Probing the Formation of a Carbon-Carbon Bond Reaction for OLED and Solar Cell Synthesis

Crystal Nicole Villines ,

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Walter Weare Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) and Solar Cells are devices that are becoming very prevalent among today’s technology. Though these items are very useful and popular, in present-day manufacturing, the syntheses of these fluorescent molecules remain quite expensive and are unsustainable towards the atmosphere due to heavy chemical byproduct. In turn, causes their supply to exceed its demand. As shown in traditional Carbon-Carbon bonded reactions, such as McMurry Coupling, those flaws are what prevent those needed OLED and solar cell molecules to have an increased application within industrial settings. Conversely in theory, if this traditional reaction was to be simplified with weighted concepts of environmental precaution and lowered expenditures; through manipulation of the reactions reagent of chromium carbonyl (Cr(CO)6) from the addition of a catalytic element, such as benzophenone (C6H5)2CO). Then it could potentially produce a similar yield, and will have an attempt to “turn over” or influence the reaction process. Since the McMurry reaction is not ideal to replicate, by simulating a less complex version of it, I could possibly provide adequate fluorescent molecules needed for such photoluminescence based products. In effort to receive these molecules, several trials were conducted of creating fine mixtures of varied amounts of (Cr(CO)6) and 50mg of its other selected reagent, and microwaved for an unfixed amount of time and temperature. The heated product would then be examined through Thin-Layer Chromatography tests. From there the reaction would be re-ran to conduct more intricate results through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and compared to a NMR of the starting material.


NC State Independent Researchers 98

Synthesis of Poly-Pyridal Ligands for use in Oxo-bridged Heterobimetallic Complexes

Pedro Becquer-Ramos Paper Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University


The discovery of efficient and environmentally-friendly energy sources is the next step towards sustaining our population for the future. Using solar cells, wind power, or even nuclear energy alternatives all pose certain drawbacks; the area of our interest regards using photons from the sun to drive chemical reactions in our electron donor-electron acceptor heterobimetallic complexes via a metal-to-metal charge transfer system (MMCT). Our aim is to control the free energy of activation for electron transfer and to lengthen the excited state charge separation. The longer charge separation in the excited state means that electron can be used to drive other systems, like fuel production. Both of these focuses will allow us to study electron transfer kinetics and develop efficient chromophores for photocatalysis. The ligands used are also very important as they determine what we can and canâ€™t do with the MMCT. By using earth abundant transition metals like Iron and Cobalt, we look to synthesize and study efficient catalysts for fuel production.

108

Radar Observations of Storms for EducationSara Elizabeth Berry Physics, North Carolina State University Megan Amanatides Mathematics, Meredith College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Sandra Yuter Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University

The Radar Observations of Storms for Education (ROSE) project aims to update how thunderstorms are presented and discussed in university classrooms by building realistic and informative three-dimensional depictions of thunderstorm structure. We used two weather research radars, located in Greeley, CO and Firestone, CO, to observe the life-cycle of thunderstorms as they formed and dissipated along the front range of the Rocky Mountains. As part of the project, we made daily forecasts of the likelihood of storms. In collaboration with the National Center for Atmospheric Research and Colorado State University, we were able to control the radars remotely from our laboratory at North Carolina State University. Using real-time radar data, we determined where to obtain vertical cross sections of the thunderstorm cells. We obtained detailed observations of several types of storms including a strong hail storm developing a tornado.

25

The Role of Phosphonositides in Vacuole Fusion and Vacuole DynamicsTamira-marie Frances Bickems Biology, Shaw University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Marcela Rojas-Pierce Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Lipids formed by the phosphorylation of the inositol ring, Phosphonositides, represent loading zones for proteins with specialized lipid-binding properties. This research study investigated the role of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3-K) in vacuole fusion and dynamics by three experimental approaches. The primary approach analyzed the effect of loss of function mutations in PI3-K, which resulted in the genotypes of the pi3k mutants having been determined through a series of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Upon genotyping completion, Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was done on the homozygous samples which concluded that the gene expression was not disrupted by the T-DNA insertions. The secondary approach was analyzing whether PI3-K activity is regulated by light or by the plant hormones abscisic acid or auxin. The FYVE domain binds Phosphatidylinositol 3-Phosphate (PI3-P); therefore, the FYVE domain, fused to a Yellow Fluorescent Protein (YFP) marker, reveals the abundance and localization of PI3-P in specific membranes. By germinating the 2xFYVE-YFP marker line in the light and dark, or treating these lines with abscisic acid or auxin and inspecting for changes in marker fluorescence under a microscope,


any changes in phosphoinositide levels can be identified. The final approach was to create an inducible system to down regulate PI3-Kinase in specific cells and developmental stages using Cre-Lox recombination. This research project will contribute to the understanding of the relationship between PI3-K with vacuole fusion and vacuole dynamics.

145

Aging with Disability: Strategies for Designing Cognitive GamesJessica Leigh Bradshaw Psychology, North Carolina State University Karen Zheng Psychology, North Carolina State University; Timothy Reid Psychology, North Carolina State University; Burhanuddin Kadibhai Psychology, UNC Chapel Hill

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Anne McLaughlin Psychology, North Carolina State University

Cognitive training games aimed at older adults are increasing in number, yet an often overlooked population is older adults living with disabilities. There are many challenges involved with designing cognitive games for the aging and disabled population. For example, visual impairments, such as macular degeneration, might affect older adults’ ability to see and understand a game's interface. Motor impairments, such as Parkinson’s disease, often limit a user's ability to operate a computer mouse. The designers of these games largely do not experience these impairments. These games need to be challenging in order to improve cognitive functioning, but they do not need to be frustrating or impossible due to any hindrances caused by disabilities. Thus, when designing digital games for this demographic, the designers must carefully consider the unique characteristics of this population and use a series of simulation and usability testing tactics to increase accessibility for older adults with disabilities.

107

Determination of Oxygen Uptake Rate of Adipose-Derived Stem CellsRaymond Budi Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Binil Starly E.P.Fitts-Industrl.& Sys Engr, North Carolina State University

Raymond Budi Biomedical Engineering Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Dr. Binil Starly Industrial and Systems Engineering In aerobic bioprocesses, oxygen is an essential substrate used for growth and maintenance of the cells. Therefore, monitoring the concentration of dissolved oxygen is crucial because it can often become the main factor affecting the metabolic pathways in the cells. Acquiring the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) is consequently useful for stem cell research purposes. In this study we have planned to measure the oxygen uptake rate values in real time for the adipose-derived stem cells when grown a) on a well plate under normal condition and b) in scaffolds of a perfusion bioreactor system. This study also implements the use of the fiber optic oxygen sensors. The device consists of two different types of probes: flow-through oxygen microsensors and the oxygen sensor spots. This technology allows us to monitor the cell behavior and activity through its oxygen concentration.

86

Effects of chromium back contacts and platinum coatings on PEC electrodesRizwan Krishan Dard Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University


Using solar energy to drive a photo electrochemical (PEC) water splitting process to produce hydrogen fuel has gained popularity as a source of clean, renewable energy. This study focuses on optimizing and increasing the reproducibility of electrodes used in a PEC cell, specifically the effects of a chromium back contact and platinum coatings on the internal resistance and onset potential of the electrode. P-type silicon was used as the photocathode within the cell, where H+ ions are reduced to form hydrogen gas. The backside of the silicon


was coated with a thin film of aluminum/chromium/aluminum using physical vapor deposition and annealed to increase the conductivity of the metal contacts by removing structural barriers within the metal. Electrodes were tested in 0.5 M sulfuric acid (H2SO4) at a pH of 0 under 1 sun illumination. Results show that annealed electrodes have steeper potential v. current curves, indicating a reduction in the internal resistance of the electrode. In addition, electrodes were dipped in a platinum solution (1mM H2PtCl6 0.5 M HF) for varying time intervals. The platinum acts as a catalyst for the silicon surface so that the photo electrochemical response would begin sooner and closer to 0 V thus reducing the onset potential. Tests indicate that a 1 minute platinum dip results in the greatest reduction of the onset potential. Both platinum dipping and annealing provide better optimization techniques that reduce inconsistencies in electrode fabrication and increase the reproducibility of future PEC research.

103

Multiplex PCR as a Tool for the Detection of Delftia acidovoransWilliam Moorhead DeFoor Biology - Human Biology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Carlos Goller Biotechnology Program, North Carolina State University

Delftia acidovorans is a gram-negative, aerobic, flagellated microbe present in soil, household sinks, and even the water system of the international space station. It is a resilient microbe that is able to resist antibiotics from multiple classes, reside in toxic soil, and withstand metal toxicity. It is a known species of intestinal flora, can cause bacteremia and sepsis in immunocompromised individuals, and is found in people’s homes internationally. These traits and several industrially relevant enzymes produced by Delftia acidovorans have culminated in increasing interest in this microbe and influenced us to develop tools to enable and promote further study of this microbe. Four strains of Delftia acidovorans and one strain of the sister species Delftia sp. Cs1-4 were obtained. The genomic DNA of each strain was isolated and the ribosomal 16S gene was amplified by PCR and sequenced to verify strain identity. Highly specific PCR primers were developed in order to detect the presence of Delftia acidovorans. The primers were then tested on Delftia sp. Cs1-4 and each of the four strains of Delftia acidovorans. Two of the four primers proved to work as intended, specifically identifying Delftia acidovorans and Delftia sp. Cs1-4.The primer pairs also functioned correctly when present together in the same PCR reaction. This successful concurrent functionality and the highly specific nature of these primer pairs culminates in their potential use in a multiplex PCR as a prototypic tool for the detection of key Delftia acidovorans and Delftia sp. Cs1-4 genes in the environment.

110

Selection Variation of Oxidative Stress in Drone Honey BeesRavi Ajit Dixit Microbiology and Human Biology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: David Tarpy Entomology, North Carolina State University

Oxidative stress is an imbalance towards the pro-oxidant side of the pro-oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis, which occurs in several human diseases for example, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, sepsis, chronic renal failures, and respiratory distress syndrome. Among these diseases are those in which high levels of protein carbonyl groups have been observed. This project in going to examine whether honey bee drones have a natural variation in resistance to oxidative stress and if the resistance level can be passed on to their worker offspring. Drone bees were injected with paraquat (synthetic herbicide and known stress inducer) and observed mortality over time. Bees were then subcategorized into high resistance to stress (the bees that did not die right away), and low resistance to stress (the bees that died early on in the project). Observations show that there was a significant variation within and among drone lines in stress resistance levels. We are going to measure the difference in oxidative stress levels between the two groups divided from the observations using the Protein Carbonyl Assay, the Lipid Peroxidase TBARS Assay, and the BCA Protein Assay.


100

Osteogenic potential of human adipose-derived stem cells using electric cell-substrate impedance sensingMatthew William Frank Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University


As the worldwide frequency of bone disorders continues to rise, the necessity for new bone tissue to restore the function of lost or damaged bone has become a major clinical and socioeconomic need. In order to replace or repair injured bone in a clinical setting using a bone tissue engineering approach, the osteogenic differentiation potential of a patient’s human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC) must be systematically determined prior to performing major implant surgery. Using a real-time, label-free, non-invasive method of study known as electrical cell-substrate impedance spectroscopy (ECIS), the proliferation capacity and differentiation potential of hASCs were monitored and quantified. These initial studies have shown that the complex impedance curves of cells from different donors vary significantly during the two phases of the experiment: proliferation and differentiation. By continuing these impedance-based studies, it is expected that the donors who are good candidates for bone tissue regeneration will be able to be separated from the inappropriate candidates before complex surgery is performed.

121

Building a Perfusion Bioreactor for Applications in Tissue EngineeringDavid Matthew Goyer Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University


Tissue engineering has emerged as a plausible alternative to the current treatments for tissue and organ failure as a result of injury or defects. The integration of perfusion bioreactor systems technology into the field of tissue engineering to culture cells in three-dimensional constructs has yielded promising results. A perfusion bioreactor provides an in vivo culturing environment, amongst a multitude of advantages over the more familiar batch-fed bioreactors. For stem cell culturing, a number of different perfusion system designs were investigated as well as methods of conveniently accessing the cells without making direct contact. This project aimed to design and build a working perfusion flow bioreactor to optimize the growth of stem cells seeded inside polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold. Once built, the bioreactor was tested with water to ensure an airtight seal and the absence of leaks and air bubbles. Oxygen sensors were then integrated into the system and tested for accuracy. Eventually, cells will be cultured on a larger scale to apply to the study of tissue and organ growth.

9

The Study of African Cassava Mosaic Virus infection in transgenic Arabidopsis plants

Priya Gupta Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Linda Hanley-Bowdoin Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Mary Dallas Biochemistry, North Carolina State University

Cassava Mosaic Disease is causing severe losses in cassava production in Africa. It is caused by a complex of geminiviruses, which are single-stranded DNA viruses that are transmitted by whiteflies. It has been observed that specific sequences found in the cassava genome, that were originally thought to be DNA satellites, work in conjunction with the virus to increase viral replication in infected cassava plants. These cassava sequences, now termed as SEGs, were amplified from EACMV-infected cassava plants. Arabidopsis, a plant that is much easier to work with than cassava, is being used to study how the SEGS function. Arabidopsis Sei-O plants, a susceptible ecotype, were transformed with Agrobacterium transformation plasmids containing a single copy of the SEGS-2 using the floral dip method. Seeds were collected from the transformed plants and tested for the presence of the transgene. A resulting transgenic Arabidopsis line designated as 9C-21 was grown along with the wild-type plants and inoculated with ACMV-Cameroon genome components A and B. The A component supports viral replication while the B component allows movement of the virus throughout the plant. Both the


A and B components are required to cause disease. ACMV infection will be compared in wild type Sei-O plants lacking the SEGS-2 sequences to transgenic 9C-21 plants to better understand how SEGS-2 impacts geminivirus infection.

155

The Development of a Coding Scheme Examining an Online Diabetes ForumMaurita Tifquwana Harris Psychology, North Carolina State University William Swanek Psychology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Laura Whitlock Psychology, North Carolina State University Anne McLaughlin Psychology, North Carolina State University

Diabetes forums, like other internet health forums, contain a multitude of information that is related to advice and informational support. We examined the interactions that take place on a large online diabetes forum and created a coding scheme to help describe and quantify the content posted by users on the forum. Based on prior research on socioemotional content (Bambina, 2007) and problem solving (Hill-Briggs, Cooper, Loman, Brancati, & Cooper, 2003; Lippa & Klein, 2006; Mamykina, Mynatt, & Kaufman, 2006) we adapted existing categorization to fit the context of an online diabetes forum. A comprehensive list that was developed based on the content on the forum was added to the completion of the tentative coding scheme.

200

Photocatalytic Degradation Capacity of UiO-66-NH2 Grown on ALD Coated Polypropylene Fiber MatsGrant Thomas Hill Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Gregory Parsons Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Philip S. Williams, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

Metal Organic Frameworks (MOF) are a new class of materials that possess extremely ordered structures, ultra high surface areas, and tunable chemical and thermal stability. MOFs have been targeted a broad range of areas including separations, sensors, and filtration. In previous work, fibers coated with metal oxides via Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) provided a surface capable of supporting molecular organic framework (MOF) growth. In the current work, we demonstrate the solvothermal growth of UiO-66-NH2 on ALD coated polypropylene fiber mats. UiO-66-NH2 is known to be photocatalytic under ultraviolet conditions in its powder form. To test the photocatalytic degradation ability of UiO-66-NH2 on polypropylene fiber mats, samples were immersed in a methyl orange solution of known concentration and irradiated with UV light. All UiO-66-NH2 loaded samples showed a reduction in methyl orange concentration as measured by UV-Vis spectroscopy over 10 minute intervals. UiO-66-NH2 grown on zinc oxide coated polypropylene fiber mats demonstrated an 18.69% reduction in methyl orange concentration compared to bare polypropylene control fibers. The current work demonstrates that the MOF grown on polypropylene fiber mats maintains its photocatalytic properties. We hope this degradation mechanism may be useful in advanced filtration and agent degradation applications.

102

PCR detection of Delftia acidovorans in Samples from SinksAruna Sashi Iyer Microbiology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Carlos Goller Biotechnology Program, North Carolina State University

The human home contains communities of microbes rich with genetic potential. Delftia acidovorans, a gram-negative bacterium found in soil, water, and kitchen sinks, is one such microbe. Delftia acidovorans has been linked to several cases of human infection, meriting additional attention due to its clinical and environmental significance. We obtained five different strains of Delftia sp. from the American Tissue Culture Collection and universities.


PCR reactions with 16S ribosomal gene primers were used to confirm that the strains received were Delftia. Two of the Delftia isolates we studied are sequenced (Delftia sp. Cs1-4 and Delftia acidovorans SPH-1). Using several bioinformatic tools, we developed PCR primers to identify Delftia in environmental samples by searching the published genomes for genes that were likely to be unique to the genus or strain. The strain-specific primers we developed are able to amplify pure genomic DNA from the tested Delftia sp. strains. These primers were used to detect down to 0.01 ng of D. acidovorans DNA using quantitative real time PCR. This suggests that our primers may be used to identify small quantities of Delftia in larger microbial communities. In parallel, we also developed a method of swabbing sinks and isolating genomic DNA from the microbes that inhabit them. We are applying our approach for detecting Delftia to the DNA obtained from kitchen sinks and water fountains in order to assess the prevalence of this organism in our surroundings.

213

Printing composite material simulating bone structure and mechinical properties. Mohammad Bilal Khan Bio-medical Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Ronald Aman E.P.Fitts-Industrl.& Sys Engr, North Carolina State University

I have been conducting research at the Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics Laboratory on the creation of a state of the art DLP Stereolithography 3D priniting machine.The ultimate goal for this project is to create a unique 3D printing machine that can manufacture a variety of composite based bones in real time for the application of scientific research and medical testing. In current time our main area of focus is research on the available materials and composites that can be utilized in application. We are also taking an in-depth look into the micro level world of a variety of epoxy resins and fibers. Along with the research in the currently available material, we are also devising a systematic procedure for the successful integration of a fiber based epoxy resin composite. In hindsight our aim is to not only design a revolutionary composite that can utilized in the simplest of 3D printing machines, but also to create this same complex composite with the ability to be used in a machine as intricate as a DLP Stereolithography 3D printer.

189

A Systems Approach towards understanding the Role of Ptr4CL Enzyme complex in Populus trichocharpa on Lignin Content and StructureTierra Nicole Knight Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Joel Ducoste Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University

Lignin, the major phenolic polymer made by plants, is the major barrier to the utilization of biomass for energy, papermaking, and forage digestibility. Understanding the fundamental nature of lignin biosynthesis will lead to improved crops and could aid in resistance to drought, pests, and pathogens. In our research, we sought to build models that describe the lignin biosynthesis pathway. A systems approach was used to develop a mechanistic model that would provide a comprehensive analysis of the regulation of lignin. The model was represented by a system of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE) that quantifies the rate of change of metabolite concentrations as a function of reaction flux. This work focuses on investigating the role of Ptr4CL enzyme complex on the lignin composition and content in Populus trichocharpa. The main objective of this research was to (1) Quantify the effect of uncertainty in initial metabolite concentration required to solve the ODEs to steady state conditions and (2) Understand the role of the Ptr4CL enzyme complex on the steady state concentrations of the metabolites and the pathway reaction fluxes. Results showed that the majority of the individual metabolite concentrations in the pathway will reach similar steady state values with or without the complex. In addition, no change in the lignin content or structure was noted due to the presence of the Ptr4CL enzyme complex. It was hypothesized that the plant cell would need to change more than one enzyme in the lignin biosynthesis pathway to produce a significant change in either lignin content or structure.

186


Biooxidation of Heavy Metals by the Extremely Thermoacidophilic Archaeon Metallosphaera sedulaJessica Ann Kruh Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Garrett Wheaton Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

The extremely thermoacidophilic genus Metallosphaera (Topt > 70°C, pHopt< 3.5) contains physiologically versatile microorganisms capable of growth modes ranging from heterotrophy to heavy metal chemolithotrophy. The most-studied member, Metallosphaera sedula,has the capacity to mobilize uranium, iron, and copper from solid substrates through oxidative chemolithotrophy. The heavy metal bio-oxidation has been hypothesized to be driven by at least one of the five terminal oxidase clusters and associated proteins encoded in M. sedula’s genome. Determining the functionality of the terminal oxidase clusters has important implications for understanding the natural degradation of metallic materials, potentially leading to the development of more resilient and functional materials. To this end, we are investigating the roles of the membrane associated FoxC (and other Fox cluster genes), Rusticyanins, and SoxLN-CbsA cluster in the metal mobilization process. We are using E. coli to obtain recombinant versions of M. sedula’s hypothesized metal mobilization proteins to complete in vitro metal oxidation assays. Recombinant production presents a challenge because these proteins contain transmembrane regions which result in improper folding and inclusion body formation. To combat this problem, we have taken several approaches including design of constructs excluding transmembrane regions, cold expression, heat-shock, and use of E. coli strains amenable to expression of membrane proteins. Concurrently, we are assessing M. sedula’s ability to oxidize other metals by culturing this archaeon chemolithoautotrophically on selected heavy metals with positive redox potentials under acidic condition. ICP-MS analysis for metal speciation is used to determine whether the organism has the ability to oxidize these metals.

85

Isothermal Amplification assay for detecting Phytophthora infestansSamuel S Lee Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Jean Ristaino Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

Phytophthora infestans is the most economically devastating pathogen of potato, with losses of more than five billion dollars annually. A rapid and sensitive in-field diagnostic technique would be valuable to detect the pathogen and help improve disease management, benefiting growers, consumers, and food security on a global scale. We developed a loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) procedure that detects late blight based on amplification of P. infestans DNA. LAMP has advantages over traditional nucleic acid based detection techniques such as PCR including enhanced specificity, decreased amplification time, and elimination of the need for expensive and bulky thermocycling equipment. This method, paired with rapid DNA extraction, could detect P. infestans using only a heated block and an intercalating dye, SYBR green. This allows for visual detection of an amplicon under normal light in one hour. Seven other closely related Phytophthora species that also infect potato including P. cactorum, P. capsici, P. cinnamomi, P. cryptogea, P. drechsleri, P. erythroseptica, and P. nicotianae were also tested and yielded negative results. An alternative method for confirming a positive LAMP and the presence of late blight is also described. This technology could benefit growers by detecting the disease rapidly and accurately without laboratory specialists and expensive equipment and could improve management practices by preventing the spread of infected seed tubers, and reducing fungicide use.

171

Development of malic acid deficient starter cultures for cucumber fermentationsRachel Lynn Lombardi Biochemistry,

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Ilenys Perez-Diaz Food Science, North Carolina State University

Formation of gas pockets in fermented pickles, known as cucumber bloating, is caused by the accumulation of CO2. Gas buildup is a result of the catabolism of malic acid to lactic acid by selective lactic acid bacteria (LAB) equipped with the malic acid decarboxylase (MDC) enzyme and by the utilization of sugars by yeasts naturally present in the fruits. Isolation of an MDC deficient lactobacillus could aid in the development of a


starter culture for commercial cucumber fermentations, which would be capable of reducing the frequency of pickle bloating. The objective of the research presented here is to screen for natural malic acid deficient strains of LAB in actively fermenting commercial tanks. In tangent with the work of Mark Daeshel et al., brine samples were plated on the differentiating MD medium to screen for MDC- strains based on a color change of the agar. Pure cultures of potential MDC- strains were obtained by streaking on MRS medium. Isolates were transferred to MD broth to confirm the MDC- phenotype, and the derived culture will be identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. High Pressure Liquid Chromatography will be used to confirm malic acid disappearance from the MD broth. The observations made as of to date suggest that occurrence of MDC- bacteria in commercial cucumber fermentations is scarce. Out of 166 tanks sampled so far, MD plates indicate one strong and several weak MDC- lactobacillus candidates that are currently undergoing 16s sequencing. However, the methodology established by this research will continue to aid in the successful isolation of the targeted culture.

143

Delftia acidovorans induces a pro-inflammatory response in THP-1 monocytesRachel McNeill McNeill Zoology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Laura Ott Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Delftia acidovorans is a rod shaped, gram negative bacterium commonly found in water and soil. Recent clinical case reports have described infections of D. acidovorans in patients with intravenous catheters, which prompted us to investigate the immune response against this bacterium. In this study, we hypothesized that D. acidovorans would elicit a pro-inflammatory response in THP-1 cells, a human monocytic cell line. THP-1 cells were stimulated for 24 hours with two strains of heat-killed Delftia sp.: Delftia acidovorans ATCC 13751 (0.6 MOI) and Delftia sp. Cs1-4 (0.8 MOI); purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 ng/mL) and flagellin (100 ng/mL) were used as positive controls. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the expression of myristoylated alanine-rich c-kinase substrate (MARCKS) while tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MARCKS is an actin binding protein that is known to be upregulated upon LPS stimulation of monocytes and TNF is an acute-phase, pro-inflammatory cytokine. Cell viability of the samples was determined by trypan blue exclusion. Our results demonstrated increased MARCKS expression as well as statistically significant TNF production in cells stimulated by both strains of Delftia sp. This correlated with increased mortality in cells stimulated with the Delftia sp. Cs1-4 when compared to no treatment and phosphate-buffered saline controls. These results are a demonstration of the immunological impact of Delftia sp. infections, although more research is needed to fully investigate the human immune response to these organisms.

170

Engineering a better monkey food: Low concentration agar gels as a model food system in primatesBrittany Leigh Miles Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Edward Foegeding Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University

In the wild, capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) have a diverse diet composed of insects and plant parts, but are primarily frugivorous, or fruit-eating. In captivity, however, the capuchin’s diet is supplemented with “monkey chow”, a fortified biscuit designed to provide them with a comprehensive nutrient panel. Monkey chow is universally disliked by monkeys and often goes unconsumed when other food sources are available. To improve the acceptability of a manufactured food source, and to create a model system for investigating feeding behavior, we hypothesized that fruit juice or puree could be solidified using agar to create a soft solid designed to mimic the rheological properties of naturally occurring fruits. Grape juice concentrate, sucrose solution, and Tang® were each mixed with a low concentration agar solution (5% agar) in a variety of combinations to create rheological and flavor properties which resembled natural fruits. Control gels were at similar texture, but contained no color or flavor. Capuchins consistently consumed all of the sweetened gels, but preferred the grape and Tang® gels. Previous research indicates capuchins are likely to consume any perceptibly sweet food ([sugar] > 6.3mM), as long as it does not solicit a negative gastrointestinal response. It is likely that the flavored treatments were better able to mask the agar flavor than sucrose alone, explaining the observed preference. Moving forward, comparing the preference of gels relative to natural foods in their diet,


and working with a more discerning monkey species, may provide insight into the feasibility of a primate-wide model food.

120

Cell Encapsulation Using Electrostatic Bead GenerationMelvin Roy Millberg Industrial Engineering, North Carolina State University


The amount of interest and funding being devoted to the research of regenerative medicine has increased dramatically in recent years as an idea that once seemed like fantasy is starting to look more and more possible. The aim of this research is to mass produce multi-cellular alginate gels and study how the process parameters affect bead diameter and bead production rate. Producing alginate gels is not a new or sophisticated idea. However, the ability to mass produce multi-cellular alginate gels with a consistent diameter between 200 and 300 micrometers and consistent cell count has the potential to be useful in the manufacturing of regenerative medicine products. For our purposes, the alginate gels aid in the cultivation of stem cells when placed into a bioreactor. They provide 3D structural support, increasing the surface area available for cells to grow on. This allows the bioreactor to be more compact when using beads as opposed to 2D flask area. The alginate gels are porous which allows the cells access to oxygen, glucose, and other nutrients found in the medium while also protecting them from the shear and compressive forces that they can be exposed to while within the bioreactor.

89

Investigation of Membrane Protein Structure from NMR Data Using ARIACharan Sai Mohan Biochemsitry, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Benjamin Bardiaux , Michael Nilges

Despite their high degree of biological significance, determining the structure of membrane proteins has long been difficult. While new techniques in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) have made it possible to determine the structure of these proteins in their native environments, structures published using these methods have presented unusual architectures. This is highlighted by published structures of two different homo-oligomeric membrane proteins: diacyl glycerol kinase (DAGK) of E. coli and the p7 ion channel of the Hepatitis C Virus, both determined using NMR in a lipid micelle environment. These structures from NMR in micelles differ from other published structures of these proteins and do not resemble structures of similar proteins deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). The goal of this project was to determine whether the unusual architectures seen in these proteins are truly a result of the micelle environment and collected NMR data or artifacts from calculation methods used. This was done by utilizing a novel method for determining the structure of oligomeric proteins from NMR data developed in the lab and using the program ARIA. This calculation method, known as the strict-symmetry method, has been shown to work successfully with other homo-oligomeric proteins. By using this method it will be possible to determine the reliability of solution NMR in micelles as a method to determine membrane protein structure and to assess the validity of the DAGK and p7 published structures.

116

Evaluating Honey Bee Grooming Behavior Using Digital Image ProcessingJamal Emel Moss Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University Jason Brannock Chemistry, North Carolina State University; Paulina Spencer Math, North Carolina State University


Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Sharon Lubkin Mathematics, North Carolina State University Carl Giuffre Biomathematics, North Carolina State University; David Tarpy Entomology, North Carolina State University ; Uduak George Mathematics, North Carolina State University

Self-grooming, in animals, is an important component of their overall hygiene because better hygiene reduces the risk of disease and parasites. The European honey bee (Apis mellifera) exhibits hygienic behavior, which in the context of the colony, refers to the cleanliness of the colony as a superorganism, and personal grooming behavior, which refers to a bee grooming itself to remove parasites and pathogens. Previous studies of hygiene have been conducted measuring the presence of parasites in colonies, with the assumption that a correlation between hygiene and grooming exists. We developed an experimental assay to test this hypothesis. Different commercial stocks of honey bees, coated in flour, were placed in an arena and digitally recorded, in an attempt to determine the bee grooming rates over time. The pixel data was then analyzed in MATLAB. A logistic function was fit to the pixel data that calculated the grooming rates for each commercial stock. We hope to show that more hygienic colonies have bees that are better at personal grooming.

162

Using nano particles to facilitate 3D printing of ceramic powderJesse Daniel Peterson Pre Engineering, Wake Technical Community College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Ronald Aman E.P.Fitts-Industrl.& Sys Engr, North Carolina State University

3D Printing of power electronics modules is of significant interest to automotive and power distribution companies. Currently, there are no additive manufacturing processes (3D Printing) which are dedicated to printing ceramics and only 1 process which can print conductors and insulators in one step. This research demonstrates the ability to use a novel binder material in an inkjet printing process (binder jetting onto a powder bed) to consolidate ceramic materials in a two step process, printing followed by sintering. This research will lay the foundation for multi-material printing of high current carrying conductors encapsulated within a high voltage breakdown and temperature material.

181

Multi-domain Surface Layer Homology (SLH) Glycoside Hydrolases from Extremely Thermophilic Caldicellulosiruptor Species

William Seth Pierce Chemical Engineering-- Biomolecular concentration, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Jonathan Conway Chemical and Biomolecular, North Carolina State University

The genomes of hyperthermophilic bacteria from the genus Caldicellulosiruptor encode a variety of multi-domain proteins that utilize the binding capability of carbohydrate binding module (CBM) domains and the catalytic ability of glycoside hydrolase (GH) domains to attach to and break down biomass. Because Caldicellulosiruptor species are known to attach to biomass while degrading it, catalytic proteins anchored at the cell surface by surface layer homology (SLH) domains are thought to play an important role in biomass breakdown. Calkro_0111 from C. kronotskyensis is the largest of these catalytic SLH proteins (2435 amino acids) and is unique both within the genus Caldicellulosiruptor and outside. Calkro_0111 contains two GH domains that are active on the β-1,3-1,6-glucan laminarin, three CBM domains, and a number of uncharacterized accessory domains. The contribution of these domains to polysaccharide breakdown was characterized by studying truncation mutants of Calkro_0111 produced recombinantly in E. coli. Also, in order to test hypotheses about the importance of SLH proteins to biomass degradation, a knock-out targeting a previously characterized catalytic SLH protein and a knock-in to attach SLH domains to a free enzyme are being constructed with a genetic system utilizing a uracil auxotroph mutant of C. bescii. After these modifications are complete, the strains will be analyzed to determine any changes in their ability to solubilize biomass. By understanding the importance of SLH proteins and the specific roles their individual domains play in biomass degradation, further strain improvements can be made to enhance the process of biomass


degradation for biofuel production.

109

Using Phage Display to Discover Ferritin-binding Peptides for Use as Cancer Therapeutics

Katarina Popovic Applied Nutrition, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Mark Spaller Pharmacology & Toxicology, Dartmouth College

Ferritin is a protein found in the human body that is responsible for the regulated storage and release of iron. It has been reported to be highly expressed in tumor-associated macrophages that play a vital role in tumor progression and therapy resistance. Compounds capable of binding ferritin and preventing its function could be used in cancer chemotherapy, through disruption of the supportive tumor microenvironment. My research goal was to discover such compounds, specifically, those with peptide structure. Towards this end, I have learned and applied the technique of “phage display”, a discovery method that employs bacterial viruses that collectively display millions of diverse peptides on their surfaces. These peptide phage libraries were used to target two forms of ferritin protein, Ferritin Human Heavy chain (HuH/F) and Ferritin Human Heavy/Light chain (HuH/L). Beginning with biopanning—the selection of the soluble phage with higher-affinity peptides against immobilized protein—subsequent steps include preparing plaque plates to grow individual phage clones, amplification of the phage clones plates to generate larger amounts for analysis, ELISAs (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) to test the binding affinity of various clones, and DNA sequencing to obtain the amino acid sequences of peptides on the selected phage clones. Several potential ferritin-binding sequences have been identified, and efforts are underway to prepare the corresponding peptides and characterize them in biochemical binding studies.

210

North Carolina State University Suicide Prevention Focus Group ResearchKerry Nicole Premo Anthropology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Willa Casstevens Social Work, North Carolina State University

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students nationally. At North Carolina State University, the Suicide Prevention Program used focus groups to obtain undergraduate student input on campus prevention. For this presentation students identifying as members of Greek Life associations and as Undergraduates participated in separate groups where they were asked a series of questions by a facilitator regarding their thoughts about suicide prevention approaches on campus at NC State. Each of these focus groups was audio-recorded and transcribed by an undergraduate research assistant. Each transcription was read to identify the overarching themes and strategies pertaining to suicide prevention on campus brought up by the student participants. Following this, a research assistant identified the frequency with which these themes and strategies appeared within each focus group then coded each transcription. This presentation represents those frequencies, and includes further suggestions for suicide prevention to possibly be implemented on campus at NC State.

182

Cross-linking Electrospun PVA Nanofibers with ALD PrecursorsCailean Quinn Pritchard Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University


Atomic layer deposition (ALD) precursors such as trimethylaluminum (TMA) can be a benign alternative to conventional polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cross-linking agents such as glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde, which are carcinogenic and environmentally hazardous. This project looked at cross-linking electrospun PVA nanofibers via sequential vapor infiltration (SVI) with TMA. Characterization of the treated fibers was carried out through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to analyze the shift in melting point of the material as a function of TMA reaction conditions. We observed a depression of the melting point with increasing TMA


exposure. As the polymer reacts with the TMA, it loses hydroxyl groups that contribute hydrogen bonding between molecules which decreases the crystallinity and melting point. In addition to DSC, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to view the nanofibers before and after being immersed in water to observe the amount of fiber retention post-reaction, which should occur with increased cross-linking density. While we have observed some degree of cross-linking under certain conditions, there is also a PVA dehydration reaction that takes place upon heating at temperatures above 120C that competes with the TMA cross-linking reaction. Therefore, in order to achieve sufficient cross-linking, low temperature, around 100C, TMA SVI is desired. This project explores the TMA SVI reaction with PVA and its potential as a non-carcinogenic, biocompatible cross-linking agent for other polymers.

115

Evaluating Queen Quality of In Vitro Reared Queen Bees via Digital Image Processing

Brinkley Raynor Animal Science, North Carolina State University Benjamin Hamm Physics, NCSU

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Sharon Lubkin Mathematics, North Carolina State University Uduak George Mathematics, North Carolina State University; Michael Simone Entomology, North Carolina State University; David Tarpy Entomology, North Carolina State University

The European honey bee (EHB), Apis mellifera, is one of the most economically important pollinating insects. Social behavior within EHB colonies is very influential to the development of juvenile bees making it difficult to assess the genetic variability of bees, specifically queens. Our research focuses on raising queen EHBs in vitro in order to isolate them from these environmental influences of the colony. As a result we are able to rear a large quantity (on the order of thousands) of queens and assess their genetic variability. This assessment involves objectively measuring the morphological and reproductive features of each queen. To do this we first take photographs of the queens, dissect them to remove internal organs, and photograph each of the extracted organs. Each image is then processed with either ImageJ or Matlab scripts. This processing utilizes various techniques including, but not limited to, background subtraction, image thresholding, bounding box fitting, and rotation analysis. As each image is processed either manually or automatically we record each morphological measurement and place it into a database containing each in vitro reared queen. This data is then statistically analyzed to identify key features of in vitro rearing, including morphological variation with and among colonies of origin, and in vitro food treatment effectiveness. We have so far concluded that the optimal treatment for in vitro rearingis 275 mg of royal jelly mixture. Our findings suggest that our morphological metrics correlate well to queen quality and can be used to identify high quality queens from a large pool of specimens.

97

Synthesis of Heterobimetallic Molecules for Photochemical ApplicationsNatalie Tate Rice Chemistry, North Carolina State University


In order for our planet to continue to support human life, viable renewable energy sources that pose little threat to the environment must be created. Solar and hydro energies have the potential to become extremely sustainable sources of energy while being ultimately eco-friendly. The goal is to make solar energy a more efficient process. In order to do this, we want to make better chromophores by controlling the efficiency of excited-state charge transfer. For efficient photocatalysis to take place, systems with long-lived charge separated excited states must be developed. Our aim is to control the excited state lifetime for the chromophore to match the turnover frequency of the catalyst. We also want to tune the free energy of activation for electron transfer. Using these two approaches, we aim improve the efficiency of solar devices since the longer the lifetime of the excited state, the greater the probability of performing successful photocatalysis. Through the design of metal-to-metal charge transfer systems (MMCT), we can achieve greater control of the


energetics and kinetics associated with electron transfer systems. The goal then, is to design a heterobimetallic system using earth abundant first period transition metals to study metal-to-metal charge transfer kinetics. LMCT (Ligand-to-Metal charge transfer) induced MMCT systems will be explored by synthesizing heterobimetallic systems using the LMCT system of TiO(tmtaa) complexed to first row transition metal (Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+) systems with dimethylglyoxime and cyclam ligand sets.

83

Activated Rac 1 reduces cell migration in ATM inhibited HeLa cellsStephanie Michaela Rikard Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Melissa Srougi Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Rho proteins are a family of small GTPases, targeted to cell membranes, which cycle between GTP-bound active and GDP-bound inactive states. Rac1, a subfamily member of Rho proteins, is required in the formation of the lamellipodium and membrane ruffling during cell migration. Activated Rac1 is also required for the formation of cell adhesions, though its effects may switch from promoting to antagonizing cell adhesions based on the cell type or extracellular environment. Previous work from our lab has shown that Rac1 is regulated by ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), a protein kinase best known for its role in the DNA damage response. Patients with ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) have a mutation in the ATM gene that causes a lack of functional ATM protein. A-T patients experience severe neurodegeneration, an acute sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents, and a predisposition to metastatic cancer. Our hypothesis is that inhibition of ATM will increase activated Rac1, which will affect cell migration. We inhibited ATM in HeLa cell lines and quantified activated Rac1 using an immunoprecipitation based assay. Wound healing assays were used to study the effects on cell migration. Our results suggest that inhibition of ATM causes an increase in activated Rac1 as well as increased time for wound healing to occur. These data suggest that elevated levels of activated Rac1 may strengthen cell adhesions and thus decrease cell migration. This work may provide insight into why A-T patients have a predisposition to metastatic cancer.

59

Nanoparticle Drug Delivery in OncologyBernard F Roels Biochemistry, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: James Knopp Biochemistry, North Carolina State University

Use of small molecule drugs is one of several ways to combat the growth and spread of cancerous cells in healthy individuals. These drugs often cause a significant amount of collateral damage to bodily tissues, which can take their toll on a patients health. Use of various nanoparticle encapsulation techniques can help remedy these issues by allowing tumor regions to be targeted and by increasing the availability of the drug over time in lower concentrations. Liposomal spheres, micro-printed polymers, and multi-polymer matrices can surround small molecules and be tagged with various hydrocarbon chains or ligands. These methods have resulted in beneficial advances in treating cancers, but much research stil needs to be completed to fully understand the potenial nanoparticles have in treating disease.

206

Design and Evaluation of Promoters for Gene Expression in the Hyperthermophlic Archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus

Aaron Leland Rozelle Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Andrew Loder Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

The ability to regulate gene expression is advantageous for many applications of biotechnology. Therefore, it


is desirable to have some sort of inducible promoter system within organisms being used in said applications. This is of particular importance to various hyperthermophilic organisms as their thermostable enzymes are of industrial importance, but not much is known of their genetic framework. This research aimed to develop a chemically inducible promoter system for the hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu), for which genetic tools have been recently developed. This was accomplished by designing a maltose-inducible promoter system based on the TrmB regulator, which is a transcriptional repressor for the malE operon in Pfu. Six different Pfu strains were created with varying promoters placed upstream of a thermostable green fluorescent protein (eCGP123) as a reporter gene. Expression of eCGP123 in cells grown on cellobiose- or maltose-rich media was determined through fluorescence assays and RT-qPCR. The RT-qPCR data showed that the native malE promoter allowed significant expression of eCGP123 on maltose while expression remained low on cellobiose. However, there was no significant increase in expression levels seen between growth mediums in the engineered promoter sequences. Given these results, the native malE promoter is currently the best candidate to regulate gene expression in our future genetic engineering endeavors with Pfu.

126

Completion of Syngas fueled Internal Combustion Engine Adam Christopher Rushing Biological and Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Mike Boyette Biological And Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State University

The purpose of this project was to refurbish a single piston four stroke engine designed and built in 1997 to working condition and updated safety features. The project began using an engine originally designed for running on â€œwood gasâ € which had been stored in poor conditions. The engine was disassembled, cleaned, honed, painted, and reassembled. The electrical components were rewired and an emergency disconnect was added to the battery. Finally a cage was built so that all the moving parts were covered to prevent injury. It is expected that in the coming weeks that test will be performed so that the engine will be running at peak efficiency, producing the rated 18 HP. This concept to be used in power plants to convert agricultural waste into useable fuel and also activated carbon

169

Quantum Chemistry Calculations of the Strength of Inclusion Complex Formation between Flame Retardants and beta-Cyclodextrin

Bilva Gowda Sanaba North Carolina State University Cody Zane Polymer and Color Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Melissa Pasquinelli Textiles, North Carolina State University

Several different textile products are flammable and utilize flame retardants (FRs) in order to mitigate damage that could be caused by a fire. Products that use FRs range from electronics such as computers to upholstery and carpets. Unfortunately, these widely used FRs can be released from their host substrate during use and have been implicated in negatively impacting the endocrine system. Thus, there is a demand for safer alternatives to current FRs that would still be very effective. One idea is to encapsulate the flame retardant molecule with a sugar based toroid called beta-cyclodextrin(β-CD). The thought is that when the inclusion complex is applied onto a substrate, the FR molecule will be more likely to remain in the substrate and therefore have reduced toxicological effects, yet its efficacy as a FR will be preserved. In order to predict which FRs are small enough and chemically viable to form stable inclusion complexes with beta-CD, we performed quantum chemistry calculations. We predicted that FRs that are smaller than 9 Å in two dimensions while being hydrophobic and relatively nonpolar would be most likely to form inclusion complexes with β-CD due to the size of the β-CD cavity and the fact that the inside of a β-CD is hydrophobic and nonpolar.

201

Comparative Microbiological and Engineering Analysis of Lignocellulose Deconstruction by Extremely Thermophilic Caldicellulosiruptor Species


Hunter Joel Simpson Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

Species within the genus Caldicellulosiruptor are known for their thermophilic and cellulolytic nature, but the degree to which they deconstruct lignocellulose varies widely among different species, substrates, and growth conditions. Caldicellulosiruptor kronotskyensis was tested for its ability to degrade washed switchgrass as the sole carbon source over multiple passages to determine the upper limit of switchgrass solubilization. Total solubilization was highest after the first passage, but continued at successively lower levels for subsequent passages. C. kronotskyensis was found to grow on tap water and switchgrass, demonstrating a potential major economic advantage of utilizing this species in a production process. Poplar is another potential biofuel feedstock. Five natural variant poplar strains were tested for their capacity for degradation by C. kronotskyensis. The variants were degraded to different extents, with GW 9947 having the highest level of solubilization at 25%, and BESC 316 had the lowest at 10%. Glucan and xylan solubilization for GW 9947 and BESC 316 were 32% and 5%, and 23% and 5%, respectively. Recently, several new strains of Caldicellulosiruptor have been discovered and genome sequenced. Caldicellulosiruptor sp. Rt8.B8, Caldicellulosiruptor sp. Wai35.B1, and Thermoanaerobacter cellulolyticus sp. NA10 (currently being re-classified as a Caldicellulosiruptor species) were compared to Caldicellulosiruptor bescii for their cellulolytic capacity by measuring their ability to degrade washed switchgrass. These results have broadened the understanding of the growth and cellulolytic characteristics of the genus Caldicellulosiruptor, while informing optimal growth conditions, substrates, and even species, for obtaining the highest possible level of lignocellulose conversion.

49

Expansion of Stem Cells using 3D Scaffolds and Hollow Fiber Bioreactor Technology

Alanna Louise Smith Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Mackenzie Williams Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University


The finite doubling potential of cells is one of the biggest limitations on tissue culture applications. This limit is defined by space and surface area; once the cells cover the surface of a dish, they no longer continue to multiply due to lack of nutrients and expansion area. Through various approaches, scientists have attempted to combat this issue by creating culture environments with more surface area in the same amount of space, but still allowing nutrients to reach all of the cells. Three dimensional polystyrene scaffolds contain numerous pores in which the cells can grow. Since the cells are not growing stacked directly on top of each other, media can flow through the scaffold and allow nutrients to reach the bottom. Mesenchymal stem cells were grown on scaffolds 1.5cm in diameter. Through the use of glucose readings, cell proliferation assays, and cell viability measurements, it was seen that scaffolds increase the number of cells per well compared to standard two dimensional numbers. Hollow fiber bioreactor technology simulates an in vivo culture environment using porous fibers continuously flowing media. The cells adhere to the surface of the fibers, and nutrients from the media escape through the pores of the fibers to nourish the cells. To measure cell proliferation, glucose readings are taken from the media entering the system, the media in the system, and the media exiting the system. Using this technology, cells can be grown to 1000 times the numbers of standard tissue culture in a smaller amount of space.

149

The Synthesis and Antimicrobial Efficacy of a Cationic Zinc PorphyrinSarah Louise Stanley Undeclared, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Reza Ghiladi Chemistry, North Carolina State University


The survival of bacteria, fungi and viruses on surfaces pose a considerable risk to human health, as they can cause new infections if the surface is not thoroughly sterilized; this is especially concerning in regard to antibiotic resistant bacteria. For this reason more research is needed both to improve existing disinfection techniques as well as to develop new materials with anti-infective characteristics. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is one promising solution; it employs a photosensitizer which, when exposed to visible light and air, produces singlet oxygen (1O2) that is capable of sterilizing/bleaching bacteria. With the end goal of producing a textile product with antimicrobial properties, we have synthesized the iodide salt of the photosensitizer zinc(II) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin and have characterized it by NMR and UV-visible spectroscopies, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Its antimicrobial effectiveness was tested with cultures of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at concentrations of 1, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 μM and initial results were promising. Future work will explore comparisons with methylene blue as an alternative photosensitizer, as well as incorporation of a wider taxonomical variety of bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Strategies for incorporating this photosensitizer into nylon or other polymers will also be discussed.

51

Isolation and identification of bacteria from yogurt samples capable of producing antimicrobials.Maliha Talib Biochemistry, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Alice Lee College of Sciences, North Carolina State University

The United States faces approximately 76 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, 5,000 of them leading to death. Indirectly, bacterial pathogens have also evoked trouble in the healthcare industry with the emergence of antibiotic resistance. In hopes to resolve these issues, bacteriocins are being critically studied for their narrow spectrum of inhibition of bacterial growth. In this study, we will isolate and characterize bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains that are capable of surviving conditions approximating the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract, to determine if bacteriocins can significantly inhibit the growth of major enteric pathogens using nonpathogenic strains as models. For the first phase, LAB strains will be isolated from yogurt samples using selective media for lactobacillus. Isolated strains will be characterized by relevant characterization tests, compared to LAB properties, and confirmed by 16s sequencing. Finally, LAB strains will be screened against predetermined nonpathogenic strains. A protein extraction will follow to isolate the bacteriocins from confirmed LAB strains for further testing and screening. It is expected that each LAB strain will produce a bacteriocin and will inhibit the growth of at least one nonpathogenic relative. The identification of a novel bacteriocin from isolated LAB strains would serve as a promising candidate for further characterization, with potential applications in the field of medicine and could contribute to the control of the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

119

Effects of Gold Nanoparticles on Single Stranded DNAWilliam Albert Therriault Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Yaroslava Yingling Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

The unique properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) paired with their facile synthesis allow for their use as sensors, catalysis and nanoelectronics. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) encodes genetic information through Watson-Crick base pairing. When paired with single stranded DNA (ssDNA), cationic nanoparticles may act as gene delivery vehicles. Using molecular dynamics, we studied the interactions of ssDNA with AuNPs having ligands of differing end groups. Molecular dynamics is a computational method which uses classical physics to model the behavior of systems at the atomic level. Simulations were performed using the Amber12 software package. Nanoparticles had a 1.5 nm core diameter with 60 alkyl ligands with differing end groups. The end groups used in this project consisted of nanoparticles with amine (NH2), ammonia (NH3), phenyl (PHE) ligands. Each of these end groups have different properties and allow for the particle to interact with ssDNA in differing manners. Charged nanoparticles (NH3

+) pair with the negatively charged backbone of the ssDNA while the aromatic nanoparticles (PHE) interact with the aromatic bases. The higher charged


AuNPs showed greater changes in the shape of the ssDNA. However, there was little change in the major intramolecular ssDNA interactions such as hydrogen bonding or Pi-Pi stacking. The ssDNA had a higher degree of immobilization with the higher charged groups. The charged groups interacted primarily with the end groups of the ligands. Results from this study may lead to guidelines for the design of nanoparticles which can induce a specific reaction from ssDNA molecules.

132

Quantification of Sodium Benzoate in Pickled Vegetables by Solid-Phase Extraction and UV/Vis Spectroscopy

Bryan Nicholas Toton Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Summer Conley Payton , ; Emily Lanier ,

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Suzanne Johanningsmeier Food Science, North Carolina State University

Many pickled vegetable processors must outsource samples for analysis of preservative concentrations. A solid-phase extraction (SPE) method coupled with ultraviolet spectrophotometric (UV) measurement was developed for the quantification of sodium benzoate in pickled vegetable samples. Chromatographic separation of sodium benzoate from sample matrices was achieved using an LC-18 500 mg octadecyl bonded sorbent packing, dilution (1:20) of sample brine in 0.03 N sulfuric acid, conditioning and washing the cartridge with 3 mL of 0.03 N sulfuric acid, 1 mL of eluent consisting of acetonitrile—0.03 N sulfuric acid (70:30) at 2 mL/min, and UV detection at 228 nm. The unknown concentration of sodium benzoate in samples was calculated by plotting the measured absorbance of samples on the standard curve. Standard curves were linear between the range of 0.05 to 0.35 mM (R2=0.9992). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure the concentration of sodium benzoate in a wide range of commercial pickle products (n=10) to validate the method for pickle products. Sodium benzoate extraction and determination in pickled vegetable samples, including sour, sweet, fresh and fermented cucumber pickles, sauerkraut, and banana pepper rings showed an average recovery of 72.2 ± 11.4 % and no false positives using the proposed method. This method may be improved to increase sample capacity by simultaneously running multiple cartridges using a more advanced vacuum pump manifold. Future work to optimize the SPE method will be needed to improve recovery from pickled vegetables, allowing processors to rapidly and economically measure sodium benzoate concentrations.

180

Three-dimensional structures from electrically-activated, self-folding polymer sheets

James David Turner Mechanical Engineering, North Carolina State University


Self-folding transforms planar sheets into new configurations, often three-dimensional, in response to external stimuli. This project focuses on a design for self-folding of polymer sheets activated by electrical current. Using flexible silver nanowire mesh as a resistive heater, the design produces a temperature gradient through a prestrained polymer sheet to relax the polymer closest to the nanowire mesh more than the rest of the sheet, causing folding. By changing the geometric pattern of the nanowire mesh, various three-dimensional shapes can be produced. Despite its simplicity and affordability, this approach permits the autonomous creation of complex, three-dimensional objects.

123

The Effect of Changing Amino Acids on Molecular Structure: A Study of Alotamide A

DaNaujah Breannah Venters none, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Joshua Pierce Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease affect the lives of millions around the


globe. Calcium ion influx has been discovered to be one of the causes of neurological diseases. Consequently, there are not many compounds that induce calcium ion influx. Recently, alotamide A, a natural product extracted from a marine cyanobacterium, Lyngbya bouilloni, was found to produce this biological effect. In this project, analogues of alotamide A will be synthesized. In some examples of natural product analogue synthesis, a more potent compound can be prepared and then be used for further studies; therefore, the synthesis of analogues of alotamide A could lead to more potent chemical probes for biological evaluation. Using commercially available amino acids, analogues of the tripeptide fragment in the parent molecule can be synthesized. By switching the amino acids in the natural product, the relative role of each amino acid on the biological activity in alotamide A can be determined. Since, these modifications may create more effective compounds, these analogues can also be used as more efficient chemical probes for the research of neurological diseases.

188

The influence of temperature on the transmission of chikungunya virus by the Asian tiger mosquitoDaniel Patrick Weikel Statistics, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Kevin Gross Statistics, North Carolina State University

Understanding the ecological factors that control the vital rates of mosquito vectors and the pathogens they carry is critical for predicting and responding to vector-borne disease transmission. One example is the chikungunya virus, which has recently emerged in the Americas. Recent research has focused on developing models to predict disease responses to climate. One such approach has been to focus on the thermal physiological responses of vectors, as temperature plays a role in the distribution of common vectors. Here, we collected data from published studies in order to examine the temperature sensitivity of Aedes albopictus and chikungunya virus traits that influence transmission. We incorporated these thermal responses into a model of R0, the rate of spread of a disease into a naïve population, to understand how transmission responds to temperature. The model predicted an optimal transmission temperature of 30°C, with transmission dropping to zero below 12°C and above 37°C. The data currently available are insufficient to fit thermal responses for the traits of EIP (extrinsic incubation period) and b*c (vector competence). Also, data on adult mosquito mortality at high temperatures (above 30°C) are needed to determine the upper thermal limit on mosquito survival. Future exploration of the thermal response of chikungunya transmission will require additional studies measuring those traits across temperature in a controlled laboratory environment. Further research will inform prediction of future epidemics based on climate, as well as the allocation of resources for preventative measures.

61

Analysis of Low Salt Versus Traditional Cucumber FermentationsSean Holland Whitfield Food Science, North Carolina State University Matthew Parks Mechanical Engineering, North Carolina State University; Manmeet Cheema Bioprocessing Science, North Carolina State University; Rachel Stowe Food Science, North Carolina State University; Katie Baker Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Suzanne Johanningsmeier Food Science, North Carolina State University

Pickled cucumbers fermented in 1.1% calcium chloride (CaCl2) brines with a Lactobacillus plantarum starter culture have been developed to reduce chloride waste by 80 %, but have also been observed in small scale trials to have a lower texture quality than pickles fermented with the traditional process which uses 6% or more sodium chloride (NaCl). The objective of this research was to determine what factors differ between the two fermentation processes that may cause changes in texture. Several chemical and physical characteristics were analyzed for CaCl2 (n = 38) and NaCl (n = 21) brined cucumbers in various stages of commercial fermentation and processing. pH, polygalacturonase (PG) activity, salt concentrations, and fermentation metabolites were measured using a pH meter, PG diffusion plate assay, titrations, and high performance liquid chromatography. NaCl brined cucumber samples from the fermentation and desalting steps had a lower pH on average than those fermented and stored in CaCl2 brines. Although NaCl brined, fermented cucumbers had a noticeably firmer texture than CaCl2 pickles, no connection between PG activity and texture degradation was made in


either fermentation process. In future studies, it would be better to implement a more quantitative method to measure PG activity. Further research is needed in order to find the specific factors that may be influencing cucumber texture during low salt fermentation and processing.

131

Encapsulation of Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Sodium Alginate Beads to Determine Cell Viability

Mackenzie Lane Williams Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University


Cell encapsulation is a relatively old technique used to protect cells from triggering an immune response by the injected organism, while allowing immediate cell needs and functions to still occur. Alginate is a common biomaterial that when dropped into calcium chloride, undergoes an immediate ion transfer to form 3D spherical beads for encapsulation. For the cells to live and divide in the alginate, it must be purified of bacteria, proteins, and endotoxins because it is naturally derived from another living organism. Sodium alginate powder mixed with PBS is steam sterilized in the autoclave under standard liquid conditions at 120°C and 15psi for 25 minutes. Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Ad-Msc) grown in Mesenpro media are mixed at 1 million cells per mL with the purified alginate and dropped in sterile calcium chloride to form 3D beads. The Ad-Mscs are analyzed under an inverted light microscope and an absorbance measurement is taken using an Alamarblue assay. This study aimed to determine cell viability of the encapsulated Ad-Mscs to develop a method of harvesting trillions of cells via the alginate beads.

111

Effectiveness of Peer-Generated Videos as Teaching Tools for Basic Techniques in the Organic Chemistry Laboratory. Michael Isaiah Wolfe Chemistry, North Carolina State University Thomas Parker Marine and Environmental Science, Rappahannock Community College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Maria Gallardo-Williams Chemistry, North Carolina State University Melinda Box Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Our aim in this project was to come up with videos that were tailored to the instrumentation available in the labs at NC State. We wanted to have an instructional aid to help the students get ready for their labs in a short period of time, while providing them with accurate, useful, and easily available information. The videos were generated by interested students, supervised by the course instructor, and reviewed by a panel of teaching assistants (TAs). These student-created short films were tested on groups of CH222 lab students. Control groups had the lab information presented by their TAs. In general, students that watched the video prior to performing the lab felt well-prepared to use the instrument depicted, were more likely to be able to use the instrument without any assistance from their TA, and were more likely to recall the correct set of commands for operating the software. The number of students that required extensive assistance from their TA was greatly reduced when they were exposed to the video.The availability of the videos on YouTube also works in a positive way, allowing students to access them at their convenience and as many times as they see fit. Although these videos were merely created to supplement the lab briefings, they have proven effective in assisting students in learning simple lab skills. The videos proved to be more effective than an average TA presentation, giving both visual and auditory learners an advantage over their peers and improved learning outcomes.

84

ATM-mediated Rac1 activation through a guanine nucleotide exchange factor independent pathwayMeghan Rebecca Wyatt Biology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Melissa Srougi Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neuromotor dysfunction,


telangiectasia, premature aging, and a predisposition to cancer. A-T patients lack functional ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein, which is a serine-threonine kinase known to facilitate double-stranded break (DSB) repair as well as regulate oxidative stress. In addition to DSB repair, our lab has shown that ATM modulates Rho GTPases; particularly Rac1. Rho GTPases have been shown to regulate the actin cytoskeleton, cell adhesion and cell polarization. The regulation of Rho GTPases is modulated by GDP binding which inactivates the proteins and GTP binding which activates the proteins. GDP-bound inactive Rac is regulated by GDP-dissociation inhibitors (GDIs) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs.) Conversely, GTP- bound, active Rac1 is promoted by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). In previous studies using ATM deficient cells, loss of ATM increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) that elevated GTP-bound active Rac1 levels. Based on these previous data, we hypothesized that GEFs may act independently from ROS in the activation of Rac1 in ATM inhibited cells. In this study, ATM activity was inhibited in HeLa cells using the compound Ku55933 and subsequent Rac1-GTP levels were determined both with and without treatment with the GEF inhibitor NSC23766. Our data show that ATM inhibition leads to an increase in Rac1 activity regardless of GEF activation. This suggests that Rac1 activity is mediated through a GEF-independent, but ROS-dependent mechanism. Elucidating this mechanism may lead to a better understanding of A-T patients’ predisposition to cancer.


NC State Undergraduate Research Grant Awardee 129

Biomechanical Basis of Shoulder Osseous Deformity in a Rat Model of Brachial Plexus Birth PalsyJennifer Marie Antoniono Biomedical, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Katherine Saul Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

Brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) is a traumatic neuromuscular injury suffered during birth, resulting in upper extremity muscle paralysis and persistent shoulder deformity. This study used a rat model of BPBP to examine two potential muscular mechanisms leading to osseous and postural shoulder deformity - 1) strength imbalance between paralyzed and intact shoulder muscles and 2) impaired longitudinal muscle growth of paralyzed muscles. Four groups of rats (sham control, muscle imbalance only, impaired growth only, and combined) were studied. Both forelimb shoulders of each rat were imaged using micro-CT. Image segmentation, three-dimensional surface reconstruction and bone geometry measurements were performed in Mimics (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Anatomical measurements included glenoid version, glenoid inclination angle, glenoid curvature, humeral head superoinferior translation, and anteroposterior subluxation relative to the glenoid. Glenoid inclination angle was lower on the affected side in the impaired growth (p=0.07) and combined (p=0.02) groups, compared to the unaffected side. In both the impaired growth and combined groups the humeral head was translated more inferiorly on the affected side (p=0.07 and p=0.09). Neurectomy was also associated with muscle atrophy and impaired longitudinal growth in these same rats. We conclude that impaired longitudinal growth associated with neurectomy produces more severe osseous deformity than strength imbalance alone, which was insufficient to produce severe osseous and postural deformity. With improved understanding of the underlying mechanism of contracture and shoulder deformity, clinicians could identify patients at risk for developing shoulder deformity and apply more targeted, effective treatments at an earlier stage of injury.

160

Student Response to Graphic Novel and Technology IntegrationCecelia Rosemarie Barnett Elementary Education, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Angela Wiseman Education, North Carolina State University

The purpose of this study is to explore what happens when students respond to science reading by creating graphic novels using technology. In this study, we read science textbooks with upper elementary students (grades 3-5) and then assist them in creating graphic novels based on what they have learned. Preliminary findings indicate that the students learned from using both the pictures and the texts, which was enhanced by technology. This research has the potential to develop understanding of how readers comprehend using technology as they create graphic novels. The question we hope to answer is: How can graphic novels improve comprehension and motivation in elementary readers?

113

Synthesis of Novel Analogues of Alotamide A: A Simplification of a Natural Product Matthew Wesley Boudreau Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Joshua Pierce Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Alotamide A is a cyclic depsipeptide obtained from the marine cyanobacterium, Lyngbya bouillonii. Alotamide A displays activation of Ca2+ influx in mouse cerebrocortical neurons. Neuronal cell death that is caused by glutamate neurotoxicity is believed to be a result of overstimulation of Ca2+ influx. Some neuronal diseases are caused by this glutamate neurotoxicity. Since these effects can be replicated with Ca2+ influx activators (i.e. alotamide A), further study of neurological diseases, like Huntington’s disease and Alzheimer’s, can be conducted. Our retrosynthetic approach is to divide the target into a tri-peptide based northern fragment and an aliphatic southern fragment. The northern fragment contains a di-peptide fragment, consisting of


proline and serine, which will be thionated and cyclodehydrated to form a thiazoline. The thiazoline is then coupled with an allyl- N-methyl valine derivative to produce the northern fragment. The southern fragment will be synthesized by coupling a commercially available alkene to the pyrrolidine-side of the target. The desired analogue will then be synthesized via ring-closing metathesis of the two terminal alkenes. Currently, we have completed the synthesis of the substrate for the ring-closing metathesis reaction. The successful synthesis of alotamide A and its respective analogues will lead to the elucidation of the target’s absolute configuration, increased quantities of the compound for biological evaluation, and the opportunity to synthesize non-natural, potentially simplified analogues.

204

Localization of differential neuron activity in zebrafish with distinct stress dispositions using c-fos activity

Daniel N Bullock Biology - IPN, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: John Godwin Biology, North Carolina State University

Stress and anxiety are integral neurobiological constructs whose impact can be observed across species and behavioral processes. Broadly speaking, stress refers to an organism’s transient response to a particular aversive stimulus while anxiety refers to an organism’s susceptibility to stress. Although these are naturally occurring and evolutionarily adaptive responses, maladaptive behaviors can arise in cases of stress and anxiety disorders. Considering the impact and pervasiveness of such disorders, these phenomena invite further investigation. In this project we attempt to provide groundwork for use of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism for research on stress and anxiety. Specifically we aim to identify brain regions associated with stress and anxiety in this species and elucidate neurological differences in zebrafish which have been selectively bred to exhibit alternative behavioral stress coping styles. This work will serve as the foundation for future genomic and networking investigations in these particular breeding lines as well as zebrafish in general.

46

Multinationality and Technology in Research and Publishing EthicsLynelle Catricia Herndon Political Science, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Huiling Ding English, North Carolina State University

Research misconduct (fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism, or FFP) has been on the rise all over the world (Kumar, 2008, p.214). This project adds to the existing studies of publication retraction with detailed analysis of articles retracted from 2010 through 2013 in the Web of Science database, focusing on reasons for the retraction, the source journals of retraction, the discipline, and the nationality of the authors. Over 1,600 articles were analyzed. It was found that in addition to traditional research misconduct through FFP, scientific research articles have been retracted due to duplicate publication, data errors, authorship disputes, the peer review process and other violations. The top four reasons for retraction are: PLAGIARISM, which includes duplication, data duplication, lack of citation, and general plagiarism; FALSIFICATION/FABRICATION, which includes data manipulation, made-up data and fraud; ERRORS, both data and administrative errors; and PERMISSION, meaning authorship disputes and copyright or patent violations. It is also important to note that the most retractions were in the field of medical science. Multinational collaboration accounts for about 15% of retracted articles. The top 10 countries producing retracted articles are: the United States, People's Republic of China, India, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Iran, Italy, the Netherlands and France. The results suggest that both researchers and publishers play some roles in the retraction process. It highlights the strong need for rigorous training in scientific research and communication ethics in higher education settings. In addition, a slower and more careful peer review process, as well as enhanced technology, transparency and global communication within and across disciplines will also help to prevent these technical retractions.

159

Single-Molecule Surface Studies of Fibrinogen on Silicon Wafer SurfacesDavid John Nacouzi Physics/Pre-Med, North Carolina State University


Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Jack Rowe Physics, North Carolina State University

The objective of our research has been to study Fibrinogen, a plasma glycoprotein essential to hemostasis, i. e. coagulation (blood clotting), wound healing, etc. This project has studied Fibrinogen on surfaces of Silicon (100) and Silicon (111) which are non-biological materials. A better knowledge of fibrinogen’s properties with non-bio materials can lead to more promising developments in medical technologies. I have used two methods of surface analysis to study Fibrinogen, AFM and XPS. One method, AFM, allows imaging at the single molecular level. It shows three nodes of a nearly linear molecule. With the study of fibrinogen using XPS, we can learn more about its molecular orbitals, and thus bonding changes on a surface. Experimental results have already indicated that hydrophobic interactions are one of the key elements of these interactions. Results from both methods will be presented in our poster.

117

Analyzing Algorithms to Determine Optimal Flux Through the Lignin Biosynthesis Pathway

Erika Nicole Parker Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University


Lignin is a complex polymer, made mostly of alcohols, that resides in the secondary cell wall of plants. It plays a significant role in conducting water in plant stems and protecting the plant from disease and degradation. The protective nature of lignin makes it difficult to remove from the plant, which is necessary for the production of biofuels. Past research efforts have not been able to achieve a full understanding of the flux distributions in the lignin biosynthesis pathway. The purpose of this research is to determine whether different optimization algorithms result in multiple solutions leading to various routes through the pathway. Initially, the linear programming algorithm in Matlab, linprog, was used to optimize the objective function which is specified by constraints defined in nature. As a result, only two different flux distributions were found under varying initial conditions. It was concluded that the algorithm was not searching the entire solution space, and a different algorithm needed to be used. The fmincon algorithm was employed as a nonlinear programming algorithm that also takes constraints and initial conditions into consideration during optimization. The results from the fmincon algorithm show that there are a large number of possible flux distributions that give an equally optimized result. All things considered, the next step in the research is to utilize Gauss-Jordan elimination techniques to determine if there is a unique route through the pathway from the possible flux distributions found.

178

Design and Characterization of Shape-Programmable Multiresponsive Hydrogel Bilayers via Ionoprint Patterning

Igor A Podolsky Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Michael Dickey Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

Hydrogels are polymer networks that are extremely hydrophilic and can contain upwards of 95% water. Hydrogels have thus far been demonstrated as ideal functional materials that can find application in soft robotics and biomedical devices given their biocompatibility and tunable mechanical properties. This research project introduces and characterizes a novel method of patterning a bilayer hydrogel sheet such that directed bending may be elicited reversibly along two radii of curvature allowing for multi-responsive 2D to 3D structures. Utilizing a technique developed previously in collaboration between Velev's and Dickey's groups, a layer of poly(sodium polyacrylate) (pNaAc) is injected directionally with copper ions in the presence of an electric field through a technique known as ionoprinting. The injected ions create localized ionic crosslinks leading to mechanical stresses in the hydrogel matrix. The patterned layers can then be chemically linked to a thermally responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAm) layer allowing us to control the final structure of a single sheet of hydrogel by pattern location, temperature, and/or solvent conditions. We will present examples of hydrogel bilayer sheets that respond to multiple stimuli by bending in different directions and


adopting complex shapes, and will analyze the role of the position of the ionoprinted patterns in directing these responses. Such bilayers come closer to mimicking biological tissues that can perform numerous, complex tasks with one pre-designed sheet structure.

104

Comparative Analysis of Metriaclima lombardoi PigmentationAllyson Quinn Ryan Genetics, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Reade Roberts Biology, North Carolina State University

African cichlid fish have incredible diversity in pigmentation phenotypes, including different color morphs for males and females. Most Lake Malawi species with yellow and blue color morphs have yellow females and blue males. This is reversed only in Metriaclima lombardoi. All juveniles express a blue pigmentation with black barring, but as they age the males begin to change to yellow while the females retain blue pigmentation. This transition was examined using multiple families of M. lombardoi. During juvenile development the caudal fin was imaged under varying magnifications and light fields of a compound microscope. These images were then analyzed using Image J to obtain relative chromatophore counts for intraspecies, specifically sex, comparisons. In addition to any dicernable differences in pigment cell populations, the expression analysis of the genes involved in pigment producing pathways is being examined using RNAseq experiments. Thus far the protocols for RNA extraction for caudal fin tissue have been optimized for increased yield and RNA integrity. Ion Torrent cDNA libraries have been constructed with an approximate 50% success rate. Future work will include the optimization of library prep construction as well as the sequencing and analysis of sequence data. Ultimately the goal of this work is to determine if and which genes, novel or otherwise, involved in pigmentation pathways are differentially expressed between the sexes of M. lombardoi.

177

Role of excitonic coupling in conjugated polymers using temperature-dependent photoluminescence and absorption spectroscopy

Samanvitha Sridhar Physics, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Kenan Gundogdu Physics, North Carolina State University

Bulk Heterojunction (BHJ) Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) devices use conjugated polymers as electron donors and fullerene derivatives as electron acceptors to convert solar energy into electrical current. Recent developments have shown that substitution of fluorine atoms yields highest power conversion device efficiencies, nearing 7%. The goal of this research is to explore the role of aggregation during excitonic coupling on the nature of photoexcitations within these conjugated polymers. The change in relative intensity of 0-0 to 0-1 peaks and the considerable shift in the emission spectra distinguishes H-like and J-like aggregation (i.e., to address the interchain and intrachain coupling within conjugated polymer chains). In order to distinguish whether linear absorption or photoluminescence can account for this phenomenon, we studied the linear absorption, temperature dependent photoluminescence (PL) and the transient photomodulation spectroscopy of regioregular polythiophene (RRP3HT in two different forms: pristine film and films blended with polar additive poly (ethylene oxide) PEO (1:1 weight ratio), and two polymers incorporating benzodithiophene (BnDT) as the donor and either benzotriazole (HTAZ) or its fluorinated analog (FTAZ) as the acceptor. The red shift in 0-0 absorption peak and change in the relative intensity of 0-0 to 0-1 peaks (changes from less than to greater than one) upon blending indicates the change in aggregation from H-like to J-like. We observed that decreasing the temperature to below 10 K also shows a dynamic red-shift in the PL spectra, partly due to decrease in thermal disorder. Surprisingly, we did not see a significant change in either the relative intensity of 0-0 to 0-1 peaks in the PL spectrum or the long time decay dynamics of the time resolved PL, suggesting that the samples show H-like behavior.

95


Molecular evolution of seminal vesicle proteins (SVP) and oxytocin (OXT) within the genus MicrotusNicole Saliba Wehbie Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Lisa McGraw College of Sciences, North Carolina State University

Sexual selection is a key factor in evolution, and as such drives the expression of phenotypic and genetic reproductive traits. This interest in the impact of sexual selection has provided opportunities to reconstruct the evolutionary history of genera, such as with Microtus voles, which exhibit wide displays of mating behaviors, such as monogamy and promiscuity. Although the latter mating system is exhibited in a higher percentage of species, the molecular evolution may suggest that a distinction needs to be made between genetic and social traits. Past studies have used program packages that implement phylogenetic analysis to give a greater insight into the effects of mating system variation on rates of molecular evolution. These measurements of sequence evolution can be applied to further understand genes that are known, or suspected, to have some influence on discrete variations within Microtus mating systems. To investigate this, molecular data was collected from ten vole species and analyzed through a phylogenetic program package, PAML, with respect to seminal vesicle proteins (SVP) and oxytocin receptors (OXTR). The results were compared and contrasted between each species relative to their specific mating system. The results revealed a cryptic diversity within this genus and are still continuing to broaden the understanding of the diversity contained within the genus Microtus.

165

Effects of Varying Diets on Sex Ratio and Developmental Qualities of Offspring in W-36 Laying StockMcCaide T. Wooten Poultry Science & Animal Science, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Chris Ashwell Poultry Science, North Carolina State University

Past studies have shown that there is a link between maternal condition, or resource availability, and the resultant sex ratio of offspring in avian species, both wild and domesticated. In the majority of cases, mothers will preferentially bias the sex ratio of their offspring to the sex that is most likely to survive in conditions in which nutritional resources are scarce or of poor quality; typically, this is the sex with the lower mature body weight, thus lower nutritional requirements, in sexually dimorphic species. This study analyzed how three diets of differing caloric and protein concentrations influenced the sex ratios of a commercially utilized avian species, the Hyline W-36 laying hen. As expected, development of both parent and filial generations was significantly affected by diet or egg composition, respectively. Eggshell thickness and porosity and albumen protein concentration were significantly different between groups. Sex ratio bias was significantly different only between CL offspring compared to the control, but there was a similar trend in the opposite direction for CH offspring. Results suggest that continual availability of either high- or low-protein food resources does not predispose hens to bias the sex ratio of their offspring; however, a sudden change in diet, particularly to one of lower protein concentration, may influence such a change, suggesting linkage with the production of stress-related hormones. Further trials are needed to assess the efficacy of diet alteration prior to reproductive maturity as a means of sex allocation manipulation.


NSF EFRI-PSBR 196

Characterization of Light within a Photosynthetic Bioreactor in Consideration of a Kinetic Growth Model for Dunaliella viridis Thomas Jay Dang Civil Engineering, Research Triangle High School

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Amy Grunden Microbiology, North Carolina State University Amanda Karam Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University; Catherine McMillan Joel Ducoste Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University ; Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University

Biofuels from microalgae present a potential source of renewable energy. However, further research is necessary to optimize both lipid content and growth rates of algae. The National Science Foundation has funded a multi-disciplinary team at North Carolina State University to develop, model, and evaluate a scalable photosynthetic biorefinery (PSBR) for the microalgae Dunaliella viridis. To develop an accurate model, the growth kinetics of D. viridis under varying light conditions must be experimentally determined since light is necessary and can limit algal growth. Constructing and analyzing an illumination system for these tests is critical. During this project, a light-collimation apparatus was developed using a frame lined with black fabric to collimate the light source. It was determined that using two layers of black felt adequately absorbed any dispersive light. The light source was also thoroughly analyzed. A spectrometer measured the spectral power distribution and confirmed that the peak wavelengths were 440, 470, 525, 640, and 660nm. A quantum light sensor measured the photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) and showed the light intensity varied from 116 to 939?mol/m2s when at a distance of 12 and 2 inches from the reactor, respectively. Moreover, high-frequency sampling showed that the light intensity oscillated at around 120 Hz due to the alternating wall current. An average light intensity should be assumed as an input into the kinetic model with the fluctuation range noted. Fully characterizing the lighting input is critical to developing an accurate kinetic model of algal growth.

209

Effect of Different Nitrogen Sources on the Growth of Four Species of Dunaliella Brian Austin Masters Plant Biology, Research Triangle High School

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Amy Grunden Microbiology, North Carolina State University Heike Sederoff Plant Biology, North Carolina State University ; Colin Murphree Plant Biology, North Carolina State University; Soundarya Srirangan Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Dunaliella is an unicellular green microalgae that is a candidate feedstock for biofuel. Dunaliella are marine algae and do not rely on productive agricultural land or freshwater to grow. They grow fast, do not have a cell wall and can accumulate up to 60% of the cell dry weight as oil. However, Dunaliella require nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon to grow. The production of nitrogen fertilizers used to grow algae both consumes energy and is a source of greenhouse gases. In order to avoid the use of fertilizers such as potassium nitrate for algal growth, we were interested in determining whether amino acids could be used as a potential alternative nitrogen source for Dunaliella strains since amino acids can be obtained from enzymatic digestion of waste algal biomass. To learn more about the use of amino acids in this algae, four different nitrogen sources (potassium nitrate, amino acids glutamine and glutamate, and a media without nitrogen) were used to grow four species of Dunaliella (D. viridis, D. salina, D. primolecta, and D. tertiolecta). The working hypothesis for the study is that glutamine will prove to be a more effective supplement for Dunaliella growth due to the additional nitrogen (an extra amine group) in the molecule compared to glutamate. The growth study showed glutamine supported growth of D. viridis (Gln: 1.848e7 cells/ml; Glu: 4.3855e6 cells/ml) and D. primolecta (Gln: 8.79e6 cells/ml; Glu: 4.125e6 cells/ml) to a greater extent than did glutamate.

183


Cloning and Over-Expression of a Novel Thermophilic Nuclease from Geobacillus thermoglucosidasiusChloe Alexis Sayer Microbiology, Research Triangle High School

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Amy Grunden Microbiology, North Carolina State University

Spent microalgal biomass is a rich source of nutrients composed of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Pre-treatment steps for breakdown of macromolecules are essential for its further utilization. Thermophilic enzymes are ideal candidates for this process since they exhibit extreme temperature and pH stability. We have identified a novel nuclease, Geoth_0649, from a thermophilic bacterium, Geobacillus thermoglucosidasius. The Geoth_0649 gene codes for a 34.7 kDa protein with an N-terminal signal sequence and a C-terminal transmembrane domain. The N-terminal signal sequence is followed by a putative pro-protein region, and the central 127 amino acid region shows extensive homology to Staphylococcal nucleases. The goal of this study is to characterize this putative nuclease for its potential use in spent microalgal biomass recycling. Gene-specific primers were designed to amplify regions encoding the pro-protein and nuclease domains. PCR amplification was done using G. thermoglucosidasius crude genomic DNA as template. The resulting 806 bp and 595 bp PCR products were digested with NcoI and XhoI and ligated with pET28a vector that was digested with the same enzymes. Ligations were transformed into E. coli XL1-Blue competent cells. Ligated plasmids were purified from the transformants and were sequenced to confirm the presence of the Geoth_0649 gene. The resulting constructs were transformed into E. coli BL21(DE3) for over-expression. Geoth_0649 was expressed in BL21(DE3) in LB broth at 20°C over-night. Induction was done at A600 = 0.6 with 0.5 mM Isopropyl-β-thiogalactoside. Protein purification will be accomplished using affinity chromatography, and the purified nuclease will be used for subsequent biochemical characterization.

191

Modeling biological pathways using electrical circuitsJulio Reuben Valeriano Electrical, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Joel Ducoste Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University

A metabolic pathway is characterized by an intricate network of nonlinear interactions between enzymes and metabolites. This interaction may be approximated using an equivalent Boolean logic. This work focuses on developing a Boolean model to simulate the monolignol biosynthetic pathway in Populus trichocharpa using electrical circuits. The main advantage of this method is to allow the interactions to be represented using simple Boolean relationships without the need to develop detailed reaction kinetics. In this Boolean electrical circuit, the metabolic flux is equivalent to the electrical current while voltage is used to describe the metabolite concentration. The non-linear interaction between the reaction flux and metabolite concentration was described by using an analog comparator, which allows the input current to be compared to the required voltage. The circuit representation of the lignin biosynthesis pathway was compared to a detailed reaction kinetic model that was validated using experimental data. Results showed reasonable agreement between the electrical circuit with Boolean logic and the kinetic model. With Boolean logic and the use of current sources, resistors, analog comparators, electrical switches and logic gates, the modeling of a biological pathways with electrical elements may be possible and represents an opportunity to recreate biological systems using basic circuit technology. Future work will involve the development of a physical circuit board of the lignin biosynthesis pathway that can be used as a teaching tool in secondary schools.

198

Life-Cycle Modeling of Microalgae-to-Biofuels SystemsEric Jacoby Young Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Amy Grunden Microbiology, North Carolina State University Ranji Ranjithan Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University ; Jim Levis Amanda Karam Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University;


Catherine McMillan Researchers have considered algae as a viable alternative fuel feedstock. The lipids, particularly triacylglycerols (TAG), in the algae can be extracted and refined into a drop-in ready biofuel. With all biofuels there is the risk of unintended consequences, so a life cycle assessment (LCA) should be conducted to analyze the environmental impacts of the production process to see if using algae for biofuel would benefit the environment. Experts have experimented with Dunaliella salina because it is a marine microalga that avoids significant freshwater inputs, and they believe it is a good option for algal biofuels. The LCA assessment was conducted by comparing the impact on the environment for the growth of this alga using different types of bioreactors: bubble column, flat plate and tubular. Environmental impact of the disposal of leftover algal biomass was analyzed as well. Environmental impacts measured include global warming potential, land use, freshwater use, and cumulative energy demand. Our research suggests that anaerobic digestion (AD) is a better option than landfilling for the disposal of the excess algal biomass. AD will result in methane being created and that methane can be burned to generate electricity. After estimating the life-cycle emissions associated with the energy and chemicals needed for each type of bioreactor, tubular demanded the most amount of energy so it would be an unlikely design to use for large scale production of algae. Flat plate and bubble column were similar in the amount of energy needed to grow the algae and extract TAG.


NSF ERC FREEDM Systems Center 93

Reduction of Voltage Ringing in Silicon Carbide MOSFET Based Buck Converters

Alireza Dayerizadeh Electrical Engineering, University of South Florida

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Srdjan Lukic Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

Voltage ringing is present in nearly all applications of fast switching MOSFET Devices. If this voltage ringing exceeds the voltage rating of the MOSFET, permanent damage to the device may occur. Additionally, this voltage ringing can be a source of electromagnetic interference, which may be undesirable in some circuit applications. The purpose of this study is to present a method to reduce this voltage ringing in buck converters that implement the latest SiC (Silicon Carbide) MOSFET devices. For this study, A DC-DC buck converter using a CREE 1200 Volt SiC (Silicon Carbide) MOSFET is built and tested. An RC snubber circuit is designed and used to reduce the voltage ringing of the off stage of the MOSFET. The efficiency of the buck converter along with losses introduced by snubber are measured and reported. It is hoped that the future applications of buck converters that use this type of MOSFET will benefit from this reduction in voltage ringing.

105

Characterization and Comparison of 650V GaN MOSFETsTom Nadackal George Electrical Engineering, San Jose State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Alex Huang Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

The purpose of this project is to characterize 650V GaN MOSFETs and compare its properties to SiC and Si MOSFETs under room temperature. Favorable characteristics of GaN MOSFETs over SiC and Si MOSFET counterparts were investigated. Several static characteristics were measured including threshold voltage, on-resistance, breakdown voltage, and output characteristics. A circuit, to perform single pulse tests, was created to measure the dynamic characteristics of GaN MOSFETs under room temperature. This yielded static characteristics such as Ciss and Coss.

92

Decoy-Based Algorithms for Detection and Mitigation of Malicious Attacks on Power Systems Monitoring

Syed Baqir Mohsin Electrical Engineering, Columbia University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Aranya Chakrabortty Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

In this paper we address the issue of detecting and mitigating malicious eavesdropping-type attacks in distributed wide-area monitoring of power systems. We first examine a healthy or un-attacked monitoring architecture where multiple Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs), divided into various organizational clusters, transmit data to local estimators in real-time, and the estimators communicate between each other co-operatively to estimate the oscillation modes of the system. The basic mechanism is to compute an average of the measurements at the local estimator, transmit this average from every local estimator to a central estimator, which further computes the mean of the averages. The central server then re-transmits this mean value to each estimator, and expects a carefully formatted acknowledgement (ACK) message. In the attacked scenario, we assume that one of the local estimators has been compromised by a malicious eavesdropper who is discretely intercepting the values of the local averages over time. To detect and mitigate this malicious interception, we propose a two-step authentication and mitigation solution by which one can identify the compromised estimator(s), and terminate their connections from the rest of the system. In the first step, the central server verifies that each ACK message is correctly formatted. If a compromised PDC sends an invalid ACK message, the central server begins transmitting a stream of decoy values to the compromised estimator, thus preserving the actual system data while keeping the attacker aloof. In the second step, the compromised PDC is


disconnected from the system if the ACK message continues to be absent after a pre-defined interval of time. Further mitigation steps are also taken if the compromised estimator begins sending correctly formatted ACK messages after a certain period of time. Results are illustrated using numerical examples.

137

Power Electronics Testbed Using Opal RT HILAllan Oduor Associates in Engineering, Wake. Technical Community College Natasha Ficheira Wiechers Lima Energy Engineering, University of Brasilia; Kyle Daughenbaugh mechanical engineering, University of Arizona

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Subhashish Bhattacharya Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University Richard Beddingfield Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University;

Incorporating renewable electrical energy resources into the existing grid is an issue. A lot of research is made in this field with the purpose of increasing efficiency and reliability of the system combining sustainable aspects. As the use of renewable sources of energy are becoming more common, some power components should receive special attention. Our research aims to analyze a power inverter. The project uses the Opal-RT Hardware in the Loop platform as a power electronics testbed. The main goal is to develop an interface for testing electrical and thermodynamic aspects of power systems. This can be achieved by developing models in MatLab (Simulink), conducting proper electrical and thermal analysis, and automation of the testing framework using Python scripting. A thermal analysis is performed in order for energy losses to be visualized and select proper heat sinks, control schemes and circuit topologies. Various simulations were conducted in order to determine the thermal losses along with the steady state temperatures of the components. Measuring the success and development of this testbed will depend on how we can deliver a solution that not only saves time and money but a safe testing environment by replacing traditional, reduced scale, testbeds with our HIL platform.

91

Optimizing Power Electronics Modules for Renewable Energy SystemsAlexander Jordan Tremper Electrical Engineering, University of South Florida

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Douglas Hopkins Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

The Laboratory for Packaging Research in Electronic Energy Systems (PREES) is developing the technology required to create functional power electronics modules that can house wide bandgap (WBG) power semiconductor devices of the future, such as those based on gallium nitride and silicon carbide. The WBG devices are able to operate at higher power levels and provide greater efficiency than present silicon technology. These are creating the electronic foundation for a viable nationwide renewable power generation and consumption system that is required to avert the worst potential effects of anthropogenic global warming (AGW). The goal of this summer project is to develop the processes to mimic commercially developed modules, specifically an IXYS SOT-227B, that can house WBG devices for use in an electric vehicle drive train.

Module fabrication requires optimizing several processes, such as ultra low impedance metal patterning and metallic interconnects, encapsulation procedures to attain the smallest spacing and highest spatial densities, and developing the latest in 3D printing of enclosures to provide functional integration of thermal-mechanical features that will drive down costs, yet assure higher reliability through reduction in the number of parts required. The PREES Laboratory began this past Spring and represents the latest in applying new 2D and 3D printing technologies to replace or enhance traditional fabrication approaches. We must pursue technologies such as these if we are to make renewable energy efficient and competitive in today’s marketplace.

106

Effect of Stabilization and Carbonization Temperatures on the Performance of Anodes in Sodium-Ion Batteries


Hope Carolyn Wilson mechanical engineering, Yale University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Xiangwu Zhang Textiles, North Carolina State University

The objective of our project was to measure the performance of sodium-ion batteries made with differently treated anodes. The anodes started as nonwoven fiber mats electrospun from a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solution, which were then placed in a furnace to undergo stabilization and carbonization. The stabilization temperatures tested ranged from 220ºC to 280ºC, and the carbonization temperatures ranged from 500ºC to 900ºC. After the anodes were prepared, we assembled the batteries in a glove box using sodium metal as the counter electrode and a sodium perchloride solution as the electrolyte, and then tested the stability and capacity of the batteries over multiple cycles. We found that, for a given carbonization temperature of 800ºC, raising the stabilization temperature slightly increased the long-term capacity of the battery.


NSF Integrative Molecular Plant Systems REU 39

Engineering Cercospora Disease-Resistant Plants Using Fungal Resistance Genes

Aaron William Baumgardner Biology, The University of Akron

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Margaret Daub Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Cercospora is a genus of fungal species that affect a wide range of commercial crops by producing a toxin (cercosporin) that causes lesions on their hosts’ leaves. The lesions reduce the photosynthetic capacity of the plant, and, as a result, plant growth is stunted and crop yields are reduced. Several genes, including CTB1 and CTB8, have been identified from Cercospora nicotianae that are involved in the biosynthesis of cercosporin. We hypothesize that by using host-induced gene silencing of these toxin biosynthesis genes, we can reduce disease development in plants by suppressing cercosporin production. Haploid tobacco plants cv ‘Hicks’ were transformed using Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. The transgenic plants were selected after being screened using quantitative RT-PCR to ensure expression of the transgene. Upon maturation, the mid-veins of these transgenic haploid plants were used to generate double haploid plants homozygous for the transgene. The progeny of the double haploid plants were screened for gene expression using quantitative RT-PCR and evaluated for disease resistance by inoculating the plants with C. nicotianae. The plants that have the lowest disease severity to C. nicotianae and the highest gene expression will be selected for further studies.

2

Auxin Biosynthesis and Its RegulationJonathan Duran Eagle Biology, Henserson State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Jose Alonso Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is one of the most important natural growth regulators in plants. The main branch of the IAA biosynthetic pathway, the IPyA route, has been unambiguously characterized in Arabidopsis. In the first step the amino acid L-Trp is converted into indole-3-pyruvate (IPyA). This reaction is catalyzed by the TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE OF ARABIDOPSIS (TAA1 and the TARs). IPyA is then converted into IAA by the YUCCA enzymes (YUCs). Auxin biosynthesis is a tightly-regulated process in plants, and thus, the genes involved in the IAA production show highly specific spatial and temporal expression patterns. Utilizing new genomic tools our goal is to identify the transcription factors (TFs) regulating TAA1 expression. A Yeast One Hybrid screen has been performed in order to find potential TFs binding to the TAA1 promoter sequences. We are using GFP-tagged recombineering (homologous recombination) lines to check for changes in TAA1 expression patterns upon conditional expression of gain and loss of function of the candidate TFs. I am generating the DNA constructs and introducing them in plants. Following these approaches we hope to find the TFs regulating TAA1 expression during specific developmental processes. Additionally, we would like to shed some light on the other side of the biosynthetic pathway, specifically on the poorly characterized IAOx and IAM routes, using a chemical genetics screening approach. Understanding how plants produce auxin and how this process is regulated in time and space will be essential for designing crops producing higher yields as well as determining mechanisms for stress resistance.

37

Characterizing novel factors involved in the Cortex/Endodermal Initials Maintenance

Amanda Mercedes Icazatti-Burtell Biology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Rosangela Sozzani Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Arabidopsis thaliana offers many advantages as a model organism, including its relatively short lifespan, and the ability to trace cell lineages. The root is organized in concentric rings of cells that are radially symmetric. Within the root reside undifferentiated, pluripotent cells called stem cells, also called initial cells, that gives rise to all the cell types found within the root. The stem cells are located in a region of the root tip called the


root apical meristem. They surround a set of mitotically inactive cells, the Quiescent Center, which helps maintain the surrounding population of stem cells. Stem cell maintenance is the ability of a cell to renew itself and to produce a daughter cell that can further differentiate. Currently, we know some of the factors involved in the maintenance of the cortex/endodermis initials (CEI), which is a stem cell population giving rise to two different cell layers after two successive asymmetric cell divisions.However, we expect that more factors are involved in CEI maintenance. Through Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) and microarray, it was determined that 16 genes were enriched, or more highly expressed, in the CEI versus all of the other root cell types. Therefore, we hypothesized that these genes may play a role in CEI maintenance. To determine this, mutant lines containing a T-DNA insertion to disrupt each gene were studied. Preliminary confocal images and root growth assays indicate that two genes, At4g26780 (CEI03) and At2g22100 (CEI05), may play a role in CEI maintenance.

56

Expression analysis of auxin biosynthetic genes in the primary root of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and the effects of hormonal and environmental factors on local auxin expression patterns. Savannah J Jackson Genetics, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Linda Robles Genetics, North Carolina State University

Auxin is a vital plant hormone largely responsible for directing growth and development. Understanding how auxin biosynthesis is regulated in plants is paramount to determining the role of this hormone in the control of developmental and environmental responses. While the molecular mechanisms of auxin synthesis, transport and responses have been investigated in Arabidopsis thaliana in great detail, auxin biosynthesis remains only partially characterized, but the genes involved have been elucidated. Given this genomic information, agrobacterium lines were constructed with a 3xYPET fluorescent protein tag and Basta-resistance using established recombineering techniques. These agrobacterium lines were used in the transformation of wild-type Arabidopsis whose seedlings were screened for antibiotic resistance, propagated, and screened for fluorescence using traditional fluorescent and confocal microscopy. Due to low efficiency of transformation, 3 of 26 constructs have been successfully integrated into the Arabidopsis genome and are showing fluorescent protein accumulation in the root tip in the T1 generation. No consistent patterns of YPET expression have been observed in the T0 generation. Continued work on this project will include the completion of creating stable Arabidopsis lines expressing fluorescence indicative of each of the proteins involved in auxin biosynthesis. Once stable lines are established, the T2 generation will be exposed to a variety of micronutrients and hormonal factors to track transgenic expression under diverse environmental conditions. This data will be compiled with the original expression data to generate a high-resolution spatial and temporal map of the auxin biosynthetic pathway.

38

Identifying targets of the SEUSS transcriptional co-regulator during ovule and seed development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Anthony Maldonado-Castro Biology, University of Puerto Rico at Cayey

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Robert Franks Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

SEUSS encodes a transcriptional co-regulator that has diverse functions in the process of development in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. SEU works by forming regulatory complexes that regulate transcription of still unknown downstream target genes. Previous research suggests that SEU has great importance for the initiation of ovule primordia, which later develop into the seeds. In this work we investigated seu single mutant plants with a construct that contains an inducible SEU activity in order to study the role of SEU in seed development. The mutants contain a pEG303 vector expressing a GAL4:GR fusion protein that binds to a pUAS:SEU responder construct; thus generating a dexamethasone-inducible SEU activity in the seu mutant background. Induction was exerted by treatment with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone; when treated with dexamethasone the GAL4:GR insert binds to the pUAS:SEU and induce SEU transcription. RNA samples were collected at three different time points after dexamethasone treatment to test for induction of the SEU


transcript. Plant height and seed weight was also measured to test if the constructs are functioning successfully. Collected data suggests that the construct in the “dex” treated mutants appears to increase seed yield per plant but not plant height, when compared to Col-0 ecotype. RNA extraction from “dex” treated mutants was used to run qRT-PCR in order to study the transcript induced by SEU. Further experiments must be done in order to formulate a reliable conclusion regarding the ability of the inducible SEU activity to rescue the seu mutant phenotype.

33

Understanding the regulation of transcription factors and cell-cycle genes that maintain stem cells in the Arabidopsis root Taylor S Mills Agricultural Science - Plant Science, Southern Arkansas University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Rosangela Sozzani Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Just like stem cells in animals, plant stem cells renew themselves and produce differentiated progeny. Our research focuses on stem cells in the Arabidopsis root, where stem cells are organized into a structure called the stem cell niche (SCN). The quiescent center (QC) and cortex endodermal initials (CEI) are two stem cell populations in the SCN. A gene regulatory network involving the transcription factors (TFs) SHORT-ROOT (SHR), SCARECROW (SCR), and WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX 5 (WOX5) as well as the cell cycle gene CYCLIN D-6 (CYCD6) maintains the SCN. Auxin, a plant hormone, has been implicated as part of this network in the CEI, but its role in the QC is less understood. We hypothesize that auxin plays a key role in this pathway by altering the expression of the previously mentioned TFs and genes in the SCN. We work with Arabidopsis lines expressing SHR:SHR:GFP, SCR:SCR:GFP, CYCD6:GUS:GFP, and WOX5:GFP. These marker lines are grown on 1X MS, 1% sucrose plates for 4, 5, or 6 days. Twenty-four hours prior to imaging, half of the roots are transferred to 1X MS, 1% sucrose plates with 1μM of auxin. We use a confocal laser microscope to observe any effects of auxin on protein expression. In addition, we use ImageJ to quantitatively measure corrected total cell fluorescence (CTCF) of each marker line treated with auxin. Based on our analysis, our data suggest that auxin is an important regulator in the SCN.

1

Cloning and Biochemical Characterization of Thermophilic Proteases for Potential Applications in Microalgal Biomass Recycling

Shelby Taylor Roland Biochemistry, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Amy Grunden Microbiology, North Carolina State University

Thermophilic enzymes exhibit extreme temperature, chemical and pH stability making them excellent candidates for industrial processes. We have identified two novel proteases, Geoth_0289 and Geoth_0344, from a thermophilic soil bacterium, Geobacillus thermoglucosidasius. The geoth_0289 gene codes for a large 126 kDa protein with an N-terminal signal sequence and a 70 amino acid C-terminal region with homology to bacterial pre-peptidases. The N-terminal signal sequence is followed by a 263 amino acid peptidase S8 family domain. The geoth_0344 codes for an 84.8 kDa protein and shows domain organization similar to that of Geoth_0289. It also contains a peptidase S8 family domain and a C-terminal S-layer homology domain. The goal of this study is to characterize these putative proteases for their potential use in spent microalgal biomass recycling. Gene-specific primers were designed to amplify the regions encoding the protease and the C-terminal domains. PCR amplification was done using G. thrermoglucosidasius crude genomic DNA as a template. The resulting 3.5 kb and 1.9 kb PCR products for geoth_0289 and geoth_0344, respectively, were digested with NdeI/XhoI and NheI/XhoI. The digested products were ligated with pET28a vector that was previously digested with appropriate enzymes. Ligations will be transformed into E. coli XL1-Blue competent cells and subsequently purified from the transformants for sequencing. The resulting constructs will transformed into E. coli BL21(DE3) for over-expression. Both genes will be expressed in BL21(DE3) in LB broth at 20°C over-night. Protein purification will be done using affinity chromatography and the recombinant proteases will be used for


subsequent biochemical characterization.

13

Could Tobacco Phyllopanins Confer Fungal Resistance to Arabidopsis thaliana?Crystal Tiangay Sarnor Biology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Imara Perera Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Phylloplanins are proteins found on the surface of tobacco plants and are thought to play a role in fungal resistance. The aim of our project is to investigate anti-fungal capabilities of a tobacco phylloplanin-like protein in the model organism, Arabidopsis thaliana. The phylloplanin gene was stably integrated into genome of Arabidopsis plants using agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation. Second generation Arabidopsis plants were genotyped to confirm that they were positive for the phylloplanin gene and only positive transgenic plants were used in fungal assays. Gene expression was also verified by RT-PCR. To test for fungal resistance, two necrotrophic fungi, Botrytis Cinerea and Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum, and a hemibiotroph, Phytophthora, were used. Detached leaves were inoculated with either fungal plugs or spore solutions. The development of lesions was monitored and scored after 3-5 days. Six independent transgenic lines were tested and at least four lines were used during each assay. Botrytis and Sclerotinia caused symptoms on inoculated leaves whereas Phytophthora did not. No significant differences were observed between transgenic lines or between transgenic and wild type lines in terms of fungal resistance. Future work on this project will include more disease trials using less invasive fungal species. The results of this project and future work will allow us to determine if phylloplanins can potentially provide antifungal support in other plant species

7

Characterization of Iron Homeostasis

Daniel Scott Schmitt Biological Science, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Terri Long Plant Biology, North Carolina State University Durreshahwar Muhammad Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University; Jeff Gillikin Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Precise regulation of iron homeostasis is critical for enzyme function and long-term survival of plants. Obtaining a better understanding of the maintenance of iron homeostasis in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana has applications in improving nutritional value of food sources and increasing tolerance of iron deplete conditions. The aim of this study was to further understand the function of putative transcriptional targets of the iron homeostasis transcriptional regulator, POPEYE (PYE) and gain a better understanding of the mechanism by which the iron binding protein, BRUTUS (BTS), functions. We examined single mutants of several PYE transcriptional target genes for changes in iron deficiency responses: root length, rhizosphere acidification, and iron reductase activity. Results from the rhizosphere acidification and iron reductase assays were inconclusive. However, a mutation in an ethylene response gene altered root length compared to the wild type under iron deplete conditions. BTS represses aspects of iron deficiency response and is an E3 ligase protein containing three putative iron binding hemerythrin domains. We successfully cloned two BTS hemerythrin domains, the full length protein, and a point mutant of each into Escherichia coli cells fused to Histidine and MBP tags to assist in purification and solubility. Each gene was induced with IPTG and recombinant protein was purified using HPLC. Using ferene, we quantified iron binding of each purified protein. Unlike the full length protein, neither individual hemerythrin domain was found to bind iron. This may be due to improper folding or lack of interaction between the domains.

31

Phenotypic and Molecular Assessment of the Response to Thermocycles by Oryza sativa in Saline Environments


Maria Lynn Sorkin Biology and Spanish Literature, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Colleen Doherty Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Eric Waddell , North Carolina State University;

The circadian clock is an endogenous mechanism that allows for the anticipation, detection, and consequent response of an organism to external diurnal cues. Under the direction of an internal clock that is harmonized with its environment, organisms are able to selectively execute molecular functions that are appropriate for a specific time of day, thereby outcompeting those individuals that are not primed for daily events. In plants, the clock is strongly regulated by photo- and thermocycles (daily light and temperature patterns, respectively), two environmental cues that exhibit a predictable diurnal pattern. We are interested in how thermocycles influence the ability of rice (Oryza sativa) to detect and respond to salt stress, and predict that the clock regulates this pathway. In Arabidopsis, over 50% of transcripts are controlled by thermocycles alone, and, though much of the rice clock has yet to be elucidated, a similar percentage has already been established in O. sativa. Here, we employ the emergence of standard germination events as markers of salt stress in rice seedlings grown under either LDHC (light/hot days, dark/cold nights) or LDHH (light/hot days, dark/hot nights) entrainment conditions in media of varying salt concentration. Differential salt-stressed plant development under these two diurnal temperature patterns has important agricultural implications, especially as we begin to observe increasingly higher night-time temperatures as a result of global warming. To explore the molecular bases of these differential phenotypes, we are developing a luciferase reporter construct for salt- and clock-associated genes in rice and Arabidopsis, and report that progress here.


NSF REU Modeling and Industrial Applied Mathematics 158

Trivolutions of SL(2,K)Fernando Enrique Betancourt Mathematics, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus Ontario Stotts Mathematics , Wake Forest University; Joyce Yang Mathematics , Harvey Mudd College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Aloysius Helminck Mathematics, North Carolina State University

Trivolutions are group automorphisms of order 3. SL(2,K) is the group of 2-by-2 matrices with determinant 1. In this paper we will give a characterization for the isomorphy classes of trivolutions of SL(2,K) with K any field of characteristic not 2 nor 3. This work is analogous to work by Helminck and Wu on automorphisms of order 2.

77

Certified Counting of Roots of Random Univariate PolynomialsJoseph Allen Cleveland Mathematics, Sam Houston State University Jeffrey Dzugan Mathematics, Samford University; Anthony Morse Mathematics, Suny Brockport ; Taylor Schlenk Mathematics, University of North Dakota

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Dhagash Mehta Mathematics, North Carolina State University Ian Haywood Mathematics, North Carolina State University

Though solving high degree univariate random polynomials and determining the precise real roots out of all the roots are some of the most important problems in mathematics, science and engineering, it has remained a highly challenging problem in computational mathematics. By combining an efficient implementation of the Lindsey-Fox algorithm that can compute roots of high degree univariate random polynomials and Smale's alpha theorem which can certify if a given numerical root in the quadratic convergence region of a nearby exact solution, we obtain the certified real roots and certified counting of the number of real roots of the polynomials.

26

Parameter Selection Techniques for Nonlinearly Parameterized ModelsJared Andrew Cook Computational Mathematics, Asbury University Nina Ning Mathematics, George Washington University; Nicholas Myers Mathematics, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Ralph Smith Mathematics, North Carolina State University Mami Wentworth Mathematics, North Carolina State University

In this presentation, we discuss parameter selection techniques for nonlinearly parameterized models for disease dynamics. The objective is to develop techniques to determine the sets of identifiable or influential parameters in these models. We first illustrate the use of randomized singular value decomposition (SVD) and QR techniques to quantify these sets for linearly parameterized problems. We then demonstrate the use of the global Morris screening, Sobol analysis, and active subspace techniques for nonlinear problems. For the considered example, we also show that non-identifiable parameters can also be determined by considering pairwise correlation plots obtained through Bayesian model calibration. Parameter selection in this manner is a necessary full step before employing Bayesian and uncertainty propagation techniques to quantify the uncertainties associated with model outputs.

47

Differential Game Solutions Using Level Set Methods


Spencer Marcus De Chenne Mathematics, University of Puget Sound Sarallah Salehi Applied Mathematics; Mathematics, Johns Hopkins University; Robert Cone Applied Mathematics, University of Pittsburgh

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Zhilin Li Mathematics, North Carolina State University Reed Jensen Adam Attarian

Pursuer-evader dynamics have practical applications in various industries and military operations. These dynamics can be modeled using differential game theory, which uses optimal control and partial differential equations. It is not practical to solve many pursuer-evader dynamics analytically. To attain numerical solutions to various pursuit-evasion differential games, level set methods are used to solve an associated Hamilton-Jacobi equation and related control problem. Numerical solutions to simple games, such as the Homicidal-Chauffeur game, are compared to existing analytical solutions. Additionally, solutions are found for more complicated scenarios that either introduce obstacles into the game space or incorporate various running cost functions. Finally, these numerical solution techniques are applied to a two-part game.

60

The Black-Litterman Model: Exploring the Sensitivity of InputsTimothy Patrick Dombrowski Mathematics/Accounting, Saint Leo University Dorian Kandi Mathematics/Economics, Morehouse College; Jahlani Clarke Mathematics, University of District of Columbia; Jessie Byrnes Mathematics/Finance, Morningside College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Tao Pang Mathematics, North Carolina State University Cagatay Karan Math, NCSU

In modern portfolio optimization theory, the goal is to identify the optimal portfolio. Maximizing the expected mean portfolio return or minimizing the portfolio risk results in the most efficient portfolio for a given level of risk or return. The classical mean-variance optimization model uses historical mean returns and a historical covariance matrix as inputs, but the optimal portfolio tends to be infeasible in practice and lacks diversification. The Black-Litterman model integrates investors' views and their confidence in these views into the mean-variance optimization model through Bayesian estimation. In this project, we investigate the sensitivity of investors' views in the Black-Litterman model by using real market data. We also determine the parameters' effects on the optimal portfolio. We backtest our portfolios with actual market returns and by simulating returns with a multivariate normal distribution. Through our research, we discover that the sensitivity of the parameters in the Black-Litterman model is based on many factors, which falls inline with the intuition behind the model. We prove the convergence of several parameters from a theoretical standpoint. Using our research, investors are able to better understand the impact of their views, as well as other parameters, on the optimal portfolio in the Black-Litterman model.

29

Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling for Acetone: How Much Do We Really Breathe In?Ashley N. Edwards Applied Mathematics; Biology, University of North Carolina Asheville Benjamin Freedman Applied Mathematics, North Carolina State University; Vy Nguyen Applied Mathematics, Baylor University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Marina Evans Pharmokinetics, US EPA

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models are computational tools used to convert external exposure into internal organ doses. These internal dose estimates can then help determine potential risk for health effects for that particular chemical. PBPK models can account for differences in physiology, metabolism, and absorption across different species and routes of exposure. These models are based on the principle of mass balance, and make use of ordinary differential equations to describe transport in different organs needed for calculating the chemical's distribution. Environmental chemicals differ in water or fat


solubility, making it necessary to estimate absorption in the upper respiratory tract when exposed to a water-soluble chemical via inhalation. The component that is not absorbed will continue into the inner lung and eventually be transferred into systemic blood. An accurate estimate of absorption should increase our confidence in calculations and result in better fits to experimental data. The simplest model able to explain the observed data will be selected. (This abstract does not necessarily reflect US EPA policy).

151

Sensitivity Analysis of Inverse Problems: Cardiovascular ModelingSamantha Pescevich Faber Mathematics, NCSU Steven Gilmore Applied Mathematics, NCSU; Paul Brockington Applied Mathematics, NCSU; Andrew Marquis Applied Mathematics, NCSU

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Mette Olufsen Mathematics, North Carolina State University

In this project, we present several approaches to cardiovascular modeling with a focus on sensitivity analysis of those methods. Sensitivity analysis can be most readily described as a way to quantify the extent to which a model output changes as its inputs change. Forms of sensitivity analysis explored include local, derivative-based processes, global, variance-based processes, and subset selection, which considers parameter correlations. Although, throughout the course of the summer, these methods of analysis have been centered on a differential cardiovascular model, our goal is to create generalized, highly efficient codes which can be applied to a wide variety of ODE models.

16

Interpreting Clusters of World Cup TweetsDaniel Paul Godfrey Mathematics, UNC Charlotte Carol Sadek Mathematics, Wofford College; Caley Johns Applied Mathematics, Brigham Young University - Idaho

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Carl Meyer Mathematics, North Carolina State University

Cluster analysis is a field of data analysis that extracts underlying patterns in data. One application of cluster analysis is in text-mining, the analysis of large collections of text to find similarities between documents. We used a collection of about 30,000 tweets extracted from Twitter just before the World Cup started. A common problem with real world text data is the presence of linguistic noise. In our case it would be extraneous tweets that are unrelated to dominant themes. To combat this problem, we created an algorithm that combined the DBSCAN algorithm and a consensus matrix. This way we are left with the tweets that are related to those dominant themes. We then used cluster analysis to find those topics that the tweets describe. We clustered the tweets using k-means, a commonly used clustering algorithm, and Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) and compared the results. The two algorithms gave similar results, but NMF proved to be faster and provided more easily interpreted results. We explored our results using two visualization tools, Gephi and Wordle.

36

Geometric Flows of Plane Curves

Sarah Khalid Hadaidi Mathematics, University of Kentucky Ryan Gallagher Mathematics, University of Connecticut; Jessie De La Cruz Santos Mathematics, The College of the Holy Cross

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Andrew Cooper Mathematics, North Carolina State University

The process of deforming a curve by the curvature vector at each point is known as the curve-shortening flow (CSF). Grayson showed that CSF averages the shape of a curve, causing simple, closed curves to become asymptotically circular. This project applies the idea of curvature flow to polygons. We give a novel definition for the 'curvature vector' at a vertex of a polygon. Deforming in the direction of this curvature vector yields a


flow of polygons, the polygon curvature flow (PCF). We numerically investigate the behavior of this flow and show that it exhibits several of the qualitative properties of CSF. We conjecture that PCF makes polygons asymptotically regular.

18

Mathematical Phylogenetics and the Space of TreesAmber Brianne Holmes Mathematics, LaGrange College Cody FitzGerald Mathematics, University of New Hampshire; Emily Smith Mathematics, Kenyon College; Mercedes Coleman Mathematics, Lamar University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Seth Sullivant Mathematics, North Carolina State University Colby Long Mathematics, North Carolina State University

Tree space is a subset of Euclidean space in which every point represents a tree. In this space, there exists numerous metrics, each of which lead to a different notion of a mean tree. We have implemented the algorithm for the (1,1), (2,2) and (1, infinity) mean in MATLAB. The (1,1) mean is a weighted majority rule consensus tree, the (2,2) mean is generated using Sturm's algorithm. Unlike the (1,1) and (2,2) mean, the (1,infinity) mean is not as well studied. The (1, infinity) we propose incorporates traversing the L2 geodesic until the L1 midpoint as a mechanism for obtaining the mean tree's orthant. Once the orthant has been found, the mean tree can be optimized using linear programming concepts.?

34

Modeling the Interaction Between Inflammatory and Cardiovascular DynamicsJessica Joyce Sajol Perez Applied Mathematics, The College of New Jersey Tyler Tillman Applied Mathematics, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; Chelsea Ball Pure Mathematics, California State University Monterey Bay; Ailaura Donahoe Math, Pennsylvania State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Mette Olufsen Mathematics, North Carolina State University Andrew Wright Dennis Frank

The faster a patient begins to mobilize after surgery, the shorter their recovery time is. However, postoperative fainting is a problem that affects many patients. To better understand this phenomenon, three models were developed to predict blood pressure dynamics, baroreflex regulation of blood pressure and heart rate, and the inflammatory response to endotoxin. The models were formulated as systems of differential equations that were solved using MATLAB. The models were tested using blood pressure and heart rate data measured from a healthy subject who was given a dose of endotoxin to stimulate an inflammatory response. Heart rate was recorded continuously over eight hours, while blood pressure was recorded for approximately two minutes every hour. The response to endotoxin upregulates pro-inflammatory markers. This is believed to upregulate the afferent vagal activity, which upregulates efferent concentrations of acetylcholine, and downregulates heart rate and pro-inflammatory markers. The drop in blood pressure causes heart rate to go up, and the presence of inflammation causes heart rate to go down. These two events occurring simultaneously prevent heart rate from responding to the drop in blood pressure, which causes syncope, or fainting. The ultimate goal of the project is to combine the models for heart rate and blood pressure in the cardiovascular system and the model of the inflammatory response in order to learn why patients faint after surgery and to shorten recovery time by expediting mobility.

55

Computational Modeling of the Thyroid Hormones Homeostasis and its Manipulation by Chemicals


Catherine Elizabeth Read Applied Mathematics, University of North Carolina at Asheville Kai Bartlette Mathematics, Providence College; Ross Donatelli Biomathematics, Florida Institute of Technology

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Hisham El-Masri Systems Biology Branch, Integrated Systems Toxicology Division (ISTD), US EPA

A thyroid hormone production model was created and connected to a physiologically-based pharmacokinetics model of all organs to describe the interaction between propylthiouracil and thyroid hormones. Both models were developed following biological principles and optimized to experimental data. Propylthiouracil, a common treatment for hyperthyroidism, was selected to be modeled because plenty of clinical data on its effects already exist. In pregnancy, hyperthyroidism in the mother increases the chance of miscarriage, low birth-weight, stillbirths, and thyroid dysfunction in the baby. In contrast, hypothyroidism, the underproduction of thyroid hormones, leads to brain development abnormalities and growth failure. Using a basic schematic of thyroid hormone creation to model the previous phenomena, equations were derived and adapted from Ekerot et al. After optimizing the derived thyroid model to the experimental hormone data from dogs in Ekerot et al., unknown parameters were finalized. To link the thyroid to other organs, a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was then created for concentration equations. After solving the differential equations for drug concentration in each organ, rat specific parameters were optimized to Cooper et al. experimental rat data. Finally, the equation for drug concentration in the thyroid from the PBPK model and the variable for drug concentration at the steady state from the thyroid model were linked, creating a time dependent dynamic model for T4 and T3 production. This dynamic model can be used to predict the approximate impact propylthiouracil has on thyroid hormone production in rats and their fetuses.

75

Computational Modeling for Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of the Human Eye

Camille Annette Sanchez Mathematics/Philosophy, Mount St. Mary's University John Maxwell Pure Mathematics, North Carolina A&T State University; Asha Cyrs Applied Mathematics/African American Studies, California State University Fullerton; Leah Frederick Mathematics/Music Performance, Pennsylvania State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Mansoor Haider Mathematics, North Carolina State University

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a medical imaging technique that uses light waves to produce high-resolution images of internal tissue microstructures. Using data obtained from OCT images, it should be possible to compute local curvature maps of the human cornea that exceed the accuracy of existing keratometric technology. However, accurate three-dimensional reconstruction of the cornea is insufficient to ensure comparable accuracy in curvature maps because curvature computation is extremely sensitive to small errors in the surface measurements. The specific goal of this project was to develop theoretical cornea models to validate the curvature mapping algorithms and analyze the propagation of certain types of error. Models were sampled on a hexapolar grid to simulate data from an OCT scanner. Interpolation of the simulated data was done using Zernike polynomials, which represent a complete orthogonal basis on a unit disc. The main sources of error considered were perturbations in the surface representation and noise in the OCT image data. The perturbations that were considered were a result of polynomial over-fitting, and the noise in the data was simulated using Gaussian white noise. Adjusted models accounting for different corneal disorders were also taken into account and implemented.

79

Model Refinement through Verification and Validation Methods and Anomaly Detection

Hannah Marie Schwarze Mathematics, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Xiangying Shuai Mathematics and Computer Science, Bard College; Jordan Menter Mathematics, Smith College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Hien Tran Mathematics, North Carolina State University

Mathematical models can be assessed and refined using two separate procedures: verification and validation (V&V), and anomaly detection. Together they determine a model’s reliability. Verification assures a model


implements the developer’s concepts correctly, and validation assures the model is an accurate representation of a real world system. The purpose of anomaly detection is to identify features of the model or data set that throw off the model’s reliability. We looked at a mechanistic model that takes a system of differential equations describing the dynamics of Hepatitis C and its treatment system. The system includes the triple drug combination of Ribavirin, Pegylated Interferon-alpha, and Telaprevir (a new Hepatitis C drug). In addition, we validated and verified a data-based model created by NCSU REU students in the summer of 2013. By using PITCH f/x data from Major League Baseball and machine learning methods, they created a pitch prediction system that decides whether or not the next pitch will be a fastball. Through V&V and anomaly detection, we have developed a level of confidence in both models and are able to make suggestions for future refinement.

62

Multiple Beam Klystrons for the Next Generation of High Energy AcceleratorsIsabel S. Stafford Math, Andrews University Donavin Crawford Mathematics, University of California, Berkeley; Bud Denny Mathematics, Arizona State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Hien Tran Mathematics, North Carolina State University

Klystrons are the highest-power RF amplifiers available. They have many practical applications, including use in medical devices and satellite communication, and the most powerful klystrons are used in high-energy particle accelerators and fusion research. Future particle accelerators will require power sources of approximately 40 MW. The highest-power klystrons made today provide only 10 MW, and singly-convergent klystrons in general have a power limit of about 20 MW. However, magnetic fields can be used to make electron beams doubly-convergent, permitting the use of larger electron guns and making a higher-power klystron overall. Previous work has shown the theoretical possibility of a doubly-convergent multiple-beam klystron design. However, our project is the first to target realistic constraints for a specific application and construct a design that could practically be built. Using simulation and optimization software, our project aims to develop optimization techniques that can, given specified constraints, overcome the challenges of magnetic focusing and gun aiming and produce a useable klystron design.


NSF Undergraduate Research in Computational Astrophysics 48

Four Flavor Neutrino Oscillations Through TurbulenceTia Marie Alliy Astronomy, Smith College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Jim Kneller Physics, North Carolina State University

As neutrinos propagate through supernovae, the turbulence they encounter modifies the flavor evolution process. Previous studies of this effect have found that turbulence close to the proto-neutron star during the accretion phase does not change neutrino flavor evolution; only when the turbulence is present in the outer mantle are sizable effects noticeable. These studies, however, only used three ‘active’ neutrino flavors, but there are experimental hints of a fourth, sterile flavor with a mass splitting such that a neutrino resonance will occur close to the proto-neutron star. In this scenario, turbulence close to the proto-neutron star during the accretion phase would affect neutrino evolution. To study this possibility, we generated multiple realizations of turbulent profiles, which resemble those from hydrodynamic supernova simulations and investigated the impact upon the neutrinos using a four-flavor neutrino evolution code to calculate the transition probabilities. The ensembles we constructed were then analyzed to determine the conditions under which the neutrinos would be affected and how these changes correlate with the properties of the turbulence.

146

Understanding the Dynamics of Mass Accretion of Vela X-1 from Time-Dependent Luminosity

Brady James Ells Physics, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: John Blondin Physics, North Carolina State University

Vela X-1 is a detached, high-mass x-ray binary star system (HMXB) consisting of a blue supergiant (HD 77581) and a neutron star. By its very nature, it shows a range of variability in its x-ray luminosity, making it difficult to accurately model a self-consistent mass accretion rate. The bright x-ray luminosity of this system is powered by mass accretion onto the companion neutron star, relating the emitted Lx to the mass accretion rate (dm/dt) using the equation Lx = (GM/r)*(dm/dt). Previous studies have not modeled Vela X-1 in three dimensions by accounting for the time-dependent luminosity. I take observational properties of Vela X-1 and create a time-dependent, three-dimensional model that includes a self-consistent x-ray luminosity given by the equation above, as well as dynamical effects of the variable Lx on the accreting gas. I use this model to investigate the effects of wind density structure, accretion shock variability, and x-ray heating feedback on the time variability of the x-ray luminosity. My results produce a model of Vela X-1 that accurately models mass accretion rate. Successfully modeling Vela X-1 in three dimensions provides a self-consistent explanation of Lx and (dm/dt) and explains the time variability of the x-ray luminosity.

52

Spherical Accretion Shock Instability Growth Rate Dependence on Angular Momentum in Core-Collapse Supernovae

Emily Jean Gipson Physics, North Carolina State University Sawyer Harris Physics, North Carolina State University


The accretion shock wave of a supernova is responsible for ejecting stellar matter to form supernova remnants, but simulations have shown the shock to stall at a radius of order 100km. Previous simulations of core-collapse supernovae have revealed a hydrodynamic instability known as the Spherical Accretion Shock Instability (SASI) that appears to play a key role in restarting the stalled shock. Both axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric spiral modes have been studied in 2D and 3D simulations, and rotation of the progenitor star has been shown to influence the growth of the instability. Analytic models predict a dependence of the growth rate on the specific angular momentum of the core. We use hydrodynamic code VH1 following the methods of Blondin &


Shaw (2007) to induce a spiral mode with various values of specific angular momentum. Our results numerically confirm that angular momentum does increase the growth rate of the spiral SASI mode.

53

Comparison of Nucleosynthesis Simulations to Abundances in Metal-Poor Stars: The Impacts of Nuclear Physics Inputs

Daniel Wade Hatcher Physics, Appalachian State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Carla Frohlich Physics, North Carolina State University

The synthesis of elements heavier than iron in the early stages of galactic evolution is commonly attributed to Type II (core collapse) supernova explosions. However, the currently accepted mechanisms of heavy element synthesis through neutron capture processes (r-process and s-process) cannot explain the abundance patterns seen in very old galactic halo stars. A proposed solution to this problem is the neutrino-p-process, which takes place in the strong neutrino winds of core-collapse supernovae. In the neutrino-p-process, antineutrinos absorbed by protons yield neutrons that are quickly captured by the surrounding, proton-rich nuclei through (n,p) reactions. Such interactions allow for the nucleosynthesis of elements with atomic mass numbers A > 64 (this includes Sr, Y, Zr and others possibly up to Sn). In this work, we have systematically studied the impact of (n,p), (p,g), and (n,g) reaction rates on the final neutrino-p-process abundances. We have individually varied each of the three reaction types on all elements from Ni to Sn (for each element, we studied all isotopes from N=Z to the first stable). We have quantified the change in final abundances to prioritize which reactions will benefit most from future experimental investigation.

130

Understanding Type Ia Supernova Progenitors via 3-D Modeling of Kepler's Supernova RemnantGautam Ramakrishnan Nagaraj Physics, North Carolina State University


Kepler's supernova remnant (SNR) consists of the gaseous remains from the thermonuclear explosion of a white dwarf (Type Ia Supernova) in 1604. The structure of the SNR is highly complex, which we explain as a combination of the formation of a bow shock from the enormous space velocity of the system and an asymmetric circumstellar medium (CSM) due to asymmetric wind from the hypothesized companion star. While 3-D models are necessary for proper representation, minimal research has been done to create such models for Kepler's SNR. We first created a 2-D hydrodynamic model that simulates the development of the bow shock and another model that simulates a spherically-symmetric explosion until the shock front approaches the bow shock. Then, in a third model, we mapped the grid with the outputs of the first two simulations and tracked the system's evolution. Through these 2-D models, we determined the approximate density structure. Currently, we are repeating the same steps in 3-D, but in order to compare our results to Chandra's x-ray observations, we will need to project them onto a 2-D grid. Through our research, we can better predict the angle between the proper motion and orbital plane of the progenitor binary system, which can be evaluated by future observations of the companion star, and can gain a better understanding of the character of CSM--wind speed, density structure, mass loss rate, etc.--through comparison of simulations and observations.

32

Three Dimemsional Analysis of Jet Formation in Cassiopeia AImad Pasha Physics/Astrophysics , University of California, Berkeley


Cassiopeia A is a young supernova remnant (SNR) in the Milky Way Galaxy that exhibits notable jet-like structures in the north-west and, to a lesser degree, south-east quadrants of the SNR. Some hypotheses attribute these structures to a jet-driven SN explosion from deep within the progenitor; however, some observational evidence would seem to conflict with a jet-driven explosion. Such evidence includes a lack of iron present in the jets and a neutron star "kick" along an axis perpendicular to the jets (Hwang et al., 2004). Another


explanation for the jet structures is a density variation in the circumstellar medium (CSM) around the progenitor when it exploded. Given heavy progenitor mass-loss and a probable companion, we expect there to have been a reasonably strong pole-to-equator variance in the CSM density of the progenitor system. We ran two and three dimensional simulations using the VH-1 hydrodynamics code to determine whether a spherically symmetric SN expanding into an asymmetric CSM could produce jets like those seen in Cas A. We found that under a range of reasonable parameters, and without necessitating a unique SN explosion mechanic, we could produce jet-like structures similar to those in Cas A simply by introducing a slight pole-to-equator variation in density.

54

Comparison of Nucleosynthesis Simulations to Element Abundances in Metal-Poor Stars: The Impact of Initial Conditions

Camille Clement Samulski Astrophysics, Wellesley College

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Carla Frohlich Physics, North Carolina State University

Early in galactic evolution, when metal-poor stars formed, elements heaver than iron are postulated to be formed in core-collapse supernova via multiple processes, such as the r-process and neutrino-p process. Core-collapse supernovae produce a neutrino-driven wind, originating from the proto-neutron star, which can be neutron or proton rich. To date, there has been extensive research into heavy element synthesis using the r-process, but very little research on the effects of parameters on the combined weak r-process and neutrino-p process. We have run simulations that held the nuclear physics inputs and reaction rates constant, while systematically altering the electron fraction from 0.5 to 0.56, and increasing and decreasing the timescale and entropy by 20%. We have graphed the simulated heavy element abundances and determined how they vary with the changing initial conditions. From this we can compare the simulated heavy element abundances to observed heavy element abundance is metal-poor stars. This abundance comparison allows for an identification of initial conditions under which the simulated neutrino-p process abundances match observed heavy element abundances.

50

Non-Standard Interactions and Neutrino Oscillations in Core-Collapse Supernovae

Brandon Tyler Shapiro Math/Physics, Brandeis University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Jim Kneller Physics, North Carolina State University

The neutrinos produced during a core-collapse supernova undergo flavor oscillation as they propagate through the mantle of the star. This process has been simulated accounting for standard neutrino interactions with matter but the consequences of non-standard interactions (NSI) are not as well understood, though they could have a significant effect on the process. We use the 3-flavor neutrino evolution code Sqa to model neutrino propagation through a supernova including NSI in order to determine the effect on the flavor probabilities and the signatures of NSI one might observe from the next Galactic supernova neutrino burst in Earth-based detectors.

114

Predicting Proper Motions in Type Ia Supernovae Remnants Lauren Renee Wilder Physics, North Carolina State University


Type Ia supernova remnants (SNR), Tycho and SN 1006, are close enough to allow high-resolution observations that make details of fine-scale structures and very minute changes that occur over a few years more defined using the Chandra X-Ray Ob- servatory. The images provided by Chandra show visible changes through time and have allowed observers to measure the proper motion of the shock fronts in x-ray and radio. The proper motion measurements are used to constrain the properties of these remnants. To date, only the sharp outer edges of the SNR have been examined. The motions of


the interior material, composed of ejecta from the exploded star, have not been studied but these measurements can provide additional information for how SNR expand. Hy- drodynamic simulations in 3-D help analyze the prominent features of ejecta relative to the shock front that will allow more precise measurements of the motions of the interior material and on dynamics of expansion of the SNR. I will generate artificial images using the high-resolution, full 3-D simulations and compare them to actual data of the motion of the gas inside the shock front, which will result in learning more about the internal dynamics of the SNR.


Plant Pathology Kelman Scholars 24

Do Fungicides Affect Quantity and Diversity of Phyllosphere Microbes?Joseph Ryan Doherty Turfgrass Science, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: James Kerns Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

Turfgrasses utilized as putting green surfaces are under constant stress from traffic, frequent low mowing, and pests, especially fungal diseases. Therefore, periodic fungicide applications are required to maintain the high quality playing conditions that golfers demand. Yet, little is known about how these fungicides affect the native bacterial and fungal populations of the phyllosphere of a turfgrass plant. Five fungicides (fluazinam, fluxapyroxad, chlorothalonil, fosetyl-Al, and pyraclostrobin) were applied at label rates to individual test plots every 14 days at the Lake Wheeler Turf Research Facility in Raleigh, NC. A non-treated control was included for comparison. Five days after the fungicide applications, 4 random samples of 5 individual turf plants were taken from each treatment, including the control. Samples were pulverized by grinding tissue in in 1 ml of sterile water with a plastic pestle and glass beads. After homogenizing the suspension, samples were diluted to 10-3 and 10-5, and plated on 4 different media [actinomycete isolation agar, acid potato dextrose agar (APDA), nutrient agar and sucrose (NA+S), and King’s B (fluorescent pseudomonad isolation)] to enumerate fungal and bacterial populations in the phyllosphere. Colony counts were taken two and seven days after plating. Initially bacteria and pseudomonad populations dropped when compared to the non-treated control, but with subsequent samples general bacteria and pseudomonad populations rebounded. Fluazinam was associated with lowered populations of pseudomonads, general bacteria, and actinomycetes. The remaining three fungicides did not significantly impact the populations of phyllosphere microorganisms.

205

Lessons from a Worm in Managing StressJulia Anne Heiken Crop Science, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Rick Davis Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

Increasing drought and salt tolerance in plants can create alternative ways and places where crops can be grown successfully. The cyst nematodes, Heterodera spp., are microscopic roundworms that infect plant roots and secrete multiple effector proteins into selected root plant cells to form elaborate feeding sites. The feeding site must be maintained for several weeks of nematode feeding, so some nematode effectors function to maintain the integrity of the plant feeding cells. It was discovered that constitutive expression of the cyst nematode gene encoding the novel 20E03 effector protein in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants provided significant plant drought and salt tolerance. To see if this stress tolerance would be active in a crop plant species, a pBI121 construct of the 20E03 transcript was incorporated into tomato, Solanum lycopersicon cv. Tiny Tim, via tissue transformation to assess the effect of constitutive expression of 20E03 on salt and drought tolerance in a tomato. Parallel lab and greenhouse tests were performed on Arabidopsis and tomato transformed with 20E03 which included induced drought conditions or treatment water containing different concentrations of NaCl. DNA of the transformed plants was tested by PCR to confirm the presence of the 20E03 transgene construct and RNA extracted from the transgenic plants was used in RT-PCR to assess expression of the 20E03 gene. Plant growth parameters were measured over time to assess potential augmentation of drought and salt stress by expression of the cyst nematode 20E03 effector in Arabidopsis and tomato.

122

Frequency of the nivalenol mycotoxin genotype in Fusarium graminearum sampled from North Carolina wheat fields

Kathryn Nikole Nilsson Animal Science, North Carolina State University



Christina Cowger Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

Fusarium head blight (or scab) is a fungal disease, caused primarily by F. graminearum in the U.S., in the heads of wheat, barley, and other grains. In severe epidemics, scab causes drastic decreases in yield and test weight (grain density), leading to major financial losses. In addition, Fusarium mycotoxins in grain heads can render the crop unsuitable for human or animal consumption. In livestock, scabby grain can lead to feed refusal and/or poor weight gain. Although this fungus produces various mycotoxins, the most important ones in small grains are deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV). Both can cause severe toxicoses in humans and livestock; compared to DON, NIV has greater mammalian toxicity. While DON is the dominant wheat scab toxin in most of the U.S., a high proportion of Fusarium isolates from southern Louisiana wheat were NIVproducers. Although a previous wheat scab survey detected about 10% NIV producers in each of two NC counties, the distribution of NIV strains across the state is unknown. DON contamination is often measured in North Carolina grain crops, but NIV is not. In this study, we sampled commercial wheat heads symptomatic for scab from 13 fields in seven NC counties. From each infected head, a single Fusarium strain was isolated and tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine if it was a DON or a NIV producer. By estimating the distribution of NIV-producing Fusarium strains in North Carolina wheat fields, we will determine whether and where NIV may warrant monitoring in severe scab years.

150

A Sound Approach to Silencing

Harper Elizabeth Niver Biology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Rick Davis Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

Members of the genus Meloidogyne, root-knot nematodes (RKN) are microscopic roundworms that parasitize the roots of many crop plant species including tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum, and cause major crop damage. Inside plant roots, RKN secrete effector proteins into selected plant cells to transform the cells into elaborate feeding sites that are contained within visible root galls (knots). Post-transcriptional gene silencing using RNA-interference (RNAi) of the Meloidogyne transcript encoding the novel RKN 16D10 effector in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana provided a 50% reduction of successful RKN infection of plant roots. The RNAi construct for those assays, pART27:35S:16D10II:PDK, used the constitutive CaMV 35S promoter to drive transgene expression and an intron from the Arabidopsis PDK gene to form the hairpin loop of complementary double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) arms. Two new constructs, pART27:Gmubi:16D10II:PDK, and pART27:35S:16D10II:GUS, were designed here to improve transgene expression and RNAi processing. GFP-RNAi was used as a negative control for each construct. The constitutive Glycine max ubiquitin (Gmubi) promoter has shown a higher rate of expression in roots of soybeans compared to 35S (Chiera et al 2007). In addition, the PDK intron was exchanged for a non-coding GUS spacer sequence to promote better intron splicing from the dsRNA hairpin. The RNAi constructs were transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana via floral dip and grown to T1 plants. The presence of the transgene has been verified in transgenic Arabidopsis lines and will be assayed for expression by RT-PCR to correlate with the infection rate of the plants by RKN as measured by root gall number.

19

Resistance of Phytophthora nicotianae to mefanoxamJillian Nicole Perrine Agriculture Education, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Asimina Mila Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

Black Shank, caused by Phytophthora nicotianae, is an economically important root and crown rot disease of tobacco in North Carolina, and throughout the world. Effective disease management involves an integrated approach, with chemical control being an essential management tool. Currently, mefanoxam is the only registered fungicide for black shank control in tobacco. The objectives of this study were to (a) identify if field isolates of P. nicotianae have developed resistance to mefanoxam and (b) determine the sensitivity of isolates of the pathogen to mefanoxam. Forty P. nicotianae isolates were collected from soil samples taken from the black shank nursery at the Upper Coastal Plain Research Station (Edgecombe County, NC). To determine if


they were resistant to mefanoxam, isolates were plated on V8 agar amended with 100mg a.i./ml mefanoxam. To determine EC50 values, isolates were also plated on V8 agar amended with 0.1, 0.3, 0.7, and 1.0 mg a.i./ml mefanoxam. [Results would be put here to finish up the abstract]

40

Effects of Temperature and Humidity on Disease Progression of Rhizopus Soft Rot and Fusarium Root Rot in Sweetpotato

Andrew Charles Scruggs Horticulture Science, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Lina Quesada Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

Sweetpotatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are an important food crop around the world, both economically and nutritionally. While numerous postharvest diseases limit sweetpotato production, Rhizopus soft rot (RSR) and Fusarium root rot (FRR) are considered the most devastating and widespread. However, little is known about the epidemiological conditions that promote disease progression. This study aimed to determine the effects of temperature (13 and 29°C) and relative humidity (75, 85, and 95%) on the progression of RSR, caused by Rhizopus stolonifer, and FRR, caused by Fusarium solani, in sweetpotato. To investigate the effects of these various conditions, six wounded, ‘Covington’ sweetpotatoes were inoculated with an actively growing mycelial plug of R. stolonifer or F. solani, and incubated in the dark, at the given experimental condition, for each treatment. Control roots were included and the experiment was repeated twice. Disease progression was recorded for RSR and FRR as percent decay and lesion diameter, respectively, for two weeks. Analysis of AUDPC values reveals a significant relationship between disease progression and both temperature (P<1x10-7) and relative humidity (P<0.0001) for both diseases. Differences in disease initiation and sporulation level were also observed among the treatment groups, with temperature having the largest effect on the level of disease progression. These findings will contribute in providing accurate recommendations to growers so that environmental conditions in storage and curing facilities may be optimized to reduce postharvest diseases.


Triangle MRSEC 63

Interfacial Behavior of Eutectic Gallium Indium on Non-wetting SurfacesHudson Randal Ayers Electrical Engineering, North Carolina State University


Eutectic gallium indium (“EGaIn”, 75% Ga, 25% In, by weight) is a commercially available room temperature liquid metal, which possesses high conductivity, low viscosity and virtually no vapor pressure. As such, EGaIn and other gallium-based alloys are promising non-toxic alternatives to mercury (Hg) for soft matter electronics (e.g., stretchable antennas). Unlike Hg, EGaIn and other gallium-based alloys spontaneously form an oxide in the presence of air. The oxide adheres to most surfaces, provides mechanical stability (i.e., within microchannels) and forms moldable shapes In this work, we study “metallo-phobic” coatings to prevent the EGaIn oxide from adhering. We obtain a “metallo-phobic” surface using a commercially available spray coating (Rustoleum® NeverWet). Here, we present two novel methods to pattern EGaIn with features as small as 100 μm on the surface of a variety of substrates (e.g., glass, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)). In our first method, the substrate is given a NeverWet coating, which is selectively removed using a VLS 3.5 (Universal Laser Systems) laser cutter to expose regions that EGaIn adheres to. In our alternate method, we press a NeverWet-coated glass slide against a substrate with trenches already patterned into it. Next, a syringe is used to inject the EGaIn into these trenches, and then the NeverWet coated glass slide is removed to expose patterns that are flush with the surrounding substrate. Our patterning methods are suitable to create flexible interconnects, sensors, and antennas. In addition, we present our use of contact-angle goniometry to estimate the surface energy of the oxide using the Owens-Wendt method.

21

Surface Assembly of Elastin Like PolypeptidesAnnabelle Davey Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Jan Genzer Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

Elastin like polypeptides (ELPs) are a class of polypeptides derived from the protein elastin, which gives connective tissue its elasticity. An interesting property of ELPs is their lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior: an increase in temperature triggers self-assembly into ordered microstructures. Adjusting the amino acid sequence affects the transition temperature as well as hydrophobicity. Using silane chemistry, ELPs can be covalently bound to a surface. Our objective was to study the assembly of ELPs on a surface while varying several parameters in order to gain a better understanding of the surface behavior and thermal properties of ELPs. The parameters that we varied were: the type of ELP (hydrophilic homopolymers, hydrophobic homopolymers, and amphiphilic diblock copolymers); the deposition temperature; and the deposition time. Bulk diblock ELPs exhibit several transition temperatures: the hydrophobic block collapses at the first transition, causing micelle formation; then the hydrophilic block collapses at the higher transition temperature, causing the formation of large aggregates which precipitate out of solution. Through atomic force microscopy (AFM), we have observed a similar phenomenon with the surface-tethered ELPs. When the ELPs are deposited below their transition temperature, there are no observable structures. However, when the ELPs are deposited at varying temperatures above their transitions, aggregates of varying size are observed. Additionally, the deposition temperature of diblock ELPs affects the water contact angle. Water contact angle is a measurement of the hydrophobicity of a surface, so lower water contact angles indicate that the hydrophobic block is collapsed at certain temperatures.

128

Assembly and Magnetic Actuation of Microbot Prototypes from Anisotropic Patchy Microcubes


Nidhi Mallik Diwakar Robotics Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Koohee Han Chemical and Biomolecular, North Carolina State University

Field-directed assembly of anisotropic patchy particles represents an efficient method for the construction of microstructures. These particles have potential as building units in the assembly of soft robotic devices. Such assembly requires research on the manipulation of the structures and control of the field-driven particle interactions. We have found that micro-scale, top-coated metallodielectric cubes exhibit various chain-assembly patterns and undergo repeated bending and folding motions along contact edges between adjacent cubes. Through use of dielectrophoresis (DEP) and magnetophoresis (MAP), these particles were assembled into staggered and linear chains. By direct assembly of these patterns, we can form structures with a variety of modes of actuation allowing external field manipulation. The modes of bending and actuation can be interpreted on the basis of the induced and residual dipolar interactions between the metallic patches on the particles. Further use of an electric or magnetic field gradient makes possible the transportation of these structures across the experimental field. This investigation examines the patterns of assembly, actuation, and transportation of these cubes under varying conditions, while varying external field parameters, sample type, and electrode orientation. On the basis of these experiments, we optimized the processes to produce structures with the greatest interaction response. These structures were then manipulated to demonstrate basic operations in soft robotics, including grabbing, moving, and release of microscale particles and live cells.

127

Simulating the self-assembly of triblock polyelectrolyte copolymersWilliam Hayden Fuss Materials Science and Engineering; Computer Science, North Carolina State University


Self-assembly processes are ubiquitous in nature and result in organized structures at ambient conditions in response to local interactions, making them favorable for assembling nanostructures using various biomolecules and nanomaterials. Since experimental methods for studying the dynamics of self-assembly processes are yet to be fully developed, our understanding is limited and relies on computational modeling to be further developed. The goal of numerous projects is to improve upon our existing knowledge of the formation of compartmental micelles so that they may be utilized for applications such as drug delivery. My aim was to observe the effects of certain experimental parameters on the micellization of triblock polyelectrolytes copolymers using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD), a simulation method for meso-scale models. With the addition of a hydrophobic block to form a diblock copolymer, stimulus-responsive polyelectrolytes can assemble into micelles of different shapes. Using the newly developed implicit solvent ionic strength (ISIS) DPD technique, triblock polyelectrolytes of different lengths were simulated at various ionic strengths to analyze their effects on the morphologies of the micelles. At higher salt concentrations with shorter polyelectrolytes, the average aggregation size was larger, resulting in raspberry particles and worm-like micelles; lower ionic strengths and longer polyelectrolytes produced a network of flower-shaped micelles. This study shows that environmental factors, such as ionic strength, play a major role in the self-assembly processes of block copolymers, providing insight to enable the rapid design of new and novel polyelectrolyte based materials for biomedical and industrial applications.

187

Novel magnetically responsive nanocomposite made by long-range organization of nanoparticles within thin polymer films

Bruno Kenji Imai Chemical Engineering, Instituto Maua de Tecnologia

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

The goal of this project is to create a flexible polymer film that responds anisotropically to magnetic field. In order to create such films, it is necessary to assemble continuous chains of magnetic nanoparticles (‘MNPs’)


aligned in one direction within the polymer film.The film was deposited using a convective assembly device with a solution containing the functionalized MNPs and PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) monomer with cross linker in organic solvent. The chains of functionalized MNP aligned in one direction were formed by applying a field from neodymium magnet while running the equipment. The films were then treated on a hot plate to cure the polymer.The MNPs and PDMS ratio used in the convective assembly device was varied. In less viscous solutions the MNPs are immediately attracted to the magnet; therefore most of the MNPs were not incorporated into the coating. However, by rapidly evaporating volatile solvent, it was possible to create different types of organized MNP films.Depending on the configuration of the magnets different morphologies can be achieved, for example, using one magnet yields a smaller uniformly-aligned area than using two magnets (one in each end of the surface being coated). After making samples of the a flexible polymer film responding to magnetic fields anisotropically, studies on the proprieties of the material were carried out, for making it responsive to the Earth magnetic field and for making cross-shaped films in which the edges shows different response with same direction of external magnetic field. This research also involved Sangchul Roh.

135

Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Alkanethiol-coated Gold NanoparticlesDanielle Sierra Stallings Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-Authors: Albert Kwansa Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University Yaroslava Yingling Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

Colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been used for centuries, initially for colored glass. AuNPs are of interest due to their stability and unique optical and electronic properties. They are researched and used in applications such as medical diagnostics, drug delivery, sensors, microscopy, biological assays, and electronics. AuNPs can be coated with ligands (e.g., alkanethiols) to tailor their properties for different applications; however, such properties can be influenced by several factors. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to model the behavior of alkanethiol-coated AuNPs in response to their solvent environment and alkanethiol coating thickness. Specifically, AuNPs coated with phenol-capped alkanethiols were placed in simulated boxes of different organic solvents. Simulations were conducted with the AMBER 12 software package, NCSU’s “henry2” high-performance computing cluster, and GPU computing resources. The behavior of the AuNPs was distinctly influenced by the solvent environment and the coating thickness. The alkanethiol ligands were more extended in smaller, polar solvents (acetonitrile and methanol) and slightly less extended in larger, polar solvents (acetic acid, acetone, and dimethyl sulfoxide). In contrast, non-polar solvents (chloroform and toluene) led to more compact alkanethiol molecules. These results show that both solvent polarity and solvent size are predicted to influence the behavior of alkanethiol-coated AuNPs in solvents. This is likely because there were polar-polar interactions occurring between the alkanethiol end groups (phenol) and the polar solvents. Smaller, polar solvents most likely provided a greater density of these polar-polar interactions.

194

Temperature and Sequence Effects on the Intrinsically Disordered N-Terminal Region of the p53 Protein

Micheal Jace Tarver Microbiology, Texas State University


Intrinsically disordered proteins, IDP’s, and intrinsically disordered regions of proteins, IDRP’s, are found in a large proportion of biologically active proteins. These proteins and regions of proteins, respectively, are responsible for gene regulation, cellular control, and signaling pathways of biological systems. It is estimated that up to 50 percent of human cancers are caused by mutations in the human tumor suppressor protein p53. The intrinsically disordered N-terminal region of the human tumor suppressor protein p53 (1-93) has been used as a model to study the sequence and temperature effects on intrinsically disordered regions.


Experimental results show that as temperature is increased p53 adopts a more compact conformation, as measured by the hydrodynamic radius, Rh. The N-terminal region of the human tumor suppressor protein p53 (1-93) contains 22 proline and 12 alanine residues. Sequence mutations have been used to study contributions of specific amino acids to the overall conformation of p53. Specifically, 3 mutants were made, Pro-, Ala-, and Ala_Pro-, by substituting the proline, alanine , and both proline and alanine residue with glycine in the background of the WT p53, respectively. The experimental results on the size of the WT and mutants from largest to smallest was WT, Ala-, Ala_Pro-, Pro-, with Ala_Pro- and Pro- being similar in size. We used atomistic molecular dynamic simulations to elucidate a molecular description of the forces that are driving the compaction as a function of temperature and sequence. Preliminary results show that the simulations are trending similarly to the experimental results.


Index of Student Presenters

Listed Alphabetically Total :305


Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Adams, Anita North Carolina State University, Psychology

30 Everything will be Okay, Billy!: Emotions in American Childrenâ€™s Books

IMSD - Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity

Adams, Brittney North Carolina State University, Geology

27 Organic Matter Quality in Greenland Lakes MEAS-Wake Tech Program

Agata, Wendy-Angela Columbia University, Chemical Engineering

72 Polymer-Metal Buckling Instability for Increased Solar Cell Efficiency


Alliy, Tia Smith College, Astronomy

48 Four Flavor Neutrino Oscillations Through Turbulence

NSF Undergraduate Research in Computational Astrophysics

Amanatides, Megan Meredith College, Mathematics

108 Radar Observations of Storms for Education NC State Independent Researchers

Amoah, Stephen North Carolina State University, Physics

64 Electrical Processing of Thoria pellets Advanced Materials for Environmental Sustainability

An, Jiawei Tsinghua University, Electrical Engineering

136 Battery Management for Electrical Vehicle GEAR - Global Engagement in Academic Research

Anderson, Erik Northwest Nazarene University, Electrical Engineering

90 Triboelectric Energy Harvesting For Self Powered Wearable Devices


Antoniono, Jennifer North Carolina State University, Biomedical

129 Biomechanical Basis of Shoulder Osseous Deformity in a Rat Model of Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy

NC State Undergraduate Research Grant Awardee

Ayers, Hudson North Carolina State University, Electrical Engineering

63 Interfacial Behavior of Eutectic Gallium Indium on Non-wetting Surfaces

Triangle MRSEC

Bajwa, Inderpreet North Carolina State University, Biology-IPN

203 Minos Mutations and Their Affect on Locomotor Startle Response and Geotaxis in Drosophila melanogaster


Baker, Katie North Carolina State University, Biological Sciences

61 Analysis of Low Salt Versus Traditional Cucumber Fermentations

NC State Independent Researchers


Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Ball, Chelsea California State University Monterey Bay, Pure Mathematics

34 Modeling the Interaction Between Inflammatory and Cardiovascular Dynamics

NSF REU Modeling and Industrial Applied Mathematics

Barnett, Cecelia North Carolina State University, Elementary Education

160 Student Response to Graphic Novel and Technology Integration


Bartlette, Kai Providence College, Mathematics

55 Computational Modeling of the Thyroid Hormones Homeostasis and its Manipulation by Chemicals


Bates, Dylan Coker College, Mathematics and Computer Science

80 Using Trust from Social Networks to Recommend Workflows


Baumgardner, Aaron The University of Akron, Biology

39 Engineering Cercospora Disease-Resistant Plants Using Fungal Resistance Genes

NSF Integrative Molecular Plant Systems REU

Becquer-Ramos, Pedro North Carolina State University, Paper Science and Engineering

98 Synthesis of Poly-Pyridal Ligands for use in Oxo-bridged Heterobimetallic Complexes


Benson, Robert North Carolina State University, CSC

73 Toward an Intelligent Tutoring System for propositional logic


Berry, Sara North Carolina State University, Physics

108 Radar Observations of Storms for Education NC State Independent Researchers

Betancourt, Fernando University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, Mathematics

158 Trivolutions of SL(2,K) NSF REU Modeling and Industrial Applied Mathematics

Bickems, Tamira-marie Shaw University, Biology

25 The Role of Phosphonositides in Vacuole Fusion and Vacuole Dynamics


Bisel, Tucker Clemson University, Materials Science and Engineering

133 Investigation of Phase Transitions and Relaxation Events of Polymers and Barium Titanate Ceramics Using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Blakey, Landon North Carolina State University, Electrical Engineering and Mathematics

23 A Mathematical Representation for the Lignin Biosynthesis Pathway


Boudreau, Matthew North Carolina State University, Chemistry

113 Synthesis of Novel Analogues of Alotamide A: A Simplification of a Natural Product


Bradley, McKenzie Meredith College, Computer Science & Mathematics

69 Gesture Virtualization: Enabling Natural Communication Within a Tutoring System


Bradshaw, Jessica North Carolina State University, Psychology

145 Aging with Disability: Strategies for Designing Cognitive Games


Brannock, Jason North Carolina State University, Chemistry

116 Evaluating Honey Bee Grooming Behavior Using Digital Image Processing


Brockington, Paul NCSU, Applied Mathematics

151 Sensitivity Analysis of Inverse Problems: Cardiovascular Modeling


Broman, Melanie Point Loma Nazarene University, Engineering Physics

81 Characterization of Al-doped Zinc Oxide for Transparent Conducting Oxides


Budi, Raymond North Carolina State University, Biomedical Engineering

107 Determination of Oxygen Uptake Rate of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells


Bullock, Daniel North Carolina State University, Biology - IPN

204 Localization of differential neuron activity in zebrafish with distinct stress dispositions using c-fos activity


Byrnes, Jessie Morningside College, Mathematics/Finance

60 The Black-Litterman Model: Exploring the Sensitivity of Inputs


Celestini, Marc North Carolina State University, Electrical and Computer Engineering

172 Electrochemically Deposited Bismuth Telluride: Bulk Films and Nanowires



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Chawla, Webb North Carolina State University, Computer Science

147 Draw This! - An Exploration of the Mind and its Interaction with Mobile Technology


Cheema, Manmeet North Carolina State University, Bioprocessing Science



Chen, Shu Zhejiang University, New Energy Science and Engineering

167 Reconstructed Discontinuous Galerkin Method for One Dimensional Convection-Diffusion Equation

GEAR - Global Engagement in Academic Research

Chen, Timothy Green Hope High School,

124 Predicting the Mechanism of Endocrine Disruption for Firemaster 550 with Virtual Screening


Chieu, Kellie North Carolina State University, Biomedical Engineering

11 Design of a wearable assistive walking device to balance force distribution.


Clarke, Jahlani University of District of Columbia, Mathematics



Cleveland, Joseph Sam Houston State University, Mathematics

77 Certified Counting of Roots of Random Univariate Polynomials


Coleman, Mercedes Lamar University, Mathematics

18 Mathematical Phylogenetics and the Space of Trees


Cone, Robert University of Pittsburgh, Applied Mathematics

47 Differential Game Solutions Using Level Set Methods


Conley Payton, Summer ,

132 Quantification of Sodium Benzoate in Pickled Vegetables by Solid-Phase Extraction and UV/Vis Spectroscopy


Cook, Jared Asbury University, Computational Mathematics

26 Parameter Selection Techniques for Nonlinearly Parameterized Models


Crawford, Donavin University of California, Berkeley, Mathematics

62 Multiple Beam Klystrons for the Next Generation of High Energy Accelerators



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Crenshaw, Amanda North Carolina State University, Geology

6 Classification of Seismic Events in the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone

MEAS-Wake Tech Program

Crenshaw, Amanda North Carolina State University, Geology

41 Five Month Study of the Overall Seismicity of the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone


Cruz, Maria Lourdes Carmela North Carolina State University, Biomedical Engineering

44 Measuring Passive Ankle Moments to Modify AFO for Clubfoot Bracing


Cui, Tong Zhejiang University, Automation

163 Modeling and Sensing Risky User Behavior on Mobile Devices


Cyrs, Asha California State University Fullerton, Applied Mathematics/African American Studies

75 Computational Modeling for Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of the Human Eye


Dang, Thomas Research Triangle High School, Civil Engineering

196 Characterization of Light within a Photosynthetic Bioreactor in Consideration of a Kinetic Growth Model for Dunaliella viridis

NSF EFRI-PSBR

Dard, Rizwan North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering

86 Effects of chromium back contacts and platinum coatings on PEC electrodes


Daughenbaugh, Kyle University of Arizona, mechanical engineering

137 Power Electronics Testbed Using Opal RT HIL NSF ERC FREEDM Systems Center

Davey, Annabelle Case Western Reserve University, Macromolecular Science and Engineering

21 Surface Assembly of Elastin Like Polypeptides Triangle MRSEC

Davis, Morgan North Carolina State University, Biology

8 Verification of candidate genes for alcohol sensitivity in Drosophila melanogaster


Dayerizadeh, Alireza University of South Florida, Electrical Engineering

93 Reduction of Voltage Ringing in Silicon Carbide MOSFET Based Buck Converters

NSF ERC FREEDM Systems Center


Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area De Chenne, Spencer University of Puget Sound, Mathematics



De La Cruz Santos, Jessie The College of the Holy Cross, Mathematics

36 Geometric Flows of Plane Curves NSF REU Modeling and Industrial Applied Mathematics

DeFoor, William North Carolina State University, Biology - Human Biology

103 Multiplex PCR as a Tool for the Detection of Delftia acidovorans


Denny, Bud Arizona State University, Mathematics



Diwakar, Nidhi Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Robotics Engineering

128 Assembly and Magnetic Actuation of Microbot Prototypes from Anisotropic Patchy Microcubes

Triangle MRSEC

Dixit, Ravi North Carolina State University, Microbiology and Human Biology

110 Selection Variation of Oxidative Stress in Drone Honey Bees


Do Nascimento Farias da Silva, Yuri Rural Federal University of Pernambuco - Brazil, Computer Science

58 BOTS - Changing the Level Editor to Increase User-Generated Content Quality and Learning Gains


Doherty, Joseph North Carolina State University, Turfgrass Science

24 Do Fungicides Affect Quantity and Diversity of Phyllosphere Microbes?

Plant Pathology Kelman Scholars

Dolecheck, Cameren North Carolina State University, Computer Science

154 Deep Thought 2.0: Rebuilding a Logic Proof Tutor for a More Effective Learning Environment


Dombrowski, Timothy Saint Leo University, Mathematics/Accounting



Donahoe, Ailaura Pennsylvania State University, Math




Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Donatelli, Ross Florida Institute of Technology, Biomathematics



Dzugan, Jeffrey Samford University, Mathematics



Eagle, Jonathan Henserson State University, Biology

2 Auxin Biosynthesis and Its Regulation NSF Integrative Molecular Plant Systems REU

Edwards, Ashley University of North Carolina Asheville, Applied Mathematics; Biology

29 Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling for Acetone: How Much Do We Really Breathe In?


Ells, Brady North Carolina State University, Physics

146 Understanding the Dynamics of Mass Accretion of Vela X-1 from Time-Dependent Luminosity


Faber, Samantha NCSU, Mathematics



Fallen, Nova North Carolina State University, Computer Engineering

66 Preattentive Processing as a Tool to Enhance the User Experience on Smartphones


Ficheira Wiechers Lima, Natasha University of Brasilia, Energy Engineering


FitzGerald, Cody University of New Hampshire, Mathematics



Frank, Matthew North Carolina State University, Biomedical Engineering

100 Osteogenic potential of human adipose-derived stem cells using electric cell-substrate impedance sensing


Frasch, Elisabeth North Carolina State University, Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

174 Evaluating The Impact of Professional Development on Learning Computing



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Frederick , Leah Pennsylvania State University, Mathematics/Music Performance



Freedman, Benjamin North Carolina State University, Applied Mathematics



Furman, Marschall North Carolina State University, Statistics

20 Investigating the Efficiency of Slime Mold as a Search Algorithm


Fuss, William North Carolina State University, Materials Science and Engineering; Computer Science

127 Simulating the self-assembly of triblock polyelectrolyte copolymers

Triangle MRSEC

Gallagher, Ryan University of Connecticut, Mathematics


Gao, Ruoqiao Captial University of Economics and Business, Economics

179 Mortgage Backed Securites (MBS) Evaluations and Risk Analysis


George, Tom San Jose State University, Electrical Engineering

105 Characterization and Comparison of 650V GaN MOSFETs


Gilmore, Steven NCSU, Applied Mathematics



Gipson, Emily North Carolina State University, Physics

52 Spherical Accretion Shock Instability Growth Rate Dependence on Angular Momentum in Core-Collapse Supernovae


Glaize, Ayanna North Carolina State University, Microbiology

190 Estrogen Effects on Embryonic Development of Japanese Medaka (Oryzias Latipes)



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Godfrey, Daniel UNC Charlotte, Mathematics

16 Interpreting Clusters of World Cup Tweets NSF REU Modeling and Industrial Applied Mathematics

Gong, Zheng Jilin University , Applied MATHEMATICS

197 The Estimation of the Interest Rate with the Monte Carlo Simulation


Goyer, David North Carolina State University, Industrial and Systems Engineering

121 Building a Perfusion Bioreactor for Applications in Tissue Engineering


Gu, Mingming Zhejiang University, Energy Engineering

161 Shaft Encoder System for an Optical Diesel Engine


Gu, Xin Zhejiang University, Electronic&Information Engineering

166 Design of a modular multilevel converter with series and parallel connectivity


Gupta, Priya Georgia Institute of Technology, Biomedical Engineering

9 The Study of African Cassava Mosaic Virus infection in transgenic Arabidopsis plants


Hadaidi, Sarah University of Kentucky, Mathematics


Haidet, Brian North Carolina State University, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics

185 Analysis of semi-ohmic titanium-based contacts to Al-rich AlGaN on AlN substrates


Hamm, Benjamin NCSU, Physics

115 Evaluating Queen Quality of In Vitro Reared Queen Bees via Digital Image Processing


Hampton, Taryn North Carolina State University, Computer Science

67 Redesigning a Casual Game to Improve Player Engagement


Harris, Maurita North Carolina State University, Psychology

3 Static Images vs Videos and Auditory Instructions When Learning ASL



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Harris, Maurita North Carolina State University, Psychology

155 The Development of a Coding Scheme Examining an Online Diabetes Forum


Harris, Sawyer North Carolina State University, Physics

52 Spherical Accretion Shock Instability Growth Rate Dependence on Angular Momentum in Core-Collapse Supernovae


Hassan, Saif North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering

184 Novel Ionomers Using Sulfonate Groups Advanced Materials for Environmental Sustainability

Hatcher, Daniel Appalachian State University, Physics

53 Comparison of Nucleosynthesis Simulations to Abundances in Metal-Poor Stars: The Impacts of Nuclear Physics Inputs


Heiken, Julia North Carolina State University, Crop Science

205 Lessons from a Worm in Managing Stress Plant Pathology Kelman Scholars

Herhold, Leigh North Carolina State University, Statistics

168 Controlling White-Nose Syndrome Computation for Undergraduates in Statistics Program (NCSU CUSP)

Herndon, Lynelle North Carolina State University, Political Science

46 Multinationality and Technology in Research and Publishing Ethics


Hida, Rahma North Carolina State University, Psychology

28 A Systematic Review of Publication Trends Across Seven School Psychology Journals, with a Focus on Examining International and Experimental Research


Hill, Grant North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering

200 Photocatalytic Degradation Capacity of UiO-66-NH2 Grown on ALD Coated Polypropylene Fiber Mats


Hilliard, Asia North Carolina State University, Microbiology

14 Reserve Intestinal Epithelial Stem Cells are Resistant to Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury


Holmes, Amber LaGrange College, Mathematics




Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Hoover, Andrew The College of Wooster, Computer Science & Mathematics



Howard, Megan NC State University, Geology

45 Nitrogen Impairment Along the Rocky River MEAS-Wake Tech Program

Hu, Qinyou Captial University of Economics and Business, Economics



Hu, Sixing Tsinghua University, Computer Science

153 NINJA PIE: a new technique for visualizing the frequencies of intersecting categories


Hu, Xiaoti Zhejiang University, Electrical Engineering & Automation


Hurt, James Furman University, Physics

17 Effect of Cr in NiFeCrCo Alloy on Mechanical Properties: A First-Principles Study


Icazatti-Burtell, Amanda North Carolina State University, Biology

37 Characterizing novel factors involved in the Cortex/Endodermal Initials Maintenance


Imai, Bruno Instituto Maua de Tecnologia, Chemical Engineering

187 Novel magnetically responsive nanocomposite made by long-range organization of nanoparticles within thin polymer films

Triangle MRSEC

Iyer, Aruna North Carolina State University, Microbiology

102 PCR detection of Delftia acidovorans in Samples from Sinks


Jackson, Savannah North Carolina State University, Genetics

56 Expression analysis of auxin biosynthetic genes in the primary root of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and the effects of hormonal and environmental factors on local auxin expression patterns.



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Jarrett, Khari-Elijah North Carolina State University, Engineering

88 Optimizing the Effectiveness of Thermoelectric Generators for On-Body Applications


Johns, Caley Brigham Young University - Idaho, Applied Mathematics


Johnson, Matthew North Carolina State University, Computer Science, Mathematics

82 Progressive Real-Time Rendering Using Ray Tracing


Kadibhai, Burhanuddin UNC Chapel Hill, Psychology



Kandi, Dorian Morehouse College, Mathematics/Economics



Kapur, Nicholas North Carolina State University, Statistics



Karki, Aashish Amherst College, Computer Science, Economics

195 ACAnon : Automatic Code Anonymization to Enable Code Sharing


Kausler, Jake Ouachita Baptist University, Computer Science

70 Semantic Labeling to Improve the Java Tutorial Dialog


Ketcham, Melissa Central College, Computer Science and Mathematics

65 Engaging Middle Schoolers to Learn Computational Thinking while Playing Minecraft


Khan, Mohammad North Carolina State University, Bio-medical Engineering

213 Printing composite material simulating bone structure and mechinical properties.


Kjeer, Katherine North Carolina State University, Computer Science

74 eLogicTutor: Improving Student Learning Outcomes With Adaptive Modeling



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Knight, Tierra North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering

189 A Systems Approach towards understanding the Role of Ptr4CL Enzyme complex in Populus trichocharpa on Lignin Content and Structure


Kruh, Jessica North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering

186 Biooxidation of Heavy Metals by the Extremely Thermoacidophilic Archaeon Metallosphaera sedula


Lanier, Emily ,



Law, Rebecca North Carolina State University, Statistics

12 Evaluating the Strength of Evidence in DUI Cases Presented in North Carolina


Lee, Samuel North Carolina State University, Plant and Microbial Biology

85 Isothermal Amplification assay for detecting Phytophthora infestans


Leon, Ebony North Carolina State University, Psychology

15 â€œLetâ €™s Agree to Disagreeâ€ : The Influence of Mothersâ€™ Emotion Responses on Conflict Discussion Strategies


Li, Bai Zhejiang University, Statistics

193 Using community detection to build application recommendation systems


LI, CHENG Tsinghua University, Microelectronics

212 Liquid Metal Fibers via Surface Electrochemistry


Li, Hanyue Zhejiang University, Electronic&Information Engineering



Li, Qiuchi Tsinghua University, Electronic Engineering

142 Empirical Analysis of Causal Inference Algorithms on Gene Expression Data


Li, Yu Zhejiang University, Information and Communication Engineering

202 An Inexpensive Air Quality Monitoring Device GEAR - Global Engagement in Academic Research


Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Li, Zhongxi Tsinghua University, Electrical Engineering



Liang, Libin Zhejiang university, Mathematics



Lin, Tingting Zhejiang University, Automation

152 Trajectory Optimization Based On Heuristic Algorithm


Lin, Wenyi Zhejiang University, Computational Mathematics

208 Sustainability in Strategic Market Expansion GEAR - Global Engagement in Academic Research

Lin, Yiqi Tsinghua University, Electronic Engineering

157 Airborne Particle Sensing with Micro-optics GEAR - Global Engagement in Academic Research

Liu, Lu Capital University of Business and Economics , Economics



Liu, Shang Zhejiang University, Optical Engineering

148 Laser Thresholds of Laser Diodes GEAR - Global Engagement in Academic Research

Lombardi, Rachel , Biochemistry

171 Development of malic acid deficient starter cultures for cucumber fermentations


Lopez, Ronald Kean University, Computer Science



Ma, Ding Tsinghua university, Electrical engineer


Maldonado-Castro, Anthony University of Puerto Rico at Cayey, Biology

38 Identifying targets of the SEUSS transcriptional co-regulator during ovule and seed development in Arabidopsis thaliana.


Malik, Amber Wake Technical Community College, Geology

35 The Effect of Legacy Sediment Within the Neuse River Floodplain



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Marquis, Andrew NCSU, Applied Mathematics



Masters, Brian Research Triangle High School, Plant Biology

209 Effect of Different Nitrogen Sources on the Growth of Four Species of Dunaliella

NSF EFRI-PSBR

Maxwell, John North Carolina A&T State University, Pure Mathematics



McArthur, Chanelle north carolina state university, Geology


McCray, Jason NC State, Associate in Arts


McNeill, Rachel North Carolina State University, Zoology

143 Delftia acidovorans induces a pro-inflammatory response in THP-1 monocytes


Melton, Brady North Carolina State University, Statistics

12 Evaluating the Strength of Evidence in DUI Cases Presented in North Carolina


Menter, Jordan Smith College, Mathematics

79 Model Refinement through Verification and Validation Methods and Anomaly Detection


Miao, Lizhang Jilin University, Computing Science

140 Numerical Study for Interface Problems with Closed Interfaces


Miles, Brittany Georgia Institute of Technology, Biology

170 Engineering a better monkey food: Low concentration agar gels as a model food system in primates


Millberg, Melvin North Carolina State University, Industrial Engineering

120 Cell Encapsulation Using Electrostatic Bead Generation


Milliken, Alexandra Xavier University, Computer Science

57 BOTS Planning Mode: How People Can Find Patterns Faster



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Mills, Taylor Southern Arkansas University, Agricultural Science - Plant Science

33 Understanding the regulation of transcription factors and cell-cycle genes that maintain stem cells in the Arabidopsis root


Mohan, Charan North Carolina State University, Biochemsitry

89 Investigation of Membrane Protein Structure from NMR Data Using ARIA


Mohsin, Syed Columbia University, Electrical Engineering

92 Decoy-Based Algorithms for Detection and Mitigation of Malicious Attacks on Power Systems Monitoring


Morse, Anthony Suny Brockport , Mathematics



Moss, Jamal North Carolina State University, Biological Sciences



Myers, Nicholas University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Mathematics



Nacouzi, David North Carolina State University, Physics/Pre-Med

159 Single-Molecule Surface Studies of Fibrinogen on Silicon Wafer Surfaces


Nagaraj, Gautam North Carolina State University, Physics

130 Understanding Type Ia Supernova Progenitors via 3-D Modeling of Kepler's Supernova Remnant


Ndukwe, Abbott North Carolina State University, None

175 The Use of Polyethylene Glycol Functionalized Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes to Enhance Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene Terephthalate Nano-fibers.

NC Project Seed (High School)

Nguyen, Vy Baylor University, Applied Mathematics



Nilsson, Kathryn North Carolina State University, Animal Science

122 Frequency of the nivalenol mycotoxin genotype in Fusarium graminearum sampled from North Carolina wheat fields



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Ning, Nina George Washington University, Mathematics



Niver, Harper North Carolina State University, Biology

150 A Sound Approach to Silencing Plant Pathology Kelman Scholars

Njagu, Ravyn North Carolina State University, Biological Sciences with Human Biology Concentration

4 Does FXR In Vitro High-Throughput Screening Predict In Vivo Results?


Nunamaker, Hallie North Carolina State University, Geology



Nunn, William North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering

211 Synthesis of Large Metal-Organic Framework Crystals


Oduor, Allan Wake. Technical Community College, Associates in Engineering


Oliver, Dan Thomas North Carolina State University, Statistics

168 Controlling White-Nose Syndrome Computation for Undergraduates in Statistics Program (NCSU CUSP)

Omweno, Jackline North Carolina State University, Chemistry

156 Silver and Gold Dendrites for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

NC Project Seed (High School)

Pan, Yuqing Zhejiang University, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

208 Sustainability in Strategic Market Expansion GEAR - Global Engagement in Academic Research

Parker, Erika North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering

117 Analyzing Algorithms to Determine Optimal Flux Through the Lignin Biosynthesis Pathway


Parker, Erika North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering

23 A Mathematical Representation for the Lignin Biosynthesis Pathway



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Parker, Thomas Rappahannock Community College, Marine and Environmental Science

111 Effectiveness of Peer-Generated Videos as Teaching Tools for Basic Techniques in the Organic Chemistry Laboratory.


Parks, Matthew North Carolina State University, Mechanical Engineering



Pasha, Imad University of California, Berkeley, Physics/Astrophysics

32 Three Dimemsional Analysis of Jet Formation in Cassiopeia A


Perez, Jessica Joyce The College of New Jersey, Applied Mathematics



Perrine, Jillian North Carolina State University, Agriculture Education

19 Resistance of Phytophthora nicotianae to mefanoxam


Peters, Justis North Carolina State University, Non-Degree Studies

78 Is it a face? Dimensionality reduction in classifying visual stimuli from brain activity


Peterson, Jesse Wake Technical Community College, Pre Engineering

162 Using nano particles to facilitate 3D printing of ceramic powder


Peterson, Michael Carthage College, Computer Science

80 Using Trust from Social Networks to Recommend Workflows


Pierce, William North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering-- Biomolecular concentration

181 Multi-domain Surface Layer Homology (SLH) Glycoside Hydrolases from Extremely Thermophilic Caldicellulosiruptor Species


Pinosky, Allison University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Biomedical Engineering

5 Low Powered Pulse Oximetry Device Using Novel Proximity Detector Approach with Energy Harvesting



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Podolsky, Igor North Carolina State University, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

178 Design and Characterization of Shape-Programmable Multiresponsive Hydrogel Bilayers via Ionoprint Patterning


Popovic, Katarina North Carolina State University, Applied Nutrition

109 Using Phage Display to Discover Ferritin-binding Peptides for Use as Cancer Therapeutics


Premo, Kerry North Carolina State University, Anthropology

210 North Carolina State University Suicide Prevention Focus Group Research


Pritchard, Cailean North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering

182 Cross-linking Electrospun PVA Nanofibers with ALD Precursors


Qiao, Weikang Zhejiang University, Information and Communication Engineering

192 Watch out for nearby eavesdroppers when using link signature


Qin, Yushu Zhejiang University, Optical Engineering

138 Computer Modeling of Quantum Well Heterostructures


Rachor, Kristin North Carolina State University, Computer Science

68 Multimodal Data Visualization for a Tutoring Environment


Rahhal, Morjan North Carolina State University, Biological Engineering

164 Identifying data and computational methods to infer genetic interactions in response to abiotic stresses in Arabidopsis thaliana


Rahn, Matthew Pennsylvania State University, Materials Science and Engineering

101 Surface Functionalization of Gallium Nitride and Gallium Oxyhydroxide


Rajagopalan, Rasika North Carolina State University, Psychology

87 The Structure of Emotions: The Impact of the Assessment Method



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Rao, Divya North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering

43 Nano-Aggregates with Ionically Triggered Disassembly for Advanced Drug Delivery


Raynor, Brinkley North Carolina State University, Animal Science

115 Evaluating Queen Quality of In Vitro Reared Queen Bees via Digital Image Processing


Read, Catherine University of North Carolina at Asheville, Applied Mathematics



Reid, Timothy North Carolina State University, Psychology



Rice, Natalie North Carolina State University, Chemistry

97 Synthesis of Heterobimetallic Molecules for Photochemical Applications


Richardson, Stephen North Carolina State University, Associates in science

10 Amenity Pond Carbon Cycling MEAS-Wake Tech Program

Rikard, Stephanie North Carolina State University, Biomedical Engineering

83 Activated Rac 1 reduces cell migration in ATM inhibited HeLa cells


Rivera-RodrÃguez, Kiara University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, Chemical Engineering

112 A study on Ni/Au electrical contacts on p-type GaN


Rodriguez, Melba Universidad del Turabo, Computer Engineering

71 Lebanese Dance Game: Improvements to Attract More Museum Visitors


Roels, Bernard North Carolina State University, Biochemistry

59 Nanoparticle Drug Delivery in Oncology NC State Independent Researchers

Roland, Shelby North Carolina State University, Biochemistry

1 Cloning and Biochemical Characterization of Thermophilic Proteases for Potential Applications in Microalgal Biomass Recycling



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Rosado Martinez, Genesis North Carolina State University, Computer Science

71 Lebanese Dance Game: Improvements to Attract More Museum Visitors


Rozelle, Aaron North Carolina State University, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

206 Design and Evaluation of Promoters for Gene Expression in the Hyperthermophlic Archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus


Rushing, Adam North Carolina State University, Biological and Agricultural Engineering

126 Completion of Syngas fueled Internal Combustion Engine


Ryan, Allyson North Carolina State University, Genetics

104 Comparative Analysis of Metriaclima lombardoi Pigmentation


Sadagopan, Supriya North Carolina State University, Biochemistry

99 Evaluating the effective outcomes of Pneumocystis prophylaxis in Pediatric Oncology Patients


Sadek, Carol Wofford College, Mathematics


Salehi, Sarallah Johns Hopkins University, Applied Mathematics; Mathematics



Samulski, Camille Wellesley College, Astrophysics

54 Comparison of Nucleosynthesis Simulations to Element Abundances in Metal-Poor Stars: The Impact of Initial Conditions


Sanaba, Bilva North Carolina State University, None

169 Quantum Chemistry Calculations of the Strength of Inclusion Complex Formation between Flame Retardants and beta-Cyclodextrin


Sanchez, Camille Mount St. Mary's University, Mathematics/Philosophy




Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Sarnor, Crystal North Carolina State University, Biology

13 Could Tobacco Phyllopanins Confer Fungal Resistance to Arabidopsis thaliana?


Sayer, Chloe Research Triangle High School, Microbiology

183 Cloning and Over-Expression of a Novel Thermophilic Nuclease from Geobacillus thermoglucosidasius

NSF EFRI-PSBR

Schlenk, Taylor University of North Dakota, Mathematics



Schmitt, Daniel North Carolina State University, Biological Science

7 Characterization of Iron Homeostasis NSF Integrative Molecular Plant Systems REU

Schwarze, Hannah Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, Mathematics



Scruggs, Andrew North Carolina State University, Horticulture Science

40 Effects of Temperature and Humidity on Disease Progression of Rhizopus Soft Rot and Fusarium Root Rot in Sweetpotato


Shapiro, Brandon Brandeis University, Math/Physics

50 Non-Standard Interactions and Neutrino Oscillations in Core-Collapse Supernovae


Shen, Jianfei Zhejiang University, Statistics



Shuai, Xiangying Bard College, Mathematics and Computer Science



Simpson, Hunter North Carolina State University, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

201 Comparative Microbiological and Engineering Analysis of Lignocellulose Deconstruction by Extremely Thermophilic Caldicellulosiruptor Species


Smith, Alanna University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Biomedical Engineering

49 Expansion of Stem Cells using 3D Scaffolds and Hollow Fiber Bioreactor Technology



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Smith, Emily Kenyon College, Mathematics



Sorkin, Maria North Carolina State University, Biology and Spanish Literature

31 Phenotypic and Molecular Assessment of the Response to Thermocycles by Oryza sativa in Saline Environments


Spencer, Paulina North Carolina State University, Math



Sridhar, Samanvitha North Carolina State University, Physics

177 Role of excitonic coupling in conjugated polymers using temperature-dependent photoluminescence and absorption spectroscopy


Stafford, Isabel Andrews University, Math



Stallings, Danielle North Carolina State University, Materials Science and Engineering

135 Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Alkanethiol-coated Gold Nanoparticles

Triangle MRSEC

Stanley, Sarah North Carolina State University, Undeclared

149 The Synthesis and Antimicrobial Efficacy of a Cationic Zinc Porphyrin


Stotts, Ontario Wake Forest University, Mathematics


Stowe, Rachel North Carolina State University, Food Science



Swanek, William North Carolina State University, Psychology

155 The Development of a Coding Scheme Examining an Online Diabetes Forum


Swartwood, Alan Wake Technical Community College, Geology



Swartwood, Alan Wake Technical Community College, Geology




Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Talib, Maliha North Carolina State University, Biochemistry

51 Isolation and identification of bacteria from yogurt samples capable of producing antimicrobials.


Tarver, Micheal Texas State University, Microbiology

194 Temperature and Sequence Effects on the Intrinsically Disordered N-Terminal Region of the p53 Protein

Triangle MRSEC

Taylor, Hannah University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Materials Science and Engineering

76 Atomistic Simulations of Grain Boundaries in Hexagonally Close Packed (HCP) Lattices


Therriault, William North Carolina State University, Computer Engineering

119 Effects of Gold Nanoparticles on Single Stranded DNA


Tillman, Tyler North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Applied Mathematics



Torralba, Monica New Jersey Institute of Technology, Chemical Engineering

94 Point Defect Redistribution and Conductive Filaments Formation within Annealed Titanium Dioxide Single Crystals


Toton, Bryan North Carolina State University, Biochemistry



Travels, Dustin Wake Technical Community College, Geology



Tremper, Alexander University of South Florida, Electrical Engineering

91 Optimizing Power Electronics Modules for Renewable Energy Systems


Turner, James North Carolina State University, Mechanical Engineering

180 Three-dimensional structures from electrically-activated, self-folding polymer sheets



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Udiani, Omokuyani North Carolina State University, Physics

22 Modeling the Concentration of Flunixin in Tissue Over Time


Vail, Alexandria North Carolina State University, Computer Science / Mathematics

199 The Use of Hidden Markov Models for Discovery of Effective Tutorial Dialogue State Transitions


Valeriano, Julio North Carolina State University, Electrical

191 Modeling biological pathways using electrical circuits

NSF EFRI-PSBR

Venters, DaNaujah North Carolina State University, none

123 The Effect of Changing Amino Acids on Molecular Structure: A Study of Alotamide A


Villard, Taylor Wake Technical Community College, Neural Engineering

125 Optogenetics in the Teaching Laboratory ASSIST - NSF ERC Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies REU

Villines, Crystal ,

134 Probing the Formation of a Carbon-Carbon Bond Reaction for OLED and Solar Cell Synthesis

Chemistry Summer Intern Program

Wan, Zijian Beijing Institute of Technology, Automation

173 SAME BUT DIFFERENT: QUALITATIVE DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES IN HOW DIFFERENT CULTURES CONCEPTUALIZE PHISHING


Wang, Chun-I National Taiwan University, Physics

144 Using Computational Fluid Dynamics to Design Water Efficient Flush Toilets for Developing Areas


Wang, Xudong Jilin University, Materials control and forming engineering

141 Aligning polymer semiconductors using a nanostructured substrate


Wang, Yichen Tsinghua University, Computer Science & Technology

142 Empirical Analysis of Causal Inference Algorithms on Gene Expression Data


Wehbie, Nicole North Carolina State University, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

95 Molecular evolution of seminal vesicle proteins (SVP) and oxytocin (OXT) within the genus Microtus



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Wei, Chuyu Zhejiang University, Energy Engineering

161 Shaft Encoder System for an Optical Diesel Engine


Weikel, Daniel North Carolina State University, Statistics

188 The influence of temperature on the transmission of chikungunya virus by the Asian tiger mosquito


Weis, Jeffrey WakeTech Community College, Geology



Weis, Jeffrey WakeTech Community College, Geology



Wessler, Garrett University of Maryland - College Park, Materials Science and Engineering

96 Investigation of surface plasmon resonance in GeTe thin-films


Whitfield, Sean North Carolina State University, Food Science



Wilder, Lauren North Carolina State University, Physics

114 Predicting Proper Motions in Type Ia Supernovae Remnants


Williams, Mackenzie North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering

131 Encapsulation of Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Sodium Alginate Beads to Determine Cell Viability


Williams, Mackenzie North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering

49 Expansion of Stem Cells using 3D Scaffolds and Hollow Fiber Bioreactor Technology


Willis, Rachel North Carolina State University, Geology

42 Oyster Population Dynamics and Restoration in Pamlico Sound


Wilson, Hope Yale University, mechanical engineering

106 Effect of Stabilization and Carbonization Temperatures on the Performance of Anodes in Sodium-Ion Batteries


Wolfe, Michael North Carolina State University, Chemistry

111 Effectiveness of Peer-Generated Videos as Teaching Tools for Basic Techniques in the Organic Chemistry Laboratory.



Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Wooten, McCaide North Carolina State University, Poultry Science & Animal Science

165 Effects of Varying Diets on Sex Ratio and Developmental Qualities of Offspring in W-36 Laying Stock


Wyatt, Meghan North Carolina State University, Biology

84 ATM-mediated Rac1 activation through a guanine nucleotide exchange factor independent pathway


Xing, Zhenping Zhejiang University, Optical Engineering

207 An Optical Cavity Based Particle Counter Simulation


Xu, Teke Zhejiang University, Electrical Engineering


Xu, Yiwei Zhejiang University , Statistics



Yan, Wen Captial University of Economics and Business, Economics



Yang, Dixuan Zhejiang University, Information and Communication Engineering

192 Watch out for nearby eavesdroppers when using link signature


Yang, Joyce Harvey Mudd College, Mathematics


Yang, Stephanie Carnegie Mellon University, Computer Science

118 Adapting Narrative to User Actions In Educational Text Adventures


Yang, Xuan Zhejiang University, Civil Engineering

214 Literature Review of Lean Construction and Building Information Modeling Integration in Construction


Young, Eric North Carolina State University, Civil Engineering

198 Life-Cycle Modeling of Microalgae-to-Biofuels Systems

NSF EFRI-PSBR


Student Presenter Poster Project Title Content Area Yu, Jiaolong Zhejiang University, Optical Engineering

176 Development of a Wireless Wearable Strain Sensor


Zane, Cody North Carolina State University, Polymer and Color Chemistry

169 Quantum Chemistry Calculations of the Strength of Inclusion Complex Formation between Flame Retardants and beta-Cyclodextrin


Zhang, Liqian Zhejiang University, Computer Science and Technology

193 Using community detection to build application recommendation systems


Zhang, Yige Tsinghua University, Electrical Engineering



Zhao, Yanfei Zhejiang University, Material Science and Engineering

139 Electrical Characteristics of Thermoelectric Devices


Zheng, Karen North Carolina State University, Psychology



Zheng, Wanlin North Carolina State University, Statistics



Zhou, Yuyang Zhejiang University, Optical Engineering

176 Development of a Wireless Wearable Strain Sensor



Summary of Participants Overall Summary:

Total Participants – 305 (214 Lead Presenters with 91 Co-Presenters) Total Posters – 214

Summary of Presentations by Program: Advanced Materials for Environmental Sustainability = 13 ASSIST - NSF ERC Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies REU = 5 Chemistry Summer Intern Program = 1 Computation for Undergraduates in Statistics Program (NCSU CUSP) = 3 GEAR - Global Engagement in Academic Research = 26 IMSD - Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity = 17 Intelligent and Interactive Media REU = 20 MEAS-Wake Tech Program = 7 NC Project Seed (High School) = 3 NC State Independent Researchers = 49 NC State Undergraduate Research Grant Awardee = 12 NSF EFRI-PSBR = 5 NSF ERC FREEDM Systems Center = 6 NSF Integrative Molecular Plant Systems REU = 10 NSF REU Modeling and Industrial Applied Mathematics = 15 NSF Undergraduate Research in Computational Astrophysics = 9 Plant Pathology Kelman Scholars = 6 Triangle MRSEC = 7

Summary by Mentor’s College if worked at NC State (reported by participant): Agriculture and Life Sciences – 40 Education – 1 Engineering – 97 Humanities and Social Sciences – 10 Management – 1 Sciences – 55 Textiles – 5

Summary by Participant’s Home Institution (as reported by participant) – 96 Institutions Unreported – 1 UC – Berkeley – 2 Rio Piedras Campus – 1 Amherst College - 1 Andrews University – 1 Appalachian State University – 1


Arizona State University – 1 Asbury University – 1 Bard College – 1 Baylor University – 1 Beijing Institute of Technology – 1 Brandeis University – 1 Brigham Young University, Idaho – 1 California State University Fellerton – 1 California State University – Monterey Bay – 1 Capital University of Economics and Business – 4 Carnegie Mellon University – 1 Carthage College – 1 Case Western Reserve University – 1 Central College – 1 Clemson University – 1 Coker College – 1 Columbia University – 2 Florida Institute of Technology – 1 Furman University – 1 George Washington University – 1 Georgia Institute of Technology – 2 Green Hope High School – 1 Harvey Mudd College – 1 Henserson State University – 1 Instituto Maua de Tecnologia – 1 Jilin University - 3 Johns Hopkins University – 1 Kean University – 1 Kenyon College – 1 LaGrange College - 1 Lamar University – 1 Meredith College – 2 Morehouse College – 1 Morningside College – 1 Mount St. Mary's University – 1 National Taiwan University – 1 New Jersey Institute of Technology - 1 North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University – 2 North Carolina State University - 148 Northwest Nazarene University – 1 Ouachita Baptist University – 1 Pennsylvania State University – 3 Point Loma Nazarene University – 1 Providence College - 1 Rappahannock Community College – 1 Research Triangle High School – 3


Rural Federal University of Pernambuco - Brazil – 1 Saint Leo University - 1 Saint Mary's University of Minnesota – 1 Sam Houston State University - 1 Samford University – 1 San Jose State University – 1 Shaw University – 1 Smith College – 2 Southern Arkansas University – 1 Suny Brockport – 1 Texas State University – 1 The College of New Jersey – 1 The College of the Holy Cross – 1 The College of Wooster – 1 The University of Akron – 1 Tsinghua University – 9 Universidad del Turabo – 1 University of Arizona – 1 University of Brasilia – 1 University of California – 2 University of Connecticut – 1 University of District of Columbia – 1 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – 1 University of Kentucky – 1 University of Maryland - College Park – 1 University of New Hampshire - 1 University of North Carolina at Asheville – 2 University of North Carolina at Charlotte – 1 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – 3 University of North Dakota – 1 University of Pittsburgh - 1 University of Puerto Rico – 1 University of Puerto Rico at Cayey – 1 University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez – 1 University of Puget Sound – 1 University of South Florida – 2 University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee – 1 Wake Forest University – 1 Wake Technical Community College – 9 Wellesley College – 1 Wofford College – 1 Worcester Polytechnic Institute – 1 Xavier University – 1 Yale University – 1 Zhejiang University – 25


Summary of Participant Classification (reported by participants): Seniors – 159 Juniors – 81 Sophomores – 48 Freshmen and High School – 17 Total - 305

2014 summer abstract book

Documents