abstracts for the 35th annual...abstracts for the 35th annual loudoun county regional science &...

Abstracts for the

35th Annual

Loudoun County

Regional Science &

Engineering Fair

March 17, 2016

Freedom High School

Sponsored by Orbital ATK

Loudoun RSEF Categories Number and Category Name

100 Animal Sciences

200 Behavioral & Social Sciences

300 Biochemistry

400 Biomedical & Health Sciences

500 Cellular & Molecular Biology

600 Chemistry

700 Computational Biology & Bioinformatics

800 Earth & Environmental Sciences

900 Embedded Systems

1000 Energy: Chemical

1100 Energy: Physical

1200 Engineering Mechanics

1300 Environmental Engineering

1400 Materials Science

1500 Mathematics

1600 Microbiology

1700 Physics & Astronomy

1800 Plant Sciences

1900 Robotics & Intelligent Machines

2000 Systems of Software

For detailed category descriptions visit the ISEF website at:

http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/project_categories

Project Numbering For exhibition, all projects are given a number. The first series of numbers indicates the

category & project number. For example project 1303T10 is the third project in

Environmental Engineering. The letters, T or X, in the project number indicate whether a

project is a Team (T) project or an Individual (X) project.

http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/project_categories

Last Name, First Name Project No. Project Title

Ahmad, Rahym 801T12 Physical Profile of the Beaverdam Reservoir

Akingbesote, Ngozi 501X12 Decreasing Fungal Pathogenicity by Breaking Disulfide Bridges in the Yap-1 Protein

Alvarez, Sarah 802X12 The Correlation between Environmental Factors in a Wetland and Nitrous Oxide Emissions

Amaya, Jessika 1401T12 An Alternative Gait-Enhanced Design of an Orthopaedic Mobile Brace

Arens, Stephanie 101T12 The Effects of Illicit Substances on Growth Rate Development of Blowflies in Rabbits

Atkins, Carter 102T12 Determining Whether Drosophila (fruit flies) Have an Innate or Acquired Feeding Behavior

Awasthi, Rohni 401T12 The Effect of Nicotine and Cigarette Smoke Condensate on the Neural Development of Zebrafish

Bailey, Skyla 803T12 The Effect of Ibuprofen on Algae Growth

Balla, Arul Vignesh 402X10 The Analysis of a Mutant Version of APOC3 for Future Uses in Treatment

Barghi, Camron 801T12 Physical Profile of the Beaverdam Reservoir

Begley, Anne 201X12 The Displacement of the Mountain People into Mental Hospitals during the Creation of the Shenandoah National Park

Benn, Jason 2001X12 The Effect of Programming Languages on the Speed of the Solution of P and NP Problems

Berrios, Isabel 1301X11 Localized Accumulation of Lead in Sunflowers

Betsill, Eric 1201X12 The Effect of Thermal Energy on Hand Temperature While in a Skiing Environment

Bojja, Rashmi 301T10 The Effect of Artificial Sweeteners on a Model of the Digestive System

Bradshaw, Meghan 502T12 RNA Interference of the hex-1 Gene in C. elegans using Custom RNA Oligos

Bravo, Jorge 103T12 The Effect of Octopamine on Aggression of Acheta Domesticus on the Cricket Community

Brewer, Abigail 202X12 The Cemeteries of Shenandoah: The Use of GIS In the Preservation Of Cultural Resources

Broshkevitch, Adam 1801X10 The Effect of Mycorrhizal Fungi on the Spectral Properties of Glycine max

Brown, Dawson 1601X12 An Application of Hawk-Dove Game Theory Strategy to Interspecific Competition between Gut Bacteria Using Quorum Sensing Signaling Molecule, N-(3-Oxotetradecanoyl)-L-Homoserine Lactone

Budharaju, Saahithi 503X12 Apoptotic Response of Cancer Cells to Resveratrol, Nitidine Chloride, and Cepharanthine

Bush, Colleen 804T12 Poison Down the Drain: The Effect of Triclosan Concentration on Daphnia magna heart rate

Carney, Ashley 104X12 Enzymatic Digestion of Cryptocaryon irritans’ Exoskelton: A Cure for Ich

Carter, Stefan 803T12 The Effect of Ibuprofen on Algae Growth

Carver, Caitlyn 901X12 Testing Transistors by Taking Elements of the Design of Multi-Polar Neurons

Casey, Annabelle 1602X12 The Effect of Various Sanitizing Compounds on the Inhibition of Bacterial Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis Growth

Challa, Nidhi 1802T09 What is the Effect of Antifreeze Carbohydrates on Bonnie spinach and Brussel sprouts?

Chandrasekar, Ramprasanna 1402T09 Effect of Polyacrylaminde Alginate beads for Use as Micro Reactors

Chavali, Nikith 105T12 The Relative Determination of Decomposition Rates of Cadavers in Various Salinities

Chawla, Mannat 403T12 The Effect of Natural Anticoagulants on Limulus polyphemus' Coagulation System

Cheung, Rachael 401T12 The Effect of Nicotine and Cigarette Smoke Condensate on the Neural Development of Zebrafish

Chnyrenkova, Alexandra 106X12 The Effect of Fire Resistant Clothing on Growth and Regeneration of Planaria

Chohan, Mohammad 805T11 Effect of microplastics on Brine Shrimp

Chowdhury, Abhilasha 1603T12 The Effect of Acyl-Homoserine Lactonase on the Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm

Cifuentes, Camila 203X12 Technology’s Effect on Perceiving Emotions Based on Gender and Age

Clark, Madelyn 404T12 The Effect of Antioxidants on Oxidative Stress Levels in C. elegans as it relates to Alzheimer’s Disease

Clear, Morgan 1403T12 The Effects of Various Types of Materials on Wireless Internet Connectivity

Copeland, Caitleen 504X12 The Effect of Nicotine on Learning Ability in Drosophila Larvae

Crawford, Marykate 404T12 The Effect of Antioxidants on Oxidative Stress Levels in C. elegans as it relates to Alzheimer’s Disease

Curran, Amber Lee 302T12 The Optimization of Blood Purification in Hemodialysis Through Various Tests on the Chemical Compositions and Concentrations of Dialysate Solutions

Dawar, Sonali 107T12 The Effect of Activated Carbon and Pesticide on Fruit Flies

Dawson, Samuel 2002X10 Gear Up: An App for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Desai, Shaalini 303T10 The Comparison Between Different Herbs and Spices Containing Phenolic Compounds on Inhibition of Amylase: A Study for Type 2 Diabetes

Deshpande, Aatmika 303T10 The Comparison Between Different Herbs and Spices Containing Phenolic Compounds on Inhibition of Amylase: A Study for Type 2 Diabetes

Dessai, Soham 601X11 The Use of the Alternated Soaking Process to Create a Chitin- Goethite Nanocomposite Optimized in Tensile Strength

Diallo, Inusah 806X12 The Effects of Iron Fertilization on Dissolved Oxygen Levels in Aquatic Environments

Donovan, Megan 1302X12 Fog Harvesting as a Source of Clean Water in Developing Countries

Edwards, Austin 807X12 The Effect of Turf Crumb Rubber on the Health of Freshwater Ecosystems

El Fawal, Nadine 1603T12 The Effect of Acyl-Homoserine Lactonase on the Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm

Elfiky, Shadden 1604T12 The Effect of Natural versus Artificial Antibiotics on Bacterial Resistance

Enriquez, Kyle 405X12 Preventing Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas fluorescens Infection and Growth Using Fungal Volatile Organic Compounds with and without Lactobacillus acidophilus

Escalante, Mariana 302T12 The Optimization of Blood Purification in Hemodialysis Through Various Tests on the Chemical Compositions and Concentrations of Dialysate Solutions

Estrada, Katiana 1604T12 The Effect of Natural versus Artificial Antibiotics on Bacterial Resistance

Ezera, Nnenna 1803X12 Processing Methods for Reducing Cyanide Poisoning Due to Cassava Consumption

Faheem, Hashir 1202T12 Rocket Fin Analysis

Fazekas, Andrew 102T12 Determining Whether Drosophila (fruit flies) Have an Innate or Acquired Feeding Behavior

Fox, Sydney 406T12 The Impact of Nanoparticle Toxicity on Danio rerio Neural Development and Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Reversing the Gross Effects on Fetal

Development

Franklin, Rachel 1804T12 The Effects of Biofertilizers on the Accumulation of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) in Saintpaulia ionantha

Fuhrmann, Emily 407T12 The Effect of Aspartame on the Neurological Condition of C. elegans

Gajjala, Akhil 701X09 Using Bioinformatics to Find Out which Individuals are Resistant to the SARS Virus

Galicia Ortiz, Gerson 108T12 The Preference of Pogonomyrmex barbatus: Home or Utopian Colonies

Gallagher, Brendan 1001X12 Exploring the Possibility of Using “Green” Nanoparticle Synthesis Methods to Catalyze Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Ganta, Nihant 808T09 The Effect of Cornmeal Based Solution on the Growth of Didymosphenia geminate

Geier, Devin 408X12 The Correlation between a human gut bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, and commonly ingested chemicals: in synergy with a probiotic.

Giles, Kendra 1303T12 Mealworms vs. Waxworms on Plastic Consumption

Gladish, Erin 409T12 The Effect of Nanoparticles in Sunscreen on C. elegans Growth Inhibition

Glass, Alexa 1805T12 Microbial Fermentation to Produce Bio-Agricultural Products

Gnatowski, Emma 410X12 The Development of a Transdermal Drug Delivery System Derived from Bombyx mori

Goel, Deepak 805T11 Effect of microplastics on Brine Shrimp

Gollapally, Lalitha 505X12 The Effect of a Nanoparticle Antibody Conjugate on a Cancerous and Healthy Cell Line

Gorrela, Meghna 1605T12 Investigating the Bactericidal Efficiency of Different Arrangements of Nanopillars Found on Insect Wings

Gravallese, Tara Maire 809X12 The Effect of Golf Course Fungicide Runoff on the Macroinvertebrate Community Structure of Streams in Loudoun County, Virginia

Guardado Ayala, Ashley 1806T10 Water Quality

Gundamraj, Athreya 1701X12 GWASER Creation Through The Synchronized Collapse Of Multiple, Aligned Co-orbital Systems

Gupte, Sanika 301T10 The Effect of Artificial Sweeteners on a Model of the Digestive System

Haeff, Nicholas 204X12 Investigating the Movement of Suspected Gang Crime in Northern Virginia

Hakins, Amanda 602X11 The Effect and Cost Efficiency of Natural and Chemical Pesticides and Repellants on Formicides (Ants)

Hang, Rebecca 109T12 The Effect of Ultraviolet Light on Various Life Forms and Their Offspring With the Consumption of Different Types of Antioxidants

Harrigan, Colin 1702X12 A Comparison of the Spectra of 50 Random Stars to the Spectra of the Sun

Hasan, Mahpara 1804T12 The Effects of Biofertilizers on the Accumulation of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) in Saintpaulia ionantha

Hawk, Jocelyn 110X12 The Effect of Temperature on the Rate of Filtration of Chesapeake Bay Oysters

Heivilin, Donna 1101T12 The Women, the Myth, the Engine: The Effect of Alternative Fuel Solutions on the Cleanliness of the Exhaust Produced by a GEET Plasma Engine

Helmann, Jacob 1901X12 High-Strength Artificial Polymer Muscles

Hemby, Abigail 1902T12 Use of UAVs for Field Trial Analysis of Nursery Crops

Hernandez, Natalie 506T11 Do Labels Tell You the Truth About Genetically Modified Products?

Hineman, Travis 1902T12 Use of UAVs for Field Trial Analysis of Nursery Crops

Hollatz, Rachel 1303T12 Mealworms vs. Waxworms on Plastic Consumption

Hong, Sunwoo 1606T12 Investigating the Inhibitory Effects of Bioflavonoids on Escherichia coli UV-Induced SOS Response System

Humpton, Andrew 1404X12 Synthesis of Zinc Selenide Quantum Dots via Lumbricus Detoxification Pathways

Ilavala, Suraj 1607X12 Decreasing Dimorphic Fungal Pathogenicity via Phenazine Exposure

Jadhav, Aditi 810T09 The Effect of Different Filters on the Amount of Microbeads that Enter Waterways

Jain, Bharut 1501X12 Modifications for the Quantum Analog of the Monte Carlo Simulation

Jamal, Rida 810T09 The Effect of Different Filters on the Amount of Microbeads that Enter Waterways

Janney, Susanna 205X12 The Negative Effects of Technology on Sleep Patterns

Johnson, Alexander 206T12 The Effect Of Delay between Traumatic Events on the Expression of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Like Symptoms Using Drosophila melanogaster as a Model Organism

Juan, Hui Yu 1101T12 The Women, the Myth, the Engine: The Effect of Alternative Fuel Solutions on the Cleanliness of the Exhaust Produced by a GEET Plasma Engine

Kala, Simran 411X12 The Efficacy of Using Lemna minor as a Mammalian Model Replacement in Medical Research

Kalvakota, Sahithi 412T12 The Effect of Vitamin D and Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Serotonin Levels in the Model Organism Drosophila melanogaster

Kane, Lauren 207X12 Flow Analysis of Crowds Movement: Mapping Safer Egress and Regress

Kang, Seoyoung 603T12 Synthesis of Multifunctional Nanoparticles to Induce Hydrophobicity and Antibacterial Properties on the Surface of Packaging Materials

Kanugula, Pratyush 1405T10 The Effect of Chitosan Concentration on Localized Bio Gel Drug Delivery involving Tumor Suppression

Kasavaraju, Megana 304X10 The Effect of Magnesium, Aluminum and Calcium Based Anti-acids in Protein Digestion

Kerr, Jonathan 1203X11 Identifying Characteristics of Buildings that Indicate Seismic Vulnerability Using Satellite Images

Kim, Grant 1204X12 Determining Stress Strain Curves of Three-Dimensionally Printed Materials and Their Infill Patterns

Kircher, Hope 111X12 The Effect Of The Volume Level Of Anthropogenic Sound On The Heart Rate Of Daphnia

Kirk, Connor 604X12 Effect of Bicarbonate Salts on the Growth Rate of P. Itallicum

Klimavicz, Alexander 811X11 Analyzing Histogram Values of Pictures to Quantify Air Pollution

Knoell, Alexa 305X12 Detecting GMO’s in DNA of Alfalfa Hay Using Electrophoresis and PCR

Knowles, Valerie 112X11 Genetically Modifying Zooxanthellae Algae to Prevent Coral Bleaching

Knudson, Anwen 804T12 Poison Down the Drain: The Effect of Triclosan Concentration on Daphnia magna heart rate

Kochi, Sudiksha 1802T09 What is the Effect of Antifreeze Carbohydrates on Bonnie spinach and Brussel sprouts?

Kondaka, Akhila 109T12 The Effect of Ultraviolet Light on Various Life Forms and Their Offspring With the Consumption of Different Types of Antioxidants

Kulkarni, Varun 413X10 Creating a Cost-Effective Polymerase Chain Reaction Machine

Kumar, Mehr 1304T12 Determining the Potential Secondary Impacts Associated with Microorganismal Biodegradation of Microplastics in the Marine Environment

Kuncham, Malvika 812T11 Combating the Algae Blooms in the Chesapeake Bay Using the Photosynthesis Inhibiting Toxin of the Bacteria Vibrio shilonii

Kundala, Vaishanavi 2003X12 FreshFood - Tracking Food Usage to Reduce Waste

Licht, Gadi 2004X12 A new synergistic Scatter/Transform Hybrid Cloak

Lohr, Sean 1002X11 Using C4 and Invasive Plant Species as a Source of Second Generation Biofuels

Long, Lindsey 1305X11 The Effect of Riparian Buffer Zones on Macroinvertebrates

Lu, Jasmine 306X12 Assessing Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Colon Cancer

Magnelia, John 813X12 Fertilizer Runoff At 1757 Golf Club

Magoffin, Molly 1605T12 Investigating the Bactericidal Efficiency of Different Arrangements of Nanopillars Found on Insect Wings

Maheshwari, Shubhi 507T11 The Effects of Non-Ionizing Radiation on Escherichia coli Bacteria

Malhotra, Richa 403T12 The Effect of Natural Anticoagulants on Limulus polyphemus' Coagulation System

Mamrol, Derek 1205X12 The Effect of Wing Surface Modifications on Elliptical Wing Stall at Different Angles of Attack

Manalel, Jerin 1306X12 Using Excess Woodshop Materials for Oil Reclamation

Manero, Elizabeth 1307X12 Effect of Plodia interpunctella larvae and associated enzymes on the biodegradation of polyethylene plastics

Melton, Rachel 814X12 The Effect of Sea Surface Temperatures on Aggression in Sharks

Michel, Pamela 414T12 The Effect of Curcumin on Memory Retention of C. elegans

Min, Yeojin 603T12 Synthesis of Multifunctional Nanoparticles to Induce Hydrophobicity and Antibacterial Properties on the Surface of Packaging Materials

Modest, Keily 1805T12 Microbial Fermentation to Produce Bio-Agricultural Products

Montano Arias, Louis 113X12 Enhancing Survival via Self-medication in Drosophila melanogaster

Morrell, Trenton 1102T12 The Effects of Different Wire types in Permanent Magnet Motors

Morrical, Shannon 508X12 Comparing the Effects of Enzymatic and Supplemental Antioxidants on Telomere Length

Mueller, Adam 815X12 Potomac River Tunnel Project

Munno, Lauren 1807X11 The Relationship Between Endomycorrhizal Inoculant and Calcium Nitrate on the Effect of Crop Yield of Brassica oleracea var acephala (Red Russian Kale)

Naidu, Gautam 1202T12 Rocket Fin Analysis

Nekic, Matthew 1102T12 The Effects of Different Wire types in Permanent Magnet Motors

Nelson, Alexis 101T12 The Effects of Illicit Substances on Growth Rate Development of Blowflies in Rabbits

Nguyen, Kevin 1606T12 Investigating the Inhibitory Effects of Bioflavonoids on Escherichia coli UV-Induced SOS Response System

Nilak, Joelle 1808T09 Development of a Kale and Lettuce Hybrid by Protoplast Fusion

Nilsson, Megan 1502X12 Application of Turing equations to the Analysis of Gastropod Pigment Production

Nusrat, Nikhat 415T12 The Effect of Edelfosine on the Growth of C. elegans

Nutwell, Julia 105T12 The Relative Determination of Decomposition Rates of Cadavers in Various Salinities

Oswald, Matthew 816X12 East Coast Beach Erosion

Pamula, Raghava 1003X12 Optimizing Hydrogen Production of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Using Titanium (IV) Oxide Encapsulation

Panyam, Anoop 817T10 Water Quality of the Broad Run River

Parekh, Manav 702X12 The Effect of Nephila clavipes Spider Silk on the Regeneration of the Distributed Nervous System in a Heterometrus longimanus

Patel, Neejole 2005X12 Testing the Broken Windows Theory using DC Crime and Services Request Data

Patino Rosales, Natalia 506T11 Do Labels Tell You the Truth About Genetically Modified Products?

Pearson, Bryce 114T12 The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide Rich Foods on Fungus Infected Ant Colonies

Pendurthi, Apoorva 1406X12 Viscosity, thermal and electrical conductivity of Iron Oxide nanoparticles dispersed in polyethylene glycol

Pontius, Wyatt 1407X12 Reinventing The Leaf: A Novel Biohybrid Photosynthetic System

Poore, Kender 1608T12 The Effect of Copper as an Antimicrobial on Various Types of Bacteria

Prakash, Jeevna 812T11 Combating the Algae Blooms in the Chesapeake Bay Using the Photosynthesis Inhibiting Toxin of the Bacteria Vibrio shilonii

Pritchard, Connor 502T12 RNA Interference of the hex-1 Gene in C. elegans using Custom RNA Oligos

Puccio, Elena 818X12 Utilizing Dinoflagellate Bioluminescence to Facilitate Continuous Algal Photosynthesis at Various Temperatures

Puller, Gabrielle 409T12 The Effect of Nanoparticles in Sunscreen on C. elegans Growth Inhibition

Punit, Prachi 208X12 An Exploration of Crystallized Intelligence via Memory Recall

Raman, Aayush 115T11 The Effect of Sublethal Exposure of the Pyrethroid Insecticide Cyfluthrin on Interspecies Aggression and Predation of the Model Organism Lycosidae (Wolf Spider)

Renner, Emma 1408X12 3D Sand Printed Martian Aeroponics System

Rizzo, Julia 1609X10 The Effect of Disinfectant on the Growth of Bacteria

Rodriguez, Alexander 1206X10 Fully Portable Electromagnetic Load Movement Prototype

Rodriguez-Vasquez, Kelly 1308X12 Stabilization of Soil Using Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Coir Mats: A Solution for Loess Plateau Erosion

Rohner, Brennah 415T12 The Effect of Edelfosine on the Growth of C. elegans

Rosales, Clay 1608T12 The Effect of Copper as an Antimicrobial on Various Types of Bacteria

Rubright, Marie 819X12 The Effects of Human Pollutants on the Growth Rate of Sargassum Seaweed

Rybka, Vladyslava 416T12 The Mechanism of Anti-Cancer Drug Docetaxel

Salinas, Luis 407T12 The Effect of Aspartame on the Neurological Condition of C. elegans

Salvatore, Megan 605T12 Identification of Optimal pH for Luminol Chemiluminescence

Samineni, Pranav 1402T09 Effect of Polyacrylaminde Alginate beads for Use as Micro Reactors

Sandefer, Alyssa 417X11 Investigating The Effect of the Drosophila melanogaster Sleep Mutation Fumin on Susceptibility to Oral Infection by Serratia marcescens

Sarnaik, Kunaal 115T11 The Effect of Sublethal Exposure of the Pyrethroid Insecticide Cyfluthrin on Interspecies Aggression and Predation of the Model Organism Lycosidae (Wolf Spider)

Sayed, Iman 507T11 The Effects of Non-Ionizing Radiation on Escherichia coli Bacteria

Schloer, Gwyneth 1809X10 The Effect of Varying Frequencies and Durations of Light on Plant Growth under Simulated Microgravity

Seshadri, Vikram 406T12 The Impact of Nanoparticle Toxicity on Danio rerio Neural Development and Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Reversing the Gross Effects on Fetal Development

Shah, Alay 1810T11 Increasing the Photosynthetic Efficiency of Chlorella vulgaris Algae Using Doped

Zinc Sulfide Nanoparticles

Sharifi, Sabrina 1808T09 Development of a Kale and Lettuce Hybrid by Protoplast Fusion

Shields, Charlie 1401T12 An Alternative Gait-Enhanced Design of an Orthopaedic Mobile Brace

Sidhu, Uday 817T10 Water Quality of the Broad Run River

Singh, Shrayanshu 1004X12 The Effect of Environmental Stress on Oil Production of Nannochloropsis oculata Algae

Singh, Surbhi 606X12 The Effect on Photocatalytic Efficiency of Changing the Ratio of ZnO and SnO2 in Nanoparticles for the Purification of Water

Smagh, Willem 1703X12 Flat versus Banked Tracks

Smith, Cameron 1207X12 The Effect of Headlight Bulb Type on Driver's Visibility

Smith, Emma 116X11 The Effects of Aluminum on Brine Shrimp

Smith, Lauren 117X12 A More Ecological Approach to Preventing the Airborne Spread of Bordetella bronchiseptica

Snakard, Angela 1503T12 What Influences Student Achievement? A Look into the Correlation between Average SAT Score by State and Various Factors: Expenditures per Pupil, Class Size, and Political Affiliation.

Solini, Grace 418X12 Blue Light Interference of Melatonin: a Sleep Disruptor

Speroni, James 103T12 The Effect of Octopamine on Aggression of Acheta Domesticus on the Cricket Community

Srivatsan, Siddharth 2006X12 Applying Time-Bin Encoding to the Quantum Fourier Transform for Breaking Data Encryption

Stefano, Joseph 703X12 Testing the Relationship Between Intermittent UVa Irradiation and Cancer Development in D. melanogaster

Sterling, Charles 206T12 The Effect Of Delay between Traumatic Events on the Expression of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Like Symptoms Using Drosophila melanogaster as a Model Organism

Sumathipala, Marissa 509X10 FOXO Transcription Factor: A Novel Therapeutic for Cardiometabolic Disease

Sunkara, Sameera 412T12 The Effect of Vitamin D and Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Serotonin Levels in the Model Organism Drosophila melanogaster

Surineni, Rithika 1610T12 Influence of the Antibacterial Properties in Cockrach and Locust Neural Tissue on e-Coli

Tarro, Hannah 1811X12 The Identification of Optimal Viticulture Sites via the use of Geospatial Technology

Tattersall, William 820X12 Northern Snakehead Correlation of Water Quality

Tavakolian, Tara 107T12 The Effect of Activated Carbon and Pesticide on Fruit Flies

Taylor, Ellison 419T12 The Relationship Between Strike Angle when Running and a History of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

Taylor, Ryan 1005T12 An Investigation of Exoelectrogenic Microbial Communities and the Effect of pH on the Performance of a Microbial Fuel Cell

Thornton, Antonina 1503T12 What Influences Student Achievement? A Look into the Correlation between Average SAT Score by State and Various Factors: Expenditures per Pupil, Class Size, and Political Affiliation.

Traenkle, Matthew 1810T11 Increasing the Photosynthetic Efficiency of Chlorella vulgaris Algae Using Doped Zinc Sulfide Nanoparticles

Tran Le, Minh-Tam 1005T12 An Investigation of Exoelectrogenic Microbial Communities and the Effect of pH on the Performance of a Microbial Fuel Cell

Turker, Jeyda 414T12 The Effect of Curcumin on Memory Retention of C. elegans

Turner, Jacob 1006X12 Viability of Water Hyacinth in the Production of Ethanol

Turnicky, Bailey 821X12 The Effects of Ocean Acidification on Crab and Clam Shells

Upadhyay, Deven 1405T10 The Effect of Chitosan Concentration on Localized Bio Gel Drug Delivery involving Tumor Suppression

Veselov, Aleksey 416T12 The Mechanism of Anti-Cancer Drug Docetaxel

Vigil, Nathan 605T12 Identification of Optimal pH for Luminol Chemiluminescence

Virk, Ranjit 1611X12 The Efficacy of the Use of Copper as a Method to Reduce Nosocomial Fungal Infections

Warner, Hana 419T12 The Relationship Between Strike Angle when Running and a History of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

Washington, Miya 108T12 The Preference of Pogonomyrmex barbatus: Home or Utopian Colonies

Waters, Heather 118X12 Evaluating the Existence of False Positives in the Classical Conditioning of the Parasitic Wasp Nasonia vitripennis as a Cancer Detection Method

Watts, Abigail 307X12 The Use of Burdock Root as a Natural Treatment to Alcoholic Liver Damage

Wech, Spencer 1403T12 The Effects of Various Types of Materials on Wireless Internet Connectivity

Westerlund, Nicholas 808T09 The Effect of Cornmeal Based Solution on the Growth of Didymosphenia geminate

Whelan, Donal 114T12 The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide Rich Foods on Fungus Infected Ant Colonies

Whitehill, Jennah 420X11 Investigating Antidepressants as a Potential Treatment for Concussions

Wimberly, Jessica 704X12 Analysis of the Phylogenetic Basis of the Evolution of Plancitoxin I in Acanthaster planci (Crown-of-Thorns Starfish)

Xie, April 1304T12 Determining the Potential Secondary Impacts Associated with Microorganismal Biodegradation of Microplastics in the Marine Environment

Yadhla, Sumadhavika 1610T12 Influence of the Antibacterial Properties in Cockrach and Locust Neural Tissue on e-Coli

Zapata, Bryan 1612X10 Dissection of DNA

Zargham, Donya 1309X12 Heavy-oil Displacement via Circular Capillary Tubes in Respect to Oil-spill Cleanup in Large Bodies of Saltwater

Zelaya Amaya, Yassy 1806T10 Water Quality

Animal Sciences (100)

Project No. Last Name, First Name Title

101T12 Arens, Stephanie Nelson, Alexis

The Effects of Illicit Substances on Growth Rate Development of Blowflies in Rabbits

102T12 Atkins, Carter Fazekas, Andrew

Determining Whether Drosophila (fruit flies) Have an Innate or Acquired Feeding Behavior

103T12 Bravo, Jorge Speroni, James

The Effect of Octopamine on Aggression of Acheta Domesticus on the Cricket Community

104X12 Carney, Ashley Enzymatic Digestion of Cryptocaryon irritans’ Exoskelton: A Cure for Ich

105T12 Chavali, Nikith Nutwell, Julia

The Relative Determination of Decomposition Rates of Cadavers in Various Salinities

106X12 Chnyrenkova, Alexandra The Effect of Fire Resistant Clothing on Growth and Regeneration of Planaria

107T12 Dawar, Sonali Tavakolian, Tara

The Effect of Activated Carbon and Pesticide on Fruit Flies

108T12 Galicia Ortiz, Gerson Washington, Miya

The Preference of Pogonomyrmex barbatus: Home or Utopian Colonies

109T12 Hang, Rebecca Kondaka, Akhila

The Effect of Ultraviolet Light on Various Life Forms and Their Offspring With the Consumption of Different Types of Antioxidants

110X12 Hawk, Jocelyn The Effect of Temperature on the Rate of Filtration of Chesapeake Bay Oysters

111X12 Kircher, Hope The Effect Of The Volume Level Of Anthropogenic Sound On The Heart Rate Of Daphnia

112X11 Knowles, Valerie Genetically Modifying Zooxanthellae Algae to Prevent Coral Bleaching

113X12 Montano Arias, Louis Enhancing Survival via Self-medication in Drosophila melanogaster

114T12 Pearson, Bryce Whelan, Donal

The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide Rich Foods on Fungus Infected Ant Colonies

115T11 Raman, Aayush Sarnaik, Kunaal

The Effect of Sublethal Exposure of the Pyrethroid Insecticide Cyfluthrin on Interspecies Aggression and Predation of the Model Organism Lycosidae (Wolf Spider)

116X11 Smith, Emma The Effects of Aluminum on Brine Shrimp

117X12 Smith, Lauren A More Ecological Approach to Preventing the Airborne Spread of Bordetella bronchiseptica

118X12 Waters, Heather Evaluating the Existence of False Positives in the Classical Conditioning of the Parasitic Wasp Nasonia vitripennis as a Cancer Detection Method

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101T12

Animal Sciences 100

LCPS RSEF OFFICIAL ABSTRACT - 2016

The Effects of Illicit Substances on Growth Rate Development of Blowflies in Rabbits

Stephanie Arens

Alexis Nelson

The purpose of this research was to investigate if insects colonized on corpses have a modified growth rate due to the presence of illicit substances taken by the deceased. Then, an analysis of that same growth rate was performed to determine if this provided a more precise cause and time of death. Determining the presence of an illicit substance such as morphine or tramadol is considered highly important as the nation is currently in a drug abuse crisis and these illicit substances could directly affecting the postmortem interval (PMI), skewing traditional time of death. This project focused on the growth stage of the Lucilia sericata in relation to the PMI and concentration of illicit substance found in the deceased. With the understanding of entomotoxicology methods, field data of a previous experiment was analyzed. In that experiment, rabbits were administered different amounts of illicit substances, all dosages known to have been fatal for humans, except for R0, which contained no illicit substance. Temperature, a known variable in entomology, was kept carefully controlled as was the weight of the rabbits. The insect studied was then deposited in the eyes, ears, and mouth of the rabbits. Each day, larvae were sampled and measured for growth using both length and width; and the mean value was used for the growth curve. Statistical analysis tests such as the ANOVA and Student T-test were used to determine significant differences between the treatment groups. From the experiments analysis, the determination supported the hypothesis that the presence of drugs does in fact affect growth rate development of insects; therefore, providing forensic scientists a more efficient method of determining if the deceased was under the influence of an illicit substance at or near the time of death. Makemer, H. M., El-Samad, L. M., & El-Moaty, Z. A. (2011). Effects of Tramadol on the Development of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Detection of the Drug Concentration in Postmortem Rabbit Tissues and Larvae. Journal of Entomology J. of Entomology, 8(4), 353-364. Retrieved November 11, 2015. Bourel, B., Hédouin, V., Martin-Bouyer, L., Bécart, A., Tournel, G., Deveaux, M., & Gosset, D. (1999). Effects of morphine in decomposing bodies on the development of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae). J Forensic Sci, 44(2), 354-8. Retrieved November 11, 2015.

I/We hereby certify that the above statements are correct and the information provided in the Abstract is the result of one year's research. I/We also attest that the above properly reflects my/our own work (digitally signed).

102T12

Animal Sciences 100


Determining Whether Drosophila (fruit flies) Have an Innate or Acquired Feeding Behavior

Carter Atkins

Andrew Fazekas

We don’t know whether or not if the feeding behavior of insects is an innate or an acquired trait. We do know that insects have the ability to balance their diet, but we want to find out whether or not their feeding behavior can be influenced to understand if it is an acquired trait or an innate trait. Our hypothesis is; if we make Drosophila (fruit fly) cultures deficient in various medium groups then offer them multiple medium groups to eat including the medium group they are deficient in then, the Drosophila will eat more of the medium that they are deficient in suggesting that they have an acquired trait. We created three Drosophila cultures of each medium, formula 4-24 medium, high protein medium, and high sugar medium. Then we gave each culture the choice of all three mediums to determine whether they have an innate or acquired feeding behavior. We observed that many of the base cultures have clustered around the protein and base medium. The sugar cultures have also clustered around the protein medium. The protein cultures have not been tested yet as many of them developed mold and caused the Drosophila to die. The sugar Drosophila trials primarily ate the high protein medium suggesting that they have an innate trait to correct their diet. However, the base Drosophila also primarily ate the protein medium which suggests that they may be just attracted to the protein medium. Grimm, Eleanor R and Nanette I Steinle. Genetics of Eating Behavior: Established and Emerging Concepts. Abstract. Baltimore: University of Maryland School of Medicine, 2012. Web Document. Hadley, Deborah. "Can Insects Learn?" n.d. About Education. Web Document. 27 October 2015. Stocker, Hugo and Peter Gallant. An Overview on Raising and Handling Drosophila. Abstract. Zurich, n.d. Web Document.


103T12

Animal Sciences 100


The Effect of Octopamine on Aggression of Acheta Domesticus on the Cricket Community

Jorge Bravo

James Speroni

The main purpose of the experiment is to test the effect of Octopamine on the aggression of crickets in their own community. The experiments being performed will consist of one-on-one interactions, isolation of crickets to test cannibalism, and the effect of octopamine when starving crickets are released into a community of crickets with food. 250 crickets of the Acheta domesticus were experimented on. For the three experiments performed, the independent variable was the octopamine injected, while the dependent variable was aggression observed. Control was crickets without octopamine injections. Crickets were anesthetized, then injected, then isolated until experiment was peformed. The crickets did not demonstrate any aggressive behavior, so there were results. There was also almost no difference between the behavior as the experimental and control groups behavior. The hypothesis that if octopamine was injected into Acheta domesticus then the crickets would become more aggressive in several settings. This hypothesis was not proven, and there was no proven link between octopamine and aggression. The lack of results show major error in the experiment. For example, the Acheta domesticus is a very non-aggressive cricket, and the Gryllus bimacaltus would have been much better to observe aggression. Further research could be done on the Gryluss bimacaltus, in which is much better to observe to aggression. More research could also be done in giving larger doses to either species of crickets. Also, more research could be done in mixing in chemicals such as chlordimeform, which are known to complement octopamine. Adamo, S., Linn, C., & Hoy, R. (1995). The role of neurohormonal octopamine during 'fight or flight' behaviour in the field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. | Company Of Biologists. Retrieved October 15, 2015, from http://jeb.biologists.org/content/198/8/1691.short Bateman, P. (2006, March 3). Courtship and copulation, but not ejaculates, reduce the longevity of female field crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus). Retrieved October 23, 2015, from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-7998.2006.00054.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage= Chuan, Z., Rao, Y., & Rao, Y. (2008, August 1). A subset of octopaminergic neurons are important for Drosophila aggression. Retrieved October 15, 2015, from http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/v11/n9/full/nn.2164.html


104X12

Animal Sciences 100


Enzymatic Digestion of Cryptocaryon irritans’ Exoskelton: A Cure for Ich

Ashley Carney

Cryptocaryon irritans is a prevalent marine parasite that infects fish. It causes fish to loose color, have trouble breathing, and refuse to eat. These symptoms can quickly lead to the death of the fish. One parasite can reproduce and infect every fish in an aquarium. The purpose of this research was to determine if protease and/or trypsin enzymes can be used to kill Cryptocaryon irritans by breaking down the exoskeleton of the parasite. Cryptocaryon irritans was taken in the free swimming theront and trophont stages from an aquarium with infected fish. The parasites were placed in jars with saltwater in a temperature controlled environment. In each trial, a control jar had nothing added, protease enzymes were added to the second water sample, trypsin enzymes were added to a third sample and protease and trypsin enzymes were added to the fourth sample. The jars were left 24 hours and the number of living Cryptocaryon irritans parasites in each sample was counted. It was determined that trypsin was the most effective at killing the parasites. Protease was also effective while the application of protease and trypsin together were alsoeffective. Additional research regarding dosages needs to be conducted before the enzymes are used as a treatment for infected fish. It is supposed that enzymes could be the future of curing marine fish of Cryptocaryon irritans. Raabe, C. "Cryptocaryon Irritans." Cdmas. June 15, 2015. Accessed September 17, 2015. Watson, B. "Marine Ich." Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine, July 1, 2009. Yanong, R. "Cryptocaryon Irritans Infections in Fish." University of Florida EDIS. May 1, 2014. Accessed September 18, 2015. http://union.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/MARINE WHITE SPOT DISEASE IN FISH.pdf.


105T12

Animal Sciences 100


The Relative Determination of Decomposition Rates of Cadavers in Various Salinities

Nikith Chavali

Julia Nutwell

Decomposition rates of human cadavers serve as a missing piece in the forensic community. These types of experiments have minimal data and difficulty with controls when dealing with varying salinity and potential harsh weather conditions. Due to the effects of external conditions, such as snow or excessive rain, the data a research facility can acquire will fluctuate from experiment to experiment. The purpose of this study is to determine if the fluctuations and climate changes correlate in a manner that allows a determination of the relative decomposition rate in a temperate location such as Loudoun County, Virginia. This experiment involves using secondary data from pig cadavers that has been acquired from various experiments. This data has been selected because the tissue very closely resembles that of the human, both anatomically and molecularly. The analysis involves examination of weather conditions and the controls used to protect the cadavers while still allowing some form of natural decomposition to occur. Future experimentation should include analysis of decomposition rates in natural disasters to allow for more accurate postmortem interval determination. Brendan Borrell. "How Long Do Dead Bodies Remain Intact in the Ocean?" Scientific American Blog Network. 10 June 2009. Web. 18 Feb. 2016. Ian Murnaghan. "Forensics in the Water." Forensics in the Water. 25 Dec. 2015. Web. 18 Feb. 2016. Laura E. Ayers. "Differential Decomposition in Terrestrial, Freshwater, and Saltwater Environments: A Pilot Study." Differential Decomposition in Terrestrial, Freshwater, and Saltwater Environments: A Pilot Study. 01 May 2010. Web. 18 Feb. 2016.


106X12

Animal Sciences 100


The Effect of Fire Resistant Clothing on Growth and Regeneration of Planaria

Alexandra Chnyrenkova

Placing fire resistant baby clothing in water with a cut planaria to see the effects of fire resistant chemicals on planaria growth and regeneration. This may provide insight into the effect of fire resistant clothing on child growth and development. The chemicals or polyester fibers may decompose to create harmful residue that will slow the regeneration. This experiment is set to observe the regeneration and the difference of with and without fireproof clothing, and to transfer these results to child development. Spring water from planaria was distributed into five glass cups, pieces of clothing sleeve into the water of four of the cups. Let stand for 12 hours. The planaria were cut directly below the head, 4 planaria per cup. The planaria was observed twice a day (morning and evening) starting the second day. Record activity level, eye presence, alive or not, color variations. Pictures were taken until all have eyes. The analysis the data was done by recording in how many days/ hours the planaria regrew eyes and averaging the four in the plate, as well as their behavior. The hypothesis was rejected since the planaria with the fire resistant clothing had an accelerated regeneration time. This experiment is being repeated. Classroom Activities: Planaria Regeneration Activity | HHMI's BioInteractive. (n.d.). Retrieved February 01, 2016, from http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/classroom-activities-planaria-regeneration-activity (n.d.). Retrieved February 02, 2016, from http://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/accumulating-glitches/unravelling_regeneratiohttp://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/accumulating-glitches/unravelling_regeneration_in_planarian_in_planaria Adell, T., Cebrià, F., & Saló, E. (n.d.). Gradients in Planarian Regeneration and Homeostasis. Retrieved February 27, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2827897/


107T12

Animal Sciences 100


The Effect of Activated Carbon and Pesticide on Fruit Flies

Sonali Dawar

Tara Tavakolian

Some pesticides do more than just kill bugs. Some destroy the surrounding environment and can cause problems with the human immune system if inhaled. Activated carbon is known to be a sponge for different chemicals such as the active ingredients found in a majority of pesticides. To test if activated carbon can absorb the active ingredient bifenthrin in pesticide, testing chambers made of water bottles were used. On either side of the chamber were two cotton balls, one soaked in water and one soaked in pesticide. This setup was used for the control. For the experimental part of the project, one cotton ball was soaked with pesticide and the other was soaked with activated carbon and pesticide mixture. The subjects of the experiment were drosophila or fruit flies. The results for the control were as predicted. All the flies in each trial for the control died as they were attracted to the side with the pesticide. Each trial was timed for 15 minutes, and the number of flies that were alive were recorded every 5 minutes. The results for the experimental trial were that a majority of the flies did not die. The activated carbon did in fact absorb bifenthrin. The hypothesis of the project can be accepted. The activated did absorb the bifenthrin enough that when the drosophila came in contact with the cotton ball that had the activated carbon, they were not harmed. Further research could explore if there is a ratio of activated carbon to pesticide that can still exterminate pests but not harm the surrounding environment. Pingali, P. L., & Roger, P. A. (Eds.). (2012). Impact of pesticides on farmer health and the rice environment (Vol. 7). Springer Science & Business Media. Bansal, R. C., & Goyal, M. (2005). Activated carbon adsorption. CRC press. This journal is about the chemical structure of carbon, and how is changes What are pesticides and how do they work? (2010, May 10). Retrieved October 15, 2015, from http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/pesticides/pestwhatrhow.htm


108T12

Animal Sciences 100


The Preference of Pogonomyrmex barbatus: Home or Utopian Colonies

Gerson Galicia Ortiz

Miya Washington

The purpose of this experiment was to find how ants would react in a situation where they are separated from their home colony and placed in an improved utopian environment, then reunited with their home colony. The independent variable was the ratio of food given to the population. The dependent variable was the number of ants traveling to the utopia over a certain time. The control group was ants in a colony with the same amount of food as the utopian colony. This experiment used Pogonomyrmex barbatus (red harvester) worker ants. The ants were put into containers for a month and were fed every few days. After a month, five ants were separated into a different colony and were fed every other day for three days. On the fourth day, the two colonies were reunited. The hypothesis, if ants were placed in an improved environment, then the ants would choose the improved environment over their home colony, was not supported because the ants were 88% more likely to return to their home colony. The null hypothesis was accepted because the independent variable did not have an effect on the dependent variable because the p-value from the chi square test was over .95. The error in this project was mold growing in the colonies, ants escaping, and unpredictable schedule changes. Further research could be pursued to study and explore a whole ecosystem with a variety of species rather than just one species.

October 14, 2015, from http://www.ehow.com/about_6162758_happens-queen-ant-dies_.html Latty, T. (2015) Pheromone trail networks in ants. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.researchgate.net/publication/236628824_Keeping_track_of_changes_The_performa nce_of_ant_colonies_in_dynamic_environments Tarnita, C. (2014) Colonisation and competition dynamics can explain incomplete sterilisation parasitism in ant–plant symbioses. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pringle.princeton.edu/files/2014/01/2014-Ecology-Letters-Tarnita.pdf


109T12

Animal Sciences 100


The Effect of Ultraviolet Light on Various Life Forms and Their Offspring With the Consumption of Different Types of Antioxidants

Rebecca Hang

Akhila Kondaka

This project demonstrates the various effects UV rays have on life forms after the consumption of antioxidants. Research has shown that UV rays can cause detrimental and powerful skin cancer. Many antioxidants such as grapes, vitamin E and vitamin C have been known to prevent skin cancer and prevent the spread of it as well. In this experiment, we hypothesize that if fruit flies, cockroaches, and yeast are exposed to grapes, vitamin E, and Vitamin C and then exposed to UV radiation, then the vitamin C will improve the survival rate within the flies. For the cockroaches, vitamin E was beneficial. For the UV stranded yeast, the grapes will prevent the growth of the yeast. The experiment required the use of three different species, fruit flies, cockroaches, and yeast, and three different antioxidants, grapes, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Each yeast specie was equally divided into two sets of four groups to allow for two trials, one with UV stranded yeast and then regular yeast. Each of the four groups were fed the three different antioxidants and the fourth served as the control group. The samples were placed under the UV light one at a time for the same amount of time. Fruit flies, the grapes seems to have increased the survival rate which in turn also produced more offspring than any other antioxidant. The vitamin E showed a slightly lower survival rate than the grapes but higher than normal/the control. The vitamin C demonstrated a reduced survival rate.


110X12

Animal Sciences 100


The Effect of Temperature on the Rate of Filtration of Chesapeake Bay Oysters

Jocelyn Hawk

Oysters are an important part of the Chesapeake Bay, as they help filter the water of algae, dirt, and nitrogen. The effect of temperature on the rates of filtration of these oysters can help predict how pollution in the Chesapeake Bay will change over the seasons. This experiment was conducted to determine the effect water temperature has on the rate of filtration of Chesapeake Bay Oysters. Five tanks were filled with five gallons of water gathered from the Potomac River each. One tank was kept at 20C, one at 24C, two tanks at 28C, and one tank at 32C. Two oysters were placed in all of the tanks except for one of the tanks kept at 28C. Nitrate levels, general hardness, carbonate hardness, and pH were tested every 30 minutes for six hours. The only dependent variable with a noticeable trend was the nitrate level. The warmer the water was, the more quickly the nitrate level seemed to drop. The pH level fluctuated in each tank, and the general and carbonate hardness dropped at approximately the same rate in each tank. The nitrate level in the control tank did not drop. http://chesapeakebay.noaa.gov/oysters/oyster-reefs http://www.cbf.org/about-the-bay/more-than-just-the-bay/creatures-of-the-chesapeake/eastern-oyster http://www.cbf.org/about-the-bay/issues/dead-zones/nitrogen-phosphorus


111X12

Animal Sciences 100


The Effect Of The Volume Level Of Anthropogenic Sound On The Heart Rate Of Daphnia

Hope Kircher

While research proves that high decibel levels of anthropogenic sound, such as naval sonar, have deadly effects on whales, dolphins, fish, and mollusks, it is unknown what effect the sounds have on microscopic organisms. This project studies the effects of varying decibel levels of sound generated by assorted power tools on daphnia, microscopic freshwater organisms, in order to mimic naval sonar and provide information on how oceanic microorganisms are affected. Daphnias’ heart rates, the dependent variable, are recorded after being exposed to one minute of 65-110 db of sound, the independent variable, and then compared to a constant group that was not exposed to anthropogenic sound. The heart rates increased by 27.53 beats per minute on average with each increase of approximately 10 db. My hypothesis “If the intensity of anthropogenic sound, measured in decibels, is increased, the number of heartbeats in daphnia in a minute will also increase, because the ultra sound will put stress on the senses and body systems of the daphnia,” was supported by these results. The overall increase in beats per minute shows that naval sonar, which reaches levels of 240 db, would give daphnia heart rates of approximately 753.59 beats per minute. This extremely fast heart rate prediction indicates that microscopic organisms are currently being maimed and killed by naval sonar. Further research could explore whether saltwater microorganisms are similarly affected and whether naval sonar has the same effect as the power tools that were used to generate the sound for this experiment. Goldbogen, J. A., Southall, B. L., DeRuiter, S. L., Calambokidis, J., Friedlaender, A. S., Hazen, E. L., ... & Tyack, P. L. (2013). Blue whales respond to simulated mid- frequency military sonar. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B: Biological Sciences, 280(1765), 20130657. Popper, A. N., Halvorsen, M. B., Kane, A., Miller, D. L., Smith, M. E., Song, J., ... & Wysocki, L. E. (2007). The effects of high-intensity, low-frequency active sonar on rainbow Stocker, M. (2002). Fish, mollusks and other sea animals' use of sound, and the impact of anthropogenic noise in the marine acoustic environment. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 112(5), 2431.


112X11

Animal Sciences 100


Genetically Modifying Zooxanthellae Algae to Prevent Coral Bleaching

Valerie Knowles

Zooxanthellae algae, found inside corals, leave when the water gets 1-2 °C warmer than the normal temperature, killing the coral. Once the corals are dead, the fish leave in search for a better habitat; fishermen will not have fish to catch, tourists will not visit the coastal towns; and it could cause a global depression. There is a way to genetically modify the algae to be heat resistant. In this experiment, the DNA from Zooxanthellae was extracted by lysing the cells with a buffer made from EDTA, HCL, NaCl, SDS, and Proteinase K. The extracted DNA was barely visible until it was suspended in TE buffer. It was concluded that SDS is a crucial material in extracting the DNA; soap will not work as a replacement. The next research part will include growing Zooxanthellae in intervals of warmer water and then using the method to extract the DNA as stated previously. Then the original sample of algae and the ending sample will be sequenced and then compared to determine the genes that changed due to warmer temperature. The samples will then be sent to GENEWIZ (http://www.genewiz.com/) for DNA sequencing. The sequencing information will be entered into the BLAST database (http://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.g\ov/Blast.cgi) for analysis. Once the gene is located that controls heat tolerance, it will then be isolated and vectored into the DNA of the control Zooxanthellae by Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation. The Zooxanthellae will be genetically modified to be heat resistant; preventing coral bleaching. Berkelmans, R., & Van Oppen, M. J. (2006). The role of zooxanthellae in the thermal tolerance of corals: a ‘nugget of hope’ for coral reefs in an era of climate change. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B: Biological Sciences, 273(1599), 2305-2312. Hoegh-Guldberg, O. (1999). Climate change, coral bleaching and the future of the world's coral reefs. Marine and freshwater research, 50(8), 839-866. Zamoum, T., & Furla, P. (2012). Symbiodinium isolation by NaOH treatment.The Journal of experimental biology, 215(22), 3875-3880.


113X12

Animal Sciences 100


Enhancing Survival via Self-medication in Drosophila melanogaster

Louis Montano Arias

Possessing a high tolerance to alcohol gives Drosophila melanogaster the unique ability to survive. Research has shown that when Drosophila are exposed to parasitic wasps, females lay their eggs in areas of high alcohol content in order to increase offspring survival. While wasps attempting to ear larvae will die due to alcohol consumption, larva survive. The purpose of this research was to determine if such Drosophila behavior is also present when exposed to other external threats. Drosophila were exposed to E.coli, for 24 hours while insects then were transferred to a container which contained two petri dishes. One petri dish contained Drosophila medium and the other contained medium mixed with a 30% alcohol solution. The number of larvae in each dish was recorded after a week and results were compared to the control. It was determined that the threat and exposure to E.coli did not influence the Drosophila to lay their offspring in the alcohol concentration. Further research would include determining what other aspect in Drosophila behavior influences maternal behavior. Kacsoh, B., Lynch, Z., Mortimer, N., & Schlenke, T. (2013, February 22). Fruit Flies Medicate Offspring After Seeing Parasites. Retrieved November 4, 2015. Langley, L. (2013, October 7). Animal Pharm: What Can We Learn From Nature’s Self-Medicators? Retrieved November 6, 2015, from http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2013/10/07/animal-pharm-what-can-we-learn-from-natures-self-medicators/ Shurkin, J. (2015). News Feature: Animals that self-medicate. Retrieved November 6, 2015, from http://www.pnas.org/content/111/49/17339.full


114T12

Animal Sciences 100


The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide Rich Foods on Fungus Infected Ant Colonies

Bryce Pearson

Donal Whelan

Many studies have been performed in order to measure the intelligence of hive insects. They have an ability to act in such a way as to benefit the hive while ignoring individual lives. Members of these species have been observed performing actions that are detrimental to themselves but help the group as a whole. This study set out to demonstrate ant’s ability to do just that: medicate against an infectious disease using a harmful diet choice in order to protect the group. In order to do so, ants were separated into 30 groups of 5 and 15 of those groups were infected with a parasitic fungus. All ants were given a choice between their regular food and food mixed with Hydrogen Peroxide, which is a chemical that is toxic to ants, but kills the fungus. Results were inconclusive, as the ants were dying too quickly from the fungus and from poor laboratory conditions to be meaningfully tested and observed. There were a plethora of sources of error present, from ants that may have already been contaminated with a fungus to other nearby experiments causing side effects in the ants. Further research needs to be done with this experiment in a more professional laboratory with more time, larger samples, and a better supply of ants. Once the original experiment is completed, it would be interesting to see the same type of experiment expanded to other species. Abbott, J. 2014. Self-medication in insects: current evidence and future perspectives. Ecol. Entomol. 39:273–280. Baracchi, D., M. J. F. Brown, and L. Chittka. 2015. Weak and contradictory effects of self-medication with nectar nicotine by parasitized bumblebees. F1000Research 4:1–15. Cremer, S., S. A. O. Armitage, and P. Schmid-Hempel. 2007. Social immunity. Curr. Biol. 17:R693–R702.


115T11

Animal Sciences 100


The Effect of Sublethal Exposure of the Pyrethroid Insecticide Cyfluthrin on Interspecies Aggression and Predation of the Model Organism Lycosidae (Wolf Spider)

Aayush Raman

Kunaal Sarnaik

The purpose of the study was to determine if sublethal exposure to the pyrethroid insecticide, cyfluthrin would induce a change in wolf spider behavior. Using a double blind study, each spider’s behavior was recorded before and after sublethal exposure to 25 uL of 7.5 ug/mL cyfluthrin. Intraspecies aggression was recorded using the mirror test, in which a mirror was placed in front of each spider and responses recorded. Predation was recorded using the prey capture test. There was a significant increase in active tracking with the mirror test and increased visual tracking in the prey capture test (Wilcoxon matched-pairs test, P less than 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in visual tracking, and distance away from the mirror in the mirror test, or active tracking and time to capture in the prey capture test (Wilcoxon matched-pairs test, P greater than 0.05). It appears that single-dose cyfluthrin exposure at this concentration has some effect on wolf spider behavior and could possibly increase aggressive tendencies. Data is pending on repeated exposures. Limitations to the study include the need for a larger group of spiders and repeated exposure. Cyfluthrin has been shown to affect epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels in mice and the prolonged sublethal exposure could promote aggression. The literature suggests that continuous exposure could also increase aggression in humans. In order to further the findings of this experiment, other common household insecticides and model organisms must be tested to see if there is correlation between chronic insecticide exposure and changes in behavior Royauté, R., Buddle, C. M., Vincent, C., & Hawley, D. (2011). Under the influence: sublethal exposure to an insecticide affects personality expression in a jumping spider. Functional Ecology, 29(7), 962. doi: 10.1111/1365-2435.12413 Terçariol, P., & Godinho, A. (2011, March 1). Behavioral effects of acute exposure to the insecticide fipronil. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 99(3), 221-225. doi:10.1016/j.pestbp.2010.12.007 Haynes, K. (1988, January 13). Sublethal effects of neurotoxic insecticides on insect behavior. Annual Review of Entomology, 33, 149-168. doi: 10.1146/annurev.en.33.010188.001053


116X11

Animal Sciences 100


The Effects of Aluminum on Brine Shrimp

Emma Smith

The purpose for this experiment was to measure the effects of aluminum on sea creatures. Acid rain contains high concentrations of aluminum and as it gets into the ocean it can lower the PH level causing the water to become more acidic. To test the effects of aluminum on sea animals, three stations of brine shrimp were set up. Group A had .02 g of Aluminum sulfate, Group B had .01 g of Aluminum Sulfate, and group C had 0.0 g of Aluminum Sulfate. The groups each were given the same amount of food and were at a constant temperature. The brine shrimp with aluminum sulfate had a PH of 6 whereas the control group had a PH of 8. Within the first 48 hours of the experiment almost all the eggs were hatched in group C (control), only 3-5 were hatched in group B (.01 g), and none were hatched in group A (.02 g). 5 days into the experiment the shrimp in group C were thriving and growing; 5-7 more hatched in group B, but about 5-6 were dead; only about 3 were hatched in group A, the rest were in dormant cysts. These trials have shown that overtime aluminum does effect the life span of Brine shrimp. Brewer, P., & Barry, J. (2008, September 1). Rising Acidity in the Ocean: The Other CO 2 Problem. Link- http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/rising-acidity-in-the-ocean/ EPA. (2012, December 4)Effects of Acid Rain - Surface Waters and Aquatic Animals. Link- http://www3.epa.gov/acidrain/effects/surface_water.html University of Utah, The brine shrimp life cycle. (n.d.). Link- http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/gsl/artemia/ This website talked about Brine shrimp life cycles


117X12

Animal Sciences 100


A More Ecological Approach to Preventing the Airborne Spread of Bordetella bronchiseptica

Lauren Smith

This experiment was conducted to find a safe, effective method to prevent the airborne spread of Tracheobronchitis, Kennel Cough, (canines) and Bordetellosis (felines) in a kennel environment. The diseases branch from the bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica (Merck, 1995). To test the method, a model organism, E. Coli K12 was cultured in twelve 9 mL nutrient broth tubes and then mixed in a spray bottle. The liquid bacteria was sprayed through an air flow system onto a petri dish to mimic the dog’s cough. The independent variables included bleach and UVC light. The bleach trials involved spraying a 1:32 bleach to water ratio (shelter protocol) in an air vent after misting bacteria(UC Davis, 2016). The UVC trials incorporated a UVC light in the air vent while bacteria was misted. The control group sent bacteria through the vent without added variables. The results were calculated by recording the colony count of the petri dishes. For trials in the UVC group, none of the petri dishes had bacteria growth. The bleach group included an average colony count of 378.684, and the control had a mean of 1281.12. Data was analyzed using a t-test with control compared to bleach, bleach to UVC, and UVC to control(NCS, 2016). For all three comparisons, p value was less than .05, rejecting the null hypothesis. Thus, all data was significant with little error. As well, results show that UVC is a less toxic and more effective airborne bacteria elimination method than bleach. This experiment can be further examined by testing the same process on Bordetella bronchiseptica rather than a model organism. In addition, it could be further tested in animal kennels by inserting a UVC bulb in the air filtration system to potentially offer a kennel alternative to bleach. Merck Animal Health. (1995). Bordetella Bronchiseptica. Retrieved from http://www.merck-animal-health- usa.com/diseases/130_19174_2/ProductDetails_130_114013.aspx NCS Pearson. (2016). T-test Formula. Retrieved from http://formulas.tutorvista.com/math/t-test- formula.html UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program. (2016).

Canine: Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (a.k.a. "Kennel Cough"). Retrieved from http://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-complex-a- k-a-kennel-cough#Environmental


118X12

Animal Sciences 100


Evaluating the Existence of False Positives in the Classical Conditioning of the Parasitic Wasp Nasonia vitripennis as a Cancer Detection Method

Heather Waters

The parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis has a heightened sense of smell far beyond that of a human, enabling them to detect and differentiate between various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be found on anything from the human breath to food sources. Certain cancer cells also emit very specific VOCs to their environment. Previous studies’ have determined that honeybees can detect cancer VOCs, but Nasonia are just as capable of detecting and differentiating among scents as honeybees, creating a safer alternate option in cancer detection. However, this method can possibly be prone to false positives. In order to evaluate the existence of false positives, the wasps were divided into three groups of twenty individuals. Each group was exposed to one of three different scents: cyclohexanol (a VOC associated with breast cancer cells), pinacolone (an isomer of cyclohexanol), and a blank control. The Nasonia were conditioned five times by being rewarded with a sucrose solution. In acquisition trials, Nasonia were released into a T-shaped olfactometer with one scent on each end, and their behaviors were monitored in order to determine which scent they preferred. Following data collection, the separate groups of Nasonia were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney to determine whether there was statistical significance between the responses to cyclohexanol and pinacolone, to determine their tendency toward false positives in this means of cancer detection. Hoedjes, K. M., Steidle, J. L. M., Werren, J. H., Vet, L. E. M., & Smid, H. M. (2012). High-throughput olfactory conditioning and memory retention test show variation in Nasonia parasitic wasps. Genes, Brain, and Behavior, 11(7), 879– 887. Lavra, L., Catini, A., & Ulivieri, A. (2015). Investigation of VOCs associated with different characteristics of breast cancer cells. Scientific Reports, 5. Machado, R. F., Laskowski, D., & Deffenderfer, O. Detection of Lung Cancer by Sensor Array Analyses of Exhaled Breath. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 171, 1286-1291. Retrieved May 18, 2014, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2718462/pdf/AJRCCM171111286.pdf


Behavioral & Social Sciences (200)


201X12 Begley, Anne

The Displacement of the Mountain People into Mental Hospitals during the Creation of the Shenandoah National Park

202X12 Brewer, Abigail The Cemeteries of Shenandoah: The Use of GIS In the Preservation Of Cultural Resources

203X12 Cifuentes, Camila Technology’s Effect on Perceiving Emotions Based on Gender and Age

204X12 Haeff, Nicholas Investigating the Movement of Suspected Gang Crime in Northern Virginia

205X12 Janney, Susanna The Negative Effects of Technology on Sleep Patterns

206T12 Johnson, Alexander Sterling, Charles

The Effect Of Delay between Traumatic Events on the Expression of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Like Symptoms Using Drosophila melanogaster as a Model Organism

207X12 Kane, Lauren Flow Analysis of Crowds Movement: Mapping Safer Egress and Regress

208X12 Punit, Prachi An Exploration of Crystallized Intelligence via Memory Recall

201X12

Behavioral & Social Sciences

200


The Displacement of the Mountain People into Mental Hospitals during the Creation of the Shenandoah National Park

Anne Begley

On February 24, 1924, the creation of Shenandoah National Park was authorized, resulting in the relocation and removal of hundreds of families from their land for the sake of creating the Park. Around the same time, the Sterilization Act of 1924 was passed in Virginia legalizing the sterilization of those diagnosed with mental disorders or considered incompetent. This was done without direct consent from the patients in attempt to prohibit their “damaged” genes from being passed on to the next generations. Records of those owning the land wanted as part of Shenandoah National Park and admission records of those placed in Virginia mental hospitals and sterilized via recommendation and review from social workers with whom park officials had collaborated were used to create a definitive list of names of certain people that lived on potential Park land who were placed in asylums. Doctors then legally performed sterilization procedures on these patients without legal repercussions. Noted specifically in Madison County, Virginia, sterilization of individuals from the Park often discontinued the lineage and family heritage of these mountain people without approval or verification of the legitimacy of actions and procedures. Future research would entail additional analysis of records from remaining counties comprising the park. This information would provide family members with the authentic story of their history and would clarify the methods of creation for certain areas of Shenandoah National Park. Western State Hospital. (NA). Records of Western State Hospital. 31030, 31353, 31704, 32451, 41253, 41283, 41404, 44812, 45553, 50576, 50989. 1825-2000. National Park Service. 1997. A Database of Shenandoah National Park Land Records. Luray, VA: United States Department of the Interior, 1997. Central State Hospital. 1961. Operating Room Records of Virginia State Colony. Lynchburg VA, 1919-1941.


202X12


200


The Cemeteries of Shenandoah: The Use of GIS In the Preservation Of Cultural Resources

Abigail Brewer

In the 1930’s, during the creation of Shenandoah National Park, over 500 families were relocated. These families were forced to leave their homes and family cemeteries behind. Few records were kept regarding the location of the cemeteries and many of the directions to them were passed down verbally through families. Today, the location of many of these burial sites are not public knowledge. The purpose of this research was to determine whether ArcGIS could be used to map cemeteries within Shenandoah National Park to preserve historical and cultural resources. Information regarding families who were displaced was collected in order to determine where old home sites and cemeteries were located. Using this information, locations were hiked to and the latitude and longitude of each site was pinpointed using a GPS device. Data collected was entered into Microsoft Excel then geocoded in order to display sites as X Y data on a basemap of Shenandoah National Park. Finding family cemeteries within the Park is difficult but possible and this difficulty will increase as generations pass unless the location of each site is recorded. As cemeteries disappear, so does part of America’s past. Using geospatial science to record sites helps to preserve a cultural resource and make the cemetery locations more accessible to future generations. Further research would include finding remaining cemeteries whose locations may not be noted to create a geoform in order to make information regarding cemeteries more easily accessible. Lambert, D. 1989 The undying past of Shenandoah National Park. Boulder, Colo.: Roberts Rinehart, in cooperation with Shenandoah Natural History Association. Shifflett, L. 1999. Shenandoah National Park: Cemeteries before park creation. Retrieved September 28, 2015. United States. National Park Service. 2015. Maps. Retrieved September 29, 2015. Available online at: http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/maps.htm


203X12


200


Technology’s Effect on Perceiving Emotions Based on Gender and Age

Camila Cifuentes

As technology increasingly becomes an active part of everyday life, it is unknown whether it is inhibiting the ability for people to accurately identify emotional expressions. In this experiment, the use of micro expressions were used to measure the correlation between the gender and age of the participants (independent variable) and the time it takes to identify emotional expressions (dependent variable), in relationship to the amount of technology a participant of a certain age or gender are exposed to. The amount of technology exposure per age group was measured by distributing surveys that asked for their age, gender, and estimated time of technology use per day. The participants were then asked to match the micro expressions, to one of the 7 universal emotions. The participant groups were divided by gender and age (27 males and 29 females, age categories 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 19-22, and 34-47). No statistical significance was found when separately comparing the average accuracy rates between the males and females of the different age categories; however, greater statistical significance was found when combining the results from the different genders and separately comparing certain age groups to one another, as well as comparing the averages of different age groups to ones of the same gender. This was specifically demonstrated when combining the males and females of the (8-9) and (19-22) age categories, which resulted in a P value of .0001.These results supported the alternative hypothesis that the older participants would score higher percent accuracy scores. Given more time, I would test a greater number of participants and more age groups in order to gather a greater representation of the population. Valkenburg, P., & Peter, J. (2009). Social Consequences of the Internet for Adolescents- A Decade of Research. Current Directions in Psychology Science, 18(1), 1-5. Retrieved October 13, 2015, from http://cdp.sagepub.com/content/18/1/1.short#cited-by Kraut, R., Kiesler, S., Boneva, B., Cummings, J., Helgeson, V., & Crawford, A. (2001). Internet Paradox Revisited.


204X12


200


Investigating the Movement of Suspected Gang Crime in Northern Virginia

Nicholas Haeff

Since the 1950s, both Loudoun and Fairfax counties have experienced exponential growth, from a combined population of approximately 125,000 in 1950 to approximately 1.5 million in 2014. Several studies have shown that higher populations lead to both higher amounts and higher rates of crime, and also high immigrant populations lead to increased gang activity. It was hypothesized that crime would be seen to be spreading from certain clusters in both Loudoun and Fairfax County. A Java program was written that parses public crime data from the Spotcrime.com website, and then stores the data in an Oracle database. Each year of crime data was plotted onto an ArcGIS map. Clusters of data were identified and the mean squared distance from the center of each cluster was calculated. An ANOVA test was run, comparing each year separately to determine if there is any statistically significant change in the mean distance from the cluster center to demonstrate if either the center of suspected crime was moving, if the center was remaining the same, or if the crime was spreading further out from the center He, L., Páez, A., Liu, D., & Jiang, S. (2015). Temporal stability of model parameters in crime rate analysis: An empirical examination. Applied Geography, 58, 141-152. doi:10.1016/j.apgeog.2015.02.002 Kuo, P., Lord, D., & Walden, T. (2013). Using geographical information systems to organize police patrol routes effectively by grouping hotspots of crash and crime data. Journal of Transport Geography, 30, 138-148. doi:10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2013.04.006 Nolan, J.J (2004) Establishing the Statistical Relationship between Population Size and UCR Crime Rate: Its Impact and Implications. Journal of Criminal Justice, 32, 547-555. doi:10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2004.08.002


205X12


200


The Negative Effects of Technology on Sleep Patterns

Susanna Janney

From social media to Netflix, technology has become a pervasive part of human life. The excessive amount used in a day already has effects on social behavior, but can technology affect people physically? Studies have shown a decrease in sleep over the past decade, and research has also shown an incline in the use of technology. Doctors believe there may be a link between sleep deprivation and an overuse of technology, however there has been an absence of scientific research in this area. The purpose of this experiment is to test whether technology has a negative impact on the quality and quantity of one's sleep. Subjects ranged in age from thirteen to sixty and were collected from the Loudoun Valley Community. Subjects were asked to monitor their technology usage before bed using the application Sleep Cycle; Sleep Cycle tracks movement in the bed. Subjects were asked in addition to record the data, such as duration of sleep, sleep efficiency, and the sleep phases in their logs. Subjects were asked to track the type and amount of technology they used in the four hours prior to sleep. The data was then collected and analyzed. Generally observing the data, it showed subjects who used more technology before bed typically had an overall worse sleeping experience. Depending on the subject, technology seemed to have either a negative effect on sleep duration, sleep efficiency, or the ratio of light sleep to deep sleep. Further evaluation of the study will be completed to determine the overall results of technology use on one's sleep. Rosen, L. (2015, August 31). Relax, Turn Off Your Phone, and Go to Sleep. Retrieved November 23, 2015, from https://hbr.org/2015/08/research-shows-how-anxiety-and-technology-are-affecting-our-sleep Infographic: How Technology Affects Our Sleep. (2013, July 3). Retrieved November 23, 2015, from http://www.ramussen.edu/student-life/blogs/main/infographic-how -technology-affects-sleep/ Hatifield, H. (2008, February 1). How TV, Internet, and Other Electronic Devices Impact Sleep (M. Breus, Ed.). Retrieved November 23, 2015, from http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/power-down-better-sleep


206T12


200


The Effect Of Delay between Traumatic Events on the Expression of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Like Symptoms Using Drosophila melanogaster as a Model Organism

Alexander Johnson

Charles Sterling

Post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) is a psychological disorder affecting 6.8% of Americans over the age of eighteen. It can manifest itself in many ways, often forcing sufferers to re-live previous traumas when exposed to similar or reduced stimulus. The goal of this project was to determine if the delay between traumatic events has an effect on the rate of expression of post traumatic stress disorder. This was tested using Drosophila melanogaster as the project’s model organism. The Drosophila were traumatized using vibrations (simulating a predator walking nearby) or shadows (simulating a predator) with varying intervals between trauma. Control groups of Drosophila did not undergo this initial trauma. After 15 minutes and after 24 hours, the Drosophila’s response to lesser trauma was measured in time spent frozen. There was no significance difference between experimental groups and the control group (Kruskal-Wallis, P>0.05). The main limitations to the study were the small number of Drosophila and problems recording the flies, which resulted in a small dataset. Though no concrete conclusions can be made from this experiment, the question of the project remains relevant in the prevention of PTSD in those currently facing traumatic events, from firefighters at home to soldiers abroad. Gibson, W., Gonzalez, C., Fernandez, C., Ramasamy, L., Tabachnik, T., Du, R., ... P., Anderson, D. (2015, June 1). Behavioral responses to a repetitive visual threat stimulus express a persistent state of defensive arousal in Drosophila. Current Biology, 25, 1401–1415. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.03.058 Simoni, A., Wolfgang, W., Topping, M., Kavliek, R., Stanewsky, R., Albert, J. (2014). A mechanosensory pathway to the Drosophila circadian clock. Science, 343, 525-528. doi: 10.1126/science.1245710 Anderson, D. (2014, August 13). Why studies of fighting fruit flies are relevant to understanding human aggression. Retrieved from http://www.dana.org/Publications/ReportOnProgress/Why_studies_of_fighting_fruit_flies_are_re levant_to_understanding_human_aggression/


207X12


200


Flow Analysis of Crowds Movement: Mapping Safer Egress and Regress

Lauren Kane

Two hundred fifteen human stampedes occurred between 1980 and 2007. This resulted in over seven thousand deaths and fourteen thousand injuries. These fatalities were primarily due to asphyxiation or crushing. The purpose of this research was to propose potential solutions to human stampedes and other crowd disasters to prevent injury and death. Analysis of the Hajj stampede of 2015, the Los Angeles riots in 1992 and the Baltimore riots in 2015 was conducted and the software, Pedestrian Dynamics, was used to model simulations of these real-life situations to suggest possible solutions. For example, to accommodate the millions of pilgrims that travel to Mecca during the Hajj, Saudi Arabia constructed the $1.2 billion dollar Jamarat Bridge. The bridge features automated foot traffic controls, video monitoring and surveillance technology. However, for many developing countries that do not have funds for such projects, there are simpler, more cost-effective solutions. Increasing the number of access points and instituting stricter traffic control at bottlenecks is imperative. In areas such as Baltimore and Los Angeles, where infrastructure is fairly permanent, law enforcement officers should try to direct the flow of traffic to wider streets by blocking off smaller side streets and alleyways. Attempting to centralize the crowd onto a larger main road can help to limit damage and fatalities. Despite the research already completed, additional flow analysis of human movement is needed to improve the collective understanding of the causes and how to prevent them. Rogers, A. 2015. The Hajj stampede is a fluid dynamics problem. Available online at http://www.wired.com/2015/09/hajj-stampede-fluid-dynamics-problem/ Still, K. 2013. Crowd safety and risk analysis. Available online at: http://www.gkstill.com/support/crowd-flow/movingdensity.html Watts, P. 2003. Revisiting the 1992 Los Angeles riots: an analysis of geographical perspectives. Available online at: http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-1111103-101742/unrestricted/Watts_thesis.pdf


208X12


200


An Exploration of Crystallized Intelligence via Memory Recall

Prachi Punit

Memory recall, or memory retrieval, refers to the re-accessing of events or information from the past that have been previously encoded or stored in the brain. During the action of “recalling”, the brain replays the pattern of neural activity that was originally generated in the response to the particular event and reiterates the brain’s perception of the real event. The purpose of this research was to determine whether crystallized intelligence, the ability to use skills, knowledge, and experience, correlates with age. Participants tested were from a pool of students, ranging in age from 17-18 years and senior citizens ranging in age from 70-100 years. Participants were given one-minute intervals to memorize seven pictures. The first test used the free-recall method and participants were asked to recall the images in no particular order. The participants used the ordinal-recall method for the second test to recall the images in a certain order. The final test was used to recall major monuments and locations which tested crystallized intelligence. It was determined that with age, memorization skills decreased in regards to crystallized intelligence. The younger participants tested were more readily able to recall images as well as identify monuments and their locations. Further research would entail testing individuals from various age groups with more detailed tests to determine what equips them to recall events stored via crystallized intelligence and why younger individuals are indeed more equipped to recall via long-term memory. "Memory Recall/Retrieval." The Human Memory. 2010. Accessed November 10, 2015. http://www.human-memory.net/processes_recall.html. Roediger, H.L., and K.A. DeSoto. "Forgetting the Presidents." Science AAAS. November 28,2014. Accessed November 2, 2015. https://www.sciencemag.org/content/346/6213/1106.short. Kensinger, Elizabeth. "What We Remember (and Forget) about Positive and Negative Experiences." American Psychological Association. 2015. Accessed October 29, 2015. http://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2011/10/positive-negative.aspx.


Biochemistry (300)


301T10 Bojja, Rashmi Gupte, Sanika

The Effect of Artificial Sweeteners on a Model of the Digestive System

302T12 Curran, Amber Lee Escalante, Mariana

The Concentration of the Dialysate for Optimizing Blood Purification in Dialysis

303T10 Desai, Shaalini Deshpande, Aatmika

The Comparison Between Different Herbs and Spices Containing Phenolic Compounds on Inhibition of Amylase: A Study for Type 2 Diabetes

304X10 Kasavaraju, Megana The Effect of Magnesium, Aluminum and Calcium Based Anti-acids in Protein Digestion

305X12 Knoell, Alexa Detecting GMO’s in DNA of Alfalfa Hay Using Electrophoresis and PCR

306X12 Lu, Jasmine Assessing Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Colon Cancer

307X12 Watts, Abigail The Use of Burdock Root as a Natural Treatment to Alcoholic Liver Damage

301T10

Biochemistry 300


The Effect of Artificial Sweeteners on a Model of the Digestive System

Rashmi Bojja

Sanika Gupte

Artificial sweeteners have shown to cause diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The purpose of this experiment was to test if artificial sweeteners would change the acidity of the stomach environment affecting the gut flora and inhibiting the enzymes that metabolize sugars. The mean values of the independent variables for the change in temperature for Splenda (Sucralose), Sweet N’ Low (Saccharin), Equal (a mixture of aspartame and acesulfame potassium), table sugar (sucrose), and negative controls were 1.70, 2.20, 1.90, 0.350, and 0.350, respectively. The mean values of pH for Splenda, Sweet N’ Low, Equal, Sucrose, and negative controls were 1.63, 1.73, 1.33, 2.00, and 2.17, respectively. Two separate Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests were conducted for temperature and pH to test the independent variables: Sweet N’ Low, Equal, Splenda, a positive control (sucrose), and a negative control (containing no sugars). The ANOVA test for temperature yielded a p-value less than 0.05. The ANOVA test for pH resulted a p-value less than 0.05. Therefore, the null hypothesis, artificial sweeteners have no effect on the model of the digestive system, was rejected. The experimental hypothesis was accepted as the artificial sweeteners had significant change in pH and temperature. Further research can be done to test how the changed stomach environment affects gut flora and the health of people consume these products. Artificial Sweeteners May Lead to Inflammatory Bowel Disease. (n.d.). Retrieved January 4, 2016, from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/11/10/artificial-sweeteners-leading-cause-of-inflammatory-bowel-disease-in-canadians.aspx Consumption of artificial sweetener- and sugar-containing soda and risk of lymphoma and leukemia in men and women. (2012). Retrieved January 4, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23097267 Weintraub, K. Special for USA TODAY. (2014, September 18). Artificial sweeteners may lead to diabetes. Retrieved January 4, 2016, from http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/09/17/artificial-sweetener-diabetes/15777225/


302T12

Biochemistry 300


The Concentration of the Dialysate for Optimizing Blood Purification in Dialysis

Amber Lee Curran

Mariana Escalante

The composition of the dialysate effects renal patients going through dialysis. It effects cardiovascular stability such as variances in blood pressure, a disequilibrium of ionic fluids leading to symptoms such as fatigue, muscle cramps and headache. Potassium and Calcium concentrations preform a role both in myocardial contractility and in peripheral vascular resistance. Increasing or decreasing the concentration of these ions will assist in the optimal function of dialysis for patients. Acid-buffering by means of base supplementation such as Bicarbonate is one of the major roles of dialysis. The full role of concentration of these compounds in dialysis is still undergoing discussion. Standard dialysate solutions in optimizing blood purification can vary with each individual and their physical needs, but there are boundaries of functional optimal success. This study examined the concentrations of the dialysate for optimizing blood purification in dialysis. The means of concentration effective dialysate for this study was 1.9 M potassium and 1.54 M for Calcium. Other consideration for expansion of this study would deal with specific requirements such as patients’ management of renal bone disease and simultaneously reducing cardiovascular disease. Locatelli, Franceso, Covic, AdrianOptimal composition of the dialysate, with emphasis on its influence on blood pressure, Oxford Journals - The Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, volume 19, Issue 4 pp 785-796. Amberg GC, Bonev AD, Rossow CF, Nelson MT, Santana LF. Modulation of the molecular composition of large conductance, Ca+2 activated K+ channels in vascular smooth muscle during hypertension. J Clin Invest 2003. Dolson GM, Ellis KJ, Bernardo MV, Prakash R, Adrogue HJ. Acute decreases in serum potassium augment blood pressure. Am J Kidney Dis 1995;26:321-326.


303T10

Biochemistry 300


The Comparison Between Different Herbs and Spices Containing Phenolic Compounds on Inhibition of Amylase: A Study for Type 2 Diabetes

Shaalini Desai

Aatmika Deshpande

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition associated with amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into glucose. Diabetic patients experience a lack of glucose intake and have to counteract this with insulin shots. This experiment helps to find a more natural remedy: herbs. Phenol is a chemical compound known to inhibit amylase and is found in rosemary, cilantro, and ginger. Comparing these three will help determine the most successful amylase inhibitor. The independent variable was the type of herb, and the dependent variable was the absorbance of the solution. The control was distilled water. Essential herb oil, starch, iodine, and amylase were put into a test tube for the reaction process. Then the absorbance value, or how much starch the enzyme was able to convert to glucose, was measured with a colorimeter. Rosemary, with a mean absorbance of 1.2, was most successful, followed by cilantro, with a mean absorbance of 0.54. The control and ginger had similar mean absorbance, 0.46 and 0.48, respectively. An ANOVA test resulted in a p-value less than 0.01. Therefore, the null hypothesis that the type of herb/spice would have no difference on the absorbency was rejected and the alternative hypothesis is accepted. The experimental hypothesis that rosemary would have the largest absorbance value was supported; rosemary was the more effective inhibitor. More research could be done, like testing the effects of these herbs on other enzymes found in the pancreas, or with other substrates of amylase. Afonso, M., de O Silva, A., Carvalho, E., Rivelli, D., Barros, S., & Rogero, M. et al. (2013). Phenolic compounds from Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) attenuate oxidative stress and reduce blood cholesterol concentrations in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats. Nutrition & Metabolism, 10(1), 19. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-10-19 Funke, I., & Melzig, M. (2007). [Inhibitors of alpha-amylase from plants--a possibility to treat diabetes mellitus type II by phytotherapy?]. Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 157(13-14), 320-4. Ogan, A. (2015). Inhibition of Pancreatic Lipase by Culinary Plant Extracts (1st ed., pp. 1-2). Istanbul, Turkey: Ogan et al. Retrieved from http://www.jscimedcentral.com/PlantBiology/plantbiology-3-1038.pdf


304X10

Biochemistry 300


The Effect of Magnesium, Aluminum and Calcium Based Anti-acids in Protein Digestion

Megana Kasavaraju

The purpose of this experiment is to determine whether antacids impede the digestion of proteins in the stomach, since this can lead to many diseases including mental disorders, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and protein, mineral, and vitamin deficiencies. To determine this, stomach acid was stimulated by using HCl and pepsin. Then protein was added. For the first group, magnesium hydroxide based antacids was added, for the second group, aluminum hydroxide based antacids was added, and for the third group, calcium carbonate based antacids was added. Then the amount of time taken to dissolve the protein was determined. The change in pH caused by the antacids was also recorded. The t-test showed that dissolving the protein took a significantly longer time with the addition of antacids. The t-test also showed that there was a significant change in pH with the addition of antacids. A key result determined was that the aluminum hydroxide based antacid created the smallest change in pH and also took the least amount of time to dissolve the protein. Also, the calcium carbonate based antacids created the greatest change in pH and also took the greatest amount of time to dissolve the protein. This shows that there is a direct correlation between the change in pH and the time taken to dissolve the protein. The hypothesis was accepted. Since protein digestion is impeded with the use of antacids, people should resolve their health conditions instead of temporarily relieving their symptoms with antacids. Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (2015, August 15). Retrieved February 15, 2016, from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601013.html Bernstein, L. (2009, February 9). Antacid drug use and risk of esophageal and gastric adenocarcinomas in Los Angeles County. Retrieved February 1, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19190141 Kulig, K. (2013, October 12). Calcium carbonate with magnesium overdose: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 15, 2016, from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002539.htm Lehrer, J. (2014, December 2). Taking antacids: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 15, 2016, from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000198.htm Romankewicz, J. (2014, September 3). Effects of antacids on gastrointestinal absorption of drugs. Retrieved February 15, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/61596 Stomach Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomachcancer/ What is stomach cancer? (2016, February 10). Retrieved February 15, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomachcancer/detailedguide/stomach-cancer-what-is-stomachcancer


305X12

Biochemistry 300


Detecting GMO’s in DNA of Alfalfa Hay Using Electrophoresis and PCR

Alexa Knoell

GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms) in horse feed is very controversial and the labeling of GMO’s is inconsistent and not required in America. This study potentially impacts the nutrition of equines. The purpose of this experiment was to see if GMO’s would be detected in Non-GMO and unspecified alfalfa hay samples. In this experiment, the independent variable was the alfalfa brands, which were Triple Crown, Semica, and Dumor. The dependent variable was whether or not GMO’s were present. The main steps in this experiment were isolating the DNA, amplifying the DNA via PCR, and running electrophoresis to view the data. The results indicated after running the electrophoresis that the Dumor brand of alfalfa, which was unspecified, contained GMO’S. The Triple Crown, a brand claimed as GMO free, and the Semica brand, unspecified for GMO’s, were found Non-GMO. DNA samples will be submitted for sequencing to GENEWIZ then uploaded to the BLAST database for further study and comparison. Further research to be explored with this experiment could include testing percentages of alfalfa fields infected with GMO’s via pollen-mediated transgene flow and what effect GMO alfalfa has on equine performance and health. Aumaitre, A., Aulrich, K., Chesson, A., Flachowsky, G., & Piva, G. (2002). New feeds from genetically modified plants: substantial equivalence, nutritional equivalence, digestibility, and safety for animals and the food chain. Livestock production science, 74(3), 223-238. Meyer, R. (1999). Development and application of DNA analytical methods for the detection of GMOs in food Saletan, W. (n.d.). The Misleading War on GMOs: The Food Is Safe. The Rhetoric Is Dangerous. Retrieved December 17, 2015, from http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2015/07/are_gmos_safe_yes_the_ca se_against_them_is_full_of_fraud_lies_ and_errors.html


306X12

Biochemistry 300


Assessing Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Colon Cancer

Jasmine Lu

Although chemotherapy remains one of the most prevalent means of tackling cancer, it comes with numerous drawbacks which include the harrowing side effects suffered by patients. Some regimens are prone to inducing necrosis, a harmful form of cell death that results in the collateral damage of surrounding cells, over apoptosis, the more methodical and controlled form of cell death. This study seeks to measure a synergistic effect amongst curcumin, hydroxycamptothecin, and triptolide—three compounds drawn from traditional Chinese medicine—in killing SW480 colon cancer cells through apoptosis. By observing such synergy, these natural compounds will demonstrate their potential as agents in a low-dose, low-toxicity combination treatment. Trials for each individual chemical were run, showcasing the efficacy of each compounds in killing an SW480 human colon cancer cell line, which was indicated by assaying for the phosphatase levels present in the cell suspension following treatment. From here, combination trials will be performed in hopes of exhibiting a synergistic anticancer effect amongst the three chemicals. Caspase assays will also be performed to determine the degree to which the cell death was driven by the process of apoptosis by measuring the activity of the proteins that lie nearly directly upstream of the apoptotic event. Capitalizing on the potential of traditional Chinese medicine may mitigate the harrowing conditions cancer patients shoulder during chemotherapy, improving their quality of life of cancer patients. Cai, Y. Y., Lin, W. P., Li, A. P., & Xu, J. Y. (2013). Combined effects of curcumin and triptolide on an ovarian cancer cell line. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 14(7), 4267-4271. Meng, G., Wang, W., Chai, K., Yang, S., Li, F., & Jiang, K. (2015). Combination treatment with triptolide and hydroxycamptothecin synergistically enhances apoptosis in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells through PP2A-regulated ERK, p38 MAPKs and Akt signaling pathways. International Journal of Oncology, 46(3), 1007-1017. Ping, Y. H., Lee, H. C., Lee, J. Y., Wu, P. H., Ho, L. K., Chi, C. W., . . . Wang, J. J. (2006). Anticancer effects of low-dose 10-hydroxycamptothecin in human colon cancer. Oncology Reports, 15, 1273-1279.


307X12

Biochemistry 300


The Use of Burdock Root as a Natural Treatment to Alcoholic Liver Damage

Abigail Watts

In 2009, alcohol-related liver disease was the primary cause of nearly 1 in 3 liver transplants in the United States, according to the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Natural methods are currently being explored to counteract damage done to the liver from ethanol exposure. The burdock plant (Arctium lappa) is said to have a detoxifying effect on the body. When damaged liver is exposed to burdock, the burdock should promote liver function, which will be measured by the amount of catalase enzymes present in a 10mL sample. The goal of this research is to test burdock root as both a preventative measure against and as a treatment for livers damaged by alcohol. The method used to test liver function before and after exposure to ethanol, with and without burdock, includes a catalase test that collects the volume of oxygen produced by the solutions in each trial. Preliminary research suggests that the burdock does not improve liver function when compared to liver exposed to ethanol with no treatment; however, it was found that the burdock breaks down the ethanol, eliminating the need for the liver to function at the high rate needed to break down ethanol when acting alone. Bellentani, S., Saccoccio, G., Costa, G., Tiribelli, C., Manenti, F., Sodde, M., . . . G Brandi And The Dionysos Study Group. (1997). Drinking habits as cofactors of risk for alcohol induced liver damage. Gut, 41(6), 845-850. Chan, Y., Cheng, L., Wu, J., Chan, E., Kwan, Y., Lee, S. M., . . . Chan, S. (2010). A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock). Inflammopharmacology Inflammopharmacol, 19(5), 245-254. Predes, F., Ruiz, A., Carvalho, J., Foglio, M., & Dolder, H. (2014). Antioxidative and in vitro Antiproliferative Activity of Arctium Lappa Root Extracts. Recent Advances in Plant-Based, Traditional, and Natural Medicines, 27-37.


Biomedical & Health Sciences (400)


401T12 Awasthi, Rohni Cheung, Rachael

The Effect of Nicotine and Cigarette Smoke Condensate on the Neural Development of Zebrafish

402X10 Balla, Arul Vignesh The Analysis of a Mutant Version of APOC3 for Future Uses in Treatment

403T12 Chawla, Mannat Malhotra, Richa

The Effect of Natural Anticoagulants on Limulus polyphemus' Coagulation System

404T12 Clark, Madelyn Crawford, Marykate

The Effect of Antioxidants on Oxidative Stress Levels in C. elegans as it relates to Alzheimer’s Disease

405X12 Enriquez, Kyle

Preventing Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas fluorescens Infection and Growth Using Fungal Volatile Organic Compounds with and without Lactobacillus acidophilus

406T12 Fox, Sydney Seshadri, Vikram

The Impact of Nanoparticle Toxicity on Danio rerio Neural Development and Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Reversing the Gross Effects on Fetal Development

407T12 Fuhrmann, Emily Salinas, Luis

The Effect of Aspartame on the Neurological Condition of C. elegans

408X12 Geier, Devin The Correlation between a human gut bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, and commonly ingested chemicals: in synergy with a probiotic.

409T12 Gladish, Erin Puller, Gabrielle

The Effect of Nanoparticles in Sunscreen on C. elegans Growth Inhibition

410X12 Gnatowski, Emma The Development of a Transdermal Drug Delivery System Derived from Bombyx mori

411X12 Kala, Simran The Efficacy of Using Lemna minor as a Mammalian Model Replacement in Medical Research

412T12 Kalvakota, Sahithi Sunkara, Sameera

The Effect of Vitamin D and Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Serotonin Levels in the Model Organism Drosophila melanogaster

413X10 Kulkarni, Varun Creating a Cost-Effective Polymerase Chain Reaction Machine

414T12 Michel, Pamela Turker, Jeyda

The Effect of Curcumin on Memory Retention of C. elegans

415T12 Nusrat, Nikhat Rohner, Brennah

The Effect of Edelfosine on the Growth of C. elegans

416T12 Rybka, Vladyslava Veselov, Aleksey

The Mechanism of Anti-Cancer Drug Docetaxyl

417X11 Sandefer, Alyssa Investigating The Effect of the Drosophila melanogaster Sleep Mutation Fumin on Susceptibility to Oral Infection by Serratia marcescens

418X12 Solini, Grace Blue Light Interference of Melatonin: a Sleep Disruptor

419T12 Taylor, Ellison Warner, Hana

The Relationship Between Strike Angle when Running and a History of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

420X11 Whitehill, Jennah Investigating Antidepressants as a Potential Treatment for Concussions

401T12

Biomedical & Health Sciences

400


The Effect of Nicotine and Cigarette Smoke Condensate on the Neural Development of Zebrafish

Rohni Awasthi

Rachael Cheung

Studies have shown that many women smoke while pregnant. The various chemicals in cigarettes are transferred to the infant through the placenta and correlate with difficulties to the infant such as low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome, and long term cognitive effects.The purpose of this experiment was to test the effects of nicotine and smoke condensate on neural crest development using zebrafish as a model organism. Zebrafish eggs were exposed to levels of nicotine at 0, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 ng/mL from 0 to 5 days post fertilization (dpf) or cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) at levels of 0, 0.04, and 0.12 percent CSC. For both groups on 5 dpf measurements were taken of total body and head size, which correlate with neural crest development. Body measurements were significantly shorter in fish exposed to nicotine compared to the control (Kruskal-Wallis, P greater than 0.05). Head measurements were significantly shorter in fish exposed to nicotine compared to the control (ANOVA, P less than 0.0001). The Tukey-Kramer Comparison test showed significant difference between the control and all experimental groups (P less than 0.05). Body and head measurements were significantly shorter in fish exposed to CSC compared to the control (Kruskal-Wallis, P less than 0.0001). The Dunn’s Comparison test showed significant difference between all experimental groups with P less than 0.001 except for the group S-0 vs. S-1 where body measurements had a P greater than 0.05. The results show that both nicotine and CSC had an effect on the body and craniofacial development of the zebrafish indicating that nicotine has an effect on neural crest development. Ekblad, M., Korkeila, J., Parkkola, R., Lapinleimu, H., Haataja, L., & Lehtonen, L. (2010). Maternal Smoking during Pregnancy and Regional Brain Volumes in Preterm Infants. The Journal of Pediatrics. 156 (2). 185-190. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.07.061 Klee, E. W., Ebbert, J. O., Schneider, H., Hurt, R. D., & Ekker, S. C. (2011). Zebrafish for the Study of the Biological Effects of Nicotine. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 13(5), 301-312. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntr 010

Siegfried, J., & Rende, E. K. (2010). The Long-Term Effects of Prenatal Nicotine Exposure on Neurologic Development. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 55(2), 143-152. doi:10.1016/j.jmwh.2009.05.006


402X10


400


The Analysis of a Mutant Version of APOC3 for Future Uses in Treatment

Arul Vignesh Balla

For thousands of years heart disease has been plaguing the human race. However, with this experiment, the lowering of heart disease risk may soon be a possibility. The R19X mutated version of protein from APOC3 was isolated, which will help lower the risk of developing heart disease. This experiment produced an APOC3 with the R19X mutation in the protein outside of the human body in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells in order to analyze its functions and to find the conditions that give the highest protein yield. In order to counteract the non-polarity of APOC3, a Nus-A tag was added to the end of the protein which allowed for easier purification. After extensive testing of various temperature ranges, the conditions were identified that resulted in a high protein yield of the mutated APOC3 protein. Future paths of study for APOC3 include the conducting of lipid binding competition assays to assess the percentage of lipids that are not bound by the mutant protein in comparison to the original APOC3. Broken Gene protects against heart disease. (2014). Retrieved October 14, 2015. https://www.broadinstitute.org/news/5823 Loss of function mutation in APOC3 and risk of Ischemic vascular disease (2014) Retrieved October 16, 2014 (Jorgenson, Schmidt, Nordestgaard, & Hansen) http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoal1308027 Null mutation in APOC3 confers cardio-protection (2008) Retrieved October 15, 2015 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2673993/


403T12


400


The Effect of Natural Anticoagulants on Limulus polyphemus' Coagulation System

Mannat Chawla

Richa Malhotra

Many adults have been recommended to intake anticoagulants to reduce the risk of medical complications; however, there also comes the risk of excessive bleeding. More research was conducted to find a natural way to obtain the same effects of anticoagulants. If natural anticoagulants are administered to the Limulus polyphemus, then there will be an effect on the coagulation system. Natural anticoagulants were administered through worms for each group of Limulus polyphemus’ to eat over a period of time. Afterwards, the Limulus polyphemus’ were pricked with a needle and bled onto a piece of filter paper, and on each paper, the diameter of the blood was measured to see which group bled more. Furthermore, there is a control group which received no anticoagulants. There was a slight change of the amount of blood that was bled from the Limulus polyphemus’. The group that received the natural anticoagulants bled more with one needle prick than the control group. Both researchers contributed towards the experiment; however, help was received from a qualified scientist to support the Limulus polyphemus’ habitat and to give scientific advice. The objective was met since there were differing effects with the group that received the natural anticoagulants and the control group. In conclusion, with there being a larger diameter of blood on the filter paper, natural anticoagulants do have an effect on the coagulation system. This experiment may be continued by experimenting with different anticoagulants, or by obtaining a larger sample of Limulus polyphemus’ to receive more accurate results. Armstrong, P., & Conrad, M. (2008, October 13). Blood Collection from the American Horseshoe Crab, Limulus Polyphemus. Retrieved October 30, 2015, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2873049/ Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin E. (2013, June 05). Retrieved October 30, 2015, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/ U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2008, September 04). SALICYLIC ACID. Retrieved October 30, 2015, from http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/r?dbs+hsdb:@term+@rn+69-72-7


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400


The Effect of Antioxidants on Oxidative Stress Levels in C. elegans as it relates to Alzheimer’s Disease

Madelyn Clark

Marykate Crawford

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by a slow, irreversible loss of memory, usually beginning after age 60. Oxidative stress, which has also been linked to aging, is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. If oxidative stress is maintained at a balanced level, the aging process will slow, causing AD development to delay. A direct correlation between foods containing antioxidants and a decreased risk for AD has yet to be found. In this experiment, C. elegans were plated on different petri dishes containing E. coli and the following antioxidant rich foods: spinach, strawberries, glutathione, green tea, and cloves, with a control group containing only E. coli as a food source. After one week of maturation and exposure to antioxidants, the six groups of C. elegans were placed in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and M9 buffer to induce oxidative stress. The C. elegans were then monitored every half hour for the rest of their life span. While testing is ongoing, the strawberry fed group has demonstrated the longest life span in relation to the other antioxidant exposed groups. In Phase 2, C. elegans with a predisposition for AD will be obtained and fed the antioxidant that promoted the longest survival rate in Phase 1.The responsiveness of the C. elegans, and thus the development of AD, will then be tested by a touch test. Luca, M., Luca, A., & Calandra, C. (2015). The Role of Oxidative Damage in the Pathogenesis and Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2015, 504678. Perry, G., Cash, A. D., & Smith, M. A. (2002). Alzheimer Disease and Oxidative Stress. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 2(3), 120–123. Possik, E., Pause, A. Measuring Oxidative Stress Resistance of Caenorhabditis elegans in 96-well Microtiter Plates. J. Vis. Exp. (99), e52746, doi:10.3791/52746 (2015).


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400


Preventing Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas fluorescens Infection and Growth Using Fungal Volatile Organic Compounds with and without Lactobacillus acidophilus

Kyle Enriquez

Every year, severe burns kill approximately 265,000 people due to opportunistic infection from normal flora, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. This research aims to prevent these deaths through the use of natural volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by many types of fungi. VOCs (isobutyric acid, benzaldehyde, butanol, and cineole) were added to S.epidermidis cultures. After 48 hours at 37C, absorbance was measured to determine bacterial growth. Isobutyric acid and benzaldehyde significantly inhibited growth of S. epidermidis (Kruskal-Wallis p value less than 0.0001, Dunn’s Comparison p value less than 0.001). Aiming to not inhibit the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus, a potential additive, the VOCs were applied to L. acidophilus, and after 48 hours of incubation, the remaining biofilm was stained with crystal violet and absorbance was measured. Benzaldehyde, butanol, and isobutyric acid did not inhibit this growth (Dunn’s p value greater than 0.05).The effect of VOCs in combination with L. acidophilus on S.epidermidis was then determined. S. epidermidis was grown with VOCs and L. acidophilus with appropriate controls; absorbance was measured. This test showed that isobutyric acid with L. acidophilus significantly inhibited S.epidermidis growth over the VOC alone (Kruskal-Wallis p value less than 0.0001, Mann Whitney p value less than 0.01). VOCs were then applied to Pseudomonas fluorescens to determine if inhibition could also be seen in gram negative bacteria. Cineole, benzaldehyde, and butanol all significantly inhibited P. fluorescens growth (Kruskal-Wallis p value less than 0.0001, Dunn’s p value less than 0.01). The next step of this research is to apply these VOCs with and without L. acidophilus to cell cultures in hopes of taking this treatment from bench to bedside in order to evaluate the effects of possible treatments on living tissues. Morath, S, Hung, R., and Bennett, J. (2012). Fungal volatile organic compounds: A review with emphasis on their biotechnological potential. (2014). Fungal Biology Reviews, 26 (October 2012). doi:10.1016/j.fbr.2012.07.0012.07.001 Otto, M. (2009, November 16). Staphylococcal Biofilms. Retrieved September 5, 2015, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMhttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jDEAmW UI7AboqOwm2pv8yTklilOTmCTtf56Rv6llBck/edit#gid=0C2777538/ Reddy, G., Atlaf, M., Naveena, B., Venkateshwar, M., & Kumar, E. (2008, February 1). Amylolytic bacterial lactic acid fermentation — A review. Retrieved September 2, 2015, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0734975007000961


406T12


400


The Impact of Nanoparticle Toxicity on Danio rerio Neural Development and Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Reversing the Gross Effects on Fetal Development

Sydney Fox

Vikram Seshadri

Despite their vast use in products around the world, nanoparticles are believed to cause detrimental abnormalities for developing human fetuses, such as cardiovascular damage or improper muscle formation. Nanoparticles have been found to aggregate on cell membranes and produce free radicals byproducts. Free radicals, highly reactive by-products of nanoparticle metabolism, can cause oxidative stress that can promote abnormal fetal development. Antioxidants detoxify free radicals and may reduce the effects of nanoparticle toxicity. Danio rerio were used as a model organism. To determine the SiNP concentration, Eggs were exposed to silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) at 0, 2.50, or 5 mg/mL from 0 to 96 hours post fertilization (hpf). To test the efficacy of antioxidants in reducing the toxic effects of free radicals from nanoparticle metabolism, eggs were exposed to 0 or 5 mg/mL SiNPs and 0 or 250 µM ascorbic acid. Survival rates were measured for 96 hpf. At 96 hpf, head, body, and eye lengths were measured. Danio rerio exposed to 5 mg/mL of SiNP were significantly longer in body length compared to the control group with no exposure (Kruskal-Wallis, P less than 0.01; Dunn’s Multiple Comparison Test, P greater than 0.05), showing nanoparticles damage fetal development. Furthermore, Danio rerio that were exposed to 5 mg/mL SiNP in conjunction with ascorbic acid were not significantly longer in body length compared to the control group (Dunn’s, P greater than 0.05), showing ascorbic acid ameliorated the toxic effects of nanoparticles on fetal development. Results for eye and head measurements are pending. For an extension of this project, eggs could be exposed to quantum dots to study how nanoparticles spread throughout a developing fetus. Kovrižnych, Jevgenij A., Ružena Sotníková, Dagmar Zeljenková, Eva Rollerová, Elena Szabová, and Sona Wimmerová. "Acute Toxicity of 31 Different Nanoparticles to Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Tested in Adulthood and in Early Life Stages – Comparative Study." Interdisciplinary Toxicology. Slovak Toxicology Society SETOX, n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2015. Manke, Amruta, Liying Wang, and Yon Rojanasakul. "Mechanisms of Nanoparticle-Induced Oxidative Stress and Toxicity." Mechanisms of Nanoparticle-Induced Oxidative Stress and Toxicity. N.p., 2013. Web. 28 Nov. 2015. Nevsumarit, P. (2000) Ethanol-induced free radicals and hepatic DNA strand breaks are prevented in vivo by antioxidants: effects of acute and chronic ethanol exposure. Carcinogenesis 2000. Jan. 21(1) 93-9 PMCID:PMC 1868249


407T12


400


The Effect of Aspartame on the Neurological Condition of C. elegans

Emily Fuhrmann

Luis Salinas

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the allegations of negative effects as a result of the excessive consumption of aspartame. This was done by conducting research on C. elegans and analyzing any neurological deterioration that took place when they were injected with a predetermined concentration of the substance. The C. elegans were subject to a very specific dosage of aspartame every day until they perished. The independent variable for this experiment was the amount of aspartame that was administered. The dependent variable was the development of Alzheimer’s, or lack thereof, in the form of a visible loss of motor functions. The control was a group of C. elegans that were not given any aspartame. The results of this experiment were minimal noticeable losses of motor functions in all groups, except the group that were injected with the highest concentration of aspartame, being 0.2g diluted in 150ml of distilled water, which exhibited almost a total loss. These results provide a conclusion which supports the plausible correlation between an excessive intake of aspartame and neurological deterioration taking place. Further research on the subject could investigate other types of artificial sweeteners and their possible negative effects on neurological function. Barua, J., & Bal, A. (1995). Emerging facts about aspartame. Journal of the Diabetic Association of India, 35(4). Blaylock, R. L. (1999). Food additive excitotoxins and degenerative brain disorders. Medical Sentinel, 4(6), 212-215. Hope, I. (1999). Maintenance of C. elegans. In C. elegans: A practical approach. Oxford: Oxford University Press.


408X12


400


The Correlation between a human gut bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, and commonly ingested chemicals: in synergy with a probiotic.

Devin Geier

The gut flora is a very important part of the body however it is often overlooked. The gut flora helps with the immune system but when unbalanced can also contribute to obesity, heart disease, and mental disorders. This project’s goal was to see how Bacillus subtilis would react when it was exposed to caffeine and acetaminophen. A probiotic was added to the broth for half of the test tubes. Growth was determined by a spectrometer measuring transmittance. The independent variable was the probiotic. The dependent variable was the transmittance value and the control group was the bacteria with no probiotic. The mean value for transmittance in the caffeine group with no probiotic was 7.42% and the probiotic group was 7.70%. The p-value is 0.010867. The mean transmittance value for acetaminophen when there was a probiotic was 7.76% and when there was no probiotic was 7.85%. The p-value was 0.614626. The alternative hypothesis is the probiotic would help the bacteria grow and protect it from the caffeine and acetaminophen. The probiotic did help the bacteria against the caffeine because of the p-value being low. However when exposed to acetaminophen the probiotic didn’t have an effect because the p-value is high. Interestingly, the probiotic did not protect against the two chemicals equally. Considering that the gut flora is an important part of the body further research should be conducted to evaluate how other bacteria react to other chemicals or explore how a probiotic could possibly help address obesity, heart disease, or mental disorders. Bischoff, S. C. (2011, March 14). 'Gut health': a new objective in medicine? Retrieved from BioMed Central : http://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1741-7015-9-24 Loyola University Health System. "How bacteria boost the immune system." ScienceDaily.15 June 2010. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1012/06/10061417907.htm


409T12


400


The Effect of Nanoparticles in Sunscreen on C. elegans Growth Inhibition

Erin Gladish

Gabrielle Puller

The purpose of experimentation is to determine whether or not common nanoparticles in sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, affect the growth and movement of C. elegans. In this experiment, 11 petri dishes of C. elegans were cultured, chunked and separated into different groups; half were submerged in freshwater and half saltwater. There were three trials of each sunscreen concentration at .25g, .5g, and .75g respectively. Each dish was observed under a stereoscope and the present state of the C. elegans at that time, including growth and movement, was recorded. The C. elegans placed in saltwater dishes did not grow as large or move as much, and had shortened lifespans. The average movement for C. elegans in saltwater was 0.9 on the scale of 1-5; the average for freshwater was a 2.79. Our hypothesis – if tested at an equal concentration, then a salt water solution will deliver harsher effects directly to the C. elegans, therefore further inhibiting growth – was proven true. However, the focus of experimentation was on the concentration of nanoparticles within the solution, rather than the salinity of the water. In addition, the concentration of sunscreen in the solution yielded no apparent affect on growth or longevity of life; but the controls were healthier than those in any sunscreen solution. A major source of error was the water spilled and inexact measurements in chunking. How may this type of research further affect other biota; would the affect be more or less pronounced? Umakanth, K. (2011). An Evaluation of the Toxicity of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles to Caenorhabditis elegans. Retrieved October 5, 2015. Barnard, A. (2010, March 7). Skin Cancer Foundation. Retrieved October 6, 2015, from http://www.skincancer.org/news/sunscreen/sunscreen-safety-is-called-into-question Sotiriou, G. (n.d.). Monthly Archives: February 2014. Retrieved October 5, 2015, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nano/2014/02/


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400


The Development of a Transdermal Drug Delivery System Derived from Bombyx mori

Emma Gnatowski

During the late 1970s, researchers introduced the very first over-the-counter transdermal drug patch, Transderm-Scop, which contained a drug used to treat motion sickness. Since then, no more than thirty different transdermal drug patches have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Transdermal drug delivery patches, in their most advanced form, fail to execute drug release technology that exceeds 10 days of use and are not dissolvable. The purpose of this research was to create a transdermal drug patch that effectively delivered a drug, with a high molecular weight, for at least fourteen days. The combination of tensile strength and biocompatibility of silk fibroin from Bombyx mori and the elasticity and lipid surface of a glycerin-infused gelatin film were created to work as multilayered transdermal drug patches. Degummed silk fibroin was dissolved in 54% wt. lithium bromide solution and dialyzed. This silk fibroin was combined with glycerin-infused gelatin to create multilayered patches. These soluble patches were infused with three different concentrations of the antibiotic Rocephin and were tested on Staphylococcus epidermidis. Zones of inhibition were noted, indicating bacterial death. Patches dissolved quickly and lasted approximately seven days. Dissolution of the patch was complete most likely due to incubation temperature. Further research will entail increasing the longevity of the patch by manipulating Rocephin concentrations. Mandal, B., Mann, J., & S. Kundu (2009). Silk fibroin/gelatin multilayered films as a model system for controlled drug release. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 160-171. Prausnitz, M., & Langer, R. (2008). Transdermal Drug Delivery. Nature Biotechnology, 1261-1268. Retrieved October 6, 2015, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2700785/ (Diagram of the skin structures, 2009) Srisuwan, Y., Kotseang, N., Namtaku, K., Simchuer, W., Butiman, C., & Srihanam, P. (2012). Preparation of Eri silk fibroin and gelatin blend film loaded chlorhexidine using as model for hydrophilic drug release. Natural Science NS, 4(7), 454-460.


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400


The Efficacy of Using Lemna minor as a Mammalian Model Replacement in Medical Research

Simran Kala

Every year, millions of animals are mistreated in order to further medical testing. Lemna minor, or duckweed, is an aquatic plant that does not possess an immune system. However, it displays the capability to produce an ‘immune response’ to harmful bacteria. The purpose of this research was to determine whether duckweed could serve as a suitable substitute to the use of vertebrates in medical research. Lemna minor was infected with Streptococcus salivarius and Escherichia coli K-12 for five days. Chlorophyll production was used as an indication of overall cell health. Chlorophyll concentration was determined using a Gen5 plate reader. It was determined using statistical analysis that there was so significant difference in chlorophyll production in the Escherichia coli K-12; however, there was a significant production in Streptococcus salivarius. Hence, Streptococcus salivarius mounted a response to the infection. In fact, the chlorophyll production response was greater in duckweed subjected to higher levels of bacteria. Therefore, the idea that duckweed may serve as a suitable replacement for animal subjects in medical testing is supported. Sugawara, Masayuki, Akira Hosoyama, Atsushi Yamazoe, and Masaaki Morikawa. "Draft Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter Calcoaceticus Strain P23, a Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium of Duckweed." Genome Announcements Genome Announc. (2015). Print. Thomson, Euan L. S., and Jonathan J. Dennis. "Common Duckweed (Lemna Minor) Is a Versatile High-Throughput Infection Model For the Burkholderia Cepacia Complex and Other Pathogenic Bacteria." PLoS ONE (2013). Print. Zhang, Yong, Yangbo Hu, Baoyu Yang, Fang Ma, Pei Lu, Lamei Li, Chengsong Wan, Simon Rayner, and Shiyun Chen. "Duckweed (Lemna Minor) as a Model Plant System for the Study of Human Microbial Pathogenesis." PLoS ONE (2010). Print.


412T12


400


The Effect of Vitamin D and Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Serotonin Levels in the Model Organism Drosophila melanogaster

Sahithi Kalvakota

Sameera Sunkara

Depression is an illness that impacts many lives across the world; most people experience it at one point in their lifetime. Prior research suggests that it is caused by serotonin deficiency. Two chemicals known to influence serotonin level are vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin D is a hormone that plays a vital role in activating tryptophan-hydroxylase 2, a protein involved in serotonin synthesis, while omega-3 fatty acids located on the plasma membrane of neurons help regulate the release and reception of serotonin. The effect of different levels of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids on the serotonin level was measured in this experiment using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. As a pre-experiment, tryptophan, a chemical known to increase serotonin level, was mixed into the Drosophila’s medium, and inter-fly distance was measured. The resulting measurements were used as a behavioral assay for serotonin level. To determine the effect of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids on the serotonin level, Drosophila were given 0, 0.089, or 0.178 mg vitamin D per 5 mL of medium or 0, 1.875 mg, or 3.75 mg omega-3 fatty acids per 5 mL of medium. The behavioral assay was used to compare serotonin levels between the experimental groups and control. Data is pending. A source of potential error was the use of inter-fly distance and aggression as measurement of serotonin level. Though proximity between flies provided an indication of their inclination to move towards each other, there was no physical interaction between them, therefore aggression may not be an accurate conclusion. Further research could use a chemical assay in order to achieve more accurate results. Song, C., Shieh, C., Wu, Y., Kalueff, A., Gaikwad, S., & Su, K. (2015, December 3). The role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in the treatment of major depression and Alzheimer's disease: Acting separately or synergistically? Retrieved December 20, 2015, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016378271530031X Von Känel, R., Fardad, N., Steurer, N., Horak, N., Hindermann, E., Fischer, F., & Gessler, K. (2015). Vitamin D Deficiency and Depressive Symptomatology in Psychiatric Patients Hospitalized with a Current Depressive Episode: A Factor Analytic Study. PLoS ONE, 10(9), e0138550. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0138550 Kiyohara, C., & Yoshimasu, K. (2009). Molecular epidemiology of major depressive disorder. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 14(2), 71–87. http://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-008-0073-6


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Creating a Cost-Effective Polymerase Chain Reaction Machine

Varun Kulkarni

Polymerase Chain Reaction, or PCR, is a process used in biology that allows for scientists to efficiently make copies of a given strand of DNA. The process is used in laboratories to have multiple copies of DNA so that multiple tests or analyses can be run on the given type of DNA. PCR functions with a protocol of temperatures that a sample goes through. Temperature set points allow for the machine to open, replicate, and anneal DNA multiple times to provide a full solution of DNA. This investigation aims to reduce the building cost of such a machine while trying to maintain a level of efficiency and accuracy. A normal machine would usually cost three thousand to ten thousand dollars, and the goal of this study is to bring the costs to less than one hundred dollars while risking the least inaccuracy possible. Various materials were explored during the project and their durability, responsiveness, and overall place in the machine were evaluated constantly as was the design of the machine. In addition, coding methods and algorithms were explored such as PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) statistics. Bearing in mind the possible implementations of the project, it is possible that the machine can be further aesthetically improved by making applications for mobile devices to interface with the machine. Further goals include mobile device implementation as well as manufacturing other PCR related products (such as an electrophoresis box) in a similar cheap but effective manner. Beginner’s Guide to Real-Time PCR. (2015) (1st ed., pp. 2-4). Southampton. Retrieved from http://www.primerdesign.co.uk/assets/files/beginners_guide_to_real_time_pcr.pdf Dorkin, R. [MIT OpenCourseWare]. (2012, May 9). Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) | MIT 7.01SC Fundamentals of Biology [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK7_ReXhVaQ [mini PCR]. (2014, October 12). How does PCR work? The polymerase chain reaction explained. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyDLYLGmBr8 National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2015). Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/probe/docs/techpcr/ PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). (2016). Retrieved February 27, 2016, from http://www.bio-rad.com/en-us/applications-technologies/pcr-polymerase-chain-reaction OpenPCR - the $649 Open Source PCR Machine / Thermal Cycler. (2015). Retrieved November 17, 2015, from http://openpcr.org/ Tsai, D. E., Nearey, M., Hardy, C. L., Tomaszewski, J. E., Kotloff, R. M., Grossman, R. A., Olthoff, K. M., Stadtmauer, E. A., Porter, D. L., Schuster, S. J., Luger, S. M. and Hodinka, R. L. (2002), Use of EBV PCR for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in Adult Solid Organ Transplant Patients. American Journal of Transplantation, 2: 946–954. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-6143.2002.21011.x. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1034/j.1600-6143.2002.21011.x/abstract


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400


The Effect of Curcumin on Memory Retention of C. elegans

Pamela Michel

Jeyda Turker

The purpose of this experiment is to show that Curcumin can be a treatment used to battle diseases like Alzheimer’s. Its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties are what improve memory. To prove this, C. Elegans were tested. First, the memory span of C. Elegans was taken without the Curcumin compound added. Then, Curcumin was added to a test group of 16 C. Elegans. After 2 days, their memory span was tested again and compared to 16 control group C. Elegans without Curcumin. The independent variable was the Curcumin given, and the dependent variable was the recorded change of memory span. The results with 16 trials were positive. The biggest improvement was seen in C. Elegan number two, injected with 0.5 uL of Curcumin. It’s memory improved by 8.83 seconds. The other C. Elegans injected with 0.5 uL of Curcumin did not have memory improvements. The average memory span of C. Elegans for the test groups before injection was 16.03 seconds, and afterwards was 14.81 seconds. There was an average improvement in memory of 1.22 seconds. The experimental hypothesis: If Curcumin is injected into C. Elegans, then the memory span of C. Elegans will increase, was supported based on our results. Curcumin influenced the memory span of C. Elegans. A major source of error was incubating the culture in an environment with uncontrolled temperatures, which affected the growth of the microorganisms. Future research could explore the different amounts of Curcumin injected and their effects to determine successful amounts of Curcumin. Pan, R., Qiu, S., Lu, D. X., & Dong, J. (2008). Curcumin improves learning and memory ability and its neuroprotective mechanism in mice. Chinese Medical Journal (English Edition), 121(9), 832. Lim, G. P., Chu, T., Yang, F., Beech, W., Frautschy, S. A., & Cole, G. M. (2001). The curry spice curcumin reduces oxidative damage and amyloid pathology in an Alzheimer transgenic mouse. The Journal of Neuroscience,21(21), 8370-8377. Liao, V. H. C., Yu, C. W., Chu, Y. J., Li, W. H., Hsieh, Y. C., & Wang, T. T. (2011). Curcumin-mediated lifespan extension in Caenorhabditis elegans. Mechanisms of ageing and development, 132(10), 480-487.


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400


The Effect of Edelfosine on the Growth of C. elegans

Nikhat Nusrat

Brennah Rohner

As the cancer epidemic continues to grow and affect the lives of an increasing amount of people, a less harmful substitute for chemotherapy treatments is necessary. Edelfosine is an anti-cancer drug that induces apoptosis in white blood cells. What makes this particular drug unique is its ability to identify and target the cells that are harmful to the body, such as tumor cells. Unable to use human subjects for testing, scientists are forced to test this drug on C. elegans. The genome of Caenorhabditis elegans is very similar to that of humans, making the results of such experiments reasonably accurate. Since an excessive amount of Edelfosine administered can be fatal, this particular experiment was meant to determine the point of fatality. The C. elegans were allowed two weeks to develop. Afterwards, different groups were administered various amounts of the Edelfosine. Radiation was administered to each group for ten minutes twice a week until the life span of the C. elegans came to an end. The life span of the C. elegans was meant to increase if they were administered Edelfosine levels ranging from 5µm to 10µm. As the experiment progressed, it became apparent that they were not receiving enough radiation because they continued to develop at a normal rate. Because of the limited amount of radiation administered, the higher levels survived longer than the lower levels of Edelfosine. Gajate, C., M. Matos-da-Silva, E. L-H Dakir, R. I. Fontirez, J. Alvarez, and F. Mollinedo. "Antitumor Alkyl-lysophospholipid Analog Edelfosine Induces Apoptosis in Pancreatic Cancer by Targeting Endoplasmic Reticulum." Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, 7 Nov. 2011. Web. 4 Oct. 2015. Geanacopoulos, Mark. "The Determinants of Lifespan in the Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans: A Short Primer." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2004. Web. 4 Oct. 2015. Leung, Maxwell C K, Phillip L. Williams, Alexandre Benedetto, Catherine Au, Kirsten J. Helmcke, Michael Aschner, and Joel N. Meyer. "Caenorhabditis Elegans: An Emerging Model in Biomedical and Environmental Toxicology." Toxicological Sciences. Society of Toxicology, 19 June 2008. Web. 4 Oct. 2015.


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400


The Mechanism of Anti-Cancer Drug Docetaxyl

Vladyslava Rybka

Aleksey Veselov

Docetaxyl is common drug used in chemotherapy where it controls and limits the cell division. This drug disrupts the mitotic progression and inhibits the micro-tubules (cell’s apparatus for dividing and replicating itself) resulting in a cell death. Hypothesis is that Docetaxyl inhibits autophagic pathway. The question of the research - how is autophagy inhibited? The project gave data of how docetaxyl inhibits a cell's death. The HeLa cells were treated with different Docetaxyl concentrations (10nM, 30nM, 100nM). After a two day period the number of alives cells was counted using the cell counting assay. The standard deviation was taken of the Docetaxyl concentrations to understand the optimal concentration. Western blotting was used to detect LC3B-II (mediator of autophagy), which would determine if Docetaxyl promotes autophagy. Then siRNA knockdown with cell counting assay was used to see if that attenuates Docetaxel induced death. The Docetaxyl drug killed cells and that is thought because it inhibits autophagy. Autophagy can lead to the death of the cell or to the survival of it. Data showed that Beclin-1 expression is down regulated by Docetaxyl. This project helps in discovering the more information about how docetaxel affects certain proteins in cells and the efficiency of the drugs concentrations. "How Do Anti¬mitotic Drugs Kill Cancer Cells? Journal of Cell Science." How Do Anti-mitotic Drugs Kill Cancer Cells? Journal of Cell Science. Web. 10 Jan. 2016. . "Docetaxel." Drug Information. Web. 15 Jan. 2016. http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug¬info/docetaxel.asp. Zarei, Abdolreza, and Boban Markovic. "Refinement in the Use and Data Analysis of the Promega CellTiter 96® AQueous..." 2000. Web. 13 Jan. 2016.


417X11


400


Investigating The Effect of the Drosophila melanogaster Sleep Mutation Fumin on Susceptibility to Oral Infection by Serratia marcescens

Alyssa Sandefer

Although the full biological purpose of sleep is currently unknown, previous research has shown a positive correlation between duration of sleep following the introduction of a disease and rate of recovery. The Drosophila melanogaster mutant fumin is hyperactive and sleeps for fewer than four hours per day, yet is apparently able to subsist on its shortened sleep without major ramifications. Thus, the question arises as to whether sleep duration or sleep sufficiency is truly what is needed to fight off infection. To test the hypothesis, wild-type w1118 and fumin mutant Drosophila will be orally exposed to equal concentrations of pathogenic Serratia marcescens Db11 bacteria. Post-infection death rates in the presence and absence of Db11 will be measured and compared for w1118 and fumin flies. These results will determine whether there is a significant impact of the mutation on Drosophila susceptibility to disease. Data collection is underway. Because fumin may be viewed as an organism that has “adapted” to sleeping for a shorter-than-average period of time, the results of this experiment are expected to shed light on the relationship between chronic sleep loss and immune function, as well as to indicate whether or not other negative consequences of sleep deprivation and restriction ought to be reexamined using fumin as a model organism for chronic short-sleeping individuals. Faraut, B., Boudjeltia, K., Vanhamme, L., & Kerkhofs, M. (2012). Immune, inflammatory and cardiovascular consequences of sleep restriction and recovery. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 16, 137-149. Kume, K. Kume, S., Park, S. Hirsh, J., & Jackson, F. (2005). Dopamine is a regulator of arousal in the fruit fly. The Journal of Neuroscience, 25(32), 7377-7384. Nehme, N., Lie’geois, S., Kele, B., Giammarinaro, P., Pradel, E., Hoffman, J., . . . Ferrandon, D. (2007). A model of bacterial intestinal infections in Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS Pathogens, 3(11), 1694-1709.


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400


Blue Light Interference of Melatonin: a Sleep Disruptor

Grace Solini

Melatonin is the hormone responsible for controlling circadian rhythms and sleep cycles. Melatonin levels affect the body’s state of arousal and attention and are regulated by photonic suppression. Different wavelengths affect the brain differently and sources of blue light, such as mobile devices, are most effective in melatonin suppression. While melatonin suppression is necessary for regulation of circadian rhythms, overstimulating the eyes and brain with blue light, especially before periods of sleep, can suppress melatonin enough to actually disrupt sleep cycles. The purpose of this research was to investigate whether decreased use of blue light technology before periods of sleep could improve sleep health and allow greater periods of deep sleep. Subjects monitored regular sleep patterns for two weeks using the “Sleep Time” application, and then continued to monitor these patterns for an additional two weeks while also limiting technology use one hour before sleep. Data was analyzed by comparing the ratio of time spent in deep sleep to total time spent asleep for the first two weeks with the same ratio of the second two weeks. It was determined that limiting technology use an hour before periods of sleep did not have a significant effect on how much time each subject spent in deep sleep each night. Additional research would increase the subject numbers and extend the time periods for control and test groups in order to ensure greater validity of the results. Such research would provide insight into whether technology truly has an immense effect on sleep patterns. Carter, M.D., and D.N. Juurlink. “Melatonin” Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2012, 1923. Pandi-Perumal, S.R., V. Srinivasan, G.J.M. Maestroni, D.P. Cardinali, B.Poeggeler, and R. Hardeland. “Melatonin.” FEBS Journal. 2006, 2813-838. Blue light has a dark side. (2012, May 1). Retrieved October 29, 2015. http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/ble-light-has-a-dark-side


419T12


400


The Relationship Between Strike Angle when Running and a History of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

Ellison Taylor

Hana Warner

Medial-tibial stress syndrome, musculoskeletal inflammations more commonly known as shin splints, is a common running injury. However, there are many conflicting opinions on what causes shin splints to develop. This experiment examines how runners’ strike angle relates to a history of shin splints, particularly when examining the force ratio between the runners’ force while running compared to their weight. Runners were surveyed to learn their shin splint history and their standing weight was recorded by having them stand on a pressure plate. Runners were then recorded as they ran over the plate, which allowed the strike angle to be obtained and the runners’ force of running to be calculated. It was found that runners with a shin splint history experienced a mean strike angle of 4.5º and a mean force ratio of 21.494 while runners who had shin splint history experienced a mean strike angle of 3.277º and a mean force ratio of 35.213. The experimental hypothesis that the strike angle, and thus the resultant force ratio, had a relationship to a history of shin splits was rejected. t test was conducted which yielded a p value of 0.8620, examining strike angle and a p value of 0.9305 when examining the force ratio, therefore failing to reject the null hypothesis. Further research could include examining the relationship between the runners’ impulse to their shin splint history or the relationship between runners’ shin splint history and their energy ratio when comparing running to walking. Hamstra-Wright, K., Bliven, K., & Bay, C. (2014). Risk factors for medial tibial stress syndrome in physically active individuals such as runners and military personnel: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 362-369. doi:10.1136 Nutche, J. (2005). Rehabilitation and Prevention of Shin Splints: A Literature Review. (Undergraduate thesis). Retrieved September 8, 2015, from http://www.logan.edu/mm/files/lrc/senior-research/2005-apr-42.pdf Thacker, S., Gilchrist, J., Stroup, D., & Kimsey, C. (n.d.). The prevention of shin splints in sports: A systematic review of literature. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 32-40.


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Investigating Antidepressants as a Potential Treatment for Concussions

Jennah Whitehill

Concussions occur as a result of blunt force trauma to the head that causes the brain to knock against the skull. As many as an estimated 3.8 million occur each year. This traumatic brain injury causes neuron death and concussions have been shown to cause early onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Antidepressants have been shown to stimulate neurogenesis in adults; St. John’s Wort is an herbal antidepressant which was shown to be more effective than a placebo. Drosophila melanogaster have been used in previous research to model concussions. If Drosophila melanogaster is given a concussion then St. John’s Wort will extend its lifespan compared to concussed untreated Drosophila due to stimulation of neurogenesis. The independent variable is the treatment regimen given to the flies and the dependent variable is the lifespan of the flies. There are four experimental groups: untreated Drosophila without a concussion, untreated concussed Drosophila, proactively and retroactively treated concussed Drosophila, and retroactively treated Drosophila. Drosophila are given concussions that simulates a bus crash. Treatment will consist of a St John’s Wort and Ethanol solution at the maximal tolerated concentration determined by a toxicity assay. Some data for untreated concussed flies has been collected and it shows a noticeable shortening of Drosophila lifespan. Data collection for the experimental groups is underway. If St. John’s Wort is able to extend the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster after receiving a concussion, it could potentially provide a simple, effective treatment for concussions. Anacker, C., Zunszain, P., Cattaneo, A., Carvalho, L., Garabedian, M., Thuret, S., Price, J., Pariante, C.. Antidepressants increase human hippocampal neurogenesis by activating the glucocorticoid receptor. Molecular Psychiatry, 16, 738-750. doi:10.1038/mp.2011.26 Katzenberger, R., Loewen, C., Wassarman, D. R., Petersen, A., Ganetzky, B., Wassarman, D. A.. A Drosophila model of closed head traumatic brain injury. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 110(44), E4152-E4159. Doi: 10.1073/pnas.1316895110 Schatz, P., Moser, R., Covassin, T., Karpf, R.. Early Indicators of Enduring Symptoms in High School Athletes with Multiple Previous Concussions. Neurosurgery, 68(6), 1562-1567. Doi: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e31820e382e


Cellular & Molecular Biology (500)


501X12 Akingbesote, Ngozi Decreasing Fungal Pathogenicity by Breaking Disulfide Bridges in the Yap-1 Protein

502T12 Bradshaw, Meghan Pritchard, Connor

Creating A Model Organism For The Study of Tay Sach’s Disease Using RNA interference of the Hex-1 Gene in C. elegans Using Custom RNA Oligo Soaking

503X12 Budharaju, Saahithi Apoptotic Response of Cancer Cells to Resveratrol, Nitidine Chloride, and Cepharanthine

504X12 Copeland, Caitleen The Effect of Nicotine on Learning Ability in Drosophila Larvae

505X12 Gollapally, Lalitha The Effect of a Nanoparticle Antibody Conjugate on a Cancerous and Healthy Cell Line

506T11 Hernandez, Natalie Patino Rosales, Natalia

Do Labels Tell You the Truth About Genetically Modified Products?

507T11 Maheshwari, Shubhi Sayed, Iman

The Effects of Non-Ionizing Radiation on Escherichia coli Bacteria

508X12 Morrical, Shannon Comparing the Effects of Enzymatic and Supplemental Antioxidants on Telomere Length

509X10 Sumathipala, Marissa FOXO Transcription Factor: A Novel Therapeutic for Cardiometabolic Disease

501X12

Cellular & Molecular Biology

500


Decreasing Fungal Pathogenicity by Breaking Disulfide Bridges in the Yap-1 Protein

Ngozi Akingbesote

Fungal infections in humans range in severity from mild to life-threating. Some fungal infections exist as mild skin rashes, but others can be deadly, such as fungal pneumonia. Therefore, it is important to employ treatments as soon as possible so as to decrease severity. The purpose of this research was to determine whether fungal pathogenicity could be reduced by chemically manipulating the Yap-1 protein in an effort to break disulfide bridges that form due to oxidative stress. The conformational shape change by the Yap-1 protein allows a fungus to adapt to hostile environments therefore retaining its pathogenicity. Caenorhabditis elegans were cultured in five sets and four sets were infected with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Three cultures of C.elegans were each treated by exposing them to different chemical environments: one containing hydrogen peroxide, the second containing thioredoxin and the third containing both hydrogen peroxide and thioredoxin. The last two cultures served as controls in which the environment was not manipulated. It was determined that fungal pathogenicity can be reduced by using treatment via a reducing agent such as thioredoxin because disulfide bridges formed during oxidative stress can be broken in a reduced environment. Further research should entail exploring how reducing agents such as thioredoxin affect the human immune system when fighting fungal infection and explore how this method can be applied to pharmaceutical medicine to further advance the creation of antifungal drugs. Charu Jain, M. Y. (2009). A Pathogenesis Assay Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Caenorhabditis elegans reveals novel roles for yeast Yap 1, AP-1 and Host dual oxidase BLI-3 in fungal Pathogenesis. Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Worcester: American Society of Microbiolgy. Grigoryev, Y. (2014, Decemeber 8). Cells. Retrieved october 31, 2015, from bitesizebio.com. Moye-Rowley, W. (2003). Regulation of the Transcriptional Response to Oxidative Stress in Fungi; similarites and differences. Eukaryotic cell , 14.


502T12


500


Creating A Model Organism For The Study of Tay Sach’s Disease Using RNA interference of the Hex-1 Gene in C. elegans Using Custom RNA Oligo Soaking

Meghan Bradshaw

Connor Pritchard

Tay-Sachs disease is a rare autosomal recessive disease that destroys neurons in the brain and spinal cord through a defect in the HEXA gene. The mutation of the HEXA gene causes a deficiency of the enzyme, Beta-hexosaminidase A. This deficiency results in the cell’s failure to dispose of GM2 gangliosides and becomes deadly to the cell. In this research, RNA interference (RNAi) was used to create a model organism to study the disease. C. elegans are nematodes that possess the hex-1 gene, which corresponds to the human HEXA gene. In order to mimic Tay-Sach’s disease, the hex-1 gene was inhibited by a custom RNA oligo of 21 bp synthesized with 2' O'Methyl groups and a Phosphorothioate backbone that resist endonuclease reaction. Another RNAi duplex was synthesized as a control group containing the same modifications and testing of RNAi in the interference of the hex-1 gene in C. elegans commenced. If RNAi is used to knock down the hex-1 gene in C. elegans, then the specimen will model the same protein deficiency of Tay-Sachs disease, thereby creating a model organism to study the human HEXA gene. Observations of the effects of RNAi soaking on L-1 C. elegans include sporadic, limited locomotion and stunted growth, possibly due to a buildup of GM2 Ganglioside. Control worms, soaked in autoclaved water, displayed much more rapid growth and fluid movement. Further steps are currently being taken to analyze each worm group’s protein composition and examine the effectiveness and extent of the hex-1 gene knockdown. "College of Biological Sciences." What Is C. Elegans? University of Minnesota, n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2015. Sui, Guangchao. "A DNA Vector-based RNAi Technology to Suppress Gene Expression in Mammalian Cells." A DNA Vector-based RNAi Technology to Suppress Gene Expression in Mammalian Cells (n.d.): n. pag. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). PNAS, 28 Feb. 2002. Web. 2 Oct. 2015. Ahringer, Julie. "Reverse Genetics*." Reverse Genetics. Wormbook, 20 Mar. 2005. Web. 4 Jan. 2016.


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500


Apoptotic Response of Cancer Cells to Resveratrol, Nitidine Chloride, and Cepharanthine

Saahithi Budharaju

Current cancer treatment practices rely heavily on chemotherapy which has various side effects and can weaken the immune system. Novel drugs derived from natural products are less toxic, and have demonstrated greater success in decreasing cancer cell proliferation in in-vitro studies. Several compounds have been identified as agents inhibiting cancer cell growth through the initiation of apoptosis. These compounds have displayed anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties via activation of the caspase pathway, including resveratrol, nitidine chloride, and cepharanthine. Each compound is derived from natural botanicals such as berries and herbs, and have been used individually as treatment for acute and chronic diseases with minimal side effects. Resveratrol, nitidine chloride, and cepharanthine are all agents that have been found to inhibit cancer though the caspase cascade individually, but not in combination. This study will identify the cytotoxic effect of each compound and the synergistic effect of the combination in a dose dependent manner. 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells have been cultured, and several phosphatase assays have been performed on treated and untreated cells to determine cell viability. Data collection is currently in progress. Hua, P., Sun, M., Zhang, G., Zhang, Y., Tian, X., Li, X., ... & Zhang, X. (2015). Cepharanthine induces apoptosis through reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunction in human non-small-cell lung cancer cells. Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 460(2), 136-142 Kang, M., Ou, H., Wang, R., Liu, W., & Tang, A. (2014). The effect of nitidine chloride on the proliferation and apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Journal of BU ON.: official journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology, 19(1), 130. Majumdar, A. P., Banerjee, S., Nautiyal, J., Patel, B. B., Patel, V., Du, J., ... & Sarkar, F. H. (2009). Curcumin synergizes with resveratrol to inhibit colon cancer. Nutrition and cancer, 61, 544-553. doi: 10.1080/01635580902752262


504X12


500


The Effect of Nicotine on Learning Ability in Drosophila Larvae

Caitleen Copeland

Nicotine increases the neurotransmitters Dopamine and Acetylcholine, neurotransmitters involved with memory and learning. In previous studies, it has been found to increase long-term Hippocampal learning (Justin W. Kenney, 2008). This information can be used to fight diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s which decrease cognitive function partly due to the loss of Dopamine and Acetylcholine. Nicotine could replenish some of these lost neurotransmitters and decrease cognitive deterioration in patients (A.Lynn Wilson, 1995). To test nicotine’s effect on learning ability, Drosophila larvae were administered nicotine for ten minutes before being trained to associate Amyl-Acetate (AM) with a fructose reward against Octanol (OCT) with no reward. The larvae were given a choice between AM and OCT at the end of training and a preference score was calculated. A different set of larvae were then reciprocally trained to associate OCT with fructose and AM with no reward. The same test and calculation was administered (Cold Spring Harb Protoc, 2013). A Learning Index (LI) score was calculated using the two preference scores to determine the extent to which the larvae learned. Several nicotine trials were done and compared against the control group given no nicotine. The highest three LI scores for each group were used to show a distribution and to calculate a p value through a t-test. The p value supports the alternative hypothesis that pure .01% Nicotine solution improves learning in Drosophila larvae with a p value of .04. This study was limited by the number of trials that could be done due to lack of time and materials. More trials are needed to further support the alternative hypothesis. A.Lynn Wilson, L. K. (1995). Nicotine patches in Alzheimer's disease: Pilot study on learning, memory, and safety. In L. K. A.Lynn Wilson, Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior (pp. 509–514). Minneapolis: Elsevier Inc. Cold Spring Harb Protoc; 2013; doi:10.1101/pdb.prot071639 Justin W. Kenney, R. L. (2012, June 28). Learning and Nicotine Interact to Increase CREB Phosphorylation at the jnk1 Promoter in the Hippocampus. Retrieved from PLOS One: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3386232/


505X12


500


The Effect of a Nanoparticle Antibody Conjugate on a Cancerous and Healthy Cell Line

Lalitha Gollapally

CD-47 is a protein that is expressed on the membrane of some cells, and over expressed in cancer cells by almost 1000x, it sends a signal that implies it is a healthy cell; by sending this signal, macrophages are deterred. This protein is how cancer cells bypass the immune system. Previous research has determined that metal nanoparticles of approximately 13 nanometers induce cellular death in cells by depleting them of glutathione. A conjugate was made consisting of a CD-47 antibody and gold nanoparticles. The conjugate serves as a more targeted and efficient means to induce cancer cell death, assuming that it attaches more frequently to cancer cells than healthy cells. Cancer cell membranes expresses CD-47, so the antibodies will attach themselves to the cell while the gold nanoparticles will deplete it of its glutathione thus killing it. The conjugate will also be tested on non-cancerous cells to see if the treatment is targeted mostly towards cancerous cells. Data shows that the conjugate kills approximately 70% of cancer cells versus only 20% of noncancerous cells. Kumar, S., Aaron, J., & Sokolov, K. (2008). Directional conjugation of antibodies to nanoparticles for synthesis of multiplexed optical contrast agents with both delivery and targeting moieties. Nature Protocols, 3, 314-320. Rasmussen, J., Martinez, E., Louka, P., & Wingett, D. (2010). Zinc oxide nanoparticles for selective destruction of tumor cells and potential for drug delivery applications. Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, 7(9), 1063-1077. Tseng, D., Volkmer, J., Willingham, S., Contreras-Trujillo, H., Fathman, J., Fernhoff, N., ... Weissman, I. (2013). Anti-CD47 antibody-mediated phagocytosis of cancer by macrophages primes an effective antitumor T-cell response. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(27), 11103-11108.


506T11


500


Do Labels Tell You the Truth About Genetically Modified Products?

Natalie Hernandez

Natalia Patino Rosales

Whether through the use of genetic engineering or selective breeding, the study of GMOs has advanced over the years. Along with the interest in GMOs in food consumption, comes the issue of GMO labeling. This experiment tests whether GMO and non-GMO labeling is correct in four corn flakes products. The independent variable was the four brands of corn flakes tested for GMOs. The dependent variable was whether or not the samples tested positive for GMOs. The DNA of the four samples was isolated and then duplicated using PCR. Horizontal gel electrophoresis was used to detect GMOs in the samples by looking at the lanes on the gel plate under a transilluminator, which was stained with InstaStain Ethidium Bromide for 15 minutes. Two trials were conducted. The data results were the same for each trial. In each trial results revealed that two of the samples tested positive for GMOs, the Giant brand and Kellog’s frosted flakes. These were not advertised as GMO free. Nature’s Path (labeled Non-GMO) tested negative. Kix tested negative with no specified GMO labeling. The four tests in each trial, which revealed truthful labeling, did not support the hypothesis. This research could be strengthened by testing more samples. We are in the process of submitting DNA samples to GENEWIZ for DNA sequencing and will then upload this information to the BLAST database for further analysis. Meyer, R. (1999). Development and application of DNA analytical methods for the detection of GMOs in food. Food control, 10(6), 391-399. Saletan, W. (n.d.).Saletan, W. (n.d.). The Misleading War on GMOs: The Food Is Safe. The Rhetoric Is Dangerous. Retrieved November 16, 2015, from The Rhetoric Is Dangerous. Yang, Y. T., & Chen, B. (2015). Governing GMOs in the USA: science, law and public health. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.


507T11


500


The Effects of Non-Ionizing Radiation on Escherichia coli Bacteria

Shubhi Maheshwari

Iman Sayed

Radiation has been known to cause mutations in biological material, which ultimately leads to the development of cancer in cellular matter. The purpose of this research is to see if exposure to various types of radiation can inhibit the growth of bacteria, preventing food-born illnesses, applying the concepts of mutations and cancer. The experiment was conducted to see if radiation on different levels of ionization would have an effect on the growth or inhibition of Escherichia coli bacteria. The experimental process is designed to test the exposure of microwave and ultraviolet radiation on E. coli bacteria in proportional intensity levels. The thermal factor was controlled by the application of heat kept constant through each experimental group. Throughout the experiment, the different radiations were kept constant through proportional intensity and units of lux. The data showed that the microwave and ultraviolet light radiations hindered the growth of bacteria and was greater than the average growth in comparison to the control group. The ultraviolet light, measured in frequency, inhibited the growth of the E.coli significantly whereas the microwave radiation was less conclusive. Testing the effect of the high-energy radiation on actual food items such as raw meat and unpasteurized milk to find real-world applications can further extend this research. National Cancer Institue, (n.d.). Radiation. Retrieved September 21, 2015, from http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation Ronca, D. (n.d.). Non-ionizing Radiation. Retrieved September 23, 2015, from http://science.howstuffworks.com/radiation2.htm Pietrangelo, A. (2015, October 15). E. coli Infection. Retrieved November 10, 2015, from http://www.healthline.com/health/e-coli-infection#Overview1


508X12


500


Comparing the Effects of Enzymatic and Supplemental Antioxidants on Telomere Length

Shannon Morrical

Telomeres are caps on the end of chromosomes that determine the lifespan of a cell line. Every time a cell replicates, its telomeres shorten slightly, until they shorten enough to cause the cell to be susceptible to disease and premature death. Telomere shortening can be decelerated by the repair of oxidative stress damage by antioxidants.. Antioxidants are categorized into supplemental antioxidants, taken by mouth, and enzymatic antioxidants produced by the body. The purpose of this research was to determine which type of antioxidant, or a combination of the types, is most effective in repairing oxidative stress damage on telomeres. This result will be used to determine the best supplements to decrease risk of age related disease for those with a history of illness.. The experiment was tested in Tetrahymena protozoa, model organisms for telomere function. The Tetrahymena were incubated with ascorbic acid, a supplemental antioxidant known to decrease telomere shortening, and green tea extract and green coffee bean extract, two supplements known to induce the production of enzymatic antioxidants, after being exposed to hydrogen peroxide to induce oxidative stress. DNA was then extracted and used to measure telomere length. Experimental data is still being collected. Cawthon, R. M. (2002). Telomere measurement by quantitative PCR. Nucleic acids research, 30(10), e47-e47. Furumoto, K., Inoue, E., Nagao, N., Hiyama, E., & Miwa, N. (1998). Age-dependent telomere shortening is slowed down by enrichment of intracellular vitamin C via suppression of oxidative stress. Life sciences, 63(11), 935-948. Shen, J., Gammon, M. D., Terry, M. B., Wang, Q., Bradshaw, P., Teitelbaum, S. L., ... & Santella, R. M. (2009). Telomere length, oxidative damage, antioxidants and breast cancer risk. International Journal of Cancer, 124(7), 1637-1643.


509X10


500


FOXO Transcription Factor: A Novel Therapeutic for Cardiometabolic Disease

Marissa Sumathipala

Risk of cardiovascular disease, the world's leading cause of death, is greatly increased by metabolic syndrome, a combination of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and type-2-diabetes. A rapidly growing global health challenge across all age groups, cardiometabolic disease affects 25 percent of adults globally, 10 percent of children and 50 percent of adults over 60 in the US. Current therapeutics for metabolic syndrome treats each cardiometabolic disease component separately; blocking liver cholesterol formation in hyperlipidemia or reducing liver glucose production in type-2-diabetes. To more effectively treat cardiometabolic diseases, therapeutics that target the many underlying metabolic pathways common to the disease components are needed. This research investigates the viability and efficacy of FOXO proteins, which control gene transcription of cellular pathways, including glucose and lipid metabolism, as a novel therapeutic target. FOXO transcription factor was expressed in adipose tissue by crossing two Drosophila transgenic lines, GAL4-driver line with RU486-Gene-switch and dFOXO line, and raised on high-fat (HF) or high-sugar (HS) diets. Abdomens were surgically dissected without damaging beating hearts, and videos were analyzed. Cardiac tissue was fixed, fluorescence-stained, and actin-myofibrils imaged. FOXO-expressing flies on HS/HF diet exhibited therapeutic benefits of reduced cardiac dysfunction: 24 percent-reduced heartrates, 52 percent-reduced arrhythmicity, 52 percent-higher fractional-shortening (t-test,p-less-than 0.05). When expressed prior to HS/HF-diet placement, FOXO exhibited protective roles: 45 percent-reduced heartrates, 72 percent-reduced arrhythmicity, 72 percent-higher fractional-shortening (t-test,p-less-than 0.05). Structurally, FOXO prevented cardiac hypertrophy. Successfully reducing mortalities and treating diet-induced cardiac dysfunction-severe arrhythmias, tachycardia, and cardiovascular hypertrophy and rigidity, FOXO shows promise as a novel drug target with both therapeutic and protective roles. Future work will investigate drug delivery methods of FOXO. 1. Ronnebaum, S. M., & Patterson, C. (2010). The FoxO Family in Cardiac Function and Dysfunction. Annual Review of Physiology, 72, 81–94. 2. Ocorr, K., Vogler, G., & Bodmer, R. (2014). Methods to assess Drosophila heart development, function and aging. Methods (San Diego, Calif.), 68(1), 265–272. 3. Guo, S. (2014). Insulin Signaling, Resistance, and the Metabolic Syndrome: Insights from Mouse Models to Disease Mechanisms. The Journal of Endocrinology,220(2), T1–T23.


Chemistry (600)


601X11 Dessai, Soham

The Use of the Alternated Soaking Process to Create a Chitin- Goethite Nanocomposite Optimized in Tensile Strength

602X11 Hakins, Amanda The Effect and Cost Efficiency of Natural and Chemical Pesticides and Repellants on Formicides (Ants)

603T12 Kang, Seoyoung Min, Yeojin

Synthesis of Multifunctional Nanoparticles to Induce Hydrophobicity and Antibacterial Properties on the Surface of Packaging Materials

604X12 Kirk, Connor Effect of Bicarbonate Salts on the Growth Rate of P. Itallicum

605T12 Salvatore, Megan Vigil, Nathan

Identification of Optimal pH for Luminol Chemiluminescence

606X12 Singh, Surbhi The Effect on Photocatalytic Efficiency of Changing the Ratio of ZnO and SnO2 in Nanoparticles for the Purification of Water

601X11

Chemistry 600


The Use of the Alternated Soaking Process to Create a Chitin- Goethite Nanocomposite Optimized in Tensile Strength

Soham Dessai

The teeth of limpets, consisting of goethite nanofiber within a softer protein phase, have been proven to be the strongest natural occurring material. A bio-inspired nano-composite was modeled after these teeth in an attempt to achieve a similar tensile strength. The novel alternate soaking process was used to make a chitingoethite nanocomposite that would be optimized in tensile strength. A chitin film was first developed using an existing method and was alternately soaked in goethite and chitin using a crane made from an in-expensive robotics kit. The number of soakings was changed after each trial, starting at 20 soakings and incrementally increasing by 20 soakings. The nano-composites were then tested for tensile strength. They were later viewed under a Scanning Electron Microscope for better understanding and a visual representation of the composite. Data is forthcoming and is expected to be collected by March 2016. Barber, A., Lu, D., Pugno, N. (2015, Jan 1). Extreme strength observed in limpet teeth. Retrieved from Journal of The Royal Society Interface. Izawa, H., Nishino, S., Maeda, H., Morita, K., Ifuku, S., Morimoto, M. Kadokawa, J. (2014,Jan1). Mineralization of hydroxyapatite upon a unique xanthan gum hydrogel by an alternate soaking process. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24507355 Strange, D. G., & Oyen, M. L. (2011). Biomimetic bone-like composites fabricated through an automated alternate soaking process.


602X11

Chemistry 600


The Effect and Cost Efficiency of Natural and Chemical Pesticides and Repellants on Formicides (Ants)

Amanda Hakins

This project consisted of a number of experiments to determine which substances provided the most reliable and cost effective solutions for repelling ants. Chemical pesticides, household products, and natural repellants were used in these tests. A simple test setup was constructed allowing the number of ants crossing a boundary treated with each substance to be counted over a predetermined period of time. The fewer ants crossing the boundary, the more effective the substance was at repelling them. If the cost of the substance was low and repelled ants efficiently, then the product would be considered cost efficient. Even though the natural repellants (hot sauce, lemon juice, etc.) were the best at repelling, they were not cost-efficient to use. The chemical pesticides were very cheap to use but did not actually repel the ants in a timely manner, but they did kill the ants off over time. The most cost-efficient product to use was a laundry softener followed by dishwashing liquid. These detergents demonstrated the fewest number of ant crossings, along with a low cost. University. (n.d.). Pesticides: an introduction. Retrieved from http://people.chem.duke.edu/~jds/cruise_chem/pest/pestintro.html The University of Arizona (1997). Ant information. Retrieved from http://insects.about.com/od/antsbeeswasps/a/10-cool-facts-about-ants.htm University of New Hampshire. (n.d.). How insecticides work. Retrieved from https://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000504_Rep526.pdf


603T12

Chemistry 600


Synthesis of Multifunctional Nanoparticles to Induce Hydrophobicity and Antibacterial Properties on the Surface of Packaging Materials

Seoyoung Kang

Yeojin Min

The objective is to synthesize silica-coated silver multifunctional nanoparticles that can exhibit hydrophobic and antibacterial properties. Using different silane chains to change the degree of hydrophobicity, the goal is to find the most hydrophobic and antibacterial nanoparticle solution. These multifunctional nanoparticles have potential applications in the packaging industry. Materials can be coated with a nanoparticle solution, resulting in a hydrophobic and antibacterial surface that can repel water and kill bacteria. This combination can help to protect the contents inside of packages. To make these nanoparticles, a silver colloid was synthesized then coated with different silane chains: TEOS, VTES, OTES, and iTES. The hydrophobicity was measured by coating a glass slide with a nanoparticles solution, pipetting a drop of water on it, and measuring the contact angle. The antibacterial property was observed by growing E. coli in the presence of nanoparticle-dipped filter paper pieces and measuring the disk of diffusion. Nanoparticles were successfully synthesized. Out of all the coatings, VTES induced the highest contact angle. Data has yet to be collected for the antibacterial test. As of now, no conclusions can be made. Ultimately, the multifunctional nanoparticles will be hydrophobic as well as retain antibacterial properties to increase the consumer satisfaction in the delivery of packages. Kobayashi, Y., Katakami, H., Mine, E., Nagao, D., Konno, M., & Liz- Marzan, L.M. (2004). Silica coating of silver nanoparticles using a modified Stöber method. Elsevier, 283, 392-396. doi:10.1016/j.jcis.2004.08.184 Purcar, V., Cinteza, O., Ghiurea, M., Balan, A., Caprarescu, S., & Donescu, D. (2014). Influence of hydrophobic characteristic of organo-modified precursor on wettability of silica film. Bulletin of Materials Science, 37, 107-115. doi:10.1007/s12034-014-0628-7 Rao, K. S., El-Hami, K., Kodaki, T., Matsushige, K., & Making, K. (2005). A novel method for synthesis of silica nanoparticles. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 289, 125-131. doi:10.1016/j.jcis.2005.02.019


604X12

Chemistry 600


Effect of Bicarbonate Salts on the Growth Rate of P. itallicum

Connor Kirk

The Purpose of this experiment was to determine whether or not the addition of NaHCO3, KHCO3, or NH4HCO3 would have an effect on the growth rate of P. itallicum. P. itallicum is a fungus that can grow on citrus plants and result in killing most of the crop. To experiment, four dishes of each condition were prepared, Control, NaHCO3, KHCO3, NH4HCO3. Each bicarbonate salt was prepared by adding 1ml of the solution into the respectively labeled dishes. Once the bicarbonate salt was added, the dishes were inoculated with a reusable loop that was sterilized after each usage on each dish. Once all dishes were inoculated, they were placed in an incubator set to 25O c to allow to grow, and number of colonies recorded on each day. The data could only be calculated for the first two days since on the third day all dishes exhibited lawn growth. However, based on the calculated data there is enough evidence to support that KHCO3 did have an effect on the initial growth rate of P. italliicum.


605T12

Chemistry 600


Identification of Optimal pH for Luminol Chemiluminescence

Megan Salvatore

Nathan Vigil

The purpose of this experiment is to determine which pH is most effective at optimizing luminol’s chemiluminescence reaction (C8H7N3O2). This glowing blue light emitted by the reaction of luminol and hydroxide ions forming dianions has caused luminol to become a practical tool for investigating crime scenes. Forensic investigators can utilize this information to increase both the effectives and validity of luminol in investigations and court cases. A variation in pH is an easily encountered problem when creating luminol and perfection becomes necessary in order to produce the longest duration of usable luminol. This optimal pH was determined through repeated experimentation on the duration in which luminol lasted according to various pH levels. This research is significant because it can help to improve the performance of luminol when used at a crime scene. Through knowing the pH that optimizes the reaction of luminol, forensic investigators can utilize this information to increase the effectiveness of luminol in investigations. Barni, F., Lewis, S., Berti, A., Miskelly, G., & Lago, G. (2007). Forensic Application of the Luminol Reaction as a Presumptive Test for Latent Blood Detection. Elsevier B.V. Retrieved from Science Direct. Luminol. (2006). In N. Schlager, J. Weisblatt, & D. E. Newton (Eds.), Chemical Compounds. Detroit: Gale. Walter Specht. (2006). In K. L. Lerner & B. W. Lerner (Eds.), World of Forensic Science. Detroit: Gale.


606X12

Chemistry 600


The Effect on Photocatalytic Efficiency of Changing the Ratio of ZnO and SnO2 in Nanoparticles for the Purification of Water

Surbhi Singh

This research explores methods to increase the photocatalytic efficiency of zinc oxide-doped tin dioxide nanoparticles. Water splitting using a photocatalyst has gained attention for its potential applications to break down environmental pollutants in water. The reaction begins when photons are released from a light source to excite the electrons in the photocatalyst. A major disadvantage of using tin dioxide as a photocatalyst is that it only absorbs ultraviolet rays due to its large band gap (3.6?eV). The photocatalytic process slows down when electrons fall from the conduction band back to the valence band. This recombination is inevitable in photocatalytic systems but can be reduced by adding co-catalysts. Rather than starting the chemical reaction, these co-catalysts accelerate and increase the duration of the reaction. Previous research has shown that zinc oxide doping increases photocatalytic activity of SnO2 nanoparticles by increased charge separation. It is hypothesized that if the molarity of ZnO in ZnO doped SnO2 nanoparticle photocatalysts is increased, the efficiency of the nanoparticles in methylene blue degradation will increase due to the increased charge separation and extended wavelength absorption spectrum. Data of the first batch of ZnO-SnO2 nanoparticles doped at the lowest ZnO concentration has been collected. It has shown a significant increase in photocatalytic efficiency from the control. More nanoparticles will be synthesized with increased amounts of Zinc Oxide to compare photocatalytic efficiency of increased dopants under both ultraviolet and visible light. Two statistical tests, ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis, will be run to determine significance. Hamrouni, A., Moussa, N., Parrino, F., Di Paola, A., Houas, A., & Palmisano, L. (2014). Sol–gel synthesis and photocatalytic activity of ZnO–SnO 2 nanocomposites. Journal of Molecular Catalysis A: Chemical, 390, 133-141. doi:10.1016/j.molcata.2014.03.018 Safavi, A., & Momeni, S. (2012). Highly efficient degradation of azo dyes by palladium/hydroxyapatite/Fe 3 O 4 nanocatalyst. Journal of hazardous materials, 201, 125-131. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.11.048 Yan, H., Yang, J., Ma, G., Wu, G., Zong, X., Lei, Z., & Li, C. (2009). Visible-light-driven hydrogen production with extremely high quantum efficiency on Pt–PdS/CdS photocatalyst. Journal of Catalysis, 266(2), 165-168. doi:10.1016/j.jcat.2009.06.024


Computational Biology & Bioinformatics (700)


701X09 Gajjala, Akhil Using Bioinformatics to Find Out which Individuals are Resistant to the SARS Virus

702X12 Parekh, Manav

The Effect of Nephila clavipes Spider Silk on the Regeneration of the Distributed Nervous System in a Heterometrus longimanus

703X12 Stefano, Joseph Testing the Relationship Between Intermittent UVa Irradiation and Cancer Development in D. melanogaster

704X12 Wimberly, Jessica

Analysis of the Phylogenetic Basis of the Evolution of Plancitoxin I in Acanthaster planci (Crown-of-Thorns Starfish)

701X09

Computational Biology & Bioinformatics

700


Using Bioinformatics to Find Out which Individuals are Resistant to the SARS Virus

Akhil Gajjala

This project aims to figure out which variant of the human ACE2 protein could make people resistant to the virus. By aligning the wild type protein to similar mutant variants, we can figure out which protein variant of ACE2 can make people resistant to the SARS coronavirus. The research was done by gathering data from the GeneCards database, we can get up-to-date information of possible mutations of the ACE2 protein. By considering the missense and frameshift mutations of the ACE2 protein, we can see whether or not the mutations are considered in the following pdb entries in the protein data bank. The wild type (normal protein) is the protein that is going to be used as the control, for now, we know that it binds to the actual viral protein. I found several mutants that don't align very well to the wild type protein and this could be an indication that we can predict the population of individual that can be resistant to the SARS coronavirus.


702X12


700


The Effect of Nephila clavipes Spider Silk on the Regeneration of the Distributed Nervous System in a Heterometrus longimanus

Manav Parekh

The regeneration of the peripheral nervous system of many different species has been made possible by the use of spider silk, such as from the Nephila clavipes spider. Scientists have yet to test the silk on the central nervous system or a similar system. To test the effect of the N. clavipes silk on a similar system, a methodology was created based on previous experiments. N. clavipes spider silk was collected. The effectiveness of the silk was tested on a Heterometrus longimanus, an Asian Forest Scorpion. The scorpion’s tail was severed and a wrapping was laced with the silk (independent variable) and covered the tail. In order to see if the tail had full nerve regeneration, action potentials were measured (dependent variable) before the severance, which was the control, after severance and at the end of the experiment. In the data collected, the final mean action potential was 90 mV which closely compared to the 92mV measured before the tail was severed. After running a t-test, the data was statistically significant, and the spider silk was found to have helped regenerate the nerves in the tail of the scorpion. The null hypothesis was not supported. This experiment demonstrates that spider silk can help regenerate the nerves in a system close to a human’s nervous system as stated in the alternative hypothesis. Further research could explore the effectiveness of the spider silk on the central nervous system of a human and other vertebrate animals. Choi, C. (2006). Spider Silk Could Repair Human Ligaments. Retrieved Oct. 6, 2015 from http://www.livescience.com/1094-spider-silk-repair-human-ligaments.html Mo. (2011). Artificial nerve grafts made from spider silk. Retrieved Oct. 6, 2015 from http://scienceblogs.com/neurophilosophy/2011/03/07/artificial-nerve-grafts-made-from-spider-silk/ Radtke, C. et al. (2011). Spider Silk Constructs Enhance Axonal Regeneration and Remyelination in Long Nerve Defects in Sheep. PLoS ONE, 6 (2) DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016990.


703X12


700


Testing the Relationship Between Intermittent UVa Irradiation and Cancer Development in D. melanogaster

Joseph Stefano

UVa light makes up 95% of UV sunlight and 100% of light from tanning beds. This intense level of UVa light means humans are exposed to UVa light very frequently. This experiment measures the effect of UVa exposure time on tumor development in D. melanogaster in order to quantitatively model the relationship between UVa irradiation and cancer. Four Drosophila strains that develop cancer due to the downregulation of tumor suppressor genes were exposed to UVa light for intervals between zero and forty-eight hours during their larval stage for the experimental trials. After UVa exposure the Drosophila larvae were allowed to develop into adults and their eyes and wings were scored for tumors as a function of UVa exposure time. A positive linear relationship was found between UVa exposure time and tumor number. The chi-squared test was run that compared the measured data and predicted values from the line of best fit which resulted in a high p-value, failing to allow rejection of the null hypothesis that the line fits the data well. This model predicts that when the time is less than 13 hours, no flies will develop tumors. Further experiments are underway with intermittent UVa exposure in order to test this prediction and to better model the exposure humans have to UVa light. This will further our understanding of the destructive nature of UVa light and provide a quantitative model for using it to elicit tumor growth. Froldi, F., Ziosi, M., Tomba, G., Parisi, F., Garoia, F., Pession, A., & Grifoni, D. (2008). Drosophila lethal giant larvae neoplastic as a genetic tool for cancer modeling. Bentham Science Publishers, 9(3), 147-154. Liu, A. M., Wong, K. F., Jiang, X., Qiao, Y., & Luk, J. M. (2012). Regulators of mammalian Hippo pathway in cancer. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Reviews on Cancer, 1826(2), 357-364. Sciumè, G., Gray, W. G., Ferrari, M., Decuzzi, P., & Schrefler, B. A. (2013). On computational modeling in tumor growth. Archives of Computational Methods in Engineering, 20(4), 327-352.


704X12


700


Analysis of the Phylogenetic Basis of the Evolution of Plancitoxin I in Acanthaster planci (Crown-of-Thorns Starfish)

Jessica Wimberly

Recent growth of bioinformatics has led to the determination of phylogeny of many organisms. However, research conducted examining specific features, such as venom, is uncommon. The crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci, is one of the only known venomous starfish. It produces a protein, plancitoxin I, that contributes to the degree of toxicity of the venom. The purpose of this research was to identify organisms with similar venom to determine the evolution of the venom. Nucleotide and protein sequences of plancitoxin I were identified via GenBank. Using nucleotide and protein sequences, other organisms with venom similar to plancitoxin I were identified and BLAST searches were conducted to compare resulting organisms. Matches with E-values of less than 0.0 and identification percentages of greater than 40% were used to create a distance tree using the BLAST Tree View Widget. Eight sequences from different organisms, such as the California sea hare (Aplysia californica) were found to be significant in the phylogeny of the venom and were used to create the tree. Plancitoxin I in A. planci was found to be the third most primitive among the sequences used to create the phylogenetic tree. Further research would entail the identification of additional sequences similar to plancitoxin I in A. planci. Research would also include the analysis of amino acid similarities between resulting significant sequences to find structural and functional similarities. These similarities would allow for the creation of an antivenin based on existing knowledge of the venom found in similar organisms. Dereeper, A., Audic, S., Claverie, J.-M., & Blanc, G. (2010). BLAST-EXPLORER helps you building datasets for phylogenetic analysis. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 10, 8. http://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2148-10-8 Lee, C. C., Tsai, W., Hsieh, H., & Hwang, D. (2013). Cytotoxicity of venom from crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) spine. Molecular & Cellular Toxicology Mol. Cell. Toxicol., 177-184. Shiomi, K., Yamamoto, S., Yamanaka, H., & Kikuchi, T. (1988). Purification and characterization of a lethal factor in venom from the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci). Toxicon, 26(11), 1077-1083.


Earth & Environmental Sciences (800)


801T12 Ahmad, Rahym Barghi, Camron

Physical Profile of the Beaverdam Reservoir

802X12 Alvarez, Sarah The Correlation between Environmental Factors in a Wetland and Nitrous Oxide Emissions

803T12 Bailey, Skyla Carter, Stefan

The Effect of Ibuprofen on Algae Growth

804T12 Bush, Colleen Knudson, Anwen

Poison Down the Drain: The Effect of Triclosan Concentration on Daphnia magna heart rate

805T11 Chohan, Mohammad Goel, Deepak

Effect of microplastics on Brine Shrimp

806X12 Diallo, Inusah The Effects of Iron Fertilization on Dissolved Oxygen Levels in Aquatic Environments

807X12 Edwards, Austin The Effect of Turf Crumb Rubber on the Health of Freshwater Ecosystems

808T09 Ganta, Nihant Westerlund, Nicholas

The Effect of Cornmeal Based Solution on the Growth of Didymosphenia geminate

809X12 Gravallese, Tara Maire

The Effect of Golf Course Fungicide Runoff on the Macroinvertebrate Community Structure of Streams in Loudoun County, Virginia

810T09 Jadhav, Aditi Jamal, Rida

The Effect of Different Filters on the Amount of Microbeads that Enter Waterways

811X11 Klimavicz, Alexander Analyzing Histogram Values of Pictures to Quantify Air Pollution

812T11 Kuncham, Malvika Prakash, Jeevna

Combating the Algae Blooms in the Chesapeake Bay Using the Photosynthesis Inhibiting Toxin of the Bacteria Vibrio shilonii

813X12 Magnelia, John Fertilizer Runoff At 1757 Golf Club

814X12 Melton, Rachel The Effect of Sea Surface Temperatures on Aggression in Sharks

815X12 Mueller, Adam Potomac River Tunnel Project

816X12 Oswald, Matthew East Coast Beach Erosion

817T10 Panyam, Anoop Sidhu, Uday

Water Quality of the Broad Run River

818X12 Puccio, Elena Utilizing Dinoflagellate Bioluminescence to Facilitate Continuous Algal Photosynthesis at Various Temperatures

819X12 Rubright, Marie The Effects of Human Pollutants on the Growth Rate of Sargassum Seaweed

820X12 Tattersall, William Northern Snakehead Correlation of Water Quality

821X12 Turnicky, Bailey The Effects of Ocean Acidification on Crab and Clam Shells

801T12

Earth & Environmental Sciences

800


Physical Profile of the Beaverdam Reservoir

Rahym Ahmad

Camron Barghi

This experiment serves as a personal study to learn more about the water quality of the Beaverdam Reservoir. This study is beneficial to the public and the reservoir staff because it provides useful information about the quality of the water before and after winter weather. The Beaverdam Reservoir is a major water source and provides space for activities and recreation throughout the year. The information gathered from this study can provide an explanation as to why certain species of fish thrive in the reservoir and why it is beneficial as a water source and public area. It will also show the impact of snowfall on the water quality of the reservoir. Two samples were taken from ten different locations once in early winter and once after snow. Each sample was tested in the lab for the following: temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, alkalinity, nitrites/nitrates, chlorine, and turbidity. Among these tests, the most prominent are pH and dissolved oxygen as they have a profound effect on human activity and fish that occupy the aquatic environment. When comparing results from the tests during early winter and after snowfall, there are both differences and similarities. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the water quality is suitable for human use and aquatic life both before and after snowfall, even while noting the changes. It can also be determined that snowfall has the capability to alter the reservoir water quality in certain aspects but keep it stable in others. Stuber, R. J., Gebhart, G., & Maughan, O. E. (1982). Habitat Suitability Index Models: Bluegill (pp. 1-26) (United States, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Research Center). Washington, D.C.: Western Energy and Land Use Team, Office of Biological Services, Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior. Water Quality - Environmental Measurement Systems. (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2016, from http://www.fondriest.com/environmental-measurements/parameters/water-quality/ Wyatt, T., Barkoh, A., Martinez, J., & Sparrow, R. (2006). Guidelines for the Culture of Blue and Channel Catfish (Management Data Series, pp. 1-53) (United States, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Inland Fisheries Divsision). Austin, TX: Texas Parks and Wildlife, Inland Fisheries Division.


802X12


800


The Correlation between Environmental Factors in a Wetland and Nitrous Oxide Emissions

Sarah Alvarez

Greenhouse gases are a huge for our environment and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) is one of the gases predicted to increase 5% from 2005 to 2020. Forty percent of N2O emissions are from humans, mainly agriculturally linked. A huge contributor is from the runoff from livestock that flows downstream into the wetlands. The goal of this study was to test if constructed wetland environments could be altered to lower the amount of N2O released in the atmosphere. To perform this experiment, nine different wetland environments were constructed. The independent variables are the amount of water in the wetland and the temperature. The dependent variable is the percentage of N2O in the air. The data was analyzed using multiple anova tests resulting in being able to reject the null. The environment of the wetland does matter, it’s not due to random chance. They hypothesis was that the model with the lowest temperature and water percentage would release the least amount of N2O but the data supports that the model with the lowest temperature and the highest amount of water released the least amount of N2O. This demonstrates that there is a correlation in low temperature. Further research can be expanded from the project in different environments in order to discover other ways to decrease the production of N2O gas. If constructed wetlands become more widely used for pollution filtration, it is necessary to control the amount of nitrous oxide that is being released from the nitrate filtering wetlands. United States Environmental Protection Agency (2.24.2016). Overview of Greenhouse Gases. http://www3.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/gases/n2o.html#content. What’s Your impact. (2016) What are the main sources of nitrous oxide emissions?. http://whatsyourimpact.org/greenhouse-gases/nitrous-oxide-sources


803T12


800


The Effect of Ibuprofen on Algae Growth

Skyla Bailey

Stefan Carter

Pharmaceutical drugs in the water has been a cause of concern for many years. Ibuprofen being one of the most identified in the waters. Ibuprofen can cause “inhibition or stimulation of growth in aquatic plant and algae species” (Boxall 2004). This could drastically change environments. How much effect will the ibuprofen have on the growth of algae? There were four samples in the experiment, with increasing amounts in each jar and the control with no ibuprofen. The independent variable is the amount of ibuprofen and the dependent variable is the growth of the algae. It was found that there was not a significant difference between the algae growth between each jar except for jar four and jar one because jar one was the control and jar four had the highest amount of ibuprofen in it. This is because the amount of ibuprofen has to be very high to actually effect the growth of algae. There needs to be more research on the topic and more trials done to make the data more accurate. SeaWeb - Ocean Briefing Book. (2016). Retrieved February 28, 2016, from http://www.seaweb.org/resources/briefings/algae.php Boxall, A. B. (2012, December 5). The environmental side effects of medication. Retrieved February 28, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1299201/ Wilson, B. A., Smith, V. H., DeNoyalles, F., Jr., & Larive, C. K. (2003, March 14). Effects of Three Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products on Natural Freshwater Algal Assemblages. Retrieved February 28, 2016, from http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es0259741


804T12


800


Poison Down the Drain: The Effect of Triclosan Concentration on Daphnia magna heart rate

Colleen Bush

Anwen Knudson

Triclosan [5-chloro-2-(2, 4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol; TCS] is a widely used antibacterial agent, found within a wide range of consumer products, that when washed down the drain, eventually ends up in waterways. In order to determine specifically how triclosan affects the environment, this experiment analyzed how freshwater Daphnia magna reacted to varying levels of concentration (µg/L). The independent variable in this experiment was the concentration (µg/L) of triclosan while the dependent variable was the resulting heart rate (bpm) of the species. The control group was exposed to no triclosan. Daphnia magna are microscopic freshwater crustaceans. The experimental groups were exposed to triclosan for approximately five minutes and then they were placed under a microscope for observation. The means for each concentration of triclosan were 296.04 bpm for 0 µg/L, 230.31 bpm for 10 µg/L, 188.83 bpm for 20 µg/L, and 199.16 bpm for 30 µg/L. An ANOVA test was utilized for statistical significance. The alternative hypothesis that the higher concentration of triclosan would result in a lower heart rate was accepted because the average heart rate declined as the concentration was increased. These findings indicate that triclosan does in fact have a large impact on cardiovascular and muscle systems within Daphnia magna. The independent variable directly influenced the dependent variable. Further research could be done by studying how disrupting Daphnia magna could also affect other organisms in their food chain. M. C. (2014, August 14). Antibacterial agent Triclosan shown to hinder muscle movement in mice, fish. Retrieved February 04, 2016 Stromberg, J. (2012, August 13). Triclosan, A chemical used in antibacterial soaps, is found to impair muscle function. October 13, 2015. Williams, R. (2013, January 24). Study: Triclosan increasing in lakes. October 13, 2015.


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Effect of microplastics on Brine Shrimp

Mohammad Chohan

Deepak Goel

This project investigates the effect ingestion of micro plastics and their environmental present on the base of the marine food chain, brine shrimp. The project determines the effect of dissolution of micro plastics on phenol concentrations in the salt water. When micro plastics from household products such as body washes dissolve in water, phenol is released into the water. Phenol is a hydrophobic compound released from micro plastics that is highly toxic and caustic. It was hypothesized that the ingestion of micro plastics and toxicity of phenol will negatively affect the behavior and body processes of brine shrimp. Identical populations of brine shrimp were grown and then split into groups. One groups of shrimp comprised the control group in a salt solution only, and the other groups had various micro plastics concentrations added to their solution. The control group population remained constant for the 96 hours before population begin to decease. However, when the micro plastics solution, varying in concentration respectively, were added to the experimental groups, the population decease in less than 72 hours proportional to concentration. It was noted that even in smaller concentration the population decreased after 72 hours significantly in comparison to the control and in larger concentration population after 91 hours deceased to less than 5% of the control. It can be concluded that micro plastics and exposure to toxic phenol have a damaging effect on the life span of brine shrimp. Further investigations of these groups to verify finding and increase data will continue. Matthew Cole, P. L. (2011). Microplastics as contaminants in the marine environment: A review. Marine Pollution Bulletin. Sinche, F. (2010). Impact of Microsparticle Concentration Levels upon Toxicity of Phenol to Artemia. Clemson University Tiger Prints, 1-104. Retrieved February/March, 2016, from http://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/932/ University of Utah Genetics Science. (2015). Learn. Genetics. Retrieved from Genetics Science Learning Center: learn.genetics.utah.edu


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The Effects of Iron Fertilization on Dissolved Oxygen Levels in Aquatic Environments

Inusah Diallo

Iron fertilization is the process in which Iron compounds are released into aquatic environments purposely to induce algal blooms that can capture carbon dioxide. However these algal blooms could cause anoxic zones as the algae die and are decomposed by bacteria that could deplete the local oxygen levels. The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether or not Iron Fertilization significantly reduced dissolved oxygen levels in an aquatic environment. Algae was grown in eight, one liter bottles for about a week. After a week Iron (II) Sulfate Heptahydrate was added to the bottles in various concentrations of 0ppm to .1ppm. Analysis of the collected data showed found an r value of -0.02898 and an r squared value of 0.0008400. The p value was 0.9457. Thus in conclusion there was no significant association between the concentration of Iron (II) Sulfate Heptahydrate and the concentration of dissolved oxygen. The implications of this are that Iron fertilization is a process that could be used to counter climate change and also produce little impact on aquatic dissolved oxygen levels. Blaustein, R. (2011, March 20). Fertilizing the Seas with Iron. Retrieved November 2, 2015, from http://bioscience.oxfordjournals.org/content/61/10/840.full Christaki, U., et al. "Microbial food web dynamics during spring phytoplankton blooms in the naturally iron-fertilized Kerguelen area (Southern Ocean)." Biogeosciences 11.23 (2014): 6739-6753. Coale, Kenneth H., et al. "A massive phytoplakton bloom induced by an ecosystem-scale iron fertilization experiment in the equatorial Pacific Ocean." Nature 383 (1996): 495-501.


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The Effect of Turf Crumb Rubber on the Health of Freshwater Ecosystems

Austin Edwards

Turf fields are supposed to be a better alternative to regular grass fields because they reuse tires and do not need to be watered, maintained and cut. The tires are reused and are turned into crumb rubber comprising the black pellets which are seen on almost every turf field in the country. Recent studies have shown that this rubber contains carcinogens and other harmful chemicals which can be released into water via run-off or by heat as fields become very hot in summer. No studies have yet to definitively show the impact of crumb rubber and the chemicals on humans or surrounding ecosystems. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of crumb rubber on surrounding freshwater ecosystems by collecting crumb rubber from a turf field and testing its effects on a freshwater bacterium, Aquaspirillum serpens. Aquaspirillum exposed to crumb rubber exhibited little to no growth. In addition, the same lack of growth was shown by the common ecosystem bacterium E. coli. Further research would entail exploring the effects on organisms at the bottom of the aquatic food chain to determine whether exposure to crumb rubber causes adverse effects. Exploration of the effects of exposure to this common component of turf field is warranted. Brown, D. Artificial Turf Exposures to Ground-Up Rubber Tires (N. Alderman, S.Addiss, & J. Bradley, Eds.)Environmental and Human Health, Inc., 2007. Accessed September 28, 2015. http://www.ehhi.org/reports/turf/turf_report07.pdf Howard, H.. NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, 2008, June 3. Accessed September 29, 2015. http://www.nj.gov/health/ "Synthetic Turf." EHHI ::Connecticut's Artificial Turf Study's Risk Estimates Were Modified to Avoid Alarming the Public Warns Environment and Human Health, Inc. 2007. Accessed October 21, 2015. http://www.ehhi.org/turf/turf_pr_0710.shtml


808T09


800


The Effect of Cornmeal Based Solution on the Growth of Didymosphenia geminate

Nihant Ganta

Nicholas Westerlund

This experiment intended to discover whether or not natural algae killers could be used to combat an invasive species, Didymosphenia geminate, which was unavailable, so the diatom Synedra mazamaensis, was used due to the nearly identical composition of the cell walls. The Synedra mazamaensis was exposed to different cornmeal mixtures or no mixture at all. The diatoms were given three days to grow before testing began. After 24 hours in the mixtures, four drops were harvested from each for observations. The t value was 3.9686. The null hypothesis is rejected because the calculated t value was greater than the table t value. The experimental hypothesis, “If a cornmeal solution is applied to a diatom, the growth of the diatom will decrease,” is supported. The algae clusters exposed to the mixture were fewer in number, and smaller in size than the control. Further research could be done in order to find out which specific compounds in the mixture caused the algae population to shrink. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.nyis.info/index.php?action=invasive_detail&id=40 Invasive Species: Aquatic Species - Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata). (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2015, from http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/didymo.shtml Wiltshire, B. (2013). What I Think I Learned at the 2013 International Didymo Conference. Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.stopans.org/What_I_learned_at_the_didymo_conference.htm


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800


The Effect of Golf Course Fungicide Runoff on the Macroinvertebrate Community Structure of Streams in Loudoun County, Virginia

Tara Maire Gravallese

Golf course fungicide runoff is affecting the macroinvertebrate community structure of streams adjacent to golf courses. Most golf courses use pesticides to keep the grounds free of weeds and to keep the fairways as green as possible (aesthetic appeal). In this research the local specific bodies of water that are being affected are Sugarland Run Stream, Old Sugarland Run Stream, and Algonkian Stream. All of these respective streams are part of the Potomac River Watershed. Consequently, this fungicide pollution is contributing to overall pollution levels in the Potomac River and its environmental community. The health of living organisms in the river is being compromised, as is the food chain. Macroinvertebrates are organisms that are crucial for the management and completion of the food chain and help identify pollutants (such as fungicide). In order to assess this issue, three Loudoun County streams (names mentioned above) were tested and six trials were performed on each stream. For each trial three samples were taken. Two out of the three local streams were directly adjacent to golf courses. The third stream was upstream one mile from the course. Data analysis supported the idea that areas with high usage of pesticides affect the nearby streams and bodies of water. Berenzen, N., Kumke, T., Schulz, H. K., & Schulz, R. (2005). Macroinvertebrate community structure inc f agricultural streams: impact of runoff-related pesticide contamination. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 60(1), 37-46. Neumann, M., Liess, M., & Schulz, R. (2003). An expert system to estimate the pesticide contamination of small streams using benthic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators: Part 1. The database of LIMPACT. Ecological Indicators, 2(4), 379-389. Rasmussen, J. J., Monberg, R. J., Baattrup-Pedersen, A., Cedergreen, N., Wiberg-Larsen, P., Strobel, B., & Kronvang, B. (2012). Effects of a triazole fungicide and a pyrethroid insecticide on the decomposition of leaves in the presence or absence of macroinvertebrate shredders. Aquatic toxicology, 118, 54-61.


810T09


800


The Effect of Different Filters on the Amount of Microbeads that Enter Waterways

Aditi Jadhav

Rida Jamal

Microbeads, small spheres of plastic used as an exfoliator in personal care products have been called out for disturbing humans and wildlife; which, without knowing have consumed plastic that has absorbed toxins. The purpose of this experiment is to find an eco-friendly method of filtering (Independent Variable) the beads to prevent them from entering waterways (Dependent Variable) and destroying ecosystems, the control group was treated without any filters. This problem was tested by diluting 15 grams of face wash (100 beads) in 237ml of water and pouring the mixture over three types of filters (burlap fabric, mesh, and burlap fabric coated with basil seeds), that were placed on a bowl. The microbeads that were caught by the filters were counted and trials were repeated 10 times. Though basil seeds worked better, catching 99.9 beads on average, the results were fairly close, with mesh catching 96.2 beads and burlap fabric catching 96.3 beads. The data was put into an ANOVA test, which yielded a p-value of p is less than 0.01, meaning the null hypothesis has been rejected and that the different filtering methods used, truly affected the number of microbeads caught. The experimental hypothesis which stated that the basil seed filter will catch more microbeads was supported by the data. Further research can explore the effect of different fabrics, crops and seed filters on microbeads entering waterways. Anderson, K., & Sheffield, S. (n.d.). Conventional Wastewater Treatment Process. Retrieved November 29, 2015. Chen, C. "Is your face wash damaging the oceans?." Christian Science Monitor. 2015, September 20: n/a Rochman, C., Kross, S., Armstrong, J., Bogan, M., Darling,E., Green, S., . . . Veríssimo, D. (2015). Scientific Evidence Supports a Ban on Microbeads. Retrieved October 24, 2015, from http://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.5b03909


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Analyzing Histogram Values of Pictures to Quantify Air Pollution

Alexander Klimavicz

Air pollution in the form of particulate matter (PM) is health hazard. Monitoring air pollution is a challenge due to cost and limitations of technology therefore an app based off data similar to this would be more efficient. This study was to generate and analyze data from a pictorial histogram of a picture of a simulated PM condition by lighting controlled fires against a set background. Pictures were taken before and after the fire was lit. The before picture data is considered the baseline for all other analysis. Initial testing used a whiteboard as the background. Secondary testing was shot with a woodland background to represent a real world situation. Histograms of pictures were then analyzed in Adobe Photoshop. Histogram channels analyzed included RGB, Red, Green, Blue, and luminosity. In the initial test each channel decreased in value once PM was introduced. Each channel decreased an average of 3 on a scale of 0-256. The largest decrease was blue with 4.31. Exact values vary between experiments as a result of conditions at the time of testing. A paired T-test was used and generated significant P-values for each channel tested. P-value average was .000024. Results indicate that particulate matter significantly alters each channel in a histogram. The data could be used as PM sources for designing a smartphone app to measure PM in real time monitoring.


812T11


800


Combating the Algae Blooms in the Chesapeake Bay Using the Photosynthesis Inhibiting Toxin of the Bacteria Vibrio shilonii

Malvika Kuncham

Jeevna Prakash

Algae blooms are harmful events that interrupt the ecosystem of the water body by disrupting its oxygen levels. A process called eutrophication encourages the growth of algae; runoff from fertilizers that contain nitrogen and phosphorous cause resident algae populations to explode. Normal algae populations are a part of the ecosystem, however the decomposition process of massive algae populations deprives other organisms of oxygen. This project serves to provide a possible solution to algae blooms in the Chesapeake Bay. Vibrio shilonii is a seawater bacteria found in the Mediterranean that produces a toxin called toxin-P that inhibits photosynthesis in coral by lysing the symbiotic zooxanthellae. This research attempts to take the photosynthesis inhibiting property of Vibrio shilonii and use it as a combatant for algae blooms. A synthetic version of the toxin was tested in various concentrations with algae under regular bloom conditions brought upon by exposing them to increased levels of phosphorus. Dissolved oxygen levels and cell counts were taken to see the mortality levels of the algae. Data collection continues, but preliminary tests show no increased mortality in the presence of the toxin, and actually show an increase in oxygen production over a 48 hour period compared to the control. Further research is being conducted to investigate these results. Banin, E., Khare, S. K., Naider, F., & Rosenberg, E. (2001). Proline-rich peptide from the coral pathogen Vibrio shiloi that inhibits photosynthesis of zooxanthellae. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 67(4), 1536-1541. Haim, B. Y., Zicherman-Keren, M., Rosenberg, E., (July 2013) Temperature regulated bleaching and lysis of the coral Pocillopora damicornis by the noval pathogen Vibrio corallilyticus. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 69(7), 4236- 4242. doi:10.1128/AEM.69.7.4236-4242.2003 Rosenburg, E., & Falkovitz, L., (March 26, 2004). The Vibrio shiloi/ Oculina patagonica model system of coral bleaching. Annual Review Microbiology, 58, 143- 159. doi: 10.1146/annurev.micro.58.030603.123610


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800


Fertilizer Runoff At 1757 Golf Club

John Magnelia

Fertilizer runoff is harmful for the environment and can cause harm to wildlife and pollute surrounding bodies of water. My research question while testing the stream and ponds near 1757 Golf Club asked whether or not the methods that the golf club had put into place were working and if they were, how effective were they. To address my question, I tested a pond located near the stream that flows through the golf course, upstream from the golf course and downstream from the golf course. I collected the field measurements and conducted five nitrogen tests and five phosphate tests at each testing location. The variable was the testing location. After conducting all the field measurements and analyzing the data, I found that while the phosphate and nitrate levels varied from day to day, the phosphate and nitrate levels were very similar across the three testing locations. Repeating the test during warmer months when the course is fertilized more often might change the results as during colder, winter months the course is fertilized less regularly. One limitation to the study would be the large amount of snow that could have skewed the results. Golf Course Management: Pond Maintenance For Aesthetic Athletics. (2014). Retrieved November 2, 2015, from http://www.solitudelakemanagement.com/golf-courses Carroll, D. (2013). What's in a Package of Fertilizer? - Bonnie Plants. Retrieved November 2, 2015, from https://bonnieplants.com/library/whats-in-a-package-of-fertilizer/ Biello, D. (2008, March 14). Fertilizer Runoff Overwhelms Streams and Rivers--Creating Vast "Dead Zones" Retrieved November 2, 2015, from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fertilizer-runoff-overwhelms-streams/


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The Effect of Sea Surface Temperatures on Aggression in Sharks

Rachel Melton

A shark attack is considered to be any interaction between sharks and humans with the threat of injury or death toward the human. Shark attacks have drastically increased yearly and hit a record high in 2015 of fifty-one attacks. While research exists as to why sharks attack, there has been little if any research on the effect of sea surface temperature on shark aggression. This research endeavored to determine whether increasing sea surface temperatures played a role in increased shark aggression. Data regarding sea surface temperature was collected from the National Data Buoy Center and data regarding shark attacks was taken from the Global Shark Attack File and mapped using ArcMap. This data was analyzed to determine whether a correlation existed between the sea surface temperatures and the number of shark attacks over a span of nine years. The data supports the hypothesis that a correlation existed between increasing sea surface temperatures and to an increase in the aggression of sharks. Further research would entail determining what, if any, role temperature plays in triggering biochemical pathways involved in aggression in sharks. In addition, whether fish migration is affected by changing sea surface temperatures should be explored since fish are a staple of shark diets. This would provide a greater understanding of shark behavior and the role environmental conditions may play. Accuweather. 2015. Sharks Migrate to US East Coast as Water Temperatures Climb. Available online at: http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/recent-shark-attacks-north-carolina-florida-east-coast-warm-water-beach-threat/48953405 National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 2016. National Data Buoy Center. Available online at: http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/ Global Shark Attack File. 2005. Incident Log. Available online at: http://www.sharkattackfile.net/incidentlog.htm


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Potomac River Tunnel Project

Adam Mueller

The Potomac River is one of the most polluted rivers in the U.S. The pollution is affecting surrounding areas of the river. Being from here I use the Potomac River in many ways, therefore I want the river to be as clean as possible and the tunnel will help a lot with that. The river pollution is killing off some fish and other animals that use the river. If the pollution persists it will permanently harm the river and everything in it. Collected water samples from the Potomac for a couple weeks to see if there is a change in the quality. I was testing pH level, Dissolved Oxygen, Nitrates and turbidity. Haven’t seen big changes in the quality but the Potomac is one of the biggest in the US so it will take time to see results, but I think it will help a lot with the environment and the marine life in the river. Water Quality Results Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Dissolved Oxygen 14.1 mpl 14.0 mpl 14.1 mpl 14.2 mpl 14.0 mpl Turbidity 3 ft 4 ft 3.8 ft 3.5 ft 2 ft PH level 7.7 7.5 7.9 7.2 7.5 Nitrates 1.62ppm 1.64ppm 1.58ppm 1.60ppm 1.62ppm The Potomac River tunnel I believe will improve the water quality slowly but surely. You won’t see improvements right away but overtime it will become worth it. https://www.dcwater.com/workzones/projects/potomac_river_tunnel/default.cfm


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East Coast Beach Erosion

Matthew Oswald

The problem of erosion along coastal beaches should be explored and studied because many beaches are affected by erosion. If the beaches become eroded and run down it can affect multiple things such as: wildlife, their ecosystem, and human life that’s lives off the coast. The problem being explored is determining how much these beaches are being eroded yearly. The approach towards this research was very simple. How much does the effect of currents have on beach erosion and to whether a certain coasts erodes faster than others? Choose 18 beaches from the along the east coast and evaluate the erosion caused on those beaches. The northern beaches were compared to the southern beaches and the units were measured in the amount of sand being eroded in meters per year. Maine’s beaches erode at a rate of .305 meters per year, Delaware’s beaches erode at a rate of 1.23 meters per year, Virginia’s beaches erode at 2.225 meters per year, North Carolina’s beaches erode at 3.51 meters per year, Florida’s beaches eroded at a rate of 0.701 meters per year and New Jersey’s beaches erode at a rate of .609. The data collected on currents was unclear and had no correlation to the erosion response from the beaches. Storms did cause a large amount of erosion on the beaches in a short period of time in the beach “hot spots.” The data collected shows that the beaches along the middle portion of the east coast eroded at a higher rate than the beaches at the north and south ends. There definitely needs to be constant research on erosion because it is occurring all the time and beaches are always changing. http://www.beachapedia.org/State_of_the_Beach/State_Reports/VA/Beach_Erosion http://www.beachapedia.org/State_of_the_Beach/State_Reports/NC/Beach_Erosion http://beachapedia.org/State_of_the_Beach/State_Reports/NJ/Beach_Erosion


817T10


800


Water Quality of the Broad Run River

Anoop Panyam

Uday Sidhu

Recent construction displayed detrimental effects on ecological habitats. In response to environmental changes, water quality; including the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics were assessed. Upon assessment, local rivers can be classified if the body is suitable for healthy aquatic organisms and ecological interactions. PCR analysis of water samples from various rivers aided with determining their overall health. DNA electrophoresis was ran on PCR products, used to compare the relative quality of healthy and unhealthy rivers. Bands of similar lengths on the healthy rivers indicated DNA sequences that characterize greater quality, and vice-versa. Research was coupled with the collection of organisms in rivers alongside various chemical assessments on phosphate, nitrate, alkalinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen levels. Phosphate, nitrate, and dissolved oxygen concentrations for the Broad Run River was 4.3, 0.85 mg/L, and 8.7 ppm respectively. Comparisons with EPA standards indicate a respective deviation of 240, 32, and 41.86% for phosphate, nitrate, and dissolved oxygen concentration. The deviated concentrations indicate that the Broad Run River quality is ecologically unacceptable. Loudoun Watershed Watch - Overseeing the Water Resources of Loudoun County, VA. (n.d.). Retrieved December 29, 2015, from http://www.loudounwatershedwatch.org/subitem3_1.html Water Treatment Solutions. (n.d.). Retrieved December 29, 2015, from http://www.lenntech.com/rivers-pollution-quality.htm Loudoun Watershed Watch - Overseeing the Water Resources of Loudoun County, VA. (n.d.). Retrieved December 29, 2015, from http://www.loudounwatershedwatch.org/subitem3_1.html


818X12


800


Utilizing Dinoflagellate Bioluminescence to Facilitate Continuous Algal Photosynthesis at Various Temperatures

Elena Puccio

Water chemistry in aquatic ecosystems has been altered dramatically in recent years. As a result of global warming, dissolved oxygen levels in bodies of water have decreased, increasing the size and amount of anoxic zones. Increased levels of carbon dioxide in oceans have caused a decrease in the concentration of calcium carbonate in seawater, hindering the processes that corals go through in order to calcify. Increased levels of photosynthesis, through carbon fixation and oxygen production, would help both increase the levels of calcium carbonate in water and increase the percent saturation of dissolved oxygen in the water. This research will determine the temperature at which overall oxygenation capacity of the marine algae Nannochloropsis can be maximized while exposing the algae to blue light bioluminescence from the dinoflagellate Pyrocystis fusiformis. Each trial at each of the four temperatures consisted of three controls (algae, dinoflagellates, saltwater) and one experimental flask (algae and dinoflagellates). Change in dissolved oxygen over five hours was determined to quantify photosynthesis. Between measurements, the flasks were placed in a water bath to control their temperature, which was covered with cloth to simulate a night period for the dinoflagellates and placed on stir plates with stirring rods to stimulate the dinoflagellates and cause them to produce light. Data collection is ongoing, but preliminary results show that increase in temperature was not able to increase photosynthetic capacity enough to surpass the decrease in oxygen solubility, and that augmented photosynthesis was unable to surpass respiration. Doney, S. C., Fabry, V. J., Feely, R. A., & Kleypas, J. A. (2009). Ocean acidification: The other CO2 problem. Annual Review of Marine Science, 1, 169-192. doi: 10.1146/annurev.marine.010908.163834 Hogewoning, S. W., Trouwborst, G., Maljaars, H., Poorter, H., Ieperen, W. V., & Harbinson, J. (2010). Blue light dose-responses of leaf photosynthesis morphology, and chemical composition of Cucumis sativus grown under different combinations of red and blue light. Journal of Experimental Biology, 61, 3107-3117. doi: 10.1093/jxb/erq132 Valiadi, M., & Iglesias-Rodriguez, D. (2013). Understanding bioluminescence in dinoflagellates—How far have we come? Microorganisms, 1, 3-25. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms1010003


819X12


800


The Effects of Human Pollutants on the Growth Rate of Sargassum Seaweed

Marie Rubright

Sargassum seaweed has been aggressively overtaking the beautiful Caribbean beaches. Researchers believe that Sargassum’s growth has increased a great extent within the last 5 years. This is thought to be because of the increase in human made pollution. With increasing sargassum the tourist industry is decreasing because of the ugly and potent smell. In order to test this compare the weight of Sargassum before and after testing it with Nitrogen based fertilizer, petroleum based oil, and ammonium nitrate and urea (used as a human waste concentration).. Add different amounts of each substance to the sargassum and observe how much the sargassum grows after sitting for 72 hours. Each substance should be added to the sargassum in a separate petri dish to observe which man-made pollutant causes the sargassum to grow faster. Record the information gathered and calculate the weight difference. With live sargassum the weight difference will vary between 0.0369g to 0.284g. The average weight difference when adding 5mL of each substance to separate petri dishes is 0.2754g. The weight difference is not drastic but it does change until the sargassum begins to rot then the weight will drop to a difference. The first set of data was inconclusive. The sargassum seaweed began to die before the experiment was completed. This caused the data to have the opposite effect than the hypothesis. It did not grow; the weight of the seaweed decreased. Josefsson, M., & Jansson, K. (2011). NOBANIS- Invasive Alien Species Fact Sheet. Retrieved from http://www.nobanis.org Scribbler, R. (N/A, ). N/A [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://robertscribbler.com/2015/08/19/massive-sargasso-seaweed-bloom-is-choking-the-caribbean-climate-change-a-likely-culprit/ Williams, A. M., & Feagin, D. A. (n.d.). Sargassum and Beach Erosion: Potential Costs and Benefits for Coastal Managers. Retrieved from http://ssl.tamu.edu/media/1827/06_019_final_report.pdf


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Northern Snakehead Correlation of Water Quality

William Tattersall

Being an avid fisherman of the Potomac River (below Great Falls) has me concerned with the recent outbreak of Northern Snakehead. Being native to Asia, and born with no natural predators is causing a huge threat to the US waterway ecosystems. The problem with these fish being in our waters is that they are exterminating the primary source of food, Banded Killifish. The Snakehead has an abnormally fast rate of reproduction and with its ferocious appetite they are on the track of making this baitfish extinct. To prevent furthermore spread as well as provide long-term adaptive management is the goal. Does water quality in the Creeks, have any relation with the numbers of Northern Snakehead that have been recorded? I took water samples from each creek to test the quality. I was trying to see if the quality differed; therefor, the fish prefers a certain quality of water. Hoping to find a consistent reading determining that the fish thrives in these waters for a certain reason. When the results came back, it turns out that all the readings were the same. Each creek had the same levels on the tests. [Temperature 47.7’, PH level 8.1, Nitrate level 1.63, D.O. level 15.] With these results it is hard to say if there is any correlation between the quality and the populations in these creeks. With weather and inconsistent readings being a factor, my results are inconclusive until further testing and research. www.dgif.virginia.gov dnr2.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/snakehead.aspx nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/fish/northernsnakeheaddistribution.aspx www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov


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The Effects of Ocean Acidification on Crab and Clam Shells

Bailey Turnicky

As the ocean becomes more acidic, many shelled organisms must work hard in order to create their shells while some lose their ability to make them altogether. With many ecosystems and economies dependent on the use of oysters, clams, and crabs, we cannot afford to let these creatures go extinct. This experiment compares clam shells and crab shells in acidic conditions. I hoped to learn whether ocean acidification (OA) really affected different shells differently? To determine whether or not OA affected the composition of clam shells and crab shells, I compared the initial mass to the final mass to see if there was any significant difference. 30 of each type of shell were used as the control group, and placed in a tank under normal oceanic conditions, meaning the water had a pH of about 8.25. The other 30 of each type of shell were used in the experimental group, and were placed in a tank with a pH of about 8.15. All other variables were kept constant. The OA had a greater impact on the clam shells than the crab shells. The average initial mass for the clam shells was 100 grams, while the average final mass was 90 grams. The average initial mass for the crab shells was 125 grams, while the average final mass was 121 grams. In addition, the clam shells overall looked more visibly deteriorated, while the crab shells appeared to be in better condition. After doing a chi squared test, so the results were not just due to chance, disproving the null hypothesis. More research is needed to better understand why some shells, like crustacean shells, are better able to fend off the effects of OA. Madin, K. (2009, December 4). Ocean Acidification: A Risky Shell Game. Retrieved November 2, 2015. News Releases. (2009, December 1). Retrieved November 3, 2015 E360 digest. (2009, December 2). Retrieved November 3, 2015. Stories. (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2015, from http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/story/Ocean Acidification's impact on oysters and We need your help! (2014, April 30). Retrieved November 3, 2015.


Embedded Systems (900) Robotics & Intelligent Machines (1900)


901X12 Carver, Caitlyn Testing Transistors by Taking Elements of the Design of Multi-Polar Neurons


1901X12 Helmann, Jacob High-Strength Artificial Polymer Muscles

1902T12 Hemby, Abigail Hineman, Travis

Use of UAVs for Field Trial Analysis of Nursery Crops

901X12

Embedded Systems 900


Testing Transistors by Taking Elements of the Design of Multi-Polar Neurons

Caitlyn Carver

The purpose of this study is to attempt to understand the multipolar effect at the level of transistor logic and integrated logic by testing the effects of integrated logic between two types of same logic gates on a particular circuit. Two circuit boards are hooked up to a tiny computer: one circuit is with the multiple transistors and the other with one multi-emitter transistor. The computer will collect data from both circuits to test which design is more efficient. The IV is the transistors that effect the ID the data that is produced through the computer, while the controls will be the methods of making the transistors and using the same materials throughout the entire experiment. The hypothesis predicts that the multipolar transistor circuit will be more efficient than the series of bipolar transistors. The data supports the hypothesis with the statistical tests performed. By graphing the amps, resistance, dispersion, and variation it concludes that the multipolar transistor circuit was more efficient overall. The data shows that the physical and logic behind the transistor, relating to a multi-polar neuron, was correct. Sources of error include when making the transistors, flaws in the soldering of the circuit, and length of wires. Through the experiment, by applying the same logic that comes from the biological wiring to our own computer, could improve our own systems. So what can be done to improve our hardware and software through this? By taking more time into researching into neurons and how they work together and applying it to our computers. Also could taking the research to evolve integrated logic on a physic and logic approach. Also further research include the energy through a neuron and how it uses less energy than the wires we use. Could be put into wires we have today? Neurons. (2013, May 6). Retrieved January 12, 2016, from http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/N/Neurons.html Chapter 6 Transistor-Transistor Logic. (n.d.). Retrieved January 12, 2016, from http://www.csee.wvu.edu/digital/book/chapters/TTL.pdf Transistor–transistor logic. (n.d.). Retrieved January 12, 2016, from http://research.omicsgroup.org/index.php/Transistor–transistor_logic


1901X12

Robotics & Intelligent Machines

1900


High-Strength Artificial Polymer Muscles

Jacob Helmann

With the rapid expansion of robotics and prosthetics, there is a need for a new and more efficient type of “muscle” to control them. The typical artificial “muscle” that is used is both cumbersome and inefficient. A new type of artificial “muscle” made of individually-coiled fibers could be used in a diverse range of applications; they are not only smaller and more energy efficient, but also even stronger than current artificial “muscles”. The purpose of this research was to determine what the most effective type of filament to use in these “muscles” is. Nylon 66, Kevlar, and polyethylene fibers were all made into coiled “muscles” and tested. The fiber was first secured to a drill and twisted and, before it began coiling, a copper wire was wrapped around it. The now multifilament “muscle” was then coiled around a mandrel and annealed in an oven to set the new shape. The contractile strength was tested by suspending a weight and heating the muscle, then measuring the distance lifted. Tensile strength tests were also conducted by increasing the amount of weight until the “muscle” tore. It was found that polyethylene provided the most favorable balance between contractile and tensile strength when compared with the nylon and Kevlar. A coiled polyethylene “muscle” is far more compact and lighter than traditional hydraulic “muscles”, which would be useful when precise movements are required. Further research could test other types of filaments and improve the ease of constructing these muscles. Yip, Michael, et all, Gunter Niemeyer. n.d. "High-Performance Robotic Muscles from Conductive Nylon Sewing Thread." Disney Research. Accessed October 25, 2015. http://www.disneyresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/High-Performance-Robotic-Muscles-from-Conductive-Nylon-Sewing-Thread-Paper.pdf. "Artificial Muscles From Cheap Polymer Fibers?" Polymer Solutions. February 26, 2014. Accessed September 14, 2015. https://www.polymersolutions.com/blog/artificial-muscles-from-cheap-polymer-fibers/. Haines, Carter, et al. "Artificial Muscles from Fishing Line and Sewing Thread." Research Gate. February 21, 2014. Accessed September 8, 2015. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/272151687_Haines_et_al_Science_2014_SM_-_Artificial_Muscles_from_Fishing_Line_and_Sewing_Thread.


1902T12

Robotics & Intelligent Machines

1900


Use of UAVs for Field Trial Analysis of Nursery Crops

Abigail Hemby

Travis Hineman

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are gaining approval and usage for a wide range of natural resources, management applications, and geospatial research. UAVs’ cost effectiveness has advantages over satellites and piloted aircraft to potentially assist growers in monitoring and managing crops effectively in agriculture. In this experiment, two forms of data were compared to determine if the use of UAVs could be a more efficient method of receiving data than manual data collection. The number of blooms and average diameter of each plant were manually calculated. The same data was collected using aerial imaging from a DJI Inspire UAV with a X3 FC350 camera at 45 feet. Photoshop was used to find the number of pixels with the same RGB values of the bloom varieties. The mean, standard deviation, median, and area was calculated for each variety in the laboratory and was compared with the mean, standard deviation, median, and area of each flower variety from the data collected from four UAV pictures, each containing 45 plants. The mean of the manual collection for the white pansies was 4.31, in comparison to one mean collected in one picture, 4.27. The manually collected area was 5561.58cm2 in comparison to 2276cm2. The mean of the manual collection for the red pansies was 6.2, in comparison to 1. The manually collected area was 4596.35cm2 in comparison to 2916cm2. The mean of the manual collection for the yellow pansies was 2.73, in comparison to 1.4. The manually collected area was 5681.18cm2 in comparison to 4737cm2. Aasen, H., Burkart, A., Bolten, A., & Bareth, G. (n.d.). Generating 3D hyperspectral information with lightweight UAV snapshot cameras for vegetation monitoring: From camera calibration to quality assurance. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 45-259. Abdullahi, H., Mahieddine, F., & Sheriff, R. (n.d.). Technology Impact on Agricultural Productivity: A Review of Precision Agriculture Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. d’Oleire-Oltmanns, S., Marzolff, I., Peter, K. D., Ries, J. B., & Aït Hssaïne, A. (2011, November). Monitoring soil erosion in the Souss Basin, Morocco, with a multiscale object-based remote sensing approach using UAV and satellite data. In Proceedings of the 1st World Sustainability Forum, Sciforum Electronic Conference Series (pp. 1-30).


Energy: Chemical (1000) Energy: Physical (1100)


1001X12 Gallagher, Brendan Exploring the Possibility of Using “Green” Nanoparticle Synthesis Methods to Catalyze Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

1002X11 Lohr, Sean Using C4 and Invasive Plant Species as a Source of Second Generation Biofuels

1003X12 Pamula, Raghava Optimizing Hydrogen Production of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Using Titanium (IV) Oxide Encapsulation

1004X12 Singh, Shrayanshu The Effect of Environmental Stress on Oil Production of Nannochloropsis oculata Algae

1005T12 Taylor, Ryan Tran Le, Minh-Tam

An Investigation of Exoelectrogenic Microbial Communities and the Effect of pH on the Performance of a Microbial Fuel Cell

1006X12 Turner, Jacob Viability of Water Hyacinth in the Production of Ethanol

1101T12 Heivilin, Donna Juan, Hui Yu

The Women, the Myth, the Engine: The Effect of Alternative Fuel Solutions on the Cleanliness of the Exhaust Produced by a GEET Plasma Engine

1102T12 Morrell, Trenton Nekic, Matthew

The Effects of Different Wire types in Permanent Magnet Motors

1001X12

Energy: Chemical 1000


Exploring the Possibility of Using “Green” Nanoparticle Synthesis Methods to Catalyze Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Brendan Gallagher

Using metal nanoparticles made using biological extracts as catalysts in direct methanol fuel cells is a new idea. This would eliminate many issues with present-day catalysts, including cost and safety. In this study, Xanthan Gum and palladium chloride are used to synthesize palladium nanoparticles and compared to commercial palladium nanoparticles in terms of catalytic efficiency. Efficiency was determined by applying both the commercial and “green” palladium nanoparticles to a graphite electrode and performing cyclic voltammetry tests. FTIR scans indicated a successful synthesis of the green nanoparticles. Currently, catalytic efficiency data collection is still ongoing. Kumari, A.S.; Venkatesham, M.; Ayodhya, D.; Veerabhadram, G. (2014). Green synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of palladium nanoparticles by xanthan gum. Applied Nanoscience, Volume 5 (315-320). http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13204-014-0320-7 Mittal, A.M., Chisti, Y., & Banerjee, U.C. (2013). Synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant extracts. Biotechnology Advances, 31 (2), 346-356. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2013.01.003 Petla, R.K., Vivekanandhan, S., Misra, M., Mohanty, A.K., and Satyanarayana, N. (2012). Soybean (Glycine max) leaf extract based green synthesis of palladium nanoparticles. Journal of Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology, 3 (1), 14-19. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/jbnb.2012.31003.


1002X11



Using C4 and Invasive Plant Species as a Source of Second Generation Biofuels

Sean Lohr

Nearly half of the corn produced each year is used to produce ethanol instead of serving as a valuable food supply. Scientists are seeking alternative sources of both glucose and cellulosic enzymes so that arable land can be reclaimed for farming food crops. One potential solution is to use non-native, invasive plant species as well as C4 plants, since they grow rapidly and inhabit land often unsuitable for farming. The C4 and invasive plants selected for this study include Digitaria spp., Phyllostachys spp., Elaeagnus umbellate, and Euphorbia maculata with corn as the control. These plants were treated with cellulase and subjected to the Benedict’s test. Absorbance of the supernatant was then measured at a wavelength of 735 nm to compare the levels of glucose in each of the plant solutions. E. maculata and Digitaria spp. had the same mean absorbance as corn, 0.43. Calorimetry was then used to determine the calories/gram for the dry ash weight of the Digitaria, E. maculata, and Phyllostachys. A single factor ANOVA was performed and the p-value is equal to 0.00000825 with 23 df, thus rejecting the null hypothesis which stated that there is no significant difference between the energy produced by corn or any of the test samples. Rather, the findings indicate that Phyllostachys has over five times the calories/gram compared to the other samples. Extensions include examining natural enzymes, such as fungi, that can hydrolyze cellulose at multiple sites on the molecule, since this is currently the most cost prohibitive step in the production of biofuels. Fitzpatrick, Ryan. “Cellulosic Ethanol is Getting a Big Boost from Corn, for Now.” Third Way Fresh Thinking. 2 April 2015. Web. 24 October 2015. Stallard, Brian. "Promising Biofuel Crops May Prove Invasive." Nature World News RSS. N.p., 08 Aug. 2014. Web. 09 Jan. 2016. Yeoman, Carl J., Yejun Han, Dylan Dodd, Charles M Schroeder, Roderick I Mackie, Isaac KO Cann. “Thermostable enzymes as biocatalysts in the biofuel industry.” Advances in applied microbiology. 31 Dec 2010: (70) 1-55. Web 24 Jan 2016.


1003X12



Optimizing Hydrogen Production of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Using Titanium (IV) Oxide Encapsulation

Raghava Pamula

When algal species Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii is subject to anaerobic conditions, it switches to a form of respiration in which hydrogen gas, a clean, efficient fuel source, is produced. In past research, titanium (IV) oxide encapsulation has been shown to increase the hydrogen production by C. Reinhardtii because the titanium (IV) oxide encasing re-emits light at a frequency that catalyzes hydrogen production. Additionally, when the titanium (IV) oxide concentration used to encase the cells is too high, the cells fail to reproduce and the algae colony fails to grow. It is hypothesized that there is an ideal concentration of titanium (IV) oxide that can be used to encapsulate the algae that will minimally hinder its growth while still enhancing hydrogen generation. To test if there is a relation between hydrogen production and titanium (IV) oxide concentration, algae encapsulated with varying concentrations of titanium (IV) oxide (15%, 20%, 25%, 30%) were placed in flasks which were connected to eudiometers filled with water. The volume of gas produced was found by measuring the volume of water displaced. Data collection and analysis continues, but it was found as a general trend that as titanium (IV) oxide concentration used to encapsulate the algae cells increased, so did moles of hydrogen gas produced. This implies a direct relationship between the concentration of titanium (IV) oxide used to encapsulate algae such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the amount of hydrogen gas produced up to 15%. Research continues on this trend with increasing titanium (IV) oxide concentrations. Stojkovic, D., Torzillo, G., Faraloni, C., & Valant, M. (2015). Hydrogen production by sulfur-deprived TiO2-encapsulated Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 40(8), 3201-3206. Retrieved February 26, 2016. Chen, L., Zhou, L., Liu, Y., Deng, S., Wu, H., & Wang, G. (2012). Toxicological effects of nanometer titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 84, 155-162. Retrieved February 26, 2016. Kosourov, S., Tsygankov, A., Seibert, M., & Ghirardi, M. L. (2002). Sustained hydrogen photoproduction byChlamydomonas reinhardtii: Effects of culture parameters. Biotechnol. Bioeng. Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 78(7), 731-740. Retrieved February 26, 2016.


1004X12



The Effect of Environmental Stress on Oil Production of Nannochloropsis oculata Algae

Shrayanshu Singh

The need for alternative sources of energy is increasing due to depletion of fossil fuels. Algae are organisms that are readily available, can be manipulated in multiple ways and produce lipids/oil. Leveraging algae into an efficient and abundant oil source has many benefits. Previous studies identified that the algae, N. oculata, is an oil producer and as much as 60% of the oil can be extracted. In addition, it has been shown that stress on environmental conditions will result in an increase oil production in algae. Multiple cultures of N. oculata were grown for two months. A culture was stressed with carbon dioxide bubbling into a jug, to increase the amount of dissolved carbon dioxide. A separate culture was stressed in a medium with reduced levels of nitrogen. The extraction of the oil was accomplished in two phases. In the first phase, sodium hydroxide was added to release cellular contents. In phase two vegetable oil was added to create oil extraction. The phases were allowed to separate, and collected oil was measured. The oil production was greater in the reduced levels of nitrogen than in the control or in the carbon dioxide. Thus, lower levels of nitrogen will be used as the most efficient producers of oil. Research will be needed to determine how more oil can be produced on a major scale.


1005T12



An Investigation of Exoelectrogenic Microbial Communities and the Effect of pH on the Performance of a Microbial Fuel Cell

Ryan Taylor

Minh-Tam Tran Le

Sustainable sources of energy are necessary to combat the impending energy crisis. Microbial FuelCells (MFCs) are promising sources of renewable energy. They consist of anode and cathode chambers separated by a semipermeable membrane, and use anaerobic respiration of microbial communities to produce an electric current. The purpose of this investigation was to study the outputs of various soil based microbial communities and any correlations with pH. Experimentation was divided into three stages; in each, the dependent variables were energy output and pH over time. Stage I investigated various microbial communities within soil samples from a stream, marsh, and compost. The control was identical but without a soil sample. ANOVA tests indicated that there was no difference in energy output between the bacterial communities. Stage II used a constant microbial community sample, compost, but variable pH through buffers. The control had equalized pHs of seven in both chambers. A ttest indicated significant change in energy output, but only an acidic cathode chamber yielded energy increase. Stage III investigated electrical current created by pH differentials alone, without bacteria. The control had equalized pH and no bacteria. A ttest yielded a significant difference from the control, whereby higher pH differential yields greater energy output. For each stage, the hypotheses were that conditional manipulations affected energy output, but the investigation indicates that only pH has an effect. Therefore, MFCs could be versatile energy, utilizing various microbial catalysts. Further research could explore applications of pH differentials for energy production and specific strains of exoelectrogenic bacteria. Kumar, Ravinder et al. “An overview on biological concept of microbial fuel cells” 2014. RetrievedOctober 7, 2015, from http://umpir.ump.edu.my/9492/1/0.pdf Wicks, George et al. “Materials Challenges in Alternative and Renewable Energy II” 2013.Retrieved October 7, 2015, from https://goo.gl/2GnWlx Zuo, Yi. “Novel Electrochemical Material Applications and Exoelectrogenic Bacteria Isolation from Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs)” 2008. Retrieved October 7, 2015, from https://goo.gl/Mlguwf


1006X12



Viability of Water Hyacinth in the Production of Ethanol

Jacob Turner

Water hyacinth is an aquatic plant native to the Amazon of South America. In the late 1900’s, it was introduced to the southeastern United States as an ornamental plant. When it was released into rivers in Florida, warm temperatures combined with the presence of virtually no predators resulted in an explosion in growth of the plant. To this day it remains an issue, as it clogs waterways and chokes out native plant life. In order to combat this, I set out to synthesize ethanol from water hyacinth biomass. If the process is efficient enough, the water hyacinth removal could be propagated with little energy input. The ethanol production process began with heating a water hyacinth slurry to 160 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes in the presence of sulfuric acid. After the pH was stabilized, yeast was added to the solution and was given two days to ferment. The ethanol content was then determined using a Brix refractometer. This value could then be compared to known ethanol outputs of corn stover and cane stover, both cellulosic biomass sources. In preliminary trials, the yeast was either dead upon contact with the solution or the glucose content of the solution was too low to sustain the fermentation process. When the percent alcohol of the solution was measured, there was no change in the density of the solution. This indicates that there was no ethanol present in the solution. http://cmscert.engr.ucr.edu/research/ses/wymanpublications/Pretreatment%20The%20Key%20to%20Unl ocking%20Low%20Cost.pdf http://ucanr.edu/datastoreFiles/234-1388.pdf http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae493


1101T12

Energy: Physical 1100


The Women, the Myth, the Engine: The Effect of Alternative Fuel Solutions on the Cleanliness of the Exhaust Produced by a GEET Plasma Engine

Donna Heivilin

Hui Yu Juan

GEET plasma engine was invented to run on alternative fuel. This research aimed to study how alternative fuel solutions affect the pollutants in exhaust of GEET plasma engine. Independent variable was type of alternative fuel solution (sugar-water, salt-water, fish oil-gasoline, vegetable oil-gasoline, and gasoline-water), and dependent variable was amount of pollutants (CO, CO2, HC, and NO) in exhaust. Control group was amount of pollutants in exhaust when gasoline was used, and constants included reactor direction, alternative fuel amount, and duration of emission test per trial. First, a single-piston lawn mower’s engine was modified, and each of the solutions was tested for viability. The engine was then taken to “Virginia Regional Transit” to measure its emissions for each alternative fuel. There were least amount of CO2 (9667 ppm) and NO (28 ppm) with gasoline used, CO (12300 ppm) with fish oil-gasoline used, and HC (846 ppm) with gasoline-water used. The null hypothesis stated that type of alternative fuel solutions introduced to GEET plasma engine had no effect on cleanliness of exhaust. In context of CO, NO, and HC, the p-values of 0.592, 0.096, and 0.169 from ANOVA single factor test was above significance level of 0.05, which wouldn’t reject null hypothesis. In context of CO2, the p-value of 1.31 x 10-8 rejected null hypothesis. Thus, the alternative hypothesis, which stated that alternative fuel solutions would produce cleanlier exhaust than gasoline, wasn’t supported. Results suggested that gasoline produced significantly less CO2 than other alternative-fuel solutions tested, but differences in levels of CO, HC, and NO between tested alternative fuel solutions and gasoline were insignificant. For further research, individuals could focus on testing more alternative fuels and modifying different engines. Introduction to engine GEET of Paul Pantone. (2006, September 21). Retrieved from GEETFriends.net: http://www.geetfriends.net/netdocs/onnouscachetout_eng.pdf Kalcker, A. L. (2015). Water Engine. Retrieved from Andreas Ludwig Kalcker: http://www.andreaskalcker.com/en/energy/water-engine/118-water-engine.html


1102T12

Energy: Physical 1100


The Effects of Different Wire types in Permanent Magnet Motors

Trenton Morrell

Matthew Nekic

The purpose of the experiment is to test various wire types in alternators to try and produce the highest electrical output possible. The independent variable in the experiment is the wire type (silver, aluminum, or copper) and the dependent variable is the electrical output that is produced from these wires. The experiments control is the standard copper wire used in common alternators. The experiment was designed by dissembling used alternators and removing the copper wires from the stator. Once the standard wire was removed, new wires were wound around the stator. Throughout the experiment there was an ongoing trend. The silver wire had the highest electrical output while the aluminum wire had the least. The copper wire, however, produced the most consistent and steady output. The hypothesis of the experiment is that silver and aluminum wires will produce more electricity than copper. The hypothesis was true in the fact that the silver wire produced more electricity, but also wrong due to the aluminum being the least conductive. Some sources of error may be the winding techniques used during the experiment. Another source may be due to the inconsistency of the wires. Some further research may be to test different metal wires (such as gold or zinc) or perhaps superconductive wires. Alexander, A., & Gladkov. (2005, June 23). Patent US6847147 - Dynamoelectric machine having windings that differ in wire gauge and number of winding turns. Retrieved October 23, 2015, from https://www.google.com/patents/US6847147?dq=motor wire gauge&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CB0Q6AEwAGoVChMIkprn1qvXyAIVyjI-Ch29uwUH Bradbury, L. (2011). 17. The Betz limit - and the maximum efficiency for horizontal axis wind turbines.Can it be exceeded and does it apply to vertical axis wind turbines? Retrieved October 23, 2015, from http://www.wind-power-program.com/betz.htm Bretón, C., J. Bartolomé, J. A. Benito, G. Tassinario, I. Flotats, C. W. Lu, and B. J. Chalmers. "Influence of Machine Symmetry on Reduction of Cogging Torque in Permanent-Magnet Brushless Motors." Ieeexplore. 1 Sept. 2000. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.


Engineering Mechanics (1200)


1201X12 Betsill, Eric The Effect of Thermal Energy on Hand Temperature While in a Skiing Environment

1202T12 Faheem, Hashir Naidu, Gautam

Rocket Fin Analysis

1203X11 Kerr, Jonathan Identifying Characteristics of Buildings that Indicate Seismic Vulnerability Using Satellite Images

1204X12 Kim, Grant Determining Stress Strain Curves of Three-Dimensionally Printed Materials and Their Infill Patterns

1205X12 Mamrol, Derek The Effect of Wing Surface Modifications on Elliptical Wing Stall at Different Angles of Attack

1206X10 Rodriguez, Alexander Fully Portable Electromagnetic Load Movement Prototype

1207X12 Smith, Cameron The Effect of Headlight Bulb Type on Driver's Visibility

1201X12

Engineering Mechanics 1200


The Effect of Thermal Energy on Hand Temperature While in a Skiing Environment

Eric Betsill

Skiing is a sport loved all around the world even through some of its shortcomings, chief of which is the cold weather, the number one reason that athletes leave the sport. By introducing a heating mechanism in the ski pole, the problem of pain in the fingers caused by the cold is solved. The modified pole was the independent variable, compared to a standard ski pole control of the same length through 50 different temperature readings that represent the dependent variable. The temperature on the inside of each glove every 5 minutes while skiing an evenly distributed difficulty of slope would determine the success or failure of the heated ski pole design. Results show that on average the heated pole hand at 22.35°C is an average of 6.088°C warmer than the standard ski pole control at 16.27°C, which was sufficient to ward off pain from the outside temperature. With a p-value found in my T-test reported a value less than .05, the two variables have a strong correlation, and after looking over the data, it is safe to say that the original hypothesis, stating that that the introduction of a heating element to a ski pole will remove the pain from a skier’s fingers, is supported. There is a future for marketing this technology, seeing as how it is the first of its kind and how common the problem is that it aims to fix. Freudenrich, P. (2007, December 7). How plastics work. Retrieved September 29, 2015, from http://science.howstuffworks.com/plastic4.htm Mechem, C. (2015, August 25). Frostbite. Retrieved October 7, 2015, from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/926249-overview#a6 Wooford, C. (2013, July 30). Heating elements. Retrieved September 29, 2015, from http://www.explainthatstuff.com/heating-elements.html


1202T12



Rocket Fin Analysis

Hashir Faheem

Gautam Naidu

The purpose of this project was to test various styles of modern fin designs, in terms of stability and aerodynamics, to see if the fins could be further evolutionized. By doing so, our intention was to further enhance modern fin designs for a new age of space technology. To determine aerodynamics and stability, each fin was run through a virtual wind tunnel software (Autodesk Air Flow) to measure average coefficient drag, wind velocity, and drag force. In addition, data on wind turbulence was recorded and observed to further determine stability and aerodynamics. The project itself had three primary stages, each building off the last. At the first stage, there would be three fin designs along with a control (a standard parallelogram rocket fin). The best performing fin, based on the data analyzed above, would move onto the next stage. At stage two, the winning fin from stage one would become the new control and would be redesigned or evolutionized into three more fin designs and tested yet again. This process would continue once more to create three stages of evolution. Currently we have tested and found that three fins are better than four fins on a rocket because they decrease profile drag by 27.8% on average. In stage one, we have found that the parallelogram shaped fins with a cylinder attached to the end provide the most stability, but lack in aerodynamics. The control fins however provides better aerodynamics, but causes more turbulent airflow rather than laminar airflow, indicating instability. NAKKA, RICHARD. "RICHARD NAKKA'S EXPERIMENTAL ROCKETRY SITE." RICHARD NAKKA'S EXPERIMENTAL ROCKETRY SITE. 26 AUG. 2001. WEB. 10 DEC. 2015. NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION. NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR AERONAUTICS. EFFECTS OF STABILIZING FINS AND A REAR-SUPPORT STING ON THE BASE PRESSURES OF A BODY OF REVO LUTION IN FREE FLIGHT AT MACH NUMBERS FROM 0.7 TO 1.3. BY ROGER G. HART. LANGLEY FIELD: N.P., 1952. PRINT. NISKANEN, SAMPO. "OPENROCKET TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION." OPENROCKET TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION (2013). OPENROCKET. WEB. 10 DEC. 2015. OTHMER, CARSTEN. "ADJOINT METHODS FOR CAR AERODYNAMICS." JOURNAL OF MATHEMATICS IN INDUSTRY (2014): N. PAG. RPT. IN ADJOINT METHODS FOR CAR AERODYNAMICS. N.P.: N.P., N.D. N. PAG. PRINT. "PROBLEMS REDUCE BENEFITS OF ELLIPTICAL FINS" BY BOB PARKS. JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACEMODELING SOCIETY. SEPTEMBER 1993 (VOLUME 1, NUMBER 5). PG 4. U.S. ARMY. U.S. ARMY AVIATION AND MISSILE COMMAND. EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS OF GRID FIN AERODYNAMICS: A SYNOPSIS OF NINE WIND TUNNEL AND THREE FLIGHT TESTS. BY DAVID WASHINGTON AND MARK S. MILLER. REDSTONE ARSENAL: N.P., N.D. PRINT.


1203X11



Identifying Characteristics of Buildings that Indicate Seismic Vulnerability Using Satellite Images

Jonathan Kerr

Cities located in regions with high frequencies of earthquakes depend on building vulnerability assessments to plan evacuations routes and prepare buildings for earthquakes. Using only a satellite image to perform these evaluations may lead to faster, less expensive, and more frequent vulnerability assessments. To demonstrate this application of satellite imagery, a satellite image of Kathmandu, Nepal, from before the 2015 earthquake was obtained, along with ground data on building damage from after the event. This data was loaded in ArcGIS, and a region within the satellite image was chosen which encompassed buildings which received diverse damage from the earthquake. Within this region, each’s building’s location and geometric properties were measured by tracing a polygon around the structure and by using ArcGIS’s calculating geometry function provided within the corresponding attribute table. These polygons were input into ArcGIS’s image analysis to calculate the spectral properties of each roof. Roof position and shadow length were used to calculate building height. These properties were then analyzed to find patterns which corresponded with building damage. Sumaryono. (2010). Assessing building vulnerability to tsunami hazard using integrative remote sensing and GIS approaches (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from Electronic Theses of LMU Munich. Wieland, M., Pittore, M., Parolai, S., & Zschau, J. (2012). Exposure estimation from multi-resolution optical satellite imagery for seismic risk assessment. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 69-88. doi:10.3390/ijgi1010069 Gonçalves, L., Fonte, C. C., Júlio, E. N., & Caetano, M. (2009). Assessment of the state of conservation of buildings through roof mapping using very high spatial resolution images. Construction and Building Materials, 23(8), 2795-2802. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2009.03.002


1204X12



Determining Stress Strain Curves of Three-Dimensionally Printed Materials and Their Infill Patterns

Grant Kim

Standardized data on mechanical properties of materials is sine qua non for any reliable engineering design. Without reliable data on the mechanical properties of the materials, 3-D printing of models are more decorative rather than utilitarian for engineering needs, since it will have no valid basis for comparison between materials and infill patterns. This research measures and compares the young’s moduli – one of the significant elastic properties – of 3-D printed samples with identical dimensions but with various infill patterns, densities, and materials. This standardized data will enable inclusion of elastic properties in optimization of engineering designs. This research measures the Young’s moduli of ABS, PLA, PVA, Nylon, HIPS, Polycarbonate, and Bendlay, with various infill patterns of Linear, Rectilinear, Octagonal, Honeycomb, Concentric, Archimedean Chord, Hilbert Curve, with a density of 80%, using the Mark 10 ESM-303, which provides industry standard reliable data that can be used by design engineers. Future research will include various densities, same materials from different manufacturers, and different printers from different manufacturers. Mathew, M., Murty, K., Rao, K., & Mannan, S. (1999). Ball indentation studies on the effect of aging on mechanical behavior of alloy 625. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 264(1-2), 159-166. Murty, K., & Mathew, M. (2004). Nondestructive monitoring of structural materials using automated ball indentation (ABI) technique. Nuclear Engineering and Design, 228(1-3), 81-96. Sousa, Hélder S., John D. Sørensen, Poul H. Kirkegaard, Jorge M. Branco, and Paulo B. Lourenço. "On the Use of NDT Data for Reliability-based Assessment of Existing Timber Structures."Engineering Structures 56 (2013): 298-311. Web. 2 Feb. 2016.


1205X12



The Effect of Wing Surface Modifications on Elliptical Wing Stall at Different Angles of Attack

Derek Mamrol

Elliptical aircraft wings are known to have extremely low drag for a given aspect ratio, but suffer from undesirable stall characteristics that lead to little time for a pilot to correct before stalling. Delaying the onset of stall for elliptical wings could therefore allow pilots to operate elliptically winged aircraft in a wider range of angles of attack without stalling, making the elliptical wing form, known to be highly efficient, viable once again as planes using this wing form have not seen wide use since the mid 20th century. This research employs 'surface modification' technologies such as vortex generators and surface dimpling in an attempt to delay stall through delayed surface boundary layer separation at different angles of attack. Wings derived from a base control wing in Autodesk Inventor are tested through a simulation conducted in Autodesk CFD. After simulation testing, results are analyzed to determine whether or not a specific surface modification shows potential for delaying boundary layer separation. The modifications that display promising simulation results will be printed using a 3D printer and tested in a wind tunnel that mimics the conditions in the simulation. This research is currently ongoing. Livya, E., Anitha, G., & Valli, P. (2015). Aerodynamic analysis of dimple effect on aircraft wing. International Science Index, 9. DOI: scholar.waset.org/1999.8/10000845 Miller, E. C. (2012). Effects on boundary layer caused by inclusion of dimples at varying depths. Journal of Aircraft, 49, 969-972. DOI: 10.2514/1.C021020 Vento, J. L. (2011). Analysis of surface augmentation of airfoil sections via flow visualization techniques. Retrieved from California Polytechnic State University. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1047&context=aerosp


1206X10



Fully Portable Electromagnetic Load Movement Prototype

Alexander Rodriguez

The engineering goal of this project was to design and prototype an electromagnetic devise capable of supporting the average human weight. In addition to supporting a human, the electromagnetic devise would also assist users in the handling of steel and iron materials. Versatility was considered in the design of the device, allowing it to have practical application for military use, construction sites, shipyards, and as a recreational device. The design of this device was engineered to meet the following requirements: To be fully portable and not attached to an AC outlet, to be able to hold more than 154lbs (Average Human Weight), allows the device to be powered on and off, the device’s power source small enough to be contained within a back pack, and to have two independent electromagnetic systems. Each electromagnetic system consist of a rubberized handle accompanied by two electromagnets that are then powered independently from a battery bank within the backpack. An electromagnet is a coil of wire that is wound around an iron core. When an electric current passes through the coil a magnetic field is produced. The magnetic field can be shut off when the current that passes through is turned off. The prototype of this device is only one of many ways electromagnetism is being used today. Thus far the prototype has successfully supported 170lbs in a downward force test trial. This was accomplished with both electromagnetic system and then with only one independent electromagnetic system. A successful vertical plane movement test would be the next step in taking the project further in addition to creating a smaller, more efficient power source as well as acquiring stronger, smaller electromagnets. Brain, M., & Looper, L. (n.d.). How Electromagnets Work. Retrieved November 3, 2015, from http://science.howstuffworks.com/electromagnet1.htm Chapter 10 10.2 Electromagnets. (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2015, from http://www.cpo.com/ipcres/pdfs/unit3/ch10sec2.pdf Ferrromagnetism. (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2015, from http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/solids/ferro.html From an online text book sample Iron core solenoid. (n.d.). Retrieved November 3, 2015, from http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/elemag.html Kurtus, R. (2012, December 31). Electromagnets. Retrieved November 3, 2015, from http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/electromagnets.htm#.Vs3dcfkrLIU


1207X12



The Effect of Headlight Bulb Type on Driver's Visibility

Cameron Smith

This study’s aim was to support the hypothesis that the installation of xenon bulbs in a certain type of obsolete automotive reflector-style headlights is unsafe, in comparison to the application of a xenon headlight bulb in its intended projector housing. The market is abundant with xenon bulbs that are designed to fit with no modification into reflector style headlights. Xenon bulbs create intense, white light that can be very blinding to other motorists at night. It is required that all stock high intensity discharge xenon headlights come with a light cutoff to prevent blinding others, which was clearly seen in the drop in light intensity at the cutoff in testing. Reflector style headlights, however, are not designed to have a cutoff, because they were originally used with far less intense light sources, such as halogen bulbs. This causes them to throw light randomly, regardless of their possible conversion to be far more blinding. This was clearly seen in the large light pattern thrown by the reflector housing in testing. This scattered distribution of light causes extreme glare for other drivers at night. Glare blinds drivers at night by scotomatic disability (retinal information overload), decrease in contrast, fatigue, and squinting. This can lead to fatal crashes, making the improper use of xenon bulbs a serious topic. Geeraets WJ, Williams RC, Chan G, et al. The loss of light energy in retina and choroid. Arch Ophthalmol 1960;64:606–15. Flannagan MJ. Subjective and objective aspects of headlight glare: effects of size and spectral power distribution. Ann Arbor, MI: Transportation Research Institute, The University of Michigan, 1999. Mainster MA. Wavelength selection in macular photocoagulation. Tissue optics, thermal effects, and laser systems. Ophthalmology 1986;93:952–8. [PubMed]


Environmental Engineering (1300)


1301X11 Berrios, Isabel Localized Accumulation of Lead in Sunflowers

1302X12 Donovan, Megan Fog Harvesting as a Source of Clean Water in Developing Countries

1303T12 Giles, Kendra Hollatz, Rachel

Mealworms vs. Waxworms on Plastic Consumption

1304T12 Kumar, Mehr Xie, April

Determining the Potential Secondary Impacts Associated with Microorganismal Biodegradation of Microplastics in the Marine Environment

1305X11 Long, Lindsey The Effect of Riparian Buffer Zones on Macroinvertebrates

1306X12 Manalel, Jerin Using Excess Woodshop Materials for Oil Reclamation

1307X12 Manero, Elizabeth Effect of Plodia interpunctella larvae and associated enzymes on the biodegradation of polyethylene plastics

1308X12 Rodriguez-Vasquez, Kelly Stabilization of Soil Using Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Coir Mats: A Solution for Loess Plateau Erosion

1309X12 Zargham, Donya Heavy-oil Displacement via Circular Capillary Tubes in Respect to Oil-spill Cleanup in Large Bodies of Saltwater

1301X11

Environmental Engineering 1300


Localized Accumulation of Lead in Sunflowers

Isabel Berrios

One form of bioremediation is the use of plants for soil clean up of contaminating toxic heavy metals. Industrial waste and nuclear accidents have been a primary source for this soil pollution. Sunflowers have been identified as hyperaccumulators of these contaminants. Seedlings were grown for 60 days then replanted into three different concentrations of lead contaminated soil. The plants were segmented by region, dried, and crushed then suspended in water for testing. To test for the presence of lead, a qualitative toxicity assay using baker’s yeast was employed. The control set of lead concentrations were used as a reference point for viability in the test tubes. A white, creamy color indicated little to no viability while a darker pink indicated some degree of viability. The root segments contained a demonstrative amount of lead as shown by the assay. The stems and leaf portions provided inconclusive results to the presence of lead, but a closer microscopic inquiry is needed. Further research could be performed with longer exposure to lead by more mature plants. Price, J., & Dare, S. (2012, July 8). Sunflowers for Lead. Spider Plants for Arsenic. Retrieved February 24, 2016, from http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-jun-sunflowers-for-lead-spider-plants-for-arsenic


1302X12



Fog Harvesting as a Source of Clean Water in Developing Countries

Megan Donovan

More than 3.4 million people die from water-related diseases acquired by consuming contaminated water. Often bacteria and other contaminants such as giardia (a common intestinal parasite) are present in polluted water. Access to clean drinking water can be difficult to attain in developing countries which is why many people collect rainwater which is often safe to drink. The purpose of this research was to construct a device that could be used to harvest fog as a water source. The device was placed in a steam room for approximately one hour intervals. Relative humidity was noted as well as was the amount of water collected. This was repeated 15 times. On average 25.1 milliliters of water was collected per hour. The goal of constructing a collection device was successful, however, further research is necessary to determine the minimal humidity necessary to collect sufficient amounts of water. In addition, exploration of device placement which would provide optimal water collection is important. This is a novel, cheap way in which to provide water for those living in developing countries. Peter H. Gleick. August 2002. Dirty Water: Estimated Deaths from Water-Related Diseases 2000-2020.Available online at: http://www.pacinst.org/wpcontent/uploads/sites/21/2013/02/water_related_deaths_report3.pdf FogQuest. 2016. About Fogquest. Available online at: http://www.fogquest.org/about-fogquest/what-we-do/ Mayo Clinic. October 13, 2015. Giardia infection (giardiasis). Available online at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giardia-infection/basics/symptoms/con-20024686


1303T12



Mealworms vs. Waxworms on Plastic Consumption

Kendra Giles

Rachel Hollatz

Plastic pollution is threatening the environment, because plastic never biodegrades. Instead plastic photodegrades, which means it will break into smaller pieces without ever breaking down chemically. The result of photodegradation is an abundance of nurdles, virtually invisible pieces of plastic. Nurdles are commonly consumed by filter feeders and other marine animals, which puts them in danger of intestinal blockages and poisoning. The best way to prevent nurdles is by developing a safer way to digest plastic. Scientists have found different species of worms known to digest plastic. We decided to test two different types of worms: mealworms and waxworms, and two types of plastic: polystyrene and polyethylene. Our goal was to determine which worm was more effective at consuming each plastic. 100 mealworms were placed in a tank with 25g of polystyrene and 25g of polyethylene. 100 waxworms were placed in a separate tank with 25g of polystyrene and 25g of polyethylene. The plastics were weighed roughly every week to determine the mass. One of each block was soaked in water so that the worms would have access to liquid. The waxworms died off quickly and barely ate either type of of plastic, in fact, for reasons we cannot explain, the final mass of the polystyrene and polyethylene were 25.31 and 25.16 (respectively). The mealworms had a lower death rate, and the final mass of polystyrene was 22.67, and the polyethylene weighed in at 24.42. We concluded that mealworms were the most efficient at consuming plastic, especially polystyrene. Our data was slightly skewed from the waste discarded by worms, as well as the worms that burrowed into the plastic that we could not remove. More data should be collected with a scale of higher precision in a more organized manner for accuracy. Plastic-eating Meal Worms Could Solve Plastic Pollution Problem. (2015, September 15). Retrieved October 27, 2015, from http://www.laboratoryequipment.com/news/2015/09/plastic-eating-meal-worms-could-solve-plastic-pollution-problem Gut Bacteria From A Worm Can Degrade Plastic. (2014, December 3). Retrieved October 27, 2015, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/12/141203111130.htm "Mealworms Convert Styrofoam Waste into Usable Soil." Engadget. Stanford University. Web. 25 Feb. 2016. http://www.engadget.com/2015/09/30/mealworms-styrofoam-soil/.


1304T12



Determining the Potential Secondary Impacts Associated with Microorganismal Biodegradation of Microplastics in the Marine Environment

Mehr Kumar

April Xie

Microplastics, particles up to 5mm in size, account for 80% of the 8 million tons of plastic pollution introduced to the oceans annually. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemicals found in low concentrations throughout the oceans and do not degrade easily. However, they concentrate on other hydrophobic substances, specifically microplastics, and then bioaccumulate up the food chain. Previous research indicates that marine microorganisms are capable of degrading microplastics in the marine environment. This study explores the degradation products of biodegraded polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics by microorganisms in the marine environment. The leftover trial water following biodegradation of microplastics by two marine-native microorganisms, one species of bacteria and one fungus, was tested using the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to separate and identify any remaining substances. Among the identified substances, polyethylene and dioctyl phthalate, a primary plasticizer, were prominent throughout all trials. Current trials have provided no evidence to suggest the release of harmful products from the microplastics due to biodegradation. Additional research includes FTIR analysis of the contents of lysed microorganisms following their biodegradation of microplastics. Therefore, research determining the feasibility of using marine microorganisms as a means of biodegrading microplastics in the marine environment is currently in progress, and more conclusive data is forthcoming. This method can replace current disposal methods of commercial waste prior to its entry into waterways and ultimately translate to the reduction of marine organism deaths caused by plastic pollution and the toxins they carry by preventing the introduction of POPs to the food chain. Andrady, A. L. (2011). Microplastics in the marine environment. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 62(8), 1596-1605. Rios, L. M., Moore, C., & Jones, P. R. (2007). Persistent organic pollutants carried by synthetic polymers in the ocean environment. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 54(8), 1230-1237. Zettler, E. R., Mincer, T. J., & Amaral-Zettler, L. A. (2013). Life in the “plastisphere”: microbial communities on plastic marine debris. Environmental science & technology, 47(13), 7137-7146.


1305X11



The Effect of Riparian Buffer Zones on Macroinvertebrates

Lindsey Long

Riparian buffers are key to helping keep pollution out of important watersheds. The purpose of this study was to describe diversity and population of macroinvertebrates in five different streams in Loudoun County with different types of urban impact. After verifying the riparian buffer zones, macroinvertebrate screening was conducted. At Site 1 sampling area, Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3 existed. The following data was collected at Site 1, 138 organisms were found. Of these 138, 104 were sensitive to pollution; 21 were moderately sensitive; and 8 were tolerant to pollution. From Site 2 that contained Zone 3, 113 organisms were collected. Three were pollution sensitive organisms; 82 were moderately sensitive organisms; and 28 were tolerant organisms. From Site 3, which contained Zone 1, the following data was collected: 31 total specimens were caught; 1 was sensitive; 3 were moderately sensitive; and 27 were tolerant. Site 4 contained Zone 1 and Zone 2. Here, 128 macroinvertebrates were retrieved, of which 4 were sensitive; 54 were moderately sensitive; and 70 were tolerant. Site 5, where 105 macroinvertebrates were found, contained Zone 1 and Zone 3. At this site, 1 organism was sensitive; 59 were moderately sensitive; and 45 were tolerant. These results supported the hypothesis by showing that the site with all three buffer zones had the greater macroinvertebrate diversity and population. The hypothesis could be strengthened by having more test sites. A test to further this experiment would be testing how plants affect the quality of riparian buffers. Coleman, J. (2007). Ripirian Buffers - The Very Best Protection. Retrieved from Piedmont Environmental Council of Virgina Web Site: http://www.pecva.org Rios, S. L., & Bailey, R. C. (2006). Relationship between riparian vegetation and stream benthic communities at three spatial scales. Hydrobiologia, 553(1), 153-160 Sweeney, B. W. (1993). Effects of streamside vegetation on macroinvertebrate communities of White Clay Creek in eastern North America. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 291-340.


1306X12



Using Excess Woodshop Materials for Oil Reclamation

Jerin Manalel

Oil contamination is a major problem due to excessive contamination of the environment. Methods of oil cleanup include bioremediation, burning and skimming. Typical cleanup efforts combine multiple methods due to availability of resources, and effects of each method on the environment. Focusing on containment and skimming techniques, this study tests the absorptive abilities of woodshop waste shavings. Different samples of wood were isolated from stock within the school woodshop. Each sample was then tested to determine degree of absorption by measuring the maximum absorption of each sample in an oil only environment. This absorption value is a ratio, grams of oil absorbed per gram of wood. The types of wood tested in initial assays were; pine, poplar, walnut, ash, and cherry. The absorption of oil was greater in the softwoods than in hardwoods, with pine having the greatest oil absorption. Thus, pine will be used as the absorptive material in the oil remediation mechanism. Further research can explore how different sized granulations will affect the absorption value for each wood source. Research will be needed to determine how the wood waste can be processed for major scale use.


1307X12



Effect of Plodia interpunctella larvae and associated enzymes on the biodegradation of polyethylene plastics

Elizabeth Manero

Accumulations of plastic in the environment often end up in landfills or oceans where they will remain for years. Plastic however, doesn't biodegrade, instead it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces that absorb toxins from their surroundings. Waxworms, the larvae of Plodia interpunctella, have been found to eat through plastics like polyethylene film. As the name suggests, their natural diet consists of wax. Few other animals possess such an affinity for consuming wax, but one bird, the lesser honeyguide (Indicator minor), has had its diet carefully monitored due to its large consumption of wax even when other food options are available. While researchers aren’t sure what mechanisms within the bird’s body are responsible for this unique ability, they have documented the presence of certain enzymes within its body. Over the course of the experiment, the ability of waxworms to digest polyethylene, as well as the presence of enzymes like those within the lesser honeyguide, were tested to discuss the viability of them as a bioremediation technique. Yang, Jung, Yu Yang, Wel-Min Wu, Jiao Zhao, and Lei Jiang. "Evidence of Polyethylene Biodegradation by Bacterial Strains from the Guts of Plastic-Eating Waxworms." Environ. Sci. Technol 48.23 (2014): 13776-3784. Downs, Colleen T., Robyn J. Van Dyk, and Paul Iji. "Wax Digestion by the Lesser Honeyguide Indicator Minor." Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part A Molecular & Integrative Physiology 133.1 (2002): 125-34. Webb, Hayden K., Jaimys Amott, Rusell J. Crawford, and Elena P. Ivanova. "Plastic Degradation and Its Environmental Implications with Special Reference to Poly(ethylene Terephthalate)." Polymers 5.1 (2013): 1-18.


1308X12



Stabilization of Soil Using Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Coir Mats: A Solution for Loess Plateau Erosion

Kelly Rodriguez-Vasquez

The Loess Plateau, encompassing seven provinces in China, is composed of arid, deteriorating land and silt, engraved by the monsoon months and the extensively dry months that cause soil erosion. The vast territory that could be utilized for agricultural purposes is unsuitable because the region’s mass soil depletion makes the land unsustainable for the growth of plant life. Geosynthetic methods employed currently seek to prevent mass soil erosion, yet these methods are detrimental to the surrounding environment. The purpose of this research was to determine which biodegradable technique works effectively in providing soil stabilization in regions such as the Loess plateau. The biodegradable methods employed involved the use of coconut fiber mats and granular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Testing scenarios involved PVC pipes containing soil and grass. These pipes were embedded with coir mats alone, arbuscular mycorrhizal alone, a combination of coir mats and arbuscular mycorrhizal. Control pipes had nothing embedded in them. Water was poured into each pipe and the amount of water exiting was measured. This reflected the amount of water being held by the soil and the erosion control method. The combination of both the granular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the coconut fiber mat demonstrated greater efficiency in providing soil stabilization. Further research would entail analysis of erosion control based on this method using different plant species. Together these methods would serve to advance research for soil stabilization in regions similar to the Loess Plateau. Fischer, A., Rui, L., Saxena, K., & Jayakumar, R. (2004, September 20). The Loess Plateau in Central China: Ecological Restoration and Management. Retrieved November 4, 2015. Hauschild, K. (2013). The Purpose and Use of Best Management Practices for Erosion Control. Retrieved November 4, 2015. Liu, J. (2005, November 15). Environmental Challenges Facing China – Rehabilitation of the Loess Plateau. Retrieved November 1, 2015.


1309X12



Heavy-oil Displacement via Circular Capillary Tubes in Respect to Oil-spill Cleanup in Large Bodies of Saltwater

Donya Zargham

After the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010, British Petroleum (BP) removed the oil that initially poured into the ocean at a rate of 5,000 to 10,000 barrels a day. Although advancements have created efficient forms of oil production, little progress has been made concerning oil cleanup. The purpose of this research was to validate a theoretical system comprising of capillary tubes to collect oil residue that has sunk to the seafloor. By connecting the system to a rotating object like a propeller, thrust generated by the propeller can hypothetically overcome water pressure prevalent at depths of up to 200 feet. Most rigs in the Gulf of Mexico are situated in areas of shallow water. The propeller, serving the dual purpose of breaking down oil residue, acts as an impetus that drives the seawater up the capillary system, similar to how osmotic root pressure assists plants’ intake of water. This research validates such a system through the mathematical study of fluid mechanics. Studying equations such as the Bernoulli equation and the Young-Laplace equation suggests that if the surface gradient of oil residue can be decreased to be nearly negligible, then the gradient in evaluating the fluid’s movement can be assumed to rely solely on saltwater. Further research would entail evaluating time needed for the propeller to run in order to generate a sufficient amount of thrust. Replacing current methods of cleanup with mathematical models that use natural phenomena is an innovative step in restoring marine environments. Argüelles-Vivas, F.J. (April 2014). "Drainage Type Oil and Heavy-oil Displacement in Circular Capillary Tubes: Two- and Three-Phase Flow Characteristics and Residual Oil Saturation Development in the Form of Film at Different Temperatures." Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, April 2014. Retrieved November 20, 2015. Huerta, A.A. Silva, and O.M. Silvares. (1998). Simulation of the Effects of Oil in Capillary Tubes Considering a Separated Flow Model. School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, Purdue e-Pubs. Retrieved November 20, 2015 National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. (January 2011). Deep Water: The Gulf Oil Disaster and the Future of Offshore Drilling. Retrieved December 12, 2015 from https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/GPO-OILCOMMISSION/pdf/GPO-OILCOMMISSION.pdf


Materials Science (1400)


1401T12 Amaya, Jessika Shields, Charlie

An Alternative Gait-Enhanced Design of an Orthopaedic Mobile Brace

1402T09 Chandrasekar, Ramprasanna Samineni, Pranav

Effect of Polyacrylaminde Alginate beads for Use as Micro Reactors

1403T12 Clear, Morgan Wech, Spencer

The Effects of Various Types of Materials on Wireless Internet Connectivity

1404X12 Humpton, Andrew Synthesis of Zinc Selenide Quantum Dots via Lumbricus Detoxification Pathways

1405T10 Kanugula, Pratyush Upadhyay, Deven

The Effect of Chitosan Concentration on Localized Bio Gel Drug Delivery involving Tumor Suppression

1406X12 Pendurthi, Apoorva Viscosity, thermal and electrical conductivity of Iron Oxide nanoparticles dispersed in polyethylene glycol

1407X12 Pontius, Wyatt Reinventing The Leaf: A Novel Biohybrid Photosynthetic System

1408X12 Renner, Emma 3D Sand Printed Martian Aeroponics System

1401T12

Materials Science 1400


An Alternative Gait-Enhanced Design of an Orthopaedic Mobile Brace

Jessika Amaya

Charlie Shields

In many cases of lower extremity injury (i.e. lateral or medial malleoli fractures, anterior talofibular ligament sprains), the only method of recovery is immobilization of the ankle joint. The use of an orthopaedic mobile brace (Aircast ®) can result in atrophy of the immediate muscles of the effected limb as well as iatrogenic pelvic obliquity. This experiment redesigned the concept of a traditional orthopaedic mobile brace to minimize the shift in hip angles that results in iatrogenic pelvic obliquity. The brace was designed custom for the tester through the use of 3-D imaging software; then printed through the use of a cube printer and assembled. For each trial of testing, trackers were worn on key lower extremity points for aiding analysis. The control variable, tested without any mobile device, established a baseline for natural hip angles. Following the control, trials were run with the standard orthopaedic mobile brace, Aircast ® as well as the modified gait-enhanced design to record the degree of pelvic obliquity in comparison to the natural values. Testing of range of motion was performed with no device, the Aircast ® device, and the gait-enhanced device. The control trials, established by the tester walking with no device across 3 meters while tracking the angles between the hips and knees created a basis of natural angles to use to compare experimental groups. Analysis of results showed that the redesigned mobile brace most closely agreed with the trials wearing no brace and minimized the negative effects of the Aircast ®. Adamcyz, P.G., Collins, S.H., & Kuo, A.D. (2006). The advantages of a rolling foot in human walking. The Journal of Experimental Biology, 209, 3953-3963. Almeida, C.R., Serra, T., Oliveira, M.I., Planell, J.A., Barbosa, M.A., Navarro, M. (2014). Impact of 3-D printed PLA- and chitosan- based scaffolds on human monocyte/macrophage responses: Unraveling the effect of 3-D structures on inflammation. Acta Biomaterialia, 10, 613-622. Boyce, S.H., Campbell, S., & Quigley, M.A. (2005). Management of ankle sprains: a randomized controlled trial of the treatment of inversion injuries using an elastic support bandage or an Aircast ankle brace. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 39, 91-96.


1402T09



Effect of Polyacrylaminde Alginate beads for Use as Micro Reactors

Ramprasanna Chandrasekar

Pranav Samineni

The purpose of the experiment is to go into depth about the possibility of micro biological reactors. For the experiment, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or yeast was used in fermentation to degrade starch and sugar. The “micro-reactor” will be made out of a mixture of chitosan or polyacrylamide, sodium alginate, calcium chloride, and 5% acetic acid. First, sodium alginate was dissolved and then added to the 0.10 L of water and added to 0.10 L suspension of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A separate mixture of 2% calcium chloride was prepared. 0.15 L of the mixture containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae and sodium alginate was put into the calcium chloride solution. Second, after solidifying for one hour, the beads were dipped into 0.25% of chitosan solution or 4% acrylamide and kept under mild shaking for 20 minutes with different amount of sugar or starch. The overall product, of the micro-reactors were 3-4 millimeters long. The beads had conclusive results and were able to produce comparable amounts of product as the control. This technology could be used to more efficiently manufacture products. Chitosan–sodium alginate nanoparticles as submicroscopic reservoirs for ocular delivery: Formulation, optimisation and in vitro characterisation. (n.d.). Retrieved January 04, 2016, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0939641107003086 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5862443_Chitosansodium_alginate_nanoparticles_as_submicro scopic_reservoirs_for_ocular_delivery_formulation_optimisation_and_in_vitro_characterisation_Eur_J_Ph arm_Biopharm


1403T12



The Effects of Various Types of Materials on Wireless Internet Connectivity

Morgan Clear

Spencer Wech

Due to the rise of technology and the trend for users to go wireless, we decided that attempting to improve a technology that is on the rise would be the best possible project. Wireless Internet has a limited range capability and the only way to increase the range is to purchases an expensive wireless repeater, thus opening more vulnerabilities in the firewall. If we could eliminate some of the devices required to extend a signal, it would not only be a more secure network, but would also reduce costs. Our approach to the problem was to take different types of conductors and encase a wireless Internet signal emitter within them. While using a wireless signal testing application on a phone, we were able to identify which provided the best signal conductivity. The results were not as promising as expected, most likely because the antenna for the emitter was not making direct contact with the conductors; keeping the signals inside. The silver foil performed the best as expected, for silver is known to be the best conductor. If the test were to be performed again, the emitter antenna would need to make direct contact with the conductors without the plastic casing in between. If this were to be successful, silver pipes could be run within buildings, extending the signal potentially from the first floor lobby, to the 56th floor executive office. Chien, L. (2015, March 5). What are the best materials for electric insulators and why are they so good? Retrieved from Quora: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-best-materials-for-electric-insulators-and-why-are-they-so-good Sweet, S. (2012, January 1). What is a good material for an antenna? Retrieved from The Solid Signal Blog RSS: http://forums.solidsignal.com/showthread.php/2306-What-is-a-good-material-for-an-antenna University Of Cambridge. (2007, July 8). Conductivity. Retrieved from About Conductivity: http://www.lehigh.edu/~amb4/wbi/kwardlow/conductivity.htm


1404X12



Synthesis of Zinc Selenide Quantum Dots via Lumbricus Detoxification Pathways

Andrew Humpton

Quantum dots are nanocrystals which are used as semiconductors. The applications of quantum dots include improving image displays such as televisions, improving efficiency in solar panels, and improving bio-imaging. Quantum dots are usually chemically synthesized which reduces their abilities when used in the field of bio-imaging. The purpose of this research was to use the earthworm’s (Lumbricus terrestris) heavy metal detoxification pathway to biologically synthesize type ZnSe quantum dots. Worms were placed in soil containing sodium selenite and zinc chloride. The worms were left in the soil for 11 days. After that time period, the worms were dissected and the quantum dots were recovered from the chloragogenous tissue of the worm. The result was an aqueous solution containing quantum dots that, when energized with an ultra-violet light, emitted a green light. Further research would entail what other types of quantum dots can be synthesized using worms and if a way exists in the biosynthesis to change the size of the quantum dot which would in turn change the color the quantum dot emits. This research indicates that the use of earthworms may provide another cheap method by which to synthesize quantum dots. Bio Imaging With Quantum Dots. 2014. Dr.SakthiKumar. Available online at: http://www.drsakthikumar.com/quantumdots.php University of Wisconsin-Madison. 2015. Quantum dots and Nanoparticles. Available online at: http://education.mrsec.wisc.edu/background/quantum_dots/ Sturzenbaum. 2012. Biosynthesis of luminescent quantum dots in an earthworm. Available online at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233976794_Biosynthesis_of_luminescent_quan tum_dots_in_an_earthworm


1405T10



The Effect of Chitosan Concentration on Localized Bio Gel Drug Delivery involving Tumor Suppression

Pratyush Kanugula

Deven Upadhyay

In recent years there have been many advances in medicine and health, however tumor suppression is still an enigma yet to be solved by medical experts. However, if cancer can be isolated in the body it is possible that injecting a localized drug can help the patient greatly. Various bio gels were created to help aid the diffusion of a drug through inflicted areas in patients. The effect of chitosan will be tested on the bio gel’s ability to diffuse through the ballistic gel. Chitosan concentrations were tested due to the ability of chitosan have an increased solubility in acidic solutions which permits it to be used in transdermal drug delivery. Ballistic gel will be used as a simulant for muscle tissue in the human body. To evaluate the efficiency of the chitosan-altered bio gels, food coloring was used to track the diffusion of the bio gel through the muscle stimulant. The ballistic gel was created by mixing gelatin with heated water and then, it was refrigerated reaching a rather rigid state. The bio gel was made by using chitosan mixed with potassium monophosphate and potassium diphosphate. The concentrations of chitosan were set by weighing out two, four, and six grams of the substance. With the different concentrations of chitosan’s of 2, 4, and 6%, the bio gel had a decrease rate of diffusion through the ballistic gel because the higher concentration of chitosan will allow less of a passage throughout the medium. Agnihotri, S. A., Mallikarjuna, N. N., & Aminabhavi, T. M. (2004). Recent advances on chitosan-based micro- and nanoparticles in drug delivery. Journal of Controlled Release, 100(1), 5-28. Jameela, S., Misra, A., & Jayakrishnan, A. (1995). Cross-linked chitosan microspheres as carriers for prolonged delivery of macromolecular drugs.Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 6(7), 621-632. Dodane, V., & Vilivalam, V. D. (1998). Pharmaceutical applications of chitosan.Pharmaceutical Science & Technology Today, 1(6), 246-253.


1406X12



Viscosity, thermal and electrical conductivity of Iron Oxide nanoparticles dispersed in polyethylene glycol

Apoorva Pendurthi

This experiment was created to test the viability of Iron Oxide (II-III) as an energy transfer medium. Iron Oxide nanoparticles suspended in polyethylene glycol will be a better energy transfer fluid than ethylene glycol, because the metallic nanoparticles have more conductive properties. Currently, research has been conducted in this field in order to test the limitations and functions of the discovery of nanofluids and nanotechnology in general. Research has already been taken in the usage of Copper Oxide nanofluid and serves as the basis of this investigation, however many alterations have been made. Due to Copper Oxide being dangerous as a skin irritant and a nervous system depressor, there is a need for alternatives that fulfill the same needs. In this experiment, Iron Oxide nanofluid fashioned from coalescing Iron Oxide (II-III) and Polyethylene Glycol was analyzed through host of varied assessments designed to assess the viability of the nanofluid as an energy transfer medium. Varying concentrations of Iron Oxide nanofluid will be made for the experiment in order to find the optimal mixture. Thermal energy analysis was used to analyze the heat conductivity of the nanofluid and its viability as a coolant. In addition, an electric conductivity meter (ECM) will be used to measure the resistance of the nanofluid. Lastly, a viscosity test will be performed to provide a comparison to current coolants like Ethylene Glycol and Iron Oxide nanofluid’s use as an immediate alternative. Kwak, K., & Kim, C. (2005). Viscosity and thermal conductivity of copper oxide nanofluid dispersed in ethylene glycol. Korea-Australia Rheology Journal, 17(2), 35-40. Huminic, G., Huminic, A., Morjan, I., & Dumitrache, F. (2011). Experimental study of the thermal performance of thermosyphon heat pipe using iron oxide nanoparticles. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 54(1), 656-661. Shima, P. D., Philip, J., & Raj, B. (2010). Synthesis of aqueous and nonaqueous iron oxide nanofluids and study of temperature dependence on thermal conductivity and viscosity. The Journal of Physical Chemistry C,114(44), 18825-18833. Sharifi, I., Shokrollahi, H., & Amiri, S. (2012). Ferrite-based magnetic nanofluids used in hyperthermia applications. Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, 324(6), 903-915.


1407X12



Reinventing The Leaf: A Novel Biohybrid Photosynthetic System

Wyatt Pontius

Two daunting problems facing humankind today are global warming and global hunger. Photosynthesis in isolated chloroplasts, which produces carbohydrates and sequesters carbon dioxide, is capable of mitigating both issues. Prior research has yielded scant improvements to photosynthesis. This research builds upon previous improvements utilizing novel innovations. A two-pronged approach to improving photosynthesis was performed to improve the light-absorption and lifespan of the chloroplasts. ssDNA-coated semiconducting single wall carbon nanotubes (ssDNA-SWNTs) were imported inside the chloroplasts, which were encapsulated inside alginate beads and later embedded within silica gel. Eight unique modification systems with different combinations of the nanotubes, alginate beads, and silica gel were tested. Light absorption, oxygen production, DPIP reduction, and photosynthetic lifespan were measured. The ssDNA-SWNTs expanded the integrated intensity to 384% that of unmodified chloroplasts, subsequently increasing oxygen production and DPIP reduction rates greater than 45% each. Silica gel support increased lifespan from four hours to 37 days. Alginate bead encapsulation alone was ineffective but, when coupled with silica gel support, extended functionality to 6 weeks. The synergistic optically-transparent materials enhanced the lifespan of photosynthesis in chloroplasts while preserving the absorption spectrum. The biohybrid system including all three innovations significantly outperformed the control and the differences in terms of all dependent variables were statistically significant after Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests were performed. This system produced 60461% more oxygen over its lifespan than the control chloroplasts. This prototype provides a leap forward in photosynthetic technology and could be deployed to mitigate global warming and terraform Mars. Calkins, J. O., Umasankar, Y., O’Neill, H., & Ramasamy, R. P. (2013). High photo-electrochemical activity of thylakoid-carbon nanotube composites for photosynthetic energy conversion. Energy & Environmental Science, 6, 1891-1900. doi:10.1039/c3ee40634b Giraldo, J. P., Landry, M. P., Faltermeier, S. M., McNicholas, T. P., Iverson, N. M., Boghossian, A. A., . . . Strano, M. S. (2014). Plant nanobionics approach to augment photosynthesis and biochemical sensing. Nature Materials, 13, 400-408. doi:10.1038/NMAT3890 Meunier, C. F., Van Cutsem, P., Kwon, Y. U., & Su, B. L. (2009). Investigation of different silica precursors: Design of biocompatible silica gels with long term bio-activity of entrapped thylakoids toward artificial leaf. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 19, 2131-4137. doi:10.1039/b821769f


1408X12



3D Sand Printed Martian Aeroponics System

Emma Renner

Many government and commercial groups are working on missions to send humans to Mars. However, for this to be reality, humans need access to food, water, and shelter on Mars. Food is a major obstacle for colonization due to the Martian soil not containing the nutrients to grow plants. I designed, modeled and 3D printed an aeroponics system to survive and successfully grow plants on Mars. An aeroponics system is a system in which plants are grown using a mist environment and no soil. The system was printed using sand as the medium, rather than the plastic norm, testing the ability for the system to theoretically be printed using only Martian soil. Now, the soil is not the source of nutrients but the material used to print the system. All that would be needed to send on the payload is a 3D printer, small pump, seeds, and nutrient solution; all other resources will be found on Mars. The aeroponics system was designed to be simple, durable, and a singular piece of equipment. The system was tested by placing plants in it and running water through. A fixed amount of water, which can be found on Mars, is mixed with the nutrient solution and then poured in and cycled through the system. When tested, water passed through both the system 3D printed out of sand and the one control plastic-printed system, keeping the plants alive. Plants can live and grow on Mars in this system. The system does need a larger hole at the top to vacuum out the loose sand after printing as well as larger holes in the spray heads for water to pass through more easily. Further advancements can be made by making 3D sand printers more transportable and elongating the lifespan of the aeroponics system. Kramer, M. (2013, February 1). 3D Printing on the Moon | Lunar Base. Retrieved February 28, 2016, from http://www.space.com/19602-moon-colony-3d-printing-lunar-dirt.html What is Binder Jetting? (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2016, from http://www.exone.com/Resources/Technology-Overview/What-is-Binder-Jetting


Mathematics (1500)


1501X12 Jain, Bharut Modifications for the Quantum Analog of the Monte Carlo Simulation

1502X12 Nilsson, Megan Application of Turing equations to the Analysis of Gastropod Pigment Production

1503T12 Snakard, Angela Thornton, Antonina

What Influences Student Achievement? A Look into the Correlation between Average SAT Score by State and Various Factors: Expenditures per Pupil, Class Size, and Political Affiliation.

1501X12

Mathematics 1500


Modifications for the Quantum Analog of the Monte Carlo Simulation

Bharut Jain

Monte Carlo methods can be used to greatly improve financial predictions, effectively predict cancer, and simulate artificial intelligences. Classical Monte Carlo methods implemented on binary computers require numerous samples to be calculated independently, leading to high latency between each cycle of the simulation. Quantum computing has the potential to cut down on the time and energy needed to run the simulations, by superposing the samples. The quantum analog of the Monte Carlo simulation was modified and implemented by modeling a quantum computer using the C programming language. The quantum algorithms address three applications: financial modeling, DNA evolution, and artificial intelligence. The algorithms were each run 100 times with 750 million samples of each random variable at each step for 15 steps. Each time an algorithm was run, it returned a slightly different result. The financial algorithms show that Quantum Monte Carlo Options Pricing Model may be better at predicting changes in stock values over time when compared to the Classical Monte Carlo Options Pricing Model, Quantum Black-Scholes-Merton, and Quantum Binomial Options Pricing Model. Further, the quantum algorithms were found to require under 100 computation cycles while the classical algorithms required over 10 billion cycles. Abbas-Turki, L. A., Vialle, S., Lapeyre, B., & Mercier, P. (2012). Pricing derivatives on graphics processing units using Monte Carlo simulation. Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience, 26, 1679-1697. doi:10.1002/cpe.2862 Montanaro, A. (2015). Quantum speedup of Monte Carlo methods. Retrieved from http://arxiv.org/pdf/1504.06987v2.pdf Rambaut, A., & Grassly, N. C. (1997). Seq-Gen: an application for the Monte Carlo simulation of DNA sequence evolution along phylogenetic trees. Computer applications in the biosciences: CABIOS, 13, 235-238.


1502X12

Mathematics 1500


Application of Turing equations to the Analysis of Gastropod Pigment Production

Megan Nilsson

Alan Turing, a mathematician during the mid-1900s, theorized how animal coats gain their striped and spotted patterns through the creation of reaction-diffusion equations. Turing specifically studied these occurrences in mammals, like cheetah spots and zebra stripes, and justified them through mathematical means. Similar patterns are found throughout the realm of nature, like flower petal arrangements and even ripples in sand dunes. Although these equations are only theories, it can be hypothesized that these results can also be observed in various Conus shells. Patterns observed on shells were analyzed by taking measurements as to length and angle degree. Patterns on Conus textile shells also can be predicted via use of a mathematical rule, Rule 30, which dictates pigment expression based on the cell’s current state and the state of its two neighboring cells. Conus shell patterns appear to differ when the genetic makeup of the cells differ, as indicated via through evolution. Through these means, it has become more likely that the theorized reaction-diffusion equations and that other various equations can be applied to explain Conus shell patterns. By analyzing measurements, it was determined that Conus shell patterns appear to follow mathematical equation development, such as Rule 30, as opposed to Turing’s reaction-diffusion equations. Mathematical analysis of biological phenomenon is impactful because it indicates the intrinsic behavior of math within the natural world. Oster, G., Matzke, N., Ermentrout, B., Song, D., Vendetti, J., Slatkin, M., & Gong, Z. (2012, January 4). National Center for Biotechnology Information. Evolution of patterns on Conus shells. Retrieved October 19, 2015, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3277106/ Max Planck Campus Tübingen (2015). Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology. Pigmentation patterns of shells of mollusks - a natural picture book to study dynamic systems. Retrieved October 17, 2015, from http://www.eb.tuebingen.mpg.de/research/emeriti/hans-meinhardt/shells.html Mufano, R. (2015, September 5). The Published Data of Robert Munafo at MROB . Reaction-Diffusion by the Gray-Scott Model.Retrieved September 18, 2015, from http://mrob.com/pub/comp/xmorphia/


1503T12

Mathematics 1500


What Influences Student Achievement? A Look into the Correlation between Average SAT Score by State and Various Factors: Expenditures per Pupil, Class Size, and Political Affiliation.

Angela Snakard

Antonina Thornton

Education is a long-debated topic. There is no magic formula—it is all subjective. This experiment is designed to determine whether various factors (Expenditures per Pupil, Class Size, and Political Affiliation) have an effect on SAT scores. The independent variables in this experiment are the aforementioned factors, while the dependent variable is the SAT scores. In order to see if these aspects of society truly impact the SAT score in a certain area, the change in each was calculated for the expenditures and class size. Average SAT scores from all states in 2008 were compared to Expenditures per Pupil, Class Size, and Political Affiliation of those states in the same year. Those results were then measured against the same factors in 2012, which then demonstrated whether there was a positive or negative correlation. Anderson, N. (2015, September 3). Sliding SAT Scores Prompt an Alarm over High Schools. The Washington Post. Retrieved October 22, 2015, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/sat-scores-at-lowest-level-in-10-years- fueling-worries-about-high-schools/2015/09/02/6b73ec66-5190-11e5-9812-92d5948a40 f8_story.html Note: Title changed in online version Gaudet, R. (1994). The Impact of School Spending on Student Achievement: Results of MEAPStatewide Tests. New England Journal of Public Policy, 10 (1). Retrieved October 21,2015, from http://scholarworks.umb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1508&context=nejpp Gladwell, M. (2013). Teresa Debrito. In David and Goliath: Underdogs, misfits, and the art of battling giants (pp. 40-44). New York, New York: Little, Brown, and Company.


Microbiology (1600)


1601X12 Brown, Dawson

An Application of Hawk-Dove Game Theory Strategy to Interspecific Competition between Gut Bacteria Using Quorum Sensing Signaling Molecule, N-(3-Oxotetradecanoyl)-L-Homoserine Lactone

1602X12 Casey, Annabelle

The Effect of Various Sanitizing Compounds on the Inhibition of Bacterial Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis Growth

1603T12 Chowdhury, Abhilasha El Fawal, Nadine

The Effect of Acyl-Homoserine Lactonase on the Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm

1604T12 Elfiky, Shadden Estrada, Katiana

The Effect of Natural versus Artificial Antibiotics on Bacterial Resistance

1605T12 Gorrela, Meghna Magoffin, Molly

Investigating the Bactericidal Efficiency of Different Arrangements of Nanopillars Found on Insect Wings

1606T12 Hong, Sunwoo Nguyen, Kevin

Investigating the Inhibitory Effects of Bioflavonoids on Escherichia coli UV-Induced SOS Response System

1607X12 Ilavala, Suraj Decreasing Dimorphic Fungal Pathogenicity via Phenazine Exposure

1608T12 Poore, Kender Rosales, Clay

The Effect of Copper as an Antimicrobial on Various Types of Bacteria

1609X10 Rizzo, Julia The Effect of Disinfectant on the Growth of Bacteria

1610T12 Surineni, Rithika Yadhla, Sumadhavika

Influence of the Antibacterial Properties in Cockrach and Locust Neural Tissue on e-Coli

1611X12 Virk, Ranjit The Efficacy of the Use of Copper as a Method to Reduce Nosocomial Fungal Infections

1612X10 Zapata, Bryan Dissection of DNA

1601X12

Microbiology 1600


An Application of Hawk-Dove Game Theory Strategy to Interspecific Competition between Gut Bacteria Using Quorum Sensing Signaling Molecule, N-(3-Oxotetradecanoyl)-L-Homoserine Lactone

Dawson Brown

The discovery of cell-to-cell communication in bacteria, or quorum sensing, has revolutionized our understanding of bacterial cooperation. Quorum sensing signaling molecules allow localized populations of bacteria to perform tasks, including virulence and biofilm formation, as a single unit. This capacity to act as a multicellular entity gives bacteria a distinct advantage evolutionarily. Recent research suggests that cell-cell communication via signaling molecules also occurs between bacterial species. In order to further elucidate the quorum sensing based interspecific interactions between bacteria, an experiment was designed to measure the influence of Yersinia Enterocolitca’s signaling molecule, N-(3-Oxotetradecanoyl)-L-Homoserine Lactone, on growth in three different gut bacteria: Escherichia Coli, Sarcina Lutea, and Enterobacter Aerogenes. The theory being, that in the presence of another bacteria’s signaling molecule, bacterial growth may be inhibited or promoted depending on its evolutionary relationship with the bacteria secreting the signaling molecule, in this case Yersinia Enterocolitca. For each of the three bacteria, spectrophotometry was used to measure growth in a control group (0mg of signaling molecule) and growth in an experimental group (between .10mg and .25mg of signaling molecule). The results show that N-(3-Oxotetradecanoyl)-L-Homoserine Lactone inhibits growth in Sarcina Lutea and Enterobacter Aerogenes, while promoting growth in Escherichia Coli. These results suggest that quorum-sensing mediated interspecific competition between gut bacteria can be defined by hawk/dove evolutionary game theory, in which organisms fight or flee, or in this case grow or recede. This model supports the theory that our human concept of fight or flight is derived from our ancestors, bacteria. Bassler, B. L., & Miller, M. B. (n.d.). Quorum sensing in bacteria. Retrieved February 25, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11544353 Prestwich, K. N. (1999). A Simple Game: Hawks and Doves. Retrieved February 25, 2016, from http://college.holycross.edu/faculty/kprestwi/behavior/ESS/HvD_intro.html Visick, K. L., & Fuqua, C. (n.d.). Decoding Microbial Chatter: Cell-Cell Communication in Bacteria. Retrieved February 25, 2016, from http://jb.asm.org/content/187/16/5507.full


1602X12

Microbiology 1600


The Effect of Various Sanitizing Compounds on the Inhibition of Bacterial Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis Growth

Annabelle Casey

The purpose of this microbiological project is to determine which sanitizing substances best disrupt the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (Staph). In this procedure, eight cleaning substances (Iodophor BTF Sanitizer, Fantastik All-Purpose Cleaner, Purell Hand Sanitizer, vinegar, baking soda, Dial Liquid Hand Soap, Clorox Bleach, and hydrogen peroxide) served as the independent variable. These cleaners had different effects on the growth of the microorganisms, and the zone of inhibition for each sample served as the dependent variable. Some samples were placed in petri dishes without cleaning substances: these samples were controls. Data was collected and a t-test was performed. Clorox Bleach most effectively killed both the E. coli and Staph samples: the zones of inhibition were infinite. This outcome differs from the original hypothesis, which proposed that the Dial Handsoap would be more effective. The data showed that the hand soap’s zone of inhibition was 261.537 millimeters for the E. coli samples. Thus, the chlorine compounds in the bleach were better at inhibiting germ growth than the hand soap’s benzethonium chloride. The petri dishes without cleaners had zones of inhibition of zero millimeters. One major source of error for this procedure could be that not enough trials were completed. Further research should include more trials, and explore which types of chlorine-compound-containing cleaners are the most effective at “killing” these microorganisms. In addition, more research should be done on benzethonium chloride, because this compound is suspected of having adverse effects on humans and their environment. Otto, M., Ph. D. (2009, August). Staphylococcus epidermidis – the “accidental” pathogen. Retrieved February 21, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2807625/ E. coli. (2015). Retrieved October 2, 2015, from http://www.foodpoisonjournal.com/e-coli/#.VhHDUnpVikp Sanitize Safely and Effectively: Bleach and Alternatives in Child Care Programs. (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2015, from http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/uploadedFiles/Health_Human_Services/Level_3_-_Public_Health/9. SanitizeSafely_9.09.pdf


1603T12

Microbiology 1600


The Effect of Acyl-Homoserine Lactonase on the Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm

Abhilasha Chowdhury

Nadine El Fawal

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the major pathogen that infects the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Once the organisms have adhered to the CF airway, they form a biofilm with a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The EPS makes the bacterial assemblage resistant to antibiotics as it protects the bacteria from exposure. In order to combat the effects of the pathogenic bacteria, innovative techniques to stop infections the development of biofilm need to be developed. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of acyl-homoserine lactonases (AHLs) on the formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm, using Pseudomonas fluorescens as a model organism. AHLs target and inactivate acyl-homoserine lactones, which are signal molecules involved in Pseudomonas quorum sensing cascades, which allow bacteria to form a biofilm. Pseudomonas fluorescens was cultured and treated with different amounts of Deinococcus radiodurans cell free solution (CFS) containing AHLs. Deinococcus radiodurans were cultured in TGY medium then centrifuged at 9000 rpm to obtain a cell free solution (CFS). The CFS significantly reduced the biofilm produced by P. fluorescens compared to the untreated group (Kruskal-Wallis, P less than 0.0001). The effect of the AHLs was dose-dependent, with the biofilm decreasing as more CFS was added. Further research could explore what specific components of the Deinococcus radiodurans CFS, other than AHLs, inhibit biofilm formation. Dao Feng Xiang., Peter Kolb., Alexander A. Fedorov., Monica M. Meier., Lena V. Fedorov., Tinh T. Nguyen., Reinhard Sterner., Steven C. Almo., Brian K. Shoichet., Frank M. Raushel. (2009, January 1). Functional Annotation and Three-Dimensional Structure of Dr0930 from Deinococcus radiodurans, a Close Relative of Phosphotriesterase in the Amidohydrolase Superfamily. ACS Journal Publications. Retrieved from http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bi802274f Pradeep K. Singh., Amy L. Schaefer., Matthew R. Parsek., Thomas O. Moninger., Michael J. Welsh., E. P. Greenberg. (2000, October 12). Quorum-sensing signals indicate that cystic fibrosis lungs are infected with bacterial biofilm. Nature International Weekly Journal of Science. Retrieved from http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v407/n6805/abs/407762a0.html Yi-Hu Dong., Lian-Hui Wang., Jin-Ling Xu., Hai-Bao Zhang., Xi-Fen Zhang., Lian-Hui Zhang. (2001, June 14). Quenching quorum-sensing-dependent bacterial infection by an N-acyl homoserine lactonase. Nature International Weekly Journal of Science. Retrieved from http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v411/n6839/abs/411813a0.html


1604T12

Microbiology 1600


The Effect of Natural versus Artificial Antibiotics on Bacterial Resistance

Shadden Elfiky

Katiana Estrada

The purpose of this experiment was to determine how the rate of bacterial resistance, when treated with artificial antibiotics, compared to the rate of bacterial resistance to that of natural antibiotics. The independent variables were the different antibiotics: ampicillin, coffee, garlic, and colloidal silver. The control group was bacterial cultures without any antibiotics. The dependent variable was the rate at which the bacteria became resistant to the antibiotic. In this experiment, Escherichia coli was plated and treated with the aforementioned antibiotics. The rate of bacterial resistance was observed, qualitatively, over the course of three bacterial generations. The data indicates that only coffee and ampicillin were able to inhibit the growth of bacteria; the bacteria developed resistance to the ampicillin, but not the coffee. The mean number of zones of inhibition measured for each variable was: control 0, garlic 0, coffee 4.66, colloidal silver 1, and ampicillin 4.33. A chi squared test was used to test the data in this experiment. The alternative hypothesis that stated if bacteria is treated with natural antibiotics then the bacteria will develop resistance at a much lower rate than when treated with an artificial antibiotic was rejected. Ampicillin was the only variable that caused the bacteria to develop resistance. A chi squared test yielded a p-value of 0.23 which indicates the data is not statistically significant. To further the research done in this experiment, the same experiment could be conducted using an antibiotic commonly used to treat E coli infections. Anderson, A. (n.d.). Is garlic nature's best medicine? Retrieved October 14, 2015, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-90644/Is-garlic-natures-best-medicine.html Antibiotics: How Do Antibiotics Work? (2015, November 11). Retrieved November 13, 2015, from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10278.php#how_do_antibiotics_work Martínez, J. L. (2012). Natural Antibiotic Resistance and Contamination by Antibiotic Resistance Determinants: The Two Ages in the Evolution of Resistance to Antimicrobials. Frontiers in Microbiology, 3, 1. http://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2012.00001


1605T12

Microbiology 1600


Investigating the Bactericidal Efficiency of Different Arrangements of Nanopillars Found on Insect Wings

Meghna Gorrela

Molly Magoffin

Previous research showed that wings of dragonflies, damselflies, and cicadas possessed nanopillars with antibacterial properties. The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between insects’ nanopillars and their unique bactericidal efficiencies. Nanopillars have the potential for applications in the creation of antibacterial surfaces; therefore, determining bactericidal efficiencies of various nanopillar arrangements is important. This research was done by collecting damselflies, dragonflies, and cicadas, incubating bacteria on the wings of the insects, and determining the amount of bacteria killed using fluorescent dyes. It was hypothesized that Odonata insect wings kill bacteria more effectively than cicada wings because their nanopillars have more varied heights and spacings; these could be more conducive to stretching bacterial cell membranes. Qualitative data shows that nanopillars on dragonfly, damselfly, and cicada wings do rupture bacteria as seen by clusters of fluorescing red dye, which only stains dead bacteria. Analysis of qualitative data suggests that damselfly nanopillars possess the most bactericidal nanopillar arrangement as opposed to the nanopillars of dragonflies and cicadas. Quantitative bactericidal efficiencies of the insect wings’ nanopillars will be calculated using ImageJ. More trials will be performed with different bacterial strains to determine the extent of the efficiency of nanopillars on bacteria. Results from last year’s research will be used to evaluate the possibility of a link between nanopillar parameters (heights, spacings, and diameters) and bactericidal efficiency. In the future, the most efficient arrangement of antibacterial nanopillars could be fabricated onto hospital equipment or other surfaces that would benefit from being inherently antibacterial. Hasan, J., Webb, H. K., Truong, V. K., Pogodin, S., Baulin, V. A., Watson, G. S., Ivanova, E.P. (2013). Selective bactericidal activity of nanopatterned superhydrophobic cicada Psaltoda claripennis wing surfaces. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 97, 9257-9262. doi:10.1007/s00253-012-4628-5 Ivanova, E. P., Hasan, J., Webb, H. K., Gervinskas, G., Juodkazis, S., Truong, V. K., . . . Crawford, R. J. (2013). Bactericidal activity of black silicon. Nature communications, 4, 1-7. doi:10.1038/ncomms3838 Ivanova, E. P., Hasan, J., Webb, H. K., Truong, V. K., Watson, G. S., Watson, J. A., . . . Crawford, R. J. (2012). Natural bactericidal surfaces: Mechanical rupture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells by cicada wings. Small, 8, 2489-2494. doi:10.1002/smll.201200528


1606T12

Microbiology 1600


Investigating the Inhibitory Effects of Bioflavonoids on Escherichia coli UV-Induced SOS Response System

Sunwoo Hong

Kevin Nguyen

Loudoun County sits at the heart of a region known for the prevalence of Lyme disease. Infecting hundreds locally, Lyme disease causes chronic infections that often go undiscovered in patients. Globally, the development of antibiotic resistance has rendered most antibiotics futile and left patients helpless. Recurring Lyme disease infections and antibiotic resistance may be caused by the SOS response system, a prokaryotic pathway that mediates error-prone DNA repair mechanisms after exposure to DNA-damaging agents. Due to its error-prone nature, mutations leading to antibiotic resistance have been attributed to the SOS response system. The goal of this research is to find a simple way to halt the SOS response in bacteria. Different flavones, a major subclass of bioflavonoids, were investigated for their ability to interfere with the SOS response via repression of RecA, a gene that acts as a co-protease to activate the SOS response. UV-C irradiation at 254 nanometers was used to damage DNA and induce the SOS response in Escherichia coli K-12. An ELISA, conducted at different time intervals after UV-C exposure in the presence of differing flavones, was used to quantify the RecA expression. Data collection is still ongoing. Positive results may suggest that RecA could be a drug target to reduce the development of antibiotic resistance, increase the efficiency of existing antibiotics, and inhibit the recurring Lyme disease infections that plague Loudoun County. Brown, A. V., Hu, L. F., Lewis, K., Matluck, N. E., & Sharma, B. (2015). Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, forms drug-tolerant presister cells. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, AAC-00864. Dörr, T., Lewis, K., & Vulic, M. (2009). SOS Response Induces Persistence to Fluoroquinolones in Escherichia coli. PLoS Genetics, 5(12). doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000760. Hou, B., Huang, D., Huang, Y., Qian, Y., Peng, Q., Yao, F., … Zhou, S. (2011). Baicalein suppresses the SOS response system of Staphylococcus aureus induced by ciprofloxacin. Celluar Physiology and BioChemistry, 28(5). 1049-1050. doi: 10.1159/000335791.


1607X12

Microbiology 1600


Decreasing Dimorphic Fungal Pathogenicity via Phenazine Exposure

Suraj Ilavala

Many human infections are caused by microbes such as fungi. Dimorphic fungi exist in two different forms: mold and yeast. Interestingly, some bacteria produce chemicals which can fight infections. Phenazine is a natural antibiotic produced by the bacterium Streptomyces griseus. The purpose of this research was to determine whether phenazine derived from Streptomyces griseus could inhibit the growth of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Streptomyces griseus was cultured for one week then centrifuged to remove the phenazine produced. Plates cultured with Saccharomyces cerevisiae were treated with phenazine and incubated for 24 hours. Zones of inhibition were noted and it was determined that phenazine appeared to have some effect in inhibiting Saccromyces growth. Future research would entail further refining the removal of phenazine from liquid culture and determining what types of dimorphic fungi may be inhibited by phenazine treatment. Since fungal infections affect many organisms, finding novel treatments is imperative. Fungal Skin Infection. (n.d.). Retrieved from Bupa: https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/directory/f/fungal-skin-infections# Kobayashi, G. S. (1996). Chapter 74 Disease of Mechanisms of Fungi. In B. S, Medical Microbiology, 4th edition. Galveston (TX): University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Nansathit, A. (n.d.). Synthesis, Isolation of Phenazine Derivatives and Their Antimicrobial Activities. Khon Kaen University.


1608T12

Microbiology 1600


The Effect of Copper as an Antimicrobial on Various Types of Bacteria

Kender Poore

Clay Rosales

Copper may be proven to be an effective and almost immediate inhibitor of bacterial growth. The medical use of copper has been dated back to ancient times, but more recent clinical studies have focused on the antimicrobial properties of copper. The purpose of this experiment is to observe the effects of copper on specific species of bacteria, as well as analyzing the success when applying copper strips to the doors of our school. In this experiment, we collected cultures of E. coli, C. pseudodiphtheriticum, E. aerogenes, and B. catarrhalis and incubated them on petri dishes for 48 hours at 35 C. Before incubation, four 6 mm disks soaked in a copper powder/distilled water mixture were placed in each petri dish and a zone of inhibition was measured in diameter for each site, showing the effectiveness of copper on specific types of bacteria. In another part of the experiment, copper tape was placed on a set of exit doors in our school. Around every 48 hours, four spots with copper and four spots without copper were swabbed onto petri dishes and incubated at 35o C for 48 hours. The visual results of the bacterial growths were recorded both qualitatively and quantitatively. Copper tape on doors was replaced sporadically. Although our experiment has shown mixed results so far, further experimentation is necessary to thoroughly justify the effectiveness of copper as an antimicrobial. The results of this experiment could lead to many advancements in finding sufficient ways to prevent the spread of bacterial illnesses. Antimicrobial Copper Could Save Thousands of Lives, Billions of Dollars. (2011). Retrieved February 19, 2016, from http://moneymorning.com/2011/07/06/antimicrobial-copper-could-save-thousands-of-lives-billions-of-dollars/ Grass, G., Rensing, C., & Solioz, M. (2010, December 30). Metallic Copper as an Antimicrobial Surface. Retrieved February 19, 2016, from http://aem.asm.org/content/early/2010/12/30/AEM.02766-10.full.pdf How it Works. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2016, from http://www.antimicrobialcopper.org/us/how-it-works.


1609X10

Microbiology 1600


The Effect of Disinfectant on the Growth of Bacteria

Julia Rizzo

The goal of this experiment is to see how/if how disinfectant is dried on a table, will affect how many bacteria survive. The independent variable is how the table is dried; air dried or towel dried; after the disinfectant is applied. The dependent variable is the amount of bacteria, in this case E coli, that survives the disinfectant. The control is a swabbing bacterium without any disinfectant. The procedure for this experiment involved applying E coli to a table and spraying it with disinfectant. After each section dried, it was swabbed. After three days the colonies were counted. There was not a pattern in the data collected, suggesting that the results may be skewed. The control had a mean of 342 colonies of bacteria. The disinfectant did kill some of the bacteria, because the air dried disinfectant had a mean of 123 colonies, and the towel dried had a mean of 159 colonies. The statistical test supported the hypothesis, that the air dried disinfectant would have fewer colonies. There was also an error with the number of trials, since some of the trials were uncountable. When the towel was being used to dry the disinfectant the soap could have been pushed into other trials, changing the concentration of disinfectant each trial received. Using a blow dryer or swabbing bacteria that is submerged in water would be another possible experiment for the future. Davis, C. P. (2014, April 25). E. Coli 0157:H7 . Retrieved September 27, 2015, from medicinenet.com: http://www.medicinenet.com/e_coli__0157h7/page2.htm E coli infection from food and water. (2014, September 9). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from webmd: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/e-coli-infection-topic-overview Escherichia coli. (2015). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from Brittanica: http://school.eb.com/levels/high/article/311176#


1610T12

Microbiology 1600


Influence of the Antibacterial Properties in Cockrach and Locust Neural Tissue on e-Coli

Rithika Surineni

Sumadhavika Yadhla

A major problem has been arisen in the medical community leaving many scientists perplexed; this problem comes with the name of “superbug”. Superbugs are strands of bacteria that are resistant to several antibiotics. The infectious diseases of bacteria such as E.coli and MRSA are also becoming resistant due to the development the superbug gene NDM-1. Fortunately, findings in the insect world show that Cockroaches have antibiotic molecules in their brain tissues that can decimate such bacteria with no toxic risk to human cells. Furthermore, in a military investigation, soldiers who came back the Middle East were sick with strange infections. After this area was examined it came to be known that only the locusts from this areas were infection free. Thus it was hypothesized locust brains, lysates; also have the same antibacterial properties as cockroach lysates that allows them to combat the bacteria. To do this experiment we ground up the brains of locusts and cockroaches and mixed in with sterile disks. These disks were then placed in petri dishes of agar with a k-12 strand E. coli spread. The dishes were left in an incubator of 37 degrees Celsius for 48 hours. We recognized the effectiveness by measuring the diameter of the zones of inhibition. We used the cockroaches a control and compared the data. The neural tissue of the locusts does in fact inhibit the growth of the pathogenic E. coli and also in a more effective way than the cockroach. The experiment is still in progress. Lee, S., Siddiqui, R., and Khan, N. (2012). Animals living in polluted environments are potential source of antimicrobial against infectious agents. Pathogens and Global Health, 106(40, 218-223. Eleftherianos I, Atri J, Accetta J, Castillo J. Endosymbiotic bacteria in insects: guardians of the immune system. Frontiers in Physiology. 2013;4:1-8. Janda MJ, Abbott SL. 16S rRNA gene sequencing for bacterial identification in the diagnostic laboratory: pluses, perils and pitfalls. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 2007;45:2761-2764.


1611X12

Microbiology 1600


The Efficacy of the Use of Copper as a Method to Reduce Nosocomial Fungal Infections

Ranjit Virk

Copper, an antimicrobial substance, is being considered as a replacement for stainless steel surfaces in hospitals. Copper kills microorganisms by weakening their cell membranes and flooding them with copper ions that produce extremely reactive hydroxyl radicals that oxidize lipids and proteins within cells through Fenton-type reactions that utilize hydrogen peroxide. The purpose of this research was to determine whether copper is an effective killer of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with and without the copper regulatory gene CUP2. A wild type yeast and a CUP2 yeast knockout strain were grown in test tubes with and without copper wire over the course of two days. The number of dead yeast was counted before and after the copper wire had been added using methylene blue dye to differentiate dead cells from living ones. It was determined that the addition of the copper wire caused approximately eighty percent of cell death among the wild type yeast strain and less than seven percent of cell death in the CUP2 knockout strain. Further research would entail exploring the resilience of the CUP2 knockout strain in the presence of copper especially considering that the CUP2 gene acts as a transcriptional activator for the copper detoxification genes that protect yeast cells from copper toxicity. The efficacy of copper in killing microbes merits further exploration as the transition to copper surface use in medical facilities could prove extremely beneficial because it has the potential to reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections. Quaranta, Davide, Travis Krans, Christophe Espirito Santo, Christian G. Elowsky, Dylan W. Domaille, Christopher J. Chang, and Gregor Grass. “Mechanisms of Contact-Mediated Killing of Yeast Cells on Dry Metallic Copper Surfaces.” American Society for Microbiology 77, no. 2 (January 2011): 416-426. Accessed November 4, 2015. doi 10.1128/AEM.01704-10 Marjorette, Maria Peña O., Keith A. Koch, and Dennis J. Thiele. “Dynamic Regulation of Copper and Detoxification Genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.” Molecular and Cellular Biology 18, no. 5 (May 1998): 2514-23. Accessed November 4, 2015. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9599102. Grass, Gregor, Christopher Rensing, and Marc Solioz. “Metallic Copper as an Antimicrobial Surface.” Applied and Environmental Microbiology 77 no. 5 (March 2011): 1541-1547. Accessed November 4, 2015. doi: 10.1128/AEM.02766-10


1612X10

Microbiology 1600


Dissection of DNA

Bryan Zapata

The main purpose of this experiment was to see the effects of ethanol on the dissection of strawberry DNA. Normally, the dissection of strawberry DNA is done with isopropyl alcohol. Knowing that ethanol is classified as denaturalized alcohol, which is poisonous to living things, the experiment will test if the harmful chemicals affect the outcome of the experiment. The IV is the use of ethanol, the DV was how successful the dissection was, and the control group is the use of water. There are three containers with crushed strawberries and each container will receive the same amount of either water, ethanol, or isopropyl alcohol. There must be an adult present during the experiment because ethanol is poisonous and dangerous. Since the data from the experiment was qualitative data, the data had to be recorded based on how successful each trial was with each variable. Ethanol happened to be more successful in dissecting strawberry DNA than isopropyl alcohol. Ethanol had a mean of 5 while isopropyl alcohol had a mean of 3.84. The hypothesis was if ethanol is used instead of isopropyl alcohol, then the outcome of the experiment will be different and the DNA will not be as extractable as the DNA with isopropyl alcohol. This was never supported because according to the stats, ethanol had a higher mean than the isopropyl alcohol. What did ethanol have that helped it dissect more efficiently than isopropyl alcohol? H2g2 - How to Extract Your Own DNA - Edited Entry. (2007, September 13). Retrieved October 4, 2015. Science Museum of Minnesota - Cell Lab - DNA Extraction from Cheek Cells. (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2015. Bagley, M. (2013, June 6). Science Experiment for Kids: Seeing Your DNA. Retrieved October 4, 2015.


Physics & Astronomy (1700)


1701X12 Gundamraj, Athreya GWASER Creation Through The Synchronized Collapse Of Multiple, Aligned Co-orbital Systems

1702X12 Harrigan, Colin A Comparison of the Spectra of 50 Random Stars to the Spectra of the Sun

1703X12 Smagh, Willem Flat versus Banked Tracks

1701X12

Physics & Astronomy 1700


GWASER Creation Through The Synchronized Collapse Of Multiple, Aligned Co-orbital Systems

Athreya Gundamraj

Gravitational waves are ripples in the curvature of spacetime that provide researchers with valuable information regarding the high-energy phenomena they originate from. Although these waves have been recently discovered from merging black holes many times larger than the sun, those that originate from smaller sources are still yet to be studied. This theoretical analysis focuses on whether gravitational waves can be amplified. Co-orbital systems are the basis of this investigation due to their multipole properties. Multiple such systems are aligned to achieve an amplifying effect to generate gravitational waves. An incident wave propagates through this “tunnel”, stimulating the collapse of each system it passes. This collapse produces new gravitational waves which amplify the incident wave by means of constructive interference. This mechanism is referred to as a GWASER: gravitational wave amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation. When an incident wave with strain 10-10 passes through five co-orbital systems, each consisting of eight orbiting bodies of mass 2 x 1036 kg, the amplitude of the final wave is a factor of 7.2 greater than that of the incident wave. However, when the mass of each orbiting body is reduced slightly to 2 x 1035 kg, the wave’s amplitude increases by a mere factor of 1.008. This sensitive condition between the mass of each body and the net amplification, as well as the relationship between the number of co-orbital systems and the net amplification, are further investigated in this analysis. Blanford, R. D., & Thorne, K. (2013). Applications of Classical Physics. Unpublished manuscript, Department of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, USA. Salo, H., & Yoder, C. F. (1988). The dynamics of coorbital satellite systems. Astronomy and Astrophysics, 205, 309-327. Sathyaprakash, B. S. (2013). Gravitational waves and astrophysical sources. Comptes Rendus Physique, 14, 272-287. doi:10.1016/j.crhy.2013.01.005


1702X12



A Comparison of the Spectra of 50 Random Stars to the Spectra of the Sun

Colin Harrigan

The purpose of this experiment was to determine what percentage of stars are similar to the sun. The independent variable is the random stars that were analyzed and the dependent variable is the spectra collected from each random star. The control group was the sun’s spectra, as that is what we are comparing the stars to. The hypothesis was that less than 20 percent of the stars collected would be similar to the sun. This was done using the star analyzer 100 and a telescope camera to record spectra of random stars, and then the analysis of the spectra was done in the R-Spec computer software. The p-value, from a t test was 0.3276 which is not statistically significant. The mean was 8.160 angstroms/pixel for the random stars and the sun’s measurement was 8.5 angstroms/pixel. The null hypothesis was accepted. When difference spectra were collected, by subtracting the stars spectra from the spectra of the sun, it was found that none of the collected stars were comparable to the sun. Further research could be how many planets are within a certain nearby radius of the stars that were in similarity to the sun, if any were discovered, and if those stars were in the “habitable zone”. Also, with more funding and time, a spectrograph of the sun could be collected as opposed to using the one spectra in the reference library of the R-Spec software for more realistic data. CSIRO (2010).Obtaining astronomical spectra - Spectrographs .RetrievedJanuary,2015 from http://www.atnf.csiro.au/outreach/education/senior/astrophysics/spectrographs.html Insituto Sciencia. (2014). Star classification. Astrophysical. Retrieved January 2015 from http://astrophysical.org/starclassification.php Jabr, F. (2012).How does a spectrograph work? Scientific American. Retrieved January, 2015 from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ancient-stars-how-does-spectrograph-work/


1703X12



Flat versus Banked Tracks

Willem Smagh

With indoor track rapidly growing in popularity and multiple new facilities being built each year, athletes should know the differences between flat and banked tracks. Studies have shown that banked tracks allow for faster times compared to flat tracks, but how much stress is put on the body, specifically the lower extremities when running on each? Not only that, how does the difference in stress also relate to the times run in those races? To obtain this information, runners were analyzed coming around the turn before and/or after the apex. Final times on a 200 meter track of men’s 400/500 meter races were taken into account. Since the 400 and 500 races are not compatible, the 500 times were scaled to the 400 times. To determine stress, the positive angle away from 90 degrees was directly related to final times to observe the restriction. A right angle is considered to be the normal angle when running straight. Final results have not yet been totaled, however, with current data it can be concluded that the greater than 90 degree angle between the track and the tibia cause slower final times and occur more frequently on flat tracks. While banked tracks do not ensure the relationship to be 90 degrees, it is much closer than that of flat tracks. In essence, banked tracks should be the tracks of the future because of the opportunity to run faster and the less apparent amount of injuries that could occur. Study Commissioned, The Ncaa Men’S And Women’S Track And Field Committees, Prepared By:, and Scott Jones University Of Akron. "NCAA Indoor Track Facility Indexing Conversion Summary." NCAA Indoor Track Facility Indexing Conversion Summary (n.d.): n. pag.Ncaa.org. 16 Aug. 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2016. Tipasa Tukuafu, Jesse. "The Effects of Indoor Track Curve Radius on Sprint Speed and Ground Reaction Forces." Scholarsarchive.byu.edu. N.p., 7 Aug. 2010. Web. 26 Feb. 2016. Edwards, William Brent. "Internal Structural Loading of the Lower Extremity during Running: Implications for Skeletal Injury." Lib.dr.iastate.edu. N.p., 2009. Web. 26 Feb. 2016.


Plant Sciences (1800)


1801X10 Broshkevitch, Adam The Effect of Mycorrhizal Fungi on the Spectral Properties of Glycine max

1802T09 Challa, Nidhi Kochi, Sudiksha

What is the Effect of Antifreeze Carbohydrates on Bonnie spinach and Brussel sprouts?

1803X12 Ezera, Nnenna Processing Methods for Reducing Cyanide Poisoning Due to Cassava Consumption

1804T12 Franklin, Rachel Hasan, Mahpara

The Effects of Biofertilizers on the Accumulation of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) in Saintpaulia ionantha

1805T12 Glass, Alexa Modest, Keily

Microbial Fermentation to Produce Bio-Agricultural Products

1806T10 Guardado Ayala, Ashley Zelaya Amaya, Yassy

Water Quality

1807X11 Munno, Lauren

The Relationship Between Endomycorrhizal Inoculant and Calcium Nitrate on the Effect of Crop Yield of Brassica oleracea var acephala (Red Russian Kale)

1808T09 Nilak, Joelle Sharifi, Sabrina

Development of a Kale and Lettuce Hybrid by Protoplast Fusion

1809X10 Schloer, Gwyneth The Effect of Varying Frequencies and Durations of Light on Plant Growth under Simulated Microgravity

1810T11 Shah, Alay Traenkle, Matthew

Increasing the Photosynthetic Efficiency of Chlorella vulgaris Algae Using Doped Zinc Sulfide Nanoparticles

1811X12 Tarro, Hannah The Identification of Optimal Viticulture Sites via the use of Geospatial Technology

1801X10

Plant Sciences 1800


The Effect of Mycorrhizal Fungi on the Spectral Properties of Glycine max

Adam Broshkevitch

Traditional methods of full field fertilizer application are recognized as wasteful and associated with the eutrophication of water sources however are currently necessary in a world where a growing population puts an increasing demand on the agricultural production system. Mycorrhizial fungi, which live in the growing medium of plants where they participate in a symbiotic relationship assisting in nutrient uptake in exchange for carbon, provide a prospective alternative if managed properly through methods such as manipulating crop rotations and utilizing no till techniques in order to establish and maintain fungal colonization. To facilitate such efforts though, a means of assessing fungal colonization non-destructively and on a broad scale is needed. The assessment of leaf spectral properties using digital photography was tested through this project as a means of quantifying colonization based on the precedent that phosphorous uptake is reflected in leaf coloration and the fungi increase such uptake. Two groups of plants were grown with the independent variable being the inclusion of fungal innoculum in the soil medium.The average red, green and blue values were then calculated for the digital photographs taken after thresholding to remove their backgrounds. A T-test was implemented to compare the RGB values of the plants grown with and without the fungus producing the values 0.1188, 0.8791 and 0.5705. As the p two-tail values calculated were greater than the alpha value, the null hypothesis was failed to be rejected and there was no significant difference. Further research could examine other leaf properties such as petiole length. Milton, N.m., B.a. Eiswerth, and C.m. Ager. "Effect of Phosphorus Deficiency on Spectral Reflectance and Morphology of Soybean Plants." Remote Sensing of Environment 36.2 (1991): 121-27. Print. Plenchette, C., C. Clermont-Dauphin, J. M. Meynard, and J. A. Fortin. "Managing Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Cropping Systems." Canadian Journal of Plant Science Can. J. Plant Sci. 85.1 (2005): 31-40. Print. Schachtman, D. P., R. J. Reid, and S. M. Ayling. "Phosphorus Uptake by Plants: From Soil to Cell." Plant Physiology 116.2 (1998): 447-53. PlantPhysiology.org. Web. 29 Sept. 2015.


1802T09

Plant Sciences 1800


What is the Effect of Antifreeze Carbohydrates on Bonnie spinach and Brussel sprouts?

Nidhi Challa

Sudiksha Kochi

During the Winter, the mention of the words "frost" sends farmers to look for an alternative resource to their crops, to prevent the cold snap from destroying their harvests. This could potentially cause the inability of crops to functions, and result in economic damage between the farmer and his source of survival. Therefore, to eradicate this problem, we have decided to conduct an experiment testing different antifreeze carbohydrates, such as sucrose and glycerol, on bonnie spinach and brussel sprouts (the common greens we have decided to use). In order to carry out this experiment, we have first decided to cut the nine, attached units of plants from both the spinach and the brussel sprouts, resulting in 18 plants in total. Then we freezed the plants under different timings, which resulted in the wilting and dying of the crops, and then insert sucrose and glycerol through a peristalsis pump in the stem of the plant, too see the effects of revival in the plant. The significance of the results of the experiment can benefit the farmers, who still have functioning crops during the Winter, and the stores who carry the supply and demand of the crops, running a smooth, allocation of resources between two destinations. More importantly, the goal of this experiment is to help the specific cause of physical damage done to plant growth, and allow plants to survive in versatile conditions, where intracellular ice formation inside the plant's cells could be life threatening. Protect plants from frost. (n.d.). Retrieved January 04, 2016, from http://www.sunset.com/garden/garden-basics/protect-plants-frost K. K., & J. S. (n.d.). FREEZE TOLERANCE. Retrieved from http://http-server.carleton.ca/~kbstorey/pdf/491.pdf 2005. In: Extremophiles (Gerday, C. and Glansdorff, N., eds.) Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), Developed under the Auspices of the UNESCO, Eolss Publishers, Oxford, UK Effects of Cold Weather on Horticultural Plants in Indiana. (n.d.). Retrieved January 04, 2016, from https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ho/ho-203.html


1803X12

Plant Sciences 1800


Processing Methods for Reducing Cyanide Poisoning Due to Cassava Consumption

Nnenna Ezera

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is the third largest source of food for people in the tropics, however, without proper processing consumption poses a health risk due to its possession of a high level of cyanogenic glycosides. Consumption of under-processed cassava over time can result in the development of goiter, an enlarged thyroid gland, or tropical ataxic neuropathy, a nerve-damaging disorder, due to cyanide exposure. The purpose of this research was to identify what traditional processing methods were most effective at removing cyanide in the shortest amount of time. The cassava was processed in three ways: boiling, fermenting, and a combination of fermentation and boiling. Cyanide levels were measured using test strips whose color values were then compared using RGB values acquired in Photoshop. The most effective processing method for cyanide removal was the combination of fermenting then boiling which resulted in the cassava retaining almost no level of free cyanide. Fermentation was second most effective and boiling was the least effective method. For this research, the South American variety of cassava was used. African varieties of cassava have a considerably higher concentration of cyanogenic glycosides therefore further research needs to be conducted to determine whether the same processing method would be sufficient to reduce the cyanide to a level safe for consumption. Implementing the most effective method of cyanide removal is imperative to prevent health risks to those for whom cassava is a dietary staple.


1804T12

Plant Sciences 1800


The Effects of Biofertilizers on the Accumulation of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) in Saintpaulia ionantha

Rachel Franklin

Mahpara Hasan

The formation of edible vaccines is important because many least developing countries around the world have restricted access to vaccinations. This would create a low cost and easily transportable vaccine that could help save the lives of many. We believe if a biofertilizer consisting of rhizobium is inoculated into the soil then the transgenic plant will have a larger accumulation of the foreign gene, green fluorescent protein, because rhizobium is known as a plant growth promoting bacteria that stimulates the production of plant hormones, nitrogen fixation, and in general increases plant yield. Heat shock transformation is used to transfer the plasmid containing the gene for green fluorescent protein into Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Agrobacterium mediated transfer is then utilized to transfer the gene into twenty leaf cuttings from Saintpaulia ionantha. These leaf cuttings are then transferred into containers with a sucrose medium with ampicillin to facilitate the growth of only the mutated plants cells. Once the roots have started to form a rhizobium based biofertilizer will be injected into the medium of ten plants. After the plants continue to grow, UV light will be utilized to observe the accumulation of green fluorescent protein in the plants with and without biofertilizers. We believe that the gene expression of the green fluorescent protein will be more prominent in the plants that are planted in the rhizobium biofertilizer and thus produce a greater amount of vaccine. Biofertilizers have shown to be a viable option for increasing the yield of desired genes in plants. Bacterial Transformation. (n.d.). Retrieved November 22, 2015 Balan, S. (2011). Edible Vaccines - Immunization with Plants or Food. Langridge, W. (2000). Edible Vaccines. Scientific American.


1805T12

Plant Sciences 1800


Microbial Fermentation to Produce Bio-Agricultural Products

Alexa Glass

Keily Modest

Many farmers have under producing plants due to a lack of the fungus penicillium and its unique ability to assist plants in the uptake of phosphorous. This experiment seeks to identify the combination of variables such as temperature, moisture and sugar that allows for the highest concentration of penicillium in the soil. The first challenge was to examine how different substrates will effect the growth, followed by the environmental parameters such as moisture and temperature. Finally, the use of additives and supplemental nutrients was examined to further increase production without oversaturation. A fermenter was used to provide control throughout the experiment and allow individual variables to be tested without concern for external influences. It was hypothesized after research that a warmer, wetter climate will allow for greater growth, which was supported in the results. Further research should be conducted to determine sugar content necessary for the soil to maintain the optimum penicillium concentration. Neighbors, D. (2015, Septemeber 29). Fermentation [Telephone Interview]. Penicillium. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2015, from http://website.nbm-mnb.ca/mycologywebpages/Moulds/Penicillium.html


1806T10

Plant Sciences 1800


Water Quality

Ashley Guardado Ayala

Yassy Zelaya Amaya

In many areas, bodies of water have become contaminated because waste is not being disposed of properly. The number of deaths in the sea life often increased because their home is being filled with waste making it hard to survive. The purpose of this experiment was to help the ecosystem by testing if vegetation has an effect on water quality including factors such as PH and dissolved water oxygen. The experiment was tested using two tanks and soil leveled on a 45 degree slope. One tank had 8 bean plants while the other did not. When the same amount of water was poured down the slope of the two tanks, the soil would erode. Then using a water probe, the PH and the water oxygen would be tested. There was no statistically significant differences between the means of 7.3560 and 7.4248 for PH and the means of 92.280 and 90.104 for dissolved water oxygen. The statistical test used was the T-test. The alternative hypothesis was not supported because of the little significant difference. The plants had no major influence over the water quality, compared to no plants. In the beginning of the experiment, tablets that helped find the PH and water oxygen were being used instead of a water probe which effected the accuracy of the experiment. Are there any other test to measure water quality? Bender, D. (1996). The enivonment opposing viewpoints. In D. Bender, The enivonment opposing viewpoints (p. 173). San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, Inc.,. Ehrlich, P., & Ehrlich, A. (1994). The national audubon society. In v. harms, Almanac of the environment (p. 8). Ney York: G.P. Putnam's sons .Soil | pedology. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2016, from http://www.britannica.com/science/soil


1807X11

Plant Sciences 1800


The Relationship Between Endomycorrhizal Inoculant and Calcium Nitrate on the Effect of Crop Yield of Brassica oleracea var acephala (Red Russian Kale)

Lauren Munno

The world today is faced with a problem it has never seen before: feeding the ever-expanding population. This experiment presents a possible solution for farmers and growers around the world. In this test four groups of Red Russian kale were tested; one group was the control with no additives; one group was fertilized with calcium nitrate; one group was treated with mycorrhizal inoculant; and one group was treated with both fertilizer and mycorrhizae. The purpose of these groups was to represent the different growing options: plain, untreated crops versus plants that are fertilized, plants with microorganisms, and plants fertilized in addition to being treated with microorganisms. The results expressed an increase in crop yield from the group of kale treated solely with mycorrhizae, which was recorded with 33% more biomass than the control group. The mycorrhizae-treated group resulted in 52% more biomass than the mycorrhizae plus fertilization group. Finally, the mycorrhizae-treated group resulted in 74% more biomass than the fertilized group. After analyzing the bar graph of the data collected, the conclusion was drawn that when mycorrhizae was added to the crop, the biomass increased. Further research could explore the effect of mycorrhizae on other crops, to further support the data that the increase in biomass was correlated to the addition of mycorrhizae before and after germination. Dr. Davies Research Page. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2015. Harley, J. L. (1959). The biology of mycorrhiza. The biology of mycorrhiza. Webb, S. J., & Booth, A. D. (1969). Absorption of microwaves by microorganisms.


1808T09

Plant Sciences 1800


Development of a Kale and Lettuce Hybrid by Protoplast Fusion

Joelle Nilak

Sabrina Sharifi

Brassica oleracea, also known as kale, is a very nutritional plant that not many people consume. An average American, in fact, only consumes about 2-3 cups of kale a year. Kale is a rich source of dietary fibers, vitamins A, K, B9 and C and minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium. It also contains omega 3 fatty acids which lowers the risk of coronary heart disease and improves cholesterol. Brassica oleracea can survive and grow rapidly under poor weather conditions. The plant’s texture is tough and sturdy, making it hard to chew. Lactuca sativa (lettuce) has very little nutrition; however, it's a much softer and chewable plant making it more common in a moderate diet. It is one of the most consumed leafy plants. A Brassica oleracea cell and a Lactuca sativa cell are isolated separately for the removal of its cell wall using the enzymes cellulase and pectinase. After the protoplast isolation, it is fused to create a somatic hybrid by being brought together close with PEG and integrated with electrofusion. It is then placed in a media to proliferate and result in a callus. The callus is expected to grow into a hybrid plant with the appealing texture of lettuce and necessary nutrition of kale. Project still on going. Protoplast Isolation. (n.d.). Retrieved March 02, 2016, from http://www.saps.org.uk/secondary/teaching-resources/133-protoplast-isolation W. W. (n.d.). The Physiology of Isolated Plant Protoplasts. Retrieved January 22, 2016, from http://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft796nb4n2 What's New and Beneficial About Kale. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=38 2001-2016 The George Mateljan Foundation


1809X10

Plant Sciences 1800


The Effect of Varying Frequencies and Durations of Light on Plant Growth under Simulated Microgravity

Gwyneth Schloer

Experimentation on plants in space has become a more popular area of interest lately, especially on the International Space Station (ISS). As a continuation of research conducted last year, the objective of this experiment was to collect more data on the behavior of plant growth under simulated microgravity conditions. In order to obtain the most accurate results, this year a 2-axis clinostat was constructed as opposed to the 1-axis clinostat used last year. In addition, the variables measured were changed based on conclusions made from the experiment last year showing that plant growth was random under microgravity conditions in the absence of light. The purpose of the experiment this year was to find a way to minimize the amount of energy used in space. The hypothesis was “If the lettuce plants experience special varying amounts of light under microgravity simulated conditions, the plants will grow normally (as if under regular gravity conditions)”. The null hypothesis was “The plants that experience special varying amounts of light under microgravity conditions will grow abnormally (as if under microgravity conditions in the absence of light”. Astronauts Snack on Space-Grown Lettuce for First Time. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2016, from http://www.space.com/30209-astronauts-eat-space-lettuce.html Dunbar, B. (2012). LED Lights Used in Plant Growth Experiments for Deep Space Missions. Retrieved February 20, 2016, from http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/home/plant_growth.html Astronauts Snack on Space-Grown Lettuce for First Time. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2016, from http://www.space.com/30209-astronauts-eat-space-lettuce.html


1810T11

Plant Sciences 1800


Increasing the Photosynthetic Efficiency of Chlorella vulgaris Algae Using Doped Zinc Sulfide Nanoparticles

Alay Shah

Matthew Traenkle

Photoluminescent nanoparticles have the ability to re-emit light at certain wavelengths that can be useful in different applications. ZnS nanoparticles that are doped with transition metals such as gold and silver have re-emission spectra which are very similar to the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll-a, which is the active chemical in photosynthesis present in green algae. Due to this similarity, doped zinc sulfide nanoparticles may be an effective solution for increasing the amount of oxygen produced by plants by targeting the peak absorption wavelengths (429 and 659 nm) of chlorophyll-a. Doped ZnS nanoparticles were created using Ag and Au as dopants, both individually doped and co-doped, through a chemical coprecipitation method. The NPs were characterized using FTIR and SEM data. 10mg/L of nanoparticles were added to flasks of Chlorella vulgaris algae. Change in percent saturation of oxygen was collected from flasks of control and experimental parameters over 5 and 24 hour trial periods. Data collection continues, but it is hypothesized that the co-doped nanoparticles will increase the saturation level the most as it re-emits at both 424 nm and 530 nm. Preliminary results with a 10mg/L concentration of nanoparticles shows a difference that is not statistically significant when data is analyzed with a Mann-Whitney test. Experimentation will continue with an increased concentration of nanoparticles to see if the concentration of nanoparticles affects the oxygen saturation, increasing to 50 mg/L. Lin, K. B., & Su, Y. H. (2013). Photoluminescence of Cu: ZnS, Ag: ZnS, and Au: ZnS nanoparticles applied in Bio-LED. Applied Physics B, 113(3), 351-359. doi: 10.2514/6.2011-5279 Viswanath, R., Naik, H. S. B., Somalanaik, Y. K. G., Neelanjeneallu, P. K. P., Harish, K. N., & Prabhakara, M. C. (2014). Studies on characterization, optical absorption, and photoluminescence of yttrium doped ZnS nanoparticles. Journal of Nanotechnology, 2014, 1-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/924797 Aruoja, V., Dobourguier, H.C., Kasemets, K., Kahru, A. (2009). Toxicity of nanoparticles of CuO, ZnO, and TiO2 to microalgae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. Science of the Total Environment, 407, 1461-1468. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.10.053


1811X12

Plant Sciences 1800


The Identification of Optimal Viticulture Sites via the use of Geospatial Technology

Hannah Tarro

Geospatial technology is a field that, within 50 years, has transformed a variety of fields including viticulture which is the science, production, and study of grapes. Geospatial technology enables traditional farming methods to be replaced with more precise and efficient methods. The primary goal of this research was to identify optimal areas within the Appalachian region suitable for the development of wine grapes. Research was conducted regarding what factors were the most influential in the development of grapes and to identify what the prime condition for each factor was. Using ArcGIS, data regarding a variety of variables that are crucial to the growth and development of wine grapes was collected including precipitation, frost, soil type, slope, and drainage. These variables were then geoprocessed in order to represent only their optimal conditions. The optimal conditions for each variable were selected and mapped in conjunction with the other variables in order to identify areas that met all the criteria conducive to the successful growth of grapes. It was determined that there is a significant amount of land in the Appalachian region, despite its showcasing optimal conditions for viticulture suitability, goes unused for this purpose. Further research would entail an application of the methods used to identify new suitable viticulture sites in Appalachia to other states, possibly suggesting that large amounts of United States land is either under or misused in regards to the wine industry. Economic Impact Study. (2015). NGWI. Retrieved November 6, 2015 from http://org/economic-impact-study_226.html Mathes, A. (2013). Applying Geospatial Tools and Techniques to Viticulture. Geography Compass, 22-34. doi: 10.1111/gec3.12018 Weir, T. (2015, February 23). Soil Types Effect on Grape and Wine Composition in Helan Mountain Area of Ningxia. Retrieved November 2, 2015 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4338078/


Systems of Software (2000)


2001X12 Benn, Jason The Effect of Programming Languages on the Speed of the Solution of P and NP Problems

2002X10 Dawson, Samuel Gear Up: An App for Outdoor Enthusiasts

2003X12 Kundala, Vaishanavi Fresh Food - Tracking Food Usage to Reduce Waste

2004X12 Licht, Gadi A new synergistic Scatter/Transform Hybrid Cloak

2005X12 Patel, Neejole Testing the Broken Windows Theory using DC Crime and Services Request Data

2006X12 Srivatsan, Siddharth Applying Time-Bin Encoding to the Quantum Fourier Transform for Breaking Data Encryption

2001X12

Systems of Software 2000


The Effect of Programming Languages on the Speed of the Solution of P and NP Problems

Jason Benn

There are many different programming languages used for a variety of different applications, but which language preforms the fastest is still unclear. In order to test this, C, Java, Python, Ruby, and JavaScript programs were written to perform a Bubble Sort. Each program was written in a way in which the amount of time it takes to solve the problem was recorded in milliseconds. The independent variable was the language and the dependent variable was the solution time. The result is then outputted to a text document, and the execution is repeated 99,999 times. The programs were all run on a computer running Arch Linux, in order to have the smallest potential effect on the program as possible. Java's average solution time of 5.897 ms, followed by JavaScript with 8.626 ms, Ruby with 8.848 ms, C with 15.497 ms, and Python with 1222.713 ms. An ANOVA test was performed on the data resulting in a p value of 0, showing the data to be statistically significant. The alternative hypothesis for this experiment was that if all of these programs were written to perform the same task, then C would run the fastest. This is rejected, because Java was clearly the fastest, on average, out of all the languages. The language that the solution was written in definitely had an effect on the solution time. Some further research that could be done is testing other languages, and/or other problems. Gosling, J., Joy, B., Steele, G., & Buckley, A. (2015). The Java® Language Specification. Retrieved October 16, 2015, from https://docs.oracle.com/javase/specs/jls/se8/jls8.pdf Hardesty, L. (2009). Explained: P vs. NP. Retrieved October 26, 2015, from http://news.mit.edu/2009/explainer-pnp Slagell, M. (2005). Ruby User's Guide. Retrieved October 16, 2015, from http://www.rubyist.net/~slagell/ruby/


2002X10



Gear Up: An App for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Samuel Dawson

Many students and workers struggle with planning and packing the right clothing or gear for their outdoor exercise excursions. Necessary gear is imperative for maintaining health, safety, and comfort. However, checking the constantly changing weather is not feasible for students or adults who already have very busy schedules. Instead, they choose their clothing and gear selection from the morning weather. Gear Up is currently being developed as a solution to this problem. This app imports real time data from an online API source, provided as a free service through Weather Underground, to give users reliable access to weather information. This app allows users to add and edit events, and then the app gets information from weather sites as it applies to the event, in the form of JSON files, to send them a notification about their event at a scheduled time. The users are able to manually set their preferences so that the notification recommends the optimal clothing and gear based on the forecasted temperatures and conditions at the time of their event. Additional features on currently being developed, which include saving data, adding an icon to the day on the calendar when an event is created, and improving the physical appearance and user-friendliness of the app. Roberts, Bucky. "Thenewboston - Video Tutorials on Programming and More." Thenewboston - Video Tutorials on Programming and More. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2012. "Stack Overflow." Stack Overflow. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2015. "Java Platform, Standard Edition 7 API Specification" Oracle Java API. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2015.


2003X12



FreshFood - Tracking Food Usage to Reduce Waste

Vaishanavi Kundala

The purpose of this study is to reduce food wastage by creating an app that reminds and encourages customers to use items in their storage/ fridge. According to a recent report by UNEP and the World Resources Institute (WRI), about one-third of all food produced worldwide, worth around US$1 trillion, wasted in food consumption systems. Food is the biggest contributor to landfill and a huge generator of greenhouse gasses such as methane. Many families have food in the refrigerator and do not even know they have it or have forgotten about it and thus letting it rot and go to waste. Not knowing what is in the fridge can ultimately lead to food wastage. An app that finds recipes including ingredients in priority of their expiration date and sends reminders about expiration of food products can help reduce the food wastage in households. Adding food items into the app can be done by using receipt photo recognition, scanning of bar code (bar code photo recognition) or manually added. There will be two types of food for the sake of the app’s organization: groceries and pantry. Pantry food is any boxed or packaged food that does not need to be prepared. Since it does not require any preparation, reminders of the item’s expiration date can help keep it from being wasted. The app will help reduce the food wastage by coming up with recipes that include the ingredients of the food items closer to their expiration date. "Why Do We Waste so Much Food, and What Can We Do about It?" FoodNavigator-USA.com. N.p., n.d. Fri. 23 Oct. 2015. "Food Waste: The Facts." World Food Day. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015. "Key Facts on Food Loss and Waste You Should Know!" Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2015.


2004X12



A new synergistic Scatter/Transform Hybrid Cloak

Gadi Licht

Pictorial results showing improved cloaking are presented for different sizes. This project synergistically combines transform and scatter-cancellation cloaks to better cloak an object over more sizes and wavelengths. Ongoing data is being collected to support this claim. Transform cloaking is based on geometric transformations that bends a wave around the object. Scatter-cancellation cloaking relies on many small scatters placed around the object that cancels out the overall scattering fields that make an object detectable and only cloaks circular and sub-wavelength sized objects well. Transform cloaks theoretically cloak the best, but cannot cloak as wide a spectrum of waves and are harder to construct to the same ability as scatter-cancellation cloaks, which are less sensitive to approximations and imperfections. Both cloaks have to be approximated with different materials at finite intervals, as the theoretically perfect cloak requires continuous parameter changes that cannot be constructed. To test the practicality of the new cloak, the experimenter only tested these approximations. The transform cloak part was done through a new method that maps “bridges” around the object using principles akin to holography. This should solve much of the transform cloak's problems, as unlike the older transform model, this has no mathematical singularities and infinite values that cannot be made with materials. Additionally, the function changes slower making it a better approximated by the layered design. The scatter-cancellation part attempts to correct distortions arising from the layered approximation. Cloaks are made in Python and simulated in MEEP. Numerical analysis of results will be forthcoming. Alu, A., & Engheta, N. (2008). Plasmonic and metamaterial cloaking: Physical mechanisms and potential. of Optics A: Pure and Applied Optics, 10, 1-55. http://dx.doi.org:10.1088/1464-4258/10/9/093002 Chen, P., Soric, J., & Alu, A. (2012). Invisibility and cloak based on scattering cancellation. Advanced Optical Materials, 24, 281-304. doi:10.1002/adma.201202624 Fleury, R., & Alu, A. (2014). Cloaking and invisibility: A review. Forum for Electromagnetic Research Methods and Application Technologies (FERMAT), 1, 1-25. Retrieved from http://www.e-fermat.org/files/articles/1533723257cf23.pdf


2005X12



Testing the Broken Windows Theory using DC Crime and Services Request Data

Neejole Patel

Crime is a problem that everyone agrees must be lowered drastically. There have been many advances in crime reduction, however, testing the Broken Window Theory using advanced analytics and implementing procedures based on those findings can bring about unseen changes. This research can be applied to cities all over the country to help police chiefs rations out their already low numbers of officers to area that need the help most. I found out whether or not service requests could predict the instance of a serious crime and whether a specific type of service request had a higher affinity for a serious crime. I used Aster Express, an advanced analytics software, to find the types of service requests that were made in the 30 days leading to a serious crime and how closely linked those different types were to a serious crime, by creating a table with the downloaded data and running various algorithms on them. nPath Pattern Analysis Algorithm: http://developer.teradata.com/aster/articles/using-aster-express-act-3-on-the-road-to-npath This is one of the algorithms I will be using to conduct my research, which was developed by the man who made this blog post onto Aster Developer Exchange. Collaborative Filtering Algorithm: https://developer.teradata.com/aster/articles/asters-market-basket-and-collaborative-filtering-functions This is the other algorithm I will be using to conduct my research, which was also developed by a man posting on the Aster Developer Exchange, though it is a different one. Aster Express Usage Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbBFEEqZiHuuTcwGCmKz2JifBImzmTDxC


2006X12



Applying Time-Bin Encoding to the Quantum Fourier Transform for Breaking Data Encryption

Siddharth Srivatsan

FBI Director James Comey noted that the Islamic State and other terrorist groups have increasingly turned to encrypted communications. Among these encryptions is RSA encryption, one of the most secure cryptosystems ever created, breakable only by using a quantum algorithm known as Shor’s Algorithm. At the heart of this algorithm is the quantum Fourier transform, a mathematical operation mapping wavefunctions in the time domain to the frequency domain in order to find the periodicity of the wavefunctions. Unfortunately, quantum decoherence and other problems have stifled past research. However, time-bin encoding, a method for encoding quantum states based on time-of-arrival, avoids many of the challenges other quantum computing systems face. In this research, photonict qubits encoded in the time-bin degree of freedom were theoretically evaluated for their ability to implement the quantum Fourier transform. An algorithm for performing the quantum Fourier transform was created using code in MATLAB, and with this, control trials for the quantum Fourier transform of 1 through 32 qubits were calculated. Then, a scheme for the two-photon quantum Fourier transform using time-bin encoding with optical elements was constructed. With this, sources of error, specifically those related to mode mismatching and photon loss, were identified and modeled. Progress up to this point has been made. These will then be incorporated into the quantum Fourier transform code, and the fidelity of the process will be evaluated. Research is still presently ongoing. Kok, P., Munro, W. J., Nemoto, K., Ralph, T. C., Dowling, J. P., & Milburn, G. J. (2007). Linear optical quantum computing with photonic qubits. Reviews of Modern Physics, 79, 135 – 174. doi: : 10.1103/RevModPhys.79.135 Humphreys, P. C., Metcalf, B. J., Spring, J. B., Moore, M., Jin, X. M., Barbieri, M., …., Walmsley, I. A. (2014). Linear optical quantum computing in a single spatial mode. Physical Review Letters, 111, 150501-1 – 7. doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.150501 Dong, L., Xiu, X.-M., Shen, H.-Z., Gao, Y.-J., & Yi, X.-X. (2013). Quantum Fourier transform of polarization photons mediated by weak cross-Kerr nonlinearity. Journal of the Optical Society of America, 30, 2765 – 2773. doi:10.1364/JOSAB.30.002765


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