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Paper Number: 1 Paper Title: In Vitro Detection of Dopamine with PEDOT/GO Coated Gold Microelectrodes via Cyclic Voltammetry Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: Dopamine (DA) is an important signaling molecule in the brain and the central nervous system. Its

dysfunction is linked to neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease or schizophrenia. Fast scan cyclic

voltammetry (FSCV) at bare gold microelectrodes (GE) have been demonstrated to effectively detect DA via

the neurotransmitter’s redox capabilities. However, improvements in sensitivity are possible.

Electrodeposition of poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT)/graphene oxide (GO) conductive polymer on

GE improves DA detection due to the aided adsorption of dopamine-o-quinone, DA’s oxidation product, on

the electrode surface. Out of all deposition durations, 30 sec PEDOT/GO depositions most significantly

improve in vitro DA detection sensitivity over bare GE, which fail to detect dopamine at 10µM

concentrations. The 30 sec PEDOT/GO electrodes improve sensitivity compared to 10 sec PEDOT/GO by an

average of 171% at slower CV scan rates (0.1, 1, 5, 10 V/sec), but do not significantly improve detection at a

FSCV scan rate of 400 V/sec, a likely effect of delayed transfer kinetics at higher scan rates due to imperfect

initial gold electrode surfaces. Such PEDOT/GO electrodes show promise for in vivo dopamine detection in

live rat brains due to their reusability and sensitivity, ultimately aiding understanding of DA’s in vivo

functions.

Paper Number: 2 Paper Title: Argon Isotope Ages of Martian Meteorite NWA 7533 Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: The purpose of this project is to date different component lithologies within brecciated meteorites using the

argon-argon method. To get ages from your samples it is necessary to polish them, making the results from

the electron microprobe more reliable. Using the electron microprobe we analyzed the samples aiming for

areas of interest, presumably plagioclase. Plagioclase is a mineral with high potassium content, in meteorite

standards. An ideal amount of plagioclase in a clast would depend on the grain’s size, and age. After finding

candidates from each sample, we will separate them and send them to an 80-day irridation session at a

nuclear reactor which will bombard the samples with neutrons (changing potassium-39 to argon-39). Based

on the argon-40 to argon-39 ratio, we will determine an age for each of the samples.

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Paper Number: 3 Paper Title: Coaxially electrospun fibrous materials created by a convenient, self-developed electrospinning apparatus Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: Electrospinning has been used as a reliable method of creating polymer nanofibrous constructs for

applications in fields such as tissue engineering and drug delivery. However, the use of a single polymer has

limited the potential of these constructs. Coaxial electrospinning is a novel method that has prospects of

increasing the versatility of electrospun materials. This version of electrospinning utilizes a coaxial fiber of

concentric morphology with a core polymer within a sheath polymer. This coaxial fiber may be a better

option in tissue engineering and drug delivery because it has extended capability as a result of using two

different polymers. Studies have shown the use of this morphology in improving hydrophobicity, tensile

strength, conductivity, and other crucial properties used in mimicking the environment of cells or delivering

drugs. In this study, we design and construct a functional coaxial electrospinning apparatus to spin

discernable fibers with a concentric, dual-phase morphology for tissue engineering and drug delivery

applications. The apparatus is cost effective to construct and easy to operate.

Paper Number: 4 Paper Title: Cost-Effective Method for Synthesizing Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Surface Capable of E. coli Growth Inhibition Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: Surfaces of frequently touched objects are subject to bacterial contamination, and can lead to the spread of

illness. This poses health risks in health care institutions as well as domestic households. While chemical

agents have been used to keep eradicate bacteria from surfaces, this study proposes a cost-effective method

for characterizing existing surfaces with antibacterial properties by evenly depositing zinc oxide

nanostructures. Previous studies have shown that nanostructures on surfaces can physically disturb the

growth of bacteria, and this study hypothesizes that zinc oxides deposited by spray pyrolysis on a surface will

inhibit the bacteria growth. A dilute zinc nitrate solution was sprayed over a heated silicon wafer as

precursor, and the thermal decomposition of zinc nitrate droplets lead to the growth of zinc oxide particles

on surface. Spray pyrolysis was used because it is a technique well known for its low cost and ease in growing

nanostructures. The effect of zinc oxide treated wafers were tested through growing Escherichia coli bacteria

in Lysogeny Broth (LB) , and results showed that zinc oxide treated surfaces inhibited bacterial growth. The

result demonstrates spray pyrolysis to be a viable method for characterizing antibacterial surfaces and

improving public health.

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Paper Number: 5 Paper Title: Synthesis of 2- (Bispinacolato Boron) Fluorene (P-type material) Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: The purpose of this research is to effectively synthesize 2-(Bispinacolato Boron) Fluorene, an organic

semiconductor (p-type material) for industrial production. I was able to obtain the compound while

improving the method. The general procedure consists of : 1) Mixing chemicals, 2) Synthesizing chemicals, 3)

Washing, Quenching and Extracting than Rotoevaporating the compound, 4) Putting the compound through

Flash Column Chromatography, 5) Identifying compound through NMR. I changed the procedure by: 1)

Replacing 2,7-Dibromofluorene with 2-Bromofluorene. 2-Bromofluorene provides one boronate, making the

compound easy to connect to the rest of the molecule, 2) Changing time of reflux from 24 hours to 1 hour

with a CEM Discover Microwave, 3) Eliminating the use of Magnesium Sulfate to increase product yield. 4)

Changing conditions from (9:1) chloroform:hexane, to (7:3) petroleum ether:methylene chloride. By

changing the eluents, I improved the visibility in Thin Line Chromatography and improved purification in Flash

Chromatography. The experiment was reduced from 4 days down to 2 days. Creating an organic

semiconductor is important because silicon, the material used to make semiconductors, is nonrenewable.

The adaptation of organic semiconductors in technology is growing since it’s biodegradable, cost-efficient,

and easy to fabricate. Organic semiconductors can be a step to the future.

Paper Number: 6 Paper Title: Comparison Between Fluid-Bed Coating and Dry Coating on the Enhancement of Physical Stability of Amorphous Griseofulvin Dispersi Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: The main purpose of this project was to develop ways to stabilize BCS Class II drugs using dry coating and

fluid-bed coating. By creating amorphous versions of drugs so that the solubility rate and dissolution rate of

these drugs can be enhanced, the bioavailability and the rate of bioavailability increases. Amorphous versions

of drug particles demonstrate increased solubility and faster dissolution rates, resulting in greater

bioavailability. However, these amorphous versions of the drug particles are physically unstable and tend to

revert back to their crystalline form. The objective of this study is to determine if dry coating and/or fluid bed

coating can allow for enhanced physical stability of amorphous versions of Griseofulvin, GF, drug particles. To

start the process, amorphous GF and 5% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-10) solid dispersions are made using the

melt-quench method. Once rapidly cooled, the solid dispersion is milled to create a fine amorphous solid

dispersion, which is then coated with carnauba wax of Eudragit EPO if using the fluid-bed coating method.

Dry coating with carnauba wax or Eudragit EPO occurs during the milling process. After coating, stability tests

using X-ray diffraction, and characterization tests for particle size using the RODOS are done. Results from

this study indicate that fluid-bed coating and dry coating enhance the stability of amorphous Griseofulvin.

Additionally, fluid-bed coating enhances the stability of amorphous GF better than dry coating. As percent of

fluid-bed coating with carnauba wax increases, the physical stability of amorphous GF also increases.

However, any greater percentage of carnauba wax coating after 5% does not result in greater stability.

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Therefore, to achieve greater stability of amorphous GF, it is best to coat with 5% carnauba wax using the

fluid-bed coating method. These findings will be especially useful in increasing bioavailability, especially for

poorly water-soluble drugs.

Paper Number: 7 Paper Title: Factors Affecting Thin Film Dissolution Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: Polymer film strips provide solutions to multiple issues for BCS II drugs currently delivered as tablets,

including fast release for relief of symptoms, improved bioavailability, and personalized dosage. A sublingual

film strip does not require water or need to be swallowed. In this project several new un-standardized

methods were employed to both create and evaluate polymer films containing a BCS II drug, fenofibrate. The

testing methods included UPS1 disintegration, which is designed for tablets, timing the disintegration in

water, and timing water penetration through the film. Disintegrating agents, sodium starch glycolate, SSG,

croscarmellose sodium, CCS, and crospovidone, CP, designed to be used in tablets, were added in varying

amounts to determine their effect on disintegration time. Films created with varying amounts of SSG and

CCS showed improved disintegration times over films without disintegrating agents. The effect of varying film

thickness was tested. Thinner films, with or without disintegrating agents, showed improved disintegration

times. The un-standardized test results were compared with results from established tests such as USP IV for

dissolution and tensile strength in order to validate them, and ultimately lead to the standardization of

methods for creating and evaluating polymer film strips containing BCS II drugs.

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Paper Number: 8 Paper Title: Effects of Dry Coating with Nanoparticles on Drug Powder and Drug Release Rate of Ibuprofen Tablets Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: In the pharmaceutical industry, numerous drug molecules exhibit poor bioavailability originating from their

low water-solubility and ensuing slow drug dissolution rates. According to the Noyes-Whitney equation, an

increase in the specific surface area, results in a proportional increase in the dissolution rate. However, as the

surface area of the particles increases, the powder becomes more cohesive as a result of cumulative

adhesion forces between the particles. Highly cohesive powder tends to agglomerate, producing low

flowability, which can lead to downstream processing issues. In this study, a Biopharmatics Classification

System (BCS) Class II drug, Ibuprofen, was used as the model drug. Hydrophilic Silica Aerosil 200 was added as

the guest material coating equidistantly distributed over the surface of the drug particles resulting in weaker

adhesion forces. The Fluid Energy Mill (FEM) and Lab Ram acoustic mixer, simultaneously milled and dry

coated the drug with the silica to decrease the original particle size of the drug; thus, improving the

dissolution rates of the drug. Controlling the solid feed rate, feed pressure, and grinding pressure produced

different particle sizes. To evaluate results, AOR (Angle of Repose), dissolution rates, and flowability tests

were used to test the improvement in the dissolution rate of the drug and its flowability. In conclusion,

reducing the particle size of Ibuprofen with dry coating (A200 silica) yielded improved flowability of the

powder, along with a higher dissolution rate of these Ibuprofen tablets.

Paper Number: 9 Paper Title: Comparison of Various Methods of Perovskite Solar Cell Production Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: Perovskite solar cells have shown an immense growth in efficiency in the past few years, from 6.5% in 2011

to 20% being measured in the latest findings. The increased efficiency has been fueled by the efforts of

researchers refining the materials and methods used, such as swapping a platinum counter electrode for the

hole transport material Spiro-MeOTAD. Despite the great advances, the wide variety of materials used leaves

unclear the best options for each component. This research investigated whether dimethylformamide or

ethyl acetate was more effective as an alternative to the widely used solvent gamma-butyrolactone. Graphite

as a counter electrode and copper iodide as a hole transport material were similarly compared as an

alternative to the expensive hole transport material Spiro-MeOTAD. The efficiencies of spin coating and drop

casting the precursor solution and the hole transport material were researched. Perovskite was analyzed

under electron microscopy and FTIR spectra. The combination of spin coating both dimethylformamide and

copper iodide resulted in the most efficient cell, 25% more efficient compared to the next best combination

tested. Further studies will be required to test how these alternatives hold up to gamma-butyrolactone and

Spiro-MeOTAD.

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Paper Number: 10 Paper Title: Analysis of Nickel Titanium Shape Memory Alloy as a Protective Shell for Lithium-Ion Batteries Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: Lithium-ion batteries today are innately prone, due to the alkali metal’s reactivity, to violently react with the

moisture and the oxygen present in the air when its outer shell is punctured. This is a safety issue for the

batteries’ applications into electric or hybrid automobiles, as these chemical reactions’ exothermic

components would compromise the battery and heat it to a point of ignition or even explosion. To prevent

this, a shape memory shell using the alloy nickel titanium can take advantage of the early stages of these

reactions’ temperature change, which would start at the alloy’s martensitic temperature, to transform back

to its original shape when the temperature of the battery arises above 70ºC, the austenite transition

temperature of the alloy used in this study. The efficiency of the metal was tested by indenting squares of the

alloy and heating them at the austenite temperature for 3 minutes. The data indicate that as the area of the

sample increased, the change in depth showed little correlation. Through these tests, the potential of the

alloy to stop these reactions was assessed. This research will lead to a safer and more efficient usage of the

future fuel source for automobiles in society.

Paper Number: 11 Paper Title: The Efficiency of Microbial Electricity Production in Varying Soils Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Energy is the ability to do work, and some of the ways people have obtained energy is through the burning of

fossil fuels, and through the combustion of gases, which have negatively impacted the Earth. The objective of

this project was to use common bacteria found in damp soil, Geobacter and Shewanella, to produce an

electrical charge that could be harnessed through a microbial fuel cell, which was cost efficient, clean, and

long-lasting. These microorganisms frequently respire/decompose glucose, nutrients, and electrons in the

soil, when in search for oxygen, creating microbial communities that are electrically connected by bacterial

nanowires. To manage the electricity that was conducted through the release of electrons, thickness

measured metal cathodes (Copper) and anodes (Zinc) were placed in the soil to allow for oxidation and

reduction, and the transfer of electrons which allowed for the conduction of electricity (Seen in Galvanic

Cells). The experiment used four varying wet soils; all of different pH levels, in the same volume container, at

the same temperature and moisture, which are globally accessible, to demonstrate the variation in the

output of electricity, and to demonstrate how electricity could be inexpensively obtained. Also trials were

held to test the output of electricity once the optimum outputting soil went through sterilization, and was

oxygenated. Ultimately, the electricity generated was run through breadboards to enhance the output of

electricity, showing how the electricity could be easily employed.

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Paper Number: 12 Paper Title: The Efficiency of Microbial Electricity Production in Varying Soils Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Energy is the ability to do work, and some of the ways people have obtained energy is through the burning of

fossil fuels, and through the combustion of gases, which have negatively impacted the Earth. The objective of

this project was to use common bacteria found in damp soil, Geobacter and Shewanella, to produce an

electrical charge that could be harnessed through a microbial fuel cell, which was cost efficient, clean, and

long-lasting. These microorganisms frequently respire/decompose glucose, nutrients, and electrons in the

soil, when in search for oxygen, creating microbial communities that are electrically connected by bacterial

nanowires. To manage the electricity that was conducted through the release of electrons, thickness

measured metal cathodes (Copper) and anodes (Zinc) were placed in the soil to allow for oxidation and

reduction, and the transfer of electrons which allowed for the conduction of electricity (Seen in Galvanic

Cells). The experiment used four varying wet soils; all of different pH levels, in the same volume container, at

the same temperature and moisture, which are globally accessible, to demonstrate the variation in the

output of electricity, and to demonstrate how electricity could be inexpensively obtained. Also trials were

held to test the output of electricity once the optimum outputting soil went through sterilization, and was

oxygenated. Ultimately, the electricity generated was run through breadboards to enhance the output of

electricity, showing how the electricity could be easily employed.

Paper Number: 13 Paper Title: Biologically Inspired Robotic Fish Design and Implementation Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: The ocean impacts our society in many ways; it provides food and a means of transportation. However, little

is known about the ocean; 5% of the ocean is mapped. The ocean also contains dangers, such as mines,

which the U.S. Navy uses trained dolphins to locate. Recently, underwater gliders have been used for these

explorations; however, these lack maneuverability. This research presents a working prototype of a robotic

fish (2.5’ long) that was designed and constructed, with the advantage of maneuverability at a low cost. The

prototype has the potential capabilities of detecting oil, underwater objects, and has the potential to be

remote controlled. Autocad was used to design and 3D-print the six parts of the structure. The fish was

programmed using an ATmega328P microcontroller, an Arduino Uno circuit board, and an Adafruit Servo

driver. The fish is propelled with three waterproof Servos; each motor moves a part of the tail. The pitch is

changed with a fourth Servo, which shifts a weight on top of a pulley inside the robotic fish, changing the

placement of the head and tail. This experimental robotic fish prototype incorporates both speed and

maneuverability, utilizing the natural and efficient motion of a biological fish.

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Paper Number: 14 Paper Title: Optimized surface treatment for realization of PDMS devices from 3D molds Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic devices made using molds are viable in creating cheap and

accurate in­vitro models, however the surface chemistry of the molds must be optimized first. The molds are

incompatible with the PDMS due to unreacted resin monomers which in turn prevents the devices from

curing properly. To prevent the monomers from reacting, the molds were either coated with black Sharpie,

silver acrylic paint, or not coated. Half of the molds underwent pretreatment while the other half got coated

immediately. The pretreatment consisted of leaving the molds out for 2 days, heating for 4 hours at 70°C, and

then coating. The heating times varied from 2­10 hours with 2 hour intervals. Overall, the acrylic paint yielded

the worst results in both the trials with pretreatment and no pretreatment of the mold. From our

experiments, it can also be concluded that leaving the molds for 2 days and heating them helps set the resin

monomers. Because of this, the best device resulted from the pretreated non coated mold which was put in

the oven for 10 hours. Although this device did not completely cure, it came closest to properly curing and

the channel was the most accurate. Further work includes leaving the PDMS in the oven for 12­-16 hours for

the device to properly set.

Paper Number: 15 Paper Title: Innovative Prototype that converts Humidity from the Air to Liquid Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Clean and safe drinking water is scarce. Nearly 1 billion people today in the developing countries don't have

access to it. Many people in developing countries spend their entire day searching for water. In places like

Africa, there are approximately 345 million people who has no access to water. Around 1.2 billion people

which is almost one-fifth of the world's population live in areas that has water scarcity, and 500 million

people are currently approaching this situation. Another 1.6 billion people, face economic water shortage.

Water scarcity is a common problem in every continent. A solution to this crisis is a cost efficient and an

effective Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG). AWG is a device that produces water through the humidity in

the atmosphere. The more the humidity, the more the water produced. This prototype converts humidity

present in the air using electricity to water. This can be used in many deserted areas, where solar power can

be an alternative source, since they suffer from droughts. It was not as effective as AWGs in the market

currently. However, the researcher was able to devise a cost efficient AWG that can be used to convert

humidity from air to liquid.

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Paper Number: 16 Paper Title: Optimal Substitution of Aggregate to Produce an Economically Viable Alternative to Traditional Concrete Mixtures Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Previous research suggests that concrete with higher percentages of Portland cement™ than sand and

aggregate is more durable against acidic precipitation and compressively stronger than the industrial

standard. Cement costs $255 USD/ton and accounts for 5% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Thus, the

experiments were purposed to test more economically feasible and environmentally friendly concrete

mixtures with comparable strength to the standard mix. The effects of lowering aggregate proportions ($26

USD/ton) were analyzed to compensate for the impacts of the novel ratio by substituting 30% of the

aggregate with recycled materials: recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), conglomerate plastics (HDPE, PS, PA),

and consumer glass. Cylindrical specimens of each mix were cured and tested for compressive strength (psi)

in a hydraulic compression machine at the NavAir environmental lab. The batch containing recycled glass

yielded the strongest concrete (3007.15 psi). In the second phase of testing, the substitution of glass was

increased in ten-percent increments from the 30% baseline. The results indicate that the 100%-substitution

mixture was strongest, failing at an average of 3572.89 psi. It is inferred that high percentages of glass

benefits concrete strength due to chemical reactions between fine glass particles and cement hydrates and

the ideal binding surface of small glass shards. Overall, utilizing recycled glass as a complete aggregate

alternative would reduce the cost and environmental effect of concrete infrastructure.

Paper Number: 17 Paper Title: Fuel Potential from the Pyrolysis of Plastic Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Plastic is an important part of almost every aspect of people’s lives. It is used in numerous industries for a

variety of applications. The methods of dealing with plastic waste currently consist of incineration and landfill

disposal. Over time, plastic does not biodegrade; instead, small amounts leech into the environment due to

photodegredation and weathering. Suitable land for dumping plastic is dwindling, and an alternative way

dispose of plastic waste is needed. Pyrolyzing plastic is a novel alternative method for disposing plastic waste.

The pyrolysis of waste plastic converts the waste, which would otherwise be thrown away, into hydrocarbon

products that can be used in many ways, including fuel, medicine, and other chemical uses. For this study,

high density polyethylene (HDPE) was heated to temperatures between 400°C and 600°C to induce pyrolysis.

The masses of the liquid and solid products were measured, and a percentage of the gaseous, liquid, and

solid material yielded was calculated. The liquid products were analyzed by separating the gasoline-range

hydrocarbons from the diesel-range hydrocarbons by boiling point. On average, the product yield consisted

of 47% solids, 32% liquids, and 21% gases. The liquid products were made of 0% diesel-range hydrocarbons

and 100% gasoline-range hydrocarbons and water.

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Paper Number: 18 Paper Title: Novel Peltier Effect Cooler Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: This project proposes an inexpensive, efficient, and safe alternative cooling technology through the use of

peltiers. The peltier effect, discovered by French Physicist Jean-Charles Athanase Peltier, is a thermoelectric

effect caused when a current passes through a material consisting of two dissimilar conductors, causing it to

become a heat sink. Using a novel geometry of layered peltiers a prototype device proposes to maximize and

optimize the cooling effect of the peltiers. The device is also layered with conductive materials to maximize

the amount of heat transferred. The geometry will allow it to make use of both conductive and convective

heat transfer. Currently, refrigerators and air conditioners make use of liquid refrigerants with

environmental consequences. This new device could offset or replace these liquid refrigerants.

Paper Number: 19 Paper Title: Optimization of Data transmission in Xbee units Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: The efficiency of data transmission in Xbee units leads to fast and accurate data reception. In order to

optimize the data transmission between Xbee units, a project was created that used XBee units to

communicate data from a GPS across long distances. In the project, one robot would chase another robot by

using that robot’s position. If the Xbee unit could send data efficiently, then one robot will be able to

successfully chase down the other robot successfully. The method used to transmit data efficiently can be

used to optimize XBee communication for various uses. The project required 2 NXT bricks, 6 motors, 2 Xbee

units, 1 compass sensor, 2 ultrasonic sensor and 2 GPS receivers. 3 methods were used to test the efficiency

of the communication: sending data bit by bit, sending data as a whole package, and replacing parts of the

old data with new data. Of the methods used, replacing parts of the old data with new, updated data

resulted in the most efficient means of communication. This result can be implemented in other XBee

projects to transmit data efficiently.

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Paper Number: 20 Paper Title: Quantum Computer Interfacing Via Printed Circuit Boards Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Printed circuit boards (PCBs) can successfully transmit microwave photons to and from quantum computing

circuits through the use of transmission lines, namely coplanar waveguides (CPW). One of the defining

features of quantum computers is the coherence time – the period of time that quantum information in

useful since the delicate quantum mechanical states of qubits decay as they interact with a noisy

environment. It has been discovered that the packaging of the quantum computer, including the PCB, greatly

influences these times. Better packaging allows for greater isolation of the qubits; thus remain coherent long

enough for computation.

High-frequency PCB design comes with a number of challenges, most notably maintaining a controlled

characteristic impedance of 50Ω in the CPW. CPW topography was simulated using Simon’s analytical

expressions based on quasi-static conformal mapping techniques of a conventional coplanar waveguide. Two

designs featured Purcell filters, which utilize impedance changes to reflect photons back into the quantum

circuit to increase qubit interactions.

Ultimately, we designed seven PCBs containing multiple CPWs that connect the samples, ranging from 1.39”

by 1.39” to 7mm by 2mm, to coaxial connectors. Future work in includes testing the manufactured PCBs,

including using time-delay reflectometry and other measurements to calculate board performance

Paper Number: 21 Paper Title: Three Dimensional Piezoelectric Scaffolds for Neurite Extension for Potential Applications in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: To restore ambulatory function in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), who may have spinal cord lesions, it is

important to develop therapeutic interventions to facilitate axonal growth in the spine. Tissue formation or

regeneration can be accelerated by local electric fields. The objective of this research was to achieve

extended neuronal growth by preparing a scaffold utilizing a custom piezoelectric material, which can

provide electrical stimulation and potentially improve neurite outgrowth at the lesion site. The custom

formulation utilized 20% polyvinylidene fluoride trifluoroeythylene (PVDF-TrFE) and was then exposed to

electro-spinning process to generate fibers. Fibers were evaluated for various mechanical and physical

attributes. E15 rat pups were used to extract dorsal root ganglion (DRGs). DRGs were plated onto prepared

scaffold pieces in 96 well plates. Earlier experiments with formulations showed that 700 nm fibers did not

show axonal penetration into the scaffold due to limited space for axon regeneration. Subsequent

experiments resulted in increased fiber diameter as well as inter-fiber spacing and porosity for the scaffold.

The experiment demonstrated successful penetration of the axon into the scaffold when fiber diameter was

increased and could have a significant impact in potential axonal growth.

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Paper Number: 22

Paper Title: The A.R.C. Suit: A Revolution in Protective Vestments Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Firefighters, search and rescue workers, police officers, astronauts, miners; what do these four professions

have in common? Along with the increased risk to life and limb, at least when compared with other jobs,

come greater mortality rates, but, why is this? More often than not, the equipment designed to safe guard

the lives of these stalwart individuals falters, breaking due to faults within the original designs of said

sheaths. Standing by and allowing this to continue is the equivalent of sentencing thousands of people to

their deaths. So, let us propose a solution, one that encompasses both the facets of the modern technological

world and the ideas set forth by younger generations for a better tomorrow. I propose that if we were to

combine various fibers found today, most notably a synthetic combination of Kevlar, Nomex, Neoprene, and

Carbon Fiber; we would create a sturdy suit which is both lightweight and highly resilient to damage from

flames, bullet, and the occasional falling rock or steel beam. Throughout said suit, one can enable a variety of

peripherals including; a vitals signs monitor, a coordinated drone reconnaissance system (CDRS), and a multi-

lens based visor system which enables functions including night vision, FLIR, and zoom. The entirety of the

construction is operated through a multi-core cpu and is powered by a set of "quick-change" lithium-ion

battery packs.

Paper Number: 23 Paper Title: Project Mimic Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: This project continues a two-year design entitled "Project Mimic." The first prototype was comprised of a

robotic arm which had the same degrees of motion as a human arm, including shoulder, elbow, and wrist

joints and a hand with fingers. It was called “Mimic” because it was designed so it could be remotely

controlled with electronics embedded into a vest worn by an operator, and it would ‘mimic’ the arm motions

of the operator. The original prototype had transmission issues that were resolved in the current prototype.A

CAD model of the original prototype allowed for a more detailed examination and analysis of the problems in

the original to allow for improvements. The first was also built with aluminum Tetrix parts for proof of

concept, which showed that it could be built with more suitable materials, ideally, lighter materials such as

carbon fiber. The ultimate purpose of this project is to provide a versatile and cost effective robot tool which

could allow human dexterity to exist in an area where an actual human presence is difficult to maintain, such

as the barren Moon or areas of high contamination. Other robots, which accomplish the same task, are

available on the market, but they are expensive.

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Paper Number: 24 Paper Title: Smart Control of an Affordable Hand and Wrist Prosthesis Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: In this study, a three dimensional (3D) printed prosthesis for below-the-elbow amputees, which was designed

by a team of researchers from the Rutgers University School of Engineering, was paired with Thalmic Lab’s

Myo armband to provide an affordable, practical, and convenient solution for amputees. The Myo provided

data on muscle activity around the forearm through electromyography (EMG) as well as orientation data of

the arm using an onboard inertial measurement unit (IMU). The data was processed and sent to an Arduino

that was used to control servo motors attached to the prosthetic hand and wrist, which manipulated the

digits and moved the wrist. Due to certain limited aspects of the Myo armband software, further

developments have been explored including the addition of pressure sensors and a brain-computer interface

(BCI), specifically the open source OpenBCI hardware, in order to expand the functionality of the control

mechanism for users. At the same time, independent software for the Myo has been developed, which allows

for freedom in processing the raw EMG data from the armband to detect a greater variety of hand and wrist

movements and finer gestures. The prosthesis that was developed is a functional replacement limb with an

innovative control mechanism. It provides a user-friendly and cost-effective alternative to currently marketed

prosthetic limb systems that are often expensive and ineffective and require invasive procedures for

implementation. This development can positively affect not only amputees but also fields such as industry

and medicine.

Paper Number: 25 Paper Title: Climate Change and Malnutrition: The Correlation and Social Implications of the Disease Paper Category: Environmental science (pollution and impact upon ecosystems, environmental management, bioremediation, climatology, weather) Paper Abstract: The ability of climate change to create a ripple effect is often overlooked. India has already begun to

experience the inimical repercussions of climate change, and those deleterious issues that accompany it.

This paper sought to determine a correlation between climate change and malnutrition on the Indian

subcontinent and to explore the pervasive effects of malnutrition on Indian society. The relationship between

the two phenomena was explored through an extensive review of literature and analysis of data obtained

from various sources. The effects of such aspects of climate change as drought, glacier retreat, shift in

monsoon seasons, and fluctuations in temperature were explored in context of the nation's crop failure,

outbreak of disease in livestock, and predictability of the growing season. Ultimately, a conclusion regarding

the relationship between climate change and India's food supply will be determined. The effects of

malnutrition, then, on gender boundaries and educational and career-related opportunities is to be explored

in order to demonstrate the broad impacts of climate change. By indicating the extensive ability of climate

change, awareness can be brought to those ways that the issue can be controlled punctually, before the

consequences are too severe to mitigate.

JSHS 2016 Abstracts

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Paper Number: 26

Paper Title: The effects of pre-planting positioning and compost mulch mixture on apple replant disease in apple tree seedlings Paper Category: Environmental science (pollution and impact upon ecosystems, environmental management, bioremediation, climatology, weather) Paper Abstract: Apple replant disease is a common apple orchard problem typified by stunted growth and reduced yields in

successive plantings of apple seedlings. Orchards all around the world are affected with apple replant disease

(ARD) and solutions such as methyl bromide and chloropicrin are harmful to the environment and can have

serious affects on humans after long term exposure. Pre-planting positioning and mulch compost mixture

offers a safe and environment friendly solution to the disease. In this experiment, soil from the grassy lane

area was taken at different depths and was tested against ARD soil from the same orchard. After four weeks

of the apple seedlings growing in the two soils, the grassy lane soil had higher plant and root heights as well

as larger yield. The highest plant and root heights for the apple seedlings were found at the lowest depth of

thirty centimeters below the surface. After identifying that pre-planting positioning does produce larger

yields, the grassy lane soil was then mixed with a compost mulch mixture. The apple seedlings grown in this

soil mixture had the highest plant and root heights at the lowest depth. Using the results found from this

experiment, pre-planting positioning along with a mulch compost mixture produces healthier and greater

yielding apple trees.

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Paper Number: 27

Paper Title: Safe Sanitation Solutions Paper Category: Environmental science (pollution and impact upon ecosystems, environmental management, bioremediation, climatology, weather) Paper Abstract: Worldwide, 2.4 billion people lack access to proper sanitation, which hampers health and development.

Cramped living spaces and lack of plumbing make traditional toilets unfeasible in many developing countries

like India. Significant strides have been made towards economical alternatives. In the first phase of this

research, several toilet designs were evaluated. One promising option is a 2-pit composting toilet, 61 of

which were installed in a target village serving ~100 families.

In this system, solid waste is effectively treated through anaerobic composting. Concern remains about how

liquids are handled and the impact on nearby drinking-water. The design uses a brick-honeycomb structure

surrounded by sand, acting as a slow-sand filtration (SSF) system. Initial analysis of surrounding soil and

drinking-water suggests that SSF alone is not fully effective at removing fecal-coliform and other

contaminants.

Next phase involves developing simple and economic treatments to upgrade SSF systems. After researching

locally available materials, we conceived a set of alternative designs. The efficacy of each in removing

coliform bacteria was tested using table-top prototype waste-management systems, constructed as plug-flow

reactors; heterotrophic plate count method was used to compare bacterial concentration of contaminated

water before and after treatment. Research data is presented and future steps enumerated.

Paper Number: 28 Paper Title: Groundwater Purification Using Stropharia Mycelium Paper Category: Environmental science (pollution and impact upon ecosystems, environmental management, bioremediation, climatology, weather) Paper Abstract: Groundwater contamination is a massive problem in developing third world countries. Current solutions are

too expensive to be applicable in third world countries. This research attempts to inexpensively purify

groundwater by examining the effect of Stropharia Mycelium on pH, Phosphate, and Chloride levels in

groundwater. To conduct the research, a groundwater simulator was made using a series of plastic trays and

urban soil. Rainwater was collected, poured into the simulator, and drained to make simulated groundwater.

The simulated ground water was the control and it was tested for Chlorides, Phosphates, and pH. To

determine the effect of Stropharia Mycelium, the simulator was colonized with Stropharia Spawn and the

groundwater simulation was repeated. The test groundwater was compared with the control groundwater

and the results were that Stropharia Mycelium decreases Chlorides and Phosphates in simulated

groundwater and increases the pH of simulated groundwater. The Stropharia Mycelium was able to purify

the simulated groundwater and make it safer to drink. This research could easily be implemented to purify

groundwater worldwide.

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Paper Number: 29

Paper Title: The Decline of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide in the Late Miocene and Early Pliocene Paper Category: Environmental science (pollution and impact upon ecosystems, environmental management, bioremediation, climatology, weather) Paper Abstract: I utilize coccolithophores, unicellular marine phytoplankton that use dissolved carbon for calcification and

photosynthesis, to reconstruct environmental change from the Western Equatorial Pacific. Prior

experimentation shows that when dissolved CO2 in the surface water drops below a threshold, cells gradually

divert their internal bicarbonate supply from calcification to photosynthesis, with larger cells diverting more

bicarbonate than smaller cells. In the surface ocean, dissolved CO2 levels are primarily set by atmospheric

CO2 levels and temperature. This carbon reallocation is recorded in the carbon isotopic composition (δ13C)

of the calcium carbonate coccoliths make. Through filtration, decantation, and isotopic analysis, I measured

δ13C of coccoliths from four size fractions. I use δ13C difference between small and large coccoliths (∆δ13C)

and δ13C difference between coccoliths and seawater (εcoccolith), to evaluate changes in reallocation—and

aqueous CO2 limitation—over the past twenty million years. I add to a sparse record suggesting that

bicarbonate reallocation began in large cells ~twelve million years ago (Ma), and prior to this time period

(within 20 Ma) dissolved CO2 levels were above the reallocation threshold. This evidence for higher aqueous

and atmospheric CO2 is in disagreement with current proxy records for this time period, suggesting a

possible need for reevaluation.

Paper Number: 30 Paper Title: What are the effects of mycorrhizae fungi and phosphorus on plant growth? Paper Category: Environmental science (pollution and impact upon ecosystems, environmental management, bioremediation, climatology, weather) Paper Abstract: My project involves the use of different types of fertilizers to test their effects on plant growth. Farmers

across the country are using nitrogen fertilizers to promote plant growth. The nitrogen fertilizers ruin the soil

and the surrounding bodies of water. This is mainly due to the fact that the nitrogen seeps into the

groundwater and contaminates it. Contamination can cause algal blooms to occur, significant algal blooms

eventually lead to widespread death in bodies of water. The only reason that nitrogen fertilizer is used is

because of its ability to speed up the growing process of crops. I want to find a safe and natural alternative

that can be used on a large scale without harming the environment. Many alternatives are available on the

market today some of which include mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus based fertilizers. I tested the

effectiveness of both products by using them as fertilizer for a pea plant. I measured the growth over a two

week period and used statistical analysis to determine the significance of my results.

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Paper Number: 31 Paper Title: Substituting Xylene for Ethyl Acetate in Permanent Markers Paper Category: Environmental science (pollution and impact upon ecosystems, environmental management, bioremediation, climatology, weather) Paper Abstract: The purpose of this experiment is to recreate a marker with a safer solvent in place of xylene as it can cause

long term liver and nervous system damages. My purpose will be conducted through this procedure: Using

one of the ink compositions ratio, make an ink that matches its composition by explicitly measuring each

component for the ink and mixing them up in a cup that measures in grams. It should measure to 3.5 grams.

Take a pipette and take in all of the ink into the pipette. Put all of the ink into a marker body. Label the

marker according to its solvent compositions. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the remaining ink compositions. Label

six grid transparencies according to solvent compositions. After that is done, organize the transparencies so

that the percentages match. In the center of each grid, color a 4 by 4 unit square with its corresponding

marker. Wait a few seconds for the ink to dry if necessary. Take a gram of water and pour over one of the

squares. Do the same with another grid with the same solvent percentage. Wait until water on grid stops

spreading. Record how far the ink goes by counting the squares and do a side by side comparison with the ink

with same amount of solvent.

Data will be recorded and charted. It will be compared in a double bar graph. Hopefully, my conclusion would

prove ethyl acetate an effective substitute to xylene.

Paper Number: 32 Paper Title: The Effects of the ATOH-1 Gene on the Different Transdifferentiation Process in Cilia Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Noise-induced hearing loss is caused when high decibel sound permanently damages stereocilia, organelles

which transmit sound waves into sensation. Previous research was performed with the gene ATOH-1 on

deafened rabbits and guinea pigs. This gene was determined to be effective in a process called different

transdifferentiation, which transformed the genotype of secondary cells within these organisms’ ears into

stereocilia, thus restoring hearing. In this study, Stentors, a type of ciliophoran, were administered with this

gene. The cilia on the Stentors were attempted to be transformed into stereocilia. Effects of this gene were

evidenced by the noticeable lack of mobility, feeding, and ultimate faster death in the Stentors in the

experimental population with the ATOH-1 gene versus those in the control population. The statistically

significant results proved that the different transdifferentiation process caused by the ATOH-1 gene works

independently of complex organisms within an ear to potentially serve as a safe and effective cure for noise-

induced hearing loss in humans.

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Paper Number: 33 Paper Title: Regulating the Balance of Neural and Chemical Activity in the Brain through the Localization of CAMK in Inhibitory Synapses Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: The balance of chemical and neural activity in the human brain is dependent on the activation and

deactivation of various kinds of neurons, synapses, and neural pathways. Inhibitory synapses in cortical

neurons are responsible for reducing the neural activity of the brain in specific regions (excitatory synapses

induce higher levels of the aforementioned). Calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CAMKIIalpha) is a

protein that localizes to either inhibitory or excitatory synapses, and influences the number of

neurotransmitter receptors at those synapses, due to calcium-dependent phosphorylation. NMDA and

glutamate are two signaling molecules that activate NMDA--type glutamate receptors. Through the following

experiment, it is examined how these two molecules affect calcium levels in cortical neurons, and how they

affect the localization of CAM kinase at inhibitory and excitatory synapses. The implications for this finding

and its background are profound- the regulation of inhibitory and excitatory synapses and neurotransmitter

distribution throughout the brain is what prevents chemical imbalances in it, which may bear relation to a

wide spectrum of mental, psychological, and neurological illnesses like mania, depression, and bipolar

disorder.

Paper Number: 34 Paper Title: Protection from β-Amyloid Peptide Toxicity in a Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Model by Phenserine, a long-acting acetylcholi Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: The presence of Aβ(1-42) senile plaques and oxidative injury in the brain are the characteristic features of

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). A present focus of AD research is to develop safe Aβ-lowering therapeutic

treatments. There is increasing evidence to suggest the antioxidant and neuroprotective activities of Nigella

sativa oil (NSO), a herbaceous plant. Phenserine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, has also been shown to

improve cognitive function in rodents by inhibiting the production of both amyloid precursor protein (APP)

and Aβ. In this study, the ability of NSO and phenserine to suppress Aβ toxicity was assessed by utilizing the

transgenic CL4176 strain of Caenorhabditis elegans model of AD, which induces human Aβ in body wall

muscle cells. NSO and/or phenserine fed CL4176 worms displayed remarkably decreased paralysis, and

correspondingly, increased lifespan in comparison to untreated worms. Aβ plaque deposition of the CL4176

strain was assessed in spite of its pathological differences in contrast to the transgenic CL2006 strain, which

express human Aβ constitutively. In this study, NSO and phenserine have been shown to successfully reduce

oxidative injury and suppress Aβ toxicity in the C. elegans transgenic model.

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Paper Number: 35 Paper Title: Degradation of Styrofoam using Biofilms of Pseudomonas Putida Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Petroleum based products, such as Styrofoam and plastics are disposable materials that are not

biodegradable, and are major components of land fill. Certain microorganisms such as pseudomonas putida

have been shown to degrade Petroleum and have played a part in cleaning up oil spills. This study has been

designed to grow biofilms of pseudomonas putida on Styrofoam surfaces. We hypothesized that if the

Pseudomonas biofilm is grown in a liquid growth medium that lacks a Carbon source, the bacteria is grown in

a liquid growth medium that lacks a Carbon source, the bacteria will begin to degrade the Styrofoam and use

it for a Carbon source. Our preliminary studies have shown successful biofilm growth on various surfaces

including glass, plastic, and paper. Our protocol will now be modified to include Styrofoam.

Paper Number: 36 Paper Title: Potential Genetic Candidates Interact with Hippo Tumor Suppressor Pathway to Modulate Tissue Growth in Drosophila Melanogaster Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: The Hippo tumor suppressor pathway is known to play a large role in cancer and apoptosis. The loss of tumor

suppressor components of these pathways causes overgrowth in the wings of Drosophila Melanogaster,

mice, and humans. After a biochemical screening, new targets of the pathway were identified. The purpose

of this experiment is to establish if modulating the candidate targets of the pathway modifies that wing

overgrowth. We hypothesize that growth control by the Hippo Pathway involves one or more of these

candidate genes; to test this hypothesis in flies we will perform genetic interactions with contexts of Hippo

Pathway gain or loss. Some targets were found to significantly alter the size of the wing, which suggests an

interaction with the pathway. We propose that if the Hippo Pathway normally inhibits a candidate, then loss

of Hippo or Expanded would lead to too much activity, so reducing the candidate should suppresses the

overgrowth phenotype of loss of Hippo or Expanded. If the Hippo Pathway normally activates a candidate,

then loss of Hippo or Expanded results in not enough activity of that candidate; therefore, reducing the

candidate’s levels should enhance the overgrowth phenotype.

JSHS 2016 Abstracts

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Paper Number: 37 Paper Title: Bee (Apis Mellifera) Pollination to Enhance Crop Yield in Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: In pollinator communities, it is necessary to understand the significance of the pollinators in reference to

pollination effectiveness. Since the demands of agricultural economy is increasing, reliance on pollination

services could increase crop yield and reduce the impact of Colony Collapse Disorder, which has drastically

affected the honey bee population. India is a developing country with rising produce in the fruit and

vegetable industry. By finding a method using bees to enhance crop yield, further importance can be given to

developing infrastructure around agriculture. Pomegranate (Punica Granatum), a crop highly dependent on

bee pollination in Central India, was studied with the help of the domesticated European Honey Bee (Apis

Mellifera). Foraging activity was explored to find ideal conditions of dispersion of pollen. With this approach,

ideal environments can be modeled further and provide significance to bees that are declining in numbers for

the enhancement of crop yield, which could solve hunger issues around the world.

Paper Number: 38 Paper Title: The Role of Extracellular Matrix and Other Scaffolding Proteins in the Regeneration of Salamander Limbs Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: The primary objective of this experiment is to study the role of extracellular matrix, specifically basement

membrane, as a biological scaffold in regeneration. The model organism studied is the salamander species,

Cynops Pyrrhogaster. Through amputation and external application of basement membrane extract on the

model organism’s amputated limb, it will be determined whether the application of basement membrane

extract serves as a biological scaffold that accelerates regenerative abilities. Increased rates of regeneration

are indicated through the initial presence of digit formation. In prior experiments, experimental amputees,

salamanders with the application of basement membrane on the wound of the amputated limb, displayed

the formation of digits before the control amputees. The formation of digits on the experimental amputees

suggests that the application of basement membrane extract may have accelerated regenerative cellular

functions, such as proliferation and migration, which ultimately resulted in the seven day difference between

the presence of digit formations in the experimental and control.

JSHS 2016 Abstracts

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Paper Number: 39 Paper Title: Can Anti-cancer drugs be used in Alzheimer's Treatment? Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Alzheimer's is an extremely prevalent disease in today’s society, with about 3 million cases in the US alone.

Symptoms include memory loss, mood swings, and confusion; they are caused by neuron death in the brain.

The Tau Hypothesis states that Alzheimer’s is caused by tau proteins falling off of neuron’s microtubules,

making them less stable. Therefore, the microtubules disintegrate and neurons die. My research examines

Taxol as an alternative to Tau proteins, meaning it would stabilize microtubules and preserve neurons. I grew

microtubules and tested them with different concentrations of taxol. My hypothesis is that the microtubules

with the highest concentration of taxol will stabilize the microtubules the most. I tested 3 different

concentrations of taxol, 1 uM, 5 uM, and 10 uM, and found that higher concentrations of taxol resulted in

more stable microtubules. I conclude that medicines that work like taxol can be used to prevent the

progression of Alzheimer’s.

Paper Number: 40 Paper Title: The Effects of Resveratrol on the Lifespan of the Drosophila Melanogaster Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound most abundantly found in red wine and red grapes. Past studies have

indicated that resveratrol possesses antioxidative, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging

effects. One such study to test resveratrol’s anti-aging effects was conducted on the short-lived fish,

Nothobranchius furzeri. Results showed an increase in their lifespan. Similar success was observed with the

Saccharomycos cervisiae, a species of yeast, in which resveratrol prolonged the lifespan of the yeast by 70%.

A separate study was conducted on the Drosophila melanogaster to test resveratrol’s effects on the fruit

flies’ lifespan. The results of this study were inconclusive. Our study is designed to test our hypothesis that

the effects of resveratrol on Drosophila lifespans can only become evident after many generations of

exposure. Our protocol involves the addition of various concentrations of resveratrol in the Drosophila

medium through 25 age-matched passages. The adults in each generation will be counted and observed for

physical and behavioral changes.

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Paper Number: 41 Paper Title: The Effect of Genetic Factors on the Efficacy of R-CHOP in the Treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: This research project is about the application of pharmacogenomics to the treatment of Non-Hodgkin’s

Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphocytes. The goal of this project was to determine how a genetic mutation is

associated with a patient’s individual response to a drug and how this mutation affects the biological

signaling pathway that the drug normally functions through. More specifically, the project focused on finding

a connection between the effectiveness of a typical chemotherapy regimen used to treat Non-Hodgkin’s

Lymphoma and a patient’s genetic makeup. The most common chemotherapeutic regimen used to treat

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is R-CHOP, which consists of five drugs: Rituximab (R), Cyclophosphamide (C),

Hydroxydaunorubicin (H), Oncovin (O), and Prednisone (P). It has been reported that the R-CHOP treatment

does not work for about forty percent of patients receiving it. To study this variability, pharmacogenomic

databases such as PharmGKB and the NCBI’s PubMed database were used to find specific genes, alleles,

mutations, and proteins that cause the variable response in each drug of R-CHOP. This research can

eventually be applied to create a publicly available genomic test for the relevant gene(s) that can predict

whether the R-CHOP regimen will be beneficial for the patient.

Paper Number: 42 Paper Title: Induction of Resistance in Thymus vulgaris by Pokeweed Antiviral Protein as an Antagonist Against Alfalfa Mosaic Virus Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Alfalfa Mosaic Virus is phytopathogen that devastates many crop fields annually in the United States, having

a wide variety of host plants, one of which is the aromatic evergreen Thymus vulgaris. There are not many

natural curatives or preventatives to Alfalfa Mosaic Virus, or AMV, known today. Pokeweed is generally seen

as a nuisance, hailing from Eastern United States. Pokeweed has a protein found within its leaves, pokeweed

antiviral protein or PAP, that has antiviral and antileukemic properties. Pokeweed antiviral protein was

introduced to two strains of AMV, NY14 and V720, infected Thymus vulgaris via three procedures of

inoculation. The ‘PAP’ inhibited translation by catalytically removing a specific adenine residue from the

rRNA of ribosomes. Using the PAP both inhibited and suffocated the AMV, leaving only cellular death of the

infection site leaves. The statistics suggested both strains of AMV show significant differences among groups

that contain the control and the PAP with p values that are near 0 when comparing differences of means.

Using PAP signified resistance to Alfalfa Mosaic Virus which could be used in the future by agriculture farmers

to increase their crop yield.

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Paper Number: 43 Paper Title: The Role of Hypoxia on Rac1b Localization and Cell Multinucleation Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Despite an astounding improvement in breast cancer detection and treatment, breast cancer continues to

rank as the second most common cause of death in American women. Today, cancer treatment encompasses

radiation and chemotherapy. While there is relative success in these treatments, a reoccurrence of the

original tumor occurrence of a new primary tumor remains an ominous threat to cancer patients. The growth

and sustenance of cancer cells against immune system attack or prescribed therapy is dependent on the

microenvironment outside of the cell. Current research shows that Rac1b and hypoxia influence genomic

instability, an enabling characteristic that promotes the hallmarks of cancer. It remains unclear how Rac1b

and hypoxia integrate in promoting genomic instability. We investigated the effect of a hypoxic

microenvironment on Rac1b localization and multinucleation (MNC). MNC results in genomic instability

which is characterized by random mutations within the genome. Here we show that Rac1b expression

influences multinucleation, but varying levels of oxygen in the microenvironment only affect Rac1b

localization.

Paper Number: 44 Paper Title: Investigation of Novel Glycosaminoglycan Mimicking Biomaterial for Cartilage Tissue Engineering Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) are long, linear polysaccharide units and made up of glycosidic bonds. These

glycosaminoglycans conduct cellular process which includes the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to

chondrocytes (cartilage cells). Studies have been conducted to find new different types of biomaterials that

can mimic the glycosaminoglycans and be able to incorporate these biomaterials in the extracellular matrix of

cartilage tissue of humans. The purpose of this study was to prepare a biomaterial that can mimic the

extracellular matrix of cartilage tissue. The GAG mimic studied in the experiment was Sodium Cellulose

Sulfate (NaCS), which was being incorporated in gelatin electrospun mats. To further study if the 0.5 NaCS

was able to be used as a mimic for extracellular of matrix cartilage tissue a series of different experiments

were conducted. The NaCS solution was first filtered to be able to ensure there all of the non-sulfated

cellulose was removed and only materials soluble in water were present. The following experiment, Sulfate

Assay, was to estimate the total amount of sulfate per mole of cellulose after filtration of NaCS. The NaCS

was then cross-linked with EDC-NHS in order to stabilize the electrospun mats and to incorporate the NaCS to

the mats. In continuation, Toulidene Blue Staining was used to highlight the GAGs present on the gelatin

mats. The final experiment conducted was Lysozyme Staining. Lysozyme Staining was used to check the

interaction of protein with post cross-linked gelatin fibers containing different percentages of GAGs. The

results of the research was that the 0.5 NaCS is a possible biomaterial that will be able to mimic extracellular

matrix of cartilage tissue. In future research, other experiments would be done using this biomaterial in order

to further test its ability to mimic extracellular matrix of cartilage tissue. This research furthers the

understanding of different biomaterials that can be used to mimic cartilage tissue.

JSHS 2016 Abstracts

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Paper Number: 45 Paper Title: Altering Lentiviral Tropism: Design and Implications of a Targeted Drug-Delivery System Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Despite many promising discoveries utilizing gene therapy, efficient transfer of therapeutic genes remains a

major roadblock. Viral vectors are commonly employed, but have drawbacks since delivery is limited by wild-

type virus’s natural tropisms. In order to address this hindrance, this project explores a potent technique

called pseudotyping, which embeds proteins with affinity to cells of interest into the lipid envelope of

lentiviral vectors. First, vectors were pseudotyped with “sticky” vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVg)

which improved their infection ability and broadened their tropism, but did not provide specificity.

Subsequently, cancer cells with unique receptors were targeted by pseudotyping viral vectors with the

receptors’ complementary proteins. Malignant and deadly pancreatic cancer was chosen as a model due to

its unique expression of cholecystokinin 1 and 2 (CCK1 and CCK2) receptors, which bind molecules of gastrin-

17 (GAST17) and cholecystokinin-8 (CCK8). A procedure was designed to generate lentiviral vectors with

GAST17 and CCK8 (non-membrane bound proteins) in their envelopes by fusing them to the platelet derived

growth factor receptor (PDGFR) transmembrane domain to anchor them in the packaging cells’ membranes.

Therefore, a pioneering concept for selectively targeting organs and cancers with personalized therapeutic-

delivery tools is established, made clinically practical through the innovative protocol.

Paper Number: 46 Paper Title: The effect gender has on Drosophila melanogaster in mating after being exposed to acoustic trauma Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a disability inflicted by acoustic traumas, such as concerts, construction

sites, and loud music. Drosophila melanogaster are an inexpensive model for finding answers about NIHL in

humans. Female fruit flies use their antennae in order to respond the courtship songs of the males. Tests

were run by inducing NIHL on each gender of D. melanogaster, then placing them in vials with healthy fruit

flies of the opposite gender in order for them to mate and reproduce. To acoustically traumatize the fruit

flies, they were put into a modified vial with a speaker placed at one end. Music was played through the

speaker at a range of 90-110 dB for 24 hrs. The gender with a greater reliance on hearing was determined by

counting the offspring. Traumatized females had the greatest difference in offspring from the control with a

mean 156.2 less than the control. Traumatized males had a mean 63.5 less than the control. Therefore,

hearing impacts the mating ability of female flies (p < 0.001) . The data visually implies that the same may be

true for male flies, but further experimentation is needed (p = 0.073 < 0.10).

JSHS 2016 Abstracts

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Paper Number: 47 Paper Title: Effects of Environmental Xenoestrogens Found in Plastics on Caenorhabditis Elegans Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: The plastic manufacturing industry has used Bisphenol A (BPA) as a hardening agent since the 1950’s.

Extensive studies have revealed the xenoestrogenic properties of BPA, forcing the industry to remove it from

plastics. This chemical was strategically replaced with a similar, and potentially more hazardous chemical

called Bisphenol S (BPS). We hypothesized that BPA binds weakly to estrogen receptors and promotes rapid

cell proliferation, and that BPS would act in a similar manner. The principle objective for conducting this

research was to investigate the potential effects of environmental xenoestrogens found in plastics on

Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Preliminary results have shown that exposure to as little as 10 µM

causes significant changes in the appearance and reproductive cycle of C. elegans. Worms exposed to

Bisphenol A and Bisphenol S demonstrated an increase in their fertility rates and size, thereby displaying a

greater density per unit area. Prior studies conducted by independent research organizations, on the effects

of BPA on C. elegans, have indicated that BPA inhibits growth and is lethal at higher concentrations. Our

research currently contradicts these studies.

Paper Number: 48 Paper Title: Nano-structure mediated delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent for improved leukemia treatment Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a slow progressing blood and bone marrow disease. Currently, tyrosine

kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used to treat CML, by preventing the oncogenic function of the BCR-ABL gene, a

gene found in more than 95% of CML patient’s cells. Bosutinib, a TKI, is effective for most patients with CML,

but shows substantial toxic side effects. Developing a more targeted drug delivery system using gold

nanoparticles may decrease the negative side effects of Bosutinib. The aim of this project was to study the

effectiveness of gold nanoparticles as a platform for delivery of Bosutinib to decrease toxicity to normal

human cells and develop an improved treatment for CML. Gold nanoparticles were synthesized, capped with

carboxymethyl chitosan and conjugated with Bosutinib. Synthesis and conjugation was confirmed by

transmission electron microscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Cell viability studies

were performed to determine the effectiveness of the gold nanoparticle drug delivery system as compared to

unconjugated Bosutinib, and its’ specificity to cancer cells. The conjugated gold nanoparticle drug delivery

system for Bosutinib was demonstrated to have high cancer cell selectivity and efficiency, thereby making

this drug delivery system a superior replacement for the patient treatment of unconjugated Bosutinib.

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Paper Number: 49 Paper Title: Effects of Novel Chemotherapeutic Napthoquinones Juglone and Plumbagin on Human Lymphoma and Neuroblastoma Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: The crippling cancers of lymphoma and neuroblastoma take over 21,000 lives every year. Juglone and

plumbagin, two promising derivations of the napthoquinone family, have been tested on several cancer

types, but never on lymphoma or neuroblastoma cancer cells. This novel study aimed to investigate the

effects and mechanisms of the juglone/plumbagin interaction with cancerous and healthy cell lines.

Treatments of juglone and plumbagin were tested against lymphoma U937 cells with healthy Mytilus edulis

hemocytes as a control; the same series of treatments was tested against neuroblastoma HTB11 cells with

healthy Mytilus edulis ganglia cells as a control. ELISA quantified the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory

cytokine TNF- α and anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic protein BAK, insinuating

apoptosis reached through both p53-dependent and p53-independent pathways. Both compounds

concurrently inhibited adhesion of U937 cells to the base membrane, indicating anti-inflammation and anti-

metastasis properties. Overall, juglone and plumbagin show potent anti-cancer effects on lymphoma and

neuroblastoma cells with extremely minor toxicity on healthy control cells. The napthoquinones exhibit

through several mechanisms excellent potential to serve as novel anti-inflammatory and chemotherapeutic

agents.

Paper Number: 50 Paper Title: Use of IL18 as a Costimulatory Domain in CD19-28z CAR T-cells Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a cancer that 1450 people die from annually. Clinical trials show that

chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells modified to target cancer cells expressing CD19 with costimulatory

domains CD28 and ζ have the potential to effectively eradicate B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia residual

cells. The purpose of this experiment is to take IL-18, a proinflammatory cytokine, test its effectiveness as a

costimulatory factor in CAR T-cells that would serve to disrupt the tumor microenvironment. A human model

of the proposed armored CAR has been created and has shown success in combating cancer cells in vitro. The

next step is to design and produce a murine model to test in live mice. This research project aimed to create

both P2A and IRES models, by inserting the genes into SFG backbones. IRES, a DNA element which acts as a

binding site for the transcriptional machinery to recognize which part of the DNA to transcribe, commonly

found in bicistronic vectors, is large with 500-600 base pairs, and and has a lower transgene expression rate.

P2A is smaller, only consisting of about 20 amino acids, and typically has a higher transgene expression rate,

which may or may not result in higher effectiveness of the model. Attempts to create a mouse model did not

pass the stage of ligation, despite repeated attempts with various ratios of substrate and enzymes and ratio

of insert to vector.

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Paper Number: 51 Paper Title: Role of CpG ODN in enhancing B cell vaccine for immunotherapy in Canine Lymphoma Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Role of CpG ODN in enhancing B cell vaccine for immunotherapy in Canine Lymphoma

Arundhati Johri, Senior in Millburn High School

Contribution: Detailed design of experiment, data compilation, analysis and reporting of this research project

Millburn High School, Millburn, New Jersey

Dr Nicola Mason, BVetMed PhD DACVIM , Pamela Cole Chair in Companion Animal Medicine Associate

Professor of Medicine University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

Contribution: Mentor for project; research guidance and discussion

Dr. Josephine Gnanandarajah, Post-doctoral Fellow, Mason Lab, University of Pennsylvania School of

Veterinary Medicine

Contribution: Conduct of physical experiment on B cell cultures

Lymphoma is a common and spontaneously occurring cancer in canis lupis familiaris, domestic dogs.

Although current methods of treatment by chemotherapy and radiotherapy are effective, most dogs

eventually relapse and have a short survival. Immunotherapy is a novel and alternate method that uses the

body’s immune system. By injecting B-cells loaded with tumor RNA into patients, tumor-specific, cytotoxic T-

cells are stimulated which kill cancer cells. The B cell vaccine has proven to be effective in survival. These are

produced by ex-vivo culture of patient’s B cells from peripheral blood, using stimulants like KtCD40 ligand.

This experiment was undertaken to assess the effect of addition of the CpG Oligodinucleotide to existing

methods of B cell cultures to improve number and activation of B lymphocytes for vaccine production;

assessed in this experiment. CpGODN2006 when used with KtCD40 ligand enhanced B cell growth compared

to the control. An optimal dose of CpG ODN was found to be 0.1 µg/mL. This provided proof to the

hypothesis of combining the two agents. It must still be validated. This method has potential for application

in canine cancer immunotherapy. Research developments in immunotherapy of canine cancers can be

applied to the treatment of human cancers.

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Paper Number: 52 Paper Title: Confirmation of TH and ChI colocalization in transgenic mice Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Levodopa induced dyskinesia (LID), abnormal and uncontrollable movements, is a side effect of long term L-

DOPA treatment in Parkinson’s Disease patients. The purpose of this experiment was to check colocalization

of cholinergic interneurons (ChI) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), an enzyme that converts L-DOPA to

dopamine. Data collected from Doyle and Heiman show high expression of TH in ChI relative to other cells in

the striatum. High TH levels were recognized when compared with the unbound brain stem, which contains

dopamine neurons. This led to the central question: Is TH protein expressed in ChI? The expression of TH in

ChI would be significant since TH converts L-DOPA into dopamine. Although dopamine alleviates PD, it also

causes dyskinesia. TH expression in ChI would suggest ChI to produce dopamine in a dysregulated manner

which could induce dyskinesia. To examine TH expression in ChI, transgenic mice expressing GFP under the

control of the TH promoter were used. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine whether ChAT (a

ChI marker) and GFP were co-labeled. The results did not support the hypothesis because TH-GFP and ChI

failed to co-label in the striatum. However, colocalization of TH-GFP and ChI in other regions of the brain,

such as the basal forebrain, is another possibility.

Paper Number: 53 Paper Title: Strobilation of Cassiopea Xamachana Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Many coastal regions around the world are experiencing an overpopulation of various species of jellyfish.

These organisms do not have many natural predators and this leads to undeterred proliferation, affecting the

recreational use of the beaches and shores.

Certain environmental factors such as higher ocean temperatures and nitrate levels are suspect in this

phenomenon. Our study is designed to understand the life cycles of the jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana with a

purpose of identifying the factors that affect their reproductive rates.

Factors being studied include temperature, salinity, and diet. Preliminary results indicate that a combination

of these factors, such as a tank temperature of 28˚C and salinity levels of 29 ppt and a daily routine of

target feeding, induces polyp formation and strobilation.

Further investigation is needed to yield more conclusive and consistent results.

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Paper Number: 54 Paper Title: Determining the Mating Rituals of Mesocricetus auratus and the Reapplication of these Rituals to Test Subjects Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Ectogenesis seeks completion of the gestational process extracorporeally. Considerable barriers include the

natural physiological and psychological bonds present between mating partners as well as mothers and feti.

This study will ascertain the nature of these bonds, and the extent to which alterations can affect them. Using

Mesocricetus auratus as subject species, mating rituals will be observed, and high pitched frequencies

emitted by subjects during this period and in mating will be recorded and analyzed. Following impregnation,

the female will be monitored for high frequency waves exchanged between mother and feti. These

frequencies are to be used in determining physiological implications they have on the parents, and on the

psychological conditions which they interact with in maternal bonding.

Subsequently, a fertile mating and gestational environment will be artificially recreated using replications

of the emitted frequencies in rhythmic sequence, and application of artificial hormones to match those

released during the stages of mating rituals and their gestational period. Frequency pitches will be altered

through interchanging of emitted frequencies to determine the intensity of maternal-fetal frequency

bonding, and the feasibility of alterations in changing the psyche of the female subject or feti. This data will

determine the effect of different frequencies emitted by animals for bonding, and aid in the study of

ectogenesis through providing an understanding of the psychological and physiological aspects affected by

mating and gestation. Ultimately this will prove informative in the testing of how emitted frequencies of the

electromagnetic spectrum, to which we contribute enormously, are affecting different species.

Paper Number: 55 Paper Title: Ascertaining the Feasibility of Using Chlorophyll as a Buffer Against Genetic Mutation of the Heterotrophic Decomposer Saccharom Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: In this experiment, the researcher will test whether or not the pigment chlorophyll can act as a buffer against

mutations occurring in the fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The variable of manipulation will be the amount

of chlorophyll introduced to the fungal cells. After the fungal cells are exposed to the variable levels of

chlorophyll extracted from Spinacia oleracea, the structure of the DNA will be analyzed and assessed for

mutation rate by conducting electrophoretic gel analysis to determine magnitude of change. The researcher’s

hypothesis is that the fungal cells exposed to chlorophyll will be somewhat protected from cell mutations.

This experiment has strong implications for microbiological research. Currently, research has shown that

chlorophyll may have antitoxin properties, while other studies have shown that in small animals such as rats,

chlorophyll has helped prevent its cells from becoming cancerous. This research is unique from others,

because the researcher is dealing with fungal cells. Since fungal cells share a closer heritage to animal cells as

opposed to plant cells, this research will provide insight on whether or not chlorophyll can prevent mutations

in fungal cells, and thus presents implications for the etiology and pathophysiology of cancer in eukaryotic

organisms.

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Paper Number: 56 Paper Title: mRNA Bidirectional Mobility Through Cuscuta Bridge Attachment Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Cuscuta pentagona is a parasitic plant that attaches to the stem of a host plant using specialized organs called

haustoria. Haustoria penetrate into host vascular tissue to provide a passageway for the transfer of

macromolecules between Cuscuta and its host. Past studies have documented the bidirectional transfer of

nucleic acid, specifically mRNA, between Cuscuta and the host plant. However, the ability of mRNA to be

transferred to and from two different host plants through a single parasitic bridge is largely unexplored. This

study sets out to find if host endogenous mRNA trafficking through the Cuscuta bridge, connecting

Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), is bidirectional. Using host-specific primers to

conduct reverse transcriptase PCR, we discovered the presence of exogenous mRNA in either host,

suggesting that the movement of mRNA is bidirectional between both hosts via the parasitic bridge (tomato

mRNA to Arabidopsis and Arabidopsis mRNA to tomato).

Paper Number: 57 Paper Title: Toll-like Receptor 4 Mediates Somatostatin Neuronal Death Induced by Traumatic Brain Injury Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Traumatic brain injury causes neuronal degeneration and enhances excitability of the hippocampal dentate

gyrus, increasing risk for epileptogenesis. Cellular injury triggers release of molecules that activate an innate

immune response. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is an immune receptor that contributes to increasing excitability

of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Inhibitory GABAergic interneurons containing the neuropeptide

somatostatin express TLR4 and are particularly susceptible to death after brain injury. The role that TLR4

plays in somatostatin neuron death was examined. A fluid percussion injury (FPI) model of concussive brain

injury was used. Ex vivo live hippocampal slices from sham and injured rats were pretreated in artificial

Cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) or lipopolysaccharide from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides

ultrapure (LPS RS-U), a selective TLR4 antagonist. An in vitro excitotoxic challenge was generated by high

concentration of potassium to provoke cell death in control and injured sections. Immunostaining for

somatostatin positive cells and dead cells was conducted. Cell counts show that after treatment with a TLR4

antagonist, cell death was drastically reduced. Results indicate that TLR4 plays a distinct role in post-

traumatic brain injury neuropathology and that antagonizing this receptor could serve as a novel method of

preventing neuronal degeneration after concussive brain injury.

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Paper Number: 58 Paper Title: Reducing the Potential Risk of Nosocomial Bacterial Infections By Aerielly Transmitting Garlic As An Antibacterial Reagent Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Bacterial infections have been an ongoing battle for medical specialists since the beginning of the human

race. One specific mystery to humans is nosocomial bacterial infects that are infections generated within a

medical facility. It has become the 6th highest cause of death in the United States. Garlic is very well known

for its antibacterial properties due to its active ingredient allicin. Its important to find a more ecofriendly way

of reducing bacteria because cleaning reagents cause pollution and become hazardous waste products,

eventually negatively impacting the ecosystem and causing long-term health problems. In this experiment,

Garlic was liquefied and put into a Humidifier, which was then placed into tubes that branched out to a large

network of containers mocking a hospital environment. Petri dishes of bacteria were placed in the same

containers and then the resulting colonies of bacteria were counted after different humidity ranges to

determine whether garlic proves as eco-friendly, antibacterial substance. The results proved that Garlic is

more effective than bleach in reducing colonies of bacteria in an enclosed environment. With this

information, the medical field makes strives to shed light on reducing the number of nosocomial infections.

Paper Number: 59 Paper Title: Can Cactus be a Reliable Ethanol Source for Farmers Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: The Southern states in the United States have been affected from droughts in recent years. Many farmers

lose crop and money because of this situation. A drought is an extended period when a region has a

deficiency in water supply whether it is on the surface or underground water. A drought can last for months

or years. A drought can have a huge impact on the ecosystem and the agricultural region of an area. It can

stop the growth of the produce in a farmer's land. Droughts have a reduce of rain or any other type of

precipitation. A drought can take the nutrients and moisture from the soil a farmer uses as well. In the

experiment the researcher will create an alternate money maker for the farmers, using a plant that can

survive in droughts, in this case it would be cactus and the researcher would create ethanol from the cacti

due to its high sugar content. Instead of using corn which is used to make gasoline, and it needs a lot of water

to produce, being able to use another source would change the way ethanol is produced and it can benefit

farmers as well as major companies if there is any troubling situations in the coming future.

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Paper Number: 60 Paper Title: The Correlation Between Tweets and Motor Vehicle Accidents Paper Category: Mathematics and Computer science/computer engineering; applied mathematics-theoretical computer science Paper Abstract: Every year in America, thousands of lives and billions of dollars are lost to motor vehicle accidents. Because

most car accidents are caused by human factors, can social media, specifically Twitter, pick up on these

human factors before they cause accidents? The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the

frequency of a keyword in large-scale Twitter feeds correlated to car accident frequency in eleven Californian

cities. The fifty-six keywords were chosen to indicate car accident-prone behavior, and the eleven Californian

cities were Bakersfield, Chico, Fresno, Indio, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis

Obispo, Stockton, and Ventura. Using Twitter Application Programming Interface, approximately three million

Tweets were collected during the month of October 2014 and stored separately by city and hour. Using a

Granger causality analysis, the Tweets were then compared to car accident records obtained from the

California state government. The Granger causality test indicated that the frequencies of certain keywords

such as “tired,” “high,” and “rain” strongly correlated with the car accident frequencies in certain cities, while

other keywords did not correlate at all. These correlations indicate that Twitter may be able to assess a city’s

risk of car accidents before they happen.

Paper Number: 61 Paper Title: Backtest of a Quantitative Investment Model Paper Category: Mathematics and Computer science/computer engineering; applied mathematics-theoretical computer science Paper Abstract: The focus of this research project was to create and backtest a quantitative investment model that applied

specific fundamental selection variables and mathematical calculations to identify financial opportunities.

Models that use specific fundamental measures are able to identify superior stock investments. These

fundamental variables include company size, current ratio, revenue growth, profit margin, beta, and price-to-

cash-flow ratio. Historical backtesting was done on S&P 100 stocks by using the Wealth-Lab Pro software over

a 20-year time period.

The performance of the quantitative investment model was compared with both the S&P 100 Index and

a buy-and-hold strategy, and the proposed model achieved a higher net profit and annualized gain during the

historical 20-year time period over both the buy-and-hold strategy and the S&P Index. The Monte Carlo

simulation on the quantitative model also supported that this investment strategy would be highly likely to

achieve solid profit levels in the future.

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Paper Number: 62 Paper Title: A Neural Network to Predict Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Community-Based Sample Paper Category: Mathematics and Computer science/computer engineering; applied mathematics-theoretical computer science Paper Abstract: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) has been linked to negative cardiovascular health outcomes and higher

mortality rates. Machine learning, specifically a neural network, is an innovative way to increase the

availability of diagnostic tools. A neural network was built to predict OSA based on anthropometric input

variables relating to a Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) value greater than twenty apnea events per hour.

Data was obtained from the Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS) published by the National Sleep Research

Resource. The WEKA graphical classifier tool and statistical analysis program R were used to both construct

and analyze the predictive capability of the network. Statistical measures tabulated by both R and WEKA

were found to be significant. By examining the results it was determined that data mining functions can be

used with 90% accuracy to predict the outcome of OSA. The neural network can be further trained using a

variety of parameters so that a wider range of data can be used, and a cloud-based neural network can be

constructed so that the algorithm is available to a user. This method can also be extended to datasets relating

to other sleep disorders.

Paper Number: 63 Paper Title: Using a Quadcopter Drone for Vegetation Detection Paper Category: Mathematics and Computer science/computer engineering; applied mathematics-theoretical computer science Paper Abstract: It is important to detect vegetation because it is ubiquitous and impacts how we, as humans, live in the

world. In this research I programmed a quadcopter to visually detect vegetation using an algorithm and I

address how to solve problems that would arise with automated vegetation detection.

Paper Number: 64 Paper Title: Using a Quadcopter Drone for Vegetation Detection Paper Category: Mathematics and Computer science/computer engineering; applied mathematics-theoretical computer science Paper Abstract: It is important to detect vegetation because it is ubiquitous and impacts how we, as humans, live in the

world. In this research I programmed a quadcopter to visually detect vegetation using an algorithm and I

address how to solve problems that would arise with automated vegetation detection.

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Paper Number: 65 Paper Title: Bisphenol-A Exposure and the Occurrence of Estrogen Dominance Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Estrogen Dominance (ED) is a condition in which the ratio of estrogen to progesterone in the body is greater

than normal, leading to various adverse health consequences. Environmental chemicals called Xenoestrogens

can cause Estrogen Dominance by mimicking natural estrogen and triggering unintended hormonal effects.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a Xenoestrogen commonly found in the receipts of stores and restaurants that can be

absorbed through the skin immediately upon contact. This may pose a serious health risk to employees

whose jobs require a constant exposure to receipt paper. To investigate this issue, receipts from local stores

and restaurants were analyzed for their BPA concentration. A survey was distributed to female cashiers and

waitresses inquiring about the presence of specific ED symptoms, and their responses were correlated to the

amount of BPA in the receipts of their respective store/restaurant. It was determined that, in comparison to

surveyed females that were not constantly exposed, the store and restaurant employees reported a higher

frequency of ED symptoms. It was also found that the employees who were subjected to higher

concentrations of BPA reported a higher frequency of symptoms. This information may support the need to

find a safer alternative to BPA in receipts.

Paper Number: 66 Paper Title: The Effect of Glucocorticoids on IFNg-Induced STAT-1 Serine Phosphorylation Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Asthma is often treated with glucocorticoids (GCs), anti-inflammatory steroids found in inhalers. This

treatment, however, is ineffective for 5-10% of asthmatic patients. This study examined the effect of GCs on

interferon-γ (IFNγ) induced STAT1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, a pathway that normally

causes inflammation in severe asthmatics. It was hypothesized that GCs will be ineffective in inhibiting IFNγ

induced STAT1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. An immunostaining protocol was used. A549 cells

were either untreated in the basal condition, treated with GC fluticasone propionate (FP), IFNγ, or IFNγ and

FP. With no treatment, there was no STAT-1 serine phosphorylation or nuclear translocation due to a lack of

stimulation. With FP treatment, there was no STAT-1 serine phosphorylation or nuclear translocation,

proving GCs are an effective inhibitor without cytokine stimulation. Using the IFNγ treatment proved as an

effective stimulator of STAT-1 serine phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. With FP and IFNγ

treatment, FP was shown to be an ineffective inhibitor of IFNγ-induced STAT-1 serine phosphorylation and

nuclear translocation. Consequently, the hypothesis was supported. Even with GC treatment, IFNγ induced

STAT1 serine phosphorylation and nuclear translocation occurred, indicating a possible cause of GC

insensitivity in severe asthmatic patients. Because the mechanism allowing for IFNγ-induced STAT-1 Serine

Phosphorylation is a Th1 response of the immune system rather than a Th2 response, which asthma is

normally thought to be, it also implicates that in severe asthmatic symptoms are a result of a Th1 immune

response and new drug therapies must be developed accordingly.

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Paper Number: 67

Paper Title: Analysis of androgen in patient derived CTCs to elucidate the understanding of treatment response in prostate cancer patients Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men because its treatment in the

metastatic stage is not well established. The use of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) eliminates the need for

tumor tissue samples, as they represent a liquid biopsy of the tumor. Through CTC isolation, we can find

biomarkers of taxane drug sensitivity or resistance. This study tested that the presence of androgen in the

nucleus of CTCs would determine clinical resistance to taxane drugs. Conversely, presence of androgen in the

cytoplasm would determine clinical response. An additional hypothesis is that a high brightness of the

androgen would indicate a later spike in CTCs. A microfluidic device was used to capture CTCs from patient

blood. At two stages of treatment, the samples were previously treated ex vivo with cabazitaxel or docetaxel.

CTCs were found through software, imaged in 63x magnification and analyzed for androgen presence. Of the

seven patients studied, 43% showed a response to treatment as evidenced by low nuclear androgen. In

patients with a high H score, only 14% showed a spike in CTCs in the next cycle. Finally, tumor heterogeneity

was found, which shows the need for personalized treatment.

Paper Number: 68 Paper Title: A Study of Social Intelligence Among Dogs and Their Owners Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: The only recently defined field of Social Intelligence (SI) has already seen a fairly significant expansion of

interest among psychologists and social scientists. SI generally encompasses the ability of humans to pick up

social cues and make decisions in order to best develop and sustain relationships with others. However,

because the field can still be considered to be in its infantile stages, few researchers have expanded it beyond

humans. The purpose of this study was to project the field of SI onto not just humans, but also onto what are

widely considered to be their best friends: dogs. It attempted to determine any relationship between SI in

dog owners as compared to that of their domesticated dogs. This was achieved by conducting an SI test with

dog owners and observing the responses of their dogs to social cues. This research has various impacts, such

as determining whether similarity of SI between dog and owner pairs affects their relationships and showing

how the application of the field of SI can be expanded beyond just humans alone.

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Paper Number: 69 Paper Title: The Role of Emotions in Effective Advertising Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Advertisers’ number one goal is to have viewers remember their company’s commercial. With the average

American viewing around an hour of commercials per day, this prospect is becoming significantly more

important. This study investigated the influence of two prominent emotions in television advertising, and

their relationship to advertising effectiveness. For the purpose of this project, advertising effectiveness was

defined as the percent of information a viewer can recall and recognize. The two emotions that were tested

were “funny” and “serious.” In a classroom viewing environment, a total of 170 viewers were shown sets of

eight commercials. These sets of commercials contained either all “funny” or all “serious” commercials.

Immediately after watching their respective set, viewers completed a five page advertising recall test. This

test determined how much information the viewer can recall, recognize and interpret from the commercials

they had viewed. Data will be analyzed and a correlation between emotions and advertising effectiveness will

be determined in the weeks to come.

Paper Number: 70 Paper Title: The Negative Psychological Effects of The Color Red in a Classroom Environment Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Color is a prevalent aspect of everyday life and can be detected in essentially every situation or environment.

In a society that has become fixated on image, it is important to look past the aesthetics and explore their

depths and meanings. There have been many hidden connotations and subliminal messages attributed to

certain colors, and many studies have been conducted to explore the psychological facet of color itself. It was

hypothesized that the color red will naturally prompt a subconscious avoidance mechanism within students

in a classroom environment. To explore this conjecture, an experiment was conducted to investigate the

connection between the color red and the psychological functioning of students. This experiment tested

students in grades 10-12. Each student was given a sample student-written essay and an NJASK Holistic

Scoring Rubric. Three versions of the same essay printed in different colors (red, purple, and black) were

randomly distributed. The students were asked to score the essay and a short survey was administered

afterwards to take task-interest into account. The data analysis is presently being completed and the results

may indicate that certain colors will subconsciously affect the students’ grading mindsets; this would be seen

in the differences of student-given scores.

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Paper Number: 71 Paper Title: Organized Memory Retention in High School Students Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: My research project will test "Organized Retention in High School Students". The development of the brain is

rapid and continual during the adolescent years with parts like the hippocampus and the frontal lobe

developing and changing. The frontal lobe, the part of the brain that controls aspects such as organization,

goes through accelerated development during the adolescent years and one of the things organization

affects is memory. My research project will test the development of organization and memory in High School

students and study the difference of brain development between lower and higher classes. To test this, my

experiment will consist of 15 freshmen year students, 15 sophomore year students, 15 junior year students,

and 15 senior year students. Each year will be tested seperatley and will be shown various visuals that can be

emotionally and/or optically stimulating. After looking at each visual, they will answer a questionnaire asking

questions like what do they remember from the visual, where are the objects they see located, and if they

were emotionally stimulated by any of the pictures. With the data of the responses I collect, I am able to find

any trends in development by analyzing the memory retention of each subject and comparing them to the

responses of the other students in their year as well as, comparing the responses of different years with each

other. With my research I would able to show brain organization and memory retention development and

trends in regards to the teenage brain. However, after conducting my experiment, my results did not strongly

support the notion that the various teen age groups would memorize and respond to the stimulus differently

as the the results were scattered however, if specific groups and larger amounts of students were used I

would probably see a a trend.

Paper Number: 72 Paper Title: The Effects of Drugs on Cholesterol Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: This research examines the effects of various cholesterol drugs over a two month period for five patients in a

local hospital. The goal is to analyze each patient’s treatment for effectiveness based on their real life

situations. A personal relationship was built with each patient to ensure proper feedback taking into account

each aspect of their life routine, diet, sleep, medications, and especially family history of myocardial

infarction (MI). Treatment starts with determining each patient’s cholesterol levels, including the lipid profile

and total cholesterol, LDL/HDL fractions to assess risk and plan treatments. The first strategy is a change in

diet, followed by treatment is with statins. Statins are the primary medical prescribed worldwide to reduce

cholesterol levels. The dosage however, must be monitored, so that relationship with is very important, as

they must return in 4-6 weeks to check progress. The patients in this study all had varying levels of

hyperlipidemia, making them good candidates for statins. and after six weeks of treatment all patients

showed improvements in cholesterol levels, and health prospects. The case studies of these patients can

serve as a model for others transitioning to statin treatment. Future studies may including following long

term usage of statins.

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Paper Number: 73 Paper Title: Incorporating Fungal Medicines on Modified socks to combat against Trichophyton Rubrum Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Since 46% of athletes (Sports Bio, 2013) do not take care of their feet, excess fungal infections may begin to

form and culture. Due to this, a fungal disinfectant (“lipid lover”) sock can be created to decrease chances of

fungal and bacterial infections. This sock may contain medicine that is already used to cure and or treat

fungal and bacterial infections on the foot. So that when the athlete is playing sports, they can wear this sock

and all the sweat gets easily disposed into the sock, but doesn’t cause any heat of moisture in the sock or

shoe. Your foot stays the same way it did before you even started playing the sport! These socks will also be

cost efficient and will be dry clean safe. These socks can also help men and women who enlist in the army. In

the army, most soldiers live in desert and unhygienic areas that can affect their body in many ways. Soldiers

don’t usually have too many pairs of clothing so they may be living off of one or two socks for the whole

week. This can also cause fungal and bacterial infections as soldiers may sweat due to boot camp and fighting

behind enemy lines. With this sock, the soldier’s foot can stay immune to these vulnerabilities and can help

for an excess amount of days before switching the pair of socks.

Paper Number: 74 Paper Title: Association Between Sleep Habits and Academic Achievement in High School Students Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition in which the upper airway is blocked or collapses which causes

breathing to stop for a few seconds at a time during sleep. It is known that OSA negatively affects cognition in

adults; however, these effects have not been well documented in adolescents. Poor sleep habits, which may

mimic the effects of OSA, can also affect cognition. This study’s aim was to find an association between sleep

habits and academic performance in a population of high school students. A survey, consisting of basic

questions regarding the students’ sleep habits and academic performance, was used. The results of this study

will allow both students and teachers to understand the type of sleep habits currently happening with these

students and its possible connection to their academic performance.

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Paper Number: 75 Paper Title: Determining Imaging and Cell Culture Protocol for Sema3A Neuronal Dendritic Morphologic Screen Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: The central challenge of neural development is to explain how axons and dendrites grow outward, find

appropriate partners, and develop a synapse between them selectively to create a functional network.

Though axonal growth and morphology are often studied, dendritic morphology is rarely studied. It is

important to study dendritic growth however as it has been implicated in many neurological diseases.

Sema3A is often implicated in functioning as a cue for dendritic growth and therefore the aim of this research

was to determine which downstream cytoskeletal regulators were present in this pathway. First however, the

imaging and cell culture protocols for the morphological screen had to be determined using a 96 well plate to

test various cell densities and various quantities of Sema3A. It was determined that a 50 µL volume of

neurons allowed for the optimal cell density and a treatment of 5 nM Sema3A allowed for the ideal imaging

protocol. The images created using this protocol created clear images that allowed us to conduct Sholl

Anaylsis and determine dendritic complexity. If the role they play is determined, a better understanding of

neurodevelopment will be gained allowing for a more precise look at molecular targets for

neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism.

Paper Number: 76 Paper Title: Utilizing Alternative Medicine treatments to Prevent Urolithiasis Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Urolithiasis is the formation of kidney stones.Kidney stones are solid mineral deposits that form in the kidney.

Stones often get stuck and block the flow of urine and even cause severe pain and blood in the urine. The

kidney stones form in different sizes and shapes in the urinary system. Renal stones can consist of calcium

oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, cystine, and struvite Calcareous stones are still by far the most

common nephroliths, accounting for more than 80% of stones. Uric acid stones represent about 5–10%,

trailed by cystine, struvite, and ammonium acid urate stones. Calcium oxalate stones are much more

frequent than calcium phosphate stones. The number of people suffering from urolithiasis, formation of

kidney stones, has increased over the past few decades. Current for kidney stones are costly and can have

negative side effects. Utilizing alternative medicine is an efficient alternate to the current treatments. The

experimental setup consists of a test tube with a solution of simulated urine and particles of calcium oxalate.

Within the tube 3mm Teflon tubes will be in the solution representing the ureter. Each tube will have a

different treatment. The tubes will be placed in an incubated shaker to simulate the peristaltic movement in

the ureter and the body temperature. The results will be collected by calculating the change in mass of the

tubes. The calcium oxalate should occlude the tube. The change is mass would indicate which treatment is

optilum in preventing urolithiasis.

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Paper Number: 77 Paper Title: The Effects of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) on Orientation Detection Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Human beings have an ability of detecting edges, which is dependent on different levels of contrast and

locations of targets in one's visual field. Early experiments were done to determine at what level of contrast

could an individual reliably identify the orientation of a Gabor patch at a given position on the retina. Thus,

the goal was to establish a good range of contrast, position, and orientation differences through the use of an

eye tracking system, known as Eyelink II V 2.2, and the software Neurostim. From these experiments an

experimental paradigm was produced— a visual stimuli discrimination task with three different eccentricities

(2cm, 5cm ,10cm with an observing distance from fifty-seven centimeters), and seven different contrasts

ranging from one percent to the seven perecent, on human subjects. This experiment measures a subject's

contrast sensitivity for orientation discrimination. To further this experiment, the application of transcranial

alternating current stimulation (tACS)—a noninvasive neuromodulatory tool that, was applied at low

intensity electrical currents to the brain. The application of transcranial current stimulation (tCS) has been

intensely studied and has been found to improve various brain functions. However, little is known about the

underlying neural mechanisms of its effects. This experiment will potentially advance the understanding of

neural mechanisms and the effects of tACS on the brain.

Paper Number: 78 Paper Title: The Relationship Between Parent-Child Interactions and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Parent-child interactions, including parent-child bonding and validation, have been implicated as important

to understanding non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). However, the relationship has not been studied extensively

among young adults. 183 young adults responded to a survey that assessed the relationship between parent-

child interactions and NSSI. Negative correlations between parental care, maternal control, and NSSI were

found. Young adults with a history of NSSI reported having parents who exhibited more control and less care.

No method of NSSI disclosure was associated with validating parental reactions. Validating reactions to the

disclosure of NSSI were not associated with improvements in the parent-child relationship, and

improvements in the parent-child relationship were not associated with decreased NSSI frequency. Increased

help-seeking was associated with disclosure of NSSI to parents and validating reactions to the disclosure of

NSSI. This is the first study to examine how types of disclosure and types of parental reactions relate to NSSI

variables. Interventions to protect against NSSI emergence may consider teaching parents the importance of

validation in response to help-seeking attempts. Future research should assess the relative influences of

parental control and care on NSSI and the efficacy of therapies involving the parent-child relationship.

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Paper Number: 79 Paper Title: Observation of the Optogalvanic Effect in a CO2 Discharge Paper Category: Physical Sciences – physics; computational astronomy; theoretical mathematics Paper Abstract: “We report on our optogalvanic spectroscopy setup and our initial data where an optogalvanic signal is

observed.

Otogalvanic effect is an effect where a change in the conductivity of a discharge is observed due to a laser

beam with the right frequency.

Our system consists of a Carbondioxide laser, a sample cell and a oscillation/detection board. The

observation of an optogalvanic signal demonstrates

the existence of CO2 molecules inside the cell. We describe our experimental setup and present the initial

data.

Our future plan is to calibrate the system and optimize the signal so that we can measure carbondioxide

amount

using a CO2 laser.”

Paper Number: 80 Paper Title: Detection of Magnetostriction Effect Using Laser Interferometry Paper Category: Physical Sciences – physics; computational astronomy; theoretical mathematics Paper Abstract: We have built an interferometry setup in order to detect and measure the change in the dimensions of a

ferromagnetic material due to an applied magnetic field. We will describe our measurement system and

discuss our results showing this effect. We use both a basic Michelson and a quadrature setup to measure

the small changes in the length of various ferromagnetic materials. The magnetic field is both increased and

decreased during the measurement which leads to the observation of hysteresis.

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Paper Number: 81 Paper Title: Colloidal Gold Nanoparticle Generation with Plasma-Induced Synthesis Paper Category: Physical Sciences – physics; computational astronomy; theoretical mathematics Paper Abstract: Colloidal gold nanoparticles were generated using atmospheric pressure, non-thermal plasma to formulate

an aqueous electrolyte solution containing hydrogen tetrachloroaurate [HAuCl4] and trisodium citrate

[Na3C6H5O7]. The atmospheric pressure, non-thermal plasma chemistry facilitated a rapid synthesis of the

gold nanoparticles. For the first set of solution testing, the concentrations of the gold and the sodium citrate

were changed. Of this, fifteen trials were conducted. Five trials then proceeded to look at other parameters

such as current, voltage, plasma discharge mode, and distance. Optical properties of the gold nanofibers

were characterized by ultraviolet-near infrared spectroscopy [UV-NIR]. We were then able to categorize the

gold nanoparticles by their respective concentrations and their maximum wavelength peak and absorbance.

Our trials allowed us to determine that 34 mM of trisodium citrate and 8.9712 mM of hydrogen

tetrachloroaurate were the optimal concentrations for the electrolyte solution. With a steady plasma

discharge, a 1 mm distance, and an exposure time of 3 minutes, the synthesized gold nanoparticles produced

a 613.4 nm maxi-peak wavelength and a .940 absorbance.