Symposium Abstract Book 2012

NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS’

27th Annual Research Symposium

MAY 18, 201210:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

NCSSM Research Symposium 2011-2012

Avi Aggarwal, Amy Xie, Tyler Hayes, Whitman Groves

Teachers/Mentors: Myra Halpin, NCSSM; Florence Gold, NASA Johnson Space Center

Human Spinal Elongation in Space - The goal of this experiment is to observe the behavior of the human spine in

microgravity. Because astronauts frequently report back pain, and astronauts are known to “grow” 2-3 inches in

space, we seek to identify ways to relieve the strain through testing the forces exerted on the spinal column. It is

hypothesized that increased thoracic curvature created by holding one’s knees to his chest as well as fluid shift

changes force distribution. Force probes and piezoelectric strips quantify the forces on a realistic model of the

human spine. Video recording provides qualitative observations. A relationship between gravitational acceleration

and lumbar load exists.

Avi Aggarwal

Teachers/Mentors: Myra Halpin, NCSSM; Heileen Hsu-Kim, Andreas Gondikas, Duke University Department of Civil

& Environmental Engineering

Effect of Thiols on Silver Nanoparticle Fate - Silver nanoparticles are widely used in consumer goods for their

antimicrobial properties, yet little is known about their environmental impact. In aquatic systems, ligand groups in

organic matter may adsorb to particle surfaces and affect their bioavailability and reactivity. Surface-modified

silver nanoparticles may aggregate and settle out of water or dissolve into potentially more bioavailable forms of

silver. The thiol (S-H) ligand group has high affinity for silver and is likely to react with silver in water. We assessed

the effect of thiols on citrate-coated silver nanoparticles using glutathione, a low molecular weight peptide and

antioxidant. Aggregation of silver nanoparticles was measured with time-resolved dynamic light scattering (DLS).

Dissolved silver was determined by filtering batch suspensions to separate dissolved from particulate silver and

measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Zeta potential measurements (DLS) and

dissolved glutathione concentrations (measured with high pressure liquid chromatography - HPLC) were used as

indicators of sorption and surface charge. Results indicate that glutathione enhanced aggregation and dissolution

by sorbing on the surface of silver nanoparticles. Overall, these results suggest that thiols could play a critical role

in the reactivity and bioavailability of silver nanoparticles. In environments such as sediment pore water and

wastewater treatment plant effluent water, thiols are present in nanomolar to micromolar concentrations and

should be included in risk assessment studies. Moreover, the transformations studied here occurred

simultaneously, and our results stress the need for a multi-level approach for transport and fate models of metallic

nanomaterials.

Saima Akbar

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Hiroaki Matsunami, Ting Zhou, Duke University

Genetic Expression in the Carotid Body - The carotid body is a small chemosensory organ that lies between the

bifurcations of the carotid artery. This organ senses changes in the levels of blood oxygen, CO¬2, and pH and sends

signals to the brain to regulate breathing and blood pressure. Because the organ is so small, we have yet to

understand its gene expression. The lab has previously completed a transcriptome analysis of a single sensory cell

from the mouse carotid body using single-cell derived cDNAs. From the sequencing data, we saw that essential

components of the G protein dependent pathway are highly enriched, including an olfactory receptor MOR18-2. To

test the validity and specificity of the MOR18-2 expression, we performed in situ hybridization to observe gene

expression.


Grishma Alakkat

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Kate Scholberg, Duke University, Physics

Energy Drop in Supernova Events - The energy levels of a supernova as it passes through different phases of its life

cycle are measured as a function of the energy of a neutrino emitted from the supernova that is detected on Earth.

These neutrino events are extremely rare, and therefore we must be able to work with the data that is available.

One of the major steps in the life cycle of a supernova is the accretion to cooling transition. this step marks a large

drop in the energy level of the supernova. However, if there are too few neutrino events, it is impossible to say

with precision the time this transition occurred. This information is often essential in better understanding the

properties of the supernova, and therefore it is necessary to optimize the number of events. One method of doing

this is to take the mean of all the number of events per unit time, and create 2 subsets of data: one above the

mean and one below. Then, the mean of each of these subsets can be taken, and the difference between the mean

minus any error for both means gives a measure for calculating the precision of a certain number of events. The

lower this number, the lower the precision.

Marc Arrambide

Teachers/Mentors: David Green, NCSSM

Guitar Strings:Tonal Quality vs. Perceived Quality - I am conducting an experimental study investigating the

correlations between the perceived quality and tonal quality of an electric guitar string. The loudness, distribution

and distinctiveness of a string’s harmonics determine its tonal quality. I will compare these acoustic properties

using Fourier analysis with the strings’ professional reviews by Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend and Guitar World

magazine. A literature element will review the physics of simple harmonic motion, Fourier analysis, and vibrating

strings. I will also study a new hybrid string structure consisting of a cobalt coating on a steel string, which a recent

Guitar World magazine evaluated. I am conducting this experimental investigation under the mentorship of Mr.

David Green in IE378 Research Experience in Physics.

Forrest Ashworth and Monal Depani

Teachers/Mentors: Myra Halpin, NCSSM

PET/PEG Microwave Copolymer Synthesis - The main goal of our project was to lower the amount of catalyst

(tetrabutyl titanate) needed in an esterification reaction of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and poly(ethylene

teraphthalate) (PET) to produce a PET/PEG block copolymer. We used microwave-assisted synthesis to produce

copolymers at different catalytic percent amounts, 10 and 5 percent catalyst. We created thin films using a

hydraulic laboratory press to test our reactants in the FTIR spectrometer and used these spectra for product

verification. Inferring no change in product quality in varying catalytic amounts from our results, this reaction may

be carried out with even lower amounts of catalyst.


Robert Baraldi

Teacher/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM

Modeling the chromatin spring - Metaphase is a crucial part of mitosis, or cell division. One of the least

understood yet essential components of this phase is the chromatin spring, which is responsible for balancing the

kinetochore microtubules while the chromosomes prepare for segregation. Earlier research has concluded that the

chromatin and proteins form a spring. The true nature of this spring is unknown, although it has been widely

assumed that it is a simple Hookean/linear spring. In order to efficiently map this, we have created a program

using Matlab software that allows us to model many different parameters within the cell during metaphase only.

While initial testing seemed conclusive, it was determined that the linear spring could only model length of spindle

fibers and the spring. The exclusion of this large amount of variation exhibited by wild type cells suggests that a

linear model is not correct. Upon further examination, we concluded that the data actually follows two spring

constants. When reaching a certain threshold, the spring jumps to another constant as it is unbound by proteins

found in the chromatin, specifically condensin and cohesin.

Adele Bernard

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Nancy Zucker, Duke University

Social Cognitive Rehab for Anorexia Nervosa - People with Anorexia nervosa (AN) tend to associate with rejection

and are prone to difficulties relating with others. The aim of this study is to pilot a hypothesized intervention that

would help subjects increase success in their interpersonal relationships, widen their range of social comfort, and

learn to subdue life-restricting aspects of AN. Using knowledge about increased local processing in brains of those

with AN and increased association with negative stimuli, we piloted a daily task that measure their reaction rate

selecting a positive image from a rejecting one or an emaciated distraction. The study also involved pre-treatment,

treatment, and post-treatment surveys and personal assessments that aimed to guide our subjects towards

engaging in their personal lives. Our study led to a variance in results where some aspects of the subjects' disorder

improved while some deteriorated. About 2/3 of the subjects demonstrated interpersonal improvement and

improved in their negative rejection reaction rate. Also, those who had AN for the longest period of time and

greater severity did not respond to the intervention as well as others, leading us to re-evaluate our target patient

group and approach to social rehab.

Christopher Bernedo

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Evelyne Huber, UNC - Chapel Hill

The "Great Transformation" of Ollanta Humala - Ollanta Humala’s victory as President of Peru arose amidst a

continuing momentum of leftist governments rising within Latin America in what scholars refer to as the “pink

tide” or “post-neoliberalism.” Since the late 1990s, the region has seen Hugo Chavez, Evo Morales, Luiz Inacio Lula

da Silva, and other leftist political figures assume the leadership of their respective nations. Yet, Humala did not

see victory in his first attempt at presidency in 2006, when he was still seen as a radical leftist. Running again in

2011 as a more moderate candidate, he managed to secure the election. Certain factors that may have caused this

shift to the center are electoral constraints, legislative alliances, and the constraints of capitalism present in the


Peruvian government. I argue that these factors not only caused Humala's shift to the left-of-center, but they will

keep him on a track towards the moderate throughout his presidency.

Emily Boaz, Emily Chen, Nicole Serem

Teachers/Mentors: Joan Barber and Steve Warshaw, NCSSM

Mindfulness at NCSSM - NCSSM’s environment nurtures academic success, commitment to community service,

and exposure to different cultures, the rigors of this environment may also create unique challenges for the

students.The possible effects of these new adjustments may manifest outwardly in behaviorisms such as sleeping

habits, eating habits, as well as emotional well-being. These conditions may indicate it prudent to look into ways to

buffer these reactions specific to this type of environment.

A form of evidence-based stress management called mindfulness has been proven to alleviate these stress

symptoms. Mindfulness is a state of “non-doing” and living in the present. As described by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn,

mindfulness is the “complete ‘owning’ of each moment of your experience, good, bad, or ugly.” Mindfulness

fosters a more accepting view of each individual’s present condition. This new perspective reduces stress related

to one’s preoccupation with the future and past, and instead allows the individual to focus on the present. Dr.

Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program has demonstrated high effectiveness and success rates

in clinical settings, and has, inadvertently, proven to facilitate better quality of life in participants.

Mindfulness is not a recent development, however little research has been conducted on mindfulness in

adolescents, and even less so on stress in residential high school students. Since mindfulness has had such success

(especially in adults), it has the potential to be extremely effective in helping students manage their stress and live

a greater well-balanced lifestyle while at these residential schools.

Catherine Bradley

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Amy Joh Leigh Spivey, Child Learning Lab

Inhibitory Control in Preschool Aged Children - Inhibitory control develops throughout childhood, but the most

significant development is between 3 ½ to 5 years of age (Simpson, & Riggs, 2005; Carlson, & Moses, 2001). There

are many different types of specialized inhibitory control and the development of the specialized types could

depend on a general inhibitory mechanism in the brain. This hypothesis was tested by giving children aged 3.5 to 4

years of age three inhibitory tasks, and studying the relationships between the tasks. The Day-Night task measured

verbal and cognitive interference inhibition, the Card Sort task measured cognitive interference inhibition, and the

Frog-Monkey task measured motor inhibition. 38 participants were given the inhibitory measures, and results

showed a positive correlation between the Card Sort and Frog-Monkey tasks, but no relationships between the

Day-Night task and the other two tasks. The data suggests that there is not a general inhibitory mechanism that

controls the development of specialized inhibitory control. Instead, specialized types of inhibitory control may

develop independently of each other.


Ashleigh Caison

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Charlie Gersbach, Dave Ousterout, Duke University

The Synthesizing of TALENs for Gene Therapy - Transcription activator-like effector nucleases can be used to edit

the genome in very specific chosen places. The Gersbach Lab uses these, combined with zinc-finger nucleases

(which act for the same purpose) to try and “fix” muscular dystrophy by editing the dystrophin gene. The TALENs

are designed through a five day process of putting repeat variable di-residues together with a Fok1 cutting domain

to create the nuclease. One of two designed TALENs was successful, and can be used in combination with ZFNs to

edit DNA.

Jiexi Cao

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Gary Bishop, UNC Chapel Hill

Syllable Pop: Decoding Polysyllabic Words - Literacy is a key component to living and surviving in the modern

world. Without the ability to read, people often endanger themselves by not understanding the world around and

are more susceptible to fraud and deceit. However, not everyone can naturally become literate. As public

education becomes more standardized, a larger portion of students are blocked from attaining the knowledge in a

suitable, efficient way for them. Syllable Pop provides a different alternative to memorizing a list of vocabulary for

those who need a different approach. The simple JavaScript game logically breaks down polysyllabic words and

presents it to the user in a fun, enjoyable way where the user controls a bird casually flying around in the sky,

collecting balloons with chunks of the word, piecing the word back together.

Landon Carter

Teachers/Mentors: Myra Halpin, NCSSM; Rahman Tashakkori, Appalachian State University

Modeling Tephra Fallout - Volcanoes are highly destructive, causing hundreds of deaths and billions of dollars of

damage annually. Even more dangerous is the supervolcano, a massive volcano that ejects at least 1000 cubic

kilometers of tephra (volcanic rock and ash). Yellowstone is the most well-known supervolcano in the United

States. Using Gaussian atmospheric dispersion models, it is estimated that a Yellowstone eruption would cover

much of the United States in at least a millimeter of ash, causing direct damage in the form of building collapse and

respiratory problems. The atmospheric effects would last far longer, on the order of decades or even centuries,

causing an extended cooling period and wiping out up to 99% of the human population worldwide.


Landon Carter


Thermal Decomposition of Polyethylene - Polyethylene’s decomposition products are hydrocarbons, so leftover

polyethylene represents apossible source of fuel. Alkanes are more useful than unsaturated hydrocarbons in fuel,

thus, substances that can influence production of saturated versus unsaturated hydrocarbons are useful (SH/UH

ratio). Previous studies show that radical mechanisms govern polyethylene’s thermal decomposition, raising the

possibility of antioxidants hindering radical propagation. Therefore, I hypothesized that adding ascorbic acid would

produce larger hydrocarbons and greater SH/UH ratios. In order to determine these ratios, products were analyzed

with UV-Vis spectroscopy. Results using UV-Vis spectroscopy are inconclusive. Planned work includes using GC-MS

for thorough analysis of products.

Sarah Chao

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Michael Jarstfer, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

Mitochondria and TERT - The possibility of a link between mitochondria and TERT (telomerase reverse

transcriptase) was investigated, with the use of online programs Ensembl, Mitoprot, and Clustawl. Mitochondria

are known to play a large role in apoptosis, and TERT is known to have Caspase-6 and 7 cleavage sites which, when

cleaved, result in apoptosis. TERT protein sequences for 32 different vertebrate organisms were obtained from

Ensembl. On each, Mitoprot was used to calculate the possibility of mitochondrial targeting sequences and

cleavage sites. Clustawl was then used to align the sequences to check for conservation of the “TVTD” Caspase-6

cleavage site and for any correlation with the existence of the mitochondrial targeting sequence. Hints of a

correlation were seen, but not enough to be conclusive. Future work could include retesting with a new set of

protein sequences, to account for the possibility of errors in the sequences from Ensembl.

Vivian Chen

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Khanh Nhat Tran Viet, Terri Young, Duke Center of Human Genetics

Genetic Analysis of ATOH7 to ONH - The atonal homolog 7 (ATOH7) gene codes for transcription factors involved

directly with the optic nerve and ganglion cell development according to previous research. Optic nerve hypoplasia

(ONH) was the focus of this research, a disease with no current genetic linkage concerning the underdevelopment

of the optic nerve and one of the leading causes for blindness. Using a variety of polymerase chain reactions and

gel electrophoresis, the single exon of ATOH7 along with the untranslated region of the gene were analyzed in 54

different DNA samples from Duke, Australia, France , and Ohio. The sampling group contained both affected and

nonaffected subjects with ONH. Splitting the gene into three overlapping regions, there was a 44%, 91%, and 94%

success rates in PCR. Using a computer program Sequencher, the results of the successful PCRed DNA samples

were analyzed to determine the base pair sequences and search for any novel coding single nucleotide

polymorphisms (SNPs) or other mutations and variations. Two novel non-coding synonymous SNPs were found as

well as an already reported coding synonymous SNP, rs146898613. Further troubleshooting needs to be conducted

on failed DNA samples, but potential genetic therapy methods can be developed in the future with the help of

further research.


Kayla Christianson, Katie Helm, Israel Nelson, and Juliana Ruggiero

Teachers/Mentors: Marion Brisk, NCSSM

Synthesis of Nanotubes - Our research focused on testing and improving the procedure Dr. Yue Wu developed in

his laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to synthesize titanium dioxide nanotubes. This

procedure was the first half of a two-step process that involved application of a dye to TiO2 nanotubes to produce

a photovoltaic electrochemical cell that electrolyzes water. The high surface area results in significant production

of hydrogen gas. To begin the process of nanotube preparation, we mixed NaOH pellets, distilled water, and

titanium dioxide in a specially designed autoclave with a Teflon one liter vessel. The autoclave was heated in an

oven for three days. After cooling the white caked material was separated from the highly basic solution and then

pulverized. The titanium dioxide nanotubes where then separated into centrifuge tubes where they were washed

with 0.10 N HCl and distilled water until the pH was lowered to about 7.0. The process involved washing, shaking,

and centrifuging. After each wash the pH was determined. After the titanium dioxide material was neutralized, we

brought them to unc for imaging using a scanning electron microscope. The results indicated a successful synthesis

of titanium dioxide nanotubes.

Hannah Cornell

Teachers/Mentors: Ershela Sims, NCSSM

Biomechanics of Jump Landing - In this project, 6 subjects (3 males and 3 females) will have their kinetics from

takeoff to landing measured as they jump and land on a 2D force plate. The following variables: takeoff ground

reaction force, loading rate, and landing ground reaction forces will be calculated. Subjects will also be recorded as

they jump and land so that their joint kinematics during landing can be measured. Video analysis will be

completed in Logger Pro to determine the knee flexion angle at landing. The data obtained from female subjects

will be compared to that of the male subjects in order to determine the differences in landing mechanics. This

project is being done in an attempt to better understand the differences in how males and females land after

jumping in the air. This is important because previous studies have found that adolescent females who participate

in sports that involve jumping maneuvers sustain anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries at a higher rate than

males in the same sports. The study hypothesis is that women will land with a greater knee flexion angle than men,

and that women will have a higher loading rate than men.

Jerry Cui and David Wang

Teachers/Mentors: Bob Gotwals, NCSSM; Gary Churchill, Sue McClatchy, Jackson Laboratory

Computational Investigation of the Igf2r Pathway - Aging is not a simple process, and there are numerous

pathways and genes involved in the senescence of cells. Many studies have confirmed that one way to increase

lifespan is to follow a dietary restriction (DR) regimen, which has been well-studied in mice. There are several key

pathways and genes involved that contribute not only to longevity, but also to a reduced risk of cancer. Our goal

was to identify genes related to the Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) pathway and identify their relationship to

dietary restriction and extended lifespan. An expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis of genes with

known relations to the IGF pathway was conducted from a B6 x BTBR cross. From the eQTL analysis, a list of genes

related to key IGF genes in the IGF-1 pathway was built by analyzing the regions surrounding the eQTL peaks. This


list was refined by comparing expression data and determining the correlation between gene interactions. After

further analysis of the identified genes, we were able to create a list of six genes that are highly correlated with the

Igf2r pathway.

Raj Desai

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Jonathan Pillai, Sarah Mueller, Joseph DeSimone, UNC - Chapel Hill

Synthesis of MPLA Loaded Nanoparticle Vaccines - A recently developed top down process for the synthesis of

nanoparticles has introduced many new potential applications of nanomedicine and material synthesis. This new

process, known as PRINT Technology, was developed by the DeSimone Lab at the University of North Carolina at

Chapel Hill. PRINT Technology introduced greater control over particle synthesis. This study highlights some of the

major new innovations of PRINT Technology on particle synthesis including control over size, surface chemistry,

shape, and particle composition and studies the synthesis of MPLA-loaded nanoparticle vaccines. MPLA

nanoparticle vaccines were developed using 80x180 nm series molds and tested for incorporation of MPLA into the

80x180 HP4A nanoparticles. This study focuses on the potential of PRINT Technology produced nanoparticle

vaccines and provides insight into the further potential of the use of nanoparticles as vaccines.

Caroline deSaussure

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Nelson Chao, Benny Chen, Divino Deoliveira, Duke University

An Ear Punch Model for Combined Radiation Injury - Combined radiation injury presents a major clinical obstacle

for patients receiving radiation treatment who have preexisting wounds. To treat malignant tumors, surgery is

often combined with radiation treatment. However, the wounds from the surgery often become extremely

infected and the healing process is severely impeded by the radiation. These effects can be seen historically by

events like Hiroshima and Chernobyl, where many people were poisoned by the severe amounts of radiation

exposure and also suffered from additional wounds, such as burns and cuts. The purpose of this study was to

develop a mouse model that would investigate the mechanisms of wound healing through an ear punch model. To

determine the efficacy of the implemented treatment methods, we investigated several different drug and cell

therapy options. We implemented these options in different strains of mice that were subject to varying degrees

of irradiation and analyzed results through microscope imaging.

Katy Drews, Caitlin Seyfried and Katie Helm

Teachers/Mentors: Steve Warshaw, NCSSM; Ernie Swanson, Triangle J Council of Governments

NCSSM Waste Assessment - We performed a solid waste reduction assessment of the NCSSM campus, consisting

of an on-site facility audit and a comprehensive survey report with cost benefit analysis. We researched potential

reuse, reduction, and recycling strategies on campus. First, the main solid waste streams were identified, and

analyzed as to their reduction or recycling potential. We quantified the amount of waste currently produced, and

then quantified the tonnage of waste potentially able to be diverted from landfilling. The potential cost savings of

each waste stream change were identified.


Denise Elizondo

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Chris Kontos, Sarah Frazier, Duke University Medical Center.

Phosphorylation of Caskin2 and Tie1 interactions - Research was done on the interaction between Tie1 and

Caskin2. Not much is known about Caskin2, however previous data indicates that it binds to Tie1 but not Tie2. The

goal is to see if Akt phosphorylation of T794 on the Tie1 receptor has any effects on the Caskin2-Tie1 interaction.

Based on preliminary data in zebrafish, phosphorylation of the T794 site is critical for proper vascular

development. Knowing its effects on Caskin2 will help in the understanding of the regulation of the essential roles

of the Tie receptors in angiogenesis.

Peter Fan and Aakash Indurkhya


Genetic Toggle Controllers using Zinc Finger Trans -The activation or repressions of key genes, controlled by gene

regulatory networks, often cause genetic diseases during stem cell differentiation and DNA replication. Synthetic

biology holds promise for advances in gene therapy through the engineering of novel gene regulatory networks.

Using synthetic zinc finger transcription factors, we increased functionality and added an interfacing component,

called the “controller,” to an established network topology, the genetic toggle switch. The bacterial-two-hybrid

assay, a standard method in zinc finger characterization, was tested and found to be too cumbersome for use in

fast paced and high throughput synthetic biology. Hence, we proposed a modified experimental protocol and

presented a computational BLASTn screening and protein-DNA docking characterization method that efficiently

selected nine viable zinc finger transcription factors. We used TinkerCell, a CAD network modeling software, to

construct a stochastic model for the toggle switch controller and found that all defining characteristics of the

genetic toggle switch were maintained with reduced transcriptional noise. The use of synthetic zinc finger

transcription factors establishes synthetically generated biological parts as the key to next generation gene

regulatory networks. The full development of the toggle switch controller will serve as a major step towards

personalized medicine and gene therapy.

Warren Feng


Engineering a Multifunctional Quantum Dot - The preliminary procedures are currently being completed within

the lab which consists of quantum dot synthesis and designing a genetic sequence in Molegro. The overall goal is

to engineer a multifunctional quantum dot affixed zinc finger nuclease transfer vector for cancer detection,

imaging, and gene therapy. Quantum dots are preferred over other methods of imaging because of the robust

yield and precise targeting towards a cell of interest. We plan to synthesize quantum dots with a polymer coating

and covalently bind ligands to the polymer shell. These quantum dots once synthesized, will be encapsulated

within a polymeric nanoparticle which will be produced using a double emulsification process. This nanoparticle

will also encapsulate our specially designed ZFNs and plasmid containing hBAX. This nanoparticle as a whole will be

attracted to a cancer cell once the ligand transferrin is covalently binded to the outside shell. Once the

nanoparticle approaches the cancerous cell, endocytosis will be initiated and the cell will enter. Once the

nanoparticle degrades from within, apoptosis will be induced via the ZFNs and tailored plasmid.


Alyssa Ferris

Teachers/Mentors: Amy Sheck, NCSSM; Beth Sullivan, Duke Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy

Histone Modifications and Centromere Activity - Most chromosomes have a single centromere, but some, called

dicentrics, have two functional centromeres. This usually leads to cell death; in human dicentrics, however, one of

the centromeres is turned off and the cell remains functional. To determine if the presence of histone methylation,

(a mechanism for inactivation) correlated with centromeric function, I measured the levels of euchromatic and

heterochromatic methylation at active and inactive centromeres of the naturally dicentric human Chromosome 17.

I used four hybrid mouse cell lines, derived from two distinct human cell lines that had a different active

centromere (either centromere Z1 or Z1B) on each homologous chromosome. To quantify the levels of histone

methylation, I used chromatin immunoprecipitation to pull down DNA that was tagged with specific methylation

groups and then measured the levels of methylation using semi-quantitative PCR. I found that the levels of

heterochromatic methylation increased when centromere Z1 became inactive, but I did not find a similar trend at

the other centromere (Z1B) or with euchromatic methylation. I also found that the levels of methylation were not

constant in different cell lines, indicating that each cell line had a unique epigenetic profile instead of a set level of

methylation. These results have long term implications for cancer medications and gene therapy.

Justin Finkelstein and Halston Lim

Teachers/Mentors: Jonathan Bennett, NCSSM; Caleb Marsh, Appalachian State University

A Statistical Evaluation of GRB Afterglows - Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) are the some of the most luminous and

distant events observed in our Universe. By studying these high energy relics of the past, a greater understanding

of our cosmological origins can be gained. In this study, we investigated the afterglow properties of long duration

GRBs. Using Minitab 16 statistical software as well as Logger Pro to generate and analyze light curves, we took a

sample of 30 GRBs and conducted a statistical analysis on the bursts to test if they all exhibited an intermediate

plateau decay. We generated light curves using data from the Swift X-Ray Telescope (XRT), and then separated the

curves into their different decay phases and generated decay indices. When we split the GRBs in two categories

based on whether they superficially featured a plateau decay region, the variations observed in the pre plateau

decay index and pre plateau break were significant between the two groups. However, the variations in the

intermediate plateau decay index, the post plateau break, and the post plateau decay index were insignificant

between the two categories of GRBs. Our results show that the plateau region decay index is independent from

the initial decay index, suggesting a possible secondary emission in the intermediate plateau decay region.

Zachary Fowler

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Allison Ashley-Koch, Karen Soldano, Duke Center for Human Genetics

BBS7 SNPs as Genome-Wide Anencephaly Cohorts - Neural tube defects occur when the neural tube fails to close

during embryogenesis, resulting in fetal death. Anencephaly occurs when an infant is born without a posterior

neurological region due to a neural tube failure. It has been speculated that this failure is a result of a mutation in

the BBS7 gene, which, when involved in the onset of Bardet-Biedl syndrome, results in ciliopathy. We have

hypothesized that because cilia are needed to seal the neural tube and connections between BBS7 and ciliopathy

have been made, that single nucleotide polymorphisms in BBS7 must be associated with anencephaly etiology. A


genotypic analysis carried out on 22 SNPs following allelic differentiation, in order to determine the association

between “at-risk” genotypes and an anencephaly carrier, revealed association between BBS7 SNPs and

anencephaly. Furthermore, statistical analysis revealed that association between BBS7 SNPs and anencephaly

occurs 99.2% of the time.

Aakash Gandhi

Teachers/Mentors: Amy Sheck, Bob Gotwals, NCSSM

Rational Design for Targeted QSI - Through a process known as quorum sensing, Gram-negative infections rely on

the activity of a synthase and receptor of small-molecule autoinducers to regulate pathogenicity. Quorum sensing

inhibition (QSI) in such bacteria inhibits virulence factors such as swarming motility and biofilm production through

competitive antagonism, a process that does not actively select for resistance. In this study, a targeted inhibition

scheme was evaluated as a model for quorum sensing inhibition through computational screening and in vivo

assay of compounds found in naturally-available anti-quorum sensing products. Structural validation of existing

crystallographic data for the LasI synthase and LasR receptor for the quorum-regulated infection P. aeruginosa was

performed to create secondary structures, and molecular dynamics software was used to assess the binding

affinities of synthetic, furanone, and flavonol compounds. A quorum sensing inhibition assay was also developed

to screen for in vivo potency (IC¬50) against the quorum sensing activity of Vibrio fischeri MJ11, but experimental

protocols require further development. Docking results validate the computational model against previous

experimental data, and identified luteolin and furanone C30 as candidate inhibitors of (respectively) the QS

receptor and synthase. Additionally, analysis of conserved ligand-active site residue binding demonstrates critical

H-bonding on primary amine, valerolactone, and phenolic moieties. This functional pattern identifies the

mechanism of competitive antagonism for targeted inhibition of LuxIR-type quorum sensing, homologous to all

Gram-negative infections, and suggests a rational design for the selection of drugs belonging to a novel class of

anti-pathogenic treatment.

Anita Gandhi

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia - Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune-mediated disorder,

which usually occurs anywhere between four to ten days after heparin exposure. The problem that HIT faces

currently is that it is extremely difficult to diagnose1, 2. As HIT patients have an incredibly low platelet count, or

thrombocytopenia, it may seem easy to pick them out7. This, however, is not the case. For one thing,

thrombocytopenia is a common symptom for many disorders5. Currently, research is being done in order to find

the optimum amount of heparin that binds to the PF4 protein and creates the most complexes. This was done by

absorbance techniques. So far, it has been noted that, after consistent experimentation, that the peak of the most

complexes occurs at 5 microliters of heparin for both distilled water and HBSS. This experiment has been done in

other research labs other than the one at Duke University and is therefore a reliable source of measurement. We

are repeating the tests in order to say that there is consistency with the results and that there is no error regarding

faulty machines or false data. So far, the results that our lab has produced matches up with the other labs. Upon

future research, we hope to find out more about the pathogenesis of HIT.


Hailey Gosnell

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Simon Gregory, Duke Center for Human Genetics

Genetic Factors Contributing to NTD Occurrence - Fumonisin B1 is a carcinogenic toxin found in corn throughout

the world [Marasas et al., 2004]. FB1 prevents the biosynthesis of sphingolipids through inhibiting ceramide

synthase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in sphingolipid and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Sphingolipids

play an important part in cell signaling events and are vital components of cell membranes. A connection between

maternal fumonisin ingestion through consumption of tainted corn, during the early stages of gestation and

increased frequency of birth defects, specifically NTDs (neural tube defects) has been indicated in areas for which

corn is a dietary staple [Marasas et al., 2004]. Neural tube defects are defined as malformations caused by failure

of proper neural tube closure during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Common forms of NTDs include

anencephaly (failure of the anterior neural tube to close properly resulting in an absence of the brain at birth) and

spina bifida (incomplete closure of the posterior neural tube). Numerous research studies in this field have shown

that both environmental and genetic factors are manifested in the occurrence of neural tube defects.

In consideration to the above summary of what is known of neural tube defects, the objective of this study is to

discover and validate unique and measurable biochemical and genetic biomarkers that predict increased risk for

teratogenicity in areas where fumonisin-contaminated corn consumption is high. Fumonisin will be evaluated as

an environmental contaminant that significantly contributes to neural tube defect development. My presentation

details the mouse model of this ongoing project.

Katrina Gutierrez and Brian Iezzi

Teachers/Mentors: Myra Halpin, NCSSM; Brian Cooper, UNC Charlotte

Validation of Transcription Factor Binding Sites - Scientists have already mapped out complete genomes for

multiple organisms, but have not yet mapped out all the transcription factor binding sites. Without this

knowledge, we cannot completely understand development, evolution, and other biological processes. In order to

expand the list of known binding sites, our research goal was to verify predictions of potential binding sites

generated from a researcher’s computational algorithm.

We attempted to detect binding at the predicted binding site sequences by using capillary electrophoresis, where

substances moving through a thin tube are separated according to their charge to density ratio. This means that

negatively-charged DNA would be detected at a different time from DNA bound to positively-charged transcription

factors, so we can determine if something is binding to the DNA.

The challenge was working with multiple unknowns because, unlike previous research, we did not know which

transcription factors were supposed to bind or the binding conditions necessary. Our screening for binding was

also hindered by binding from other proteins that were not transcription factors. However, we found that we

could differentiate between the specific binding we were searching for and this unwanted binding because the

latter would be detected around the same time with every DNA sequence. We have not yet validated the binding

site predictions, but we hope to do so by making our samples more closely reflect the cellular conditions, where

binding could potentially occur.


Pranav Haravu

Teachers/Mentors: Myra Halpin, NCSSM; Diane Fels, Kenneth Young, Duke University Radiation Oncology

Dysadherin's Role in Cancer Metastasis - Though cancer treatments have significantly progressed, metastasized

tumors still pose a significant challenge to modern therapeutic methods, resulting in poor prognoses and lower

survival rates for patients with metastasized cancers. In this study we investigated the role of dysadherin in a

possible mechanism for both hypoxia- and hyperthermia-induced metastasis. Dysadherin is a cell-membrane

protein found highly expressed and glycosylated in cancer cells, but expressed only in a few normal cells. It down-

regulates E-cadherin mediated cell-cell adhesion, facilitating metastasis. We treated Panc-1 and PC3 cells with 43

hyperthermia and .5% O2 hypoxia. Western Blots, with actin as a loading control, showed a significant increase in

expression of glycosylated dysadherin in Panc-1 cells exposed to hypoxic and hyperthermic conditions. However,

unglycosylated dysadherin expression was not affected, leading us to believe unglycosylated dysadherin does not

play a significant role in metastasis. IF imaging of PC3 cells also showed a significant increase in dysadherin

expression in samples treated with hypoxia or hyperthermia, quantified by the ratio of fluorescence of the

secondary, FITC, to that of DAPI. The results suggest hypoxia- and hyperthermia-induced metastasis function by

increasing the expression of glycosylated dysadherin, which in turn down-regulates E-cadherin and promotes

metastasis. Inhibiting key steps within this mechanism could serve as a potential drug target, greatly reducing the

metastatic potential of malignant tumors. To our knowledge, this is the first report indicating that hypoxia- and

hyperthermia-induced metastasis may occur by increasing glycosylated dysadherin expression.

Brian Hart

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; William Keech, Duke University

Fiscal Policy over the Last Decade - Since 2001 the United States has seen a resurgence in the use of discretionary

fiscal policy. My research compiles experts' research on the major fiscal policies of the Bush and Obama

Administrations in order to get a better understanding of their effects on the macro economy, as well as the

effectiveness of active fiscal policy in general. These policies have attempted to improve the troubled economy

that has persisted over the past decade, but because there is a general lack of understanding with respect to fiscal

policy, the stimuli have been poorly designed and generally ineffective in comparison to their costs. Economists, as

well as policymakers, do not have enough experience and data to fully understand the effects of fiscal stimuli, and

because of that there is strong disagreement among economists as to what amount, if any, stimulus is needed to

improve a recessed economy. Presidents Bush and Obama passed three main fiscal policies: the Bush Tax Cuts, the

Emergency Stimulus Package, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. My research shows that these

policies failed to have their desired effects and only improved the economy marginally at best. Lastly, this paper

will attempt to assess the long-term effects of the massive deficits that were created in order to implement these

policies.

Justin Hendrick and Pooja Potharaju

Teachers/Mentors: Bob Gotwals, NCSSM

Computational Analysis of Type 2 Diabetes - Inflammation has emerged as one of the key factors of human health

as increasing data suggest a potential role for inflammation in the pathogenesis of T2D. This is supported by the


results of both preclinical studies and new clinical trials using anti-inflammatory approaches to treat the disease.

Through our research, we investigated the relative contribution of genes directly correlated to inflammation in the

development of T2D using C57BL/B6xBTBR expression qtl data and developing a causal model for inflammation in

adipose. From this, we identified specific loci and genetic markers to look at the relative contribution of these

genes in the pathogenesis of T2D. Analysis of main scans and QTL analysis showed that the most significant peaks

were under chromosomes 9 and 13. The genes Leptin and TNF seemed to have the most significant

correspondence to T2D according to the BIC models, but we are still unsure of all the implications.

Austin Hopkins

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Peter Klopfer, Duke University

Reproductive Behavior of Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur - The inter-sexual social interactions of fat-tailed dwarf lemurs

(C. medius) were observed after emergence from seasonal torpor. Two mating C. medius pairs were observed for

general social interactions, sexual behaviors, and any interaction between members of separate pairs. C. medius is

a monogamous species, but extra-pair mating occurs. The question of if and how male individuals express

preference for extra-pair mates remains unanswered as the project has not been completed, and the current data

is not enough to draw conclusions. However, the notion that sexual behavior begins during emergence from torpor

was reaffirmed.

Morgan J. Howell


Engineering a Multifunctional Quantum Dot - The preliminary procedures are currently being completed within

the lab which consists of quantum dot synthesis and designing a genetic sequence in Molegro. The overall goal is

to engineer a multifunctional quantum dot affixed zinc finger nuclease transfer vector for cancer detection,

imaging, and gene therapy. Quantum dots are preferred over other methods of imaging because of the robust

yield and precise targeting towards a cell of interest. We plan to synthesize quantum dots with a polymer coating

and covalently bind ligands to the polymer shell. These quantum dots once synthesized, will be encapsulated

within a polymeric nanoparticle which will be produced using a double emulsification process. This nanoparticle

will also encapsulate our specially designed ZFNs and plasmid containing hBAX. This nanoparticle as a whole will be

attracted to a cancer cell once the ligand transferrin is covalently binded to the outside shell. Once the

nanoparticle approaches the cancerous cell, endocytosis will be initiated and the cell will enter. Once the

nanoparticle degrades from within, apoptosis will be induced via the ZFNs and tailored plasmid.

Alice Huang

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Shane Dikolli, Duke Fuqua School of Business

The Effects of Social Media on Modern Businesses - With social media on the rise, business leaders are quickly

incorporating this powerful social phenomenon in their marketing strategies. Social media, and Twitter in

particular, is changing the way business leaders interact with their customers, how they market their products, and


what their business priorities are. The goal of this project was to determine the reason CEOs choose to use Twitter,

as opposed to other social engines, and whether they tweet for personal gain, professional gain, or a combination

of the two. Finally, I looked at the success of Twitter Campaigns by correlating business revenue to number of

tweets.

Suqi Huang

Teachers/Mentors: Myra Halpin, NCSSM; Andrey Khlystov, Duke University

Activity Coefficients of Wood Smoke Tracer - Aerosols are known to affect the climate and have been linked to

adverse health effects. An effective way of reducing air pollution is to determine and to control the sources of the

harmful particles. The chemical mass balance (CMB) receptor model is a method of source apportionment that

uses tracer compounds, which should be distinct to certain sources and conserved in the atmosphere. In this

experiment, the Integrated Volume Method developed by Saleh and Khlystov (2009) was used to predict the

volatility of a wood smoke tracer, levoglucosan, and the interaction of the tracer with artificial and ambient semi-

volatile organic aerosols. Artificial mixtures were made with monocarboxylic acids, and ambient particles were

collected using a filter and extracted in ethanol. Aerosols were generated from mixtures with different mole

fractions of levoglucosan and sent through a heated thermodenuder. The change in volume was calculated by

comparing measurements before and after heating and was graphed versus the mole fraction. Aerosol generated

from levoglucosan exhibited a change in volume, which suggests that it is semi-volatile. Mixtures of levoglucosan

and monocarboxylic acids do not form a solution. Mixtures of levoglucosan and ambient extracts showed

interaction and did not display ideal behavior, and the activity coefficients of levoglucosan were determined.

Mariya Husain

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Alison Adcock, Betsy Johnson, Duke University

Hippocampus-Dependent Learning: CAARMS+ Subjects - OBJECTIVE: In this experiment, relational memory was

tested for its correlation to generalization performance in people at ultra high risk for schizophrenia.

METHODS: 62 subjects at ultra high risk for schizophrenia and 34 healthy controls were administered the Acquired

Equivalence task, which teaches associations and tests overlapping generalizations. The use of fMRI was

implemented to track hippocampal activation.

RESULTS: Hippocampal activation was equally observed between both types of subjects. Hippocampal activation

positively correlated with trend levels for healthy subjects but not or ultra high risk subjects. Hippocampal

activation negatively correlated with PANSS scores for ultra high risk individuals, and positively correlated with

HiSoC scores. HiSoC scores also strongly correlated with generalization performance.

CONCLUSIONS: People at ultra high risk for schizophrenia have impaired ability to generalize in comparison to

healthy subjects. Future implementation of this experiment could predict whether people at high risk for this

disorder will actually develop the disorder.


Ashley Jernigan

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Dan Richter, Paul Heine, Duke University

Phosphorus Fractionation in Pocosin Restoration - Juniper Bay is a pocosin located near Lumberton in North

Carolina. My research focused on the phosphorus content of this pocosin. Juniper Bay was drained and farmed for

decades, and has recently started to be restored back to its natural wetland form. I conducted a phosphorus

fractionation on the soils to determine how the farming practices affected the element levels in the soil.

The phosphorus fractionation is a multistep process that includes four different extractions. The four extractions

are the HCO3-Pt extraction, the NaOH-Pi extraction, the NaOH-Po extraction, and the HCl-Pi extraction. These

procedures must be completed in this order since it is a building process.

From the fractionation we found that, in comparison to a pocosin that had never been farmed, Juniper Bay had

significantly higher levels of phosphorus in the soil, especially in the upper layers of the soil. This may affect the

restoration process since the bay is not drained anymore and the water levels are rising. Having significantly higher

levels of phosphorus in the soil, and therefore in the water table, could cause algae blooms and devastate the

restoration process. Juniper Bay is continuing to be sampled and the restoration will continue to be monitored.

Mary Ann Jin

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Gary Bishop, UNC-Chapel Hill

Word Blaster: Improving Literacy with a Game - Many children with dyslexia and other disabilities have difficulty

with reading large words because they have trouble breaking them down. Due to this, they often become stuck at

a second grade reading level. In order to remedy this problem in a way that the children would enjoy, Word

Blaster, a browser-based JavaScript game, was created. The game implements morphological awareness training

to help children visualize the breakdown of words and familiarize them with the parts of words. Word Blaster is

customizable so that the teacher or parent can input the words they want the child to practice with, allowing for

flexibility to suit each child’s reading level and weaknesses.

Sara Johnson

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; James Peacock, UNC - Chapel Hill

Muhammadiyah's Role in Muslim Indonesia - This presentation will discuss Muhammadiyah, a large Muslim

organization on Java, Indonesia. It will cover Muhammadiyah’s political role in Indonesia and how it has changed

since the fall of Suharto in 1998. I will discuss Muhammadiyah’s social role in the Indonesian home and the role of

the women’s movement, especially Aisyiyah, the women’s branch of Muhammadiyah. I will also discuss what sets

Muhammadiyah apart from any other religious organization, and Muhammadiyah’s interaction with other religious

organizations of Indonesia.


Varqa Kalantar

Teacher/Mentor: Jon Bennett, NCSSM

Single-bubble Sonoluminescence in Various Liquids. - Single-bubble sonoluminescence is a process by which

resonant sound waves in a flask of water create a bubble with a pulsating radius. The bubble "collapses",

compressing the air inside and generating light. The goal of this project was to create a setup to observe single-

bubble sonoluminescence, and then to investigate the effects of using various liquids other than water in an

attempt to increase the intensity of light emitted from the bubble in a regular water flask.

Mark Kirollos

Teachers/Mentors: Amy Sheck, NCSSM; Paul Magwene, Duke University

Ammonia Signaling and Colony Morphology of Yeast - Saccharomyces cerevisiae is often classified as a unicellular

organism, however, this species displays complex behavior such as cellular differentiation and cell signaling often

associated with multicellular organisms. Carbon limitation in media causes yeast colonies to form complex

morphology, believed to be an adaptation for surviving stressful conditions. Ammonia signaling has been shown to

synchronize complexity in yeast colonies alongside other transcriptional changes triggered by carbon limitation

that effect complex colony formation. By submitting yeast strains grown on high and low dextrose levels to varying

levels of extracellular ammonia, the effect of each treatment on variation in complexity and colony size could be

determined. Increasing ammonia exposure time decreased the strength of morphology in certain strains and

promoted growth, contrary to prior published finding. Ammonia levels also affected colony diameter in some

strain, causing colonies to become larger as ammonia exposure time increased. These findings may further the

treatment of pathogenic biofilms by identifying potential pathways that effect the growth and transcriptional

changes that increase survivability of fungal diseases.

Tyler Kissinger

Teachers/Mentors: Jon Bennett, NCSSM; Kate Scholberg, Duke University High-Energy Physics Neutrino Group

Long-Distance Supernova Sensitivity at DAEdALUS - In this study, we use the Monte Carlo method to investigate

the expected long-distance supernova sensitivity at a proposed neutrino research facility, DAEdALUS. A burst of

neutrino interactions in a detector during a short time interval (t < 10 s) is indicative of a supernova event, as

supernovae produce massive amounts of neutrinos in a very short time interval during their death. As part of the

DAEdALUS experiment, three neutrino beams (active according to a particular time structure) will pass through a

300 kiloton water Cherenkov neutrino detector. We investigated the number of double and triple events, pair

interactions appearing to be signals from long-distance supernovae, expected to occur as a result of the three

neutrino beams passing through the detector from the cyclotron accelerators. This was determined through the

creation of a program which incorporated a random number generator and statistical methods to model the

estimated ten-year runtime of the DAEdALUS experiment according to the time structure of the cyclotrons. This is

compared to the number of double and triple events expected to occur simply as a result of other various

background sources and the number of true long-distance supernovae events to create a measure of the

sensitivity of the detector.


Jennifer Kronmiller

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Peter Ornstein, Hillary Langley, UNC-Chapel Hill

Conflict and Emotional Talk in First Grade CIN's - This study was designed to explore first graders’ emotion- and

conflict-related speech when talking about positively and negatively valenced past events. In this study, 114

racially and socioeconomically diverse first grade children completed a Child Independent Narrative (CIN) task with

an experimenter, in which they were asked to recall details from specific, past events. Transcripts of these

conversations were then coded to identify all emotion- and conflict-based language used when describing positive

and negative past experiences. Results indicate that there were significant group differences based on gender,

race, and socioeconomic status. Specifically, results reveal that girls used significantly more total specific emotive

talk and more specific negative talk than did their male peers. Boys, on the other hand, used more total conflict

talk in their narratives than did their female counterparts. African-American children displayed significantly more

conflict talk than did their Caucasian peers. Children below the poverty level used more general emotive talk than

children above the poverty level, particularly when referring to negative instances. Finally, children from below

poverty families used significantly more total instances of conflict than those whose families were above poverty.

These results replicate previous findings that girls use more emotion language than boys. This study extends what

we know about children of different ethnic and socioeconomic groups, and how they may be differentially

socialized to talk about emotional experiences.

Debanjali Kundu

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; David Brizel, David Yoo, Pretesh Patel, Duke University Medical Center,

Radiation Oncology

Radiotherapy Treatments for Parotid Gland Tumors - Postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) is usually employed for

malignant salivary gland tumors (SGTs) when high risk features such as high grade, positive surgical margins (PSM),

perineural invasion (PNI), nodal involvement, and advanced T stage are present. We have evaluated factors

correlated with disease recurrence following surgery and PORT. Dosimetric comparisons of intensity modulated

radiotherapy (IMRT) vs en face mixed electron-photon techniques were performed. Overall survival (OS), local

control (LC) and 5-year disease free survival (DFS) rates were measured.

Jaehyeong Lee and Rob Gourley

Teachers/Mentors: Sangmin Lee, Cree Incorporated

Quantum Efficiency Using an LED Spectrophotometer - Fast and cheap spectral response measurement systems

are required in solar cell manufacturing lines in order to produce high quality solar cells. Using LEDs as light sources

is the most promising technique. However, since LEDs inherently have 10 - 15 nm spreads in wavelength, the

resolution for the wavelength is about 10 times worse than conventional spectrophotometers. In this report, a

method to compensate for the wavelength spread of LEDs has been developed. The output power from a solar cell

can be expressed where the input power is the distribution function of LED light power, where E(lambda) is the

efficiency of a solar cell, lambda is the wavelength and a^i is the coefficient of an nth order polynomial

approximation of E(lambda). Since 8 different wavelength LEDs were used, the maximum value of is 7. With the

same method, quantum efficiency was also approximated. Two different sizes of Si single crystal solar cells were


examined with this method. For the larger solar cell, the effect of spatial distribution of LED light intensity was also

calibrated. By comparing the data from larger solar cell with existing data sheet, it was confirmed that the solar cell

efficiency can be accurately measured by an LED spectrophotometer without assuming monochromatic light

sources.

Jaehyeong Lee and Tejas Sundaresan


Amphipathic Films for Water Collection - Providing clean water in arid regions is a difficult task. One eighth of the

world population does not have access to potable water, leading the most impoverished to consume diseased,

pollutant-laden water. In fact, 80% of illnesses in developing countries can be traced to dirty water. Current efforts

to provide clean water focus on groundwater extraction, but are limited by groundwater depletion and militant

control of aquifers. Another method of water collection is atmospheric collection. Our proposal is an amphipathic

film with localized hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions that can extract water from the atmosphere. The base of

the film will be a gold substrate extracted from recordable compact discs while the hydrophobicity of the film will

change based on the thiol self-assembling molecule that binds to the gold surface. The amphipathic film offers

many benefits when compared to current technology, namely avoidance of groundwater depletion, cost-

efficiency, and a light-flexible design.

Bryant Lin

Teachers/Mentors: Bob Gotwals, NCSSM; Tim Shafer, Lyle Burgoon, Cina Mack, Andrew Johnstone, EPA

On Chemical Classification of Spike Trains on MEAs - Microelectrode arrays(MEAs) detect chemical induced

changes in action potential “spikes” in neuronal networks and can be used for neurotoxicity screening. Analytical

“fingerprinting,” using Principal Components Analysis(PCA) and chemical class prediction using Support Vector

Machine(SVM) on spike trains may improve the utility of MEAs to classify unknown chemicals by mode of action.

The current study developed such approaches using MEA data from well-understood chemicals (bicuculline,

carbaryl, lindane, RDX, picrotoxin, muscimol, verapamil, fipronil, fluoxetine, chlorpyrifos oxon, domoic acid, and

deltamethrin, dimethyl phthalate) and “negative” controls (nicotine, acetaminophen, and glyphosate).

Concentration-response relationships, bursting parameters (e.g. rate, duration, interspike intervals, #spikes/burst)

and synchronization of activity were computed and averaged to yield parameter values as a function of

concentration, then standardized to control. These data were combined with spike rate and synchrony data and

PCA was performed across concentrations above each chemical’s IC/EC50 for spike rate. The first 3 principal

components accounted 68.1942%, 18.6860%, 6.6974% of the data variability and were used to identify separation

between chemical classes through spatial proximity and intersection of 95% confidence ellipses. The separation of

chemicals within chemical classes and between different chemical classes indicates that the sets may be

distinguishable. Using SVM, the test set was classified into the chemical classes of

increasing/decreasing/unchanging spike rate or no activity with a mean accuracy of 74.66% with 10-fold cross-

validation. The separation of different chemical classes through PCA and high prediction accuracy in SVM of a

small dataset demonstrates promising approaches for identifying neurotoxicological modes of action for unknown

chemicals.


Matt Litzsinger and Nathan Sanders


Wastewater MFCs - The utilitarianism of modern society and limited fuel reserves dictates new methods for

producing energy. The condition of the environment will affect descendants far into the future; therefore, it is

crucial to set a precedent of increasing alternate energy production. This is the fundamental motivation of our

project.

The goal of this project was to determine whether or not the addition of a modified-kaolin catalyst would increase

breakdown or organic material and increase the energy output of a microbial fuel cell in order to enable

commercial harvesting of energy from wastewater that could be applied in the wastewater treatment process. We

have run initial tests of our cell with K12 E. Coli bacteria and Potassium Ferrocyanide ions. We plan to test our cell

with wastewater from the North Durham WRF with our synthesized Cu2O–CoO–PO4 3− catalyst in the near

future.

Pranav Maddi

Teachers/Mentors: Jon Bennett, NCSSM; Michael Falvo, Timothy O'Brien, UNC Chapel Hill-Dept of Physics

Using Blocking Peptides to Analyze Fibrin Fibers - Fibrin is the main structural protein involved in blood clotting,

and exhibits strength and elasticity that rival engineering materials. Fibrin study traditionally focuses on entire

clots, whereas we employ new AFM-based “nanoManipulation” techniques to study single fibrin fibers. The

unstructured alpha regions and alpha;-helices within the coiled-coil regions of fibrin’s monomers are known to

extend when fibrin stretches, though it is not known exactly how they contribute to fibrin’s mechanical properties.

We isolated these regions using 4-residue peptides that interfere with the “knob-hole” interactions that connect

the coiled-coil regions and a 12-residue peptide that interferes with the alpha interactions. We found that the

alpha interactions and the knob-hole interactions are equally important for the assembly of fibrin. Our data

suggest that the coiled-coils are responsible for fibrin’s extension at low strains, and that the alpha regions account

for the majority of fibrin’s strain-stiffening behavior at higher strains. These findings advance the fibrin extension

model and may lead to better treatment and prevention of deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Alyssa Mathewson

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Neil Vidmar, Duke University Law School

The Insanity Defense - This project discusses how the insanity defense was applied in past and modern US court

systems and how it developed in common law England. Throughout the paper, research by other authors is read

and examined in order to gain a better understanding of how the insanity defense we know today was created. A

careful examination of these documents paints a picture of common law passed down to a young United States

that developed into its own very different law. Major cases in the past century are discussed in order to

understand how public opinion changed the law.


Daniel Mattox

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Teresa Tarrant, Thurston Arthritis Research Center- UNC-CH

Functional Difference between GRK2 and GRK3 - In order to establish functional regulatory differences between

GRK2 and GRK3, a Phospho Erk assay was first tried but rejected due to background signaling. A SRE Luciferase

reporter assay system was also tried but was not successful due to other signaling pathways within the cell

interfering with the assay and causing inconsistent data. The TANGO assay was determined to be a successful

functional assay system with a clear and separate response curve for CXCR4 exposed to SDF-1 after the V2 tail

containing the vasopressin domain was removed.

Grant Means

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Christopher Bonino, RTI

Efficiency of Hydrolysis in a PEM Electolysis Cell - The efficiency of hydrogen production through water

electrolysis was studied using a Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) assembly. Two different factors were

tested: flow rate of the water and the presence of a conductive solution in place of the traditional pure water. The

following electrolytic solutions were evaluated: deionized water (our control), potassium nitrate (KNO3, and

sulfuric acid. Flow rates of 583, 76, and 90 mL/hr were also tested. Both factors were found to be statistically

insignificant in terms of hydrogen production. The negligible effect that the conductive solutions had on the

efficiency of production is because the ion-transfer mechanism is determined by the ion-transfer membrane, and

not the solution.

José Medrano

Teachers/Mentors: Jon Bennett, NCSSM

Effect of Wall Material on Ocarina Sound Quality - It is generally accepted among musicians that an instrument's

wall material affects the sound it makes. In order to test this, we used human listeners and Fourier analysis to

compare the sounds made by 3 identically-shaped ocarinas, a type of early woodwind. The Fourier analysis was

used to compare the frequencies and overtones for all 18 notes on the ocarinas, and we found that the

frequencies varied randomly around the accepted frequencies for each note. No ocarina varied systematically.

In order to test this result and the hypothesis that any perceived differences in sound are due to cognitive biases,

we had 24 volunteers attempt to differentiate between the sounds in blind tests. We played 15 notes to each

listener and had them choose the ocarina of origin. They were correct on average 4.8 ± .6 times of 15, nearly

consistent with random chance (5/15). We also had the listeners rank 15 pairs of notes according to how similar

they perceived them to be. We found that listeners were only slightly more likely to rank notes from the same

ocarina as similar than they were to rank notes from different ocarinas as similar.

We have found that although the variations in sound from each ocarina are random, the differences between

them are not discernible to humans in blind tests. However, humans could tell when the ocarina was switched,

even if they could not say what it was switched to or from. Further testing is necessary to explain this.


Charlie Mize

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Karl Fetter, UNC - Chapel Hill

Tulip Tree Types - There are three recognized variations of the North American tree Liriodendron tulipifera. In this

study, shape data from leaves and samaras from the three populations was studied as part of a project to

investigate the intraspecific variation and map reproductive barriers of the species. Hundreds of Liriodendron

tulipifera leaves and samaras from the collection at the Herbarium of the University of North Carolina were imaged

using a digital scanner. Leaf shape data was collected and analyzed using geometric morphometrics, and samara

length and width measurements were compared using traditional morphometrics. Preliminary analyses suggest

significant shape variation between three populations.

Jackson Mower

Teachers/Mentors: Amy Sheck, Korah Wiley, NCSSM

DNA Methylation in Queen and Worker Honey Bees - Apis mellifera queen and worker bees are both female that

are very similar if they are from the same hive. However, their genes are expressed differently. The results of

recent research suggest that DNA methylation is the cause of this dichotomy. DNA methylation is an epigenetic

phenomenon that involves silencing genes with the addition of methyl groups to DNA through DNMT. The goals of

this project were to determine if DNMT is active in worker honey bees, and compare the amount of DNMT activity

in queen and worker larvae. The first step of the test was extracting the cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins from the

samples. An ELISA-based test was used to analyze the extracts. The results of this study suggest that worker honey

bees possess a working DNMT system and DNMT is more active in queen larvae than worker larvae. This is

significant because epigenetics is a largely unknown phenomenon that could be better understood through

studying organisms, such as honey bees, that contain a DNMT system similar to the one found in humans.

Epigenetic knowledge could one day be implemented in health care.

Tosin Omofoye

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Gabriel Lopez, Lu Gao, Leah Johnson, Duke University

Assembly of Microparticles for Acoustic Separation - This project deals with the generation of mono-dispersed

PDMS particles and the assembly of the microfluidic device that is used to create the particles. The particle

generation device is created from a PDMS slab with embedded channel patterns that is plasma bonded onto a

glass slide. The same sylgard solution that is used to create the device is also pumped through one of its channels,

along with water which is pumped through a perpendicular channel. Their interaction at the channel juction is

what creates the mono-dispersed particles. Particles can then be separated using another microfluidic device

which produced an acoustic wave perpendicular their path. As the solution of particles is run through the device,

compressible particles are pushed to the antinodes of the acoustic wave which occur at the walls of the channel,

while incompressible particles are pushed to the node of the wave which is at the center of the channel. Several

tests were performed where particles were successfully separated. The process that was used to calculate the bulk

modulus of the PDMS is also explained. This was used to confirm that PDMS is a compressible material.

Unfortunately, problems with the plasma bounding process and SU-8 mold of the silicon wafer kept us from

successfully assembling a particle generation device and consequently from generating mono-dispersed particles.


More work is needed in order to create the particle generation device, but success in the other parts of this project

holds promise for the future of acoustic separation in micro-fluidic devices.

Chisimdi Onwuteaka

Teachers/Mentors: Karen Glumm, NCSSM

Assimilating into Modern America - My research project explores and examines what cultural aspects and

problems do first, one and one half adolescents (ages: 7-18 years) of immigrant families face and adopt when

assimilating and transitioning into modern American society? And also, how are these adolescents affected when

they have to balance modern American culture and their culture that they have been taught by their parents?

Using the responses that I received from members of the NCSSM student body, I analyzed and put together a list

of results that I discovered through the details of the interviews and surveys that I conducted.

Sarah Parsons

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Frank Fee, UNC-Chapel Hill

Julia Griffiths: Feminist or not? - Julia Griffiths was a British woman who assisted Frederick Douglass, an American

newspaper editor and former slave, with his two abolitionist newspapers during the antebellum period. Upon

returning to the United Kingdom in 1855 after working and living with Douglass in Rochester, NY, Griffiths began

writing “Letters from the Old World.” From 1855 to 1863, Griffiths wrote 87 letters to Douglass who published

them as a column in his Frederick Douglass’ Newspaper and Douglass’ Monthly. In February 2012, I began studying

31 extant letters of Griffiths’ “Letters from the Old World” to determine whether or not she was a feminist of her

time. After examining the column for two months with my mentor, Dr. Frank Fee, Associate Professor Emeritus of

UNC-CH, I concluded that Griffiths was not a “feminist,” but that she did extend women’s place in the public

sphere by playing an influential role in the abolition movement.

Jacob Pawlik, Edward Zhao and Isaiah Stackleather

Teachers/Mentors: Amy Sheck, NCSSM; Paul Magwene, Amy Schmid, Duke University

Yeast/Halobacteria Response - Halobacteria and Yeast are made up of complex systems of 'signaling pathways'

conjoined functionally to meet a goal or induce an action. These pathways are activated or inactivated in direct

proportion to environmental conditions, and so the question of the effect of varied environmental stresses on the

signaling pathways of test subjects like yeast and halobacteria could highlight some of the characteristics of

response in each organism. Experimentation was performed by exposing cultures to varied environments such as

glucose and sucrose, along with strains lacking necessary inducers for pathways to be carried out, such as trmB and

ura3, and observing overall growth. By using a combination of these environmental stresses, we were able to

discover pieces of the nature of yeast and halobacteria, and ultimately reveal the effect of pathways on growth.


Steven Philips

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Sheryl Moy, UNC - Chapel Hill

Sociability in Three Inbred Mouse Models of Autism - Deficits in social interaction are important early markers for

autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders with strong genetic components. We measured social

interaction with three inbred mouse strains: C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, and FVB/NJ. To measure sociability, each mouse

was placed in a three-chambered box. One side chamber contained an unfamiliar mouse (stranger 1) in a wire

cage, and the other side chamber was empty. To test for social novelty, the test was performed with a familiar

mouse in one side chamber and an unfamiliar mouse in the other side chamber. Parameters scored included time

spent in each chamber and number of entries into the chambers. The three strains showed significant levels of

sociability (spending more time in the chamber containing stranger mouse than in the empty chamber) and a

preference for social novelty (spending more time in the chamber containing the stranger mouse than in the

chamber containing the familiar stranger mouse). This experiment may allow us to develop a method to treat

social deficits in mouse models of autism.

Joshua Potter

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Howard Rockman, Duke University

What is the Role of Fibroblasts in TREK-1 KO? - The hearts of wild-type mice, after tying of the aorta to stimulate

pressure overload, have been seen to develop cardiac hypertrophy and significant fibrosis. Yet, when the same

procedure is done to thehearts of TREK-KO mice, despite the hypertrophy developed, neither fibrosis nor heart

failure occurs. To ascertain the role of TREK in the hearts of these knockout mice, we have excised the cardiac

fibroblasts present in the hearts in order to test the collagen synthesis that is associated with fibrosis. The amount

of collagen synthesized can be determined by measuring hydroxyproline which is found in collagen fibers. Final

attempt at measuring hydroxyproline in samples led to negative results.

Emily Price

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Stefan Zauscher, Zerah Parlak, Duke University

Viscosity Compensation in the QCM - Varying concentrations of glycerol solutions were run through the quartz

crystal microbalance (QCM) and the second frequency of the first, third, and fifth harmonic were measured and

compared to the average of the center frequencies. As the concentration of the solutions in the system increased,

viscosity increased, but not mass. In the QCM, the second frequency was much less sensitive to the viscosity

change and therefore shifted significantly less than the center frequency. The second frequency of the third

harmonic showed especially significant results as it showed the lowest average shift. These results meant that the

percent concentration calculations were much more accurate when using data from the second frequency than

the traditionally used center frequency. The data was collected from August 2011 to January 2012 at Duke

University. For QCM experiments in liquids, especially highly viscous liquids, the second frequency yields much

more accurate results than center frequency and is suggested to become the new standard for data collection in

liquids.


Taylor Rosenfeld

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Leonel Medina, Mikhail Lebedev, Duke University

Brain-machine Interface Research With Primates - Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), present an interesting

opportunity to treat an array of neurological diseases, such as quadriplegia, paraplegia, and limb loss. Simply put, a

BMI works by allowing the user to control a given external device by the act of thinking. Using BMI's and a

technique called intracortical microstimulation, researchers have begun investigating the possibility of sensorizing

a neural prosthetic limb that can be interfaced with a BMI. The advantage of such an innovation is that it helps

establish a bi-directional line of communication between the brain and the external device (in this case a

prosthetic limb). Such communication allows the brain to receive feedback on the environment from the limb that

can be interpreted, for example, as physical stimuli. As a result, this makes it possible for the prosthetic limb to

both act and feel just like a normal human arm or leg. Research is conducted with rhesus macaques who are

trained to perform various tasks, mostly involving a joystick and a "game." Future research points towards the

development of a full body neural prosthetic "suit" to restore motor function to individuals suffering from

quadriplegia.

Nicole Savignac

Teachers/Mentors: Bob Gotwals, NCSSM; Gary Churchill, Susan McClatchy, The Jackson Laboratory

Effects of FMO-family Genes on Artherosclerosis in - Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease that is caused by the

progressive buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. After the age of 35, two in three Americans have some degree

of plaque buildup which could eventually lead to coronary heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the

US. For our project, we wanted to look into this disease and try to find another possible way of treating the disease

through Fmo-family genes. We got the idea for our project from a paper by Wang et al. In his paper, he stated that

there have been signs to indicate that Fmo genes have some relationship to atherosclerosis, but that relationship

has not been explored thoroughly. Through this project, we were hoping to look into relationships between Fmo

genes in mice and whether they could lead us to a better understanding of the Fmo genes effect on

atherosclerosis. Through our research, we have found that there is a single nucleotide polymorphism on

chromosome 1 for Fmo1 showing that there is something significant between the two. Further explorations also

other significant genes to be Myoc, 2810422O20Rik, Dcaf6, Brp44, Mpzl1, Rcsd1, Creg1, Pou2f1, Ildr2, Fmo1,

Fmo3, Fmo2, Fmo5, and Abl1. We performed BIC modeling to find the most significant models. Through our

experiments, our models have shown that the possible pathways are related. Our plans for further research

include more tests and compare our current results to a data set of mice with atherosclerosis to determine what

role each gene plays.

Brandon Schneider

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Anil Gehi, UNC-Chapel Hill

Rhythm Control in the Elderly with AF - Atrial fibrillation guidelines suggest conservatively treating elderly patients

with atrial fibrillation, tending to favor a rate-control strategy. Studies have shown that rhythm control in the

elderly is effective but the extent of symptom relief is unknown. Outpatients were recruited into an atrial

fibrillation registry at UNC-Ch. Medical records and questionnaires measured demographic, comorbidity, health


statuses, and AF Symptom Severity. Elderly patients were defined as those greater than 70 years old. Despite more

comorbidities, decreased baseline symptom severity, and higher risk of recurrence, a rhythm control strategy in

elderly patients with atrial fibrillation is still warranted given the substantial symptom relief.

Nishkala Shivakumar

Teachers/Mentors: Jon Bennett, NCSSM; Matthew Sharpe, NC A& T University

The Acoustic Performance of Smart Foams - Smart foam is an emerging active-passive noise control technology

with applications in the transportation industry. Smart foam consists of passive foam with an embedded curved

piezoelectric film. The piezoelectric film uses electrical energy to mechanically deform the foam and generate

acoustic signals. This signal can destructively interfere with a primary source of noise. In this research, we

experimented with three geometries of smart foams, constructed using melamine foam and 28 μm thick

polyvinylidene fluoride films with Cu-Ni surface electrodes. An AC voltage provided by a signal generator and

amplifier drives the smart foam. An omnidirectional microphone mounted at a distance 100mm from the foam

surface measured the sound pressure (dB) and harmonic distortion generated by the smart foam. Experiments

were repeated for voltages, 40V-140V, and frequencies, 300Hz-2000Hz. The results show the acoustical pressure

generated by the smart foams to peak between 900 to 1,100 Hz and a characteristic frequency response common

to all geometries.

Erica Shook

Teachers/Mentors: Linda Schmalbeck, NCSSM

Using Old Leaves to Teach New Climate Science - For my project I created an educational lesson for Earth and

Enviromental Science students to study the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum and the use of Leaf Margin

Analysis to study climate change we are facing today. In this presentation I will cover the need for Climate change

science to be incorporated into high school science curriculum. I will also cover a summary of the lesson I created

and the expected and recieved results of my lesson.

Param Sidhu, Tejas Sundaresan, and Yu Wang


Stellar Strips - Conrad SOI - Stellar Strips are starch based, edible strips that enhance the flavor of space food and

provide essential nutrients for astronauts. Currently, astronauts have dulled sensations of taste due to the food

packaging process and microgravity induced nasal congestion. While there are no current solutions to these

problems, their negative effects can be minimized through enhancing and strengthening the flavor of foods to

overcome the dulled taste sensation. Stellar strips are designed to meet this need and be used on long-term stays

in space. Through their convenience, cost efficiency, and space-saving properties, the strips fill a unique niche in

the aerospace nutrition market and will not only help to improve the quality of life and health of astronauts but

also mark a significant development that will increase the feasibility of long term space travel.


Connor Smith

Teachers/Mentors: Karen Glumm, NCSSM

Students' Perception of Culture at NCSSM - This project was designed to compare students' cultural experiences

at NCSSM with their experiences at their home schools. It has been expanded to study how NCSSM has changed

over the years in terms of cultural opportunities such as events and clubs. A survey was given to students in early

February to measure their participation in cultural groups and events and how their perception of culture changed

upon arriving at NCSSM. It is my hope that Student Life will be able to use the research to better the cultural

experience at NCSSM.

Greeshma Somashekar

Teachers/Mentors: Myra Halpin, NCSSM; Stavros Garantziotis, NIEHS

ITIH4: functional response to lung injury - ITIH4, a serum protein, has been shown to have elevated

concentrations in patients with diseases such as early stage ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and chronic obstructive

pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent studies have therefore identified ITIH4 as a potential biomarker for these

diseases. The goal of this study is to better understand the role of ITIH4 as a biomarker and specifically, how it

affects the immune response to lung injury.

Wild type mice (ITIH4+/+) and ITIH4 knockout (ITIH4-/-) mice were exposed to lipopolysaccharide, an endotoxin

used to induce inflammation in the lungs. Based on immunohistochemistry, we found that ITIH4 is expressed in the

lung in bronchial epithelia and in alveolar macrophages and neutrophils. Tissue injury levels, cytokine and cell

counts, and cell migration data were analyzed. These indicate that ITIH4 slows the migration of inflammatory cells

to the site of an infection. Results suggest that ITIH4 is a biomarker of containment: it serves to localize the

immune response to an infection. This information adds to the growing body of knowledge about ITIH4 and may

also allow physicians to learn more about the unique immune response in an individual based on the

concentration of ITIH4 present.

Andrew Stowe

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Erica Davis, Duke University

Mutations Affecting Ciliopathies - Ciliopathies are genetic disorders of the cilia or ciliary function. Mutations in

genes that code for proteins that operate the cilia in cells can alter or prohibit cell movement, communication, and

growth. This can cause serious phenotypes in developing infants such as renal cysts, retinal degeneration, and

developmental problems. By using an assay involving zebrafish embryo injection, the effects of a certain mutation

can be seen. This was done by developing a sample of the gene, TTC21B, and inserting the desired mutation. Then

this gene was injected into zebrafish embryos that had the original gene suppressed to be rescued. We compared

this rescue to that of the normal wild type TTC21B gene to observe any adverse effects there might be. We found

that the wild type rescue did not perform as expected or was as normal, so the results of the mutant gene rescue

are inconclusive until further trials can be performed.

Bei Sun


Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Jun Chen, Esther Lee, Duke University

Nucleus Pulposus Differentiation of Mouse iPS Cell - Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), reprogrammed from

somatic cells with specific transcription factors hold great promise for regenerative medicine as a source of

autologous cells. Of particular interest is the ability of iPSCs to differentiate into Nucleus Pulposus-like (NP) cells for

use in treatment of the intervertebral disks in human spines. This study follows attempted differentiation of mouse

iPSCs into an immature NP-like phenotype through hypoxic incubation and culturing in a Notochordal conditioned

medium. There is also a 3T3 mouse fibroblast culture grown concurrently for comparison of iPSC to a non-

pluripotent cell type benchmark. Histology of the cell cultures, including H&E, Saf. O, Collagen II, and Vimentin,

offer promising results with expression of Vimentin and Collagen II in the NCCM medium, both of which are

characteristic of an NP-like phenotype. The 3T3 fibroblast group also displays unexpected transdifferentiation

ability, displaying many characteristics of an NP-like phenotype as well.

Nicholas Tobey

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Don Smith, UNC Chapel Hill Computer Science Department

RAPID: A Modern Protocol for Data Transmission - Modern advancements in computer network infrastructure

have revealed that existing protocols for data transmission across networks are inefficient at high bandwidth levels

and high round trip times.

RAPID, a new TCP-like congestion control protocol that uses precisely spaced packets to estimate available

bandwidth within a few dozen round trip times, has been developed at the University of North Carolina. Multiple

different TCP-like congestion control protocols were evaluated in a private network to test their ability to react to

sudden reductions or increases in available bandwidth when in a high bandwidth-delay product environment.

Natalia von Windheim

Teachers/Mentors: Amy Sheck, NCSSM

Enhancing Oil Degradation by B. cereus - Biostimulation, the boost of naturally occurring bacteria that degrade oil

by the addition of nutrients or other deficient requirements, has emerged as a viable solution for the clean up of

oil spills. Uric acid and lecithin (nitrogen and phosphorus sources, respectively) have shown promise as

biostimulation agents in marine environments. While many catastrophic spills occur in water, an even greater

amount of spills occur on land. The goal of this work was to determine if biostimulation can work in a terrestrial

environment such as what might happen when oil spills on land, such as burst pipelines. For this study, kerosene-

contaminated soil was inoculated with B. cereus and one of two biostimulation treatments - either uric acid and

lecithin treatment or S-200, a commercially available biostimulation agent. Both biostiumulation treatments were

compared to a control, with no additional nutrients. Soil samples were then removed for evaluation after 11 days

of incubation and again after 22 days. In each case, dichloromethane and water were used as solvents to extract

the liquid from the soil and then the organic phase was separated from the aqueous phase. Subsequently, the

organic phase samples were prepared for gas chromatography to quantify the degradation of hydrocarbons in the

kerosene. Upon analysis of the chromatography data, the uric acid and lecithin treatment showed the most

significant degradation while there was no significant difference between the control and the S-200 treatment.


Rebekah Wells

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Sue Jinks-Robertson, Kevin Lehner, Duke University

Effects of Chronic Low-Dose Radiation on Yeast - DNA damage is something that occurs regularly. The cell has

different mechanisms for repairing this damage. In this experiment we look at the damage induced by Chronic

Low-Dose Ultraviolet Radiation (CLUV). We were interested to see in the rate of mutagenesis was increasing with

exposure to CLUV even if growth rate did not change. In order to do so we developed an assay that compared

growth rate, transference rate, and number of colonies mutated to determine the rate of mutation. We

determined that rate of mutagenesis was increased although growth rate did not reflect it. Once we accomplished

this we looked at strains where specific DNA damage-repair mechanisms had been blocked to see if a trend could

be seen that would suggest that one repair mechanism is more vital in repairing damaged induced by CLUV. We

have yet to determine which repair mechanism is most important. But we do have results that suggest some

mechanisms are more involved than others. We have also shown that our assay can be used to determine rate of

mutation and can be applied to virtually any situation.

This experiment was carried in the Microbiological and Molecular Genetics department at Duke University in the

Sue Jinks-Roberston Lab. The experiment began August 25, 2011. The project is unfinished and will be carried into

summer of 2012.

Kathryn Wheeler

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Robert Jackson, Jonathan Karr, Duke University

Methane Contamination and Hydraulic Fracturing - The techniques of hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking,

and horizontal drilling have significantly increased the amount of available shale gas. Fracking is a process where

water and chemicals are injected at high pressures underground to fracture the geological formation. Last year,

Osborn, Vengosh, Warner, and Jackson of Duke University published a paper that found an association between

the distance groundwater is from a well and methane concentration in the groundwater. This study was a

continuation of the 2011 Duke University study. We have been testing samples of groundwater at various

distances from fracking wells to see if these samples also indicate an association between distance and

groundwater methane contamination. The data is still incomplete, but we have found less of an association

between distance and methane contamination. Factors such as geology may prove to have a larger impact on

groundwater methane contamination from fracking than distance does.

Sara White

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM

Hypotheses on Breast Cancer Growth Rate Models - The proficiency of two breast cancer tumor growth models,

the Gompertzian and the stochastic Gompertzian, are investigated using theoretical methods. Based on the

findings clinical data, it is generally accepted that breast cancer tumors do not grow with exponential rates.

Conceptually, Gompertzian growth rates make sense; tumors grow faster the greater the tumor burden. The


model fails to account for irregularity in growth rates. The stochastic Gompertzian model proposes random,

spontaneous changes in rate of growth or rate of decay. Both models are supported by clinical data. A growth

model of breast cancer tumor will lead to a better understanding of this aliment and aid in suggesting treatment

strategies.

Hun Wong

Teachers/Mentors: Amy Sheck, NCSSM; Paul Magwene, Duke University

Prions as a Mechanism of Yeast Stress Response - Prions are self-propagating amyloid proteins that are most

often associated with irreversible neurodegenerative diseases in mammals, but in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

(yeast) recent findings have suggested that prions may serve an evolutionarily beneficial role in responding to

stressful environments. This study attempts to discover a novel function of prions as a factor facilitating yeast

complex colony morphology (CCM) and pseudohyphal development- two known nutritional stress responses of

yeast. Twenty four strains were screened by growing them on media varying in nutritional stress (YPD, YPLD, and

SLAD-1%, low, medium, high stress respectively) with and without 1mM GuHCl, a chemical known as an effective

treatment to eliminate yeast prions. CCM and pseudohyphal growth were assayed as stress response indicators.

Eight of the 24 strains tested for CCM responded to GuHCl with changes in overall complexity as well as

morphotypes, and 5 of the 24 strains tested for pseudohyphal development displayed varying levels of

pseudohyphae in response to GuHCl. These results suggest that the strains that responded to GuHCl have prions

that play a novel role in stress management through CCM and pseudohyphal development.

Janice Wong

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Pamela Maxson, Children's Environmental Health Initiative

Environmental Health GIS - Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a technology that combines cartography,

statistical analysis, and database technology, has many applications. It has been proven particularly effective in

analysis of health disparities and associated environmental risk factors by a number of studies. The experience of

partaking in GIS training, geocoding, and data acquisitions at the Children’s Environmental Health Initiative at Duke

University may be enriched by simultaneously reading related literature. The diverse applications of GIS, especially

in environmental health, call for further research, development, and spread of GIS technologies in the future.

Jessica Yoo

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Timothy Haystead, Brittany Speer, Duke University

Dengue Fever: Search for a Cure - In recent years, with the onset of global warming, disease-carrying mosquito

populations have steadily creeped northward, bringing dengue fever to the US. Unfortunately, due to some

specific characteristics of the dengue virus, a cure or vaccine has remained elusive. In fact, the dengue virus is

notorious as "an immunologist's nightmare," for while its symptoms can lead to severe shock-and even death- the

search for a treatment has been hindered for various reasons.


In the Haystead Lab, we have the methods and means to conduct mass ATP-knockdown assays for various

compounds. Thus, we reasoned that if we managed to identify molecules that are essential to the viral infection

process that also happen to have high affinity for ATP, then we can create a small molecule inhibitor drug that

treats the disease by inhibiting viral replication.

These target molecules can be viral or host-derived, as long as they play crucial roles in the progression of dengue

infection. Hence, we chose to study the viral nonstructural proteins (NS3 and NS5), as well as the host-factor

(CCT7). Through various biotechnological methods, we proved that these molecules are not only present during

infection in high concentrations, but they also possess ATP binding sites, a necessary criterion for our purposes.

Therefore, a small molecule inhibitor drug that inhibits all three of these potential drug targets in conjunction

could potentially prove an effective treatment/precautionary measure against the dengue virus.

Grace Yook

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Kelly Nelson, Duke University Dept. of Dermatology

With Applications in Skin Cancer Detection - My research project was on improving the Diffuse Reflectance

Spectroscopy model for future use in skin cancer detection. It was evident that the model needed improvement

due to the lack of light that was received by the corner pixels in the photodetectors. Because of this,

improvements were made to the DRS system to improve the light delivery to the photodetectors. Taking various

measurements of the current vs. voltage, along with power vs. wavelength, I was able to detect the changes that

needed to be made between the metal to quartz rods for future use.

Edwin Yun

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Edward Tower, Duke University

Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement - The computational general equilibrium (CGE) model assumes perfect

competition, constant returns to scale, and product differentiation by country of origin. It uses analyzes the effects

by dividing the regions into Korea, the U.S., Japan, and rest of the world. The Michigan model contains differing

characteristics such as imperfect competition, monopolistic competition, increasing returns to scale, and product

variety. By studying the previous computational models, this paper aims not only to discuss the results but also to

draw original implications and insights based on the results. Such implications include a close examination on the

mechanisms behind each country’s welfare gains and the risk of frictional and structural unemployment in South

Korea as results of the KORUS-FTA. The analysis on the previously studied computational models estimates the

welfare gains based on both static and quasi-dynamic scenarios. The results suggest varying degree of increased

GDP, ranging from combined U.S. and South Korean welfare gains of $4.3 billion to $60.6 billion according to Choi

and Schott (2004) and Schott, Bradford, and Moll (2006), respectively. The welfare gains are also categorized by

the sectors, implying U.S. comparative advantage in agriculture and Korean comparative advantage in textile,

leather, auto parts, and chemicals. In addition, this paper discusses the complications arising from politically

sensitive issues such as the Investor-State Dispute Settlement and the Outward Processing Zone. Finally, this

paper examines functional tactics practicable by the U.S. investors for the Investor-State Dispute Settlement and

South Korea’s role as the United States’ strategic hub against China and North Korea.


Ahmed Zaeem

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Mary Roederer, UNC-Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy

Pharmacogenomics in Mexican Populations - The Pharmacogenomics for Every Nation Initiative (PGENI) aims to

use pharmacogenomics on a global scale to decrease adverse effects pf drugs. This study looks at the genetics

surrounding Mexican ethnic groups and compares them to United States Caucasians. The data was obtained from

literature that was filtered through the PGENI database. In order for data to be entered into the database, it needs

to contain information pertaining to the following criteria: sample size, country, ethnicity, gene, variant, and

frequency. The compiled data is computed and PGENI generates risk maps, showing the risk classification of

several variants throughout the countries of the world. Our study shows that the variants CYP1A1*2C and

CYP2E1*5 show an increased risk of adverse drug effects in Mexican populations than United States Caucasians.

CYP2E1*5 encodes the enzyme that is involved in metabolizing isoniazid, a medication used to treat tuberculosis.

Due to the increased risk of adverse drug effects associated with this variant, Mexican patients should be more

closely monitored for medication induced liver illness. CYP1A1*2C does not play a significant role in nicotine

metabolism, so the increased risk does not significantly affect Mexican populations.

Yiming Zhang

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Liza Makowski, Gillings School of Public Health, UNC Chapel Hill

ID of a Pro-Inflammatory Macrophage biomarker - Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic and in 2008, it was

estimated that an alarming 33.8% of Americans were obese. Some of the leading causes of death in the US are

directly related to obesity, including heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes. Macrophages

have been shown to be critical to the onset of obesity. In obese individuals, increased adiposity drives

macrophages to activate via the classical pathway (M1), leading to inflammation and further macrophage

aggregation. M1 macrophages metabolize glucose through glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1), which may be the link

between macrophage metabolism/glucose uptake and the onset of inflammation and diet induced obesity. Our

study has shown GLUT-1 to be the main glucose transporter in macrophages and increases with M1 polarization.

The manipulation of macrophage fuel metabolism (via GLUT-1 expression alterations) has indicated that GLUT-1 is

a novel pro-inflammatory macrophage biomarker, driving M1 polarization when over-expressed. This has lead to

the discovery of pathways to regulate macrophage inflammation and the promotion of obesity which can lead to

new, targeted treatments and therapies for the treatment of obesity and diabetes down the road.

Yue Zheng

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Jason Howard, Erich Jarvis, Duke University

Avian Vocal Learning and Microsatellites in dusp1 - Vocal learning, a complex behavioral trait once thought to be

unique to humans, is crucial for language acquisition. This behavior is also similarly found in three orders of birds:

parrots, hummingbirds, and songbirds. The genetic causes of this rare trait are still being elucidated; for example,

the dusp1 gene has been found to be highly up-regulated in response to vocalization learning in the song nuclei of

vocal learners, and studies suggest that microsatellites—short repeating DNA sequences found in the genome that

alter gene expression significantly—have an effect on dusp1 gene expression. To identify microsatellites and

determine their effect on the dusp1 promoter, we compared the dusp1 promoter sequences of vocal learning and


non-vocal learning avian models. Data collection took place in the Jarvis Lab at Duke University from July 11, 2011

to February 2, 2012. After isolating, cloning, and sequencing the dusp1 promoter sequence from various species,

we found that the number of microsatellites varied across both species and individuals of the same species. These

results were supported by computational analysis of the sequences and have implications for updating the

phylogenetic tree of bird evolution, increasing knowledge about avian vocal learning, validating sequences in the

Genome 10K Project, and eventually creating a better understanding of language problems in human beings.

Lisa Zheng

Teachers/Mentors: Leslie Brinson, NCSSM; Zachary Wissner-Gross, Harvard-MIT Division of Health, Science, and

Technology

An Inhibitory Model for Neuronal Symmetry Breaking - As neurons develop, several immature processes, or

neurites, grow out of the cell body and break symmetry by competing to become the neuron's single axon. To

explain how this symmetry breaking occurs, two contrasting ideas have been proposed: depletion and inhibition.

Depletion involves neurite competition for a collective pool of growth proteins, while inhibition includes additional

inhibitory signals. Several computational models have been proposed for depletion, but so far, no inhibitory

models have been developed. Here, we propose the first inhibitory models by adding negative feedback to a

previously published depletion model. Numerically, we find that inhibition based on both concentration and length

accelerate axon formation and induce axon formation over a larger range of parameters. However, only

concentration-based inhibition allows shorter neurites to regenerate. Analytically, we find that the strength of our

model's positive feedback must exceed a value related to the neurite count in order for symmetry breaking to

occur. Our work expands the current understanding of axon specification and growth mechanisms that are

important for nervous system development and relevant for treatments of Alzheimer's disease and nerve injury.

Connie Zhong

Teachers/Mentors: John Kirk, NCSSM; Sally Kornbluth, Erika Segear Johnson, Duke University

Caspase-2 Activators and Inhibitors - Caspase-2 plays a crucial role in apoptosis, programmed cell death. In these

experiments, we investigated the effects of adding different compounds to Xenopus laevis egg extract samples to

see how they would influence caspase activation. Through consistent caspase assays, we concluded that while

certain compounds such as LiCl, G6P, G6P+UO126, AOA, and AOA+UO126 slowed down caspase activation and

thus prevented cell death from occurring, UO126 and H2O2 had the opposite effect, instead speeding up this

process. Moreover, when UO126 and H2O2 were combined with other compounds including G6P and AOA, their

effects were partially shielded. This paper also outlines the methods of experimentation and possible sources of

error, as well as explores implications of this research in cancer therapy. Experiments were conducted starting in

June of 2011 until February of 2012 at the Levine Science Research Center on Duke University’s campus in Durham,

North Carolina.

NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS

1219 Broad Street Durham, NC 27715

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Symposium Abstract Book 2012

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