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Paper Number: 1 Paper Title: In Vitro Detection of Dopamine with PEDOT/GO Coated Gold Microelectrodes via Cyclic Voltammetry Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: Dopamine (DA) is an important signaling molecule in the brain and the central nervous system. Its
dysfunction is linked to neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease or schizophrenia. Fast scan cyclic
voltammetry (FSCV) at bare gold microelectrodes (GE) have been demonstrated to effectively detect DA via
the neurotransmitter’s redox capabilities. However, improvements in sensitivity are possible.
Electrodeposition of poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT)/graphene oxide (GO) conductive polymer on
GE improves DA detection due to the aided adsorption of dopamine-o-quinone, DA’s oxidation product, on
the electrode surface. Out of all deposition durations, 30 sec PEDOT/GO depositions most significantly
improve in vitro DA detection sensitivity over bare GE, which fail to detect dopamine at 10µM
concentrations. The 30 sec PEDOT/GO electrodes improve sensitivity compared to 10 sec PEDOT/GO by an
average of 171% at slower CV scan rates (0.1, 1, 5, 10 V/sec), but do not significantly improve detection at a
FSCV scan rate of 400 V/sec, a likely effect of delayed transfer kinetics at higher scan rates due to imperfect
initial gold electrode surfaces. Such PEDOT/GO electrodes show promise for in vivo dopamine detection in
live rat brains due to their reusability and sensitivity, ultimately aiding understanding of DA’s in vivo
functions.
Paper Number: 2 Paper Title: Argon Isotope Ages of Martian Meteorite NWA 7533 Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: The purpose of this project is to date different component lithologies within brecciated meteorites using the
argon-argon method. To get ages from your samples it is necessary to polish them, making the results from
the electron microprobe more reliable. Using the electron microprobe we analyzed the samples aiming for
areas of interest, presumably plagioclase. Plagioclase is a mineral with high potassium content, in meteorite
standards. An ideal amount of plagioclase in a clast would depend on the grain’s size, and age. After finding
candidates from each sample, we will separate them and send them to an 80-day irridation session at a
nuclear reactor which will bombard the samples with neutrons (changing potassium-39 to argon-39). Based
on the argon-40 to argon-39 ratio, we will determine an age for each of the samples.
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Paper Number: 3 Paper Title: Coaxially electrospun fibrous materials created by a convenient, self-developed electrospinning apparatus Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: Electrospinning has been used as a reliable method of creating polymer nanofibrous constructs for
applications in fields such as tissue engineering and drug delivery. However, the use of a single polymer has
limited the potential of these constructs. Coaxial electrospinning is a novel method that has prospects of
increasing the versatility of electrospun materials. This version of electrospinning utilizes a coaxial fiber of
concentric morphology with a core polymer within a sheath polymer. This coaxial fiber may be a better
option in tissue engineering and drug delivery because it has extended capability as a result of using two
different polymers. Studies have shown the use of this morphology in improving hydrophobicity, tensile
strength, conductivity, and other crucial properties used in mimicking the environment of cells or delivering
drugs. In this study, we design and construct a functional coaxial electrospinning apparatus to spin
discernable fibers with a concentric, dual-phase morphology for tissue engineering and drug delivery
applications. The apparatus is cost effective to construct and easy to operate.
Paper Number: 4 Paper Title: Cost-Effective Method for Synthesizing Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Surface Capable of E. coli Growth Inhibition Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: Surfaces of frequently touched objects are subject to bacterial contamination, and can lead to the spread of
illness. This poses health risks in health care institutions as well as domestic households. While chemical
agents have been used to keep eradicate bacteria from surfaces, this study proposes a cost-effective method
for characterizing existing surfaces with antibacterial properties by evenly depositing zinc oxide
nanostructures. Previous studies have shown that nanostructures on surfaces can physically disturb the
growth of bacteria, and this study hypothesizes that zinc oxides deposited by spray pyrolysis on a surface will
inhibit the bacteria growth. A dilute zinc nitrate solution was sprayed over a heated silicon wafer as
precursor, and the thermal decomposition of zinc nitrate droplets lead to the growth of zinc oxide particles
on surface. Spray pyrolysis was used because it is a technique well known for its low cost and ease in growing
nanostructures. The effect of zinc oxide treated wafers were tested through growing Escherichia coli bacteria
in Lysogeny Broth (LB) , and results showed that zinc oxide treated surfaces inhibited bacterial growth. The
result demonstrates spray pyrolysis to be a viable method for characterizing antibacterial surfaces and
improving public health.
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Paper Number: 5 Paper Title: Synthesis of 2- (Bispinacolato Boron) Fluorene (P-type material) Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: The purpose of this research is to effectively synthesize 2-(Bispinacolato Boron) Fluorene, an organic
semiconductor (p-type material) for industrial production. I was able to obtain the compound while
improving the method. The general procedure consists of : 1) Mixing chemicals, 2) Synthesizing chemicals, 3)
Washing, Quenching and Extracting than Rotoevaporating the compound, 4) Putting the compound through
Flash Column Chromatography, 5) Identifying compound through NMR. I changed the procedure by: 1)
Replacing 2,7-Dibromofluorene with 2-Bromofluorene. 2-Bromofluorene provides one boronate, making the
compound easy to connect to the rest of the molecule, 2) Changing time of reflux from 24 hours to 1 hour
with a CEM Discover Microwave, 3) Eliminating the use of Magnesium Sulfate to increase product yield. 4)
Changing conditions from (9:1) chloroform:hexane, to (7:3) petroleum ether:methylene chloride. By
changing the eluents, I improved the visibility in Thin Line Chromatography and improved purification in Flash
Chromatography. The experiment was reduced from 4 days down to 2 days. Creating an organic
semiconductor is important because silicon, the material used to make semiconductors, is nonrenewable.
The adaptation of organic semiconductors in technology is growing since it’s biodegradable, cost-efficient,
and easy to fabricate. Organic semiconductors can be a step to the future.
Paper Number: 6 Paper Title: Comparison Between Fluid-Bed Coating and Dry Coating on the Enhancement of Physical Stability of Amorphous Griseofulvin Dispersi Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: The main purpose of this project was to develop ways to stabilize BCS Class II drugs using dry coating and
fluid-bed coating. By creating amorphous versions of drugs so that the solubility rate and dissolution rate of
these drugs can be enhanced, the bioavailability and the rate of bioavailability increases. Amorphous versions
of drug particles demonstrate increased solubility and faster dissolution rates, resulting in greater
bioavailability. However, these amorphous versions of the drug particles are physically unstable and tend to
revert back to their crystalline form. The objective of this study is to determine if dry coating and/or fluid bed
coating can allow for enhanced physical stability of amorphous versions of Griseofulvin, GF, drug particles. To
start the process, amorphous GF and 5% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-10) solid dispersions are made using the
melt-quench method. Once rapidly cooled, the solid dispersion is milled to create a fine amorphous solid
dispersion, which is then coated with carnauba wax of Eudragit EPO if using the fluid-bed coating method.
Dry coating with carnauba wax or Eudragit EPO occurs during the milling process. After coating, stability tests
using X-ray diffraction, and characterization tests for particle size using the RODOS are done. Results from
this study indicate that fluid-bed coating and dry coating enhance the stability of amorphous Griseofulvin.
Additionally, fluid-bed coating enhances the stability of amorphous GF better than dry coating. As percent of
fluid-bed coating with carnauba wax increases, the physical stability of amorphous GF also increases.
However, any greater percentage of carnauba wax coating after 5% does not result in greater stability.
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Therefore, to achieve greater stability of amorphous GF, it is best to coat with 5% carnauba wax using the
fluid-bed coating method. These findings will be especially useful in increasing bioavailability, especially for
poorly water-soluble drugs.
Paper Number: 7 Paper Title: Factors Affecting Thin Film Dissolution Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: Polymer film strips provide solutions to multiple issues for BCS II drugs currently delivered as tablets,
including fast release for relief of symptoms, improved bioavailability, and personalized dosage. A sublingual
film strip does not require water or need to be swallowed. In this project several new un-standardized
methods were employed to both create and evaluate polymer films containing a BCS II drug, fenofibrate. The
testing methods included UPS1 disintegration, which is designed for tablets, timing the disintegration in
water, and timing water penetration through the film. Disintegrating agents, sodium starch glycolate, SSG,
croscarmellose sodium, CCS, and crospovidone, CP, designed to be used in tablets, were added in varying
amounts to determine their effect on disintegration time. Films created with varying amounts of SSG and
CCS showed improved disintegration times over films without disintegrating agents. The effect of varying film
thickness was tested. Thinner films, with or without disintegrating agents, showed improved disintegration
times. The un-standardized test results were compared with results from established tests such as USP IV for
dissolution and tensile strength in order to validate them, and ultimately lead to the standardization of
methods for creating and evaluating polymer film strips containing BCS II drugs.
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Paper Number: 8 Paper Title: Effects of Dry Coating with Nanoparticles on Drug Powder and Drug Release Rate of Ibuprofen Tablets Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: In the pharmaceutical industry, numerous drug molecules exhibit poor bioavailability originating from their
low water-solubility and ensuing slow drug dissolution rates. According to the Noyes-Whitney equation, an
increase in the specific surface area, results in a proportional increase in the dissolution rate. However, as the
surface area of the particles increases, the powder becomes more cohesive as a result of cumulative
adhesion forces between the particles. Highly cohesive powder tends to agglomerate, producing low
flowability, which can lead to downstream processing issues. In this study, a Biopharmatics Classification
System (BCS) Class II drug, Ibuprofen, was used as the model drug. Hydrophilic Silica Aerosil 200 was added as
the guest material coating equidistantly distributed over the surface of the drug particles resulting in weaker
adhesion forces. The Fluid Energy Mill (FEM) and Lab Ram acoustic mixer, simultaneously milled and dry
coated the drug with the silica to decrease the original particle size of the drug; thus, improving the
dissolution rates of the drug. Controlling the solid feed rate, feed pressure, and grinding pressure produced
different particle sizes. To evaluate results, AOR (Angle of Repose), dissolution rates, and flowability tests
were used to test the improvement in the dissolution rate of the drug and its flowability. In conclusion,
reducing the particle size of Ibuprofen with dry coating (A200 silica) yielded improved flowability of the
powder, along with a higher dissolution rate of these Ibuprofen tablets.
Paper Number: 9 Paper Title: Comparison of Various Methods of Perovskite Solar Cell Production Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: Perovskite solar cells have shown an immense growth in efficiency in the past few years, from 6.5% in 2011
to 20% being measured in the latest findings. The increased efficiency has been fueled by the efforts of
researchers refining the materials and methods used, such as swapping a platinum counter electrode for the
hole transport material Spiro-MeOTAD. Despite the great advances, the wide variety of materials used leaves
unclear the best options for each component. This research investigated whether dimethylformamide or
ethyl acetate was more effective as an alternative to the widely used solvent gamma-butyrolactone. Graphite
as a counter electrode and copper iodide as a hole transport material were similarly compared as an
alternative to the expensive hole transport material Spiro-MeOTAD. The efficiencies of spin coating and drop
casting the precursor solution and the hole transport material were researched. Perovskite was analyzed
under electron microscopy and FTIR spectra. The combination of spin coating both dimethylformamide and
copper iodide resulted in the most efficient cell, 25% more efficient compared to the next best combination
tested. Further studies will be required to test how these alternatives hold up to gamma-butyrolactone and
Spiro-MeOTAD.
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Paper Number: 10 Paper Title: Analysis of Nickel Titanium Shape Memory Alloy as a Protective Shell for Lithium-Ion Batteries Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry; materials science, alternative fuels) Paper Abstract: Lithium-ion batteries today are innately prone, due to the alkali metal’s reactivity, to violently react with the
moisture and the oxygen present in the air when its outer shell is punctured. This is a safety issue for the
batteries’ applications into electric or hybrid automobiles, as these chemical reactions’ exothermic
components would compromise the battery and heat it to a point of ignition or even explosion. To prevent
this, a shape memory shell using the alloy nickel titanium can take advantage of the early stages of these
reactions’ temperature change, which would start at the alloy’s martensitic temperature, to transform back
to its original shape when the temperature of the battery arises above 70ºC, the austenite transition
temperature of the alloy used in this study. The efficiency of the metal was tested by indenting squares of the
alloy and heating them at the austenite temperature for 3 minutes. The data indicate that as the area of the
sample increased, the change in depth showed little correlation. Through these tests, the potential of the
alloy to stop these reactions was assessed. This research will lead to a safer and more efficient usage of the
future fuel source for automobiles in society.
Paper Number: 11 Paper Title: The Efficiency of Microbial Electricity Production in Varying Soils Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Energy is the ability to do work, and some of the ways people have obtained energy is through the burning of
fossil fuels, and through the combustion of gases, which have negatively impacted the Earth. The objective of
this project was to use common bacteria found in damp soil, Geobacter and Shewanella, to produce an
electrical charge that could be harnessed through a microbial fuel cell, which was cost efficient, clean, and
long-lasting. These microorganisms frequently respire/decompose glucose, nutrients, and electrons in the
soil, when in search for oxygen, creating microbial communities that are electrically connected by bacterial
nanowires. To manage the electricity that was conducted through the release of electrons, thickness
measured metal cathodes (Copper) and anodes (Zinc) were placed in the soil to allow for oxidation and
reduction, and the transfer of electrons which allowed for the conduction of electricity (Seen in Galvanic
Cells). The experiment used four varying wet soils; all of different pH levels, in the same volume container, at
the same temperature and moisture, which are globally accessible, to demonstrate the variation in the
output of electricity, and to demonstrate how electricity could be inexpensively obtained. Also trials were
held to test the output of electricity once the optimum outputting soil went through sterilization, and was
oxygenated. Ultimately, the electricity generated was run through breadboards to enhance the output of
electricity, showing how the electricity could be easily employed.
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Paper Number: 12 Paper Title: The Efficiency of Microbial Electricity Production in Varying Soils Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Energy is the ability to do work, and some of the ways people have obtained energy is through the burning of
fossil fuels, and through the combustion of gases, which have negatively impacted the Earth. The objective of
this project was to use common bacteria found in damp soil, Geobacter and Shewanella, to produce an
electrical charge that could be harnessed through a microbial fuel cell, which was cost efficient, clean, and
long-lasting. These microorganisms frequently respire/decompose glucose, nutrients, and electrons in the
soil, when in search for oxygen, creating microbial communities that are electrically connected by bacterial
nanowires. To manage the electricity that was conducted through the release of electrons, thickness
measured metal cathodes (Copper) and anodes (Zinc) were placed in the soil to allow for oxidation and
reduction, and the transfer of electrons which allowed for the conduction of electricity (Seen in Galvanic
Cells). The experiment used four varying wet soils; all of different pH levels, in the same volume container, at
the same temperature and moisture, which are globally accessible, to demonstrate the variation in the
output of electricity, and to demonstrate how electricity could be inexpensively obtained. Also trials were
held to test the output of electricity once the optimum outputting soil went through sterilization, and was
oxygenated. Ultimately, the electricity generated was run through breadboards to enhance the output of
electricity, showing how the electricity could be easily employed.
Paper Number: 13 Paper Title: Biologically Inspired Robotic Fish Design and Implementation Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: The ocean impacts our society in many ways; it provides food and a means of transportation. However, little
is known about the ocean; 5% of the ocean is mapped. The ocean also contains dangers, such as mines,
which the U.S. Navy uses trained dolphins to locate. Recently, underwater gliders have been used for these
explorations; however, these lack maneuverability. This research presents a working prototype of a robotic
fish (2.5’ long) that was designed and constructed, with the advantage of maneuverability at a low cost. The
prototype has the potential capabilities of detecting oil, underwater objects, and has the potential to be
remote controlled. Autocad was used to design and 3D-print the six parts of the structure. The fish was
programmed using an ATmega328P microcontroller, an Arduino Uno circuit board, and an Adafruit Servo
driver. The fish is propelled with three waterproof Servos; each motor moves a part of the tail. The pitch is
changed with a fourth Servo, which shifts a weight on top of a pulley inside the robotic fish, changing the
placement of the head and tail. This experimental robotic fish prototype incorporates both speed and
maneuverability, utilizing the natural and efficient motion of a biological fish.
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Paper Number: 14 Paper Title: Optimized surface treatment for realization of PDMS devices from 3D molds Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic devices made using molds are viable in creating cheap and
accurate invitro models, however the surface chemistry of the molds must be optimized first. The molds are
incompatible with the PDMS due to unreacted resin monomers which in turn prevents the devices from
curing properly. To prevent the monomers from reacting, the molds were either coated with black Sharpie,
silver acrylic paint, or not coated. Half of the molds underwent pretreatment while the other half got coated
immediately. The pretreatment consisted of leaving the molds out for 2 days, heating for 4 hours at 70°C, and
then coating. The heating times varied from 210 hours with 2 hour intervals. Overall, the acrylic paint yielded
the worst results in both the trials with pretreatment and no pretreatment of the mold. From our
experiments, it can also be concluded that leaving the molds for 2 days and heating them helps set the resin
monomers. Because of this, the best device resulted from the pretreated non coated mold which was put in
the oven for 10 hours. Although this device did not completely cure, it came closest to properly curing and
the channel was the most accurate. Further work includes leaving the PDMS in the oven for 12-16 hours for
the device to properly set.
Paper Number: 15 Paper Title: Innovative Prototype that converts Humidity from the Air to Liquid Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Clean and safe drinking water is scarce. Nearly 1 billion people today in the developing countries don't have
access to it. Many people in developing countries spend their entire day searching for water. In places like
Africa, there are approximately 345 million people who has no access to water. Around 1.2 billion people
which is almost one-fifth of the world's population live in areas that has water scarcity, and 500 million
people are currently approaching this situation. Another 1.6 billion people, face economic water shortage.
Water scarcity is a common problem in every continent. A solution to this crisis is a cost efficient and an
effective Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG). AWG is a device that produces water through the humidity in
the atmosphere. The more the humidity, the more the water produced. This prototype converts humidity
present in the air using electricity to water. This can be used in many deserted areas, where solar power can
be an alternative source, since they suffer from droughts. It was not as effective as AWGs in the market
currently. However, the researcher was able to devise a cost efficient AWG that can be used to convert
humidity from air to liquid.
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Paper Number: 16 Paper Title: Optimal Substitution of Aggregate to Produce an Economically Viable Alternative to Traditional Concrete Mixtures Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Previous research suggests that concrete with higher percentages of Portland cement™ than sand and
aggregate is more durable against acidic precipitation and compressively stronger than the industrial
standard. Cement costs $255 USD/ton and accounts for 5% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Thus, the
experiments were purposed to test more economically feasible and environmentally friendly concrete
mixtures with comparable strength to the standard mix. The effects of lowering aggregate proportions ($26
USD/ton) were analyzed to compensate for the impacts of the novel ratio by substituting 30% of the
aggregate with recycled materials: recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), conglomerate plastics (HDPE, PS, PA),
and consumer glass. Cylindrical specimens of each mix were cured and tested for compressive strength (psi)
in a hydraulic compression machine at the NavAir environmental lab. The batch containing recycled glass
yielded the strongest concrete (3007.15 psi). In the second phase of testing, the substitution of glass was
increased in ten-percent increments from the 30% baseline. The results indicate that the 100%-substitution
mixture was strongest, failing at an average of 3572.89 psi. It is inferred that high percentages of glass
benefits concrete strength due to chemical reactions between fine glass particles and cement hydrates and
the ideal binding surface of small glass shards. Overall, utilizing recycled glass as a complete aggregate
alternative would reduce the cost and environmental effect of concrete infrastructure.
Paper Number: 17 Paper Title: Fuel Potential from the Pyrolysis of Plastic Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Plastic is an important part of almost every aspect of people’s lives. It is used in numerous industries for a
variety of applications. The methods of dealing with plastic waste currently consist of incineration and landfill
disposal. Over time, plastic does not biodegrade; instead, small amounts leech into the environment due to
photodegredation and weathering. Suitable land for dumping plastic is dwindling, and an alternative way
dispose of plastic waste is needed. Pyrolyzing plastic is a novel alternative method for disposing plastic waste.
The pyrolysis of waste plastic converts the waste, which would otherwise be thrown away, into hydrocarbon
products that can be used in many ways, including fuel, medicine, and other chemical uses. For this study,
high density polyethylene (HDPE) was heated to temperatures between 400°C and 600°C to induce pyrolysis.
The masses of the liquid and solid products were measured, and a percentage of the gaseous, liquid, and
solid material yielded was calculated. The liquid products were analyzed by separating the gasoline-range
hydrocarbons from the diesel-range hydrocarbons by boiling point. On average, the product yield consisted
of 47% solids, 32% liquids, and 21% gases. The liquid products were made of 0% diesel-range hydrocarbons
and 100% gasoline-range hydrocarbons and water.
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Paper Number: 18 Paper Title: Novel Peltier Effect Cooler Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: This project proposes an inexpensive, efficient, and safe alternative cooling technology through the use of
peltiers. The peltier effect, discovered by French Physicist Jean-Charles Athanase Peltier, is a thermoelectric
effect caused when a current passes through a material consisting of two dissimilar conductors, causing it to
become a heat sink. Using a novel geometry of layered peltiers a prototype device proposes to maximize and
optimize the cooling effect of the peltiers. The device is also layered with conductive materials to maximize
the amount of heat transferred. The geometry will allow it to make use of both conductive and convective
heat transfer. Currently, refrigerators and air conditioners make use of liquid refrigerants with
environmental consequences. This new device could offset or replace these liquid refrigerants.
Paper Number: 19 Paper Title: Optimization of Data transmission in Xbee units Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: The efficiency of data transmission in Xbee units leads to fast and accurate data reception. In order to
optimize the data transmission between Xbee units, a project was created that used XBee units to
communicate data from a GPS across long distances. In the project, one robot would chase another robot by
using that robot’s position. If the Xbee unit could send data efficiently, then one robot will be able to
successfully chase down the other robot successfully. The method used to transmit data efficiently can be
used to optimize XBee communication for various uses. The project required 2 NXT bricks, 6 motors, 2 Xbee
units, 1 compass sensor, 2 ultrasonic sensor and 2 GPS receivers. 3 methods were used to test the efficiency
of the communication: sending data bit by bit, sending data as a whole package, and replacing parts of the
old data with new data. Of the methods used, replacing parts of the old data with new, updated data
resulted in the most efficient means of communication. This result can be implemented in other XBee
projects to transmit data efficiently.
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Paper Number: 20 Paper Title: Quantum Computer Interfacing Via Printed Circuit Boards Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Printed circuit boards (PCBs) can successfully transmit microwave photons to and from quantum computing
circuits through the use of transmission lines, namely coplanar waveguides (CPW). One of the defining
features of quantum computers is the coherence time – the period of time that quantum information in
useful since the delicate quantum mechanical states of qubits decay as they interact with a noisy
environment. It has been discovered that the packaging of the quantum computer, including the PCB, greatly
influences these times. Better packaging allows for greater isolation of the qubits; thus remain coherent long
enough for computation.
High-frequency PCB design comes with a number of challenges, most notably maintaining a controlled
characteristic impedance of 50Ω in the CPW. CPW topography was simulated using Simon’s analytical
expressions based on quasi-static conformal mapping techniques of a conventional coplanar waveguide. Two
designs featured Purcell filters, which utilize impedance changes to reflect photons back into the quantum
circuit to increase qubit interactions.
Ultimately, we designed seven PCBs containing multiple CPWs that connect the samples, ranging from 1.39”
by 1.39” to 7mm by 2mm, to coaxial connectors. Future work in includes testing the manufactured PCBs,
including using time-delay reflectometry and other measurements to calculate board performance
Paper Number: 21 Paper Title: Three Dimensional Piezoelectric Scaffolds for Neurite Extension for Potential Applications in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: To restore ambulatory function in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), who may have spinal cord lesions, it is
important to develop therapeutic interventions to facilitate axonal growth in the spine. Tissue formation or
regeneration can be accelerated by local electric fields. The objective of this research was to achieve
extended neuronal growth by preparing a scaffold utilizing a custom piezoelectric material, which can
provide electrical stimulation and potentially improve neurite outgrowth at the lesion site. The custom
formulation utilized 20% polyvinylidene fluoride trifluoroeythylene (PVDF-TrFE) and was then exposed to
electro-spinning process to generate fibers. Fibers were evaluated for various mechanical and physical
attributes. E15 rat pups were used to extract dorsal root ganglion (DRGs). DRGs were plated onto prepared
scaffold pieces in 96 well plates. Earlier experiments with formulations showed that 700 nm fibers did not
show axonal penetration into the scaffold due to limited space for axon regeneration. Subsequent
experiments resulted in increased fiber diameter as well as inter-fiber spacing and porosity for the scaffold.
The experiment demonstrated successful penetration of the axon into the scaffold when fiber diameter was
increased and could have a significant impact in potential axonal growth.
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Paper Number: 22
Paper Title: The A.R.C. Suit: A Revolution in Protective Vestments Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: Firefighters, search and rescue workers, police officers, astronauts, miners; what do these four professions
have in common? Along with the increased risk to life and limb, at least when compared with other jobs,
come greater mortality rates, but, why is this? More often than not, the equipment designed to safe guard
the lives of these stalwart individuals falters, breaking due to faults within the original designs of said
sheaths. Standing by and allowing this to continue is the equivalent of sentencing thousands of people to
their deaths. So, let us propose a solution, one that encompasses both the facets of the modern technological
world and the ideas set forth by younger generations for a better tomorrow. I propose that if we were to
combine various fibers found today, most notably a synthetic combination of Kevlar, Nomex, Neoprene, and
Carbon Fiber; we would create a sturdy suit which is both lightweight and highly resilient to damage from
flames, bullet, and the occasional falling rock or steel beam. Throughout said suit, one can enable a variety of
peripherals including; a vitals signs monitor, a coordinated drone reconnaissance system (CDRS), and a multi-
lens based visor system which enables functions including night vision, FLIR, and zoom. The entirety of the
construction is operated through a multi-core cpu and is powered by a set of "quick-change" lithium-ion
battery packs.
Paper Number: 23 Paper Title: Project Mimic Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: This project continues a two-year design entitled "Project Mimic." The first prototype was comprised of a
robotic arm which had the same degrees of motion as a human arm, including shoulder, elbow, and wrist
joints and a hand with fingers. It was called “Mimic” because it was designed so it could be remotely
controlled with electronics embedded into a vest worn by an operator, and it would ‘mimic’ the arm motions
of the operator. The original prototype had transmission issues that were resolved in the current prototype.A
CAD model of the original prototype allowed for a more detailed examination and analysis of the problems in
the original to allow for improvements. The first was also built with aluminum Tetrix parts for proof of
concept, which showed that it could be built with more suitable materials, ideally, lighter materials such as
carbon fiber. The ultimate purpose of this project is to provide a versatile and cost effective robot tool which
could allow human dexterity to exist in an area where an actual human presence is difficult to maintain, such
as the barren Moon or areas of high contamination. Other robots, which accomplish the same task, are
available on the market, but they are expensive.
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Paper Number: 24 Paper Title: Smart Control of an Affordable Hand and Wrist Prosthesis Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics) Paper Abstract: In this study, a three dimensional (3D) printed prosthesis for below-the-elbow amputees, which was designed
by a team of researchers from the Rutgers University School of Engineering, was paired with Thalmic Lab’s
Myo armband to provide an affordable, practical, and convenient solution for amputees. The Myo provided
data on muscle activity around the forearm through electromyography (EMG) as well as orientation data of
the arm using an onboard inertial measurement unit (IMU). The data was processed and sent to an Arduino
that was used to control servo motors attached to the prosthetic hand and wrist, which manipulated the
digits and moved the wrist. Due to certain limited aspects of the Myo armband software, further
developments have been explored including the addition of pressure sensors and a brain-computer interface
(BCI), specifically the open source OpenBCI hardware, in order to expand the functionality of the control
mechanism for users. At the same time, independent software for the Myo has been developed, which allows
for freedom in processing the raw EMG data from the armband to detect a greater variety of hand and wrist
movements and finer gestures. The prosthesis that was developed is a functional replacement limb with an
innovative control mechanism. It provides a user-friendly and cost-effective alternative to currently marketed
prosthetic limb systems that are often expensive and ineffective and require invasive procedures for
implementation. This development can positively affect not only amputees but also fields such as industry
and medicine.
Paper Number: 25 Paper Title: Climate Change and Malnutrition: The Correlation and Social Implications of the Disease Paper Category: Environmental science (pollution and impact upon ecosystems, environmental management, bioremediation, climatology, weather) Paper Abstract: The ability of climate change to create a ripple effect is often overlooked. India has already begun to
experience the inimical repercussions of climate change, and those deleterious issues that accompany it.
This paper sought to determine a correlation between climate change and malnutrition on the Indian
subcontinent and to explore the pervasive effects of malnutrition on Indian society. The relationship between
the two phenomena was explored through an extensive review of literature and analysis of data obtained
from various sources. The effects of such aspects of climate change as drought, glacier retreat, shift in
monsoon seasons, and fluctuations in temperature were explored in context of the nation's crop failure,
outbreak of disease in livestock, and predictability of the growing season. Ultimately, a conclusion regarding
the relationship between climate change and India's food supply will be determined. The effects of
malnutrition, then, on gender boundaries and educational and career-related opportunities is to be explored
in order to demonstrate the broad impacts of climate change. By indicating the extensive ability of climate
change, awareness can be brought to those ways that the issue can be controlled punctually, before the
consequences are too severe to mitigate.
JSHS 2016 Abstracts
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Paper Number: 26
Paper Title: The effects of pre-planting positioning and compost mulch mixture on apple replant disease in apple tree seedlings Paper Category: Environmental science (pollution and impact upon ecosystems, environmental management, bioremediation, climatology, weather) Paper Abstract: Apple replant disease is a common apple orchard problem typified by stunted growth and reduced yields in
successive plantings of apple seedlings. Orchards all around the world are affected with apple replant disease
(ARD) and solutions such as methyl bromide and chloropicrin are harmful to the environment and can have
serious affects on humans after long term exposure. Pre-planting positioning and mulch compost mixture
offers a safe and environment friendly solution to the disease. In this experiment, soil from the grassy lane
area was taken at different depths and was tested against ARD soil from the same orchard. After four weeks
of the apple seedlings growing in the two soils, the grassy lane soil had higher plant and root heights as well
as larger yield. The highest plant and root heights for the apple seedlings were found at the lowest depth of
thirty centimeters below the surface. After identifying that pre-planting positioning does produce larger
yields, the grassy lane soil was then mixed with a compost mulch mixture. The apple seedlings grown in this
soil mixture had the highest plant and root heights at the lowest depth. Using the results found from this
experiment, pre-planting positioning along with a mulch compost mixture produces healthier and greater
yielding apple trees.
JSHS 2016 Abstracts
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Paper Number: 27
Paper Title: Safe Sanitation Solutions Paper Category: Environmental science (pollution and impact upon ecosystems, environmental management, bioremediation, climatology, weather) Paper Abstract: Worldwide, 2.4 billion people lack access to proper sanitation, which hampers health and development.
Cramped living spaces and lack of plumbing make traditional toilets unfeasible in many developing countries
like India. Significant strides have been made towards economical alternatives. In the first phase of this
research, several toilet designs were evaluated. One promising option is a 2-pit composting toilet, 61 of
which were installed in a target village serving ~100 families.
In this system, solid waste is effectively treated through anaerobic composting. Concern remains about how
liquids are handled and the impact on nearby drinking-water. The design uses a brick-honeycomb structure
surrounded by sand, acting as a slow-sand filtration (SSF) system. Initial analysis of surrounding soil and
drinking-water suggests that SSF alone is not fully effective at removing fecal-coliform and other
contaminants.
Next phase involves developing simple and economic treatments to upgrade SSF systems. After researching
locally available materials, we conceived a set of alternative designs. The efficacy of each in removing
coliform bacteria was tested using table-top prototype waste-management systems, constructed as plug-flow
reactors; heterotrophic plate count method was used to compare bacterial concentration of contaminated
water before and after treatment. Research data is presented and future steps enumerated.
Paper Number: 28 Paper Title: Groundwater Purification Using Stropharia Mycelium Paper Category: Environmental science (pollution and impact upon ecosystems, environmental management, bioremediation, climatology, weather) Paper Abstract: Groundwater contamination is a massive problem in developing third world countries. Current solutions are
too expensive to be applicable in third world countries. This research attempts to inexpensively purify
groundwater by examining the effect of Stropharia Mycelium on pH, Phosphate, and Chloride levels in
groundwater. To conduct the research, a groundwater simulator was made using a series of plastic trays and
urban soil. Rainwater was collected, poured into the simulator, and drained to make simulated groundwater.
The simulated ground water was the control and it was tested for Chlorides, Phosphates, and pH. To
determine the effect of Stropharia Mycelium, the simulator was colonized with Stropharia Spawn and the
groundwater simulation was repeated. The test groundwater was compared with the control groundwater
and the results were that Stropharia Mycelium decreases Chlorides and Phosphates in simulated
groundwater and increases the pH of simulated groundwater. The Stropharia Mycelium was able to purify
the simulated groundwater and make it safer to drink. This research could easily be implemented to purify
groundwater worldwide.
JSHS 2016 Abstracts
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Paper Number: 29
Paper Title: The Decline of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide in the Late Miocene and Early Pliocene Paper Category: Environmental science (pollution and impact upon ecosystems, environmental management, bioremediation, climatology, weather) Paper Abstract: I utilize coccolithophores, unicellular marine phytoplankton that use dissolved carbon for calcification and
photosynthesis, to reconstruct environmental change from the Western Equatorial Pacific. Prior
experimentation shows that when dissolved CO2 in the surface water drops below a threshold, cells gradually
divert their internal bicarbonate supply from calcification to photosynthesis, with larger cells diverting more
bicarbonate than smaller cells. In the surface ocean, dissolved CO2 levels are primarily set by atmospheric
CO2 levels and temperature. This carbon reallocation is recorded in the carbon isotopic composition (δ13C)
of the calcium carbonate coccoliths make. Through filtration, decantation, and isotopic analysis, I measured
δ13C of coccoliths from four size fractions. I use δ13C difference between small and large coccoliths (∆δ13C)
and δ13C difference between coccoliths and seawater (εcoccolith), to evaluate changes in reallocation—and
aqueous CO2 limitation—over the past twenty million years. I add to a sparse record suggesting that
bicarbonate reallocation began in large cells ~twelve million years ago (Ma), and prior to this time period
(within 20 Ma) dissolved CO2 levels were above the reallocation threshold. This evidence for higher aqueous
and atmospheric CO2 is in disagreement with current proxy records for this time period, suggesting a
possible need for reevaluation.
Paper Number: 30 Paper Title: What are the effects of mycorrhizae fungi and phosphorus on plant growth? Paper Category: Environmental science (pollution and impact upon ecosystems, environmental management, bioremediation, climatology, weather) Paper Abstract: My project involves the use of different types of fertilizers to test their effects on plant growth. Farmers
across the country are using nitrogen fertilizers to promote plant growth. The nitrogen fertilizers ruin the soil
and the surrounding bodies of water. This is mainly due to the fact that the nitrogen seeps into the
groundwater and contaminates it. Contamination can cause algal blooms to occur, significant algal blooms
eventually lead to widespread death in bodies of water. The only reason that nitrogen fertilizer is used is
because of its ability to speed up the growing process of crops. I want to find a safe and natural alternative
that can be used on a large scale without harming the environment. Many alternatives are available on the
market today some of which include mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus based fertilizers. I tested the
effectiveness of both products by using them as fertilizer for a pea plant. I measured the growth over a two
week period and used statistical analysis to determine the significance of my results.
JSHS 2016 Abstracts
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Paper Number: 31 Paper Title: Substituting Xylene for Ethyl Acetate in Permanent Markers Paper Category: Environmental science (pollution and impact upon ecosystems, environmental management, bioremediation, climatology, weather) Paper Abstract: The purpose of this experiment is to recreate a marker with a safer solvent in place of xylene as it can cause
long term liver and nervous system damages. My purpose will be conducted through this procedure: Using
one of the ink compositions ratio, make an ink that matches its composition by explicitly measuring each
component for the ink and mixing them up in a cup that measures in grams. It should measure to 3.5 grams.
Take a pipette and take in all of the ink into the pipette. Put all of the ink into a marker body. Label the
marker according to its solvent compositions. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the remaining ink compositions. Label
six grid transparencies according to solvent compositions. After that is done, organize the transparencies so
that the percentages match. In the center of each grid, color a 4 by 4 unit square with its corresponding
marker. Wait a few seconds for the ink to dry if necessary. Take a gram of water and pour over one of the
squares. Do the same with another grid with the same solvent percentage. Wait until water on grid stops
spreading. Record how far the ink goes by counting the squares and do a side by side comparison with the ink
with same amount of solvent.
Data will be recorded and charted. It will be compared in a double bar graph. Hopefully, my conclusion would
prove ethyl acetate an effective substitute to xylene.
Paper Number: 32 Paper Title: The Effects of the ATOH-1 Gene on the Different Transdifferentiation Process in Cilia Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Noise-induced hearing loss is caused when high decibel sound permanently damages stereocilia, organelles
which transmit sound waves into sensation. Previous research was performed with the gene ATOH-1 on
deafened rabbits and guinea pigs. This gene was determined to be effective in a process called different
transdifferentiation, which transformed the genotype of secondary cells within these organisms’ ears into
stereocilia, thus restoring hearing. In this study, Stentors, a type of ciliophoran, were administered with this
gene. The cilia on the Stentors were attempted to be transformed into stereocilia. Effects of this gene were
evidenced by the noticeable lack of mobility, feeding, and ultimate faster death in the Stentors in the
experimental population with the ATOH-1 gene versus those in the control population. The statistically
significant results proved that the different transdifferentiation process caused by the ATOH-1 gene works
independently of complex organisms within an ear to potentially serve as a safe and effective cure for noise-
induced hearing loss in humans.
JSHS 2016 Abstracts
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Paper Number: 33 Paper Title: Regulating the Balance of Neural and Chemical Activity in the Brain through the Localization of CAMK in Inhibitory Synapses Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: The balance of chemical and neural activity in the human brain is dependent on the activation and
deactivation of various kinds of neurons, synapses, and neural pathways. Inhibitory synapses in cortical
neurons are responsible for reducing the neural activity of the brain in specific regions (excitatory synapses
induce higher levels of the aforementioned). Calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CAMKIIalpha) is a
protein that localizes to either inhibitory or excitatory synapses, and influences the number of
neurotransmitter receptors at those synapses, due to calcium-dependent phosphorylation. NMDA and
glutamate are two signaling molecules that activate NMDA--type glutamate receptors. Through the following
experiment, it is examined how these two molecules affect calcium levels in cortical neurons, and how they
affect the localization of CAM kinase at inhibitory and excitatory synapses. The implications for this finding
and its background are profound- the regulation of inhibitory and excitatory synapses and neurotransmitter
distribution throughout the brain is what prevents chemical imbalances in it, which may bear relation to a
wide spectrum of mental, psychological, and neurological illnesses like mania, depression, and bipolar
disorder.
Paper Number: 34 Paper Title: Protection from β-Amyloid Peptide Toxicity in a Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Model by Phenserine, a long-acting acetylcholi Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: The presence of Aβ(1-42) senile plaques and oxidative injury in the brain are the characteristic features of
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). A present focus of AD research is to develop safe Aβ-lowering therapeutic
treatments. There is increasing evidence to suggest the antioxidant and neuroprotective activities of Nigella
sativa oil (NSO), a herbaceous plant. Phenserine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, has also been shown to
improve cognitive function in rodents by inhibiting the production of both amyloid precursor protein (APP)
and Aβ. In this study, the ability of NSO and phenserine to suppress Aβ toxicity was assessed by utilizing the
transgenic CL4176 strain of Caenorhabditis elegans model of AD, which induces human Aβ in body wall
muscle cells. NSO and/or phenserine fed CL4176 worms displayed remarkably decreased paralysis, and
correspondingly, increased lifespan in comparison to untreated worms. Aβ plaque deposition of the CL4176
strain was assessed in spite of its pathological differences in contrast to the transgenic CL2006 strain, which
express human Aβ constitutively. In this study, NSO and phenserine have been shown to successfully reduce
oxidative injury and suppress Aβ toxicity in the C. elegans transgenic model.
JSHS 2016 Abstracts
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Paper Number: 35 Paper Title: Degradation of Styrofoam using Biofilms of Pseudomonas Putida Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Petroleum based products, such as Styrofoam and plastics are disposable materials that are not
biodegradable, and are major components of land fill. Certain microorganisms such as pseudomonas putida
have been shown to degrade Petroleum and have played a part in cleaning up oil spills. This study has been
designed to grow biofilms of pseudomonas putida on Styrofoam surfaces. We hypothesized that if the
Pseudomonas biofilm is grown in a liquid growth medium that lacks a Carbon source, the bacteria is grown in
a liquid growth medium that lacks a Carbon source, the bacteria will begin to degrade the Styrofoam and use
it for a Carbon source. Our preliminary studies have shown successful biofilm growth on various surfaces
including glass, plastic, and paper. Our protocol will now be modified to include Styrofoam.
Paper Number: 36 Paper Title: Potential Genetic Candidates Interact with Hippo Tumor Suppressor Pathway to Modulate Tissue Growth in Drosophila Melanogaster Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: The Hippo tumor suppressor pathway is known to play a large role in cancer and apoptosis. The loss of tumor
suppressor components of these pathways causes overgrowth in the wings of Drosophila Melanogaster,
mice, and humans. After a biochemical screening, new targets of the pathway were identified. The purpose
of this experiment is to establish if modulating the candidate targets of the pathway modifies that wing
overgrowth. We hypothesize that growth control by the Hippo Pathway involves one or more of these
candidate genes; to test this hypothesis in flies we will perform genetic interactions with contexts of Hippo
Pathway gain or loss. Some targets were found to significantly alter the size of the wing, which suggests an
interaction with the pathway. We propose that if the Hippo Pathway normally inhibits a candidate, then loss
of Hippo or Expanded would lead to too much activity, so reducing the candidate should suppresses the
overgrowth phenotype of loss of Hippo or Expanded. If the Hippo Pathway normally activates a candidate,
then loss of Hippo or Expanded results in not enough activity of that candidate; therefore, reducing the
candidate’s levels should enhance the overgrowth phenotype.
JSHS 2016 Abstracts
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Paper Number: 37 Paper Title: Bee (Apis Mellifera) Pollination to Enhance Crop Yield in Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: In pollinator communities, it is necessary to understand the significance of the pollinators in reference to
pollination effectiveness. Since the demands of agricultural economy is increasing, reliance on pollination
services could increase crop yield and reduce the impact of Colony Collapse Disorder, which has drastically
affected the honey bee population. India is a developing country with rising produce in the fruit and
vegetable industry. By finding a method using bees to enhance crop yield, further importance can be given to
developing infrastructure around agriculture. Pomegranate (Punica Granatum), a crop highly dependent on
bee pollination in Central India, was studied with the help of the domesticated European Honey Bee (Apis
Mellifera). Foraging activity was explored to find ideal conditions of dispersion of pollen. With this approach,
ideal environments can be modeled further and provide significance to bees that are declining in numbers for
the enhancement of crop yield, which could solve hunger issues around the world.
Paper Number: 38 Paper Title: The Role of Extracellular Matrix and Other Scaffolding Proteins in the Regeneration of Salamander Limbs Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: The primary objective of this experiment is to study the role of extracellular matrix, specifically basement
membrane, as a biological scaffold in regeneration. The model organism studied is the salamander species,
Cynops Pyrrhogaster. Through amputation and external application of basement membrane extract on the
model organism’s amputated limb, it will be determined whether the application of basement membrane
extract serves as a biological scaffold that accelerates regenerative abilities. Increased rates of regeneration
are indicated through the initial presence of digit formation. In prior experiments, experimental amputees,
salamanders with the application of basement membrane on the wound of the amputated limb, displayed
the formation of digits before the control amputees. The formation of digits on the experimental amputees
suggests that the application of basement membrane extract may have accelerated regenerative cellular
functions, such as proliferation and migration, which ultimately resulted in the seven day difference between
the presence of digit formations in the experimental and control.
JSHS 2016 Abstracts
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Paper Number: 39 Paper Title: Can Anti-cancer drugs be used in Alzheimer's Treatment? Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Alzheimer's is an extremely prevalent disease in today’s society, with about 3 million cases in the US alone.
Symptoms include memory loss, mood swings, and confusion; they are caused by neuron death in the brain.
The Tau Hypothesis states that Alzheimer’s is caused by tau proteins falling off of neuron’s microtubules,
making them less stable. Therefore, the microtubules disintegrate and neurons die. My research examines
Taxol as an alternative to Tau proteins, meaning it would stabilize microtubules and preserve neurons. I grew
microtubules and tested them with different concentrations of taxol. My hypothesis is that the microtubules
with the highest concentration of taxol will stabilize the microtubules the most. I tested 3 different
concentrations of taxol, 1 uM, 5 uM, and 10 uM, and found that higher concentrations of taxol resulted in
more stable microtubules. I conclude that medicines that work like taxol can be used to prevent the
progression of Alzheimer’s.
Paper Number: 40 Paper Title: The Effects of Resveratrol on the Lifespan of the Drosophila Melanogaster Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound most abundantly found in red wine and red grapes. Past studies have
indicated that resveratrol possesses antioxidative, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging
effects. One such study to test resveratrol’s anti-aging effects was conducted on the short-lived fish,
Nothobranchius furzeri. Results showed an increase in their lifespan. Similar success was observed with the
Saccharomycos cervisiae, a species of yeast, in which resveratrol prolonged the lifespan of the yeast by 70%.
A separate study was conducted on the Drosophila melanogaster to test resveratrol’s effects on the fruit
flies’ lifespan. The results of this study were inconclusive. Our study is designed to test our hypothesis that
the effects of resveratrol on Drosophila lifespans can only become evident after many generations of
exposure. Our protocol involves the addition of various concentrations of resveratrol in the Drosophila
medium through 25 age-matched passages. The adults in each generation will be counted and observed for
physical and behavioral changes.
JSHS 2016 Abstracts
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Paper Number: 41 Paper Title: The Effect of Genetic Factors on the Efficacy of R-CHOP in the Treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: This research project is about the application of pharmacogenomics to the treatment of Non-Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphocytes. The goal of this project was to determine how a genetic mutation is
associated with a patient’s individual response to a drug and how this mutation affects the biological
signaling pathway that the drug normally functions through. More specifically, the project focused on finding
a connection between the effectiveness of a typical chemotherapy regimen used to treat Non-Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma and a patient’s genetic makeup. The most common chemotherapeutic regimen used to treat
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is R-CHOP, which consists of five drugs: Rituximab (R), Cyclophosphamide (C),
Hydroxydaunorubicin (H), Oncovin (O), and Prednisone (P). It has been reported that the R-CHOP treatment
does not work for about forty percent of patients receiving it. To study this variability, pharmacogenomic
databases such as PharmGKB and the NCBI’s PubMed database were used to find specific genes, alleles,
mutations, and proteins that cause the variable response in each drug of R-CHOP. This research can
eventually be applied to create a publicly available genomic test for the relevant gene(s) that can predict
whether the R-CHOP regimen will be beneficial for the patient.
Paper Number: 42 Paper Title: Induction of Resistance in Thymus vulgaris by Pokeweed Antiviral Protein as an Antagonist Against Alfalfa Mosaic Virus Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Alfalfa Mosaic Virus is phytopathogen that devastates many crop fields annually in the United States, having
a wide variety of host plants, one of which is the aromatic evergreen Thymus vulgaris. There are not many
natural curatives or preventatives to Alfalfa Mosaic Virus, or AMV, known today. Pokeweed is generally seen
as a nuisance, hailing from Eastern United States. Pokeweed has a protein found within its leaves, pokeweed
antiviral protein or PAP, that has antiviral and antileukemic properties. Pokeweed antiviral protein was
introduced to two strains of AMV, NY14 and V720, infected Thymus vulgaris via three procedures of
inoculation. The ‘PAP’ inhibited translation by catalytically removing a specific adenine residue from the
rRNA of ribosomes. Using the PAP both inhibited and suffocated the AMV, leaving only cellular death of the
infection site leaves. The statistics suggested both strains of AMV show significant differences among groups
that contain the control and the PAP with p values that are near 0 when comparing differences of means.
Using PAP signified resistance to Alfalfa Mosaic Virus which could be used in the future by agriculture farmers
to increase their crop yield.
JSHS 2016 Abstracts
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Paper Number: 43 Paper Title: The Role of Hypoxia on Rac1b Localization and Cell Multinucleation Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Despite an astounding improvement in breast cancer detection and treatment, breast cancer continues to
rank as the second most common cause of death in American women. Today, cancer treatment encompasses
radiation and chemotherapy. While there is relative success in these treatments, a reoccurrence of the
original tumor occurrence of a new primary tumor remains an ominous threat to cancer patients. The growth
and sustenance of cancer cells against immune system attack or prescribed therapy is dependent on the
microenvironment outside of the cell. Current research shows that Rac1b and hypoxia influence genomic
instability, an enabling characteristic that promotes the hallmarks of cancer. It remains unclear how Rac1b
and hypoxia integrate in promoting genomic instability. We investigated the effect of a hypoxic
microenvironment on Rac1b localization and multinucleation (MNC). MNC results in genomic instability
which is characterized by random mutations within the genome. Here we show that Rac1b expression
influences multinucleation, but varying levels of oxygen in the microenvironment only affect Rac1b
localization.
Paper Number: 44 Paper Title: Investigation of Novel Glycosaminoglycan Mimicking Biomaterial for Cartilage Tissue Engineering Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) are long, linear polysaccharide units and made up of glycosidic bonds. These
glycosaminoglycans conduct cellular process which includes the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to
chondrocytes (cartilage cells). Studies have been conducted to find new different types of biomaterials that
can mimic the glycosaminoglycans and be able to incorporate these biomaterials in the extracellular matrix of
cartilage tissue of humans. The purpose of this study was to prepare a biomaterial that can mimic the
extracellular matrix of cartilage tissue. The GAG mimic studied in the experiment was Sodium Cellulose
Sulfate (NaCS), which was being incorporated in gelatin electrospun mats. To further study if the 0.5 NaCS
was able to be used as a mimic for extracellular of matrix cartilage tissue a series of different experiments
were conducted. The NaCS solution was first filtered to be able to ensure there all of the non-sulfated
cellulose was removed and only materials soluble in water were present. The following experiment, Sulfate
Assay, was to estimate the total amount of sulfate per mole of cellulose after filtration of NaCS. The NaCS
was then cross-linked with EDC-NHS in order to stabilize the electrospun mats and to incorporate the NaCS to
the mats. In continuation, Toulidene Blue Staining was used to highlight the GAGs present on the gelatin
mats. The final experiment conducted was Lysozyme Staining. Lysozyme Staining was used to check the
interaction of protein with post cross-linked gelatin fibers containing different percentages of GAGs. The
results of the research was that the 0.5 NaCS is a possible biomaterial that will be able to mimic extracellular
matrix of cartilage tissue. In future research, other experiments would be done using this biomaterial in order
to further test its ability to mimic extracellular matrix of cartilage tissue. This research furthers the
understanding of different biomaterials that can be used to mimic cartilage tissue.
JSHS 2016 Abstracts
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Paper Number: 45 Paper Title: Altering Lentiviral Tropism: Design and Implications of a Targeted Drug-Delivery System Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Despite many promising discoveries utilizing gene therapy, efficient transfer of therapeutic genes remains a
major roadblock. Viral vectors are commonly employed, but have drawbacks since delivery is limited by wild-
type virus’s natural tropisms. In order to address this hindrance, this project explores a potent technique
called pseudotyping, which embeds proteins with affinity to cells of interest into the lipid envelope of
lentiviral vectors. First, vectors were pseudotyped with “sticky” vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVg)
which improved their infection ability and broadened their tropism, but did not provide specificity.
Subsequently, cancer cells with unique receptors were targeted by pseudotyping viral vectors with the
receptors’ complementary proteins. Malignant and deadly pancreatic cancer was chosen as a model due to
its unique expression of cholecystokinin 1 and 2 (CCK1 and CCK2) receptors, which bind molecules of gastrin-
17 (GAST17) and cholecystokinin-8 (CCK8). A procedure was designed to generate lentiviral vectors with
GAST17 and CCK8 (non-membrane bound proteins) in their envelopes by fusing them to the platelet derived
growth factor receptor (PDGFR) transmembrane domain to anchor them in the packaging cells’ membranes.
Therefore, a pioneering concept for selectively targeting organs and cancers with personalized therapeutic-
delivery tools is established, made clinically practical through the innovative protocol.
Paper Number: 46 Paper Title: The effect gender has on Drosophila melanogaster in mating after being exposed to acoustic trauma Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a disability inflicted by acoustic traumas, such as concerts, construction
sites, and loud music. Drosophila melanogaster are an inexpensive model for finding answers about NIHL in
humans. Female fruit flies use their antennae in order to respond the courtship songs of the males. Tests
were run by inducing NIHL on each gender of D. melanogaster, then placing them in vials with healthy fruit
flies of the opposite gender in order for them to mate and reproduce. To acoustically traumatize the fruit
flies, they were put into a modified vial with a speaker placed at one end. Music was played through the
speaker at a range of 90-110 dB for 24 hrs. The gender with a greater reliance on hearing was determined by
counting the offspring. Traumatized females had the greatest difference in offspring from the control with a
mean 156.2 less than the control. Traumatized males had a mean 63.5 less than the control. Therefore,
hearing impacts the mating ability of female flies (p < 0.001) . The data visually implies that the same may be
true for male flies, but further experimentation is needed (p = 0.073 < 0.10).
JSHS 2016 Abstracts
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Paper Number: 47 Paper Title: Effects of Environmental Xenoestrogens Found in Plastics on Caenorhabditis Elegans Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: The plastic manufacturing industry has used Bisphenol A (BPA) as a hardening agent since the 1950’s.
Extensive studies have revealed the xenoestrogenic properties of BPA, forcing the industry to remove it from
plastics. This chemical was strategically replaced with a similar, and potentially more hazardous chemical
called Bisphenol S (BPS). We hypothesized that BPA binds weakly to estrogen receptors and promotes rapid
cell proliferation, and that BPS would act in a similar manner. The principle objective for conducting this
research was to investigate the potential effects of environmental xenoestrogens found in plastics on
Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Preliminary results have shown that exposure to as little as 10 µM
causes significant changes in the appearance and reproductive cycle of C. elegans. Worms exposed to
Bisphenol A and Bisphenol S demonstrated an increase in their fertility rates and size, thereby displaying a
greater density per unit area. Prior studies conducted by independent research organizations, on the effects
of BPA on C. elegans, have indicated that BPA inhibits growth and is lethal at higher concentrations. Our
research currently contradicts these studies.
Paper Number: 48 Paper Title: Nano-structure mediated delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent for improved leukemia treatment Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a slow progressing blood and bone marrow disease. Currently, tyrosine
kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used to treat CML, by preventing the oncogenic function of the BCR-ABL gene, a
gene found in more than 95% of CML patient’s cells. Bosutinib, a TKI, is effective for most patients with CML,
but shows substantial toxic side effects. Developing a more targeted drug delivery system using gold
nanoparticles may decrease the negative side effects of Bosutinib. The aim of this project was to study the
effectiveness of gold nanoparticles as a platform for delivery of Bosutinib to decrease toxicity to normal
human cells and develop an improved treatment for CML. Gold nanoparticles were synthesized, capped with
carboxymethyl chitosan and conjugated with Bosutinib. Synthesis and conjugation was confirmed by
transmission electron microscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. Cell viability studies
were performed to determine the effectiveness of the gold nanoparticle drug delivery system as compared to
unconjugated Bosutinib, and its’ specificity to cancer cells. The conjugated gold nanoparticle drug delivery
system for Bosutinib was demonstrated to have high cancer cell selectivity and efficiency, thereby making
this drug delivery system a superior replacement for the patient treatment of unconjugated Bosutinib.
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Paper Number: 49 Paper Title: Effects of Novel Chemotherapeutic Napthoquinones Juglone and Plumbagin on Human Lymphoma and Neuroblastoma Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: The crippling cancers of lymphoma and neuroblastoma take over 21,000 lives every year. Juglone and
plumbagin, two promising derivations of the napthoquinone family, have been tested on several cancer
types, but never on lymphoma or neuroblastoma cancer cells. This novel study aimed to investigate the
effects and mechanisms of the juglone/plumbagin interaction with cancerous and healthy cell lines.
Treatments of juglone and plumbagin were tested against lymphoma U937 cells with healthy Mytilus edulis
hemocytes as a control; the same series of treatments was tested against neuroblastoma HTB11 cells with
healthy Mytilus edulis ganglia cells as a control. ELISA quantified the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory
cytokine TNF- α and anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic protein BAK, insinuating
apoptosis reached through both p53-dependent and p53-independent pathways. Both compounds
concurrently inhibited adhesion of U937 cells to the base membrane, indicating anti-inflammation and anti-
metastasis properties. Overall, juglone and plumbagin show potent anti-cancer effects on lymphoma and
neuroblastoma cells with extremely minor toxicity on healthy control cells. The napthoquinones exhibit
through several mechanisms excellent potential to serve as novel anti-inflammatory and chemotherapeutic
agents.
Paper Number: 50 Paper Title: Use of IL18 as a Costimulatory Domain in CD19-28z CAR T-cells Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a cancer that 1450 people die from annually. Clinical trials show that
chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells modified to target cancer cells expressing CD19 with costimulatory
domains CD28 and ζ have the potential to effectively eradicate B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia residual
cells. The purpose of this experiment is to take IL-18, a proinflammatory cytokine, test its effectiveness as a
costimulatory factor in CAR T-cells that would serve to disrupt the tumor microenvironment. A human model
of the proposed armored CAR has been created and has shown success in combating cancer cells in vitro. The
next step is to design and produce a murine model to test in live mice. This research project aimed to create
both P2A and IRES models, by inserting the genes into SFG backbones. IRES, a DNA element which acts as a
binding site for the transcriptional machinery to recognize which part of the DNA to transcribe, commonly
found in bicistronic vectors, is large with 500-600 base pairs, and and has a lower transgene expression rate.
P2A is smaller, only consisting of about 20 amino acids, and typically has a higher transgene expression rate,
which may or may not result in higher effectiveness of the model. Attempts to create a mouse model did not
pass the stage of ligation, despite repeated attempts with various ratios of substrate and enzymes and ratio
of insert to vector.
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Paper Number: 51 Paper Title: Role of CpG ODN in enhancing B cell vaccine for immunotherapy in Canine Lymphoma Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Role of CpG ODN in enhancing B cell vaccine for immunotherapy in Canine Lymphoma
Arundhati Johri, Senior in Millburn High School
Contribution: Detailed design of experiment, data compilation, analysis and reporting of this research project
Millburn High School, Millburn, New Jersey
Dr Nicola Mason, BVetMed PhD DACVIM , Pamela Cole Chair in Companion Animal Medicine Associate
Professor of Medicine University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
Contribution: Mentor for project; research guidance and discussion
Dr. Josephine Gnanandarajah, Post-doctoral Fellow, Mason Lab, University of Pennsylvania School of
Veterinary Medicine
Contribution: Conduct of physical experiment on B cell cultures
Lymphoma is a common and spontaneously occurring cancer in canis lupis familiaris, domestic dogs.
Although current methods of treatment by chemotherapy and radiotherapy are effective, most dogs
eventually relapse and have a short survival. Immunotherapy is a novel and alternate method that uses the
body’s immune system. By injecting B-cells loaded with tumor RNA into patients, tumor-specific, cytotoxic T-
cells are stimulated which kill cancer cells. The B cell vaccine has proven to be effective in survival. These are
produced by ex-vivo culture of patient’s B cells from peripheral blood, using stimulants like KtCD40 ligand.
This experiment was undertaken to assess the effect of addition of the CpG Oligodinucleotide to existing
methods of B cell cultures to improve number and activation of B lymphocytes for vaccine production;
assessed in this experiment. CpGODN2006 when used with KtCD40 ligand enhanced B cell growth compared
to the control. An optimal dose of CpG ODN was found to be 0.1 µg/mL. This provided proof to the
hypothesis of combining the two agents. It must still be validated. This method has potential for application
in canine cancer immunotherapy. Research developments in immunotherapy of canine cancers can be
applied to the treatment of human cancers.
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Paper Number: 52 Paper Title: Confirmation of TH and ChI colocalization in transgenic mice Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Levodopa induced dyskinesia (LID), abnormal and uncontrollable movements, is a side effect of long term L-
DOPA treatment in Parkinson’s Disease patients. The purpose of this experiment was to check colocalization
of cholinergic interneurons (ChI) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), an enzyme that converts L-DOPA to
dopamine. Data collected from Doyle and Heiman show high expression of TH in ChI relative to other cells in
the striatum. High TH levels were recognized when compared with the unbound brain stem, which contains
dopamine neurons. This led to the central question: Is TH protein expressed in ChI? The expression of TH in
ChI would be significant since TH converts L-DOPA into dopamine. Although dopamine alleviates PD, it also
causes dyskinesia. TH expression in ChI would suggest ChI to produce dopamine in a dysregulated manner
which could induce dyskinesia. To examine TH expression in ChI, transgenic mice expressing GFP under the
control of the TH promoter were used. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine whether ChAT (a
ChI marker) and GFP were co-labeled. The results did not support the hypothesis because TH-GFP and ChI
failed to co-label in the striatum. However, colocalization of TH-GFP and ChI in other regions of the brain,
such as the basal forebrain, is another possibility.
Paper Number: 53 Paper Title: Strobilation of Cassiopea Xamachana Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Many coastal regions around the world are experiencing an overpopulation of various species of jellyfish.
These organisms do not have many natural predators and this leads to undeterred proliferation, affecting the
recreational use of the beaches and shores.
Certain environmental factors such as higher ocean temperatures and nitrate levels are suspect in this
phenomenon. Our study is designed to understand the life cycles of the jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana with a
purpose of identifying the factors that affect their reproductive rates.
Factors being studied include temperature, salinity, and diet. Preliminary results indicate that a combination
of these factors, such as a tank temperature of 28˚C and salinity levels of 29 ppt and a daily routine of
target feeding, induces polyp formation and strobilation.
Further investigation is needed to yield more conclusive and consistent results.
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Paper Number: 54 Paper Title: Determining the Mating Rituals of Mesocricetus auratus and the Reapplication of these Rituals to Test Subjects Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Ectogenesis seeks completion of the gestational process extracorporeally. Considerable barriers include the
natural physiological and psychological bonds present between mating partners as well as mothers and feti.
This study will ascertain the nature of these bonds, and the extent to which alterations can affect them. Using
Mesocricetus auratus as subject species, mating rituals will be observed, and high pitched frequencies
emitted by subjects during this period and in mating will be recorded and analyzed. Following impregnation,
the female will be monitored for high frequency waves exchanged between mother and feti. These
frequencies are to be used in determining physiological implications they have on the parents, and on the
psychological conditions which they interact with in maternal bonding.
Subsequently, a fertile mating and gestational environment will be artificially recreated using replications
of the emitted frequencies in rhythmic sequence, and application of artificial hormones to match those
released during the stages of mating rituals and their gestational period. Frequency pitches will be altered
through interchanging of emitted frequencies to determine the intensity of maternal-fetal frequency
bonding, and the feasibility of alterations in changing the psyche of the female subject or feti. This data will
determine the effect of different frequencies emitted by animals for bonding, and aid in the study of
ectogenesis through providing an understanding of the psychological and physiological aspects affected by
mating and gestation. Ultimately this will prove informative in the testing of how emitted frequencies of the
electromagnetic spectrum, to which we contribute enormously, are affecting different species.
Paper Number: 55 Paper Title: Ascertaining the Feasibility of Using Chlorophyll as a Buffer Against Genetic Mutation of the Heterotrophic Decomposer Saccharom Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: In this experiment, the researcher will test whether or not the pigment chlorophyll can act as a buffer against
mutations occurring in the fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The variable of manipulation will be the amount
of chlorophyll introduced to the fungal cells. After the fungal cells are exposed to the variable levels of
chlorophyll extracted from Spinacia oleracea, the structure of the DNA will be analyzed and assessed for
mutation rate by conducting electrophoretic gel analysis to determine magnitude of change. The researcher’s
hypothesis is that the fungal cells exposed to chlorophyll will be somewhat protected from cell mutations.
This experiment has strong implications for microbiological research. Currently, research has shown that
chlorophyll may have antitoxin properties, while other studies have shown that in small animals such as rats,
chlorophyll has helped prevent its cells from becoming cancerous. This research is unique from others,
because the researcher is dealing with fungal cells. Since fungal cells share a closer heritage to animal cells as
opposed to plant cells, this research will provide insight on whether or not chlorophyll can prevent mutations
in fungal cells, and thus presents implications for the etiology and pathophysiology of cancer in eukaryotic
organisms.
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Paper Number: 56 Paper Title: mRNA Bidirectional Mobility Through Cuscuta Bridge Attachment Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Cuscuta pentagona is a parasitic plant that attaches to the stem of a host plant using specialized organs called
haustoria. Haustoria penetrate into host vascular tissue to provide a passageway for the transfer of
macromolecules between Cuscuta and its host. Past studies have documented the bidirectional transfer of
nucleic acid, specifically mRNA, between Cuscuta and the host plant. However, the ability of mRNA to be
transferred to and from two different host plants through a single parasitic bridge is largely unexplored. This
study sets out to find if host endogenous mRNA trafficking through the Cuscuta bridge, connecting
Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), is bidirectional. Using host-specific primers to
conduct reverse transcriptase PCR, we discovered the presence of exogenous mRNA in either host,
suggesting that the movement of mRNA is bidirectional between both hosts via the parasitic bridge (tomato
mRNA to Arabidopsis and Arabidopsis mRNA to tomato).
Paper Number: 57 Paper Title: Toll-like Receptor 4 Mediates Somatostatin Neuronal Death Induced by Traumatic Brain Injury Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Traumatic brain injury causes neuronal degeneration and enhances excitability of the hippocampal dentate
gyrus, increasing risk for epileptogenesis. Cellular injury triggers release of molecules that activate an innate
immune response. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is an immune receptor that contributes to increasing excitability
of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Inhibitory GABAergic interneurons containing the neuropeptide
somatostatin express TLR4 and are particularly susceptible to death after brain injury. The role that TLR4
plays in somatostatin neuron death was examined. A fluid percussion injury (FPI) model of concussive brain
injury was used. Ex vivo live hippocampal slices from sham and injured rats were pretreated in artificial
Cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) or lipopolysaccharide from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides
ultrapure (LPS RS-U), a selective TLR4 antagonist. An in vitro excitotoxic challenge was generated by high
concentration of potassium to provoke cell death in control and injured sections. Immunostaining for
somatostatin positive cells and dead cells was conducted. Cell counts show that after treatment with a TLR4
antagonist, cell death was drastically reduced. Results indicate that TLR4 plays a distinct role in post-
traumatic brain injury neuropathology and that antagonizing this receptor could serve as a novel method of
preventing neuronal degeneration after concussive brain injury.
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Paper Number: 58 Paper Title: Reducing the Potential Risk of Nosocomial Bacterial Infections By Aerielly Transmitting Garlic As An Antibacterial Reagent Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: Bacterial infections have been an ongoing battle for medical specialists since the beginning of the human
race. One specific mystery to humans is nosocomial bacterial infects that are infections generated within a
medical facility. It has become the 6th highest cause of death in the United States. Garlic is very well known
for its antibacterial properties due to its active ingredient allicin. Its important to find a more ecofriendly way
of reducing bacteria because cleaning reagents cause pollution and become hazardous waste products,
eventually negatively impacting the ecosystem and causing long-term health problems. In this experiment,
Garlic was liquefied and put into a Humidifier, which was then placed into tubes that branched out to a large
network of containers mocking a hospital environment. Petri dishes of bacteria were placed in the same
containers and then the resulting colonies of bacteria were counted after different humidity ranges to
determine whether garlic proves as eco-friendly, antibacterial substance. The results proved that Garlic is
more effective than bleach in reducing colonies of bacteria in an enclosed environment. With this
information, the medical field makes strives to shed light on reducing the number of nosocomial infections.
Paper Number: 59 Paper Title: Can Cactus be a Reliable Ethanol Source for Farmers Paper Category: Life sciences (general biology—animal sciences, plant sci, ecology; cellular and molecular bio, genetics, immunology, bio) Paper Abstract: The Southern states in the United States have been affected from droughts in recent years. Many farmers
lose crop and money because of this situation. A drought is an extended period when a region has a
deficiency in water supply whether it is on the surface or underground water. A drought can last for months
or years. A drought can have a huge impact on the ecosystem and the agricultural region of an area. It can
stop the growth of the produce in a farmer's land. Droughts have a reduce of rain or any other type of
precipitation. A drought can take the nutrients and moisture from the soil a farmer uses as well. In the
experiment the researcher will create an alternate money maker for the farmers, using a plant that can
survive in droughts, in this case it would be cactus and the researcher would create ethanol from the cacti
due to its high sugar content. Instead of using corn which is used to make gasoline, and it needs a lot of water
to produce, being able to use another source would change the way ethanol is produced and it can benefit
farmers as well as major companies if there is any troubling situations in the coming future.
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Paper Number: 60 Paper Title: The Correlation Between Tweets and Motor Vehicle Accidents Paper Category: Mathematics and Computer science/computer engineering; applied mathematics-theoretical computer science Paper Abstract: Every year in America, thousands of lives and billions of dollars are lost to motor vehicle accidents. Because
most car accidents are caused by human factors, can social media, specifically Twitter, pick up on these
human factors before they cause accidents? The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the
frequency of a keyword in large-scale Twitter feeds correlated to car accident frequency in eleven Californian
cities. The fifty-six keywords were chosen to indicate car accident-prone behavior, and the eleven Californian
cities were Bakersfield, Chico, Fresno, Indio, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis
Obispo, Stockton, and Ventura. Using Twitter Application Programming Interface, approximately three million
Tweets were collected during the month of October 2014 and stored separately by city and hour. Using a
Granger causality analysis, the Tweets were then compared to car accident records obtained from the
California state government. The Granger causality test indicated that the frequencies of certain keywords
such as “tired,” “high,” and “rain” strongly correlated with the car accident frequencies in certain cities, while
other keywords did not correlate at all. These correlations indicate that Twitter may be able to assess a city’s
risk of car accidents before they happen.
Paper Number: 61 Paper Title: Backtest of a Quantitative Investment Model Paper Category: Mathematics and Computer science/computer engineering; applied mathematics-theoretical computer science Paper Abstract: The focus of this research project was to create and backtest a quantitative investment model that applied
specific fundamental selection variables and mathematical calculations to identify financial opportunities.
Models that use specific fundamental measures are able to identify superior stock investments. These
fundamental variables include company size, current ratio, revenue growth, profit margin, beta, and price-to-
cash-flow ratio. Historical backtesting was done on S&P 100 stocks by using the Wealth-Lab Pro software over
a 20-year time period.
The performance of the quantitative investment model was compared with both the S&P 100 Index and
a buy-and-hold strategy, and the proposed model achieved a higher net profit and annualized gain during the
historical 20-year time period over both the buy-and-hold strategy and the S&P Index. The Monte Carlo
simulation on the quantitative model also supported that this investment strategy would be highly likely to
achieve solid profit levels in the future.
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Paper Number: 62 Paper Title: A Neural Network to Predict Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Community-Based Sample Paper Category: Mathematics and Computer science/computer engineering; applied mathematics-theoretical computer science Paper Abstract: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) has been linked to negative cardiovascular health outcomes and higher
mortality rates. Machine learning, specifically a neural network, is an innovative way to increase the
availability of diagnostic tools. A neural network was built to predict OSA based on anthropometric input
variables relating to a Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) value greater than twenty apnea events per hour.
Data was obtained from the Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS) published by the National Sleep Research
Resource. The WEKA graphical classifier tool and statistical analysis program R were used to both construct
and analyze the predictive capability of the network. Statistical measures tabulated by both R and WEKA
were found to be significant. By examining the results it was determined that data mining functions can be
used with 90% accuracy to predict the outcome of OSA. The neural network can be further trained using a
variety of parameters so that a wider range of data can be used, and a cloud-based neural network can be
constructed so that the algorithm is available to a user. This method can also be extended to datasets relating
to other sleep disorders.
Paper Number: 63 Paper Title: Using a Quadcopter Drone for Vegetation Detection Paper Category: Mathematics and Computer science/computer engineering; applied mathematics-theoretical computer science Paper Abstract: It is important to detect vegetation because it is ubiquitous and impacts how we, as humans, live in the
world. In this research I programmed a quadcopter to visually detect vegetation using an algorithm and I
address how to solve problems that would arise with automated vegetation detection.
Paper Number: 64 Paper Title: Using a Quadcopter Drone for Vegetation Detection Paper Category: Mathematics and Computer science/computer engineering; applied mathematics-theoretical computer science Paper Abstract: It is important to detect vegetation because it is ubiquitous and impacts how we, as humans, live in the
world. In this research I programmed a quadcopter to visually detect vegetation using an algorithm and I
address how to solve problems that would arise with automated vegetation detection.
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Paper Number: 65 Paper Title: Bisphenol-A Exposure and the Occurrence of Estrogen Dominance Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Estrogen Dominance (ED) is a condition in which the ratio of estrogen to progesterone in the body is greater
than normal, leading to various adverse health consequences. Environmental chemicals called Xenoestrogens
can cause Estrogen Dominance by mimicking natural estrogen and triggering unintended hormonal effects.
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a Xenoestrogen commonly found in the receipts of stores and restaurants that can be
absorbed through the skin immediately upon contact. This may pose a serious health risk to employees
whose jobs require a constant exposure to receipt paper. To investigate this issue, receipts from local stores
and restaurants were analyzed for their BPA concentration. A survey was distributed to female cashiers and
waitresses inquiring about the presence of specific ED symptoms, and their responses were correlated to the
amount of BPA in the receipts of their respective store/restaurant. It was determined that, in comparison to
surveyed females that were not constantly exposed, the store and restaurant employees reported a higher
frequency of ED symptoms. It was also found that the employees who were subjected to higher
concentrations of BPA reported a higher frequency of symptoms. This information may support the need to
find a safer alternative to BPA in receipts.
Paper Number: 66 Paper Title: The Effect of Glucocorticoids on IFNg-Induced STAT-1 Serine Phosphorylation Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Asthma is often treated with glucocorticoids (GCs), anti-inflammatory steroids found in inhalers. This
treatment, however, is ineffective for 5-10% of asthmatic patients. This study examined the effect of GCs on
interferon-γ (IFNγ) induced STAT1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, a pathway that normally
causes inflammation in severe asthmatics. It was hypothesized that GCs will be ineffective in inhibiting IFNγ
induced STAT1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. An immunostaining protocol was used. A549 cells
were either untreated in the basal condition, treated with GC fluticasone propionate (FP), IFNγ, or IFNγ and
FP. With no treatment, there was no STAT-1 serine phosphorylation or nuclear translocation due to a lack of
stimulation. With FP treatment, there was no STAT-1 serine phosphorylation or nuclear translocation,
proving GCs are an effective inhibitor without cytokine stimulation. Using the IFNγ treatment proved as an
effective stimulator of STAT-1 serine phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. With FP and IFNγ
treatment, FP was shown to be an ineffective inhibitor of IFNγ-induced STAT-1 serine phosphorylation and
nuclear translocation. Consequently, the hypothesis was supported. Even with GC treatment, IFNγ induced
STAT1 serine phosphorylation and nuclear translocation occurred, indicating a possible cause of GC
insensitivity in severe asthmatic patients. Because the mechanism allowing for IFNγ-induced STAT-1 Serine
Phosphorylation is a Th1 response of the immune system rather than a Th2 response, which asthma is
normally thought to be, it also implicates that in severe asthmatic symptoms are a result of a Th1 immune
response and new drug therapies must be developed accordingly.
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Paper Number: 67
Paper Title: Analysis of androgen in patient derived CTCs to elucidate the understanding of treatment response in prostate cancer patients Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men because its treatment in the
metastatic stage is not well established. The use of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) eliminates the need for
tumor tissue samples, as they represent a liquid biopsy of the tumor. Through CTC isolation, we can find
biomarkers of taxane drug sensitivity or resistance. This study tested that the presence of androgen in the
nucleus of CTCs would determine clinical resistance to taxane drugs. Conversely, presence of androgen in the
cytoplasm would determine clinical response. An additional hypothesis is that a high brightness of the
androgen would indicate a later spike in CTCs. A microfluidic device was used to capture CTCs from patient
blood. At two stages of treatment, the samples were previously treated ex vivo with cabazitaxel or docetaxel.
CTCs were found through software, imaged in 63x magnification and analyzed for androgen presence. Of the
seven patients studied, 43% showed a response to treatment as evidenced by low nuclear androgen. In
patients with a high H score, only 14% showed a spike in CTCs in the next cycle. Finally, tumor heterogeneity
was found, which shows the need for personalized treatment.
Paper Number: 68 Paper Title: A Study of Social Intelligence Among Dogs and Their Owners Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: The only recently defined field of Social Intelligence (SI) has already seen a fairly significant expansion of
interest among psychologists and social scientists. SI generally encompasses the ability of humans to pick up
social cues and make decisions in order to best develop and sustain relationships with others. However,
because the field can still be considered to be in its infantile stages, few researchers have expanded it beyond
humans. The purpose of this study was to project the field of SI onto not just humans, but also onto what are
widely considered to be their best friends: dogs. It attempted to determine any relationship between SI in
dog owners as compared to that of their domesticated dogs. This was achieved by conducting an SI test with
dog owners and observing the responses of their dogs to social cues. This research has various impacts, such
as determining whether similarity of SI between dog and owner pairs affects their relationships and showing
how the application of the field of SI can be expanded beyond just humans alone.
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Paper Number: 69 Paper Title: The Role of Emotions in Effective Advertising Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Advertisers’ number one goal is to have viewers remember their company’s commercial. With the average
American viewing around an hour of commercials per day, this prospect is becoming significantly more
important. This study investigated the influence of two prominent emotions in television advertising, and
their relationship to advertising effectiveness. For the purpose of this project, advertising effectiveness was
defined as the percent of information a viewer can recall and recognize. The two emotions that were tested
were “funny” and “serious.” In a classroom viewing environment, a total of 170 viewers were shown sets of
eight commercials. These sets of commercials contained either all “funny” or all “serious” commercials.
Immediately after watching their respective set, viewers completed a five page advertising recall test. This
test determined how much information the viewer can recall, recognize and interpret from the commercials
they had viewed. Data will be analyzed and a correlation between emotions and advertising effectiveness will
be determined in the weeks to come.
Paper Number: 70 Paper Title: The Negative Psychological Effects of The Color Red in a Classroom Environment Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Color is a prevalent aspect of everyday life and can be detected in essentially every situation or environment.
In a society that has become fixated on image, it is important to look past the aesthetics and explore their
depths and meanings. There have been many hidden connotations and subliminal messages attributed to
certain colors, and many studies have been conducted to explore the psychological facet of color itself. It was
hypothesized that the color red will naturally prompt a subconscious avoidance mechanism within students
in a classroom environment. To explore this conjecture, an experiment was conducted to investigate the
connection between the color red and the psychological functioning of students. This experiment tested
students in grades 10-12. Each student was given a sample student-written essay and an NJASK Holistic
Scoring Rubric. Three versions of the same essay printed in different colors (red, purple, and black) were
randomly distributed. The students were asked to score the essay and a short survey was administered
afterwards to take task-interest into account. The data analysis is presently being completed and the results
may indicate that certain colors will subconsciously affect the students’ grading mindsets; this would be seen
in the differences of student-given scores.
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Paper Number: 71 Paper Title: Organized Memory Retention in High School Students Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: My research project will test "Organized Retention in High School Students". The development of the brain is
rapid and continual during the adolescent years with parts like the hippocampus and the frontal lobe
developing and changing. The frontal lobe, the part of the brain that controls aspects such as organization,
goes through accelerated development during the adolescent years and one of the things organization
affects is memory. My research project will test the development of organization and memory in High School
students and study the difference of brain development between lower and higher classes. To test this, my
experiment will consist of 15 freshmen year students, 15 sophomore year students, 15 junior year students,
and 15 senior year students. Each year will be tested seperatley and will be shown various visuals that can be
emotionally and/or optically stimulating. After looking at each visual, they will answer a questionnaire asking
questions like what do they remember from the visual, where are the objects they see located, and if they
were emotionally stimulated by any of the pictures. With the data of the responses I collect, I am able to find
any trends in development by analyzing the memory retention of each subject and comparing them to the
responses of the other students in their year as well as, comparing the responses of different years with each
other. With my research I would able to show brain organization and memory retention development and
trends in regards to the teenage brain. However, after conducting my experiment, my results did not strongly
support the notion that the various teen age groups would memorize and respond to the stimulus differently
as the the results were scattered however, if specific groups and larger amounts of students were used I
would probably see a a trend.
Paper Number: 72 Paper Title: The Effects of Drugs on Cholesterol Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: This research examines the effects of various cholesterol drugs over a two month period for five patients in a
local hospital. The goal is to analyze each patient’s treatment for effectiveness based on their real life
situations. A personal relationship was built with each patient to ensure proper feedback taking into account
each aspect of their life routine, diet, sleep, medications, and especially family history of myocardial
infarction (MI). Treatment starts with determining each patient’s cholesterol levels, including the lipid profile
and total cholesterol, LDL/HDL fractions to assess risk and plan treatments. The first strategy is a change in
diet, followed by treatment is with statins. Statins are the primary medical prescribed worldwide to reduce
cholesterol levels. The dosage however, must be monitored, so that relationship with is very important, as
they must return in 4-6 weeks to check progress. The patients in this study all had varying levels of
hyperlipidemia, making them good candidates for statins. and after six weeks of treatment all patients
showed improvements in cholesterol levels, and health prospects. The case studies of these patients can
serve as a model for others transitioning to statin treatment. Future studies may including following long
term usage of statins.
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Paper Number: 73 Paper Title: Incorporating Fungal Medicines on Modified socks to combat against Trichophyton Rubrum Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Since 46% of athletes (Sports Bio, 2013) do not take care of their feet, excess fungal infections may begin to
form and culture. Due to this, a fungal disinfectant (“lipid lover”) sock can be created to decrease chances of
fungal and bacterial infections. This sock may contain medicine that is already used to cure and or treat
fungal and bacterial infections on the foot. So that when the athlete is playing sports, they can wear this sock
and all the sweat gets easily disposed into the sock, but doesn’t cause any heat of moisture in the sock or
shoe. Your foot stays the same way it did before you even started playing the sport! These socks will also be
cost efficient and will be dry clean safe. These socks can also help men and women who enlist in the army. In
the army, most soldiers live in desert and unhygienic areas that can affect their body in many ways. Soldiers
don’t usually have too many pairs of clothing so they may be living off of one or two socks for the whole
week. This can also cause fungal and bacterial infections as soldiers may sweat due to boot camp and fighting
behind enemy lines. With this sock, the soldier’s foot can stay immune to these vulnerabilities and can help
for an excess amount of days before switching the pair of socks.
Paper Number: 74 Paper Title: Association Between Sleep Habits and Academic Achievement in High School Students Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition in which the upper airway is blocked or collapses which causes
breathing to stop for a few seconds at a time during sleep. It is known that OSA negatively affects cognition in
adults; however, these effects have not been well documented in adolescents. Poor sleep habits, which may
mimic the effects of OSA, can also affect cognition. This study’s aim was to find an association between sleep
habits and academic performance in a population of high school students. A survey, consisting of basic
questions regarding the students’ sleep habits and academic performance, was used. The results of this study
will allow both students and teachers to understand the type of sleep habits currently happening with these
students and its possible connection to their academic performance.
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Paper Number: 75 Paper Title: Determining Imaging and Cell Culture Protocol for Sema3A Neuronal Dendritic Morphologic Screen Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: The central challenge of neural development is to explain how axons and dendrites grow outward, find
appropriate partners, and develop a synapse between them selectively to create a functional network.
Though axonal growth and morphology are often studied, dendritic morphology is rarely studied. It is
important to study dendritic growth however as it has been implicated in many neurological diseases.
Sema3A is often implicated in functioning as a cue for dendritic growth and therefore the aim of this research
was to determine which downstream cytoskeletal regulators were present in this pathway. First however, the
imaging and cell culture protocols for the morphological screen had to be determined using a 96 well plate to
test various cell densities and various quantities of Sema3A. It was determined that a 50 µL volume of
neurons allowed for the optimal cell density and a treatment of 5 nM Sema3A allowed for the ideal imaging
protocol. The images created using this protocol created clear images that allowed us to conduct Sholl
Anaylsis and determine dendritic complexity. If the role they play is determined, a better understanding of
neurodevelopment will be gained allowing for a more precise look at molecular targets for
neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism.
Paper Number: 76 Paper Title: Utilizing Alternative Medicine treatments to Prevent Urolithiasis Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Urolithiasis is the formation of kidney stones.Kidney stones are solid mineral deposits that form in the kidney.
Stones often get stuck and block the flow of urine and even cause severe pain and blood in the urine. The
kidney stones form in different sizes and shapes in the urinary system. Renal stones can consist of calcium
oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, cystine, and struvite Calcareous stones are still by far the most
common nephroliths, accounting for more than 80% of stones. Uric acid stones represent about 5–10%,
trailed by cystine, struvite, and ammonium acid urate stones. Calcium oxalate stones are much more
frequent than calcium phosphate stones. The number of people suffering from urolithiasis, formation of
kidney stones, has increased over the past few decades. Current for kidney stones are costly and can have
negative side effects. Utilizing alternative medicine is an efficient alternate to the current treatments. The
experimental setup consists of a test tube with a solution of simulated urine and particles of calcium oxalate.
Within the tube 3mm Teflon tubes will be in the solution representing the ureter. Each tube will have a
different treatment. The tubes will be placed in an incubated shaker to simulate the peristaltic movement in
the ureter and the body temperature. The results will be collected by calculating the change in mass of the
tubes. The calcium oxalate should occlude the tube. The change is mass would indicate which treatment is
optilum in preventing urolithiasis.
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Paper Number: 77 Paper Title: The Effects of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) on Orientation Detection Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Human beings have an ability of detecting edges, which is dependent on different levels of contrast and
locations of targets in one's visual field. Early experiments were done to determine at what level of contrast
could an individual reliably identify the orientation of a Gabor patch at a given position on the retina. Thus,
the goal was to establish a good range of contrast, position, and orientation differences through the use of an
eye tracking system, known as Eyelink II V 2.2, and the software Neurostim. From these experiments an
experimental paradigm was produced— a visual stimuli discrimination task with three different eccentricities
(2cm, 5cm ,10cm with an observing distance from fifty-seven centimeters), and seven different contrasts
ranging from one percent to the seven perecent, on human subjects. This experiment measures a subject's
contrast sensitivity for orientation discrimination. To further this experiment, the application of transcranial
alternating current stimulation (tACS)—a noninvasive neuromodulatory tool that, was applied at low
intensity electrical currents to the brain. The application of transcranial current stimulation (tCS) has been
intensely studied and has been found to improve various brain functions. However, little is known about the
underlying neural mechanisms of its effects. This experiment will potentially advance the understanding of
neural mechanisms and the effects of tACS on the brain.
Paper Number: 78 Paper Title: The Relationship Between Parent-Child Interactions and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Paper Category: Medicine and Health; Behavioral and Social Sciences Paper Abstract: Parent-child interactions, including parent-child bonding and validation, have been implicated as important
to understanding non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). However, the relationship has not been studied extensively
among young adults. 183 young adults responded to a survey that assessed the relationship between parent-
child interactions and NSSI. Negative correlations between parental care, maternal control, and NSSI were
found. Young adults with a history of NSSI reported having parents who exhibited more control and less care.
No method of NSSI disclosure was associated with validating parental reactions. Validating reactions to the
disclosure of NSSI were not associated with improvements in the parent-child relationship, and
improvements in the parent-child relationship were not associated with decreased NSSI frequency. Increased
help-seeking was associated with disclosure of NSSI to parents and validating reactions to the disclosure of
NSSI. This is the first study to examine how types of disclosure and types of parental reactions relate to NSSI
variables. Interventions to protect against NSSI emergence may consider teaching parents the importance of
validation in response to help-seeking attempts. Future research should assess the relative influences of
parental control and care on NSSI and the efficacy of therapies involving the parent-child relationship.
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Paper Number: 79 Paper Title: Observation of the Optogalvanic Effect in a CO2 Discharge Paper Category: Physical Sciences – physics; computational astronomy; theoretical mathematics Paper Abstract: “We report on our optogalvanic spectroscopy setup and our initial data where an optogalvanic signal is
observed.
Otogalvanic effect is an effect where a change in the conductivity of a discharge is observed due to a laser
beam with the right frequency.
Our system consists of a Carbondioxide laser, a sample cell and a oscillation/detection board. The
observation of an optogalvanic signal demonstrates
the existence of CO2 molecules inside the cell. We describe our experimental setup and present the initial
data.
Our future plan is to calibrate the system and optimize the signal so that we can measure carbondioxide
amount
using a CO2 laser.”
Paper Number: 80 Paper Title: Detection of Magnetostriction Effect Using Laser Interferometry Paper Category: Physical Sciences – physics; computational astronomy; theoretical mathematics Paper Abstract: We have built an interferometry setup in order to detect and measure the change in the dimensions of a
ferromagnetic material due to an applied magnetic field. We will describe our measurement system and
discuss our results showing this effect. We use both a basic Michelson and a quadrature setup to measure
the small changes in the length of various ferromagnetic materials. The magnetic field is both increased and
decreased during the measurement which leads to the observation of hysteresis.
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Paper Number: 81 Paper Title: Colloidal Gold Nanoparticle Generation with Plasma-Induced Synthesis Paper Category: Physical Sciences – physics; computational astronomy; theoretical mathematics Paper Abstract: Colloidal gold nanoparticles were generated using atmospheric pressure, non-thermal plasma to formulate
an aqueous electrolyte solution containing hydrogen tetrachloroaurate [HAuCl4] and trisodium citrate
[Na3C6H5O7]. The atmospheric pressure, non-thermal plasma chemistry facilitated a rapid synthesis of the
gold nanoparticles. For the first set of solution testing, the concentrations of the gold and the sodium citrate
were changed. Of this, fifteen trials were conducted. Five trials then proceeded to look at other parameters
such as current, voltage, plasma discharge mode, and distance. Optical properties of the gold nanofibers
were characterized by ultraviolet-near infrared spectroscopy [UV-NIR]. We were then able to categorize the
gold nanoparticles by their respective concentrations and their maximum wavelength peak and absorbance.
Our trials allowed us to determine that 34 mM of trisodium citrate and 8.9712 mM of hydrogen
tetrachloroaurate were the optimal concentrations for the electrolyte solution. With a steady plasma
discharge, a 1 mm distance, and an exposure time of 3 minutes, the synthesized gold nanoparticles produced
a 613.4 nm maxi-peak wavelength and a .940 absorbance.