Sheraton (Plaza Foyer)
Christophe Langouet-Astrie*
, James Madison University;
John Gildea
, University of Virginia
The purpose is to construct tricistronic lenti-viral vectors containing G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4 in order to help develop an assay for detecting salt sensitivity. Vectors are constructed using novel gene cloning techniques to optimize cost and time efficiency and utilizing a web-based software to reduce construction difficulty.
Mia Knausenberger*
, Suffolk University;
Stella Athanasopoulos*
, Suffolk University
This project feature a comparative look at Eastern and Western medicinal practices. Beyond a general juxtaposition, particular psychological disorders and their treatments will be compared to provide the audience with an adequate understanding of the similarities and differences featured in each practice.
Saiema Alam*
, Binghamton University State University of New York
Lyme disease is a growing public health threat. While research has investigated potential for exposure in wooded environments, less is known about risk in built environments. This research analyzes if there is a difference in Lyme disease risk in built and non-built environments using a university campus as its model.
Angela Selby*
, California University of Pennsylvania
In palatoplasty, the surgical closure of a cleft palate, there are two options: early closure for speech or late closure for maxillary growth, but neither procedure has been demonstrated to be definitively superior. This poster will examine studies of both options to see which has the most positive prognosis.
Stephanie Moore*
, California University of Pennsylvania
One in 1,500 infants is born with cleft palate. Feeding is an immediate concern because cleft palate may contribute to a delay in growth. Numerous feeding interventions combat this, some more effective than others. Multiple feeding interventions will be reviewed in terms of weight gain to determine the most effective.
Chandler McCrury*
, University of Texas at Tyler
This project evaluates the quantitative differences in motor skill performance when an internal focus of attention is adopted versus an external focus. Understanding the impact of attention direction can be valuable in occupations such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and coaching where motor skills are taught or practiced.
Samuel Smith*
, South Dakota State University
Epidemiological observations have demonstrated that taking aspirin daily exerts an anti-cancer effect. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the acetyl group of aspirin on the acetylation of proteins in CaCo-2, a carcinoma human cell line, and HCT-116, a human colon cancer cell line.
Samantha Meadows*
, Binghamton University State University of New York;
Joy Hallmark*
, Binghamton University State University of New York
Dopamine replacement therapy with L-DOPA is the standard treatment for Parkinson's Disease; however, it leads to the development of debilitating involuntary movements. This study looked at the possibility of mediating these negative side effects via several transporters in the brain that are responsible for regulating L-DOPA derived dopamine.
Jessica Miller*
, Eastern Kentucky University
Generic drugs are often prescribed as equivalents of brand-name medications. However, just how ethical is this practice? This poster will evaluate this idea from a moral standpoint, focusing on the safety, efficacy, financials, and research implications of generic drug substitution and its effect on the patient population.
Nick Lynch*
, University of Louisville;
Jerome Soldo*
, University of Louisville
This project discusses Chilean healthcare vis-a-vis Chile's socioeconomic and historical-political factors. Public and private sectors are presented, along with the impact on social classes in Chile, with emphasis on the Mapuche community. A comparative overview of public health issues in Chile and the U.S. will be covered.
Jordan Andersen*
, Metropolitan State University of Denver
This session will explore the condition of chronic pain in pediatric patients. Viewed through the lens of medical anthropology, this condition affects the patient in a biological and socio-cultural sense. Research yields that chronic pain during this stage of critical development carries impacts through to the adult years.
Eleanor Harrison*
, East Tennessee State University
Dystrophia myotonica (DM1) a common form of muscular dystrophy is caused by a mutation within the DMPK gene. In this study a type of gene therapy, SMaRT technology, was studied and examined as a potential therapy for DM1.
Krissie Hogan*
, Eastern Kentucky University;
Alycia Lynch*
, Eastern Kentucky University
This study of the changing fitness trends on college campuses reveals that outdoor recreation programs are becoming increasingly popular, contrasting the traditional idea of exercise being primarily cardio, calisthenics, and weight-based workouts.
Emily Dickey*
, California University of Pennsylvania;
Lindsie Hammaker*
, California University of Pennsylvania
This presentation will focus on autism spectrum disorders, concentrating on speech & language symptoms, such as limited speech and echolalia. Several individuals with autism were observed, with attention on particular symptoms of autism. After making observations, we developed some activities that could be used in treatment of those symptoms.
Tin Nguyen*
, University of the Incarnate Word;
Yolanda Rangel
, University of the Incarnate Word;
Jeffrey Tang
, University of the Incarnate Word
Central kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) activation produces marked increase in renal sympathetic nerve activity with concurrent free water diuresis in conscious rats. Furthermore, activation of opioid receptors has been shown to modulate blood pressure. However, the role of KOR in angiotensinII high-salt diet (AngII) mediated hypertension model is to be determined.
Hannah Luksa*
, Wayne State College
This project reviews literature regarding effective physician-patient interactions and evaluates medical school curriculum. Physicians, administrators, and patients are surveyed to determine how medical schools foster physician interpersonal skills and how medical schools can improve current curriculum, teaching, and evaluation methods to better promote communication competencies.
Sharon Dei-Tumi*
, Greensboro College
This poster will examine the effects of increased westernized fast food consumption on Ghanaian cardiovascular health and obesity over the past decade and will discuss the possible future health trends based on analysis of research conducted on developing nations such as China, India, and South Africa.
Evan Stieler*
, University of Southern Indiana;
Antonina Bambina
, University of Southern Indiana
Is the gluten-free lifestyle the lifestyle for you? Antonina Bambina and Evan Stieler compare the difference in nutritional values between normal foods and their gluten-free alternatives.
Cole Swiston*
, Northern Michigan University
Recently, a subpopulation of stem-like cells in human brain tumors was discovered. These stem-like cells play a role in cancer recurrence and were tested for basigin, a protein known to facilitate extracellular matrix degradation and cancer invasion. This protein may serve as a target in brain tumor treatment.
Caroline Toomey*
, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
The purpose of this study was to identify staff members’ perceptions of their work in an outpatient hospital environment according to the essentials of Good Work, which include excellence, ethics, and engagement.
Marissa Kane*
, Northern Michigan University
This project works with a genetically engineered protein that protein will act as a receptor on a cell that will bind to another copy of the same protein, Basigin-2. The hypothesis is that when these two proteins bind they will be brought into the cell by receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Jessica Dove*
, Eastern Kentucky University
This poster will inform the audience about the medical-alert sticker and ID program created to help citizens across the country involved in auto accidents. This program will better prepare emergency responders and health care professionals to manage the victims’ medical issues ranging from allergies to cardiac arrest.
Jordan Blackaby*
, Eastern Kentucky University;
Brittany Moore*
, Eastern Kentucky University
New therapies where patients work with animals are becoming prevalent. In most therapies, animals can be beneficial to patients. As research grows, the health science field has found that interacting with animals in different therapies helps patients overcome challenges that would normally keep them from assimilating into society.
Ajay Peddada*
, University of South Alabama
Hyperspectral microscopy and advanced signal processing techniques considered and tested for optimization of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) signaling in order to understand biological processes including signal transduction and changes in intracellular second messengers.
Sydney Pokorny*
, Wayne State College
This project is an exploration of the treatment options available to manage osteoarthritis of the knee. A review of published research, dialog with people affected by the condition, interviews with health care professionals, and observation of therapy sessions are synthesized into an analysis of how to overcome this debilitating condition.
Jesús Rodríguez*
, Broward College
Personalized medicine is a system of administration of medical care to patients that deals with the problem of fitting specific treatments to a group of people afflicted by an ailment or disease, while considering the aspect of biological individuality to provide a more effective and efficient treatment for patients.
Jessica Evey*
, University of Texas at Tyler
This project studies the effects of a community-based program of exercise, FitSTEPS for Life, on the quality of life of persons with cancer over time and establishes a point in time that exercise influences quality of life in cancer survivors.
Alex Hanavan*
, Eastern Kentucky University;
Joseph Romer*
, Eastern Kentucky University
In the United States demand for viable organs far outstrips the supply. That may be about to change. Scientists are developing the technology to use a patient’s own cells combined with 3d printing equipment to print fully functional organs. This poster examines potential applications of and obstacles to this technology.
Bailey Bare*
, Eastern Kentucky University;
Victoria Mings*
, Eastern Kentucky University
Growing in popularity is the inclusion of animals in rehabilitation. Animal-assisted therapy can facilitate the rehabilitation process and increase the quality of therapeutic interaction. This presentation will illustrate the physical and mental benefits provided when animal-assisted therapy is used in conjunction with the typical therapeutic methods.
Sohini Mukherjee*
, Chapman University
A look at the factors that affect diarrheal disease in children under the age of five in rural India. This study was conducted by a student working with a non-profit in India in order to understand why childhood diarrheal disease was so common.
Sarah Nuckolls*
, Longwood University;
Kelsey Trace*
, Longwood University
Due to a rising trend of virulence against antibiotics, a new method of microbial treatment is needed. Isatins and their derivatives have proven to be both antimicrobial and biofilm modulators. Oxime and hydrazone derivatives are screened against various oral colonizing bacteria.
Alexandra Arriaga*
, Tennessee Technological University
Thiosemicarbazone compounds are a class of multidentate ligands that contain binding sites for metal ions such as iron and copper. This work will present the synthesis of 2-acetyl-4-methylthiazole thiosemicarbazone compounds: These are potential anti-cancer agents because they interfere with ribonucleotide reductase, an iron-containing enzyme used by cells to produce DNA.
Jennifer Grimes*
, University of Texas at Tyler
With the rise of electronic health records, nursing schools are developing programs to teach nursing students how to correctly and efficiently chart electronically. This research project examines the evidence that supports the implementation of EHR programs in nursing schools while assessing their effect on nursing students’ clinical practice.
Sheraton (Plaza Foyer)
Blake Suarez*
, Cochise College;
Ricardo Martinez*
, Cochise College
The Cochise College Honors Program is supporting undergraduate biology research. Proteomics studies were used to isolate proteins found in bean beetles at different stages of their life cycle.
Erin Myers*
, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Predation risk has significant effects on animal behavior and space use. This project is a comparison of a population of Octodon degus in predator exclusion enclosures versus control, non-predator exclusion enclosures. Data collection includes experimental evidence of home range and burrow systems as a representation of space use.
Allie Casto*
, James Madison University;
Stephanie Stockwell
, James Madison University
This project is elucidating the signaling pathway of soybean-Bradyrhizobium japonicum-symbiosis through analysis of a gene regulatory protein. A method called gel shift is used to detect DNA-protein complexes formed through binding of gene sequences to the protein.
Sunada Khadka*
, Wesleyan College
This study incorporates the anti-proliferative effect induced by the treatment of uterine smooth muscle cells with all trans retinoic acid. This provides a basis for understanding the mechanism and treatment options for certain uterine pathologies like leiomyomas, characterised by the over-expression of collagen in extracellular matrix of these cells.
Brian Kmetz*
, Chapman University;
Garrett Isaacs*
, Chapman University
Inspired by the way biological nervous systems process information, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are composed of several interconnected layers of processing units that grant the capacity to learn from example by adjusting the synapse-like connections between individual processing units to improve performance.
Megan Czmowski*
, Northern State University
Since 1962, new antibiotics have been created primarily through the use of analogs of current antibiotics. The antibiotic A23187, also called Calcimycin, has not been extensively studied and is primarily used as a calcium chelator. The author used the AutoDock program to predict potential analogs of the antibiotic A23187.
Jeromy Rech*
, Lewis University
The specific aim of this work is to develop a photocatalytic biomimetic nanocomposite membrane that utilizes sunlight to degrade common pollutants and inhibit the growth of deadly bacteria. Initial synthesis of cellulose/TiO2 nanocomposite films showed an enhanced degradation of Methylene Blue, an organic dye and pollutant, when exposed to light.
Mark Sperry*
, Northern State University
The purpose of this project is to develop protocols for sterilization and growth of a commonly grown garden plant, Rheum rhubarbarum (garden rhubarb), in tissue culture to identify the optimal medium, sterilization techniques, and methods of tissue extraction when culturing rhubarb from the rhizome, crown, stalk, and leaves.
Roxanne Lockhart*
, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Modification of proteins by ß-N-acetyl-glucosamine (O-GlcNAc) has been shown to play a critical role in regulation of cellular survival. One mechanism for increasing O-GlcNAcylation is pharmacological inhibition of OGA (O-GlcNAcase). We will study the functional and biochemical effects of O-GlcNAc modulation via thiamet-G in rodent models.
Jessica Richardson*
, Emory & Henry College
An analysis of the overlap between the largest denominator used in individual Egyptian fraction representations of one and pseudoperfect numbers. Looking to discover a way to generate all of these representations of one, based off of each fractions largest denominator, by using knowledge of pseudoperfect numbers.
Lisa Janes*
, Lewis University
Nickel- Phosphorous (NiP) substrates have been used as computer hard disk drive media. This research focused on designing slurries that chemically removed the NiP in a non-corrosive pH range through additives. Electrochemical techniques were developed to probe the impact of organic additives on the surface redox and film forming mechanisms.
Connor Smith*
, Eastern Kentucky University
Exploratory work was undertaken to study the enhancement of latent fingerprints on metallic surfaces for forensic science applications.
Kevin Shrestha*
, University of Alabama at Birmingham;
Aditi Jani
, University of Alabama at Birmingham;
Mary Elizabeth Hawk
, Auburn University;
Brian Sims
, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Neuroprotection has been explored as a means to slow neurodegeneration and preserve neuronal function. Two important compounds in the body, the Vitamin D receptor and erythropoietin, have been identified as having roles in this process. This research investigates the link between the two.
Tsu-Yi Su*
, Wesleyan College
This study looks at the expression of TGase 1 in β-receptor knockout (ERKO) black 6 (B6) mice. From the results obtained from this study, more understanding can be gained on the regulation of TGase 1 expression by estrogen and the estrogen receptor.
Ruth Stetler*
, Arcadia University
This presentation looks at the use of annual tree ring growth to date scars created by past fires, in order to construct a record of historic fire patterns. Such data can be applied by forest managers to create controlled burn programs for conservation purposes.
David Brambert*
, Elmhurst College;
Chelsea Karson*
, Elmhurst College
Brachidontes exustus is a member of the bivalve family Mytilidae. The Atlantic and Gulf species mitochondria were fully sequenced and showed gene orders different from all other known mytilid mitochondrial genomes. The genome rearrangements may be related to the doubly uniparental inheritance, a unique form of mitochondrial inheritance
Carolyn Stocker*
, University of Maine
This is a 24-month, 5-state project proposed to increase culinary skills, family meal times, and physical activity of youth to help prevent childhood obesity. A community-based participatory research approach was used hrough the 4-H programming to achieve healthy weight in children ages 9 and 10.
Alicia Rippere*
, Arizona State University
Tissue damage in humans can disrupt the timing of developmental progression and alter steroid hormone levels. Using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to study responses to injury, we have found that localized tissue damage influences developmental timing, and these defects are likely tied to altered hormone levels.
Shelby Zikeli*
, California University of Pennsylvania
Invasive species have long been a problem in Madagascar. Rattus rattus, or the black rat, is by far the worst invasive animal to native fauna. The overall goal of the current study is to pursue implementing practical methods of invasive trapping, capitalizing on the parasite-vector relationship offered by Toxoplasma gondii.
Hendrik Greve*
, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Lysozyme can be modified by 2-chloro-1,4-benzoquinone (CBQ), a possible metabolite of the family of atmospheric pollutants called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This modification can lead to several severe effects including amyloidosis, a process by which globular proteins aggregate and become insoluble. This project examines the effects of CBQ on lysozyme.
Bethany Lueck*
, University of Nebraska-Kearney
Gold nanoparticles show great potential for use in nanoscale biomedical sensors due to their optical properties. The mechanism for the reduction of Au (III) to Au nanoparticles by sodium oxalate was studied by using Raman spectroscopy to determine the depletion of gold from solution.
Harleen Athwal*
, University of Indianapolis
The manipulation of floral color using sunscreen provides crucial information. Plant fitness can be enhanced by controlling the production of anthocyanins. After applying susncreen to the petals, the physical and chemical change in the production of anthocyanins proved this method to be effective.
Ranjani Ponnazhagan*
, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Treatment of primary microglial cells with positive allosteric modulators affords protection against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response, making them a potential novel therapeutic strategy for Parkinson’s Disease.
Tai Truong*
, University of West Georgia;
Tashana Haye
, University of West Georgia;
Theresa Fuller
, University of West Georgia
Physiological and molecular characterization of 10E1, a mutant Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (micro green-alga) strain that is high light sensitive, chlorophyll (chl) deficient, and non-photosynthetic under all light conditions.
Catherine Zivanov*
, University of South Alabama;
Cheyanne Paul*
, University of South Alabama;
Eric Wood*
, University of South Alabama
Overexpression of phosphoprotein phosphatase type four (PP4) may contribute to cancer survival and metastasis. The development of a PP4 inhibitor will not only yield a valuable research tool for studying the pathology of diseases associated with PP4, but it could also result in the development of a new antitumor therapy.
Luke McClintock*
, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Quantum mechanics dominates the electronic properties of nanoscale device structures. Quantum-based technology would theoretically be extremely efficient at performing certain computations, but a property known as decoherence stands in the path of development. By studying decoherence through terahertz spectroscopy, we hope to understand how this phenomenon will limit future devices.
Rachel Belcher*
, Ferrum College
This is an interdisciplinary look at the secondary metabolite productions in Rutgers tomatoes and Echinacea Purpurea. This is contingent on a previous infestation of root-knot nematodes. This research looks to make advances in the agricultural field through bioactive testing.
Sara Liaghati-Mobarhan*
, University of Alabama at Birmingham
On-column protein binding can be used to provide a less labor and time intensive process for the preparation and completion of miniaturized SIC through the comparison of on-column and batch-bound protein columns. A protocol can be developed that ensures analogous or improved column homogeneity and calculated B-values.
Bliss Chang*
, University of Alabama at Birmingham
This is a structural, biochemical study of Fas interactions with Calmodulin. We have identified a specific binding stoichiometry, binding parameters, and the amino acids comprising the minimal binding domains. This will lead to the development of effective yet minimally toxic drugs to target diseases that involve an abnormal cell count.
Jeremiah Atkinson*
, South Dakota State University;
Lauren Kuschel*
, South Dakota State University
Melanoma can occur due to a mutated receptor in the Mitogen-activated Protein kinase pathway. To inhibit the resulting uncontrolled cell growth, a novel ligand must be developed. A virtual library was designed and tested for theoretical potency. The most promising molecules were synthesized and tested for actual potency on the BRAF receptor.
Zachary Widel*
, Lewis University
The specific aim of this work is the development of laser attenuating films to protect pilots from laser attacks. This is achieved by modifying aqueously synthesized quantum dots with aromatic molecules to behave as organically capped attenuators. These films are capable of attenuating a 20 mW green laser by ~50%.
Omar Pinkhasov*
, Suffolk University
The Diels-Alder reaction is a commonly studied topic in the undergraduate organic chemistry curriculum. We have developed an undergraduate laboratory designed to feature a Diels-Alder/retro-Diels-Alder reaction between 1, 3-cyclohexadiene and either Dimethyl or Diethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD or DEAD, respectively) through microwave irradiation.
Scott Evans*
, Northern Michigan University
Ten juvenile rats were divided into two separate groups. One group was raised in housing with toy enrichment and one group was raised in housing with enrichment deprivation. Basic behavioral tests determined that no significant difference in behavior exist between the two groups.
James Tancabel*
, Youngstown State University
An ongoing research project has attempted to bring the revolutionary experimentation technique of single photon studies to the Physics and Chemistry Departments at Youngstown State University. This poster will explain the implementation of the laboratory setup while also explaining the results of the preliminary tests.
Zabrina Ebert*
, Elmhurst College
Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato strain DC3000 is a bacterium known to cause disease in tomato plants. A mutant strain lacking both the mqo and malic enzyme gene fails to grow in minimal media cultures with malate suggesting that malic enzyme is allowing the strain without mqo to complete TCA.
Ellen Bryant*
, University of Indianapolis;
Douglas Stemke
, University of Indianapolis
Zebra mussels are an invasive mollusk species that cause billions of dollars each year in commercial pipeline damage. SCUBA divers and boaters are the most common vessels for mussel introduction into new waterways. UV light is proposed as a method of sanitizing neoprene dive gear of the microscopic larvae.
John Decker*
, University of Alabama at Birmingham;
Christopher J Aura
, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Visually guided voluntary eye movements are critical for human sight. However, questions remain about cortical circuitry controlling these movements, especially when targets are purely cyclopean (i.e., only visible when information from both eyes is combined). To address this knowledge gap, we measured eye movements in human subjects viewing such targets.
