4:00 Presenters |
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Ahmed Baig Major: Neurobiology
Examination of Astrocyte Cell Density in the Medial and Lateral Dorsal Striatum After Prenatal Stress Exposure
Emerging research has focused on the role astrocytes serve in synaptic transmission within the brain and how prenatal stress (PS) may disrupt this neurotransmission. Insights may enhance understanding of how astrocyte dysfunction relates to neurodevelopmental diseases like autism spectrum disorder. Studies reveal that rats exposed to PS showed soma and filament enlargement in striatal astrocytes. However, little research has examined striatal astrocyte cell density in different striatal subregions after PS exposure. We studied this topic by analyzing astrocyte cell density, following PS exposure, in the medial and lateral dorsal striatum (DS). These regions are involved in goal-directed behavior and in habitual learning control respectively. Brains from adult male and female mice from three groups: naïve, saline-injected, and PS (exposed to light, restraint, and saline injection) were collected. Sectioned brain tissue was stained for GFAP, to mark astrocytes, and mounted in DAPI. Then, fluorescent microscopy was used to contour lateral and medial DS regions and astrocytes were counted stereologically to collect density values. Preliminary data revealed larger cell density in the lateral DS, but not in the medial or overall DS, in PS mice. This suggests that PS may impact astrocyte signaling in specifically in the motor-control region of the striatum.
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Josephine Baum Major: Human Physiology
Visual Assessment and Data Management for Efficacy of Diet on Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis (EDQ:MSQ)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting the Central Nervous System. It is thought to arise through complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors, including diet. Symptoms of MS vary widely among individuals but are often displayed in the form of motor, cognitive, and vision impairments. In the clinical study, "Efficacy of Diet on Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis (EDQ:MS)," the effectiveness of dietary intervention is critically evaluated in individuals aged 18 to 70 with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), with the goal of improving long-term quality of life. Along with improved quality of life, the effect of diet on motor function, vision, fatigue, mood, and disease activity (monitored through brain imaging) is also a focus. The demand for improved quality of care and reduced disability burden is high among those with RRMS, and a promising non-pharmacologic way to improve function and disease progression is dietary intervention. As vision impairment is a highly prevalent symptom among individuals with RRMS, visual assessments are administered at the participants' month zero, month three, and month twenty-four visits. The participants' performance on these assessments correlates with the disease's impact on a patient's quality of life.
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Adam Benmoussa Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Identification of Specific Human RPA Small Molecule Inhibitors
Replication Protein A (RPA) is the primary eukaryotic single-strand DNA (ssDNA) binding protein. Essential for all aspects of cellular DNA metabolism, RPA binds to ssDNA with high affinity and is vital for maintaining genomic integrity during homologous recombination. In humans, canonical RPA (RPA) is composed of 3 subunit proteins: RPA1, RPA2, and RPA3. Each RPA subunit contains DNA-binding domains (DBD). RPA1: DBDs-A, B, C, F. RPA2: DBD-D. RPA3: DBD-E. The 3 RPA subunits oligomerize at DBDs-CDE, a site referred to as the trimerization core. In primates, an alternative version of RPA can coexist with RPA called alternative RPA (Alt-RPA). RPA2 being replaced in Alt-RPA with RPA4. RPA4 contains DBD-G, DBDs-CGE comprise the Alt-RPA trimerization core, structurally different from that of RPA. Alt-RPA has undefined functions, however, also binding to ssDNA with high affinity it competes with RPA. Upregulation of Alt-RPA was found in brains of patients with Huntington’s disease, caused by tandem CAG repeat expansion, therefore understanding how to selectively inhibit canonical and alternative human RPA can greatly improve our understanding of the role RPA plays in the development of disease. Using Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) based assays, we can measure RPA bound to ssDNA, quantifying RPA inhibition. FRET-based analysis has identified small molecule inhibitors (Aurintricarboxylic Acid & 4,4-Diisothiocyanostilbene) that exhibit a degree of RPA inhibition specificity.
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Sydney Benton Major: Environmental science
Comparison of Intentionally Planted Species to Observed Population: Survey of Plant Biodiversity at Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory Prairie Restoration
Ecological research following plant biodiversity was conducted in the Ashton Prairie using the quadrant method. The goal of the study was to observe the effectiveness of the prairie burn conducted in the fall of 2022 by comparing the ratio of planted prairie species to the invasive species from 2022 and 2023.
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Makenna Schinstock Major: Environmental Science Biosciences
Comparison of Intentionally Planted Species to Observed Population: Survey of Plant Biodiversity at Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory Prairie Restoration
Ecological research following plant biodiversity was conducted in the Ashton Prairie using the quadrant method. The goal of the study was to observe the effectiveness of the prairie burn conducted in the fall of 2022 by comparing the ratio of planted prairie species to the invasive species from 2022 and 2023.
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Eric Biedke Major: Physics, Astronomy, and Math
Canonical Quantization of Thomas-Whitehead Projective Gravity
Thomas-Whitehead gravity is a theory of gravity that uses projective geometry and allows quantization. We use the Thomas-Whitehead action to obtain the constrained Hamiltonian in the two and four dimensional Minkowski metrics, as well as the Polyakov metric. This allows us to use Hamilton’s equations to find the dynamics of the metric, diffeomorphism field, and connection coefficient in those geometries. Using a wave ansatz, we can find and analyze gravitational dispersion relations, and look for a speed of light solution. Moving forward, we are using our commutation relations to construct quantum operators.
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Ethan Bley Major: Geoscience, Environmental Science
Encrinurid trilobites from the Upper Ordovician (Katian) of northeastern Iowa
The trilobite fauna of the Late Ordovician (late Katian) Maquoketa Formation of northeastern Iowa (primarily Fayette County) contains numerous species, including generic type species, that have been widely cited in the literature of the past century. Despite dozens of references to them, most have not been revised or photographically illustrated since the original monograph of Slocom, published in 1913. Encrinurid trilobites from the formation are excellent examples. The cybeline Cybeloides iowensis (Slocom 1913) is the type species of its common and widely cited genus, to which some 15 valid and formally named species have subsequently been assigned from various parts of Laurentia. Its type material, however, has never been revised and virtually no images of the species have been published since Slocom's original work. The encrinurine Encrinuroides pernodosus (Slocom 1913), in contrast, has barely been commented upon in the literature, likely because of Slocom's tiny and difficult to interpret photograph of the holotype specimen, which has been the only image available. The Maquoketa encrinurids are revised based on new images of Slocom's type specimens housed in the Field Museum of Natural History, combined with rich new, well documented, collections made by vocational paleontologists Calvin Leverson and Arthur Gerk that were donated to the University of Iowa Paleontology Repository.
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Adrian Carmenate Major: Cinematic Arts, Screenwriting Arts
Printmaking in India
After the University of Iowa recieved the Waswo X Waswo Collection of Indian Printmaking in 2016, we traveled to India to interview the artists showcased in the collection in order to provide a deeper historical and cultural understanding of the collection through a series of video interviews. This initiative celebrates India's cultural diversity and offers insights into the evolution of modern and contemporary Indian printmaking.
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Isabella Cesarz Major: Microbiology
The role of Tnfsf8 during chronic viral infection
CD8+ T cells are a crucial component of the immune response and are vital for eliminating chronic infections such as HIV, hepatitis B/C, and tumor growth. Throughout chronic infection and cancer, a decrease in CD8+ T cell effector functions—termed “exhaustion”—is observed in the immune response. T cell exhaustion is characterized by increased and prolonged expression of co-inhibitory surface markers and decreased ability of the T cells to fight off the infection. While once thought to be terminally exhausted, new research shows that the pool of “exhausted” T cells consists of several transcriptionally heterogenous cell populations, in which a progenitor subset differentiates into an intermediate subset that further differentiates into either terminally exhausted or effector T cells that are critical for viral control. The mechanisms that determine whether a T cell differentiates into any of these subsets is currently unknown. Through the use of single-cell RNA sequencing, we found that the inhibitory gene Tnfsf8 is selectively upregulated on the progenitor T cell subset during late-stage chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV) Cl13. In this experiment, we wanted to examine the effects of deleting Tnfsf8 on the T cell subset distribution during LCMV Cl13 infection in mice. Deletion of Tnfsf8 resulted in a decreased frequency of progenitor and effector cells, an increased frequency of exhausted cells, and an increase in granzyme B expression.
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Kathryn Cochrane Major: Biology
Impact delta-1 glutamate receptors have on social interaction and environment preference in mice.
Ionotropic glutamate receptors mediate neuroexcitatory synaptic transmissions that are involved in brain development processes and brain functions. Delta-1 glutamate receptors (GluD1) are widely expressed in the brain as functional ion channels, helping organize synapses. Little is known about how and when they function, how their activity shapes neural output, and ultimately how they influence behavior. Using male and female wild type and GluD1 knock out mice, we tested how genetic deletion of GluD1 alters three innate behaviors: pro-social behavior, aversion to illuminated areas, and inclination to environments within their optimal temperature range. To test for pro-social behavior, mice were placed in an arena containing a novel mouse and novel object to give the mouse a choice of interactor, while remaining physically separated. To test for preference for dark and warm environments, mice were placed in an arena where one side blocks out light and one side is made to be warm, respectively. While a test mouse explored these three arenas, the amount of time spent in different locations was monitored. Furthering what is known about how the loss of the GluD1 channel changes behavior, we can better discern how this channel may be a target in treating various neurological conditions.
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Leah Cousineau Major: Biochemistry
Assessing protein-protein complexes of genes attributed to deafness from the Deafness Variation Database
Hearing loss is the most common sensory deficient affecting over 1 billion people worldwide. Hearing loss variants have been expertly curated by physicians and scientists at the University of Iowa in the Deafness Database Variation (DVD). Previous work developed full-length monomeric structures using AlphaFold2.0 to give the DVD proteins 100% structural coverage. However, >50% of DVD proteins function as part of a complex. In this work, we propose to use established databases such as STRING and CORUM to determine which proteins complex with each other. The proposed complexes are then put through Swiss Model to develop homology models of the interactions. We use the protein-protein complex models to assess for variants of benign, pathogenic, and unknown significance from the DVD to determine variants for further experimental investigation.
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Abby Cupp Major: Biomedical Sciences
The Mechanical Properties of Heat Treated Candida albicans Biofilms
Implant-associated infections are difficult to treat and result in significant patient morbidity and mortality. These infections arise from the formation of polymicrobial biofilms on the implant surface that change the character of the cells within and protect them from antibiotics and host immune cells. The goal of this work is to better understand the relationships between biofilm mechanics and composition, heat treatment, and microorganism viability/virulence in a polymicrobial biofilm in order to advance technologies concerned with eliminating implant-associated medical infections. We implemented a method for growing albicans biofilms of dimensions sufficient for rheological (mechanical) measurements. Control and heat-treated biofilms have been subjected to strain analysis to evaluate their tendency to deform in response to rotational torque. Our preliminary results suggest that heat-treated biofilms may be more susceptible than untreated biofilms to low levels of strain. In ongoing work, we are optimizing heat treatment conditions and the investigating the effects of heat on biofilm morphology and cell viability.
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Rami Mayasa Major: Biomedical Sciences
The Mechanical Properties of Heat Treated Candida albicans Biofilms
Implant-associated infections are difficult to treat and result in significant patient morbidity and mortality. These infections arise from the formation of polymicrobial biofilms on the implant surface that change the character of the cells within and protect them from antibiotics and host immune cells. The goal of this work is to better understand the relationships between biofilm mechanics and composition, heat treatment, and microorganism viability/virulence in a polymicrobial biofilm in order to advance technologies concerned with eliminating implant-associated medical infections. We implemented a method for growing albicans biofilms of dimensions sufficient for rheological (mechanical) measurements. Control and heat-treated biofilms have been subjected to strain analysis to evaluate their tendency to deform in response to rotational torque. Our preliminary results suggest that heat-treated biofilms may be more susceptible than untreated biofilms to low levels of strain. In ongoing work, we are optimizing heat treatment conditions and the investigating the effects of heat on biofilm morphology and cell viability.
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Peter Dengler Major: Biomedical Sciences
The Mechanical Properties of Heat Treated Candida albicans Biofilms
Implant-associated infections are difficult to treat and result in significant patient morbidity and mortality. These infections arise from the formation of polymicrobial biofilms on the implant surface that change the character of the cells within and protect them from antibiotics and host immune cells. The goal of this work is to better understand the relationships between biofilm mechanics and composition, heat treatment, and microorganism viability/virulence in a polymicrobial biofilm in order to advance technologies concerned with eliminating implant-associated medical infections. We implemented a method for growing albicans biofilms of dimensions sufficient for rheological (mechanical) measurements. Control and heat-treated biofilms have been subjected to strain analysis to evaluate their tendency to deform in response to rotational torque. Our preliminary results suggest that heat-treated biofilms may be more susceptible than untreated biofilms to low levels of strain. In ongoing work, we are optimizing heat treatment conditions and the investigating the effects of heat on biofilm morphology and cell viability.
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Joy Curry Major: History
Changing Stays: Understanding Gender, Health, and the Body in Premodern England with Foundation Garments
The study of dress can reveal a variety of insights into premodern life, including people’s relationships to their community, economy, and identity. As scholarly understanding of the history of dress has developed, different methods were used to emphasize the material, social, and embodied conditions of premodern life. In my research, I examined different approaches in the research of stays – the foundational garment which preceded the corset – to better understand how historians interact with the material past and how premodern stay-making interacted with ideas of gender, beauty, and health. The study of foundation garments has often involved analysis of patterns and the change in silhouette over time. In recent years, historians of the pre-modern world have increasingly used reconstruction and experimentation to enrich their understanding of material culture. This approach requires some interpretive caution, since the exact circumstances of the past cannot be replicated with complete authenticity, but it yields promising results towards understanding the day-to-day rhythms and processes that governed pre-modern life. I plan to use experimental methods to develop a better understanding of the patterning and fitting processes, how stays shaped the body, and the relationships between stay-makers and their customers.
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Emma Demuth Major: Neuroscience
Assessing the Impact of Chiari Malformation Surgery in Visuospatial Construction
Chiari Malformation is a medical condition where the cerebellar tonsils extend below the foramen magnum. This can create physical and cognitive symptoms, but cognitive complaints are not specific, and patients complain of general “brain fog”. Surgery is an option to improve physical symptoms. To determine whether cognitive symptoms are more specific and if they improve after surgery, people with Chiari Malformation were given neuropsychological testing before and after surgery. Previous research has stated that the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test showed significantly lower scores for those with Chiari Malformation. I scored 17 people’s pre-surgery and post-surgery Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Tests with the Boston Qualitative Scoring System to further identify the specific components affected. I ran t-tests comparing the difference between the norms and those with Chiari Malformation pre-surgery and those with Chiari Malformation pre-surgery and post-surgery. The results showed no significance in any of the tests. The study supports the idea that there is no change in cognition between pre-surgery and post-surgery. Only 17 people were included in scoring which may not be a large enough sample to get significant findings. This can be used in the clinical setting to tell patients that surgery will have no effect on their cognition.
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Kate Dennis Major: History
Brammar's West: Wyoming in the 20th Century
This thesis explores the photography of Francis Brammar, photographer for the Cheyenne Star-Tribune, in Wyoming from the 1930s to the 1980s. It shows that Brammar, who highlighted everyday life and progress in his photography, contravened past and prevailing contemporary beliefs about the peripheral status of Wyoming and its citizens. He captures the myth of the West and its legacy throughout the 20th century. His photographs demonstrate how the celebrated Cheyenne Frontier Days exploited Indigenous culture for its monetary gain and reputation as a “True Western” rodeo entertainment experience. Women’s history is highlighted through multiple paradoxes including photographs which display traditional femininity but also the modern working women who is embracing new opportunities. His depictions of women as both desirable objects and as people with purpose and toughness help to explain the evolution of women’s roles in Wyoming society. This thesis uses photographs and documents from the Wyoming State Archives that have not previously been used in scholarship.
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Adam Engelbrecht Major: History
Floodplains and Sandbags: Iowa City and the Flood: 1918-2008
This essay examines the Iowa River flood of June 2008 as a means to understand a century of landscape change along the Iowa River, in Iowa City’s northside and on the University of Iowa campus. Using the framework of the duality of “external hazards” and “internal vulnerabilities,” which is prevalent in contemporary disaster studies scholarship, the paper specifically explores how the history of development along the river and the introduction of a flood control dam upstream of Iowa City informed flood responses and attitudes. It argues that throughout the twentieth century, activities of developers and the Army Corps of engineers effectively “externalized” the Iowa River from the land that it cuts through. This “external hazard” was then fought against in June of 2008, with some of the flood’s potential effects mitigated by community response, outside assistance, and the dam itself. Using newspapers, oral histories, planning documents, and geological surveys, the paper examines the relationship between landscape change and community ideas of strength and vulnerability in the century leading up to the flood.
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Owen Fiedorowicz Major: Physics, Math
Geodesic Deviation and Thomas-Whitehead Gravity
We’re developing a theory of gravity that has origins in string theory: the coadjoint orbit action of the Kac-Moody and Virasoro semi-direct product algebra obtains the Wess–Zumino–Novikov–Witten model, action and a modified Polyakov action incorporating a field D, the diffeomorphism field. The diffeomorphism field is understood as a component of the connection describing projective geometry. TW gravity incorporates projective geometry as a theory of gravitation. The new field Diff from the projective connections is decomposed into its irreducible representations and studied as separate radiating degrees of freedom. There are tensor, vector, and scalar radiating solutions with non-light like dispersion relationships. With these diff field solutions, we then look at geodesic deviation purely from these solutions. The geodesic deviation from these solutions have similar presentation as a breathing mode. Additionally, the geodesic deviation equation equipped with a projective Riemann tensor allows for an alternative explanation for an expanding universe. While the breathing modes are undetectable to interferometers like LIGO, they may be seen by alternative detection methods.
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Darby Forsyth Major: Biology
Effect of Extreme Heat on Systemic Inflammatory Response
Extreme heat events cause adverse health effects, such as increased systemic inflammation. Increases in extreme heat events will add to the already significant public health burden. There is a critical need to define the inflammatory mechanisms involved. To investigate the central hypothesis that acute extreme heat exposure results in systemic inflammation, serum cytokine levels in male and female mice were examined. Mice were randomly placed in cages of three mice per cage and then randomly placed into one of the three treatment groups: heat exposed, control, and paired fed. Exposed mice were housed singly and placed in an incubator, and the temperature was ramped over eight hours from 20℃ to 38℃ and held at 38℃ for five minutes and given food and water ad libitum. Control and paired-fed mice were left at ambient temperature and given food and water based on the previous day’s exposed consumption. Mice were euthanized immediately after the five-minute hold, and blood was collected and placed on ice until serum could be prepared. Serum cytokine levels were analyzed. IL-1α was significantly decreased after heat exposure in female mice. IL-12(p40) was significantly elevated after heat exposure compared to paired-fed mice. RANTES was elevated after heat exposure in male mice. These findings suggest that systemic inflammation does not increase after acute heat exposure. Additional analyses of tissue-specific inflammatory markers and pathway alterations are still needed.
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Hannah Franke Major: Psychology, Linguistics
A New Method for Investigating the Facilitative Effects of Discourse Priming on Real-Time Word Recognition
Semantic priming is pervasive and robust across modalities. It is often considered facilitatory, but research using the Visual World Paradigm (VWP) suggests that it may induce competition (e.g., fixating 'lock' after hearing 'key') which requires management. Developmental studies provide evidence for both interpretations. Semantic activation during word recognition appears to remain stable throughout adolescence (Jeppsen & McMurray, submitted), but reduces in adulthood (Hwang & Snedeker, 2011), indicating the presence of competition. This raises the need for new paradigms to differentiate facilitatory vs. competitive processing. We introduce a modified VWP where participants read passages followed by VWP trials. Some trials prime the target, while others prime a competing or non-presented word. Preliminary findings (N=41) show that fixation speed on the target significantly increases following a related discourse prime (t(112)=-3, p<.01). Additionally, fixation speed is not slower when the discourse primes a competing word (t(112)=.8, p=.45). These results validate the priming paradigm and support a facilitatory interpretation.
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Ellyse Froehlich Major: Biomedical Engineering
Epigenome-wide Effects of Serological Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is integral to cellular metabolism, and both its deficiency and elevated levels are implicated in various chronic pathologies. In current clinical practice, serological B12 is the most widely used measurement to guide clinical decision-making. However, its short window of detection limits the clinical interpretability of B12 assessments. Consequently, the search for additional markers more reflective of B12 absorption and function continues to be a focus of nutritional research. Based on the premise that B12 plays an important role in methylation, we determined whether DNA methylation (DNAm) could be used to predict serological B12 levels. Using genome-wide DNAm data from 376 African American adults, we identified a total of 33,290 loci significantly associated with B12 levels. These loci, predominately found in CpG Islands (p < 2.2e-16), were linked to pathways related to transcription and translation (p < 4.3e-05). Using a step-wise approach, we found that a regressor incorporating 5 DNAm loci captured 19% of the B12 level variance (p = 3.37e-16). The findings of our study underscore the potential of an epigenomic strategy in gauging B12 status, warranting further refinement of the most predictive biosignature in future research.
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Mikayla Gibson Major: Human Physiology, Pre-Medicine Track
Contributing Factors for Pediatric Bystander Lawn Mower-Related Injuries: A Qualitative Study
Background: Our study objective was to investigate the circumstances of pediatric bystander riding lawn mower injuries and identify behaviors leading to these events. Methods: Followers/members of lawn mower injury-related Facebook pages who were aware of children that had suffered a riding lawn mower-related injury were invited to complete the survey. Qualitative analysis of open-ended question responses were independently performed by three research members. An iterative process was used to resolve coding differences. Results: Of 140 injured children, 97 (69%) were bystanders. Major themes identified that contributed to the injury included: Supervision Issues (40%), Child Not Perceiving Danger (40%), Child Allowed to be in Vicinity of Mower (23%), Mowing in Reverse (51%), and Other Mower-Related Issues (15%). Sub-themes included, but were not limited to, distracted supervisor, child approaching mower for a ride, and child allowed to play near mower. Conclusions: Contributing risk factors for child bystander lawn mower injuries were identified and reinforce many safety directives. Many children were, or possibly were approaching to get rides. Mower rides likely desensitize children to the inherent dangers and lead them to seek rides. Mower design preventing blade operation in reverse and not giving children rides may be critical in decreasing mower-related injuries.
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Olivia Goodyear Major: Speech and Hearing Sciences
Analysis of Spelling Skills in Children who are Hard of Hearing using Multilinguistic Coding
Children who are hard of hearing (CHH) face potential challenges when it comes to language acquisition and writing abilities due to limited access to auditory information. Spelling skills combine the use of phonological awareness, orthographic representations, and morphological awareness, each of which are important for developing literacy skills and overall academic success. This study looked at the frequency and types of spelling errors children with typical hearing (CTH) and children who are hard of hearing (CHH) made in the second and fourth grade. We accomplished this by using a multilinguistic coding system. We found that hearing status did not affect the likelihood of misspelled words in second grade and CTH were more likely to misspell words than CHH in fourth grade. CHH and CTH showed similar types of errors at both grades. Children who are hard of hearing seem to effectively apply phonological, orthographic, and morphological awareness skills, similar to typical-hearing peers.
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Kelsey Greenwood Major: Microbiology
Development of a Hyperadherent E. coli Probiotic Strain
Salmonella, a bacterial pathogen that regularly causes human disease being carried from poultry to plates, remains a problem for both the National Institutes of Health and the United States Department of Agriculture as this bacterium becomes more antibiotic resistant. A new approach to this problem is needed to reduce the spread of this infectious disease, and our work aims to create a probiotic strain ideally able to outcompete pathogenic Salmonella strains for position in the intestinal microbiome of poultry. Using E. coli, we are developing a strain to express a key Salmonella adherence factor, type 1 fimbriae, and hope to show it’s hyperadherent capability to competitively exclude Salmonella strains from colonizing the intestinal epithelium of the poultry host. This result would help reduce or eliminate carriage of Salmonella in poultry flocks and thus and reduce the risk of human infection.
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Eli Gregory Major: Human Physiology
The Contribution of Shal (Kv4) to Hearing in Drosophila
The Shal gene (Kv4) in Drosophila melanogaster is a member of the Shaker family that encodes voltage-gated potassium channels. In some neuron types, Shal had been shown to localize to dendrites, so this study investigates the potential role of the Shal gene in Drosophila hearing mechanisms including mechanotransduction. Electrophysiological recordings conducted to assess neural responses to auditory stimuli in mutant Shal flies revealed significant decreases in auditory responses. A GFP-protein trap was used to visualize the localization of the Shal channel in Johnston’s organ neurons of the antenna, responsible for hearing. We localized the Shal protein to the cell body and the proximal dendrite region of sensory neurons, suggesting its involvement not only in auditory function in general, but specifically also in mechanotransduction. To test Shal’s putative participation in active mechanisms during transduction, Laser Doppler Vibrometer recordings indicated abnormal antennal free fluctuation frequencies, indicating an effect on active antennal tuning. This research provides insight into the role of Shal in Drosophila hearing mechanisms, suggesting that it participates in coordinating energy-dependent antennal movements essential for tuning the antenna to courtship song frequencies.
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Emma Grunkemeyer Major: Human Physiology
The role of polyglutamine in Med15 interactions and Mediator Complex function.
In this work we investigate the extreme bias in the amino acid, glutamine, including long continuous tracts of glutamine in certain proteins. Glutamine tracts are relatively uncommon but are a feature of many transcriptional regulators including the Med15 subunit of the Mediator Complex which is a large protein complex that plays an important role in gene expression in eukaryotic organisms including yeast and animals. Strains lacking Med15 are compromised in their ability to grow on many kinds of media, under stress conditions, and in fermentation, reflecting its importance in gene expression. Naturally occurring yeast strains specialized for growth in specific environments (e.g., wine, beer, clinical) vary in their glutamine tract lengths, suggesting that the length of glutamine tracts may influence Med15 function in a manner that is adaptive for a specific environment. In this study, we intentionally manipulate the length and composition of the glutamine tracts in Med15 and find that these changes affect interactions with partner proteins. We consider whether these effects are direct or indirect.
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Molly Guerra Major: Psychology
Associations Between Household Chaos, ADHD, and Depression in Youth: The Mediating Role of Emotion Dysregulation
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that develops in childhood and adolescence and has an established link with other internalizing disorders, such as depression. Children and adolescents with comorbid ADHD and depression have greater academic, social, and behavioral impairments. ADHD and internalizing problems share common environmental risk factors (e.g., parenting, household disorganization), and may be influenced by common mechanistic factors, such as emotion dysregulation. The study examined the direct effects of household chaos on ADHD and depression symptoms in youth as well as indirect effects via emotion dysregulation. Participants consisted of parents and children aged 9-14 years (N=101) who were recruited from the community. Parents completed measures of household chaos, and both youth and parents completed measures of ADHD and depression symptomatology and emotion dysregulation. Results indicated a significant direct effect of household chaos on ADHD, but not on depression. However, household chaos influenced both ADHD and depression symptoms via emotion dysregulation. Specifically, greater household disorganization predicted higher emotion dysregulation, which, in turn, predicted increased ADHD and depression symptoms. Findings suggest the importance of emotion dysregulation as a transdiagnostic construct that may link environmental risk to ADHD and comorbid problems in youth.
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Max Halbach Major: History, Social Studies Education
“To Make Virginia Blossom as the Rose:” Emigration, Enslavement, and Environmentalism in Eastern Virginia 1831-1860
This thesis explores the motives of Virginians in the Tidewater and Piedmont who advocated for scientific approaches to plantation agriculture during the sectional crisis. Evaluating contemporary articles, diaries, letters, literature, and artwork, it argues that fears of cultural degradation and abolition shaped advocacy for environmentally sustainable scientific agriculture in Virginia. The sectional crisis molded White Virginians’ perceptions of their society; fearing historical abandonment and potential invasion by anti-slavery outsiders, they mourned their state’s decline and tried to restore its relative importance. The sectional crisis also shifted the discourse of scientific plantation management towards the institutional defense of slavery as emigration from worn-out lands combined with internal resistance to threaten the institution. Nationally, the sectional crisis politicized Virginia’s geographical position as an increasingly untenable front against social and political pressure from the North –causing concern among other Southern states and challenging the necessity of immediate westward expansion of slavery in favor of shoring up the Old South. Faced with a cultural and political crisis, scientific agriculturalists viewed environmentally sustainable plantation slavery as the panacea –creating societies, journals, and editorials to convince citizens to remain in the state, avoid westward emigration and expansion, and preserve White supremacy in Virginia.
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Addy Hawkins Major: Biomedical Sciences
Investigating the Contribution of Rac-Driven Resistance in Several Mutant Melanoma Cell Lines
Melanoma is a one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer and arises from the pigmented cells of the skin. Many of these cancers are resistant to drug treatment administered for a mutation in the BRAF gene, which accounts for around half of melanomas. To investigate the mechanism of resistant we used a patient-derived cell line called A375. This cell line is sensitive to BRAF inhibition. Then, mutants of this cell line were made that are resistant to drug. Our investigation looked at how these mutant lines reacted to other inhibitors and what their biochemical activity was. The question we are trying to answer is whether the resistance is due to reactivation of the signaling pathway downstream of BRAF, initiated by Rac, or if Rac is signaling through some other pathway to promote cell proliferation. The results of our experiments lead us to believe this is some reactivation of the pathway, but not enough to promote resistance. There must be some other targets of Rac, besides the MAPK pathway that BRAF is in, that are signaling to grow. Based on this conclusion we are continuing to look at what could possibly be keys players in this mechanism in future experiments.
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Cherolyn Henke Major: Chemical Engineering
Green Chemistry Using Organic Crystals: Photoreactivity of unsymmetric alkenes
Solid-state [2+2] photodimerization is an energy efficient and greener way of synthesizing cyclobutane derivatives with controlled stereochemistry in 100% reaction yields. Preorganized olefinic ligands are excited with UV radiation to form new covalent bonds resulting a four-membered strained cyclobutane ring. Cyclobutane derivatives are of importance as the molecules possess anti-cancer activity against prostate cancers, cellular constituent in Annomox bacteria cell membranes and small molecule drugs. To meet the topochemical criteria for solid state [2+2] photodimerization, small organic molecules (e.g., resorcinol) can be used as templates to pre-organize the double bonds (e.g., hydrogen bonds, halogen bonds) in a parallel orientation separated by a distance less than 4.2 Å. Non-covalent interactions between the templates and olefinic ligands form cocrystals guiding the solid-state assembly of ligands to facilitate the [2+2] photodimerization. In order to synthesize cyclobutane with different substitutions, trans-4-(4-cyano)styrylpyridine (PyCN) was used as the ligand and 3-methylcatechol(3-Methyl-Cat), 4-ethyl resorcinol(4-Ethyl-Res), and 1,3-benzendediol,5-(9-anthracenyl) (DHA) were used as the templates. Our experiment yielded three cocrystals, 3(PyCN)⋅2(3-Methyl-Cat), 2(PyCN)⋅(4-Ethyl-Res) and (PyCN)⋅(DHA) respectively. The cocrystals were exposed to UV radiation and the reaction progress was monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy to study the formation of the cyclobutane.
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Nevindee Samararathne Major: Chemistry
Green Chemistry Using Organic Crystals: Photoreactivity of unsymmetric alkenes
Solid-state [2+2] photodimerization is an energy efficient and greener way of synthesizing cyclobutane derivatives with controlled stereochemistry in 100% reaction yields. Preorganized olefinic ligands are excited with UV radiation to form new covalent bonds resulting a four-membered strained cyclobutane ring. Cyclobutane derivatives are of importance as the molecules possess anti-cancer activity against prostate cancers, cellular constituent in Annomox bacteria cell membranes and small molecule drugs. To meet the topochemical criteria for solid state [2+2] photodimerization, small organic molecules (e.g., resorcinol) can be used as templates to pre-organize the double bonds (e.g., hydrogen bonds, halogen bonds) in a parallel orientation separated by a distance less than 4.2 Å. Non-covalent interactions between the templates and olefinic ligands form cocrystals guiding the solid-state assembly of ligands to facilitate the [2+2] photodimerization. In order to synthesize cyclobutane with different substitutions, trans-4-(4-cyano)styrylpyridine (PyCN) was used as the ligand and 3-methylcatechol(3-Methyl-Cat), 4-ethyl resorcinol(4-Ethyl-Res), and 1,3-benzendediol,5-(9-anthracenyl) (DHA) were used as the templates. Our experiment yielded three cocrystals, 3(PyCN)⋅2(3-Methyl-Cat), 2(PyCN)⋅(4-Ethyl-Res) and (PyCN)⋅(DHA) respectively. The cocrystals were exposed to UV radiation and the reaction progress was monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy to study the formation of the cyclobutane.
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Aditya Joglekar Major: Biomedical Sciences
Understanding the mechanism responsible for accelerated degradation of lipid droplets in PLIN2 deficient pancreatic beta cells
Diabetes affects about 1 in every 10 individuals in the United States. At the Imai lab, we focus on the PLIN2 protein to understand the mechanism behind beta cell failure leading to diabetes. PLIN2 protein plays a crucial role in maintaining lipid droplets (LD) necessary for beta cell function and health. When wild type INS1 cells were compared with PLIN2 downregulated INS1 cells, lipid droplet content was reduced, and mitochondrial function and morphology was altered. My project specifically aims to test the hypothesis that degradation of newly formed nascent lipid droplets at or near endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is accelerated in PLIN2 deficient beta cells but is not diminished. Using confocal microscopy along with FIJI and IMARIS image analysis, it is evident that there was an increase in LD formation for PLIN2 deficient cells at after 60 minutes. However, after 4 hours, the cells revealed a reduction in cytoplasmic LD content and a higher colocalization of C12 (LD staining) signal in mitochondria for PLIN2 downregulated cells. Additionally, there was a higher fragmentation of mitochondria in PLIN2 deficient cells compared to wild type in human beta cells indicating PLIN2 is critical for mitochondrial health in human beta cells too.
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Tejaswini Kannan Major: Biology - Cell and Development
Unveiling the Cellular Secrets of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Tumor Biology
Metastasis, the lethal spread of cancer cells, remains a formidable challenge in cancer treatment. The Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) hypothesis illuminates this process, revealing how certain tumor cells transition from adhesive epithelial states to invasive mesenchymal forms. While a well-known phenomenon in normal development, EMT's reactivation in cancer cells is under-looked. This study delves into this transition, examining PC-3 prostate cancer cells and their mesenchymal variant, GS689.Li, under diverse conditions. Using fluorescent dyes and mitochondrial probes, the research explores mitochondrial morphology and membrane potential, indicating cellular activity variations. Through fluorescence staining, differences in epithelial and mesenchymal markers are assessed, revealing distinct E-cadherin and ZEB1 protein expressions. Crucially, the study investigates ferroptosis-related signaling events, a unique iron-dependent cell death form. Additionally, it examines how GPX4 inhibition influences Akt activation in these cells. Preliminary findings hint at variances in mitochondrial morphology, E-Cadherin/ZEB1 expressions, and Akt activation, suggesting varied GPX4 sensitivity. Understanding these nuances is vital; mesenchymal cells' resistance to conventional therapies often leads to relapse. This research paves the way for targeted therapies, potentially revolutionizing metastatic cancer treatment strategies.
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Veena Kappaganthu Major: Political Science, Vocal Performance
Annamayya, Ramadasa, Tyagaraja (ART) Vandanam: A View on Music-Making in Southern India
During her summer research (funded generously by ICRU), Veena worked hands-on with different elements of Carnatic music and how these traditional elements have transformed in the age of technology and musical recordings. Veena, in her presentation, will present her observations regarding Carnatic music and how it is recorded, in addition to practices that vastly differ between the practice of Western music and Carnatic music.
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Jack Kapsner Major: History
We Don't Need Anymore Martyrs: May 1970 Protests at the University of Iowa
This thesis argues that the May 1970 protests at the University of Iowa were nonviolent compared to similar demonstrations. This is due to the actions of University President Willard “Sandy” Boyd who was able to strike a delicate balance between maintaining civil order and protecting the 1st Amendment right to protest. The protests occurred during a time of intense political polarization where cultural issues started to take a forefront within American political discourse. Much of the debate was around how to best handle the war in Vietnam and what course of action to take when coping with demonstrations. During and after the Iowa protests, conservatives criticized Boyd for not being tougher on the demonstrations while leftists were angry that he did not support their efforts to shut the university down. While many college and government officials chose to adopt repressive stances towards the protests that occurred nationally, the Iowa protests were de-escalated without any deaths. This resolution gives current elected officials a model of how to maintain civil order without violating the rights of American citizens.
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Gretchen Klock Major: Environmental Planning and Policy
Cancelling the Crosstown: Chicago's Failed Expressway
This thesis traces the life and death of the Chicago Crosstown Expressway, an urban highway first conceived in 1909 but ultimately cancelled in 1979. The paper argues that both Mayor Richard J. Daley’s failure to channel political support to advance the project and grassroots opposition in the 1970s blocked the expressway from becoming a reality. The expressway was a significant feature of a broader urban plan for Chicago, first mapped out by Daniel Burnham in his Plan of Chicago (1909). Post-WWII, significant federal funding and legislation existed to support such projects. Mayor Daley, who controlled the Chicago democratic political machine, avidly supported the project, and attempted to use his political clout to push the project through. The Anti-Crosstown Coalition, which opposed the destructive nature of urban highway construction and lack of citizen input led a successful election campaign to elect the Anti-Crosstown candidate Dan Walker as governor in 1972 who slowed the project. Other research has focused on Mayor Daley’s role or the urban design of the project. This thesis includes these elements with a focus on community organizations. The thesis draws on design plans, archival sources from the Anti-Crosstown Coalition, Chicago newspapers, and secondary sources.
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Ismael Leyva Major: History, American Studies
Constructing Modernity: Debates Over Chavez Ravine's Transformation Into Dodger Stadium, 1950-1962
This thesis examines the debates over the construction of Dodger Stadium, which opened in the former Chavez Ravine neighborhood of Los Angeles in April 1962. It shows that issues of economic profit, socioeconomic inequality, and racial injustice were at the center of the debates between stadium proponents and opponents. Stadium proponents, who included white, middle-class men and women, supported the construction of the stadium because they believed that a stadium would contribute to the growth and progression of the city. They argued that a stadium would catalyze the economy and modernity of Los Angeles through tax revenue, the creation of new jobs, and the positive impact on the youth. By contrast, opponents of the stadium, who included white, middle-class men and women, and Latino, working-class men and women, were against the stadium because of the way it was done. On May 8, 1959, the remaining Chavez Ravine residents were violently evicted from their homes. Refusing to accept meager compensation for their properties, these residents were dragged out of their homes while reporters, cameramen, and spectators watched. For proponents, a stadium was a physical representation of the growth potential of Los Angeles. For opponents, Dodger Stadium revealed that modernity and progression oftentimes came at the cost of justice and equality. The thesis draws on correspondence, radio broadcasts, flyers given to Los Angeles citizens, newspapers, and scholarly sources.
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Henry Lin Major: Biomedical Sciences
The Smooth Muscle Cell Sorbs2 Protein is Required for Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Contractility.
One of the causal factors of cardiovascular pathology is the dysregulation of vascular contractility and cytoskeletal remodeling. Sorbs2 is a regulatory gene regulating cytoskeletal remodeling and cardiomyocyte contraction, whose expression and genetic variation often correlates with cardiovascular disease. However, the causal mechanism remains poorly defined. Our research aims to identify the mechanism that Sorbs2 plays in vascular contraction in mouse models. We hypothesize that the absence of the Sorbs2 protein dysregulates cytoskeletal structure, and impairs VSMC contraction. To test this hypothesis, cumulative vasoactive drug response curves were conducted on isolated aorta and carotid arteries. The experiment was conducted on two strains of mice, one with functional Sorbs2 gene (Sorbs2-WT), one without (Sorbs2-KO). Comparative data compilation shows that aortas from Sorbs2-KO mice have significantly increased phenylephrine induced contractility and sensitivity, abolished by inhibition of eNOS. Neither vasodilation induced by nifedipine nor fasudil was significant, suggesting no role in calcium dependent vs independent pathways. Finally, passive tension curves suggest that Sorbs2-KO arteries are more elastic. These results suggest that Sorbs2 may regulate contractility through regulation of endothelial functions, and elasticity through cytoskeletal remodeling. We plan to assess the specific role of the Sorbs2 in endothelial regulation and cytoskeletal remodeling of VSMC.
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Morgan Linahon Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
SUBACUTE PCB52 NOSE-ONLY EXPOSURE OF ADOLESCENT RATS DOES NOT AFFECT APOPTOSIS, MORPHOLOGY, AND CELL DENSITY OF MICROGLIA AND ASTROCYTES IN THE CEREBELLUM
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are no longer mass produced, but they continue to persist in the environment and threaten human health. Neurological impacts, such as neurodevelopmental disorders, have been associated with the presence of this chemical, especially in schools where adolescent students are exposed. However, the effect of PCBs, such as PCB52, on neurons and glia in the developing brain remain poorly investigated. We hypothesize that subacute inhalation exposure to PCB52 will result in higher levels of apoptotic cell death, neuroinflammation, and changes in cell-cell interactions in the adolescent rat brain, compared to those of the control group. To test this hypothesis, adolescent rats were exposed to PCB52 for 4 hours a day for 28 consecutive days via a nose-only apparatus. After the exposure period, animals were sacrificed, brains were harvested, the cerebellum region was frozen, and tissue sections were cut and stained to label apoptotic cells (PSvue), microglia (Iba-1 antibody), and astrocytes (GFAP antibody). Z-stack confocal images were taken from control and PCB52-exposed animals and analyzed for differences in microglia and astrocyte density and apoptosis within the distinct cerebellar layers. We observed no significant differences in brain cell changes (i.e., apoptosis, morphology, and cell density) based on the conducted image analysis. Future studies will explore the effect of inhaled PCB52 on other brain regions relevant to neurological disorders.
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Yiming Liu Major: Biology
Methods and mechanisms of menthol anesthesia in triploid asexual lineages of the New Zealand freshwater snail potamopyrgus antipodarum
In working with model organisms, anesthesia efficacy is an important step to ensure reliability of data and achievement of ethical standards. Studies have concluded that pain experienced by the research organism and researcher perception of animal wellbeing can confound scientific results (Poole 1997). Recent data have shown that menthol anesthesia success can be driven by intraspecific genetic variation (Song et. al. 2020) in asexually reproducing lineages of the invasive New Zealand freshwater snail potamopyrgus antipodarum. Our study seeks to combine knowledge of genetic mechanisms of menthol anesthesia with improved methods of anesthetic delivery in order to validate and further study this important line of inquiry. We aim to provide preliminary evidence for genetic factors influencing the phenotype of menthol anesthesia success/failure on the lineages of asexual triploid potamopyrgus antipodarum previously reported to show variation in anesthesia response (Song et. al. 2020). We will explore the possibility of polymorphism in the cold and menthol receptor 1 (CMR1) gene driving phenotypic variation in menthol anesthesia outcomes. Through the study of the literature on mechanisms of menthol anesthesia and anesthetic effects on biochemical pathways, we will develop a new menthol-anesthesia protocol for potamopyrgus antipodarum using an organic solvent, DMSO.
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Gabby Dennis Major: Psychology
Methods and mechanisms of menthol anesthesia in triploid asexual lineages of the New Zealand freshwater snail potamopyrgus antipodarum
In working with model organisms, anesthesia efficacy is an important step to ensure reliability of data and achievement of ethical standards. Studies have concluded that pain experienced by the research organism and researcher perception of animal wellbeing can confound scientific results (Poole 1997). Recent data have shown that menthol anesthesia success can be driven by intraspecific genetic variation (Song et. al. 2020) in asexually reproducing lineages of the invasive New Zealand freshwater snail potamopyrgus antipodarum. Our study seeks to combine knowledge of genetic mechanisms of menthol anesthesia with improved methods of anesthetic delivery in order to validate and further study this important line of inquiry. We aim to provide preliminary evidence for genetic factors influencing the phenotype of menthol anesthesia success/failure on the lineages of asexual triploid potamopyrgus antipodarum previously reported to show variation in anesthesia response (Song et. al. 2020). We will explore the possibility of polymorphism in the cold and menthol receptor 1 (CMR1) gene driving phenotypic variation in menthol anesthesia outcomes. Through the study of the literature on mechanisms of menthol anesthesia and anesthetic effects on biochemical pathways, we will develop a new menthol-anesthesia protocol for potamopyrgus antipodarum using an organic solvent, DMSO.
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Ruth Bropleh Major: Psychology
Methods and mechanisms of menthol anesthesia in triploid asexual lineages of the New Zealand freshwater snail potamopyrgus antipodarum
In working with model organisms, anesthesia efficacy is an important step to ensure reliability of data and achievement of ethical standards. Studies have concluded that pain experienced by the research organism and researcher perception of animal wellbeing can confound scientific results (Poole 1997). Recent data have shown that menthol anesthesia success can be driven by intraspecific genetic variation (Song et. al. 2020) in asexually reproducing lineages of the invasive New Zealand freshwater snail potamopyrgus antipodarum. Our study seeks to combine knowledge of genetic mechanisms of menthol anesthesia with improved methods of anesthetic delivery in order to validate and further study this important line of inquiry. We aim to provide preliminary evidence for genetic factors influencing the phenotype of menthol anesthesia success/failure on the lineages of asexual triploid potamopyrgus antipodarum previously reported to show variation in anesthesia response (Song et. al. 2020). We will explore the possibility of polymorphism in the cold and menthol receptor 1 (CMR1) gene driving phenotypic variation in menthol anesthesia outcomes. Through the study of the literature on mechanisms of menthol anesthesia and anesthetic effects on biochemical pathways, we will develop a new menthol-anesthesia protocol for potamopyrgus antipodarum using an organic solvent, DMSO.
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Brianna Lobeck Major: Biology
Pre-clinical testing of two candidate vectors for subretinal gene therapy of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome type 10
Bardet-Biedl Syndrome type 10 (BBS10) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in BBS10. Subretinal gene augmentation therapy for BBS10 has shown promise in slowing vision loss in a mouse model of BBS10. The purpose of this study is to investigate the toxicity and efficacy of these two candidate viral vectors, AAV8-CAG-hBBS10 and AAV8-RK-hBBS10 driven by the chicken-beta actin promoter (CAG) and rhodopsin kinase promoter (RK), respectively. Heterozygous (HET) and wild-type (WT) mice were subretinally injected with a high dose (7.28×1010 or 8×1010 vg/µL) of AAV8-CAG-hBBS10 or AAV8-RK-hBBS10 for safety testing. AAV8-CAG-hBBS10 injected mice presented with severe retinal degeneration in a strain-specific manner (p = 0.016, Fisher’s Exact Test) at 3 months post-injection, whereas AAV8-RK-hBBS10 did not cause any degeneration and was selected for efficacy testing. To evaluate gene therapy efficacy, a dose-response test was conducted with Bbs10-/- mice receiving AAV8-RK-hBBS10 at 8×108, 8×109, 7.48×1010, or 8×1010 vg/eye. Eyes receiving high doses (7.48×1010 vg/eye) had significantly improved cone function in electroretinography compared to eyes receiving lower doses (8×108, p = 0.0003; 8×109, p = 0.002, two-way ANOVA followed by multiple comparisons test) and contralateral untreated eyes (p = <0.001) at 2 monthsNo post-injection.
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Sara Magdziarz Major: Biomedical Engineering
Optical Strain Assessment of Carbon Fiber Custom Dynamic Orthoses (CDOs)
Chronic migraine is one of the most prevalent disabilities worldwide, affecting roughly one billion people. Our lab aims to better understand migraine by analyzing electrophysiological recordings of the mouse brain during a migraine-like brain state induced by Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). We pair these electrophysiological recordings with a phenotypical measurement of squint from eight separate camera angles. Adequately measuring squint with a meaningful temporal resolution is one of the greatest challenges associated with interpreting phenotypical changes during migraine-like brain states. To do this I utilized DeepLabCut, a machine learning model that is capable of automatically tracking and generating measurable variance of squint. This enabled me to analyze squint at a higher temporal resolution while keeping manual user time requirements low. To validate the machine learning model, I did multiple analyses to measure accuracy of the training. I first trained four models with one to four hundred frames respectively to justify the number of frames used in training each model. I then compared the highest sampled model to an analysis method used by another lab to test accuracy against a previously validated system. Using these validations, I have created a robust and repeatable method for analyzing squint in a mouse model of migraine. In order to better interpret the data, we pair it with an external facial grimace observation. this electrophysiological data with a phenotypical observation of the mouse. This data is then paired with recorded neurophysiological data as an external phenotypical validation of migraine. I also used additional tests to validate the model for tracking squint in this setting. I compared it to a model used by another lab, did a manual comparison using a confusion matrix, and finally I did an in-depth analysis of relative accuracy in proportion to training dataset sizes.
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Megan McGovern Major: Biomedical Sciences
Impact of formulation on solid oxygen-entrapping materials to overcome tumor hypoxia
Tumor hypoxia, resulting from rapid growth and aberrant vascular proliferation, exacerbates tumor aggressiveness and resistance to treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. To increase tumor oxygenation, we developed solid oxygen gas-entrapping materials (O2-GeMs), which were modeled after clinical brachytherapy implants for direct tumor implantation. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact different formulations of solid O2-GeMs have on the entrapment and delivery of oxygen. Using a Parr reactor, we fabricated solid O2-GeMs based on hard-candy formulations in the confectionery industry. The sucrose-containing formulation exhibited the highest oxygen concentration at 1 mg/g and the fastest dissolution rate, whereas surface coatings, especially polycaprolactone, effectively modulated release kinetics. In vivo evaluation confirmed robust insertion and positioning of O2-GeMs in a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, highlighting potential clinical applications.
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Ryan McLerran Major: Neuroscience, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
More Than Just A Rash: Cutaneous Manifestations of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetes is a condition that affects tens of millions of Americans. Because of its growing prevalence in the population, it is increasingly important to recognize the variety of diagnostic presentations that can be seen in the clinic. Our report describes an 18-year-old male who came to the clinic reporting weight loss and a rash that, after testing, revealed to be untreated diabetes mellitus presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis. Cutaneous manifestations of diabetes such as described in this case can play a key role in the early treatment of diabetes in a wide variety of patients.
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Jasmin Mendoza Major: Microbiology
Exploring how cellular RNA Polymerase III activity restricts oncogenic herpesvirus infection
The goal of this project in the Tucker lab is to explore whether cellular RNA polymerase III (Pol3) activity controls the replication of oncogenic gammaherpesviruses. Pol3 generates many non-coding RNAs, including transfer RNAs, that promote cellular proliferation. The Tucker lab has found Pol3 transcripts, primarily tRNAs, are elevated during murine gammaherpesvirus MHV68 infection. To determine if increased Pol3 transcription influences MHV68 infection, here we develop tools to overexpress Brf1, a limiting Pol3 transcription factor, in order to facilitate increased Pol3 transcription in cell culture. We utilized PCR and gel electrophoresis to design and clone a pcDNA-based overexpression plasmid encoding the human Brf1 gene. With this plasmid, I aim to characterize gene expression during Brf1 overexpression in mammalian cells. Upon nucleofection of pCDNA-Hs_Brf1 into NIH 3T3 murine fibroblasts, I will isolate RNA and protein from cells and analyze by RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. Once the utility of this plasmid to enhance Pol3 transcription is confirmed, I will determine whether Brf1 overexpression impacts MHV68 replication.
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Jack Miller Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Centrosome defects are linked to loss of germline stem cell homeostasis in Drosophila
Drosophila female germline stem cells (fGSCs) employ a specialized ‘semi-closed’ mode of mitosis that involves largely intact nuclear envelope and nuclear lamina (NL). Execution of this semi-closed mitosis requires an altered centrosome maturation cycle, wherein centrosomes with pericentriolar material (PCM) embed in the NL at the beginning of mitosis and become removed at the end. Our studies reveal that loss of the NL protein emerin disrupts this cycle. Strikingly, in emerin mutants, non-dividing fGSCs carry centrosomes with excess PCM that largely remain embedded in the NL. We suggest that centrosome dysfunction underlies the germ cell defects found in emerin mutants, which include blocked germ cell differentiation and fGSC death. To test this prediction, we generated double mutants of emerin and genes encoding PCM components. After testing centrosomin (cnn) and spindle defective-2 (spd-2), we found that loss of Cnn or Spd-2 in emerin mutants restores fGSC viability and partially rescues germ cell differentiation. Our current studies are examining how emerin, pcm double mutants affect the size and structure of interphase and mitotic centrosomes. Based on our findings, we predict that failures in the centrosome maturation cycle represent one mechanism to disturb stem cell homeostasis in the ovary.
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Daniel Ocon Major: History
La República de Los Indios: Tlaxcala, Survival, and the Struggle for Autonomy within New Spain, 1519-1558.
This thesis examines the strategies Tlaxcalan leaders employed to maintain their autonomy vis-à-vis Spanish colonizers and administrative officials in their native province in the 16th century. Previous scholarship has portrayed the Tlaxcalans as insignificant collaborators or willful allies of Spanish colonizers. This thesis, by contrast, shows that they maintained their autonomy through the strategic appeals to various colonial authorities, integration of Catholicism into native culture, and the use of both prestige and alliance to emphasize the importance of the province. The thesis uses contemporary annals, government records, literature, artwork, and letters created by the Tlaxcalans, and the Spaniards with whom they interacted, to analyze the methods and reasonings behind their adaptations.
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Molly Patterson Major: Public Health, Computer Science
PCBs and OH-PCB Metabolites in Serum of Dam Mice Exposed to PCBs via Diet During Gestation and Lactation
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of manmade environmental contaminants associated with health risks, including cancer and neurotoxicity. Living organisms can metabolize PCBs into hydroxylated forms via P450 enzymes, which are further converted into sulfates and glucuronides by phase II enzymes like sulfatases and glucuronidases. We hypothesized that PCB levels would influence this metabolism. To test this, we used a PCB mixture, the Fox River Mixture (FRM), to simulate PCB profiles found in Fox River fish, delivered via peanut butter. Dams were exposed to peanut butter alone (control, N=4) or peanut butter with PCBs at doses of 0.1 (LD, N=6), 1 (MD, N=6), or 6 (HD, N=6) mg/kg of body weight from age 8 weeks through pregnancy until post-delivery at 28 or 35 days. After euthanasia, tissues and serum were collected, and serum samples were extracted using liquid-liquid extraction and analyzed by GC-MS/MS in MRM mode. Similarity analysis showed LD and MD PCB profiles were similar (cosθ=0.94), while MD and HD OH-PCB profiles were highly similar (cosθ=0.99). Higher chlorinated PCB congeners were enriched in the residue profiles, indicating that the PCB metabolism was affected by PCB dosage.
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Halie Petersen Major: Public Heath, International Relations
#NicFiend: Vapes and queer identity on TikTok
Background: Social media provides a community space for sexual and gender minority adolescents and young adults (SGM AYA) to explore and develop their identity and also a platform for exposure to e-cigarettes from both influencers and peers, which might shape vaping perceptions. We aimed to understand how e-cigarettes are portrayed on TikTok, especially by SGM AYAs. Methods: We collected data for sixteen days on three accounts, including two that were SGM specific. By searching for and interacting with e-cigarette and SGM content, we trained the TikTok algorithm to push relevant content to our feed. We collected 650 unique e-cigarette videos, 176 of which contained SGM elements. We identified patterns and common themes using quantitative content analysis and qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Despite TikTok’s claim it does not push e-cigarette content, many videos remain on the platform, including some that promote underground sales. Together, the 650 unique e-cigarette videos had over 850 million total views. SGM content portrayed e-cigarettes more positively and had more underage content than non-SGM content. Conclusion: There is evidence that TikTok is used as a means for e-cigarette sales to underage viewers. Furthermore, the depiction of e-cigarette content on TikTok tends to be positive, which might promote vaping among SGM AYA.
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Max Hansen Major: Public Health
#NicFiend: Vapes and queer identity on TikTok
Background: Social media provides a community space for sexual and gender minority adolescents and young adults (SGM AYA) to explore and develop their identity and also a platform for exposure to e-cigarettes from both influencers and peers, which might shape vaping perceptions. We aimed to understand how e-cigarettes are portrayed on TikTok, especially by SGM AYAs. Methods: We collected data for sixteen days on three accounts, including two that were SGM specific. By searching for and interacting with e-cigarette and SGM content, we trained the TikTok algorithm to push relevant content to our feed. We collected 650 unique e-cigarette videos, 176 of which contained SGM elements. We identified patterns and common themes using quantitative content analysis and qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Despite TikTok’s claim it does not push e-cigarette content, many videos remain on the platform, including some that promote underground sales. Together, the 650 unique e-cigarette videos had over 850 million total views. SGM content portrayed e-cigarettes more positively and had more underage content than non-SGM content. Conclusion: There is evidence that TikTok is used as a means for e-cigarette sales to underage viewers. Furthermore, the depiction of e-cigarette content on TikTok tends to be positive, which might promote vaping among SGM AYA.
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Brenna Powers Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Flies on drugs: Screening a compound library to identify treatments for LMNA-associated muscular dystrophy
Mutations in the LMNA gene cause several types of muscular dystrophy (LMNA-MD). The LMNA gene encodes lamins, proteins that line the inner nuclear membrane. How mutant lamins cause muscle disease is poorly understood, and limited treatments are available. The goal of my research was to use fruit flies possessing a LMNA-MD causing mutation (c.746G>A p.R249Q) in a drug screen. The mutant lamin causes muscle defects and 100% lethality in the fly model. We performed a drug screen using the Prestwick Chemical Library and assayed for adult viability. Each compound was mixed with food at a 5µM final concentration. Adults possessing the mutant lamin transgene were crossed with adults expressing a transcription factor that drives transgene expression in muscles of the offspring, which ingested the drug throughout development. Adult viability was scored after 14 days. This screen identified 68 drugs that rescued adult viability (4.75% hit rate). Among these positive hits were voltage-gated calcium channel blockers and inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase enzymes. Taken together, these data identify multiple potential therapeutic targets. Future research includes a secondary screen of the positive hit compounds testing dose response, and a tertiary screen for broad efficacy across additional lamin mutants.
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Grace Rocco Major: Biology
Neuronal Sorbs2-dependent regulation of microtubules and its effect on learning and memories
A genetic variant in the Sorbs2 promoter in the hippocampal neurons associates with increased Sorbs2 expression and delayed Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) onset by 11 years, suggesting that increased Sorbs2 may protect against cognitive decline. Cardiomyocyte loss of Sorbs2 destabilized microtubules (MT), whereas Sorbs2 overexpression promotes MT stability. We investigate Sorbs2 deletion in hippocampal neurons and its effects on MT stability and learning. To test this, we generated whole-body Sorbs2-Knockout (KO) mice and assayed 6-month-old, co-ed littermate cohorts with behavior tests. We used postmortem brain samples to visualize and quantify Sorbs2 expression and microtubule stability. Our data show that hippocampus samples from Sorbs2-KO mice don’t express the Sorbs2 neuron-specific isoform at ~150kDa, and have decreased Sorbs2 immunofluorescence staining in brain tissue. Microtubule stability assays suggest that hippocampus tissue from Sorbs2-KO mice may have increased MT stability, but significant sample variability impairs interpretation. We performed open field, novel object recognition, and contextual fear conditioning (CFC) behavior tests on the mice to observe learning and memory. Sorbs2-KO female mice have significantly less freezing behavior in CFC tests 24 hours after training, suggesting cognitive impairment. Altogether, our results suggest Sorbs2 may regulate brain microtubule stability and be involved in memory formation or retrieval.
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Lauren Rosenstock Major: Biomedical Sciences
Tardigrade-Inspired mRNA Delivery for Radiation Protection
The majority of patients receiving radiation treatments for cancer experience debilitating side effects such as extreme fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and pain and inflammation as a result of damage to healthy tissue. These side effects can interfere with treatments, the patient's prognosis, or decrease the patient’s quality of life. These negative effects of radiation treatment occur because of radiation-induced DNA strand breaks in normal peritumoral cells. Utilizing the natural defenses of extremophiles, such as Tardigrades, against radiation damage to DNA can prevent these negative side effects of radiation therapy. Using the polymer-lipid-based nanoparticles we developed, we were able to effectively introduce Dsup mRNA particles derived from tardigrades into both oral and rectal epithelial cells. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, we found that Dsup mRNA treatment reduced DNA damage in oral and colorectal epithelial cells after radiation treatment and increased cell survival. Additionally, we demonstrated that Dsup mRNA treatment did not impact tumor growth pre-radiation treatment or the efficacy of radiation treatments.
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Arielle Cafi Major: Human Physiology
Tardigrade-Inspired mRNA Delivery for Radiation Protection
The majority of patients receiving radiation treatments for cancer experience debilitating side effects such as extreme fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and pain and inflammation as a result of damage to healthy tissue. These side effects can interfere with treatments, the patient's prognosis, or decrease the patient’s quality of life. These negative effects of radiation treatment occur because of radiation-induced DNA strand breaks in normal peritumoral cells. Utilizing the natural defenses of extremophiles, such as Tardigrades, against radiation damage to DNA can prevent these negative side effects of radiation therapy. Using the polymer-lipid-based nanoparticles we developed, we were able to effectively introduce Dsup mRNA particles derived from tardigrades into both oral and rectal epithelial cells. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, we found that Dsup mRNA treatment reduced DNA damage in oral and colorectal epithelial cells after radiation treatment and increased cell survival. Additionally, we demonstrated that Dsup mRNA treatment did not impact tumor growth pre-radiation treatment or the efficacy of radiation treatments.
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Cristian Sanchez Major: Mechanical Engineering
Implementation of Drone Swarming for Cooperative Autonomous Missions
Drone swarms have shown to be useful for multiple applications including search and rescue missions, environmental monitoring, and entertainment purposes. The objective of this work is to develop control algorithms, set up localization and communication systems, and writing code to enable to flight of many quadrotor drones at once. We utilize many different types of localization systems to gather continuous positional data on the drones. We have flown up to 25 drones simultaneously in our current lab, and we are currently expanding to new lab with a much larger flight space. With this new space, we plan to increase our swarm size to over 200 drones and potentially more in the future.
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Cassie Sievers Major: Microbiology
Tumor-specific brain TRM mediate protection against intracranial malignancy
Primary brain tumors and brain metastases are clinically refractory to immunotherapies that demonstrate efficacy in peripheral cancers. While tissue-resident memory (TRM) CD8+ T cells are detected after brain tumor establishment, their utility as an immunopreventative agent has not been queried. Here, we utilized a dendritic cell prime-recombinant Listeria monocytogenes boost (DC-rLM) approach in mice to pre-seed the brain with anti-tumor TRM. Importantly, tumor-specific brain TRM, but not bystander TRM, afforded mice with increased survival against B16 melanoma intracranial tumor models. This protection was confirmed in the absence of circulating memory T cells (TCIRCM). Brain TRM persisted in intracranial tumor survivors out to 100 days post-tumor challenge. To increase translational impact, we designed an mRNA vaccine encoding tumor-derived epitopes. Future work will 1) elucidate the optimal vaccination route to generate brain TRM and 2) determine the effector molecules (i.e. IFN-Y, perforin) required for brain TRM-mediated protection. Altogether, these data support that pre-seeded brain TRM can protect against brain tumors, pointing to prophylactic vaccination as a clinically feasible approach to prevent brain malignancies.
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Gabe Simons Major: Biology
Expression of fern EMS1 receptor family genes and the implication of their functional divergence in land plant reproduction
I examined the expression and localization of EMS1 receptor family genes in the model fern Ceratopteris by using whole mount and sectioned in-situ analysis, and RT-qPCR. The implication of their roles in the evolution of land plant reproduction is provided.
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Keegan Staab Major: Biomedical Engineering
Assessment of Gas Exchange in Long COVID using Hyperpolarized 129-Xe MRI and Dual Energy CT
Prolonged symptoms of dyspnea, fatigue and neurocognitive deficit following acute COVID-19 infection (so-called “Long COVID”) has recently been reported to encompass 7.5% of cases and affecting approximately 16 million people in the United States and internationally. In this study we evaluated associations among CT- and MRI-based regional gas exchange indices and ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) matching in COVID-19 survivors with neurocognitive deficits. An intriguing pattern of reduced gas exchange in Long COVID subjects with documented neurocognitive deficits was measured independently with DLCO%p, HP Xenon MRI and V/Q matching via DECT. While our small sample size limits strong conclusions, our findings suggest a potential association between gas exchange efficiency and lingering neurocognitive deficits of COVID-19 infection.
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Benjamin Stimson Major: Biochemistry
Recombinant Ago2 for Nanobody Library Screening
Ago2:HITS-CLIP is a versatile technique used to empirically determine transcriptome-wide microRNA binding sites. The technique requires specific high-quality antibody to immunoprecipitate RNA-fragments bound by Ago2, and this antibody is a limited resource. Our overall goal was to develop a recombinant antibody like reagent (termed a nanobody), that is specific for human Ago2 and a long-term solution for Ago2:HITS-CLIP. We used PCR and restriction enzymes to subclone full-length human Ago2 into a bacterial expression plasmid (pET-11A). Next, we inserted a TEV protease site, a Twin-Strep-Tag, and a 6X histidine tag in-frame at the C-terminus to assist in protein purification. Next, we empirically determined the ideal conditions to induce recombinant Ago2 expression in these bacteria. Three variables were tested: bacteria concentration, induction temperature, and IPTG concentration. Expression of recombinant Ago2 was confirmed via gel electrophoresis and western blotting for with antibodies against Ago2, His-tag, and Strep-Tag. After determining ideal induction conditions, large scale induction was performed. Bacterial pellets derived from these cultures were lysed using standard and commercial buffers, and three attempts were made to purify Ago2 from these lysates. However, all attempts to purify Ago2 from these lysates were unsuccessful due to inclusion body formation. In the future, we plan to optimize a modified induction protocol that mitigates inclusion body formation.
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Robert Weger Major: Economics B.S.
The effect of quantitative easing on commercial bank asset quality
This research seeks to answer whether or not quantitative easing (QE) in the U.S. had a significant effect on the asset quality of American banks. Austrian business cycle theory predicts that ultra-low interest rates and growth of money associated with QE gives the false appearance of abundant resources in the economy, and as a result firms and households will make investments that they otherwise would not have. Banks serve as one channel by which new money is lent into existence, and overtime, if certain investments are revealed to be bad investments, the asset quality of banks will suffer. This research uses aggregated financial statements of U.S. banks from the FDIC, and data from the loan officer survey conducted by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (FRB) to determine if there are any significant trends in asset quality or pricing of risk that coincide with QE. Results are mixed. While there is some evidence of greater risks at a lower premium, banks have are also better capitalized.
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Ethan Weires Major: Psychology
Contributions of Maladaptive Personality Traits and Momentary Negative Affect to Emotion Dysregulation in College Students
Personality traits and negative affect (NA) have been identified as critical predictors of adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (Hughes et al., 2020; Sandel-Fernandez et al., 2022) and were examined as predictors of regulation within a large sample of undergraduates. In Study 1, we determined the unique impact of five maladaptive personality traits on emotion dysregulation dimensions within a sample of 405 undergraduates. NA and detachment were uniquely predictive of non-acceptance, impulse control difficulties, limited access to strategies, and lack of emotional clarity. Psychoticism also predicted multiple dimensions of dysregulation, while antagonism lacked unique associations entirely. Study 2 examined momentary variability in NA as a predictor of short-term variability in emotion dysregulation. NA and dysregulation were measured across 28 timepoints (4 times per day for 7 days) for 154 undergraduates. Mixed effects models revealed that both between- and within-person levels of NA predicted higher dysregulation. Further, higher within-person NA predicted higher within-person dysregulation. We found no evidence that personality significantly moderated these associations. However, findings showed that variability in NA was more tightly linked with variability in dysregulation for those with higher overall NA. Results support the importance of measuring and understanding the momentary and dynamic nature of regulatory processes.
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Amelia Williams Major: history and anthropology, art history minor
Paddle Faster, I Hear Chainsaws!: Reconceptualizing Whiteness in the 1970s and the Rise of Hillbilly Horror through Deliverance and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
This thesis examines the rise of “hillbilly horror” film in the1970s to investigate changes in cultural conceptions of Whiteness following the civil rights movement. The modern-day image of White rural men as a malignant backwood villain was fully realized in the late 1960s and 70s. I argue that Deliverance and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre helped cement the stereotype of White Trash as a violent figure. With White people committing racist acts of violence on family TV sets nationwide, White Americans reckoned with their racial identity in a rapidly desegregating US through their readings of these films. My research explores three contrasting ‘readings’ of hillbilly horror by White Americans. The first reading argues that urban, liberal White Americans used the films to reaffirm their social superiority over their rural counterparts. In the second reading, I demonstrate how filmmakers and critically minded viewers reexamined Whiteness and the condemnation of White Trash through the films’ social commentary. The third reading deals with the complicated relationship between White rural Americans and their horrific on-screen portrayal. Finally, the paper examines how these perspectives shaped and were shaped by the 1970s political climate. I aim to bring a rigorous historical view to this under-explored subject.
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Rebekah Yarvis Major: Biology
The effect of auxin on meristem regeneration in the model fern Ceratopteris
I examined the role of the plant hormone auxin in the regeneration of the meristem (containing stem cells) in gametophytes of the model fern Ceratopteris using laser ablation to destroy the original meristem then letting them grow on media containing different concentrations of auxin. I measured the time it took for the gametophytes to develop a new meristem and the distance between the original and regenerated meristem. I found that auxin treated gametophytes have delayed meristem regeneration and that regenerated meristems of gametophytes treated with indole-3-acetic acid, the natural form of auxin, form farther from the original meristem and with increased preference toward the apical side of the plant. |