This is the list of all presenters and their abstracts!
1 | Bueltel, Emily K (Speech and Hearing Science, Spring 25) Investigating the Psychometric Properties of Visual Analog Scale in the Evaluation of Dysarthria Background: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is commonly used to assess dysarthria, a motor speech impairment caused by neurological conditions that affect muscle control for speech. Despite its popularity, the psychometric properties of VAS remain under-explored for speech assessment. In terms of measurement level, some studies suggest that VAS functions as a ratio scale, allowing for proportional comparisons, while others argue it behaves more like an interval scale, such as the Equal Appearing Interval (EAI) scale. This uncertainty about reliability and scale properties compromises the integrity of our research and clinical findings. Objectives: This study aims to examine rater reliability and establish measurement properties of VAS for rating features of hypokinetic dysarthria namely: overall severity, articulatory imprecision, reduced loudness, short rushes, and monotony. Methods: Eighty-five speech samples from 43 individuals with hypokinetic dysarthria due to Parkinson's disease and 25 healthy controls were rated by 15 non-expert listeners. Using a custom MATLAB interface, listeners rated all five features with both VAS and EAI scales. Ratings from the EAI scale were compared to the VAS ratings to establish the measurement level of VAS. All samples were rated twice, once with VAS and the other with EAI spaced a week apart, with the scale order randomized. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) with Confidence Intervals (CIs) were used to calculate interrater and intraraters reliability. Regression analyses explored linear and nonlinear relationships between mean VAS and EAI score to determine measurement level. Results: Both VAS and EAI demonstrated good to excellent intra and interrater reliability. The EAI scale displayed marginally higher consistency, but differences in ICCs were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Regression analysis indicated a non-linear relationship between mean VAS and EAI scores for all features. Conclusion: The findings indicate that VAS and EAI scales show similar reliability. VAS displayed interval level properties for all features. Any feature-specific difference in measurement level may be the result of differing psychophysical properties associated with the features being rated. The psychometric properties of VAS need further exploration. |
1 | Haugland, Emmersen L (Speech and Hearing Science, Spring 25) Investigating the Psychometric Properties of Visual Analog Scale in the Evaluation of Dysarthria Background: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is commonly used to assess dysarthria, a motor speech impairment caused by neurological conditions that affect muscle control for speech. Despite its popularity, the psychometric properties of VAS remain under-explored for speech assessment. In terms of measurement level, some studies suggest that VAS functions as a ratio scale, allowing for proportional comparisons, while others argue it behaves more like an interval scale, such as the Equal Appearing Interval (EAI) scale. This uncertainty about reliability and scale properties compromises the integrity of our research and clinical findings. Objectives: This study aims to examine rater reliability and establish measurement properties of VAS for rating features of hypokinetic dysarthria namely: overall severity, articulatory imprecision, reduced loudness, short rushes, and monotony. Methods: Eighty-five speech samples from 43 individuals with hypokinetic dysarthria due to Parkinson's disease and 25 healthy controls were rated by 15 non-expert listeners. Using a custom MATLAB interface, listeners rated all five features with both VAS and EAI scales. Ratings from the EAI scale were compared to the VAS ratings to establish the measurement level of VAS. All samples were rated twice, once with VAS and the other with EAI spaced a week apart, with the scale order randomized. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) with Confidence Intervals (CIs) were used to calculate interrater and intraraters reliability. Regression analyses explored linear and nonlinear relationships between mean VAS and EAI score to determine measurement level. Results: Both VAS and EAI demonstrated good to excellent intra and interrater reliability. The EAI scale displayed marginally higher consistency, but differences in ICCs were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Regression analysis indicated a non-linear relationship between mean VAS and EAI scores for all features. Conclusion: The findings indicate that VAS and EAI scales show similar reliability. VAS displayed interval level properties for all features. Any feature-specific difference in measurement level may be the result of differing psychophysical properties associated with the features being rated. The psychometric properties of VAS need further exploration. |
1 | Krejca, Keegan S (Speech and Hearing Science, Spring 25) Investigating the Psychometric Properties of Visual Analog Scale in the Evaluation of Dysarthria Background: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is commonly used to assess dysarthria, a motor speech impairment caused by neurological conditions that affect muscle control for speech. Despite its popularity, the psychometric properties of VAS remain under-explored for speech assessment. In terms of measurement level, some studies suggest that VAS functions as a ratio scale, allowing for proportional comparisons, while others argue it behaves more like an interval scale, such as the Equal Appearing Interval (EAI) scale. This uncertainty about reliability and scale properties compromises the integrity of our research and clinical findings. Objectives: This study aims to examine rater reliability and establish measurement properties of VAS for rating features of hypokinetic dysarthria namely: overall severity, articulatory imprecision, reduced loudness, short rushes, and monotony. Methods: Eighty-five speech samples from 43 individuals with hypokinetic dysarthria due to Parkinson's disease and 25 healthy controls were rated by 15 non-expert listeners. Using a custom MATLAB interface, listeners rated all five features with both VAS and EAI scales. Ratings from the EAI scale were compared to the VAS ratings to establish the measurement level of VAS. All samples were rated twice, once with VAS and the other with EAI spaced a week apart, with the scale order randomized. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) with Confidence Intervals (CIs) were used to calculate interrater and intraraters reliability. Regression analyses explored linear and nonlinear relationships between mean VAS and EAI score to determine measurement level. Results: Both VAS and EAI demonstrated good to excellent intra and interrater reliability. The EAI scale displayed marginally higher consistency, but differences in ICCs were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Regression analysis indicated a non-linear relationship between mean VAS and EAI scores for all features. Conclusion: The findings indicate that VAS and EAI scales show similar reliability. VAS displayed interval level properties for all features. Any feature-specific difference in measurement level may be the result of differing psychophysical properties associated with the features being rated. The psychometric properties of VAS need further exploration. |
1 | Voigt, Hannah E (Speech and Hearing Science, Spring 27) Investigating the Psychometric Properties of Visual Analog Scale in the Evaluation of Dysarthria Background: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is commonly used to assess dysarthria, a motor speech impairment caused by neurological conditions that affect muscle control for speech. Despite its popularity, the psychometric properties of VAS remain under-explored for speech assessment. In terms of measurement level, some studies suggest that VAS functions as a ratio scale, allowing for proportional comparisons, while others argue it behaves more like an interval scale, such as the Equal Appearing Interval (EAI) scale. This uncertainty about reliability and scale properties compromises the integrity of our research and clinical findings. Objectives: This study aims to examine rater reliability and establish measurement properties of VAS for rating features of hypokinetic dysarthria namely: overall severity, articulatory imprecision, reduced loudness, short rushes, and monotony. Methods: Eighty-five speech samples from 43 individuals with hypokinetic dysarthria due to Parkinson's disease and 25 healthy controls were rated by 15 non-expert listeners. Using a custom MATLAB interface, listeners rated all five features with both VAS and EAI scales. Ratings from the EAI scale were compared to the VAS ratings to establish the measurement level of VAS. All samples were rated twice, once with VAS and the other with EAI spaced a week apart, with the scale order randomized. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) with Confidence Intervals (CIs) were used to calculate interrater and intraraters reliability. Regression analyses explored linear and nonlinear relationships between mean VAS and EAI score to determine measurement level. Results: Both VAS and EAI demonstrated good to excellent intra and interrater reliability. The EAI scale displayed marginally higher consistency, but differences in ICCs were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Regression analysis indicated a non-linear relationship between mean VAS and EAI scores for all features. Conclusion: The findings indicate that VAS and EAI scales show similar reliability. VAS displayed interval level properties for all features. Any feature-specific difference in measurement level may be the result of differing psychophysical properties associated with the features being rated. The psychometric properties of VAS need further exploration. |
2 | Anil, Amy M (Speech and Hearing Sciences, Spring 27) An Investigation on Interarticulator Timing in Basal Ganglia Disorders Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a basal ganglia (BG) disorder linked to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra which plays a major role regulating the timing of movements. To produce intelligible speech, the lips, tongue, and jaw (i.e., articulators) must move in a carefully timed and coordinated manner. There are limited studies on how basal ganglia disorders affect speech movement (i.e., articulatory) timing. Purpose: This study examines interarticulator (jaw-lip and jaw-tongue) timing in talkers with Parkinson's disease (PD) relative to healthy talkers, to better understand disease-specific pathomechanisms affecting articulatory timing. Given the established role of the BG in regulating temporal coupling via an intrinsic clock, we expect that a BG disorder like PD will also affect articulatory timing resulting in greater temporal differences in the PD group compared to healthy controls. Methods: Kinematic data were recorded using 3D electromagnetic articulography. The data included 24 talkers with PD (11 male,13 female) and 51 healthy talkers (25 male, 26 female). The mean age of participants was 59.6 years. Participants produced the word "muffin" embedded in the carrier phrase "Say ___ again." The lag times between the jaw (J)-lower lip (LL) and jaw (J)-tongue tip (TT) were determined for the gesture /ʌ/. Results: There were three main findings: (1) absolute lag times for /u/, without accounting for movement duration, were comparable for the control and PD groups (2) total movement duration for the word "muffin" was smaller for the PD group compared to controls (3) percent lag times (lag time relative to total word duration) were greater for PD compared to healthy controls regardless of the articulators involved. Discussion: The timing of movements is directed by a central clock which is linked to the basal ganglia. This clock shapes the motor plan of the articulators, merging timing and linguistic information. Thus, impairments to this central clock impact articulatory timing. This influences the timing of articulatory movements, as indicated in the increased rate-adjusted lag times in talkers with PD. For total duration, talkers with PD produced faster speech due to characteristic tight and small movements. Due to these biomechanical processes, there is limited room for lag in speech. These findings are parallel to those of limb movement, which has highlighted characteristic uncoordinated movements. Conclusion: The findings of the current study are preliminary and need to be replicated; however, they suggest that basal ganglia pathologies can disrupt absolute temporal timing patterns (e.g., speech rate) and relative timing such as lip-jaw interarticulator timing patterns. |
2 | Haugland, Emmersen L (Speech and Hearing Sciences, Spring 25) An Investigation on Interarticulator Timing in Basal Ganglia Disorders Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a basal ganglia (BG) disorder linked to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra which plays a major role regulating the timing of movements. To produce intelligible speech, the lips, tongue, and jaw (i.e., articulators) must move in a carefully timed and coordinated manner. There are limited studies on how basal ganglia disorders affect speech movement (i.e., articulatory) timing. Purpose: This study examines interarticulator (jaw-lip and jaw-tongue) timing in talkers with Parkinson's disease (PD) relative to healthy talkers, to better understand disease-specific pathomechanisms affecting articulatory timing. Given the established role of the BG in regulating temporal coupling via an intrinsic clock, we expect that a BG disorder like PD will also affect articulatory timing resulting in greater temporal differences in the PD group compared to healthy controls. Methods: Kinematic data were recorded using 3D electromagnetic articulography. The data included 24 talkers with PD (11 male,13 female) and 51 healthy talkers (25 male, 26 female). The mean age of participants was 59.6 years. Participants produced the word "muffin" embedded in the carrier phrase "Say ___ again." The lag times between the jaw (J)-lower lip (LL) and jaw (J)-tongue tip (TT) were determined for the gesture /ʌ/. Results: There were three main findings: (1) absolute lag times for /u/, without accounting for movement duration, were comparable for the control and PD groups (2) total movement duration for the word "muffin" was smaller for the PD group compared to controls (3) percent lag times (lag time relative to total word duration) were greater for PD compared to healthy controls regardless of the articulators involved. Discussion: The timing of movements is directed by a central clock which is linked to the basal ganglia. This clock shapes the motor plan of the articulators, merging timing and linguistic information. Thus, impairments to this central clock impact articulatory timing. This influences the timing of articulatory movements, as indicated in the increased rate-adjusted lag times in talkers with PD. For total duration, talkers with PD produced faster speech due to characteristic tight and small movements. Due to these biomechanical processes, there is limited room for lag in speech. These findings are parallel to those of limb movement, which has highlighted characteristic uncoordinated movements. Conclusion: The findings of the current study are preliminary and need to be replicated; however, they suggest that basal ganglia pathologies can disrupt absolute temporal timing patterns (e.g., speech rate) and relative timing such as lip-jaw interarticulator timing patterns. |
3 | Curry, Joy (History, Spring 25) “Whoredom Between the Breasts”: Nakedness, Shame, and Women’s Fashion in Seventeenth-Century English Sermons In seventeenth century England, clergy paid close attention to the visibility of women's breasts as a sign of immorality, vanity, or temptation to lust. These accusations were not new, but preachers frequently invoked ideas of sinful women with bared breasts to identify moral and societal problems. This thesis draws from sermons and other religious literature that ordinary people may have seen or heard throughout the seventeenth century to understand ways that people talked about women's bodies. Puritan preacher John Downame's sermon on Hosea made the most influential argument of this type; he criticized women's naked breasts to express broader displeasure with the moral problems he saw in King James I's court. In subsequent decades, as England wrestled with political and religious tumult including the dissolution and reestablishment of the monarchy, clergy wholeheartedly latched onto Downame's Biblical interpretation and ideas about proper women's dress. However, they adapted the arguments to fit their own concerns, including to support the court. Examining clerical fixation on bared breasts can reveal the specific concerns of seventeenth- century moral authorities, including anxieties about religion, women's roles in public life, and England's political instability. These findings support the work of cultural and dress historians who have advocated for the importance of the body and physical appearance within the sociopolitical climate of early modern England. |
4 | Tran, Annie (Biology & Pharmacology, Spring 26) Characterizing the Regulatory Mechanisms of Intracellular pH of Dorsal Raphe Serotonin Neurons The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) in the midbrain - composed of a large body of serotonin neurons - is a major contributor to serotonin signaling in the central nervous system. Various aspects of behavior such as the regulation of mood and alertness involve the serotonergic system. These neurons are known to possess many different channels and receptors which aid in their function and are also sensitive to alterations in homeostatic conditions. In particular, our interest lies in observing the effects of pH on dorsal raphe serotonin neurons, as in previous studies, pH dynamics is correlated with fluctuations in neuronal excitability and subsequent pathophysiological conditions. To better understand how serotonin neurons regulate intracellular pH, we used mouse models to determine whether dorsal raphe serotonin neurons contain the Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1) protein which drives protons out of the cell to facilitate pH balance. In brief, brain slices containing the DRN were obtained from C57BL/6J mice and immunostained for tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TpH2) to label serotonin neurons and NHE1. Imaging of these slices yielded an approximate 95% overlap, suggesting the colocalization of NHE1 on serotonin neurons. To determine the electrophysiological consequences of proton movement out of serotonin neurons, we used an optogenetic strategy of expressing the light-gated proton pump, archaerhodopsin (ArchT3) selectively in serotonin neurons. Initially, we crossed a transgenic mouse which expresses Cre recombinase in serotonin neurons (ePet-Cre) to a transgenic mouse which expresses ArchT3 in a Cre-dependent manner (Ai40). Whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings were made from acute mouse brain slices and ArchT3 was activated by a 565 nm LED. Upon intense stimulation using widefield fluorescence illumination, a small but wavelength-specific photocurrent was observed; however, it was much smaller than expected. Switching to a ceramic fiber optic probe to deliver more focused illumination to the DRN, 1 ms pulses failed to elicit any noticeable current. Longer pulses of 1 s were able to produce small photocurrents and silence spontaneously active neurons; however, the response magnitude was diminished. Overall, these results suggest that we were able to generate a mouse line with cell-specific expression of ArchT3, but its expression is very low and may limit the utility of this mouse line. |
5 | Forsyth, Darby L (Biology, Spring 25) Metabolomic Alterations Induced by Heat Exposure in Pregnant Mice Extreme heat events are intensifying worldwide due to climate change, posing public health challenges for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. There is a critical need to elucidate how extreme heat events affect maternal physiology, fetal development, and long-term health outcomes. This study investigated the hypothesis that exposure to a simulated heat wave would disrupt metabolic processes in pregnant mice. At gestation day 10, pregnant mice were assigned to either a heat-exposed or a control group. The heat-exposed group underwent a simulated daily heatwave, where temperatures were increased from 26°C to 37°C, maintained at 37°C for 5h, and returned to 26°C each day. Control animals were maintained at 23°C. On day 5, following the final exposure to 37°C, animals in both groups were euthanized, and maternal liver, lung, serum, and amniotic fluid were collected for metabolic analysis .Based on partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), the metabolomic profiles of heat-exposed pregnant mice differed from those of controls in the liver and serum. No differences were observed in the lung or amniotic fluid. Top metabolites altered by heat exposure included glutaric acid, cystathionine, and sarcosine in the liver and 1-methylnicotinamide, iso-leucine, and riboflavin in the serum. Heat exposure differently altered several KEGG pathways, such as the "Arginine and Proline Metabolism" pathway in the liver and serum. These findings underscore the impact of extreme heat on metabolic pathways in pregnant mice and highlight the importance of further research to fully understand the implications of extreme heat events on maternal and fetal health. |
6 | Herman, Elleri E (Human Physiology, Spring 26) Impact of Time of Day and Serotonin on CO2 Arousal Following Seizures in Amygdala-Kindled Mice Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures. Anti-seizure drugs fail in 1⁄3 of people with epilepsy. These patients are at higher risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP is more prevalent at night in both humans and animal models. Respiratory failure is a potential mechanism for SUDEP and the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) is implicated due to its time-of-day modulation and role in epilepsy, sleep, and breathing. Several etiologies have been proposed for SUDEP, including impaired arousal. CO2 is a potent arousal stimulus. Preliminary studies from our lab suggest that seizures impair CO2 arousal. We hypothesized that CO2 arousal is impaired to a greater extent by seizures occurring during the night, which may contribute to increased nighttime mortality. To examine this, serotonin-neuron deficient mice and wildtype littermates were surgically implanted with a bipolar electrode in the basolateral amygdala to induce epileptogenesis via amygdala kindling. Additional hardware was placed to monitor EEG and EMG to determine sleep-wake state and seizure activity. Once rendered epileptic, mice were exposed to 7% CO2 while sleeping before and after seizures induced at different times of the twenty-four-hour day. So far, we have demonstrated that seizures impair CO2 arousal, and this impairment is exacerbated at night. |
7 | Williamsen, Hannah R (Human Physiology, Spring 25) Incidence of early neurodegenerative disease pathology in a forensic cohort Background: It is increasingly apparent that tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) begins in the brainstems of middle-aged patients, decades before the onset of symptoms. Most studies are, however, based on brain-bank cohorts and focus on patients dying of natural causes. The true incidence of tau pathology in the brainstem thus remains unclear. In this study, we report a systematic characterization of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) pathology in the brainstems of a statewide cohort of patients coming to forensic autopsy. Methods: Postmortem human brain samples were obtained from asymptomatic forensic deaths in the state of Iowa (n=12; 6 male and 6 female). Formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue samples were stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on the dorsal raphe (DR), locus coeruleus (LC), and hippocampus (HPC) to assess the presence of tau (AT8), α-synuclein, and beta amyloid pathology. All stains were independently evaluated by two experienced neuropathologists, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Results: We identified a total of 12 cases in our initial cohort (median age 51, range 25-74). Six of the 12 cases contained tau pathology in the HPC, five of 12 contained tau in the DR, and five of 12 contained tau in the LC. Additionally, one case contained beta amyloid in neocortex and alpha synuclein in the DR. All cases positive for pathology were greater than 50 years of age. Conclusions: Our data suggests that incidental ADRD pathology is extremely rare in younger adults, with alpha-synuclein and beta-amyloid only seen in a single 74-year-old patient. These findings suggest such pathology is less common than previously thought and emphasizes the unique advantage of studying it in forensic cohorts dying of non-natural causes, which better represents the population as a whole. |
8 | Heim, Sophia G (Environmental Science, Spring 26) Accelerating Knowledge Discovery: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence for Systematic Reviews of PCB Neurotoxicity Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are known to be neurotoxic, yet there is limited research investigating their effects on adolescents. To address this gap, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the existing literature on PCB-related neurotoxicity in these populations. Given the time-intensive nature of systematic reviews, we integrated ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) into the review process to improve efficiency and accuracy. Collaborating with a librarian, we developed a comprehensive search strategy, yielding 6,166 articles from multiple databases (Embase, PubMed, and Scopus). After removing duplicates, 3,264 articles remained for title and abstract screening. Two human reviewers independently evaluated these articles, with results compared against output generated by ChatGPT. From this process, 579 articles were shortlisted, with 276 selected by all three evaluators (both human reviewers and ChatGPT) as meeting the inclusion criteria. Articles selected by only one reviewer or ChatGPT (161 articles) were excluded, while 142 articles selected by two evaluators underwent further re-evaluation. ChatGPT reduced the human workload significantly: while human reviewers spent 43 to 65 hours on screening, ChatGPT completed the same task in 12 hours. ChatGPT demonstrated accuracy and reliability in article selection, offering a valuable tool for expediting the systematic review process. These findings suggest that AI tools, such as ChatGPT, can enhance the efficiency of systematic reviews. |
9 | Narsian, Palin R (Biomedical Engineering, Spring 26) Metabolic changes facilitate beta-cell adaptive compensation early in Type 2 Diabetes Small clusters of cells within the pancreas, known as islet beta-cells, regulate blood sugar (glucose) by controlled release of the hormone, insulin. During the development of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), beta-cells adapt by increasing production of insulin to overcome insulin resistance and regain control of blood sugar. The specific adaptive mechanisms used by the beta-cell to sense insulin resistance and undergo cellular changes to elevate insulin output are not understood, but may be extremely valuable in our understanding of how to treat T2D. To address this, our lab uses a mouse model that mimics this early adaptive response by the beta-cells. This project focuses on how changes in cellular metabolism are utilized by beta-cells to facilitate increased insulin secretion. Using real time measurements of insulin secretion, our studies revealed that enhanced glycolytic metabolism plays a major role in the beta-cell adaptive response. This is further supported by metabolomics profiling of glycolytic and TCA cycle intermediates and gene expression analysis by RNAseq. Future studies will continue to investigate key glycolytic steps and decipher their role in beta-cell adaptive compensation. |
10 | Mesch, Stella D (Psychology, Fall 24) “Examining the Role of Different Child Sleep Problems Linking Parent and Child Internalizing Psychopathology” Parents’ internalizing symptoms are associated with their children’s anxiety/depressed symptoms (Burnstein et al. 2010). However, mechanisms underlying these associations are unclear. One possible mechanism is children’s sleep problems. Although previous research has demonstrated that sleep problems lead to greater internalizing symptoms in children, no research has examined whether sleep problems mediate the association between parent and child internalizing symptoms (Nunes et al 2020). Investigating mechanisms by which parent internalizing symptoms affect their children’s internalizing psychopathology is crucial for identifying potential targets of intervention. The present study evaluated three types of child sleep problems as potential mediators of the association between parent internalizing symptoms and child anxiety and depression: night wakings, sleep onset delay, and sleep duration problems. Due to the irregular nighttime habits that parents with greater internalizing symptoms often enforce for their children, we hypothesized that child sleep onset delay would most strongly mediate the associations between parent internalizing symptoms and child anxiety and depression. The sample included 231 children ages 3–7 years, parents, and secondary caregivers (daycare providers, teachers, relatives) from a longitudinal study. Parents self-reported internalizing symptoms on the Adult Self Report. Children’s internalizing symptoms were assessed via parent- and secondary caregiver-report on the Child Behavior Checklist and (Caregiver–) Teacher Report Form. Parents reported their children’s sleep habits via the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to examine whether child sleep problems mediated concurrent associations between parent internalizing symptoms and child anxiety and depression. As hypothesized, parent internalizing symptoms were more associated with children’s symptoms of anxiety (β=.332, p<.001) and depression (β=.317, p<.001). When examining sleep problems as potential mediators, parent internalizing symptoms were significantly associated with child night wakings and low sleep duration (see Figure 1). Additionally, child night wakings and low sleep duration was associated with child symptoms of anxiety, whereas child night wakings, sleep onset delay, and low sleep duration were associated with symptoms of depression (see Figure 1). Only child night wakings significantly mediated the association between parent internalizing symptoms and child anxiety symptoms (β=.026, p=.029), whereas child low sleep duration significantly mediated the association with depression symptoms (β= .034, p=.043; see Table 1). This is the first study to examine multiple sleep problems as potential mediators of the associations between parental internalizing symptoms and children’s symptoms of anxiety and depression. The current study demonstrated that night wakings and sleep duration problems partially mediate these associations. Results suggest the importance of targeting children’s night wakings as well as increasing their sleep duration to lessen their symptoms of anxiety and depression respectively, particularly for children whose parents show greater internalizing problems. Therefore, to target child anxiety, parents may promote proper sleep hygiene in their households, and symptoms of depression may be targeted by avoiding stimulation before bed. The present study demonstrates the value of examining multiple sleep problems simultaneously to discover mechanisms that link parent and child internalizing psychopathology. |
11 | Mathews, Taylor (Speech and Hearing Sciences, Spring 26) Improving Rater Reliability Using an Anchored Visual Analog Scale Background: Reliable ratings in auditory-perceptual assessments are critical for effective clinical management and research outcomes in speech disorders; however, variability in rater reliability remains a challenge. One method suggested in voice research to address this issue is the use of external anchors, examples that represent different severity levels. This study applies external anchors to the visual analog scale (VAS), a common tool in dysarthria assessment, to examine their effect on reliability in dysarthria ratings. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the interrater and intrarater reliability of VAS both with and without external anchors, as assessed by non-expert listeners evaluating key speech features of hypokinetic dysarthria, a speech disorder associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: This study utilized previously collected speech samples from 43 individuals with Parkinson’s disease and 25 healthy controls. Ten inexperienced listeners rated 85 samples on a VAS, with and without external anchors, across two sessions. Samples were evaluated for overall severity, articulatory imprecision, reduced loudness, short rushes of speech, and monotony. Listeners rated the samples displayed on a computer screen while wearing headphones calibrated for consistent volume in a quiet laboratory environment. Interrater and intrarater reliability, measured by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), was compared across anchored and unanchored conditions. An increase in reliability was considered meaningful if ICC values shifted to a higher category. Results: Overall, ICC values for both interrater and intrarater reliability increased with the use of anchors compared to the non-anchor condition across the five speech features. A meaningful increase, indicated by a category shift, was observed in interrater reliability for reduced loudness (from good to excellent) and monotony (from poor to moderate). For intrarater reliability, articulatory imprecision, short rushes, and reduced loudness each showed a category shift from good to excellent, while the other features remained in the same category. Conclusion: Incorporating external auditory anchors appears to improve the reliability of non-expert ratings on a VAS for assessing dysarthria. These findings highlight the potential value of auditory anchors in supporting the consistency of ratings, suggest that they may be beneficial for increasing reliability in dysarthria-related research and clinical assessments. |
11 | White, Macy S (Speech and Hearing Sciences, Fall 24) Improving Rater Reliability Using an Anchored Visual Analog Scale Background: Reliable ratings in auditory-perceptual assessments are critical for effective clinical management and research outcomes in speech disorders; however, variability in rater reliability remains a challenge. One method suggested in voice research to address this issue is the use of external anchors, examples that represent different severity levels. This study applies external anchors to the visual analog scale (VAS), a common tool in dysarthria assessment, to examine their effect on reliability in dysarthria ratings. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the interrater and intrarater reliability of VAS both with and without external anchors, as assessed by non-expert listeners evaluating key speech features of hypokinetic dysarthria, a speech disorder associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: This study utilized previously collected speech samples from 43 individuals with Parkinson’s disease and 25 healthy controls. Ten inexperienced listeners rated 85 samples on a VAS, with and without external anchors, across two sessions. Samples were evaluated for overall severity, articulatory imprecision, reduced loudness, short rushes of speech, and monotony. Listeners rated the samples displayed on a computer screen while wearing headphones calibrated for consistent volume in a quiet laboratory environment. Interrater and intrarater reliability, measured by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), was compared across anchored and unanchored conditions. An increase in reliability was considered meaningful if ICC values shifted to a higher category. Results: Overall, ICC values for both interrater and intrarater reliability increased with the use of anchors compared to the non-anchor condition across the five speech features. A meaningful increase, indicated by a category shift, was observed in interrater reliability for reduced loudness (from good to excellent) and monotony (from poor to moderate). For intrarater reliability, articulatory imprecision, short rushes, and reduced loudness each showed a category shift from good to excellent, while the other features remained in the same category. Conclusion: Incorporating external auditory anchors appears to improve the reliability of non-expert ratings on a VAS for assessing dysarthria. These findings highlight the potential value of auditory anchors in supporting the consistency of ratings, suggest that they may be beneficial for increasing reliability in dysarthria-related research and clinical assessments. |
11 | Yeggy, Skylar L (Speech and Hearing Sciences, Spring 25) Improving Rater Reliability Using an Anchored Visual Analog Scale Background: Reliable ratings in auditory-perceptual assessments are critical for effective clinical management and research outcomes in speech disorders; however, variability in rater reliability remains a challenge. One method suggested in voice research to address this issue is the use of external anchors, examples that represent different severity levels. This study applies external anchors to the visual analog scale (VAS), a common tool in dysarthria assessment, to examine their effect on reliability in dysarthria ratings. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the interrater and intrarater reliability of VAS both with and without external anchors, as assessed by non-expert listeners evaluating key speech features of hypokinetic dysarthria, a speech disorder associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: This study utilized previously collected speech samples from 43 individuals with Parkinson’s disease and 25 healthy controls. Ten inexperienced listeners rated 85 samples on a VAS, with and without external anchors, across two sessions. Samples were evaluated for overall severity, articulatory imprecision, reduced loudness, short rushes of speech, and monotony. Listeners rated the samples displayed on a computer screen while wearing headphones calibrated for consistent volume in a quiet laboratory environment. Interrater and intrarater reliability, measured by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), was compared across anchored and unanchored conditions. An increase in reliability was considered meaningful if ICC values shifted to a higher category. Results: Overall, ICC values for both interrater and intrarater reliability increased with the use of anchors compared to the non-anchor condition across the five speech features. A meaningful increase, indicated by a category shift, was observed in interrater reliability for reduced loudness (from good to excellent) and monotony (from poor to moderate). For intrarater reliability, articulatory imprecision, short rushes, and reduced loudness each showed a category shift from good to excellent, while the other features remained in the same category. Conclusion: Incorporating external auditory anchors appears to improve the reliability of non-expert ratings on a VAS for assessing dysarthria. These findings highlight the potential value of auditory anchors in supporting the consistency of ratings, suggest that they may be beneficial for increasing reliability in dysarthria-related research and clinical assessments. |
12 | Bradley, Adeline (History, Psychology, Ancient Civilizations, Spring 25) The Unsung History of Urban Song: The Neglect of Urban Industrial Folksong in the First British Folk Revival of the Late Victorian and Edwardian Periods. This paper examines why members of the early British Folk Movement, despite their left-leaning socialist ideology, were silent around working-class industrial folksong and how this silence influenced urban folksong cultural practices at the turn of the twentieth century. In 1898, the Folk Song Society (FSS), which included Revivalists such as Cecil Sharp, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Peter Grainer, and Rolph Gardiner, was established to bring folk music into the public sphere in imperial Britain. They hoped to “rescue” the dying heritage of folksong by returning it to the mouths of the working class. This mission is inherently left leaning, stemming from anti-industrial sentiments and pro-English identity in the face of a globalizing Britain, and many members had ties to the Socialist Party and Fabian Society. Yet, by the 1920s, the FSS had become a hub for upper-class entertainment and failed to collect or publish the folk songs found in urban working spheres. Paradoxically to their socialist leanings, their neglect of urban industrial cultural heritage contributed to the marginalization of working-class cultural expressions and political visibility, as the Revivalists’ methodology significantly influenced which songs were documented and which were overlooked, ultimately shaping the very definition of what constituted “folk music” at the turn of the 20th century. |
13 | Milne, Andrew J (Astronomy, Physics, Fall 24) A Survey of Jovian Long Dispersion Lightning Whistlers as detected by Juno Waves Lightning whistlers detected and measured in a planetary magnetosphere provide valuable information about both the source lightning as well as the plasma environment the whistler propagated through. By using the frequency dispersion of the whistlers, we can determine information about the electron plasma density along the propagation path of the whistler. Juno Waves has detected thousands of lightning whistlers at Jupiter, including many that exhibiting longer dispersion times of a few seconds. These longer dispersion whistlers are detected when Juno is located on magnetic field lines that map back to the equator near the Io torus. We have measured the lightning whistler dispersion on over 1000 whistlers to perform a statistical study, focusing on the longer dispersion whistlers. We will discuss the conditions under which these emissions are detected and their properties. |
14 | Patel, Bansari R (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Spring 26) Assessment of Seizures and Chemosensitivity in APP/PS1 Mice Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disorder characterized by accumulation of brain pathology and worsening dementia. More than 6 million Americans are living with AD, and the numbers are only rising. There is currently no cure for AD, and the only help available to patients is few medications to relieve symptoms. As AD progresses, it is associated with a number of comorbidities, including respiratory dysfunction. Several animal models exist that recapitulate AD pathology, such as amyloidopathy, but whether these have respiratory dysfunction is unknown. In this experiment, we hypothesized that the Amyloid Precursor Protein/ Presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) mouse will display respiratory dysfunction that will be more prominent as mice age, and will be associated with pathological changes in the brainstem. In this ongoing study, young (2-4 mos) and older (> 6 mos) APP/PS1 mice were instrumented for EEG/EMG recording to assess sleep-wake state, allowed to recover, and presented with 7% CO2 or room air stimuli during wake or sleep while measuring EEG and breathing. Brains were collected after trials for immunohistochemistry to examine the accumulation of amyloid plaques within the brainstem So far, older mice demonstrate impaired arousal and ventilatory responses to CO2. Furthermore, a few mice have been found deceased in full hindlimb extension indicating seizure-related death. Continuing work will include more trials in mice of both age groups, trials in wildtype control animals, and assessment for brainstem pathology. |
15 | Askelsen, Brooke L (Human Physiology, Fall 25) Rural Adolescents' Attitudes Regarding Bicycle Helmets and Their Use Background: Head injuries are the most common cause of fatal injuries among cyclists. Helmet use can significantly decrease the risk. Our study objective was to evaluate the frequency of bicycle helmet use by rural adolescents, determine their attitudes with regards to helmets, and to identify associated demographic factors. Methods/Approach: A convenience sample of 2022 Iowa FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) Leadership Conference attendees completed an anonymous survey electronically by cell phone or by paper which was later entered into the Qualtrics database. Descriptive, contingency table and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results: 1,331 rural adolescents 13-18 years of age participated. Almost three-fifths (58%) of participants were female and 56% were 16-18 years. One-half lived on a farm, 21% lived in the country/not on a farm and 28% lived in town. Ninety percent of subject’s households had at least one bicycle. Overall, 78% had ridden a bicycle in the past year. Those who lived on farms had lower proportions that had ridden a bicycle in the past year (68%) then those that lived elsewhere (82%), p<0.001. Those from farms had lower proportions that rode at least weekly (21%) as compared to those from the country/not on a farm (35%) and from towns (31%), both p<0.001. Younger teens (13-15 years) were twice as likely as older teens (16-18 years) to ride at least weekly. Median importance (rated 1-10) of wearing a helmet on a bike was 4.7 with a median of 4. Females, younger teens, those who were not non-Hispanic White, and those who did not live on farms all ascribed higher bicycle helmet importance than their corresponding peers. Fifteen percent believed there should be a law requiring the use of a helmet while riding a bicycle. Three-quarters (74%) rarely or never wore a helmet; only 13% said they always or mostly wore a helmet. There was a direct relationship between helmet use and those who rode more frequently, as well as to those who ascribed a higher importance to helmet use. Only 12% of participants stated their parents had a strict “no helmet, no bike riding rule”. However, those who had such a rule had 18x greater odds of supporting a bicycle helmet law and had a higher median ascribed bicycle helmet importance (9) compared to those without such a rule (4). Moreover, those with the strict rule had 32x higher odds of wearing a bicycle helmet always or most of the time versus those who had no rule.
Conclusions: Bicycle helmet use is infrequent amongst rural adolescents. Youth whose parents had a strict “no helmet, no bike riding rule” had significantly greater helmet use, placed greater importance on helmet use and were more supportive of bicycle helmet laws. |
16 | Gillund, Colin M (History, Spring 26) Growing Pains: Keeping the Grange In Unison In The Face of The1873 General Election of Iowa. Growing Pains: Keeping the Grange In Unison In The Face of the 1873 General Election of Iowa. This Thesis examines how actions taken by Grange leaders to stay as a strong and neutral interest group in the election of 1873 created a path for Republicans to stay in power, despite the farmers’ political revolt. By 1873 Farmers in Iowa were suffering under high costs of transportation and low returns on crops. Cash strapped farmers flooded the Grange and grew its membership to a substantial and powerful size. Leaders within the Grange wielded its size as a tool for reform at the state level. Yet the sheer size of the movement in Iowa threatened to cause its downfall as the election of 1873 and partisanship looked to divide the Grange. Grange leaders, seeing the division on the horizon moved to maintain the order as a neutral interest group and discouraged the Granges direct involvement in partisanship. By analyzing Governor Carpenters correspondence, published letters to the Iowa Homestead, newspapers, secretary books of subordinate Granges, and secondary sources, this paper shows that the neutrality Grange leaders took to maintain and show off undercut a more radical anti-establishment element of the farmer revolt and helped Republicans survive the election. |
17 | Wojcikowski, Ellie K (Neuroscience, Spring 26) Heart Rate Variability Supports Emotional Intelligence and Social Competency in Schizotypy Heart rate variability (HRV) is conceptualized as a physiological marker of adaptive capacity and self-regulation. HRV is associated with social cognitive abilities in non-clinical samples, including emotion perception and emotion regulation (Holzman & Bridgett, 2021; Quintana et al., 2012). HRV is reduced in schizophrenia (Benjamin et al., 2021), a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by marked impairments in social cognition and social functioning. Little is known about HRV along the psychosis continuum, including psychometric schizotypy (SZY), which is typified by subthreshold psychotic-like experiences and is associated with reduced social functioning.Undergraduate students with elevated SZY ( n = 44) completed a resting state electrocardiography (ECG) assessment and the Brief Social Skills Inventory (B-SSI), a self-report measure of emotional intelligence and social competency, including expression of emotion (‘Emotion Expression’), higher-level regulation and management of one’s emotional states (‘Emotion Control’), perception of emotional states of others (‘Emotion Sensitivity’), and social adeptness (‘Social Control’). HRV was quantified as the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) between heartbeats, and was derived for each participant from 8-minute artifact-free epochs of ECG.Associations between HRV and the B-SSI indices were tested with correlations, and direct and indirect relationships among the variables were tested with bootstrapped regressions. HRV was associated with reduced Emotion Expression [r = -.302, p = .046], and marginally associated with enhanced Emotion Sensitivity [r = .294, p =.053]. Emotion Expression was associated with Emotion Control [r = -.408, p = .003], and in turn, Emotion Control was associated with Social Control [r = .334, p = .018].A serial mediation model provided a good fit for the data, and explained 25.5% of the variance in Social Control [F (3,40) = 4.564, p = .008, R 2 = .255]. The indirecteffect from HRV to Social Control via Emotion Expression and Emotion Control was significant [B = .074, boot 95% CI: .004, .176], indicating that HRV influenced self-reported social adeptness via modulation of the expression and management of one’s emotional states. Limitations of this study include the cross-sectional nature of the data and reliance on self-report measures rather than performance-based or clinician rated measures of socio-emotional processes. These data indicate that autonomic regulation supports emotional intelligence and social competency in emerging adults with elevated SZY, and point to HRV as a modifiable target to enhance social skills in this population. |
18 | Thomsen, Hannah C (Psychology, Sociology, Spring 25) Effects of parental stress on child internalizing and externalizing symptoms: Investigating parental warmth as a moderator. Parenting practices greatly impact a child’s development and research exploring parent influences on children's development strongly suggests that stress is linked with child internalizing and externalizing symptoms. However, little research has examined the impact of stress related to being a parent particularly. Furthermore, potential protective factors that may mitigate the effects of stress have not been explored, including parental warmth. It is possible that parents experiencing greater levels of stress related to being a parent might insulate their children from developing greater levels of psychopathology if they engage in warmer parenting practices—i.e., parental warmth might weaken the effects of parenting-related stress on child psychopathology. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of parental stress on child internalizing and externalizing symptoms and to determine whether this association is moderated by parental warmth. The study included parents and children ages 3–7 (M= 4.94, SD= 1.19). Parental stress was assessed through a self-report survey completed by primary caregivers, the Parenting Stress Index. Child internalizing and externalizing symptoms were assessed through a parent-reported questionnaire, the Child Behavioral Checklist. Parental warmth was assessed using the Nurturance subscale of the Child Rearing Practices Report completed by primary caregivers. Parental stress was found to be significantly related to both child internalizing (β= .402, p<.001) and externalizing symptoms (β= .328, p<.001). Without controlling for covariates, there was a marginally significant (β= -.083, p= .054) interaction of parental stress and parental warmth on child externalizing symptoms. However, when controlling for covariates of age and sex, the effect of parental warmth on child externalizing symptoms was no longer significant (β= -.067, p= .100) In addition, results of parental warmth were not significant for child internalizing symptoms when controlling for the covariates of age and sex (β= .018, p= .670). The main effects support previous research that increased parental stress is correlated with higher risk for child psychopathology symptoms. Parental warmth not serving as a protective factor against the negative effects of parental stress on child psychopathology could imply that the specific rearing practices related to parental warmth assessed do not buffer children from the effects of parental stress in terms of risk for psychopathology. Future research should explore other parenting practices that may serve as a buffer against the effects of parental stress on child psychopathology. |
19 | Thomas, Isabella R (History, Spring 26) Divided Des Moines: A Study of Racially Restrictive Documents from 1910-1955 in Iowa’s Capital City This thesis argues that racially restrictive deed covenants were a mechanism of segregation used in the city of Des Moines between the years of 1910-1955 and were a white reaction to the first wave of the Great Migration of African Americans. These deed covenants prevented African Americans from purchasing homes and were enforced by law until 1948. Some deeds still included racially restrictive clauses through the mid 1950’s. Using newly discovered deeds from the Polk County Courthouse, I discuss the language, enforcement, scale, and relevant court cases surrounding these deed covenants within the city of Des Moines, while also creating a city-wide map of each occurrence of a racial restriction on ARC-GIS software to show where and when segregation took place. This thesis seeks to add to the larger historical conversation of white reactionary tactics employed to combat southern-born Black migration during the Great Migration by showcasing how extensive these deed restrictions were employed by white realtors and homeowners within the capital city of Iowa. |
20 | Kitzmann, Jake J (Biomedical Engineering, Spring 25) Evaluation of Quantitative Iterative Reconstruction Kernel in Photon Counting Computed Tomography Between Animal and Phantom Studies Quantitative lung imaging with computed tomography (CT) provides insight into lung health and disease. Recent advancements in Photon Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT) have shown potential to achieve better contrast-noise ratio, signal-noise ratio, spatial resolution, and structural visualization at equal or lower radiation levels to CT imaging with Energy Integrating Detectors (EID).We explore the impact on quantitative metrics using PCCT ultra-high resolution mode imaging compared to traditional EID for lung structure evaluation using an anthropomorphic chest phantom and large animal model. |
21 | Linahon, Morgan (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Spring 25) Exploration Of The Effects Of 4-Oh-Pcb11 On Behavioral Outcomes In Adolescent Male Rats Following A 28 Day Exposure Via Subcutaneous Polymeric Implants Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of man-made, organic environmental pollutants that are no longer mass-produced. These persistent chemicals and their hydroxylated metabolites adversely affect the developing brain. We hypothesize that 28-day exposure to a human-relevant PCB11 metabolite, 4-OH-PCB11 (3,3’-dichlorobiphenyl-4-ol), leads to altered exploratory activity and anxiety-like behavior in adolescent rats. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were grafted on the back of the subcutaneous cavity with polymeric implants containing 0, 1, 5, or 10% of 4-OH-PCB11 on postnatal day (PND) 28 and 42. Four neurobehavioral tests were performed before the necropsy on PND56 to examine the effects of 4-OH-PCB11 exposure on behavioral outcomes. On PND51, the Y-maze assessed short-term spatial working memory and spontaneous alteration behavior. On PND52-55, the Open Field Test, Hole Board Test, and Elevated Plus Maze were utilized to analyze exploratory and anxiety-like behavior. Bodyweight progression was not affected by 4-OH-PCB11 exposure. Thymus and liver weight differences following necropsy proved statistically significant between the low and high exposed groups. Statistical analysis revealed the number of entries in the enclosed arm in the EPM was significantly different between the low and high exposed groups, with the high group having the most entries. The medium and high exposed groups showed trends of increased entries, distance, and time in the center area of the Open Field Test. Although few statistically significant results were found, these trends suggest 4-OH-PCB11 exposure tended to reduce anxiety-like behavior and increase exploratory tendencies in male rats. These results warrant further investigation on the effects of PCBs on neurological function. |
22 | McGee, Sarah R (Biochemistry, Spring 25) Effect of External Pressure on Confined Water in Uranium Metal Organic Nanotube At high pressures (100 kPa ≤ P ≤ 500 MPa), gases can be enclosed within a water framework known as "clathrates." This phenomenon has been observed in natural environments such as seabed, ocean sediments, and deep lake sediments, as well as within certain synthetic materials like Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) at higher pressures. Our study investigates the clathrate-like behavior of uranium metal-organic nanotubes (UMONT), which feature ice-like arrangement of water channels within nanotube. We examine this behavior under N2 gas at 0.5 MPa pressurized conditions, using both in-situ and ex-situ methods. For the in-situ analysis, a custom-made environmental control cell (ECC) was used to collect single-crystal data. For ex-situ studies a Parr vessel was used to obtain the required N2 gas pressure. Both studies reveal dehydration of the material rather than clathrate formation under a nitrogen gas atmosphere during long term pressurization. Electron density maps of OW1 and OW2 water molecules further indicate the migration of either OW1 or OW2 molecules to the OW3 central site under both pressure conditions. |
23 | Darr, Zachary T (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BS, Spring 25) Identifying clevidipine as a potential treatment for LMNA-associated muscular dystrophy The LMNA gene encodes lamins, intermediate filament proteins that make up a meshwork lining the inner side of the nuclear envelope. Mutations in the LMNA gene cause a group of diseases known as laminopathies. These include three rare types of muscular dystrophy, collectively called LMNA-MD. Mutations resulting in amino acid substitutions that affect all three domains of lamins (N-terminal head, a coiled-coil rod, and a C-terminal Ig fold-like) cause LMNA-MD. Currently, there are no treatments for LMNA-MD other than symptom management. We have generated Drosophila models of LMNA-MD that recapitulate aspects of the human disease. In these models, we express mutant Lamin C (orthologue of LMNA) in the larval body wall muscles using the Gal4/UAS system. These larvae have reduced motility and die at the pupal stage. Using these models, we have performed an unbiased drug screen to identify compounds that rescue lethality. Larvae with muscle-specific expression of Lamin C R264 (rod domain affected) ingested fly food containing drugs throughout development. Vials were scored for dead pupae and live adults. Clevidipine, an L-type voltage gated calcium channel blocker partially rescued lethality. To test for broad efficacy, we are currently feeding clevidipine to larvae possessing muscle-specific expression of Lamin C R264W (rod domain affected), and H545P, M553R, and R564P (Ig-fold domain affected). Our findings will provide insights on disease mechanisms and identify a potential treatment for individuals with LMNA-MD. |
24 | Paxton, Grace (Physics, Astronomy, Spring 26) Timing Adjustments and Data Collection in EOS Detectors EOS, a Berkeley-based neutrino detector, consists of over 200 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) arranged in a water-filled cylinder. Here, I refined the correction factor, or the cable delays, which are necessary due to the fact that light will move slower in water than in a vacuum, by accounting for differing wavelengths and source of the detected event. These variables affect both the speed of the light in the water as well as the physical distance it must travel, and by accounting for these, we can more easily align and compare these PMTs against each other. And to further facilitate comparisons, I have divided the analyzed pulses into the individual PMTs instead of the sum of all. These points, either the max height or width of the pulse, can be arranged by the position of the PMT. |
25 | Wilson, Megan M (Human Physiology, Spring 26) Synthesis of Dinuclear Colbat(II) Coordination with Tetradentate Ligand Scaffolds This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of dinuclear cobalt coordination complexes featuring tetradentate ligand scaffolds. The goal of this project is to understand how different ligand modifications influence the structures and magnetic properties of complexes with different transition metals. A series of ligands with different flanking groups were synthesized to coordinate with cobalt(II) centers. All of the ligands have a triaryl tetradentate framework containing the redox active subunit o-phenylenediamine, but they differ in that they contain different flanking SMe, NMe2, or OMe metal-donor groups (these ligands are referred to as SNNS, NNNN, and ONNO, respectively). It was shown previously that SNNS and NNNN ligands yield mononuclear complexes with nickel (i.e., one metal), but dinuclear complexes with iron (i.e., two metals). Co sits between Ni and Fe, and this led to questions as to which type of structure this metal might adopt with the different tetradentate ligands.
Here I will describe the synthesis of the tetradentate ligands using Buchwald-Hartwig cross-coupling reactions, and their purification using thin layer chromatography and column chromatography. I will report NMR spectroscopy data used to confirm their successful synthesis. I will then describe how reactions between the ligands and cobalt(II) starting materials yield dinuclear cobalt complexes, as observed with iron. NMR spectra and single-crystal X-ray diffraction data will be presented that confirm the successful formation of these dinuclear complexes and provided insights into their geometric configurations and coordination modes. Notably, the dinuclear Co complex containing the SNNS ligand exhibited stronger metal-metal interactions compare to the complex with NNNN, as evidenced by measurements of Co-Co distances and NMR data that revealed variations in spin pairing and paramagnetic shifts. The results suggest that different flanking groups and conjugation patterns on the tetradentate ligands can be used to tune magnetic properties and structural characteristics in Co complexes. |
26 | Jensen, Rafael (Physics, Astronomy, Spring 24) Analyzing Low Electron Densities in Earthâs Van Allen Radiation Belts The Van Allen Probes operated from August 2012 to October 2019, collecting data from plasma waves and electric and magnetic fields in Earth’s inner and outer Van Allen Radiation Belts. This project uses electron plasma frequency data collected by the Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite and Integrated Science (EMFISIS) and Electric Field and Waves (EFW) instruments to obtain the electron density at the probes over the full mission. Primarily focusing on measurements of extremely low electron density, this study seeks to better understand relationships between geomagnetic activity and these low density measurements derived from the datasets obtained by the Van Allen Probes. |
27 | Boardman, Reed W (Psychology, Spring 25) Have Some Cognitive Control: Investigating the Role of the ERN and Pe in Error Monitoring and Post-Error Behavioral Adjustments. Error monitoring and the subsequent adjustments in behavior are critical components of cognitive control, allowing individuals to learn from mistakes and improve performance. Two neural markers, the error-related negativity (ERN) and error positivity (Pe), are believed to play distinct roles in this process. The ERN, typically associated with early error detection, and the Pe, linked to conscious error awareness, may influence post-error behavioral adjustments, such as reaction time (RT) slowing and accuracy improvement. In this study, we examine the relationship between ERN, Pe, and post-error behavior in a flanker task. By analyzing both within-subject and between-subject variability in ERN and Pe amplitudes, we explore how these neural signals contribute to post-error slowing and accuracy on subsequent trials. Our findings suggest that while the ERN is more predictive of immediate error detection, post-error behavioral adjustments cannot be predicted by previous trial ERN amplitude alone. Rather, the ERN and Pe amplitude on precedent trials jointly moderate post-error reaction time when both display large amplitudes. Neither one is predictive on their own. These results highlight the distinct yet complementary roles of the ERN and Pe in facilitating cognitive control and optimizing performance following errors. |
28 | Gaddi, Shreya C (Biomedical Sciences, Spring 25) Innovative Use of AVP-Infused Mouse Models, Rat Cardiomyocytes, and Human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes to Investigate the Impact of Preeclampsia on Future Cardiovascular Risk Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and organ damage, significantly increasing the risk of future cardiovascular disease (CVD) for affected individuals. However, the mechanisms connecting PE to CVD remain unclear. To investigate this association, we implemented a multi-model approach using AVP-infused pregnant mice, rat cardiomyocytes, and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes treated with PE plasma. In the mouse model, C57BI6/J pregnant mice received continuous AVP infusion via osmotic minipumps throughout gestation, inducing hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy resembling PE symptoms. Tail-cuff plethysmography confirmed a significant blood pressure increase (18.8 ± 7.4 mmHg, p = 0.05), while cardiac hypertrophy was evidenced by elevated heart weight (13.4 ± 0.9 mg, p = 0.0001) and increased NT-ProBNP levels (163.6 ± 61 pg/mL, p = 0.01) in AVP-infused pregnant mice compared to saline controls. In addition, human third-trimester PE plasma samples exhibited significant elevations in NT-proBNP and MR-proANP biomarkers (p = 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively) compared to healthy controls. When this plasma was applied to rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes, we observed a 6.6- and 1.8-fold increase in ANP and BNP expression, reflecting cellular stress and hypertrophy markers. Similarly, in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes treated with PE plasma, elevated biomarker expression further supported the PE-induced cardiac stress observed in animal models. This multi model approach provides a way to explore the pathophysiological impact of PE on the heart and the progression of CVD. By integrating both animal and cellular models, this study opens new pathways for future therapeutic exploration and for understanding cardiovascular risk in patients with a history of preeclampsia. |
29 | Gallen, Ciara M (Geoscience, Ethics and Public Policy, Spring 25) Monitoring the Effects of Erosion Prevention Practices at Willow Creek Willow Creek located in Willow Creek Park, Iowa City, Iowa was eroding towards the nearby road. The channel slopes were regraded to be less steep and riprap was placed along the channel to prevent the erosion. The riprap abruptly stops and the channel narrows. The concentration of this project is to monitor the effects the riprap and regrading have had on erosion both in the immediate and downstream. Cross-sections at 14 points have been taken using Trimble R12i GPS. These cross-sections are used to construct a stream profile to compare to later profiles and create a model in HEC-RAS. 4 erosion pins have been installed downstream of the riprap in areas of identified erosion to measure the rate at which the stream banks are eroding. Continued data collection of the cross-section profiles and erosion pins will track the long-term effects of the riprap and regrading of Willow Creek. |
30 | Freeman, Landen K (B.S. Physics, Math, Spring 27) Gravitational Orbits and Dark Matter Arising from String Theory We examine how the orbits of satellites around gravitating bodies are affected when we introduce a field, called the diffeomorphism field, into their equations of motion. Extracting the diffeomorphism field from string theory, we can study its effects on the orbits and motion of objects in gravitational fields governed by General Relativity. The diffeomorphism field thus expands Einstein's theory of General Relativity to introduce new and exciting physics which we continue to investigate. |
30 | Sandoval, Eduardo M (B.S. Physics, Math, Spring 27) Gravitational Orbits and Dark Matter Arising from String Theory We examine how the orbits of satellites around gravitating bodies are affected when we introduce a field, called the diffeomorphism field, into their equations of motion. Extracting the diffeomorphism field from string theory, we can study its effects on the orbits and motion of objects in gravitational fields governed by General Relativity. The diffeomorphism field thus expands Einstein's theory of General Relativity to introduce new and exciting physics which we continue to investigate. |
31 | Rocco, Grace F (Biology, Spring 25) Sorbs2 regulation of microtubules in Alzheimer’s Disease Sorbs2 is a cytoskeletal adaptor protein expressed in hippocampal neurons, however, it’s mechanistic role in these cells remains understudied. A genetic variant in the Sorbs2 promoter associates with increased Sorbs2 expression and delayed Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) onset by 11 years, suggesting that increased Sorbs2 may protect against cognitive decline. Sorbs2 expression is decreased in brains from AD patients and AD mouse models, and global Sorbs2 knockout in mice impairs memory, suggesting that decreased Sorbs2 may contribute to neuropathology. We and others have shown that cardiomyocyte loss of Sorbs2 destabilized microtubule (MT) structures, whereas Sorbs2 overexpression promotes MT stability. However, the specific role(s) of Sorbs2 in the regulation of neuronal MTs or the intersection of Sorbs2 and AD has not been explored. Here we investigate if Sorbs2 deletion causes MT instability in hippocampal neurons and decreases learning and memory behavior in mice. To test our hypothesis, we generated whole body Sorbs2-Knockout (KO) mice and assayed 6-month-old, female-only littermate cohorts (n=16, WT and KO) with three 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 do not express the predominant Sorbs2 neuron specific isoform at ~150 kDa, and have decreased Sorbs2 immunofluorescence staining in brain tissue, particularly within the cerebral vasculature. MT 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 (OFT), spatial object recognition (SOR), and cued fear conditioning (CFC) behavior tests on the mice to observe learning and memory. The data show similar behavior between WT and KO mice during OFT and CFC tests, suggesting Sorbs2 may not be involved in these behaviors. However, Sorbs2-KO mice spend significantly less time with the displaced object in SOR than WT mice, suggesting impaired learning or memory. We used a cohort of Sorbs2-Flox mice that had exon 12 flanked with loxp sites. The loxp sites cause exon 12 to be excised when injected with pAAV.hSYN1.CRE virus. Exon 12 is expressed in all Sorbs2 isoforms, and without it, the protein is nonfunctional. The cohort of mice was mixed sex (9F, 8M), with 9 mice injected with saline and 8 mice injected with CRE virus. These mice were behaviorally tested using OFT, SOR, and contextual fear conditioning. There were no observed differences in behavior of OFT or SOR. However, contextual fear conditioning showed a significant decrease in freezing behavior (p=0.03) in the CRE-injected Sorbs2-Flox mice. This could be indicative of memory or learning impairment caused by the knockout of functional Sorbs2. To study the effects of Sorbs2 in the synaptosomes, I conducted synaptosome protein extraction (SynPER). Through a series of centrifugations, different fractions were collected and western blotted. Preliminary data validates the loss of neuronal Sorbs2 in the knockout mouse at ~150 kDa. There is an increase in total neuronal expression in the Sorbs2-KO mouse. However, comparing the protein enrichment (content in the synapse versus cytosol), there is an increase of total neuronal expression in the WT versus the KO, however the p-value is not significant. Altogether, our results suggest that Sorbs2 may regulate MT stability in the brain and be involved in memory formation or retrieval. In the future, we plan to identify populations of Sorbs2 expressing cells in the brain, interrogate neuronal specific Sorbs2 deletion, and assess the intersection between Sorbs2 and AD related phenotypes in mouse models of neurodegeneration. |
32 | Schlatter, Kaleb (History, Spring 25) "A Vital Stake in the Holy Land": Public Opinion in Iowa, Refusal of Cohabitation, and the Transformation of Palestine, 1941-1960 This thesis examines the politics of Palestine, Jewish Displaced Persons, Israel, Palestinian Arab refugees, Arab League states, and the Eisenhower Doctrine across multiple levels of public opinion and government in Iowa between 1941 and 1960. Drawing on a wide array of newspapers, official correspondence, and other text documents from the personal papers of two governors, two U.S. Senators, and the records of several religious and secular organizations, I use Iowa as a case study to explore how groups of private and public white Christian Midwestern Americans and evocations of the Midwest were discursively, politically, and materially engaged in the transformation of Palestine. After the end of World War II, opposition in the United States to admission and resettlement of Jewish Displaced Persons to the U.S. surged to the fore in national politics, as did popular support for the transfer of Jewish D.P.s to Palestine. I argue that Iowa's white Christian fundamentalist settler nationalist political and social culture made Zionism politically hegemonic in the state and defined support among local, state, and federal political representatives for transfer of Jewish D.P.s for colonization of Palestine. This environment favored domination by Zionist Christians and Jews of the conventions of public opinion and political participation. Considerations of Palestinian Arabs were marginal relative to their erasure or condemnation, and constrained to charitable aid within discursive political frameworks that prioritized Jewish colonization as distinct and above Arabs. |
33 | Postacchini, Gabe L (Mathematics and Computer Science, Spring 26) A New Conceptual Framework for Learning How to Read Critically Critical reading of research papers is an essential skill for evaluating the validity, relevance, and impact of scientific contributions in any discipline. This skill allows students and researchers to identify strengths and weaknesses in all parts of papers, including the rationale of the work, the methodologies, the interpretations of results, and the logic of discussions. This skill will also enhance their ability to communicate findings clearly, ensuring that their work can be rigorously assessed and built upon by the scientific community. However, students encounter various challenges when learning this skill. The biggest hurdle is the ambiguity of what "critical reading" entails. Another hurdle is to focus on published papers, trying to improve the already well-polished materials rather than more diverse sources. Without proper assistance, these challenges will naturally slow down learning, which requires time and experience to develop. To address these hurdles, we aim to develop a program that highlights the changes from the original manuscript to the published version that had been improved by a peer-review process. By identifying these changes, students will gain a clearer understanding of what improvements are significant, what constitutes a strong scientific paper, and how to read critically. We also anticipate that this tool, once developed, will help students become more familiar with the structure and style of well-written academic work. |
34 | Young, Zeke M (Physics, Astronomy, Spring 25) Single Fiber PMT Illumination in the EOS Detector The EOS detector is a hybrid scintillation based detector at UC Berkeley. Eventually the detector will be filled with water and water based liquid scintillator, but at the moment, data has only been taken with water. The system of 36 fibers that illuminate the PMTs (photo multiplier tubes) that line the sides of the detector was made by the University of Iowa. I have used single fiber runs of the detector to create a histogram of where the illuminated fiber is and where we expect its light to shine, so that we can compare the PMTs it would be expected to light up against the PMTs that are actually lit up. |
35 | Masse, Kaitlyn (History, Spring 25) Cedar Rapids, The Great Migration, and Restrictive Covenants Masse utilizes newly available archival documents to explore the mechanics of racial covenants in Cedar Rapids Iowa between 1900 and 1950. Although Cedar Rapids was not a primary Great Migration destination, White resistance to Black migrants persisted. Masse argues that despite this repression, Cedar Rapids’s African American population built a vibrant community, informed by their previous life in Buxton, Iowa |
36 | Leyser, Ana Laura B (Biomedical Sciences, Spring 26) Resilient Voices: A Multimedia Exhibition Celebrating Youth Empowerment, Global Perspectives, and the Legacy of Anne Frank. Resilient Voices: A Multimedia Exhibition Celebrating Youth Empowerment, Global Perspectives, and the Legacy of Anne Frank," is a comprehensive initiative composed of several integrated elements. These include the unveiling of an Anne Frank Free Little Library to promote literacy and provide accessible resources on human rights issues to our community, particularly targeting the younger generation. The project also features a Digital Diaries Exhibit that showcases the firsthand experiences of youth across the globe, focusing on themes of war, struggle, and resilience across time. The initiative concludes with a multilingual, multimedia reading of the Diary of Anne Frank, aimed at fostering cross-cultural understanding. This multifaceted project promotes youth empowerment, while honoring Anne Frank's enduring legacy. It effectively brings global perspectives to a local context and encourages dialogue on essential themes of diversity, interconnectedness, and peace. |
37 | Scott, Gavin F (History, Ancient Civilizations, and Political Science, Spring, 25) Walk The Line: How Lyndon Johnson Passed The ESEA and Its Effects on the American Education System This essay argues that President Lyndon Johnson was responsible for the passage of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) and that it fundamentally changed the American education system. The ESEA was the first general federal aid to primary and secondary schools. Congress reauthorized the bill many times since 1965, creating a new stream of income for schools and giving the federal government a role in state schools. Many liberal lawmakers wanted federal aid to state schools for many decades prior to 1965, however, it always failed in Congress because of three issues: concerns over unconstitutional church and state relationship, concerns over control of public schools by the federal government, and debate over how the money was distributed. Johson’s developed a new approach to federal aid to education that distributed money based on the number of children whose family made less than 2,000 dollars to public and private schools. This compromise satisfied prior enemies and allowed the ESEA to pass Congress. However, the bill’s passage was never certain. Johnson successfully managed the ESEA in Congress by using his legislative experience, the "Johnson Treatment,” and his iron clad support for education to stop attempts to kill the ESEA. Johnson’s efforts in getting The Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed and the subsequent 1964 election Democratic landslide victory are deeply connected to the success and passage of the ESEA. |
38 | Lin, Henry (Biomedical Sciences, Spring 25) The Cytoskeletal Adaptor Protein Sorbs2 Regulate Vascular Contractility Through Multiple Mechanisms in Smooth Muscle Cells Our research aims to identify the mechanisms the Sorbs2 protein plays in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) contraction, which remains poorly understood. To test this, we isolated aortas and carotids from wild-type (WT) and Sorbs2 global knockout (Sorbs2-KO) mice. We performed the classic wire myography experiment to assess the role of Sorbs2 in phenylephrine (PE) vasoconstriction, acetylcholine (Ach) mediated vasodilation, and passive length-tension relationships. The data show that aortas from Sorbs2-KO mice have significantly increased PE-induced contractility. Inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS) with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME) abolishes the difference, suggesting a potential role in endothelial functions. ACh-induced vasodilation was inhibited in Sorbs2-KO carotid arteries, supporting this idea. Next, to test if Sorbs2 affects calcium-dependent and independent vasoconstriction, we pre-constricted carotids with PE (1E-6 M) and assessed vasodilation using nifedipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker and fasudil, a Rho kinase inhibitor. The data show similar vasodilation between WT and Sorbs2-KO vessels. Passive length-tension relationships were established and measured as a function of length. Data show that Sorbs2-KO arteries are more elastic. A potential limitation is that Sorbs2 is germline deleted, affecting multiple cell types in the artery. To test the specific role of Sorbs2 in VSMC-mediated mechanics, we created tamoxifen-inducible smooth muscle-specific Sorbs2-KO mice (Sorbs2ICRE-KO), isolated aortas and carotids, and assayed vasoconstriction using PE and U46619, a thromboxane A2 receptor agonist, as well as passive length-tension relationship. The data shows that carotids from Sorbs2ICRE-KO have significantly increased U46619-induced contractility, which is amplified upon inhibition of eNOS with LNAME, but a non-significant increase for PE-induced contraction. This suggests a potential role for Sorbs2 in VSMC as a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) scaffolding protein. The passive length-tension relationship shows a non-significant increase in Sorbs2ICRE-KO aorta elasticity, which may be due to the low sample size(n=4). Altogether, these results suggest that Sorbs2 may regulate VSMC contractility through endothelial functions, GPCR scaffold remodeling, and vessel elasticity through cytoskeletal remodeling. In the future, we plan to assess the specific role of Sorbs2 in endothelial regulation, GPCR scaffolding, and cytoskeletal remodeling through biochemical analysis techniques, and mechanical strain/stress testing. |
39 | Tripathy, Aditi (Biomedical Sciences, Spring 25) Assessing Semester Commencement Sleep Quality as a Predictor of End-of-Semester Academic Achievement in College Freshmen Previous literature has highlighted the importance of sleep duration and quality for academic achievement. The present study aims to further explore this relationship by investigating the predictive role of objectively measured sleep duration and quality at the beginning of the semester on end-of-semester academic achievement. Participants are college freshmen at the University of Iowa, recruited from the Elementary Psychology class. At the beginning of the semester, they wore a wristwatch called ‘actigraphy’ to measure movement, sleep duration, and quality, and completed a self-reported anxiety scale. Additionally, they had the option to wear a headband called the ‘sleep profiler’ for one night to measure NREM oscillations (specifically, sleep spindles and slow oscillations) along with other sleep metrics. At the end of the semester, they will complete a questionnaire assessing their academic achievement. We hypothesize that better sleep duration and quality at the beginning of the semester will predict better academic performance at the end of the semester. Furthermore, we expect that higher sleep spindle and slow oscillation activity will also predict enhanced academic performance. Lastly, we predict that anxiety symptoms will mediate the relationship between sleep and academic achievement, such that poorer sleep quality and duration, as well as lower sleep spindles and slow oscillation activity, will be associated with increased anxiety symptoms, which in turn will predict lower academic achievement. This study is unique in that it relies on objective sleep measurements obtained through two different methods and investigates the role of NREM oscillations in academic performance. If our hypotheses are confirmed, the findings will provide a new perspective on academic achievement, highlighting the influence of factors beyond the classroom and study sessions. Alongside the broader literature, these insights could pave the way for targeted interventions and support initiatives for students. |
40 | Paulsen, Zack D (History, Spring 25) Villains in the Trade: Piracy in the British Middle Passage Why did pirates attack ships on the Middle Passage carrying enslaved people when pirates did not have the infrastructure, Caribbean market, or use for labor when it comes to said enslaved people? This thesis argues that the most likely fate of enslaved people who encountered pirates on the Middle Passage was to be recruited, both voluntarily or coerced, and sold to a trader on the African Coast, or subjected to brutality as a means of sending a message telling merchants what happens when pirates are resisted. In the Post-Spanish Succession Period of the Golden Age of Piracy (c. 1715-1726), pirates would frequently attack ships bound for Africa from Europe carrying goods to trade for enslaved people, or from the Americas back to Europe with profits from the sale of said enslaved people. However, sometimes pirates would attack ships carrying enslaved people on the Middle Passage (Africa to the Americas). What is strange about this is that pirates had little use for enslaved people as the pirates did not have a safe Caribbean market or the infrastructure to transport enslaved people.
This raises the question, “Why bother?” To decipher the reasoning behind pirate attacks against ships sailing the Middle Passage, this thesis examines the possible fates of enslaved people who were present on the ships attacked by pirates. This thesis uses primary sources such as publications of trials, letters written by officials in the Royal African Company of Great Britain, a captivity narrative, shipping manifests, and newspaper clippings. It also uses secondary sources such as articles and books to provide supporting evidence regarding common pirate behavior, beliefs, and social structures to explain the pirates’ recruitment, sale, and brutalization of enslaved people. |
41 | Tobin, Olivia J (Mathematics, Fall 24) Does Learning a Signed Language Change the Way You Think? Signed languages are complete, natural languages conveyed via use of the face and the body, with their own distinct linguistic systems and properties like those of spoken languages (Valli & Lucas, 2000). Though an estimated 2.8% of the adult population in the United States uses a signed language, the historical emphasis on spoken language within language science research has led to a comparative lack of knowledge about American Sign Language (ASL) (Mitchell & Young, 2022). For example, though the effects of second language acquisition on first language use are well-documented for spoken languages (e.g., Bice & Kroll, 2015), only a few studies so far have explored the effects of sign language acquisition on first (spoken) language use (e.g., Casey et al., 2012; Frederiksen, 2021; Manhardt et al., 2021, 2023; Weisberg et al., 2020). The first part of this study aims to add to this literature by examining how exposure to ASL as a second language influences sentence construction (syntax) in the first language, English. The second part of this study aims to bolster current sociolinguistic data about attitudes toward ASL by adapting Kircher et al.âs (2022) survey of multilingualism attitudes. |
42 | Venkatesh, Aditya (Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, Spring 25) Study of phase shift extraction in a finite square well and bump potentials A particle of energy E and interacting with a quantum potential V can have three possibilities: if E>V, it will be called a scattering state and a scattered wave function will either reflect or transmit through the potential and encounter a phase shift, when the wave function itself is even or odd. If E<V, it is called a bound state and it will stay within the potential. The bound state solutions will depend on whether the wave function is even or odd itself. The wave functions of the quantum system is obtained by parameterizing the potentials and solving the Schrodinger equation for both odd and even wavefunctions in both. The current project is about the phase shift extraction of a wave function interacting with a finite square well and bump potential. By looking at scattering in both potentials, we can extract the phase shift by using the Luscher formula (reference: Computational Physics II by Ulli Wolff and Tomasz Korzec). Following this, we can plot the phase shift for both odd and even wave functions as a graph of increasing momentum number to get interesting results. |
43 | Andrews, Emilie (Physics, Fall 24) Thermodynamic GCN: Towards Thermodynamically Efficient Artificial Intelligence In this presentation I am discussing the design and testing of a Graph Convolutional Neural Network and how it can be written for the non-deterministic thermodynamic computing paradigm. |
44 | Crandall, Sadie R (Anthropology/Museum Studies, Spring 27) A Collection Uncovered: The Iowa Insect Survey Cards The research of this project involved uncovering and analyzing the history, collection methods, and correspondence of the early-mid 20th century entomology project, the Iowa Insect Survey. This collection was recovered from the closing Iowa Wesleyan University and offers valuable insight to the geographic distribution, migration patterns, and antiquated collection methods that were used to document the insects then native to Iowa. |
45 | Fraer, Aviva (Neurobiology, Spring 27) Exploring CB1 Receptor's Role in Gut Sensory Neurons for Targeted Weight Regulation Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is pivotal in the nervous system for controlling appetite, food intake, and energy expenditure, positioning it as a key player in the gut-brain axis and weight regulation mechanisms. Our recent research highlights that CB1 signaling in peripheral gut sensory neurons, specifically within the splanchnic nerve, strongly affects energy balance, especially under varying dietary conditions. To explore this pathway, we conducted experiments using transgenic mouse models. Initially, we administered a non-selective CB1 antagonist (SR14146A) and a peripherally restricted CB1 antagonist (JD5037) to Nav1.8-CB1 knockout mice, observing the distinct impacts on energy regulation. Then, we examined sex-based differences by comparing CB1 manipulation outcomes in male and female mice, seeking to reveal potential sex-specific pathways in CB1-driven energy balance. This approach aims to uncover nuanced mechanisms of CB1-mediated energy control, advancing prospects for more targeted weight-loss therapies. Our future directives are aimed towards exploring the necessity of CB1 in peripheral sensory neurons as main regulators of peripheral energy signaling through CB1 receptor. |
46 | Sponseller, Bianca I (Microbiology and German, Spring 25) Inhibition of Ebolavirus Infection through Small Molecule Inhibitors
|
47 | Emmad, Minou A (Physics, Computer Science, Math, Spring 27) Analyzing Optical Properties of Nanostructured Semiconductors This research focuses on advancing mid-infrared optoelectronics by employing simulation-driven measurements to optimize superlattice structures and develop low-loss meta contacts. By addressing efficiency challenges in cascaded superlattice light-emitting diodes (SLEDs), we aim to reduce non-radiative scattering and enhance radiative recombination. This approach seeks to improve device performance for applications in chemical detection, thermal imaging, and medical diagnostics. |
48 | Babcock, Jason E (Microbiology, Spring 26) Quantifying CCDC40 Genotype to Phenotype through Structural and Functional Parameters of In Vitro Ciliated Airway Models Mucociliary clearance (MCC) is a vital defense mechanism of the human airway, with dysfunction associated with diseases like primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In vitro models often fail to replicate the spatial organization and MCC properties of in vivo tissues, complicating the correlation between genotype and phenotype. This study hypothesizes that a consolidated set of structural and functional parameters measured in vitro can reliably correlate PCD genotypes with MCC phenotypes. Using established in vitro models of the human airway epithelium, we identified structural and functional metrics that closely resemble those of ex vivo ciliated tissues. These parameters, including cilia beat frequency, MCC efficiency, and patterning of human airway epithelial cells, were evaluated in models using patient-derived bronchial epithelial cells harboring CCDC40 mutations co-cultured with cells from individuals without ciliary defects. Donor cells were labeled with CellTracker Green or Red and cultured at ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 (mutant: wild type). Distribution patterns were documented before airlifting, with MCC parameters assessed after 28 days of differentiation. We observed a directional decrease in MCC and, notably, an increase in CBF of WT cells as the proportion of mutant cells increased. Our findings show that these consolidated parameters closely reflect the range of MCC efficiencies found in ex vivo tissues, facilitating direct genotype-phenotype correlations for CCDC40 mutations and their effects on MCC functionality at the tissue level. This robust set of in vitro parameters enables predictive insights into the impact of specific ciliary defects associated with PCD, offering a valuable framework for evaluating therapeutic interventions for MCC-related disorders, including genetic correction strategies. Additionally, this approach holds promise for broader applications in modeling other ciliated organ systems. |
48 | Fitzpatrick, Beck E (Microbiology, Spring 26) Quantifying CCDC40 Genotype to Phenotype through Structural and Functional Parameters of In Vitro Ciliated Airway Models Mucociliary clearance (MCC) is a vital defense mechanism of the human airway, with dysfunction associated with diseases like primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In vitro models often fail to replicate the spatial organization and MCC properties of in vivo tissues, complicating the correlation between genotype and phenotype. This study hypothesizes that a consolidated set of structural and functional parameters measured in vitro can reliably correlate PCD genotypes with MCC phenotypes. Using established in vitro models of the human airway epithelium, we identified structural and functional metrics that closely resemble those of ex vivo ciliated tissues. These parameters, including cilia beat frequency, MCC efficiency, and patterning of human airway epithelial cells, were evaluated in models using patient-derived bronchial epithelial cells harboring CCDC40 mutations co-cultured with cells from individuals without ciliary defects. Donor cells were labeled with CellTracker Green or Red and cultured at ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 (mutant: wild type). Distribution patterns were documented before airlifting, with MCC parameters assessed after 28 days of differentiation. We observed a directional decrease in MCC and, notably, an increase in CBF of WT cells as the proportion of mutant cells increased. Our findings show that these consolidated parameters closely reflect the range of MCC efficiencies found in ex vivo tissues, facilitating direct genotype-phenotype correlations for CCDC40 mutations and their effects on MCC functionality at the tissue level. This robust set of in vitro parameters enables predictive insights into the impact of specific ciliary defects associated with PCD, offering a valuable framework for evaluating therapeutic interventions for MCC-related disorders, including genetic correction strategies. Additionally, this approach holds promise for broader applications in modeling other ciliated organ systems. |
48 | Wineinger, Brett J (Microbiology, Summer 26) Quantifying CCDC40 Genotype to Phenotype through Structural and Functional Parameters of In Vitro Ciliated Airway Models Mucociliary clearance (MCC) is a vital defense mechanism of the human airway, with dysfunction associated with diseases like primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In vitro models often fail to replicate the spatial organization and MCC properties of in vivo tissues, complicating the correlation between genotype and phenotype. This study hypothesizes that a consolidated set of structural and functional parameters measured in vitro can reliably correlate PCD genotypes with MCC phenotypes. Using established in vitro models of the human airway epithelium, we identified structural and functional metrics that closely resemble those of ex vivo ciliated tissues. These parameters, including cilia beat frequency, MCC efficiency, and patterning of human airway epithelial cells, were evaluated in models using patient-derived bronchial epithelial cells harboring CCDC40 mutations co-cultured with cells from individuals without ciliary defects. Donor cells were labeled with CellTracker Green or Red and cultured at ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 (mutant: wild type). Distribution patterns were documented before airlifting, with MCC parameters assessed after 28 days of differentiation. We observed a directional decrease in MCC and, notably, an increase in CBF of WT cells as the proportion of mutant cells increased. Our findings show that these consolidated parameters closely reflect the range of MCC efficiencies found in ex vivo tissues, facilitating direct genotype-phenotype correlations for CCDC40 mutations and their effects on MCC functionality at the tissue level. This robust set of in vitro parameters enables predictive insights into the impact of specific ciliary defects associated with PCD, offering a valuable framework for evaluating therapeutic interventions for MCC-related disorders, including genetic correction strategies. Additionally, this approach holds promise for broader applications in modeling other ciliated organ systems. |
49 | Bastian, Alyanne J (Health Promotion, Pre- Dietetics, Spring 25) Effects of a multimodal lifestyle intervention on cardiometabolic markers in people with progressive multiple sclerosis: A secondary analysis of a pilot study Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). MS is associated with various comorbidities, with impaired cardiometabolic health being among the most prevalent conditions. Lifestyle interventions have proven effective in managing these conditions in people without MS; however, evidence within this patient population remain sparse. Findings from a previous pilot study conducted by our team revealed that a multimodal lifestyle intervention improved lipid profile, and improvement in total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were associated with improvements in MS symptoms. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a multimodal lifestyle intervention on serum apolipoproteins (Apo), creatine kinase (CK), glucose, and insulin in people with progressive MS.
Methods: This secondary analysis of a single-arm trial included 19 individuals with progressive MS who participated in a prospective longitudinal study of a multimodal lifestyle intervention that included a modified Paleolithic diet, exercise, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, supplements, and stress reduction techniques. The diet recommended high intake of vegetables and fruits, encouraged consumption of animal and plant protein and excluded ultra-processed foods, gluten-containing grains, dairy, and eggs. A lipid profile consisting of apolipoproteins (Apo A1, B, and E), along with serum CK, glucose, and insulin were obtained at baseline and 12 months. Results: At 12 months, Apo-B significantly decreased (mean change: -7.17 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.12, 14.4; p = 0.05), while no changes were observed for Apo-A1 (mean change: -1.28 mg/dL; 95% CI: -9.76, 12.33; p = 0.80), insulin (mean change: -1.34 μIU/mL; 95% CI: -1.60, 4.30; p = 0.34), glucose (mean change: -2.51 mg/dL; 95% CI: -2.39, 7.42; p = 0.29), CK (mean change: +13.19 U/L; 95% CI: -59.11, 32.72; p = 0.55), and Apo-E (mean change: +0.12 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.52, 0.27; p = 0.51). Conclusion: A multimodal intervention including modified Paleolithic diet, exercises, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, supplements, and stress management techniques may contribute to favorable changes in apolipoproteins, CK, glucose, and insulin. These findings warrant confirmation in larger studies. |
50 | Kumar, Amiritha S (Medical Anthroplogy, Pre-med, Spring 25) Post ICU Hospitalization Outcomes Among Sepsis Survivors Functional impairment and reduced mobility during hospitalization remain critical challenges for patients recovering from sepsis, particularly when compounded by various symptoms continuing post-hospitalization. The trajectory of post-hospital mobility improvement and persistent symptoms during recovery remains poorly understood. This study followed ICU-admitted sepsis patients (n=14) from discharge through 6 months of recovery, collecting data at discharge, 1, 3, and 6 months using standardized mobility and symptom severity PROMIS measures, as well as measures of cognitive and social engagement and self-rated health. Variables were described using means and standard deviations, and change between time points analyzed using paired t-tests. Participants experienced mobility improvements following discharge, with only two cases showing decline at the 6-month mark. There were significant reductions in fatigue over time, and notable improvements in activity maintenance between months 1 and 3 post-discharge. Despite improvements in mobility, participants experienced persistent symptom burden, as pain and anxiety levels remained steady. These findings highlight the complexity of post-sepsis recovery and suggest the need for expanded research to examine why physical function may improve while other symptoms persist, potentially leading to more comprehensive recovery protocols for sepsis survivors. |
51 | Gutzman, Grace M (Microbiology, Spring 26) The Impact of High-Fat and Protein-Deficient Diets on Host Inflammatory Responses & Organ-Specific Visceral Leishmaniasis Progression Spread of the obesity epidemic to endemic regions of Brazil has illustrated that cutaneous leishmaniasis responds poorly to treatment with higher recurrence rates in obese or overweight patients (Lago, 2021). A direct link between diet-induced changes in metabolic and immune status and the manifestations of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has not been established. We hypothesized that diet-induced changes in host inflammatory profiles are important determinants of VL progression. We addressed this in a BALB/c model of VL. Mice were established on control, high fat-high cholesterol (HFHC), or low-protein (LP) diets for four weeks, then infected with 1x10^6 Leishmania infantum i.v.. Four weeks post-infection, parasite loads were quantified by qPCR of liver and splenic DNA, revealing changes in organ-specific expansion. HFHC mice had minimal parasites in the liver and increased parasites in spleens, whereas LP mice had increased parasite loads in both tissues compared to controls. Histology and RNAscope showed HFHC mouse livers had diffuse inflammation (neutrophils, macrophages) without granulomas. LP mice formed smaller granulomas, in greater numbers than controls, that leaked infiltrating leukocytes and parasites into surrounding tissue. This deviates from the phenotype observed in control mice, where inflammatory cells and parasites are predominantly contained within granulomas. Our observations suggest LP granulomas can form, but are ineffective at containing parasites, whereas the HFHC diet failed to successfully form granulomas in the liver. The tissue-specific inflammatory cell environment in livers of mice on different diets may be a determining factor in whether and where parasites survive in the host with leishmaniasis. |
52 | Hesselink, Klaertje K (Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Spring 26) Controlled synthesis of non-precious mixed metal oxides using reverse microemulsions for energy storage systems. The increasing global demand for energy necessitates the development of advanced and efficient energy storage systems. Alkali metal-oxygen (M-O₂) batteries, such as lithium-oxygen (Li-O₂), have emerged as a promising alternative to Li-ion batteries due to their exceptionally high theoretical specific energies, which stem from their unique redox chemistries. These batteries operate through the formation and breaking of chemical bonds between lithium and oxygen during discharge and charge cycles, respectively, offering the potential for significantly higher energy storage per unit mass than Li-ion batteries. However, their widespread use is hindered due to several challenges including high overpotentials, passivation of the cathode electrode, and undesirable side reactions leading to poor overall efficiency.1,2 To address these issues, our research focuses on the strategic incorporation of electrocatalysts, which can significantly enhance the efficiency of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) – representing the electrochemical processes during discharge and charge cycles, respectively.2
We specifically investigate non-precious, mixed metal oxides with tunable crystal structures, focusing on Ruddlesden-Popper (A2BO4(±δ)) and perovskite (ABO3(±δ)) oxides, where the A site metal represents La, Sr, Ca, and the B site metal represents Ni or Co. Previous work has shown that incorporating La₂NiO₄ (LNO) nanorods as cathode electrocatalysts synthesized using a reverse microemulsion technique leads to lower overpotentials and enhanced cyclability of Li-O₂ batteries.2 In this study, we optimize the reverse microemulsion synthesis method by incorporating a dual microemulsion system, facilitating extrapolation to different crystal structures and compositions. This approach allows tuning the oxide catalyst surface properties through various parameters such as the pH of the reducing agent, controlling the intermicellar exchange rate, and adjusting the oxophilicity and doping concentrations of the metals, to sustain rod-like morphology which can potentially reduce overpotentials further and enhance the overall efficiency and stability of Li-O₂ batteries. We hypothesize that utilizing a weaker reducing agent enables the formation of a dual microemulsion system, which enables a vast operational space and control over parameters that govern rod-like growth of the catalysts, compared to a single microemulsion system. Our findings highlight that the dual microemulsion technique yields distinct differences in particle aspect ratios compared to the single microemulsion method. This approach introduces greater control over nanoparticle growth, potentially enabling more precise investigations into the dynamic processes governing catalyst morphology. |
53 | Bye, Melanie A (Nursing, Fall 24) Effective Data Visualization in Symptom Management Identifying meaningful and useful data visualization graphics is essential for using tracked health data in mobile apps to improve health outcomes. An extensive reference list was reviewed to determine ideas and guides for studying health self-management data visualization efficacy. A survey of preferences and understanding of eight graphic images to communicate data with systemic evaluative criteria was created, reviewed, and tested. |
54 | Kennebeck, Heather E (Speech and Hearing Sciences, Spring 25) Stuttering Severity & its Impact on Social Anxiety in Adolescence Stuttering involves a lot more than what meets the eye. Not only is it the physical behaviors and moments of disfluency, but it’s also the social and emotional impacts that are often experienced with it. A misconception about stuttering is that it is caused by anxiety. Extant literature shows this is not true; young children near the onset of stuttering do not experience higher levels of anxiety than their typically fluent peers, indicating anxiety is not a causal factor. However, over time as young people experience regular adversity as they navigate the world with a stigmatized communication difference, they can certainly develop anxiety about social interactions. This is particularly true for adolescents who stutter, as adolescents are highly tuned into social experiences and yearn for peer acceptance. In this project, we examined the relationship between stuttering prevalence and social anxiety in adolescents who stutter. Our primary research question was: to what extent do self-rated stuttering severity, gender, and age predict their social anxiety? We hypothesized that the more adolescents overtly stutter, the greater their social anxiety would be. Data was collected during live visits with adolescents, taking place either in-person or virtually. Dataset from three different studies were compiled for the present analysis, which yielded a total of 100 adolescents between 12-19 years of age (mean=15.57, SD=2.08) including 62 males and 37 females. To assess stuttering severity, participants rated how noticeable their overt stuttering was across eight speaking situations (e.g., talking to a family member, ordering at a restaurant, saying their name) on a 9-point Likert scale (1=no stuttering, 9=extremely severe stuttering) (O’Brian et al., 2004). These ratings across all eight speaking situations were then summed for a total stuttering severity rating. To assess social anxiety, participants either filled out the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (La Greca & Lopez, 1998) or the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (Liebowitz, 1987). Due to the variability in social anxiety assessments used across participants, we standardized these scores for analysis. We used multiple linear regression to test the degree that the main effects of self-rated stuttering severity, gender, and age predicted social anxiety outcomes. Results showed that the overall regression was significant such that stuttering severity, gender, and age accounted for 14.1% of variance in social anxiety. The main effects of stuttering severity and gender were significant, with adolescents with higher stuttering severity reporting higher social anxiety, and girls who stutter reporting higher social anxiety than boys.
Previous literature investigating the link between overt stuttering severity and social-emotional outcomes have been mixed, and these findings contribute to that growing evidence base. With stuttering severity, gender, and age accounting for only ~14% of variance in social anxiety outcomes, this suggests that there are other factors that we did not capture that play an important role in social-emotional outcomes for adolescents. This motivates holistic therapeutic approaches that extend beyond a focus on fluency, which has historically dominated stuttering therapy. |
54 | Paley, Malina (Speech and Hearing Sciences, Spring 25) Stuttering Severity & its Impact on Social Anxiety in Adolescence Stuttering involves a lot more than what meets the eye. Not only is it the physical behaviors and moments of disfluency, but it’s also the social and emotional impacts that are often experienced with it. A misconception about stuttering is that it is caused by anxiety. Extant literature shows this is not true; young children near the onset of stuttering do not experience higher levels of anxiety than their typically fluent peers, indicating anxiety is not a causal factor. However, over time as young people experience regular adversity as they navigate the world with a stigmatized communication difference, they can certainly develop anxiety about social interactions. This is particularly true for adolescents who stutter, as adolescents are highly tuned into social experiences and yearn for peer acceptance. In this project, we examined the relationship between stuttering prevalence and social anxiety in adolescents who stutter. Our primary research question was: to what extent do self-rated stuttering severity, gender, and age predict their social anxiety? We hypothesized that the more adolescents overtly stutter, the greater their social anxiety would be. Data was collected during live visits with adolescents, taking place either in-person or virtually. Dataset from three different studies were compiled for the present analysis, which yielded a total of 100 adolescents between 12-19 years of age (mean=15.57, SD=2.08) including 62 males and 37 females. To assess stuttering severity, participants rated how noticeable their overt stuttering was across eight speaking situations (e.g., talking to a family member, ordering at a restaurant, saying their name) on a 9-point Likert scale (1=no stuttering, 9=extremely severe stuttering) (O’Brian et al., 2004). These ratings across all eight speaking situations were then summed for a total stuttering severity rating. To assess social anxiety, participants either filled out the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (La Greca & Lopez, 1998) or the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (Liebowitz, 1987). Due to the variability in social anxiety assessments used across participants, we standardized these scores for analysis. We used multiple linear regression to test the degree that the main effects of self-rated stuttering severity, gender, and age predicted social anxiety outcomes. Results showed that the overall regression was significant such that stuttering severity, gender, and age accounted for 14.1% of variance in social anxiety. The main effects of stuttering severity and gender were significant, with adolescents with higher stuttering severity reporting higher social anxiety, and girls who stutter reporting higher social anxiety than boys.
Previous literature investigating the link between overt stuttering severity and social-emotional outcomes have been mixed, and these findings contribute to that growing evidence base. With stuttering severity, gender, and age accounting for only ~14% of variance in social anxiety outcomes, this suggests that there are other factors that we did not capture that play an important role in social-emotional outcomes for adolescents. This motivates holistic therapeutic approaches that extend beyond a focus on fluency, which has historically dominated stuttering therapy. |
55 | O'Tool, Kate E (Neuroscience, Premed, Spring 26) Impact of carbonic anhydrase 4 (CA4) on alcohol sensitivity and tolerance in mice Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by excessive use of alcohol despite the negative consequences. A key element of AUD is the development of tolerance, whereby prolonged use of alcohol requires increasing doses to produce the same intoxicating effects. However, tolerance is relatively understudied compared to other areas of alcohol research, especially in rodent models of the illness. Previous studies by our lab indicated that acid-sensing ion channel 1A (ASIC1A), a cation channel sensitive to acidic extracellular pH, plays a novel role in alcohol responses. We found that alcohol acts directly on ASIC1A to potentiate activation by acidic pH. Further supporting an important role for ASIC1A in alcohol responses, mice lacking ASIC1A exhibited reduced sensitivity to alcohol and increased tolerance. Here, we took advantage of these observations and investigated the effects of carbonic anhydrase 4 (CA4), a pH-buffering enzyme, on alcohol sensitivity and tolerance. Our previous studies indicated that the synaptic cleft is acidified during neurotransmission, which in turn activates post-synaptic ASIC1A channels. Moreover, disrupting Car4, the gene encoding CA4, impaired synaptic pH buffering and increased ASIC1A-mediated synaptic transmission. Because loss of ASIC1A reduced alcohol sensitivity and increased tolerance, we hypothesized that increasing ASIC1A-mediated currents by deleting CA4 would have the opposite effects. To test this hypothesis, we measured mouse locomotion in the open field immediately following an intoxicating dose of alcohol (2.67g/kg). Supporting our hypothesis, the mice without CA4 (Car4-/-) were found to be more sensitive than wildtype mice to a sedating dose of alcohol. To test the development of alcohol tolerance, we subjected Car4-/- and Car4+/+ mice to five days of chronic intermittent alcohol exposure (CIE), a previously established model of alcohol tolerance. After CIE, we found that Car4-/- mice showed less tolerance (i.e. more sensitivity to alcohol) in the open field compared to Car4+/+ mice. These data suggest that the absence of CA4 imparts an increased alcohol sensitivity and lessens the development of alcohol tolerance. They raise the possibility that medications targeting CA4 may be used to affect alcohol tolerance in the treatment of AUD. |
56 | Kearney, Priya A (Speech and Hearing Sciences, Linguistics, Spring, 25) Exploring the Impact of Individual Differences and SLP Experience on Accented Speech Perception Spoken language exhibits considerable variability, both at individual and community levels (Labov, 1980). Factors such as age, linguistic context, and exposure contribute to changes in speech patterns (Hazan, 2017; Smiljanic & Bradlow, 2009; Bent & Baese-Berk, 2021). Despite advancements in speech perception theories (Kutlu et al., 2022; McMurray, 2022; Kapnoula et al., 2017), there is a gap in understanding this variability from an applied perspective, particularly in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) (see Meyer & Munson, 2021). The current approach in SLP tends to treat voices as uniform acoustic signals, overlooking ecological variation in favor of identifying pathological markers. Prior research suggests that SLPs may lose sensitivity to individual-level variation after intensive training, highlighting a disconnect between cognitive science approaches to speech perception and SLP practices (Meyer & Munson, 2021). This study aims to explore how SLP training influences speech-language pathologists' sensitivity to ecological speech variability and whether this variability is mistakenly perceived as pathological.
In this study, we will assess to what extent SLPs lower-level phonetic sensitivity predicts their perception of different accents. In this ongoing study, we have tested 30 SLP trainees. We aim to test 30 non-SLP college students. We predict that SLP trainees should show larger inability to variability due to the training they receive.
By focusing on the impact of training, we aim to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical practice, ensuring that SLPs are equipped to differentiate between natural linguistic variation and speech disorders. This research has broader implications for improving SLP training and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between linguistics and communication sciences. |
57 | Blaine, Brianna M (Human Physiology, Fall 24) Modeling Fetal Brain Impacts of Extracellular Vesicles in Pregnancy Using a Cerebral Organoid Model Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) impact 1 in 5 US children, and their incidence is rapidly rising (CDC). Previous work by our group suggests that exposure to diseases of pregnancy is a risk factor for NDD (Gumusoglu et al., 2020). However, we currently lack knowledge of mechanisms driving NDD after exposure to diseases of pregnancy and therefore are limited in treatment and prevention measures. A possible mechanism is placental extracellular vesicles (ECVs). ECV’s readily cross the placenta into fetal brain and are responsible for delivery of microRNAs to developing cells including neurons and microglia (Rosenfeld et al., 2024), and are a promising target because they are modifiable and changed in complicated pregnancies as well as NDD. The inflammatory cytokine IL-17 is associated with increased risk of NDD in offspring (Gumusoglu et al., 2020). The present study sought to: 1) determine whether chronic inflammation affected vesicle size and concentration and 2) whether aged and premature cortical-like organoids readily uptake ECVs when treated with vesicles from both diseased and healthy pregnancies. ECV's isolated from IL-17 infused pregnant dams were uptaken less readily than control ECV's, but increased cell survival and organoid growth as they matured over a 4-day treatment window. |
58 | Burba, Elisa E (English & History, Mary 25) “And They Were Roommates”: The Story of Margaret Keyes and Floy Eugenia Whitehead This presentation examines the relationship between Dr. Margaret Keyes and Dr. Floy Eugenia Whitehead to explore the spectrum of possibilities for same-sex relationships in the latter half of the 1900s. In both their professional and personal lives, these two women were seen as a pair, and family, friends, and colleagues clearly recognized a level of emotional intimacy in their relationship. Based on archival materials from the collected papers of both women contained in the Iowa Women’s Archives, this presentation builds a narrative of their life together in the context of post-World War II gender roles, the beginnings of the queer rights movement, and their work as professors at the University of Iowa. This analysis draws on theoretical frameworks proposed by previous historians who have studied same-sex relationships—both platonic and romantic—to present potential explanations for the relationship between Keyes and Whitehead. Ultimately, this presentation hopes to prove that individuals needed an outlet through which to express emotional intimacy and to show the importance of having “a person,” or someone on whom one can rely in all aspects of their life. |
59 | Schloss, Natalie E (Speech and hearing sciences, Spring 25) Social Network Analysis of Adults Who Stutter Stuttering is a social experience in which people who stutter navigate challenging interpersonal dynamics in their everyday interactions and relationships. These dynamics can have tangible consequences on their social participation, mental health, and well-being. In this talk, we will present results from a social network analysis in which we examined how the strength of stuttering support within the close relationships of adults who stutter, including stuttering openness and understanding, relates to their communication well-being and stuttering-related quality of life. |
60 | Wessels, Noah M (Physics, Math, Spring 25) Magnons in Twisted Moiré 2D Magnet In recent years, there has been an growing interest in the physics of moiré 2D materials [1]. This is mainly due to the tunability of its electronic and magnetic properties via the twisting angle between adjacent stacked layers. In this work, we study the tunability of the magnon band structure and density of states via the twisting angle between two 2D ferromagnetic honeycomb lattices [2]. This is obtained by considering both ferromagnetic intra-layer and inter-layer exchange interactions, as well as Zeeman interaction.
[4] F. He et al., ACS Nano 2021, 15, 4, (2021)
[5] Xingchuan Zhu et al 2021 Chinese Phys. B 30 077505 |
61 | Wiebke, Paige N (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Spring 25) Novel animal models of Retinitis Pigmentosa caused by mutations in a core pre-mRNA splicing factor Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a vision disorder characterized by death of photoreceptors in the retina that can result in complete blindness. RP effects 1 in 4,000 individuals and can be caused by mutations in at least 80 genes. Some of the genes encode components of the spliceosome, a macromolecular protein complex that splices per-mRNAs into mature mRNAs. This splicing process removes introns and joins exons to generate mature mRNAs. SNRNP200 is a core component of the spliceosome. A novel mutation in the SNRNP200 gene was identified in a patient with RP. We call this mutation “Bigfoot” because it is rarely seen in the population at large. In addition to the Bigfoot mutation, there are 16 additional mutations in the SNRNP200 gene that have been found to be pathogenic or predicted to be likely pathogenic. We have generated Drosophila (fruit fly) and mouse models possessing the Bigfoot mutation as well as a mouse that lacks the SNRNP200 gene in photoreceptors. We are using these models to understand the cause of death of the photoreceptors and to develop therapies. |
62 | Kellum, Peyton N (Speech and Hearing Science, Spring 25) Psychological Well-Being of People Who Stutter: A Meta-Analysis With this meta-analysis, we investigate disparities in psychological well-being between people who stutter and those who do not. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, we synthesized findings from 112 studies to elucidate the nuanced relationship between stuttering and psychosocial outcomes across the lifespan. Our analysis evaluated various dimensions of psychological well-being including emotions, self-perceptions, communication well-being, global well-being, and quality of life. By systematically aggregating data across diverse populations, methodologies, and measures, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the psychological implications of stuttering. Our results indicate that people who stutter have significantly lower psychological well-being than fluent speakers- a group difference that was not moderated by individuals’ age, gender, or continent they lived in. Across development, the greatest group differences in psychological well-being were apparent for adolescents. When we looked at the specific components of psychological well-being, people who stutter tended to have higher levels of anxiety, depression, and negative communication attitudes compared to fluent speakers. They also tended to have lower levels of self-efficacy and quality of life. People who stutter face unique mental health challenges. There are a constellation of factors that influence how stutterers experience and cope with navigating a stigmatized communication difference. Our results highlight the need for holistic, comprehensive supports and allyship. |
62 | Kushner, Ashley G (Speech and Hearing Science, Spring 26) Psychological Well-Being of People Who Stutter: A Meta-Analysis With this meta-analysis, we investigate disparities in psychological well-being between people who stutter and those who do not. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, we synthesized findings from 112 studies to elucidate the nuanced relationship between stuttering and psychosocial outcomes across the lifespan. Our analysis evaluated various dimensions of psychological well-being including emotions, self-perceptions, communication well-being, global well-being, and quality of life. By systematically aggregating data across diverse populations, methodologies, and measures, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the psychological implications of stuttering. Our results indicate that people who stutter have significantly lower psychological well-being than fluent speakers- a group difference that was not moderated by individuals’ age, gender, or continent they lived in. Across development, the greatest group differences in psychological well-being were apparent for adolescents. When we looked at the specific components of psychological well-being, people who stutter tended to have higher levels of anxiety, depression, and negative communication attitudes compared to fluent speakers. They also tended to have lower levels of self-efficacy and quality of life. People who stutter face unique mental health challenges. There are a constellation of factors that influence how stutterers experience and cope with navigating a stigmatized communication difference. Our results highlight the need for holistic, comprehensive supports and allyship. |
62 | Schloss, Natalie E (Speech and Hearing Science, Spring 25) Psychological Well-Being of People Who Stutter: A Meta-Analysis With this meta-analysis, we investigate disparities in psychological well-being between people who stutter and those who do not. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, we synthesized findings from 112 studies to elucidate the nuanced relationship between stuttering and psychosocial outcomes across the lifespan. Our analysis evaluated various dimensions of psychological well-being including emotions, self-perceptions, communication well-being, global well-being, and quality of life. By systematically aggregating data across diverse populations, methodologies, and measures, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the psychological implications of stuttering. Our results indicate that people who stutter have significantly lower psychological well-being than fluent speakers- a group difference that was not moderated by individuals’ age, gender, or continent they lived in. Across development, the greatest group differences in psychological well-being were apparent for adolescents. When we looked at the specific components of psychological well-being, people who stutter tended to have higher levels of anxiety, depression, and negative communication attitudes compared to fluent speakers. They also tended to have lower levels of self-efficacy and quality of life. People who stutter face unique mental health challenges. There are a constellation of factors that influence how stutterers experience and cope with navigating a stigmatized communication difference. Our results highlight the need for holistic, comprehensive supports and allyship. |
63 | Tinman, Maggie (Biology, Fall 24) Functional tagged version of the DNA damage repair protein RAD-51 DNA damage is any change resulting in a chemically altered structure of DNA with the most detrimental form of damage being a double-stranded break (DSB). One of the main DSB repair pathways is homologous recombination (HR). During meiosis, SPO-11 induced DSBs are repaired via HR to allow homologous chromosomes to form crossovers that are essential for the successful segregation of chromosomes in the first meiotic division. RAD-51 is a highly conserved, essential HR protein that catalyzes the strand invasion to the homologous sequences resulting in both crossover and non-crossover outcomes. Following strand invasion, RAD-54.L is a translocase responsible for removing RAD-51 filaments so recombination can continue. A chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) for RAD51, or its ortholog Dmc1, is a frequently used tool for the identification of DSB sites. However, there is no reagent that allows for the reproducible isolation of RAD-51 in ChIP in the model organism C. elegans. The goal of our research has been to epitope tag C. elegans RAD-51 with a ChIP-compatible tag such that the protein is fully functional and worms that carry this allele maintain a wild type phenotype. To this end, we created multiple epitope tagged versions of RAD-51 that resulted in different functionality. To start, we characterize several strains including GFP::rad-51, rad-51::FLAG and rad-51::linker::FLAG. These alleles display slowed repair kinetics resulting in an accumulation of RAD-51 foci into late pachytene. GFP::rad-51 shows an extended region of phosphorylate serine 8 of SUN-1 (pSUN-1) indicating checkpoint activation as well as a decrease in nuclei with the wildtype number of 6 OLLAS::COSA-1 foci. The rad-51::FLAG mutants stall at the point of RAD-51 filament disassembly as a proximity ligation assay reveals an enrichment of the RAD-51/RAD-54.L::HA PLA foci into late pachytene. Our results suggest RAD-51 filament removal is slowed in these mutants. Data from our lab suggests the rad-51::FLAG allele has a slightly milder phenotype than GFP::rad-51 as these mutants ultimately form 6 COs denoted by GFP::COSA-1 foci by the end of late pachytene, though neither allele yields full functionality. To discern whether RAD-51 can remain functional with an internal FLAG (iFLAG) tag in the N terminus region, we subsequently generated the iFLAG1 step 1, iFLAG1 step 2, and iFLAG2::rad-51 strains. In comparing FLAG foci counts of the three strains to the standard wildtype RAD-51 foci counts, it was shown that the iFLAG2::rad-51 allele yields a wildtype level of localization throughout the germline. OLLAS::COSA-1 foci counts reveal that most nuclei in the iFLAG1::rad-51 and iFLAG2::rad-51 mutants have the wildtype of 6 foci by the end of late pachytene. Our data suggests that the iFLAG2::rad-51 mutants have a wild-type phenotype in the HR pathway based on FLAG and GFP::COSA-1 foci counts. Using this tagged version of RAD-51 that shows a wild-type phenotype in HR, we aim to visualize the steps of meiosis by characterizing where in the HR pathway the past defective tagged RAD-51 strains stall. |
64 | Goodman, Bailey L (Public Health, Interdepartmental Studies, Spring 25) Exploring Motivation for Heart Failure Symptom Self-management: A Qualitative Study Introduction: Individuals are motivated to change their behaviors by various internal and external factors, and several theories seek to explain this phenomenon. One such framework is the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), developed by Deci and Ryan, which emphasizes the importance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in influencing behavior. Understanding the drivers behind older adults’ motivations to manage their HF symptoms is crucial for preventing exacerbations and reducing unnecessary hospital admissions. However, research examining the antecedents of motivational behaviors for HF symptom self-management has not yet been developed.
Aims: This study investigated the factors that influence the type of motivation for psychological (i.e., anxiety and depression) and physical (i.e., edema and fatigue) symptom self-management decisions for older adults with HF, and personal goals with the adoption of self-care behaviors.
Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with ten individuals 65 years or older, all diagnosed with HF and hospitalized in a cardiac care unit in the UIHC. The research team developed an interview guide to standardize data collection about intrinsic, extrinsic, and amotivation factors, and health beliefs for HF symptom self-management. All interviews were audio recorded with verbatim transcription. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo software to identify key themes.
Results: Ten hospitalized patients agreed to participate in the study with a mean age of 79.1 years. All were Caucasian and English speakers, with 80% notably being former smokers. Educational attainment ranged from 8th grade (n=1; 10%) to doctoral degrees (n=2; 20%), and common comorbidities included Type 2 diabetes (n=3; 30%), , hypertension (n=2; 20%), sleep apnea (n=4; 40%), and other heart conditions (n=3; 30%) . Most participants (90%) were retired, and half had family caregivers. The main motivations for HF self-care were avoiding the consequences of the condition and related limitations. Moreover, individuals reported the desire to be responsible for their own lives to feel proud of their previous health conditions. The most prevalent strategies to manage anxiety besides contacting a healthcare provider were accepting the health situation, engaging in some activity to distract from anxious thoughts, and taking medicine. For depression, common themes for symptom management strategies were calling someone, going for a walk, followed by crying, petting animals, and focusing on what needs to be done. Edema management strategies included movement, leg elevation, medication, and dietary changes, while fatigue was primarily addressed with rest and low-intense physical activity. Self-care motivation was mainly intrinsic, driven by a desire to maintain independence, avoid limitations, and sustain quality of life. Personal goals with the adoption of self-care behaviors included enjoying family, taking care of them, and having a good quality of life.
Conclusions: The findings suggest intrinsic motivation is key in driving self-care behaviors, with autonomy and quality of life as primary priorities. While many factors play into the symptom self-management decision of older adults, the results of this study can inform healthcare providers how to best motivate patients to manage symptoms, avoid future hospitalizations, and improve quality of life.
Keywords: heart failure, motivation, self-determination theory, and symptom management. |
65 | Bayless, Brooke S (Biology, Spring 25) The Role of the rnh-1.2 Gene in C. elegans Meiosis The rnh-1.2 gene is one of multiple genes in C. elegans that codes for one orthologue of the protein called RNaseH1, which functions to remove the RNA from the RNA-DNA hybrids in R-loops. My previous work in the lab has shown that the rnh-1.0 rnh-2 double mutants (deficient in RNaseH2 and a different ortholog of RNaseH1) had a higher number of chromosome fragments and a shorter average chromosome length than the rnh-1.0 rnh-1.2 rnh-2 triple mutants in oocytes. The presence of fragments was previously attributed to formation of DNA double stranded breaks (DSBs) during replication that are transmitted to nuclei entering meiosis and are not repaired. We studied expression of RAD-51 proteins to visualize and measure DSB formation in the rnh mutants. RAD-51 binds ssDNA created at DSBs. It was found that the rnh-1.0 rnh-1.2 rnh-2 triple mutants had fewer RAD-51 foci than the rnh 1.0 rnh-2 double mutants in the late stages of the DSB repair. We also measured the number of sperm in rnh mutants to test if rnh-1.2 influences the successful production of gametes. The results showed that the rnh-1.0 rnh-1.2 rnh-2 triple mutants had a higher number of sperm than the rnh-1.0 rnh-2 double mutants. We therefore suggest that the rnh-1.2 gene encodes for a protein that contributes to fragment formation or prevents DSB resolution in the absence of functional rnh-1.0 rnh-2 genes. |
66 | Donnelly, Emma (Speech & Hearing Science, Spring 25) Social-Emotional Outcomes of K-12 Students with Communication Disorders: A Meta-Analysis Given how central communication is to one’s personhood, cultural identity, and social belonging, students with communication differences and disorders often experience a range of social-emotional effects due to repeated difficulties with understanding and/or being understood. Research shows that children with a variety of communication disorders experience greater social-emotional issues compared to typically developing peers. For example, children with speech sound disorders are often teased (McLeod et al., 2013) and those who stutter often harbor negative attitudes about communication (Guttormsen et al., 2015). Children with developmental language disorder have smaller peer groups (Chen et al., 2020) and those with hearing loss report lower levels of social competence (Stevenson et al., 2015). Across the board, these children tend to experience higher levels of anxiety than typically developing peers (Bernard et al., 2022; Lewis et al., 2016; Samson et al., 2020; Theunissen et al., 2010) and be victimized by peers (Hughes, 2014). There are individual differences in how children with communication disorders cope with communicative adversity. Some may internalize or externalize their frustrations with interpersonal situations (Peterson et al., 2013). Internalizing behaviors may look like reduced participation in class activities, minimal talking, distress during public speaking, difficulty concentrating on communication tasks, and withdrawal during social activities. Students may externalize their frustration through off-task behaviors, refusal to participate, and aggression. Overall, the real-world impact of communication disorders on young people poses serious threats to personal well-being, social engagement, and educational/vocational fulfillment. When there is a large body of research on a given topic, it is important to periodically synthesize the evidence to gain clarity, particularly when the results have been varied (Gurevitch et al., 2018). By pooling data from multiple studies, meta-analysis enhances statistical power, increases precision in estimating effects, identifies patterns or trends across studies, and evaluates the consistency and generalizability of findings. Additionally, meta-analysis enables us to explore potential sources of variability between studies and to conduct subgroup analyses to examine how different factors may influence the results. While there are many studies that investigate the social-emotional correlates of specific communication disorders (e.g., stuttering, developmental language disorder, hearing loss), the social-emotional outcomes associated with the broader population of students served by SLPs has yet to be systematically analyzed and quantified. The purpose of this study is to synthesize empirical evidence that compares social-emotional outcomes between K-12 students with and without speech, language, and/or hearing challenges across oral and written modalities. Our research questions are as follows: (1) To what degree do communication disorders affect social-emotional health for K-12 students? (2) Among K-12 students who have a communication disorder, to what degree does the type of communication disorder affect their social-emotional health? And (3) Among K-12 students who have a communication disorder, to what degree do individual differences in age, gender, and therapy history predict social-emotional health? |
67 | Hilliard, Megan G (Psychology, 5/14/22) Building Representative Normative Data for Brain-Aging Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention (RER): A Preliminary Exploration It is unclear why certain treatment approaches for mitigating age-related decline in brain health are more effective for some individuals than others. Historically, influential clinical trial research often referenced for intervention and treatment development, has predominately succeeded in recruiting individuals that self-report as White, highly educated, and female. As a result of this selective sampling, the generalizability, internal and external validity, as well as public health data and policy is threatened. To amend the research-practice gap demonstrating the historical exclusion of minoritized communities in clinical trials, we assessed local Johnson and Linn County community members on their attitudes and beliefs towards clinical trial participation (n=62). Utilizing the attitudinal survey developed by Dr. Jonathan Jackson and colleagues (2020), we set out to establish a robust normative sample to enhance future recruitment, engagement, and retention (RER) efforts, ensuring sustainable and inclusive participation in clinical trials research. Key findings broadly demonstrate the variation, in effective RER efforts across the various intersections of race and ethnicity, gender identity, age, and more. Future directions to increase representative sampling will focus on establishing partnerships with local community outreach programs, organizations, and businesses, to facilitate face-to-face interactions beyond that of traditional community events. |
68 | Berther, Olivia A (Speech and Hearing Sciences, Spring 25) On the Road to Rhotics: Rhotic Productions by Spanish English Bilingual Children Cross-linguistic differences are expected to influence the production of later-acquired sounds, such as the rhotic consonants, trill /r/ and tap /ɾ/ in Spanish and approximant /ɹ/ in English for Spanish-English bilingual children. (Menke, 2017; Crowes, 2020). These phonemes have shared characteristics which subject them to interaction in bilinguals. This study examines rhotic productions of two Spanish-English bilingual children (ages 6;11 and 7;5) with suspected phonological delay, aiming to add insight into the acquisition and development of these later-developing phonemes across two languages in school-age bilingual children. Participants completed single-word elicitation probes in English and Spanish. Productions of target rhotic were transcribed and analyzed for phonetic, phonological, and acoustic characteristics. Each child’s productions were analyzed separately, and results are discussed as they relate to the representation of bilingual phonological systems, cross-linguistic transfer, and implications for speech-language assessment. Analysis of substitution and omission patterns reveal differences across children and within their two languages and evidence of cross-linguistic transfer. |
69 | Harris, Samm R (Psychology, Spring 25) Mothers’ and Fathers’ Mind-Mindedness & Attunement Across Time Parental mind-mindedness (MM) is an increasingly popular theoretical construct in developmental psychology that captures a caregiver’s tendency to view their infant as an autonomous psychological agent with his or her own mental states (Aldrich et al., 2021; McMahon & Bernier, 2017; Meins, 1997). This construct complements existing measures of parental sensitivity by examining the accuracy of the parent’s comments on the child’s thoughts, feelings, desires, and preferences. Parental MM comments are categorized as appropriate, accurately aligned with the child’s current mental state, or non-attuned, misaligned or inaccurate (Meins & Fernyhough, 2015), a judgment based on the child’s behavior and the situational context during real-time interactions between the parent and child. Although research on parental MM has grown rapidly, no studies have assessed MM more than once, in mothers and fathers. Addressing this gap, this exploratory investigation examined both parents’ appropriate and non-attuned MM comments when children were 8 months and again at 16 months in a longitudinal study of 200 community families (96 girls) during naturalistic interactions. Several statistically significant findings add to the literature. Both parents’ use of appropriate MM was stable over time and increased from 8 to 16 months. Additionally, fathers decreased their use of non-attuned MM over time. At both times, mothers made more appropriate MM comments than fathers. Within the same family, the use of appropriate MM correlated across parents. The results of this exploratory study inform the still-growing literature on how parents adapt their mind-minded speech to the developmental changes in the child. |
70 | DeCoste, Madeline (History, English & Creative Writing, Spring 25) “Disposal of the Body Would Be No Problem”: Situating MKULTRA Within Cold War Military Strategy This thesis analyzes MKULTRA in the context of World War II and early Cold War military strategy. MKULTRA, the Central Intelligence Agency’s program of nonconsensual and unwitting human experimentation, sought primarily chemical methods of brainwashing in an attempt to keep up with the perceived technology of the Soviet Union and China. Military strategy, meanwhile, attempted to remove human error and emotions from operations in order to prevent decisions from being made out of fear, a method historians have termed “Cold War rationality.” A concurrent rise in the capability of computers assisted in this mechanization of war, and gave rise to two clashing concepts: machines that could pass for human through their unpredictability, and humans that behaved like machines in their total obedience. By applying these ideas of rationality and mechanization, MKULTRA appears less surprising than it does at first glance. Brainwashing as the CIA tried to create it was rational as the government defined it, removing the human element of war by removing it from soldiers. The inherent divide between humans and machines, however, ultimately led to MKULTRA’s many failures. This thesis draws from declassified documents, Congressional reports and testimony, newspaper coverage, medical and computing papers, and interviews with MKULTRA participants. |
71 | Alemao, Caryssa Marie (Biology and Pharmacology, Spring 26) Evaluating sexual dimorphism of catecholamine-o-methyltransferase in the dorsal raphe nucleus and the locus coeruleus. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is an enzyme that breaks down the catecholamine neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. Human genetic studies and post-mortem protein analyses have shown that heightened COMT activity and expression are associated with substance use disorders, gambling addiction, and anxiety phenotypes. COMT expression is highly heterogenous, differing greatly between males and females in both human and animal models. Our previous work using acute mouse brain slices has shown that serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) are innervated by noradrenaline terminals from the locus coeruleus (LC) and are excited through binding of noradrenaline to the alpha-1 adrenergic receptor (alpha1-AR), which stimulates an excitatory post synaptic current (alpha1-AR EPSC). Further, pharmacological inhibition of COMT in the DRN increased the amplitude of the alpha1-AR EPSC, with brain slices from female mice showing a greater augmentation in amplitude when compared to brain slices from male mice, suggesting COMT is a sex-dependent negative modulator of the alpha1-AR EPSC. While COMT is well studied in dopamine circuits, much less is known about its expression within the noradrenaline circuits of the DRN. To determine whether COMT expression differed between males and females, we immunostained fixed brain slices for COMT in serotonin neurons in the DRN and noradrenaline neurons in the LC. The data shows that COMT is localized in serotonin neurons in the DRN and noradrenaline neurons in the LC. We found COMT is expressed both extracellularly and intracellularly in the DRN and the LC. We quantified the intensity of immunostaining by defining regions of interest and then measuring signal intensity. COMT signal intensity between brain slices from males and females will be discussed in the context of the electrophysiological results. |
72 | Hoambrecker, Cade M (Chemistry, Spring 24) Synthesis of nickel phosphide on carbon black for green hydrogen production Bulk nickel phosphide was deposited on inexpensive carbon black supports to improve or maintain water splitting activity with less catalyst. To do this, nickel chloride was deposited on carbon black supports with varying amounts in an ethanol solution. NiP2/C was then formed through a reaction of nickel chloride on carbon with red phosphorus via solid state glass ampoule reactions. These powders were then characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The reactions produce crystalline NiP2/C with nominally 5-25% mol% of NiP2 on carbon black. The water-splitting activity of these catalysts were then found using electrochemical experiments such as linear sweep voltammetry. NiP2/C are stable in acid and was found to achieve 10mA cm-2 current density near ~115 mV. The lower content NiP2/C composites show similar activity to bulk NiP2. |
73 | Kaufmann, Cole E (Psychology, Bachelor of Science, Spring 25) Quality of Children’s Attachment to Mothers and Fathers at Toddler Age and Willingness to Follow Parental Requests at Preschool Age The concept of attachment security, a biobehavioral system providing infants with confidence in protection from threat and stress, has been expanded to encompass the role of security in promoting children’s future willingness to embrace the caregiver’s socialization rules and values. We report the findings from a longitudinal study of 200 infants (96 girls) who were followed to preschool age. When they were 16 months old, we assessed their security with mothers and fathers in the Strange Situation Paradigm, and when they were 52 months old, we observed their willingness to follow the parents’ requests during toy cleanup with the parent present (committed compliance in toy cleanup with parent), without the parent (internalized compliance in toy cleanup alone), and while engaged in a parent-requested boring task, with distracting attractive toys available (internalized compliance while alone with distractions). All three measures of children’s willingness to follow parental requests were significantly correlated across the two parent-child relationships. Children’s committed compliance with the parent in toy cleanup was significantly correlated with their internalized compliance in toy cleanup alone. As expected, secure children were more willing to follow parental requests, but the findings differed for mother- and father-child dyads. In mother-child dyads, secure children scored significantly higher than insecure children on committed compliance in toy cleanup. In father-child dyads, secure children scored significantly higher than insecure children on internalized compliance while alone with distractions. |
74 | Stephens, Nathan (Human Physiology, Spring 26) ULK1/2-Mediated Autophagy Activation in Skeletal Muscle During Immobilization Purpose: Limb immobilization due to bone fracture, for example, yearly affects over 170 million people worldwide and ~7 million people in the U.S. alone. Muscle atrophy is an inevitable outcome of immobilization negatively impacting overall health. Autophagy, a critical process that degrades damaged organelles and proteins, is stimulated during immobilization contributing to muscle atrophy. UNC-51-like Autophagy-Activating Kinases 1 and 2 (ULK1/2) are crucial for regulating autophagy initiation through the phosphorylation of other proteins. We have previously demonstrated that ULK1/2 proteins are enriched and serve as key regulators of autophagy in skeletal muscle. However, while significant progress has been made in elucidating the hierarchical interactions among autophagy-related proteins (ATG) proteins during normal settings, the specific roles of ULK1/2 substrates in autophagy activation during conditions leading to muscle atrophy remain unclear. Methods: Studies were conducted in mice with skeletal muscle-specific knockout of ULK1 and ULK2 (i.e., ULK1/2 skmDKO). For the immobilization (or disuse) model, a unilateral immobilization technique utilizing skin staples induced muscle atrophy, explicitly targeting the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle for 3 and 7 days. Results: Immobilization increased the phosphorylation of Beclin 1 (S15 and S30) but not Atg16 (S249), all of which are phosphorylated by ULKs and were prevented in ULK1/2 skmDKO. A third putative target of ULKs, Atg14 (S29), was not affected by immobilization or altered in ULK1/2 skmDKO. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that ULK1 and ULK2 target Beclin 1 (S15 and S30) and Atg16 (S249) in skeletal muscle, but not Atg 14 (S29). Furthermore, our results suggest that only the Beclin 1 sites are involved in the stimulation of autophagy and atrophy of muscle during immobilization. These observations unveil new specific atrophic signals in immobilized skeletal muscle that may be exploited as therapeutic targets to reduce muscle waste and accelerate recovery in immobilized patients. Supported by NIH R56AG080101 to VAL. |
75 | Thompson, Samantha G (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fall 24) Assessing the Role of Sodium Channel Fast-Inactivation in the Mechanism of Aryl/Acyl- Sulfonamide Inhibition Regulation of voltage gated sodium channel (VGSC) fast inactivation is critical for electrically excitable tissues, with defects leading to dramatically altered cellular excitability. Aryl/acyl- sulfonamides are next generation VGSC modulators that potently inhibit VGSCs with isoform specificity and are being developed for the treatment of epilepsy and pain. In this study we investigate the NaV1.7 specific arylsulfonamide GX-674 and its dependence on fast inactivation for channel inhibition. GX-674 binds to the activated DIV S4 segment, which is thought to trap the channel in a fast inactivated state. We have generated a NaV1.5/1.7 chimeric channel with NaV1.5 function and expression and NaV1.7 affinity for GX-674. We have assessed the requirement of GX-674 for fast inactivation using NaV1.5/1.7 chimeric channel variants which are deficient in fast inactivation. These constructs further incorporate the C373Y mutation which renders them sensitive to tetrodotoxin (TTX), giving us the ability to probe pore conformation via TTX affinity. NaV1.5/1.7F1586Q (IQM) channels show a 100-fold decrease in GX-674 affinity (IC50 IFM 0.43nM, IQM 64.87 nM) with a persistent current partially resistant to inhibition. Similar decreases in affinity are seen with âinactivation gateâ variants in DIII S6(I1453A/I1457A - 31.99 nM) and DIV S6 (I1768A/L1772A - 3.05 nM), but these channels can be fully inhibited. The non-inactivating D1S6 L409C/A410W (CW) mutant retains GX-674 affinity but cannot be fully inhibited. However, this GX-resistant current displays decreased TTX sensitivity, suggesting coupling between GX inhibition and the selectivity filter. These findings show that GX-674 requires fast inactivation for efficacious channel inhibition, however additional mechanisms may be required to explain the observed inhibition of non-fast inactivating currents. Further studies will assess this possibility by analyzing single channel conductance and probing selectivity filter conformation with pore blocking agents. |
76 | Ismail, Shafa S (Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Spring 26) Spatial transcriptomics to identify genetic mediators of neuronal dysfunction in Alcohol Use Disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are tightly correlated, and serotonergic dysfunction may mediate this relationship. The largest of the serotonergic nuclei is the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), which is implicated in sleep regulation, anxiety, and depression. Here, we separately use the Xenium spatial transcriptomics platform to identify genetic components associated with EtOH administration, and the Visium Spatial Gene Expression platform to identify genetic components associated with selective vulnerability of neurons to AD pathology. Methods: We used Xenium to identify DRN transcriptomic changes, EtOH vs H2O 8-week challenge, in C57BL6/J mice aged 16 weeks (6 males each). We used Visium to identify DRN transcriptomic changes, htau vs C57BL6/J aged 16 weeks (4 male each). We used RNAscope and immunofluorescence to validate findings of interest. Results: The DRN of EtOH-administered mice differentially expresses several neurotransmitter-related genes in specific serotonin neuron subtypes. The DRN of htau mice differentially expresses several AD-related genes. Transcriptomic sub-clustering of the DRN aligns with previous characterizations, identifying distinct DRN subregions. Of these, the centromedial DRN differentially expression ion channel genes, which may underlie the changes in neuronal excitability seen in early- and late-stage AD. Conclusions: DRN dysfunction contributes to several prodromal AD symptoms, which may be mediated by changes in gene expression. RNAscope validation of “genes of interest” and electrophysiology assessment of centromedial serotonin neurons is ongoing. Funding: Iowa Neuroscience Institute RPOE Award, NIH NIA R01 AG070841, NIH T32 NS045549, NIH NIA F32 1F32AG084196-01A1 |
76 | Feller, Alexander J (Biomedical Engineering, Spring 25) Spatial transcriptomics to identify genetic mediators of neuronal dysfunction in Alcohol Use Disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are tightly correlated, and serotonergic dysfunction may mediate this relationship. The largest of the serotonergic nuclei is the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), which is implicated in sleep regulation, anxiety, and depression. Here, we separately use the Xenium spatial transcriptomics platform to identify genetic components associated with EtOH administration, and the Visium Spatial Gene Expression platform to identify genetic components associated with selective vulnerability of neurons to AD pathology. Methods: We used Xenium to identify DRN transcriptomic changes, EtOH vs H2O 8-week challenge, in C57BL6/J mice aged 16 weeks (6 males each). We used Visium to identify DRN transcriptomic changes, htau vs C57BL6/J aged 16 weeks (4 male each). We used RNAscope and immunofluorescence to validate findings of interest. Results: The DRN of EtOH-administered mice differentially expresses several neurotransmitter-related genes in specific serotonin neuron subtypes. The DRN of htau mice differentially expresses several AD-related genes. Transcriptomic sub-clustering of the DRN aligns with previous characterizations, identifying distinct DRN subregions. Of these, the centromedial DRN differentially expression ion channel genes, which may underlie the changes in neuronal excitability seen in early- and late-stage AD. Conclusions: DRN dysfunction contributes to several prodromal AD symptoms, which may be mediated by changes in gene expression. RNAscope validation of “genes of interest” and electrophysiology assessment of centromedial serotonin neurons is ongoing. Funding: Iowa Neuroscience Institute RPOE Award, NIH NIA R01 AG070841, NIH T32 NS045549, NIH NIA F32 1F32AG084196-01A1 |
77 | Shima, Ree (Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering, Spring, 26) Fabrication of porous ceramic structure utilizing SLA, Stereolithography The calcium phosphates (i.e. TCP, BCP and HP) are known to be one of the most prominent bioceramics and are found uses in design of many implantable medical devices such as dental implant, bone scaffolding or artificial bone substitute. Fabrication of such devices often involves very complex geometrical features to be realized, which includes designed porous substructure to facilitate the cell proliferation process. This on-going research project aims to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the ways in which the SLA incorporates porosity into stock material and the subsequent sintering process by which the size of the pores is controlled. |
78 | MacKellar, Eleanor C (Psychology, Spring 26) Congruencies and Incongruencies Between Parent and Child Reports of Youth Mental Health Introduction: With the increasing prevalence of mental health problems in adolescents, it becomes highly important how parental and youth reports of mental health problems may differ, especially because parents are typically responsible for seeking proper mental health care for their children. Previous research reveals varying effect sizes of correlations between parent and child reports of mental health. The ultimate goal of the present project is to examine congruencies and incongruencies between parent and youth self-reports of mental health problems with respect to 1) mental health domains, 2) age, sex, and puberty status of the child, and 3) presence of parental mental illness. Methods: Data collection is ongoing. Parents and children were recruited for a larger study investigating the effects of social media use on sleep and mental health. Our preliminary report is based on 41 participants (24 F/17 M, 12-17 yrs, mean age =14.4) and their parents (34 F/7 M, all biological mothers or fathers). The study includes an in-person baseline assessment of mental health encompassing a structured clinical interview (Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia – computerized version) and the following self and parent reports of mental health: Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment Youth Self Report (YSR) scale, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) scale, the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS). We calculated intraclass correlations to compare parent and self-reports. Results: We observed low correlations between parent and child reports on the RCADS Generalized Anxiety Disorder subscale, the RCADS Specific Phobia subscale, the RCADS Panic Disorder subscale, and moderate correlation on the RCADS Separation Anxiety subscale. RCADS Total Score was low as well as the correlation for the Anxious/Depressed subscale of the CBCL/YSR. There are stronger correlations with female parents than with male, and with female participants over male. Conclusion: Our preliminary analyses reveal low to moderate congruency between parent and child reports of anxiety symptoms. Future plans include examining the psychiatric domain specificity of congruence between self and parent reports as well as the effects of demographic variables of interest. |
79 | Ryan, Sydney (Microbiology, Spring 25) Investigating the influence of serotonin on spontaneous time-of-day-related seizure mortality in the Scn1aR1407X/+ mouse model of Dravet Syndrome. Background: Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in individuals with medically refractory epilepsy. The mechanisms leading to SUDEP are poorly understood, but the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) has been implicated due to its role in the regulation of breathing, arousal, and influence on seizure severity and mortality. SUDEP occurs more frequently during the nighttime, and levels are lowest during the night in both humans and nocturnal rodents. The Scn1aR1407X/+ mouse model of Dravet Syndrome experiences spontaneous seizures early in life and has a high rate of seizure-associated mortality. Fatal seizures occur more often during the nighttime, consistent with human SUDEP observations and other nocturnal mouse models of seizure-associated death. Preliminary evidence from our lab has shown that mice lacking central nervous system 5-HT neurons have high seizure-induced mortality regardless of time of day. Rationale: Oscillating levels of 5-HT throughout the twenty-four-hour day may influence risk of seizure-associated death. The aim of this study is to determine the role of 5-HT in time-of-day-dependent seizure mortality in a mouse model of spontaneous seizure-associated death. The depletion of 5-HT will eliminate the time-of-day rhythm that is associated with seizure mortality. Methods: Scn1aR1407X/+ mice were individually housed in cages outfitted with motion detectors and video monitored chronic monitoring to identify spontaneous seizure-associated death. Mice received injection of para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) or a volume-matched saline injection for five consecutive days or until experiencing a fatal seizure. PCPA is an irreversible tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor, significantly reducing 5-HT after repeated injections. Future directions include using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure levels of 5-HT in the brain post fatal seizure with the hopes of understanding how low levels nighttime 5-HT increase risk of seizure-associated death could set the stage for novel chronotherapeutic strategies to reduce risk of SUDEP for people living with epilepsy. |
80 | Castellano, Adriana E (Biology, Business, Spring 27) Putting Snails to Sleep for Science: Refining Anesthesia Techniques for Regeneration Research Potamopyrgus, a product of freshwater snails native to New Zealand, is utilized in evolutionary and biological research. To reduce pain and stress during experimentation, an anesthetic solution has been developed. This solution aids in precise severing of the tentacles of Potamopyrgus, which are monitored in regrowth over a period of one to two weeks. Through variations in ploidy, nutritional intake, and genetic lineage, we can assess which factors contribute to the most rapid regeneration of tentacles. |
81 | Heitman, Augustin (Physics, Astronomy, Math, Summer 26) Use of CAEN DT5790 Module in Data Acquisition from Muon Telescopes An overview of the CAEN DT5790 hardware and associated software in the use of detecting muons. Muons have great use in many different fields of study beyond physics, such as science outreach, archaeology, and anatomy. The CAEN DT5790 has immense flexibility to fit many situations and use cases, adapting to the needs of these different fields. I show an example of how the module could be used to detect muons. |
82 | Goettel, Ava J (Nursing, Fall 27) Physical Activity, Sleep, and 24 Hour Activity Rhythms in Older Adults Background: The older adult population suffers from decreased sleep time and efficiency partly due to reduced or changes in physical activity levels and patterns as they age. Adequate physical activity and sleep, as well as consistent 24-hour rest-activity rhythms, are known to lead to better health outcomes for individuals. Yet, the relationships across physical activity, sleep, and 24-hour rest-activity rhythms are unclear. Objective: Find the relationship between physical activity, sleep, and 24-hour rest-activity rhythms. Methods: We examined 52 older adults (52% female (n=27)) with an average age of 70.33 (SD= 6.35) years. The actigraphy watches (Philips Respironics) measured the physical activity, sleep, and 24-hour rest-activity rhythms. Results: Results indicated increased mean physical activity is associated with reduced wake after sleep onset and more consistent rest-activity rhythms but not the total sleep time, bedtime, or get-up time. Conclusion: Physical activity may be related to better sleep quality and more consistent 24-hour rest activity rhythms, but not with sleep quantity of timing of sleep onset or offset. Future research should focus on different biomarkers and zeitgebers using larger and more diverse sample, and prospective design. |
83 | Frederick, Henry W (Geoscience, Environmental Science, Summer 25) Monitoring Transient Changes in High-Resolution Vertical Gradients to Improve Hydrostratigraphic Units for Glaciogenic Sediments at a Contaminated Site Depth discrete and detailed profiles of hydraulic head (i.e., high-resolution head profiles) provide insight into changes in vertical hydraulic conductivity (Kv) often associated with distinct hydrostratigraphic units. Subtle changes in Kv can be difficult to resolve in parts of the flow system where vertical gradients are typically small. The objective of this study is to monitor high-resolution head profiles frequently through time during recharge events and changes in pumping conditions to determine if transient increases in vertical gradients resolve changes in Kv that are not obvious in the steady-state head profiles. To accomplish this objective, open-tube Waterloo multilevel systems (MLS) were instrumented with fiber optic pressure sensors. These MLSs include either 14 or 15 ports monitoring a 20 m thick package of Quaternary glaciogenic sediments at a contaminated groundwater site in south central Wisconsin. The fiber optic pressure sensors were specifically designed to fit into the small diameter (0.635 cm) tubes of the MLSs. Pressures were monitored once every 10 seconds for several months capturing the response to recharge events, barometric pressure fluctuations, and changes in pumping rates associated with a nearby groundwater remediation system. Results are preliminary but do show transient changes in vertical gradients that may reflect subtle contrasts in Kv with depth that were not resolvable in static head profiles collected during steady-state conditions. These data will be further processed to assess the repeatability of vertical gradients resolved during these transient events and to determine what geologic features are associated with the changes in Kv. Ultimately, the data will be used to refine the hydrostratigraphic framework for the Quaternary sediments at the site. This hydraulically-calibrated framework will greatly improve the numerical model's ability to predict long-term plume behavior and assess future remediation strategies. |
84 | Haag, Mary E (Astronomy and Physics, Spring 25) Comparison Verification of a Machine Learning Algorithm for Detecting Aurora With ever-growing data sets, manually detecting and classifying aurora is becoming more difficult. These data sets come from all-sky imagers: cameras that have 180-degree fields of view and take images of the sky throughout the night. Using these all-sky imagers, we look for auroras, specifically pulsating auroras, which are a type of aurora that flicker, almost like turning a light on and off. With a large data set we can find more examples of pulsating aurora, but due to the amount of data needed to be sorted and classified it is a very large undertaking. To sort this data more efficiently, space physicists use machine learning algorithms to classify aurora. Through comparison verification, we test to see if the machine learning algorithm works. If successful, these algorithms would allow scientists to sort through more data without having to manually detect and classify aurora. |
85 | Collier, Morgan K (Speech and Hearing Sciences, Spring, 25) Individual Differences in Word Learning: Factors Supporting Growth Trajectories in Vocabulary Breadth and Depth for Adolescents with Hearing Loss Children who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) show vocabulary delays relative to typical-hearing peers, which can lead to cascading negative effects in reading achievement. Prior research on vocabulary knowledge in children who are D/HH has focused primarily on their breadth of knowledge (how many words one knows). While the breadth of one’s receptive vocabulary is important to measure, it does not fully capture their knowledge of their lexicon. Therefore, it is important to also assess vocabulary depth (how much one knows about a word). The primary aim of the current presentation is to examine trajectories of vocabulary breadth and depth from age 6 to age 15 years in children who are D/HH (n = 244) and age-matched children with typical hearing (n = 95). A secondary aim is to determine the factors that influence variation in vocabulary breadth and depth for children who are D/HH. We used a linear mixed model to test for group differences while accounting for age and correlated observations. Group, age, and a group by age interaction were fixed effects, with a random intercept to account for within subject correlation. Results demonstrated that children who are D/HH had deficits compared to age-matched hearing peers in both vocabulary breadth and depth at school entry, but this gap was closed by junior high. Children who are D/HH who had greater auditory access via hearing aids showed a steeper growth trajectory than children who had less auditory access. Maternal education level was another factor that influenced growth trajectories, with steeper trajectories for children who had mothers with higher education levels compared to lower education levels. Given the emerging research on the importance of vocabulary breadth and depth on reading comprehension, these data suggest that it is important to focus on both areas of vocabulary during assessment and intervention. |
86 | Peters, Emerson C (Physics & Linguistics, Spring 25) Toolkit for acoustic-phonetic analysis of naturalistic speech data Many phoneticians and psycholinguists studying speech production or perception rely on in-lab participants and audio recordings, resulting in an abundance of psychological effects on results, limits to the sociolinguistic context being examined, and added complications of dealing with audio recording equipment. The Acoustic Analysis Pipeline is a collection of various modules that can be used independently or combined to procure, process, and analyze naturalistic, multi-speaker acoustic-phonetic data automatically. Currently, the pipeline’s main components are the detection, transcription, and analysis of vowel pitch and vowel formants in multi-speaker conversations, though it will be expanded in the future to allow researchers to completely automate an acoustic-phonetic analysis of online, multi-speaker data without lab-based limitations. |
87 | Claypool, Kaitlyn (Exercise Science, Spring 25) Disease-Modifying Therapies and Concomitant Medications for Efficacy of Diet on Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis (EDQ-MS) Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS). MS targets the myelin sheaths surrounding neurons, interrupting communication pathways throughout the entire body. These effects most commonly present as loss of eyesight and motor abilities, extreme fatigue, numbness or tingling, tremors, and a decline in cognitive function. Diet is thought to be an important factor in managing MS symptoms. The clinical trial “Efficacy of Diet on Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis (EDQ-MS)” evaluates the effectiveness of two dietary interventions, the Time-Restricted Olive Oil Ketogenic and the Modified Paleolithic diet, compared to usual diet. The study population includes 162 participants aged 18-70 diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. An important facet of the study is tracking changes in concomitant medications, specifically observing participants using disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). These medications aim to slow the progression of MS symptoms and relapses. Concomitant medication data is obtained from participant report via online surveys and medical records every three months for the duration of the study. Follow-up information is requested via e-mail about medications when additional detail is needed. The data is entered into the REDCap data entry platform for tracking and verification. |
88 | Anugu, Nidhi R (Human Physiology, Spring 25) Clinical Application of Silodosin, an α1-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonist, for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), functional constipation, and gastroparesis, significantly impact patient quality of life, yet current treatments are limited due to incomplete understanding of the mechanisms regulating GI motility. This study investigates the role of platelet-derived growth factor receptor α-positive interstitial cells (PIC) in modulating smooth muscle contraction within the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a key muscle in esophageal motility. While Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are established as the pacemakers of GI motility, recent studies suggest that PICs provide inhibitory control over smooth muscle tone. LES dysfunction, often implicated in GERD, may result from altered PIC activity. Notably, PICs express α1A-adrenoceptors (α1A-AR), which are involved in modulating smooth muscle contraction. We hypothesize that inhibiting α1A-ARs with silodosin will counteract PIC-mediated inhibition, thereby enhancing LES contractility and offering a potential therapeutic approach for motility disorders. Comparative assessments in the presence and absence of silodosin will elucidate its modulatory effects on LES tissue contraction in response to phenylephrine (PE)-induced α1A receptor activation. This approach allows us to directly quantify the extent to which silodosin attenuates PIC-mediated inhibitory signaling, thereby enhancing LES contractile responses. Such insights are critical for validating the hypothesized role of α1A receptor blockade in counteracting inhibitory influences on LES tone. These findings may reveal PICs as central regulators of LES function and highlight α1A-AR inhibition as a promising therapeutic target for treating GERD and other refractory motility disorders, potentially broadening therapeutic strategies in GI motility management. |
88 | Maifeld, Jenna L (Human Physiology, Fall 25) Clinical Application of Silodosin, an α1-Adrenergic Receptor Antagonist, for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), functional constipation, and gastroparesis, significantly impact patient quality of life, yet current treatments are limited due to incomplete understanding of the mechanisms regulating GI motility. This study investigates the role of platelet-derived growth factor receptor α-positive interstitial cells (PIC) in modulating smooth muscle contraction within the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a key muscle in esophageal motility. While Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are established as the pacemakers of GI motility, recent studies suggest that PICs provide inhibitory control over smooth muscle tone. LES dysfunction, often implicated in GERD, may result from altered PIC activity. Notably, PICs express α1A-adrenoceptors (α1A-AR), which are involved in modulating smooth muscle contraction. We hypothesize that inhibiting α1A-ARs with silodosin will counteract PIC-mediated inhibition, thereby enhancing LES contractility and offering a potential therapeutic approach for motility disorders. Comparative assessments in the presence and absence of silodosin will elucidate its modulatory effects on LES tissue contraction in response to phenylephrine (PE)-induced α1A receptor activation. This approach allows us to directly quantify the extent to which silodosin attenuates PIC-mediated inhibitory signaling, thereby enhancing LES contractile responses. Such insights are critical for validating the hypothesized role of α1A receptor blockade in counteracting inhibitory influences on LES tone. These findings may reveal PICs as central regulators of LES function and highlight α1A-AR inhibition as a promising therapeutic target for treating GERD and other refractory motility disorders, potentially broadening therapeutic strategies in GI motility management. |
89 | Lindgren, Sam B (Neuroscience, Spring, 26) A multi-site tetrode drive for in-vivo recording of neurophysiological activity during heroin seeking in rats Existing evidence indicates that the rat infralimbic cortex (IL) plays a role in the extinction and inhibition of cocaine seeking; however, its role in the inhibition of opioid seeking is still unclear. Conversely, the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and anterior insular cortex (aIC) are implicated in promoting drug seeking across drugs of abuse. It is likely that the IL, BLA, and aIC interact to regulate drug seeking; however, it is unknown exactly how these three regions interact on a neurophysiological level across opioid-seeking behaviors. To explore these interactions, we can use in vivo electrophysiology to simultaneously record from the IL, BLA, and aIC during heroin self-administration, extinction, and reinstatement. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats learned to self-administer intravenous doses of heroin on a high-to-low dose tapered FR1 schedule. The heroin dosage was decreased every two sessions until reaching 0.014 mg/kg/infusion. The rats then moved to 2-hour trial-based sessions, wherein a lever producing a heroin infusion and light and tone cues was only available during specific signaled trials. This produced time frames around which electrophysiological data from the promotion and inhibition of heroin-seeking behaviors could be analyzed. A custom-designed three-site, 96-channel microdrive array with 9 tetrodes lowered into each of the IL, BLA, and aIC can be used to record this electrophysiological data. Three of these microdrive arrays have been successfully built and prepared for implantation into the rat brain. Additionally, rats have successfully completed the FR1 self-administration schedule and the 2-hour trial-based sessions. Continuation of this work will involve the use of the microdrive arrays to record electrophysiological data from these rats that have completed the FR1 and trial-based sessions. The rats will be recorded during one more 2-hour trial-based session, followed by at least 5 days of recorded extinction sessions wherein lever presses during a trial have no consequence, then a reinstatement session wherein lever presses have no consequence, but a priming injection of heroin will be given before the session. Single-unit and local field potential (LFP) data will be collected from each tetrode and analyzed for each region during these sessions, to determine whether IL-BLA-aIC circuitry comprises a dynamic network across heroin-seeking behaviors. |
90 | Maeder, Avery L (Human Physiology, Spring 25) An examination of amygdala structure and function in adolescents with anxiety disorders Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and typically emerge during early adolescence. Previous research has identified structural and functional alterations in amygdala and prefrontal regions in youth with anxiety. This study is part of a larger project investigating NREM sleep oscillation deficits in youth with anxiety disorders and their relationships to brain development and functional connectivity, and aims to test for differences in cortical thickness and resting-state functional connectivity of the amygdala between youth with anxiety disorders and demographically matched typical children utilizing ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty-five participants (11 with anxiety disorders and 24 non-psychiatric controls, aged 9-13 years) completed a 7T MRI session including both structural and functional scans. Our preliminary analyses revealed a significant reduction in amygdala connectivity with the dorsal attention network (t=-2.61, p=0.02) and the salience network (t=-2.15, p=0.04) in the anxiety group. No significant differences were found in the cortical thickness of the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC), or lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC) or amygdala volume. The observed reduction in connectivity within these networks may indicate disruptions in emotional regulation and attentional processes among youth with anxiety. Previous studies have suggested cortical thinning in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), which includes portions of the orbitofrontal cortex. The lack of differences in our findings could be due to the limited sample size or the restricted focus on the orbitofrontal cortex alone. Future analyses will involve seed-to-voxel connectivity assessments with the fMRI data to further investigate amygdala and thalamocortical network circuitry, with the goal of understanding the developmental trajectory of brain function in youth with anxiety. |
91 | Foster, Emalyn F (Environmental Science, Spring 25) Shoreline restoration and emergent aquatic vegetation reintroduction: Anglers Bay, Spirit Lake, IA Anglers Bay on Big Spirit Lake has undergone extensive restoration efforts to address the decline of its emergent vegetation, including key bulrush habitats that once dominated the region. This study examines the current state of aquatic vegetation, water nitrate concentrations, and the potential for reintroducing historically present species. Field data from 21 sample sites revealed elevated nitrate levels and identified four prevalent species: hardstem bulrush, softstem bulrush, reed canary grass, and hybrid cattail. The findings suggest that high nutrient loads have shifted plant nutrient absorption from roots to stems, exacerbating shoreline erosion and instability. Restoration success depends on ongoing management of the surrounding prairie and oak savanna, but also on community investment and broader changes in land and water management practices. While the outcome remains uncertain, Anglers Bay has the potential to become a model for large-scale ecological rehabilitation, highlighting the need for both ecological and societal commitments to preserving natural ecosystems. |
92 | Del Campo, Evie (Biomedical Engineering, Spring 26) Electrospinning Techniques for Mimicking Human Femoral Artery Behavior: Manufacturing for Cardiovascular Applications Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects over 200 million adults worldwide and is among the most costly cardiovascular conditions to treat. The standard treatment for PAD in the atherosclerotic femoropopliteal artery (FPA) often involves a bypass graft, using either a synthetic graft or a native vein. However, many patients lack a suitable vein for this procedure, making synthetic grafts the preferred option. Unfortunately, a high failure rate in synthetic grafts is often attributed to their inadequate biomechanical properties. Electrospun grafts offer a promising synthetic alternative due to their potential to mimic the axial prestretch of native arteries. In collaboration with the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Center for Cardiovascular Research in Biomechanics (CRiB), we developed electrospinning parameters designed to replicate the fiber alignment, elasticity, and tensile strength of human arteries. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical testing were utilized to characterize the morphology and mechanical performance of these electrospun scaffolds. Results indicate that the electrospun structures are well-suited for use in preclinical vascular models, potentially advancing synthetic graft options for PAD treatment. |
93 | Nelson, Lily E (Neuroscience BS, Spring 27) Depleting Microglial Cells To Study Mechanisms Of Developmental Brain Injury In Mice Microglia are a type of support, or glial, cell that plays important immune roles within the developing and mature brain. Microglia have been shown to transform from a branchy “surveillant” state to an “activated” state in response to a wide variety of brain insults, including traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and exposures to toxins. However, specific roles for microglia in these injury contexts are complex and poorly defined. Microglial cells may serve homeostatic roles by mobilizing to sites of neuronal damage and rapidly clearing dead cell debris, but they may also play deleterious roles by secreting proinflammatory factors that may further injure vulnerable neurons. To better define the functional roles of microglia, we seek to use compounds that are known to deplete brain microglia and study the effects of depletion in rodent models of brain injury. One such compound, the csf1r-inhibitor PLX5622, has been widely used to deplete microglia in adult rodents and pregnant dams, but few studies have demonstrated effective microglial depletion in neonatal rodents or used this strategy to assess microglial function in the developing neonatal brain. Here, we demonstrate rapid, effective, and dose-dependent depletion of microglial cells in the developing mouse brain following daily intraperitoneal (IP) injections of PLX5622 in neonatal mice. After a single IP injection of PLX5622 (50 mg/kg), microglial cells showed signs of apoptosis (programmed cell death), evidence by dystrophic morphology, immunoreactivity for activated cleaved caspase-3 (a marker of early-stage apoptosis), and patchy labeling with PSVue (a marker of late-stage apoptosis). After 3-4 days of PLX-treatment (50 mg/kg), >99% of microglia were depleted in layers I-VI of the cerebral cortex. Only a few PLX5622-resistant microglia remained, and some of these cells appeared to be in the process of phagocytosing (clearing) neighboring apoptotic bodies. Meningeal and perivascular macrophages in the brain were also substantially depleted. Few apoptotic bodies were apparent even though virtually all microglia were depleted, suggesting that this depletion regimen does not generate a significant, persisting load of apoptotic debris. These results establish an effective strategy for depleting microglia and macrophages in the postnatal mouse brain, thus enabling future studies aimed at better defining the function of these brain cells in rodent models of developmental brain injury. |
94 | Broghammer, Madeline M (Microbiology, Spring 26) Human serum albumin alters the conformational and antigenic profiles of HIV-1 Env Virus proteins are perceived to maintain similar structural and antigenic properties in different molecular environments. Our studies suggest that, in fact, some proteins exhibit environment-specific profiles. The envelope glycoproteins (Envs) of HIV-1 mediate entry into host cells in different body compartments, including blood, brain, and lymphoid organs, each with a unique molecular composition. The protein albumin shows the greatest variability in concentration between these compartments; 35-50 mg/mL in blood relative to 0.2 mg/mL in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and parenchyma of the brain. Given such discrepancies, and the promiscuous interaction of albumin with other molecules, we examined its effects on conformation of Env and HIV-1 sensitivity to antibodies. To this end, we measured binding of Env to monoclonal antibodies against different Env epitopes in media containing low (CSF-like) or high (blood-like) albumin levels. Interestingly, the low-albumin medium induced exposure of specific epitopes at the base of the Env timer. Consistent with these changes, the low-albumin medium selectively increased virus sensitivity to neutralization by antibodies against these epitopes. HIV-1 sensitivity to polyclonal antibodies from HIV-infected individuals was also increased in the low-albumin medium. To determine the significance of these findings, we performed neutralization experiments in whole human CSF and whole human blood serum. Our results were consistent with the isolated effects of albumin on the neutralization profile of the virus. Taken together, our studies suggest that Env assumes distinct conformations in different body compartments. These understandings may contribute to tailoring therapeutics to the conformational properties of virus proteins in each compartment. |
95 | Sloat, Meredith M (Neuroscience, Spring 25) Sleep in Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with Known Genetic Causes: A Critical Review Sleep plays a critical role in cognition, affective processes, and neurodevelopment, and its disruption is shown to precipitate or exacerbate neuropsychiatric disorders and worsen functional outcomes in clinical populations. The goals of our experiment are to critically review evidence regarding sleep health in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) with known genetic causes (Fragile X Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and Prader Willi Syndrome) and to identify potential gaps in specialized sleep health care for adolescents and young adults with IDDs in rural areas. Literature review was conducted to examine the recorded interplay between sleep health and genetically linked IDDs in human models. Particular attention was paid to participants’ communities and the data acquisition method utilized by the study (e.g., polysomnography, actigraphy, sleep diary, questionnaire, etc.). Next, pre-exclusion demographics were extracted from local medical records including IDD diagnoses, sex distribution, race and ethnicity, and rural-urban commuting area (RUCA) codes (n=2,519). Initial literature review confirms the connection between several sleep health conditions and genetic-linked IDDs, including sleep apnea and hypoxemia/hypoventilation, circadian abnormalities, reduced sleep efficiency, increased wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO), excessive daytime sleepiness, narcolepsy, and insomnia. Literature review also highlighted a need for comprehensive, objective inquiries into sleep health in rural populations with limited access to sleep medicine. The current study is ongoing, and future plans include detailed statistical analysis of the interactions between sleep conditions and genetic-linked IDDs through electronic medical records review from multiple institutions with access to rural populations. |
96 | Kehrli, Natalie M (Psychology, Spring 25) An Empirical Review of Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training (CBSST) and Helping Older People Experience Success (HOPES) for Older Populations Experiencing Severe Mental Illness Individuals experiencing severe mental illness commonly experience significant deficits in psychosocial, community, and mental functioning. This population is unique given the other components of loss that come with aging, such as loss of support system, loss of physical ability, and loss of independence. Given this combination of factors, it is crucial we identify interventions to support older populations experiencing severe mental illness. In recent years, there have been interventions developed to support improvement of social, community, and mental functioning in individuals experiencing severe mental illness. Two of these treatments include Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training (CBSST) and Helping Older People Experience Success (HOPES). This poster review aims to explore the efficacy of these two treatments, more specifically, how well they each improve functioning in individuals experiencing severe mental illness. |
97 | Alessio, Sophia G (Chemistry, Fall 24) A comparison of the performance of 15 circulating myokines across serum, heparin plasma, and EDTA plasma in the blood from healthy adults. Authors: Sophia Alessio, BS; Britton Trabert, PhD, MSPH, MS; Jessica Gorzelitz, PhD, MS
Background: Myokines are cytokines (signaling proteins) that are produced and released by muscle cells in response to muscle contractions. There are over 3,000 known myokines with some of their functions linked to muscle regeneration and exercise capacity, yet data on their temporal stability and measurement consistency across blood based biologic matrices remain limited. This study evaluated the within-matrix consistency and temporal stability of 15 well-known myokinesâapelin, fractalkine, BDNF, EPO, SPARC, LIF, IL-15, myostatin, FABP3, irisin, FSTL-1, OSM, IL-6, FGF21, and musculinâacross serum, heparin plasma, and EDTA plasma in healthy adults.
Methods: We used the Luminex platform with the Miliplex xMAP Human Myokine Magnetic Bead Panel performed at the NCI Frederik laboratory. Samples from an existing collection at the NIH Frederick Research Donor Program (RDP) included 7 men, 10 premenopausal women and 8 postmenopausal women. These samples were collected in August/September 2014, and during the same period in 2016 and 2019. The serum and plasma samples collected in the same calendar year were taken from the same vein of the participant. Aliquoted duplicate samples were run across four assay batches (two EDTA plasma, one serum and one heparin plasma). All myokines were measured in picograms per milliliter (pg/ml). We examined each myokine's within-matrix reliability using coefficient of variation (CV). Between batch CV was calculated for EDTA batches only. All analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel. Results: In each analysis across the three matrices, BDNF, SPARC, and FABP3 had the lowest average intra-assay CVs of 3.14%, 3.68%, and 3.91%. These myokines also had the lowest average inter-assay CVs across EDTA batches of 3.37%, 3.54%, and 2.68%. All but three within batch CVs (irisin, musclin) were under 20.00%, which is typically acceptable for epidemiologic research. The average within-batch CVs were also all under 20.00%, with EDTA plasma averaging 8.31% and ranging from 2.73-19.13%, serum averaging 9.39% and ranging from 1.72-18.41%, and heparin plasma averaging 14.21% and ranging from 2.68-60.34%. The average across-batch CV between EDTA batches was 8.61% and ranged from 2.68-17.77%. This indicates lower variability within batches, and consistency of the myokines levels across the different matrices. Conclusion: Findings suggest that myokines BDNF, SPARC, and FABP3 exhibit the most consistency of the observed myokines and may serve as reliable biomarkers in longitudinal studies, particularly for examining interventions like exercise. Moreover, nearly all fifteen myokines exhibited acceptable reliability both within and across batches. |
98 | Jackson, Trevor R (Music - Viola Performance, Spring 25) Validity of Polygenic Risk Scores for Clinical Use Using genetic information as a means to guiding clinical practice is becoming a more popular way to deliver personalized care. Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) have the capacity to help mental health professionals in psychiatric care and prevention, however much is still unknown about PRS utility in a clinical setting. I explored how our current understanding of PRS can be used to predict mental health diagnoses, and built a machine-learning model to test the efficacy of these PRS in in the differential diagnosis stage. |
99 | Sharma, Divija (Psychology, Fall 24) Predictions vs Likelihood Judgments: Which distorts information more? Decision makers often establish an early preference after being exposed to preliminary information about their choices—and this early preference can affect how subsequent information about choice options is processed. Importantly, such ‘information distortion’ can have a substantial influence on people’s final judgments and decisions. This study builds upon a previous one, exploring how the influence of initial preferences differs between likelihood judgments and predictions. Participants are presented with art portfolios of two finalists in an art competition and asked to make predictions or likelihood judgments about the winner. Even though the artworks are equivalent in quality, we predict that participants would be more likely to evaluate their first chosen option as better in the later rounds and this tendency would be higher for predictions than likelihood judgments. Information distortion is a cognitive bias and this study would help us understand on the psychological levels on which it influences our thinking. |
100 | Myroth, Abby G (Neuroscience, Ancient Civilizations, Spring 26) Optimizing optogenetics for investigating sleep-dependent brain rhythms in rat pups There is a developmental increase of non-REM (quiet) sleep in postnatal day (P) 12 rats, coinciding with an increase in delta rhythm produced not only in the cortex but in a brainstem structure known as the parafacial zone (PZ). Not only do these delta rhythms emerge at the same time, but they are also synchronized. Through the use of optogenetic manipulation, we are studying the relationship and functional connectivity between cortical delta and PZ delta. We have shown that we can manipulate local brain activity through our methods. Now, we are working towards using optogenetic stimulation distally. We hope to optimize this method in order to study these sleep-dependent brain rhythms in rat pups. |
101 | Flores, Lee (Computer Science and Engineering, Spring 25) AI-Enhanced Simulations for Functional Communication Training: A Conceptual Framework for VR and Text-Based Approaches Instructional simulations are valuable tools in preparing staff to support individuals with disabilities. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers significant potential in assisting instructors with building and implementing these simulations. While AI is well-known for its text generation capabilities, it can also play a key role in enhancing Virtual Reality (VR) simulations. Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of these “Smart” VR simulations in teaching procedural steps, despite limitations in setup and maintenance. Text simulations, though easier to maintain, may lack the hands-on engagement provided by VR.
This presentation describes the technical features of both Smart VR and text-based simulations in the instruction of Functional Communication Training (FCT), a complex intervention technique. Relative advantages and disadvantages of the approaches will be compared. We conclude with a discussion of directions for future research. |
102 | Moran, Landon J (Physics, Spring 27) Mechanical Exfoliation of 2D Materials and their Spectra Mechanical exfoliation is a process by which creates 2D materials. It involves taking a piece of tape with crystal specks on it. The tape is then folded in half, enclosing the crystals, and allowing them to stick to both ends of the tape strip, before gradually peeling the tape apart back to its original form. In doing this, the tape picks the crystal apart, leaving only flakes behind, which can be as little as a few nanometers wide, which is the 2D material. These materials can be studied a variety of ways, including analyzing their spectral properties. A Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microscope can be used to perform this operation, measuring light using an infrared spectrometer. Using a set up of mirrors and polarizers, the light is sent from the FTIR to its source, bouncing from mirror to mirror. |
103 | Bergthold, Josh J (Computer Science, Mathematics, Spring 25) Advancing Neural Network Training: Integrating Data Assimilation Techniques for Robustness under Noisy data Ensemble Kalman Inversion (EKI) is a derivative-free optimization method applied to the training of neural ordinary differential equations (neural ODEs). In this work, EKI is used to approximate ODEs, demonstrating its power as an optimizer that is gradient-free. Noisy datasets, sampled from a linear system of ODEs, were generated to test the robustness of EKI in handling real-world uncertainties. EKI's performance was compared to Backpropagation Through Time (BPTT). Additionally, the implementation of EKI was further optimized for GPU computation, significantly improving its scalability and performance on large datasets. These advancements highlight EKIâs potential in training neural ODEs effectively under noisy and complex conditions. |
104 | Bharadwaj, Krishna C (Geosciences and Engineering, Spring 27) Tooth replacement and cranial description of Indian predatory dinosaur Over the past century, several large abelisaurid dinosaurs have been discovered in India. The three species are Indosuchus, Rajasaurus, and Rahiolisaurus. Being poorly preserved, many questions have arisen as to the tooth replacement and how these species compare to other well preserved and described abelisaurid dinosaurs. By employing Computed Tomography to segment the cranial material of Rajasaurus, we hope to analyze specific aspects of the functional and replacement teeth. In this research we present the completed segmentations of the Rajasaurus maxilla, pre-maxilla, and dentary using the segmentation software, Mimics. Aspects of tooth replacement, as revealed through the segmentations, are discussed. We also compare the cranial material of Rajasaurus to cast bones of well described abelisaurid Majangasaurus (Figure 1). |
105 | Schultz, Brenna G (History, Spring 25) American Civil War Photography: Reframing Propaganda This presentation discusses American Civil War photography in relation to government propaganda. It situates the contemporary historiography within a border debate about the role of visual media in shaping the immediate and post-war response to the Civil War. By emphasizing the manipulative power of photography and its role in constructing moral narratives, the argument stands out as a nuanced exploration of how photography blurred the lines between reality and constructed memory in the service of propaganda through distortion and editing. Although not always intentional, Civil War photography was utilized as an early form of photographic propaganda through public perception. The historical narratives become blurred as the images are shared and interpreted amongst the public. |
106 | Johnston, Lydia G (Public Health, Spring 25) Environmental Exposures and Health Risks After the Cancer in Iowa Report was released revealing Iowa as the only state with an increasing cancer incidence, rampant demand for research into possible carcinogenic exposures was reflected by community members throughout Iowa. In response to this demand, this research created peer-reviewed community-facing fact sheets detailing the carcinogenic and other health risks for three important environmental contaminants—radon, arsenic, and nitrate. To develop these fact sheets, a literature review was conducted across multiple databases and compiled into a report distributed to experts in cancer control, practitioners, and community members. |
107 | Christianson, Delaney D (Psychology, Educational Studies and Human Relations, Spring 25) Influences of Socioeconomic Status on Child Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Direct and Indirect Effects Casual influences on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include both genetic and environmental risk factors. While heritability for ADHD is high, substantial evidence indicates that family and neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) are associated with ADHD, particularly for children living in neighborhoods with fewer social supports (Nooshin et al., 2014). However, questions remain regarding the family and neighborhood factors that might mediate the effects of SES on ADHD. To address these questions, we used data from the Teen Transition Study in the Iowa ADHD and Development Lab. Participants were n=135 youth ages 9-16 years recruited from the local community (M age=12.4 years, 53% female, 71% White). Youth and parents completed a multi-method, multi-informant diagnostic process as well as multiple measures assessing cognitive and emotional functioning, pubertal development, and psychopathology. Parents and youth also completed a 14-day period of ecological momentary assessment following the diagnostic process. Parents provided data on multiple indicators of family SES (family income, parental education, parental occupation) and the child's lifetime address history. Addresses were geocoded and linked to external data from the American Community Survey to derive lifetime indices of the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a national index of neighborhood poverty and resource deprivation. Parents also rated symptoms of youth ADHD and disruptive behavior (e.g., oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder) as well three candidate mediators: household chaos, childâs exposure to adverse experiences, and neighborhood disorder. Analytic models evaluated both direct associations between SES indicators and youth symptoms as well as indirect effects of SES on ADHD via family and neighborhood factors. Results revealed that SES was negatively associated with all ADHD symptom scores, such that lower SES was related to higher inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Mediation analyses also revealed that the mechanisms through which SES influences ADHD symptom severity may differ for inattention versus hyperactivity-impulsivity scores. More specifically, SES effects on inattention were all direct, with no evidence of mediation by household chaos, childhood adversity, or neighborhood disorder. By contrast, the effects of SES on hyperactivity were mediated by both household chaos and neighborhood disorder, such that lower SES predicted increased household chaos and neighborhood disorder, which, in turn, predicted increased hyperactivity-impulsivity scores. Further, SES effects on symptoms of ODD/CD were mediated by both household chaos and childhood adversity. Overall, findings indicated that the ways in which SES impacts ADHD may vary depending on symptom dimension, such that indices of family and neighborhood resources may be more relevant for inattention. However, SES may influence hyperactivity-impulsivity via its impacts on the proximal family and neighborhood environment. Future work would benefit from determining whether SES effects ADHD across development and if treatment (e.g., medication) may buffer against these effects. |
108 | Doresca, Alice E (Biomedical Engineering, Spring 27) Self-assembly of heterotypic spheroids for wound healing research Wound healing is a significant and complex problem in the medical field involving many different cell types, such as dermal fibroblasts and hypodermal preadipocytes. To better understand the process, in vitro models are helpful. One model system involves the co-culture of different cell types that form into spheroids. These systems have the ability to mimic in vivo conditions and are helpful for characterizing how the cells interact with each other and make extracellular proteins representative of a healing wound. In this study, we characterized the process by which the combination of fibroblasts and preadipocytes self-assembled into spheroids and changed size and re-distributed over time. We further investigated how the presence of fibroblast impacts the differential of preadipocytes into adipocytes. These findings provide new insights into the cellular dynamics within healing tissues in fat dipose and establish a foundation for future research in optimizing therapeutic approaches for wound repair. |
109 | Weyman, Carter J (Biochemistry, Spring, 25) PIC effects on gastrointestinal motility Testing different medications effect on the motility of the antrum of mice by targeting the PIC and ICC cells. |
110 | Domatob, Jaide K (History, Spring 25) Divided by Neighborhoods, United in Resilience: The Enduring Strength of Black Waterloo This thesis argues that economic, employment, and housing opportunities have affected African American migrants in the Midwest, using Waterloo, Iowa, as a case study from 1970 to 2018. By the latter date, Waterloo had been ranked among the worst cities for African Americans, despite earlier prosperity during the Second Great Migration (1940-1970). The paper argues that the decline of large-scale, unionized industries, which were being replaced by smaller, non-unionized workplaces, hindered economic advancement for Black residents. Furthermore, persistent neighborhood segregation, which began with the arrival of Black residents in 1910 and continued through 2018, compounded the difficulties faced by African Americans. Neighborhood segregation led to forced segregation within Waterloo schools, as educational opportunities were directly tied to residential patterns, limiting social and economic mobility for Black students. Through the analysis of primary sources, poverty and employment statistics, and oral histories of local residents and community activist, this study explores the economic challenges faced by Black residents and how these factors have shaped their evolving role in the Midwest. In conclusion, the essay highlights the long-standing impact of segregation and industrial decline on African Americans in Waterloo, contending that while external factors restricted opportunities, the community's resilience has been a source of strength. |
111 | Farrell, Macey N (Speech and Hearing, Spring 25) An Analysis of the Relations between Treatment Target Complexity and Intervention Components for Spanish-English Bilingual Children with Speech Sound Disorders Speech sound disorders are one of the most prevalent communication impairments in young children. For these children, teaching them new sounds that are more complex could have a positive impact on the entire sound system, even the sounds that were not directly targeted. This study examined the correlations between the complexity of treatment targets and the relationships amongst the components of intervention sessions for Spanish-English bilingual children ages 4-7 with a speech sound disorder. We sought to answer two research questions: 1) What is the relationship between targeting complex sounds (consonant clusters) versus simple sounds (singletons) and the components of intervention sessions? 2) How are the components of intervention sessions related to each other? The results indicate that there was no significant correlation between the complexity of the treatment target and intervention components. There were, however, several significant relationships identified between intervention components independent of the complexity of the treatment target that may provide insight into optimizing speech intervention sessions for Spanish-English bilingual children. |